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True-Blue #4
It's Not You
When a protective ex-cop helps his gorgeous tenant through his recovery, their complicated history is asking for trouble. Will the fear of the past repeating itself destroy any possibility of happiness?
Daredevil drifter Lawrence Crawford is hunting for a place to call home. After ten years of looking, he believes he’s found what he’s been searching for. With a job that pays the bills and a small group of friends he’s opening up to, he lets down his guard. Perhaps too much so. Finding himself in need of support, Lawrence is forced to accept help from the one man who’s been driving him to distraction for the past year. His landlord.
Former cop Billy Hilton made a mistake—admittedly there’ve been many over the years. The latest is when he lets Lawrence believe he isn’t interested in pursuing anything with him. It’s not even the age difference or the fact the guy lives in Billy’s studio apartment that’s the problem. Instead, it’s all him. When Billy offers to play nursemaid to Lawrence, his intentions may not be pure, but they’re honest. And that honesty blows their lives wide open when Lawrence’s past comes knocking on the door, demanding changes and threatening an upheaval neither man may ever recover from.
Daredevil drifter Lawrence Crawford is hunting for a place to call home. After ten years of looking, he believes he’s found what he’s been searching for. With a job that pays the bills and a small group of friends he’s opening up to, he lets down his guard. Perhaps too much so. Finding himself in need of support, Lawrence is forced to accept help from the one man who’s been driving him to distraction for the past year. His landlord.
Former cop Billy Hilton made a mistake—admittedly there’ve been many over the years. The latest is when he lets Lawrence believe he isn’t interested in pursuing anything with him. It’s not even the age difference or the fact the guy lives in Billy’s studio apartment that’s the problem. Instead, it’s all him. When Billy offers to play nursemaid to Lawrence, his intentions may not be pure, but they’re honest. And that honesty blows their lives wide open when Lawrence’s past comes knocking on the door, demanding changes and threatening an upheaval neither man may ever recover from.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2020
58 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Becca Seymour
50 books626 followersBecca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 9, 2020
2.5 stars
This book never wowed me, even though I really wanted it to.
This could have had some lovely hurt/comfort moments, but somehow this book never really delivered. Like how we weren't even there for Lawrence accident, but only found out after the fact, like Billy did.
And somehow the whole getting hurt and the nursing back to health felt a bit boring.
Overall this left me feeling quite meh.
This book never wowed me, even though I really wanted it to.
This could have had some lovely hurt/comfort moments, but somehow this book never really delivered. Like how we weren't even there for Lawrence accident, but only found out after the fact, like Billy did.
And somehow the whole getting hurt and the nursing back to health felt a bit boring.
Overall this left me feeling quite meh.
December 1, 2020
It’s Not You, the standalone installment of Becca Seymour’s True-Blue series, is one of my favorites. This forced proximity, opposites attract, May/December romance between a twenty-seven-year-old drifter with a past and a forty-three-year-old ex-cop is relatively low angst; notwithstanding an evil and manipulative mother and the initial dickish attitude of the ex-cop. Don’t fret, the dickish ex-cop redeems himself. As for the evil mom, she can crawl back under a rock and stay there.
Lawrence Crawford is running from a past and is tired of it. His story is sadly all too familiar, as he was abandoned for his sexuality by his influential mother. Missing his sister and with the promise of a brighter, less nomadic future, he eventually breaks. Lawrence to his mother…
“When you threw me out when I was seventeen years old,” I said, my voice hard as I cut in, “you broke something in me.”
“Sometimes I don’t know how I got through those days.” I snorted humorlessly. “Hell, years by myself.”
When an accident severely injures former cop Billy Hilton and takes the life of his patrol partner, Clark, Billy struggles to navigate the torment of his treacherous mind. Billy chastises himself epically and depicts the full strength and self-awareness of his character…
The worst thing was I’d burned that bridge. Set the damn thing on fire. Thrown a few hand grenades on it for good measure.
I’d been an absolute dick, and I didn’t think it was possible to undick myself, which sounded way off, but seriously, my behavior had been off-the-charts shit-tastic.
The chemistry between Lawrence and Billy is an immediate inferno, initially snuffed out by a harsh dose of reality, the past being their greatest adversary. It takes a slow, methodical and earnest approach to overcome their history, one that is engaging and yields a much needed, well-deserved, second chance for Lawrence and Billy.
From the captivatingly strong beginning, through the emotional ups and downs, to its strong conclusion, It’s Not You is a treasure. Lawrence’s strength and growth covering a decade, is admirable. Billy’s self-awareness, his gentle kindness, and his meticulous approach to repair his own mental state, along with the unfortunate wedge he drove between himself and Lawrence, is awe-inspiring.
I was tempted to quote a passage at the end of It’s Not You, but decided it is best savored after you have completed the journey to the happy ending that Lawrence and Billy obtain. Go ahead and take a chance on It’s Not You and immerse yourself in this small town, with evasive well-meaning friends who aren’t shy pointing out your missteps.
Note: I learned something by reading It’s Not You. I had no idea what parkour was, so I had to stop reading and Google it. Yeah, not something I will be trying anytime soon unless I suddenly have a death wish. Just goes to show that reading, no matter what the genre, broadens your mind and strengthens your soul.
Lawrence Crawford is running from a past and is tired of it. His story is sadly all too familiar, as he was abandoned for his sexuality by his influential mother. Missing his sister and with the promise of a brighter, less nomadic future, he eventually breaks. Lawrence to his mother…
“When you threw me out when I was seventeen years old,” I said, my voice hard as I cut in, “you broke something in me.”
“Sometimes I don’t know how I got through those days.” I snorted humorlessly. “Hell, years by myself.”
When an accident severely injures former cop Billy Hilton and takes the life of his patrol partner, Clark, Billy struggles to navigate the torment of his treacherous mind. Billy chastises himself epically and depicts the full strength and self-awareness of his character…
The worst thing was I’d burned that bridge. Set the damn thing on fire. Thrown a few hand grenades on it for good measure.
I’d been an absolute dick, and I didn’t think it was possible to undick myself, which sounded way off, but seriously, my behavior had been off-the-charts shit-tastic.
The chemistry between Lawrence and Billy is an immediate inferno, initially snuffed out by a harsh dose of reality, the past being their greatest adversary. It takes a slow, methodical and earnest approach to overcome their history, one that is engaging and yields a much needed, well-deserved, second chance for Lawrence and Billy.
From the captivatingly strong beginning, through the emotional ups and downs, to its strong conclusion, It’s Not You is a treasure. Lawrence’s strength and growth covering a decade, is admirable. Billy’s self-awareness, his gentle kindness, and his meticulous approach to repair his own mental state, along with the unfortunate wedge he drove between himself and Lawrence, is awe-inspiring.
I was tempted to quote a passage at the end of It’s Not You, but decided it is best savored after you have completed the journey to the happy ending that Lawrence and Billy obtain. Go ahead and take a chance on It’s Not You and immerse yourself in this small town, with evasive well-meaning friends who aren’t shy pointing out your missteps.
Note: I learned something by reading It’s Not You. I had no idea what parkour was, so I had to stop reading and Google it. Yeah, not something I will be trying anytime soon unless I suddenly have a death wish. Just goes to show that reading, no matter what the genre, broadens your mind and strengthens your soul.
November 30, 2020
Despite the fact that these men meet in a previous book, and despite picking up (relatively) where Always for You (previous book) left off, this book can be read as a stand-alone. The author does a fantastic job bringing you up to date. You will not feel lost or confused. However, the side characters (their friends) have their own books, so you may find yourself tempted to read their stories. In fact, I highly encourage it. Nothing in this book will spoil their stories for you.
Lawrence has never stayed in one place for long, as it seems his past kept him moving forward. It seems he has put down roots in this area, though. Throughout the book, I was rooting for him to be able to stay. He is such a charming guy, and I totally fell for him. By the time we learned about his past, I wasn’t surprised by its nature. He didn’t seem the sort to have a shady bone in his body.
Billy has his own struggles, and during a dark time of it, he pushed Lawrence away—hurting him in the process. Billy is suffering from PTSD from an accident that left him with career-ending injuries and took the life of his partner and best friend. Months pass, and he finds himself in a better place, mentally, thanks to therapy. He’s desperate to fix things with Lawrence, but unsure how. After suffering a pretty severe accident, Billy jumps into action, helping him. Gradually they mend fences, and it grows from there.
It’s sweet watching these men navigate their feelings for each other. I love how, after they finally start communicating, they never back away from talking things through. Miscommunication is very common, but it’s refreshing to read a story where it’s not an issue plaguing the entire book. I loved them together, and how they brought out the best in each other. It made my heart smile watching their relationship progress.
What did NOT make my heart smile, was Lawrence’s mom. She was the epitome of a selfish, manipulative, cold-hearted person. I only wish we could’ve seen her face when karma came to town. We caught a glimpse of it, but not in full force. I am satisfied with how it turned out, though. Well done, karma; well done.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, this series, and this author. She writes books with depth, amazingly thought out characters and a storyline that will draw you in and not want to leave. I just cannot get enough. I don’t WANT more, I NEED more.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.***
Lawrence has never stayed in one place for long, as it seems his past kept him moving forward. It seems he has put down roots in this area, though. Throughout the book, I was rooting for him to be able to stay. He is such a charming guy, and I totally fell for him. By the time we learned about his past, I wasn’t surprised by its nature. He didn’t seem the sort to have a shady bone in his body.
Billy has his own struggles, and during a dark time of it, he pushed Lawrence away—hurting him in the process. Billy is suffering from PTSD from an accident that left him with career-ending injuries and took the life of his partner and best friend. Months pass, and he finds himself in a better place, mentally, thanks to therapy. He’s desperate to fix things with Lawrence, but unsure how. After suffering a pretty severe accident, Billy jumps into action, helping him. Gradually they mend fences, and it grows from there.
It’s sweet watching these men navigate their feelings for each other. I love how, after they finally start communicating, they never back away from talking things through. Miscommunication is very common, but it’s refreshing to read a story where it’s not an issue plaguing the entire book. I loved them together, and how they brought out the best in each other. It made my heart smile watching their relationship progress.
What did NOT make my heart smile, was Lawrence’s mom. She was the epitome of a selfish, manipulative, cold-hearted person. I only wish we could’ve seen her face when karma came to town. We caught a glimpse of it, but not in full force. I am satisfied with how it turned out, though. Well done, karma; well done.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, this series, and this author. She writes books with depth, amazingly thought out characters and a storyline that will draw you in and not want to leave. I just cannot get enough. I don’t WANT more, I NEED more.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.***
March 1, 2024
Karma Magic
Kirkby population is growing fast with all these newcomer couples moving in. The more the merrier.
Billy Hilton, a 40 year old ex Chicago cop is still struggling with the aftermath of the accident that took his work partner Clark’s life a few years ago. Billy still suffers from his own physical injuries, and the partial loss of sight in one eye, but also PTSD.
After taking early retirement following his injuries, he left Chicago for the quiet quaint town of Kirkby where finds a part time job in the home of the local High School Principal.
He still checks up on his ex partner’s wife and two young sons still back in Chicago. Otherwise he tries to keep busy doing odd jobs around the town for anyone who needs stuff doing, or dogs walked etc.
When Ted and Jason, owners of the local pub he sometimes frequents, ask him to rent his spare apartment to their new young barman, Lawrence Crawford, he agrees to rent him the 1-bed apartment over his garage.
Lawrence Crawford is a 24 year old man who doesn’t settle anywhere for long. He keeps moving, usually every 6 months. That way no one can keep track of his whereabouts or get too close to him. However, he can’t help being drawn to his new Landlord, Billy, despite the 13 year age gap.
Some months after Lawrence moving in, Billy is upset following a phone conversation with Georgia, Clark’s widow. After several glasses of whiskey he asks Lawrence to join him. Both get drunk and the line between Landlord and Tenant is crossed.
Next morning, Billy is disgusted with himself, apologises to Lawrence, saying it was a mistake, and it won’t happen again. Lawrence is devastated, really hurt, and thereafter keeps his distance from his Landlord.
Months later, Lawrence is involved in an accident while out with friends, Austin and Jasper. Billy is gutted to see Lawrence hurt and takes over his care and recovery because Lawrence refuses to go to the hospital or make a report to the police.
During the recovery time both men become closer and very slowly they start sharing the details of the trauma in their past.
^~^~^~^~^~^~^
All previous books in this series have been very calm and cosy reads, generally angst free. ‘ It’s Not You’ is different. Lawrence’s story makes for uneasy reading when it becomes clear what happened to him.
It was a grittier read that had me on edge for a while but Lawrence is not that young boy anymore and he surprises Billy, the man who now adores him.
Kirkby population is growing fast with all these newcomer couples moving in. The more the merrier.
Billy Hilton, a 40 year old ex Chicago cop is still struggling with the aftermath of the accident that took his work partner Clark’s life a few years ago. Billy still suffers from his own physical injuries, and the partial loss of sight in one eye, but also PTSD.
After taking early retirement following his injuries, he left Chicago for the quiet quaint town of Kirkby where finds a part time job in the home of the local High School Principal.
He still checks up on his ex partner’s wife and two young sons still back in Chicago. Otherwise he tries to keep busy doing odd jobs around the town for anyone who needs stuff doing, or dogs walked etc.
When Ted and Jason, owners of the local pub he sometimes frequents, ask him to rent his spare apartment to their new young barman, Lawrence Crawford, he agrees to rent him the 1-bed apartment over his garage.
Lawrence Crawford is a 24 year old man who doesn’t settle anywhere for long. He keeps moving, usually every 6 months. That way no one can keep track of his whereabouts or get too close to him. However, he can’t help being drawn to his new Landlord, Billy, despite the 13 year age gap.
Some months after Lawrence moving in, Billy is upset following a phone conversation with Georgia, Clark’s widow. After several glasses of whiskey he asks Lawrence to join him. Both get drunk and the line between Landlord and Tenant is crossed.
Next morning, Billy is disgusted with himself, apologises to Lawrence, saying it was a mistake, and it won’t happen again. Lawrence is devastated, really hurt, and thereafter keeps his distance from his Landlord.
Months later, Lawrence is involved in an accident while out with friends, Austin and Jasper. Billy is gutted to see Lawrence hurt and takes over his care and recovery because Lawrence refuses to go to the hospital or make a report to the police.
During the recovery time both men become closer and very slowly they start sharing the details of the trauma in their past.
^~^~^~^~^~^~^
All previous books in this series have been very calm and cosy reads, generally angst free. ‘ It’s Not You’ is different. Lawrence’s story makes for uneasy reading when it becomes clear what happened to him.
It was a grittier read that had me on edge for a while but Lawrence is not that young boy anymore and he surprises Billy, the man who now adores him.
November 23, 2020
Another great addition to the True Blue series by Becca Seymore, each of these books just keeps getting better and better. Really enjoyed Billy and Lawrence's story because even though they had a really bumpy road on their way to forever they both were willing to put the effort in to make things work between them.
November 30, 2020
This was another nice story just like the others in this series. Billy made a mistake and it has taken him quite a while to get his head on straight and make it up to Lawrence and Lawrence being hurt ends up giving him the perfect platform. I loved how strong Billy would be for Lawrence when he had to deal with the drama that was his mom and then Lawrence went ahead and was strong for Billy when his olf partner's family came to visit. In general I really enjoyed the story and how their relationship developed.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
December 14, 2020
Check out our full post for IT'S NOT YOU on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
The first scene in this book left me expecting an angst-filled story, but that wasn’t what I got. Things didn’t always go smoothly between Billy and Lawrence but even when challenges were thrown up, I felt like they dealt with things like adults, even if they weren't perfect.
There is a more than 10-year age gap between Billy and Lawrence. I’m not usually a huge fan of large age gaps in romance, but except for a few times when it was mentioned, I didn’t even notice it. I really enjoyed watching Billy earn a second chance for love with Lawrence. Their romance was lovely and natural and was never overly emotional or gushy.
I enjoyed IT'S NOT YOU, it made for easy reading. My only criticism would be at times there was too much telling us what had happened and not enough showing us. But really. this is another good romance from Becca Seymour.
Angie – ☆☆☆☆
Billy and Lawrence are so wonderful together. They had one hot encounter and then cooled off and really got to know each other. Both men have a lot of issues and had to work through them to get their slice of happiness. Great addition to the series.
Sarah – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars
The age gap in this book feels enormous at the start. Lawrence is an under-employed Gen Z skater/parkour daredevil while Billy is a retired cop. They’re an unlikely match and Billy’s dickish behaviour only makes things worse.
Thankfully, both men have some redeeming qualities. Lawrence’s accident brings out Billy’s nurturing side and while Lawrence is young, he has an emotional maturity that makes him feel older than Billy at times. However, the quiet domesticity that Lawrence and Billy sink into doesn’t completely make sense for adventure-seeking Lawrence, age gap or not. Whenever something reminded me of Lawrence’s age or his interests pre-Billy, I found it impossible to cheer on the relationship.
The first part of this book is cute and fairly predictable. Living together brings the men closer and the men soon learn to make room for each other in their lives. There’s a plot twist about halfway through – that I didn’t predict – which adds a whole lot of over-the-top drama to an otherwise gentle romance. I really don’t think this book needed to plunge into soap opera territory with high society drama and an unredeemable villain. I think this subplot actually detracts from the slow, careful relationship building and character development in the rest of the book.
Like the previous books in the series, I struggled to fully engage with Billy and Lawrence. They’re a little too domestic, a little too conservative, a little too serious for me.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
December 11, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The first scene in this book left me expecting an angst fill story that that wasn’t what I got. Things didn’t always go smoothly between Billy and Lawrence but even when challenges were thrown up I felt like dealt with things like adults even if they weren't perfect.
There is a more than 10 year age gap between Billy and Lawrence. I’m not usually a huge fan of large age gaps in romance but except for a few times when I was mentioned, I didn’t even notice it. I really enjoyed watching Billy earn a second chance for love with Lawrence. There romance was lovely and natural and was never overly emotional or gushy.
I enjoyed It’s Not You, it made for easy reading. My only criticism would be at times there was too much telling us what had happened and not enough showing us. But really this is another good romance from Becca Seymour.
The first scene in this book left me expecting an angst fill story that that wasn’t what I got. Things didn’t always go smoothly between Billy and Lawrence but even when challenges were thrown up I felt like dealt with things like adults even if they weren't perfect.
There is a more than 10 year age gap between Billy and Lawrence. I’m not usually a huge fan of large age gaps in romance but except for a few times when I was mentioned, I didn’t even notice it. I really enjoyed watching Billy earn a second chance for love with Lawrence. There romance was lovely and natural and was never overly emotional or gushy.
I enjoyed It’s Not You, it made for easy reading. My only criticism would be at times there was too much telling us what had happened and not enough showing us. But really this is another good romance from Becca Seymour.
November 30, 2020
this was sweet and amazing. I only hope that we get another book in the series and that it is about Cody. That man deserves a book and what he did for Billy and Lawrence at the wedding and how they all remained friends is awesome. He deserves a happy ending book.
Billy when he first was with Lawrence was in a bad place and messed up big time. HE wasn’t coping well with things and was a jackass. Did he regret it afterwards? Yes. Did he try to fix what was wrong with him? Yes and no. You cannot really fix PTSD but you can cope with it and that is what he learned to do with the help of therapy. Now he wants Lawrence back in his life and is doing this in a slow and mature fashion. At first lawrence resists and that is understandable but fate has a way of bringing them together giving us a tender book of exploration of feelings and friendship. Of getting to know one another and finding trust and support in each other. They learn about each other and who they are. they learn to trust and support each other and be there for one another no matter what. They learn each others past and love one another more for what the other has endured. The tipping point for this great couple is the wedding of Lawrence’s sister.
Lawrence is a daredevil who has been on his own for awhile. He was in pain and not very trusting due to his past. Letting Billy in the first time was hard and to be burned hurt. Now he is cautious and rightly so. He is a kind soul but dealing with a lot of trust issues which is understandable with all he has gone through. When he is pushed into Billy’s world, he isn’t too happy but he does learn to adapt. And he finds first a friend and than someone to love.
That wedding was eye opening. We see Billy show his love and support and Lawrence realize so many things. These two are just perfect together and have you smile as they learn about one another and fall in love. A great feel good story that has you melt and smile all the way through as you see all they overcome and have overcome to be together.
Billy when he first was with Lawrence was in a bad place and messed up big time. HE wasn’t coping well with things and was a jackass. Did he regret it afterwards? Yes. Did he try to fix what was wrong with him? Yes and no. You cannot really fix PTSD but you can cope with it and that is what he learned to do with the help of therapy. Now he wants Lawrence back in his life and is doing this in a slow and mature fashion. At first lawrence resists and that is understandable but fate has a way of bringing them together giving us a tender book of exploration of feelings and friendship. Of getting to know one another and finding trust and support in each other. They learn about each other and who they are. they learn to trust and support each other and be there for one another no matter what. They learn each others past and love one another more for what the other has endured. The tipping point for this great couple is the wedding of Lawrence’s sister.
Lawrence is a daredevil who has been on his own for awhile. He was in pain and not very trusting due to his past. Letting Billy in the first time was hard and to be burned hurt. Now he is cautious and rightly so. He is a kind soul but dealing with a lot of trust issues which is understandable with all he has gone through. When he is pushed into Billy’s world, he isn’t too happy but he does learn to adapt. And he finds first a friend and than someone to love.
That wedding was eye opening. We see Billy show his love and support and Lawrence realize so many things. These two are just perfect together and have you smile as they learn about one another and fall in love. A great feel good story that has you melt and smile all the way through as you see all they overcome and have overcome to be together.
May 14, 2025
This story sounds like it's packed with tension! It's about Lawrence, a drifter finally settling down, who needs help from his landlord, Billy, a protective ex-cop. Their shared history and Billy's initial act of playing it cool have created a complicated dynamic. As Billy nurses Lawrence back to health, their attraction grows, but the reappearance of Lawrence's past threatens to shatter any chance of happiness they might find together.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who were drawn together and after a rocky start went back to basics of establishing a friendship first. I loved both of their personalities and understood their pasts and the effect on them. Lawrence's mother was a piece of work. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who were drawn together and after a rocky start went back to basics of establishing a friendship first. I loved both of their personalities and understood their pasts and the effect on them. Lawrence's mother was a piece of work. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
November 25, 2020
It’s Not You is an interesting twist on second chance romance. Lawrence is renting an apartment in the grounds of ex-cop Billy’s house and they have one night of sex but it all falls to pieces in the morning. A period of coolness follows. Then, when Lawrence is injured while out walking, Billy is full on nurse and the second chance happens!
Both Lawrence and Billy have an interesting history with parental ostracising for Lawrence and serious injury to Billy while on police duty. They are both likeable men carrying some baggage from their past but gain strength from each other.
An enjoyable story from Becca Seymour.
Both Lawrence and Billy have an interesting history with parental ostracising for Lawrence and serious injury to Billy while on police duty. They are both likeable men carrying some baggage from their past but gain strength from each other.
An enjoyable story from Becca Seymour.
November 28, 2020
I love this series and I enjoy returning to Kirkby with each new story. Billy and Lawrence’s story was sweet, yet with a bit of angst, with the perfect mix of romance, friendship, and family.
I loved how both Billy and Lawrence were dealing with their pasts, and how they helped each other to move forward. Although Billy’s ‘mistake’ is not great on his part, I liked how there was an understandable reason behind his behaviour, and that he does realise, and admit that to Lawrence...eventually. Them both taking time before opening up completely to each other felt realistic, especially considering their histories. I thought the hints of Lawrence’s past scattered within the narrative, and the little bits he let slip worked well, and I liked how his accident chipped away at the barriers they both have in place. I liked how this time round they spend time getting to know each other. I love how fiercely protective Billy is of Lawrence, and how caring and concerned Lawrence is of Billy. The description of Lawrence in Billy’s narrative is very sweet and it’s very obvious he’s totally smitten. I also liked that Billy’s injuries weren’t swept away but something he does need to deal with and has consequences.
One of the reasons I love series, especially those set in small towns, is the strong sense of friendship and family. I also enjoy catching up with familiar faces, and I loved seeing the guys from previous books in this series again, and seeing how Lawrence fit in within that circle. I’d been intrigued by Billy when he appeared in Austin and Jasper’s book so was very happy to read his story. I liked Cody in this one, so hoping his interest in Kirkby means he’ll get his own book too. He’s a nice guy put in an awkward situation, and I loved how he helped Lawrence and Billy get their HEA despite Lawrence’s mother’s plotting. Lawrence’s mother came across very well as a driven, selfish, not fit to be mother type. She’s a total piece of work and totally needed karma to catch up with her.
Their HEA is perfect.
I’m very happy that there will be more of this series.
I loved how both Billy and Lawrence were dealing with their pasts, and how they helped each other to move forward. Although Billy’s ‘mistake’ is not great on his part, I liked how there was an understandable reason behind his behaviour, and that he does realise, and admit that to Lawrence...eventually. Them both taking time before opening up completely to each other felt realistic, especially considering their histories. I thought the hints of Lawrence’s past scattered within the narrative, and the little bits he let slip worked well, and I liked how his accident chipped away at the barriers they both have in place. I liked how this time round they spend time getting to know each other. I love how fiercely protective Billy is of Lawrence, and how caring and concerned Lawrence is of Billy. The description of Lawrence in Billy’s narrative is very sweet and it’s very obvious he’s totally smitten. I also liked that Billy’s injuries weren’t swept away but something he does need to deal with and has consequences.
One of the reasons I love series, especially those set in small towns, is the strong sense of friendship and family. I also enjoy catching up with familiar faces, and I loved seeing the guys from previous books in this series again, and seeing how Lawrence fit in within that circle. I’d been intrigued by Billy when he appeared in Austin and Jasper’s book so was very happy to read his story. I liked Cody in this one, so hoping his interest in Kirkby means he’ll get his own book too. He’s a nice guy put in an awkward situation, and I loved how he helped Lawrence and Billy get their HEA despite Lawrence’s mother’s plotting. Lawrence’s mother came across very well as a driven, selfish, not fit to be mother type. She’s a total piece of work and totally needed karma to catch up with her.
Their HEA is perfect.
I’m very happy that there will be more of this series.
December 2, 2020
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The age gap in this book feels enormous at the start. Lawrence is an under-employed Gen Z skater/parkour daredevil while Billy is a retired cop. They’re an unlikely match and Billy’s dickish behaviour only makes things worse.
Thankfully, both men have some redeeming qualities. Lawrence’s accident brings out Billy’s nurturing side and while Lawrence is young, he has an emotional maturity that makes him feel older than Billy at times. However, the quiet domesticity that Lawrence and Billy sink into doesn’t completely make sense for adventure-seeking Lawrence, age gap or not. Whenever something reminded me of Lawrence’s age or his interests pre-Billy, I found it impossible to cheer on the relationship.
The first part of this book is cute and fairly predictable. Living together brings the men closer and the men soon learn to make room for each other in their lives. There’s a plot twist about half way through - that I didn’t predict - which adds a whole lot of OTT drama to otherwise gentle romance. I really don’t think this book needed to plunge into soap opera territory with high society drama and an unredeemable villain. I think this subplot actually detracts from the slow, careful relationship building and character development in the rest of the book.
Like the previous books in the series, I struggled to fully engage with Billy and Lawrence. They’re a little too domestic, a little too conservative, a little too serious for me.
The age gap in this book feels enormous at the start. Lawrence is an under-employed Gen Z skater/parkour daredevil while Billy is a retired cop. They’re an unlikely match and Billy’s dickish behaviour only makes things worse.
Thankfully, both men have some redeeming qualities. Lawrence’s accident brings out Billy’s nurturing side and while Lawrence is young, he has an emotional maturity that makes him feel older than Billy at times. However, the quiet domesticity that Lawrence and Billy sink into doesn’t completely make sense for adventure-seeking Lawrence, age gap or not. Whenever something reminded me of Lawrence’s age or his interests pre-Billy, I found it impossible to cheer on the relationship.
The first part of this book is cute and fairly predictable. Living together brings the men closer and the men soon learn to make room for each other in their lives. There’s a plot twist about half way through - that I didn’t predict - which adds a whole lot of OTT drama to otherwise gentle romance. I really don’t think this book needed to plunge into soap opera territory with high society drama and an unredeemable villain. I think this subplot actually detracts from the slow, careful relationship building and character development in the rest of the book.
Like the previous books in the series, I struggled to fully engage with Billy and Lawrence. They’re a little too domestic, a little too conservative, a little too serious for me.
November 20, 2020
It’s Not You is so well written that once I started reading I could not stop. Lawrence and Billy are great main characters and have excellent chemistry. Billy made a huge mistake he regrets but he doesn’t know how to fix it. Lawrence is attracted to Billy but he’s too worried to really open up his heart.
After Lawrence is injured Billy comes to his aid and helps him recover. They way Billy cares for Lawrence’s so sweet and I couldn’t get enough of it.
There isn’t too much angst in this story and the drama was never ridiculous/over the top. This is the first book I’ve read in the series but I am adding all the others to my TBR list.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
After Lawrence is injured Billy comes to his aid and helps him recover. They way Billy cares for Lawrence’s so sweet and I couldn’t get enough of it.
There isn’t too much angst in this story and the drama was never ridiculous/over the top. This is the first book I’ve read in the series but I am adding all the others to my TBR list.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
March 9, 2024
Sweet redemption
After a one night stand with his tenant, Billy realizes he needs help to be a better person and to move on. Laurence has been burned enough in his past that once someone hurts him, he has trouble opening up and allowing people in. When an accident leaves Laurence off his feet to recuperate, Billy takes his chance yo make ammends and hopefully regain Laurence trust again.
These two have baggage to work through, but it's done in such a way that the book isn't angsty. The two learn to build trust and to let the other in.
After a one night stand with his tenant, Billy realizes he needs help to be a better person and to move on. Laurence has been burned enough in his past that once someone hurts him, he has trouble opening up and allowing people in. When an accident leaves Laurence off his feet to recuperate, Billy takes his chance yo make ammends and hopefully regain Laurence trust again.
These two have baggage to work through, but it's done in such a way that the book isn't angsty. The two learn to build trust and to let the other in.
November 22, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I absolutely adored it! I will definitely be going back to read the rest from the beginning. It is kinda a second chance romance since Billy messed up the first time around and decided after working on his demons he wanted another chance and would do what it took to win Lawrence over. His chance to prove himself comes after Lawrence hurts himself and needs some help. So it’s also a little forced proximity. Both MCs have hurt in their pasts that cause them to struggle but they have a connection that cannot be denied and with the help of some sweet friends and neighbors encouragement as well. Definitely a feel good low angst but in depth story you will leave with a smile on your face!
* ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
* ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
November 23, 2020
There's a little bit of mystery in this wonderful romance. Lawrence has a past that he doesn't talk about. So when he's physically hurt, and becomes really close to his landlord, Billy, he opens up. Though he doesn't do it all at once. Which gives Billy the courage to reveal more about his own pain.
The slow slide from attraction to love is beautiful to watch. They are perfect for each other. Both have high degrees of integrity and strength...which becomes more evident when Lawrence confronts his past, with Billy right beside him.
Politics can be a dirty business!
I wish I'd been there to see how Clay and the sheriff deal with it all!
The slow slide from attraction to love is beautiful to watch. They are perfect for each other. Both have high degrees of integrity and strength...which becomes more evident when Lawrence confronts his past, with Billy right beside him.
Politics can be a dirty business!
I wish I'd been there to see how Clay and the sheriff deal with it all!
November 29, 2020
Billy is a retired cop who left the force after a devastating accident that killed his partner and left him with lifelong injuries. Lawrence is a mystery. He rents the apartment above Billy's garage, and after he first moves in, the two of them start to develop a friendship. But after one night together, their friendship comes to a screeching halt after Billy freaks out, declares it a mistake, and then ignores Lawrence for the next few months.
Lawrence is a gentle soul who hasn't lived in town very long, but is hoping to be able to settle down. However, after he suffers an accident that leaves him needing help for a while, it becomes clear to Billy that Lawrence may be hiding something from his past. But Billy can't figure out whether he's hiding from something he's done, or whether he's running away from something or someone. Billy is certain, however, that he needs to own up to the terrible way he treated Lawrence after their night together, and then hopefully they can start their friendship over.
It's Not You is about moving forward in life. Both men are trying to leave their messy pasts behind, but they both realize that in order to move forward they have to face their pasts - not run from them. For Billy, that means understanding that moving on doesn't mean he cared for his friend and partner any less. His partner would have never wanted him to avoid living because of grief.
Lawrence's journey is a bit different. Leaving a messy family life and a powerful mother behind him and working hard to live his own life was difficult, and his instinct was to keep running, but he realizes that unless he faces up to his past, he'll never be able to stop running.
After their ill-timed false start, Billy and Lawrence come to realize how good they are for each other. Their happy ending is sweet and well-earned and I loved it.
Lawrence is a gentle soul who hasn't lived in town very long, but is hoping to be able to settle down. However, after he suffers an accident that leaves him needing help for a while, it becomes clear to Billy that Lawrence may be hiding something from his past. But Billy can't figure out whether he's hiding from something he's done, or whether he's running away from something or someone. Billy is certain, however, that he needs to own up to the terrible way he treated Lawrence after their night together, and then hopefully they can start their friendship over.
It's Not You is about moving forward in life. Both men are trying to leave their messy pasts behind, but they both realize that in order to move forward they have to face their pasts - not run from them. For Billy, that means understanding that moving on doesn't mean he cared for his friend and partner any less. His partner would have never wanted him to avoid living because of grief.
Lawrence's journey is a bit different. Leaving a messy family life and a powerful mother behind him and working hard to live his own life was difficult, and his instinct was to keep running, but he realizes that unless he faces up to his past, he'll never be able to stop running.
After their ill-timed false start, Billy and Lawrence come to realize how good they are for each other. Their happy ending is sweet and well-earned and I loved it.
December 5, 2020
I love Becca Seymour's True Blue series and it was wonderful returning to my favorite town and seeing some familiar faces from previous books. Billy and Lawrence are briefly mentioned in Becca's July in Christmas snippet and I was so excited to find out what actually happened and how they first me. After one drunken night, Billy and Lawrence have an awkward relationship that strains their friendship. Before that night, Lawrence and Billy were slowly becoming friends since Lawrence rented an apartment above Billy's garage but all of that changed after one night.
Billy is a retired cop who had to leave the the force after his partner was killed and he was injured. He regrets being cold to Lawrence after the events of that night. He tries to repair their friendship and apologizes for how cold he was to Lawrence. As both men repair their friendship, both men decide to give a romantic relationship another shot.
Lawrence has a painful past with an evil mother but Billy's defense of him at his sister's wedding was one of my favorite moments. Both men have to overcome their painful pasts for a second chance with each other. The epilogue was wonderful and I hope Cody will get his own story :)
Billy is a retired cop who had to leave the the force after his partner was killed and he was injured. He regrets being cold to Lawrence after the events of that night. He tries to repair their friendship and apologizes for how cold he was to Lawrence. As both men repair their friendship, both men decide to give a romantic relationship another shot.
Lawrence has a painful past with an evil mother but Billy's defense of him at his sister's wedding was one of my favorite moments. Both men have to overcome their painful pasts for a second chance with each other. The epilogue was wonderful and I hope Cody will get his own story :)
November 4, 2020
This is book 5 in the True-Blue series but can be read as a standalone as well.
This book was amazing!!
Billy and Lawrence were hot and sweet together and I couldn't get enough of them.
The characters were likeable, relatable and fun to read.
The author's writing style worked for me and I enjoyed the setting of this story.
The storyline was engaging and I was quickly immersed in it.
Overall a fun and enjoyable read.
If you like a steamy age gap, opposites attract contemporary romance, I definitely recommend this one for you.
This book was amazing!!
Billy and Lawrence were hot and sweet together and I couldn't get enough of them.
The characters were likeable, relatable and fun to read.
The author's writing style worked for me and I enjoyed the setting of this story.
The storyline was engaging and I was quickly immersed in it.
Overall a fun and enjoyable read.
If you like a steamy age gap, opposites attract contemporary romance, I definitely recommend this one for you.
December 11, 2020
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
Billy and Lawrence are so wonderful together. They had one hot encounter and then cooled off and really got to know each other. Both men have a lot of issues and had to work through them to get their slice of happiness. Geat addition to the series.
Billy and Lawrence are so wonderful together. They had one hot encounter and then cooled off and really got to know each other. Both men have a lot of issues and had to work through them to get their slice of happiness. Geat addition to the series.
November 24, 2020
While this is a complete stand alone, it was nice reading Thinking It Over and Always for You prior as I appreciated Billy and Lawerence more and their fight for their own happily ever after. Neither man had an easy background but they worked hard to push through to make each other happy. This was a very sweet book in a very sweet series.
November 25, 2020
Lawrence rents an apartment over Billy's garage. One night, after too much whisky, the two men have a scorching night together. Then, Billy all but turns his back on Lawrence.
Rather than running - which he hints is what he would normally do - Lawrence decides to stay in his apartment and just keep his distance from his landlord. If h can keep him in that box, then things should go alright. Right?
This was a great story. Both men have a lot that has happened in their pasts and that's part of the reason why their initial encounter leads nowhere. Sometimes. You have to work on the past to move forward into the future.
The two main characters in this book are great. They are quite different from one another, and I enjoyed how different they were from one another. Billy is older and is a retired police officer. His career…and what happened during his working years has left him with physical and mental scars. He lost his partner and for a long time, wasn't able to process that without it affecting the people around him. On the other hand, Lawrence comes from a family that he is estranged from.
The catalyst to these two men being thrown back together is an accident that leaves Lawrence with a broken leg and broken wrist. When he finds himself unable to care for himself for a few weeks, Billy steps up. He's been harbouring his feelings for Lawrence for a long time, but he's also been aware of the walls between them. He knows that he owes Lawrence an apology and an explanation.
As they enter into a new routine with Billy caring for Lawrence the trust between them rebuilds to the point at which they might be able to have the conversations they need to.
The interaction between the two main characters is sweet and caring. I enjoyed the way that they were on a slow path back towards one another. It was refreshing to get to know the two characters as they got to know each other.
The supporting cast of characters rounded out my enjoyment of this book. I'm not new to Becca Seymour's writing and this book didn't disappoint!
Rather than running - which he hints is what he would normally do - Lawrence decides to stay in his apartment and just keep his distance from his landlord. If h can keep him in that box, then things should go alright. Right?
This was a great story. Both men have a lot that has happened in their pasts and that's part of the reason why their initial encounter leads nowhere. Sometimes. You have to work on the past to move forward into the future.
The two main characters in this book are great. They are quite different from one another, and I enjoyed how different they were from one another. Billy is older and is a retired police officer. His career…and what happened during his working years has left him with physical and mental scars. He lost his partner and for a long time, wasn't able to process that without it affecting the people around him. On the other hand, Lawrence comes from a family that he is estranged from.
The catalyst to these two men being thrown back together is an accident that leaves Lawrence with a broken leg and broken wrist. When he finds himself unable to care for himself for a few weeks, Billy steps up. He's been harbouring his feelings for Lawrence for a long time, but he's also been aware of the walls between them. He knows that he owes Lawrence an apology and an explanation.
As they enter into a new routine with Billy caring for Lawrence the trust between them rebuilds to the point at which they might be able to have the conversations they need to.
The interaction between the two main characters is sweet and caring. I enjoyed the way that they were on a slow path back towards one another. It was refreshing to get to know the two characters as they got to know each other.
The supporting cast of characters rounded out my enjoyment of this book. I'm not new to Becca Seymour's writing and this book didn't disappoint!
December 10, 2020
good and sweet.. interesting and fast paced.. good story with good characters.. lots of emotions running through.. lots of personalities clashing and figuring it out. very good story and i hope there is more to come.
November 28, 2020
This is book 5 in the True Blue series. It can be read as a stand alone although there are appearances by character from the previous books. It shouldn’t detract from your enjoyment of this installment though. Billy acted like a complete jerk and walked out on Lawrence after what Lawrence thought was a perfect night. Billy had been regretting it ever since but he was not in a good place at the time. Now that he has his own act together a bit more, he has been trying to work up the courage to talk to Lawrence again. When Lawrence gets hurt and needs help, he thinks he has found his perfect opportunity. Lawrence has his own secrets that need to be addressed as well. Both of these men have to learn how to get along and maybe realize that sometimes karma knows what she is doing! These characters were so well written! I have enjoyed every book by this author that I have read and this one didn’t disappoint me. One thing that I truly appreciated was that this book explores one of the lesser known versions of PTSD to some extent. Billy has not your typical flashback or panic related PTSD but one that makes him obsessively controlling and difficult to interact with. As with any disorder many people forget that not all sufferers experience things in the same manner. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend both this one and the rest of the series to anyone looking for a low angst read that is full of love and laughter!
November 28, 2020
This is an amazing addition to the True-Blue series and I loved it. It's Not You is well written, sweet, emotional, the characters are wonderful and I could not put it down. Lawrence is still reeling from the outcome of his one night with his friend and landlord Billy. He doesn't know what went wrong but he is trying to leave it in the past until he suffers an unfortunate accident and Billy steps up to help him. Billy knows that he pushed Lawrence away because of his own issues but he can't figure out how to fix it until he is given another chance when Lawrence needs his help. They both have secrets and issues from their pasts that they will have to share if they want their relationship to have a chance. I love how supportive and caring they are with each other and Billy is amazing when Lawrence has to face his past. They are exactly what the other needs with their strong connection and smoking hot chemistry. The secondary characters are great, the ending is perfect and I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 28, 2020
4.5* of wonderfully sweet, low angst, second chance story.
This book is the 4th in the true-blue series but the first one that I have read, I enjoyed it immensely so will go back and read the others. This book has it all love, mistakes, finding the place you belong, grief, facing the past, hurt/comfort (not in that order by the way).
Billy was sincere in his pursuit to make amends for being a dick, Lawrence was rightfully wary of letting Billy in, but with the sincerity and a bit of forced proximity due to his injuries, Lawrence opens up with wonderful results. The characters are vibrant and can be felt throughout the book, even the ones that are on page for just a chapter. It is a good dual POV read which I like. I can’t wait to read more.
This book is the 4th in the true-blue series but the first one that I have read, I enjoyed it immensely so will go back and read the others. This book has it all love, mistakes, finding the place you belong, grief, facing the past, hurt/comfort (not in that order by the way).
Billy was sincere in his pursuit to make amends for being a dick, Lawrence was rightfully wary of letting Billy in, but with the sincerity and a bit of forced proximity due to his injuries, Lawrence opens up with wonderful results. The characters are vibrant and can be felt throughout the book, even the ones that are on page for just a chapter. It is a good dual POV read which I like. I can’t wait to read more.
November 28, 2020
This is such a sweet and fun series, and the latest addition to it certainly fits in well. Although I was so frustrated with Billy and how cold he was to Lawrence after their night together, his genuine regret is so evident it's hard not to forgive him. What follows is a fairly low angst and sweet second chance story, full of humour and heart. And it has a good dose of hurt/comfort whereby Billy sees an opportunity and takes such sweet care of Lawrence after his injury. Like the others in the series, the plot development is well thought-out and there isn't any excessive and unnecessary drama. It all fits together nicely and makes for a wholesome HEA between two likeable characters who forge a strong bond.
November 28, 2020
My first book by this author and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed it. Lawrence and Billy's story was low angst but definitely not lacking any feelings. It was written in such a way that it sucked you into the story and took you on a sweet sexy emotional ride. Billy's inner demons and Lawrence's hiding from his past has them traveling on a rocky path that is filled with hurt, acceptance, growth, and healing. And the revenge Lawrence gets its just icing on the cake. I also enjoyed that Billy's feelings of doubt were not dragged out to make it fustrating. It was just the right amount to make you understand him and add to the story. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.
November 6, 2020
This was a light read with little angst. Billy and Lawrence have chemistry, have a moment but then as Billy says he has a d!ck moment and it takes time to fix.
Lawrence has a past that threatens but the author has written a believable story with good strong characters. Loved seeing more of Ted, he makes me giggle!
Lawrence has a past that threatens but the author has written a believable story with good strong characters. Loved seeing more of Ted, he makes me giggle!
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