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Vet Shop Boys #4
Got Me Thinking
He's a single dad ready to start dating again. I'm newly divorced and new to…well, everything. This is going to be a disaster… Isn't it?
When my marriage ends, I decide to buy a run-down house and get a drove of piglets. My friends think I'm having a breakdown, when really, all I'm doing is the one thing I've avoided my whole life––figuring out who I am.
One thing I'm quickly learning is that life loves nothing more than to throw you a curveball when you least expect it.
Take Fischer West. From the moment we serendipitously collide on a midnight stroll, he ignites something within me. We have a connection. I want to explore it, even though the timing is all wrong.
There's no way either one of us is ready for a relationship, so why has Fischer got me thinking it might just work?
When my marriage ends, I decide to buy a run-down house and get a drove of piglets. My friends think I'm having a breakdown, when really, all I'm doing is the one thing I've avoided my whole life––figuring out who I am.
One thing I'm quickly learning is that life loves nothing more than to throw you a curveball when you least expect it.
Take Fischer West. From the moment we serendipitously collide on a midnight stroll, he ignites something within me. We have a connection. I want to explore it, even though the timing is all wrong.
There's no way either one of us is ready for a relationship, so why has Fischer got me thinking it might just work?
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2022
193 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Casey Cox
56 books541 followersCasey writes MM romance with plenty of 💕, 🔥, 🤣, and of course 🍆 + 🍑.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 3, 2023
This is not just a love story, it’s also about family, trust and the courage to step out of your comfort zone and explore what life has to offer you. Chase and Fisher are both in their thirties and are at a crossroad. One is openly outed and the other thinks he’s ready for a new relationship. These two men are so amazing emotionally. Chase is a vet with the vet boys, so we see the whole gang throughout the story and there are pets involved....a big loveable dog, about a dozen cats and a pot-bellied pig. Chase is divorced after finally admitting that he’s gay and is searching for his true self. He doesn’t want a relationship; he wants to experience feeling free being and being himself. He lives in a house that could use some slight repairs, but is comfortable and not in danger of falling in. Fischer lives a few houses down from him, has a nice home. He had two little girls that was left with him when his partner couldn’t handle this life and left him and the kids that they had together. He wants to start dating but needs to be sure that if he becomes serious about another guy, that he will want to co-parent with him. After meeting on their morning walks, they find that they share lots of interests and the main one is to each other. A beautiful friendship begins to bloom. Every Friday night Fisher tries dating other guys, and sometimes Chase looks after Fisher’s little girls. Every Saturday evening Fisher and his girls head go to Chase's for dinner and to talk about Chase's latest dating disaster. You just have to love these guys. They are real, honest, conscious, mature, flawed, passionate, humorous, easygoing, warm, and sweet. There was not one smidgen of angst in this story...something that I appreciated. It’s all about two ordinary men, building a friendship, finding out there are more feelings involved, making decisions, taking big steps, and honestly acknowledging what’s happening between them. The epilogue skipped forward 19-years and was absolutely adorable. It beautifully completed the story! Every story thus far in this series has been a memorable experience and excellently written.
April 27, 2022
Best of the series so far!
Also my favorite couple so far. Reading this 4th book of the series was pure joy, with plenty of humor as well. So many feels too! So much fun!
Also my favorite couple so far. Reading this 4th book of the series was pure joy, with plenty of humor as well. So many feels too! So much fun!
dnf
August 1, 2023I think I’m in a slump.
DNF @3%
We’re getting a lot of info about the side characters, what kind of person they are, how long the couples have been together, who’s a sad soul and not much about the main character so I couldn’t be bothered enough to pay attention. :S
I’m assuming all these couples have their own book so I don’t need to be told how long they’ve been dating now.. it was a weird set up. 😵💫
DNF @3%
We’re getting a lot of info about the side characters, what kind of person they are, how long the couples have been together, who’s a sad soul and not much about the main character so I couldn’t be bothered enough to pay attention. :S
I’m assuming all these couples have their own book so I don’t need to be told how long they’ve been dating now.. it was a weird set up. 😵💫
August 30, 2022
Umm..cute, if a bit bland. The best part was the beautiful epilogue. I love epilogues that go way further into the future..19 years in this case..
December 6, 2022
I don't know why and to be honest I really don't care why I honestly wholeheartedly enjoy reading this series. It's simple, sweet, kind of low-key, and thoroughly captivating. I find myself laughing out loud or giving myself hugs while I read it it's like a big old 'AWWWWW'. Be informed I don't awwww...
April 15, 2022
Fischasing
Fischer and Chase get their relationship going after a really sweet meet cute. I love they become friends well before they turn into lovers.
Fischer and Chase get their relationship going after a really sweet meet cute. I love they become friends well before they turn into lovers.
April 4, 2022
This is not just a love story, it’s one of the finest! Where Chase and Fisher, both in their thirties, are at a sort of crossroad. One outed himself as gay, the other thinks he’s ready for a new relationship.
Two sweet men who are emotionally so amazing, my heart couldn’t handle it at times.
Chase is a vet, yes he’s working at the vet shop boys clinic, so there are pets involved. Oh, and yes we’ll meet the guys from the other books of this series. I loved them so much.
Chase is divorced, finally admitting that he’s gay, and is searching for his true self. He doesn’t want a relationship, he wants to experience feeling free being gay.
He lives in an overdue maintained home and wants to pump it up with his spare free time.
Fischer lives a few houses further and has a nice home. He had two kids and was left behind by his partner who couldn’t handle this life. As a single dad, he wants to pick up dating.
They literally collide on a stroll, talk a bit and understand they are neighbors.
A beautiful friendship is blooming. Every Friday night Fisher tries to date guys, sometimes Chase looks after Fisher’s little girls. Every Saturday evening Fisher heads over to Chase for dinner and to talk about the dating disasters.
They connect so beautifully it’s unavoidable there will be more between them.
Read for yourself how it’s all developed!! Soooo wonderfully to read!
You can only love these guys, hard. The way they searched and looked into their souls for answers.
They are real, honest, conscious, mature, flawed, passionate, humorous, easygoing, warm, so so warm, and sweet.
Everything felt full of kindness and comfortable, there was no angst and I appreciated that very much.
It’s all about two ordinary men, building a friendship, finding out there are more feelings involved, making decisions, making big steps, and acknowledging what’s happening.
The epilogue was absolutely adorable, it completed the story!
Every story of this series is a memorable experience and excellently written!
I can’t recommend this story enough! Read it!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Two sweet men who are emotionally so amazing, my heart couldn’t handle it at times.
Chase is a vet, yes he’s working at the vet shop boys clinic, so there are pets involved. Oh, and yes we’ll meet the guys from the other books of this series. I loved them so much.
Chase is divorced, finally admitting that he’s gay, and is searching for his true self. He doesn’t want a relationship, he wants to experience feeling free being gay.
He lives in an overdue maintained home and wants to pump it up with his spare free time.
Fischer lives a few houses further and has a nice home. He had two kids and was left behind by his partner who couldn’t handle this life. As a single dad, he wants to pick up dating.
They literally collide on a stroll, talk a bit and understand they are neighbors.
A beautiful friendship is blooming. Every Friday night Fisher tries to date guys, sometimes Chase looks after Fisher’s little girls. Every Saturday evening Fisher heads over to Chase for dinner and to talk about the dating disasters.
They connect so beautifully it’s unavoidable there will be more between them.
Read for yourself how it’s all developed!! Soooo wonderfully to read!
You can only love these guys, hard. The way they searched and looked into their souls for answers.
They are real, honest, conscious, mature, flawed, passionate, humorous, easygoing, warm, so so warm, and sweet.
Everything felt full of kindness and comfortable, there was no angst and I appreciated that very much.
It’s all about two ordinary men, building a friendship, finding out there are more feelings involved, making decisions, making big steps, and acknowledging what’s happening.
The epilogue was absolutely adorable, it completed the story!
Every story of this series is a memorable experience and excellently written!
I can’t recommend this story enough! Read it!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
December 25, 2022
I really like this series, but I'm torn about this one. The two MC's are great characters and I like the way their relationship blossoms, and their story line, single father and recently out vet navigating life after divorce. All good things, it's all the side stuff I had a hard time with and found myself rolling my eyes to the point it took me out of the story. The two toddlers were accessories to the story, always either sleeping, playing quietly on the floor (with two dogs and 3 pigs and play dough!) That just not relatively realistic AT ALL! then they have a party, invite all the people and their pets, one of them brings their 11 cats!!! Come on! That makes no sense. I know it's a book, but it got to the point of ridiculous. There were just too many moments like this where i found myself stretching reality to get back into the book. I like the story between the two guys, but that could have used some fine tuning.
January 29, 2025
Riletti i precedenti volumi!! 😍
Siamo arrivati a leggere la storia di Chase Higgins.
Anche lui è un veterinario della clinica Vet Shop Boys e l'unico ad essere sposato con una donna.
Chase è un'uomo con un carattere chiuso, non esterna i suoi sentimenti e pensieri, di tiene tutto dentro e soffre molto. Il suo matrimonio è in crisi e dopo anni che ha soffocato la sua sessualità, fa coming out.
Divorziato compra una casa e 3 maialini vietnamiti. Deve ritrovare se stesso.
Fischer West era in una relazione da tanto tempo, da avere 2 cani e una gravidanza surrogata dove sono nate 2 gemelle.
Purtroppo il suo compagno ha deciso di lasciarlo solo, ad affrontare una situazione caotica. Una sera Chase e Fisher si incontrano durante una passeggiata ed è come un colpo di fulmine, che li trova impreparati ad affrontare una relazione, ma hanno un legame, decidono di esplorarla per vedere come andrà a finire. Tutti gli amici sono sempre straordinari, presenti e abbiamo un Tyler sempre più Gen-Z al cent p. 🤣😂
Non ho capito se ci sarà un libro con la sua storia. 🤔
💖💖💖💖💖
Siamo arrivati a leggere la storia di Chase Higgins.
Anche lui è un veterinario della clinica Vet Shop Boys e l'unico ad essere sposato con una donna.
Chase è un'uomo con un carattere chiuso, non esterna i suoi sentimenti e pensieri, di tiene tutto dentro e soffre molto. Il suo matrimonio è in crisi e dopo anni che ha soffocato la sua sessualità, fa coming out.
Divorziato compra una casa e 3 maialini vietnamiti. Deve ritrovare se stesso.
Fischer West era in una relazione da tanto tempo, da avere 2 cani e una gravidanza surrogata dove sono nate 2 gemelle.
Purtroppo il suo compagno ha deciso di lasciarlo solo, ad affrontare una situazione caotica. Una sera Chase e Fisher si incontrano durante una passeggiata ed è come un colpo di fulmine, che li trova impreparati ad affrontare una relazione, ma hanno un legame, decidono di esplorarla per vedere come andrà a finire. Tutti gli amici sono sempre straordinari, presenti e abbiamo un Tyler sempre più Gen-Z al cent p. 🤣😂
Non ho capito se ci sarà un libro con la sua storia. 🤔
💖💖💖💖💖
January 6, 2025
La serie dei Vet Shop Boys è una certezza, infatti anche questo quarto volume mi è piaciuto da impazzire.
Fischer e Chase mi hanno conquistata immediatamente. E se il dolce e, prima, confuso veterinario è stata una vera rivelazione, Fischer si è dimostrato una scoperta incredibile.
Le loro interazioni sono spassose ma, man mano che il loro rapporto si evolve, si venano di una dolcezza avvolgente, che ho apprezzato tantissimo. Il ritmo quotidiano, pervaso di allegria mi ha trascinato tra le pagine, facendomi arrivare alla fine in un attimo.
I personaggi secondari sono tutti bellissimi. Gli altri Vet Shop Boys sono in pole position e la loro famiglia, sempre più allargata, è un vero sogno.
Bellissime anche le due figure femminili che, pur se marginali, hanno fatto sentire il loro peso.
Quella di "Un pensiero inaspettato" è una storia romantica, che scorre lieve, senza angst, accarezzando intimamente, e con delicatezza, l’anima del lettore, facendogli spuntare un sorriso perenne sulle labbra e lasciando tanti interessanti spunti di riflessione.
La resa italiana è davvero curata.
Leggetelo!
Hugs&kisses
July 16, 2022
This was the swooniest, most romantic book of the whole series. I absolutely loved it.
Two men who are searching for something, and though they may think they know what it is they want, they soon discover what they need.
It was deep and rich. It alternated beautifully between fun and flirty, introspective and thoughtful, and silly and easy.
Chase was a wild card, I didn’t really get a sense of him in previous books, but damn, he’s my favourite. Such a lovely kind-hearted guy who’s been struggling with big things on his own. But when he starts to own his truth and let people in…gah, so lovely.
I really enjoyed how much these two enjoyed the simple moments, the real moments of just being together, nothing grand or wild required.
And that epilogue! *chef’s kiss*
Two men who are searching for something, and though they may think they know what it is they want, they soon discover what they need.
It was deep and rich. It alternated beautifully between fun and flirty, introspective and thoughtful, and silly and easy.
Chase was a wild card, I didn’t really get a sense of him in previous books, but damn, he’s my favourite. Such a lovely kind-hearted guy who’s been struggling with big things on his own. But when he starts to own his truth and let people in…gah, so lovely.
I really enjoyed how much these two enjoyed the simple moments, the real moments of just being together, nothing grand or wild required.
And that epilogue! *chef’s kiss*
April 1, 2022
This is another incredible book by Casey Cox in his Vet Shop Boys Series. This book revolves around Chase and Fischer. An accidental, almost collision at midnight between piglets and kidlets introduces these two to each other and it's just the beginning of their unintentional courtship. I loved how Chase and Fischer fit so well together from the very beginning. They are both going through a transition in their lives, and having each other to just be able to be themselves around, allows them to relax and imagine how nice it would be if it could always be this easy with someone. I loved Fischer's uncontrollable rants and the way Chase just let him talk himself out. These characters had incredible chemistry and when things took off....they took OFF! Very steamy!
May 14, 2022
Oh my word I absolutely enjoyed this book and the series!
It was funny, witty, romantic and steamy!
Fisher and Chases dynamic started as friends but it was always meant to be more although Chase was at a crossroads on his life….
I loved how there was a crossover from another series by Casey Cox, it was nice to “see” the other couples again although it was very brief sigh…..
The epilogue is out of this world amazing and a tear jerker so be forewarned!
I loved their journey and look forward to Tyler’s story next!
It was funny, witty, romantic and steamy!
Fisher and Chases dynamic started as friends but it was always meant to be more although Chase was at a crossroads on his life….
I loved how there was a crossover from another series by Casey Cox, it was nice to “see” the other couples again although it was very brief sigh…..
The epilogue is out of this world amazing and a tear jerker so be forewarned!
I loved their journey and look forward to Tyler’s story next!
April 2, 2022
This is the fourth book of this series and features Chase and Fischer. They both live in the same neighborhood and met when Chase took his piglets for a walk while Fischer took his kids for a walk at midnight. I loved how they started to have get together every Saturday and became friends first. This is a slow burn friends to lovers and I loved the pace as they both got out of relationships. I always love when authors put epilogues so we can see a snippet of their lives however many years in the future. Cannot wait for Tyler’s book.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
April 7, 2022
This was a lovely book. Chase and Fischer were great together. I loved how they formed such a strong and supportive friendship before finally deciding to become more intimate. It took them a small amount of time to get to a place where they were ready for what a relationship could bring, but it was perfectly paced. There was no real angst and it was lovely. I really enjoy this series.
August 23, 2022
Fun romance with 2 guys in their 30s starting the next phase of their lives - maybe with each other?
(Although I'm sorry, I don't care how good it sounds in a romance novel, you don't do that on sand without a blanket. Trust me!)
(Although I'm sorry, I don't care how good it sounds in a romance novel, you don't do that on sand without a blanket. Trust me!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2023
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this couple as much as the last two. The first is still my favorite. You still won’t go wrong with this read.
I enjoyed this couple as much as the last two. The first is still my favorite. You still won’t go wrong with this read.
January 3, 2024
literally obsessed!
I can’t stop reading this series. They’re so light and fluffy but still has a bit of angst without it taking away the sweetness of these stories.
This story has single dad, friends to lovers, coming out, and all the feels you can imagine. And let’s not forget first times and all the found family love you could ever want or need.
On to the next book!
I can’t stop reading this series. They’re so light and fluffy but still has a bit of angst without it taking away the sweetness of these stories.
This story has single dad, friends to lovers, coming out, and all the feels you can imagine. And let’s not forget first times and all the found family love you could ever want or need.
On to the next book!
April 8, 2022
Meh
Okay so this was just boring also I'm curious just how exactly we flashed forward 19 years and a child that was like 2 is now graduating from vet school hmm
Okay so this was just boring also I'm curious just how exactly we flashed forward 19 years and a child that was like 2 is now graduating from vet school hmm
October 6, 2023
After reading the last book and genuinely having a good time reading it, I decided I wanted to continue this series. Especially after we get glimpses of Chases and some of his struggles in the last couple of books I really wanted to read about his journey next.
The book started out really well. I really loved the friendship between all the vets. And the fact that Chase gets freaking piglets is so adorable. We get to see Chase and Fischer met right away and automatically have an instant attraction towards each other. It definitely gives me Insta love vibes but the relationship does build up slowly from friends to lovers and I really appreciate the build up between the characters so that they have enough time to get to know each other.
There was a weird gap in the story for me in the very beginning between chapters 4 and 5 it honestly felt unfinished in the scene that we were reading and not knowing what actually happened and the author never clarified anything up for us.
One of the things that I wasn’t a big fan of in this book was the constant back and forth with Fischer and Chase. One minute they are both telling themselves that they are only friends and that is all but then start flirting and doing things that friends who are strictly platonic friends wouldn’t do. I love me a good friends to lovers but these two were never really friends since they both felt an attraction and connection towards each other early on. Yes they did build a stable friendship but it was always more. Which means the constant back and forth a little tiring.
Then Chase suggests since Fischer just got done having bad date after bad dates and he isn’t really ready for full on dating yet that they pretty much be friends with benefits in a way. I don’t know I guess I just wanted a little more out of this story and of their development together. Luckily it doesn’t last long and Chase does start to realize that maybe he is being selfish and he should talk to Fischer about their feelings and if things are still working for them. It does slowly help him start to realize his own feelings and wanting more.
I did really enjoyed how sweet Chase was towards Fischer daughters and how he treats him as well. It was honestly the sweetest thing. He knew that Fischer was a package deal and absolutely loved that. He always wanted a family and he was the perfect man for the job.
Though I didn’t like the tiring back and forth with them I did like when they did communicate with each other and take responsibility for their actions, especially Chase. Owning up to his mistakes and what he wants moving forward.
I love the slow build up to sex. I find it so rare nowadays when two people take they time to getting there. I love the view they have on it that love and sex are one and the same that literally how I feel about it and it was nice to actually read about characters that feel the same way I do when it comes to it.
Overall I didn’t love this like I did with the last book but it wasn’t terrible either. They was a few things I wish was done better here and there but I overall had a good time with these guys and enjoyed getting to know about them more. After reading this I’m going to jump right into the next book cause Tyler has me curious about his book next.
The book started out really well. I really loved the friendship between all the vets. And the fact that Chase gets freaking piglets is so adorable. We get to see Chase and Fischer met right away and automatically have an instant attraction towards each other. It definitely gives me Insta love vibes but the relationship does build up slowly from friends to lovers and I really appreciate the build up between the characters so that they have enough time to get to know each other.
There was a weird gap in the story for me in the very beginning between chapters 4 and 5 it honestly felt unfinished in the scene that we were reading and not knowing what actually happened and the author never clarified anything up for us.
One of the things that I wasn’t a big fan of in this book was the constant back and forth with Fischer and Chase. One minute they are both telling themselves that they are only friends and that is all but then start flirting and doing things that friends who are strictly platonic friends wouldn’t do. I love me a good friends to lovers but these two were never really friends since they both felt an attraction and connection towards each other early on. Yes they did build a stable friendship but it was always more. Which means the constant back and forth a little tiring.
Then Chase suggests since Fischer just got done having bad date after bad dates and he isn’t really ready for full on dating yet that they pretty much be friends with benefits in a way. I don’t know I guess I just wanted a little more out of this story and of their development together. Luckily it doesn’t last long and Chase does start to realize that maybe he is being selfish and he should talk to Fischer about their feelings and if things are still working for them. It does slowly help him start to realize his own feelings and wanting more.
I did really enjoyed how sweet Chase was towards Fischer daughters and how he treats him as well. It was honestly the sweetest thing. He knew that Fischer was a package deal and absolutely loved that. He always wanted a family and he was the perfect man for the job.
Though I didn’t like the tiring back and forth with them I did like when they did communicate with each other and take responsibility for their actions, especially Chase. Owning up to his mistakes and what he wants moving forward.
I love the slow build up to sex. I find it so rare nowadays when two people take they time to getting there. I love the view they have on it that love and sex are one and the same that literally how I feel about it and it was nice to actually read about characters that feel the same way I do when it comes to it.
Overall I didn’t love this like I did with the last book but it wasn’t terrible either. They was a few things I wish was done better here and there but I overall had a good time with these guys and enjoyed getting to know about them more. After reading this I’m going to jump right into the next book cause Tyler has me curious about his book next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
My heart has exploded this book is just brilliant
I got a ARc copy of this book from the author and this is me leaving my honest review.
Chase has been going through the mill of late he is trying to find himself. He has been divorced from Julie for six months, for the first time he feels like he can breathe. He’s trying to find himself. Take time out and just live without any lies. He is proud to say he is gay. All the guys at Pet Shop boys vets give him their total support. Then one night when he’s out walking he’s three piglets (Yes you heard me right) he bumped into one of his new neighbours who is walking his twins in a stroller. It’s midnight there’s nobody around and they get talking.
Fischer is a single parent to twin girls who are 18 months old. He had been in a relationship but it seems that as soon as the kids came along he wasn’t interested anymore. And now Fischer is finally getting his life back on track. He moved back home and lives two doors up from his best friend. Gabby is amazing. One night when the girls are a bit touchy he takes them out for a walk and bumped into his neighbour. And they get talking. He’s not sure if he is in a relationship or if he straight, gay or even bi, But he finds it easy to talking to him. When Fisher takes his dogs to the vets who would be the vet ? None other than Chase and they get talking again. They just connect on an easy level there’s nothing forced, there’s no faking it’s just effortless.
As these guys spend more time together the attraction and the chemistry is beyond obvious. But are they ready for a relationship??
That’s all I’m giving you because this book will really hit your heart. You’ve got Chase who has finally admitted to myself that he is gay. After being married for so long to woman he has to do some real soul-searching to find out what he wants out of life. And when he meets Fischer it’s just like everything comes together but he’s scared to admit to himself what he wants. And Fischer is this amazing person who rambles on saying everything that he is thinking of and it is Uber Uber cute. They just make something extremely special and to read about them has been an absolute privilege. Honestly I’ve got the biggest smile on my face writing this review and my heart is bursting with feelings. I have enjoyed every book in this series for different reasons but this one really really touched my heart to watch the struggles and come through that tunnel ! amazing just amazing.
And let’s be honest I am super excited for the next book in the series because if it’s not about Tyler I am going to blow because Im am so intrigued about this young man.
A fantastic read Casey Cox does it again just fabulous.
I got a ARc copy of this book from the author and this is me leaving my honest review.
Chase has been going through the mill of late he is trying to find himself. He has been divorced from Julie for six months, for the first time he feels like he can breathe. He’s trying to find himself. Take time out and just live without any lies. He is proud to say he is gay. All the guys at Pet Shop boys vets give him their total support. Then one night when he’s out walking he’s three piglets (Yes you heard me right) he bumped into one of his new neighbours who is walking his twins in a stroller. It’s midnight there’s nobody around and they get talking.
Fischer is a single parent to twin girls who are 18 months old. He had been in a relationship but it seems that as soon as the kids came along he wasn’t interested anymore. And now Fischer is finally getting his life back on track. He moved back home and lives two doors up from his best friend. Gabby is amazing. One night when the girls are a bit touchy he takes them out for a walk and bumped into his neighbour. And they get talking. He’s not sure if he is in a relationship or if he straight, gay or even bi, But he finds it easy to talking to him. When Fisher takes his dogs to the vets who would be the vet ? None other than Chase and they get talking again. They just connect on an easy level there’s nothing forced, there’s no faking it’s just effortless.
As these guys spend more time together the attraction and the chemistry is beyond obvious. But are they ready for a relationship??
That’s all I’m giving you because this book will really hit your heart. You’ve got Chase who has finally admitted to myself that he is gay. After being married for so long to woman he has to do some real soul-searching to find out what he wants out of life. And when he meets Fischer it’s just like everything comes together but he’s scared to admit to himself what he wants. And Fischer is this amazing person who rambles on saying everything that he is thinking of and it is Uber Uber cute. They just make something extremely special and to read about them has been an absolute privilege. Honestly I’ve got the biggest smile on my face writing this review and my heart is bursting with feelings. I have enjoyed every book in this series for different reasons but this one really really touched my heart to watch the struggles and come through that tunnel ! amazing just amazing.
And let’s be honest I am super excited for the next book in the series because if it’s not about Tyler I am going to blow because Im am so intrigued about this young man.
A fantastic read Casey Cox does it again just fabulous.
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February 3, 2023The Smut Report team is participating in Wendy the Super Librarian's #TBRChallenge 2023. Our goal: to dust off our TBRs once a month and talk about the book we read.
Read our full TBR Challenge update at The Smut Report
This is very much in the middle of a series. The veterinarian, Chase, has been experiencing the end of his marriage until this point, and all the other protagonists and their partners show up immediately and with great regularity, and not just because they all work together. Could it be a standalone? Sure. But it’s definitely going to be a more robust read if you have Chase’s background and care about the secondary characters.
This whole series is really soft. It centers on self-exploration and vulnerability, overcoming deep-rooted fears to embrace love. The protagonists in this book in particular have very few personal struggles to overcome—Chase is trying to figure out who he is after trying to be who everyone else wanted him to be his whole life, and Fischer is figuring out how to adjust to his life as a single parent of twins after moving back to his hometown when his ex walked out. They’re not wealthy, but they don’t have to worry about money, or their jobs, or their families, or past trauma… You get the idea. It’s just really soft.
At first, Fischer and Chase simply befriend each other because neither has revealed he’s gay and both are doing the work of dealing with life. It’s a lot of charming, playing house relationship building. When their mutual attraction boils over, their relationship becomes a bit more rocky, since neither knows where he stands with the other, but their charming togetherness is never far away.
This book (and the series) is a comfort read to me. I don’t get the high highs and low lows of a really gripping story that makes your stomach flip-flop, but I was charmed by the care Fischer and Chase took with each other as they tried to figure out what they wanted as individuals and together. I appreciated that Fischer considered how his choices would affect his family, even though the girls were still babies. Also, Chase felt a lot of guilt over his divorce, but his ex was happier not being married to a man who wasn’t attracted to her, so here’s another one for the amicable divorce column. It was just a nice, feel-good romance.
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Read our full TBR Challenge update at The Smut Report
This is very much in the middle of a series. The veterinarian, Chase, has been experiencing the end of his marriage until this point, and all the other protagonists and their partners show up immediately and with great regularity, and not just because they all work together. Could it be a standalone? Sure. But it’s definitely going to be a more robust read if you have Chase’s background and care about the secondary characters.
This whole series is really soft. It centers on self-exploration and vulnerability, overcoming deep-rooted fears to embrace love. The protagonists in this book in particular have very few personal struggles to overcome—Chase is trying to figure out who he is after trying to be who everyone else wanted him to be his whole life, and Fischer is figuring out how to adjust to his life as a single parent of twins after moving back to his hometown when his ex walked out. They’re not wealthy, but they don’t have to worry about money, or their jobs, or their families, or past trauma… You get the idea. It’s just really soft.
At first, Fischer and Chase simply befriend each other because neither has revealed he’s gay and both are doing the work of dealing with life. It’s a lot of charming, playing house relationship building. When their mutual attraction boils over, their relationship becomes a bit more rocky, since neither knows where he stands with the other, but their charming togetherness is never far away.
This book (and the series) is a comfort read to me. I don’t get the high highs and low lows of a really gripping story that makes your stomach flip-flop, but I was charmed by the care Fischer and Chase took with each other as they tried to figure out what they wanted as individuals and together. I appreciated that Fischer considered how his choices would affect his family, even though the girls were still babies. Also, Chase felt a lot of guilt over his divorce, but his ex was happier not being married to a man who wasn’t attracted to her, so here’s another one for the amicable divorce column. It was just a nice, feel-good romance.
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April 6, 2022
Heartwarming Romance
Rating: 4.5🌈
Got Me Thinking, fourth book in Casey Cox’s terrific Vet Shop Boys series, is a very sweet,low angst, contemporary romance.
Chase Higgins is the vet who’s life has just had a complete life upheaval, after a long period of stress, and a inability to conceive children in a dying marriage. It was finally coming to the realization that he needs to live his truth, even if it hurts people close to him. That means telling his wife he’s gay, divorcing, and starting to live as a gay man. In his 30’s.
Fisher West is a single dad of twin girls. Recently relocated back to his hometown of Brookhaven, Virginia, to raise his girls, get his life settled after a heartbreaking dissolution of a relationship.
Each man has undergone enormous changes in their lives, made mental decisions as to any new romances, and new goals at home. Whether it’s small pigs as pets, houses to redo, or just getting reestablished in a community.
Cox gives us two wonderful, relatable men, puts each into situations the reader will connect to, then starts to push them together in the most delightful way.
As Chase figures out what being a “ out” gay man means , and Fisher helps just by being his friend, the warmth and joy of their growing relationship rises off the page. Whether it’s through interactions with all the kids, animals, Saturday dinners, or many conversations, all very realistic and funny and , thankfully, adult, it’s all so smoothly done, that I’m all in without realizing it.
I’m full all in love with the men, the idea of a combined family, the way they actually talk through the issues bothering them. That alone was masterful because it was so thoughtful and yes, grownup. It lacks drama, and I appreciate that. Sometimes, being a grownup, if there’s respect and intelligence, as well as the idea you communicate your thoughts and issues, that’s a great element in a romance and relationship.
The epilogue shows that they had obstacles to overcome but it’s such a marvelous chapter and we see how the family and men went on. Happy and very much in love.
Got Me Thinking (Vet Shop Boys #4) by Casey Cox is a wonderful contemporary romance, with a man who starts to live his truth and finds love, family, and a happy future. It’s a warm-hearted, loving book that will leave you smiling. What’s better then that?
I’m highly recommending this and this gentle series.
Rating: 4.5🌈
Got Me Thinking, fourth book in Casey Cox’s terrific Vet Shop Boys series, is a very sweet,low angst, contemporary romance.
Chase Higgins is the vet who’s life has just had a complete life upheaval, after a long period of stress, and a inability to conceive children in a dying marriage. It was finally coming to the realization that he needs to live his truth, even if it hurts people close to him. That means telling his wife he’s gay, divorcing, and starting to live as a gay man. In his 30’s.
Fisher West is a single dad of twin girls. Recently relocated back to his hometown of Brookhaven, Virginia, to raise his girls, get his life settled after a heartbreaking dissolution of a relationship.
Each man has undergone enormous changes in their lives, made mental decisions as to any new romances, and new goals at home. Whether it’s small pigs as pets, houses to redo, or just getting reestablished in a community.
Cox gives us two wonderful, relatable men, puts each into situations the reader will connect to, then starts to push them together in the most delightful way.
As Chase figures out what being a “ out” gay man means , and Fisher helps just by being his friend, the warmth and joy of their growing relationship rises off the page. Whether it’s through interactions with all the kids, animals, Saturday dinners, or many conversations, all very realistic and funny and , thankfully, adult, it’s all so smoothly done, that I’m all in without realizing it.
I’m full all in love with the men, the idea of a combined family, the way they actually talk through the issues bothering them. That alone was masterful because it was so thoughtful and yes, grownup. It lacks drama, and I appreciate that. Sometimes, being a grownup, if there’s respect and intelligence, as well as the idea you communicate your thoughts and issues, that’s a great element in a romance and relationship.
The epilogue shows that they had obstacles to overcome but it’s such a marvelous chapter and we see how the family and men went on. Happy and very much in love.
Got Me Thinking (Vet Shop Boys #4) by Casey Cox is a wonderful contemporary romance, with a man who starts to live his truth and finds love, family, and a happy future. It’s a warm-hearted, loving book that will leave you smiling. What’s better then that?
I’m highly recommending this and this gentle series.
March 30, 2022
Got Me Thinking by Casey Cox is the 4th Book in his Vet Shop Boys series. It is the story of two men who have had some big disappointments in their pasts and are starting over in hopes of making a better life. Chase is a vet who works at the Vet Shops Boys Clinic. He had been married to a woman for 10 years and had come to the realization he was gay and couldn’t do it any more. He hated that he hurt his ex-wife but he knew he had to start being true to his own self and not be what everyone else wanted him to be in order to be happy. He decided that he needed to find out what being his authentic self meant so he bought a fixer upper house and 3 potbelly piglets. Fischer was a digital marketing agent who had several overseas customers and he had twin daughters and two dogs. Unfortunately his partner left him without warning so he moved back to his hometown for a fresh start. One night he was walking he daughters in their stroller and he almost literally ran into Chase who was walking his piglets. They started a conversation and found out they lived on the same street. There was a tiny spark between them but neither was ready to start anything after all they had been through. The story continues as Fischer finds a dating app and starts going on dates that never work out while Chase occasionally babysits the girls. Then they fall into a pattern of having dinner at one of their houses the next night and they talk and get to know one another. This continues for several months and as it does their attraction grows until they finally kiss. There is some angst as they both don’t want their friendship to end over a relationship that might not work out, but their feelings for each other finally overcome this and after a while they realize they are in love. I really enjoyed this story, especially the main characters as you could see them grow throughout it. The girls and the piglets made it extra fun and their friends played a very big part in helping them to understand they were meant for each other. There were parts that had me laughing out loud and others where I nearly cried. And the love scenes were wonderful as Chase had his first experiences being with another man. I also liked that the epilogue happened 19 years later so you learned what happened to the girls and that Chase and Fischer were still very much in love. Casey Cox is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. His books are very entertaining, emotional, often humorous, and tell a complete story. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
April 26, 2023
(2,75 stars rated up) Got me Thinking is Chase and Fischer's story. You might remember Chase, one of the vets at the Vet Shop Boys clinic and at the beginning of the series the only one in an established relationship (married to a woman, trying to conceive with the help of multiple rounds of unsuccessful IVFs). Well... all that has changed because when we meet Chase again at the beginning of his story he is newly divorced and coming out as gay to his friends. Initially, his friends are worried about him because after such a life changing event Chase went and bough a fixer upper in the suburbs and got three pet piglets. But Chase is quick to assure them that he is not experiencing any type of breakdown, instead for the first time in his life, he's doing things he has always wanted opposed to doing all the things that were expected of him all his life. Chase is intent on taking the time and getting to know himself and even though freshly out he thinks dating would only distract from his new goals.
Chase's instant attraction when he meets Fischer, a single gay dad of twin girls and one of Chase's new neighbors, throws a bit of a wrench in Chase's plans. Still Chase is intent on keeping their developing friendship just that and supporting Fischer in any way he can (babysitting, offering a shoulder to cry on) while Fischer reluctantly tries dating again.
This was a sweet story about two men unexpectedly falling for each other and getting a second chance at love, but I personally found it quite boring. After Chase and Fischer started getting together I lost most of the interest I initially had in their (Chase's) story. The only major obstacle to their romance was Chase's weird hangup about actually dating Fisher, despite being attracted to him, having weekly dinners together and kissing every time they hung out. I really had to push myself through the second half, taking breaks between chapters in order to be able to finish this book. Objectively speaking, this was a low angst read about two very likable guys, deservedly getting their happily ever after, so if you're into that this just might be the story for you.
Themes: dual POV, coming out, neighbors to friends to lovers, single parent, first time with a man, small children, pets
Chase's instant attraction when he meets Fischer, a single gay dad of twin girls and one of Chase's new neighbors, throws a bit of a wrench in Chase's plans. Still Chase is intent on keeping their developing friendship just that and supporting Fischer in any way he can (babysitting, offering a shoulder to cry on) while Fischer reluctantly tries dating again.
This was a sweet story about two men unexpectedly falling for each other and getting a second chance at love, but I personally found it quite boring. After Chase and Fischer started getting together I lost most of the interest I initially had in their (Chase's) story. The only major obstacle to their romance was Chase's weird hangup about actually dating Fisher, despite being attracted to him, having weekly dinners together and kissing every time they hung out. I really had to push myself through the second half, taking breaks between chapters in order to be able to finish this book. Objectively speaking, this was a low angst read about two very likable guys, deservedly getting their happily ever after, so if you're into that this just might be the story for you.
Themes: dual POV, coming out, neighbors to friends to lovers, single parent, first time with a man, small children, pets
April 5, 2022
I love this series and Casey's writing makes the characters really personable, people very easy to connect with while they connect with each other.
Chase finally gets his story after we've read about his marriage not going too well in the previous couple of books. Now he's living life as an out gay man in a home he is looking forward to working on with his three pet piglets. Running into Fischer on a midnight stroll changes his plans of just being alone for a while and a friendship blossoms as attraction simmers below the surface. Fischer has little twin girls to constantly worry on, two dogs and a best friend who suggests he needs to start dating again. Those dates are just the precursor to what he actually enjoys, coming home to talk with Chase before having dinner with him the next night with their kidlets, piglets and puppies.
Their slow burn romance isn't without its hurdles but it's more one of two that they put in their own way by not communicating or, in Fischer's case, rambling away. It's heartwarming, funny and charming as they slowly work their way to becoming more to each other with helpful input from their friends who only want them to be loved and happy. It's especially wonderful reading Chase's journey as he learns to live his life to his own best rather than trying to make others happy and Fischer, his girls and their animals really bring that joy to his life. Well, they bring it to each others, Fischer finally having a partner that loves him and his children, is happy and settled with their life and trusting him not to leave him in the callous way his ex did.
Another fantastic addition to the series. Fans will love it and it can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order as characters have new partners that join along the way, hugely increasing the Vet Shop Boys family for the better. Looking forward to the next book which I hope will be Tyler's story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Chase finally gets his story after we've read about his marriage not going too well in the previous couple of books. Now he's living life as an out gay man in a home he is looking forward to working on with his three pet piglets. Running into Fischer on a midnight stroll changes his plans of just being alone for a while and a friendship blossoms as attraction simmers below the surface. Fischer has little twin girls to constantly worry on, two dogs and a best friend who suggests he needs to start dating again. Those dates are just the precursor to what he actually enjoys, coming home to talk with Chase before having dinner with him the next night with their kidlets, piglets and puppies.
Their slow burn romance isn't without its hurdles but it's more one of two that they put in their own way by not communicating or, in Fischer's case, rambling away. It's heartwarming, funny and charming as they slowly work their way to becoming more to each other with helpful input from their friends who only want them to be loved and happy. It's especially wonderful reading Chase's journey as he learns to live his life to his own best rather than trying to make others happy and Fischer, his girls and their animals really bring that joy to his life. Well, they bring it to each others, Fischer finally having a partner that loves him and his children, is happy and settled with their life and trusting him not to leave him in the callous way his ex did.
Another fantastic addition to the series. Fans will love it and it can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order as characters have new partners that join along the way, hugely increasing the Vet Shop Boys family for the better. Looking forward to the next book which I hope will be Tyler's story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 23, 2025
As with the first three books, the cover shown on Goodreads is pretty meh. Check out this infinitely better cover: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7...
This fourth book in the series lacks the tension/interest of the first three, but it's charming nevertheless. Pretty much zero angst, which I don't mind once in a while. While I've read plenty of zero-angst books that managed to be well-paced and interesting, this one was more on the gently-paced and introspective side. It was rather nice, really. I didn't get bored - just kind of felt like I was along for the ride with two really lovely men finding each other. Nothing profound, but definitely more than fluff. There were some really nice heart-to-heart talks with friends from the previous books.
Chase (one of the vets, recently divorced from his wife), has finally come out as gay. There's a meet-cute with Fisher, and friendship develops. Fisher is coming off a bad break-up with the a-hole he adopted two kids with. An fair amount of the book is spent on Chase over-thinking his new life and how it should be lived (not diving into another relationship), as before he had always tried to live life meeting others' expectations. It's perfectly in keeping with his past and his personality, though, so it doesn't seem like wasted time. There's a refreshing amount of friendship development and dancing around each other before they finally (gasp) kiss. They move v e r y s l o w l y. Nothing especially wrong with that. There's decent chemistry and while there are fewer steamy scenes than in the previous books, they're all meaningful, and some are delightfully adventurous. And I always enjoy the whole gay-guy-was-pretending-to-be-straight-his-whole-life-so-when-he-comes-out-he-has-never-Been-With-A-Man things. Kind of hot.
Audiobook: John Solo was good. He does a really nice job of going beyond the printed word to make the dialogue more natural by adding in audible breaths (shaky nervous breaths, emotional sad breaths, sexy gasps, etc.) that make the characters come to life. the I listened on Hoopla.
This fourth book in the series lacks the tension/interest of the first three, but it's charming nevertheless. Pretty much zero angst, which I don't mind once in a while. While I've read plenty of zero-angst books that managed to be well-paced and interesting, this one was more on the gently-paced and introspective side. It was rather nice, really. I didn't get bored - just kind of felt like I was along for the ride with two really lovely men finding each other. Nothing profound, but definitely more than fluff. There were some really nice heart-to-heart talks with friends from the previous books.
Chase (one of the vets, recently divorced from his wife), has finally come out as gay. There's a meet-cute with Fisher, and friendship develops. Fisher is coming off a bad break-up with the a-hole he adopted two kids with. An fair amount of the book is spent on Chase over-thinking his new life and how it should be lived (not diving into another relationship), as before he had always tried to live life meeting others' expectations. It's perfectly in keeping with his past and his personality, though, so it doesn't seem like wasted time. There's a refreshing amount of friendship development and dancing around each other before they finally (gasp) kiss. They move v e r y s l o w l y. Nothing especially wrong with that. There's decent chemistry and while there are fewer steamy scenes than in the previous books, they're all meaningful, and some are delightfully adventurous. And I always enjoy the whole gay-guy-was-pretending-to-be-straight-his-whole-life-so-when-he-comes-out-he-has-never-Been-With-A-Man things. Kind of hot.
Audiobook: John Solo was good. He does a really nice job of going beyond the printed word to make the dialogue more natural by adding in audible breaths (shaky nervous breaths, emotional sad breaths, sexy gasps, etc.) that make the characters come to life. the I listened on Hoopla.
April 3, 2022
Friends to lovers in slow burn, low angst love story
This is only the second book of Casey's that I have read and I gathered that 'oceans that swim', which I absolutely adored, is very different in tone to his other books so I wasn't sure what to expect this time but thankfully, I loved this story too.
Chase and Fischer were wonderful characters, and the supporting cast were great too. Although the story included men from the first three books I didn't feel as though I needed to have read those books first to make sense of the story (but I will definitely read them at some point).
After literally bumping in to each other on their street late at night, Chase and Fischer can't stop thinking about each other but neither is in a place for a relationship. I love how they became close friends, going regularly to each other's houses for meals, including Fischer's twin girls and their pets on every occasion that they meet up. They became a family from the very beginning without even realising it and that was perfect.
It made me laugh when Fischer tied himself in knots with his rambling and Chase just let him burn himself out while smiling affectionately at him. It made me happy when Chase realised he could finally stop trying to live up to everyone else's expectations and do what he wanted and needed to be happy.
The connection and affection between them is obvious from the start. The love between them only grew throughout the book and the slow burn ramped up towards the end when the sheets (and everywhere else!) were on fire.
I especially loved the epilogue showing how their love was even stronger after two decades, burning even brighter if that was possible, after many years together raising their family.
This is only the second book of Casey's that I have read and I gathered that 'oceans that swim', which I absolutely adored, is very different in tone to his other books so I wasn't sure what to expect this time but thankfully, I loved this story too.
Chase and Fischer were wonderful characters, and the supporting cast were great too. Although the story included men from the first three books I didn't feel as though I needed to have read those books first to make sense of the story (but I will definitely read them at some point).
After literally bumping in to each other on their street late at night, Chase and Fischer can't stop thinking about each other but neither is in a place for a relationship. I love how they became close friends, going regularly to each other's houses for meals, including Fischer's twin girls and their pets on every occasion that they meet up. They became a family from the very beginning without even realising it and that was perfect.
It made me laugh when Fischer tied himself in knots with his rambling and Chase just let him burn himself out while smiling affectionately at him. It made me happy when Chase realised he could finally stop trying to live up to everyone else's expectations and do what he wanted and needed to be happy.
The connection and affection between them is obvious from the start. The love between them only grew throughout the book and the slow burn ramped up towards the end when the sheets (and everywhere else!) were on fire.
I especially loved the epilogue showing how their love was even stronger after two decades, burning even brighter if that was possible, after many years together raising their family.
August 17, 2022
Got Me Thinking is a neighbors to friends to lovers story with a sweet slow burn that feels like a completely natural escalation. When Chase and Fischer meet, they're not looking for true love. Chase is recently divorced and freshly out of the closet, determined to find himself and live his life for him for the first time. Fischer is a single dad of twins, still recovering (emotionally) from his last relationship. But the universe tosses them together and they begin to bond. The friendship turns into something more, but they take their time in exploring that.
A part of that slowness to explore is the fact that Fischer is a single dad and therefore, they don't have a lot of alone time. The other part is that they're both figuring out what they want. They're both just getting back out there for the first time in a long time and their struggles feel so relatable because of that.
I loved how they found enjoyment in the simple things together: weekly dinners, bike rides, things like that. They weren't out there trying to have what most people would call the most exciting life and it felt very true to the characters.
We also got some great times with the other Vet Shop Boys while getting to know Chase, the character who has eluded me in terms of who he is throughout the whole series. Now that we've had his story, he's high up on my favorites list. I just loved him so much - and his piglets.
If you're wanting something low angst and slow burn, I would recommend this. It can be read as a standalone, but honestly the entire series is worth a read and it will enhance the story for you to know more of the side characters.
A part of that slowness to explore is the fact that Fischer is a single dad and therefore, they don't have a lot of alone time. The other part is that they're both figuring out what they want. They're both just getting back out there for the first time in a long time and their struggles feel so relatable because of that.
I loved how they found enjoyment in the simple things together: weekly dinners, bike rides, things like that. They weren't out there trying to have what most people would call the most exciting life and it felt very true to the characters.
We also got some great times with the other Vet Shop Boys while getting to know Chase, the character who has eluded me in terms of who he is throughout the whole series. Now that we've had his story, he's high up on my favorites list. I just loved him so much - and his piglets.
If you're wanting something low angst and slow burn, I would recommend this. It can be read as a standalone, but honestly the entire series is worth a read and it will enhance the story for you to know more of the side characters.
April 5, 2022
I absolutely adored this book! Despite being a pretty significant secondary character in the first three books of this series, Chase was someone that we really didn't know a whole lot about except for his struggling marriage and unsuccessful attempts to have children. When Got Me Thinking starts, Chase is newly single and looking to figure out who he really is without the expectations of what he "should" do. This idea really resonated with me because I too have spent a lot of my life doing the things I "should" be doing and being totally miserable while pretending to be happy. I love that even though Chase was in his mid-thirties, he didn't let that stop him from going after what he really wanted in life and was true to who he really is. Fischer was just the best character and I loved his two girls and two adorable Frenchies! While I hated how Fischer and his girls ended up on their own, I loved the connection Chase and Fischer built between them, first with friendship and then the romance. It was so sweet to see these two wonderful men finally be able to build the family they had always wanted together. There were lots of little easter eggs in this book and I loved getting to see more of the Florida gang! Also, I loved that the author gave his own two Frenchies a cameo in his book! So amazing! I can't wait to see what is in store for Tyler in the next book! I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to these amazing characters!
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