Ancient History

South Rock High #1

by A.J. Truman

The guy who broke my heart is back and teaching at my school. I’m really trying not to give an F.

A long time ago, in a suburban high school not so far away, a closeted nerd (me) and a closeted soccer star (Hutch) fell in love and planned to make their public debut at prom. Until Hutch bailed at the last minute, leaving me with a broken heart and unworn tuxedo. Tale as old as time, right?

I spent the past ten years working to forget Hutch, returning to our old high school to teach and make new memories that could erase ones of him. I thought Hutch was ancient history, off living his professional athlete life. But he’s suddenly back in Sourwood, coaching soccer at South Rock High, and sexy as ever. Just when I’d gotten over him, we’re now colleagues.

As Hutch leads the soccer team to victory once again, and we find ourselves trading stolen glances in the halls, it feels like a reboot of our high school bad romance. Especially after a late night encounter where I find myself climbing him like the rope in gym class. Oops.

Hutch wants to give us another try, but what if history is doomed to repeat itself?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, LGBT, Sports, Audiobook

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2022

About the author

Welcome! I’m a gay male author who writes MM romance filled with humor, heart, and hot guys. My characters fall into bed and fall in love, usually in that order. Think LOL meets DTF.

I live in central Indiana, surrounded by churches and Olive Gardens, with my husband, kids, and cats. When I’m not writing, I’m chasing around a toddler or sneaking off to a movie.

Make sure to sign up for my newsletter The Outsiders to get the latest updates on my books and to start reading free stories.

http://www.ajtruman.com/outsiders/

Reviews

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp]

DNF @53%

This is a second-chance romance without any drama. Maybe it’s just me, but this trope needs at least some angst to work well.

Amos forgave Hutch without even an explanation, which just doesn’t make sense to me. Not that Hutch’s idiotic reason for breaking Amos’ heart and leaving him for ten years was a very good one anyway, but I would have liked Amos to at least demand some sort of explanation. But nope. They just dove right into bed together…

I’m sure there will be plenty of people who think this is a cute and nice read, but it was way too uneventful for me. It was extremely repetitive and it didn’t really have any depth, tension or chemistry… It also wasn’t as funny as the other books I’ve read by this author. For me, it was just boring.


'South Rock High' series:
1. Ancient History - dnf
2. Drama! - 4.0 stars
3. Romance Languages - dnf

[Snjez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a sweet and fun read and for the most part I really enjoyed it. My highlights of the book include:

- Amos and Hutch as the main characters
- the MCs being teachers
- Amos's group of best friends, also teachers
- the humor
- the way a student situation was handled, maybe not realistic but I still liked it
- a second chance romance done well

Based on the things mentioned above, I was sure this would be a strong 4-star read for me. But there is a 'however'.

I don't understand why some authors feel the need to insert some unnecessary drama in the last 30 pages or so and disrupt the flow of the story. It really annoyed me here. I wanted to see Amos and Hutch at the prom. I was looking forward to it. Amos deserved that prom. Why come up with that cute promposal and than nothing? And no, the hospital cafeteria doesn't count. When would Hutch have the time to organize that? Just to make a sort of grand gesture out of it? I'm allergic to those. The rest of the story was ok, I guess, but my heart wasn't in it anymore.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet second chance gay/mm romance.

The premise: two boys meet in high school, begin secretly dating for two years. One is a self-proclaimed nerd, and the other is the high school soccer champion. For reasons, they break up their senior at prom.

Fast forward 10 years, they are once again reunited, teaching at the same high school they first fell in love at.

Fabulous best friends group
Sweetest dad
Genuine emotions
Sweet, not overly dramatic
Loved you since childhood
Homophobia

I really enjoyed this story. This is not high angst, much more realistic and grounded. It’s sexy, honest and ends with a well-deserved hea.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25**** stars


⇢ Alexa, play "You and I" by One Direction


I honestly only picked this up because I wanted to read the second book in the series but it was surprisingly sweet and delightful to read! Exactly what I needed today with me sitting outside, enjoying the sun and a deserved break from work.


I loved the sassy group of best friends/co-working teachers a lot and I’m glad I didn’t miss out on the introduction of all these lovely characters.

So the series starts off with Amos, the first one of that nerdy teachers-squad. He teaches Ancient History at South Rock High and everything’s fine until his ex-boyfriend Hutch comes back to town and takes over the school’s gym and soccer practice (you know, the sport we rightfully call football over here in Europe *lolll).

They dated for two years in secret and were big into the whole puppy-love until Senior Prom when Hutch ditched Amos for a Cheerleader and stated he’s straight. But whatever really happened there, it’s obvious neither man really got over what they had a decade ago in high school.

Amos is understandably prickly at first. And cautious. Not willing to get his heart broken by this man again. But it’s not long until they cannot resist the other. Second-Chance at its best.

This was so wholesome, sweet, no miscommunication and low on the drama without being boring. A perfect comfort-read that touched my heart and made me smile and laugh a lot. ♡ Absolute favorite side character: Pop, Hutch’s dad.


I can’t wait to dive into the next book. Everett and Raleigh were already hilarious in this one.




***********
South Rock High Series:

Book 1 - Ancient History - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Drama! - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - Romance Languages - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Advanced Chemistry - release 12/23

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Second chance done really well. It exceeded my expectations after I didn't love the Falcon and the Foe by this author, but this one I really loved. As always, love to read mature older characters who communicate with no manufactured drama. Excited to read the rest of this series. I wasn't planning on reading the rest of the single dad's club series after reading the first one, but I may even decide to go back to continue that as well!

[Papie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to 79%, but I just don’t care anymore.

It’s cute. Very cute. Sexy. Lots of sex. Too much sex. All the characters are cliché. The jocks. The nerds. The history nerd. The chemistry nerd. The star athlete, whose parents hired a lawyer to defend his plagiarism? What did I just read?

I don’t know anymore if I’m just a grumpy reader or what. Am I broken?

[~Nicole~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always when it comes to this author I had a great time reading this book. I’ve read all the books in the Single dads club series and I enjoyed them ..They’re all light ,easy reads , funny here and there , pretty well written and very enjoyable. I usually prefer heavier books ,not particularly full of angst but with a more serious tone and of course, good writing ..And this author writes very good but,and there’s a but , I don’t think this is A.J. Truman’s full potential. Maybe in the future we could see a different kind of book from them, one that’s not a light rom com but a weighty one, an epic love story because I really like their writing style.
Having said that , let’s get back to this one here.. Amos and Hutch were hilarious; I found myself laughing out loud a few times, like when car phone Alexa replayed to Amos,out loud, Hutch’s messages in front of Everett .

“Alexa’s flat monotone voice : “I can’t stop thinking about last night,” the voice read aloud—very aloud. “I want to be inside you again. Peach emoji. Eggplant emoji.”

Or when Hutch was baffled by Raleigh being “holesexual” ..

I liked Amos and Hutch but if I’m honest I wouldn’t have forgiven Hutch that easily mainly because his reasons for hurting Amos were weak .. He was kind of an insensitive coward - he had a loving father, there were other gay couples out in school and mostly because he preferred loosing Amos to losing a bunch of friends (that he decided to drop anyway after graduation ). And the whole “Seth’s threat to out Amos” excuse was also poor because Amos wanted to come out, begged Hutch to come out so Seth had no power. And you know, it’s not even about what he did to Amos but about how he did it. I understand that fear is a powerful emotion but the way he did the deed and how he left it like that for 10 years made me less inclined to believe that he never stopped loving Amos. Oh, and Seth’s repentance was sooo OTT and unrealistic 🙄 As was the OTT open minded Pop..
So, the book was cute, funny and enjoyable but I really really want to read a good strong book by this author because these light rom coms are starting to get old and I’m ready for something more from this author.

[Ben Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ancient History is a second chance romance between a history teacher and a soccer *cough*football*cough* coach. Amos and Hutch were secret high-school sweethearts, except when their plans of coming out by going to prom together went awry.

Ten years later, Hutch returns to his hometown to take care of his father and start his new job as coach and gym teacher. At his old high school, the one where his ex is a teacher as well.

The author did a great job building the tension between Amos and Hutch, their baggage and unresolved feelings for one another. They didn't immediately hop back into bed with one another. I truly felt Amos's hurt, and Hutch had to work to rebuild the trust between them.

The setting and world felt lived in. I was excited to meet the side characters and learn more about them. Which is great because it means I have more books in this world to read and enjoy; the rest of this series, as well as the Single Dads Club which is set in this world.

[Em Jay]

DNF @ 57%. No rating but also just No ❤️

I should’ve stopped reading at “cuddle slut” or more so at the “holesexual” joke but I didn’t and that’s on me. However ”we were in some deranged butt-sex-flavored Romeo and Juliet redux” is where my cringe-meter peaked and I can’t go on.

This is my second book by this author and unfortunately my second DNF. Their style of writing and brand of humor are not for me. The humor feels crass and juvenile but instead of being funny feels cringey. A lot of the book text includes acronyms you’d see when people are text messaging each other, not actually using while speaking or thinking within their inner monologue. It’s also chalk full of pop culture references that feel thrown in instead of used naturally. While I love, love, love lighthearted fun romcoms there’s just something lacking in both books I’ve read. The promising idea based on a great premise that somehow misses all the opportunities to be truly engaging. The characters themselves felt one-dimensional, and outside of feeling like this —> 🥴, I was also kind of bored.

That’s just my lowly opinion and I’m sure lots of folks will have a blast with this book and the author’s other works to come.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like stories about nerd and jocks, and I like stories about teachers. This one is both and features one adorkable history professor and one pro soccer player turned gym teacher and coach.

This is a cute, fun, dual-POV story, with almost no angst.

That being said, I think the author uses too many quirky similes and metaphors.

The MCs' voices sounded too similar, and parts of the story dragged for me.

I'm still going to read the second book.

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM Romance
Second Chance Nerd/Jock
3 Stars ⭐️

A To Z Title Reading Challenge: A


I picked this up because I wanted to read book 2 of this series, Drama!, and since it’s an enemies to lovers theme it’s always better to read the one before to get the whole picture of why two people can’t stand each other. I was not disappointed when it came to the annoyance between Everett and Raleigh but everything else was just kind of forgettable. However, I’ve been wanting to do an A to Z title challenge for awhile and since this just happens to start with an A, I can finally start it. It was also one of 2022 reading goals according to my goodreads thing from last year so yay goals 😂 Nothing like procrastinating until the last month though Megan, good work 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

This is a second chance nerd/jock teacher romance. Hutch and Amos were high school secret sweethearts and were set to come out at prom together but they broke each other’s hearts instead. 10 years later Hutch returns to town to coach soccer at his old high school and finds Amos is a history teacher there. There’s some awkwardness between them as they interact as teachers but they still can’t resist each other after all this time.

I liked this book, in theory. Let me explain. This book made me laugh out loud multiple times because both characters were just so awkward and ridiculous. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact Hutch was supposedly a popular jock in high school because he was nerdier than Amos! Saying that though, these two were adorable together and I liked both of them no matter how corny Hutch was. There just wasn’t much depth and half the time I forgot I was reading this book after I put it down but then I’d open my kindle and it would be on top and I’d be like DUH 🤦🏻‍♀️ and pick it back up because it made me laugh and I so needed that a few days ago. Part of me is surprised I finished this because the whole reason these two stopped talking in high school didn’t make much sense and was easily forgivable even if it was heartbreaking when it happened. It just wasn’t the big deal Hutch made out to be since so many other of his teammates and teachers were gay and out at the school. It was a really weak reason and this author could have done something a lot more interesting. The middle of this book dragged a bit but I did love Hutch’s fierce defense of Amos and all the things he did to make up for the past. It was cute just a bit lackluster and cliché and since it’s my first time reading this author I can only hope Drama! has more to offer.

[L Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, no angst, romance about two men who decide to give their relationship a second chance after ending things on a sour note 10 years prior. The story was okay but because there wasn’t any outside drama or conflict between the MCs it started to a little boring as time went on. After the non-conflict concerning one of their students was settled at around the 77% mark I started skimming more and more till I reached the end. What saved this story from being too bad was how easy it was to read as well as all of the awkward moments between the main characters that made me laugh out loud. Those two are corny as hell and I loved how neither one of them could tell. 2.75 stars

[Gustaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly this was pretty bland. the characters were really one dimensional and i wish they talked more about their issues.
i really enjoyed the last quarter though, so silver lining i guess.

there was something weird about the writing, sometimes it felt very different from the other books, there were randomly exclamation marks that made me frown because they had no business being there. just like when you email your boss but you don’t want to sound stern so you add your little exclamation points and everything looks happier. works in an email, not so much in a book.

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, angst free, but not overwhelmingly gripping.

Did I like it? Yes, and if I hadn't read a REALLY good book before, I might have rated it higher.

But as it was, while I enjoyed reading it, it didn't suck me in and if I'm honest I skimmed quite a bit towards the end.

It's the story of Amos, who teaches Ancient History at his old school, and Hutch, an ex soccer player who returns to his old school as a coach. Amos and Hutch have a history together, as they've been (closeted) boyfriends for the 2 final years at school until Hutch broke off with Amos.

The reason behind the breakup felt a bit fabricated, but usually we don't read these books for realism, right? I liked the characters, even if - as most times in a first book of a series - we have many side characters who are being set up for future books. But I likes the dynamics in Amos' circle of friends, and as I mentioned, both Amos and Hutch themselves were highly likable. Yes, it's the nerd/jock classic, but it's a pairing I like, so it didn't bother me that the characters felt a bit cliché.

I just realised that I might have overused the term "like" in my review, but I can't help it - I don't have anything bad to say about it - I LIKED, but didn't LOVE it.

Looking forward to the next book!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Truman's Single Dads Club series, so I was excited to jump into South Rock High, especially since the first story in this series features Amos. I loved him in Single Dads Club, so I wanted to see him get his HEA. I love a good second chance romance, and Amos and Hutch's story was just that - a really sweet, low-angst second chance romance. Nothing groundbreaking happened, there were no big reveals, and the story went just as you'd expect, but it was cute! 3.5* rounded up to 4* for me.

Iggy Toma did a good job with the audio, but I have to admit, I missed Nick J Russo after listening to him narrate the other series. I like Iggy Toma, I do, but I think I'm coming to realize he's not the best with emotions and intimate scenes. He just doesn't emote as much as I like.

[Melanie THEE Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading this book with a giant grin on my face. RTC.

What a delightful surprise. Ancient History is a second chance romance starring Amos Bright and Hutch Hawkins. Amos and Hutch were high school sweethearts but they had to sneak around due to Hutch's fear of how his dad and friends would react if they knew he was gay. During their senior year, Hutch decides that he's ready to come out to his loved ones and he and Amos plan to have a grand hard launch at their prom. Unfortunately, on prom night, Hutch breaks up with Amos via TEXT MESSAGE and Amos never quite recovers from that heartache.

10 years later, Amos is now an enthusiastic history teacher at his former high school. He has a job that he loves, great friends and he's (mostly) moved on from his prom night heartbreak. That is until none other than his ex-boyfriend walks through the door. After an ACL injury ends his professional soccer career, Hutch has been hired to be the new soccer coach and physical education teacher. DUN DUN DUNNNNN.


“The world around us shut off. Time stopped. We were high school lovers. We were adults. We were everywhere in between, infinite dots connected on the same timeline.”


This book was just what I needed right now, low angst, funny and steamy. It felt like a warm hug. Initially, Amos tries to keep Hutch at a cold professional distance, until he's reminded of how much he enjoys Hutch's company, not just as boyfriends, but as friends. Rebuilding their friendship is vital to them moving forward. There's communication, genuine apologies and adults acting like adults. Whenever there is an opportunity for misunderstandings or miscommunication, they simply talk it out! So, when they're finally ready to pursue a relationship again, all their cards are on the table. WHAT A CONCEPT.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I can tell that Raleigh and Everett are going to be chaotic enemies to lovers' goodness!

I also loved Hutch's dad "Pop" We stan an ALLY. We also stan a man who isn't afraid to shoot his shot with his doctor moments after waking up from HEART SURGERY. The rizz cannot be contained!

[Ninni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance story. Cute, funny and hot. And thankfully - no unecessary drama.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, easy read. A pretty much angst free second chance romance, which, at times is welcome. Sometimes easy, breezy and beautiful is the way to go.

I do wish I had known this was a spin-off, there were a lot of mentions of things I didn't know about and people I didn't know about and I'm a huge advocate of reading in order so...

But, no worries. I enjoyed myself and it was a great escape. I'll continue and also find the other series.

[ivy]

DNF @ 80% - this was SO very funny, witty, everything but unfortunately was a case of the relationship developed, all the sex was had, I love you’s were said, all in the first 60%, so now we are left a bunch of sex scenes to skim through and excess plot that makes no difference to the relationship.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, low angst, second chance story about a couple reuniting after 10 years apart. Amos is a history teacher at the same high school that he went to and fell in love with the soccer star Hutch. Now, Hutch is the new soccer coach at the high school and neither of them are ready for how they feel.

I did enjoy nerdy Amos and his group of friends. They were funny and really had each other’s back. Hutch was also very likeable and I loved the relationship he had with his dad.

At times, the story did drag for a me a little bit, and maybe some drama was thrown in which irked me. But other than that, an enjoyable read.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance romance, unexpectedly. Very nicely done. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Romysaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐

I started this very randomly while scrolling through my TBR list, and despite my dislike of second chances I started it because Nerd and Jock dinamic? I think this is my favorite micro-trope ever!

But this book didn't reach it for me.
It was cute, enjoyable, very easy going. And also cringe (at sometimes not always). very superficial, it didn't fit the main trope and the whole plot; The second chance. I was expecting more angst, not so much drama but not this level from tolerance though.
I didn't connect much with the characters aside from Amos and he annoyed me at many events, you don't have to be this depraste about your high school sweetheart who dumped you without explanation. Like chill down boy, why are you giving him bj first, without him apologizing at least??

I loved the writing style, it was fun if we don't think much about the cliché and embarrassing parts.

The unnecessary drama of Pop at the end?
Not gonna talk about it.

[Ele · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

It was ok, I liked it. It's just that in second chance stories (especially the ones that ended in such an ugly way) I expect more angst and conflict. Here, the reconciliation and the "I love yous" came way too early.

But Amos teaching history was like porn to me, and I loved the banter among Amos's friends and their group chat. I'm definitely going to keep up with the rest of the series.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to the South Rock High series. I loved the prequel novella, Getting Schooled, and Ancient History was even better. I love Amos! He's so cute and funny and him and Hutch are just everything together. I loved seeing them get their happy ending. They both deserved it and were both over due for some happiness. The characters in this series are wonderful, great plot, and love the small town of Sourwood. Very much looking forward to Everett and Raleigh's book.

Fave quote: Amos 58% "I looked up at the window. Pure ecstasy waited for me in that window. Time to Romeo and Juliet the f*** out of this."
Amos cracks me up, too cute and too funny, just love him!


Just reread via audiobook and loved it even more! Iggy Toma did a fantastic job!

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3 Stars

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, this can’t be happening, history teacher, Amos can’t believe his eyes, Hutch is walking through his school, the guy who broke his heart ten years ago. They would go public at the prom as partners, instead, Hutch chooses to go with a girl as a straight guy.

Yeah, Hutch did well in life (not) at 28 years, he’s back in his childhood bedroom and going back to school, now as a coach leading the high school soccer team, but still. He worked hard to get away, but it seems he didn’t succeed.

This was a sweet read, easygoing, I expected or maybe hoped, for more enemies to lovers moments. They were quickly back where they left, as lovers. The road to their happy end was fun, with mild stress, there are funny conversations and moments with family, colleagues, and a supporting group of best friends.
I had a good time reading this one. The writing style is catching and well-structured. The characters are enough developed, I could feel them.
Overall a lovely read!

[Aricka Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Screw GPA. I wanted to get to pound town, and I wanted Hutch to take me there.”

4.25⭐️

Listen give me a sweet drama free mm romance with a jock and nerd and I’m sold. I’m easily entertained. Hutch and Amos were fucking adorable and I enjoyed their second chance romance. The entire cast of the book were cute and I definitely will read on to see their stories. This was super fast, with good humor and swift hot sex scenes. No super emotional moments or emotional drama but hey sometimes we don’t need that. I enjoy this for what it was, a low risk romance. It’s one of those books that are just something to read for a good time and a total recommendation for a first time mm romance book. Plus we get good “epilogue” chapters seeing them through their romance after the main plot finishes which I love. Good time no notes needed.

[Marcos “MSMDragon” · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really like A.J. Truman’s writing. This story was cute and quick to read. The characters were enjoyable. The spice level was just right for me, not too crazy but still hot. I also really enjoyed the throwback to characters from the Single Dads Club series.

[Renée · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Very surface level. I skimmed a lot.