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Love in No Man's Land #1
Textual Connections
Mal
I thought I was good with my life in No Man’s Land. Truth be told, I was, until I messaged Bear.
What started as an online debate about coffee vs wine, has become something so much more, it doesn’t even matter that I don’t know his real name and have never seen his face. My daughter doesn’t agree.
She wants me to find someone “real” before she leaves for college, so when the neighbors hot brother rolls into town, she’s less than subtle about my single status.
Bobby is a free spirit, man in every town, according to his sister, but that’s not really him. He’s fun, adventurous, kind, and he’s a fantastic flirt, so when the similarities between Bear and Bobby start to align I can hardly believe my luck.
Can my online crush really be the guy next door?
Bear
I never wanted to come back to Nomanland, traveling the world is everything to me, but the money has almost run out and I’m in desperate need of a sponsor that doesn’t make me cringe.
My sister thinks I’m crazy for not wanting to settle down, and when I told her about chatting online with Mal she basically gave me the whole catfish creeper tv-special warning and begged me not to try to meet him for real.
Not that Mal would want to come to Nomanland. I can’t see what this small town has to offer anyone, that is until Michael takes it upon himself to show me the beauty of this town I’d chosen to forget.
Michael owns the local café, he’s a fan of puns, is an amazing dad and loves travel, though he’s never actually been anywhere… just like Mal.
I tell myself I must be crazy, because if Michael really is Mal, how long has he known? Was Meg right? Did I come back to Normanland just to get my heart broken, or could Mal really be the happy beginning I never knew I needed?
I thought I was good with my life in No Man’s Land. Truth be told, I was, until I messaged Bear.
What started as an online debate about coffee vs wine, has become something so much more, it doesn’t even matter that I don’t know his real name and have never seen his face. My daughter doesn’t agree.
She wants me to find someone “real” before she leaves for college, so when the neighbors hot brother rolls into town, she’s less than subtle about my single status.
Bobby is a free spirit, man in every town, according to his sister, but that’s not really him. He’s fun, adventurous, kind, and he’s a fantastic flirt, so when the similarities between Bear and Bobby start to align I can hardly believe my luck.
Can my online crush really be the guy next door?
Bear
I never wanted to come back to Nomanland, traveling the world is everything to me, but the money has almost run out and I’m in desperate need of a sponsor that doesn’t make me cringe.
My sister thinks I’m crazy for not wanting to settle down, and when I told her about chatting online with Mal she basically gave me the whole catfish creeper tv-special warning and begged me not to try to meet him for real.
Not that Mal would want to come to Nomanland. I can’t see what this small town has to offer anyone, that is until Michael takes it upon himself to show me the beauty of this town I’d chosen to forget.
Michael owns the local café, he’s a fan of puns, is an amazing dad and loves travel, though he’s never actually been anywhere… just like Mal.
I tell myself I must be crazy, because if Michael really is Mal, how long has he known? Was Meg right? Did I come back to Normanland just to get my heart broken, or could Mal really be the happy beginning I never knew I needed?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2023
42 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Becca Jackson
15 books42 followersBecca Jackson writes MM romance that delivers heart, heat, and happily ever afters for some totally adorkable and fabulous guys.
Becca’s books have all your favorites, small-town romances, bi-awakenings, sports, friends to lovers, and enemies to lovers too, but no matter the trope that takes your fancy, you’ll always find a happily ever after.
Becca’s books have all your favorites, small-town romances, bi-awakenings, sports, friends to lovers, and enemies to lovers too, but no matter the trope that takes your fancy, you’ll always find a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
dnf
January 27, 2023i laughed a lot. sure, the author wasn’t being funny on purpose, but it’s the result that counts, right?
at 26% i can say that i definitely had enough.
after the no man’s land/nomanland/normanland mistery, men in their 40s with the same testosterone levels of an extremely horny teenager, an influencer that doesn’t understand his job, the death of the english grammar and a ridiculous plot, i found my breaking point: horrible coffee puns.
ps: if an almost stranger on the internet tells you that they masturbate on your pics, go the the police!!! don’t start a relationship 🥰
at 26% i can say that i definitely had enough.
after the no man’s land/nomanland/normanland mistery, men in their 40s with the same testosterone levels of an extremely horny teenager, an influencer that doesn’t understand his job, the death of the english grammar and a ridiculous plot, i found my breaking point: horrible coffee puns.
ps: if an almost stranger on the internet tells you that they masturbate on your pics, go the the police!!! don’t start a relationship 🥰
January 19, 2023
3.5 stars
January 29, 2023
It wasn't the worst book ever, but there were so many mistakes that could be easily avoided. For example, in some sentences there was a shift in POV (from 1st to 3rd), several times the author used the wrong name and so one.
That's way I gave it only 2 stars and not 3.
That's way I gave it only 2 stars and not 3.
January 20, 2023
Good:
+ Mal/Michael and Bear/Bobby were very sweet together.
+ The writing was good and the characters were interesting
Bad:
-
- There were too many bad puns (I like puns, most of these didn’t work as puns).
+ Mal/Michael and Bear/Bobby were very sweet together.
+ The writing was good and the characters were interesting
Bad:
-
- There were too many bad puns (I like puns, most of these didn’t work as puns).
August 29, 2023
Fair story but indicative of why the MM romance genre has lost my interest. The MCs were pretty bland, and the entire coincidence that sets up the story of how they met was just too out there for me. It was ridiculous, to be frank. Both Bear and Mal are presented with the maturity and mindset of teenagers. Once the sex starts, it's page after page after page, with the obligatory heavy handed approach to "safe sex" that sets my teeth on edge.
The secondary characters in the book, and presumably the stars of the next one, at least had more going for them. I'd be interested in what they get up to, but this author had a terrible editor and never met a comma she didn't like. I don't expect Shakespeare in these books, but at least be able to write on a 12th grade level with proper punctuation. I'm not interested in reading authors who don't write well.
The secondary characters in the book, and presumably the stars of the next one, at least had more going for them. I'd be interested in what they get up to, but this author had a terrible editor and never met a comma she didn't like. I don't expect Shakespeare in these books, but at least be able to write on a 12th grade level with proper punctuation. I'm not interested in reading authors who don't write well.
November 1, 2023
she could have been a favorite.
single dad × online meeting × knowing eaching in parallel
i'd give my card instantly for books like these.
but here it was messed up by the pace. the beginning was slow, but fast (like that, cocktime ? no facetime you just show your cock first?)
then, the realization and everything comes in a rush.
characters were not developed enough..
single dad × online meeting × knowing eaching in parallel
i'd give my card instantly for books like these.
but here it was messed up by the pace. the beginning was slow, but fast (like that, cocktime ? no facetime you just show your cock first?)
then, the realization and everything comes in a rush.
characters were not developed enough..
January 14, 2023
4.5 stars
Textual Connections is one of those books that won me over with the blurb and followed suit with a great story. Considering this is a new author, I went in not knowing what to expect, and what I got was a fun, sweet romance that had me smiling over and over, enjoying the characters, small town setting, writing style, and snappy dialogue.
It’s always nice to read a romance that features two mature main characters, as it seems to invoke a different feeling in the romantic relationship as well as the story itself. Textual Connections pairs two middle-aged men, who, at first glance, may seem at very different points in their lives. As Michael prepares to see his daughter off to college, Bobby takes a break from his world travels to return to the small town he left following his parents’ deaths. I loved how the reader gets to experience the men’s online personalities and connections, as well as the ones they have in real life. And when the two come together, it’s fun, sweet, and heartwarming.
Textual Connections ended up being a story that pulled me in even faster than I expected, with low angst, great writing, and great characters. This book is an easy read I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants a sweet mood boost. And considering the cast of secondary characters introduced in this book, I’m very excited to see what this author and series have in store next.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Textual Connections is one of those books that won me over with the blurb and followed suit with a great story. Considering this is a new author, I went in not knowing what to expect, and what I got was a fun, sweet romance that had me smiling over and over, enjoying the characters, small town setting, writing style, and snappy dialogue.
It’s always nice to read a romance that features two mature main characters, as it seems to invoke a different feeling in the romantic relationship as well as the story itself. Textual Connections pairs two middle-aged men, who, at first glance, may seem at very different points in their lives. As Michael prepares to see his daughter off to college, Bobby takes a break from his world travels to return to the small town he left following his parents’ deaths. I loved how the reader gets to experience the men’s online personalities and connections, as well as the ones they have in real life. And when the two come together, it’s fun, sweet, and heartwarming.
Textual Connections ended up being a story that pulled me in even faster than I expected, with low angst, great writing, and great characters. This book is an easy read I’d definitely recommend to anyone who wants a sweet mood boost. And considering the cast of secondary characters introduced in this book, I’m very excited to see what this author and series have in store next.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 6, 2023
I seem to be reading a lot of M/M romances about older gentlemen lately... I wonder if this is a publishing trend, or if it just happens to be this type of book coming across my radar lately. Hmm...
Regardless! This is such a fun and flirty romance! I love the chemistry between Mal and Bear. I'm such a sucker for an online romance that results in a "love triangle" except little does the person know that the two people they're torn about - the online one and the real life one - are the SAME person. *shiver* There's just something SO excellent about it, and Becca Jackson does this trope so well in Textual Connections. The online chemistry between Bear and Mal is VERY hot, and the chemistry between Bobby and Michael IRL is more of a swoony sweetness - so what a bonus when it all starts coming together!
My favorite part of this story though was probably the extended cast of side characters in Michael's friend group. I LOVED the "Crystal Queers" trivia team, and would absolutely love to go hang out and do trivia night with these fine folks. I'm really hoping future books in the series feature the people in this friend group - and come on, Lucas and Carter's book had better be next!!
It looks like this is Becca Jackson's debut novel, which - WOW. What a start to a writing career! This is a wonderful, soft, hot, low-angst romance, and I can't wait to see what Becca Jackson comes out with next.
This is the first book in the Love in No Man's Land series, and can be read as a standalone. That being said, I CANNOT WAIT for the rest of the Crystal Queers to get their own books!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
Regardless! This is such a fun and flirty romance! I love the chemistry between Mal and Bear. I'm such a sucker for an online romance that results in a "love triangle" except little does the person know that the two people they're torn about - the online one and the real life one - are the SAME person. *shiver* There's just something SO excellent about it, and Becca Jackson does this trope so well in Textual Connections. The online chemistry between Bear and Mal is VERY hot, and the chemistry between Bobby and Michael IRL is more of a swoony sweetness - so what a bonus when it all starts coming together!
My favorite part of this story though was probably the extended cast of side characters in Michael's friend group. I LOVED the "Crystal Queers" trivia team, and would absolutely love to go hang out and do trivia night with these fine folks. I'm really hoping future books in the series feature the people in this friend group - and come on, Lucas and Carter's book had better be next!!
It looks like this is Becca Jackson's debut novel, which - WOW. What a start to a writing career! This is a wonderful, soft, hot, low-angst romance, and I can't wait to see what Becca Jackson comes out with next.
This is the first book in the Love in No Man's Land series, and can be read as a standalone. That being said, I CANNOT WAIT for the rest of the Crystal Queers to get their own books!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
January 19, 2023
I loved the premise, but for me it did not deliver. There was just too much about/with other characters that I did not care at all. I know they will have their own books but it was just too much and I feel like there wasn't really much quality interaction between the main characters. Also, the reveal was just meh for me.
December 25, 2022
4.5
Ummmmmm why was this so good? For such a simple concept it had no problem sucking you in and not letting go. It was sweet with just enough angst to keep you motivated, and enough heart to make you tear up. This looks like a new author and I’ll definitely be continuing this series!
Ummmmmm why was this so good? For such a simple concept it had no problem sucking you in and not letting go. It was sweet with just enough angst to keep you motivated, and enough heart to make you tear up. This looks like a new author and I’ll definitely be continuing this series!
January 17, 2023
Loved It
This is a really good story. I wasn't sure how things were going to go for a bit but I enjoyed the transition from online to IRL. I look forward to getting to Lucas and Carter's story next.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is a really good story. I wasn't sure how things were going to go for a bit but I enjoyed the transition from online to IRL. I look forward to getting to Lucas and Carter's story next.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
January 22, 2023
Pretty standard mm. Nothing wrong with that but based on reviews I thought this would be more than it was.
I wasn't a fan of how they treated Ari. Likewise the route Michael took when he realises Bobby was Bear. Neither scenario was indicative of men supposedly in their 40s.
I wasn't a fan of how they treated Ari. Likewise the route Michael took when he realises Bobby was Bear. Neither scenario was indicative of men supposedly in their 40s.
January 27, 2023
This was a fun easy read with lots of steam, drama free, and all the coffee puns.
June 18, 2025
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Michael and Bobby
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Michael and Bobby
January 26, 2023
First, you should know that there is a prequel to this novel called The Boyfriend Sham that you can get by signing up for the author's newsletter (which I hate but seems to be the way things are). Not reading it first won't impede your enjoyment of this book, but I was irritated that it wasn't mentioned at the beginning of the book (the link is listed in the thank you at the end) since I do like to read things in order. The formatting is kind of a mess, at least it was on my Kindle, but it was a cute, quick read.
It's Theo and Landon's story, one of the established couples in this book. It's more a of novella so it was heavy on the insta-love and low on any angst, drama or elaborate story. Theo and his brother Marcus own a bar called Thompson's, with Theo running the front of the house, which is where he meets Landon, who owns a nearby farm/winery with his grandfather, and needs an emergency fake boyfriend to get a toxic ex- to back off during an alumni reunion weekend.
You know what they say - fake it 'til you make it!
Now, onto our feature presentation:
Hidden/secret identity is my favourite trope and I loved that idea the Mal and Bear struck up on online friendship turned flirty and then meet as neighbours, Michael and Bobby, who also have flirty chemistry. It was a latte fun ;)
Michael/Mal moved to Normanland seventeen years ago with his infant daughter, Jess, who's mother did not want to be tied down with a baby. He owns The Perfect Blend Café and longs to travel the world someday. Bobby fled Normanland eighteen years ago after the death of his parents. Using the inheritance money from their life insurance policy to fund his travel he runs a successful social media feed called Unfiltered Earth about his travels. When his money runs out he finds himself back in his hometown living with his sister, Meg, who is neighbour's with Michael while he plans his next move.
I loved all the secondary character's and their quirky relationships with each other, they all felt like the author had given a lot of thought to how they were fleshed out, sometimes to the point that it felt like the reader was expected to know things or put things together without being told (like knowing that Theo and Marcus are brothers without having read the prequel - I was a little perplexed when Marcus indicated he had broken up with his partner, Harvey, as I had thought he and Theo were married).
I loved so much about this book: Michael and Bobby's blossoming friendship and its evolution into more, Michael's relationship with his daughter, Bobby's adventurous spirit and the love he has for his sister and her kids, the close-knit friendship group. This was so much more than just a romance and I highly recommend it.
There are a few issues that kept this from being a five-star read for me:
1) The couple weird encounters with Michael and others being unnecessarily mean to Ari.
2) The long delay between Michael realizing that Bobby is Bear and Michael spilling the beans to him that he is Mal.
3) Editing errors such as mixing up the time zone No Man's Land is in, having characters mixed up (naming them when they aren't present or forgetting whose POV we are in), and referring to conversations that didn't happen on page or quirky things like referencing Marcus and Harvey texting back and forth long after they had broken up (are they back together?).
4) Feeling guilty about enjoying a glass of wine while I read the book, lol.
All in all I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading Lucas and Carter's story.
It's Theo and Landon's story, one of the established couples in this book. It's more a of novella so it was heavy on the insta-love and low on any angst, drama or elaborate story. Theo and his brother Marcus own a bar called Thompson's, with Theo running the front of the house, which is where he meets Landon, who owns a nearby farm/winery with his grandfather, and needs an emergency fake boyfriend to get a toxic ex- to back off during an alumni reunion weekend.
You know what they say - fake it 'til you make it!
Now, onto our feature presentation:
Hidden/secret identity is my favourite trope and I loved that idea the Mal and Bear struck up on online friendship turned flirty and then meet as neighbours, Michael and Bobby, who also have flirty chemistry. It was a latte fun ;)
Michael/Mal moved to Normanland seventeen years ago with his infant daughter, Jess, who's mother did not want to be tied down with a baby. He owns The Perfect Blend Café and longs to travel the world someday. Bobby fled Normanland eighteen years ago after the death of his parents. Using the inheritance money from their life insurance policy to fund his travel he runs a successful social media feed called Unfiltered Earth about his travels. When his money runs out he finds himself back in his hometown living with his sister, Meg, who is neighbour's with Michael while he plans his next move.
I loved all the secondary character's and their quirky relationships with each other, they all felt like the author had given a lot of thought to how they were fleshed out, sometimes to the point that it felt like the reader was expected to know things or put things together without being told (like knowing that Theo and Marcus are brothers without having read the prequel - I was a little perplexed when Marcus indicated he had broken up with his partner, Harvey, as I had thought he and Theo were married).
I loved so much about this book: Michael and Bobby's blossoming friendship and its evolution into more, Michael's relationship with his daughter, Bobby's adventurous spirit and the love he has for his sister and her kids, the close-knit friendship group. This was so much more than just a romance and I highly recommend it.
There are a few issues that kept this from being a five-star read for me:
1) The couple weird encounters with Michael and others being unnecessarily mean to Ari.
2) The long delay between Michael realizing that Bobby is Bear and Michael spilling the beans to him that he is Mal.
3) Editing errors such as mixing up the time zone No Man's Land is in, having characters mixed up (naming them when they aren't present or forgetting whose POV we are in), and referring to conversations that didn't happen on page or quirky things like referencing Marcus and Harvey texting back and forth long after they had broken up (are they back together?).
4) Feeling guilty about enjoying a glass of wine while I read the book, lol.
All in all I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading Lucas and Carter's story.
February 6, 2023
Check out our full post for TEXTUAL CONNECTIONS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
TEXTUAL CONNECTIONS is the first book in the Love in No Man's Land series. It is a fun, low-angst story that sets a great foundation for future books to follow.
Mal and Bear have been talking online for close to a year. What started as a wine vs coffee rant had Bear messaging him. And that messaging has turned into daily communication that they both look forward to. When their conversations turned a little flirty, they decide to move to calls, then one mind blowing video chat. They still haven't seen who the other is or where they are located.
Bobby doesn't want to move back to his hometown, Normanland, with his sister and two nieces. His heart is set on traveling, but when his money is starting to run low and getting a sponsorship proves harder than he thought, he unhappily moves home. When he meets the new coffee shop owner, he finds Michael adorable and quite cute with his coffee puns.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It was a quick read but worth it. I can't wait to see what's next for Lucas and Carter.
Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I loved this book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I felt the ending was rushed. Mal and Bear are just the cutest couple. Even as Michael and Bobby they were cute. I love the banter and the genuine connection they had. The secondary characters were great too. I cannot wait for the next book and I hope Mal and Bear make an appearance.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars rounded up
This is the first in a new series, and given the world building that goes on, I am looking forward to the next installment!
Michael lives for his daughter and coffee shop, and an online travel blogging friend called Bear. His town has not served up any men that he finds irresistible, and anyway until his daughter leaves for college.
Bear returns to the US as he is out of funds and stays with his sister, Meg, neighbour to Michael. He continues to post as if overseas, and chat with his online crush, Mal.
Yep Michael is Mal, and Bear is Bobby... it takes them a while to work it out, and in the meantime, we get to meet the Crystal Queers quiz team, understand just how fab Michael's coffee is, and that Bear has scruples about sponsors. For a place Michael claimed had no prospects, there was a lively group of guys who made no secret of their sexuality.
This is a pretty low-angst, small-town paced novel which I found a very easy read. The coffee puns were awful, but also funny.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
June 8, 2024
old post reposted
Becca Jackson's debut novel "Textual Connections" (part of her Love In No Man's Land series) was in someone's email newsletter at some point in the recent past. Between waiting for the Love Is Blind Live Reunion last night and eating all my snacks (while waiting for said reunion), I binge read this gem.
["Mal
I thought I was good with my life in No Man’s Land. Truth be told, I was, until I messaged Bear.
What started as an online debate about coffee vs wine, has become something so much more, it doesn’t even matter that I don’t know his real name and have never seen his face. My daughter doesn’t agree.
She wants me to find someone “real” before she leaves for college, so when the neighbors hot brother rolls into town, she’s less than subtle about my single status.
Bobby is a free spirit, man in every town, according to his sister, but that’s not really him. He’s fun, adventurous, kind, and he’s a fantastic flirt, so when the similarities between Bear and Bobby start to align I can hardly believe my luck.
Can my online crush really be the guy next door?
Bear
I never wanted to come back to Nomanland, traveling the world is everything to me, but the money has almost run out and I’m in desperate need of a sponsor that doesn’t make me cringe.
My sister thinks I’m crazy for not wanting to settle down, and when I told her about chatting online with Mal she basically gave me the whole catfish creeper tv-special warning and begged me not to try to meet him for real.
Not that Mal would want to come to Nomanland. I can’t see what this small town has to offer anyone, that is until Michael takes it upon himself to show me the beauty of this town I’d chosen to forget.
Michael owns the local café, he’s a fan of puns, is an amazing dad and loves travel, though he’s never actually been anywhere… just like Mal.
I tell myself I must be crazy, because if Michael really is Mal, how long has he known? Was Meg right? Did I come back to Normanland just to get my heart broken, or could Mal really be the happy beginning I never knew I needed?"]
This book was SOOOOO cute! All of the angst (well, most of it) was when the two would figure out that their real-life-crushes were also their online-crushes (obviously, they did--HEA and whatnot). There was so much sexual tension (and romantic tension). There was so much fluff and steam (oh. my. god. the steam).
And this book set up the entire series. We met so many queer men (and women) who are in desperate need of love and a happily ever after. Some who are clearly in love with each other, some with serious chemistry, some who don't even have romance on their radar. And the town!! D: This small town is delightful and perfect and supportive, and I want to visit.
Also, I want some of that famous hot cocoa and those brownies (even if the recipe isn't "right" yet).
#theboyfriendsham #textualconnections #thehalfbakedplan #whiskeybusiness #beccajackson #loveinnomansland #loveinnomanslandseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Becca Jackson's debut novel "Textual Connections" (part of her Love In No Man's Land series) was in someone's email newsletter at some point in the recent past. Between waiting for the Love Is Blind Live Reunion last night and eating all my snacks (while waiting for said reunion), I binge read this gem.
["Mal
I thought I was good with my life in No Man’s Land. Truth be told, I was, until I messaged Bear.
What started as an online debate about coffee vs wine, has become something so much more, it doesn’t even matter that I don’t know his real name and have never seen his face. My daughter doesn’t agree.
She wants me to find someone “real” before she leaves for college, so when the neighbors hot brother rolls into town, she’s less than subtle about my single status.
Bobby is a free spirit, man in every town, according to his sister, but that’s not really him. He’s fun, adventurous, kind, and he’s a fantastic flirt, so when the similarities between Bear and Bobby start to align I can hardly believe my luck.
Can my online crush really be the guy next door?
Bear
I never wanted to come back to Nomanland, traveling the world is everything to me, but the money has almost run out and I’m in desperate need of a sponsor that doesn’t make me cringe.
My sister thinks I’m crazy for not wanting to settle down, and when I told her about chatting online with Mal she basically gave me the whole catfish creeper tv-special warning and begged me not to try to meet him for real.
Not that Mal would want to come to Nomanland. I can’t see what this small town has to offer anyone, that is until Michael takes it upon himself to show me the beauty of this town I’d chosen to forget.
Michael owns the local café, he’s a fan of puns, is an amazing dad and loves travel, though he’s never actually been anywhere… just like Mal.
I tell myself I must be crazy, because if Michael really is Mal, how long has he known? Was Meg right? Did I come back to Normanland just to get my heart broken, or could Mal really be the happy beginning I never knew I needed?"]
This book was SOOOOO cute! All of the angst (well, most of it) was when the two would figure out that their real-life-crushes were also their online-crushes (obviously, they did--HEA and whatnot). There was so much sexual tension (and romantic tension). There was so much fluff and steam (oh. my. god. the steam).
And this book set up the entire series. We met so many queer men (and women) who are in desperate need of love and a happily ever after. Some who are clearly in love with each other, some with serious chemistry, some who don't even have romance on their radar. And the town!! D: This small town is delightful and perfect and supportive, and I want to visit.
Also, I want some of that famous hot cocoa and those brownies (even if the recipe isn't "right" yet).
#theboyfriendsham #textualconnections #thehalfbakedplan #whiskeybusiness #beccajackson #loveinnomansland #loveinnomanslandseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
May 10, 2025
'Being real. Unfiltered. And what we just shared was more unfiltered than anything I’ve had with any guy in my life.
I enjoyed the concept of this story, Bear & Mal are so sweet together. Their initial connection online and the meeting in real life, even before they realize they're the same people.
I liked that both of them were conflicted with their online connection and suddenly meeting in real, feeling attraction before they realize who the other person is. When the realisations comes about, these two are just so lovely and all of the chemistry.
The photography, social media aspect was entertaining, their messages and interactions - the puns, jokes and sharing their lives with each other. Video calls very much heated too 🔥
I was worried for a moment when Mal found out that he'd keep secret, but I liked how he started to hint at and let Bear find out himself before progressing their relationship.
Building a friendship in reality, the quiz nights - crystal queers team and found family feels among the friendships here. I enjoyed how they bounce off one another, I did feel for Ari as seems he gets the teasing the most yet I'm excited to read his story too.
Oh can't forget the steamy moments which are stunning! Lots of heat, vibrations, mirror and these two have so much passion for one another.
Also got to love Lucas & Carter, they're so cute and the crush aspect so charming. The brownies, handyman and what happens in the end of this tale. I'm excited to see their romance finally come together.
There were some time skips and low angst moments towards the end, with the uncertainty in various areas. However it all works out for the best in the end and leads into the next in the series, along with allowing Mal to make his decision.
Bear & Mal simply charmed me from start to finish, the coffee, prom night, photography and exploring nomans land. Finding comfort in one another and how they simply fit, I love that they shall get to journey on a new adventure together. It feels like comes full circle.
Overall I was entertained by this read, it did feel like the pacing got a bit rushed towards the end but I was already hooked. The epilogue is so beautiful and fitting too ✨
I enjoyed the concept of this story, Bear & Mal are so sweet together. Their initial connection online and the meeting in real life, even before they realize they're the same people.
I liked that both of them were conflicted with their online connection and suddenly meeting in real, feeling attraction before they realize who the other person is. When the realisations comes about, these two are just so lovely and all of the chemistry.
The photography, social media aspect was entertaining, their messages and interactions - the puns, jokes and sharing their lives with each other. Video calls very much heated too 🔥
I was worried for a moment when Mal found out that he'd keep secret, but I liked how he started to hint at and let Bear find out himself before progressing their relationship.
Building a friendship in reality, the quiz nights - crystal queers team and found family feels among the friendships here. I enjoyed how they bounce off one another, I did feel for Ari as seems he gets the teasing the most yet I'm excited to read his story too.
Oh can't forget the steamy moments which are stunning! Lots of heat, vibrations, mirror and these two have so much passion for one another.
Also got to love Lucas & Carter, they're so cute and the crush aspect so charming. The brownies, handyman and what happens in the end of this tale. I'm excited to see their romance finally come together.
There were some time skips and low angst moments towards the end, with the uncertainty in various areas. However it all works out for the best in the end and leads into the next in the series, along with allowing Mal to make his decision.
Bear & Mal simply charmed me from start to finish, the coffee, prom night, photography and exploring nomans land. Finding comfort in one another and how they simply fit, I love that they shall get to journey on a new adventure together. It feels like comes full circle.
Overall I was entertained by this read, it did feel like the pacing got a bit rushed towards the end but I was already hooked. The epilogue is so beautiful and fitting too ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
Mal & Bear are social media DM friends. They originally started chatting online during a friendly debate on the merits of coffee vs. wine and it grew into an unlikely friendship. They talk about everything and anything – except their real names (Michael and Bobby) and what they look like.
Bobby is a social media traveler, posting about his travels, stays and adventures in various places. His funds are running out and he needs a sponsor. Bear doesn’t want to go home to Normanland (No Man’s Land), but with his dwindling funds and missing his sister and her kids, he agrees to go home and spend some time with them while waiting to hear back from the sponsors he contacted. Very similar to Bear.
Michael is a single dad, café owner and has never traveled. He’s never left No Man’s Land, but with his daughter heading off to college soon, he’s wondering what (aside from the café) is holding him back. Very similar to Mal.
Bobby and Michael make quick friends once they’re introduced to each other (as next door neighbours, that meeting was kind of inevitable) and begin realizing that they have similar feelings for one another that feel a lot like the feelings they each have for their online crush.
Textual Connections will give you the following – old phones = vocal distortion, loving something & setting it free = wanting it to come with you & returning to it, meddling kids & friends = falling in love with someone you’re already in love with, Love = Love. Becca Jackson’s full-length mm novel is absolute perfection and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to read it. I waited until very close to my posting deadline so that I could bring attention back to it because if you haven’t read it yet, you should.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is honest and unpaid
Textual Connections
Becca Jackson
Bobby is a social media traveler, posting about his travels, stays and adventures in various places. His funds are running out and he needs a sponsor. Bear doesn’t want to go home to Normanland (No Man’s Land), but with his dwindling funds and missing his sister and her kids, he agrees to go home and spend some time with them while waiting to hear back from the sponsors he contacted. Very similar to Bear.
Michael is a single dad, café owner and has never traveled. He’s never left No Man’s Land, but with his daughter heading off to college soon, he’s wondering what (aside from the café) is holding him back. Very similar to Mal.
Bobby and Michael make quick friends once they’re introduced to each other (as next door neighbours, that meeting was kind of inevitable) and begin realizing that they have similar feelings for one another that feel a lot like the feelings they each have for their online crush.
Textual Connections will give you the following – old phones = vocal distortion, loving something & setting it free = wanting it to come with you & returning to it, meddling kids & friends = falling in love with someone you’re already in love with, Love = Love. Becca Jackson’s full-length mm novel is absolute perfection and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to read it. I waited until very close to my posting deadline so that I could bring attention back to it because if you haven’t read it yet, you should.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is honest and unpaid
Textual Connections
Becca Jackson
February 8, 2023
4.5 Stars
Textual Connections is book one in the Love in No Man's Land series by Becca Jackson. It features two older men and loads of coffee puns.
One man is looking for a way to keep his sense of adventure going, and one is looking for a way to make a connection with someone while holding his life together at home. Mal and Bear have a great connection over the internet. Could it be more in real life?
Bear travels the world, going on adventures and posting about them online. That's how he met Mal, through messaging on his blog. They had a spark and their friendship grew from there. Bear has heard all about Mal's coffee shop and his boring town "No Man's Land" and how Mal wishes he could take adventures one day too. When Bear is forced to go back to his hometown, Normanland, his feelings become split between Mal and his new neighbor, Michael, who owns the local coffee shop.
Micheal likes his life in Normanland. He raised his daughter there and started his beloved coffee shop. He does want to travel and adventure life though. Which is why he follows travel blogs. And has a crush on Bear who he's never even met or seen before. When his neighbor's brother, Bobby, comes home he gets all frazzled until he realizes Bear and Bobby are one and the same.
These men are hot, hot, hot. I loved their chemistry. They had good banter, plenty of sweet flirtation, and they were so considerate of each other. There were a few parts that were a bit drawn out or felt maybe choppy or out of place but it didn't detract from the story. Overall, I really enjoyed it.
This was a low angst, medium-heat, feel-good story. I'd recommend it to HEA contemporary mm romance fans. There was a good introduction to their friends and side characters. I can't wait to see them in future books.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Textual Connections is book one in the Love in No Man's Land series by Becca Jackson. It features two older men and loads of coffee puns.
One man is looking for a way to keep his sense of adventure going, and one is looking for a way to make a connection with someone while holding his life together at home. Mal and Bear have a great connection over the internet. Could it be more in real life?
Bear travels the world, going on adventures and posting about them online. That's how he met Mal, through messaging on his blog. They had a spark and their friendship grew from there. Bear has heard all about Mal's coffee shop and his boring town "No Man's Land" and how Mal wishes he could take adventures one day too. When Bear is forced to go back to his hometown, Normanland, his feelings become split between Mal and his new neighbor, Michael, who owns the local coffee shop.
Micheal likes his life in Normanland. He raised his daughter there and started his beloved coffee shop. He does want to travel and adventure life though. Which is why he follows travel blogs. And has a crush on Bear who he's never even met or seen before. When his neighbor's brother, Bobby, comes home he gets all frazzled until he realizes Bear and Bobby are one and the same.
These men are hot, hot, hot. I loved their chemistry. They had good banter, plenty of sweet flirtation, and they were so considerate of each other. There were a few parts that were a bit drawn out or felt maybe choppy or out of place but it didn't detract from the story. Overall, I really enjoyed it.
This was a low angst, medium-heat, feel-good story. I'd recommend it to HEA contemporary mm romance fans. There was a good introduction to their friends and side characters. I can't wait to see them in future books.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
April 29, 2023
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙. ~ 𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝
𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 is the first book in the Love in No Man's Land series by Becca Jackson which is Michael and Bobby's story.
Mal and Bear started communicating via social media when Mal stumbled upon Bear's feed. What began as ribbing morphed into a friendship that both would love to meet and put faces to the names eventually. Michael and Bobby meet when Bobby moves in with his sister next door to Michael. As they start spending time together they develop a connection but are worried about, unknowingly, hurting each other's feelings because of their online connection to each other.
I adored Michael "Mal" and Bobby "Bear". I enjoyed their online conversations, banter and flirting. I loved when Mal found out who Bear was and tried to continually hint to him the truth to help him figure it out without just saying it. I enjoyed all of the other side characters and their little found family. I can not wait for more from the town of Normanland, aka No Man's Land.
Get ready for... mm, small town, strangers to lovers, neighbors to lovers, single dad, found family, and dual first-person point of view.
Content... Death of Parents (mc, mentioned)
4 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames
*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*
Follow → ❤️ Facebook 🖤 Instagram ❤️ TikTok 🖤 Twitter ❤️ Blog
𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 is the first book in the Love in No Man's Land series by Becca Jackson which is Michael and Bobby's story.
Mal and Bear started communicating via social media when Mal stumbled upon Bear's feed. What began as ribbing morphed into a friendship that both would love to meet and put faces to the names eventually. Michael and Bobby meet when Bobby moves in with his sister next door to Michael. As they start spending time together they develop a connection but are worried about, unknowingly, hurting each other's feelings because of their online connection to each other.
I adored Michael "Mal" and Bobby "Bear". I enjoyed their online conversations, banter and flirting. I loved when Mal found out who Bear was and tried to continually hint to him the truth to help him figure it out without just saying it. I enjoyed all of the other side characters and their little found family. I can not wait for more from the town of Normanland, aka No Man's Land.
Get ready for... mm, small town, strangers to lovers, neighbors to lovers, single dad, found family, and dual first-person point of view.
Content... Death of Parents (mc, mentioned)
4 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames
*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*
Follow → ❤️ Facebook 🖤 Instagram ❤️ TikTok 🖤 Twitter ❤️ Blog
January 15, 2023
This is my first book by Becca Jackson and I've really enjoyed it, looking forward to more from No Man's Land.
Mal and Bear are fun when in contact online with a current of something but when it turns into Michael and Bobby, there's more of a physical attraction and connection. It's an entertaining read as both are blissfully unaware of who the other actually is, having been messaging for about a year, but it also allows them to build a friendship in real life, even with Bobby's impending leaving plans to go back to travelling the world. Michael is a homebody, with his daughter, home, business and friends all in one place. However, things are changing and what would he do if he had a choice? Is Michael enough of a draw to get Bobby to stay? His sister and nieces would sure love it if he did but Bobby's need for exploring the world now feels like a natural part of who he is, if only he had the money to do so.
There's a really great cast of characters in Normanland that I'm interested to hear more from, several that I can imagine possibly getting together. They're a fun group of friends and so supportive when it's needed.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I love the relationship development between the two and how punny their conversations are. Also, Bobby is really quite oblivious to Michael's hint dropping which made it all the more fun.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Mal and Bear are fun when in contact online with a current of something but when it turns into Michael and Bobby, there's more of a physical attraction and connection. It's an entertaining read as both are blissfully unaware of who the other actually is, having been messaging for about a year, but it also allows them to build a friendship in real life, even with Bobby's impending leaving plans to go back to travelling the world. Michael is a homebody, with his daughter, home, business and friends all in one place. However, things are changing and what would he do if he had a choice? Is Michael enough of a draw to get Bobby to stay? His sister and nieces would sure love it if he did but Bobby's need for exploring the world now feels like a natural part of who he is, if only he had the money to do so.
There's a really great cast of characters in Normanland that I'm interested to hear more from, several that I can imagine possibly getting together. They're a fun group of friends and so supportive when it's needed.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I love the relationship development between the two and how punny their conversations are. Also, Bobby is really quite oblivious to Michael's hint dropping which made it all the more fun.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
January 28, 2023
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
3.5*s rounded up
This is the first in a new series, and given the world building that goes on, I am looking forward to the next installment!
Michael lives for his daughter and coffee shop, and an online travel blogging friend called Bear. His town has not served up any men that he finds irresistible, and anyway until his daughter leaves for college.
Bear returns to the US as he is out of funds and stays with his sister Meg, neighbour to Michael. He continues to post as if overseas, and chat with his online crush, Mal.
Yep Michael is Mal, and Bear is Bobby ... it takes them a while to work it out, and in the meantime we get to meet the Crystal Queers quiz team, understand just how fab Michael's coffee is, and that Bear has scruples about sponsors. For a place Michael claimed had no prospects, there was a lively group of guys who made no secret of their sexuality.
This is a pretty low angst, small town paced novel which I found a very easy read. The coffee puns were awful, but also funny.
3.5*s rounded up
This is the first in a new series, and given the world building that goes on, I am looking forward to the next installment!
Michael lives for his daughter and coffee shop, and an online travel blogging friend called Bear. His town has not served up any men that he finds irresistible, and anyway until his daughter leaves for college.
Bear returns to the US as he is out of funds and stays with his sister Meg, neighbour to Michael. He continues to post as if overseas, and chat with his online crush, Mal.
Yep Michael is Mal, and Bear is Bobby ... it takes them a while to work it out, and in the meantime we get to meet the Crystal Queers quiz team, understand just how fab Michael's coffee is, and that Bear has scruples about sponsors. For a place Michael claimed had no prospects, there was a lively group of guys who made no secret of their sexuality.
This is a pretty low angst, small town paced novel which I found a very easy read. The coffee puns were awful, but also funny.
January 19, 2023
4,25⭐️
This book was really cute and sweet, I loved how all the characters interacted, the writing was so smooth that it was a pleasure to read it and I just enjoyed the story.
Michael has been working non-stop all his life to take off his daughter, now that she's going to university he's faced with the possibility to realize his dream and travel around the world like his favourite social guy who shows all the wonders of the world. Since their first debate around coffee and wine, they have been messaging back and forth, something more just started to happen. Meanwhile, Bobby is a free spirit who loves travelling, discovering new places, but because of financial issues, he has to go back to his home town for some time. However, he couldn't have imagined that someone could make him see the beauty of this town and what could happen if he just take the time to breathe and lay down a bit.
A beautiful story that started on social media and that will go beyond texts without doing it on purpose. Also, I loved all the sides characters, I just want to know more about Lucas, Carter, Ari and Marcus !!
This book was really cute and sweet, I loved how all the characters interacted, the writing was so smooth that it was a pleasure to read it and I just enjoyed the story.
Michael has been working non-stop all his life to take off his daughter, now that she's going to university he's faced with the possibility to realize his dream and travel around the world like his favourite social guy who shows all the wonders of the world. Since their first debate around coffee and wine, they have been messaging back and forth, something more just started to happen. Meanwhile, Bobby is a free spirit who loves travelling, discovering new places, but because of financial issues, he has to go back to his home town for some time. However, he couldn't have imagined that someone could make him see the beauty of this town and what could happen if he just take the time to breathe and lay down a bit.
A beautiful story that started on social media and that will go beyond texts without doing it on purpose. Also, I loved all the sides characters, I just want to know more about Lucas, Carter, Ari and Marcus !!
January 19, 2023
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
TETUAL CONNECTIONS is the first book in the Love in No Man's Land series. It is a fun low angst story that sets a great foundation for future books to follow.
Mal and Bear have been talking online for close to a year. What started as a wine vs coffee rant had Bear messaging him. And that messaging has turned into daily communication that they both look forward to. When their conversations have turned a little flirty they decide to move to calls then one mind blowing video chat. They still haven't seen who the other is or where they are located.
Bobby doesn't want to move back to his hometown, Normanland with his sister and two nieces. His heart is set on traveling but when his money is starting to run low and getting a sponsorship proves harder than he thought, he unhappily moves home. When he meets the new coffee shop owner he finds Michael adorable and quite cute with his coffee puns.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It was a quick read but worth it. I can't wait to see what's next for Lucas and Carter.
TETUAL CONNECTIONS is the first book in the Love in No Man's Land series. It is a fun low angst story that sets a great foundation for future books to follow.
Mal and Bear have been talking online for close to a year. What started as a wine vs coffee rant had Bear messaging him. And that messaging has turned into daily communication that they both look forward to. When their conversations have turned a little flirty they decide to move to calls then one mind blowing video chat. They still haven't seen who the other is or where they are located.
Bobby doesn't want to move back to his hometown, Normanland with his sister and two nieces. His heart is set on traveling but when his money is starting to run low and getting a sponsorship proves harder than he thought, he unhappily moves home. When he meets the new coffee shop owner he finds Michael adorable and quite cute with his coffee puns.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It was a quick read but worth it. I can't wait to see what's next for Lucas and Carter.
January 9, 2023
Ok first off, I love finding a book about older, more mature characters. Not that I don’t love younger characters too. It’s just as I find myself getting older, it is nice to not see all MCs in their twenties. 😉 I was really looking forward to reading this because the whole online friends (or pen pals if you go back far enough) accidentally meeting in real life and not knowing it is one of those tropes that isn’t explored enough and can be a favorite if done right. Could Michael and Bobby be any more adorable and perfect for each other? I don’t think so. I love how both men felt slightly guilty being interested in each other when they had someone they were seriously connecting with online. When real life starts to imitate online conversations, it doesn’t take too long for both men to figure it out…and to find a way to make it work. This is about two men with very different ideas of their hometown finding a way to redefine “Home.” These characters were real and simply amazing. Becca Jackson made me fall in love with almost instantly and I couldn’t put the book down.
January 11, 2023
Mal and Bear make a connection online through Bear's travel blog. What will happen when they unknowingly meet in person? How long will it take them to recognize who they are talking to?
Mal and Bear have a strong connection yet have never met in person. Michael and Bobby are newly acquainted - and are making their own strong attachments. The men are pulled towards each other in both relationships, yet they feel guilty about the second relationship, not knowing it's the same one!
Mal and Bear are both lonely, but holding off finding their someone because of other priorities in their lives. Mal has his daughter he has raised and his coffee shop to run. Bear has his travels. It's wonderful to watch them come together and choose each other. I would have liked to see Mal show his courage sooner, but it does all work out in the end with their HEA.
This is a steamy and fun read that I enjoyed. It's a 4/5 star read for me!
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Mal and Bear have a strong connection yet have never met in person. Michael and Bobby are newly acquainted - and are making their own strong attachments. The men are pulled towards each other in both relationships, yet they feel guilty about the second relationship, not knowing it's the same one!
Mal and Bear are both lonely, but holding off finding their someone because of other priorities in their lives. Mal has his daughter he has raised and his coffee shop to run. Bear has his travels. It's wonderful to watch them come together and choose each other. I would have liked to see Mal show his courage sooner, but it does all work out in the end with their HEA.
This is a steamy and fun read that I enjoyed. It's a 4/5 star read for me!
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
January 22, 2023
Adorable story about a single dad who owns a coffee shop in a small town and has made an online friend with a travel blogger. When his new neighbour gives off some very familiar vibes, he’s shocked to realize that Bear is a lot closer than he thinks.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Adorable relationship between father and daughter as Jess attempts to matchmake so her dad isn’t alone when she goes off to college
2) The trivia group of the Crystal Queers and the friendships there and
3) Mal learns it’s about taking chances and a leap, no matter what
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is cute and it’s VERY steamy/smutty/spicy but there were quite a few spelling errors that threw me as well as a few scenes where it jumped between the first person narrative of Mal and Bear in the same paragraph that I then found hard to follow. Still a super sweet read.
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedonamazon #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #romance #mmromance #textualconnections #beccajackson
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Adorable relationship between father and daughter as Jess attempts to matchmake so her dad isn’t alone when she goes off to college
2) The trivia group of the Crystal Queers and the friendships there and
3) Mal learns it’s about taking chances and a leap, no matter what
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is cute and it’s VERY steamy/smutty/spicy but there were quite a few spelling errors that threw me as well as a few scenes where it jumped between the first person narrative of Mal and Bear in the same paragraph that I then found hard to follow. Still a super sweet read.
#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedonamazon #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #romance #mmromance #textualconnections #beccajackson
January 29, 2023
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I love debut novels. I love being there at the beginning of an author's journey. And Becca Jackson’s Textual Connections is a sweet and flirty one. It’s two men in their 40s that find their home and their dreams together.
What happens when two men meet online and in the real world and find themselves falling for both? And when you discover they might be the same man?!
I love the parallel connection trope, it’s fun and modern, and cute, and I really liked both of these guys. They were likeable and kind. I also enjoy the kind of second-act theme. Life sometimes brings you to a place where you need to figure out what comes next and pivot some. And both Mal and Bear have found themselves in that place. But they discover it’s even better with someone else.
I look forward to see who’s next in this Love In No Man’s Land Series.
I love debut novels. I love being there at the beginning of an author's journey. And Becca Jackson’s Textual Connections is a sweet and flirty one. It’s two men in their 40s that find their home and their dreams together.
What happens when two men meet online and in the real world and find themselves falling for both? And when you discover they might be the same man?!
I love the parallel connection trope, it’s fun and modern, and cute, and I really liked both of these guys. They were likeable and kind. I also enjoy the kind of second-act theme. Life sometimes brings you to a place where you need to figure out what comes next and pivot some. And both Mal and Bear have found themselves in that place. But they discover it’s even better with someone else.
I look forward to see who’s next in this Love In No Man’s Land Series.
August 8, 2023
Bear and Mal were made for one another—it just took them a little while (and some hidden identities) to figure that out. I loved trivia night and all Mal’s somewhat ridiculous friends, Jess was awesome, and the latte art was hilarious. It was fun to see Bear and Mal get closer both online and in person and then try to figure out how to make everything work.
I felt like their communication could be a little better once they are together, but I get that they set some parameters that they thought the other person might want to respect even when they started to feel differently, and that led to some hesitancy. (For example, I assume that Bear didn’t want to seem like he was pressuring Mal about the trip, but one of the details he didn’t share might have made a significant difference to some of Mal’s concerns about the trip.)
I’m glad they made it to a happy resolution, and I hope future books also give some hints into what their life will be like a year from now. The set up for Lucas and Carter has left me excited about book 2!
I felt like their communication could be a little better once they are together, but I get that they set some parameters that they thought the other person might want to respect even when they started to feel differently, and that led to some hesitancy. (For example, I assume that Bear didn’t want to seem like he was pressuring Mal about the trip, but one of the details he didn’t share might have made a significant difference to some of Mal’s concerns about the trip.)
I’m glad they made it to a happy resolution, and I hope future books also give some hints into what their life will be like a year from now. The set up for Lucas and Carter has left me excited about book 2!
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