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FINDING OLIVER
Being gay in a small town is rarely easy, even in idyllic Potter’s Mill, North Carolina. The fires are dwindling for long-term couple Brandt and Parker, sexy sheriff Jake can't find Mr. Right, and high school senior Shane longs for his first kiss and more. They all find Oliver, a captivating young man who appears in town alone one chilly morning. In an emotionally charged story filled with love and loss, guilt and forgiveness, Oliver confronts his past and finds a family.
As in his prior works— Cherry Wine Kisses for Christmas and the Lake Fearless series—Wit Talcott captures the small-town lives of gay men and their friends with warmth and humor. In Finding Oliver, he turns up the heat but again creates a place you’ll want to visit, filled with characters you’ll want to know.
"★★★★★ I loved the Lake Fearless series by this author and what I loved in that series I also found here. This isn't a typical gay romance, but contemporary fiction about gay characters and all the facets of their lives in a small town. Oliver, a young man who appears in town one day acts as the catalyst for the characters to explore relationships involving love, friendship, heartbreak, and growth." - Goodreads Review
As in his prior works— Cherry Wine Kisses for Christmas and the Lake Fearless series—Wit Talcott captures the small-town lives of gay men and their friends with warmth and humor. In Finding Oliver, he turns up the heat but again creates a place you’ll want to visit, filled with characters you’ll want to know.
"★★★★★ I loved the Lake Fearless series by this author and what I loved in that series I also found here. This isn't a typical gay romance, but contemporary fiction about gay characters and all the facets of their lives in a small town. Oliver, a young man who appears in town one day acts as the catalyst for the characters to explore relationships involving love, friendship, heartbreak, and growth." - Goodreads Review
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Wit Talcott
7 books10 followersWit Talcott writes gay fiction. He lives on a lake in a Southern state with his husband and pit bull mix. He has happily become one of the eccentric "lake people" that he frequently writes about.
Source: Amazon.com.
Source: Amazon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 1, 2022
This was a really emotionally charged book.
It’s a multi-character story that flows surprisingly well, given the number of characters involved. There is a lot of heartbreak, loss, and death, including cheating. None of which was really captured in the description, so it was a bit of shock to be confronted by that level of emotion.
It’s definitely a good read and beautifully written if you are looking for a heartbreaking read that does end in somewhat of a happy ending.
But to be honest, I read romance for the happy feelings, and with this book, I basically bawled the whole way through. This was my first book by this author but if all their books are this charged, I'm not sure my emotions can handle reading another one!
Update - I've been told other books aren't quite so emotionally charged - so i will definitely try more of their work.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
It’s a multi-character story that flows surprisingly well, given the number of characters involved. There is a lot of heartbreak, loss, and death, including cheating. None of which was really captured in the description, so it was a bit of shock to be confronted by that level of emotion.
It’s definitely a good read and beautifully written if you are looking for a heartbreaking read that does end in somewhat of a happy ending.
But to be honest, I read romance for the happy feelings, and with this book, I basically bawled the whole way through. This was my first book by this author but if all their books are this charged, I'm not sure my emotions can handle reading another one!
Update - I've been told other books aren't quite so emotionally charged - so i will definitely try more of their work.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
January 30, 2022
There were a lot of interesting plot arcs in this novel, which made it engrossing. I found myself genuinely interested in Oliver’s story.
That being said, sometimes it felt more like the author was telling me how to feel about something rather than drawing me into the story and causing me to experience the feelings.
The last third of the novel moves quite quickly and, at times, reads almost like an outline. Readers get told what happens but the motivations of the characters are never truly explored and the scenes change rapid-fire fast.
Because of at the large cast of characters, there’s always a lot going on and sometimes continuity seems to be the victim.
Certain characters are harder to like; for example Parker is never really developed beyond being an unfaithful horndog. It’s hard to understand Brandt’s motivation in fighting so hard for their relationship when we never got to truly appreciate it as a functional system.
I knew there was cheating going in, so I won’t deduct stars for that, but overall this book just didn’t really work for me.
That being said, sometimes it felt more like the author was telling me how to feel about something rather than drawing me into the story and causing me to experience the feelings.
The last third of the novel moves quite quickly and, at times, reads almost like an outline. Readers get told what happens but the motivations of the characters are never truly explored and the scenes change rapid-fire fast.
Because of at the large cast of characters, there’s always a lot going on and sometimes continuity seems to be the victim.
Certain characters are harder to like; for example Parker is never really developed beyond being an unfaithful horndog. It’s hard to understand Brandt’s motivation in fighting so hard for their relationship when we never got to truly appreciate it as a functional system.
I knew there was cheating going in, so I won’t deduct stars for that, but overall this book just didn’t really work for me.
January 31, 2022
Finding Oliver was a very unique read. It didn't fall into the same line as many of the books I read in the MM romance genre, and that made it stand out in my memory.
This book did not follow one particular couple. Instead, it follows a cast of characters - all joined together by living in the same town, interacting with the same people, and in some ways by attending a retreat called The Haven. And each of these characters stands out on the page. Each of them offer something to the story that adds to the mystery on the page (Who is Oliver? What happened? Why is he there?) while also telling their own narrative.
These characters include Brandt and Parker, a married couple who have been having difficulties in their marriage. Brandt is the first person to find Oliver, the one to bring him home to Parker and Brandt's house. Completeing their house is the town sheriff, Jake, a man who has decided it is time to settle down and find a husband. He tries this first with newcomer Jaime who shares a complicated history with Oliver. Then there are the men at the Haven, Andy and his partner, Jon, a pair of Building Bears, and many others. There are other people in the cast too: the town gossip who works as Andy's secretery and proves to be an amazing friend, high schoolers Shane and Trevor who find themselves entangled in everything, and many others line the pages and make the setting of this book and the narrative that much more rich.
However, I'm not sure I'd call this book a romance in the traditional sense. It is a book about love, but its a book about the different types of love. Its about found family and how they can heal you in a way no one else ever can. Its about friendship and about the love a community can have and how finding that community heals a young man who doesn't think he'll ever have a place to belong. And yes, it is also about romantic love. It's a story about grief and loss and it is a story I will definitely revisit.
There are some on page triggers, particularly for death and grieving. There is also a cheating plot between main characters, so if infidelity is not for you, you may want to stay away. There are also a lot of open relationships, but they are completely normalized and the main one is shown as incredibly healthy.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR AND THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW **
This book did not follow one particular couple. Instead, it follows a cast of characters - all joined together by living in the same town, interacting with the same people, and in some ways by attending a retreat called The Haven. And each of these characters stands out on the page. Each of them offer something to the story that adds to the mystery on the page (Who is Oliver? What happened? Why is he there?) while also telling their own narrative.
These characters include Brandt and Parker, a married couple who have been having difficulties in their marriage. Brandt is the first person to find Oliver, the one to bring him home to Parker and Brandt's house. Completeing their house is the town sheriff, Jake, a man who has decided it is time to settle down and find a husband. He tries this first with newcomer Jaime who shares a complicated history with Oliver. Then there are the men at the Haven, Andy and his partner, Jon, a pair of Building Bears, and many others. There are other people in the cast too: the town gossip who works as Andy's secretery and proves to be an amazing friend, high schoolers Shane and Trevor who find themselves entangled in everything, and many others line the pages and make the setting of this book and the narrative that much more rich.
However, I'm not sure I'd call this book a romance in the traditional sense. It is a book about love, but its a book about the different types of love. Its about found family and how they can heal you in a way no one else ever can. Its about friendship and about the love a community can have and how finding that community heals a young man who doesn't think he'll ever have a place to belong. And yes, it is also about romantic love. It's a story about grief and loss and it is a story I will definitely revisit.
There are some on page triggers, particularly for death and grieving. There is also a cheating plot between main characters, so if infidelity is not for you, you may want to stay away. There are also a lot of open relationships, but they are completely normalized and the main one is shown as incredibly healthy.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR AND THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW **
February 6, 2022
I don’t know where to start on a review for this story. There is so much going on. First there is quite a bit of steam going on. I normally read dark stories so very little is a no for me. This story got to me in the beginning. Oliver is a hard character to define. He seems to not have any idea what he is really looking for. He has gone through plenty of tragedy and this has caused him to not have a handle on anything. He is a nice guy but all over the place between his behavior and self destruction. When he ends up on the doorstep of Brandt he is taken in and looked after. There is so much acceptance in the circle of these guys. I feel Oliver is a character who ends with a hfn.
Brandt is another story. He has goals and works hard to achieve them. His husband on the other hand I found unlikable. He is unsatisfied with his decisions in life and is happy to look anywhere that strokes his person. I felt he was selfish throughout the story. I never would have trusted him again. I feel the part that got my temper up was Brandt apologizing to him!! I give the author credit for writing about a character that is so controversial.
The other characters are likable. Each has their own issues and becomes the focus of that part of the story. The only part I have a problem is that I feel the ending was too fast. Even though things were resolved I didn’t feel like they were completely resolved.
Brandt is another story. He has goals and works hard to achieve them. His husband on the other hand I found unlikable. He is unsatisfied with his decisions in life and is happy to look anywhere that strokes his person. I felt he was selfish throughout the story. I never would have trusted him again. I feel the part that got my temper up was Brandt apologizing to him!! I give the author credit for writing about a character that is so controversial.
The other characters are likable. Each has their own issues and becomes the focus of that part of the story. The only part I have a problem is that I feel the ending was too fast. Even though things were resolved I didn’t feel like they were completely resolved.
January 24, 2022
An emotionally packed story for this reader.
Grief and sorrow are in this book caused by guilt. Oliver has led a very open life as a actively sexual man but has hidden this from his father. Once dear old dad discovers his penchant Oliver
is kicked out with nothing and sent on his way. His journey leads him to Potter's Mill, an idealically open & accepting town for gay men, sleeping on the steps of Brandt's coffee shop where Brandt, being the softie that he is, winds up giving Oliver a job that he desperately needs and thus starts this story. There are a lot of side characters to this story and I suggest that the reader go through the previous books to familerize themselves with this plot. Brandt, Parker, Jake, Jamie, and Darren (who lends a great deal of creedence to this story) play special parts. As with all of the other books in this series I found immense pleasure in reading this ARC that was given to me.
Grief and sorrow are in this book caused by guilt. Oliver has led a very open life as a actively sexual man but has hidden this from his father. Once dear old dad discovers his penchant Oliver
is kicked out with nothing and sent on his way. His journey leads him to Potter's Mill, an idealically open & accepting town for gay men, sleeping on the steps of Brandt's coffee shop where Brandt, being the softie that he is, winds up giving Oliver a job that he desperately needs and thus starts this story. There are a lot of side characters to this story and I suggest that the reader go through the previous books to familerize themselves with this plot. Brandt, Parker, Jake, Jamie, and Darren (who lends a great deal of creedence to this story) play special parts. As with all of the other books in this series I found immense pleasure in reading this ARC that was given to me.
February 4, 2022
There’s an ensemble cast to focus on in this story, and I really appreciated the way the author makes readers feel like they’ve been dropped into the middle of the characters’ lives. Love, friendship, family, and more: this is a slice of life story, and life with plenty of ups and downs is what you get. Relationship dynamics– some healthy, some struggling– are at the heart of the narrative, and the ups and downs for each individual have ripple effects for the larger community. Reading this book definitely felt like an emotional journey (not all the characters’ choices are good ones, not every relationship is going where you might want it to) and while it can be intense it’s clearly by design, and worth appreciating on those terms.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2022
3.5 Stars 🌟
This was an interesting read, it was defiantly not your traditional romance. This story takes place from the POV of Oliver, as it intersects with several different characters and their lives. Some people may not appreciate the triggers in this book, so take a look at the warning in the blurb...I'm never a fan of cheating in any book but IMO it didn't ruin it for this story as the characters were part of a multiple character setting so I suppose I was less emotionally invested in this couple 😉. The writing was good, this was a very emotionally charged story for the most part....there are a lot of things going on at once so at times it can be a bit much to keep up. All in all it was a nice story and my first read from this author, I would defiantly go for a second.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
This was an interesting read, it was defiantly not your traditional romance. This story takes place from the POV of Oliver, as it intersects with several different characters and their lives. Some people may not appreciate the triggers in this book, so take a look at the warning in the blurb...I'm never a fan of cheating in any book but IMO it didn't ruin it for this story as the characters were part of a multiple character setting so I suppose I was less emotionally invested in this couple 😉. The writing was good, this was a very emotionally charged story for the most part....there are a lot of things going on at once so at times it can be a bit much to keep up. All in all it was a nice story and my first read from this author, I would defiantly go for a second.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
February 7, 2022
Finding Oliver is a an m/m romance with a huge difference.
It’s not a typical romance of any kind. It’s about lots of different people rather than just the main two. It’s complicated of sorts, it’s not just finding your person.
I’m honestly not really sure what to say or exactly how to describe this. Honestly your better probably better off going into this blind and coming to your own conclusions.
But what I would say is it holds a lot of intrigue, steam, love of sorts, more open mindedness.
It’s a great read that I would recommend but if your looking for more of a traditional romance then this probably isn’t for you.
You need to go into this book with an open mind and see where it takes you. Still a great read that I would recommend.
It’s not a typical romance of any kind. It’s about lots of different people rather than just the main two. It’s complicated of sorts, it’s not just finding your person.
I’m honestly not really sure what to say or exactly how to describe this. Honestly your better probably better off going into this blind and coming to your own conclusions.
But what I would say is it holds a lot of intrigue, steam, love of sorts, more open mindedness.
It’s a great read that I would recommend but if your looking for more of a traditional romance then this probably isn’t for you.
You need to go into this book with an open mind and see where it takes you. Still a great read that I would recommend.
February 2, 2022
This was a really interesting story about a group of gay men in a small lakeside town in North Carolina. It alternates POVs between several characters:
-Brandt and Parker, a 30-something couple who’s marriage is struggling
-Oliver, a 20 year old who moved from Knoxville after experiencing some tragic events
-Jake, the high school quarterback turned town Sheriff
-Shane, a high school senior who’s trying to get his footing as a gay man
There’s several other characters in this orbit, who are also involved in the MCs lives. All of the men are trying to find their path in some way, and we get to watch their journey.
Not all of the couples in this book are monogamous (some by choice, some not) but that’s one of the things some of the men are coming to terms with.
It was interesting to see how these men navigated the points they were at in their lives, both as a found family and on their own.
Shane was my favorite character, he was incredibly sweet!
-Brandt and Parker, a 30-something couple who’s marriage is struggling
-Oliver, a 20 year old who moved from Knoxville after experiencing some tragic events
-Jake, the high school quarterback turned town Sheriff
-Shane, a high school senior who’s trying to get his footing as a gay man
There’s several other characters in this orbit, who are also involved in the MCs lives. All of the men are trying to find their path in some way, and we get to watch their journey.
Not all of the couples in this book are monogamous (some by choice, some not) but that’s one of the things some of the men are coming to terms with.
It was interesting to see how these men navigated the points they were at in their lives, both as a found family and on their own.
Shane was my favorite character, he was incredibly sweet!
January 30, 2022
This was such a great story there were so many different and interesting characters. I’m not sure who the main story was about. There was a lot going on in the story at all times and it was a super interesting read. I really enjoyed it. I have never read anything by this author before and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd person
Standalone or series: Stand-alone
Would I recommend it: 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd person
Standalone or series: Stand-alone
Would I recommend it: 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
February 1, 2022
This is not a romance, it's more of an ensemble drama about the residents of a small town.
There are multiple main characters, all at different points in their lives, some just starting out, others realising they've bevom complacent, some realising they are ready to settle down.
It's low to medium heat, and it has a happy ending. There is cheating in this, as well as consensual non-manogamy, so it's not going to be for everyone.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
There are multiple main characters, all at different points in their lives, some just starting out, others realising they've bevom complacent, some realising they are ready to settle down.
It's low to medium heat, and it has a happy ending. There is cheating in this, as well as consensual non-manogamy, so it's not going to be for everyone.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
February 3, 2022
Finding Oliver was a different read for me. It wasn't a romance novel in the traditional sense, where you expected it to follow on couple and you went with then on their journey to love. Instead it followed a host of characters, who were tied together by living in the same town, have the same hangout and sharing mutual friends. The book was well written and the characters were well developed, it just seemed to bee too busy with the host of characters and no central couple. Overall, a solid story.
January 19, 2022
Quite a hodge podge of characters in this book. All doing their own things and sometimes doing it with others. Brandt and Parker and Oliver and Jake seem to be the biggest romance situations going on but there were others. The story didn’t have a lot of rhyme or reason but there was a whole lot going on at all times. It was interesting, not a lot of realness to me, but still interesting to read. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
January 25, 2022
I do so enjoy Wit Talcott’s writing style. This is a lovely read with interconnecting characters and groups of characters that we can all get to know set in another lakeside community, I did so enjoy their Lake Fearless series. There is a lot going on but the story is easy to read and the characters are all engaging although there was one character I wanted to hit upside the head however he did redeem himself in the end.
February 3, 2022
Woah!!!
This will have your emotions all over the place. There were moments I was so angry I wanted to shake someone and others I wanted to hug. And I will add that some were more forgiving than I would have been. The only thing that really bothered me about this was there was no mention or alluding to safe sex.
This will have your emotions all over the place. There were moments I was so angry I wanted to shake someone and others I wanted to hug. And I will add that some were more forgiving than I would have been. The only thing that really bothered me about this was there was no mention or alluding to safe sex.
February 6, 2022
I loved the Lake Fearless series by this author and what I loved in that series I also found here. This isn't a typical gay romance, but contemporary fiction about gay characters and all the facets of their lives in a small town. Oliver, a young man who appears in town one day acts as the catalyst for the characters to explore relationships involving, love, friendship, heartbreak and growth.
January 22, 2022
There was a lot happening in this one. There didn't seem to be a main couple, but Brandt and Parker are kind of at the center. Big life changes happening for them when in walks Oliver, whose mere presence changes their course dramatically.
The book was well written and a fairly easy read.
The book was well written and a fairly easy read.
February 22, 2022
Being gay in a small town is rarely easy and a new man in town may just turn some lives upside down. They will need to conquer some issues before they get what they truly want and needs. It may not be easy for them so follow them to see if they can make a life in this small town
February 3, 2022
4.5/5
Full review here:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022...
Full review here:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022...
February 4, 2022
Overall, this was just ok for me. I think the author did a good job of telling a story where there were so many characters involved... there was just so much going on, I didn't feel invested.
February 1, 2022
This book was a different read for me. It had a lot of characters all interacting without a real central set of characters to really follow. It was unexpected and while it worked somewhat it wasn't really a good gel for me. But give it a try, you might love it.
March 23, 2022
For husbands, Parker and Brandt, moving to a smaller, gay friendly town, and starting up two separate businesses on different time lines, has taken it's toll on their relationship. Add into their mix, a good friend Jake, who Parker is attracted to and a homeless man, Oliver, who is running away from his old life and a town full of interesting people, and you have a story full of feelings.
I wasn't sure if I was a fan of Parker at first. He seemed willing to throw away his marriage and go live his life freely and eager to sleep with any man who showed him attention. But as the story goes on I see there's so much more than that. Oliver seems lost but with help from his new found family he forgives himself and is able to find his place.
I really did enjoy this book. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wasn't sure if I was a fan of Parker at first. He seemed willing to throw away his marriage and go live his life freely and eager to sleep with any man who showed him attention. But as the story goes on I see there's so much more than that. Oliver seems lost but with help from his new found family he forgives himself and is able to find his place.
I really did enjoy this book. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews