Cherry Season

by C.L. Blossom

When twenty-four-year-old Ashton Tremblay steps up to run Tremblay Orchards after his father’s sudden heart attack, he expects long days and sore muscles—not the attention of the town’s mysterious newcomer.

Troy Fischer, the tattooed owner of Black Cat Brewery, approaches Ashton with a proposal: partner up to create a cherry hard cider that celebrates both their crafts. But beneath Troy’s easy confidence and flirtatious charm, Ashton suspects there’s more than business behind the offer.

What starts as a professional partnership soon blurs into late nights at the brewery, the air thick with the scent of cherries and something impossible to ignore. As Ashton learns to navigate the pressures of family legacy, Troy must decide if he’s willing to let go of his bitter past and chase after something sweet.

This summer in Claremont Shores, passion is brewing—bold, bubbling, and dangerously intoxicating.

Genres: M M Romance, Found Family, LGBT, Romance, Queer

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2026

About the author

C.L. Blossom was born and raised in West Michigan. She holds a master’s degree in biology and works as a microbiologist in a laboratory. As an undergraduate, she majored in biological sciences and minored in creative writing, blending her love of science with her passion for storytelling.

Her writing journey began at thirteen, when she started posting One Direction fan fiction online. Over the years, she built a community of more than 23,000 followers and millions of reads. Though science is her career, writing remains her first love.

When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found playing video games, attending concerts, or spending time outdoors with her partner, family, and friends. She also shares her home with three adorable and mischievous cats.

Reviews

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to return to Claremont Shores and read about the cherry orchard owner we met in the first book, and it did not disappoint

Immediately, you feel the weight on Ashton's shoulders from his father, and Troy's struggle with his recent divorce. Both characters are so well developed. I loved the depth of Ashton's journey exploring and accepting his sexuality, and Troy's patience and support while he navigates those feelings. Perfection.

The spice? 🥵 If there's a praise kink and being talked through it, sign me up. The balance of spice to plot was perfect.

I also really appreciated the side characters. Having a lot of side characters can be a hard balance, because sometimes they take away from the main story, but this author balances this well. They add to the plot without taking away from the main relationship.

And of course, I loved our cameo of Mason, and Hunter from the first book.

Overall, this was such a fun read, and I loved seeing the author's growth in this second book of the series.

[Adam Broome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry Season was one of those books that completely swept me away.

From the moment Ashton and Troy met, I was hooked. Their chemistry felt effortless, and I loved watching what started as a business partnership slowly turn into something so much more. Every conversation, every flirtatious moment, every late night together had me smiling. Troy was probably my favorite character. Beneath the tattoos, confidence, and charm was someone carrying around a lot more than he let people see. And Ashton had such a big heart. Watching him navigate the pressure of family expectations while trying to figure out what he wanted for himself made him incredibly easy to root for.

One of my favorite things about this book was how natural their relationship felt. Nothing felt forced. They supported each other, challenged each other, and slowly became the person the other could lean on when life got complicated.

The small town atmosphere was also perfection. Between the orchard, the brewery, the cherry cider project, and the cast of side characters, Claremont Shores felt like a place I wanted to visit myself. The entire book had this cozy summer feeling that wrapped around the romance beautifully.

And can we talk about the flirting? Because these two had me grinning like an idiot more than once.

This story was sweet, romantic, emotional, and comforting all at the same time. It left me with that happy feeling you hope for when you finish a really good romance and made me wish I could spend just a little more time with Ashton and Troy.

An easy five-star read for me. 🍒

[Kaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

as a later in life queer midwesterner that had comphet shoved down my throat, this hit me veerrry deep. and for all my girls, gays, and theys in red states, this is for you

thank you to the author for this arc

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHERRY SEASON was such an emotional and beautiful read and I want to protect Ashton from the whole world! I loved the previous book in the series so I really enjoyed returning to Claremont Shores and discovering more sides of this small waterfront town. Both Ash and Troy were fantastic characters and they had amazing chemistry, even when Ash was doing everything he could to fight his attraction.

As the oldest son and the new owner of his family's long running cherry farm he had the weight of his father's expectations on this shoulders and it was basically crushing him. Not only that but he's suppressed any hint that he might be attracted to men as he's tried to earn his dad's approval. I loved seeing Ashton start to stand up to his father, discover the person he was always meant to be, and be supported by his siblings and friends. And the way Troy always lifted Ashton up and never backed down from defending him had me swooning.

Troy was a bit of an opposite to Ash; he's a proud bisexual man who goes after his dreams, loves to flirt, and isn't afraid to take a chance. But he's also starting fresh in a new town after a rough divorce and he's leery of giving his heart away, especially to someone who's still struggling with his identity. Of course, once Troy started to spend time with Ashton through their new business partnership he was basically a goner for Ash's shy smiles and sweet cinnamon roll personality.

As Ashton navigated his sexual identity and Troy came to terms with falling in love again I was so scared we'd get a devastating third act breakup so I was pleasantly surprised to see these two held on and never let go, even when things got rough. Their love was so gentle and caring and just got stronger as the book went on.

One area CHERRY SEASON really excelled at was showing the complexity of family, both the good and the bad. I won't lie, the scenes with Ashton's dad were rough and I badly wanted Ashton to stop fighting for his dad's love when it was so obvious it was never going happen. Thankfully, he had his siblings there to support him and we saw that the people who truly love you will always stand by your side no matter what.

I have no idea who the next couple in this series will be but I can't wait to read anything that C.L. Blossom writes.

Content Warning: emotionally neglectful parent, homophobia; brief scene at the beginning of Ashton being intimate with a woman (before he's ever involved with Troy)

[Amber Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to CL Blossom for the ARC of Cherry Season! I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but I don’t feel that it impacted my experience reading Cherry Season. I super enjoyed this book once I got started with it! It didn’t feel like a 400+ page book for me because I enjoyed every page so thoroughly. My favorite parts - characters, workplace settings, and siblings. ❤️

Ashton Tremblay is the current owner of the family cherry orchard after his father’s heart attack required him to step away. Ashton has big ideas about how to expand the family business but is feeling lots of pressure to maintain the traditional image of the orchard. He also is discovering a lot about himself and what he wants in a partner. Enter Troy.

Troy is new to town after divorcing his wife in Chicago. He opens a brewery and proposes a business partnership with Ashton that would utilize his cherries for a new cider. Troy is unapologetically himself and not afraid to stand up to people - including Ashton’s parents.

The combination of brewery and cherry orchard was a unique setting for this story. It kept me interested and I could picture the places where the characters were so easily.

Ashton’s siblings were the best and I loved their roles at the end of this story. I loved how they stood by Ashton and his decisions regarding the orchard and his personal life.

Loved this book by CL Blossom. Great read. Thank you again for the ARC. Highly recommend.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story, and I really enjoyed it! I really enjoyed Ashton and Troy's relationship and how it all came to be. I enjoyed Troy's flirtyness and also how straightforward he was and how unapologetically himself he was. Ashton was so hardworking, and he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. I really disliked Ashton's dad and I was happy when they stood up to him. Ashton worked so hard but he was never good enough. It was great to see him overcome the way he was raised and discover himself. I loved how supportive they were of each other and how Troy gave Ashton the freedom and safety to dream and work on his ideas for the orchard. I loved their business venture and it felt like a great step for them.

This was a very interesting and sweet story of growth, acceptance and support, while also learning to accept help and live differently than was expected.

Pick this up if you're in the mood to read about a brewery owner and a cherry orchard owner find their happily ever after.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and swoony. I want to be Troy. He’s so hot.

[Matthew Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherry Season had some big shoes to fill after how much I enjoyed Singing Sands, and I'm pleased to say it largely lived up to those expectations. While both novels are "summer romances" that take place concurrently in the same location, they have remarkably different atmospheres. Where Singing Sands conjured images of blue skies, hot sand, sunscreen, and the shimmering haze of midsummer, Cherry Season feels verdant, lush, and far more interested in the changing of the seasons than in summer itself. That shift in atmosphere mirrors the story Blossom chooses to tell. Cherry Season is less interested in the intensity of a summer romance than in the slow and uncomfortable process of change. Like the orchard around it, the novel is concerned with growth, pruning, and difficult transitions from one season (of life) to the next.

While this is ostensibly a dual-POV romance, with alternating chapters split between our two leads, Ashton and Troy, I ultimately felt Ashton was the novel's emotional centre. The eldest of five children, Ashton has spent his entire life trying to conform to an oppressive vision of masculinity. Raised by a deeply conservative father who taught him not to cry and never to appear weak, Ashton has internalised years of criticism until they become indistinguishable from his own inner voice. Blossom convincingly demonstrates how, over time, those lessons can calcify into profound self-doubt, leaving Ashton questioning not only his sexuality, but whether he has any right to determine the course of his own life.

Troy is an immensely likeable romantic lead whose playful persistence and quiet kindness make him easy to root for, particularly during his early pursuit of Ashton. Yet despite being given a rich backstory; a failed marriage, the death of his mother as a young child, and a distant father who has never truly offered him the love he deserved, much of that emotional material ultimately serves to support Ashton's journey rather than being explored in its own right. I don't necessarily consider this a flaw. Blossom clearly knows whose story she wants to tell. Even so, I couldn't help feeling there was another compelling novel hidden inside Troy's history that remained largely unexplored.

I also admired the novel's willingness to argue that healing does not always look like reconciliation. Romance novels often place great importance on repairing the damage caused by toxic relationships through some sort of cathartic confrontation. Cherry Season instead suggests that emotional growth can sometimes mean recognising when a relationship cannot be salvaged, and having the courage to walk away. I found that a surprisingly mature and uncommon message within the genre.

Ultimately, Cherry Season uses the framework of a romance to tell a story about giving yourself permission to become the sort of person capable of loving your authentic self, and in turn recognising that love should never be conditional.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to C.L. Blossom for this fantastic read!
I love Troy and Ashton. They feel so real to me. The vibes are immaculate.
I feel this book could be important to some people finding their way.

-mlm
-gay and bisexual mmcs
-found family
-small town/conservative town

[patrícia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review: Cherry Season (Claremont Shores Book 2) by C.L. Blossom
MC:Troy&Ash 4.5⭐

Tropes & tags
🍒 Spicy MM summer romance
🍒 Cherry farmer × brewery owner
🍒 Business partners to lovers
🍒 Found family
🍒 gentle giant x confident short king
🍒 MC with anxiety
🍒 Small-town Michigan setting
🍒 “Riding” on a tractor 😉🌶️

I've read this kind of story before. The plot itself is a bit been there, seen that, but the setting is what makes it stand out. The cherry orchard is absolutely gorgeous, and I loved seeing everything Troy and Ash built together around it.

This was a super sweet romance mixed with a lot of family drama. The patriarchal, homophobic family dynamics drove me absolutely nuts, and at first I wasn't completely sold on the intensity of Troy and Ash's relationship. It felt very fast, maybe even a little too intense to be believable. But somewhere along the way, I got it. I felt it. And that's the whole point, right? By the end, I was genuinely happy for them, and that's one of my favourite feelings to walk away with after a romance novel.

Also, while that cover is cute, their expressions are a little weird... and it completely misses the size difference. Ash is 6'2" (188 cm) and Troy is 5'7" (170 cm), yet somehow the cover makes it look like the opposite. I know, I know, I'm being picky.

Ash's innocence and enthusiasm were adorable, but he also got on my nerves more than once. The constant "this was a mistake" moments and the push-and-pull started wearing thin after a while. He made Troy feel guilty for wanting simple things like holding hands in public, and even got upset when Troy accidentally outed himself while defending Ash to his parents. He kept using Phoebe as a buffer instead of telling his family the truth. Still, Ash is a baby gay carrying years of self-loathing and trying to live up to his father's expectations, so I understood where it was coming from.

That didn't stop me from repeatedly thinking:

"Please Ash, grow a pair." 🙏

Troy, on the other hand, completely won me over. His flirting, his neediness, and how hard he fought for Ash without always getting the recognition he deserved absolutely wrecked me. Their chemistry was fantastic, and their bedroom dynamic was HOOOOOOOT. I will never complain about a big gentle giant getting railed. It breaks the usual stereotype, and I'm always here for that.

“I have this, um… fantasy,” he mutters, barely audible. “But it’s… kind of embarrassing.”I skim my knuckles over his flushed cheek, soft and reassuring.
“Whatever it is, I promise I’ll love it,” I tell him gently. “You can tell me.”[…]
“Iwannarideyou,” he rushes out in one breath. He swallows hard before adding, “On the tractor.” 🚜🍒🔥😅

PS: He as already wearing a butt plug to be ready for that ride 🔥🔥🔥🔥

The homophobia still frustrates me after hundreds of MM romances, especially when it comes from family. I was glad Ash's siblings supported him, because watching him finally stand up to his parents was both painful and incredibly satisfying. He may have lost them, but he finally stopped denying himself the chance to be loved and accepted for who he is.

I absolutely adored Phoebe. Ex-hookup turned best friend is one of my favourite dynamics, and she was exactly the person Ash needed. She challenged him, called him out when necessary, and encouraged him to want things for himself instead of simply following the path everyone else had planned for him. Their conversation about toys was hilarious. Poor Ash. 😅

And a special mention goes to Cryptid the cat. 🐈‍⬛🥹 He clearly knows who the good people are.

Could this have been shorter than 369 pages?

Probably.

But I was invested enough that I didn't really mind.

One thing I appreciated was that the book didn't fall into the trap of instantly forgiving terrible parents for the sake of a happy ending. I've read far too many romances where years of emotional damage are magically fixed because it's convenient for the HEA.

“Sometimes a happy ending isn’t reconciling with the people who hurt you—it’s choosing space and protecting your own peace.”

I firmly believe that, and I'm glad the story did too. Those assholes didn't earn a place in Troy and Ash's HEA. Beneath all the drama, this relationship was about safety, acceptance, and finally feeling worthy of love.

I know this is a big quote but this captures so beautifully their relationship and their connection and my heart melted reading it, so I wanted to share with you 🙂

When he’s done, he tosses the cloth aside and slides back into bed beside me, pulling the covers up. Then he tugs me into him, wrapping me up against his chest like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
I go easily, settling against him, my head tucked beneath his chin.
It should feel ridiculous.
I’m not small by any means. I’m a six-foot-two giant being held by a much smaller man.
But instead of embarrassment, something warm unfurls in my chest.
I love this.
The way he holds me like I’m something worth protecting. Like I matter. Like I’m safe here.
His hand lifts to cradle the back of my head, fingers threading gently through my hair as he presses a kiss to the crown.“
I’m so damn lucky to have you,” he whispers.
My throat tightens, but I don’t pull away.
“You were so good tonight,” he continues softly. “So strong. So brave. And you’re smart as hell, you know that? Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”
I let out a quiet breath, my fingers tightening around his soft belly.
For the first time… I think I believe him.
The thought settles deep, sinking into places that have been empty for a long time.
His hand keeps moving through my hair, slow and steady, his heartbeat a quiet rhythm beneath my ear. And somewhere between one breath and the next, wrapped up safely in his arms, I drift off to sleep.

I'm curious to read Mason and Hunter book :D

I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.

⚠️Author Content Warnings
Death of a parent (off-page, in past)
References to an affair in a main character’s past marriage (the main character is not the one who cheated)
Homophobia from family members and within a small-town community (on-page)
Familial rejection due to queer identity (on-page)
Parental emotional abuse and abandonment (on-page)
Depictions of anxiety and panic attacks experienced by a main character (on-page)
Explicit sexual content between consenting adults (on-page)
An injury involving broken bones and blood (on-page)

❣️Book Safety & Content
Other Person Drama: Yes, Ashton hookups one time on page with a regular girl. He can't finish and after that nothing more happens. This was necessary for Ashton to realize he was gay.
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics: Versatile
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Series this is book 2 but can be read as a standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: ome miscommunication
Pining: Mutual

[Queenbeereads_sugarandspice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars!

CL Blossom has done it again! This is only her second book but once again, her characters absolutely captured my heart. As with Singing Sands, I demolished this one in less than a day; less than half a day in fact, and it was added to my comfort list loooooong before I was even halfway through.

I was captivated by the chemistry between these two from the start. Between Ash’s incredibly endearing shy blushing and Troy’s teasing flirting, I was obsessed. Those big warm gooey feelings were at full force during this, and I felt like a giggling teen watching them fall for each other. 

I do have a massive soft spot for a gentle giant, and Ashton is just an absolute sweetie. I hated that he thinks of himself as broken, weighed down by his father’s excessive criticisms and his fear of being attracted to men. Hated seeing him struggle with his anxiety and panic attacks. He’s always hidden who he is and doubted himself, so it made me grin like an idiot seeing how much he lights up after Troy has given him praise. I loved his huge heart and how he’ll do anything for his siblings.

Troy, oh Troy. What a keeper! I loved Troy for his loyalty, his patience, and for being true to himself when he could have chosen differently. That man deserves a gold star for how well he looks after Ash, including his gentle encouragement of the other man to get help and all that wonderful positive reassurance that helps him through his doubts. He truly is Ash’s safe space, while Ash shows Troy that he loves him just how he is, intensity and all 🥹

These two caused my heart to pang so many times from how they’ve been knocked down countless times by others, but I loved seeing them overcome their insecurities together.

I was especially proud of Ash, seeing him discover who he is, taking steps into the unknown and taking risks. I loved seeing him grow into himself, gaining so much confidence. When he stood up to his father, and how he deals the situation with his parents at the end 👏

And let’s not forget Cryptid! Such a sweetheart of a cat. I swear I could hear his loud purring from on the page.

Of course, I loved seeing Ash’s siblings come through for him. Their parents, meanwhile… *growl* there are no words for how much they pissed me off, though his mum disappointed me the most.

That epilogue! So so so good! I finished the book with happy tears in my eyes and my heart feeling full.

Like Hunter and Mason, these two have earned a permanent spot in my heart, but there’s plenty of room for more of the residents of Claremont Shores...

For those of you who’ve already read this, how much did you love Ash’s reaction to Troy’s pierced nipples?? 😂

For those of you who haven’t yet read it… if you’re wondering if there’s a tractor scene because they’re on an orchard… NEWSFLASH: THERE’S A TRACTOR SCENE 😉

-----

Some of my favourite quotes

The truth is, Ashton is exactly the kind of man I can’t afford to want. Pursuing him would be downright reckless. But then again... I’ve always had a thing for danger. 

I’ve downed plenty of booze in my life, but nothing has ever made me feel as intoxicated as Ashton Tremblay.

“You never fail to impress me, Ashton Tremblay.”

 This pull toward him—the insistent ache low in my ribs—is getting impossible to ignore. Something about him feels inevitable, like waves carrying me toward a shore I’m destined to reach. He might not realize it yet, but sooner or later, I know he’ll be mine.

“You make it really difficult to hold myself back.” “Then maybe you should stop trying.”

“Sometimes a happy ending isn’t reconciling with the people who hurt you—it’s choosing space and protecting your own peace.” 

Ashton makes me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. And Christ, I’d do just about anything for him. If he asked me for the moon, I’d reach into the cosmos and pluck it from the sky without hesitation. I’d do anything to keep him looking at me like this.

Troy understands me in a way no one else ever has. He sees every flaw, every rough edge, and still chooses me.

“Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re strong enough to go looking for the tools you need.” 

I love your intensity, Troy. I love how passionate you are—about your job, about the people you love... about me.” I smile faintly. “It’s one of my favorite things about you.”

“I’ll always find you, Ash. Always.”

“I’m so damn proud of you… You deserve so much more love than the scraps they gave you.” 

[paris · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ - 5/5

*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*

⊹ | 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 by C.L. Blossom is a contemporary, small-town M/M romance. It is the second book in the 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 series and follows Ashton Tremblay and Troy Fischer. This story explores topics that some readers may find sensitive.

Before I dive into my review, I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have been chosen to be an ARC reader. While reading, I quickly fell in love with Troy and Ash, and even the small town of Claremont all over again. I seriously can't wait for the official release of this book and for y'all to meet my babies!

Ashton and Troy's story was incredibly sweet and very emotional at times. When Ashton's character originally made a small appearance in 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴, I was immediately intrigued to read his POV after the whole cherry stand situation. I was absolutely over the moon when I later saw he was getting his own book in the series.

Ashton is the eldest of the Tremblay siblings, and now he's the proud owner of his family's cherry orchard. When his dad is forced to retire after a heart attack, Ash steps up, but trying to meet his father's high expectations is a heavy weight for him to carry. Ashton expects this cherry season to be nothing but long hours, lots of sweat, and hard work, but what he doesn't expect is to meet a mysterious, five-foot-something, tattooed man who owns the new local brewery. As the two grow closer, Ash finds it more challenging to follow the strict path laid out for him and to deny the growing feelings he has for Troy.

Troy Fischer moved to Claremont for a fresh start after a messy divorce. After getting settled in and finally opening the brewery, Troy is determined to lay low and focus on his new business. What he doesn't expect is to meet a tall, green-eyed blondie who flips his world upside down. Ashton makes Troy feel things he hasn't felt in a while. After Troy proposes a business partnership, the two start work on a project that combines both of their crafts. What initially starts off as an innocent partnership soon turns into more, but Troy must find a way to let go of the past before he can move on.

I promise you guys, this book did NOT disappoint. I loved Ashton and Troy with my entire heart. Their story was real, raw, and emotional. It was genuinely so beautiful watching them both grow together, overcome personal challenges, and start to form a deeper connection throughout the book. I loved how patient Troy was with Ash and how he helped him work through his fears and anxiety. But I also loved how Ashton never made Troy feel like he was too much and helped him let go of his fears from his past relationship.

While Troy and Ash might have been complete opposites, they were completely perfect for each other. It was interesting seeing how they navigated their feelings for each other while also dealing with their personal lives and, on top of that, running businesses. They had rough moments, moments where the tension was heavy and frustrations ran high, and even moments that were scary, but in the end, things worked out for the best. I loved every second of this book so much that I wish that I could go back in time just to read it for the first time again.

Something else I adored about this book was the cherry farm setting. I found it truly interesting and very unique. I loved how authentic the story felt and how the details made it feel like I was right alongside Ashton while he worked. It was so cool to find out that the author actually grew up on a cherry farm herself, which I thought was pretty freaking awesome!

Overall, I would 100% recommend this book to all my friends—and I will, best believe it. The story was absolutely beautiful and complex. The characters were so thought out and well-written that I can only hope that one day I can create characters as amazing as C.L. Blossom does. If you're a fan of sweet, small-town M/M romances, then the 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 series is definitely for you!


— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.

[Shanice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me open by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to jump into Ashton and Troy's story.

We briefly met Ashton in the first book, but this time we get to know him in all of his cherry-farming glory, and really, it's impossible not to love him from the start. As the oldest child in his family, Ashton shoulders responsibilities that most people wouldn't know how to handle. He's inherited the family business from his father, serves as a role model for his younger siblings, and has spent so much of his life putting his own wants and needs aside for the good of the family. Add in the fact that they're essentially small-town royalty, and the expectations placed on him become even heavier.

Then there's Troy.

Tattooed, pierced, sporting a mullet, devoted cat dad, and owner of the local brewery, Troy is rebuilding his life after a recent divorce and trying to establish his place in this conservative small town. When Ashton and Troy meet by chance, it's one of those immediate attraction moments where you know something special is about to happen.

One of my favorite parts of this book was watching Ashton experience the ultimate sexual awakening and navigate everything that came with it. His journey proved emotional, messy, beautiful, and incredibly relatable. I actually found myself crying more while reading this book than I did with the first one. You can feel the pressure Ashton carries on every page, and my heart broke for him repeatedly.

Let's talk about Ashton’s parents.

To me, there's almost nothing worse than having one terrible parent while the other refuses to hold them accountable. At that point, you end up with two people failing their child in different ways. Watching Ashton struggle under those family dynamics was incredibly frustrating and heartbreaking.

What I loved most, though, was the support system surrounding him. His siblings were fantastic, and it was wonderful learning more about each of their personalities. The love they have for Ashton shines throughout the story, and I loved seeing the roles they played in both his and Troy's lives.

Troy was everything Ashton needed. He listened, respected boundaries, and never pushed Ashton faster than he was ready to go. Their relationship developed naturally, and I liked how patient Troy was as Ashton worked through the many aspects of his identity, family expectations, and self-growth.

The ending had a few moments that I anticipated, but it also surprised me in the best possible ways. I don't want to spoil anything, but I was incredibly proud of how everything unfolded. It felt earned, emotional, and satisfying.

It was also nice getting glimpses of the couple from the first book. You don't necessarily need to read that book to enjoy this one, but seeing familiar faces again added something special to the experience and helped show the continued connections within the series.

At its core, this story is about the oldest child finally finding his own voice, choosing himself, and learning how to become his own person. It's about how difficult that journey can be when you've spent your entire life living for everyone else, and how lonely it can feel before you find the people who truly support you.

This was an easy five-star read for me.

As for the spice? Once it started, it definitely delivered.

[Emerson Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this ARC that I read it in one sitting! I LOVED Singing Sands, so I couldn’t wait for Ash and Troy’s story. Speaking of Singing Sands, I adored the little blips in Cherry Season that included Mason and Hunter. It rounded out the premises of Claremont Shores, and I liked this element of world building.

NOW ABOUT ASH AND TROY:
Omg I LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM! I figured I would based on the blurb, but the author seemed to surpass my expectations; they each were so individualistic and especially passionate their respective work. I also really liked the size difference (hehe). Ash genuinely is the most gentle giant to exist. The situation regarding his family made me want to tuck him in my pocket and protect him like the little (giant) bean he is! (I will fight anyone for Ash, my cutie patootie). He is so innocent, but that does not mean this man isn’t a FREAK. I mean, he is giving Shane Hollander being like “idk anything about sex but I did happen to buy a dildo”, like go off king!!!

Troy was Ash’s perfect counterbalance: he knows who he is and accepts himself as such. He’s steadfast in his trust of himself and not afraid of what others may think. I love how outspoken he was and found myself relating to him in that aspect (idgaf what people think and I also can’t seem to NOT voice my opinion!). Also idk why I was surprised, but Troy IS SMOOTH WITH IT. Like damn, there were a couple moments where I was like “I need to take notes on how to flirt from this man” (jk I’m married). I loved seeing how he flustered Ash lmao. I mean the cherry pit sucking??? (don’t know if that’s technically a spoiler alert).

Quick note: I love Ash’s appreciation for Troy’s soft tummy, SO CUUUUTE

I thought the premise of the book was unique, and original. I liked seeing both characters show each other a glimpse into their day to day lives (Troy giving Ash a Troy of his brewery, Ash taking Troy around the cherry orchard). I think their relationship needed these little moments for Ash to build up trust in Troy in order for their relationship to progress into something romantic.

It might sound messed up, but it was somehow refreshing what happened between Ash and his parents; I feel like most books I’ve read where there is an issue with an MC’s sexuality involving their family, it’s usually resolved in the same ways (the MC has to put their own feelings aside to have that difficult conversation with their family in order to save their relationship). However, I found I was so proud of how Ash handled his situation, and Troy’s fierce protectiveness was heartwarming. It’s sadly refreshing to not have this kind of conflict resolved since I feel like I’ve read many many books where it’s the same issue and it’s solved in a similar manner. Yes, it’s sad that Ash wasn’t able to work out his relationship with his parents, but it was true character development on his part to stand up so strongly for himself. I love that his siblings rallied around him.

Here are some of my favorite moments:
- Troy being a suave ass man leaving his flannel at Ash’s so he has an excuse to talk to Ash again (I SEE YOU TROY)
- Their first date (omg so cute)
- The shower scene (that is all I will say)
- I can’t NOT include the tractor scene (iykyk)
- the little cat ramp Ash built for Cryptid like SHUT UP

Lately, Phoebe is a real one and I’ll leave it at that lol

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 41%

Blegh, not a fan of repeated scenes from different POVs. We should've just seen either Ashton or Troy's POV of their first meeting, not both since it was repetitive and unnecessary.

Troy's first chapter basically just vomiting out his life story was boring. All that info could've just come out as he and Ashton got to know each other. At least Ashton's expodump came via the form of anecdotes of his time growing up and a family dinner, Troy's just all being in his head was really really dull.

Phoebe accusing Ashton of being gay because she felt like Ashton wasn't into her was super super weird. If she truly felt that Ashton wasn't really attracted to her, then why was she the one who insisted to hook up? Were there unrequited feelings? I feel like the ideas thay "we have a history of being on and off" and "are you actually gay?" needed more explanation as to why exactly they ended up in that situation because Phoebe presumably picked up on some disinterest yet was actively still keeping herself on the hook for some unspoken reason (which doesn't make sense). It did make sense when it was made clear that there were some unrequited feelings, but I think it needed to be structured more clearly before they had their argument.

Wasn't a super big fan of Ashton acknowledging his being gay via expodumps about times when he was attracted to men. Kinda boring having it come out that way because it made him sound so self-aware about it, when there were hints about him not being explicitly aware when he asked himself why he was staring at Troy.

I liked the parts where Troy flirted with Ashton and when Ashton found himself flustered. I did not like how repetitive the story got with internal monologues about Troy's old life and Ashton's dad being a hardass. I swear every chapter had like two pages of scenes between Ashton and Troy which was then always followed up with internal monologues about Ashton's dad or Troy's ex-wife respectively.

Lmao, Troy: "I don't do this with straight guys. Or closeted gay guys for that matter." Do what? Make a move? But Troy literally did... The author needed to take a second look at that line because it was too contradictory.

"I only want him." 🙄 Troy only wants the guy he only ever had like a handful of conversations? What in the insta-obsession?

Troy: "It's difficult for me to act like I don't have feelings for you." WHAT FEELINGS? Horniness? Lust? Troy literally barely knew Ashton so I have no clue what "feelings" he was talking about because nothing sentimental or romantic had happened between them. It had only ever been flirting, sex, and a couple of conversations (that were not nearly enough to justify feelings already).

Called it quits there because I was just so annoyed. I was already sort of turned off of the book because it had too many internal monologues, but the insta-affection was the last straw. Definitely an improvement from the previous book though. 2 stars.

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up enjoying Cherry Season way more than I expected to.

On the surface, this is the kind of romance plot I've read before, but the setting and characters made it feel special. The cherry orchard, the brewery, the small-town atmosphere, and everything Ashton and Troy built together gave the story so much charm. It had this cozy summer feeling that made me want to stay in the world long after I finished reading.

Troy was easily my favorite character. He comes across as confident, flirty, and completely sure of himself, but underneath all of that is someone who just wants to be loved and accepted. He was patient with Ashton, supportive when things got difficult, and honestly deserved so much credit for how hard he fought for their relationship. Every time he flirted with Ashton, I couldn't stop smiling.

Ashton frustrated me at times, but in a way that felt realistic. Watching him struggle with family expectations, internalized shame, and fear of disappointing everyone around him was heartbreaking. There were definitely moments where I wanted to shake him and tell him to stop pushing Troy away, but I also understood why he was acting the way he was. His journey toward accepting himself and standing up for what he wanted was one of the strongest parts of the book.

The family dynamics were honestly difficult to read at times. The homophobia and emotional manipulation made me angry, but I appreciated that the story didn't magically fix everything by the end. Not every relationship can or should be repaired, and I liked that the book acknowledged that sometimes protecting your peace is more important than reconciliation.

One of my favorite things about this story was how safe Ashton and Troy felt with each other. Yes, the chemistry was fantastic, but what really got me was the emotional intimacy. The moments where they supported each other, reassured each other, and created a space where the other person could finally breathe felt just as important as the romance itself.

Phoebe was also an absolute standout. Every time she appeared on the page, I knew I was going to enjoy the scene. She was supportive without enabling Ashton and wasn't afraid to call him out when he needed it. And of course, Cryptid the cat deserves recognition because he clearly knew exactly who the good people were.

Could the book have been a little shorter? Probably. But honestly, I was invested enough that I didn't care. By the end, I was completely rooting for Ashton and Troy and genuinely happy to see them get the future they deserved.

Cherry Season is a sweet, emotional romance about love, self-acceptance, family, and finding people who make you feel safe enough to be yourself. It left me with that warm, happy feeling that makes it so hard to start a new book afterward.

[Feral Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍒⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🍒

I signed up for the Cherry Season ARC because I thought it would be perfect for a summer read and it did not disappoint! It also gave me the opportunity to start with Singing Sands. Two amazing books to start off the summer. Hell yeah!

What I was completely unprepared for was becoming this obsessed with both MCs, and a week later I am still sitting here thinking about them.

Ashton had me fully attached from the very beginning. He is out here carrying the crushing weight of his family’s legacy and all these heavy expectations, trying so hard to be what everyone else needs him to be. He has so much bottled-up anxiety, and watching this gentle giant completely unravel during his awakening while Troy gives him all the praise and safety he deserves had me losing my mind.

And Troy is just pure comfort, patience, and safety to his core. He is dealing with his own healing after a divorce, but he steps right into Ash’s world as this fiercely protective, sweet, and loveable force. He never pressures Ash for more than he can give, constantly cheering him on and defending him when things get heavy. The care, the gentleness, and the absolute certainty Troy has when it comes to holding Ash together is unmatched.

The chemistry between them is all tension, yearning, and deep restraint. Every single time they were forced into each other's orbit, the longing was thick. The cherry orchard pit scene was everything, and the absolute intensity during that moment had me vibrating. And the tractor scene?! I am still giggling about that specific moment and I honestly will never look at farm equipment the same way again. They balance each other out perfectly, just like the cherry hard cider they created together.

The side characters are also top-tier. Phoebe is the ultimate supportive bestie in the corner while Ash is coming to terms with his sexuality, and Cryptid the cat completely stole the show every time he was on the page. Troy being a dedicated cat dad just made me love him even more. I loved getting to meet each of Ash's siblings throughout the book, but at the very end when we saw how they all showed up for him just how he's always been there for them, that absolutely melted me.

Claremont Shores just wraps around you like a warm breeze, and watching Troy and Ashton build not just a business partnership, but a whole beautiful life together was everything.
It is sweet, deeply emotional, and leaves you with that ultimate happy, comforting feeling at the end.
The perfect summer read! Go devour this story right meow because it deserves all the stars.

[Kris Eshenaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much C.L. Blossom for the ARC! You allowed me to read the ARC of Singing Sands last year and I am so happy I was picked again for this.

Now, last year when I read Singing Sands I did enjoy it, but I did have issues with it. I found the pacing off and the POV switches with each part made the character development lacking and the big emotional moments not hit as hard. With Cherry Season, C.L.‘s second book in the series, all of the issues I had with the first book are gone. This was truly fantastic! I loved every second I spent reading this.
Ashton and Troy are such great characters. They are lovable, and felt like real people. Their storylines were so human, and realistic, and the development of their storylines felt so natural. The ending to one of the big arcs at the end of the book was such a heartbreaking, but realistic ending that I was not expecting. I am so used to other M/M romances having a different ending for storylines like the one here, and it was honestly a breath of fresh air to have something different happen.
With Singing Sands there were a lot of sex scenes that I felt hindered the romance with Mason and Hunter. The sex scenes in that were varied and kept things interesting. Now, this is spicy, but there was not an over abundance of sex scenes. More time was spent on the romance and emotional connection between Ashton and Troy, which I loved. The sex scenes that are here were varied though, which I did like. A lot of M/M romances have repetitive and boring sex scenes, but C.L. is quickly becoming an author who I know will surprise me with those types of scenes.
I loved the inclusion of Mason and Hunter, from the first book, in here. Their scene was so cute and sweet and I can’t wait to see a scene like that in a future book for Ashton and Troy.
This was just so fucking good. I fell in love with this series with this book. Before I read this I was wary about continuing with any future installments, but now that I read this I am going to read any future books, no hesitation. I loved this so much that I bought the signed paperback bundle after finishing it. I wanted the merch and a copy of the book for my shelves. A truly fantastic and sweet romance.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍒 ARC Review 🍒

4 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️

Ashton has inherited his family’s cherry farm and with it the pressure to uphold the family name and reputation in their small Michigan beach town. He can’t make mistakes, can’t embarrass his family, and certainly can’t do anything other than marry a nice girl and raise the traditional all-American family to help him run the farm.

Enter Troy, the tatted and pierced brewery owner who recently moved to town from Chicago. He begins relentlessly pursuing Ashton with his idea of teaming up to brew a cherry cider. As they team up to become business partners, Ashton learns that Troy is bi, but it’s what he learns about himself that threatens to turn is life upside down.

I love, love, love the setting of a small Michigan beach town. Michigan cherries! Farmer’s markets! Dune grasses! As a Chicagoan who travels to such towns at least once a year, I deeply related to this setting, but also learned a lot. Even though I will glance a Trump sign in a yard once and awhile during my travels in Michigan, I did not realize how conservative the area is. The author grew up in West Michigan so I trust her perspective but I was shocked that being gay would be such a scandal these days. Troy and Ashton both face a dilemma about how out they want to be and to whom in the small conservative town.

I really enjoyed the romance between the two characters and how their relationship developed. I enjoyed how the author created tension and conflict that was not overly forced or the result of silly miscommunication. Both characters faced conflict related to their reactions to personal trauma: Troy from feeling like he was “too much” after his divorce and Ashton from the lack of love and support he received from his parents. I especially loved how Ashton was slowly able to release himself from the crushing responsibility he felt to never mess up, with support from Troy.

This was also a gay awakening and I felt that it was a compelling portrayal of someone who is in denial about being gay. Shout out to Phoebe for having an impeccable gaydar and helping Ashton along.

I have not read book one in the series but I plan too as well as anything else the author puts out. Maybe I’ll even give some of her fanfiction a read.

[nik · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

thank you so much to C.L. Blossom for allowing me to read this early as an ARC. i am greatly appreciative of that!

i won’t lie, i didn’t actually read the first book in this series yet, since it could be read as a stand alone, but after finishing this one, its definitely on my tbr.
i really enjoyed this book and the characters.

the way ashton internalized his feelings and tried so hard to keep himself hidden because that’s what he had been taught he should do hit so close to home for me.
his character development throughout the entire book was so amazing to see.

troy.. my man. i loved him so much as his own character, but also as a source of grounding and comfort for ashton. he never pushed him, even whenever he may have wanted to. he let him set the pace, and he treated him the way he deserved to be treated. i love him very much. and not just because we are both bisexual 😛

another thing that might be weird, and may just be a me thing, is that seeing ash’s parents continue to stay conservative and basically disown their son once they found out he was gay, was so raw and real that i’m glad they didn’t approve of him.

HEAR ME OUT!! PLEASEEEEE
so many times i’ve read books where it’s always glazed over, where the homophobic characters are suddenly not homophobic anymore because that’s their relative. or their friend. and as much as i wish that was real and it happen in real life, that’s just not the case.
seeing it in fiction just cements the fact that even though there are people who are meant to love and support you, sometimes they don’t.
but it also shows you who the true friends and family are when you lose the crappy people.

and the spice.. look i am not one who loves smut all the time (i am asexual so sometimes i genuinely do not like it at all lol) but i will say i did enjoy the spicy scenes. i liked how they were written and i didn’t feel the need to skip over them.

honestly, this book gave me so many feels and i am so grateful i was able to read it early.

[Dalegendaryreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm gonna be honest and say I got enticed by the cover. Let us all take a moment to appreciate it.

Anyway, this is my first book of this author and I asked if this can be read as standalone, which I agree.

Ashton's handling his family's cherry orchard. When Troy, brewery owner, came with a business proposal, they started to spend more time together which made Ashton confronts his buried feelings.

What a journey this book was!

I love both of our characters especially Ashton. He got this huge responsibilities and basically he's suffocated with all these familial and societal expectations that people around him placed on his shoulders. Honestly, it's shocking that he's still managing and it didn't surprised me with how he just wanted to be free. With him, it really showed how people can mask a lot of things and how those expectations shaped who you are as a person. With Troy, he's basically a refreshing and 'outside of the norm' person in the small town. He's judged based on rumors and his physical appearance but he's a good person underneath. He's a hard worker, he loves to have fun and knows what he wants and gets it.

Both characters are complex, with enough emotional depth that I can't help but root for their happiness.

The plot was really predictable and straight-forward, and I ate it all up cherry on top (wink). I love being on their heads as a business owner, fighting all these hidden battles and this trauma that should make them scared but it only made them strong.

Their relationship progressed genuinely that it made sense. There's a lot of banter, chemistry was palpable and them fighting to be with each other and making each other's safe spaces was so adorable to read.

I honestly cannot wait to read more of this author's work, and maybe the next in the series.

[Kate Gar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this thinking I was getting a cute summer read, and Cherry Season completely ruined me instead.

I was in the WORST book slump I’ve ever been in, and then I started this book and BOOM, I was smacked in the face with an absolute obsession that didn’t let me go until the very end. I think I stayed up until 6 in the morning, eyes burning, hands cramping from clutching my Kindle just to finish it. And it BLEW me away.

This story follows Ashton, the oldest son carrying the weight of his family’s cherry orchard (I felt this in my soul as the oldest), and Troy, the tattooed brewery owner (an immediate 10, so yummy) who completely shakes up his world. And we LOVED that. Someone comes in and flips everything you thought you knew, then somehow makes it impossible to imagine life without them? Yes, give me all of those feels.

Ashton’s journey was emotional, messy, and so real. Watching him deal with family pressure and slowly learn to choose himself genuinely hurt in the best way, even when I wanted to smack him during his freak out moments (lovingly… sort of lol).

And Troy? Obsessed. Tattooed, mullet-having, soft-hearted brewery owner who is basically a walking green flag. Did I say he’s a 10/10 yet? Because my god, he absolutely is. He gives Ashton patience, safety, and steady love without ever pushing too far.

Their chemistry was EVERYTHING. The tension, the flirting, the secret touches, the YEARNING and yes, the orchard pit and tractor scenes absolutely lived up to the hype. I will never look at a tractor the same way again, and I’ve never been more grateful.

Cherry Season was emotional, cozy, spicy, and overflowing with love and compassion. And yes, spicy. I didn’t want to leave Troy and Ashton. I probably won’t be anytime soon.

C.L. Blossom, I’m obsessed with you. Please give me more to consume. You’ve got a lifer on your hands.

[Jewls✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍒 Cherry Season by C.L. Blossom, the second book of the Claremont Shores Series 🍒

This book is a Queer Spicy Summer Romance that can be read as a standalone

🍒 Ashton Tremblay a Cherry Farmer, a title he was given since the day he was born as the eldest son. Ash hides his true feelings from his family. He carries his families legacy on his shoulders and is reminded of that constantly. He's determined to prove that he has everything it takes to be the new owner of Tremblay Farms. Ashton decides to expand his cherry market at the new local brewery where he meets the man that changes everything for him.

🍻 Troy Fischer a new face at Claremont Shores. After his divorce, he wants nothing more than to start fresh and do something that makes him happy. He opens a Brewery where he slowly but quickly starts to take off. He meets Ashton, the towns infamous Cherry Farmer. Troy can't help but feel a pull towards the quiet farmer who blushes after a every flirtatious comment he makes. His interest leads him to befriend Ashton, who also becames his business partner, and then into something more.

🍒🍻 Ashton and Troy's Story was so inspiring and sweet like cherries 🍒🤭. To try new things, to take chances, to do what makes YOU happy. I could read their story over and over again. They both had the strength to do it, but together they gave eachother that extra support they needed. It made me so happy to see them find themselves in eachother ❤️

Fav Quote: "I've downed plenty of booze in my life, but nothing has ever made me feel as intoxicated as Ashton Tremblay"

Side Note : THE TRACTOR SCENE 🔥

Instgram: @jewls.reading.corner

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry Season completely swept me away.

Ashton and Troy are two of the sweetest MMCs I've read in a long time. From the moment they meet, their chemistry is effortless, and I loved watching their business partnership slowly blossom into something so much deeper.

Ashton was impossible not to love. As the oldest sibling, he's spent his life carrying the weight of his family's cherry orchard while constantly putting everyone else's needs before his own. His journey of figuring out what he wanted—while navigating family expectations and accepting his sexuality—was beautifully done. Troy was the perfect match for him. Fresh from a divorce and focused on rebuilding his life with the Black Cat Brewery, he was patient, supportive, and so easy to fall for.

One of my favourite things about this book was how natural their relationship felt. They encouraged each other, challenged each other, and became each other's safe place without ever losing that playful chemistry. Their flirting had me smiling more than once!

The small-town setting was just as charming as the romance. Between the orchard, the brewery, the cherry cider project, and the wonderful found family, Claremont Shores felt like somewhere I'd happily visit.

And yes... the spice absolutely delivered too. 🥵 The balance between romance, emotion, and heat was spot on.

✨ Small-town romance
✨ Age gap
✨ Business partners to lovers
✨ Sexuality awakening
✨ Found family
✨ Family expectations
✨ Praise kink

Sweet, swoony, emotional, and comforting—this left me with the biggest smile and made me love Ashton and Troy even more.

[Donna Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a WHILE since I’ve related this much to a book. I also grew up in a very conservative family in Michigan and this book really showcases how it is to grow up like that. Like Ashton, I also came to terms with my sexuality later than most because of the beliefs that my family forced on me as a kid. I got very emotional reading this book multiple times because of this and because of how sweet both Ashton and Troy are.

Let’s talk about TROY. My sweet Troy 😭 he was so patient with Ashton every step of the way and it’s clear from the beginning how much Ashton meant to him. Although Troy grew up differently than Ashton and with more accepting people around him, he still always wanted what was best for Ashton and really wanted to understand what went through his head.

The anxiety representation in this book was also incredible and if you’re someone who deals with anxiety you will absolutely feel seen.

Ashton was the sweetest boy and even though he was scared for a while about what others thought, his love for Troy and Troy being so supportive is what gave him the strength to finally just be himself and not care what others thought. The scene towards the end with his parents brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud of him 🥹

This book has a perfect mix of angst, spice and heart warming moments that will have you kicking your feet.

I highly recommend this one and I’m hoping to see more from this series!

[Tiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
OK! First of all…I have been waiting for this book since I read Singing Sands. Second of all, I was hooked from the start and hadn’t realized I was 20% of the way through (it had been about an hour). Third of all, I LOVED THIS BOOK! There was so much of everything: banter, flirting, angst, anxiety, fear, happiness, LOVE; it had it all! It made the story feel real. Life has ups and downs, but true love survives it all. Troy was the perfect mix of patience and empowerment. Ash had me rooting for his hea. He was so anxious and fearful and worried, but everything works out the way that it’s meant to. It was the perfect story; I want to read about their eventual proposal and wedding!

Ratings:
⭐️4.75
🌶️4
💧4
😂4

Aesthetic:
🍒🌳🚜🏡🏚️🍺🥃🍹🍸🛥️🚤🌊🎆🏖️☀️🏳️‍🌈👨🏻‍❤️‍👨🏼👨🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻

Location:
📍Michigan

Tropes:
❤️mm
❤️cherry farmer
❤️bar owner
❤️gay awakening/acceptance
❤️hurt/comfort
❤️family drama
❤️angst
❤️emotional
❤️anxiety rep
❤️panic attack
❤️business partners
❤️strangers to lovers
❤️secret relationship
❤️small town
❤️fresh start
❤️divorced mc
❤️hea

Characters:
Ashton:
- Cherry Farmer
- Farm Owner
- Strained Family Relationship
- Likes Troy
- Gay awakening/allowing himself to explore
- 6’2
- Blonde
- Shy around Troy
- Oldest (2 brothers & 2 sisters)

Troy:
- Bar Owner
- Recently Divorced
- Bisexual
- Fresh Start
- Likes Ash
- Confident
- 5’7
- Tattoos
- Grunge
- Brunette

Favorite Character:
Troy

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful. While it’s got some heavy moments, it’s worth the journey in the end.

Ash has always lived in his small, rural town, expected to inherit the family cherry orchard. When his dad is forced into early retirement, Ash takes over, but, out of fear of disappointing him, he doesn’t make the changes he wants to. Instead, he toes the line, keeping his head down, dating the same girl everyone expects him to someday marry. But one night, when she asks him if he might be gay, his life is thrown for a loop.

Troy left Chicago for a new start. After being brokenhearted, he moves to Michigan to take a chance on a new life and a new endeavor, a brewery. After a brief run-in with a very sexy man, he can’t get the pretty blond out of his mind. He proposes the two become business partners, and who knows, maybe someday more.

What begins in secret fundamentally alters Ash’s life and view of himself. When life tries to pry these two apart, they refuse to let it, proving that love is more important than anything else.

This book had me in my feels. I was weepy and angry, but I also laughed and smiled and swooned. There are definitely parts of it that deal with being queer and not accepted by your family that are very challenging to read, but every line is important and helps tell the story. I will definitely be picking this book up again and rereading it in the future.

[Phebe Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.L. Blossom did it again! This story was beautiful, sweet, heartbreaking, all the feels.
Asher is a hardworking man who sees the future his dad laid out for him and is determined to follow that, but really, it doesn't look like his future atall.
Troy comes along and help Asher realize how he really wants his life to look and it may cost him everything.
Even with a 6 year age gap and very different pasts, those two complimented eachother so well.

Spoilers!



•Troy trying to carry Ash after sex was the cutest 😆
•Sex on a tractor. Enough said.
•Troy being unwilling to put himself back in the closet, even for Asher, was actually very inspiring. He refused to be anything but himself. However, I thinm he went about that conversation wrong. He could have just said a bar, not a gay bar 🤦‍♀️and tried a calmer approach to the whole thing. But, as he said, he is a very intense person and him not being able to sit and listen to Ashers father talk bad about his own son (who Troy loves) makes absolute sense. Someone needed to stand up to him and defend Ash.
•As a parent, to leave your child in a hospital bed all because you don't agree with who they choose to date? Appalling.
•Ash's siblings are the best
•Everyone in Troy's past told him he was "to much", but Asher tells him how much he loves his intensity and its one of his favorite things about him. That right there is finding your right person 😍

[Cheyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore these two

🍒mc with anxiety
🍺short king x gentle giant
🍒business partners to lovers
🍺small town romance
🍒found family
🍺cherry farmer x brewery owner


What made this story stand out to me was how real Ashton's journey felt. Having grown up in a small conservative town he spent his entire life pushing parts of himself away, not letting himself even think those thoughts because being anything other than straight never felt like an option. Watching him slowly confront those feelings, fears and years of denial was emotional and felt real.

Troy was the perfect counterpart. Confident in who he is, endlessly patient and willing to give Ashton the time and space he needed without ever pressuring him and being a gounding anchor for Ashton through his anxiety. Beneath that confidence though, Troy had his own insecurities and fears which made him feel just as human and relatable. I loved how supportive Troy was while Ashton learned to accept himself and how fiercely he protects those he loves.

I also appreciated that this book didn't take the easy route with family dynamics. It showed that not everyone magically changes their beliefs just because who the person is to them.

Overall Cherry Season is a beautiful small-town MM romance about love, self-acceptance, and finding the courage to be yourself.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

After reading Singing Sands, I patiently waited for the second book in the Claremont Shores series by @c.l.blossomwrites And here it is - Cherry Season 🍒

I feel like living right on the coast and experiencing the summers filled with tourists, beach days and farmer’s markets makes this series hit different. It’s cozy in a way that is so familiar to me.

Cherry Season follows Ashton, the eldest son of his family who just inherited his family’s cherry farm and Troy, a recent divorcee who moved to Claremont Shores to start over and open up a brewery. Troy wanting to set himself apart from other breweries decides to add a little extra something to his seasonal cider - cherries. Creating the perfect opportunity for him to partner with the local hot farmer. But there’s more than one kind of partnership on his mind 😉

The way Troy’s constant flirting made Ashton blush was just too sweet ☺️ I loved the way their relationship evolved slowly with Troy never pressuring Ashton or asking him for more than he was able to give. This book like the first in the series was such a journey of friendship and healing alongside the romance. The evolution of Ashton’s confidence in his sexuality was everything. My guy went from hella bashful to…so I have this tractor 🤔🥵

The cameo of Hunter and Mason was great! I feel like they added to the story in a way that didn’t require reading the first book but if you did, their presence didn’t overshadow the current storyline.

As much as I loved this book, there was just something missing from the relationship between Troy and Ashton. Idk if I’m just comparing them to Hunter and Mason who were enemies to lovers so naturally there was tons of funny/sassy banter. I feel like there could’ve been more fun in their relationship. The gay bar scene that they stopped to make a delivery in could’ve been a bigger moment in my opinion. Something other than work. But overall, I very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the rest of this series.