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Not Just Passing Through
Socially awkward, closeted virgin Avery Malcolm passes his days and nights running his bigoted aunt’s motel in rural New Mexico. He dreams of getting away and hitting the road, but with one friend, a few acquaintances, and no real life to speak of outside his duties as front desk clerk, he doesn’t know if he'll ever get a chance.
Fate sends hot drifter Chase Lancaster to the Red Ram Motel, riding in on his sexy black motorcycle. Within twenty-four hours, Avery’s life is turned upside down. Before long, even though Chase’s sexual interests seem to run exclusively toward women in bars, Avery finds himself falling for the beautiful biker with no permanent address. Chase is much more than his bad boy persona, so while it’s nice to have another friend, Avery doesn’t know how he’ll survive with his heart intact when Chase inevitably moves on.
Fate sends hot drifter Chase Lancaster to the Red Ram Motel, riding in on his sexy black motorcycle. Within twenty-four hours, Avery’s life is turned upside down. Before long, even though Chase’s sexual interests seem to run exclusively toward women in bars, Avery finds himself falling for the beautiful biker with no permanent address. Chase is much more than his bad boy persona, so while it’s nice to have another friend, Avery doesn’t know how he’ll survive with his heart intact when Chase inevitably moves on.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2016
3 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Dean
15 books9 followersJamie Dean lives in the southeastern US with his dog, cat and a host of imaginary friends.
For Jamie, writing is an addiction and a way of life. He finds inspiration everywhere and sometimes can't sleep for all the ideas fighting for his attention.
His first male-male romance, The Story of Jax and Dylan, was followed by The Art of Survival, and then what he considers his best novel, Not Just Passing Through. is fourth book, The 12 Loves of Christmas, is a collection of a dozen holiday-themed m/m short stories.
He is currently working on the sequel to TSOJAD.
For Jamie, writing is an addiction and a way of life. He finds inspiration everywhere and sometimes can't sleep for all the ideas fighting for his attention.
His first male-male romance, The Story of Jax and Dylan, was followed by The Art of Survival, and then what he considers his best novel, Not Just Passing Through. is fourth book, The 12 Loves of Christmas, is a collection of a dozen holiday-themed m/m short stories.
He is currently working on the sequel to TSOJAD.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 8, 2016
3.75 Hearts--I'll admit it...I read the blurb and honed in on the "socially awkward, closeted virgin" and "hot drifter" parts like a heat seeking missile.
I was in the mood for major deflowering and figured it would be a romantic PWP.
Boy, was I wrong.
Not Just Passing Through is just like the blurb promises and more. It is a deceptively simple story that is character driven with characters in their early twenties whose lives are still in the molding stage.
Avery Malcolm, the awkward orphaned virgin is already stuck in a job managing a New Mexico motel and hiding in the closet. He only has one friend, can't stand being touch and already signed for being celibate since he didn't being out would gain him any possible hookups or suitors. Enter twenty-one year old cocky as all hell drifter, Chase Lancaster. He rides into the motel parking lot on a motorcycle, full of freckles, dark hair and blue eyes. Imagine the reaction from Avery...are you licking your lips? Because I was already on line to buy tickets to Pound Town.
But not so.
See, the young men have to get to know each other. Avery has only one person he counts as a friend and doesn't let anyone else get as close. Chase is a smooth talker and friendly guy and...straight. He considers himself a ladies man. The thing about Chase is that he knows he is good looking and loves the attention especially from Avery.
This made me think he was going to be woefully strung along. And in a way, Avery was. There is Avery pining for the long term motel customer who kept telling him he was straight (thankfully not in a douchey way) There is a few off page encounters from Chase but the story is strictly told from Avery's POV. We don't see the other side of the coin and remain blissfully ignorant and stuck in heavy pining mode with Avery.
This story starts slow and I was going to write it off as dull with the way the first half was. The reader gets to experience mundane tasks that is Avery's life...but you know what? Some could have been edited or summarized but it works for Avery's character now that I've read this novella. And there was a point when Avery sort of sacrificed himself that made me realize, this story might be simple but I'm hooked because I cared about this kid.
And then...I noticed I was touching that soft and pink phase. It was romantic! Avery might seem boring but his feelings run deep. His friendship with Chase blossoms to be the focal point of his life and he isn't a doormat. Chase was a lovable jerk but there were vulnerable moments that made me like him.
This is 100% Avery's story and for a novella it read complete just based on the romance and HEA. There were a few moments when my feels cavity were tickled...gently.
There were a few items I wish were detailed more - the runaway sister & state she was in, the entire Lancaster reunion, Avery's aunt, and Chase's hustling. The story focuses on the characters but a little more detail to the rest of the story wouldn't have been remiss.
There was sex that progressively got better, but did not take over the entire story. No PWP to be found here. I think the payoff is worth the wait with the pace.
I will say Chase...hiding that important part of himself gave me pause. That's not a good indicator usually with a relationship. But he's 21, so maybe he'll grow out of that. New Adult is the type of genre that I can see bonehead moves and understand they're still learning to adult. Maybe a POV switch would have worked for some parts.
I liked the ending overall, wish the boys much success. Not Just Passing Through was straightforward for the most part-- a simple strangers to friends to lovers romance that didn't have added unnecessary drama. Just a romance between an socially awkward guy and a smooth talking hustler that learned things about themselves and made the best of it.
My first time reading Jamie Dean and I think I'll be checking out the rest of his work.
Recommended for fans who don't mind a simple story, don't mind cocky main characters or slow burn and enjoy New Adult.
A copy provided for an honest review.
I was in the mood for major deflowering and figured it would be a romantic PWP.
Boy, was I wrong.
Not Just Passing Through is just like the blurb promises and more. It is a deceptively simple story that is character driven with characters in their early twenties whose lives are still in the molding stage.
Avery Malcolm, the awkward orphaned virgin is already stuck in a job managing a New Mexico motel and hiding in the closet. He only has one friend, can't stand being touch and already signed for being celibate since he didn't being out would gain him any possible hookups or suitors. Enter twenty-one year old cocky as all hell drifter, Chase Lancaster. He rides into the motel parking lot on a motorcycle, full of freckles, dark hair and blue eyes. Imagine the reaction from Avery...are you licking your lips? Because I was already on line to buy tickets to Pound Town.
But not so.
See, the young men have to get to know each other. Avery has only one person he counts as a friend and doesn't let anyone else get as close. Chase is a smooth talker and friendly guy and...straight. He considers himself a ladies man. The thing about Chase is that he knows he is good looking and loves the attention especially from Avery.
This made me think he was going to be woefully strung along. And in a way, Avery was. There is Avery pining for the long term motel customer who kept telling him he was straight (thankfully not in a douchey way) There is a few off page encounters from Chase but the story is strictly told from Avery's POV. We don't see the other side of the coin and remain blissfully ignorant and stuck in heavy pining mode with Avery.
This story starts slow and I was going to write it off as dull with the way the first half was. The reader gets to experience mundane tasks that is Avery's life...but you know what? Some could have been edited or summarized but it works for Avery's character now that I've read this novella. And there was a point when Avery sort of sacrificed himself that made me realize, this story might be simple but I'm hooked because I cared about this kid.
And then...I noticed I was touching that soft and pink phase. It was romantic! Avery might seem boring but his feelings run deep. His friendship with Chase blossoms to be the focal point of his life and he isn't a doormat. Chase was a lovable jerk but there were vulnerable moments that made me like him.
This is 100% Avery's story and for a novella it read complete just based on the romance and HEA. There were a few moments when my feels cavity were tickled...gently.
"There's only four things in the world I'm scared of losing. I just put two of them together for safe keeping."
There were a few items I wish were detailed more - the runaway sister & state she was in, the entire Lancaster reunion, Avery's aunt, and Chase's hustling. The story focuses on the characters but a little more detail to the rest of the story wouldn't have been remiss.
There was sex that progressively got better, but did not take over the entire story. No PWP to be found here. I think the payoff is worth the wait with the pace.
I will say Chase...hiding that important part of himself gave me pause. That's not a good indicator usually with a relationship. But he's 21, so maybe he'll grow out of that. New Adult is the type of genre that I can see bonehead moves and understand they're still learning to adult. Maybe a POV switch would have worked for some parts.
I liked the ending overall, wish the boys much success. Not Just Passing Through was straightforward for the most part-- a simple strangers to friends to lovers romance that didn't have added unnecessary drama. Just a romance between an socially awkward guy and a smooth talking hustler that learned things about themselves and made the best of it.
My first time reading Jamie Dean and I think I'll be checking out the rest of his work.
Recommended for fans who don't mind a simple story, don't mind cocky main characters or slow burn and enjoy New Adult.
A copy provided for an honest review.
October 1, 2024
Avery, stuck by circumstance, doesn't foresee himself ever leaving his small town existence. He's resigned himself to a lonely, sexless life of banality. That is, until cocksure, beautiful Chase walks through his front door. Though Chase is self proclaimed straight, these two hit it off immediately, forging an easy friendship. Fighting his attraction, Avery will just have to settle for just being BFF's, right? Right.
This was pretty low on angst, and was quite the easy read with some nice UST and smex thrown in. Simply, short and sweet.
This was pretty low on angst, and was quite the easy read with some nice UST and smex thrown in. Simply, short and sweet.
April 27, 2016
3.5 stars.
I liked this book. It was light and fluffy with no real angst to it. It read like a typical New Adult book where the characters where still in the self-discovery phase.
Avery Malcolm supervised his aunt’s motel, The Red Ram, in exchange for free lodging and a small stipend. He is a loner in a small town in New Mexico so the almost empty billet worked for him. One day, a biker named Chase Lancaster rolled into the motel and Avery was mesmerized.
Avery and Chase struck up a friendship but for Avery there was a desire for more. The problem was that Chase was very clear about both his sexuality and the fact that he was a drifter. How would that affect their growing friendship?
Both characters were really cute. They were both trying to find a compass or anchor for their life. Avery was definitely more reserved and self-contained whereas Chase was gregarious and cheeky. They were opposites, and thus the attraction worked. Chase was developed slightly more than Avery but both characters were underdeveloped. I really enjoyed the progression of their attraction to each other. It took more time than I expected. The writing was simple and the pace was moderate. I wasn’t a complex plot nor were the characters deep. It was simply a case of two young men trying to finding temporary comfort in a temporary friendship, and instead found lasting companionship.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
I liked this book. It was light and fluffy with no real angst to it. It read like a typical New Adult book where the characters where still in the self-discovery phase.
Avery Malcolm supervised his aunt’s motel, The Red Ram, in exchange for free lodging and a small stipend. He is a loner in a small town in New Mexico so the almost empty billet worked for him. One day, a biker named Chase Lancaster rolled into the motel and Avery was mesmerized.
Avery and Chase struck up a friendship but for Avery there was a desire for more. The problem was that Chase was very clear about both his sexuality and the fact that he was a drifter. How would that affect their growing friendship?
Both characters were really cute. They were both trying to find a compass or anchor for their life. Avery was definitely more reserved and self-contained whereas Chase was gregarious and cheeky. They were opposites, and thus the attraction worked. Chase was developed slightly more than Avery but both characters were underdeveloped. I really enjoyed the progression of their attraction to each other. It took more time than I expected. The writing was simple and the pace was moderate. I wasn’t a complex plot nor were the characters deep. It was simply a case of two young men trying to finding temporary comfort in a temporary friendship, and instead found lasting companionship.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
April 25, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Whoever said simplicity is overrated needs to read this book.
As a matter of fact, anyone and everyone should read this book because it’s amazing.
It’s short.
It’s simple.
It’s lovely.
It plastered this huge grin on my face throughout, and then it didn’t and then it did again.
There is so little I can say about this without giving it away because it’s so short and simple.
It started off a bit… Uhh. Okay? I have these parts highlighted where I just went omg because it was hard to believe there are people out there this… *que eye-roll*
So, me and this book didn’t start off on the best note. I was amused – sure. But, I already had this feeling that if this is what I have to look forward to, it would end up in my okay, liked it well enough… moving on now pile (which is huge).
Yet, as you can see, I ended up loving this little book.
Why?
Even the answer to that question, like this book is quite simple.
Avery.
He’s the one whose POV we get and he’s the reason I ended up liking this book as much as I did.
He is full of surprises
From the summary I expected a socially awkward MC, and he is. But, he’s not…?
Maybe Chase is the one who brings it out of him.
He’s like this little flower that was dying out in the dark, but Chase came like a ray of sunshine and shed some light on his bleak existence. Well, that’s what Avery thinks anyway.
To me it’s more like it took a personality as big as Chase’s for Avery to allow himself to be who he is. He had it in him, it just took this out-of-towner to get Avery to let himself just be.
2. he is a closeted virgin and it shows
I laughed out loud. Because this was amazing. I did not expect it. He is quite graphic on the things he wants to do to Chase.
3. he has the ability to banter, to show that he’s okay.
Even when his heart is breaking every time Chase is an idiot who should go jump in a ditch… But then again, he shouldn’t because he was upfront about not swinging that way, and he’s amazing, and hilarious – and I get why Avery is falling for him so hard. Ugh, I just wanted to go into this story and hug Avery so that he could let it all out.
4. Avery is relatable, emotional, funny and he deserves to be loved.
Chase on the other hand, is kind of a dick. But, he’s not. Not really. In the beginning I thought he was OTT. Then I thought he was kind of cruel, and I already foresaw the hurt that Avery was going to have to go through. Within a few pages though, I started to like him. He wasn’t just the hot out of towner anymore. We get to know him. We get to like him. As Avery starts falling for him, step by step. I start to not dislike Chase. He no longer remains this amusing character who is a bit too much. You get used to his jokes. He knows he’s hot and actually, when you really think about it – his willingness to let Avery be and enjoy the eye candy is quite funny.
His magnanimous attitude, though it could have so easily grated on my nerves – didn’t. Because it fit. Because Avery didn’t immediately go down on his knees wanting to worship the ground he worked on… Because if Avery did that then he would have grated on my nerves as well and I would not have ended up liking this book as much as I did (more like at all, and it would have felt like a chore getting through it).
I kept saying how simple this book was. And it is. But then again, it isn’t.
It’s simple because the plot really isn’t that hard to figure out/predict. Out of towner hottie swoops in like a hurricane and turns a socially awkward, closeted virgin’s world upside down.
Really, it doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to figure this one out.
Then again, it’s not very simple because of Avery. His emotions. The turmoil he has to go through because of his “unrequited” love.
It is very likely that the writing may still need a bit of work (I didn’t notice), it also needs editing (some here and there) but this review is for the ARC I received, and I am so happy the author wrote this story. This book has brought a completely new author onto my radar and I look forward to reading more of his books.
I truly recommend reading this book because it was such a nice break from all the other OTT and dramatic books I was reading (and you might be reading as well).
This review was crossposted on GBR
Whoever said simplicity is overrated needs to read this book.
As a matter of fact, anyone and everyone should read this book because it’s amazing.
It’s short.
It’s simple.
It’s lovely.
It plastered this huge grin on my face throughout, and then it didn’t and then it did again.
There is so little I can say about this without giving it away because it’s so short and simple.
It started off a bit… Uhh. Okay? I have these parts highlighted where I just went omg because it was hard to believe there are people out there this… *que eye-roll*
Uh, smoking or nonsmoking?… As you can see I’m smoking enough already.
“Think of me like a painting in a museum” he said, sweeping his arms wide and showing off his toned chest and abs. “Look all you want, just don’t touch.”
So, me and this book didn’t start off on the best note. I was amused – sure. But, I already had this feeling that if this is what I have to look forward to, it would end up in my okay, liked it well enough… moving on now pile (which is huge).
Yet, as you can see, I ended up loving this little book.
Why?
Even the answer to that question, like this book is quite simple.
Avery.
He’s the one whose POV we get and he’s the reason I ended up liking this book as much as I did.
He is full of surprises
From the summary I expected a socially awkward MC, and he is. But, he’s not…?
Maybe Chase is the one who brings it out of him.
He’s like this little flower that was dying out in the dark, but Chase came like a ray of sunshine and shed some light on his bleak existence. Well, that’s what Avery thinks anyway.
To me it’s more like it took a personality as big as Chase’s for Avery to allow himself to be who he is. He had it in him, it just took this out-of-towner to get Avery to let himself just be.
2. he is a closeted virgin and it shows
“He rides a motorcycle and has a remarkably healthy ego,” Avery said. He also has devastating eyes and looks hot enough to melt asphalt. His ass is like a Greek statue. I want to shove my tongue in his face and other places.
I laughed out loud. Because this was amazing. I did not expect it. He is quite graphic on the things he wants to do to Chase.
3. he has the ability to banter, to show that he’s okay.
Even when his heart is breaking every time Chase is an idiot who should go jump in a ditch… But then again, he shouldn’t because he was upfront about not swinging that way, and he’s amazing, and hilarious – and I get why Avery is falling for him so hard. Ugh, I just wanted to go into this story and hug Avery so that he could let it all out.
4. Avery is relatable, emotional, funny and he deserves to be loved.
Chase on the other hand, is kind of a dick. But, he’s not. Not really. In the beginning I thought he was OTT. Then I thought he was kind of cruel, and I already foresaw the hurt that Avery was going to have to go through. Within a few pages though, I started to like him. He wasn’t just the hot out of towner anymore. We get to know him. We get to like him. As Avery starts falling for him, step by step. I start to not dislike Chase. He no longer remains this amusing character who is a bit too much. You get used to his jokes. He knows he’s hot and actually, when you really think about it – his willingness to let Avery be and enjoy the eye candy is quite funny.
His magnanimous attitude, though it could have so easily grated on my nerves – didn’t. Because it fit. Because Avery didn’t immediately go down on his knees wanting to worship the ground he worked on… Because if Avery did that then he would have grated on my nerves as well and I would not have ended up liking this book as much as I did (more like at all, and it would have felt like a chore getting through it).
I kept saying how simple this book was. And it is. But then again, it isn’t.
It’s simple because the plot really isn’t that hard to figure out/predict. Out of towner hottie swoops in like a hurricane and turns a socially awkward, closeted virgin’s world upside down.
Really, it doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to figure this one out.
Then again, it’s not very simple because of Avery. His emotions. The turmoil he has to go through because of his “unrequited” love.
It is very likely that the writing may still need a bit of work (I didn’t notice), it also needs editing (some here and there) but this review is for the ARC I received, and I am so happy the author wrote this story. This book has brought a completely new author onto my radar and I look forward to reading more of his books.
I truly recommend reading this book because it was such a nice break from all the other OTT and dramatic books I was reading (and you might be reading as well).
This review was crossposted on GBR
April 23, 2016
This a good slow burning, first love story.
Avery is the manager of his aunt's motel when Chase rides in on his motorcycle to rent a room and turns Avery's life upside down in the process.
It's instant attraction for Avery, while Chase insists that he is straight. The two manage to build a friendship even with the one sided attraction.
As the weeks turn to months Avery realizes he is in love with Chase, while Chase is fighting his growing feelings for Avery. When Chase has to leave to help his sister, Avery isn't sure if he will ever see his love again. Chase will have to come to terms with his feelings for Avery and decide whether they are worth pursuing and if he can be tied down to one place.
This was a slow burn, too slow in some spots. Since this story is told from Avery's point of view we only see and hear what he does, which isn't much. There isn't a lot going on at the hotel and he doesn't have much of a social life. If we had gotten a split POV with Chase's internal dialogue I think it would have helped. He seemed to be the more conflicted character, and watching him work through his feelings would have been interesting.
Overall, the characters were interesting and the setting was well described.
Avery is the manager of his aunt's motel when Chase rides in on his motorcycle to rent a room and turns Avery's life upside down in the process.
It's instant attraction for Avery, while Chase insists that he is straight. The two manage to build a friendship even with the one sided attraction.
As the weeks turn to months Avery realizes he is in love with Chase, while Chase is fighting his growing feelings for Avery. When Chase has to leave to help his sister, Avery isn't sure if he will ever see his love again. Chase will have to come to terms with his feelings for Avery and decide whether they are worth pursuing and if he can be tied down to one place.
This was a slow burn, too slow in some spots. Since this story is told from Avery's point of view we only see and hear what he does, which isn't much. There isn't a lot going on at the hotel and he doesn't have much of a social life. If we had gotten a split POV with Chase's internal dialogue I think it would have helped. He seemed to be the more conflicted character, and watching him work through his feelings would have been interesting.
Overall, the characters were interesting and the setting was well described.
April 27, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This was a cute romance story told from Avery’s point of view. Avery has spent his whole life living in a small New Mexican town. Though he had many acquaintances in town, his social awkwardness has prevented him from developing friendships with any of them, except for Jenny, who was determined to be Avery’s friend. When Chase rides into town, Avery wants to keep his distance from the sexy straight man, never expecting that Chase wasn’t going to let him keep those barriers up. For me, I loved seeing Chase draw out the real Avery – shy as he was.
Like many stories set in small towns, this story has the typical small town people who are small-minded and set in their beliefs about the righteousness of heterosexuality and the evils of homosexuality. It’s no wonder Avery has hidden himself away in the closet!
The sexual chemistry between these two is off the charts from their casual touches to their burning up the sheets. Readers may be quite pleased to note that Avery’s social awkwardness plays no role in his activities in the bedroom!
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This was a cute romance story told from Avery’s point of view. Avery has spent his whole life living in a small New Mexican town. Though he had many acquaintances in town, his social awkwardness has prevented him from developing friendships with any of them, except for Jenny, who was determined to be Avery’s friend. When Chase rides into town, Avery wants to keep his distance from the sexy straight man, never expecting that Chase wasn’t going to let him keep those barriers up. For me, I loved seeing Chase draw out the real Avery – shy as he was.
Like many stories set in small towns, this story has the typical small town people who are small-minded and set in their beliefs about the righteousness of heterosexuality and the evils of homosexuality. It’s no wonder Avery has hidden himself away in the closet!
The sexual chemistry between these two is off the charts from their casual touches to their burning up the sheets. Readers may be quite pleased to note that Avery’s social awkwardness plays no role in his activities in the bedroom!
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
Read
April 10, 2016I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
4.5 sweet, sexy and satisfying stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 sweet, sexy and satisfying stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2016
“Do not allow yourself to lose sight on the way to your future, while wandering in the darkness of the past.” ~ Lucas Hunter
Avery's (Ave's) future, of 'Not Just Passing Through' by Jamie Dean, seems as bleak as the dry desert landscape that surrounds the shabby hotel he runs for his aunt. Ave's days drag by as he passes the time maintaining the business while trying to keep his loneliness at bay. Even the customers who come to stay at his establishment are dull and boring, doing nothing to lighten his mood; that is, until the stranger, Chase, on the big, black motorcycle needs a room. Before Ave can even see him clearly, he has a feeling in his gut that tells him that the fabric of his life is about to change.
From the moment Chase pulls up, Ave knows this man is unlike anyone he's ever known. Chase is a drifter with no roots; Ave has lived in the same place all of his life and has never travelled far from his home. Chase is cocky, sexy, and he knows it, and craves the attention he receives from others. He flaunts his heterosexuality by having a different woman in his bed almost every night. Ave is content to be alone, to fade into the woodwork, afraid of being touched, afraid of feelings, and especially afraid of his sexuality. Ave is content to stay in his solitary but safe closet rather than face what might happen if he steps out. But, Chase's gaydar picks up on Ave's sexuality right away and immediately lets him know it. Chase blatantly flirts with Ave, but also makes it clear that he can “look all he wants, but don't touch” because he doesn't swing that way.
Chase ends up staying at the motel much longer than is his custom and strikes up a friendship with Ave. They enjoy spending time together. Chase even gets Ave to ride on his bike with him. Ave anticipates as well as dreads having to be flush against Chase's body. He's done his best to keep his sexual desires at bay, but Chase already knows the effect he has on Ave and doesn't hesitate to tease him when he notices Ave's interest. Ave accepts the fact that he's in love with Chase and gives up fighting it, at least in his mind. He realizes that Chase won't be there forever and decides to make the most of him while he's there. Ave fantasizes about Chase all the time and even becomes accustomed to Chase's random touches and hugs. It's something he's never been able to do with anyone else. One night, an obviously drunk and sexually frustrated Chase wanders into Ave's apartment after a failed seduction of a woman he met at the bar. Ave has been drinking more than usual too. His inhibitions are down and his desire is up. Ave hates seeing Chase in such a state and offers to “help” him and Chase accepts his offer then leaves right afterward. Ave doesn't see him the next day, he's filled with remorse and guilt, convincing himself that he's destroyed their closeness forever.
I've never read a book by Jamie Dean before so I didn't know quite what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the story was. It's well-written, engaging, and entertaining with a few life lessons thrown in for good measure. From the title and blurb, I expected it to follow familiar tropes associated with stranger meets boy in town, seduces him, and either stays or rides off with him into the sunset. To some extent, it did follow along familiar lines, but Jamie added elements that made them just different enough to make it refreshing. A drifter with no roots always has a history. I got the feeling from the start, that Chase was running away from more than a bad situation and, although he seemed tough, he wasn't cruel. Even when he was teasing Ave, he always made certain he knew it was in jest. Avery soon saw both sides of Chase but it didn't help him keep his objectivity. In fact, it caused Ave love Chase even more. If you enjoy character-driven stories with lots of emotion, angst, twists and turns, and an against-all-odds happy ending, you may enjoy this tale. Thank you, Jamie, for a memorable read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Avery's (Ave's) future, of 'Not Just Passing Through' by Jamie Dean, seems as bleak as the dry desert landscape that surrounds the shabby hotel he runs for his aunt. Ave's days drag by as he passes the time maintaining the business while trying to keep his loneliness at bay. Even the customers who come to stay at his establishment are dull and boring, doing nothing to lighten his mood; that is, until the stranger, Chase, on the big, black motorcycle needs a room. Before Ave can even see him clearly, he has a feeling in his gut that tells him that the fabric of his life is about to change.
From the moment Chase pulls up, Ave knows this man is unlike anyone he's ever known. Chase is a drifter with no roots; Ave has lived in the same place all of his life and has never travelled far from his home. Chase is cocky, sexy, and he knows it, and craves the attention he receives from others. He flaunts his heterosexuality by having a different woman in his bed almost every night. Ave is content to be alone, to fade into the woodwork, afraid of being touched, afraid of feelings, and especially afraid of his sexuality. Ave is content to stay in his solitary but safe closet rather than face what might happen if he steps out. But, Chase's gaydar picks up on Ave's sexuality right away and immediately lets him know it. Chase blatantly flirts with Ave, but also makes it clear that he can “look all he wants, but don't touch” because he doesn't swing that way.
Chase ends up staying at the motel much longer than is his custom and strikes up a friendship with Ave. They enjoy spending time together. Chase even gets Ave to ride on his bike with him. Ave anticipates as well as dreads having to be flush against Chase's body. He's done his best to keep his sexual desires at bay, but Chase already knows the effect he has on Ave and doesn't hesitate to tease him when he notices Ave's interest. Ave accepts the fact that he's in love with Chase and gives up fighting it, at least in his mind. He realizes that Chase won't be there forever and decides to make the most of him while he's there. Ave fantasizes about Chase all the time and even becomes accustomed to Chase's random touches and hugs. It's something he's never been able to do with anyone else. One night, an obviously drunk and sexually frustrated Chase wanders into Ave's apartment after a failed seduction of a woman he met at the bar. Ave has been drinking more than usual too. His inhibitions are down and his desire is up. Ave hates seeing Chase in such a state and offers to “help” him and Chase accepts his offer then leaves right afterward. Ave doesn't see him the next day, he's filled with remorse and guilt, convincing himself that he's destroyed their closeness forever.
I've never read a book by Jamie Dean before so I didn't know quite what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the story was. It's well-written, engaging, and entertaining with a few life lessons thrown in for good measure. From the title and blurb, I expected it to follow familiar tropes associated with stranger meets boy in town, seduces him, and either stays or rides off with him into the sunset. To some extent, it did follow along familiar lines, but Jamie added elements that made them just different enough to make it refreshing. A drifter with no roots always has a history. I got the feeling from the start, that Chase was running away from more than a bad situation and, although he seemed tough, he wasn't cruel. Even when he was teasing Ave, he always made certain he knew it was in jest. Avery soon saw both sides of Chase but it didn't help him keep his objectivity. In fact, it caused Ave love Chase even more. If you enjoy character-driven stories with lots of emotion, angst, twists and turns, and an against-all-odds happy ending, you may enjoy this tale. Thank you, Jamie, for a memorable read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 17, 2020
Avery leads a pretty solitary life until Chase blows into his life. Not only does Avery's life change, Chase's life does as well. He's a drifter and he spends a lot of his nights sleeping with a different woman. The story is told from Avery's POV, but we are privy to Chase's thoughts and feelings towards the end of the book, which I loved. Chase really surprised me by his romantic side at the end It was a quick, enjoyable read with a HEA.
May 19, 2016
3.75* I would love a follow up on these guys--their story does not feel complete!
May 3, 2016
Lovely short read, little to no angst. I enjoyed it.
July 1, 2016
As the blurb tells us, Avery is a virginal “inn keeper” in New Mexico, running his aunts hotel for her as he saves up money so he can live his own life one day as he wishes. He’s at the hotel 24-7, so his vow of celibacy is fairly easy to keep. He doesn’t like to be touched, doesn’t feel like he’s missing out on anything by being celibate, but can’t deny his instant attraction to the drifter – Chase – when he meets him.
Chase left home a few years ago to live his life away from his bigoted and controlling uncle. He’s fairly aimless in life, but he knows how to enjoy the moment. When he meets Avery the two strike up an unusual friendship that gradually becomes the most important relationship in both their lives.
**
I don’t want to give away too much of the story by delving in to the plot points so I’ll just say that there’s a lovely HEA and we learn more about Avery and Chase and they learn some stuff about themselves, as well.
Jamie Dean is a “new to me” writer and I’m really impressed. It’s hard to write a gritty story with imperfect characters and yet give us a satisfyingly romantic happy ending – but he does it!
Neither Chase nor Avery are what you’d call “perfect heroes” – neither is particularly driven, Chase is very self-centered, Avery is a bit of wimp –but the two together just fit so well together.
I loved that nobody gets “fixed” in this short story and though our guys end up together and quite happy – it’s not an ending I would have predicted.
My only confusion in the story surrounds Chase’s sister, Frankie. I wasn’t sure what her role was unless it was just to give Chase something to go after… it seemed like she got developed but never went anywhere with her story.
I really enjoyed this and will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.
4.5 of 5 stars
Chase left home a few years ago to live his life away from his bigoted and controlling uncle. He’s fairly aimless in life, but he knows how to enjoy the moment. When he meets Avery the two strike up an unusual friendship that gradually becomes the most important relationship in both their lives.
**
I don’t want to give away too much of the story by delving in to the plot points so I’ll just say that there’s a lovely HEA and we learn more about Avery and Chase and they learn some stuff about themselves, as well.
Jamie Dean is a “new to me” writer and I’m really impressed. It’s hard to write a gritty story with imperfect characters and yet give us a satisfyingly romantic happy ending – but he does it!
Neither Chase nor Avery are what you’d call “perfect heroes” – neither is particularly driven, Chase is very self-centered, Avery is a bit of wimp –but the two together just fit so well together.
I loved that nobody gets “fixed” in this short story and though our guys end up together and quite happy – it’s not an ending I would have predicted.
My only confusion in the story surrounds Chase’s sister, Frankie. I wasn’t sure what her role was unless it was just to give Chase something to go after… it seemed like she got developed but never went anywhere with her story.
I really enjoyed this and will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.
4.5 of 5 stars
June 8, 2016
4.5 stars
Not Just Passing Through was a sweet believable romance with (mostly) realistic characters.
I connected with shy and socially anxious Avery right away. I understood his issues and why he chose to be celibate. He’s a well-drawn character from page one. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for drifter Chase Lancaster. I came to love this guy too, but there were a few lines in the beginning that made me roll my eyes.
When Avery asks Chase if he wants a smoking or non-smoking room Chase replies:
“As you can I’m smoking enough already.”
Later, Chase acknowledges Avery’s homosexuality.
“Like I said, I know I’m pretty damn smoking.”
Yeah, Chase is cocky but those lines almost make him veer into full on creeper territory. Fortunately, Chase shows other qualities that overshadow his initial egotistical attitude. He becomes more and more human as he spends time with Avery.
Avery and Chase form an unusual but very sweet friendship. Avery develops feelings for the sexy biker, but at first it seems entirely one-sided. Things change when Chase makes claims of being sexually frustrated and Avery offers to suck him off.
Chase resists at first but soon gives in. The blow job is sexy and erotic but also frustrating when there’s guilt and remorse.
Chase and Avery’s relationship from then on is realistic and believable. It was a wonderful tale of a straight man realizing he isn’t so straight after all. There’s no melodrama here, just the confusion of a man coming to terms with something he never expected would happen.
Very highly recommended.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
Not Just Passing Through was a sweet believable romance with (mostly) realistic characters.
I connected with shy and socially anxious Avery right away. I understood his issues and why he chose to be celibate. He’s a well-drawn character from page one. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for drifter Chase Lancaster. I came to love this guy too, but there were a few lines in the beginning that made me roll my eyes.
When Avery asks Chase if he wants a smoking or non-smoking room Chase replies:
“As you can I’m smoking enough already.”
Later, Chase acknowledges Avery’s homosexuality.
“Like I said, I know I’m pretty damn smoking.”
Yeah, Chase is cocky but those lines almost make him veer into full on creeper territory. Fortunately, Chase shows other qualities that overshadow his initial egotistical attitude. He becomes more and more human as he spends time with Avery.
Avery and Chase form an unusual but very sweet friendship. Avery develops feelings for the sexy biker, but at first it seems entirely one-sided. Things change when Chase makes claims of being sexually frustrated and Avery offers to suck him off.
Chase resists at first but soon gives in. The blow job is sexy and erotic but also frustrating when there’s guilt and remorse.
Chase and Avery’s relationship from then on is realistic and believable. It was a wonderful tale of a straight man realizing he isn’t so straight after all. There’s no melodrama here, just the confusion of a man coming to terms with something he never expected would happen.
Very highly recommended.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...
June 20, 2016
Simple, easy, not hidden anything. Loved it.
Avery lives, works in a small nowhere town, for his homophobic aunt, in a homophobic town. So he’s kept his true self a close secret. only one person knows. His BF Jenny. Until trouble shows up on a bike.
Chase, has been drifting or running from his uncle and life for a few years and ends up in the nowhere town. Decides to stay.
As Avery and Chase become friends, the best of friends, Avery starts to realize that this will be his one and only chance to touch, be touched, to love and possibly be loved.
Yes, it gets pretty emotional.
I liked these two, as they start realizing how much they have in common, we start seeing how good they are together. And yes, some people are going to peg it as GFY, and you could, but hints are dropped throughout on Chase’s side that leads you to think, bi.
Great ending, HFN, and so much more.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
Avery lives, works in a small nowhere town, for his homophobic aunt, in a homophobic town. So he’s kept his true self a close secret. only one person knows. His BF Jenny. Until trouble shows up on a bike.
Chase, has been drifting or running from his uncle and life for a few years and ends up in the nowhere town. Decides to stay.
As Avery and Chase become friends, the best of friends, Avery starts to realize that this will be his one and only chance to touch, be touched, to love and possibly be loved.
Yes, it gets pretty emotional.
I liked these two, as they start realizing how much they have in common, we start seeing how good they are together. And yes, some people are going to peg it as GFY, and you could, but hints are dropped throughout on Chase’s side that leads you to think, bi.
Great ending, HFN, and so much more.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
May 12, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. M/M. A low key, simple seeming story about a 21 year old running a motel for his aunt in the middle of nowhere. He works the front desk, he cleans the rooms and he does the laundry. He knows he's gay but is a very shy, reserved guy and has never really pursued any kind of relationship. One day a great looking guy, who also happens to be 21, arrives on his motorcycle and rents a room in the motel for a few days. This guy is obviously not gay since he brings home a woman or two from the local bar while staying at the motel.
But the two 21 year olds start spending some time together, strike up a friendship and then something more starts to develop. As I said its very low key but I very much enjoyed their story.
But the two 21 year olds start spending some time together, strike up a friendship and then something more starts to develop. As I said its very low key but I very much enjoyed their story.
September 9, 2016
3.5*
Avery is stuck in a small town working at the motel where he dreams of a different life. Being closeted and having only one friend he figures that this is his life. Along comes Chase who belives he is straight. Boy is he wrong! Avery and Chase are very low keyed while out in public but when they go home things really heat up! Nice story with very little drama. Liked it a lot.
Avery is stuck in a small town working at the motel where he dreams of a different life. Being closeted and having only one friend he figures that this is his life. Along comes Chase who belives he is straight. Boy is he wrong! Avery and Chase are very low keyed while out in public but when they go home things really heat up! Nice story with very little drama. Liked it a lot.
October 9, 2017
I freaking love this story. I've read it numerous times now, and it is always raw and intense and hits me square in the chest. Amazing characterizations, angst that cuts like a knife, plus a happy ending. It is humorous in all the right spots, (and sexy) but with so much emotion in it. I love these two characters together. Read it for sure.
June 6, 2016
This was sweet. I really liked it. There was some odd moments but still an enjoyable story. 3.5
August 15, 2016
first time author for me..I loved it...very entertaining
April 29, 2016
4.5 stars.
This was short, low angst, and lovely.
This was short, low angst, and lovely.
Read
May 1, 2016Rate and review to come
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