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Up North
Once in May
In an attempt to run from his past, John has spent the last few years building walls around himself. He knows the best way to stay safe is to keep people at arm’s length or preferably out of sight. During weak moments, he might wish he had someone, but he’s not ready. After all, it takes seven years for the body to replace all its cells. He has four years to go before he even can think about being around people.
Zachary is always on the move, always on his way to somewhere. He’s going from job to job, from country to country. Contrary to what people might think, he wants nothing more than to find a place to call home, and he knows just where. This time, he is ready. This time, he will stay in Nortown. But when he arrives to buy the log cabin he thought would be his, he finds it inhabited. When he goes to talk to the new owner, he is met by the most beautiful green eyes followed by a door slammed in his face.
John should’ve known the peace he had found in Nortown wouldn’t last. One day everything was fine, the next a mountain of a man starts showing up wherever he goes. All Zachary wants is to be close to the quiet man who has moved into his cabin. If following him around is the only way, then so be it. Sooner or later, John will get used to having him there...at least, if Zachary hangs around long enough.
Zachary is always on the move, always on his way to somewhere. He’s going from job to job, from country to country. Contrary to what people might think, he wants nothing more than to find a place to call home, and he knows just where. This time, he is ready. This time, he will stay in Nortown. But when he arrives to buy the log cabin he thought would be his, he finds it inhabited. When he goes to talk to the new owner, he is met by the most beautiful green eyes followed by a door slammed in his face.
John should’ve known the peace he had found in Nortown wouldn’t last. One day everything was fine, the next a mountain of a man starts showing up wherever he goes. All Zachary wants is to be close to the quiet man who has moved into his cabin. If following him around is the only way, then so be it. Sooner or later, John will get used to having him there...at least, if Zachary hangs around long enough.
164 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2016
1 person is currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Ofelia Gränd
82 books152 followersGay fiction and M/M Romance writer
Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.
Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.
When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.
If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...
Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.
Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.
When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.
If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 5, 2016
~4.5~
The only reason I'm not rounding up my rating to 5 stars is because this book could have been longer. I felt like I barely got a glimpse of Zachary and John's story before the book ended on a hopeful HFN.
Once in May, which can definitely be read as a standalone, introduces some potential future MCs, including John's friend Timothy and Zachary's ex Andre. Andre was a bit of a douche in this story, but I couldn't find it in me to dislike him. He was obviously still so in love with Zach and so alone.
But Zachary has eyes only for John. Zachary always runs, but for John he's willing to stay.
And John . . . I wanted to hug him so tightly. He would have hated that though. John recoils from touch. The more I learned about John, the more I wanted to cry and the more rage I felt toward his nasty, abusive ex.
John is scared and so broken. He has all these rules in place. If he follows the rules, he can breathe a little. But at night he comes back to the storage room he uses as a bedroom, the one with no windows, and locks himself inside.
The relationship between John and Zach develops in small moments. John is initially terrified of Zachary's bulk, his power. But Zachary is a gentle man, and all he wants to do is protect John. He's determined to break through John's walls, so he chops John's wood (this is not a metaphor) and goes out of his way to be near him.
I fell in love with both MCs; they felt so real and fragile. This is a slow-burn story, which is entirely appropriate for these men. At the end, John finally trusts Zach enough to let go, and Zachary doesn't have to pretend, not with John. Those first touches were beautiful. Sensual. HONEST.
This series has given me a whole new appreciation for men with beards who wear flannel and traipse through forests hunting for nettles. Nettle soup: it's a thing.
I desperately hope to see John and Zachary find their HEA in a follow-up story! I'm willing to beg. I'm a shameless hussy like that.
The only reason I'm not rounding up my rating to 5 stars is because this book could have been longer. I felt like I barely got a glimpse of Zachary and John's story before the book ended on a hopeful HFN.
Once in May, which can definitely be read as a standalone, introduces some potential future MCs, including John's friend Timothy and Zachary's ex Andre. Andre was a bit of a douche in this story, but I couldn't find it in me to dislike him. He was obviously still so in love with Zach and so alone.
But Zachary has eyes only for John. Zachary always runs, but for John he's willing to stay.
And John . . . I wanted to hug him so tightly. He would have hated that though. John recoils from touch. The more I learned about John, the more I wanted to cry and the more rage I felt toward his nasty, abusive ex.
John is scared and so broken. He has all these rules in place. If he follows the rules, he can breathe a little. But at night he comes back to the storage room he uses as a bedroom, the one with no windows, and locks himself inside.
The relationship between John and Zach develops in small moments. John is initially terrified of Zachary's bulk, his power. But Zachary is a gentle man, and all he wants to do is protect John. He's determined to break through John's walls, so he chops John's wood (this is not a metaphor) and goes out of his way to be near him.
I fell in love with both MCs; they felt so real and fragile. This is a slow-burn story, which is entirely appropriate for these men. At the end, John finally trusts Zach enough to let go, and Zachary doesn't have to pretend, not with John. Those first touches were beautiful. Sensual. HONEST.
This series has given me a whole new appreciation for men with beards who wear flannel and traipse through forests hunting for nettles. Nettle soup: it's a thing.
I desperately hope to see John and Zachary find their HEA in a follow-up story! I'm willing to beg. I'm a shameless hussy like that.
September 1, 2016
*4.5 stars*
Remember when Once in a Snowstorm came out back in December, how we used to laugh and joke about the overused MM tropes and swoon over beardy, hot lumberjacks? Yeah, that's over now. Not the lumberjacks. We still have those. But the laughing and joking is gone, and I'm still wondering how it happened.
Poor John. When I first met him in Once in a Forest, I just knew he had suffered in the past, but damn...It was worse than I expected. I'll let you figure out for yourself what happened to him, but keep in mind that there is abuse involved.
The important thing is that the author does not focus in the past. There are non-graphic references to past domestic violence, but it's the present that matters. And the fact that John is a hot mess with severe social anxiety, and feels threatened by everything and everyone. EVERYONE is out to get John, or so he thinks.
And then there's Zach. Zachary is my personal favorite lumberjack in the whole series. Well, not a lumberjack per se, but he chops wood and it's important!
Zack is a drifter. He moves from place to place, not because he wants to, but because he wants to find a home so bad, he's burning with this need. And that's why he came back to Nortown. So, Zack feels like he doesn't belong, and John feels so dirty, he just doesn't know how to be. How can these two be together? Oh but they can, and they will. And it was so beautiful! Zack is such a patient and sweetstalker man!
The steam level is low in this one but I felt that it really fitted the story. As for the ending, I consider it to be a HFN. John has a long way to go. IMO he needs therapy, and -thank God-the author didn't give Zack a magic dick. So, the end might not be all hearts and flowers (it would have been fake), but it's real and steamy, sweet and so hopeful.
This addition was a far cry from the funny and light first book, but it was my personal favorite. I'm hoping for a story about Timothy and Chris! And I'd really like to see Zack and John a few months or even years later.
Recommended!
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
Remember when Once in a Snowstorm came out back in December, how we used to laugh and joke about the overused MM tropes and swoon over beardy, hot lumberjacks? Yeah, that's over now. Not the lumberjacks. We still have those. But the laughing and joking is gone, and I'm still wondering how it happened.
Poor John. When I first met him in Once in a Forest, I just knew he had suffered in the past, but damn...It was worse than I expected. I'll let you figure out for yourself what happened to him, but keep in mind that there is abuse involved.
The important thing is that the author does not focus in the past. There are non-graphic references to past domestic violence, but it's the present that matters. And the fact that John is a hot mess with severe social anxiety, and feels threatened by everything and everyone. EVERYONE is out to get John, or so he thinks.
And then there's Zach. Zachary is my personal favorite lumberjack in the whole series. Well, not a lumberjack per se, but he chops wood and it's important!
Zack is a drifter. He moves from place to place, not because he wants to, but because he wants to find a home so bad, he's burning with this need. And that's why he came back to Nortown. So, Zack feels like he doesn't belong, and John feels so dirty, he just doesn't know how to be. How can these two be together? Oh but they can, and they will. And it was so beautiful! Zack is such a patient and sweet
The steam level is low in this one but I felt that it really fitted the story. As for the ending, I consider it to be a HFN. John has a long way to go. IMO he needs therapy, and -thank God-the author didn't give Zack a magic dick. So, the end might not be all hearts and flowers (it would have been fake), but it's real and steamy, sweet and so hopeful.
This addition was a far cry from the funny and light first book, but it was my personal favorite. I'm hoping for a story about Timothy and Chris! And I'd really like to see Zack and John a few months or even years later.
Recommended!
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
September 2, 2016
This was very different to what I expected ! I'm struggling a bit to know what to say...
Once in May is set in Nortown, which is a fantastic place I intend to visit soon because it's inhabited by hot lumberjacks with hairy chests and beards. But this book is so much more than that, like the author has turned her own trope inside out. I love it when books surprise me - even if the surprise is difficult , even painful. Although it's a short story, John resonates with real anguish. At times I actually had to stop reading because I felt his helplessness, and that's never easy to experience. I think the author surpassed herself here.
Zach is a six foot, tattooed hunk of a man with a gentle disposition who is drawn to John. Of course, they have a wall to climb, but in the end there is sparkle and hope.
Here are a few lines which I loved;
Perfectly biteable behind
Stroked his beard ( I don't know why, but the stroking of a beard does things to me)
He ignored limp Lotta's outraged cackle ( hahahahahahahahahah)
Stroked his beard
A rather beautiful story of second chances and impossible love :)
August 2, 2018
This was definitely the best of the series thus far... Zachary and John's story was chocked full of some much tenderness and caring. And when near the end they finally had sex it was like beyond amazing. I am truly in love with this world of "Nortown" the author has created and populated it with so many amazing people.
November 21, 2018
Mixed feelings. John needs major therapy. Too much male giggling. Full review soon.
November 18, 2016
El tercero de los leñadores y el que más me ha gustado, tiene un tono mucho más íntimo que los anteriores. John me ha hecho sufrir y Zach sonreir con ternura. Una historia bonita y delicada.
September 3, 2016
I went into this, like I do all the Nortown stories, expecting me some light and fluffy trope-y goodness. The tropes were still there, of course, but this time around they are well-woven into a story delving into some surprisingly dark places. (Maybe not surprising for Ofelia Gränd, but surprising for Nortown.)
In Once in May we're FINALLY given the story of John, and I have to admit I've been waiting for his story since the moment he first peered out of his cabin in Once in a Forest.
The glimpses we get of John's past are sometimes difficult and painful, and they pull you in so fast I was reading when I should have been writing. And Zachary! He is my favorite of all the men we've met in Nortown.
Is it a more serious story? Yes. Is it plenty heartbreaking? Yes. Is it the best so far in the series? Absolutely!
Oh, and what's the sperm like?
In Once in May we're FINALLY given the story of John, and I have to admit I've been waiting for his story since the moment he first peered out of his cabin in Once in a Forest.
The glimpses we get of John's past are sometimes difficult and painful, and they pull you in so fast I was reading when I should have been writing. And Zachary! He is my favorite of all the men we've met in Nortown.
Is it a more serious story? Yes. Is it plenty heartbreaking? Yes. Is it the best so far in the series? Absolutely!
Oh, and what's the sperm like?
March 17, 2017
4.25 stars
I liked this! These guys were really sweet together and I want them to have their HEA .... but I really think John needs some therapy first.
I liked this! These guys were really sweet together and I want them to have their HEA .... but I really think John needs some therapy first.
September 1, 2016
(Editor's Review)
I honestly never thought I'd get tearful at a Nortown story. The first story was the trope slayer; the second...well, I loved Tom, but mostly I wanted to tell Jason to leave his dog and go back to the city. He grew on me, a little. However, I, like most readers of the series, was very interested in John - the shy, socially anxious guy who makes a few significant yet fleeting appearances in Once in a Forest (Nortown #2).
Once in May is John's story. It's also Zachary's story, and these two guys...well, they're not the grunting beardies we've met before. True, Zach's got the beard and checked shirt going on. He's big, muscular, and if he looks anything like the cover...phew! *fans face*
Actually, on that note, the covers are all designed by Ofelia and they're awesome! (IMHO. Not that humble. The covers rock, I don't care if you don't agree.)
Both John and Zachary have complex and difficult pasts, and these create some intense emotional scenes - a content warning here for PTSD, spousal abuse, homophobic parents and frighteningly clingy ex-boyfriends. The outcome of the story (given it's a romance) is a happy one, but there are moments in this book that knocked me sideways, and I read/write a lot of tough stuff.
I really can't do justice to this story without spoiling it, but this one short sentence - about Zach - is the key to what makes it special, even if Zach's methods are a bit heavy-handed, but hey, he's a grunting beardy lumberjack who wields an axe like the pro he is.
All he wanted was to see John smile.
I honestly never thought I'd get tearful at a Nortown story. The first story was the trope slayer; the second...well, I loved Tom, but mostly I wanted to tell Jason to leave his dog and go back to the city. He grew on me, a little. However, I, like most readers of the series, was very interested in John - the shy, socially anxious guy who makes a few significant yet fleeting appearances in Once in a Forest (Nortown #2).
Once in May is John's story. It's also Zachary's story, and these two guys...well, they're not the grunting beardies we've met before. True, Zach's got the beard and checked shirt going on. He's big, muscular, and if he looks anything like the cover...phew! *fans face*
Actually, on that note, the covers are all designed by Ofelia and they're awesome! (IMHO. Not that humble. The covers rock, I don't care if you don't agree.)
Both John and Zachary have complex and difficult pasts, and these create some intense emotional scenes - a content warning here for PTSD, spousal abuse, homophobic parents and frighteningly clingy ex-boyfriends. The outcome of the story (given it's a romance) is a happy one, but there are moments in this book that knocked me sideways, and I read/write a lot of tough stuff.
I really can't do justice to this story without spoiling it, but this one short sentence - about Zach - is the key to what makes it special, even if Zach's methods are a bit heavy-handed, but hey, he's a grunting beardy lumberjack who wields an axe like the pro he is.
All he wanted was to see John smile.
February 15, 2017
I already loved the Nortown series because of the lumberjacks, the forests and the romance, but Once In May is definitely the best so far for me.
Before the walls around me came tumbling down, I was a champion in building them, and with a fair amount of PTSD experience thrown in, I was warned beforehand that this story might not be for me. And it's true, I'm so much like John, it's scary.
However, while it's true that it's a fairly dark story dealing with some serious issues that did trigger my sensitivities, it's also well-balanced with enough of the good stuff not to make it too gloomy, and I actually found it quite therapeutic.
It was very easy to identify with the main characters, and the secondary characters are equally satisfying. I also loved the fact that John was well aware of his sometimes irrational behaviour: 'Zachary must think him insane, talking about dead exes and offering coffee at the same moment', while Zachary was just the most considerate hulk of a man ever, despite not always getting things right: 'Fuck, I'm stupid'...
Just writing this review makes me want to read the book all over again, and I'm sure I will. And soon.
Before the walls around me came tumbling down, I was a champion in building them, and with a fair amount of PTSD experience thrown in, I was warned beforehand that this story might not be for me. And it's true, I'm so much like John, it's scary.
However, while it's true that it's a fairly dark story dealing with some serious issues that did trigger my sensitivities, it's also well-balanced with enough of the good stuff not to make it too gloomy, and I actually found it quite therapeutic.
It was very easy to identify with the main characters, and the secondary characters are equally satisfying. I also loved the fact that John was well aware of his sometimes irrational behaviour: 'Zachary must think him insane, talking about dead exes and offering coffee at the same moment', while Zachary was just the most considerate hulk of a man ever, despite not always getting things right: 'Fuck, I'm stupid'...
Just writing this review makes me want to read the book all over again, and I'm sure I will. And soon.
September 8, 2016
This was not what I was expecting and I've been stewing on it for almost a week. I knew that I loved it but haven't been sure how to review it.
John has come from a bad relationship, a worse relationship than normally seems to be trotted out in MM so, depending on where you own past falls, it might be a tough read. I loved John, rooted for him but there was just something about Zach that stole the show for me. I thought he was just wonderful. Whether is was because of his kindheartedness or his protective streak, or that he didn't seem to judge John harshly for his past, I couldn't tell you.
Maybe it was his persistence and the fact that it reminded me of my own bf.
This can be read as a standalone, but there is also a kind of build up in the series that I think you would miss out on.
This is my favorite so far but I'm holding out hope that Andre gets himself his own beardie!
John has come from a bad relationship, a worse relationship than normally seems to be trotted out in MM so, depending on where you own past falls, it might be a tough read. I loved John, rooted for him but there was just something about Zach that stole the show for me. I thought he was just wonderful. Whether is was because of his kindheartedness or his protective streak, or that he didn't seem to judge John harshly for his past, I couldn't tell you.
Maybe it was his persistence and the fact that it reminded me of my own bf.
This can be read as a standalone, but there is also a kind of build up in the series that I think you would miss out on.
This is my favorite so far but I'm holding out hope that Andre gets himself his own beardie!
October 18, 2016
4.5 out of 5 stars
I had a feeling from the previous Nortown books that John's story was probably going to be sad, but this was beyond what I expected.
John is so scared and wounded, he doesn't let anyone in. He has rules and he tries to keep himself as safe as possible, living in a constant state of paranoia and sadness.
Zach is back in Nortown after a long time away, and is surprised to find the house he wants to buy occupied by someone else, who happens to be John. At first he's curious, but he understands. And he is undeniably attracted to the timid, beautiful man.
There's a lot of things that John and Zachary need to work through, and John is apprehensive but Zach is patient. It's a slow, careful relationship, and something that both men need.
The story moves along at a steady pace, with little bits of humor sprinkled in to alleviate the heaviness. We see characters we've met previously, which is nice.
I do wish it had been a bit longer so we could see a little more of how Zach and John's relationship develops, but I would recommend this 100%.
I had a feeling from the previous Nortown books that John's story was probably going to be sad, but this was beyond what I expected.
John is so scared and wounded, he doesn't let anyone in. He has rules and he tries to keep himself as safe as possible, living in a constant state of paranoia and sadness.
Zach is back in Nortown after a long time away, and is surprised to find the house he wants to buy occupied by someone else, who happens to be John. At first he's curious, but he understands. And he is undeniably attracted to the timid, beautiful man.
There's a lot of things that John and Zachary need to work through, and John is apprehensive but Zach is patient. It's a slow, careful relationship, and something that both men need.
The story moves along at a steady pace, with little bits of humor sprinkled in to alleviate the heaviness. We see characters we've met previously, which is nice.
I do wish it had been a bit longer so we could see a little more of how Zach and John's relationship develops, but I would recommend this 100%.
September 8, 2017
I do have a soft spot for the abused person finding love again. I thought the logic for John's renewal theory made sense... in his mind. But I could see how he could convince himself of the logic in it. I also liked that Zach just didn't push and was patient. Zach's ex kind of was annoying, like get over it, dude, but on the whole I enjoyed this one and watching John come out of his shell. Also liked John's partner/friend who kept encouraging him.
September 11, 2016
I was so happy to see John get his own story! I didn't realize how detrimental his past was. I wish the story was a little longer because I wanted a little more after they became a couple. Hopefully they'll have another story so they can have their HEA. I hope Andre, Timothy, and Chris will be in future Nortown stories.
September 2, 2016
Have you ever watched a soap opera... like the Days of Our Lives/General Hospital type. No? (Yeah me either) But I did have baby sitters who were all about them in the mid-80s and at my current nail salon they play them with the sound turned down. Even from the world turning intro I can tell they are so over the top that it could provide a little reprieve from what would otherwise be a pretty monotonous day. Well that's this entire series, as I glance at the cover I have come to know what to expect. It's going to be cheesy & over the top. The issues resolved in a heartbeat. A lumber jack & a twink providing a little reprieve from what would have been a pretty monotonous day.
September 11, 2016
John first showed up in book 2 - Once in a Forest, as a shy jumpy individual and readers finally get to find out why he's so crowd/people phobic. He lives in a cabin he's inherited from his distant uncle. He barely leaves his home and only does so because he made up a rule for himself to at least go out once a week to the diner in town and have a conversation.
Zachary Fane is a drifter returning to his hometown because he's looking to finally settle down after traveling for so many years. When he first catches sight of the shy John he can't help but want to get to know him. But he thinks he's missed his chance when he didn't approach the skittish guy the first time and intervention prevents them from speaking the second time. When his friend and ex, Andre, urges him to seek out the owner of the cabin he wanted to buy. He does so just to see how the land is. Zach can't believe his luck when the door opens and the owner turns out to be the same guy he's been crushing on. But John doesn't make it easy for him to approach or get to know him.
I really loved this book. I found myself invested in finding out John's back story and just his well-being. I really wanted him to take baby steps to live a fulfilling life.
Zach was a very likable guy. I liked that he didn't pull punches and he was so intuitive to how to act around John. That he never actually really pushed and if he did he made sure to check with John. I do have to say I didn't like that he resorted to picking up and leaving when things didn't feel like they were working out for him. I'm not saying he gave up immediately but it kind of hurt to see him just pick and was ready to move on at the drop of a hat when he did give up.
The was very happy how it ended but I still hope the author will revisit these two down the line just to let us see how well John is and what's happening with Zach.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Zachary Fane is a drifter returning to his hometown because he's looking to finally settle down after traveling for so many years. When he first catches sight of the shy John he can't help but want to get to know him. But he thinks he's missed his chance when he didn't approach the skittish guy the first time and intervention prevents them from speaking the second time. When his friend and ex, Andre, urges him to seek out the owner of the cabin he wanted to buy. He does so just to see how the land is. Zach can't believe his luck when the door opens and the owner turns out to be the same guy he's been crushing on. But John doesn't make it easy for him to approach or get to know him.
I really loved this book. I found myself invested in finding out John's back story and just his well-being. I really wanted him to take baby steps to live a fulfilling life.
Zach was a very likable guy. I liked that he didn't pull punches and he was so intuitive to how to act around John. That he never actually really pushed and if he did he made sure to check with John. I do have to say I didn't like that he resorted to picking up and leaving when things didn't feel like they were working out for him. I'm not saying he gave up immediately but it kind of hurt to see him just pick and was ready to move on at the drop of a hat when he did give up.
The was very happy how it ended but I still hope the author will revisit these two down the line just to let us see how well John is and what's happening with Zach.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2017
I think there's something in the water. Nortown is now my happy place.
May 14, 2019
What a sweet story. It was so sad at times, and made my guts hurt, but even still it was a beautiful love story.💕
We get so caught up in all the fantastically imagined stories today that we forget some of the greatest monsters aren't found in fantasy or paranormal romance, but in the human psyche. This story is one that could take place anywhere in the world, and could very easily be a true story.
John, suffers from PTSD, and a few other psychological issues brought on by years of extreme trauma.
Zach, who ran away after being turned out by his parents when it came out he was gay, has been a nomad for many years. It's been eight years since his last visit home, and upon his return he finds himself a bit enchanted by the gorgeous young man living in the cabin that he believed he would be able to have or buy one day.
The MCs in our story are as different as night and day and both are endearing and charming in their own flawed ways. You find yourself wanting to protect John and rooting for Zach as he slowly works to pull John from the darkness of his past back to the light. In so doing, Zachary himself finds home is more than a place on a map.
4.5 real-life-fairytale-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.💋
We get so caught up in all the fantastically imagined stories today that we forget some of the greatest monsters aren't found in fantasy or paranormal romance, but in the human psyche. This story is one that could take place anywhere in the world, and could very easily be a true story.
John, suffers from PTSD, and a few other psychological issues brought on by years of extreme trauma.
Zach, who ran away after being turned out by his parents when it came out he was gay, has been a nomad for many years. It's been eight years since his last visit home, and upon his return he finds himself a bit enchanted by the gorgeous young man living in the cabin that he believed he would be able to have or buy one day.
The MCs in our story are as different as night and day and both are endearing and charming in their own flawed ways. You find yourself wanting to protect John and rooting for Zach as he slowly works to pull John from the darkness of his past back to the light. In so doing, Zachary himself finds home is more than a place on a map.
4.5 real-life-fairytale-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.💋
September 8, 2016
Once in May is the third book in the ‘Nortown’ series. The MC’s are John, a terrified and skittish recluse who lives alone in a cabin in the woods, and Zachary Fane, who develops an interest in John. The story is told in third person through both John and Zach’s pov.
4.5 Stars
First, I want to mention the cover. I love the cover! I really like the idea of bearded lumberjacks surrounded by flowers, leaves and other pretty decorations. This is so far, my favorite of the Nortown covers.
We briefly met John in book two as he nervously evaded people, not making eye contact and not talking. As this story progresses we understand why John is the way he is. John doesn’t feel safe unless he has multiple locks on his doors, including the windowless storeroom he uses for his bedroom. He feels safer walled off from the world and without interaction with people. However, he does want to get better and has created rules for himself to interact with others. John believes that he will be renewed in seven years once all his cells turn over and he’s purged of all the negativity from his past. He thinks he’s been doing okay for the last three years until Zach returns to town and takes an interest in John. Once Zach does that, John’s world becomes more unpredictable than he likes. But it also stretches him to grow and heal at a faster rate.
Zach is a wanderer. He left Nortown ten years ago for multiple reasons and has returned home because he wants to find a place to belong. We see how he’s terrified about being tied down or locked in when he gets a view of John’s bedroom. Zach remembers Harold, a man who helped him while he was young. Harold promised Zach he could have his cabin and land when he could no longer live there. Only Zach finds out that Harold has passed and someone owns the cabin and property. It was the one place Zach could be himself, now he doesn’t know what to do. He’s staying at his ex-lover’s place until he can figure things out. Only his ex-lover wants him back and that complicates matters. Once Zach fixates on John, he sort of becomes a stalker, waiting for John to show up at the restaurant, drive into town or showing up at John’s place unannounced.
As John and Zach begin to interact, John reluctantly starts to trust Zach even though at the same time he fears Zach. We find out that Zach has a protective streak. At first I couldn’t figure out why Zach wanted to be around John other than he found it a challenge to get John to acknowledge him, which I thought in a way was cruel. Zach was more motivated by what he wanted than how uncomfortable he was making John feel. I actually thought that Zach was self-centered for most of this story, he wasn’t my favorite character especially after he So Zach was not my favorite character. In fact I still didn’t like him that much at the end. I did like that he bottomed and John topped. That was a nice change. I did wonder what profession Zach had before he came back to Nortown. Maybe I missed it, but I don't remember it being mentioned.
However, John. I did like him, even though he was very nervous and scared. I felt for him and just wanted to hug him even though he would’ve hated it because he didn’t like to be touched by anyone other than Timothy his best friend. I thought the author did a great job of showing us John’s thought processes and how he deduced his answers from the way people behaved. They made perfect sense to him even though they didn’t make sense to other people. John was ruled by insecurity, a deep mistrust of people, and the belief he was dirty, all this was induced by his ex-boyfriend. I thought the author did a great job with John’s gradual character growth. I didn’t see it so much in Zach, it’s more like Zach’s personality was revealed rather than him undergoing personal growth.
The one thing I wanted to read more about, was a deeper sense of what motivated both characters to become the people they were. We are told and it’s explained to us, but I wanted to feel the pain and angst the characters felt that made them the way they were and I didn’t get that. That’s why I’m taking the half-star off. I feel like we were only told how they were now, rather than how they became. I wanted to feel more not through graphic details, but the emotions as the memories or the people caught up with them, and we didn’t get that. I wanted more feels, but instead got explanations.
The secondary characters, Timothy and Andre where well done. In fact I’m hoping the author writes another book maybe pairing up these two characters. *hint, hint*
I think this was a very good character driven story rather than action driven. I’ve read four of the Nortown books and I think this is the best in the series so far. I would definitely recommend this to other readers but suggest that the books are read in order. I give this story 4.5 stars and raise it to 5 Stars.
4.5 Stars
First, I want to mention the cover. I love the cover! I really like the idea of bearded lumberjacks surrounded by flowers, leaves and other pretty decorations. This is so far, my favorite of the Nortown covers.
We briefly met John in book two as he nervously evaded people, not making eye contact and not talking. As this story progresses we understand why John is the way he is. John doesn’t feel safe unless he has multiple locks on his doors, including the windowless storeroom he uses for his bedroom. He feels safer walled off from the world and without interaction with people. However, he does want to get better and has created rules for himself to interact with others. John believes that he will be renewed in seven years once all his cells turn over and he’s purged of all the negativity from his past. He thinks he’s been doing okay for the last three years until Zach returns to town and takes an interest in John. Once Zach does that, John’s world becomes more unpredictable than he likes. But it also stretches him to grow and heal at a faster rate.
Zach is a wanderer. He left Nortown ten years ago for multiple reasons and has returned home because he wants to find a place to belong. We see how he’s terrified about being tied down or locked in when he gets a view of John’s bedroom. Zach remembers Harold, a man who helped him while he was young. Harold promised Zach he could have his cabin and land when he could no longer live there. Only Zach finds out that Harold has passed and someone owns the cabin and property. It was the one place Zach could be himself, now he doesn’t know what to do. He’s staying at his ex-lover’s place until he can figure things out. Only his ex-lover wants him back and that complicates matters. Once Zach fixates on John, he sort of becomes a stalker, waiting for John to show up at the restaurant, drive into town or showing up at John’s place unannounced.
As John and Zach begin to interact, John reluctantly starts to trust Zach even though at the same time he fears Zach. We find out that Zach has a protective streak. At first I couldn’t figure out why Zach wanted to be around John other than he found it a challenge to get John to acknowledge him, which I thought in a way was cruel. Zach was more motivated by what he wanted than how uncomfortable he was making John feel. I actually thought that Zach was self-centered for most of this story, he wasn’t my favorite character especially after he So Zach was not my favorite character. In fact I still didn’t like him that much at the end. I did like that he bottomed and John topped. That was a nice change. I did wonder what profession Zach had before he came back to Nortown. Maybe I missed it, but I don't remember it being mentioned.
However, John. I did like him, even though he was very nervous and scared. I felt for him and just wanted to hug him even though he would’ve hated it because he didn’t like to be touched by anyone other than Timothy his best friend. I thought the author did a great job of showing us John’s thought processes and how he deduced his answers from the way people behaved. They made perfect sense to him even though they didn’t make sense to other people. John was ruled by insecurity, a deep mistrust of people, and the belief he was dirty, all this was induced by his ex-boyfriend. I thought the author did a great job with John’s gradual character growth. I didn’t see it so much in Zach, it’s more like Zach’s personality was revealed rather than him undergoing personal growth.
The one thing I wanted to read more about, was a deeper sense of what motivated both characters to become the people they were. We are told and it’s explained to us, but I wanted to feel the pain and angst the characters felt that made them the way they were and I didn’t get that. That’s why I’m taking the half-star off. I feel like we were only told how they were now, rather than how they became. I wanted to feel more not through graphic details, but the emotions as the memories or the people caught up with them, and we didn’t get that. I wanted more feels, but instead got explanations.
The secondary characters, Timothy and Andre where well done. In fact I’m hoping the author writes another book maybe pairing up these two characters. *hint, hint*
I think this was a very good character driven story rather than action driven. I’ve read four of the Nortown books and I think this is the best in the series so far. I would definitely recommend this to other readers but suggest that the books are read in order. I give this story 4.5 stars and raise it to 5 Stars.
March 11, 2017
What a lovely story. Sad and beautiful. John will make your heart hurt, not in a depressing way mind you, but in a 'I want to help and protect way.' Zachary is there for John, kind and sexy and wonderful. He will also make your heart hurt, but for many different reasons. Swoon worthy reasons.
Combined and this story packs a wallop. Certainly there are unresolved issues. The baggage here is overwhelming but doable when you make the choice to move forward as these two do. Together.
4.5 thought provoking stars.
Combined and this story packs a wallop. Certainly there are unresolved issues. The baggage here is overwhelming but doable when you make the choice to move forward as these two do. Together.
4.5 thought provoking stars.
April 7, 2017
4.5☆
Zach was just so sweet and gentle he also had alot of patience and John oh my heart just broke when I read some off the things that happend to him in his past .
I Loved Zach & John together.
The Book covers in this series are ♡
Zach was just so sweet and gentle he also had alot of patience and John oh my heart just broke when I read some off the things that happend to him in his past .
I Loved Zach & John together.
The Book covers in this series are ♡
May 23, 2024
Um. Hmm. The original novella was kinda rough, with a super skittish victim of abuse figuring out how to cope. I had some issues with Around Seven, but this one is next level. John decides that he has to wait until seven years have passed before he can try and find love again, because all of his cells will be new and he’ll be a different person. Another ambiguously neurodivergent character who was pretty much torturing himself, locked away from the world. (His backstory was so over the top; his abuser was shot and killed by police in front of him . . . ) I was kind of skimming some of the second half, tbh.
The 'UM' part comes in the follow-on holiday novella Honey Baked, featuring the same couple, which was included at the end. I read it even tho I didn’t love the main book, bc I personally like to see a bit of happy couple domesticity, especially if the characters have been through the wringer. Well, this is more chill, except for. . . and I can’t believe I read this. One of the characters uses honey with a bit of baked brie (HOT CHEESE???) as LUBE. Not only THAT, but it was Character 2’s first time bottoming in a couple of years. It— I just— What a wild thing to encounter. Taking little a break now. (I checked reviews for this holiday story and . . . no one mentions this. Like, are we cool with . . . ? You know what--I don't want to know.)
The 'UM' part comes in the follow-on holiday novella Honey Baked, featuring the same couple, which was included at the end. I read it even tho I didn’t love the main book, bc I personally like to see a bit of happy couple domesticity, especially if the characters have been through the wringer. Well, this is more chill, except for. . . and I can’t believe I read this. One of the characters uses honey with a bit of baked brie (HOT CHEESE???) as LUBE. Not only THAT, but it was Character 2’s first time bottoming in a couple of years. It— I just— What a wild thing to encounter. Taking little a break now. (I checked reviews for this holiday story and . . . no one mentions this. Like, are we cool with . . . ? You know what--I don't want to know.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2019
I absolutely love anything and everything written by this amazing author!
I've loved all the episodes of the Nortown series.
The character development and world building is so quirky and unique, you honestly never know what you're going to get served up when you open one of these books.
Although the characters pop up in each book, either in minor cameo roles or at least in the form of brief mentions, each book can absolutely be read as a Standalone... (except for the shorts, which are mostly bonus incidents connected to particular books).
This one, is as quirky and charming as any, but, be warned, it is a super-slow burn and angsty story. This does not suggest, by any means that it's a slow moving or difficult read. It's more like letting go on a gradual downward incline; when the wheels start turning, you can't actually stop till you reach the bottom.
Though written in a cute and humorous manner that will make you snigger and shake your head, our MC, John actually has an awful lot to deal with in his little bubble of existence.
This character is sooo well written. You experience everything he's feeling, and you can feel his trauma and anxiety as if it were your own.
Zach... You're gonna love sweet, steadfast and determined Zach!
No, really. Read this book, and pay a visit to Nortown. Meet these incredible folks.
They are charming and delightful.
I've fallen in love with them... One and all!
Highly recommended. (book & author).
Heat level 3 for (only one) moderately steamy get-together toward the end.
I accepted an advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout (even though I had read it previously as part of a box set).
I really wanted to volunteer my review.
I've loved all the episodes of the Nortown series.
The character development and world building is so quirky and unique, you honestly never know what you're going to get served up when you open one of these books.
Although the characters pop up in each book, either in minor cameo roles or at least in the form of brief mentions, each book can absolutely be read as a Standalone... (except for the shorts, which are mostly bonus incidents connected to particular books).
This one, is as quirky and charming as any, but, be warned, it is a super-slow burn and angsty story. This does not suggest, by any means that it's a slow moving or difficult read. It's more like letting go on a gradual downward incline; when the wheels start turning, you can't actually stop till you reach the bottom.
Though written in a cute and humorous manner that will make you snigger and shake your head, our MC, John actually has an awful lot to deal with in his little bubble of existence.
This character is sooo well written. You experience everything he's feeling, and you can feel his trauma and anxiety as if it were your own.
Zach... You're gonna love sweet, steadfast and determined Zach!
No, really. Read this book, and pay a visit to Nortown. Meet these incredible folks.
They are charming and delightful.
I've fallen in love with them... One and all!
Highly recommended. (book & author).
Heat level 3 for (only one) moderately steamy get-together toward the end.
I accepted an advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout (even though I had read it previously as part of a box set).
I really wanted to volunteer my review.
September 1, 2020
All he wanted was to have peace and quiet so he could heal and he found the perfect place. It all seems too good so he he shocked when they knock on his door, he slammed the door shut. It was not going to stop them as he knew he was meant for them. Can these two different men become a couple? See if they can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2019
John has had a difficult love life and he prefers to stay to himself. He is giving himself time to heal before he is ready to get back there. Zachary moves around a lot and wants a place to call home so he wants to buy a log cabin. Unfortunately it is inhabited by John. Zachary is interested in John but John is skittish. They inch toward one another slowly while John finds courage and Zachary exercises patience. In the end they find that they are what one another need.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2019
It is my favourite story of Ofelia. Two lonely men. Both deeply scarred but in different ways. Step by step they find their way to each other. Good plot and action. Really great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2019
I love Ofelia Grand's Nortown stories. The characters are always sweet, complex, and usually with secrets, uncertainties, and drams in their lives. I love the way Ofelia brings these wounded people together to heal and forge new relationships.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2019
Another well written book to the Nortown series. The author does a great job developing the story and pulling you in with all the emotions flowing throughout. She brings a sweet story filled with both tender and humorous moments. It's a slow burning romance and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 29, 2019
This was a great read. Great read from start to finish. This was a great boxset. The storylines are interesting and the characters are fun and exciting. If you love a great m/m romance adventure with fun characters are interesting people then this story is for you.
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