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classygigi's review against another edition
3.0
*3.5 stars
It lost me for a bit with the 3rd act breakup and the annoying back and forth angst that built up to it. I also for some reason had a hard time looking past the insta love in this one. I do think the couple had chemistry but the miscommunication trope did them dirty. The ending was also so overly dramatic which I was not expecting.
All those complaints aside, I liked the setting and all the side characters, and like I said I did enjoy Ev’s and Si’s dynamic. And the smut was lovely!
I’m gonna give this author another go for sure.
It lost me for a bit with the 3rd act breakup and the annoying back and forth angst that built up to it. I also for some reason had a hard time looking past the insta love in this one. I do think the couple had chemistry but the miscommunication trope did them dirty. The ending was also so overly dramatic which I was not expecting.
All those complaints aside, I liked the setting and all the side characters, and like I said I did enjoy Ev’s and Si’s dynamic. And the smut was lovely!
I’m gonna give this author another go for sure.
dameolga's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, I'm going to compare this book with Morton's books simply because I read them back to back.
Archer's writing feels better edited maybe(?) than Morton's, but Archer's writing lacks a certain fun vivaciousness that permeates Morton's books. I enjoy reading Morton's books more, but I find Archer's writing to be better...
I hadn't read the synopsis before reading this book, so the murder mystery aspect completely caught me unawares. This book deals with themes of grieving and dealing with living after someone has passed away--pretty heavy themes. I guess I also had not been expecting the grimmer tone.
Overall, I think the story is just okay--something I'd probably forget in a few weeks. I like Silas and Everett's grandfather Henry quite a bit, but everything else is just... not memorable? Quick, easy read tho.
Archer's writing feels better edited maybe(?) than Morton's, but Archer's writing lacks a certain fun vivaciousness that permeates Morton's books. I enjoy reading Morton's books more, but I find Archer's writing to be better...
I hadn't read the synopsis before reading this book, so the murder mystery aspect completely caught me unawares. This book deals with themes of grieving and dealing with living after someone has passed away--pretty heavy themes. I guess I also had not been expecting the grimmer tone.
Overall, I think the story is just okay--something I'd probably forget in a few weeks. I like Silas and Everett's grandfather Henry quite a bit, but everything else is just... not memorable? Quick, easy read tho.
aethena1313's review against another edition
3.0
Good read and well written, but didn't have quite enough bite for me.
verlorenimbuecherregal's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
There are some things I need to say about this one.
First of all, the main emotional component: I loved the aspects about loving again after the love of one's life died, but more the philosophical takes and not how it was executed - I didn't get a feel for Ev's grief, and I'm a huge fan of crying because of deceased spouses and all the palpable grief, as long as the survivor gets a second HEA. But it wasn't palpable here, it just had happened and hindered Ev from being open for Silas, but this hesitation also felt constructed, because we never suffered with Everett. The whole relationship between Silas and Everett felt a bit flat, even tho there was so much potential, with both of them having their baggage, it was the perfect setup for hurt/comfort, but it wasn't emotional enough for hurt/comfort. So it kinda felt like the author thought it was enough to just give them emotional backgrounds without really immersing into the feels coming with that.
The mystery was the main thing I was looking forward to, and while it got a bit violent and (for a REALLY short time) thrilling towards the end, the mystery really was a minor plotpoint and got drowned out through most of the story, like the police (consisting out of three people if I remember correctly?) didn't really do anything about two (!) missing people, they only really started to work as personal interest was involved. It still was a very cool revelation in my eyes, but a bit more consistency in telling the mystery so it's always looming above the story and getting readers to be sucked into the thrill, would have enhanced the book.
I loved the vibe of the small town O'Leary (I already read the first book in the Copper County series, so I knew some of the characters and institutions already) and I'm sure I will continue this series, even tho this one wasn't 100% my jam. I love intertwined bookish universes, so I usually don't mind a lot of people getting name dropped as if the reader could know them already, because they usually make me want to continue with their stories. But here the male side characters who obviously have their own book just felt like one big mash and the side characters who probably don't have their own story were more distinguishable (and some were highlights in this book, with Henry leading the way, I laughed out loud a lot because of his antics).
So all in all an okayish to solid book, that doesn't put May Archer on the "don't read" list. It's also one of her first books (I think it's the fourth to be precise), and it was published almost 7 years ago, so I'm confident some of these problems get better with the newer books.
tobcont's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE Alexander Cendese and Iggy Toma in this dual narration. Silas is a small town cop who doesn't want to be tied by a realtionship. Everett is not open to relstionships right now and is forced to the small town to take care of his grandfather. The two become friends and possibly more. of course there are misunderstanding and hurt feelings. After Everett is rescued from danger they realize the ybelong together.
kyliecreads's review against another edition
3.0
Cute series, a lot of small town vibes review to come
christyduke_5117's review against another edition
4.0
Welcome to O’Leary, New York, the greatest small town imaginable. In fact, it was what I imagined when I moved to a very small town only to discover the reality is not the same. This is why I shall continue to love the fictional small towns created by authors such as May Archer, and grit my teeth on a daily basis in my own small town.
Everett is an artist, a widower at the young age of twenty-nine, and a recent transplant to O’Leary. He has moved here for a year to take care of his grandpa Hen, even though they’ve never gotten along, and to teach art at the elementary school. Ev is convinced that he’s going to be teaching the offspring of backwoods troglodytes, and thus is determined to do one year and then he’s back to Boston. His first introduction to O’Leary (well, really, it’s the route to get into the town) and a citizen, or an O’Learian as they refer to themselves, isn’t the greatest. Granted, I would have been in a less than stellar mood myself had I just wrapped my car around a tree on a pitch-black two-lane winding, curving monstrosity of a road, and was stuck schlepping down the road carrying my pissed-off cat in her carrier, limping because I banged my knee in the accident, and having to use the flashlight on my phone to see anything. Then, to be accosted by a sheriff deputy and accused of being a drunk, irresponsible teenager, would have lit my temper on fire. Trust me when I say the scene is hilarious!
Silas has lived in O’Leary his whole life and even though he’s used to how it works, i.e. gossip, inaccurate facts being spread around, everyone knowing everyone’s business, etc., doesn’t mean that he has any intention of ever being the recipient of said gossip. This is why Silas is commitment-cautious and prefers to handle his hookups out of the general vicinity of O’Leary. Not that that prevents the gossip from spreading, but perhaps Si can keep it limited. Silly man, that’s been working because you haven’t cared about anyone before. And then you meet Everett – snarky, gorgeous, spitfire of a man who keeps you interested beyond the physical.
“O’Leary didn’t give a shit that I was gay, but they sure as hell cared that I was single.” ~ Silas
It was fun, exciting, a little sad but mostly hopeful, to watch these two fall in love. As a widow myself, I think the author did an outstanding job with the reality of grief, and the idea of moving forward after the loss of a loved one. I think my favorite part of this story was seeing Ev and his grandpa mend their fences along with Ev falling in love with the small town and its occupants. All the quirky people certainly helped.
Speaking of the residents… keep in mind that this book, the first in the series, can easily be read as a standalone, but afterwards it is my opinion that they should be read in order. There are way too many fabulous characters introduced in this book that I’d like to see more of. Example: Julian, veterinarian and older brother to Constantine and Theo; Daniel, the mysterious newcomer who lives out in the woods and has very strong recluse tendencies; Jamie, who is inordinately furious at his former best friend Parker who moved back to town and opened a bar/restaurant; and more. There is a mystery/suspense ongoing with disappearing people, but it doesn’t detract from the love story, and in my opinion, only makes the entire tale richer.
Thank you, May, for this introduction to O’Leary, Everett, and Silas. Although, would it have killed you to NOT mention all of the baked goods coming out of the bakery? I was salivating and cheating on my diet at every turn. Regardless, I will be jumping into the next installment because this small town is too good to miss.
Everett is an artist, a widower at the young age of twenty-nine, and a recent transplant to O’Leary. He has moved here for a year to take care of his grandpa Hen, even though they’ve never gotten along, and to teach art at the elementary school. Ev is convinced that he’s going to be teaching the offspring of backwoods troglodytes, and thus is determined to do one year and then he’s back to Boston. His first introduction to O’Leary (well, really, it’s the route to get into the town) and a citizen, or an O’Learian as they refer to themselves, isn’t the greatest. Granted, I would have been in a less than stellar mood myself had I just wrapped my car around a tree on a pitch-black two-lane winding, curving monstrosity of a road, and was stuck schlepping down the road carrying my pissed-off cat in her carrier, limping because I banged my knee in the accident, and having to use the flashlight on my phone to see anything. Then, to be accosted by a sheriff deputy and accused of being a drunk, irresponsible teenager, would have lit my temper on fire. Trust me when I say the scene is hilarious!
Silas has lived in O’Leary his whole life and even though he’s used to how it works, i.e. gossip, inaccurate facts being spread around, everyone knowing everyone’s business, etc., doesn’t mean that he has any intention of ever being the recipient of said gossip. This is why Silas is commitment-cautious and prefers to handle his hookups out of the general vicinity of O’Leary. Not that that prevents the gossip from spreading, but perhaps Si can keep it limited. Silly man, that’s been working because you haven’t cared about anyone before. And then you meet Everett – snarky, gorgeous, spitfire of a man who keeps you interested beyond the physical.
“O’Leary didn’t give a shit that I was gay, but they sure as hell cared that I was single.” ~ Silas
It was fun, exciting, a little sad but mostly hopeful, to watch these two fall in love. As a widow myself, I think the author did an outstanding job with the reality of grief, and the idea of moving forward after the loss of a loved one. I think my favorite part of this story was seeing Ev and his grandpa mend their fences along with Ev falling in love with the small town and its occupants. All the quirky people certainly helped.
Speaking of the residents… keep in mind that this book, the first in the series, can easily be read as a standalone, but afterwards it is my opinion that they should be read in order. There are way too many fabulous characters introduced in this book that I’d like to see more of. Example: Julian, veterinarian and older brother to Constantine and Theo; Daniel, the mysterious newcomer who lives out in the woods and has very strong recluse tendencies; Jamie, who is inordinately furious at his former best friend Parker who moved back to town and opened a bar/restaurant; and more. There is a mystery/suspense ongoing with disappearing people, but it doesn’t detract from the love story, and in my opinion, only makes the entire tale richer.
Thank you, May, for this introduction to O’Leary, Everett, and Silas. Although, would it have killed you to NOT mention all of the baked goods coming out of the bakery? I was salivating and cheating on my diet at every turn. Regardless, I will be jumping into the next installment because this small town is too good to miss.
pontiki's review against another edition
4.0
Everett lost his husband, and is scared he’ll forget him if he doesn’t keep all his memories inside.
Silas lost his brother years ago, and is trying to live a happy life, running from anything too serious.
When they meet, they feel a connection, but Silas’ caution about commitment and Ev’s worry about betraying his past get in their way.
As does a serial killer no one takes seriously until late in the game.
I love both these guys, and how loss and mourning are described so thoroughly well, it’s beautiful, bittersweet. Sad. The killer is a strange twist, but isn’t a big part of the story, and didn’t add much to it.
A worthwhile read.
Silas lost his brother years ago, and is trying to live a happy life, running from anything too serious.
When they meet, they feel a connection, but Silas’ caution about commitment and Ev’s worry about betraying his past get in their way.
As does a serial killer no one takes seriously until late in the game.
I love both these guys, and how loss and mourning are described so thoroughly well, it’s beautiful, bittersweet. Sad. The killer is a strange twist, but isn’t a big part of the story, and didn’t add much to it.
A worthwhile read.
hdmartin88's review against another edition
4.0
The Fall
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I enjoyed it. I really liked the characters, and there were a lot of them. There are 2 pet peeves of mine that stopped me from loving it and giving it 5 stars. The first, 90% of the book was the couple not being a couple. They barely got together before there was an issue. We get 5% of a book of them being a couple. I find that annoying. Also annoying is the sign up for my newsletter for bonus content with the couple. I sign up for many newsletters to support authors. I refuse to sign up for newsletters this way. You should have given the content as an epilogue so I could actually believe the couple is a couple.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I enjoyed it. I really liked the characters, and there were a lot of them. There are 2 pet peeves of mine that stopped me from loving it and giving it 5 stars. The first, 90% of the book was the couple not being a couple. They barely got together before there was an issue. We get 5% of a book of them being a couple. I find that annoying. Also annoying is the sign up for my newsletter for bonus content with the couple. I sign up for many newsletters to support authors. I refuse to sign up for newsletters this way. You should have given the content as an epilogue so I could actually believe the couple is a couple.