Mason comes to Blackcreek to create something of his own. He never felt like he fit in with his family, and it turns out they have been keeping a huge secret. Gavin is forced to leave his job and finds himself back in Blackcreek with the help of his ex and friend Braden (Stay, book 2). Growing up in a conservative household, Gavin has felt like he's lived a double life. They are both going through an identity crisis and find comfort in one another. But loyalty, fear, and family obligation threaten to ruin the freedom they've found together. 

Gavin and Mason have a connection the instant Gavin walks into Mason's bar. They start as friends who bond over their similar circumstances, but it turns into a relationship that gives them the courage to be their most authentic selves. There's plenty of sexy moments (Mason is the definition of a power bottom) and sweet dates that make it easy to love this couple. 

Their story focused a lot on their relationships with their families, which I thought was interesting. Mason has an accepting family but feels pressure to follow a path he doesn't want, while Gavin's family isn't accepting of his sexuality but supports him in other ways. I got hooked in the beginning on their steamy connection, but stayed for the family drama. 

This is me being picky - I seriously considered dropping the rating down a whole star because of the amount of times the word "lover" was used. I don't mind it once or twice, but my god was that word overused. 

I enjoyed Gavin and Mason's romance, even though it was more focused on their personal growth outside of their relationship. They're a mature couple who are willing to put in the work to be better for one another. I also loved reading about all our favorite Blackcreek couples in the epilogue novella, Return to Blackcreek. It's so sweet and heartwarming seeing the guys living out their happily ever afters.

Read if you like: 
• hurt/comfort
• family drama 
• small town romance 

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•spoilers below• 

I actually liked the fact that they took a break and got back together. I was starting to not like Mason because he was putting so much on Gavin and letting him use Mason as an excuse to not go after what he wanted. I'm glad Mason took a step back and realized they needed to sort some things out. I do however wish that we got a little more after they got back together. The epilogue was cute, but I was more excited to see them in The Return to Blackcreek epilogue novella. 

•end of spoilers•