A new take on the YA MM romance. Roo and Tanner met when they were 10 and 7 years later were split up when Roo's family moved back to Australia. He returns to the small town in America 5 years later. They've kept in touch but the friends need to adjust to the fact that both are young men now, finding themselves in their careers, how they live their lives, and in their sexuality. Roo has always known he's been in love with Tanner. Tanner has been Roo's protector and is an affectionate bear. But it takes the prodding of others for him to see that he has always been in love with Roo. It's cute and cuddly, endearing and serious stuff. I found it quite beautiful.

The narrators, Alexander Cendese and Kirt Graves, do a great job. Alexander Cendese brings Tanner to life, and plays the humour well. I've heard him read many times. Kirt Graves' voice is distinct from Cendese's voice, which I appreciate, and he brings the sass to feisty, cynical Roo. The contrast between the two MCs is great. I just love the way that they adore each other so much their annoying sides roll off each other.

There are some great lines in this and I had a few good laughs.

Published in 2020. ( )

Here we have Tanner and Roo who's been inseparable best friends since Roo moved to Sunbury, Oregon with his family. They are extremely close and happy, even with Roo's epilepsy and Tanner's dyslexia poses challenges for both of them. Roo's condition requires his family to have to move back to Australia because Roo needs surgery. Tanner is heartbroken but continues on. Five long years pass with hardly any contact. Then Roo comes home. Roo's been in love with Tanner since he realized he was into guys. Those 5 years apart has changed absolutely nothing. He has to tell Tanner and hopes for a miracle that his straight best friend might somehow feel the same way. Tanner loves Roo with his whole heart...he always has...but what he believes to be as a best friend... someone he cares about...someone he can't live without...someone who he wants to give everything...but surely he's not IN love with him despite the whole town including his parents saying he is. Their reunion, their getting used to each other again, and the massive realizations they have about one another tell another story. While they discover their feelings for each other we also get a glimpse into a nosy small town, a great group of friends, and lots and lots of fun and laughter. Looking forward to book #2. ( )

Really slow-burn, really sweet. Nothing really original, but delivered what I wanted. I appreciate the epilepsy and dyslexia representation, even though I have no clue if they are accurately represented or not. ( )

A light and easy read about two best friends who reunite after five years of distance and see what’s been right under their noses the whole time (well technically one of the the guys, the other’s been pining and yearning since day 1).

It’s 99% fluff with corny Kangaroo jokes, lots of “platonic” affection—lap sitting, cuddling, kissing (pretty much everywhere besides the lips)—and a small town where a good number of people are like “you guys sure you’re not in a relationship?” long before it’s official. I really like how they help each other face their personal insecurities (Tanner is dyslexic and Roo is epileptic).

Everything was pretty perfect apart from Tanner’s obliviousness and Roo’s occasional bouts of doubt, but perfect timing because I really needed this saccharine sweet story for its feel-good vibes!

(Audiobook was amazing as expected of two of my favorite narrators ( )

This was a sweet story about best friends who have been apart for the last 5 years. Roo has to move out of the country for epilepsy surgery, but he stays away because he is in love with his best friend, Tanner, who is straight. Roo decides it is time for a visit and to let Tanner know how he feels. Tanner is so happy to see Roo and wants to do anything he can to keep him in town. They get closer, and Tanner eventually realizes that he may not be as straight as he thinks. They were so sweet together, and I loved watching their relationship continue to blossom, even after 5 years. Their interactions were so natural to them, and I loved that. Tanner was the perfect sunshine to Roo's grumpiness. I enjoyed this.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews ( )