If you want to know about the inner working of making maple syrup and if you want to see a love story unfold, please read this book! A sweet small town romance with two men that finds their special person and can't deny their connection. A syrup farmer and a hockey player that fall quickly and irrevocably in love.
From the A Touch of Maple blurb:
After being traded numerous times over the course of his pro hockey career, all Bellamy Jordan wants is a place where he belongs. Burlington, Vermont, home of the Vermont Trailblazers, his newest team, might just be that place. The bonus: he’s within spitting distance of the grandparents who raised him. The drawback: his long-time rival’s gorgeous brother—who he can’t get out of his mind—also lives nearby.
And he hates Bellamy on sight.
Jason Zervudachi is busy enough trying to diversify his family’s maple syrup farm while completing his master’s degree. Adding in an attractive complication like Bellamy? Hard pass. Even so, there’s something more behind Bellamy’s eyes that draws Jason in, but Bellamy is his brother’s rival. There’s a sibling rule against that, right? There must be.
Except Bellamy isn’t at all what Jason expects—and neither is the connection between them.
With the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents in Vermont, Maplewood is a town where everyone belongs. And with festivals year round, there’s always something fun happening! This multi-author, low-angst queer series features ten standalone romances—each set against the backdrop of a different festival. Come for the celebrations, stay for the happily-ever-afters!
SNik's review:
Part of a multi-author series (Love in Maplewood), but can be read as a standalone. Brother’s adversary. Small town. Found family. Fade to black. Dual POV.
Jason is a graduate student working on his family’s maple syrup farm when he recognizes his brother’s long time rival. Bellamy is feeling bruised from being traded again, and he hopes this time can be permanent as he will be close to his grandparents, but he’s saddened that his unexpected attraction to Jason may not result in anything as the years of fighting with Jason’s brother is no secret.
This story is a low angst fall into a love, with both men struggling with personal issues, Jason not being able to trust easily and Bellamy fearing abandonment once again. I enjoyed Bellamy and Jason’s sweetness, honest communication, and willingness to commit to their feelings as they grow closer. Two likable and caring characters surrounded by supportive secondary characters in a small town, what’s not to like.
Angel's review:
One of my favorite things about reading books is when I can learn something from them. Through Jason's character I got to learn about what it takes to make maple syrup and how climate change is affecting that business and profession. Sure, this is a work of fiction, however, the details behind Jason's job was very real and I liked being able to learn about things I didn't know previously . I commend Amy for doing her research and being so detailed when it comes to Jason's livelihood and passion, along with writing about the NHL as well. This story is packed full of so many wonderful details and has such realistic characters that the whole time I was reading this it felt as though they were real.
The world that Jason and Bellamy's story takes place in is set in a small town, which may seem simple but it was so very fitting for this story. Even though Jason and Bellamy started off on the wrong foot due to the history Jason's brother has with Bellamy, I was so happy when these two figured out a way to work things out. From the moment Bellamy gave Jason a shy smile in the bar I was hooked and cheering for them. I absolutely adored when these two went on their dates, they were so adorable together and I loved that they took the time to learn about each other for themselves.
I also liked seeing these two men grow as the story progressed, they learned from past mistakes and were determined to do better. They put in the effort and work to change and to make their relationship work, which I loved seeing! Jason and Bellamy are fantastic as individuals but as a couple they are extraordinary! There's give and take in their relationship, communication, trust, understanding, and lots of love. I adored the bonus epilogue at the end, it was such a great way to wrap up a fantastic story and I'm so happy Jason went forward with his new syrup idea.
The guys on Bellamy's team are as amazing as he is, each one has their own shining person and really added to the overall story. I really hope that they each get their own story in the future, I would love to see more of them. They help give that found family feeling and I really liked how open and accepting they are. All in all, a really terrific small town romance featuring a fresh take on the 'brother's rival' trope!
Heather's Review:
Amy Aislin writes sweet and just a little steamy well! I love how she incorporates her hockey world into this multi-author town and gives us maple-y sweet goodness, hockey flair and a lovely love story! The brother's rival tie in gave just enough angst for them to have something to work through without having to get too dramatic.
As the third book in the series, I was waiting to see how the world we were introduced to evolved this week and I have to say, it was seamless! The town vibe was very much the same and the characters were lovely and made total sense!
I can't wait to see where the next festival takes us in Maplewood!
A Touch of Maple is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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