Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Can’t Erase You
AUTHOR: Leigh Vining
PUBLISHER: Supposed Crimes Publishing
LENGTH: 237 Pages
RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2020
BLURB:
Surviving a broken heart wasn’t easy, but Phil Thompson moved on by keeping his past with Cole Fisher neatly tucked away in the deep recesses of his mind. Sharing his home with two cats sometimes gets lonely, and now and then he needs human companionship, but his friends with benefits relationships haven’t hit the mark. No one has measured up to Cole even after fifteen years.
Returning to his hometown after a decade and a half, Cole Fisher hopes to carve out a new life. Simply being in the same community won’t erase the pain of his past mistakes, but he’s determined to create a good life for himself and his two Siamese cats. Definitely a long shot, but if his first and only love is still in the area and he can somehow put things right between them, maybe they can recapture the euphoria of days gone by.
Coming face to face totally unexpectedly overwhelms both men and brings the memories of their turbulent break-up to the forefront. Cole must determine if he has what it takes to hold on to a dream, while Phil struggles with taking a leap of faith with the man who shattered his heart.
REVIEW:
A chance encounter at a cat show brings back memories for Phil. Years ago he’d had his heartbroken when the love of his life, Cole, left for New York. He was further numbed when he found the man had married a woman. The man at the show reminded him of Cole, but Phil was convinced it wasn’t him. The memories still surged.
When Cole left for New York, he did it for family, but he left behind the love of his life, Phil. At a cat show, he saw a man that he could have sworn was Phil. Divorced, Cole moves back to his childhood town and has built his dream house. Plagued with memories, he gets the surprise of his life when he finds the carpenter doing his kitchen, is the man from the show and is indeed Phil.
Cole knows it was a mistake to leave Phil all those years ago, and realizing that there is still a spark, he is determined to get him back. Unfortunately, Phil wants nothing to do with him.
However, fate, cats and scheming children throw them together.
This story is told in the present tense from Phil and Cole’s viewpoints. Which means that one gets immersed in the lives of the characters, and story progression tends to be slower.
There is much to like in this tale of second chances. It has a lovely take on a traditional theme. Childhood lovers break up and find each other again. Along with lots of eye-locking, the story has a beautiful natural flow.
Cole is pretty set on what he wants, but Phil is embroiled in a battle between the heart and the head. He loves Cole, but he isn’t sure whether he can forgive him for leaving as he did. I was glad that Phil doesn’t roll over and accept Cole immediately. He puts up a good fight of denial and keeping Cole at arm’s length.
There is a small cast that gives support and alternative viewpoints to our heroes. Some of the main stars include cats. As a cat lover myself, they were an added attraction, and I welcomed their inclusion. Children are also present who conspire to get Cole and Phil together. They are good kids, which of course some are, and thankfully they are not overly sugary.
Can’t Erase You, is not a dramatic rollercoaster, with over the top actions. Cole and Phil’s journeys are more emotional. It is a delightful version of a well-used theme – one that I enjoyed.
RATING: 
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