Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Crazy Together

SERIES:  Camp Bay

AUTHOR: Marie Sexton

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  166 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 24, 2023

BLURB: 

In the wake of his husband’s recent passing, nightclub owner Bryan Nantel feels smothered by sympathy from his well-meaning friends. Tired of being seen only as a grieving widower, Bryan decides to spend the holiday with his father in Houston, even though he fears it will be the end of his hard-fought sobriety. But a chance encounter at the airport changes everything.

Noah Porter is a former baseball player whose career was cut short by a devastating injury. He’s not quite ready to come out of the closet, but he has every intention of losing his virginity ASAP. On a whim, he invites Bryan to spend the weekend with him at Camp Bay Chalet, a secluded B&B tucked away in the panhandle of Northern Idaho.

Bryan knows running away with a man he just met is crazy and reckless. Maybe even dangerous. But it sure beats his other options. He figures what happens at Camp Bay can stay at Camp Bay. And a bit of Christmas craziness may be exactly what he and Noah both need.

REVIEW:

Bryan has been stuck for a while after the death of his husband.  He’s struggled with drinking too much and has been sober for a while, but the thought of spending the holidays with his family in Texas is not something he’s looking forward to.  On the other hand, staying in Colorado and being subjected to his friends treating him as the sad sorry sack widower.  He’s about to fall off the wagon when a gorgeous man intervenes.  Noah Porter, former professional baseball pitcher knows the drill.  He’s been sober for a while but he recognizes the signs of someone who really wants a drink.  The conversation is the best one Bryan has had in a while.

During the commuter flight to Denver they chat more.   Bryan has really no desire to got to Texas and Noah is going to a resort for the holidays – at least until the 26th.  On impulse, he invites Bryan to come with him.  Despite knowing that it’s probably crazy to take off with a guy he’s known for a few hours, Bryan is feeling alive for the first time in months.  Both Bryan and Noah have some past baggage and issues.  Bryan’s life is not what it seems from the outside.  Then there is the fact that Noah has been in the closet his whole life.  This trip is his opportunity for the first time to finally experience what he has desired his whole life.

This is a surprisingly sweet story about two men who meet in an airport and decided to spend the holidays together on pretty much a whim.  Their meet-cute is a bit fraught and definitely unusual.  Both men have been floundering, but they find a kindred soul in each other.  Their trip provides so much more than a holiday trip.  Bryan and Noah have their individuals hurdles but they are able to support each other in facing their fears and their desires.  The supporting characters were very well written.  I loved Bryan’s friends that he’s struggled to connect with.  Noah’s parents were refreshingly real and a nice surprise.  I loved revisiting Camp Bay and watching these two damaged men find their HEA.  Marie Sexton always delivers and this is no exception.  Recommended and will put you in the holiday mood.

RATING: 

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