3.5 Stars

As far as I can tell, and I've looked on Goodreads, this book isn't part of a series or a spinoff of another series, yet there were a ton of secondary characters featured in this story. These secondary characters were written with a familiarity, like the reader was supposed to know who these people were and what their backstories were. It was all very confusing and hard to keep up. You'd need a spreadsheet to try to keep them all straight. I understand having multiple colleagues/friends, but here it was all too much.

The parts of the story that focused on the main characters were good and enjoyable to read. Ryan and Trey get off to a rocky, but hilarious start, and the opening scene had me laughing out loud, but once they get past that and really give getting to know one another a try, they fit together well. They had good chemistry and the sex, wow, the sex was very hot and plentiful, but maybe just a bit too plentiful. I wish that Ryan and Trey had had more dialogue and had been better developed as individuals, as well as a couple.

The story was sweet, funny and sexy, but in my opinion, the secondary story of Ryan's play, and his interactions with his friends and cast mates needed to be cut down and more dialogue and scenes between Ryan and Trey added in their place. All in all, it was a somewhat enjoyable read, but the author needed to shift the focus of the story more towards the main couple.

**Copy provided to me by the author/publisher via NetGalley for my reading pleasure. A review was not a requirement**

Summer Stock was a lot more than I expected. The cover (although I NEVER judge a book by its cover ;) ) promised a fun summer romp in the sun. Although it did deliver on that promise, even the supporting characters had a lot of extra baggage that they hid behind those playful smiles.

It was easy to spot the ghosts of Trey's past. His ex did a real number on him, both physically and emotionally. He had a long way to go before he could even think about trusting someone. A Hollywood TV star was definitely not the type of person he was looking for. As transparent as Ryan's life seemed, there was a lot that he kept hidden. Hiding behind the facade was easier than baring his soul, especially with a summer fling.

Things got complicated when all the people that were not only dealing with their own problems, tried to protect both Ryan from Trey and Trey from Ryan. It was compounded by the fact that part of Trey's defense mechanism seemed to sabotage any hope they had at building a relationship and Ryan's lack of self esteem made him an easy target. Despite all that, I was really hoping these two would make it. Readers could tell if they let themselves, they'd be really good for each other.

By the end of Summer Stock I even started to respect the characters that I wasn't sure about in the beginning. I love it when that happens. Don't avoid this one if you're just looking for a fun summer read - not to mention a dog that steals the show more than once. It really does deliver on that end, there just happens to be a lot more to the story than you may be bargaining for, and that's never a bad thing ;)

"There is no script. You don't get to rehearse being in love."

Trey and Ryan are two guys in the process of finding their place in the world, and in a sense re-discovering themselves.

Trey has survived an abusive marriage (barely making it out alive) and is working on dealing with his PTSD, along with some self-esteem issues.

Ryan is an up and coming actor known for being a party boy. He's become so accustomed to filling that role that he's not sure how to be himself anymore. With his best friend, Ali, in rehab...it's time for Ryan to figure some things out.

After a random hookup, Trey and Ryan find it hard to stay away...especially when they find out they'll both be working at the local theater. And why should they? It's clear they have chemistry (oh boy do they!) and there's nothing wrong with a summer of fun.

My favorite thing about this book?

I loved the ease of Ryan and Trey's relationship. This is a simple and quiet story of two guys helping each other figure things out and falling in love. They were sweet and passionate and funny and honest and had me grinning for most of this book.

With a small, southern town as the setting and a local playhouse playing a prominent role, the ambiance of the book really makes you smile too. You can smell the ocean, feel the sand under your feet, and the heat of the sun warm your face.

The cast of diverse secondary characters were well developed as well. No one served as scenery...every character had a purpose. Shout out to Mason, the lovable, chain smoking, grumpy bear.

The potential for angst was fairly high (especially dealing with Hollywood), but I love that Vanessa North didn't fall into any of the obvious pitfalls. She stayed true to the characters and the path they were on.

Trey and Ryan made mistakes along the way, but they talked things out. They recognized that they had something really special together and although it may only last a summer, it was worth holding on to.

"Something about his connection with Trey - though every bit as ephemeral - struck some deep place in his psyche he hadn't known was crying out to be loved. Trey seemed to hunger for a lightness that Ryan found easy to give - and Trey gave him back depths he didn't recognize in himself until Trey pointed them out."

I do wish Trey's issues were a bit more developed. In the beginning of the book, we see his visits with his therapist and he has a couple of panic attacks, but we get to witness him work through that. I feel like somewhere in the middle of the book that was all forgotten. The focus was more on Ryan with only sporadic sprinkles of Trey's insecurities. By the time the end comes, I'm not really sure where Trey is at in dealing with his issues. Clearly he's doing better, but I would have liked more information. Did he have some more breakthroughs (like the ones that were shown at the beginning of the book)? Is he using new coping mechanisms?

Also, I wasn't the biggest fan of the time jump. Sometimes they can work, but I don't feel like it did here. I feel like it was a missed opportunity to add needed emotion to that part of the story.

I have to give major props to Vanessa North for writing a positive, platonic friendship between two members of the opposite sex. Yes, Ali and Ryan had their issues, but they were open and honest and supportive of each other. They were a bit co-dependent in their wilder days and recognized that they had some unhealthy habits, but there was no finger pointing or unnecessary drama. Their friendship was centered on love. It was as simple as that.

Overall, I really liked this story. It's the perfect summer read and a great beach read. Just a lovely romance to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

And big love to that cover, because it completely embodies the look and feel of Trey and Ryan. I can't look at that cover and not smile.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Trey & Ryan's story. It was an easy, predictable read with some expected drama and personal issues to overcome for both characters - but nothing too heavy going on.

Ryan is a TV star that has returned to his hometown of Banker Shoals to get out of the tabloid spotlight after some recent bad press. While at home, he'll be doing some summer stock at the local Shakespearean theater run by his cousin and friend.

Trey is a carpenter who builds sets for the theater and does some repair jobs to supplement his income. Trey was abused by his ex-husband (who is now in jail) and is still trying to find himself. He meets Ryan at his sister's bar one night, they hit it off and have a hot night together. The next morning, Trey wakes up to find that Ryan has left the house (but leaves his pants/underwear/phone behind...which of course someone takes a pic of). He's not looking for a relationship, and neither is Trey, so he just counts it as a one-night-stand.

Later on they find that they'll both be working at the theater together, surprise. There's no denying the attraction between these two and it's a given that they'll hook back up again. Things are hot with these two, but their relationship is also incredibly sweet. They help each other overcome their hangups and other issues, but not without sometimes making a mistake and saying the wrong thing (as with any relationship). Ryan is a bit immature in the beginning, but he proves himself by the end and shows that he can be mature and make intelligent decisions, while still staying true to himself. Trey also learns to trust and love again, thanks to Ryan.

Overall, a sweet read with a good love story and of course two hot guys.

I had to look up summer stock to figure out what exactly it meant, so perhaps the title wasn't the best for the book since I'm sure most people outside of the theater world are unfamiliar with this term.

I'm from NC and vacation in OBX, so it was also nice to read a book with towns and scenery that I'm familiar with.

3,5 to 4
Trey and Ryan
Ryan a tv star Trey a handyman
When Ryan opens his eyes he can't remember a thing about last night. Beside him lies a beautiful man in deep sleep and some tiny memories rise up....

When he leaves the bedroom, outside there is a giant dog eating his underwear Ryan scare to death by dogs runs outside and there he stands butt naked and face to face with the paparazzi.

He knocks on the door and when Trey opens the door he throws the jeans in Ryan's face and close is again with an 'asshole'

Sooooo that's the way they separated....they next time they meet is when they were introduced to each other at work....Trey is the set builder at Ryan's summer stock.....

After the air is cleared between them they are inseparable.. they are hot and fun together....but also a bit complicated.

Yeah life is a bitch...

There is a lot of story. Family, friends, work, paparazzi, but the main is the connection between Ryan and Trey. How they react in circumstances to each other....they both have a past to deal with...and dealing is not their strongest thing to do.

Nice flow, not to heavy, not to deep, really nice. Sometimes I didn't understand the reactions from Trey and thought their interactions were not always convincing done. It wasn't in the line of my expectations the action/reaction and the reasons given why....
Overall a good read you must give a try :)

I've enjoyed books by Vanessa North in the past but I'm afraid this did not work for me.

I mean, the writing was superb. A big role played my lack of investment in the characters and a (for me) boring storyline.

The book starts with Ryan running from a hook up which resulted in him having his bare ass in the papers the next day. Despite him running away from fame for a bit, he's still easily found as it turned out. How they deal with the "fall out" at his new work place and how he's getting along with everyone... it's all right but didn't keep me engaged in the story. Didn't connect, at all.

The romance starts early on and it's sweet but there was nothing that had me wanting to spend more time with the guys. My heart just wasn't in it :(

Still, I appreciate the time and love the author put into creating this book and its characters. I’m certain there are the right readers this book out there; many probably!

So, don’t let my review hold you back: give it a try! :)

▽
Many, many thanks to the publisher who kindly provided a free copy for an honest and impartial review

Facing scandal and the possible end of his Hollywood career, Ryan Hertzog’s exiled to his cousin’s seaside theatre in North Carolina for the summer. Though he isn’t too happy about it at first, he soon realizes that getting back to his roots may be just what he needs.

Ryan’s lonely, even more so now that his best friend, Ali, is on the other side of the country. Having to keep his bisexuality under wraps makes it difficult to have lasting relationships.

Trey Donovan, a summer stock set builder, has been slowly putting himself back in the dating scene. His experiences with an abusive husband have left him wary. But he finds himself unable to resist Ryan’s laughter and sunshine.

The two don’t start off on the best foot. They have a drunken hookup, but Ryan remembers little of it and then escapes in a hurry the next morning, leaving Trey a bit offended.

But they patch things up quickly, once Trey realizes that it was a fear of his massive dog that made Ryan skedaddle the way he did.

They both know that getting involved with a co-worker probably isn’t the best idea, but the attraction between them won’t quit.

The romance between Trey and Ryan is gradual and sweet. There’s very little drama. Though the both have their pasts, and Trey is still recovering from his abusive relationship, this isn’t a particularly angsty book.

The two spend a lot of time talking, sharing bits of themselves with one another. This is one of those books where you really see the MCs fall for each other.

And the sex is scorching. Ryan and Trey have some great chemistry!

Four secondary characters play important parts in the book - Ali, West, Cora, and Mason. All were well-rounded and complex characters, but I did feel that they took up too much of the spotlight at times.

As the summer comes to an end, the two have to figure out what to do next. I thought the bumps in their relationship were entirely realistic. Obstacles and compromises are a big part of making relationships work.

The happy ever after was perfectly done. Trey and Ryan find a solution that gives them everything. Perhaps it was a bit too perfect, but I loved it.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, sweet, and sexy read, I’d definitely recommend giving ‘Summer Stock’ a try!

Vanessa North didn't disappoint! This had everything I enjoy in a romance:

-Great characters
-Scorching chemistry
-Character growth development
-Hurt/comfort/healing
-An outstanding set of secondary characters
-And a lovely end

Extra points for Ferdy, the mastiff.

4.5 Stars!

I like this story, it was sad, happy, funny and laced with love. In the beginning I didn't care much for Ryan but he grew on me.

Ryan is hiding in North Carolina after tabloid scandals and he has a one night stand the first night in town. After being told not to mess with Troy, his one night stand he try but can't resist.

Troy's struggles with anxiety is heartbreaking and that's the part of this story that is closest to my heart because of my own experiences. Naturally it makes me love him more than Ryan.

The writing style is easygoing and has lots of dialogues so this was a great read. And the lack of unnecessary descriptions of surroundings makes it even more enjoyable.

I think the characters are well written and with a good amount of feelings so I got to know them fairly well.

The love scenes are good with a lot of steam to them without being disgusting. It's a well written hot and sweet romance.

The dislike I had for Ryan in the beginning is the reason it's a very good 4 star read for me.

This is m/m romance with adult content. Enjoy!

Update - posted to goodreads/twitter

Sweet story of semi-famous actor (Ryan) fleeing Hollywood for his coastal North Carolina roots to help out family, and hooking up with a nobody (Trey) who proves to be exactly what he (and his career) need.

I gave it five stars for including an asexual secondary character (Mason) in a hetero-romantic relationship, an underrepresented pairing in romance fiction. Bisexual Ryan is shocked when he finds out Mason and his cousin Caro have been a couple for five years and are moving in together. Ryan’s spluttering bemusement — “But he doesn’t- […] You don’t-“ (chapter 11) — rings so true to lived experience. Bravo for the light touch requiring the reader to join the dots, but I’d have loved to see more of this pair.

All in all, a satisfying read. Vanessa North seems to have an affinity for ace spectrum characters — High and Tight has a demisexual MC — and I’m looking forward to more from her.

Hollywood up-and-comer Ryan grew up in Banker's Shoals on North Carolina's scenic Outer Banks and is back doing summer stock in his cousin's theater with strict orders from his agent to stay out of the tabloids. No problem ... until a night of jalapeño margaritas with a hot townie named Trey ends with Ryan trapped outside Trey's front door ... with no pants. Cue the paparazzi and the headline "Hollywood Playboy [...] Caught Streaking in Banker’s Shoals!"

Trey is slowly recovering from his ex-husband's abuse, with the help of a therapist, and builds sets for the Shakespeare by the Sea theater every summer. Trey and Ryan begin a summer fling that is all kinds of sweet and very very sexy as Ryan helps Trey through panic attacks, they grow to trust each other and their goal for the summer is: "Can’t we just enjoy each other’s company and, I don’t know, leave each other better than we found each other?”

I really liked how this summer romance turns into a deep sustaining relationship for Ryan and Trey and felt it was the best part of the story. They aren't perfect, they each say thoughtless things, but they apologize, they connect:

"Something about his connection with Trey—though every bit as ephemeral—struck some deep place in his psyche he hadn’t known was crying out to be loved. Trey seemed to hunger for a lightness that Ryan found easy to give—and Trey gave him back depths he didn’t recognize in himself until Trey pointed them out."

While the subplot about Caro and Mason, and to a lesser extent West Brady and Ali, dragged down the flow of the story IMHO, I loved the chemistry between Trey and Ryan and their well-deserved HEA. 4 stars!

Summer Stock has a fun and interesting premise. I liked the theatre setting, even if I needed some time to work out what ‘summer stock’ means. There were a lot of characters, most of them interesting backstories. Unfortunately, this also caused some confusion with me because I couldn’t remember who was who, and – just as important, who was [italics]with[/italics] who. There was a lot of drama and romances surrounding the main plot and romance.
Both Ryan and Trey were nice, interesting guys and I was happy they found each other. They were both (just like all characters) very communicative and managed to express their feeling easily. They’re also incredibly supportive I found this difficult to believe. Because of the excellent communication skills of all characters, there wasn’t much of a conflict. Trey’s garage was a big issue for him but it was easily resolved by Ryan. And it was never revisited. I wouldn’t mind hearing what Threy’s therapist thought of this solution.
I haven’t got a clue about the age of most of the characters. I think Ryan was 25 or 26 but sometimes he acted really young and sometimes he was old. And a party boy like him doesn’t seem someone who blushes as easily as him. I guess the other characters were all in the 25-35 age range but I’m really not sure. Somehow age is an important factor for me when picturing characters.
Despite all the potential I felt the book fell flat, and that was mostly the result of the writing. Everything was explained and the dialogue was wooden. There was also a lot of internal dialogue with lots of questions. It was much more tell than show and because of that it was difficult to relate to the characters. I never felt a deeper connection to any of the characters.
Does this make Summer Stock a bad book? Not really. The writing is not to my taste, but I’m sure other people would enjoy it much more.

My review will post on the blog closer to release date, but here is what should post.

My feelings...

My feelings while reading Summer Stock were pure joy. My feelings at the end... what's beyond pure joy? Elation? Extreme Happiness? Forever love? I'm not sure there are words that accurately describe what I felt. What I'm still feeling, or how this book came to be at a time when I was having the worst week ever.

Summer Stock is all about these two guys who fall in love, right? But it is so much more than that. I have some favorite passages and quotes highlighted that I keep looking at and going over. Moments in the book where words of wisdom are subtle, yet so very important and relevant.

"What you did for me, with my garage - I can't even explain what it means to me. You blanket-forted me."
This book did that for me. It blanket-forted me.

"I think it's okay if you and Trey don't always understand each other. There is no script. You don't get to rehearse being in love."
That's so true, right? Falling in love can be easy as pie... but staying there takes work. Communication. Being willing to understanding when you don't really understand at all.

"Love isn't very nice, is it?" She sat up straight and grasped his chin in her palm, turning him to face her. "Love is wonderful and terrible, and no, it isn't very nice. But you get to choose whether it's the best part of your life, or the worst."
That's the one that had me in tears. Big ugly tears. It's all truth. And the relationship between Trey and Ryan has had a huge impact on how I look at love. I've had one of those moments when my attitude has adjusted, more for the positive. It feels really good.

There are other things that should be known about this book. Trey has PTSD, is still recovering from an abusive marriage, and it's hard. Moments of abuse are all off page and only remembered and discussed, but they still carry the impact. It's heartbreaking and feels to real that I felt it to my bones. Vanessa's writing style brings these very real issues right to heart and I never let go. There is compassion and beauty in the way everything is dealt with, the way these men go about getting to know each other, how they strive to make things work. When everything becomes more difficult for so many reasons, the whole story just becomes that more beautiful. Summer Stock also gets bonus points for Ferdinand, the best dog ever.

I can't recommend Summer Stock enough. I hope everyone who reads it, gets as much from it as I have.

I've started and stopped this one a few times and it's not catching my interest..

Full review to come on my blog but will update here when I finish it. Vanessa North did it again. She has created a world where the characters are loveable and the story line was amazing. I wanted to shake some sense into a certain someone but you'll understand when you read this one. I laughed, I smiled, I cried, I screamed, I yelled, I swooned. Everything needed in a 5 star book was here.

Summer Stock by Vanessa North is a lovely story of to people who find strength in each other.

Trey recently divorced his abusive husband after sending him to prison for attempted murder. He is not looking for any type of relationship., but one night with a stranger may change things.

Ryan is a movie star, party animal who is hiding out at his cousin theater while his most recent scandal dies down. He plans to leave at the end of the summer, and in the mean time enjoy some time with Trey.

As the end of summer comes to an end, will Trey and Ryan must decide if their relationship as a future.

I have not read an erotic book for a long time and now wonder why! Ryan and Trey are great characters and this could be the pilot for a good series as the "supporting cast" was equally interesting.The sex scenes were well-handled,explicit enough without being crude and fitting neatly into the storyline.The development of the relationship was credible-I wanted to know what he outcome would be and it was not obvious. I liked the setting and the theatre background. Great story!

Vanessa North is back with a low-key, romantic story about two men turning a summer fling into something real and lasting.

Ryan is a TV actor who parties too much. Riddled with scandal and rumored to be in a relationship with Ali, his bestie and roommate, Ryan returns home to North Carolina to get out of the spotlight and act in a summer stock productions at the local theater owned by his cousin and her partner.

Trey works at the theater too, building stage sets. He's a handyman and has his own renovation business. Trey has a past that haunts him; he's fragile but not broken.

Summer Stock is all about the relationship. Trey and Ryan start off on the wrong foot. Ryan ends up freaked out and pantless thanks to Trey's beast of a dog, Ferdinand.

Ferdy is one of the best things about this story! A 200-pound mastiff, Ferdy is all jowls and sweetness. He likes to chew underwear, but he's all heart. Just look at this face:

Trey and Ryan can't keep their hands off each other, even as the paparazzi threaten to out Ryan, who's bisexual. Despite Trey's traumatic backstory, this is not an overly angsty book. I'm not one for celebrity stories, but this books is low on Hollywood drama.

In a classic case of self-sabotage, Trey says some hurtful things to Ryan, who reacts a little defensively, but both men know how to apologize and move on.

I was worried that Ryan's friends, Ali and West (who have a thing going), were going to be trouble, but Ali was not at all the flighty actress I expected her to be.

I like how complex all the secondary characters, including Trey's sister, Ryan's cousin Caro and his friend Mason, and the theater actors, were. Ryan and Trey's relationship doesn't happen in a vacuum. They have family and friends and lives. Ryan doesn't want to give up acting, and Trey can't imagine leaving his home.

But, hey, love is all about overcoming obstacles.

"Please promise that you won't ever stop laughing when I kiss you."

Summer Stock is a quiet, sexy read with a believable HEA. The Shakespeare talk and puppy love were just the icing on the cake.

Summer Stock,  Vanessa North

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  romance, LGBTQIA

I’ve loved several of Vanessa’s stories now so looked forward to this. It was a good read, but for me not a great one. Somehow I just wasn’t as glued to my kindle, transfixed by the tale as I have been with her other reads.

Its a fun read, has a real feeling of Summer, and here in the UK seaside towns like the ones I have either side of the village where I live have Summer theatres just like the one in this book so that felt very real to me.

I liked both Trey and Ryan but didn’t really get a great sense of them as people. Usually I have a kind of mental image, not so much a visual one, but of what kind of people they are and for whatever reason this time I didn’t.
I understood Ryan’s need for a bit of anonymity, but I’m not sure it was going to happen in a public theatre.
I really felt for Trey and what he’d been through, abuse can and does happen in all walks of live and the way he was picking himself back up but sometimes had problems and flashbacks, the way he was with the counsellor and the solutions they spoke about gave a sense of reality to the situation. I’m lucky, never been in that place but so many have and its good to see it treated sensitively and sensibly. Its not something one can shake off overnight or with a few sessions of counselling.
They were terrific characters as individuals, i just wasn’t so convinced by them as a couple.

I loved seeing the other characters here too, Mason and Caroline, theatre owners, the rest of the cast, Trey’s sister and her husband. They’re a good tight knit group, as happens in this kind of situation. Trey’s dog, Ferdinand, was a star too!!

Stars: Three, a good story, great characters but the romance didn’t quite cut it for me.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers