Book Review: Stand in Place by Mary Calmes

Sometimes a change of pace is a good thing after a breakup. Kaenon Geary doesn’t really think heading back to his horrible hometown is the shakeup he needs, though. Unfortunately, it’s not up to him. His grandmother needs him. He loves her to pieces. When she calls, he’ll answer. That’s just how it is. Even if it means returning to the town Kaenon has never glanced back at since he zipped out fast enough to leave a smoke trail.

Kaenon already anticipated having to deal with his family. He isn’t sure he’s quite prepared to deal with his self-righteous parents, showoff brother, or standoffish sister, but he’s anticipated it. He did not anticipate Brody Scott.

Apparently, making it out of Braxton on a football scholarship wasn’t enough to keep Brody away. He’s back as the town’s Chief Constable, ready to put down roots in his hometown. Kaenon has wanted the sexy lawman since way back when he was just a fine-ass football player. His grandmother believes Kaenon belongs in town, so she’s shameless about her matchmaking. Kaenon has no plans to stay in town, but he also has no defense against Brody Scott.

It’s only one summer, but it might be what makes Kaenon call Braxton home again.

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Kaenon is pretty sure that his life is exactly the way he wants it. When his grandmother calls asking him to go home, he never would have agreed if it wasn’t her last wish. To him, Braxton represents the abandonment and betrayal of not only his own family, but most of the town, just because of his sexual orientation. His paternal grandparents and great-aunt were the only ones who stuck by him, which is why he’s willing to go back for his grandmother.

Despite his willingness to be present, Kaenon has no interest in reconnecting with the town or anyone in it. His sole purpose is his grandmother. It’s just that Brody Scott is back in town. The same Brody Scott Kaenon grew up wanting like nothing else. The same Brody Scott Kaenon still wants like nothing else. Kaenon casually helps him solve a case and it’s suddenly like Brody is determined to keep Kaenon in his sights.

For Kaenon, Brody becomes a gateway. Once he opens himself up to all of the things he feels for Brody, the anger and feelings of betrayal — even though Brody pointedly refused to bully him — and allows himself to forgive the other man, it allows Kaenon to start seeing the people around him for who they are in the present rather than who they used to be.

5 stars! Recommended to anyone who believes first crushes can become true loves.