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John first showed up in book 2 - Once in a Forest, as a shy jumpy individual and readers finally get to find out why he's so crowd/people phobic. He lives in a cabin he's inherited from his distant uncle. He barely leaves his home and only does so because he made up a rule for himself to at least go out once a week to the diner in town and have a conversation.

Zachary Fane is a drifter returning to his hometown because he's looking to finally settle down after traveling for so many years. When he first catches sight of the shy John he can't help but want to get to know him. But he thinks he's missed his chance when he didn't approach the skittish guy the first time and intervention prevents them from speaking the second time. When his friend and ex, Andre, urges him to seek out the owner of the cabin he wanted to buy. He does so just to see how the land is. Zach can't believe his luck when the door opens and the owner turns out to be the same guy he's been crushing on. But John doesn't make it easy for him to approach or get to know him.

I really loved this book. I found myself invested in finding out John's back story and just his well-being. I really wanted him to take baby steps to live a fulfilling life.

Zach was a very likable guy. I liked that he didn't pull punches and he was so intuitive to how to act around John. That he never actually really pushed and if he did he made sure to check with John. I do have to say I didn't like that he resorted to picking up and leaving when things didn't feel like they were working out for him. I'm not saying he gave up immediately but it kind of hurt to see him just pick and was ready to move on at the drop of a hat when he did give up.

The was very happy how it ended but I still hope the author will revisit these two down the line just to let us see how well John is and what's happening with Zach.

A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.