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Forestville Silver Foxes #1
Renovating the Model
Everyone knows my face. No one knows the real me.
All people see when they look at me is a beautiful man, a supermodel, half of the world’s most famous twins. No one sees the man underneath.
When I return to Forestville, the small town I grew up in, for my high school reunion, I impulsively decide to stay.
I’m now the proud owner of a house, an absolute fixer-upper. Never mind that I have two left hands.
Thank god for Cas, the local contractor, who agrees to help me out. We come from completely different worlds and are almost twenty years apart, yet we somehow connect.
Cas sees me, the real me.
We hook up�
Then become friends�
With benefits (courtesy of a snow storm)...
And a fake relationship (long story)...
But when fake becomes real and pretending turns into feelings I can’t deny, I’m left wondering if what we have stands a chance.
Renovating the Model is the first book in the new Forestville Silver Foxes series, a contemporary small-town MM romance series featuring hot silver foxes and the men who fall in love with them. Each book can be read as a standalone.
All people see when they look at me is a beautiful man, a supermodel, half of the world’s most famous twins. No one sees the man underneath.
When I return to Forestville, the small town I grew up in, for my high school reunion, I impulsively decide to stay.
I’m now the proud owner of a house, an absolute fixer-upper. Never mind that I have two left hands.
Thank god for Cas, the local contractor, who agrees to help me out. We come from completely different worlds and are almost twenty years apart, yet we somehow connect.
Cas sees me, the real me.
We hook up�
Then become friends�
With benefits (courtesy of a snow storm)...
And a fake relationship (long story)...
But when fake becomes real and pretending turns into feelings I can’t deny, I’m left wondering if what we have stands a chance.
Renovating the Model is the first book in the new Forestville Silver Foxes series, a contemporary small-town MM romance series featuring hot silver foxes and the men who fall in love with them. Each book can be read as a standalone.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2023
581 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
Nora Phoenix
113books2,007followersWould you like the long or the short version of my bio?
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus� Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more:
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here:
You can also stalk me on Twitter:
On Instagram:
On Bookbub:
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus� Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more:
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here:
You can also stalk me on Twitter:
On Instagram:
On Bookbub:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
May 11, 2023
DNF at 43%. OMG this is so dull!!! 🙄🙄 The story is boring, there are too many characters (this is the first book in the series and I suppose the author is setting things up) but not one character is interesting.. not even the MCs.. despite the hot and steamy scenes between the two, the chemistry is completely lacking. 🤷♀� Once I started skipping the smutty pages, I knew I was done.. Nothing interesting happened in this town 30 years ago, and I don't believe anything will.. 🙄🤪
September 24, 2023
Truly beautiful. I had a wonderful time while reading this book. It had created this warm cozy feeling. Perfect for this weekend.
Probably on another day I would have been annoyed at how many characters were introduced here, and that for this small town, there are an atrocious amount of dramatic events in the characters' lives, all of which just distract from the main characters.
And as a result, it takes forever for the plot to get to the point and for you to enjoy the growing relationship between Tiago and Cas.
So much just for the heads up, as I said I tuned it all out and read the book in one sitting, which is a rare occurrence for me, so for today a perfect book.
Well, the only interruptions I allowed, I had to keep staring at the cover in between. I think I'm in love, oh dear 😍😍😍
If I died kissing Cas, it would be one hell of a way to go. Not that I had any plans on leaving the world behind anytime soon. Hell no. I had way too much I still wanted to do in my life.
Like kissing Cas.
Blowing him.
Fucking him, if that was his thing.
Definitely letting him fuck me, which was very much my thing.
Probably on another day I would have been annoyed at how many characters were introduced here, and that for this small town, there are an atrocious amount of dramatic events in the characters' lives, all of which just distract from the main characters.
And as a result, it takes forever for the plot to get to the point and for you to enjoy the growing relationship between Tiago and Cas.
So much just for the heads up, as I said I tuned it all out and read the book in one sitting, which is a rare occurrence for me, so for today a perfect book.
Well, the only interruptions I allowed, I had to keep staring at the cover in between. I think I'm in love, oh dear 😍😍😍
If I died kissing Cas, it would be one hell of a way to go. Not that I had any plans on leaving the world behind anytime soon. Hell no. I had way too much I still wanted to do in my life.
Like kissing Cas.
Blowing him.
Fucking him, if that was his thing.
Definitely letting him fuck me, which was very much my thing.
April 26, 2023
What a grown up romance and by that I don't mean just the age of one of the protagonist.
This is just a pleasure to read, there's no stupid drama, no miscommunication, no lack of conversation all just to create tension.
Instead, Nora gives the reader a beautiful romance between two most unlikely men but who are absolutely perfect for each other.
Tiago is a world-famous model, alongside his twin brother Tomás, returning to the small home town they left 30 years previously for a high school reunion. It's been five years since they were last back and lots has changed in that time.
As they catch up with their friends, they reminisce about old times, talk about the death of one of their friends who was a Marine killed in Iraq in the Gulf War, and, for Tiago, ponder their future.
The meet/cute between Tiago and Cas is pretty funny, I won't spoil it but it had me smiling. Their paths cross once again and it's pretty clear there's an instant attraction which leads to a pretty smoking hot hook-up.
Cas is 18 years younger but he's a definite old soul and had a very mature attitude which feels completely realistic given his background. I loved that while he had a bit of a freak out at the fact a gorgeous model thought he was attractive, it wasn't dwelled on once Cas accepted it was the truth.
Watching them slowly fall in love while thinking they're just having a friends with occasional benefits relationship is a pleasure.
This whole book is a pleasure really, it's great to read about love with MCs who are nearer my own age!
I also very much adored the wee map of Forestville at the start of the book too, I'm such a sucker for them and I'm really looking forward to seeing who will be up next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This is just a pleasure to read, there's no stupid drama, no miscommunication, no lack of conversation all just to create tension.
Instead, Nora gives the reader a beautiful romance between two most unlikely men but who are absolutely perfect for each other.
Tiago is a world-famous model, alongside his twin brother Tomás, returning to the small home town they left 30 years previously for a high school reunion. It's been five years since they were last back and lots has changed in that time.
As they catch up with their friends, they reminisce about old times, talk about the death of one of their friends who was a Marine killed in Iraq in the Gulf War, and, for Tiago, ponder their future.
The meet/cute between Tiago and Cas is pretty funny, I won't spoil it but it had me smiling. Their paths cross once again and it's pretty clear there's an instant attraction which leads to a pretty smoking hot hook-up.
Cas is 18 years younger but he's a definite old soul and had a very mature attitude which feels completely realistic given his background. I loved that while he had a bit of a freak out at the fact a gorgeous model thought he was attractive, it wasn't dwelled on once Cas accepted it was the truth.
Watching them slowly fall in love while thinking they're just having a friends with occasional benefits relationship is a pleasure.
This whole book is a pleasure really, it's great to read about love with MCs who are nearer my own age!
I also very much adored the wee map of Forestville at the start of the book too, I'm such a sucker for them and I'm really looking forward to seeing who will be up next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
May 5, 2023
3.5 Stars
RTC
RTC
May 30, 2023
DNF @27%
I’m sorry but this is not it, zero maturity, zero chemistry and their tryst was just too mechanical and so bland I had to skip. I was so looking forward to this but it’s an epic fail for me. The silver fox 👨� here is just an 18 year old trapped in a 48 year old man
I’m sorry but this is not it, zero maturity, zero chemistry and their tryst was just too mechanical and so bland I had to skip. I was so looking forward to this but it’s an epic fail for me. The silver fox 👨� here is just an 18 year old trapped in a 48 year old man
April 6, 2025
This was my first Nora Phoenix book, and honestly I'm not sure what took me so long because I absolutely adored this!!! 🥰 It was everything I wanted in the moment. It was heartfelt, sweet, and had just a nice, relaxing vibe that made my heart squishy in all the right ways 🥹
On paper, Tiago and Cas were an unlikely pair, but in reality, they were absolutely perfect for one another. Their chemistry was off the charts from the moment they accidentally met 😏, and I wanted nothing but happiness for them from that moment on. Their relationship evolved so naturally and beautifully that I couldn't keep the smile off my face the entire book.
Although I felt a bit overwhelmed by the amount of characters introduced at once, I loved the little friends group the series centers around. I'm such a sucker for a series that follows a group of childhood friends 🤭 As soon as they were introduced, I was already looking forward to the rest of the series. I know it's a good sign when that happens! In fact, I already have the audiobook for book two ready to go 🎧
As for the audio, Michael Dean did a great job if you exclude the parts where he had to speak Portuguese. Even though I don't speak Portuguese, I'm pretty sure it wasn't great 😅 It sounded bad to my ears anyway, and for me, that's all that mattered 😂 At least it was only lightly sprinkled throughout and I could overlook it. There was one 30 second scene where he attempted (if I remember correctly) a Dutch accent and it was so atrocious I almost burst out laughing. Anyway, overall it was great, but be prepared to overlook a few things 😆
On paper, Tiago and Cas were an unlikely pair, but in reality, they were absolutely perfect for one another. Their chemistry was off the charts from the moment they accidentally met 😏, and I wanted nothing but happiness for them from that moment on. Their relationship evolved so naturally and beautifully that I couldn't keep the smile off my face the entire book.
Although I felt a bit overwhelmed by the amount of characters introduced at once, I loved the little friends group the series centers around. I'm such a sucker for a series that follows a group of childhood friends 🤭 As soon as they were introduced, I was already looking forward to the rest of the series. I know it's a good sign when that happens! In fact, I already have the audiobook for book two ready to go 🎧
As for the audio, Michael Dean did a great job if you exclude the parts where he had to speak Portuguese. Even though I don't speak Portuguese, I'm pretty sure it wasn't great 😅 It sounded bad to my ears anyway, and for me, that's all that mattered 😂 At least it was only lightly sprinkled throughout and I could overlook it. There was one 30 second scene where he attempted (if I remember correctly) a Dutch accent and it was so atrocious I almost burst out laughing. Anyway, overall it was great, but be prepared to overlook a few things 😆
May 2, 2023
3 stars
The beginning was great, and the small town vibes were perfect. All the main core group of friends made me excited for the rest of the series.
As for Tiago and Cas� once these two started their friends with benefits to a “fake� relationship� it was a very quick turn to “i love you’s� and because of that I didn’t feel their romantic connection.. I felt their friendship but I think the relationship didn’t flow as well as I hoped.. haha I also skimmed their sex scenes which is a bummer� must be my mood haha I wasn’t feeling them.
I also loved seeing the main group of friends expand with the younger siblings/outcasts from their high school.
Overall a good start to a series but I am glad these are all standalones so I don’t need to worry about rereads haha 😂
Ps� “Cum Gutters� strikes again in this book�. only once but that was enough for me to roll my eyes� we need to make that not become a descriptor for the Adonis V because no. Hahah I can’t take that description seriously haha
The beginning was great, and the small town vibes were perfect. All the main core group of friends made me excited for the rest of the series.
As for Tiago and Cas� once these two started their friends with benefits to a “fake� relationship� it was a very quick turn to “i love you’s� and because of that I didn’t feel their romantic connection.. I felt their friendship but I think the relationship didn’t flow as well as I hoped.. haha I also skimmed their sex scenes which is a bummer� must be my mood haha I wasn’t feeling them.
I also loved seeing the main group of friends expand with the younger siblings/outcasts from their high school.
Overall a good start to a series but I am glad these are all standalones so I don’t need to worry about rereads haha 😂
Ps� “Cum Gutters� strikes again in this book�. only once but that was enough for me to roll my eyes� we need to make that not become a descriptor for the Adonis V because no. Hahah I can’t take that description seriously haha
May 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. Always nice to start a new fun small town series. Especially with older characters. I loved most of the side characters and how much the town was on their side!
I loved seeing Tiago come into his own and for the first time in his life do things for himself and what he wanted! Cas was such a great person for him and supported him in the ways he needed! I would have loved a bit better communication but other than that I enjoyed it.
I listened to the audiobook for this story and the narrator did a great job! I already got book 2 and can’t wait to continue the series.
I loved seeing Tiago come into his own and for the first time in his life do things for himself and what he wanted! Cas was such a great person for him and supported him in the ways he needed! I would have loved a bit better communication but other than that I enjoyed it.
I listened to the audiobook for this story and the narrator did a great job! I already got book 2 and can’t wait to continue the series.
August 18, 2023
Tiago has just been a pretty face all of his adult life as the second half of the world-famous "twin models" with his twin brother, Tomas. The twins have lived a life people only dream of, but Tiago is tired of the parties, the travel, and the paparazzi. The brothers return to their hometown of Forestville, Washington for their high school reunion after it had been 30 years since they set the world on fire and became known as the most beautiful men in the world. Tiago soon realizes he has missed this small-town life. At 48, he’s ready to make a change in his life. Unfortunately, Tomas doesn’t have any idea how Tiago is changing and isn’t himself anywhere near ready to change his jet set life. Besides, Tomás has always been in charge and it’s all Tiago has ever known...after all Tomas is his older brother...6 minutes older. Tiago soon makes friends with Cas, a much younger contractor in town. Cas has helped him overcome his fears, based on his severe learning disability, and helps open doors to his own independence. Being "friends-with-benefits" has been fun, but now real feelings start working their way in? Tiago’s story of how his dyslexia has deeply influenced and affected his entire adult life is really eye-opening. I can't understand how someone that is supposed to work with students can hurt and crush a young man with ill-placed, hurtful words. It just made me angry. He literally drove Tiago to rely and fully depend on his brother his entire life as the result of that one solitary discussion. Tiago, though beautiful and successful and very rich, has absolutely no self-esteem. Meeting Cas was the best thing that ever happened to him. It gave him to confidence to break free and be who he wanted. To find real love in a place he feels, and is, safe, secure and where he wants to be. Cas has also had a story that was even more heartbreaking. He was disfigured and left with facial scars in an automobile accident. He allowed it to not only change his looks but his life whole life in that split instance. I found this unimaginable. Constantly being stared at and the unintentional but cruel comments hurt more than the physical scars themselves. To make matters worse the paparazzi try to use these scars to their advantage never caring about the truth or Cas's feelings. Seeing how Tiago handles that episode and everything that life tried to throw at him and Cas was heartwarming. I am a HUGE fan of Nora Phoenix...I believe I come close to owning everything she has written, and this is a fantastic start to what promises to be a great series.
May 15, 2023
I've really enjoyed this book. It's such a lovely story, low angst (which I love) and with MCs who talk and communicate. They have a mature relationship despite the age gap and I really liked that.
Tiago is a worldwide known model, almost forty and tired of that life. He and his brother return to their hometown for a high school reunion and he meets Cas, a contractor much younger than him, and after a meet-cute (or meet-naked) they connect.
I really loved how their relationship evolved. There was this hot encounter but after that they became friends working together in Tiago's new house. It was nice to read how they get to know each other and how it's almost impossible for them to stop the attraction they feel for one another.
I enjoyed this story because there is a change of dynamic in their relationship as Cas is sort of the dominant one and he was just perfect for Tiago as it's what he wanted and needed. Tiago's vulnerability is touching, he is so honest about his feelings and humble, it's hard to see the supermodel behind the man as he is so down to earth.
I thought they were perfect together, their connection and understanding of each other made them be the other half they were missing in their lives. I found this novel so romantic and emotional, how Tiago decides to change his life and his fear of how his brother would take it was realistic. Also his childhood friends were great, despite the years without seeing each other, their friendship was still strong.
I've loved this book so much. It's very well written, with a good pace, lovely MCs and a small town setting charming and heartwarming. The romance was beautiful and I also enjoyed the renovations in Tiago's house because... who doesn't like a fixer-upper?
Tiago is a worldwide known model, almost forty and tired of that life. He and his brother return to their hometown for a high school reunion and he meets Cas, a contractor much younger than him, and after a meet-cute (or meet-naked) they connect.
I really loved how their relationship evolved. There was this hot encounter but after that they became friends working together in Tiago's new house. It was nice to read how they get to know each other and how it's almost impossible for them to stop the attraction they feel for one another.
I enjoyed this story because there is a change of dynamic in their relationship as Cas is sort of the dominant one and he was just perfect for Tiago as it's what he wanted and needed. Tiago's vulnerability is touching, he is so honest about his feelings and humble, it's hard to see the supermodel behind the man as he is so down to earth.
I thought they were perfect together, their connection and understanding of each other made them be the other half they were missing in their lives. I found this novel so romantic and emotional, how Tiago decides to change his life and his fear of how his brother would take it was realistic. Also his childhood friends were great, despite the years without seeing each other, their friendship was still strong.
I've loved this book so much. It's very well written, with a good pace, lovely MCs and a small town setting charming and heartwarming. The romance was beautiful and I also enjoyed the renovations in Tiago's house because... who doesn't like a fixer-upper?
May 9, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I’m not sure if it’s because I’m in the 40’s club but I loved the older characters, I loved the more mature way these men dealt with the relationship and the communication. There was no 3rd act break up because things were talked about, and although things did come up where the relationships was questioned it was just handled really well. I loved things like “he made a sound as he got up� because he was slightly older!! I do that so I could relate!!! The spice was on point and also done well due to age, the side characters were also older and I’m really looking forward to reading each of their story’s.
This book is about Tiago who is a twin, they both lived in Forestville growing up but scored themselves a modelling contract which took them away from their hometown and they grew up in the spotlight and travelling, never having one place to call home. Their old school was holding a reunion and all the friends decided to return home to attend. Somethings had changed over the 30 odd years since they had left and a few people had passed away, new people had moved into town, but once back on home turf Tiago started to feel like it could be home again and on a whim brought the Drs old house, but it needed lots of TLC and DIY both he had no idea how to do.
Cas had moved to Forestville 4 years ago, he worked in renovation and although the town wasn’t very big it kept him in work. His current job put in the path of Tiago and his brother as they stayed in the lodge he was working on. An unfortunate or fortunate bathroom break got him walking in on a very naked, very hot model!!
Great start to the series. I also loved the early 90’s music and fun fact, I have a Bon Jovi Tattoo!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶�
Book content-
🛠️Small town
🛠️Fixer upper
🛠️Age gap
🛠️Fake relationship
🛠️Silver fox
🛠️Handy man
This book is about Tiago who is a twin, they both lived in Forestville growing up but scored themselves a modelling contract which took them away from their hometown and they grew up in the spotlight and travelling, never having one place to call home. Their old school was holding a reunion and all the friends decided to return home to attend. Somethings had changed over the 30 odd years since they had left and a few people had passed away, new people had moved into town, but once back on home turf Tiago started to feel like it could be home again and on a whim brought the Drs old house, but it needed lots of TLC and DIY both he had no idea how to do.
Cas had moved to Forestville 4 years ago, he worked in renovation and although the town wasn’t very big it kept him in work. His current job put in the path of Tiago and his brother as they stayed in the lodge he was working on. An unfortunate or fortunate bathroom break got him walking in on a very naked, very hot model!!
Great start to the series. I also loved the early 90’s music and fun fact, I have a Bon Jovi Tattoo!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶�
Book content-
🛠️Small town
🛠️Fixer upper
🛠️Age gap
🛠️Fake relationship
🛠️Silver fox
🛠️Handy man
May 13, 2023
Book safety down below.
Man, this book was a pleasant surprise. I never thought it wouldn't be good, but I definitely have some personal hang-ups about books that start with a hookup or a friends with benefits situation. There's just something about the FWB trope that gives me so much anxiety, but the angst was honestly super low.
I think the best way for me to describe this book, is that it's an honest love story. It just felt easy and right, even through the hard parts. It felt natural and real. And good god, it's so nice to read about characters that are emotionally intelligent, honest with themselves and others, and that communicate like proper adults. It shouldn't be as much of a novelty as it is in the romance world, but it really is.
These guys weren't perfect, but they were secure enough in themselves to be vulnerable, and that can really go a long way, even when there's problems (of which there was very few). Tiago and Cas simply talked with each other the whole way. They had honest conversations about sex, friendships, expectations, etc. Of course there was some uncertainty when they realized they had feelings for each other, but even that was eventually communicated about, where as in other books, similar situations have been used to create a cheap plot line that does nothing but annoy the reader. It was wonderfully refreshing.
Another thing I appreciated was that the author showed us how good the MCs were for each other. We got to see them take care of each other in both little and big ways, which at times was very, very cute. Both characters felt like real people. They had some insecurities, and in other ways they were confident. For example, Tiago is a world famous supermodel and is constantly talked about for his looks, but he has severe dyslexia, which is a massive source of insecurity, and has been for over 30 years. Like real people (and onions), there were several different layers to their personalities (add Shrek picture here.)
One of the most interesting things in the book was Tiago's relationship with his twin brother, which was decidedly unhealthy, but evolved into something better during the book. They noticed, talked about and worked on something that didn't work anymore. Not without growing pains, but it wasn't used for cheap drama either.
There is one more thing I wan't to point out, and that is how they deal with and talk about a friend of theirs that passed away. About how people who die 'before their time' are often worshipped, no matter who they were, how they acted and what they were like when alive. They lost someone who was their friend, but he was also a bad person sometimes, and those two things can be hard to reconcile and come to terms with without feeling bad for thinking those things about a dead person. It was an interesting angle to include in the book, but I appreciated it.
I always struggle with giving books star ratings. I feel like a written review is able to tell so much more about any book. I guess I won't give it 5 stars, only because it lacked that something extra that makes me absolutely giddy about certain books, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.
Book safety! Spoilers ahead.
Tropes & tags
Favorite quotes:
"'Did you go to school here? I don't recognize you.' I snorted. 'I don't mean to be rude, but you graduated before I was born.' He put a hand on his heart, pretending I'd shot him. 'Ouch.'"
"Where was a hole to swollow me when I needed one? Just a teensy tiny sinkhole, a very local one?"
"'Is it that strange that I find you hot? Or is it the age difference that's bothering you?' He frowned. 'Why would that bother me?' 'I don't know, maybe because you think it's creepy when a guy my age hits on you?' His mouth dropped open. 'You're hitting on me?' I chuckled. 'I'll take that as a hint that I need to work on my flirting game.'"
"And as flurries drifted down outside, visible in the moonlight that peaked between the clouds, I held my Cas and dared to dream of a future together, one where I could hold him like this many more nights. [...] One where we'd grow old together. Oh, how my heart ached."
Man, this book was a pleasant surprise. I never thought it wouldn't be good, but I definitely have some personal hang-ups about books that start with a hookup or a friends with benefits situation. There's just something about the FWB trope that gives me so much anxiety, but the angst was honestly super low.
I think the best way for me to describe this book, is that it's an honest love story. It just felt easy and right, even through the hard parts. It felt natural and real. And good god, it's so nice to read about characters that are emotionally intelligent, honest with themselves and others, and that communicate like proper adults. It shouldn't be as much of a novelty as it is in the romance world, but it really is.
These guys weren't perfect, but they were secure enough in themselves to be vulnerable, and that can really go a long way, even when there's problems (of which there was very few). Tiago and Cas simply talked with each other the whole way. They had honest conversations about sex, friendships, expectations, etc. Of course there was some uncertainty when they realized they had feelings for each other, but even that was eventually communicated about, where as in other books, similar situations have been used to create a cheap plot line that does nothing but annoy the reader. It was wonderfully refreshing.
Another thing I appreciated was that the author showed us how good the MCs were for each other. We got to see them take care of each other in both little and big ways, which at times was very, very cute. Both characters felt like real people. They had some insecurities, and in other ways they were confident. For example, Tiago is a world famous supermodel and is constantly talked about for his looks, but he has severe dyslexia, which is a massive source of insecurity, and has been for over 30 years. Like real people (and onions), there were several different layers to their personalities (add Shrek picture here.)
One of the most interesting things in the book was Tiago's relationship with his twin brother, which was decidedly unhealthy, but evolved into something better during the book. They noticed, talked about and worked on something that didn't work anymore. Not without growing pains, but it wasn't used for cheap drama either.
There is one more thing I wan't to point out, and that is how they deal with and talk about a friend of theirs that passed away. About how people who die 'before their time' are often worshipped, no matter who they were, how they acted and what they were like when alive. They lost someone who was their friend, but he was also a bad person sometimes, and those two things can be hard to reconcile and come to terms with without feeling bad for thinking those things about a dead person. It was an interesting angle to include in the book, but I appreciated it.
I always struggle with giving books star ratings. I feel like a written review is able to tell so much more about any book. I guess I won't give it 5 stars, only because it lacked that something extra that makes me absolutely giddy about certain books, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.
Book safety! Spoilers ahead.
Tropes & tags
Favorite quotes:
"'Did you go to school here? I don't recognize you.' I snorted. 'I don't mean to be rude, but you graduated before I was born.' He put a hand on his heart, pretending I'd shot him. 'Ouch.'"
"Where was a hole to swollow me when I needed one? Just a teensy tiny sinkhole, a very local one?"
"'Is it that strange that I find you hot? Or is it the age difference that's bothering you?' He frowned. 'Why would that bother me?' 'I don't know, maybe because you think it's creepy when a guy my age hits on you?' His mouth dropped open. 'You're hitting on me?' I chuckled. 'I'll take that as a hint that I need to work on my flirting game.'"
"And as flurries drifted down outside, visible in the moonlight that peaked between the clouds, I held my Cas and dared to dream of a future together, one where I could hold him like this many more nights. [...] One where we'd grow old together. Oh, how my heart ached."
May 11, 2023
This book took me forever (5 days!!) to read. It started off really well, but then it just got too long, the men got too emotional, and the emotions just became too heavy handed. I really dislike when authors use phrases like, ‘He really loves me. This man!� Just…we get it. Them realizing they were in love literally came out of nowhere for me. And while I loved the characters, I kept having to remind myself that Tiago was 48 years old. I get that the author really tried to build a backstory for him with the dyslexia and him always relying on his twin, but really he just seemed like a big child. Still, I liked the characters and liked their love. It just got too long and hokey, with both of them, and Tomas (twin brother) blubbering all over each other.
Lastly, I really wish the final conversation between Tiago and Tomas had happened in private. I get that Cas helped Tiago in a different way, but it was kind of crappy for Tomas to somehow feel that he had done wrong by being the ‘leader� all their lives, and for Cas to be the one to explain why he hadn’t (he’s so wise for such a young age! *rolls eyes*). They had already had the acceptance speech. This should have been something just for the twins, not in front of everyone with Tomas feeling like he’d failed Tiago. I was highly annoyed.
Still, I’m excited for the other couples. I wouldn’t have thought Auden would be next but bring it on. I’m seeing a possible Marnin/Tomas pairing (there’s something going on with those two) and a Fir/Essex’s younger brother pairing in our future. Even if I’m wrong, I’m looking forward to the other books.
All in all, good characters, HAWT sex, and a fun story that just took too long to get where it wanted to go. They kind of lost me during the house renovations, but then they closed strong.
3.5
Lastly, I really wish the final conversation between Tiago and Tomas had happened in private. I get that Cas helped Tiago in a different way, but it was kind of crappy for Tomas to somehow feel that he had done wrong by being the ‘leader� all their lives, and for Cas to be the one to explain why he hadn’t (he’s so wise for such a young age! *rolls eyes*). They had already had the acceptance speech. This should have been something just for the twins, not in front of everyone with Tomas feeling like he’d failed Tiago. I was highly annoyed.
Still, I’m excited for the other couples. I wouldn’t have thought Auden would be next but bring it on. I’m seeing a possible Marnin/Tomas pairing (there’s something going on with those two) and a Fir/Essex’s younger brother pairing in our future. Even if I’m wrong, I’m looking forward to the other books.
All in all, good characters, HAWT sex, and a fun story that just took too long to get where it wanted to go. They kind of lost me during the house renovations, but then they closed strong.
3.5
May 2, 2023
3.5
The characters, individually, were extremely well written. In fact, every single one of the characters in this book were wonderfully-written.
However, I just couldn't get a feel for the romance between Tiago and Cas and that left me feeling slightly disappointed cos I liked them so much. There was definite chemistry between the two but it felt like a lost opportunity to capitalize on that attraction.I totally loved how they met... 😂🙈
I loved the small town bits - it was so well done that I found myself wanting to visit this sweet place.
The characters, individually, were extremely well written. In fact, every single one of the characters in this book were wonderfully-written.
However, I just couldn't get a feel for the romance between Tiago and Cas and that left me feeling slightly disappointed cos I liked them so much. There was definite chemistry between the two but it felt like a lost opportunity to capitalize on that attraction.I totally loved how they met... 😂🙈
I loved the small town bits - it was so well done that I found myself wanting to visit this sweet place.
May 6, 2023
Good bones of a story, but ultimately not for me. I expected the model character to be the younger of the couple, but in this case he was older. I appreciated that, except his dialogue came across like how a 20-something would talk.
The friends with benefits talk happened at like the 80% mark and then shortly after they are declaring they’re in love. So there’s no drama about feelings really and I feel like in other books I’ve read that conversation happens earlier so it creates some angst later on.
Tiago is a model, but he never works on page. He had a non consensual sex tape released, but it seems to be a non issue.
Cas’s sister is going through a really hard time but they don’t interact very much on page and he seemed to have foisted her off on a friend instead. And so their relationship feels unresolved. It was just an odd read for me.
The friends with benefits talk happened at like the 80% mark and then shortly after they are declaring they’re in love. So there’s no drama about feelings really and I feel like in other books I’ve read that conversation happens earlier so it creates some angst later on.
Tiago is a model, but he never works on page. He had a non consensual sex tape released, but it seems to be a non issue.
Cas’s sister is going through a really hard time but they don’t interact very much on page and he seemed to have foisted her off on a friend instead. And so their relationship feels unresolved. It was just an odd read for me.
September 1, 2023
I liked it but something felt off with the characters, not sure what.
June 23, 2024
Beautiful
A beautiful representation of dyslexia and how it affects adults when they have someone to lean on in Tiegos case his ever protective twin Tomas. They didn't mean to have the relationship ship they did it was just how the cards fell, and they allowed it to happen. When they return to their hometown of Forestville, Tiego soon sees what his life has been missing and takes roots, and builds a friendship with Cas. Cas is younger yet wise beyond his years. He can see the struggles Tiego faces, and instead of babying him as others have, he helps him flourish. These two have a beautiful dynamic along with Tiegos' old classmates, whom he rebuilds connections with for a more fulfilled life. A beautiful start to a series that I plan or finish the rest of to see the rest of this friend group get their heas.
A beautiful representation of dyslexia and how it affects adults when they have someone to lean on in Tiegos case his ever protective twin Tomas. They didn't mean to have the relationship ship they did it was just how the cards fell, and they allowed it to happen. When they return to their hometown of Forestville, Tiego soon sees what his life has been missing and takes roots, and builds a friendship with Cas. Cas is younger yet wise beyond his years. He can see the struggles Tiego faces, and instead of babying him as others have, he helps him flourish. These two have a beautiful dynamic along with Tiegos' old classmates, whom he rebuilds connections with for a more fulfilled life. A beautiful start to a series that I plan or finish the rest of to see the rest of this friend group get their heas.
May 1, 2023
A review.
4.5 stars
Renovating the Model kicks off Nora Phoenix’s new Forestville Silver Foxes series and I really loved it. Phoenix has given us a great small town setting here populated by entertaining and interesting people. Sometimes when a series introduces a lot of potential future main characters, it can feel like too much sequel fodder. Like we are meeting people just to get to know them for their own stories, not because they have value for this book. So I was really delighted at how well Phoenix sets things up here, introducing us to various people in town, as well as to Tiago, his brother, and their close high school friends. I found myself interested in their backstories and liked learning about their friendships and connections to Tiago, and I never found myself feeling like they were series filler. We meet some great characters and Phoenix really brings this small town to life. We also get a little town map at the front of the book, which I just loved and I referred to it often as the guys travel around the town. My geek side just loves a book map and so I found that a fun little treat.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety .
4.5 stars
Renovating the Model kicks off Nora Phoenix’s new Forestville Silver Foxes series and I really loved it. Phoenix has given us a great small town setting here populated by entertaining and interesting people. Sometimes when a series introduces a lot of potential future main characters, it can feel like too much sequel fodder. Like we are meeting people just to get to know them for their own stories, not because they have value for this book. So I was really delighted at how well Phoenix sets things up here, introducing us to various people in town, as well as to Tiago, his brother, and their close high school friends. I found myself interested in their backstories and liked learning about their friendships and connections to Tiago, and I never found myself feeling like they were series filler. We meet some great characters and Phoenix really brings this small town to life. We also get a little town map at the front of the book, which I just loved and I referred to it often as the guys travel around the town. My geek side just loves a book map and so I found that a fun little treat.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety .
October 22, 2023
It was dull. Boring and a slog to get through. At 48 yrs old, and a model who has travelled all over the world Tiago is more like an 10yr old. The conversations at times felt like lectures and omg no one needs to know how IKEA works!
Yet another ridiculous writing from Nora.
Yet another ridiculous writing from Nora.
May 12, 2023
Wholesome family/
friends, age gap, homecoming, small
town, conflict-free romance.
2.5 rounded down because it was just.so.dull.
friends, age gap, homecoming, small
town, conflict-free romance.
2.5 rounded down because it was just.so.dull.
September 10, 2023
Une nouvelle série de Nora Phoenix avec des hommes mûrs, bien sûr que j'allais m'y lancer !
Tiago, un des frères jumeaux mannequins les plus populaires au monde, revient dans sa ville d'enfance pour une réunion d'anciens élèves 30 ans après. Il va tomber sur Cas, un entrepreneur de la ville qui va lui taper dans l'oeil. Quoi de mieux qu'un petit coup vite fait avant de repartir en ville. Mais Tiago commence à fatiguer de cette vie de paillettes et une maison va finir par tout changer.
Je ne sais pas trop pourquoi, au début, dans ma tête, c'était Tiago qui allait être plus jeune, alors qu'ils ont un groupe de potes proche de la cinquantaine, j'ai dû me le rappeler quelques chapitres avant de me le mettre en tête. Mais bref, passons !
Comme d'habitude avec Nora Phoenix, l'histoire est plus profonde que ce qu'on peut lire dans le résumé. Tiago a toujours suivi les décisions de son frère Tomás et aujourd'hui, il ne peut plus de cette vie. Le retour à Forestville sera comme une révélation pour lui, qu'il a besoin d'un retour au source, un retour à la maison. Il va retourner également presque tous ses amis d'enfance, mais la perte d'un des leur va aussi se faire ressentir. L'ambiance petite ville américaine se ressent dans chaque chapitre, j'ai adoré.
Sa rencontre avec Cas démarre fort puisque car Tiago sortira nu de sa douche à l'arrivée de l'entrepreneur, une belle entrée en matière. Ce qui va démarrer comme une seule nuit sans lendemain va continuer sur une alchimie incroyable et un sentiment de paix de la part de Tiago. Leur relation va évoluer sans drame et plein de douceur. Voire carrément trop, car il n'y a pas d'explosion finale comme on aime dans les romances américaines !
Un bon début de série, j'ai hâte de découvrir la romance de tous les autres membres de la bande !
Tiago, un des frères jumeaux mannequins les plus populaires au monde, revient dans sa ville d'enfance pour une réunion d'anciens élèves 30 ans après. Il va tomber sur Cas, un entrepreneur de la ville qui va lui taper dans l'oeil. Quoi de mieux qu'un petit coup vite fait avant de repartir en ville. Mais Tiago commence à fatiguer de cette vie de paillettes et une maison va finir par tout changer.
Je ne sais pas trop pourquoi, au début, dans ma tête, c'était Tiago qui allait être plus jeune, alors qu'ils ont un groupe de potes proche de la cinquantaine, j'ai dû me le rappeler quelques chapitres avant de me le mettre en tête. Mais bref, passons !
Comme d'habitude avec Nora Phoenix, l'histoire est plus profonde que ce qu'on peut lire dans le résumé. Tiago a toujours suivi les décisions de son frère Tomás et aujourd'hui, il ne peut plus de cette vie. Le retour à Forestville sera comme une révélation pour lui, qu'il a besoin d'un retour au source, un retour à la maison. Il va retourner également presque tous ses amis d'enfance, mais la perte d'un des leur va aussi se faire ressentir. L'ambiance petite ville américaine se ressent dans chaque chapitre, j'ai adoré.
Sa rencontre avec Cas démarre fort puisque car Tiago sortira nu de sa douche à l'arrivée de l'entrepreneur, une belle entrée en matière. Ce qui va démarrer comme une seule nuit sans lendemain va continuer sur une alchimie incroyable et un sentiment de paix de la part de Tiago. Leur relation va évoluer sans drame et plein de douceur. Voire carrément trop, car il n'y a pas d'explosion finale comme on aime dans les romances américaines !
Un bon début de série, j'ai hâte de découvrir la romance de tous les autres membres de la bande !
April 29, 2023
Tiago and Cas were such a joy to read! Honestly, they were so wholesome!
Tiago has been a model, along with his brother Tomás, all his adult life. With modeling comes extensive travel, paparazzi, extreme dieting, and just so much everything. It's so much. At 48, the twins travel to their hometown for a school reunion.
Tiago's dislike of his professional life and his growing feelings of being stifled by his twin, Tiago decides on a whim to buy a house.
This flows with the ever growing theme of "what is home?" - which feels realistic because Tiago hasn't really had a chance to slow down and settle.
On Tiago's adventure to put down roots, he starts to get to know Cas, a local contractor. Their chemistry is off the charts.
Will these two settle down and find happiness together? *yes! Duh, I only read hea's* but the journey for them is wonderful, and I enjoyed the hell out of reading this.
I loved their age gap. Tiago is 48 and Cas is 30. This is important because [redacted] and I loved their conversations around what they want, and how clear and unafraid they were to talk about what they wanted sexually as well. I loved Tiago's friend group. Those four are going to be a treat to read. I hope we see more of Fir and York too! Will they find love with the remaining 3? I can't wait to find out!
This story was lovely because the characters were grown. They talked about their thoughts and feelings, and if communication was a kink, it would be theirs.
I definitely recommend this sweet story of finding love and coming home
Tiago has been a model, along with his brother Tomás, all his adult life. With modeling comes extensive travel, paparazzi, extreme dieting, and just so much everything. It's so much. At 48, the twins travel to their hometown for a school reunion.
Tiago's dislike of his professional life and his growing feelings of being stifled by his twin, Tiago decides on a whim to buy a house.
This flows with the ever growing theme of "what is home?" - which feels realistic because Tiago hasn't really had a chance to slow down and settle.
On Tiago's adventure to put down roots, he starts to get to know Cas, a local contractor. Their chemistry is off the charts.
Will these two settle down and find happiness together? *yes! Duh, I only read hea's* but the journey for them is wonderful, and I enjoyed the hell out of reading this.
I loved their age gap. Tiago is 48 and Cas is 30. This is important because [redacted] and I loved their conversations around what they want, and how clear and unafraid they were to talk about what they wanted sexually as well. I loved Tiago's friend group. Those four are going to be a treat to read. I hope we see more of Fir and York too! Will they find love with the remaining 3? I can't wait to find out!
This story was lovely because the characters were grown. They talked about their thoughts and feelings, and if communication was a kink, it would be theirs.
I definitely recommend this sweet story of finding love and coming home
May 15, 2024
Las historias de Nora me gustan mucho... Quizá la saga de los hermanos Foster me gustó más, pero en esta ocasión el personaje de Cas me enamora. Cicatrices, inseguridades y mariposas, toda una mezcla que nos encamina hacia esos finales que tanto nos gustan. PERO... Esa traducción 😵�. Que lástima que desvirtúe una preciosa historia.
August 28, 2023
Great read. 4.5 stars.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
February 23, 2025I don't enjoy prologues that start in the way distant past. Unless I do. Don't hold me to anything I say. But, in this case, I don't want to hear about him in high school!
April 1, 2024
2.5 stars
December 29, 2023
3.5 stars
May 14, 2023
I’ll be honest, I started skipping ahead about halfway through this one. I really struggled to find the plot and character developments believable. Why did Cas and Tiago have to stop sleeping together when Cas started work on the house? Cas has been living in the town for over four and a half years. He’s probably done work for at least half the town, so they know and trust him. Where is the risk to his reputation if he keeps sleeping with Tiago? As long as he and Tiago are consenting adults, what’s the problem? And how is everyone going to find out? If Cas is legitimately working at the (remote, out of town) house and they have some fun at the end of the day, who’s to know? In terms of the writing, it also felt like an early draft rather than a polished story. There was so much telling the reader how situations and characters were developing rather than showing it, it really pulled me out of the story. Rather than telling me - repeatedly - how Cas had to hold himself back from tracking down his sister’s boyfriend, why not write the scene where he went to the hospital to pick her up? Tell me how his heart was pounding, how he was pacing up and down her hospital room because he was so angry he couldn’t sit still, how he snapped at the nurses and the police officer because he couldn’t keep it all in but then apologised for taking it out on them. I’ve read Nora’s White House series and adored it. I can only hope that future books are closer to that series than this one.
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