First Bloom by Sean Michael

First Bloom by Sean Michael
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Joey works as a janitor at Dick and Rock’s gym. He’s been there since his parents kicked him out for being gay. He’s happy at his job and loyal to the men who were there for him when he needed them most.

Erik is a master’s student and competitive swimmer who started going to the gym after a hand-gliding accident. He’s trying to recover and get his mojo back.

Joey’s been mooning over the handsome Erik for months now, but hasn’t had the guts to walk up to him. With Dick’s encouragement, he finally approaches his crush. When it turns out that Erik has been watching him too, Joey can hardly believe it.

Join Joey and Erik as they discover what they can be together.

Joey works hard at his job in the gym, grateful for the chance the owners have given him after he found himself on the street when his parents kicked him out. He’s had his eye on Erik – a handsome member clearly recovering from injury – but it’s not until Joey is urged by one of the owners to talk to Erik that he screws up the courage. The two men instantly connect and find they both dearly enjoy their first bloom of romance together.

I really enjoyed this fun and sweet romance story. While there’s plenty of steamy sex in it, there is also that sweetness of a first serious romance, the innocence and fun and happiness that is just a joy to experience and read about. I really enjoyed that both Erik and Joey were both on the same page together and they clearly grew deeply attached and in love with each other at a similar pace and with equal depth. It was joyous to my mind to read and so sweet and happy I feel you can’t help but enjoy each moment.

With some lovely secondary characters in both Erik’s adopted family and Joey’s family-of-choice (who also happen to be old friends for many long-term readers) this quick read was a delight and I strongly believe should appeal to a wide range of people who just want a happy and lovely story to help lift their spirits. I really enjoyed this story.