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Everyone thinks they know me. Hell, I don’t even know who I am anymore.

We were at the top. Tomás and Tiago Banner, the most famous twins in the world. The sexiest men alive. My whole identity was rooted in being the older brother, in taking care of my twin, in being a model.

Until Tiago fell in love and left me on my own. Now I’m lost, drifting without an anchor. Hurting.

To remain close to my twin, I stay in Forestville, the small town we grew up in. I’ve got friends here, old ones and new. Like Fir, the adorable redhead who had a crush on me in high school. We reconnect, and I find myself sharing things with Fir I’ve never told anyone else.

When the budding friendship between us becomes more, I’m shocked. Fir is not the type for a fling, and I know nothing else.

Our lives couldn’t be further apart. I’m a celebrity, an eternal bachelor who’s always played the field. Fir is the local doctor, a single dad still grieving his deceased husband. He needs more than I could ever give him.

I have a choice to make. Can I become the man Fir deserves?

I’ve never wanted anything more.

Healing the Twin is the third book in the 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.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2023

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About the author

Nora Phoenix

110 books1,928 followers
Would 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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/

You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...

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5 stars
648 (47%)
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485 (35%)
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182 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,796 reviews389 followers
December 29, 2023
I've thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series so far and this one was a really lovely romance between a pair of complete opposites.

Tomás is struggling since his twin Tiago fell in love with Cam and stepped back from their supermodel career, leaving him wondering about his place in life and what purpose he now has if it's not looking after his younger brother.

Widower and single dad Fir is the small town's doctor, he's been struggling to raise his two boys since their father died five years previously and having the twins back in town has brought up lots of memories of their time at school.

Fir had a crush on Tomás that he's still not quite over, even though he was completely in love with his husband and was crushed by his early death. So when they reconnect, it sparks up again. Only this time, Tomás seems to return his interest.

I love when Nora writes older men, their outlooks on life are so different to the usual college age or early 30s characters we so often see. Both these men have lived through events which have given them unique perspectives. Fir had a happy life, and lost it, Tomás has had a high flying life he's now realising was lacking.

Together they take the time to work through some awkward moments and have some deeply honest conversations about both their pasts, but also what they might want a new future to look like.

It's got a high impact opening on the sex front, but things then move back into more of a slower paced friends with benefits situation while they develop a much deeper friendship and Tomás realises he's falling in love with Fir.

There's a lot of heart searching goes on before these two get their happy ending but it's all the more valuable and real for it. This is another great addition to the series and I'm seriously stoked for who's book I think is up next!

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Profile Image for Crisana.
752 reviews35 followers
December 31, 2023
I wanted to finish the year on higher note but unfortunately 3* is the most I can give this book. I was bored and as a Portuguese native speaker I actually cringed when certain sentences were used. That's on me I know but I could not get pass it. They were not wrong, but just felt odd somehow.
It wasn't a bad book though, but got the same feeling as book one so I guess I'm just not too keen on the twins. Will still read the next book.
Profile Image for Jocelyn .
295 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2024
Disfruté mucho leer este libro al igual que el anterior tardé un poco en conectar con la lectura pero cuando lo hice fue muy buena tengo una especie de amor odio con los libros sobre viudos pero este me gustó mucho y amé a los hijos del protagonista son los adolescentes más sensatos que he leído.
Profile Image for Love Is All Around.
2,050 reviews66 followers
May 20, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Siamo arrivati al volume numero tre di questa serie contemporanea con protagonisti uomini adulti, non i soliti giovani protagonisti tra i venti e trent’anni, ma non per questo meno desiderosi di trovare qualcuno con cui condividere la vita.
Tutti hanno diritto ad essere felici, non importa quanti anni si abbia, ma leggere di uomini molto vicini alla mia età mi ha fatto davvero piacere.
Non esiste un limite anagrafico a quanto mi risulta per trovare l’amore della propria vita, importa solo che la storia che la Phoenix ci ha proposto abbia dei protagonisti ben delineati e una trama avvincente.
È giunto il turno di Tomás, il gemello più estroverso e sensuale del duo Banner, di cercare e trovare l’amore, perché l’amore non cade dal cielo, nemmeno nei romance!
Tomás infatti non è mai stato innamorato in vita sua, non ha mai sentito quel trasporto romantico verso un’altra persona, ma solo attrazione fisica, nulla di quelle famose farfalle nello stomaco che impazzano quando vedi la persona che ti piace.
Ora che suo fratello Tiago si è ritirato dal mondo della moda ed è andato a vivere con il fidanzato Cas, Tomás si sente davvero solo per la prima volta in vita sua.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Profile Image for 1000storie1000vite.
838 reviews22 followers
May 28, 2024
Questo terzo volume si conferma delicatamente romantico e molto emozionante.
La Phoenix sa trasmettere al lettore i pensieri, i sentimenti, le emozioni dei suoi protagonisti e degli altri personaggi, in modo limpido, trasparente e intimo.
Non ho potuto che ammirare la forza d'animo e la bontà del cuore di Fir. Il suo dolore si manifesta vivido in ogni momento in cui lo lascia emergere, così come la sua grande determinazione a portare avanti il suo ruolo di padre e la sua voglia di tornare a vivere in maniera più completa.
Tomás è una figura splendida, me ne sono innamorata perdutamente già dal primo libro. Le sue ferite e sono invisibili ad occhio nudo, ma sono lì, nascoste solo dalla sua gentilezza. Mi ha commosso vedere il grande lavoro di autoanalisi fatto su se stesso. Il suo animo è luminoso e, anche se si sente perso, non ha mai incolpato nessuno se non se stesso e ha trovato il coraggio di accettare il cambiamento e tuffarvici dentro. Lo ripeto: Lo amo immensamente!
Le pagine corrono veloci e la storia si dipana in modo fluido e tranquillo.
La resa italiana è davvero ben curata, e questa è una cosa che apprezzo sempre e non dò mai per scontata.
Hugs&kisses
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,059 reviews20 followers
June 26, 2024
Grief done beautifully

When we first meet Tomas in Tiegos' story, I honestly wasn't sure what to think of him. Yes, a great brother, but too codependent on his twin. As someone who is not a twin, I can't fathom their inseparable bond, yet it was taken too far too long. However, when he returns to Forestville and starts something with the town doc Fir, he changes foe the better. With the encouragement of Fir and Auden, he seeks professional help to become a better person.
Now, Fir, I loved the first meeting and just love more with every interaction after. He's an amazingly open father for his boys, and you can feel that in their relationships. Fir is grieving the loss of his husband, and even in this new relationship, he doesn't hide that, and that's how it should be. They had a bond that didn't go away just cause he passed, and Tomas fully embraced this and encouraged him to feel all the emotions. Together, they are beautifully supportive pair that will keep the other on track when required and love openly and fiercely.
This series just gets better with each addition. Next up is York, and I pray he finds the peace he deserves.
Profile Image for The Secret Librarian.
546 reviews69 followers
March 24, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: opposites attract, single dad, small town

Nora Phoenix is back with another Forestville story, and I totally adore this small town with its amazing characters!

It was easy to feel compassion for Tomás, as he was clearly feeling lost and struggling with his identity. He was such a caring person, full of love and kindness, and it was hard to see him questioning himself since discovering how co-dependent he and Tiago had been. This story was very much his journey as he had to figure out who he was and what he wanted from life.

I really didn’t see this pairing coming, with Tomás and Fir, but I loved how they ended up together. It was cute how Fir had been crushing on Tomás since they were kids, and I liked how it added a sense of pining to their story. Fir had things to work through too, still healing from the loss of his husband and raising his teenage sons by himself. Despite being opposites in a lot of ways, they surprised both me and themselves by how well they fit into each other’s lives.

I kind of loved how everything didn’t go smooth between Tomás and Fir at first, there was some awkwardness and brief misunderstandings, and it made the story feel more real. They had to communicate and voice their needs in order to make things work, and the romance between them was a bit of a slow burn.

I loved going back to Forestville, and Nora Phoenix writes these stories about older men finding love so wonderfully. It was great to see some familiar characters again and I can’t wait to see who will find their person next! If you’re looking for stories with mature characters, long-time friendships and a cosy small town - this is it!

-
Thanks to Abbie Nicole for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Axalia.
797 reviews73 followers
June 21, 2024
Tomàs et Fir avec un Culomètre à 🍑🍆
📣 Livre reçu en service presse.

J'avais tellement hâte de découvrir le tome du deuxième jumeau, surtout maintenant qu'il est perdu de n'avoir plus Tiago comme repaire dans la vie !

Toujours un plaisir de retrouver la plume de Nora Phoenix avec cette série où ils ont tous plus de 45 ans (merci mon dieu). Nous avons eu déjà le plaisir de rencontrer le personnage de Fir, un père célibataire avec deux fils adolescent qui a perdu son mari depuis 5 ans maintenant et qui est le médecin du village.

Un début bien rocambolesque avec un Tomàs à côté de la plaque qui va créer un quiproquo magnifique qui m'aura fait mourir de rire et mis dans l'ambiance direct !

Je ne m'attendais pas à ce que le personnage de Tomàs soit aussi attachant, avec ses insécurité et son sentiment d'abandon qui l'amène à se sentir seul sans la figure de son frère jumeau. Si au début, les premiers moments entre Fir et Tomàs seront difficiles, ils vont réussir à se comprendre au fur et à mesure de l'histoire, jusqu'à que les deux fassent leur deuil de leur vie passée !

Bref, un très bon moment passé leur côtés et maintenant, nous allons nous attaquer à l'histoire de York, qui arrive dans quelques mois et qui promet d'être aussi folklorique que les autres !

Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
8,439 reviews488 followers
December 30, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


Healing the Twin is the third book in Nora Phoenix’s Forestville Silver Foxes series. I am really enjoying these stories featuring a group of childhood friends who grew up in a small town and are now finding love. I particularly appreciate that most of the men are approaching fifty, so these are mature men with some interesting issues and relationship dynamics. This story features a new couple in Tomás and Fir, but Tiago and Cas’ story is told in the first book, Renovating the Model, and this group of friends appears in each other’s stories, so familiarity with this world will add something to your reading.

I am really enjoying this series and Phoenix is doing a nice job introducing us to the various characters who will presumably feature in future books, without having them take over the current story. There are so many interesting characters here and I am looking forward to more stories set in this world.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.




Profile Image for Ella.
581 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2024
Bellissima anche la storia del gemello di Tiago Banner.
Tomás Banner è anche lui un famoso modello e ora che Tiago è fidanzato con Cas, si sente solo e smarrito. La sua codipendenza con il suo gemello �� l'argomento affrontato.
Anche il medico del paese Fir Everett, vedovo e padre di 2 ragazzi adolescenti, di sente solo, vorrebbe un'avventura di sesso senza problemi.
I due si conoscono dall'adolescenza e visto che sono soli... Chissà!! 😏😉
💖💖💖💖💖
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,885 reviews106 followers
January 17, 2024
4,5 stars for Tomas story. This is beautifully done, and I laughed my head off at their first sexual encounter .

Poor Tomas .... I love that he found someone in his corner.
And I have to confess, I was a bit disappointed in Aidan in-between ... who should be his friend.

All in all a good book, which I really enjoyed
Profile Image for Tiffany J.
333 reviews29 followers
October 4, 2024
Okay so I’m enjoying this series but my only complaint is… preface by saying I’m listening to the series and I’m having trouble visioning these men being almost 50 years old. They sound more like they are in late 20’s/early 30’s 🤣
Profile Image for Kaija.
1,198 reviews19 followers
February 27, 2024
Wow!

Oh man, I love this so much!
It was sweet and emotional and steamy!
I love single parent romances so much, they are my weakness and this one was no different!
711 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2023
4.75 Stars

I loved this addition to the series. There were some poignant moments that brought tears to my eyes, and beautiful moments that made me smile and be happy for Fir and Tomas. I felt for Fir throughout the book, and I applauded his strength and determination. I loved that he took a chance and talked to Tomas even if it took some awkward stumbles for them to find their way. I also felt for Tomas, he really was struggling with more than he even realized. I liked that Tomas talked with not only his brother, but his other friends. I was glad that he took Fir's advice too and started to find his way. The loss and grief that Fir felt was humbling, and I loved the Tomas was understanding and supportive of honoring Fir's past as well as his kids. The trust and love they created together was beautiful.
Profile Image for Hanna.
352 reviews7 followers
January 2, 2024
I give this one a 3.5 and round to a 4. It was a nice read but I was not completely invested in the two characters. I think the beginning was lacking for me and made up about halfway there but then I was not committed to the couple. I liked the growth between the two, the communication got better and they just made a good couple by the end. I think there were a lot of repetitive paragraphs or inner dialogue over the differences between the two. I enjoyed the conversations about Samuel and I felt that was handled well. The kids were there? I didn't get a good idea of them but it is what it is. Good read overall, just enjoyed the second book better,
Profile Image for KarenHe.
184 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2024
Book: ★★★★☆
Audio: ★★☆

Top Model × Local Doctor
Friends with Benefits
Slow Burn
Hurt/Comfort
Single Dad
Small Town Romance

I really like this one. I gotta say, Tomás's story is way better than Tiago's. It's a standalone, but it's got some connections to Book One. If you know the background from Book One, it helps you understand Tomás's emotional struggles. But even if you haven't read it, I think you can still enjoy the love story between Tomás and Fir.

The book is called "Healing the Twin." You'd think it's all about Fir healing Tomás because Fir is the town doctor and Tomás is dealing with physical and emotional issues. But in fact, the healing goes both ways. Fir's got his own problems too. He's lost in the daily grind of work and being a single parent. This story is really about how two lonely souls find each other and become a perfect match. And yeah, there are some steamy sex scenes in there too.

Just like Tiago and Cas, Tomás and Fir have a big gap between them. Wealth, careers, experiences, social positions—you name it. But this time, the gap between the two main characters gets smoothed out through some excellent storytelling. Fir's past idolization of Tomás plays a big role in setting up the story. If it weren't for that idolization, the whole hook-up thing might never have happened. Oh, and when Fir brings up Tomás's past photo shoots from time to time, it's just so darn cute.

I also really enjoy the part where Tomás slowly falls for Fir without even realizing it. Even though he's pushing fifty, he's still taking baby steps towards independence and learning how to love. As a world-class top model, his adorable attempts to win Fir's affection just melt my heart.

Now, I gotta be honest, things get a bit boring and cheesy once the two main characters confess their love and start their romantic relationship.

I'm also a bit disappointed with the audiobook. I think it would've been way better if they switched the voices of Tomás and Fir. The low, deep voice just doesn't match the image of Fir in my mind.

Overall, it's a good book and worth recommending.

我覺得這一集不錯誒! 比第一集好看。還是那對名模雙胞胎,這次是哥哥Tomás和小鎮醫生Fir的故事。題目的“Healing”一語雙關,Fir既是醫生也是愛人,不但醫治了Tomás的急病,還拯救了Tomás孤獨的心靈。

自從Tiago找到真愛並為愛歸隱之後,Tomás似乎一下子失去了人生目標,一直以為是弟弟需要自己的照顧,發現其實只是自己在合理化“被需要”的執著。看到身邊的有情人卿卿我我,Tomás更加體會到自己形單影只漂泊不定的生活是如此孤獨可憐,他也無法理解自己對Fir的各種在意。儘管已過不惑之年,一直全身心投入模特事業的Tomás在情感方面依舊是個毫無經驗的新手,身為頂尖模特卻在情人面前羞澀臉紅這點小細節的描寫真的十分可愛。

更妙的是這個Healing還是雙向的,Fir喪偶之後一個人肩負起養家糊口撫養小孩的的兩大重擔,在日復一日的忙碌生活中迷失自我,甚至有點PTSD的傾向。與Tomás的交往給Fir的灰暗人生從新帶來色彩。

不得不提的是Fir與Tomás錯中復雜的關係,但這種關係恰恰是整個故事的基礎。Fir與Tomás等人同年,而且從少年時代開始就暗戀Tomás,並一直視其為偶像,而Fir死去的丈夫恰恰就是Tomás少年時代的男友。所以,這個故事可以簡要概括為“我愛上了我的童年偶像,而他正好是我已故丈夫的前男友”。Fir時不時會不自覺地提起Tomás過去拍的廣告作品,儼然是一個忠實的小粉絲,令Tomás措手不及,作者安排的這些小細節都特別可愛。

我比較不滿意的主要有兩點。一是故事到了後面兩個MC兩情相悅之後劇情就瞬時崩盤,最後那四分一如湊字數般且非常悶且俗。二是有聲書,主要問題Michael Dean是給Fir安排的低沉的聲音實在太出戲,嚴重偏離我的期望。我覺得他應該把Tomás與Fir的聲音對調,Fir明明是溫柔的小受,可是一開口就是老牛一般的聲線,真的嚇死我了!

話說回來,這部作品總體還是不錯的,挽回了我對這個系列的信心。我決定接下來倒回去看看第二集,關於警長的故事。
Profile Image for Tim.
811 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2024
Tomás is Tiago Banner's fraternal twin, left behind in the modeling industry when Tiago semi-retired to focus on his new relationship. Adrift, Tomás returns to Forestville to visit his fraternal twin frequently. The fraternal twins do suffer some relationship issues- Tomás is codependent on his fraternal twin and things are a bit tense. (Notice how I keep typing fraternal twin? This is exactly an editing issue I have with this book, EVERY TIME their twin status is reference, it is always as "fraternal twin." Seriously.)

Meanwhile, Fir Everett is the small town's family doctor, who is still dealing with the passing of his husband five years prior. Their sons are growing up and seeking out their own lives, not needing to rely so much on their father, so to be fair, Fir learns that he may need to not lean on them so much. One day he sees Tomás in the local bakery and in a very bizarre scene, (after an excessively long internal debate) he asks "hey, you wanna have sex?" But Tomás hears "you wanna date?" and runs away abruptly. After that debacle is resolved, they meet up and... the sex is so bad Fir tells Tomás to leave. They talk a few days later and come to another understanding... and have sex. Boring sex chapter.

That's about when I got bored with the book because it wasn't interesting. The editing was poor, the dialogue was crap, the pacing sucked, the chapters of info dump and examinations of feelings were awful. I skipped to the final chapter and... appears it didn't get any better.

DNF @34% Skip this one. it's really bad.
Profile Image for Thrudr.
210 reviews
December 31, 2023
2/5⭐

My last read of 2023 and I wanted to at least like it, but unfortunately this wasn't the case. I enjoyed the first 2 installments of the series and although I didn't expect much this was a let down.

The MCs are both in their late 40s but somehow don't behave like that? At times it felt like the issues were juvenile and even though the dialog was meant to be mature and adult it didn't read at all realistic. It felt totally unnatural and fake adult. The smut scenes were super cringy and there was zero chemistry between the two main love interests.

I liked Fir and Tomás from previous books and wanted more for them, but alas it wasn't meant to be. I have lost faith in the author and it feels like she only puts effort in her writing every now and again and it shows.

I love romanced with older characters and wish this was a lot better, but what can you do. I may read the next one just because it has older characters but I won't be holding my breath for anything better.
Profile Image for SophiaH.
573 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2023
***3.6***
Really enjoyed Tomás' and Fir's love story. The whole series so far had quite the interesting stories and characters. Everyone with their own problems, backstories and things they had to work through. From the beginning I was quite fascinated with Tomás, he was such a caretaker and always wanted to have a handle on anything. In this book I expected a bit more of his caretaking to come through tbh, while also understanding that it was his psych issue connected with his codependency to his twin. The only time this personality trait came through though was when he came back from London to meet up with Fir. I would have also thought that he would jump at the chance to maybe buy the lodge from York's parents. As soon as this tidbit was mentioned I thought I knew where this was going. I thought that Tomás was the perfect fit for the job, he is people-ly, loves to present, loves a good cause and doesn't seem like the kind of person who does well with procrastination. This way he would be able to make it a retreat for certain people, host events close to his heart, have something to do. But alas... Maybe a future love interest for another person is meant to move in there.

What made me sad in all books so far is the lack of truly personal time between the MC's. Chapter 5 didn't bring anything to the book for example IMO, if sticken nothing would change, Fir contemplating about his reaction to Tomás and if he had been too harsh didn't change a thing. It would have been different if this had prompted him to action but it just hung there without having an impact on anything happening afterward whatsoever. Also, I think I have mentioned this in a previous review, I would love for the main couple to just spend time together, build a relationship. Like in the previous books the I love yous came from left field. Having relations, not really talking, maybe texting randomly with the exception of the time Tomás was in London doesn't a relationship make. IMO. Saying that they fell in love with one another because of their beautiful soul and strength etc. is one thing but how would they know if not from hearsay and random rare experiences? I didn't get the feeling that they really knew one another, fav treat, fav series, hobbies, hopes, dreams, places they want to see. I know this is hard to write and I wouldn't know how to, but they didn't spend one evening on the couch talking, no dinner dates, no upsi doo - I made us dinner, why don't we eat before we go into the bedroom, no randomly meeting up during lunch time. I would think that this would at least have given the impression of growing closer and made the professions of love much more realistic. This is why them telling one another didn't impact me whatsoever, no flutter, no butterflies, not even a baby one.

So yeah, liked it overall, liked Tomás and Fir, like the town, the people and the friends, like the overall feel. Could have liked it a whole lot more.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,725 reviews171 followers
December 26, 2023
Tomas Banner is lost, lonely, a bit depressed, and having an existential crisis. His life and career have always been closely tied to his twin brother, Tiago, as they traveled the world as famous models. They have lived a successful, lush, adventuresome life. But his brother has found love in their hometown and has put down roots again in Forestville.

Tomas has never really been in a relationship and has never really considered himself the settling down type, but as he sees his brother and friends finding their partners it makes him think more about his own life. He is usually confident, popular, and sought after, but is starting to feel more lonely and lost in transition.

Fir Everett is one of their childhood friends. He is now the town doctor and a widower and single dad. He lost the love of his life and knows what a good relationship can be, but is also in need of just some short-term satisfaction. He used to be more quiet and shy but now he is not afraid to say what he wants, but he is also afraid of trusting and his already broken heart being hurt.

These two have some awkward attempts at hook ups but also rekindle their friendship along with some benefits, and begin to form a bond they did not expect. It is hard to make themselves vulnerable and open to rejection. Both are dealing with unresolved emotions from their pasts. Tomas has to figure out what parts of his life actually make him happy, and Fir has to be strong enough to be open again but also has to make decisions with his sons in mind as well.

This really is a journey for Tomas to figure out who he is, who he wants to be, and what he needs to live a more fulfilled and healthy life. He has to untangle a lot of his past and his relationship with his brother and do some soul-searching. It is also a healing journey for Fir as he tries to move on from loss and find out if he can truly find happiness again.

There are cameos from previous couples and I really enjoy visiting this small town and reading about these second-chance, mature love stories with humor, heart, and steam.

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Profile Image for MNHockeymomreads (Heather).
350 reviews30 followers
December 26, 2023
While Tomás Banner might have been famous world wide, very few people actually knew him. When he found himself back in his small hometown
After reading Remodeling the Model I will be honest, I wasn’t sure how much I was really going to like Tomás…but I think he really was misunderstood. He is a man that loves to take care of others. And he always took care of his brother…and he was lost when he felt like his brother didn’t need him anymore. Tomás seemed so lost.
Dr. Fir Everett loved being the small town doctor, but he loved being a husband and a father more. When he lost his husband and became a single father, he had to do it all. I related so much to Fir. He was so busy taking care of himself but knowone was taking care of him. And he was lonely. He was such an amazing father, and I love how his teen sons were written. So true to life! I think teens can sometimes get a bad rap in books but they really are intuitive and thoughtful when we listen.
Tomás and Fir’s “meet cute” was seriously the best in this book. I love how Fir just went for it, and it totally 100% threw Tomás for a loop once he figured out they both were in the market for a little friends with benefits arrangement. The way Phoenix wrote their interactions was amazing. It was clear that they had such an amazing connection but Tomás was holding back. Just like in real relationships everything wasn’t perfect and the pair had their own struggles happening, and life is just busy! I think that is that part that resonated with me. Fir was busy parenting and working and Tomás had his own responsibilities. Tomás did a lot of growing and working on himself in this book and took the time he needed to become the person that he wanted to be. That is how life is, you have to put the work in to become the person that you want to be for yourself, but also for those that you love. I laughed and I cried while reading Healing the Twin. Tomás and Fir are such an amazing couple that love so big and take care of one another so well! If you love a fun group of found family, more established and distinguished men finding love in a small town this series is a must read for you! I love spending time in Forestville and I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
741 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2024
Loving These Silver Foxes

I’m really enjoying this series. Older men with stories to tell and in the case of Tomás and his twin Tiago have travelled the world as models at the top of their game. This was a story of heartbreak and healing.

Fir and Tomás had know each other all their lives, both growing up in the small town of Forestville. Fir had stayed in Forestville, returning after finishing med school to take over his father’s practice and he married Samuel, a boy who had a fling with Tomás at high school. Unfortunately Fir’s happy life with his husband and 2 sons came to a heartbreaking end five years ago when Samuel died of cancer.

Fir spent the first 2 years drowning in grief but his life revolves around his 2 boys and the very busy practice he runs, but he has needs and when his crush Tomás returns to Forestville he suggests they hookup. In the last book his twin Tiago falls in love with Cas and decides to stay in Forestville. Tomás is in a tail spin, without Tiago to protect he is rudderless and as he travels the world to modelling jobs alone he realises he really is for the first time in his 48 years alone.

Tomás has only ever had hookups, he has absolutely no idea how to have a relationship, but he is adrift and missing Fir. He has never missed anyone in his life but as he tries to get his head around his new feelings, he starts to see that he encouraged Tiago to be codependent and that his feelings for Fir are real and strong.

These two were a good match. Fir might have seemed the weaker but underneath he had a strong personality, he knew what he wanted and he was not afraid to ask. Their sex life was hot and they found they had more in common than they first thought.

Fir’s 2 teenage boys were a joy. Mature for their ages and only wanted what was best for their dad, actively encouraging him to be happy.

This book was low on angst, high on love with plenty of steam. It helps if you have read the first 2 books as lots of previous characters are interwoven in all 3 books.

Profile Image for Janette.
789 reviews22 followers
January 9, 2024
My heart went out to Tomás - he’s at a bit of a crossroads and experiencing a minor midlife crisis. As the people and circumstances around him have changed, he’s realizing that maybe the life he has isn’t as fulfilling as it used to be. But what does he want? Can he keep being what people expect him to be when he’s not even sure that’s who he is anymore? His journey is introspective and reflective, with a lot of growth and difficult decisions.

If I had to pick one word to describe Fir it’s lonely. He’s worked so hard to honor his deceased husband’s memory & keep it alive for their sons. His grief is palpable, and more than once it took my breath away. It’s a sharp, painful feeling that lets you know just how much he loves and misses Samuel.

At the same time, you can feel how conflicted and unsettled he feels in his grief, because he knows he wants more from life. He misses companionship and sharing life with someone special, something that comes through loud and clear. He’s sad he won’t have that with Samuel but takes comfort in knowing Samuel wanted him to find happiness again.

I really enjoyed the growth and evolution of both Tomás and Fir, but it took me a bit to wrap my head around them together. They’re supportive and caring, and despite Fir’s crush on Tomás when they were younger, it doesn’t feel like they would have worked outside of this time and these circumstances. If you’re someone who likes romance with a soulmates vibe, that’s not what I got from this story. It’s definitely one that challenges the theory of one true love and forces you to consider the possibility that we are destined for multiple people.

It’s always heartwarming to be back in Forestville with this group of silver foxes and their partners. I love their found family vibe and all the ways they’re there for each other. I’m looking forward to more of them finding their HEA!

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Profile Image for caffeinated.crystal .
383 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2023
Healing the Twin was EXACTLY what I wanted. Fir and Tomás had an achingly beautiful story.

Fir lost his husband five years ago and has been working and single dad-ding since then. With no time for dating, just hooking up when he could.  Tomás has been a (super) model and jet-setter all his adult life, but since his twin made their old home town his new homebase, Tomás has been feeling lost and left behind. Hook-ups eventually evolve into feelings, and we get an incredible HEA.

Before going into this story, I thought I'd connect more with Fir's character, but OMG Tomás. That sweet man ripped into my chest with his bare hands and yanked out my heart.

The themes of loss and codependency are interwoven into Fir and Tomás' relationship, along with honest, clear communication and navigating big feels and big issues.

I cried so many times during this book. I have loved this series!!!! Now, this can be read as a standalone, but if you want my opinion, you should at least read book one first. That's Tomás' twin, Tiago's story.

During one of the conversations between the two mcs Tomàs is talking about how Fir still loves his deceased husband. Loves, not loved. Present tense. Here's the quote:

"I don't think you stop loving someone when they die. If nothing else, it makes you only more aware of what you lost and how much they meant to you."

The sobs, I'm not even kidding. Tomás! My heart! I absolutely recommend this one, y'all!

Oh, and Nora: Is York gonna get matched up with the Army guy who bought the campground? 😳😳😳😳 I thought it would be Marnin, but... oh! Maybe the Army campground guy AND Marnin?!?!?! Dish babe!
Profile Image for Sheena.
716 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2023
This is the third in the Forestville Silver Foxes series, and while you can read it standalone, it's better if you've at least read the first book to get an idea of the background to this one. I found the beginning part of this book very emotional, it was Fir's story that got to me the most. A widower having been left with 2 teenage boys and essentially losing the love of his life in such a cruel way. It was heart wrenching to see his struggles to cope alone, even though he has such a great support system around - including his boys. I could feel his grief and loneliness come through the pages at me. That said, I loved how strong a character he was, and loved that he wasn't afraid to ask for what he wanted and stand up for himself. He is no pushover and I loved that.

Tomas is also lost, in a different way. All his life he's been with his twin, supporting him and travelling all over the world, and now he's alone for the first time in his life, and more than a little adrift. His was a very different journey to find his happy ever after, but no less moving. Even though he's a world famous model, there was no arrogance or pretension and he was willing to 'get over himself' to be what Fir - and he - needed. There's a fair bit of heat between the two of them and if I had one thing that didn't work for me, it was the 'I love you' came out of the blue, followed by them just moving in together when they'd only been together a few times. That's fairly minor but it did make the ending feel a little rushed, for me.

I did enjoy this and do look forward to more of the Forestville men getting their stories.
Profile Image for Ζωή Παππά.
Author 3 books27 followers
December 30, 2023
"Healing the twin" is book tthree in this contemporary romance series. It can be read as a standalone but I think it's more enjoyable if you've at least the first book because one of the main characters from book one plays a big part in this one.
We are in a fictional small town and we follow Fir who is the town doctor and is raising his two teenage sons alone after the death of his husband.
Our other main character is Tomas, a world famous supermodel who also grew up in this small town.
Both men are in their late forties and have known each other since they were children.
When Tomas' twin brother finds love and moves back to their hometown Tomas is feeling lonely and ends up visiting him very often. He gets closer with Fir and the two of them develop a friends with benefits relationship. As they get to know each other better they start developing deeper feelings.
I love the author's writing style. I couldn't put the book down and got really lost in the story. I connected with both main characters instantly and felt for them. It was a very emotional book and it made me tear up. Fir was dealing with the loss of his husband and Tomas had his own mental health issues to overcome.I really liked how the author handled everything. The character growth for both of them was just beautiful to read about.
And I loved them together. Their relationship felt real and their happy ending warmed my heart, they both deserved it so much.
I'm adoring this series and I can't wait to read the next book.
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