Casper loves two things—his guitar and his stepbrother, Reed. Being in a band with Reed is both amazing and torturous. If only Casper could get out of his own way and tell Reed how he feels.
The Lead Singer
Reed’s passion is music, but he’d give it up if it means staying in Casper’s arms. When a new man enters their lives, he could be who Casper and Reed are missing to make them whole.
The Lost Soul
Elic’s world tilts when he meets Casper and Reed. Living on the streets has left scars on Elic, inside and out. He’s surprised to find both men desire him.
Their relationship is tested repeatedly. Truths are revealed. They will have to lift each other up and prove their love is worth it if they want to see what their future looks like.
Notes of Unspoken Words is an MMM steamy contemporary romance and book one in the Ruined & Relinquished series. It features a moody guitar player, a singer with a big heart, and a man who finds where he belongs. There is forced proximity, an age gap, stepbrothers, hurt/comfort, sinful rockstars, and a HEA. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed when read in order.
Please look inside the book for the content warnings.
Michelle Dare is a USA Today Bestselling Author. Her stories range from sweet to sinful and from paranormal to contemporary. There aren’t enough hours in the day for her to write all the story ideas in her head. When not writing or reading, she’s a wife and mom living in eastern Pennsylvania. One day she hopes to be writing from a beach where she will never have to see snow or be cold again.
Reed and Casper are half brothers and part of the band Ruined & Relinquished. A band that made them famous. After a tour is done, Reed returns to his home on his dad’s land and Casper retreats to his home in the city. Casper wants distance from Reed, and it hurts Reed deeply, he loves Casper. They share a bed during the tour, every night. But when the tour is over, it’s over, Casper is gone.
On the tour Reed saw a small guy getting abused by others, he stopped the tour bus and took him in. Elic has been hurt, his whole life, he escaped and has lived on the streets for years now. When Reed took him with him to his home, land, and family a new life started for him. He develops very quickly feelings for both Reed and Casper.
Casper is self-loathing, convinced he doesn’t deserve Reed, and now also Elic. He does what he always does, flies off.
Gosh, the band members were the best bunch of guys, whatever happened, they were one.
It’s a passionate written story, you can feel it on every page. While there are a few heavy topics, it was nicely woven into the story. The focus was mostly on Casper, Reed, and Elic, and I love that, not too many other matters. The character glossary at the beginning was helpful! Overall a sweet, enough developed story that I enjoyed reading!
I have been waiting for this book since I read Three Souls Who Break and it did not disappoint (only in the fact that there wasn’t more of it). Ruined and Relinquished (the band) made an appearance in that book and it piqued my interest right away.
Casper and Reed are stepbrothers (can you say sold?!) and have been in love with each other for a long, long time. Reed knows how he feels and wants to move forward with it. He wants to be with Casper, but Casper has problems with his feelings and feels like he is not good enough. So they only hook up on the road whilst touring, as soon as they go home Casper ghosts Reed, having them both simmering in their feelings.
Enter Elic, a boy lost and living on the street. On the way back from their latest tour they find him on the side of the road being harassed by a group of men. They defend him, help him and convince him to come home with them.
Elic brings out the best in these two men, he sees the love they have for each other and everything they put in their own way to happiness. He is their conduit to finally giving into each other, especially Casper. They fall hard and fast for this boy who has seen so much, has endured so much. These characters were so perfectly broken, each in their own way. Being healed by the love of two others, each a piece of one beautiful love story.
“Our love isn’t easy. It’s a roaring fire with embers floating in the air, catching more ablaze the longer it burns. But that fire is us. It’s who we are.”
Such a beautiful story about three men who need love, who fall hard and completely. I could not put it down. I rated it 4 stars because I would have loved to see some more spicy scenes between them. But the ones that were there were on fire! I cannot wait to see what is in line for the rest of the band, for them to find their HEA and giving us a couple of glimpses of Casper, Reed and Elic along the way!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"These men, they were made to be mine, and I was always meant to be theirs. I loved them with every part of me. I loved how they accepted me and wouldn’t let me hide. They were everything I’d ever needed and more. And I would do whatever it took to show them how much they meant to me."
Michelle Dare did it again..she gave..Notes Of Unspoken Words was just simply amazing..when she told me after I finished Three Ties that she was giving Ruined and Relinquished their own series..I was beyond thrilled because I was getting more of the Three Ties men..but also gonna get to fall in love with 9 more men.
Casper is everything I love in a character..a broken and broody man who runs..not wanting to hurt those he loves but in the process hurts them unintentionally..most people may not fall for this type of guy..but my heart always goes for the broken man..because I know there is a reason why they are so standoffish..this man loves hard..so protective..has a gentle heart...but he hides it the best he knows how.
Reed, this beautiful man..who never gives up on Cas..no matter how much Cas hurts him..no matter how devastating it is when they come home and Cas goes MIA to distance himself..and that is exactly what Cas needed..he needed someone to hold out and love him beyond measure and not give up..
The moment they come across Elic beaten down on the streets..both Cas and Reed's story take a turn..Cas slowly starts showing the man he has hidden for so long..and Reed opens his heart more and steps up..both their hearts open to this hurt man who is the balm to both of their souls..the connection of Cas and Elic with their troubled past..Reed being the heart of the three and soothing all their pains.. It is not a simple fall in love and walk into the sunset type story..they still have their moments of pain and insecurities..harsh words are said..the past comes in and wants to hurt them and bring one of them down..and when that moment comes and they start to spiral the other two step in and become what they need.
Re the fight with Slater: he was right. It was abuse. Just because the victim kept going back doesn’t make it not abusive, in fact, the majority of victims DO go back to their abusers, so the fact that this was a counter argument was amazingly stupid.
Loved each individual guy! Elic, Reed and Casper were all so sweet in their own way. Elic and Casper both a little broken but for different reasons and sun shiny Reed with the most tender heart. I also loved getting to see the guys from the ties that bind series!! If your a big fan of inst-love this one's for you!! It's not always for me but the more established relationship with Casper and Reed kept the insta-love more manageable for me!
Notes of Unspoken Words is a spin off from Dare’s previous Three Ties series. There have been glimpses of the band in those books and some of the former MCs show up here, but overall this book works on its own. I like the premise of these books that all center around three men building a relationship and, with this one, I was intrigued with the band aspect, as well as Reed and Casper having stepbrother ties.
I like the characters and the overall story here, but it was the lack of detailed development that made the book a weaker read for me.
We saw Casper and Reed in the thirst book in the three ties series and I immediately knew something was going on between them and I was so ready for it. She then added Elic with them and I immediately fell in love with the three of them.
Oh, sweet, sweet broken boys. This is very much a slow burn between 3 damaged men.
We have the stepbrothers who can't quite figure their issues out. But a chance encounter forces them to sort through their emotions.
All three of these men were missing parts of themselves & needed each other to complete. Past traumas are faced, some harsh truths, but most of all, the feels. Once they all communicated, it was beautiful to watch them all flourish.
Annnnnnd now we wait for the next pairing. I can't wait to see the Meadows brothers get knocked on their asses by their future partners
i didnt like it at first cos it was so fast paced and Elic told a virtual stranger about his entire traumatic past after like a day?? but the communication is incredible ngl
Rating: 3.25 stars (6.5/10) Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Tropes: MMM, rockstars, homelessness, rape and abuse, hurt/comfort, miscommunication Review: This was the first book in the Ruined & Relinquished series, following the lead singer, Reed, and the guitarist and his stepbrother, Casper, as they navigate the tumultuous relationship they have; as well as Elic, a homeless man who ran away from his rapist, his abusive stepfather, who Reed sees and takes under his wing. We see very early on the toxic dynamic between Reed and Casper, which is entirely because Casper won't be open and honest with Reed, and despite the message trying to be shoved down our throats, I both believe that Casper was emotionally abusive towards Reed, and I also feel like Reed wasn't as responsible for the way things kept going on. It is all well and good to say that Casper struggled just as much as Reed and he wasn't being emotionally abusive towards him, but from what we saw, I don't agree at all. It made it that much more frustrating when Slater spoke up about it, especially when it's further complicated by Slater's long-term feelings about a certain person too. I felt the whole blow-up between Slater and Reed was ridiculous, and Reed was being a petty child. I think Casper deserved the shame he felt at what Slater said, so it was really frustrating when it was spun differently.
I did enjoy Elic's whole story though; he is pure goodness, and he deserves to be protected at all costs. His dog, Starry, is also a gem, and I just loved seeing him have a loving family and relationship, a home and job and security for the first time in 6 years. I also really liked how easily the whole poly dynamic came about. It didn't feel contrived or difficult, it just fell into place, and there was never any jealousy or difficulty in emotions. Apart from enjoying those aspects, I generally found Casper to be annoying in the first half, and Reed annoying in the second half, and so I didn't really enjoy this story. I hope Slater gets a good story, I feel bad for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
AMAZINNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!! Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest reviews. Wow, this book just blew me away. I think I went through so many emotions reading this book and my heart hurt for each of these characters for the pain and suffering they have been through. Casper and Reed are stepbrothers. They have been besotted with one another for so long, but Casper thought these feelings he was having for Reed was enough because in his mindset, he thought he wasn’t good enough. All because of something that happened to him that he had no power over. Reed broke every time Casper pushed him away, but he was always there when Casper needed him. Casper and Reid are in a band which is called ruined and relinquished, and we met them before in a previous book, so they spend an awful lot of time together also with their best friends/brothers, band mates, Slater, and Dash. When they were driving back from a tour, Reid noticed, a homeless man on the side of the road, and a group of young men thought it funny to kick him. Reed being Reed jumped off the bus to go and help him, Casper had his back as always and with some persuasion they bought this guy onto the bus so they could help him. His name was Elic. And he was on the streets because he was running away from his past. Casper and Reed just wanted to keep him safe. But the more time they spent with him the more they got confused and the more things became clearer.
And that is all I’m saying guys, you will not be disappointed in this book. It is amazing you’ll go through every emotion you could possibly think of, but your heart will burst with love for these men. An absolutely amazing story. Honestly I don’t think Michelle Dare has it in her to let us down. She is just amazing. And I cannot wait for the second book in this series lyrics of love unheard because then we get to find out about Dash !!!
I still haven't decided if you're a songwriter or a storyteller, because this story has the hauntingly beautiful vibe of a song and the emotionally heavy feel of a developing drama. I harbour a lot of conflicting emotions about the new triad in this new series. Casper, Reed, and Elic struggle with their own formidable horde of inner demons - fears, insecurities, nightmares, and doubts create a web of delicate dark emotional threads that affect their daily lives in unforgettable ways. Reed and Casper have more than two decades of history together, first as stepbrothers and then as lovers. But what their relationship lacks is true intimacy and togetherness. It takes the word toxic to a spectacular new level. After another successful tour for their band, they rescue a young homeless man off the streets on their way home. It is Reed who stopped the bus and intervened, so the rescuer and the rescued bond quickly and powerfully. Reed is inexplicably drawn to the young man, while the brooding Casper is as reserved as ever, but also intrigued by the unexpected addition to the family. Elic was actually a much-needed wake-up call for Casper, the last one before his so-called relationship with Reed completely failed and the devastation was absolutely irreparable. Because there was only so much despair, longing, and heartbreak Reed could take - he already wore the mantle of quiet resignation and the weariness of life. This is a slow-burn love story, heavy on the hurt/comfort and healing in the typical for this author high quality writing style, gentle way of representing triggering matters while dialing up the angst and letting the characters walk their own paths of redemption, self discovery and well deserved HEA. I am leaving my personal reservations off page, because I really enjoyed it to a certain degree and besides every reader could see the story through their own unique perspective.
Her MMCs are flawed, complex characters who need and deserve the love they so desperately want.
Notes of Unspoken Words tell the story of Casper, Reed and Elic. Casper and Reed are two rockstar stepbrothers who have been in love for years, but don't know how to go from secret touches and yearnings to declaring how they feel and taking the risk of losing (or gaining) everything they have ever wanted.
Elic is younger, homeless, vulnerable and world weary and the spark that Reed and Casper needed to admit, not only their feelings for each other, but also the fact that Elic fits perfectly with them. Both fall fast and hard for Elic and he for them.
I loved how hard Casper loves, despite his fear of being hurt and rejected by Reed and Elic; and I loved how open Reed's heart was to forgiving Casper for the way he treated him, and I especially loved how Elic saw the love and hurt in both men and helped them heal themselves. I am not a fan of ''my love will save/heal him'' and was so glad to see that in Notes each man takes individual ownership of his past actions and works on being better in the future.
I also loved the humour that was sprinkled throughout the book - it has VERY strong hurt/comfort themes, especially with Elic's past and Casper's past behaviour towards Reed, and the funny bits helped lighten the story and ensured that we don't get too caught up in the heaviness of it all.
I am looking forward to reading Dash's story next!
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good start to the Ruined & Relinquished Series, which is set in the same universe as Three Ties Series and it’s best to read that series first as there’s no doubt that the characters from that series will be sprinkled throughout. This book and most likely series is going to be a lot more angsty than the Three Ties Series which makes sense being tortured artists and all that. I really enjoyed Casper, Elic & Reed’s story. There’s a lot of hurt from the get go because of Casper and Reed’s relationship. They’re band members and step brothers who love each other but because Casper doesn’t believe he’s worthy of Reed’s love, he only allows himself to be with Reed while they’re on tour but as soon as they’re back home he pushes Reed away.
Casper is hurting Reed constantly by doing this but he’s also constantly hurting himself. Man, I really wanted to reach through the pages and hug Elic and never let go after hearing everything he’s been through. It’s f*cken heartbreaking but I’m glad he found his safe haven. He’s so strong. I liked how their relationship progressed. I loved getting snippets of the characters that we’ve gotten to know and fall in love with during the Three Ties Series during this book. It makes smile how JJ and Val are still fanboying over the guys from Ruined & Relinquished, even though they consider them friends. I enjoyed meeting Dash and Slater and I’m looking forward to reading their books as the series continues. Dash’s book Lyrics of Love Unheard is up next. I’m also looking forward to reading more books from Michelle Dare in the future. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.
I have followed Michelle for a while on social media and I don't know how I haven't read one of her books until now!
She has a new fan though, let me tell you!
Casper and Reed are hot right from the beginning. But of course, Reed has this huge heart and can't let people suffer so he rushes to El's rescue, who has unfortunately had a very hard life.
My heart broke for Elic and the things he'd gone through. And despite the obvious attraction between El and the stepbrothers, it takes a bit for anyone to broach the subject of anything happening. They don't want to spook him or make him think they want something from him in return for their help. Which is understandable.
So he pretty much has to take matters into his own hands. But in true Casper fashion, he doesn't know how to let himself have nice things, or anything that he truly wants.
They have some struggles but in the end they know they're better together.
It's fairly low angst, considering the things El has been through. And I'm finding my personal taste in books is starting to tip from low angst to maybe medium angst because I find I just want more pushback and struggle/conflict lately.
Though that is a personal preference that's changing and bears no reflection on this book or the author's writing. Though there were some bits where I wished we saw what was going on rather than being told about it later.
But this is a solid book and I've already read the ARC for the second book and am eagerly awaiting the third! (And also making a mental note to go back and check out the author's other books!)
Casper has known Reed since his mother married Reed's father when they were pre-teens. They are in a world famous band together, and while they are on tour, Cas allows himself to be with Reed. However, every time they come home, Cas pulls away. As they are heading home this time, though, they pick up someone who is being hassled by a bunch of guys and take him home with them. Well, Reed does. Cas doesn't want to leave Reed alone with a potential threat, so he comes home with Reed, too. Elic has just been trying to survive since he ran away from his stepfather at 16. He can't believe his luck in finding people who don't want anything from him and just want to help. As Elic gets more comfortable, both Reed and Cas realize that they have feelings for him, and it turns out the feelings are returned.
Oh boy. Well, this was pretty childish writing and characters. And I'm SOOOO over characters being all "ruined" because a parent left them and they will be just like that parent. You know, instead of the one who stayed and did everything they could to make sure the child survived. Especially since Reed's father was an amazing father and showed Cas how to be a good man from a fairly young age. And yet, I kept reading. And it wasn't because I wanted to rant about it. I just kept thinking to myself "I can't believe I'm still reading this. I should stop." But something compelled me to keep reading. I don't think that I will buy anything else from this author, but at least I didn't hate it.
NOTES OF UNSPOKEN WORDS is the first book in the Ruined & Relinquished series, although some characters from a different series also have cameos.
In this one, Casper and Reed are step-brothers who are in love with each other, although both will deny it. This leads to a traumatic relationship for both of them. When they're on the way home from a tour, Sunshiney Reed rescues a man from the street. Grumpy Casper decides to stay at Reed's home until he knows the man, Elic, can be trusted. Elic turns out to be the catalyst needed to make Casper and Reed realise just what they've got together, and how Elic can be included in that.
This story was easy to read with wonderful characters. I have to say, Cas and his protective streak was by far my favourite. His grumpiness was for a reason and I loved how he was portrayed.
One thing - if you haven't read the other series (Three Ties) as I haven't, you may get confused about all the different brothers involved and the different triads they're in. There must be something in the water!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to continue with this series. Definitely recommended by me. ** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Oct 26, 2023
The rating should actually be 4.5. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I ❤️ Michelle Dare!!
First make sure you read the CONTENT WARNING.⚠️
Casper- the fierce protector with self doubt Reed- the big heart that can see past the ugliness Epic- the missing piece that’s been through so much
“our love isn’t easy”
Things I liked/loved about this book: Some drama sprinkled in. Some taboo-ness. The storyline overall! The fact it goes hand in hand with the Three Ties series and you get small glimpses of those characters so it feels familiar yet not at the same time! The Character Glossary, thank you for that!! I wish more series and spin offs had that! The Ashfords- the world needs more families like them! Starry 🐶. Uncle Dashie- whom I can’t wait to read about next.
“You said the world wasn’t ready for me, but it would be when I was ready for it.”
This story is so good in many ways! For me it made me really think at times because it hit home in some ways! I could definitely relate. It has self doubt which can destroy people. It has past trauma. It has love so strong and real they can see past things and see the real truths which is rare and should always be treasured. And it also has self healing and group healing and overall just healing of the soul. But overall it says “f*** the rest of the world.” and do and be what makes you happy! ❤️
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
In this character driven story, 3 men find they are not emotionally complete or healed unless they are together.
This series is an off-shoot of the THREE TIES series based in and near the city of Dremest where something is clearly in the water as Throples are popping up like flowers after a spring shower. The band was soft launched by being mentioned in one of those books and then later made an appearance in another.
When band members Casper and Reed come across a down on his luck Elic, they take him in and show him big men can be compassionate and safe. The plot is emotionally driven by the damage each of them carries with them from a past that can't can't heal from unless they learn to trust and lean on each other. Tension is felt when Elic has a run-in with an abuser, and the band mates have a disagreement over personal feelings.
The spice was ok, 2.5/5🌶. Because of the past, the intimate times were a slow burn and had a softer start. One encounter really drove home, though 😏.
Because the plot was character forward, the ending was a bit anticlimactic, however lovingly heartfelt.
All 9 of our guys from the THREE TIES series appear at times to interact with our new ensemble. It is always nice to see past characters that you have enjoyed immensely. Also, the next book was set up by an additional character being traumaticly introduced and their plot hinted at.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. If I hadn’t of had to go to work I would of read it in one sitting. There’s definitely a few subjects in this book that are triggering so please make sure you read the warning before you start. Personally I think it covers everything very sensitively. I didn’t realise there is a series before this one so when I read the character glossary I was a little overwhelmed thinking I’m never gonna remember who is with who but it actually doesn’t matter within the story. I have downloaded the first in that series to go straight to as soon as this is written.
The characters are very different to each other and I really loved Reed. It’s an interesting dynamic and although the whole stepbrother thing isn’t normally a go too for me I really did love this story. Casper carries a lot of damage around with him which has stopped him entering into a real relationship with Reed, he’s addicted to him but unable to get past his own fears. He’s lucky Reed loves him so much as he really does put him through the ringer. Their chemistry is top level, the heat factor through the roof.
Elic is living a life no one should ever have too. His past trauma is just terrible and very upsetting. He’s been on the streets for so long and been through so much it’s understandable that he trusts no one. Fate puts him in the path of these guys and thankfully he’s sees something in them that lets him take a chance. He’s the catalyst that Reed and Casper need to finally see through the muddied waters of their relationship and realise what they actually have.
The story flows at a good pace, it doesn’t rush too much which is needed when dealing with these traumatic subjects. It doesn’t push too fast so everything feels natural and organic. The wider characters within the story really add to it and I liked the other two band members. Slater is complex and Dash seems a lot of fun, I’m really looking forward to their books.
Im definitely going to read more from this author as I really liked the writing style and I recommend this book.
Michelle is one of my favorite authors. Her characters draw me in from the first page, and I almost feel like I am in the story, on the sidelines with the characters as friends, not like an observer watching through a window or a lens. Her characters are charismatic and mesmerizing, drawing me into their minds, sharing their thoughts, emotions and feelings as they work their way to their HEA with their person or persons. Her throuples are written so well, the attraction and eventual coupling evolve naturally, and the characters are memorable as they pass through one book after another, connecting with new ones along the way.
The story of Reed and Casper and the love between them is fraught with so much angst on Casper’s part. He cannot get beyond his past and let him accept, embrace, and express the love he feels for his stepbrother, Reed. With the entrance of Elic, a catalyst is there to allow his protectiveness and care for another to grow enough to allow him to open up fully to these two men who have his heart.
I loved these three characters, look forward to Dash’s book, then hopefully Slater will get his, too. All of her characters in her books of three men loving each other are unforgettable. More, please.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just finished reading this amazing book and oh my God it was great! Loved the obstacles that each of the men had to overcome to know what they deserved. Elic is such a delight to read about. So innocent and sweet but had a lot of hard times getting through it all. With meeting Reed and Casper, all that changes for the better.
Reed is the singer of the band Ruined and Relinquished and has loved his bandmate, Casper, forever. His love deepens throughout this book but he is not sure if Casper feels the same way. With both of them being stepbrothers, he questions if Casper really loves him. He tries to overcome the hurt Casper puts in him over and over again until he meets Elic on the streets. Is Elic the one that brings them all together?
Casper is the guitar player of the group and loves Reed unconditionally. But, with them being stepbrothers, he's not sure if they will be accepted or not. He tries to shrug off his feelings about Reed, until and unexpected stranger stumbles upon their lives. Now with Elic in Reed's home, will Casper finally confess his feelings or will he run like he has in the past?
Three men, three loves, three hearts. It just gets better the further along you read. And hotter!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is another beautifully written story of three broken men by Michelle Dare. Oh, the roller-coaster of emotions I went through while reading their story. Casper made me feel angry. But he never loved himself. He couldn’t see his self-worth. Reed made me feel like shouting at him and telling him to move on, but the love he has for Casper is beyond everything … They both keep going back to one another despite the hurt they cause every single time… till they meet Elic. Elic made me feel sad for what he’s been through but he is the glue between Casper and Reed. He is a sweet soul. He is what they didn’t know they needed till he came into their lives and glued the broken pieces back together. For all three of them. This story has it all. It is strong, emotional and with an HEA. It has Slater and Dash (Meadows, Starry the god, strong family bonds, lots of music and notes of unspoken words, a twist, Molly the truck driver and we see glimpses again of my favorite guys from the Three Ties series. MMM reads became the guilty pleasure I didn’t know I needed and I have Michelle Dare to blame and her guys.
“Somewhere along the way, the music changed. It synced up with my emotion. I no longer payed for myself. I played for him”
Notes of Unspoken Words by Michelle Dare is a story that instantly had me curious. The author has caught my attention on previous occasions, yet it was the promise of an angsty story that had me diving into this. As a lover of angst, I went in with high hopes. Sadly, my hopes were not met.
Notes of Unspoken Words was a story that was easy and addictive, yet nothing was ever explored to the level I had hoped. There were a lot of things touched upon in the story, lots of things that should have been explored in great deal, yet everything was sorted very soon after it was introduced. From the immediate trust between the characters through to the easy acceptance of apologies, it was a story that was lacking in the depth I like when reading these types of storylines. I want my heart to be ripped to pieces, to feel everything that is happening, yet such was not the case here. Yes, I was curious to see how everything came together. However, I never felt the deep emotions I was waiting for.
All in all, I can understand why many enjoy the author’s work. Sadly, Notes of Unspoken Words did not give me the depth I was hoping for.
Casper and Reed have been in a complicated relationship for years. Casper doesn’t believe he deserves to be loved and especially doesn’t deserve Reed. Reed loves Casper and wants to be with him. However Casper says he can only do physical. This toxic relationship leads them to be with each other only while on tour. They’re headed to their hometown and separate homes/lives off tour when they see a homeless man walking down the highway.
Reed is a bleeding heart and brings him onto their bus to take him home and care for him.
Elic has been thru so much emotional trauma is heartbreaking. Trusting Casper and Reed was a huge step for him.
Casper is usually only worried about Reed but there is something about Elic that pulls out his protective instincts.
Watching the three of them learn to navigate each other was great to read. They each had their own traumas to get over to be able to learn how to love each other properly. Elic was the missing piece needed for Casper and Reed to finally come together.
Super sweet. Low angst but make sure to check your TW!