The Wild Within

The Collective #1

by Gwen Martin

I know you've been living in survival mode, but maybe it's time to accept that you deserve to be loved.

Duncan Maxwell’s days revolve around helping others, so when his best friend needs Duncan to drive his younger brother around, he doesn’t hesitate to say yes. A little less sleep is an easy price to pay to improve someone else’s life, and many of Chance’s appointments are at The Collective, where he volunteers. It also doesn’t hurt that Chance is charming, funny, and . . . attractive.

Chance’s world spirals into a blur of adjusted medications and support groups and therapy appointments after his recent bipolar diagnosis. He can’t complain, though, because most people don’t have the support that his brother affords him. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he focuses on not being a burden and searches for life beyond his diagnosis—maybe even a life with Duncan.

But while Chance struggles to tame the wildness within himself, he watches Duncan silently push himself past the brink of exhaustion. In his desperate attempts to help find balance, has Chance caused Duncan to destroy his own?

Trigger Warning: The Wild Within explores the aftermath of a suicide attempt and life after a bipolar diagnosis. There are also discussions of grief, and mild suicidal ideation, of a side character's drug abuse. Please proceed with caution.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Slow Burn, Disability, Mental Health, Queer

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2023

About the author

Gwen Martin grew up in Florida where the sun was always shining, the humidity was high, and Disney was just a hop skip away. She currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee to experience seasons and be closer to the mountains. When she’s not trying to write one of her million story ideas, she’s usually hanging out with her husband and five cats.

Gwen first started writing at a young age, coming up with stories in class instead of paying attention to her math lessons. Since then she has been exploring her love of writing in various fan communities where she has learned how to cultivate character development and romantic interactions.

She has a strong love affair with cold brew coffee, black cats, and nerding out in various fandoms. When she’s not writing, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on, listening to a lot of lo-fi and making playlists, chilling with her gatos and obsessing about Pusheen. Because it’s always about Pusheen.

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always iffy when it comes to books that deal heavily with mental health and addiction because they’re not always well done, but The Wild Within was so beautiful written and had me so damn emotional.

Both Chance and Duncan have so much depth to their characters, but Chance’s character growth was phenomenal. I loved getting to see him at rock bottom and build himself back up, and Duncan was just a solid and unchanging presence for him, who never pressured or pushed Chance too far. I seriously loved their story so much.

[Marthea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+
Da się? Da 😁

Można napisać naprawdę dobrą historię, z bohaterami, którym niezmiernie daleko do papierowych, z prawdziwymi problemami - zarówno osobistymi, jak i społecznymi.

A przy tym nie epatować seksem - sceny są dwie, może trzy?
I - uwaga - książka przez to nie tylko nie traci na atrakcyjności, ale zdecydowanie ją zyskuje w moich oczach 🤗 Bo w końcu jest fabuła, historia się toczy, nie jest miałka i praktycznie nic nie jest rozwiązane seksem - co ostatnimi czasy w nowych książkach jest niemalże równie mityczne jak Yeti 😜

Lecę dalej 😁

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan and Chance ❤️

4 Stars ⭐️

After reading the first book, I had a pretty good idea that this was going to be a heavy hitting series and I was not wrong especially after reading this one. My goodness, Gwen Martin can write! This was a slow burn with so much emotion. There was turmoil and fear for days and it was written in a way that sunk down deep. These two most certainly didn't have it easy but when finally let go they were incredibly sweet together. This book was mildly spicy but the story far surpassed the need for that heat, it was all about the feelings. I would absolutely recommend and I can't wait for the next book in this series.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Bernice Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me sad and made me so happy at the same time.Duncan and Chance were made for each other,and they both deserve the happy ending they got.Both of them taking care of each other was one of the most beautiful moments in the book.And the collective being a safe haven for people who are lost and just needs someone to hold them,believe in them and guide them was such an amazing thing.

- [ ] Su!c!de attempt
- [ ] Bipolar disorder
- [ ] Found family
- [ ] Hurt/comfort
- [ ] Depression
- [ ] Bestfriend’s brother
- [ ] Emotional turmoil
- [ ] Panic attacks
- [ ] Slow burn
- [ ] Dual pov

[Tulika (books_and_raves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

in not so many words, i loved it, i loved it.

i feel like my entire body went through a blender, but in a comforting way? this book...was like a healing balm over a badly bandaged wound. it's tender, full of love and warmth and strength of people who fall down and scrape the rock bottom and still have the tenacity to not give up on themselves. it's laden with hope of a better future, with faith in our own ability to do better for ourselves.

it was also difficult to read the book at times, because it dealt with heavy themes that have been very close to me. so please check the tws before reading it.

but i picked it up at a time when i was probably going through a rough patch on my own, so reading a story that overall reinforces the message of /"be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it." in this beautiful way was really serendipitous. it has also one of the most detailed portrayals of bipolar disorder i've seen in a month and i honestly am so grateful to know more about it.

one of my favorite parts, and things that ensure i keep coming back to a new author, is the writing. which here was sublime, full of heart, every line oozing with a special brand of emotional that'd hit you right in your plexus.

another fave part: Chance and Duncan, as individual characters, were so tenderly and carefully fleshed out. their own struggles with life were written through this sincere heartfelt lens that never superimposed on each other. Chance's battle with his bipolar disorder, survival through manic highs and depressive lows that led him to suicidal ideations and suicide attempt, and his subsequent recovery really gutted me mentally, but i'd read it again and again.

this is a sensitive topic and not talked about enough in bookish spaces, (again please take care if it's triggering for you) but personally, when i'm mentally and emotionally capable enough for it, i crave to see such stories of survival. Chance's character arc, his need for independence and sticking with his meds and therapy enough to gain it was a thing of beauty. he waded through sm to arrive at a point of "normalcy" of his life and i love the story more bc of how it emphasizes on the power of therapy and right medications, of support groups and building a support system and a community around you, so even when you're scared of relapsing, you know you'll be supported.

also Duncan! another sweet portrayal of a character. his ache of loss of a loved one and the grief he battled with every day, that became a motivation for him. through him we get to witness the danger of getting carried away with the weight of taking care of others, and how we need to take care of ourselves first in order not to be buried under it.

and romantic. the romance was off-the-charts romantic. i always liked brother's best friend trope, and here there was a seven-year age gap that'd seemed off-putting at first, but they were both adult enough (24/31 probably?) for me to ignore it. and i loved the way their bond developed, from Chance being hostile to Duncan's very presence to slowly acclimatizing to it and not seeing him as his enemy, their feelings spinning into something wonderfully sweet, and intense. it might've grown a little fast, but their relationship was so inherently wholesome and SOFT AND SWEET i was frankly decimated. it just kind of perfectly captures how to support your loved ones through their difficult times, cushion their fall if the need be. they made my heart hurt but in a good way and i LOVE BOOKS LIKE THAT OKAY.

one of the best parts was the side characters, be it for Tristan, Chance's brother and how much his care padded Chance's recovery, or Nik, another member at The Collective and short glimpses into his addiction and recovery, what life for recovering addicts look like, which kind of shredded my heart but ehh.

i am so glad to be given a copy of this book by Foreword PR.

[S a n d r a · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really liked this one.

It’s not mandatory to read the prequel novella to understand it (the characters from that one barely make an appearance in this one and the story of the founding of The Collective doesn’t have impact in the story), but if you wish to, it was nice and entertaining.

Also, if you have read the novella you are already prepared by how angsty and dramatic the story is going to be, as the main focus of the series is The Collective, a non-profit organization that helps those in need be it due to mental health issues, addictions or whatever it is.

Our MCs are a volunteer of said non-profit and his best friend’s little brother, who was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and who’s trying to cope with it.

The story is heavy and not for everyone, but I loved how the author portrayed it. Chance, who’s trying to accept his disorder and how it affects (and has affected without him even knowing it) his life, was a strong-willed and brave guy you can’t help but fall in love with. And Duncan, whom at first seems to lead an easy and worry-free life, was both the support anyone would like to have when feeling fragile and broken, and at the same time delicate and hanging on a very very thin thread.

Ducan knows for personal experience how important organizations like The Collective are, and he can’t help but wonder what would have been of his brother if he had had the same support when he was younger. *a bit of a spoiler: I’m not sure if the author has said something about this, but as by the end of the book we know nothing about Logan, I’m crossing my fingers for him to make an appearance sometime in the future of the series*

I loved Duncan and Chase together. They don’t rush into a relationship; they don’t immediately feel like jumping each other. They kind of grow closer as they spend more and more time together while Duncan drives Chase around in stead of Tristan, Duncan’s best friend and Chase’s big brother. Before they even think of having something, the story focuses on Chase, who needs to attend to himself and get better, and then they find themselves in a point of no return where they can’t resist how they feel and must do something about it.

Even though the story has its share of drama and angst because of the main topic, the romance doesn’t, and that was a nice breather!

I will definitely be checking the upcoming books, much more considering the second book with be about Tristan himself! Can’t wait to discover more about him.

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

After reading The Wonder Within, I was definitely looking forward to seeing how The Collective would come together. It’s been a number of years now and The Collective has established itself as an amazing part of the community. It was lovely to see Jon’s vision brought to life in this facility that helps the less fortunate, who perhaps otherwise couldn’t get the help and support to deal with mental illness, recovery, and life skill classes that will help get them back on their feet and prepare them to head out into the world once again.

My heart absolutely broke for Chance. His disease makes him want to crawl out of his skin. He can’t stay still and is exhausted, scared and angry. Although I thought he might give up a few times, he perseveres and the change in him throughout the story was amazing to see. I love Duncan and although he seems to have his life together, as we dig deeper, we discover he’s just as broken as Chance.

I really like Chance and Duncan together and I loved that they never gave up on one another. They were there as a support system to pick up the pieces when things fell apart.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am disappointed that, while Mariah is a huge presence in the story, Leon and Toryn only make a brief appearance. They were so pivotal in making Jon’s vision come to life and I was sad to see they were not featured much throughout.

This was a well-written story, heavy on the emotions, light on the steam, but very enjoyable and definitely recommendable.

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen Martin is a new to me author as of a month ago. I read the prequel novella to this novel, and I went straight into this one because it was so impactful. Gwen has a way of writing mental illness that makes you want to read about it, even when it’s difficult to read.

Books of this topic can be difficult to read for some, heavy topics and heavy feelings have a way of manifesting. I would say to those with mental illness, like myself, that a warning should be taken. It was a fantastic read, BUT your own mental health should be thought of before reading.

The relationship between Duncan and Chance can be summed from the opening quote: “I know you’ve been living in survival mode, but maybe it’s time to accept that you deserve to be loved.” The word I use for this book is support, (and maybe love lol).

Chance broke me, I felt so bad for me and it took me much longer to read this than normal due to breaks I needed to take. He needed so much support, but he always needed to support to Duncan. Duncan is so used to supporting everyone without question or thought for himself. That was until Chance came along and decided he was going to get Duncan to breathe for himself for a change. I loved these two because they were so clearly what each other needed. What I really loved was that neither was perfect, but they were for each other.

Definitely looking forward to the next one.

*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.

[Michelle Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild Within is the first full length novel in The Collective Series. It tells the story of Duncan, who is a volunteer at The Collective and his best friend’s younger brother Chance. The prequel novella, The Wonder Within, tells the story of how The Collective came to be. Even though it’s not necessary to read the prequel to enjoy this book, I think it adds to the experience. There are cameos of characters from the prequel, and another book written by Gwen called Chasing Hope. I love how she connects these books and characters together!
Duncan has a heartbreaking reason why he volunteers at The Collective and Chance has finally been diagnosed with Bipolar DO after a tragedy and many years of mental health struggles. I love how Gwen writes about the many facets of mental health and it’s effects not only on the individual but also their family and loved ones. She has a way of describing her characters and developing her stories to where you feel all the emotions that they are feeling. This is not my first book that I’ve read by Gwen and I’ve noticed that she definitely has a way with writing about mental health, heartbeat and various struggles that is real and heartfelt. Duncan and Chance, even with their struggles get their HEA that is real and not contrived just to end the story on a happy note. There story shows that love doesn’t magically fixes things, however it can be fulfilling and wonderful even if life isn’t perfect.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a hard one for me. The main characters, Duncan and Chance, are broken, in different ways. Chance went a long time with an undiagnosed/wrongly diagnosis bipolarism. Duncan's life is frozen. His work and his volunteering at the Collective revolve around a desire to reconnect with the brother he hasn't seen in seventeen years. Two of the secondary characters are equally broken. Tristan, Chance's brother and Duncan's best friend, worries his life away. Between a very demanding job and trying to be there for his brother, his tank is empty. Then there's Nik. He's a 19 year old addict. fresh out of rehab. And he's beginning to spiral down.
A bit depressing. A lot of angst. And unvoiced anger. The last half of the book is a story of recovery and rebuilding.
The book is extremely well written. Great worldbuilding. Gwen Martin certainly did her research on bipolar. And though it does follow brother's best friend trope, it's so much more. This isn't a book to read when you're feeling sad or if you're life isn't on an even keel. Expect some tears or misty eyes as the story reaches it's climax. There's no content warning in the book blurb. Nor in the pre-chapter one synopsis.
Overall, a good book. I'm not gonna lie and say it was a lite or fun book. Duncan and Chance's relationship is sweet. But I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, not believing there possibly could be a HEA.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.

[titane · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Très bon synopsis mais pas assez de ANGST.

- J'ai trouvé la description de la bipolarité très belle et non stéréotypée, un bon point

- Néanmoins, parfois je trouve qu'il manque de cohérence à l'histoire. Chance se pose au début des questions sur la relation avec Duncan, si celle-ci va tenir malgré sa bipolarité, il ne se sent pas légitime de lui et toutes ces questions disparaissent par la suite sans qu'on ne les adresse vraiment. J'aurais aimé qu'il y ait plus d'hésitation dans cette relation, même jusqu'à la self destruction éventuellement au début de la relation.

- Pareil pour Duncan qui se tue au travail, ne dort plus... Et qui revient pimpant sans que l'on développe sur son changement d'etat d'esprit. Tous les efforts qu'il faut sont en plus pour qu'il puisse sauver The Collective, mais quand on lui annonce que celui-ci va fermer, sa réaction très mesurées m'a semblée étrange par rapport à ces actions pour le coup self destructrice.

- En gros j'ai l'impression que certaines issues (notamment la self destruction de Duncan, le doute de Chance) sont adressées sans être développé par la suite ce qu'il m'a un peu déçu.

- Je n'ai pas du tout accroché avec le style d'écriture, beaucoup de description de gestes, mais très peu sur ce qu'il se passe dans leurs têtes, ce qui rend certains moments avec beaucoup de potentiel plus plat à cause du manque de précision et de balance dans l'écriture.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEST FRIENDS YOUNGER BROTHER LOVE!

“Everyone’s got something wild inside of them that they battle with.”

“we don’t have to do it alone.”

It has been ten years and the Collective has been going strong by helping people with getting back on their feet after addictions, mental health issues among other things.

The first book deals with one of the mentors Duncan Maxwell who has been helping people for seven years above and beyond and neglecting himself in the process until his best friend Tristan needs his help with his younger brother- Chance Edward’s who is suffering from mental health issues…

Chance Edward’s has demons he needs to eradicate by being weaned off his meds after a suicidal attempt…

He comes forth as a very irritating embittered character in the beginning but as soon as he gets better and has the bi-polar disorder under control with the help of Duncan and new meds we encounter a sweet, caring and beautiful soul who loves to create beautiful wooden garden objects…

Duncan was a sweetheart and knew just how to treat Chance as an equal and not as a liability…

Their journey to love, self acceptance and overall happiness was sweet and endearing with many issues they had to overcome together!

I loved Tristan as a supporting character and look forward to his story next!

I voluntarily received an ARC from Forward PR & Marketing for an honest non biased review.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

This was a difficult story to read in some ways but it was also inspirational. Mental illness is not something that is written about very often and people with it are often shunned.

Chance is struggling with his newly diagnosed bi-polar condition but at least he now knows what's been behind his erratic behavior for several years. His brother has given him a place to live and is very supportive but Chance wants to become independent. His brother travels a lot for his job so his best friend, Duncan, is helping Chance get to his various appointments. I felt the strong connection between these to guys. I liked how supportive Duncan is and how Chance is supportive of secondary character, Nik. I loved the epilogue, set 2 years later. It was wonderful to see how Duncan and Chance were doing. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.

This was a well written novel and the subject matter is one that needs to receive more positive representation.

Note: I don't see any trigger warnings for this story but I think there should be. It deals with difficult subject matter including suicidal thoughts.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I gave this 5* but I've been thinking about some things and decided to lower it to 4*.
On what I did not really like later on.

What I loved:
- so, I am a complete sucker for hurt/comfort and this delivered: panic attacks, struggles, therapies, depressive thought - yup, this book had everything and more. Nothing was easy but when it came to be it felt deserved.
- the struggle for self-acceptance
- the found family (though I wish there was more of it)
- the slow burn - the relationship was just so so natural and I squealed with happiness when their pinkies (yep, literal pinkies) touched. There is some smut but only to further their relationship.

Why not 5*? well...:
- Duncan's struggles were seriously just a side plot. And I do not know why... It could've been much more important. Even other characters discussing his tired ass would make fun of him (lightheartedly but still). And I do not think it was addressed enough - his cousin (that was a bit annoying) is not enough sadly. It just felt like a way to make Duncan more fleshed out (so that his existence is not defined only by Chance) but the delivery was a bit lacking.
- the epilogue - I mean, the "bomb" was dropped and we missed it all? Like what? Plus it was just too idyllic that I rolled me eyes a couple of times. Yep. It was so OTT that it was really at odds with the rest of the book.

note: no third-act break up, yay!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan Maxwell spends his days working or helping others so when his best friend needs him to drive his younger brother around he doesn't hesitate to say yes. Many of Chance's appointments are at The Collective where he volunteers plus it doesn't hurt that he is charming, funny and attractive. Chance's world has spiralled into a blur of adjusted medications, support groups and therapy after his recent bipolar diagnosis but he considers himself lucky as most people don't have the kind of support his brother has given him. So he focuses on not being a burden and searching for a life beyond his diagnosis and maybe a life with Duncan. When Chance struggles to tame the wildness within himself he watches Duncan push himself silently past the brink of exhaustion. In his desperate attempts to help find balance, has Chance caused Duncan to destroy his own?

This was a heartwarming story of two men who were perfect for each other and yet had their battles to overcome - Chance had a mental illness and Duncan had grief and loss of his brother. I loved the way that they were attracted to each other and that it was not caused by sympathy or empathy for their problems. This was beautifully written and quite emotional but you will end up with smiles when it ends. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

** Please read the trigger warnings!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please watch out for the trigger warnings and keep a box of tissues at hand. There were times I wondered if the anxiety would get me down, but Gwen Martin lifted me out of those doldrums each time by showing or pointing towards hope. Her words and quotes were definitely uplifting when times got rough.

Chance was one of the fortunate people who had a family member and then a friend be there to support him while acclimating to new medication and situations. In a way, Tristan's new position out of town, made Chance realise he could do things unaided. Duncan started off being the backup supporter and ended up so much more.
Words/quotes taken from throughout the book, sum up the timeline for me. In the beginning - "it felt like I was battling with a wild storm." Then the middle onwards - "Be strong enough to stand alone. Smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it." If we're smart, we can all make the last quote a regular constant to help us all through some really tough times.
A really well researched and well written book.
I received a copy and it is my true pleasure to have been able to read and leave my honest and voluntary review.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the prequel story to this series, so had to pick up this one too. I’m now hooked and will be reading more. I loved Duncan and Chance’s story, and how the author doesn’t shy away from the reality of living with bipolar, especially while trying to get the medication right.

I liked how Chance describes his condition as a wild beast within, and feels frustrated with that, the side effects of his medication, and needing to rely on others. This story, and his mental and emotional journal feels very real. I loved how he comes into his own, finds his path in life, and gets his HEA.

I liked Duncan’s friendship with Tristan, how what happened to Logan is slowly revealed, and why Duncan is pushing himself so much. I loved how Chance is good for him, and they both help each other.

The glimpse of Leon and Toryn again is an added bonus and I enjoyed seeing The Collective ten years on, the difference it makes to the community, and how everyone rallies around to save it.

I’m looking forward to Tristan’s book. I’m invested in his story already!

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I knew I was going to be hooked on the series when I finished the novella, The Wonder Within. I was transfixed by Gwen Martin’s writing style and the beauty and depth she brought to her characters. I adore the idea of The Collective - such a fantastic concept that should exist everywhere.

The Wild Within was perfect. Its topics are heavy and emotional, one living with bipolar, the other dealing with sort of survivor guilt and loss. But these aren’t just mental issues tossed in, these are men living real lives with real issues. They are layered and have depth, and they both struggle and shine bright in equal measure.

The care they find for one another is tender and brings the other a sort of peace, but it’s also not a magic fix. But it is beautiful. Their connection is special.

And the ending…it filled my heart.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I have always enjoye about this author is the depth of her characters. She really knows how to craft a deep, believable and amazing tale that will make your both laugh and cry. This time she absolutely nailed the mental health awareness. Chance and Duncan are so well written. Especially Chance with his struggles of learning how to live in a healthy way with his bipolar diagnosis. I also love The Collective. I wish there were more real programs like that, especially here in the South. This story is very worth a read but be prepared to feel these characters’ pain. Both men are struggling for different reasons. It was very rewarding to watch them come through the other side together!

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 🖤
𝚋𝚢 @gwen.martin.author

🇦​​🇷​​🇨​ ​🇷​​🇪​​🇻​​🇮​​🇪​​🇼

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘- 4.25/5 ⭐️

↓↓
This was an extremely emotional read. The portrayal of addiction and bipolar disorder was handled so well by this author.

Chance and Duncan had amazing depth throughout the whole story but Chance, man Chance had such great growth. The way that he overcame the struggle he was battling with his diagnosis with BP, was phenomenal.

I loved every character, they each had their own qualities that Improved the story so much.

Can’t wait to read Tristan’s book next.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🖤 Forced proximity ⁠
🖤 Mental illness rep⁠
🖤 Gardner enthusiast ⁠
🖤 Small Age Gap⁠
🖤 hurt/comfort ⁠
🖤 angst⁠
🖤 Slow Burn⁠

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional story that is sometimes painful to read. Chance is working to overcome a suicide attempt and a bipolar diagnosis, and Duncan struggles with unanswered questions years after his addicted brother went missing. Both are in pain, but they are able to bring comfort and happiness into each other's lives.
It ia wonderful to see the changes in Chance as the book progresses. I especially love how he cares for and worries about his brother and Duncan. Chance and Duncan have great chemistry and heart. Many scenes take place at The Collective, the heart of this series and a place that gives hope to so many people in recovery. I enjoyed this installment and have grabbed the first one. I look forward to seeing how The Collective came to be.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the prequel novella to this series and book one is also a really compelling read. I loved seeing The Collective up and running, busy helping lots of people. Duncan and Chance have a really emotional story to tell, and this is one of the best depictions of living with mental illness that I’ve read. You really feel in the trenches with Chance as he is working through his bipolar diagnosis. It’s sometimes hard to read but I loved his tenacity in not giving up and for stepping up to help Duncan when he was struggling. I really enjoyed spending more time in this world, it has wonderful characters and a really engaging writing style. I’m definitely looking forward to Tristian’s story next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense! Chance is diagnosed with BiPolar Disorder and is determined to find a healthy path. He is lucky his brother, Tris is supportive and engages his best friend, Duncan to help. Duncan is a nurturer and dedicates his life to helping others. Excellent story exploring the mentally vulnerable, how they struggle to walk through life and those that care for them and try to help them. This book has real life dilemmas, crisis and paths to recovery. The author handles serious real life situations with delicacy and tact. You spend your time reading hoping the men find their paths and stay on them. Great group of characters who I hope we see again. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was filled with so much hope. Chance is really struggling with himself which has to be the toughest way to live. He is determined not to have his condition affect others around him, so he is dedicated to figuring himself out. Chance is one of the strongest characters I have read in a long time, if the not the strongest one. His disorder broke my heart. Once Duncan started to help Chance, he was all in. He had so much genuine care and support for Chance. Duncan never gave up on Chance despite his own emotional issues and limitations. This was the kind of touching hurt comfort that really stays with you. Seeing these two never give up on each other was inspirational.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. This is the first book that I have by this author and it really packed a punch. The books starts with Duncan getting a call from his friend Tristan saying he received a call from his brother. When Duncan went over and found out what happened, he was there for him and offered some advise. Fast forward one month, and Chance is living with his brother Tristan and trying with doctors to figure out his medication. With Tristan being out of town a lot, Duncan was able to help with Chance. They got closer and they helped each other. Loved the epilogue as it was two years later. You will not be disappointed with this book.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional story, and a moving one. The author takes on complex topics— mental health, addiction, etc.— with care and clarity and gives readers a chance to get to know some deeply interesting characters. Chance and Duncan are both seriously easy to care about: Chance’s trajectory over the course of the narrative is one of hardwon growth and progress, Duncan is solid, steady, and yet also deeply human and in need of support of his own at times. There’s slow burn, hurt/comfort goodness galore for these two, as well as real depth in their connection, and all in all it makes for a rewarding read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book describes Chance's journey with acclimating to new medication and situations, with the support of his family and friend Tristan. Tristan's move out of town made Chance realize he could do things on his own, and Duncan stepped in as a backup supporter. In the beginning, Chance felt like he was battling a wild storm, but as he progressed, he learned to be strong enough to stand alone and smart enough to know when he needed help. The book is a well-researched and well-written account of Chance's journey that encourages readers to be brave enough to ask for help when needed.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance and Duncan really took me on an emotional roller-coaster. Chance was holding on by a thread but hold on he did, through hospitalization and crappy drug side-effects (seriously, why is the "cure" sometimes worse than the issues it's supposed to treat 🤦‍♀️). I liked how Duncan tried his best to take Chance as he was, no pitying looks or excessive help. He was just there if Chance needed him, it was great watching Chance regain his independence after everything he'd been through. This was a fantastic series starter.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great series. The storyline in this book has an immense warmth to it. It is a love story but it’s so much more. It has a family dynamic to it that pulls at your heart. It has the romance that has its own draw, then it has a healing that you hang on to. You emotionally invest in it and I will say at different times I was tearing up. Duncan and Chance sold their love story but the other characters all pulled you in, as well. Every one of them added strength to this lovely story. A book that deserves to be read. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan helps his BF's brother Chance after a suicide attempt and slowly falls in love with the man rebuilding his life through rehab and therapy for his mental illness. This book is very thoughtful, absorbing and full of angst in the telling of this battle and the worry and pain of the people trying to help. The subject matter can be very heavy and hard for some people to read and there are some lighter moments filled with love. I received a copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my voluntary opinion.