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More Than Words
I love you, Sam. Just four simple words. Easy, right?
Oliver Ellison’s heart knows the words are true. Sam Reynolds is the love of his life, and Ollie wants nothing more than to tell his boyfriend how he feels. But trauma and pain from a brutal assault nearly two years ago have kept Ollie from being free to say the words out loud—or to express his love through physical intimacy.
Sam understands. He was there at the beginning, after all. He was the one who took care of Ollie during the aftermath, and he’s been there ever since, with his sunshine-filled smile and endless support. Healing is a long road, and Sam is committed. However long it takes.
But when a family emergency on the opposite side of the country forces them apart, Sam and Ollie might need all the strength of their love, and much more than just words, to help them get through.
More Than Words is an emotional, angsty MM contemporary hurt/comfort romance that tells a story of deep love, living with PTSD from past trauma, and building a forever through life's ups and downs. It features PTSD/trauma and healing, an established relationship, found family, virgin MCs, and a guaranteed (and very sweet!) happily ever after.Trigger references to off-page assault, PTSD with flashbacks, implied homophobia, food aversion/eating disorder; see inside preview for additional content warnings.
Oliver Ellison’s heart knows the words are true. Sam Reynolds is the love of his life, and Ollie wants nothing more than to tell his boyfriend how he feels. But trauma and pain from a brutal assault nearly two years ago have kept Ollie from being free to say the words out loud—or to express his love through physical intimacy.
Sam understands. He was there at the beginning, after all. He was the one who took care of Ollie during the aftermath, and he’s been there ever since, with his sunshine-filled smile and endless support. Healing is a long road, and Sam is committed. However long it takes.
But when a family emergency on the opposite side of the country forces them apart, Sam and Ollie might need all the strength of their love, and much more than just words, to help them get through.
More Than Words is an emotional, angsty MM contemporary hurt/comfort romance that tells a story of deep love, living with PTSD from past trauma, and building a forever through life's ups and downs. It features PTSD/trauma and healing, an established relationship, found family, virgin MCs, and a guaranteed (and very sweet!) happily ever after.Trigger references to off-page assault, PTSD with flashbacks, implied homophobia, food aversion/eating disorder; see inside preview for additional content warnings.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 105 reviews
June 5, 2025
So, I cried. And cried. And cried.
It's a miracle that the tablet didn't get water damage.
It's a very good book, but only if you really want to feel a lot of pain while reading it.
And Sam and Ollie are already a couple from the start, so there isn't the usual relationship building that most books have.
It's a book about healing and about the incredible love that connects these two characters. And especially the incredible patience and devotion that Sam shows.
I wish everyone who experiences abuse of any kind could find a person like Sam.
I don't normally like long epilogues, and definitely not ones that stretch out over long periods of time, but I'll make an exception here. Even though it's penetrative sex that brings the whole thing to a close, it actually ties the book together nicely. It's rare that I find something like that fitting. There's a lot more in the epilogue, but this was concise for me. The sex scene itself isn't that important, but it's very good, and the fact that it happens gives the story a really happy ending without being over the top.
Sam smiled to himself as he pictured Ollie’s huge grin lighting up the room. But his smile quickly faded. It had . . . been a while since he’d seen that smile—that smile that made his pulse race and brightened his day. It still peeked through every now and then, but recently, it seemed to have become less frequent as Ollie’s nightmares had become more frequent. 😭😭😭
He remembered when they’d met, not quite two years ago now, Sam had been so happy, so carefree, so confident and upbeat and funny. He still was, mostly. But recently, Ollie felt like he’d blunted all of that in a way—like all he was doing was bringing Sam down, making life difficult, sucking away all of Sam’s light and brilliance. And that . . . was scary to him. 😭😭😭
It's a miracle that the tablet didn't get water damage.
It's a very good book, but only if you really want to feel a lot of pain while reading it.
And Sam and Ollie are already a couple from the start, so there isn't the usual relationship building that most books have.
It's a book about healing and about the incredible love that connects these two characters. And especially the incredible patience and devotion that Sam shows.
I wish everyone who experiences abuse of any kind could find a person like Sam.
I don't normally like long epilogues, and definitely not ones that stretch out over long periods of time, but I'll make an exception here. Even though it's penetrative sex that brings the whole thing to a close, it actually ties the book together nicely. It's rare that I find something like that fitting. There's a lot more in the epilogue, but this was concise for me. The sex scene itself isn't that important, but it's very good, and the fact that it happens gives the story a really happy ending without being over the top.
Sam smiled to himself as he pictured Ollie’s huge grin lighting up the room. But his smile quickly faded. It had . . . been a while since he’d seen that smile—that smile that made his pulse race and brightened his day. It still peeked through every now and then, but recently, it seemed to have become less frequent as Ollie’s nightmares had become more frequent. 😭😭😭
He remembered when they’d met, not quite two years ago now, Sam had been so happy, so carefree, so confident and upbeat and funny. He still was, mostly. But recently, Ollie felt like he’d blunted all of that in a way—like all he was doing was bringing Sam down, making life difficult, sucking away all of Sam’s light and brilliance. And that . . . was scary to him. 😭😭😭
March 26, 2024
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Oh, my heart aches.
More Than Words was a beautiful, achy romance.
Oliver and Sam were barely getting started, when Ollie experienced something traumatic that sent his relationship, and his life, into a dark place. Thanks to Sam’s constant love and support, they manage not only to survive, but to live and love and find happiness after the pain.
This was a story of healing, of feeling broken but trying to fit all the pieces back together. A story of the hardships and struggles one has to face after trauma, how to learn to love again and be loved without the past haunting every moment.
Their journey broke my heart and this was not an easy read, but I’m so glad they found their happy ever after.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- References to past SA
- PTSD w/ flashbacks
- Homophobia
- Food aversion/eating disorder
- Hurt/comfort
- Mention of parent death (cancer)
- Strict top/bottom (one scene)
“Just being here with you, love . . . that’s enough.
You are enough. Always.”
Oh, my heart aches.
More Than Words was a beautiful, achy romance.
Oliver and Sam were barely getting started, when Ollie experienced something traumatic that sent his relationship, and his life, into a dark place. Thanks to Sam’s constant love and support, they manage not only to survive, but to live and love and find happiness after the pain.
“When I say ‘as long as you need,’ I mean that. I love you. And that means . . . I’ll wait as long as you need. Please believe me, Oll.”
This was a story of healing, of feeling broken but trying to fit all the pieces back together. A story of the hardships and struggles one has to face after trauma, how to learn to love again and be loved without the past haunting every moment.
Their journey broke my heart and this was not an easy read, but I’m so glad they found their happy ever after.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- References to past SA
- PTSD w/ flashbacks
- Homophobia
- Food aversion/eating disorder
- Hurt/comfort
- Mention of parent death (cancer)
- Strict top/bottom (one scene)
February 19, 2024
Such a deep, emotional journey!
Becca Neil's debut book showcases her undeniable potential as an author. The book is a thorough journey dedicated to healing, patience, and love, shown - unusually - against the backdrop of an already established relationship. This is noteworthy since there aren't many books with this trope where the drama is portrayed in the context of an existing relationship; usually, couples are just getting to know each other. It was fresh and interesting for me.
I like how detailed the relationship between Sam and Ollie is, giving us a glimpse into their everyday lives and intimate conversations. The relationship is full of tenderness and trust.
I enjoy getting up close and personal with the characters, and the author provided me with a large dose of interesting and beautifully described interactions between the characters. Their love is truly intense and rare, and Sam's patience and nurturing attitude set this character apart from many other book characters with this trope.
The story depicts events occurring two years after the assault on Ollie. We never learn the details of the attack; they only appear as faint flashes of memory that Ollie experiences. The details are scattered, and the reader doesn't get an exact description of what really happened; we only observe the 'aftermath'. This is positive in that the assault is not described, saving the reader from additional trauma. The book also shows the family's approach, with Ollie's family being supportive and Sam's family (except for his uncle) being much less pleasant.
The main plot threads revolve around Ollie's sexual trauma(he is blocked in that regard), but not only in that aspect, but also in the emotional aspect. He has trouble revealing the depth of his feelings to Sam. The only moments when Sam hears these confessions are when Ollie murmurs them in his sleep.
The second important thread is the forced separation the characters must endure. This is good in that it triggers a change in Ollie, who realizes the depth of his feelings.
The ending of the book is a satisfying reconciliation, the details of which I won't reveal to avoid spoiling things for readers. There is also an Epilogue that adds an important healing element to the story and serves as a good closing arc.
My rating is 5 stars *****!
- a very successful debut, a great, in-depth portrait of a challenging relationship, detailed description of emotions, beautifully depicted tender feelings and trust(a rarity in modern books!).
Recently, there has been an abundance of books focused solely on sex, more polyamory books, books with fetishes, and less genuine human relationships, deepened and nurtured.
The world portrayed in modern romance novels, both MF and MM, is becoming increasingly hedonistic, casual sex is glorified and presented as something more valuable than an authentic, close, trusting, and loving relationship between two human souls. Which is sad. How many times can people have kinky sex? Thousands, before it shows its ugly, empty side? And then you are alone, just stare at the mirror with an empty gaze, so depressing.
Becca Neil's book contradicts this soulcrashing trend, a rare gem amidst the flood of books with flat, undeveloped characters and barely outlined emotions.
If you are looking for books with deep emotional intensity, trust-building, and love, patience - this is the book for you. If you prefer smutty books and don't care about the details of a challenging healing journey, then choose another book.
Co-dependency
What I especially love was the sweet element of co-dependency that I search for in books so hard and rarely find.
Ninety-nine percent of books in the market show characters being almost separate from each other emotionally, usually just having sex and being bratty. Some authors even copy the trope from M+F books of modern women slogans "I'm super independent," which results in a lack of chemistry and closeness between MCs.
And I search and search and search.... and can't find such books; they are so sparse. I wanted to thank the author for putting an element of it in the book. It's a rare gem and it was just perfect!
---------------------------------------------
READER!
Please, don't choose the book if you prefer more porn/erotic-heavy books, don't hurt the precious sparse authors that still write in-depth emotional books. Let them write books for people like me, longing for authentic human connections.
The review is based on reading of a very early ARC copy.
This is my honest review.
Becca Neil's debut book showcases her undeniable potential as an author. The book is a thorough journey dedicated to healing, patience, and love, shown - unusually - against the backdrop of an already established relationship. This is noteworthy since there aren't many books with this trope where the drama is portrayed in the context of an existing relationship; usually, couples are just getting to know each other. It was fresh and interesting for me.
I like how detailed the relationship between Sam and Ollie is, giving us a glimpse into their everyday lives and intimate conversations. The relationship is full of tenderness and trust.
I enjoy getting up close and personal with the characters, and the author provided me with a large dose of interesting and beautifully described interactions between the characters. Their love is truly intense and rare, and Sam's patience and nurturing attitude set this character apart from many other book characters with this trope.
The story depicts events occurring two years after the assault on Ollie. We never learn the details of the attack; they only appear as faint flashes of memory that Ollie experiences. The details are scattered, and the reader doesn't get an exact description of what really happened; we only observe the 'aftermath'. This is positive in that the assault is not described, saving the reader from additional trauma. The book also shows the family's approach, with Ollie's family being supportive and Sam's family (except for his uncle) being much less pleasant.
The main plot threads revolve around Ollie's sexual trauma(he is blocked in that regard), but not only in that aspect, but also in the emotional aspect. He has trouble revealing the depth of his feelings to Sam. The only moments when Sam hears these confessions are when Ollie murmurs them in his sleep.
The second important thread is the forced separation the characters must endure. This is good in that it triggers a change in Ollie, who realizes the depth of his feelings.
The ending of the book is a satisfying reconciliation, the details of which I won't reveal to avoid spoiling things for readers. There is also an Epilogue that adds an important healing element to the story and serves as a good closing arc.
My rating is 5 stars *****!
- a very successful debut, a great, in-depth portrait of a challenging relationship, detailed description of emotions, beautifully depicted tender feelings and trust(a rarity in modern books!).
Recently, there has been an abundance of books focused solely on sex, more polyamory books, books with fetishes, and less genuine human relationships, deepened and nurtured.
The world portrayed in modern romance novels, both MF and MM, is becoming increasingly hedonistic, casual sex is glorified and presented as something more valuable than an authentic, close, trusting, and loving relationship between two human souls. Which is sad. How many times can people have kinky sex? Thousands, before it shows its ugly, empty side? And then you are alone, just stare at the mirror with an empty gaze, so depressing.
Becca Neil's book contradicts this soulcrashing trend, a rare gem amidst the flood of books with flat, undeveloped characters and barely outlined emotions.
If you are looking for books with deep emotional intensity, trust-building, and love, patience - this is the book for you. If you prefer smutty books and don't care about the details of a challenging healing journey, then choose another book.
Co-dependency
What I especially love was the sweet element of co-dependency that I search for in books so hard and rarely find.
Ninety-nine percent of books in the market show characters being almost separate from each other emotionally, usually just having sex and being bratty. Some authors even copy the trope from M+F books of modern women slogans "I'm super independent," which results in a lack of chemistry and closeness between MCs.
And I search and search and search.... and can't find such books; they are so sparse. I wanted to thank the author for putting an element of it in the book. It's a rare gem and it was just perfect!
---------------------------------------------
READER!
Please, don't choose the book if you prefer more porn/erotic-heavy books, don't hurt the precious sparse authors that still write in-depth emotional books. Let them write books for people like me, longing for authentic human connections.
The review is based on reading of a very early ARC copy.
This is my honest review.
February 17, 2024
The book brought me great pleasure as I'm a huge fan of the "Hurt to Comfort" trope!
This story is an excellent representative of that kind of books.
We follow the story of Ollie and Sam, a couple in love who decide to continue their very fresh relationship despite a huge trauma that occurs at the beginning of their journey. Ollie is attacked and brutalized, which isn't shown on the pages of the book; we only get flashbacks/memories, thankfully sparing us brutal details. The event has a huge impact on Ollie's psyche; he exhibits strong PTSD symptoms, and his journey to healing is very long and rocky.
The book shows us the stages of his healing journey in detail; the narration proceeds unhurriedly, allowing us to focus on the emotions and closeness between the two. I must admit that I enjoyed reading it for a very selfish reason: my latest book also has a slow pace and a similar theme, and I'm aware that not every reader will appreciate the effort the author put into realistically depicting healing from PTSD, which is often not fully possible.
I enjoyed the intimacy and tenderness between Ollie and Sam; the immense trust they showed each other. It is truly a beautiful portrait of love, which is rare in a world full of selfishness and narcissism. Ollie and Sam embody deep values, sacrifice, and patience almost from another era, which is perhaps why I read the story with great sentiment.
The epilogue surprised me because, I didn't expect a certain thread to be there, but it turned out it was, which was a pleasant surprise.
This isn't a book for every reader, as there's a strong emphasis on psychology rather than a simple chemistry of a newfound romance, since Ollie and Sam's relationship is already established, and it's certainly not an erotic novel :)
But it's a beautiful "aftermath" landscape—the journey of two people toward healing and deepening their love, truly a unique position, worth considering for anyone interested in a deeper, patiently written, more emotional and close-to-life story.
This is truly a great debut for this author, and I eagerly await her next books!
This story is an excellent representative of that kind of books.
We follow the story of Ollie and Sam, a couple in love who decide to continue their very fresh relationship despite a huge trauma that occurs at the beginning of their journey. Ollie is attacked and brutalized, which isn't shown on the pages of the book; we only get flashbacks/memories, thankfully sparing us brutal details. The event has a huge impact on Ollie's psyche; he exhibits strong PTSD symptoms, and his journey to healing is very long and rocky.
The book shows us the stages of his healing journey in detail; the narration proceeds unhurriedly, allowing us to focus on the emotions and closeness between the two. I must admit that I enjoyed reading it for a very selfish reason: my latest book also has a slow pace and a similar theme, and I'm aware that not every reader will appreciate the effort the author put into realistically depicting healing from PTSD, which is often not fully possible.
I enjoyed the intimacy and tenderness between Ollie and Sam; the immense trust they showed each other. It is truly a beautiful portrait of love, which is rare in a world full of selfishness and narcissism. Ollie and Sam embody deep values, sacrifice, and patience almost from another era, which is perhaps why I read the story with great sentiment.
The epilogue surprised me because, I didn't expect a certain thread to be there, but it turned out it was, which was a pleasant surprise.
This isn't a book for every reader, as there's a strong emphasis on psychology rather than a simple chemistry of a newfound romance, since Ollie and Sam's relationship is already established, and it's certainly not an erotic novel :)
But it's a beautiful "aftermath" landscape—the journey of two people toward healing and deepening their love, truly a unique position, worth considering for anyone interested in a deeper, patiently written, more emotional and close-to-life story.
This is truly a great debut for this author, and I eagerly await her next books!
August 3, 2025
Okay so this was cute and I love an established relationship book, but there was just something missing? I felt like Sam and Ollie tiptoed around each other too much (and sometimes it was warranted given what happened to Ollie!) but it left them not entirely being able to communicate? Idk how to explain it like I wanted them to really sit down and talk instead of their inner monologuing being how much they love each other?
That all being said I did really like how Sam took care of Ollie and was patient and then when Sam was going through it, Ollie was determined to be there for him in the same way.
I think the nickname “love” was used a bit too much lol but that’s just a me-ism
That all being said I did really like how Sam took care of Ollie and was patient and then when Sam was going through it, Ollie was determined to be there for him in the same way.
I think the nickname “love” was used a bit too much lol but that’s just a me-ism
June 20, 2025
More Than Words is honestly the perfect title for this book—because sometimes actions speak louder than anything we could ever say. This story is full of quiet moments, unspoken devotion, and the kind of love that doesn’t need constant declarations to feel real.
The slowest burn, but the purest love
Like Pieces of Home, this book has a calm tone. It gently involves you in the healing process, surrounding you with people who stay through the darkness, who don’t run when things get hard. There’s pain here, yes, but also warmth, and moments of genuine human connection.
Sam… I don’t even know how to describe him. His love and dedication are beyond words. Maybe in different circumstances he’d be a different kind of man, but this is the version of him we get—and it’s beautiful. Yes, he’s probably a unicorn, maybe even too perfect, but I honestly don’t care. After everything Ollie went through, why shouldn’t he have someone like Sam? Someone patient, kind, steady. Someone who never makes him feel like too much or not enough.
Of course, their relationship isn’t perfectly balanced—how could it be? Nothing about their situation lends itself to equality. But I truly believe time will even things out. As Ollie heals, he’ll be able to give more. The foundation between them is strong enough to carry that hope.
The side characters were wonderful. I especially loved Katherine, how she was a mother to them both, her relationship with her son is incredible, but what touched me deeply was her interactions with Sam, which makes me cry all over again.Loved it. And also Barry and Jaz added a quiet strength that grounded the story.
I found myself wanting more from the beginning of their story. I wish we’d seen how they met, and the aftermath of the assault—how Sam processed it, what those early days looked like. The book starts two years later, when they’ve been a couple for only 3 weeks and haven’t had sex yet. Sam is presented as this almost impossibly perfect partner—always caring, always focused on Ollie—but I wanted to understand Ollie’s side better. What effect did all of this have on him, specifically in terms of intimacy and trust? I wanted more insight into how trauma shaped their early relationship.Its like i know, but i wanted to see it. And I’m very disappointed that we don’t get closure on the abusers. I don’t know what happened to them and that’s a major flaw in the plot. I understand the choice to not include details, but what happened to those fuckers was mandatory to be in the book.
I know I shouldn’t be focusing on this kind of thing in a book like this, but… Sam calls Ollie “love” at the end of almost every sentence. And while I genuinely love it, 136 times it started to feel like a bit much. I'm sorry Sam and Ollie—I just can’t turn off my brain, even when I’m fully in my feelings.
All in all, this was a deeply emotional and tender story. Not always easy to read, but full of compassion. I More than anything, it’s about how love shows up—not just in words, but in the quiet, everyday choices to stay. Seeing their happy ending—watching the future shine for them—made my heart smile. This had one of the most beautiful I Love You ever,the emotion and rawness was everywhere ❤.And it ends with sex, but it’s so much more that, it’s the intimacy, getting trust back, feeling safe. It was beautiful 😍the epilogue added so much, those glimpses into their future meant everything 🥰
This. This was home. Everything he ever needed or wanted or wished he had—it was here, with Ollie.
Sam rubbed one hand up Ollie’s back and then brushed a light kiss against his cheek. “I love you,” he whispered, his chest tight with emotion. He felt Ollie smile.
“I love you too. So much. Always.” Ollie lowered his head to Sam’s shoulder, leaning into their embrace.
They stayed there for a few more minutes, until the sun was well on its way up over the top of the mountains, brightening the sky and bringing a hint of warmth to the crisp air. Then Ollie straightened up and grinned, his smile brilliant and . . . uninhibited. Sam’s heart fluttered, and he dipped down for another brief kiss.
The slowest burn, but the purest love
Like Pieces of Home, this book has a calm tone. It gently involves you in the healing process, surrounding you with people who stay through the darkness, who don’t run when things get hard. There’s pain here, yes, but also warmth, and moments of genuine human connection.
Sam… I don’t even know how to describe him. His love and dedication are beyond words. Maybe in different circumstances he’d be a different kind of man, but this is the version of him we get—and it’s beautiful. Yes, he’s probably a unicorn, maybe even too perfect, but I honestly don’t care. After everything Ollie went through, why shouldn’t he have someone like Sam? Someone patient, kind, steady. Someone who never makes him feel like too much or not enough.
Of course, their relationship isn’t perfectly balanced—how could it be? Nothing about their situation lends itself to equality. But I truly believe time will even things out. As Ollie heals, he’ll be able to give more. The foundation between them is strong enough to carry that hope.
The side characters were wonderful. I especially loved Katherine, how she was a mother to them both, her relationship with her son is incredible, but what touched me deeply was her interactions with Sam, which makes me cry all over again.Loved it. And also Barry and Jaz added a quiet strength that grounded the story.
I found myself wanting more from the beginning of their story. I wish we’d seen how they met, and the aftermath of the assault—how Sam processed it, what those early days looked like. The book starts two years later, when they’ve been a couple for only 3 weeks and haven’t had sex yet. Sam is presented as this almost impossibly perfect partner—always caring, always focused on Ollie—but I wanted to understand Ollie’s side better. What effect did all of this have on him, specifically in terms of intimacy and trust? I wanted more insight into how trauma shaped their early relationship.Its like i know, but i wanted to see it. And I’m very disappointed that we don’t get closure on the abusers. I don’t know what happened to them and that’s a major flaw in the plot. I understand the choice to not include details, but what happened to those fuckers was mandatory to be in the book.
I know I shouldn’t be focusing on this kind of thing in a book like this, but… Sam calls Ollie “love” at the end of almost every sentence. And while I genuinely love it, 136 times it started to feel like a bit much. I'm sorry Sam and Ollie—I just can’t turn off my brain, even when I’m fully in my feelings.
All in all, this was a deeply emotional and tender story. Not always easy to read, but full of compassion. I More than anything, it’s about how love shows up—not just in words, but in the quiet, everyday choices to stay. Seeing their happy ending—watching the future shine for them—made my heart smile. This had one of the most beautiful I Love You ever,the emotion and rawness was everywhere ❤.And it ends with sex, but it’s so much more that, it’s the intimacy, getting trust back, feeling safe. It was beautiful 😍the epilogue added so much, those glimpses into their future meant everything 🥰
This. This was home. Everything he ever needed or wanted or wished he had—it was here, with Ollie.
Sam rubbed one hand up Ollie’s back and then brushed a light kiss against his cheek. “I love you,” he whispered, his chest tight with emotion. He felt Ollie smile.
“I love you too. So much. Always.” Ollie lowered his head to Sam’s shoulder, leaning into their embrace.
They stayed there for a few more minutes, until the sun was well on its way up over the top of the mountains, brightening the sky and bringing a hint of warmth to the crisp air. Then Ollie straightened up and grinned, his smile brilliant and . . . uninhibited. Sam’s heart fluttered, and he dipped down for another brief kiss.
February 25, 2024
I had to think for a while before writing this review because this is not a common type of book in the world of MM romance.
It could be very well be part of a series with the story of Sam and Ollie but instead, it focuses on a specific aspect of their story. It doesn't focus on events, in fact the actual plot is minimal while it focuses on the emotions of Sam and Ollie, and I'd say Ollie's mum too.
It's a clearly character-driven, deeply emotional journey of an established couple.
Do not expect the kind of story where something happens that breaks them and they have to rebuild their relationship.
Sam and Ollie have never been broken as a couple, their love is unconditional and solid while they try to heal from a traumatic event that happened to Ollie.
Before reading other reviews I hadn't been able to find the best word to describe their relationship which is co-dependency. Usually in hurt comfort books you have the traumatised MC and the MC who support him and that's what you'd expect the dynamic to be here but instead, Sam was different from what I had expected him to be. Sam doesn't just have feelings like care and protection for Ollie. Sam needs Ollie just as much as Ollie needs Sam, if not more. The only difference is that Sam is way more explicit and vocal about it.
Initially I read some of Sam's behaviours as an enormous patience, but later I started to see that what drives Sam is a huge fear of losing Ollie.
Ollie is a sweetheart, he deserves only love and has a big trauma to overcome. But Sam carries a great baggage of hurt and trauma too and he definitely didn't address any of it. Trauma from what happened to Ollie and trauma from his family. My impression is that he canalised all his hurt into a huge emotional need for Ollie. Ollie is his lifeline. He's so strong for Ollie but he's so vulnerable too.
I loved these characters a lot and I'd have read more and more pages of their healing journey. I will definitely love to read more by Becca.
It could be very well be part of a series with the story of Sam and Ollie but instead, it focuses on a specific aspect of their story. It doesn't focus on events, in fact the actual plot is minimal while it focuses on the emotions of Sam and Ollie, and I'd say Ollie's mum too.
It's a clearly character-driven, deeply emotional journey of an established couple.
Do not expect the kind of story where something happens that breaks them and they have to rebuild their relationship.
Sam and Ollie have never been broken as a couple, their love is unconditional and solid while they try to heal from a traumatic event that happened to Ollie.
Before reading other reviews I hadn't been able to find the best word to describe their relationship which is co-dependency. Usually in hurt comfort books you have the traumatised MC and the MC who support him and that's what you'd expect the dynamic to be here but instead, Sam was different from what I had expected him to be. Sam doesn't just have feelings like care and protection for Ollie. Sam needs Ollie just as much as Ollie needs Sam, if not more. The only difference is that Sam is way more explicit and vocal about it.
Initially I read some of Sam's behaviours as an enormous patience, but later I started to see that what drives Sam is a huge fear of losing Ollie.
Ollie is a sweetheart, he deserves only love and has a big trauma to overcome. But Sam carries a great baggage of hurt and trauma too and he definitely didn't address any of it. Trauma from what happened to Ollie and trauma from his family. My impression is that he canalised all his hurt into a huge emotional need for Ollie. Ollie is his lifeline. He's so strong for Ollie but he's so vulnerable too.
I loved these characters a lot and I'd have read more and more pages of their healing journey. I will definitely love to read more by Becca.
April 13, 2024
I think this is a one-and-done reading for me but it was an important reading. I was surprised by how captivated I was by Oliver and Sam's journey; the main plot, such as it is, is Ollie's recovery from a brutal assault in grad school and Sam loving him through that. But it's also Ollie learning to support Sam; it's the way Ollie's mom supports them both because caregivers need caregivers; it's the way we make family in so many ways; it's grief and all its twistiness. If you're looking for something with a sharp scene of turning or lots of action, this isn't it--were this a film, my sister would call it "one of those emotional ones" that are usually made by Spotlight Pictures or something. Not much happens, in the grand scheme of things, but so much happens because this really lives in the grooves of how healing takes time.
It is a bit repetitive and could easily have shed about 50 pages, but I get why Neil kept hammering the point. And I do so love that there's a push-pull between the pair; it's obvious that Oliver needs Sam, but it's so good to see how Sam needs Oliver and they both have to learn to make space for that. I also deeply appreciate that Oliver's trauma is never made explicit, not because I think it doesn't have a place on-page but because the hinted shapes we're given allow the enormity of it to be as awful as we allow, somewhat like psychological horror's ability to make an unseen thing infinitely scarier than an onscreen murderer.
Sam toes the line of being the Sainted Savior, which drives me up the wall in hurt/comfort healing books because no one is perfect. Neil manages to keep on the best side of that line, though, and gives us Sam's uncertainty and fear and frustration alongside his patience and love and comfort, for which I'm glad. He has a great line on p. 176 that he "will wait for you, with you" and the different between those two being articulated is SO GOOD. Survivors need with.
Very sweet, very soft, very important to have in the world. If you're up for slow and quiet healing, this is a good 'un.
It is a bit repetitive and could easily have shed about 50 pages, but I get why Neil kept hammering the point. And I do so love that there's a push-pull between the pair; it's obvious that Oliver needs Sam, but it's so good to see how Sam needs Oliver and they both have to learn to make space for that. I also deeply appreciate that Oliver's trauma is never made explicit, not because I think it doesn't have a place on-page but because the hinted shapes we're given allow the enormity of it to be as awful as we allow, somewhat like psychological horror's ability to make an unseen thing infinitely scarier than an onscreen murderer.
Sam toes the line of being the Sainted Savior, which drives me up the wall in hurt/comfort healing books because no one is perfect. Neil manages to keep on the best side of that line, though, and gives us Sam's uncertainty and fear and frustration alongside his patience and love and comfort, for which I'm glad. He has a great line on p. 176 that he "will wait for you, with you" and the different between those two being articulated is SO GOOD. Survivors need with.
Very sweet, very soft, very important to have in the world. If you're up for slow and quiet healing, this is a good 'un.
April 6, 2024
⭐ 5 wonderful stars ⭐
What a beautiful journey it was! When I started reading "More Than Words," I was a bit afraid. Ok, I was afraid a lot, because the beginning was a strong one. And Ollie's simple sentence: just broke me down. But even though the trauma is a leading theme of this novel, the hope shining through from every page of the book is far more important.
Ollie and Sam, our main characters, were already a couple when we met them. To be honest, it is not my favorite. I simply enjoy the thrill of meeting a new person - those shy glances and secret smiles. But somehow, the established relationship worked here pretty well. And we still got their beginning through some flashbacks. Such a wonderful meeting, full of hope and butterflies.
However, the happy couple didn't have a lot of time to cherish the newness of being together before the unthinkable tragedy happened. As readers, we got to see the aftermath of the SA. The pain and the constant fight that are part of every single day. And even though some events are only briefly mentioned, we can still feel the full impact of them on Ollie and Sam.
I know I'm repeating myself now, but the love between Ollie and Sam was so amazing, so pure, and so beautiful. And one could say that it was repetitive, and nothing happened, and the plot was slow. But the book is not about any kind of action; it is about healing. About finding the person who will love you, no matter how. What's more important is that Sam (even though he was a wonderfully understanding person) wasn't a saint. He was patient and loving, but we could also see his struggle to be a better boyfriend. Was their relationship a bit co-dependent? I wouldn't say so. Isn't love about being there for the other person, for better or for worse? To be able to support each other in grief and help in spreading one's wing?
I admire how the author portrayed various emotions and struggles. There was one scene when Ollie didn't pick up Sam's phone that hit so close home that I could feel Sam's anxiety and incoming panic attack. Don't let it worry you, however, because you'll be taken care of. And the final feelings are worth reading about the difficult situations.
If you are looking for a beautiful love story that really can conquer everything (but not in a magical way), look no further. And I can't wait to see what else Becca Neil has in store for us.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion.
What a beautiful journey it was! When I started reading "More Than Words," I was a bit afraid. Ok, I was afraid a lot, because the beginning was a strong one. And Ollie's simple sentence: just broke me down. But even though the trauma is a leading theme of this novel, the hope shining through from every page of the book is far more important.
Ollie and Sam, our main characters, were already a couple when we met them. To be honest, it is not my favorite. I simply enjoy the thrill of meeting a new person - those shy glances and secret smiles. But somehow, the established relationship worked here pretty well. And we still got their beginning through some flashbacks. Such a wonderful meeting, full of hope and butterflies.
However, the happy couple didn't have a lot of time to cherish the newness of being together before the unthinkable tragedy happened. As readers, we got to see the aftermath of the SA. The pain and the constant fight that are part of every single day. And even though some events are only briefly mentioned, we can still feel the full impact of them on Ollie and Sam.
I know I'm repeating myself now, but the love between Ollie and Sam was so amazing, so pure, and so beautiful. And one could say that it was repetitive, and nothing happened, and the plot was slow. But the book is not about any kind of action; it is about healing. About finding the person who will love you, no matter how. What's more important is that Sam (even though he was a wonderfully understanding person) wasn't a saint. He was patient and loving, but we could also see his struggle to be a better boyfriend. Was their relationship a bit co-dependent? I wouldn't say so. Isn't love about being there for the other person, for better or for worse? To be able to support each other in grief and help in spreading one's wing?
I admire how the author portrayed various emotions and struggles. There was one scene when Ollie didn't pick up Sam's phone that hit so close home that I could feel Sam's anxiety and incoming panic attack. Don't let it worry you, however, because you'll be taken care of. And the final feelings are worth reading about the difficult situations.
If you are looking for a beautiful love story that really can conquer everything (but not in a magical way), look no further. And I can't wait to see what else Becca Neil has in store for us.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 8, 2025
This is a high-angst hurt/comfort story about someone who is suffering from a traumatic event. It's a very different type of story than your typical meet and fall in love romance, as the characters are already in an established relationship, so I give props to the author for trying something different. If you like hurt/comfort trope and high emotions, you will like this story.
February 20, 2024
I received a recommendation for this book from a fellow ARC reader and got intrigued by mentions of one of my favorite tropes - true love helping an abused character heal from past trauma. I've always loved books like these.
And the book delivered exactly that. The main plot revolves around an established couple, Ollie and Sam, with Ollie being a victim of a brutal gang r*pe early in their relationship. It was truly tragic and set their relationship on a very difficult and challenging course.
The story is basically about the gradual healing of a character with the help of another. I found it refreshing that it's more of an MM gay fiction book than a typical romance. The level of emotions and the analysis of small moments, situations, and conversations about painful feelings are very high, which sets the book apart from others.
A lot of tears, definitely!
In general, the book is pretty unique, and I can see that the author tried to set herself apart from other typical examples of books in this category by really delving deep into the process of supporting loved ones and sacrificing our own happiness to be with someone who, let's be honest, can't fully engage in a relationship due to sexual trauma.
The book is the author's debut, and I think she is a promising star on the MM fiction horizon.
I agree with other reviews that the book is not for people looking for smutty or erotic novels. There are no explicit scenes, and even if something finally does happen, it's very subtle and appropriate to the characters' dispositions.
The whole tone of the book is sweet and sad, but also a bit hopeful, cautiously. That's how I can describe it in short.
Co-dependency?
The controversial co-dependency trope was handled very sweetly and didn't feel toxic to me. It was just such a powerful love that felt like an umbrella over Ollie's head, and it felt good to read about.
C'mon, it's silly how people can't appreciate the diverse approaches to trauma healing. Not everything has to be "do it on your own" or if not, you're suddenly co-dependent?
The book was recommended to me with the info that it's similar to Jett Masterson's "Waiting on the One" and "Vigilante" by Eden West. I would say yes, but also no :)
This is much more emotional and close-up portrait type of book, while the others are more sex-saturated and more explicit in describing what happened to the victims in the past + both have very definitive conclusions. But yes, the main plot arch is virtually the same.
What I didn't like?
Here, we have almost no deeper explanations of Ollie's trauma circumstances, which was something I found strangely disappointing. No, I didn't want the full scene on the page, but we didn't even know how Ollie got himself into the situation and how it was resolved in the end. It felt lacking for me, almost cut in the middle. Even a few sentences with some conclusions would be wonderful!
+The other subplots could barely hold my attention, with the main character being so much in the center.
But in summary, the book provided some interesting, and quite different reading experience.
I read an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
And the book delivered exactly that. The main plot revolves around an established couple, Ollie and Sam, with Ollie being a victim of a brutal gang r*pe early in their relationship. It was truly tragic and set their relationship on a very difficult and challenging course.
The story is basically about the gradual healing of a character with the help of another. I found it refreshing that it's more of an MM gay fiction book than a typical romance. The level of emotions and the analysis of small moments, situations, and conversations about painful feelings are very high, which sets the book apart from others.
A lot of tears, definitely!
In general, the book is pretty unique, and I can see that the author tried to set herself apart from other typical examples of books in this category by really delving deep into the process of supporting loved ones and sacrificing our own happiness to be with someone who, let's be honest, can't fully engage in a relationship due to sexual trauma.
The book is the author's debut, and I think she is a promising star on the MM fiction horizon.
I agree with other reviews that the book is not for people looking for smutty or erotic novels. There are no explicit scenes, and even if something finally does happen, it's very subtle and appropriate to the characters' dispositions.
The whole tone of the book is sweet and sad, but also a bit hopeful, cautiously. That's how I can describe it in short.
Co-dependency?
The controversial co-dependency trope was handled very sweetly and didn't feel toxic to me. It was just such a powerful love that felt like an umbrella over Ollie's head, and it felt good to read about.
C'mon, it's silly how people can't appreciate the diverse approaches to trauma healing. Not everything has to be "do it on your own" or if not, you're suddenly co-dependent?
The book was recommended to me with the info that it's similar to Jett Masterson's "Waiting on the One" and "Vigilante" by Eden West. I would say yes, but also no :)
This is much more emotional and close-up portrait type of book, while the others are more sex-saturated and more explicit in describing what happened to the victims in the past + both have very definitive conclusions. But yes, the main plot arch is virtually the same.
What I didn't like?
Here, we have almost no deeper explanations of Ollie's trauma circumstances, which was something I found strangely disappointing. No, I didn't want the full scene on the page, but we didn't even know how Ollie got himself into the situation and how it was resolved in the end. It felt lacking for me, almost cut in the middle. Even a few sentences with some conclusions would be wonderful!
+The other subplots could barely hold my attention, with the main character being so much in the center.
But in summary, the book provided some interesting, and quite different reading experience.
I read an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
February 16, 2024
When I first saw the premise for this book I was immediately intrigued. I forgot about it until I received an email telling me it was ready. I wanted so badly to love this book but honestly, it was so hard for me to finish it. I can usually finish this length of book in a day but this one took me several. Honestly, this book could have been half its length and have everything you need to know from it. A novella may have been better. The characters where very one dimensional for me. You had Ollie who was suffering from PTSD and that’s all he was. You didn’t get to see the man behind the trauma, he just was. Then there was Sam, again all he was, was the same five combination of words he said throughout the book. You get nothing else from him. There was little to no on screen growth from either character. All the healing was done off page and wrapped up in the epilogue. While Ollie was in therapy, Sam would have benefited from it as well. His character was deeply traumatised from the event as well but it is never addressed. The relationship to me was a little toxic only because of the severe codependency these characters had for each other. Ollie would have benefited from other outlets other than Sam and vice versa. The constant recurrence of the same phrases drove me up the wall. Nothing new was ever really said or anything other than surface level is really discussed. Everything is alluded too. I definitely didn’t want to read about the assault in detail but some greater knowledge of the situation would have been helpful in order to understand how deeply the attack affected Ollie. He was attacked and raped by three people, one being a professor and the others being students at his grad school, we are never told if they received consequences, like jail time or loss of job and being kicked out of school. Or did they all get way from it. From bits and pieces we know he didn’t report it right away but at some point had too. I would have just liked more closer around his attack. The amount of words said but not said, the cut off mid sentences and stuttering was too much for me. Their relationship read to me as more teenage relationship than anything more mature. After two years together they were still super awkward with each other and I cringed through most of their conversations. If felt very formulated and stilted like , “Hey, how are you? Great how are you? Good. Weathers nice, Yep supposed to snow later.”
The whole Uncle Bart arc and meeting the family never added anything of value to the book and could have been left out completely. Nothing was really addressed with the family and I was left with wanting some kind of resolution or tipping point but it never got addressed again.
This book really just failed to ever engage me and I didn’t get anything from reading it. It didn’t spark any real emotions and I never connected with either character or bought into the romance.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
The whole Uncle Bart arc and meeting the family never added anything of value to the book and could have been left out completely. Nothing was really addressed with the family and I was left with wanting some kind of resolution or tipping point but it never got addressed again.
This book really just failed to ever engage me and I didn’t get anything from reading it. It didn’t spark any real emotions and I never connected with either character or bought into the romance.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 24, 2024
Thank you @Beccaneilauthor for sending me this ARC! 🫶🏻
.My reviews are always honest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
“I love you, Sam. Just four simple words. Easy, right?”
MORE THAN WORDS is an MM contemporary hurt/comfort romance featuring:
💖 PTSD/trauma and healing
🧡Supportive boyfriend in an established relationship
💛Pacific Northwest setting
💚Found family
💙Emotional, angsty, and sensual with all the FEELS
💜Super sweet HEA
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
For those who might be concerned with the Triggers in this book. There are brief flashback scenes of SA that don't go into much detail. There is also brief homophobia that comes from one of the characters parents.
I read More Than Words after a slew of dark romance and this book served as the perfect palette cleanser! Right off the back, Sam and Ollie were just the absolute sweetest to each other!! Sam's unrelenting love and support for Ollie throughout the aftermath of his trauma made my heart so full. 💖💖💖 Becca wrote Ollie's trauma so realistically it was honestly so refreshing! Of course, everybody's healing timeline is different, but too many times I see PTSD written as "healed as soon as someone loves them hard enough" where as Ollie has plenty of love and support from both his boyfriend Sam and his mom, yet almost a year later, he's still struggling. IMO this felt like a much more realistic time frame.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I will definitely reread this book anytime I need something sweet!
.My reviews are always honest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
“I love you, Sam. Just four simple words. Easy, right?”
MORE THAN WORDS is an MM contemporary hurt/comfort romance featuring:
💖 PTSD/trauma and healing
🧡Supportive boyfriend in an established relationship
💛Pacific Northwest setting
💚Found family
💙Emotional, angsty, and sensual with all the FEELS
💜Super sweet HEA
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
For those who might be concerned with the Triggers in this book. There are brief flashback scenes of SA that don't go into much detail. There is also brief homophobia that comes from one of the characters parents.
I read More Than Words after a slew of dark romance and this book served as the perfect palette cleanser! Right off the back, Sam and Ollie were just the absolute sweetest to each other!! Sam's unrelenting love and support for Ollie throughout the aftermath of his trauma made my heart so full. 💖💖💖 Becca wrote Ollie's trauma so realistically it was honestly so refreshing! Of course, everybody's healing timeline is different, but too many times I see PTSD written as "healed as soon as someone loves them hard enough" where as Ollie has plenty of love and support from both his boyfriend Sam and his mom, yet almost a year later, he's still struggling. IMO this felt like a much more realistic time frame.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I will definitely reread this book anytime I need something sweet!
February 18, 2024
~ARC~ I really enjoyed this book! I was super excited to sign up to read this book because I love MM romance. The emotions that I felt between Sam and Ollie were amazing. Going through the emotional journey with Ollie and everything he had to overcome and Sam being the best boyfriend ever. I wish we got a little more back story of when they met and the beginning of their relationship. But overall it was a good read!
February 17, 2024
im not crying... you're crying... i loved this so much! Sam is literally the worlds chillest boyfriend! Sam and Ollie are so stinkin adorable i just can't... highly recommend! get your tissues!!!!
March 14, 2024
Right off the bat there is a trigger here to be aware of, there is talk of a previous, violent sexual attack that is off page. That being said this story is heartbreakingly sad, so much so that I wondered and feared where this tale was going to go. Ollie is a shell of the man he once was after suffering a violent attack, his boyfriend Sam is coping with the fallout, he loves and cares about Ollie so much it's touching to read. As sad and upsetting as the subject is this author dealt with it gently and beautifully. I must admit I found the story a touch drawn out now and then, but nothing to spoil the progress or put me off. This apparently is a debut story and I think this author did amazingly well.
March 30, 2024
I loved this book. It’s slooooooww burn for obvious reasons. The relationship between Ollie and Sam is beautiful. Ollie’s mom is the mom we all deserve. I was also impressed that the author is donating all proceeds to RAINN and other anti-sexual violence organizations.
May 27, 2024
Oh my word, Oliver and Sam! 🥺🥺
I did not have any idea what I was walking into with this story and my heart hurts so much, but also was committed and consumed by so much love. I'm also significantly rethinking the way I have looked at my own relationship now, in an entirely positive way. These two guys are absolutely precious together and the amount of love they have for one another just radiates from them.
I did not have any idea what I was walking into with this story and my heart hurts so much, but also was committed and consumed by so much love. I'm also significantly rethinking the way I have looked at my own relationship now, in an entirely positive way. These two guys are absolutely precious together and the amount of love they have for one another just radiates from them.
April 27, 2024
This book was pretty unique as a romance, focusing on an established couple where one MC (Ollie) is recovering from a sexual trauma which affects him both physically and emotionally. It's a slow journey, taking place two years after the traumatic event, showing how Sam and Ollie work their way through Ollie's recovery and his gradual acceptance of physical intimacy and ability to express his love for Sam verbally.
Their relationship is full of love, support, and an arguably unhealthy but understandable level of codependency (balanced out by a forced separation later in the book). I have to admit that at times, despite the angsty elements, it got too saccharine for me. The slow burn also got a bit too slow, and by the time the long epilogue started my interested had waned. I love hurt/comfort stories and thought that aspect was very well done, but the characters themselves weren't that interesting to me, partly because of the codependency which made it feel like neither of them had much personality or interests outside of each other.
This book does a lot of things well, and the relationship is very sweet and heartwarming. There is a lot of care-taking, but not just one-sided; Sam's family issues gave Ollie a chance to step up and show his capability as a partner, which gave the relationship a nice balance. Overall an interesting debut novel, even if it didn't hit all the right marks for me personally.
Their relationship is full of love, support, and an arguably unhealthy but understandable level of codependency (balanced out by a forced separation later in the book). I have to admit that at times, despite the angsty elements, it got too saccharine for me. The slow burn also got a bit too slow, and by the time the long epilogue started my interested had waned. I love hurt/comfort stories and thought that aspect was very well done, but the characters themselves weren't that interesting to me, partly because of the codependency which made it feel like neither of them had much personality or interests outside of each other.
This book does a lot of things well, and the relationship is very sweet and heartwarming. There is a lot of care-taking, but not just one-sided; Sam's family issues gave Ollie a chance to step up and show his capability as a partner, which gave the relationship a nice balance. Overall an interesting debut novel, even if it didn't hit all the right marks for me personally.
March 28, 2024
Sam and Ollie's love is beautiful, but their struggles are so heartbreaking. I can't count how many times I teared up while reading More Than Words. The author paints a vivid picture of the men's lives and their love, while also painting a stark picture of Ollie's trauma. I shudder to think about anyone who has to endure what he did.
Where most romance novels start with two uninvolved characters with a slow build to their love and relationship, this story begins with the couple already in an established and loving relationship. Ollie's trauma definitely attempts to bring trouble for the couple, but Sam's love for Ollie is all encompassing, and highly reassuring. He never hesitates to let Ollie know he's there for him, and will always be there. Katherine, Ollie's mother, extends much-needed parental support for them throughout the book and provides a willing ear and a helping hand as the men push through their challenges both together and separate.
When Sam has to be apart from Ollie to help his Uncle recover from surgery, Ollie is able to use that time to root out his feelings in a way he'll be able to share with Sam once they're back together. The moment when Ollie is finally able to express his love with Sam verbally is beautiful in its simplicity. You can tell Ollie couldn't wait any longer, and it's an instant smile inducer.
Although not having been able to experience the men's eventual wedding, having the many extended epilogues was incredibly fun, and allows us a further glimpse into their future, and the changes in Ollie's comfortability with the many intimacies of their loving relationship.
A slow-burn to love-making with a wonderfully loving couple.
Where most romance novels start with two uninvolved characters with a slow build to their love and relationship, this story begins with the couple already in an established and loving relationship. Ollie's trauma definitely attempts to bring trouble for the couple, but Sam's love for Ollie is all encompassing, and highly reassuring. He never hesitates to let Ollie know he's there for him, and will always be there. Katherine, Ollie's mother, extends much-needed parental support for them throughout the book and provides a willing ear and a helping hand as the men push through their challenges both together and separate.
When Sam has to be apart from Ollie to help his Uncle recover from surgery, Ollie is able to use that time to root out his feelings in a way he'll be able to share with Sam once they're back together. The moment when Ollie is finally able to express his love with Sam verbally is beautiful in its simplicity. You can tell Ollie couldn't wait any longer, and it's an instant smile inducer.
Although not having been able to experience the men's eventual wedding, having the many extended epilogues was incredibly fun, and allows us a further glimpse into their future, and the changes in Ollie's comfortability with the many intimacies of their loving relationship.
A slow-burn to love-making with a wonderfully loving couple.
February 27, 2024
This book was such a wonderful story about healing and second chances. I could really see the love and support that the characters had for one another. It went against the grain in many ways in that, sex was not necessarily the goal for these two characters. Rather, love, trust, understanding and patience were the most important and we can see that care and understanding between these characters.
The assault that is at the heart of the story is not graphically depicted, nor is it important that it be so. It's not the point of the story. I appreciate that the author focused more on the journey towards healing than anything else. Ollie's inability to voice the feelings he feels for Sam come as a result of being made to feel powerless. And the author takes us on the journey, sometimes awkward but always endearing to help Ollie get there.
The secondary characters are well developed and if I had any criticisim at all, it would be that I wanted more. I wanted to get more information about Sam and his background -- specifically the relationship between him and the Uncle who cared about him when his own parents couldn't. I really hope there is a sequel to this, or maybe even perhaps a dedicated novel from Sam's perspective.
I really enjoyed this.
The assault that is at the heart of the story is not graphically depicted, nor is it important that it be so. It's not the point of the story. I appreciate that the author focused more on the journey towards healing than anything else. Ollie's inability to voice the feelings he feels for Sam come as a result of being made to feel powerless. And the author takes us on the journey, sometimes awkward but always endearing to help Ollie get there.
The secondary characters are well developed and if I had any criticisim at all, it would be that I wanted more. I wanted to get more information about Sam and his background -- specifically the relationship between him and the Uncle who cared about him when his own parents couldn't. I really hope there is a sequel to this, or maybe even perhaps a dedicated novel from Sam's perspective.
I really enjoyed this.
March 28, 2024
What a beautiful story! This one was a bit different for me in that we already have an established couple, Ollie and Sam. Ollie is the victim of a brutal SA, which occurs just a few weeks after him and Sam become a couple. Ollie is experiencing PTSD, he isn't able to be intimate with Sam. Sam is the absolute benchmark for a loving, supportive partner - like, if he isn't a Sam, don't settle. We spend a good bit of time just watching this couple, and seeing them try to navigate their life and relationship together. Eventually, an illness in Sam's family takes them apart from each other for a bit of time while Sam helps his family. The description of this time apart was sad, the utter despair they feel apart from each other.
This is a beautifully written story about how trauma can affect many parts of a person's life, and how having a stable, solid partnership with someone can become your serenity. There is only minimal spice here, but honestly, I didn't even miss it.
**The SA Ollie went through is only briefly described, but the repercussions of it are the foundation of this novel. If this may be at all traumatizing, you may need to skip this one. Please heed trigger warnings.**
This is a beautifully written story about how trauma can affect many parts of a person's life, and how having a stable, solid partnership with someone can become your serenity. There is only minimal spice here, but honestly, I didn't even miss it.
**The SA Ollie went through is only briefly described, but the repercussions of it are the foundation of this novel. If this may be at all traumatizing, you may need to skip this one. Please heed trigger warnings.**
June 28, 2025
Dnf at 39%
Yikes. This certainly reads like the author has never published or edited anything in their life. Literally nothing happened in the first 40% of the book. I kept waiting for a plot to kick in. The characters are all rather flimsy and lacking depth. The dialogue is rough, with a heavy reliance on ellipses and dashes to tell us how to read the pauses and stammers. I never learned how or why these two got together and everything I read was just weird. The way their work schedules are so misaligned, I expected it to present relationship difficulties but it came to nothing. The way it meandered made me feel like I should be expecting an author’s note at the beginning of each chapter like on AO3: “hey sorry it’s been forever since the last update but you know how life is lol my cousin got married and I have just been in such a creative slump but anyway I got this out in about a half hour yesterday no beta so any mistakes are mine ENJOY” So. Yeah. Becca, darling, I highly recommend a creative writing course. The premise was promising but the execution needs a lot of work.
Yikes. This certainly reads like the author has never published or edited anything in their life. Literally nothing happened in the first 40% of the book. I kept waiting for a plot to kick in. The characters are all rather flimsy and lacking depth. The dialogue is rough, with a heavy reliance on ellipses and dashes to tell us how to read the pauses and stammers. I never learned how or why these two got together and everything I read was just weird. The way their work schedules are so misaligned, I expected it to present relationship difficulties but it came to nothing. The way it meandered made me feel like I should be expecting an author’s note at the beginning of each chapter like on AO3: “hey sorry it’s been forever since the last update but you know how life is lol my cousin got married and I have just been in such a creative slump but anyway I got this out in about a half hour yesterday no beta so any mistakes are mine ENJOY” So. Yeah. Becca, darling, I highly recommend a creative writing course. The premise was promising but the execution needs a lot of work.
March 28, 2024
This book is a little different than MM romance readers might be used to. It's not the story of two (or more) people falling in love but the journey of an established couple navigating through the trauma one of them is going through after being an assault victim. Definitely read the trigger warnings if you consider reading this book. Having said that I really enjoyed following their journey. It is an excellent example of how living with PTSD can be handled. I enjoyed the writing style - it was delicate and very emotional. Although it is a super slow-burn as most things "happen" in the epilogue the steam level throughout the book is surprisingly high. An excellent debut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
I can say beyond a doubt this book deserves five stars. Throughout the story I found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop for Ollie, I’m so glad the way the story played out. Both m/c’s were amazing as was Katherine. Barry and Jaz, as well, gave this great strength. The storyline made my heart hurt but the relationship between Ollie and Sam, the kindness, respect and patience between the two was incredible. This book was a touching example of true love. Enjoyable without a doubt. I voluntarily an arc of this book.
February 29, 2024
4.5 stars. A very touching story focussed on Ollie slowly healing from a really traumatic event, with the best support from a truly wonderful Sam. Most of the other characters were also very appealing. Lovely first novel from a new author.
April 7, 2024
Sam and Ollie ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
The emotional depth of this story blew me away, It just about broke me. These two beautiful characters had my whole heart. I give absolute kudos to this author for a gorgeous journey of healing, comfort and love, I won't get into details but please respect the trigger warning of this book because it was a tough one at times and it will make you feel the emotional gambit that these characters go through that's for sure. I would most definitely recommend this story, it was truly a beautiful read even though it was laced with so much hurt and pain but eventually it led these characters to happiness through healing and love.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
The emotional depth of this story blew me away, It just about broke me. These two beautiful characters had my whole heart. I give absolute kudos to this author for a gorgeous journey of healing, comfort and love, I won't get into details but please respect the trigger warning of this book because it was a tough one at times and it will make you feel the emotional gambit that these characters go through that's for sure. I would most definitely recommend this story, it was truly a beautiful read even though it was laced with so much hurt and pain but eventually it led these characters to happiness through healing and love.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
April 7, 2024
This book was incredible, and very emotion. There are a lot of dark topics covered. If you are going to read this book you need to make sure you already read the trigger warnings.
The love between Sam and Oliver is so sweet and pure. Sam is there for Oliver whenever he experiences PTSD or his nightmares. Same only wants Oliver to be happy and will do everything he can to make it happen. Oliver wants to say things to Sam he just can’t get out. He loves Sam but his brain just won’t let him say it. I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but this story was so touching. Everyone deserves to be loved the way Sam and Oliver love each other. This is a slow burn, sweet and emotional story with an HEA.
I received a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
The love between Sam and Oliver is so sweet and pure. Sam is there for Oliver whenever he experiences PTSD or his nightmares. Same only wants Oliver to be happy and will do everything he can to make it happen. Oliver wants to say things to Sam he just can’t get out. He loves Sam but his brain just won’t let him say it. I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but this story was so touching. Everyone deserves to be loved the way Sam and Oliver love each other. This is a slow burn, sweet and emotional story with an HEA.
I received a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
May 13, 2024
Syrup is less sweet than this, I don’t read cute, sweet, and gentle romances often (hardly ever) but I loved this nontoxic relationship for once! It was so nice to read. Loved this couple and the genuine love weaved into this story.
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