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Unexpected Love #1
Beneath the Indigo Sky
Namid
I may not know where I come from, or who I am, but I’ve done my best to build a life for myself. I know a handful of people in town, I have a nice place to live, and I enjoy my job. I look just like everyone else. But I don’t feel like everyone else, because I feel…everything.
The emotions of others get tangled with my own as they race through my heart and sink into my soul.
They set my nerves on fire and rearrange my cells and spread across my skin until they consume me.
Jayce
I don’t know how to explain what it’s like to lose half of your soul, to fall into grief so dark and relentless that you lose yourself.
That’s what it feels like I’ve lost. Half of my soul.
I don’t want to do this.
I don’t want to try to fill in the gaps.
I don’t want to walk into rooms that are populated by memories.
I don’t want to hear the voice of a ghost echoing in my head.
When the eccentric, introverted man who was found on the side of the road without any memories a decade ago takes pity on me and offers his help, for some reason, I find myself unable to say no.
Even though I don't know him, when he's standing by my side, for one brief moment, I forget to hurt.
Beneath the Indigo Sky is a 75000 word, MM, slow burn, contemporary romance filled with angst, grief, found family, longing, forests, road trips, stargazing, sweet dates, and of course a HEA. There are also minor paranormal elements that are left deliberately open to reader interpretation.
Unexpected Love
A Trilogy
current estimated release dates are
fall 2024 - spring 2025
This contemporary romance series will consist of three novels. Each book will follow a different couple, but there will be cameos/minor overlapping plots. They are meant to be read as a series rather than as stand alone books.
While each couple will get a hard-earned HEA, there will be plenty of angst and heartbreak along the way
I may not know where I come from, or who I am, but I’ve done my best to build a life for myself. I know a handful of people in town, I have a nice place to live, and I enjoy my job. I look just like everyone else. But I don’t feel like everyone else, because I feel…everything.
The emotions of others get tangled with my own as they race through my heart and sink into my soul.
They set my nerves on fire and rearrange my cells and spread across my skin until they consume me.
Jayce
I don’t know how to explain what it’s like to lose half of your soul, to fall into grief so dark and relentless that you lose yourself.
That’s what it feels like I’ve lost. Half of my soul.
I don’t want to do this.
I don’t want to try to fill in the gaps.
I don’t want to walk into rooms that are populated by memories.
I don’t want to hear the voice of a ghost echoing in my head.
When the eccentric, introverted man who was found on the side of the road without any memories a decade ago takes pity on me and offers his help, for some reason, I find myself unable to say no.
Even though I don't know him, when he's standing by my side, for one brief moment, I forget to hurt.
Beneath the Indigo Sky is a 75000 word, MM, slow burn, contemporary romance filled with angst, grief, found family, longing, forests, road trips, stargazing, sweet dates, and of course a HEA. There are also minor paranormal elements that are left deliberately open to reader interpretation.
Unexpected Love
A Trilogy
current estimated release dates are
fall 2024 - spring 2025
This contemporary romance series will consist of three novels. Each book will follow a different couple, but there will be cameos/minor overlapping plots. They are meant to be read as a series rather than as stand alone books.
While each couple will get a hard-earned HEA, there will be plenty of angst and heartbreak along the way
319 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2024
45 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
February 28, 2025
Oh maaan, did I fall in love with this book and its setting in the Alaskan wilderness, its sprinkle of unexplained magic, and most of all, with these two incredible men:
Namid; who one day woke up in this town with no memories of his past and who has the ability to feel other people’s emotions as if they were his own. Namid, who is so kind and pure and gentle and lonely.
And Jayce, who has lost the other half of his soul, is consumed by the black cloud of grief when they meet for the first time and who - despite it all - is strong and vulnerable and able to love so fiercely.
This book is heavy; at least for me, because Jayce’s grief… maaan, it was absolutely suffocating and so incredibly relatable. Everyone who’s ever lost someone very close to them will see themselves and their grief reflected back at them through his pain and suffering:
The waiting for the texts and calls, that’ll never come. The turning around to share an inside joke, no one else will ever understand, their laugh that you’ll never hear again. Seeing them in the corner of your eyes even though you know they’re not there anymore. Picking up the phone until you realise there’s no one on the other end of the line. The books you won’t be able to read together, the trips you planned but now will never take, the future that’ll never happen as you always thought it would.
The watching as everyone else moves on and you’re still right there, standing still, with a broken heart and the knowledge that you’ll never feel whole again.
Phew, it was so much that I contemplated dnf’ing, because it was written in a way that hit a little too close to home.
What made me keep going though, was the knowledge from my own experience that it indeed will get better with time and care, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the stage Jayce is at. I just wanted to hug him so fiercely and whisper to him that he will be happy again. Never the same way as before, but happy nonetheless.
But this book isn’t just all grief and loss and pain. It’s also the moment when the first smile appears on your lips again without conscious effort, when the first laugh works itself out of your throat, when you wake up for the first time and aren‘t smothered by loss, when you feel like you’ll live. When you find out that you can love again. And what a bright, euphoric love it is 🥹
Namid’s quiet acts of kindness and Jayce‘s gratitude for them develop into a soft, tentative and tender friendship, which again turns into an even more magnificent love story full of slow-burn goodness, mutual hurt/comfort elements and a beautifully done found family trope.
This book is a bewitchingly atmospheric, poetically written and deeply emotional story about grief, healing and the quiet power of love and it moved me deeply. I’m so glad I stuck with it through the pain and I can’t recommend it enough, if you’re in the mood for some heartbreak 💙
PS: There is OP action in the middle of the book before the MCs get together. I wasn’t bothered by it at all for some reason, but if that’s something you struggle with, here’s your heads up!
Namid; who one day woke up in this town with no memories of his past and who has the ability to feel other people’s emotions as if they were his own. Namid, who is so kind and pure and gentle and lonely.
And Jayce, who has lost the other half of his soul, is consumed by the black cloud of grief when they meet for the first time and who - despite it all - is strong and vulnerable and able to love so fiercely.
This book is heavy; at least for me, because Jayce’s grief… maaan, it was absolutely suffocating and so incredibly relatable. Everyone who’s ever lost someone very close to them will see themselves and their grief reflected back at them through his pain and suffering:
The waiting for the texts and calls, that’ll never come. The turning around to share an inside joke, no one else will ever understand, their laugh that you’ll never hear again. Seeing them in the corner of your eyes even though you know they’re not there anymore. Picking up the phone until you realise there’s no one on the other end of the line. The books you won’t be able to read together, the trips you planned but now will never take, the future that’ll never happen as you always thought it would.
The watching as everyone else moves on and you’re still right there, standing still, with a broken heart and the knowledge that you’ll never feel whole again.
Phew, it was so much that I contemplated dnf’ing, because it was written in a way that hit a little too close to home.
What made me keep going though, was the knowledge from my own experience that it indeed will get better with time and care, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the stage Jayce is at. I just wanted to hug him so fiercely and whisper to him that he will be happy again. Never the same way as before, but happy nonetheless.
But this book isn’t just all grief and loss and pain. It’s also the moment when the first smile appears on your lips again without conscious effort, when the first laugh works itself out of your throat, when you wake up for the first time and aren‘t smothered by loss, when you feel like you’ll live. When you find out that you can love again. And what a bright, euphoric love it is 🥹
Namid’s quiet acts of kindness and Jayce‘s gratitude for them develop into a soft, tentative and tender friendship, which again turns into an even more magnificent love story full of slow-burn goodness, mutual hurt/comfort elements and a beautifully done found family trope.
This book is a bewitchingly atmospheric, poetically written and deeply emotional story about grief, healing and the quiet power of love and it moved me deeply. I’m so glad I stuck with it through the pain and I can’t recommend it enough, if you’re in the mood for some heartbreak 💙
PS: There is OP action in the middle of the book before the MCs get together. I wasn’t bothered by it at all for some reason, but if that’s something you struggle with, here’s your heads up!
I know this is one sided, and I know it’s going to end badly. I want it anyway. I want to take every moment, every smile, every twist in my chest and wrap them up like the delicate and precious things they are and put them away somewhere hidden and safe so that one day, when I’m alone once again, I can take them out and remember the way it felt to fall in love. 😭
September 16, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. This is a sweet story with a very poetical prose and a touch of fantasy. The first half is full of grief and very painful (watch out for tw- death of a sibling) and the second is very romantic and very very cheesy. I think the book falls a bit on the boring side since apart from friendship and mutual pining nothing really happens and there are no other characters but for those who look for a low angst, sweet warm story this is the one. I don’t know if it’s a debut novel but I enjoy a lot the writing and the tone of the book. The event towards the end was unnecessary imo (again, watch out for tw - gay bashing) but I was extremely happy that the authors chose to deal with that small-minded town in a realistic way, that being flipping them off and getting the fuck out of there lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2024
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️⭐
This book is so beautiful it hurts. I've already read it three times because it just speaks to me in a way not many books do.
The writing is poetical but not extravagant, and the feelings it conveys are deep without being ott. We follow Namid and Jayce, two lonely souls that live in a small town in Alaska. Namid was found 10 years ago by Ken who kind of adopted him as a son, and doesn't remember anything about his former life. Jayce has lost his brother -the other half of his soul- to an accident, and his grief is so immense he has lost the will to live. They form a slow friendship that develops into something more, something so big they can only be soulmates (I will accept no criticism of this theory, I am sorry).
The depictions of grief are so brilliantly done, you are THERE with Jayce. He has lost all hope until he meets Namid. The solitude and longing Namid have hurt so beautifully. He's such a gentle character, so full of love and care. Every moment they spend together is so soft, so full of subtle feelings. Little by little they grow close in a very VERY slow burn that ends so epically. Also, yay to my vers lovers 🙌🏽.
Ken is also a wonderful character. His support and love for Namid, first, and then the family they make anew with Jayce, are a highlight in this story.
The way Namid describes feelings through colours was perfect and made total sense for me. There's always the question of who he really is and why can he do what
I won't spoil the ending, but it's so real. Everything that happens makes sense and speaks of the everyday reality of many queer folks. The lack of acceptance of what's different is pervasive and sometimes it cannot be defeated.
This book is amazing and I need everyone to experience it's utter beauty.
This book is so beautiful it hurts. I've already read it three times because it just speaks to me in a way not many books do.
The writing is poetical but not extravagant, and the feelings it conveys are deep without being ott. We follow Namid and Jayce, two lonely souls that live in a small town in Alaska. Namid was found 10 years ago by Ken who kind of adopted him as a son, and doesn't remember anything about his former life. Jayce has lost his brother -the other half of his soul- to an accident, and his grief is so immense he has lost the will to live. They form a slow friendship that develops into something more, something so big they can only be soulmates (I will accept no criticism of this theory, I am sorry).
The depictions of grief are so brilliantly done, you are THERE with Jayce. He has lost all hope until he meets Namid. The solitude and longing Namid have hurt so beautifully. He's such a gentle character, so full of love and care. Every moment they spend together is so soft, so full of subtle feelings. Little by little they grow close in a very VERY slow burn that ends so epically. Also, yay to my vers lovers 🙌🏽.
Ken is also a wonderful character. His support and love for Namid, first, and then the family they make anew with Jayce, are a highlight in this story.
The way Namid describes feelings through colours was perfect and made total sense for me. There's always the question of who he really is and why can he do what
I won't spoil the ending, but it's so real. Everything that happens makes sense and speaks of the everyday reality of many queer folks. The lack of acceptance of what's different is pervasive and sometimes it cannot be defeated.
This book is amazing and I need everyone to experience it's utter beauty.
October 27, 2024
W końcu 😍🥳💃✌️🎆🎉
Po miesiącach prób z nowymi autorami/autorkami i rozczarowaniami mniejszymi, większymi bądź wręcz tragicznymi, w końcu coś, co przykuło moja uwagę i NAPRAWDĘ mi się podobało 😁
Nawet nie zawracam sobie głowy, żeby szukać dziury w całym i się czepiać jakichś drobiazgów, bo szkoda mojego czasu. Czytało mi się SUPER i jedyne, co mam do zarzucenia, to sobie - że zaczęłam to czytać w poniedziałek 🤦♀️ i skończyłam w środę - a tak naprawdę to jest książka na jeden wolny dzień. Przynajmniej dla mnie, bo za innych się nie wypowiadam 😉
* * * Uwaga !!! ***
* * * Spoilery !!! ***
Pierwsza część jest wypełniona stratą, żałobą, rozpaczą i smutkiem Jayce'a po stracie swojej drugiej połówki, czyli brata-bliźniaka i samotnością oraz totalnym wyalienowaniem Namida w tej małej społeczności, w której przyszło im żyć. Tak naprawdę Jayce żyć za bardzo nie chce - trwa, ale na krawędzi otchłani. Nawet nie pamięta, że coś zrobił, że jadł, że zrobił pranie, etc. Jedyne, o czym marzy, to żeby pogrążyć się w ciemności i zasnąć, być może nawet na zawsze. Jedynie kiedy śpi, cały jego ból znika. No, chyba że śni. O przeszłości. To wtedy nie jest dobrze.
Namid jest wyrzutkiem. Znaleziony nieprzytomny przy drodze 10 lat wcześniej, nic nie pamięta. Nie wie, kim jest. Nie wie, ile ma lat. Nic. Totalne zero. Ale czuje. Odczuwa wszystkie emocje ludzi, którzy go otaczają. Wie, że traktują go w najlepszym razie jako ciekawostkę przyrodniczą. W najgorszym... szkoda gadać. Jedynym jego przyjacielem i zastępczym ojcem jest Ken - człowiek, który go znalazł nieprzytomnego w zimową noc, który prowadzi zakład pogrzebowy i u którego Namid pracuje. Unika ludzi. Bo emocje innych go przytłaczają. Odczuwa je jak własne. Ktoś jest zmęczony, naprawdę wyrąbany? Namid prawie padnie ze zmęczenia, kiedy otrą się przez przypadek ramionami. Kasjer, który kasuje jego zakupy jest wściekły? Namid ma ochotę wrzeszczeć i chwycić kij bejsbolowy, żeby coś rozwalić. Dlatego unika ludzi. A oni jego - pomimo, iż nie wiedzą o jego nietypowych zdolnościach.
Ale Jayce zmienia wszystko. Kiedy spotykają się po pogrzebie brata Jayce'a, Namid jest przytłoczony. Bardzo. Bo emocje Jayce'a powalają go. Są takie prawdziwe. I takie pełne bólu. Chce jakoś pomóc i tak zaczyna się ich interakcja...
Książka jest z jednej strony trudna, bo emocje buzują i nie są łatwe. Jeżeli ktoś jest świeżo po stracie najbliższej osoby, to na pewno będzie się mu to niezmiernie trudno czytało. Ale też część, w której Jayce zdaje sobie sprawę, że kocha Namida (bo Namid wiedział w drugą stronę już zdecydowanie wcześniej), jest słodka. Wynagradza ten cały ból.
Ale jest też i część trzecia. Najkrótsza. Która jest jednocześnie i wygraną, i porażką. Bo po ataku na Namida, podejmują jedyną słuszną decyzję - muszą się przeprowadzić z tej, jak się okazało, niezmiernie homofobicznej społeczności. I to jest jednocześnie pewna porażka, bo zostają w sumie wygnani...
Odpowiadał mi styl pisania - w pewien sposób poetycki, co jest zadziwiające, bo nie znoszę poezji 😉 Odpowiadała mi konstrukcja bohaterów - byli tacy pełni i żywi. Bardzo mi się podobało to, że element fantasy nie został wyjaśniony, że tajemnica została tajemnicą - każdy może sobie interpretować to, co przeczytał, jak chce.
Generalnie po prostu Bardzo Mi Się Podobało 💙
Po miesiącach prób z nowymi autorami/autorkami i rozczarowaniami mniejszymi, większymi bądź wręcz tragicznymi, w końcu coś, co przykuło moja uwagę i NAPRAWDĘ mi się podobało 😁
Nawet nie zawracam sobie głowy, żeby szukać dziury w całym i się czepiać jakichś drobiazgów, bo szkoda mojego czasu. Czytało mi się SUPER i jedyne, co mam do zarzucenia, to sobie - że zaczęłam to czytać w poniedziałek 🤦♀️ i skończyłam w środę - a tak naprawdę to jest książka na jeden wolny dzień. Przynajmniej dla mnie, bo za innych się nie wypowiadam 😉
* * * Uwaga !!! ***
* * * Spoilery !!! ***
Pierwsza część jest wypełniona stratą, żałobą, rozpaczą i smutkiem Jayce'a po stracie swojej drugiej połówki, czyli brata-bliźniaka i samotnością oraz totalnym wyalienowaniem Namida w tej małej społeczności, w której przyszło im żyć. Tak naprawdę Jayce żyć za bardzo nie chce - trwa, ale na krawędzi otchłani. Nawet nie pamięta, że coś zrobił, że jadł, że zrobił pranie, etc. Jedyne, o czym marzy, to żeby pogrążyć się w ciemności i zasnąć, być może nawet na zawsze. Jedynie kiedy śpi, cały jego ból znika. No, chyba że śni. O przeszłości. To wtedy nie jest dobrze.
Namid jest wyrzutkiem. Znaleziony nieprzytomny przy drodze 10 lat wcześniej, nic nie pamięta. Nie wie, kim jest. Nie wie, ile ma lat. Nic. Totalne zero. Ale czuje. Odczuwa wszystkie emocje ludzi, którzy go otaczają. Wie, że traktują go w najlepszym razie jako ciekawostkę przyrodniczą. W najgorszym... szkoda gadać. Jedynym jego przyjacielem i zastępczym ojcem jest Ken - człowiek, który go znalazł nieprzytomnego w zimową noc, który prowadzi zakład pogrzebowy i u którego Namid pracuje. Unika ludzi. Bo emocje innych go przytłaczają. Odczuwa je jak własne. Ktoś jest zmęczony, naprawdę wyrąbany? Namid prawie padnie ze zmęczenia, kiedy otrą się przez przypadek ramionami. Kasjer, który kasuje jego zakupy jest wściekły? Namid ma ochotę wrzeszczeć i chwycić kij bejsbolowy, żeby coś rozwalić. Dlatego unika ludzi. A oni jego - pomimo, iż nie wiedzą o jego nietypowych zdolnościach.
Ale Jayce zmienia wszystko. Kiedy spotykają się po pogrzebie brata Jayce'a, Namid jest przytłoczony. Bardzo. Bo emocje Jayce'a powalają go. Są takie prawdziwe. I takie pełne bólu. Chce jakoś pomóc i tak zaczyna się ich interakcja...
Książka jest z jednej strony trudna, bo emocje buzują i nie są łatwe. Jeżeli ktoś jest świeżo po stracie najbliższej osoby, to na pewno będzie się mu to niezmiernie trudno czytało. Ale też część, w której Jayce zdaje sobie sprawę, że kocha Namida (bo Namid wiedział w drugą stronę już zdecydowanie wcześniej), jest słodka. Wynagradza ten cały ból.
Ale jest też i część trzecia. Najkrótsza. Która jest jednocześnie i wygraną, i porażką. Bo po ataku na Namida, podejmują jedyną słuszną decyzję - muszą się przeprowadzić z tej, jak się okazało, niezmiernie homofobicznej społeczności. I to jest jednocześnie pewna porażka, bo zostają w sumie wygnani...
Odpowiadał mi styl pisania - w pewien sposób poetycki, co jest zadziwiające, bo nie znoszę poezji 😉 Odpowiadała mi konstrukcja bohaterów - byli tacy pełni i żywi. Bardzo mi się podobało to, że element fantasy nie został wyjaśniony, że tajemnica została tajemnicą - każdy może sobie interpretować to, co przeczytał, jak chce.
Generalnie po prostu Bardzo Mi Się Podobało 💙
October 11, 2024
Namid & Jayce
Rating: 4.7 ⭐
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Opposites Attract
- Found Family
- Paranormal Elements
- Hurt/Comfort
- Small Town Romance
- Alaska & Seattle Settings
This book is gorgeous all around. It will break your heart and put all the tiny pieces back together again. It's more of a poetic style of writing, so I know that's not for everyone and it might not work for you. I loved getting to really know the characters and feel their pain through the inner monologues in this book. Normally, I'm not a fan of those but here it works extremely well.
The couple is absolutely made for each other and exactly what the other needed in order to find peace. Their sweet and tender moments together, even before they got together was wonderful to read about. I also liked that they never gave up on each other when insecurities would rise or tragedy struck their little found family.
It's an experience and I can't wait for the second book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Intense grief and depression due to loss (on-page)
- Mentions of homophobia
- Amnesia
- Acts of violence, Assault to MC (on-page)
- Mentions of spousal death of side character (past, off-page)
- Mentions of family member deaths of MC (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal car accidents (past, off-page)
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: Namid has a hookup with a guy from the bar, before the couple is together.
Ages: Unknown - 30's & 32
Rating: 4.7 ⭐
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Opposites Attract
- Found Family
- Paranormal Elements
- Hurt/Comfort
- Small Town Romance
- Alaska & Seattle Settings
This book is gorgeous all around. It will break your heart and put all the tiny pieces back together again. It's more of a poetic style of writing, so I know that's not for everyone and it might not work for you. I loved getting to really know the characters and feel their pain through the inner monologues in this book. Normally, I'm not a fan of those but here it works extremely well.
The couple is absolutely made for each other and exactly what the other needed in order to find peace. Their sweet and tender moments together, even before they got together was wonderful to read about. I also liked that they never gave up on each other when insecurities would rise or tragedy struck their little found family.
It's an experience and I can't wait for the second book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Intense grief and depression due to loss (on-page)
- Mentions of homophobia
- Amnesia
- Acts of violence, Assault to MC (on-page)
- Mentions of spousal death of side character (past, off-page)
- Mentions of family member deaths of MC (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal car accidents (past, off-page)
Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: Namid has a hookup with a guy from the bar, before the couple is together.
Ages: Unknown - 30's & 32
September 24, 2024
If you will excuse me, I am going to curl up in a blanket burrito because I have finished this book and I am NOT ok.
The feelings this book evoked were visceral, this book reached in and grabbed my heart and squeezed and I am will never be over it. You feel everything...the pain, the heartbreak, the absolute loneliness that both Jayce and Namid are feeling.
BUT you also feel the warmth, the love, the passion the happiness they both feel with each other.
Jayce and Namid are such well written characters. The authors brought them to life in a way that it felt like you were sitting with them and listening to them tell their story. The story draws you in and does not let you go even after you read the last word.
I love that the supernatural element was left to interpretation and it was blended into the story so well that no matter what the interpretation is it could be that way.
Everything about this book was haunting and beautiful and I cannot wait to see what else these two authors can bring to life.
The feelings this book evoked were visceral, this book reached in and grabbed my heart and squeezed and I am will never be over it. You feel everything...the pain, the heartbreak, the absolute loneliness that both Jayce and Namid are feeling.
BUT you also feel the warmth, the love, the passion the happiness they both feel with each other.
Jayce and Namid are such well written characters. The authors brought them to life in a way that it felt like you were sitting with them and listening to them tell their story. The story draws you in and does not let you go even after you read the last word.
I love that the supernatural element was left to interpretation and it was blended into the story so well that no matter what the interpretation is it could be that way.
Everything about this book was haunting and beautiful and I cannot wait to see what else these two authors can bring to life.
September 1, 2024
OMG y'all, I have a new favorite book I'm not going to shut up about. Beneath the Indigo Sky was freaking AMAZING. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric, I'm in love with the characters, and the paranormal vibes are SO INTERESTING - still so curious about what's going on there! With new to me authors I never know what to expect, but I was absolutely floored. So grateful to Rayne Hawthorne and DW Michaels for this one - HIGHLY recommend picking it up!
I felt SO MUCH for sweet Namid and Jayce. Namid has always been an outsider in the small Alaskan town he lives in - he just appeared one day with no memory and no clues to where he came from. And he's hiding a secret - he can feel others' emotions as if they are his own. His power is understandably overwhelming, and paired with the locals' reluctance to let in new people, he's somewhat of a recluse. Jayce is going through A LOT in this book - his grief over his brother's death is SO palpable. But he manages to find a friend in Namid. I loved watching their tentative friendship form. This one is a slow burn as both guys assume the other is straight (which helps Jayce hide his feelings of attraction from Namid's power). But OMG - when they do finally manage to figure things out, I was just swooning. They are so freaking sweet with each other, so in-tune, and so freaking perfect I was getting soulmates vibes. The spice is so beautifully written (and omg, if you manage to snag some swag from the author, they have fanart of some scenes that are *chef's kiss*), and the HEA is so hard won, I was WEEPING into my pillow.
I wanted to note again just how beautiful the writing was. I was highlighting every other sentence sometimes - quotes for days, descriptions that read like a movie, and gosh, you can feel every moment like you are living them. I'm so feral, SO impressed, and OMG I cannot wait for more.
I felt SO MUCH for sweet Namid and Jayce. Namid has always been an outsider in the small Alaskan town he lives in - he just appeared one day with no memory and no clues to where he came from. And he's hiding a secret - he can feel others' emotions as if they are his own. His power is understandably overwhelming, and paired with the locals' reluctance to let in new people, he's somewhat of a recluse. Jayce is going through A LOT in this book - his grief over his brother's death is SO palpable. But he manages to find a friend in Namid. I loved watching their tentative friendship form. This one is a slow burn as both guys assume the other is straight (which helps Jayce hide his feelings of attraction from Namid's power). But OMG - when they do finally manage to figure things out, I was just swooning. They are so freaking sweet with each other, so in-tune, and so freaking perfect I was getting soulmates vibes. The spice is so beautifully written (and omg, if you manage to snag some swag from the author, they have fanart of some scenes that are *chef's kiss*), and the HEA is so hard won, I was WEEPING into my pillow.
I wanted to note again just how beautiful the writing was. I was highlighting every other sentence sometimes - quotes for days, descriptions that read like a movie, and gosh, you can feel every moment like you are living them. I'm so feral, SO impressed, and OMG I cannot wait for more.
December 10, 2024
3.5⭐⭐⭐
I picked up this book after reading a recommendation that if I liked *Galaxies and Oceans* by N.R. Walker, I’d love this one—so, of course, instant TBR! And let’s be real, the cover definitely played a big part in my decision too. It’s absolutely stunning 💙.
Jayce is grieving the loss of his twin, and Namid, an empath with no memory of his past, has shut himself off from the world. Their slow-burn romance starts at a funeral (dark, I know) and builds into something breathtaking—like the aurora borealis, unpredictable and soul-stirring.
The writing is poetic and atmospheric, but the romance stumbles a bit: too much miscommunication, and their leap into love feels rushed. But when it works? Wow. Fireworks. Poetry. Pure magic.
I also loved Ken—such a kind, selfless guy, even though he’s grieving too. The small-town setting worked, but the homophobia and hostility toward Namid were frustrating, and some of it wasn’t fully explained. In the end it even made me more mad... how can something like that even happen?
Simply put, I loved the concept, the aesthetic, the writing, the characters, the plot, and the mysterious, mystical aspects of the story. I loved so much about it, but at times, I struggled to follow how things moved from point A to point B in their relationship—especially in the first 40%, which felt like a bit of a blur or fog and it dragged like hell.
It’s not perfect, but it’s raw, beautiful, and emotional—a story about love, loss, and hope that lingers long after the last page. Worth sticking with even with these little reservations💫
Galaxies and Oceans by N.R. Walker is one of my all-time favorite books, and while I can see some similarities, this one didn’t even come close to giving me the same awe I felt while reading Galaxies and Oceans.
I picked up this book after reading a recommendation that if I liked *Galaxies and Oceans* by N.R. Walker, I’d love this one—so, of course, instant TBR! And let’s be real, the cover definitely played a big part in my decision too. It’s absolutely stunning 💙.
Jayce is grieving the loss of his twin, and Namid, an empath with no memory of his past, has shut himself off from the world. Their slow-burn romance starts at a funeral (dark, I know) and builds into something breathtaking—like the aurora borealis, unpredictable and soul-stirring.
The writing is poetic and atmospheric, but the romance stumbles a bit: too much miscommunication, and their leap into love feels rushed. But when it works? Wow. Fireworks. Poetry. Pure magic.
I also loved Ken—such a kind, selfless guy, even though he’s grieving too. The small-town setting worked, but the homophobia and hostility toward Namid were frustrating, and some of it wasn’t fully explained. In the end it even made me more mad... how can something like that even happen?
Simply put, I loved the concept, the aesthetic, the writing, the characters, the plot, and the mysterious, mystical aspects of the story. I loved so much about it, but at times, I struggled to follow how things moved from point A to point B in their relationship—especially in the first 40%, which felt like a bit of a blur or fog and it dragged like hell.
It’s not perfect, but it’s raw, beautiful, and emotional—a story about love, loss, and hope that lingers long after the last page. Worth sticking with even with these little reservations💫
Galaxies and Oceans by N.R. Walker is one of my all-time favorite books, and while I can see some similarities, this one didn’t even come close to giving me the same awe I felt while reading Galaxies and Oceans.
September 2, 2024
3.75 ⭐
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, BookSirens and the authors, for the opportunity.
What to expect:
📍Slow burn
📍Friends to lovers
📍Found family
📍Death and grief
📍Hurt / comfort
📍Small town
📍Amnesia
📍Special ability
The best part of the book was the little glimpses and possibilities of the unknown. The protagonist's origin and special ability, as well as other unexplained details added to the charm of the story. However, the book does not offer answers nor is it intended for the reader to know the truth. The focus is on the people, their feelings, and the bonds they form. There is a traumatic event that triggers the ending and it is quite realistic and sad at the same time, in that sense the book is ironically very close to reality.
The calm pace and long time span of the plot helped create the amazing slice-of-life and hurt-comfort vibes. When I say it's a slow burn, it's because the romance takes its time to build. They meet at a difficult time in the life of one of the main characters, his brother had just died. The beginning of the book is centered on his sadness over the loss and their first interactions are as friends. Over time they establish a routine and create a place for themselves in each other's lives. The attraction comes later, as well as secrets and conversations about the past. I did feel the change from friends to lovers was a little abrupt, as in the way they behave so naturally as an established couple instead of figuring things up first, but they truly formed a beautiful family for themselves despite the obstacles and the judgment of society.
If there is one thing I would like to criticize, it is the constant changes of perspective. All the chapters are divided into several passages that alternate the POV of the two MCs. I think it is fine that the story is told taking into account how each of them lived a certain moment, but the interruption of a scene to retell it from the beginning with another perspective until finally finishing it was sometimes a bit repetitive. In addition, most of them lasted only a few pages before changing again.
I also recommend checking the book's trigger warnings and keeping in mind that it's a pretty sentimental read, death and loneliness are two of the main themes. I was not really in the mood for something like this, and maybe I didn't dive into the plot and emotions as much as I would have liked.
There's not much drama with the couple and they get their HEA in the end but sad things do happen around them.
PS: The next book seems to be even more painful than this one if I don't interpret the clues incorrectly...
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, BookSirens and the authors, for the opportunity.
What to expect:
📍Slow burn
📍Friends to lovers
📍Found family
📍Death and grief
📍Hurt / comfort
📍Small town
📍Amnesia
📍Special ability
The best part of the book was the little glimpses and possibilities of the unknown. The protagonist's origin and special ability, as well as other unexplained details added to the charm of the story. However, the book does not offer answers nor is it intended for the reader to know the truth. The focus is on the people, their feelings, and the bonds they form. There is a traumatic event that triggers the ending and it is quite realistic and sad at the same time, in that sense the book is ironically very close to reality.
The calm pace and long time span of the plot helped create the amazing slice-of-life and hurt-comfort vibes. When I say it's a slow burn, it's because the romance takes its time to build. They meet at a difficult time in the life of one of the main characters, his brother had just died. The beginning of the book is centered on his sadness over the loss and their first interactions are as friends. Over time they establish a routine and create a place for themselves in each other's lives. The attraction comes later, as well as secrets and conversations about the past. I did feel the change from friends to lovers was a little abrupt, as in the way they behave so naturally as an established couple instead of figuring things up first, but they truly formed a beautiful family for themselves despite the obstacles and the judgment of society.
If there is one thing I would like to criticize, it is the constant changes of perspective. All the chapters are divided into several passages that alternate the POV of the two MCs. I think it is fine that the story is told taking into account how each of them lived a certain moment, but the interruption of a scene to retell it from the beginning with another perspective until finally finishing it was sometimes a bit repetitive. In addition, most of them lasted only a few pages before changing again.
I also recommend checking the book's trigger warnings and keeping in mind that it's a pretty sentimental read, death and loneliness are two of the main themes. I was not really in the mood for something like this, and maybe I didn't dive into the plot and emotions as much as I would have liked.
There's not much drama with the couple and they get their HEA in the end but sad things do happen around them.
PS: The next book seems to be even more painful than this one if I don't interpret the clues incorrectly...
August 16, 2025
This was such a sweet, low angst story about two men who found the other half of their soul within each other, when they were least expecting it.
Namid doesn't know who he is or where he came from, only that he was born different to everyone else. Namid is an empath in every sense of the word - able to physically feel the emotions of those around him, as if they are his own, and that is what draws him to Jayce. Jayce's grief after losing his twin brother is so intense that Namid is compelled to care for him, and the two men form an unlikely friendship.
Namid is such a sweet, wonderful soul, and if I could then I would wrap him up in my arms and make sure that he never has to feel anything bad again. I loved the way that he supported Jayce, and his selflessness throughout the story. I hated how others treated him, and my heart hurt for him when he was pining.
Jayce is clouded by grief for the majority of the story, and therefore he can come across as a bit oblivious. It's clear how much he cares for Namid as well though, and how considerate he was of his needs. The two of them together are so cute, and definitely give off soulmate vibes.
I know that the authors deliberately made the paranormal aspect of the story vague, but I think it would have been more impactful if this was explored further. I really wanted to know more about Namid, and throughout the book I was waiting for something to be unveiled, but it never was. I also think that a lot of Jayce and Namid's relationship happened off-page, so it would have been nice to see what the beginning of their relationship was like and experience all of those 'firsts' with them, instead of jumping ahead several weeks.
Overall, this was a cute story with endearing characters, and I'd recommend it if you want something low-angst with a hint of paranormal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Namid doesn't know who he is or where he came from, only that he was born different to everyone else. Namid is an empath in every sense of the word - able to physically feel the emotions of those around him, as if they are his own, and that is what draws him to Jayce. Jayce's grief after losing his twin brother is so intense that Namid is compelled to care for him, and the two men form an unlikely friendship.
Namid is such a sweet, wonderful soul, and if I could then I would wrap him up in my arms and make sure that he never has to feel anything bad again. I loved the way that he supported Jayce, and his selflessness throughout the story. I hated how others treated him, and my heart hurt for him when he was pining.
Jayce is clouded by grief for the majority of the story, and therefore he can come across as a bit oblivious. It's clear how much he cares for Namid as well though, and how considerate he was of his needs. The two of them together are so cute, and definitely give off soulmate vibes.
I know that the authors deliberately made the paranormal aspect of the story vague, but I think it would have been more impactful if this was explored further. I really wanted to know more about Namid, and throughout the book I was waiting for something to be unveiled, but it never was. I also think that a lot of Jayce and Namid's relationship happened off-page, so it would have been nice to see what the beginning of their relationship was like and experience all of those 'firsts' with them, instead of jumping ahead several weeks.
Overall, this was a cute story with endearing characters, and I'd recommend it if you want something low-angst with a hint of paranormal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2024
I need y’all to sit down for this one. Get one of those oversized, squishy chairs and a soft blanket and then buckle TF up.
This is like 300+ pages of grief, pain, rejection, pining, hope and hurt. It is truly a roller coaster.
The way it’s written leaves no stone unturned. I, personally, love getting both POV’s for major scenes and that’s not done often. It’s like rewinding your favorite movie a bit to show a friend a good part. Yes, you’re watching it again but it’s different now. That’s how it feels.
Rayne and D.W. blend effortlessly. They’re apparently both emotional sadists with a sole purpose of making you cry. 🥴
Jayce has just experienced the worst of the worst and is just a (barely) walking ball of grief and despair. It’s so strong that it just consumes him.
Namid is a mysterious man that lives and works with his adoptive-ish father at the funeral home. He can also feel everyone around him and their emotions as if they’re his own.
Together, they’re just clueless, fumbling, shy friends that just need each other to see them for who they are.
There is spice but it’s not a main ingredient in this book and it’s a very slow burn but it’s not without tension and emotions🥹
Did I mention that D.W. and Rayne are (presumed) emotional sadists? Because they are. It hurt. But it was so sweet and set up book two perfectly (I think. When I asked Rayne about Ethan all I got was “shrug” so…yes?).
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
This is like 300+ pages of grief, pain, rejection, pining, hope and hurt. It is truly a roller coaster.
The way it’s written leaves no stone unturned. I, personally, love getting both POV’s for major scenes and that’s not done often. It’s like rewinding your favorite movie a bit to show a friend a good part. Yes, you’re watching it again but it’s different now. That’s how it feels.
Rayne and D.W. blend effortlessly. They’re apparently both emotional sadists with a sole purpose of making you cry. 🥴
Jayce has just experienced the worst of the worst and is just a (barely) walking ball of grief and despair. It’s so strong that it just consumes him.
Namid is a mysterious man that lives and works with his adoptive-ish father at the funeral home. He can also feel everyone around him and their emotions as if they’re his own.
Together, they’re just clueless, fumbling, shy friends that just need each other to see them for who they are.
There is spice but it’s not a main ingredient in this book and it’s a very slow burn but it’s not without tension and emotions🥹
Did I mention that D.W. and Rayne are (presumed) emotional sadists? Because they are. It hurt. But it was so sweet and set up book two perfectly (I think. When I asked Rayne about Ethan all I got was “shrug” so…yes?).
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
September 19, 2024
3.5 stars
Great premise and overall enjoyable but it was somewhat undermined by the very spare writing style.
Tropes: grieving, hurt/comfort, slowburn, amnesia, unrequited crush, serious injury, light paranormal, empath MC
Positives:
~ lots of soft caretaking, accepting the other as they are
~ the empath MC does not miraculously understand everything just because he understands emotions, he's not a mind reader and there were some nice distinctions
~ lovely found family aspects
Negatives:
~ the writing style made this feel quite impersonal. There were a lot of short sentences, and a lack of contractions that I think was supposed to make this seem a bit flowery but mostly just felt stiff.
~ why do MCs always assume the other is straight with no justification whatsoever? Drama, that's why.
Great premise and overall enjoyable but it was somewhat undermined by the very spare writing style.
Tropes: grieving, hurt/comfort, slowburn, amnesia, unrequited crush, serious injury, light paranormal, empath MC
Positives:
~ lots of soft caretaking, accepting the other as they are
~ the empath MC does not miraculously understand everything just because he understands emotions, he's not a mind reader and there were some nice distinctions
~ lovely found family aspects
Negatives:
~ the writing style made this feel quite impersonal. There were a lot of short sentences, and a lack of contractions that I think was supposed to make this seem a bit flowery but mostly just felt stiff.
~ why do MCs always assume the other is straight with no justification whatsoever? Drama, that's why.
January 23, 2025
5/5 stars 2/5 spice
- Small town
- Grief
- Becoming friends then lovers
- Found family
This was so beautifully written. Every emotion and feeling was described effortlessly. I loved how the characters started off as friends first and how Namid was the one who was truly there for Jayce in his time of need. It was also heartwarming to see Namid actually have a friend for the first time in the small town that never truly accepted him since he bizarrely ended up there.
Don’t even get me started on the wonderful man that is Ken, who took Namid in and raised him as his own. These three characters became a family, each with their own kind of grief.
Namid and Jayce found their missing pieces in each other and their relationship was so full of love, understanding, and acceptance. All the little things they remembered and did for each other showed how much they cherished one another.
I highly recommend this book if you want a sweet romance read where two lost souls find each other.
- Small town
- Grief
- Becoming friends then lovers
- Found family
This was so beautifully written. Every emotion and feeling was described effortlessly. I loved how the characters started off as friends first and how Namid was the one who was truly there for Jayce in his time of need. It was also heartwarming to see Namid actually have a friend for the first time in the small town that never truly accepted him since he bizarrely ended up there.
Don’t even get me started on the wonderful man that is Ken, who took Namid in and raised him as his own. These three characters became a family, each with their own kind of grief.
Namid and Jayce found their missing pieces in each other and their relationship was so full of love, understanding, and acceptance. All the little things they remembered and did for each other showed how much they cherished one another.
I highly recommend this book if you want a sweet romance read where two lost souls find each other.
September 17, 2024
I’m having a hard time rating this one.
There were a few things that keep it from being a 5 or even a solid 4 star read so I’m gonna go with 3.5-3.75.
I will start with the things I liked:
The characters!! Both of the MCs, Namid and Jayce were such great guys. Namid was found on the side of the road ten years ago by this man named Ken who took him in and gave him a home. Namid had no memory of who he is or where he came from. He also is somewhat supernatural because he can feel other people’s feelings. He can literally feel what other people are feeling at that moment. They live in this small town in Alaska where Namid helps Ken with his funeral service business. This is where he meets Jayce.
Jayce just lost the other half of his soul. His twin brother. He’s drowning in grief when he meets Namid and comes to his aid and helps him get through the loss of his brother. Through this they form a deep bond and become best friends. Unbeknownst to Jayce, Namid harbors strong feelings for him. He’s in love with Jayce but he thinks Jayce is straight so he never says anything. I like how they formed a friendship. And then once it turned into more it was so intimate. These two didn’t look at each other and think about wanting to take the other to bed. They thought about deeper things and how they could spend the rest of their lives being together. It was never a “we’ll see what happens” relationship. Once they got together they were all in. It also wasn’t very steamy or smutty it was definitely love making.
The things I didn’t quite like:
This is a SLOW BURN. Slower than anything I’ve read in a long time. They confess their feelings at about 62% and while to others that may be your normal read but I’m used to reading things that move a little quicker.
This book was about 80% monologue and 20% dialogue. I get that there are really only three characters in this book but I needed more conversation.
The paragraphs need to be split up more. Sometimes a paragraph lasted a whole page and it made it harder to read.
The last one that took off a whole star: this was NOT 100% safe. Namid is feeling unrequited love towards Jayce and he thinks he will never have a chance with him so he goes out to find someone to hook up with. When I got to this point in the book at 60% I was so upset. I was expecting this book to be completely safe. He makes out with and touches dicks with some random guy. He’s not super into it. He turns and finds Jayce watching him. Jayce is so upset because he is in love with Namid but he too thinks Namid is straight. Namid leaves the guy immediately so they don’t finish anything and he runs to Jayce. They resolved things the next morning by actually talking. But it bugged that this was included. If Namid would have just been kissing the guy it wouldn’t have bugged me that much. Usually I DNF at this but I was so far into the book I didn’t want to stop. Also if they had just told each other they were both gay it would have avoided all this. They are supposed to be best friends but never talked about this.
Anyway the author said the paranormal aspect is open to interpretation by the reader. I have my thoughts on it and since the author said the next story will be connected to this one, I so desperately hope that Jayce’s brother, Jordyn, will be reincarnated and come back to end up with Ethan. Pretty please!!
NO CHEATING/CHEATING (with exception. It depends on how you feel. They weren’t together when it happened, they get together right after but it took a star off for me)
OM DRAMA ( stated above under dislike)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
VERSE COUPLE
HEA
There were a few things that keep it from being a 5 or even a solid 4 star read so I’m gonna go with 3.5-3.75.
I will start with the things I liked:
The characters!! Both of the MCs, Namid and Jayce were such great guys. Namid was found on the side of the road ten years ago by this man named Ken who took him in and gave him a home. Namid had no memory of who he is or where he came from. He also is somewhat supernatural because he can feel other people’s feelings. He can literally feel what other people are feeling at that moment. They live in this small town in Alaska where Namid helps Ken with his funeral service business. This is where he meets Jayce.
Jayce just lost the other half of his soul. His twin brother. He’s drowning in grief when he meets Namid and comes to his aid and helps him get through the loss of his brother. Through this they form a deep bond and become best friends. Unbeknownst to Jayce, Namid harbors strong feelings for him. He’s in love with Jayce but he thinks Jayce is straight so he never says anything. I like how they formed a friendship. And then once it turned into more it was so intimate. These two didn’t look at each other and think about wanting to take the other to bed. They thought about deeper things and how they could spend the rest of their lives being together. It was never a “we’ll see what happens” relationship. Once they got together they were all in. It also wasn’t very steamy or smutty it was definitely love making.
The things I didn’t quite like:
This is a SLOW BURN. Slower than anything I’ve read in a long time. They confess their feelings at about 62% and while to others that may be your normal read but I’m used to reading things that move a little quicker.
This book was about 80% monologue and 20% dialogue. I get that there are really only three characters in this book but I needed more conversation.
The paragraphs need to be split up more. Sometimes a paragraph lasted a whole page and it made it harder to read.
The last one that took off a whole star: this was NOT 100% safe. Namid is feeling unrequited love towards Jayce and he thinks he will never have a chance with him so he goes out to find someone to hook up with. When I got to this point in the book at 60% I was so upset. I was expecting this book to be completely safe. He makes out with and touches dicks with some random guy. He’s not super into it. He turns and finds Jayce watching him. Jayce is so upset because he is in love with Namid but he too thinks Namid is straight. Namid leaves the guy immediately so they don’t finish anything and he runs to Jayce. They resolved things the next morning by actually talking. But it bugged that this was included. If Namid would have just been kissing the guy it wouldn’t have bugged me that much. Usually I DNF at this but I was so far into the book I didn’t want to stop. Also if they had just told each other they were both gay it would have avoided all this. They are supposed to be best friends but never talked about this.
Anyway the author said the paranormal aspect is open to interpretation by the reader. I have my thoughts on it and since the author said the next story will be connected to this one, I so desperately hope that Jayce’s brother, Jordyn, will be reincarnated and come back to end up with Ethan. Pretty please!!
NO CHEATING/CHEATING (with exception. It depends on how you feel. They weren’t together when it happened, they get together right after but it took a star off for me)
OM DRAMA ( stated above under dislike)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
VERSE COUPLE
HEA
September 12, 2024
The lovely authors of this book sent me an advanced copy of this e-book and I honestly can’t thank them enough!
I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything that touched me and spoke to me the way this did. Everything about it is absolutely perfect.
The mcs are so captivating and lovable that I just couldn’t help but fall in love with them both immediately! Namid is so mysterious and pure at the same time while Jayce is so kind and sweet if not a little rough around the edges.
It feels a little weird to say this but I’m not sure how else to phrase it… I feel like the grief, loneliness and general sadness that fills this is book is part of what makes it so beautiful. It reminded me that these things are all unavoidable parts of life and even though they hurt us, they can also help us to appreciate the better times and sometimes they can even lead us to people and places we may not have encountered or taken notice of otherwise.
My ramblings are getting a bit out of control now, but I just have to add that the supernatural elements embedded in the plot really helped to set it apart from anything else I’ve read.
I honestly am struggling to put into words just how much this book meant to me, so I’ll end with this… It was so beautifully written that I barely had dry eyes the entire time I was reading it. Even when I was away from my kindle doing other things Jayce and Namid stayed in the front of my mind and I think they’ll stay there for a really long time.
I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything that touched me and spoke to me the way this did. Everything about it is absolutely perfect.
The mcs are so captivating and lovable that I just couldn’t help but fall in love with them both immediately! Namid is so mysterious and pure at the same time while Jayce is so kind and sweet if not a little rough around the edges.
It feels a little weird to say this but I’m not sure how else to phrase it… I feel like the grief, loneliness and general sadness that fills this is book is part of what makes it so beautiful. It reminded me that these things are all unavoidable parts of life and even though they hurt us, they can also help us to appreciate the better times and sometimes they can even lead us to people and places we may not have encountered or taken notice of otherwise.
My ramblings are getting a bit out of control now, but I just have to add that the supernatural elements embedded in the plot really helped to set it apart from anything else I’ve read.
I honestly am struggling to put into words just how much this book meant to me, so I’ll end with this… It was so beautifully written that I barely had dry eyes the entire time I was reading it. Even when I was away from my kindle doing other things Jayce and Namid stayed in the front of my mind and I think they’ll stay there for a really long time.
September 3, 2024
4.5 stars
This was a delicate, sweet, tender story and I truly loved it.
Namid is such a precious and pure soul and it warmed my heart seeing how much he wanted to help Jayce, to console him and make his life a little easier. I found his rambling very adorable.
Their friendship developed tentatively at first and then a little bit stronger every day. They spent time doing simple things, having breakfast, walking in the park, just being together in a comfortable silence and I loved it.
Namid's uniqueness made me curious at first, but then it just became part of him and I honestly didn't care anymore about where he came from. I just liked how he created his own little loving family with Ken first, and then Jayce too.
There are a lot of emotions in this story, not all pleasant since Jayce lost his twin brother, but there's also so much hope for the future.
The sex scenes are intense, sweet and very emotional.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
The rhytm slowed down a bit between 70/85% of the book and I didn't like that. I also would have loved to see more of them after they took their decision almost at the end.
We have glimpses of the next story in the last chapter and it got me very very curious. I'm definitely going to read it.
Very recommended
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
This was a delicate, sweet, tender story and I truly loved it.
Namid is such a precious and pure soul and it warmed my heart seeing how much he wanted to help Jayce, to console him and make his life a little easier. I found his rambling very adorable.
Their friendship developed tentatively at first and then a little bit stronger every day. They spent time doing simple things, having breakfast, walking in the park, just being together in a comfortable silence and I loved it.
Namid's uniqueness made me curious at first, but then it just became part of him and I honestly didn't care anymore about where he came from. I just liked how he created his own little loving family with Ken first, and then Jayce too.
There are a lot of emotions in this story, not all pleasant since Jayce lost his twin brother, but there's also so much hope for the future.
The sex scenes are intense, sweet and very emotional.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
The rhytm slowed down a bit between 70/85% of the book and I didn't like that. I also would have loved to see more of them after they took their decision almost at the end.
We have glimpses of the next story in the last chapter and it got me very very curious. I'm definitely going to read it.
Very recommended
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
September 22, 2024
This book was absolutely wonderful!! The guys were amazing main characters and I found many traits/behaviors worth emulating/striving for, and it gave me insight into life experiences I have yet to have myself! With the grief Jayce goes through and the way Namid helped him however he could, and the patience and accommodation and thoughtfulness Jayce had for Namid to make him more comfortable, they make me want to try to be better myself and even help me see a bit how to do it.
As for the setting and imagery, it was so nicely detailed and beautiful! From the colors of the Alaskan night sky to the details of the Seattle area, I had no trouble picturing it all clearly. I'm a sucker for all things space-related, so even just the cover alone was enough to draw me in, and the actual scenes with the aurora and the starry night sky, and the way Namid's torso mimics that constant color shift was so cool and it honestly made me a little envious of him!
While there is a lot of happy and positive scenes in the story, it's not a constant high, and one or two of the low points were enough to make me actually feel nauseous. That being said, I never felt like the tone shifts were so frequent, fast, or intense that I ever had trouble keeping up!
The way the story ended was so well and precisely done that I would be content with this book being the end of Jayce and Namid's story (and I'm not always satisfied with how some stories wrap up) or if there's more to come from these two. It has so much potential, with questions and plotlines regarding/confronting either their pasts or their futures that I think could fill another book or two!
As for the setting and imagery, it was so nicely detailed and beautiful! From the colors of the Alaskan night sky to the details of the Seattle area, I had no trouble picturing it all clearly. I'm a sucker for all things space-related, so even just the cover alone was enough to draw me in, and the actual scenes with the aurora and the starry night sky, and the way Namid's torso mimics that constant color shift was so cool and it honestly made me a little envious of him!
While there is a lot of happy and positive scenes in the story, it's not a constant high, and one or two of the low points were enough to make me actually feel nauseous. That being said, I never felt like the tone shifts were so frequent, fast, or intense that I ever had trouble keeping up!
The way the story ended was so well and precisely done that I would be content with this book being the end of Jayce and Namid's story (and I'm not always satisfied with how some stories wrap up) or if there's more to come from these two. It has so much potential, with questions and plotlines regarding/confronting either their pasts or their futures that I think could fill another book or two!
September 16, 2025
This is an immersive experience. It’s heavy with emotion and filled with grief and love. The setting in Alaska with the northern lights and hints of another world make it a magical read. The writing is poetic and beautifully written, full of details that drag you willingly into the story.
You are warned it’s a slow burn, so I was fully expecting it, but when they finally get together, their time is full of sweetness and warmth. The ending with Namid was hard to read; it’s never going to sit well that people think they can do whatever they want just because they don’t like the look of someone.
A very enjoyable experience.
You are warned it’s a slow burn, so I was fully expecting it, but when they finally get together, their time is full of sweetness and warmth. The ending with Namid was hard to read; it’s never going to sit well that people think they can do whatever they want just because they don’t like the look of someone.
A very enjoyable experience.
August 22, 2024
4.25 stars
Oof. This was packed full of emotions. The authors did a wonderful job in how they described every feeling and emotion. It made it very impactful. The story overall is very low angst. It focuses heavily on grief and loneliness in different ways. Namid and Jayce are such beautiful souls. I loved seeing their friendship develop and then bloom into something more. This story has a touch of the paranormal with Namid and his empathic abilities, but the authors kept that aspect of the story rather vague. I absolutely loved the found family vibes we get between Namid, Jayce, and Ken. Before they all officially come together as their own familial unit, they are all in their own kind of limbo. Ken dealing with the late stages of grief from the loss of his wife years before, Jayce dealing with the grief of the recent loss of his twin brother and then his parents years before that, and then Namid who has amnesia with no memory of his life from before he was found ten years prior and has never been accepted by their small town community. The romance was sweet, but the found family they formed really held my heart in this story. Overall, this is a great story with so much heart. It's a wonderful journey, and I look forward to the next book that was teased there at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oof. This was packed full of emotions. The authors did a wonderful job in how they described every feeling and emotion. It made it very impactful. The story overall is very low angst. It focuses heavily on grief and loneliness in different ways. Namid and Jayce are such beautiful souls. I loved seeing their friendship develop and then bloom into something more. This story has a touch of the paranormal with Namid and his empathic abilities, but the authors kept that aspect of the story rather vague. I absolutely loved the found family vibes we get between Namid, Jayce, and Ken. Before they all officially come together as their own familial unit, they are all in their own kind of limbo. Ken dealing with the late stages of grief from the loss of his wife years before, Jayce dealing with the grief of the recent loss of his twin brother and then his parents years before that, and then Namid who has amnesia with no memory of his life from before he was found ten years prior and has never been accepted by their small town community. The romance was sweet, but the found family they formed really held my heart in this story. Overall, this is a great story with so much heart. It's a wonderful journey, and I look forward to the next book that was teased there at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2024
This book broke my heart, but it also put it back together. It was very beautifully written and it felt like a whole experience to be able to read this book. It's the type of book that stays with you.
Jayce and Namid are great main characters and I loved their road to love. The theme of grief is woven into the fabric of this story and it's written in a way that speaks to the soul and you can feel their grief.
Namid is a different sort of empath and he feels everyones feelings, which is usually not the best thing. The circumstances in which he's found by Ken are a bit weird and can't really be explained. That was 10 years ago and he's settled in with Ken who acts like a father figure to him. Meanwhile for Jayce it's the second time in 10 years that he needs to grieve and things are not easy. But they meet and slowly they develop a deep and loving friendship, which in time turns into something more. The pacing of their relationship felt great, things couldn't be rushed and everything felt like it happened at the perfect moment. I loved that they were friends first, but felt for Namid while he felt like his love would remain unrequited.
The longing for other things and the pining was written really well and I loved how they came together. Their relationship felt so natural and it was really beautiful how they effortlessly slotted into each others lives. I loved their little acts of service, their walks and coffee dates.
Their feelings were at the center of the book and we could really feel them and somewhat live through them with Jayce and Namid. Even through everything, Namid was a beautiful ray of sunshine, always willing to help and I'm glad that he wanted to help Jayce and make him feel less lonely.
The end felt very realistic, and I was happy that they decided to move. The epilogue was a great ending and I was so happy to see thriving and being happy in the future. And I'm ready for book 2 to break my heart and put it back together again.
Jayce and Namid are great main characters and I loved their road to love. The theme of grief is woven into the fabric of this story and it's written in a way that speaks to the soul and you can feel their grief.
Namid is a different sort of empath and he feels everyones feelings, which is usually not the best thing. The circumstances in which he's found by Ken are a bit weird and can't really be explained. That was 10 years ago and he's settled in with Ken who acts like a father figure to him. Meanwhile for Jayce it's the second time in 10 years that he needs to grieve and things are not easy. But they meet and slowly they develop a deep and loving friendship, which in time turns into something more. The pacing of their relationship felt great, things couldn't be rushed and everything felt like it happened at the perfect moment. I loved that they were friends first, but felt for Namid while he felt like his love would remain unrequited.
The longing for other things and the pining was written really well and I loved how they came together. Their relationship felt so natural and it was really beautiful how they effortlessly slotted into each others lives. I loved their little acts of service, their walks and coffee dates.
Their feelings were at the center of the book and we could really feel them and somewhat live through them with Jayce and Namid. Even through everything, Namid was a beautiful ray of sunshine, always willing to help and I'm glad that he wanted to help Jayce and make him feel less lonely.
The end felt very realistic, and I was happy that they decided to move. The epilogue was a great ending and I was so happy to see thriving and being happy in the future. And I'm ready for book 2 to break my heart and put it back together again.
January 13, 2025
MM - Sorrowful Beginnings - HEA
Namid doesn’t know who he is or where he came from. Ten years ago he was found nearly frozen to death in the snow on the side of the road in a small Alaskan town, by a middle aged man. Ken Johnson was the town’s Mortician and Funeral Director and took him in and Namid has lived with him since like a son. Ken is a widower with a son, Ethan, who left some time ago and doesn’t keep in touch with Ken. Namid reckons himself to be about 30 years old, and that is just a guess. He is different from everybody else in this town, nobody knows why, but they still shun him and keep their distance from him. Ken Johnson is the only one that knows and he is glad that Namid helps him out in the Funeral Parlour.
Following the Funeral earlier this day, Namid is clearing up after Mr. Johnson left when there’s a knock on the door. When Namid answers he is immediately aware of the young man standing there looking shattered and freezing cold. “I think I left my jacket here this morning” Jayce manages to croak out. Because of Namid’s ‘difference’ he knows how the man is feeling. He notices the swollen red eyes of the man and goes to look for the jacket.
Finding the jacket he hands it to Jayce fingers barely touching, but Namid is overpowered by the grief and loss that Jayce is feeling at the death of his brother Jordyn, in a motorcycle accident. Both men are very aware of each other and Namid feels his attraction towards this beautiful broken man standing before him. Jayce is also aware of the sheer beauty of Namid but brushes it aside in his deep sorrow.
Namid goes out of his way to help Jayce out of the deep depression he falls into and overtime they become friends. Jayce is the only other person who accepts Namid for the kind, gorgeous man he is and when Namid offers to help him sort out his messy business paperwork he accepts his offer. Namid’S feelings for Jayce have escalated but Jayce takes a long time to realise his own feelings, however he is afraid to destroy the friendship between them, and Namid needs all the friends he can get.
This small town is not a nice place, the people seem very mean and narrow minded, I just didn’t like the sound of the place. Sure enough a couple of hoodlums grab their opportunity and show the town’s true colours. This was a wake up call for Jayce and he finally starts making plans to change the situation.
<><><><><><>
‘Beneath the Indigo Skies’ is not a lighthearted MM romance by any means. Jayce’s sorrow at the loss of his brother comes over so strong it hurts to read of it. Namid’s sad story, his loss of any memory, his lack of knowledge of where he came from and how he lands on the side of a snow covered road, naked, made my heart bleed for him. He doesn’t know how or why he is so different from everyone else. How he bears the animosity of that small Alaskan town astonishes me.
Despite all his worries he is the most kind wonderful friend to Jayce and a wonderful adoptive son to Ken who he regards as his father. Jayce is so protective of Namid and the measures he takes to make him feel safe and comfortable is so heartwarming.
How Namid and Jayce find and treat each other is what makes this story a joy to read despite the sorrowful elements and events.
These three men,Jayce, Namid and Ken, find a new family together in friendship and love, all deserve to have a better, happier life and I feel the author has more to say about their story. I am hoping that we find out more about Namid’s previous history, how he came to be lying on that snowy road in small town Alaska.
TW- there is a huge focus on the bereavement of one MC’s family member and the second MC has an unnamed ‘condition’ that brings feelings of hurt and sorrow on him from others.
I received a Free ARC of this book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Namid doesn’t know who he is or where he came from. Ten years ago he was found nearly frozen to death in the snow on the side of the road in a small Alaskan town, by a middle aged man. Ken Johnson was the town’s Mortician and Funeral Director and took him in and Namid has lived with him since like a son. Ken is a widower with a son, Ethan, who left some time ago and doesn’t keep in touch with Ken. Namid reckons himself to be about 30 years old, and that is just a guess. He is different from everybody else in this town, nobody knows why, but they still shun him and keep their distance from him. Ken Johnson is the only one that knows and he is glad that Namid helps him out in the Funeral Parlour.
Following the Funeral earlier this day, Namid is clearing up after Mr. Johnson left when there’s a knock on the door. When Namid answers he is immediately aware of the young man standing there looking shattered and freezing cold. “I think I left my jacket here this morning” Jayce manages to croak out. Because of Namid’s ‘difference’ he knows how the man is feeling. He notices the swollen red eyes of the man and goes to look for the jacket.
Finding the jacket he hands it to Jayce fingers barely touching, but Namid is overpowered by the grief and loss that Jayce is feeling at the death of his brother Jordyn, in a motorcycle accident. Both men are very aware of each other and Namid feels his attraction towards this beautiful broken man standing before him. Jayce is also aware of the sheer beauty of Namid but brushes it aside in his deep sorrow.
Namid goes out of his way to help Jayce out of the deep depression he falls into and overtime they become friends. Jayce is the only other person who accepts Namid for the kind, gorgeous man he is and when Namid offers to help him sort out his messy business paperwork he accepts his offer. Namid’S feelings for Jayce have escalated but Jayce takes a long time to realise his own feelings, however he is afraid to destroy the friendship between them, and Namid needs all the friends he can get.
This small town is not a nice place, the people seem very mean and narrow minded, I just didn’t like the sound of the place. Sure enough a couple of hoodlums grab their opportunity and show the town’s true colours. This was a wake up call for Jayce and he finally starts making plans to change the situation.
<><><><><><>
‘Beneath the Indigo Skies’ is not a lighthearted MM romance by any means. Jayce’s sorrow at the loss of his brother comes over so strong it hurts to read of it. Namid’s sad story, his loss of any memory, his lack of knowledge of where he came from and how he lands on the side of a snow covered road, naked, made my heart bleed for him. He doesn’t know how or why he is so different from everyone else. How he bears the animosity of that small Alaskan town astonishes me.
Despite all his worries he is the most kind wonderful friend to Jayce and a wonderful adoptive son to Ken who he regards as his father. Jayce is so protective of Namid and the measures he takes to make him feel safe and comfortable is so heartwarming.
How Namid and Jayce find and treat each other is what makes this story a joy to read despite the sorrowful elements and events.
These three men,Jayce, Namid and Ken, find a new family together in friendship and love, all deserve to have a better, happier life and I feel the author has more to say about their story. I am hoping that we find out more about Namid’s previous history, how he came to be lying on that snowy road in small town Alaska.
TW- there is a huge focus on the bereavement of one MC’s family member and the second MC has an unnamed ‘condition’ that brings feelings of hurt and sorrow on him from others.
I received a Free ARC of this book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2024
Wow, oh wow, oh wow!
Firstly, I want to say that the only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 stars is due to layout inconsistencies.
This book hurt in the best way possible. It's so descriptive that it feels like poetry, and the authors do such an amazing job at portraying emotions.
It's a shorter slow burn, but once the romance starts, it runs at top speed. I am obsessed with how their relationship develops and how it feels so natural.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Is this new person the person from the letter? I so hope it is!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
7/11/24: Since posting my review, I was informed that the formatting issues have been fixed. Updated the rating to 5 stars.
Firstly, I want to say that the only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 stars is due to layout inconsistencies.
This book hurt in the best way possible. It's so descriptive that it feels like poetry, and the authors do such an amazing job at portraying emotions.
It's a shorter slow burn, but once the romance starts, it runs at top speed. I am obsessed with how their relationship develops and how it feels so natural.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Is this new person the person from the letter? I so hope it is!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
7/11/24: Since posting my review, I was informed that the formatting issues have been fixed. Updated the rating to 5 stars.
August 28, 2024
Jayce is a twin, his brother was his best friend. So, when Jayce and Jordyn both have a hard day, they both take it out on one another, Jordyn leaves but never makes it home. He's just going through the motions the day he lays his brother to rest, masking his hurt as best he can for the townies, but when he is all alone, he lets the darkness swallow him. In the darkness he dreams of a world where Jordyn is still around. Forgetting his jacket inside the funeral home he is met by a man he has seen around town but has never interacted with. He is either so torn up with grief or he is struck by the stranger's beauty that he forgets why he is standing in the cold for a moment. He soon will be seeing this stranger around a lot more; in fact, he has offered to help with the books in his shop which was always Jordyn's job.
Namid has always known that he was different, when you are found on the side of the road with no memory of who you are or where you came from that should be the first clue. Namid has the ability to feel the emotions of the people around him, sometimes it is so overwhelming that it makes his knees want to buckle. But there is just something about this man standing in front of him looking for his jacket, not only does Namid feel that he is staring at a ghost due to him looking just like the man he put in a coffin just that morning, but the amount of grief and sadness rolling off him. Namid just wants to help in anyway he can, just so happens he seems to be the only one in town that doesn't treat him like he's broken.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (the story makes up for it)
This is my first time reading for these two and I can’t wait to see where this series leads, I have some theories about book 2. Two men find comfort and safety in the other, along with making them feel some sense of normalcy, but as their friendship blooms from darkness into something more, a bit of happiness something they both need but have had the hardest time finding in this small conservative town.
Namid has always known that he was different, when you are found on the side of the road with no memory of who you are or where you came from that should be the first clue. Namid has the ability to feel the emotions of the people around him, sometimes it is so overwhelming that it makes his knees want to buckle. But there is just something about this man standing in front of him looking for his jacket, not only does Namid feel that he is staring at a ghost due to him looking just like the man he put in a coffin just that morning, but the amount of grief and sadness rolling off him. Namid just wants to help in anyway he can, just so happens he seems to be the only one in town that doesn't treat him like he's broken.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (the story makes up for it)
This is my first time reading for these two and I can’t wait to see where this series leads, I have some theories about book 2. Two men find comfort and safety in the other, along with making them feel some sense of normalcy, but as their friendship blooms from darkness into something more, a bit of happiness something they both need but have had the hardest time finding in this small conservative town.
August 23, 2024
4.5★
Wow. This was such a stunning journey of love, grief and family.
The poetic writing hooked me from the very beginning, but it was Namid and Jayce that completely sucked me in. Both men were so special in so many different ways.
Namid’s outlook on life was extremely refreshing, despite not knowing where he came from and the way the people in that (godawful) town treated him. He was so kind and compassionate, supernatural abilities aside. (I’m convinced he’d be an empathetic being either way.) I loved the way he helped Jayce through his grief. He pushed his romantic feelings aside for Jayce and would’ve lived forever being his friend just so he’d stay in his life. And in ways, that was extremely heartbreaking. Taking someone you’re so in love with any way you could get them because they’re one of the only people to finally accept you as you are?? I’m unwell. I cried for Namid and his loneliness. I needed him to be happy.
I can’t fully say I was pleased with the circumstances under which Namid and Jayce finally recognized each other after living in the same town for so long, but I am glad they entered each other’s lives the way they did. If that makes any sense at all. (Probably not)
Jayce needed Namid. Not because he needed to know there was another gay man in that small conservative town but because he needed a friend. He needed foundation after losing his brother and Namid gave him exactly that. Jayce’s longing for that feeling of belonging really tugged at the strings of my heart. And then when he finally got it and Namid felt it 😭 I WAS SO HAPPY. This man was so sweet and deserved the world after what he had been through. I loved loved loved, how excepting and understanding he was of Namid. These two were truly soulmates.
Also, that grocery store scene in the beginning! I was smiling so much. It was so heartwarming, I can’t stop thinking about it. And then that full circle moment when we got to that date night scene. Ugh, these two were just such a serotonin booster.
There’s a lot more I want to say about this book but it would definitely spoil it, so I’ll just say if you’re looking for a beautiful romance with a hint of paranormal, then this is for you.
Also, this was a tearjerker but why do I feel like book two is going to annihilate me ??
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Wow. This was such a stunning journey of love, grief and family.
The poetic writing hooked me from the very beginning, but it was Namid and Jayce that completely sucked me in. Both men were so special in so many different ways.
Namid’s outlook on life was extremely refreshing, despite not knowing where he came from and the way the people in that (godawful) town treated him. He was so kind and compassionate, supernatural abilities aside. (I’m convinced he’d be an empathetic being either way.) I loved the way he helped Jayce through his grief. He pushed his romantic feelings aside for Jayce and would’ve lived forever being his friend just so he’d stay in his life. And in ways, that was extremely heartbreaking. Taking someone you’re so in love with any way you could get them because they’re one of the only people to finally accept you as you are?? I’m unwell. I cried for Namid and his loneliness. I needed him to be happy.
I can’t fully say I was pleased with the circumstances under which Namid and Jayce finally recognized each other after living in the same town for so long, but I am glad they entered each other’s lives the way they did. If that makes any sense at all. (Probably not)
Jayce needed Namid. Not because he needed to know there was another gay man in that small conservative town but because he needed a friend. He needed foundation after losing his brother and Namid gave him exactly that. Jayce’s longing for that feeling of belonging really tugged at the strings of my heart. And then when he finally got it and Namid felt it 😭 I WAS SO HAPPY. This man was so sweet and deserved the world after what he had been through. I loved loved loved, how excepting and understanding he was of Namid. These two were truly soulmates.
Also, that grocery store scene in the beginning! I was smiling so much. It was so heartwarming, I can’t stop thinking about it. And then that full circle moment when we got to that date night scene. Ugh, these two were just such a serotonin booster.
There’s a lot more I want to say about this book but it would definitely spoil it, so I’ll just say if you’re looking for a beautiful romance with a hint of paranormal, then this is for you.
Also, this was a tearjerker but why do I feel like book two is going to annihilate me ??
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2024
5 ⭐️
3 🌶
This one is going to get a bit long and personal, so my apologies in advance. I want to clarify that I asked my partner if I could share this, and he gave his permission. Beneath the Indigo Sky is about two beautiful and very broken souls. Namid was found by Ken 10 years ago on the side of the road with no memories. Ken had found Namid not long after the loss of his wife. Namid didn't even have a name, so it was Ken that gave him one. For 10 years, Namid has been helping Ken with his funeral home business, while Jayce (our other MC) has been living his life with his brother Jordyn. Jayce and Jordyn have been building their business and their lives for years after losing their parents. Jordyn is Jayce's twin and the other half of his soul. After the loss of their parents, their bond grew even more. One night, Jordyn was in a fatal motorcycle accident. Jayce was left to pick up the pieces of his life, their business, and his soul. At the funeral home, after forgetting his coat, Jayce finally connects with Namid. So begins their story as Namid pursues helping Jayce through his loss and with his business. I don't want to spoil anything about Namid, who he is, or where he comes from, but I want to emphasize that sometimes fate brings the people you need into your life to help you survive. I am a hospice nurse practitioner, so I deal in grief and loss every day. My own husband lost his brother when my husband was 23, and his brother was 21. My husband's totem in life was his brother, so when he passed, my husband lost a part of his soul. The way that Rayne and D.W. so accurately capture grief and loss was astounding. They are bringing awareness to these topics while also spreading joy with this story. The price of love is pain, but love is also what makes life worth living, whether it be friendship, partnership, or found family.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
3 🌶
This one is going to get a bit long and personal, so my apologies in advance. I want to clarify that I asked my partner if I could share this, and he gave his permission. Beneath the Indigo Sky is about two beautiful and very broken souls. Namid was found by Ken 10 years ago on the side of the road with no memories. Ken had found Namid not long after the loss of his wife. Namid didn't even have a name, so it was Ken that gave him one. For 10 years, Namid has been helping Ken with his funeral home business, while Jayce (our other MC) has been living his life with his brother Jordyn. Jayce and Jordyn have been building their business and their lives for years after losing their parents. Jordyn is Jayce's twin and the other half of his soul. After the loss of their parents, their bond grew even more. One night, Jordyn was in a fatal motorcycle accident. Jayce was left to pick up the pieces of his life, their business, and his soul. At the funeral home, after forgetting his coat, Jayce finally connects with Namid. So begins their story as Namid pursues helping Jayce through his loss and with his business. I don't want to spoil anything about Namid, who he is, or where he comes from, but I want to emphasize that sometimes fate brings the people you need into your life to help you survive. I am a hospice nurse practitioner, so I deal in grief and loss every day. My own husband lost his brother when my husband was 23, and his brother was 21. My husband's totem in life was his brother, so when he passed, my husband lost a part of his soul. The way that Rayne and D.W. so accurately capture grief and loss was astounding. They are bringing awareness to these topics while also spreading joy with this story. The price of love is pain, but love is also what makes life worth living, whether it be friendship, partnership, or found family.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2024
This was an absolutely beautiful little book set in small-town Alaska. It’s filled with a lot of grief (trigger warnings for death of parents and a sibling) but also with so much hope and love 💕 I also loved the little paranormal elements that added that little extra mystery to Namid’s character!
Jayce’s whole world is shattered when his twin brother Jordyn dies; he has already lost both of his parents, but the death of his brother sends Jayce into an emotional spiral. It doesn’t help that he’s closeted and alone in his conservative rural Alaskan town.
Namid doesn’t know who he is; he was found naked and unconscious on the side of the road ten years ago, and has lived with his rescuer Ken, the local funeral director, ever since. He is different from the other people in the town; he can read people’s emotions and he has the moving, living night sky tattooed on his skin.
When Namid is confronted by the grieving Jayce, he knows he has to help him, and they develop a close friendship, supporting each other through the tough times, until their bond develops into something deeper still.
This book was beautifully written; the small Alaskan town in the wilderness felt real and Jayce and Namid were such wonderful sympathetic characters. I loved Namid’s special ‘powers’ and how Jayce went out of his way to accommodate Namid’s differences. I also liked how both of them adopted old man Ken as their honorary father: very sweet! This book is about overcoming hardship and how sometimes all you need is to someone to have your back and support you 💕
Read Beneath the Indigo Sky for:
✨ Small town romance
✨ Hurt/comfort
✨ Living with grief
✨ MCs in their 30s
✨ Small found family
✨ Paranormal elements
✨ Snuggling during a snowstorm
Thank you so much to Booksirens and the authors for an ARC of this book! It’s available 1st Sept 2024 ✨
Jayce’s whole world is shattered when his twin brother Jordyn dies; he has already lost both of his parents, but the death of his brother sends Jayce into an emotional spiral. It doesn’t help that he’s closeted and alone in his conservative rural Alaskan town.
Namid doesn’t know who he is; he was found naked and unconscious on the side of the road ten years ago, and has lived with his rescuer Ken, the local funeral director, ever since. He is different from the other people in the town; he can read people’s emotions and he has the moving, living night sky tattooed on his skin.
When Namid is confronted by the grieving Jayce, he knows he has to help him, and they develop a close friendship, supporting each other through the tough times, until their bond develops into something deeper still.
This book was beautifully written; the small Alaskan town in the wilderness felt real and Jayce and Namid were such wonderful sympathetic characters. I loved Namid’s special ‘powers’ and how Jayce went out of his way to accommodate Namid’s differences. I also liked how both of them adopted old man Ken as their honorary father: very sweet! This book is about overcoming hardship and how sometimes all you need is to someone to have your back and support you 💕
Read Beneath the Indigo Sky for:
✨ Small town romance
✨ Hurt/comfort
✨ Living with grief
✨ MCs in their 30s
✨ Small found family
✨ Paranormal elements
✨ Snuggling during a snowstorm
Thank you so much to Booksirens and the authors for an ARC of this book! It’s available 1st Sept 2024 ✨
July 31, 2024
This book was incredible. First time authors for me and I was hooked from start to finish!! This book is so heart breakingly beautiful with so much emotion and pain you just feel it as you read and it just makes the story that much more amazing! The writing is beautiful. The characters are beautiful!!
Jayce and Namid have lived in the same town for a decade yet never have spoken to each other. They meet at the funeral home when Jayce goes back for his jacket and Namid is instantly drawn to him. These two develop a beautiful friendship and while one falls first and is anticipating the love to be one sided the other finally realizes his feelings are far more than platonic and since their first kiss these two are inseparable. Yes, this is a beautiful love story but what made this story for me was grieving and the sadness these two overcame together. The love story on top of their friendship was just the icing on the cake.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to find out who Ethan is 💜💜💜💜
💜Slow Burn
💜Friends to Lovers
💜Kinda PRN Kinda Magical
💜Found Family
💜Hurt/Comfort
Jayce and Namid have lived in the same town for a decade yet never have spoken to each other. They meet at the funeral home when Jayce goes back for his jacket and Namid is instantly drawn to him. These two develop a beautiful friendship and while one falls first and is anticipating the love to be one sided the other finally realizes his feelings are far more than platonic and since their first kiss these two are inseparable. Yes, this is a beautiful love story but what made this story for me was grieving and the sadness these two overcame together. The love story on top of their friendship was just the icing on the cake.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to find out who Ethan is 💜💜💜💜
💜Slow Burn
💜Friends to Lovers
💜Kinda PRN Kinda Magical
💜Found Family
💜Hurt/Comfort
September 3, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Beneath the Indigo Sky is is the start of a series from two new-to-me authors and I was hooked from the start. I liked the lush, seductive writing that surrounds both characters. If you like a more descriptive prose to your books, this is a good one to read.
There is a paranormal element here that is touched upon lightly and I would have liked there to be more to it. The authors’ note states that it is purposely left open to interpretation, but for me, there was too much left open to have a fully satisfying character evolution. There are great themes of found family and a sweet, slow burn to enjoy here.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Beneath the Indigo Sky is is the start of a series from two new-to-me authors and I was hooked from the start. I liked the lush, seductive writing that surrounds both characters. If you like a more descriptive prose to your books, this is a good one to read.
There is a paranormal element here that is touched upon lightly and I would have liked there to be more to it. The authors’ note states that it is purposely left open to interpretation, but for me, there was too much left open to have a fully satisfying character evolution. There are great themes of found family and a sweet, slow burn to enjoy here.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
August 19, 2024
ARC review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As soon as I saw the cover and title of this book I was instantly intrigued, it’s so beautiful. The story was equally as charming.
There were so many wholesome, calm and swoon-worthy moments throughout it this book. I loved the slow burn, it was done perfectly. I rooted so hard for the characters and really felt the tension. I loved how the book delved into grief and it was done in a very realistic way. This was balanced perfectly with lots of domestic bliss and found family vibes that made me feel all giddy.
The settings throughout the book were incredibly vivid and described in a whimsical way which I adored.
I also love that this book has a PNR vibe to it but it’s very suitable and it’s not the main plot.
I would’ve liked to know a little bit more about where Namid came from and his magic. The last 25% didn’t go as I expected so I enjoyed it less than the beginning. But it was still an amazing book and I’d highly recommend it.
As soon as I saw the cover and title of this book I was instantly intrigued, it’s so beautiful. The story was equally as charming.
There were so many wholesome, calm and swoon-worthy moments throughout it this book. I loved the slow burn, it was done perfectly. I rooted so hard for the characters and really felt the tension. I loved how the book delved into grief and it was done in a very realistic way. This was balanced perfectly with lots of domestic bliss and found family vibes that made me feel all giddy.
The settings throughout the book were incredibly vivid and described in a whimsical way which I adored.
I also love that this book has a PNR vibe to it but it’s very suitable and it’s not the main plot.
I would’ve liked to know a little bit more about where Namid came from and his magic. The last 25% didn’t go as I expected so I enjoyed it less than the beginning. But it was still an amazing book and I’d highly recommend it.
August 31, 2024
You know the chance of picking up a beautiful book and having a similarly gorgeous inside? Not always good … but the story of Jayce and Namid is truly a wonderful read in the prettiest package, a heartbreaking story of loss, grief, and love, handled with great gentleness.
Namid is such a unique character, someone that you could fall in love with the moment you meet him. Having no memory of where he came from, he lives a quiet life in Alaska, not interacting with the locals much. He meets Jayce under the saddest circumstances … but it doesn’t diminish the impact the handsome man makes on him. Jayce is being eaten alive by guilt and loss after burying his other half, his twin brother. Namid cannot help but be drawn to the quiet mechanic, even though feeling his grief is painful for him. Underneath all that sadness he could feel the love, that shining beauty that Jayce is feeling towards his lost brother but hidden for now. The two strike up a tentative friendship that blooms and grows slowly. Jayce is trying to hold himself back from feeling more, afraid to lose Namid’s friendship … not knowing Namid is already falling for him so beautifully. The pining, people, the pining was real! The writing is so gorgeous in this book, it really transports you so you experience the growing, gentle, timid love these two start to feel for each other. Theirs is a hard-earned HEA but it is worth every second of reading it, I challenge you not to fall in love with their story with your whole heart!
Small Town
Slow Burn
Hurt Comfort
Found Family
Please check TW for sensitive content!
I received a copy of this book from the authors via Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Namid is such a unique character, someone that you could fall in love with the moment you meet him. Having no memory of where he came from, he lives a quiet life in Alaska, not interacting with the locals much. He meets Jayce under the saddest circumstances … but it doesn’t diminish the impact the handsome man makes on him. Jayce is being eaten alive by guilt and loss after burying his other half, his twin brother. Namid cannot help but be drawn to the quiet mechanic, even though feeling his grief is painful for him. Underneath all that sadness he could feel the love, that shining beauty that Jayce is feeling towards his lost brother but hidden for now. The two strike up a tentative friendship that blooms and grows slowly. Jayce is trying to hold himself back from feeling more, afraid to lose Namid’s friendship … not knowing Namid is already falling for him so beautifully. The pining, people, the pining was real! The writing is so gorgeous in this book, it really transports you so you experience the growing, gentle, timid love these two start to feel for each other. Theirs is a hard-earned HEA but it is worth every second of reading it, I challenge you not to fall in love with their story with your whole heart!
Small Town
Slow Burn
Hurt Comfort
Found Family
Please check TW for sensitive content!
I received a copy of this book from the authors via Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
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