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Bluebird
"Your eyes light up when you laugh, but you do it far too rarely. "
"I don't know how anymore..."
"Do you want to learn again? With me?"
Philipp
All I ever wanted was to be loved. What I got was humiliation and pain; and six months after the break-up, I don’t know how to recover from that. Even now, my ex’s voice is so loud in my head, making me doubt my every move. But one day, there he is. Adrien. Calm and reserved, attentive and interested. He’s everything my ex wasn’t, everything I always wanted. Am I worthy of being loved after all? But how can I trust him with my body, let alone my heart?
Adrien
Falling in love was never the plan. Not until after graduation, at least. Not after the… incident at my old university. But, here I am longing for Philipp, who stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on him. He wants me too, I know it, but he can’t let me in. Something happened to him, something bad, and I’m not sure I’ll ever break through his walls. For him, though, I can be patient—I have a feeling a life with him will be worth any price.
Philipp is broken. Beyond repair, if you asked him. Manipulated by his ex to believe he is worthless, he knows no one will ever love him, let alone touch him again.
But then, one day after a show, there’s Adrien. He’s nice, insanely hot, and he seems to like Philipp. But that can’t be true, right? And if it is true, what does that mean? What would he have to do? What rules would Adrien have for him?
Lost in his trauma with no way out, Philipp finds Adrien’s hand in his darkness. But is he brave enough to take it? Can he trust Adrien to guide him back into the light? Back to the two things Philipps desperately wants but thought he could never have — trust and intimacy?
"I don't know how anymore..."
"Do you want to learn again? With me?"
Philipp
All I ever wanted was to be loved. What I got was humiliation and pain; and six months after the break-up, I don’t know how to recover from that. Even now, my ex’s voice is so loud in my head, making me doubt my every move. But one day, there he is. Adrien. Calm and reserved, attentive and interested. He’s everything my ex wasn’t, everything I always wanted. Am I worthy of being loved after all? But how can I trust him with my body, let alone my heart?
Adrien
Falling in love was never the plan. Not until after graduation, at least. Not after the… incident at my old university. But, here I am longing for Philipp, who stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on him. He wants me too, I know it, but he can’t let me in. Something happened to him, something bad, and I’m not sure I’ll ever break through his walls. For him, though, I can be patient—I have a feeling a life with him will be worth any price.
Philipp is broken. Beyond repair, if you asked him. Manipulated by his ex to believe he is worthless, he knows no one will ever love him, let alone touch him again.
But then, one day after a show, there’s Adrien. He’s nice, insanely hot, and he seems to like Philipp. But that can’t be true, right? And if it is true, what does that mean? What would he have to do? What rules would Adrien have for him?
Lost in his trauma with no way out, Philipp finds Adrien’s hand in his darkness. But is he brave enough to take it? Can he trust Adrien to guide him back into the light? Back to the two things Philipps desperately wants but thought he could never have — trust and intimacy?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
38 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 9, 2025
4+
To było... niespodziewane.
Z mojego punktu widzenia - naprawdę bardzo dobrze niespodziewane 😁
Książka porusza trudne tematy - najlepiej najpierw sobie sprawdzić powody, przez które ta historia może być niełatwa w czytaniu.
* * * * * * *
Spoilery - nie chcesz, nie czytaj 😜
* * * * * * *
Philipp przez 3,5 roku był w związku. To w sumie szumne określenie. Bo tak naprawdę przez cały ten czas spotykał się ze strony swojego "chłopaka" z przemocą werbalną, psychiczną i seksualną. Ten związek doprowadził do tego, że jego poczucie własnej wartości było właściwie zerowe - nawet po roku od momentu, kiedy znalazł w sobie siłę, aby go zakończyć. Seks kojarzy tylko z bólem, boi się bliskości fizycznej z innym mężczyzną - ba, nawet zwykły dotyk innego mężczyzny go przeraża, cały czas słyszy w swojej głowie słowa swojego byłego o tym, jak jest nic niewart, że nie zasługuje na nic dobrego, że nie jest wart bycia kochanym, że jedyną osobą, która jest w stanie z nim wytrzymać, jest jego były. I że powinien mu być wdzięczny za to, że z nim wytrzymuje... Boi się odpowiadać na jakiekolwiek pytania - bo przecież właściwie każda odpowiedź jest zła; boi się generalnie nawet odezwać, bo nie miał na to pozwolenia; boi się zasnąć w obecności kogoś, na kim mu zależy, bo przecież powinien spać wtedy, kiedy jest sam, a nie wtedy, kiedy jego chłopak jest z z nim - bo czyż go już nie kocha? dlaczego nie chce dać mu swojego tyłka?; boi się dotykać innych mężczyzn, bo nie miał na to pozwolenia; jak jego były był w dobrym nastoju, to pozwalał mu wybrać, która dziurę ma pieprzyć... Nigdy w tym niby związku nie chodziło o Philippa, zawsze tylko o jego byłego...-
I chyba powinnam dodać, że kiedy ich związek się zaczął, mieli jakieś 15 lat...
Można sobie wyobrazić, co taki "związek" zrobił z psychiką nastolatka, który niczego innego nie zaznał w życiu...
Adrien miał swoje za uszami. Zmienił uniwersytet, bo musiał, po niechcianym wyoutowaniu... Ale Philipp go zauroczył od pierwszego wejrzenia. I jego cierpliwość jest absolutnie cudna. Bo to nie jest cierpliwość osoby idealnej, ale takiej, której zależy.
Można spokojnie w trakcie czytania zapomnieć, że oni są tacy młodzi - 19-20 lat. Naprawdę, ich wiek gdzieś tam idzie w zapomnienie, zostają ludzie, którzy mają problemy i którzy z całych swoich sił usiłują je rozwiązać.
Czy jest seks? Jest. Ale jak już się w końcu pojawia, to jego obecność w historii jest naprawdę na 102% wytłumaczona. I właściwa. To nie jest wypełniacz stron, aby było więcej - to po prostu logiczne rozwinięcie historii.
Na początku styl pisania wydawał mi się może nie oschły, ale oszczędny. Na tyle oszczędny, że zaczęłam w niedzielę rano i skończyłam gdzieś nad ranem w poniedziałek, bo nie mogłam się oderwać 😂 Może to kwestia tłumaczenia, bo oryginalnym językiem nie jest angielski, ale niemiecki... Nie ma znaczenia - łyknęłam jak bocian żabę i już jestem w 1/3 następnego tomu 😁
Na początku miałam dać 4 gwiazdki, ale w trakcie pisania tego komentarza stwierdziłam - pieprzyć to - idzie 5 gwiazdek w zaokrągleniu, bo według mnie, to historia, którą jest inna i warto ją przeczytać 🤗 Jest absolutnie odświeżająca po tych wszystkich nowych idiotyzmach, która mają w głębokich czterech literach historię i bazują tylko na seksie - historia gdzieś tam w tle może się pałętać, ale tak naprawdę po co ona jest? przecież i tak się nie sprzeda, sprzedaje się tylko seks...
To było... niespodziewane.
Z mojego punktu widzenia - naprawdę bardzo dobrze niespodziewane 😁
Książka porusza trudne tematy - najlepiej najpierw sobie sprawdzić powody, przez które ta historia może być niełatwa w czytaniu.
* * * * * * *
Spoilery - nie chcesz, nie czytaj 😜
* * * * * * *
Philipp przez 3,5 roku był w związku. To w sumie szumne określenie. Bo tak naprawdę przez cały ten czas spotykał się ze strony swojego "chłopaka" z przemocą werbalną, psychiczną i seksualną. Ten związek doprowadził do tego, że jego poczucie własnej wartości było właściwie zerowe - nawet po roku od momentu, kiedy znalazł w sobie siłę, aby go zakończyć. Seks kojarzy tylko z bólem, boi się bliskości fizycznej z innym mężczyzną - ba, nawet zwykły dotyk innego mężczyzny go przeraża, cały czas słyszy w swojej głowie słowa swojego byłego o tym, jak jest nic niewart, że nie zasługuje na nic dobrego, że nie jest wart bycia kochanym, że jedyną osobą, która jest w stanie z nim wytrzymać, jest jego były. I że powinien mu być wdzięczny za to, że z nim wytrzymuje... Boi się odpowiadać na jakiekolwiek pytania - bo przecież właściwie każda odpowiedź jest zła; boi się generalnie nawet odezwać, bo nie miał na to pozwolenia; boi się zasnąć w obecności kogoś, na kim mu zależy, bo przecież powinien spać wtedy, kiedy jest sam, a nie wtedy, kiedy jego chłopak jest z z nim - bo czyż go już nie kocha? dlaczego nie chce dać mu swojego tyłka?; boi się dotykać innych mężczyzn, bo nie miał na to pozwolenia; jak jego były był w dobrym nastoju, to pozwalał mu wybrać, która dziurę ma pieprzyć... Nigdy w tym niby związku nie chodziło o Philippa, zawsze tylko o jego byłego...-
I chyba powinnam dodać, że kiedy ich związek się zaczął, mieli jakieś 15 lat...
Można sobie wyobrazić, co taki "związek" zrobił z psychiką nastolatka, który niczego innego nie zaznał w życiu...
Adrien miał swoje za uszami. Zmienił uniwersytet, bo musiał, po niechcianym wyoutowaniu... Ale Philipp go zauroczył od pierwszego wejrzenia. I jego cierpliwość jest absolutnie cudna. Bo to nie jest cierpliwość osoby idealnej, ale takiej, której zależy.
Można spokojnie w trakcie czytania zapomnieć, że oni są tacy młodzi - 19-20 lat. Naprawdę, ich wiek gdzieś tam idzie w zapomnienie, zostają ludzie, którzy mają problemy i którzy z całych swoich sił usiłują je rozwiązać.
Czy jest seks? Jest. Ale jak już się w końcu pojawia, to jego obecność w historii jest naprawdę na 102% wytłumaczona. I właściwa. To nie jest wypełniacz stron, aby było więcej - to po prostu logiczne rozwinięcie historii.
Na początku styl pisania wydawał mi się może nie oschły, ale oszczędny. Na tyle oszczędny, że zaczęłam w niedzielę rano i skończyłam gdzieś nad ranem w poniedziałek, bo nie mogłam się oderwać 😂 Może to kwestia tłumaczenia, bo oryginalnym językiem nie jest angielski, ale niemiecki... Nie ma znaczenia - łyknęłam jak bocian żabę i już jestem w 1/3 następnego tomu 😁
Na początku miałam dać 4 gwiazdki, ale w trakcie pisania tego komentarza stwierdziłam - pieprzyć to - idzie 5 gwiazdek w zaokrągleniu, bo według mnie, to historia, którą jest inna i warto ją przeczytać 🤗 Jest absolutnie odświeżająca po tych wszystkich nowych idiotyzmach, która mają w głębokich czterech literach historię i bazują tylko na seksie - historia gdzieś tam w tle może się pałętać, ale tak naprawdę po co ona jest? przecież i tak się nie sprzeda, sprzedaje się tylko seks...
October 31, 2024
4.5🌟
💖~ Slow burn
💖~ Hurt/Comfort
💖~ Dance
💖~ Found family
💖~ Soulmates
💖~ Pining
💖~ Mental health Rep
💖~ Freckles & Tattoos
When I started reading this book, I saw the choreography, I knew I will enjoy this, then I saw Philip knew ballet and damn, I was enjoying this, Met Adrien His love interest and he described Philip as pretty and told him he loved his smile there and there while blushing and being shy, I knew then I would be obsessed with this book, Add the fact that the way Niki & Philip chemistry on stage when they dance brings so much joy to me. I just knew I was gone for this book.
~ I love how patient Adrien was despite having issues of his own, I love how Philip knew Adrien was the one for him and was willing to put in effort for them. I love them both..add the love for freckles & tattoos to the mix and Swoon😩❤️. Philip & Adrien's love is patient, Heartbreaking, Soft, peaceful, emotional, and Beautiful.
I love Ellis & Adrien > Niki & Philip friendship ( Found family )
If I catch Philip ex( It’s on site) Cux what I will do to him😭😭..
💖~ Slow burn
💖~ Hurt/Comfort
💖~ Dance
💖~ Found family
💖~ Soulmates
💖~ Pining
💖~ Mental health Rep
💖~ Freckles & Tattoos
When I started reading this book, I saw the choreography, I knew I will enjoy this, then I saw Philip knew ballet and damn, I was enjoying this, Met Adrien His love interest and he described Philip as pretty and told him he loved his smile there and there while blushing and being shy, I knew then I would be obsessed with this book, Add the fact that the way Niki & Philip chemistry on stage when they dance brings so much joy to me. I just knew I was gone for this book.
~ I love how patient Adrien was despite having issues of his own, I love how Philip knew Adrien was the one for him and was willing to put in effort for them. I love them both..add the love for freckles & tattoos to the mix and Swoon😩❤️. Philip & Adrien's love is patient, Heartbreaking, Soft, peaceful, emotional, and Beautiful.
I love Ellis & Adrien > Niki & Philip friendship ( Found family )
If I catch Philip ex( It’s on site) Cux what I will do to him😭😭..
October 25, 2024
||4.5🌟||
OMG?!! Where do I start?
This was beautiful, so beautiful I had tears in my eyes for so many different reasons but largely good reasons.
I’m so glad I signed up for this ARC with a friend bc experiencing this alone may have not done the story justice like it did when I experienced it with a friend.
It’s heartbreakingly heartwarming and soft, its beautifully lyrical with how many emotions the authors made me feel through dance.. literally I kid you not guys I was actually searching up the playlists just to FEEL and omg I did feel and it was UNMATCHED.
I loved both the main characters. Adrien is the best lover for Philip.. everything about their journey was so perfect because of how perfect they are together.
Idk what I enjoyed more about this.. the first half of the story or the beautiful ending of their story. As an epilogue lover, I throughly approve and I pick the ending.
Bluebird is now in my Top 5 MM books EVER.
OMG?!! Where do I start?
This was beautiful, so beautiful I had tears in my eyes for so many different reasons but largely good reasons.
I’m so glad I signed up for this ARC with a friend bc experiencing this alone may have not done the story justice like it did when I experienced it with a friend.
It’s heartbreakingly heartwarming and soft, its beautifully lyrical with how many emotions the authors made me feel through dance.. literally I kid you not guys I was actually searching up the playlists just to FEEL and omg I did feel and it was UNMATCHED.
I loved both the main characters. Adrien is the best lover for Philip.. everything about their journey was so perfect because of how perfect they are together.
Idk what I enjoyed more about this.. the first half of the story or the beautiful ending of their story. As an epilogue lover, I throughly approve and I pick the ending.
Bluebird is now in my Top 5 MM books EVER.
October 29, 2024
Arc Review
4.5⭐️
Philipp has always loved dancing and is exceptional at it, but he was made to feel that it was not something ‘real men’ did, by his abusive ex boyfriend. Philipp has left that boyfriend behind and wants to dance again. Meeting Nika, he becomes her dance partner. Philipp is still plagued every day by a voice in his head, making him feel useless and degraded, making him think he is unloveable and no one will want him.
Adrien has left his old university after being outed and made to feel like everyone was talking about him being gay. He is still afraid to tell people about his sexuality, because of that he is lonely. He befriends Elias who is also the boyfriend of Nika.
On an evening out with Elias, going to watch his girlfriend Nika, dance with her new partner Philipp, Adrien takes one look at him and is enthralled and smitten. Can Adrien make Philipp see that the relationship he had was abusive and not all boyfriends are vicious people. Philipp tries but he cannot stop the remarks in his head.
This is Mimi Rhine’s debut novel. This hurt/comfort book, is sometimes hard to read (see trigger warnings) as it deals with some tough subjects, but it is handled with compassion and understanding. The book flows well and the two main characters are beautifully written. Adrien has such a wonderful way to him and makes Philipp cherished and loved, and is extremely patient with him and his trauma. The two side characters Elias and Nika are such great friends to them both, helping them both come to terms with their feelings for each other. It is low spice and a slow burn, with a perfect HEA.
4.5⭐️
Philipp has always loved dancing and is exceptional at it, but he was made to feel that it was not something ‘real men’ did, by his abusive ex boyfriend. Philipp has left that boyfriend behind and wants to dance again. Meeting Nika, he becomes her dance partner. Philipp is still plagued every day by a voice in his head, making him feel useless and degraded, making him think he is unloveable and no one will want him.
Adrien has left his old university after being outed and made to feel like everyone was talking about him being gay. He is still afraid to tell people about his sexuality, because of that he is lonely. He befriends Elias who is also the boyfriend of Nika.
On an evening out with Elias, going to watch his girlfriend Nika, dance with her new partner Philipp, Adrien takes one look at him and is enthralled and smitten. Can Adrien make Philipp see that the relationship he had was abusive and not all boyfriends are vicious people. Philipp tries but he cannot stop the remarks in his head.
This is Mimi Rhine’s debut novel. This hurt/comfort book, is sometimes hard to read (see trigger warnings) as it deals with some tough subjects, but it is handled with compassion and understanding. The book flows well and the two main characters are beautifully written. Adrien has such a wonderful way to him and makes Philipp cherished and loved, and is extremely patient with him and his trauma. The two side characters Elias and Nika are such great friends to them both, helping them both come to terms with their feelings for each other. It is low spice and a slow burn, with a perfect HEA.
November 17, 2024
ARC REVIEW!
This was a rollercoaster.
I’m just now getting around to write my review.
Philipp’s and Adrien’s story was so heartbreaking, yet heartwarming and sweet. This was the sweetest of slow burn.
Seeing Philipp dealing with all the trauma from his past relationship was sad. The boy was hurting so much, so much so that he didn’t even realised he was abused by his ex and thought everything was his fault. So much so that his first instinct was to apologise whenever he was around Adrien. Honestly if I ever catch his ex it’s on sight.
A love like Adrien’s is hard to come by though. He was so patient with Philipp. Always trying his best to understand him, to be a safe space for him. I love these two together, loved how we slowly saw the development of their relationship. Adrien making sure he was a safe enough space for Philipp to start a new journey for learning to know himself and being comfortable in his own skin. This was just so beautiful all round.
This was a rollercoaster.
I’m just now getting around to write my review.
Philipp’s and Adrien’s story was so heartbreaking, yet heartwarming and sweet. This was the sweetest of slow burn.
Seeing Philipp dealing with all the trauma from his past relationship was sad. The boy was hurting so much, so much so that he didn’t even realised he was abused by his ex and thought everything was his fault. So much so that his first instinct was to apologise whenever he was around Adrien. Honestly if I ever catch his ex it’s on sight.
A love like Adrien’s is hard to come by though. He was so patient with Philipp. Always trying his best to understand him, to be a safe space for him. I love these two together, loved how we slowly saw the development of their relationship. Adrien making sure he was a safe enough space for Philipp to start a new journey for learning to know himself and being comfortable in his own skin. This was just so beautiful all round.
November 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
How sweet and lovely was this book. The characters and the writing just invite you in and ask you to stay a while. Despite the heavy themes there is such a gentleness running through the writing, it lends itself beautifully to the almost tentative but hopeful and resilient journey these two characters- Philipp and Adrien take to an HEA. I love the open communication despite all hesitation and shyness and even the fear that comes with the heavy past they are both carrying, specially Philipp… and while it’s utterly heartbreaking in so many parts, it feels like such a hopeful book. The author courageously parses through the emotional world of a developing relationship, the challenges that come and the victory they see. I absolutely adored the ending, so very fitting.
I loved how dance and music is woven through the book and I really enjoyed the found family vibes.
I definitely recommend checking it out.
Expect:
* Slow burn
* Hurt comfort
* Found family
* Mental health rep
How sweet and lovely was this book. The characters and the writing just invite you in and ask you to stay a while. Despite the heavy themes there is such a gentleness running through the writing, it lends itself beautifully to the almost tentative but hopeful and resilient journey these two characters- Philipp and Adrien take to an HEA. I love the open communication despite all hesitation and shyness and even the fear that comes with the heavy past they are both carrying, specially Philipp… and while it’s utterly heartbreaking in so many parts, it feels like such a hopeful book. The author courageously parses through the emotional world of a developing relationship, the challenges that come and the victory they see. I absolutely adored the ending, so very fitting.
I loved how dance and music is woven through the book and I really enjoyed the found family vibes.
I definitely recommend checking it out.
Expect:
* Slow burn
* Hurt comfort
* Found family
* Mental health rep
October 23, 2025
Putting a firm pause on this book for the moment but I may come back to it.
I’m not feeling much for either character and I’m at 70% already so that’s saying something.
It could be a me thing, but honestly the way this book is written, with its short sentences instead of pauses, commas, semicolons or anything, just pulls me out of the story; It just doesn’t feel fluid to me how anyone would speak and so I keep stopping and find myself putting it down more than I’m picking it up.
I’m not feeling much for either character and I’m at 70% already so that’s saying something.
It could be a me thing, but honestly the way this book is written, with its short sentences instead of pauses, commas, semicolons or anything, just pulls me out of the story; It just doesn’t feel fluid to me how anyone would speak and so I keep stopping and find myself putting it down more than I’m picking it up.
November 3, 2024
In Bluebird by Mimi Rhine we are introduced to Philipp and Adrien. The story is set in Strasbourg, France where Philipp is in the process of restarting his life following the end of a highly toxic relationship. Philipp is an aspiring dancer with a classical training background, however when he ends up on a Hip Hop dance crew, he not only meets his best friend but also someone who will unexpectedly help him heal from a past he’s spent the last year just trying to survive.
Adrien and Philipp meet through mutual friends during a dance rehearsal and Adrien is immediately taken with Philipp. However, it’s clear pretty soon after meeting that there’s something amiss with Philipp. He’s reserved, timid and almost fearful. Philipp desperately wants to enjoy his time with Adrien. He’s attractive, kind and everything Philipp has been yearning for in a partner. However, his past is haunting him. He can’t stop the voice in his head telling him he isn’t good enough and his need to hide himself outweighs any positive feelings he may have towards Adrien.
Bluebird was a fantastic read. I gave it 5 stars and it earned every single one of them. I found Philipp and Adrien’s story to be so enthralling with both men pulling at my heart strings during different points. Adrien was such a green light in this book. His patience, understanding and concern for Philipp was so sweet and to watch Philipp really bloom with Adrien’s help was so satisfying. I really can’t say enough about these men. I loved them so much.
This book is heavily character driven but I didn’t feel the plot suffered at all. The character development for both MMCs was done so well. This book was a true romance story that’s wrapped inside another story of trauma, abuse, naivety, severe anxiety, PTSD symptoms and the lasting effects of manipulation and brainwashing of an abusive partner. Please check your trigger warnings if you’ve experienced any kind of domestic and/or sexual violence. As a reader, I have very few triggers but some of the language and/or actions depicted in flashbacks or during self talk of one of the MMCs might be triggering for others.
Adrien and Philipp meet through mutual friends during a dance rehearsal and Adrien is immediately taken with Philipp. However, it’s clear pretty soon after meeting that there’s something amiss with Philipp. He’s reserved, timid and almost fearful. Philipp desperately wants to enjoy his time with Adrien. He’s attractive, kind and everything Philipp has been yearning for in a partner. However, his past is haunting him. He can’t stop the voice in his head telling him he isn’t good enough and his need to hide himself outweighs any positive feelings he may have towards Adrien.
Bluebird was a fantastic read. I gave it 5 stars and it earned every single one of them. I found Philipp and Adrien’s story to be so enthralling with both men pulling at my heart strings during different points. Adrien was such a green light in this book. His patience, understanding and concern for Philipp was so sweet and to watch Philipp really bloom with Adrien’s help was so satisfying. I really can’t say enough about these men. I loved them so much.
This book is heavily character driven but I didn’t feel the plot suffered at all. The character development for both MMCs was done so well. This book was a true romance story that’s wrapped inside another story of trauma, abuse, naivety, severe anxiety, PTSD symptoms and the lasting effects of manipulation and brainwashing of an abusive partner. Please check your trigger warnings if you’ve experienced any kind of domestic and/or sexual violence. As a reader, I have very few triggers but some of the language and/or actions depicted in flashbacks or during self talk of one of the MMCs might be triggering for others.
November 3, 2024
I enjoyed reading Bluebird from new to me author Mimi Rhine. Slow burn, hurt/comfort, dancer MC. Phillip and Adrien both have baggage and trauma from their pasts that they are trying to overcome though Phillip's is the more severe. The whole book I just wanted to give Phillip a hug. Definitely mind the trigger warnings but if you can handle them, you will enjoy this book. These MCs get a very hard earned HEA in the end. Phillip and Adrien like each other from the first time they see each other. But they have to work through a lot of emotional baggage to truly open up to each other and fully give their hearts. I thought the author did a good job of handling Phillip's past trauma and how he works through it. I did think that Phillip's friends should have recommended therapy for him a lot sooner than they did but they were very supportive. Though sometimes his friend, Nika's pushing Phillip out of his comfort zone seemed like it could have been a bit too fast for all that he went through. But I know this is a romance novel and not real life and there are only so many pages to get the characters to their HEA. I loved how patient and caring Adrien was with Phillip and how well he handled it once Phillip really started opening up to him. I wish we could see video of Phillip and Nika's dances together because they were described so beautifully. Overall I enjoyed this very touching story.
November 7, 2024
Emotional rollercoaster.
Story of Phillip and Adrien.
Okay, so this was a emotional read. My heart is crying for Phillip.. his ex was abusive, mentally, verbally and sexual, he completely broken Phillip.
Phillip who is now living alone is physical free of his ex.. but in his head he is reliving his trauma every day again. He is mentally so broken that he is doubting everything what he wants and does. He is completely lost.
Adrien is starting a new collage e and a new life, he needed to get away from his homophobic parants, his old collage and all the people who where talking about him.
He just needed to get away.
When Adrien sees Phillip on stage dancing, he only wants one thing... get to know that beautiful boy.
Adrien... I never seen a character with so much patient.. he is waiting for Phillip.. no matter how long he just know that Phillip is his soulmate, and that Phillip is confused and traumatized is slashing and pushing Adrien away... is not fearing Adrien he stays rock solid and waiting.
This book HURTS.. but it is so perfect.
I love the fact that we get to see the future of them.. we see what they achieve in 25 years and where they are standing. And let me tell you this.. ITS PERFECTION !
Love these boys so so much.
Story of Phillip and Adrien.
Okay, so this was a emotional read. My heart is crying for Phillip.. his ex was abusive, mentally, verbally and sexual, he completely broken Phillip.
Phillip who is now living alone is physical free of his ex.. but in his head he is reliving his trauma every day again. He is mentally so broken that he is doubting everything what he wants and does. He is completely lost.
Adrien is starting a new collage e and a new life, he needed to get away from his homophobic parants, his old collage and all the people who where talking about him.
He just needed to get away.
When Adrien sees Phillip on stage dancing, he only wants one thing... get to know that beautiful boy.
Adrien... I never seen a character with so much patient.. he is waiting for Phillip.. no matter how long he just know that Phillip is his soulmate, and that Phillip is confused and traumatized is slashing and pushing Adrien away... is not fearing Adrien he stays rock solid and waiting.
This book HURTS.. but it is so perfect.
I love the fact that we get to see the future of them.. we see what they achieve in 25 years and where they are standing. And let me tell you this.. ITS PERFECTION !
Love these boys so so much.
March 20, 2025
very heart throbbing
To be honest, at first I didn’t think I would like this book but the more I read the more I couldn’t stop flipping the pages in my kindle wanting/needing more. I love the dynamic duos with Adrian and Philipp and Nika and Elias and how different all of them are. The patient and how they waited for each other and took precautionary steps to get where they are, are truly what a relationship is about! Thankyou for this new incite on a different aspect of relationships and how hard it is for a gay couple to really be outed! I respect this book so much and hopefully I can see a series later on about it!
Very good!
To be honest, at first I didn’t think I would like this book but the more I read the more I couldn’t stop flipping the pages in my kindle wanting/needing more. I love the dynamic duos with Adrian and Philipp and Nika and Elias and how different all of them are. The patient and how they waited for each other and took precautionary steps to get where they are, are truly what a relationship is about! Thankyou for this new incite on a different aspect of relationships and how hard it is for a gay couple to really be outed! I respect this book so much and hopefully I can see a series later on about it!
Very good!
October 30, 2024
What a tear jerker. This book shows you how verbal abuse can really affect you. This book show what true love is like when you find the right person for you. Adrien and Philipp story was so touching. Adrien being there and having the patience to help Philipp get through all his trauma. Oh and let’s not forget out Elias and Nika. The friendship the 4 of them had just made me so happy. Great job Mimi Rhine, loved your writing!
October 26, 2024
I hate that Goodreads won’t give us half stars! 4.5 ⭐️
Wow Philipp and Arians story was hard. At times it made me feel uncomfortable, not in a bad way I was just anxious. Poor Phillip is so broken, abused, insecure, and my heart just hurt for him. Adrien was so uncomfortable and tried so hard to be the person Philipp needs. It takes a lot of time and the burn is slow, I understand why and it’s all worth it! Their happy ending is so hardly fought for and so well deserved.
This was hurt/comfort to the max! Such a great read, I loved them so much!
Wow Philipp and Arians story was hard. At times it made me feel uncomfortable, not in a bad way I was just anxious. Poor Phillip is so broken, abused, insecure, and my heart just hurt for him. Adrien was so uncomfortable and tried so hard to be the person Philipp needs. It takes a lot of time and the burn is slow, I understand why and it’s all worth it! Their happy ending is so hardly fought for and so well deserved.
This was hurt/comfort to the max! Such a great read, I loved them so much!
October 31, 2024
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, on the one hand the story is beautiful, with how gentle the love between Adrien and Phillipp is. But on the other hand the dialogue is a little clunky and at times hard to follow.
I really liked the way Adrien handled everything with phillipp. How gentle and thoughtful he was when dealing with Phillipps trauma, how hard he tried to stay with him even though Phillipp pushed him away out of fear.
The ending was really sweet as well, overall it was a good story and I do recommend it.
I really liked the way Adrien handled everything with phillipp. How gentle and thoughtful he was when dealing with Phillipps trauma, how hard he tried to stay with him even though Phillipp pushed him away out of fear.
The ending was really sweet as well, overall it was a good story and I do recommend it.
November 2, 2024
This was such a heart warming slow burn. It definitely touches on some HARD topics! It’s a great hurt/comfort book. Due to Phillip’s trauma it is definitely a slowww burn. But watching Philip slowly heal and learn to trust himself and others again was so heartwarming. Adrien is so patient and so gentle. I loved it.
November 29, 2024
Arc Review:
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
I loved Phillip and Adrien so much. Their love for each other is so sweet. This also might be my new favorite mm book
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
I loved Phillip and Adrien so much. Their love for each other is so sweet. This also might be my new favorite mm book
December 11, 2024
This was beautifully written,I loved everything inch of the book
The words,the characters omds
I loved Phillip and Adrien,I adore them
To read this all over again,it’ll be a blessing
100/100⭐️
The words,the characters omds
I loved Phillip and Adrien,I adore them
To read this all over again,it’ll be a blessing
100/100⭐️
December 21, 2024
3.75⭐️
Would have liked it more if there were less comparisons and fixation on Philip’s ex.
I liked the dance scenes.
It was a good read.
Would have liked it more if there were less comparisons and fixation on Philip’s ex.
I liked the dance scenes.
It was a good read.
November 23, 2024
Found this book recommended in a group I’m apart of on social media and I am so happy I decided to pick it up! Philipp and Adrien will be on my mind for a while!
Their story was so heart wrenching and put me in all of my feels. Philipp having been abused by his ex, and Adrien not knowing how to openly love somebody made for a combination of patience and longing that was just a great story to read.
5 stars highly recommend!!
Now to read Checkerboard Pattern and wait on Raindrops.
Their story was so heart wrenching and put me in all of my feels. Philipp having been abused by his ex, and Adrien not knowing how to openly love somebody made for a combination of patience and longing that was just a great story to read.
5 stars highly recommend!!
Now to read Checkerboard Pattern and wait on Raindrops.
November 20, 2024
4.5 This was an amazing book. I loved the characters and I loved their story. My favorite thing about this book was the realism. The issues didn't feel over the top or tropey. Adrien was just patient and kind and Philipp needed that and they were great together. Nothing felt forced for plot's sake between them. There were a few small details that reminded me this was a work of fiction but it was very enjoyable. the hurt/comfort was in proportion and the caretaking and comfort were TOP TIER. It was spread out well not just a single moment of it. So much tenderness.
A note- the original I believe is german so there are a couple spots in the english translation that are a bit clunky but it didn't take away from the story at all.
A note- the original I believe is german so there are a couple spots in the english translation that are a bit clunky but it didn't take away from the story at all.
November 4, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was such a touching story. Philipp and Adrien are such wonderful characters. They both have some trauma they’re trying to work through, both involving ex-boyfriends. Philipp’s trauma seemed to run a bit deeper than Adrien’s. Check the trigger warnings. They meet through their friends, Elias who goes to school with Adrien and Nika who dances with Philipp. I loved the dancing aspect of this story, as a former dancer it really resonated with me.
These two are perfect for each other. Adrien is so patient and loving towards Philipp. He’s there for him whether it be as a friend or more. This is a slow burn and pretty low spice. Beautiful story.
This was such a touching story. Philipp and Adrien are such wonderful characters. They both have some trauma they’re trying to work through, both involving ex-boyfriends. Philipp’s trauma seemed to run a bit deeper than Adrien’s. Check the trigger warnings. They meet through their friends, Elias who goes to school with Adrien and Nika who dances with Philipp. I loved the dancing aspect of this story, as a former dancer it really resonated with me.
These two are perfect for each other. Adrien is so patient and loving towards Philipp. He’s there for him whether it be as a friend or more. This is a slow burn and pretty low spice. Beautiful story.
December 18, 2024
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book at first. The loud voice in Philipp's head, courtesy of an abusive ex, was distracting written in all capitals, but actually, I began to realise that THAT was the point. It was a destructive voice that constantly tried to sabotage Philipp's attempts to rebuild his life. But as the book went on, and wonderful characters were introduced, like Nika and Elias, with their own challenges, and Adrien, so kind and patient, I began to see how glorious the story actually was.
People have said it's a gentle book. I didn't find it so, and was grateful for the trigger warnings. Despite that, I absolutely loved how the characters pulled together to give each other strength and to rebuild their broken lives. It was a beautiful book, full of hope, heartbreak and joy. Mental health is a tough thing to write about well, and this author has done it with grace.
People have said it's a gentle book. I didn't find it so, and was grateful for the trigger warnings. Despite that, I absolutely loved how the characters pulled together to give each other strength and to rebuild their broken lives. It was a beautiful book, full of hope, heartbreak and joy. Mental health is a tough thing to write about well, and this author has done it with grace.
November 30, 2024
Good story, dealing with heavy themes. It is a translation from German, and it could be a little challenging at times, as the translated text sometimes took me out of the story.
December 1, 2024
It’s really good! I love the final !!
June 14, 2025
I had tears in my eyes for a big part of Philipp and Adrian’s story. There are so much heart in this book, Philipps trauma and Adrian patience although he has gone through some hard times himself. I loved that Philipp worked so hard on himself because he knew Adrian was the one for him 🥰 such a beautifully told story!
December 18, 2024
Great character development, Adrian and Philipp were so good together. I liked the friendship between Nika and Philipp as well. Very slow burn but it was worth it.
October 27, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Eine wunderschöne, gefühlsvolle Liebesgeschichte
Philip und Adrien haben beide keine einfache Vergangenheit. Philip leidet unter seiner vorangehenden Beziehung, was es ihm schwer macht, sich für etwas Neues zu öffnen. Adrien verliebt sich auf den ersten Blick, als er Philip an einer Aufführung tanzen sieht. Nur beim Tanzen fühlt sich Philip sicher, und kann sich selbst sein. Obwohl Adrien vom ersten Moment an hin und weg ist, passt er sich Philips Tempo an - kämpft mit viel Geduld, Sanftheit und Willenskraft dafür, dass sie gemeinsam etwas aufbauen können. Es ist wunderschön zu sehen wie er Philip so annehmen kann wie er ist, und und sich trotz schwierigen Situationen und eigener Unsicherheiten nicht vom Wege abbringen lässt. Und langsam fallen auch die Mauern, welche Philip um sich herum aufgebaut hat…
Mich hat die Geschichte berührt, konnte das Buch kaum weglegen und das Ende fand ich nochmals besonders toll!
Eine wunderschöne, gefühlsvolle Liebesgeschichte
Philip und Adrien haben beide keine einfache Vergangenheit. Philip leidet unter seiner vorangehenden Beziehung, was es ihm schwer macht, sich für etwas Neues zu öffnen. Adrien verliebt sich auf den ersten Blick, als er Philip an einer Aufführung tanzen sieht. Nur beim Tanzen fühlt sich Philip sicher, und kann sich selbst sein. Obwohl Adrien vom ersten Moment an hin und weg ist, passt er sich Philips Tempo an - kämpft mit viel Geduld, Sanftheit und Willenskraft dafür, dass sie gemeinsam etwas aufbauen können. Es ist wunderschön zu sehen wie er Philip so annehmen kann wie er ist, und und sich trotz schwierigen Situationen und eigener Unsicherheiten nicht vom Wege abbringen lässt. Und langsam fallen auch die Mauern, welche Philip um sich herum aufgebaut hat…
Mich hat die Geschichte berührt, konnte das Buch kaum weglegen und das Ende fand ich nochmals besonders toll!
December 8, 2024
Mimi Rhine’s Bluebird is a stunning exploration of love, identity, and resilience, centered around the beautifully complex relationship
Phillip and Adrian are two souls whose connection transcends barriers, including language, personal trauma, and societal expectations. Phillip, introspective and emotionally guarded, is a compelling contrast to Adrian’s passionate and bold nature. Their dynamic is a perfect reflection of Rhine’s storytelling: layered, heartfelt, and brimming with unspoken truths.
Rhine doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments, but she balances them with hope and redemption, making this book a truly transformative reading experience.
Phillip and Adrian are two souls whose connection transcends barriers, including language, personal trauma, and societal expectations. Phillip, introspective and emotionally guarded, is a compelling contrast to Adrian’s passionate and bold nature. Their dynamic is a perfect reflection of Rhine’s storytelling: layered, heartfelt, and brimming with unspoken truths.
Rhine doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments, but she balances them with hope and redemption, making this book a truly transformative reading experience.
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