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Pages of My Heart
When the world tries to tear them apart, will their love remain unbreakable?
It’s 1937. Charlie Miller is a twenty-year-old automobile mechanic. He’s got a good job, and a good girl, and an abusive father who would kill him if he ever discovered his true nature. The last thing he should be doing is risking it all by frequenting a queer underground club on a Saturday night, but then a tall red-haired boy stumbles in, wide-eyed and beautiful, and he doesn’t know how he'll ever be able to stay away.
Eighteen-year-old Tommy O’Reilly, a curious but naïve literature student, walks into an illegal nightclub in downtown Chicago, hoping to find answers to the unspoken yearning inside him. When he sets his sights on another young man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes he thinks maybe he understands what all his favorite love poets are talking about.
Join Tommy and Charlie on their epic love story—first as they learn how to navigate a dangerous relationship that must be lived in secret, then as they are cruelly torn apart by a brutal war. Their story is interlaced with the heartbreaking letters they write to one another as they fight to find their way back into each other’s arms.
It’s 1937. Charlie Miller is a twenty-year-old automobile mechanic. He’s got a good job, and a good girl, and an abusive father who would kill him if he ever discovered his true nature. The last thing he should be doing is risking it all by frequenting a queer underground club on a Saturday night, but then a tall red-haired boy stumbles in, wide-eyed and beautiful, and he doesn’t know how he'll ever be able to stay away.
Eighteen-year-old Tommy O’Reilly, a curious but naïve literature student, walks into an illegal nightclub in downtown Chicago, hoping to find answers to the unspoken yearning inside him. When he sets his sights on another young man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes he thinks maybe he understands what all his favorite love poets are talking about.
Join Tommy and Charlie on their epic love story—first as they learn how to navigate a dangerous relationship that must be lived in secret, then as they are cruelly torn apart by a brutal war. Their story is interlaced with the heartbreaking letters they write to one another as they fight to find their way back into each other’s arms.
378 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2024
About the author
Rae Roberts
3 books35 followersRae Roberts is a queer author who writes emotional, heartfelt, and unapologetically MM romance. With a background in performing arts and a current career as a counsellor, Rae brings a deep understanding of people—their strengths, fears and fragile hopes—to every story she writes.
Her characters are raw and real, often navigating identity, grief and trauma on their journey to connection and unconditional love. Rae's stories explore the messy, beautiful complexity of queer love. The kind that lingers, transforms, and ultimately heals. She believes in a happily ever after, but only after putting her characters (and readers), through the emotional wringer.
When she's not writing or working with clients, Rae is probably dreaming up her next emotionally devastating plot, sipping a hot chocolate, or curled up on the couch binge-watching a drama series.
Pages of My Heart is her debut novel. Adrift Without You will be released in October, 2025. Rae resides in Melbourne, Australia.
"I spent much of my life concealing my queerness. But through the creative process of writing, and writing queer love stories, I found self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically. I have so many more stories to share, and I can't wait to share them with you!"
~ Rae 💜
Her characters are raw and real, often navigating identity, grief and trauma on their journey to connection and unconditional love. Rae's stories explore the messy, beautiful complexity of queer love. The kind that lingers, transforms, and ultimately heals. She believes in a happily ever after, but only after putting her characters (and readers), through the emotional wringer.
When she's not writing or working with clients, Rae is probably dreaming up her next emotionally devastating plot, sipping a hot chocolate, or curled up on the couch binge-watching a drama series.
Pages of My Heart is her debut novel. Adrift Without You will be released in October, 2025. Rae resides in Melbourne, Australia.
"I spent much of my life concealing my queerness. But through the creative process of writing, and writing queer love stories, I found self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically. I have so many more stories to share, and I can't wait to share them with you!"
~ Rae 💜
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 27, 2025
Wow. This was such a deeply emotional and impactful love story. A little overly sweet at times (pet names and slow dances are not my thing), but overall a truly beautiful book that made me cry multiple times. The epilogue really got to me since we're now learning that anything given can be taken away when power is placed in hateful hands. It's sad when a book written about the 1930's and 40's feels timely. But even though Thomas and Charlie deserved better, their happy ending made the pain of getting there worth it. I'm so impressed by this debut and look forward to reading what this author writes next.
April 29, 2026
I cannot believe how under hyped this book is. I have no clue how it hasn’t gotten more attention. It is a beautiful, painful, and necessary read with a well deserved happy ending.
This story follows Charlie and Thomas, two men who meet in an illegal gay club during the WWII era. Their connection is immediate and sweet. The loyalty and love they have for each other is so admirable especially through all of their undeserved struggles.
It also struck me was how the book makes you think about the logistics of love in a time when you couldn’t speak openly or just "Google it." It is interesting to consider how people in the LGBTQIA+ community had to learn how to have experiences with each other before knowledge was so easily accessed.
The hidden touches they share in public to stay under the radar absolutely broke me realizing what’s at stake during this time period😭
This book covers some sensitive topics, but the author handled them with care. Overall, this story really puts into perspective how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come. Highly recommend.
This story follows Charlie and Thomas, two men who meet in an illegal gay club during the WWII era. Their connection is immediate and sweet. The loyalty and love they have for each other is so admirable especially through all of their undeserved struggles.
It also struck me was how the book makes you think about the logistics of love in a time when you couldn’t speak openly or just "Google it." It is interesting to consider how people in the LGBTQIA+ community had to learn how to have experiences with each other before knowledge was so easily accessed.
The hidden touches they share in public to stay under the radar absolutely broke me realizing what’s at stake during this time period😭
This book covers some sensitive topics, but the author handled them with care. Overall, this story really puts into perspective how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come. Highly recommend.
July 10, 2026
*wiping away tears and taking a deep breath. First, a round of applause for the masterful way this emotional story is told.
For the first two-thirds of the book, the author blends a dual-timeline structure with a mix of standard narrative and epistolary format, which makes the reading experience incredibly immersive and interesting.
The author’s use of the epistolary elements is brilliant. These letters feel authentic and perfectly formatted—instead of standard dual-POV war narration, the letters allow the reader to truly live through the MCs’ experiences and emotions.
Beyond that, there’s something profoundly romantic about wartime correspondence. It serves as a beautiful testament to the fact that no matter what horrors they face, love finds a way to keep the connection alive. (Yeah, I'm looking at those "ghosted for years" second chance romance.🙄)
Even better, the letters are cleverly peppered with subtle clues that correspond to events unfolding in the other timeline, which had me racing through the pages, dying to know what would happen next.
The final third of the story is incredibly heavy and raw. Witnessing Charlie struggle with his PTSD was heartbreaking, but seeing Thomas stand by him and help him navigate through the darkness was everything. I spent most of the time in tears—mourning the scars of war, yet moved to pieces by the strength of their love.
And that ending... my god. No spoilers here, but I truly wish so many more Charlies and Thomases could have lived to see the world as it is today.
If there’s one thing that could be improved, it’s the 'insta-lust' start. I really wish there had been more intellectual chemistry between the mechanic and the literature student. For example, it would’ve been fascinating to see Charlie—who loves books but never had the chance to study them—explore that world through Thomas. Having Thomas mentor him or simply share those literary moments would have added so much more depth to their connection.
All in all, a 5⭐️ hidden gem. Thank you, Rachael , for bring this story to me!
For the first two-thirds of the book, the author blends a dual-timeline structure with a mix of standard narrative and epistolary format, which makes the reading experience incredibly immersive and interesting.
The author’s use of the epistolary elements is brilliant. These letters feel authentic and perfectly formatted—instead of standard dual-POV war narration, the letters allow the reader to truly live through the MCs’ experiences and emotions.
Beyond that, there’s something profoundly romantic about wartime correspondence. It serves as a beautiful testament to the fact that no matter what horrors they face, love finds a way to keep the connection alive. (Yeah, I'm looking at those "ghosted for years" second chance romance.🙄)
Even better, the letters are cleverly peppered with subtle clues that correspond to events unfolding in the other timeline, which had me racing through the pages, dying to know what would happen next.
The final third of the story is incredibly heavy and raw. Witnessing Charlie struggle with his PTSD was heartbreaking, but seeing Thomas stand by him and help him navigate through the darkness was everything. I spent most of the time in tears—mourning the scars of war, yet moved to pieces by the strength of their love.
And that ending... my god. No spoilers here, but I truly wish so many more Charlies and Thomases could have lived to see the world as it is today.
If there’s one thing that could be improved, it’s the 'insta-lust' start. I really wish there had been more intellectual chemistry between the mechanic and the literature student. For example, it would’ve been fascinating to see Charlie—who loves books but never had the chance to study them—explore that world through Thomas. Having Thomas mentor him or simply share those literary moments would have added so much more depth to their connection.
All in all, a 5⭐️ hidden gem. Thank you, Rachael , for bring this story to me!
March 4, 2025
Wow 🥰
It’s so beautifully written and so well done for a debut novel. Even the cover is gorgeous.
It reminds me a little of the film, The Longest Ride, with Ira and Ruth sending letters back and forth. So it had a familiarity to it that I enjoyed. The love between these two, the heartbreak, the fear, and the joy is such a powerfully emotional thing to read.
Charlie and Thomas were both gorgeous characters. You felt right along with them. Feeling their love and pain was unavoidable. I LOVE books that make me feel this way. I love to be happy crying, sad crying, snot-faced joy. All of it.
I also feel for the people who are stepping stones. Unavoidably, without malice, but nevertheless pawns in a world where you can’t just be who you want to be. Ruthie in this case, and all the girls they double-dated with. All the women and men who had to marry into loveless relationships, just because society told them to.
Yes, we can probably dive deep and say there are parts that just aren’t historically realistic. Parts where you think this wouldn’t have ended that well here. But this did happen, maybe not in letter form across wars, but it happened and these people made it and brought about the change we see today.
I adored this book and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for more from this author if this is what can happen in a debut book! I have a feeling Charlie and Red will be in my head for a while yet. 😍
It’s so beautifully written and so well done for a debut novel. Even the cover is gorgeous.
It reminds me a little of the film, The Longest Ride, with Ira and Ruth sending letters back and forth. So it had a familiarity to it that I enjoyed. The love between these two, the heartbreak, the fear, and the joy is such a powerfully emotional thing to read.
Charlie and Thomas were both gorgeous characters. You felt right along with them. Feeling their love and pain was unavoidable. I LOVE books that make me feel this way. I love to be happy crying, sad crying, snot-faced joy. All of it.
I also feel for the people who are stepping stones. Unavoidably, without malice, but nevertheless pawns in a world where you can’t just be who you want to be. Ruthie in this case, and all the girls they double-dated with. All the women and men who had to marry into loveless relationships, just because society told them to.
Yes, we can probably dive deep and say there are parts that just aren’t historically realistic. Parts where you think this wouldn’t have ended that well here. But this did happen, maybe not in letter form across wars, but it happened and these people made it and brought about the change we see today.
I adored this book and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for more from this author if this is what can happen in a debut book! I have a feeling Charlie and Red will be in my head for a while yet. 😍
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March 29, 2026
4.75 stars
wow. wowowowow. how in the heck does this only have 70 reviews???? more people need to read this pleaseeee.
the best word to describe this book is romantic. it so so beautiful and heart wrenching and extremely romantic.
i absolutely adore historical romances and this one delivered. the letters were so beautiful ugh my heart😭💔.
this isn’t a full 5 star for me because it felt a little insta lovey and there are some repetitive moments but i can mostly ignore that because the writing is pretty good (especially considering it’s a debut) and it was just so beautiful. this couple, these characters, the hardships they had to go through… it makes me so sad but so happy just thinking about them<3.
wow. wowowowow. how in the heck does this only have 70 reviews???? more people need to read this pleaseeee.
the best word to describe this book is romantic. it so so beautiful and heart wrenching and extremely romantic.
i absolutely adore historical romances and this one delivered. the letters were so beautiful ugh my heart😭💔.
this isn’t a full 5 star for me because it felt a little insta lovey and there are some repetitive moments but i can mostly ignore that because the writing is pretty good (especially considering it’s a debut) and it was just so beautiful. this couple, these characters, the hardships they had to go through… it makes me so sad but so happy just thinking about them<3.
April 27, 2025
4.25⭐
The storyline and writing were great, packed with emotions and a well-deserved happy ending.
However, the romance between Charlie and Thomas developed way too quickly; it felt like they went from meeting to being in love almost instantly.
The story might be a bit too flowery to be realistic, but it aligns well with the comfort and hurt theme.
The storyline and writing were great, packed with emotions and a well-deserved happy ending.
However, the romance between Charlie and Thomas developed way too quickly; it felt like they went from meeting to being in love almost instantly.
The story might be a bit too flowery to be realistic, but it aligns well with the comfort and hurt theme.
February 10, 2026
A M/M ROMANCE that STOLE MY HEART, BROKE IT, then FIXED IT! What a BEAUTIFUL piece of a MASTERPIECE that combines GAY LOVE and HISTORICAL FICTION of WORLD WAR II! I absolutely enjoyed the emotional love story of Thomas and Charlie and feel like this is an important book to read to understand what it was like back then. The whole story was wonderful and I am definitely going to read more of the author’s works! Would definitely recommend!
June 8, 2026
Charlie and Tommy were so sweet 🥹 I loved them all the way through!
Although I do think the book could’ve ended at the last chapter instead of the epilogue, and also not included the prologue. In my mind book characters never die, so the prologue and epilogue being set after Charlie and Tommy have passed away and in the pov of their great grand daughter who they didn’t even know made the ending feel less happy to me. I understand the premise of it showing that gay marriage was finally legal, but idk I just don’t like when characters die because in my mind, they don’t. I don’t even know how or when they died and that leaves me feeling unsettled.
Although I do think the book could’ve ended at the last chapter instead of the epilogue, and also not included the prologue. In my mind book characters never die, so the prologue and epilogue being set after Charlie and Tommy have passed away and in the pov of their great grand daughter who they didn’t even know made the ending feel less happy to me. I understand the premise of it showing that gay marriage was finally legal, but idk I just don’t like when characters die because in my mind, they don’t. I don’t even know how or when they died and that leaves me feeling unsettled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
wow this as a debut novel? i'm in shock this doesn't have more reviews!!! a heartbreaking but absolutely loving story about Tommy and Charlie who fall in love the 1930's where they have to hide their sexuality but still get that happy ending after Charlie had to go to war. this book is about shame, hiding who you are, hardships, trauma but most of all undeniably loving <3
check trigger warnings!!!!
check trigger warnings!!!!
November 27, 2024
A MM romance with angsty pining and war-torn lovers who have to hide their relationship because it’s 1937? Sign me up.
4.5/5 stars
- Love Letters
- Pining
- Secret Relationship
- PTSD & Hurt/Comfort
This was an insta-lust forbidden love story that followed Charlie and Tommy as they navigate a world where their sexuality is illegal. Freshly 18 years-old, Tommy braves an illegal gay club for the first time, shy and nervous. It’s love at first sight for Charlie and so their long and devastating story begins.
Charlie is drafted into the war and Tommy gets left behind. How can they manage their distance and pining and still keep their relationship secret? This is truly a heart-wrenching and emotional historical romance. The war letters that they wrote to each other and the hurt/comfort is really what cemented this as one of my favourite debut novels of the year.
There are themes of grief and PTSD so make sure to check your triggers if needed. If not, you’ll be glad to go into this blind. You can discover the highs and lows of 1940’s queer experience and two clueless virgins (without access to the internet).
Bonus points for a really strong supporting female character who created an incredible sense of found family.
Thank-you to the author for gifting me a copy with no expectation of review. This review is my honest opinion.
4.5/5 stars
- Love Letters
- Pining
- Secret Relationship
- PTSD & Hurt/Comfort
This was an insta-lust forbidden love story that followed Charlie and Tommy as they navigate a world where their sexuality is illegal. Freshly 18 years-old, Tommy braves an illegal gay club for the first time, shy and nervous. It’s love at first sight for Charlie and so their long and devastating story begins.
Charlie is drafted into the war and Tommy gets left behind. How can they manage their distance and pining and still keep their relationship secret? This is truly a heart-wrenching and emotional historical romance. The war letters that they wrote to each other and the hurt/comfort is really what cemented this as one of my favourite debut novels of the year.
There are themes of grief and PTSD so make sure to check your triggers if needed. If not, you’ll be glad to go into this blind. You can discover the highs and lows of 1940’s queer experience and two clueless virgins (without access to the internet).
Bonus points for a really strong supporting female character who created an incredible sense of found family.
Thank-you to the author for gifting me a copy with no expectation of review. This review is my honest opinion.
October 25, 2024
5 stars!! 🩵🩵 my first five star read in a long time. I adored this book. I was also so blown away to see it was a debut, i will be keeping my eye out for future releases by this author. Also, my Aussie heart is super happy to see this was an Aussie author. :) onto the book: it was emotional, heavy but could also be so light and beautiful. This was a true love story that you really root for, and rooting for Charlie & Thomas was so easy as you find yourself loving them easily too. A great book with a well deserved HEA
February 3, 2025
♾️♾️♾️
I couldn't put this down, and now I'm finished I wanna read it all over again
It was so beautiful 🥹🥹🥹
I have a full review that i wrote in the middle of reading cus i loved it that much but I need a minute to perfect it cus I'm so emotional,
This was perfect 🥹
I couldn't put this down, and now I'm finished I wanna read it all over again
It was so beautiful 🥹🥹🥹
I have a full review that i wrote in the middle of reading cus i loved it that much but I need a minute to perfect it cus I'm so emotional,
This was perfect 🥹
January 24, 2025
This was such a beautiful story. 🫶🏼
December 28, 2024
10/10 would recommend! This book made my heart melt. It had so much joy and heartache that it had me rooting for Tommy and Charlie the whole way through. This book needs to be read and enjoyed by everyone.
June 21, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness.
This story is utterly all consuming. I have been unable to put it down. I don’t know how I move on from this.
Quite simply, it is absolutely painstakingly beautiful. It’s a book where you feel everything that the characters feel. I ached and cried with both Charlie and Tommy. My god, did I cry…
It takes us through the journey of Charlie and Thomas meetings as 18 and 20, their immediate lust for each other turned into an inevitable love, and how they struggled to hide it from the world at a time where you could get imprisoned for simply loving someone of the same sex. There are sooo many ups and some extreme downs, but the HEA is worth it.
Also don’t let the beautifulness of this make you think it’s not spicy… It. Is. Heated!! 🔥🥵 I also love the exploration of the two young men back when they literally just had to wing it, as they didn’t have info to hand if ya kno what I mean..
I have never read an MM book like this before (..and I have read a lot!). It is truly one of the greats. Please I beg, give it a chance. This book will not let you down.
This story is utterly all consuming. I have been unable to put it down. I don’t know how I move on from this.
Quite simply, it is absolutely painstakingly beautiful. It’s a book where you feel everything that the characters feel. I ached and cried with both Charlie and Tommy. My god, did I cry…
It takes us through the journey of Charlie and Thomas meetings as 18 and 20, their immediate lust for each other turned into an inevitable love, and how they struggled to hide it from the world at a time where you could get imprisoned for simply loving someone of the same sex. There are sooo many ups and some extreme downs, but the HEA is worth it.
Also don’t let the beautifulness of this make you think it’s not spicy… It. Is. Heated!! 🔥🥵 I also love the exploration of the two young men back when they literally just had to wing it, as they didn’t have info to hand if ya kno what I mean..
I have never read an MM book like this before (..and I have read a lot!). It is truly one of the greats. Please I beg, give it a chance. This book will not let you down.
October 23, 2024
A beautiful love story set in a time when their love was frowned upon even punishable by law, with one living a life that's a lie in so many ways...why? you ask...for his own safety. Will Charlie and Tommy end up happy? I will leave you to find out. I'm so glad I live in 2024 where people are free to love who they want to because Love is Love, and thats what really matters, isn't it?
It's an amazing book written by an amazing Australian author. Give it a read, and I promise you will be happy you did.
Vonnie
It's an amazing book written by an amazing Australian author. Give it a read, and I promise you will be happy you did.
Vonnie
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
This book is absolutely beautiful—I’ve laughed, cried, and felt everything in between. It’s been a long time since I enjoyed reading this much, and I genuinely wish more people would give it a chance because it truly deserves more recognition.
I don’t usually write reviews, but this book moved me so much that I had to. The story is captivating, the characters feel real, and every page made me feel something. If you’re hesitating, just read it—you won’t regret it!
I don’t usually write reviews, but this book moved me so much that I had to. The story is captivating, the characters feel real, and every page made me feel something. If you’re hesitating, just read it—you won’t regret it!
October 16, 2025
A heartfelt and fantastic debut novel.
Set in the world war 2 era, Charlie and Thomas navigate their relationship through an unaccepting society and war. Although they do fall in love quite fast it didn’t detract from a gradual growth in their relationship and it was wonderful to see them grow together and navigate self-acceptance, mental health issues and ptsd.
Solid 5 star read
Set in the world war 2 era, Charlie and Thomas navigate their relationship through an unaccepting society and war. Although they do fall in love quite fast it didn’t detract from a gradual growth in their relationship and it was wonderful to see them grow together and navigate self-acceptance, mental health issues and ptsd.
Solid 5 star read
June 14, 2026
Reading this book confirmed two things for me: I really enjoy historical romances, and if there’s a micro trope involving letters, notes, texting, or any form of communication filled with yearning and pining, I’m completely obsessed.
Pages of My Heart tells the story of Charlie and Tommy—known throughout the book as Red. They meet in an illegal gay bar in Chicago in 1937, and the story follows them as they discover a special kind of love during an era when being discovered could land them in jail or even cost them their lives.
Their journey spans America’s entry into World War II and carries through to the 1970s, when they finally feel comfortable being truly themselves and showing the world just how much they love one another.
The book tackles difficult themes including homophobia, war, PTSD, and mental health. Yet through it all, Charlie and Red’s relationship shines. Individually they are imperfect, but together they are perfectly perfect.
A thoroughly enjoyable read in my opinion.
Pages of My Heart tells the story of Charlie and Tommy—known throughout the book as Red. They meet in an illegal gay bar in Chicago in 1937, and the story follows them as they discover a special kind of love during an era when being discovered could land them in jail or even cost them their lives.
Their journey spans America’s entry into World War II and carries through to the 1970s, when they finally feel comfortable being truly themselves and showing the world just how much they love one another.
The book tackles difficult themes including homophobia, war, PTSD, and mental health. Yet through it all, Charlie and Red’s relationship shines. Individually they are imperfect, but together they are perfectly perfect.
A thoroughly enjoyable read in my opinion.
February 12, 2025
This is a WW2-era love story told in dual timelines - one via love letters written between our MCs during the war and another timeline going back to how their relationship began in the 1930s. It’s ridiculously sweet and sappy, sometimes too much, and is also emotional and has a great ending.
My only problem with the story is the constant use of “my darling.” It’s sweet, I get it, but it’s used like 1,000 times. I’m not even joking. It’s Tommy’s favorite saying. Maybe it’s the sarcastic cynic in me, but I just got the ick from it eventually. People don’t talk like that. Maybe they did in the 30s and 40s and I’m just ignorant. Who knows.
I really loved the story otherwise - so much so that I devoured it in a day. Tom and Charlie are sweet and their dynamic with Evie and Johnny is beyond adorable. Definitely glad I picked this one up.
My only problem with the story is the constant use of “my darling.” It’s sweet, I get it, but it’s used like 1,000 times. I’m not even joking. It’s Tommy’s favorite saying. Maybe it’s the sarcastic cynic in me, but I just got the ick from it eventually. People don’t talk like that. Maybe they did in the 30s and 40s and I’m just ignorant. Who knows.
I really loved the story otherwise - so much so that I devoured it in a day. Tom and Charlie are sweet and their dynamic with Evie and Johnny is beyond adorable. Definitely glad I picked this one up.
July 7, 2025
I love this book. For a variety of reasons, I now only buy books that I have read and loved and know that I will read again. This is one of those that I went ahead and purchased immediately after I finished reading it.
It’s a beautiful story and portrays a beautiful love. The story brought me to tears multiple times - the horrors or war and the aftermath was part of that but it made me think of all those real life couples who, like Charlie and Thomas had to spend decades hiding their love. Also it was heartbreaking to think of all the people who struggled with mental health all those years ago. We’ve got a long way to go on that front but have come so far from the time in which these characters lived.
It’s a beautiful story and portrays a beautiful love. The story brought me to tears multiple times - the horrors or war and the aftermath was part of that but it made me think of all those real life couples who, like Charlie and Thomas had to spend decades hiding their love. Also it was heartbreaking to think of all the people who struggled with mental health all those years ago. We’ve got a long way to go on that front but have come so far from the time in which these characters lived.
July 5, 2026
This is easily one of the best books I’ve read in the last two years. From the very first page, I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down. The romance felt genuine, emotional, and beautifully written, with characters that were easy to connect with and root for. Their chemistry was incredible, and every moment between them felt meaningful.
The writing style was engaging, the pacing was perfect, and the story kept me invested until the very end. It made me laugh, smile, and even tear up a few times. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, unforgettable romance, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s an easy 5 out of 5 stars, and I’ll definitely be thinking about it for a long time.
The writing style was engaging, the pacing was perfect, and the story kept me invested until the very end. It made me laugh, smile, and even tear up a few times. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, unforgettable romance, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s an easy 5 out of 5 stars, and I’ll definitely be thinking about it for a long time.
March 12, 2025
DNF. It’s a strange thing to say but I felt it was far too overly sappy for my taste. Over dramatic letters, people just don’t talk like this. It was dramatically affectionate, sadly to the point of being cringeworthy. It took me out a lot, the writing is good otherwise and I was more or less engaged.
Another very strange thing was that I could not, for the life of me differentiate between Thomas and Charlie. I had to have a note open with a list of who is who. I don’t know why, I just could not remember who was who and I don’t know how that happened to me, usually I’m able to tell who Charlie is but he always got confused with Thomas and the other way around.
The spice was good.
Another very strange thing was that I could not, for the life of me differentiate between Thomas and Charlie. I had to have a note open with a list of who is who. I don’t know why, I just could not remember who was who and I don’t know how that happened to me, usually I’m able to tell who Charlie is but he always got confused with Thomas and the other way around.
The spice was good.
June 30, 2025
Timeless love story
This is one of my favorite love stories. It would make a beautiful film. The way the author is able to use an older style of writing, a formality and yet never make it seem old fashioned is beautiful and helps transport you to a different time. So much has changed in the last 50 years but this starts in a time that few are alive to remember. Charlie & Thomas are the best pair, strong where the other may feel weak, similar yet very different, always there to lift the other up…quick to forgive because they understand each other so well. Bound more by love than even secrecy, follow them on this beautiful journey.
This is one of my favorite love stories. It would make a beautiful film. The way the author is able to use an older style of writing, a formality and yet never make it seem old fashioned is beautiful and helps transport you to a different time. So much has changed in the last 50 years but this starts in a time that few are alive to remember. Charlie & Thomas are the best pair, strong where the other may feel weak, similar yet very different, always there to lift the other up…quick to forgive because they understand each other so well. Bound more by love than even secrecy, follow them on this beautiful journey.
April 6, 2026
it's 5 am and I am typing this through tears. This book was devastatingly beautiful. Charlie and Tommy may be the characters of this book but they are real. They carry the stories and struggles of all the queer people who have feared, fought and loved. LGBTQ+ rights wouldn't be where they are without all those beautiful, courageous people who fought for their right to love. The fight is not over yet but books like these remind us of the importance to keep going. This books deserves all the praise. ❤️
July 14, 2026
Literally sobbing.
There are no words to adequately describe the beauty in this book. This is truly the most romantic, stunning love story I’ve ever read. Thomas and Charlie were written so deeply in love and you could see and feel it on every page. They were so strong and committed to one another despite the world being so wrongly against them. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that has resonated so deeply with me.
I read this on KU, but immediately purchased a physical copy because I couldn’t imagine not being able to read it time and time again.
100000% recommend!!
There are no words to adequately describe the beauty in this book. This is truly the most romantic, stunning love story I’ve ever read. Thomas and Charlie were written so deeply in love and you could see and feel it on every page. They were so strong and committed to one another despite the world being so wrongly against them. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that has resonated so deeply with me.
I read this on KU, but immediately purchased a physical copy because I couldn’t imagine not being able to read it time and time again.
100000% recommend!!
April 28, 2025
Wow. This was beautiful and heartbreaking and so creative! The backdrop of WW2 with real facts mixed in and love letters about being closeted in the 40’s - add mental health struggles and this book is something special and so sad. I’ve never read a historical MM fiction. The spicy scenes are romantic and not really kinky 🌶️🌶️, but the whole book is angsty.
WW2 was horrible. We already knew that but god help us from making the same mistakes now.
WW2 was horrible. We already knew that but god help us from making the same mistakes now.
June 29, 2025
This book is soooo beautiful. I can’t believe it’s a debut novel! It’s an incredibly emotional story about 2 men who fall in love in the 30’s and the lengths they have to go to in order to hide and protect their relationship. One of the main characters is drafted in WW2 and much of their love story is told through letters they send one another. It follows their relationship over nearly 50 years. Highly recommend this one 💗💗
November 27, 2024
This was an absolutely beautifully written story about two men and the hardships they experience during a time where their love meant imprisonment. This story is truly beautiful and heart breaking at times, and I definitely think this is a must read for everyone.
*please read the trigger warnings before starting this book, as there are a few listed at the beginner of the book*
*please read the trigger warnings before starting this book, as there are a few listed at the beginner of the book*
February 9, 2025
This heartbreaking at times, beautiful love story was such a fantastic read and I highly recommend it!!! The true love of the main characters felt so real and made you want them to get their happy ending - which they did. What a rollercoaster of emotions but so worth it.
This book was so well written and I look forward to reading more from Rae.
This book was so well written and I look forward to reading more from Rae.
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