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Unexpected Love #2
The Embrace of Evergreen
Ethan
I’ve been in love before. It's a fact that I cling to with frighteningly intense desperation as I try to convince myself that I’m normal. Ok, so I’ve only been in love once, but I know that for at least one brief, shining moment, the world and everything in it felt like magic. I know love exists. I know it does, because when I’m lying in bed alone at night, I can still feel it. I know deep in my soul that I’m capable of love. I have to be.
I don’t know why I continue to subject my broken, hollowed out shell of a heart to the idea of falling in love again, but I don’t have it in me to quit just yet. I’ll give it one more try. One more attempt to build a real life for myself before giving up, because some part of me is still holding on to hope, no matter how dangerous that is.
Blue
Love and romance aren't for me. When I was young and naïve I dreamed of them, just like everyone else I suppose. Then I fell in love, only to end up hurt. I fell in love again, only to get hurt again. Eventually, I learned my lesson. Love, romantic love at least, isn't usually real, and when it is, it never lasts. Every time I’ve fallen it’s been fast and hard, and every time I’ve ended up patching the broken, tattered pieces of my body and soul back together on my own. Love and I just aren’t compatible.
So why can't I stop watching the beautiful auburn-haired man that's recently become a regular at the coffee shop? I know what the result of indulging this hormone induced fascination will be. I’ll end up hurt, and alone, and wondering yet again how something that once seemed so good could have gone so desperately wrong.
The Embrace of Evergreen is a 90000 word, MM, slow burn, contemporary romance filled with loss, found family, longing, forest hikes, glass blowing, sweet road trips with only one bed, friends to lovers, demi-rep, quirky best friends, and of course a HEA. There is also just the tiniest bit of unexplained magic that is 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. As each couple is unique, the levels of angst vs. humor will vary with each book.
I’ve been in love before. It's a fact that I cling to with frighteningly intense desperation as I try to convince myself that I’m normal. Ok, so I’ve only been in love once, but I know that for at least one brief, shining moment, the world and everything in it felt like magic. I know love exists. I know it does, because when I’m lying in bed alone at night, I can still feel it. I know deep in my soul that I’m capable of love. I have to be.
I don’t know why I continue to subject my broken, hollowed out shell of a heart to the idea of falling in love again, but I don’t have it in me to quit just yet. I’ll give it one more try. One more attempt to build a real life for myself before giving up, because some part of me is still holding on to hope, no matter how dangerous that is.
Blue
Love and romance aren't for me. When I was young and naïve I dreamed of them, just like everyone else I suppose. Then I fell in love, only to end up hurt. I fell in love again, only to get hurt again. Eventually, I learned my lesson. Love, romantic love at least, isn't usually real, and when it is, it never lasts. Every time I’ve fallen it’s been fast and hard, and every time I’ve ended up patching the broken, tattered pieces of my body and soul back together on my own. Love and I just aren’t compatible.
So why can't I stop watching the beautiful auburn-haired man that's recently become a regular at the coffee shop? I know what the result of indulging this hormone induced fascination will be. I’ll end up hurt, and alone, and wondering yet again how something that once seemed so good could have gone so desperately wrong.
The Embrace of Evergreen is a 90000 word, MM, slow burn, contemporary romance filled with loss, found family, longing, forest hikes, glass blowing, sweet road trips with only one bed, friends to lovers, demi-rep, quirky best friends, and of course a HEA. There is also just the tiniest bit of unexplained magic that is 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. As each couple is unique, the levels of angst vs. humor will vary with each book.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2025
16 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
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September 16, 2025DNF at 89% (I know, I know...)
I'm not rating this because there's too much greatness here to ruin the rest with my personal grievances. And before you start shaking your head at me, this romance is beautiful and COMPLETELY safe for me, it wasn't that. There was just too much back story stuff that didn't line up, info kept from readers that's clear in book 1, reasons for non-communication with an MC's father that made zero sense, and a huge Thing that one MC didn't know about that...there's just no way he wouldn't have known. None of it worked for me, and I couldn't get past it to enjoy the beauty of the authors' voices and the relationship. You can read my rundown as I read it for more info if you want to.
I also just Couldn't with the way things were going at the ending, making it all about one MC to the point that the other was giving up himself to cater to the drama. It was just...infuriating and weird.
Looking at other early reviews, clearly I am the anomaly! I'm glad others love this story. If I could go back and just re-read the part at the festival over and over, I'd still be in love too. Give it a chance, maybe I'm seeing the things that didn't work for me from the wrong angle. Happy reading!
And also...another incredibly beautiful cover, I do love that quite a lot!
I'm not rating this because there's too much greatness here to ruin the rest with my personal grievances. And before you start shaking your head at me, this romance is beautiful and COMPLETELY safe for me, it wasn't that. There was just too much back story stuff that didn't line up, info kept from readers that's clear in book 1, reasons for non-communication with an MC's father that made zero sense, and a huge Thing that one MC didn't know about that...there's just no way he wouldn't have known. None of it worked for me, and I couldn't get past it to enjoy the beauty of the authors' voices and the relationship. You can read my rundown as I read it for more info if you want to.
I also just Couldn't with the way things were going at the ending, making it all about one MC to the point that the other was giving up himself to cater to the drama. It was just...infuriating and weird.
Looking at other early reviews, clearly I am the anomaly! I'm glad others love this story. If I could go back and just re-read the part at the festival over and over, I'd still be in love too. Give it a chance, maybe I'm seeing the things that didn't work for me from the wrong angle. Happy reading!
And also...another incredibly beautiful cover, I do love that quite a lot!
March 3, 2025
There’s something about this series that just gets me.
Just like the first book, The Embrace of Evergreen is a stunningly written slow-burn romance, full of warmth, friendship, breathtaking nature, and a deeply emotional journey of healing and hope: hope for better days, for finding peace with your past, for believing you are worthy, for finally belonging, for letting yourself be loved and loving in return.
Blue and Ethan were fantastic characters.
Blue is the kind of person you just want to be friends with - open, honest, kind, and gentle, untouched by bitterness despite everything life has thrown at him.
And then there’s Ethan, who is careful, skittish, quiet and shy, stepping into this close-knit friend group with so much wonder and astonishment that people actually want him around. He thinks he’s broken because he doesn’t feel sexual attraction the way others do, because touch is difficult for him - but the way the book handles his journey toward understanding himself, letting people in, and realizing that he is not broken but worthy of so much patience and love? Absolutely beautiful.
This is the kind of slow-burn romance where a simple hi, a lingering glance, the brushing of shoulders, or holding hands is enough to give you butterflies. It made every small moment feel huge, and I loved that. When things finally did progress, the physical intimacy was both deeply emotional and scorching hot without being overly descriptive - a breath of fresh air in a genre that often leans toward explicit detail.
Another thing that stood out was the setting. The nature descriptions were absolutely breathtaking and the sense of place just as strong as the relationships, making everything feel immersive and alive.
That said, there were a few inconsistencies, especially considering the content of the first book and the way Ethan was grieving felt too intense to me, maybe even a little exaggerated. I found myself thinking that Blue deserved more in those moments.
Overall though, this was an incredibly moving read, full of heart, depth, and the kind of slow-burn romance that lingers with you. Absolutely recommend. 4,5⭐️
Also, a quick shoutout to Gabriel, who was an amazing side character. I can’t wait to read his book, though I have to admit I’m a little nervous… It’s never been mentioned that he’s into women, so is this going to be a hetero-awakening? 🙈 Guess I’ll have to find out!
Thank you to GRR for this beautiful ARC!
Just like the first book, The Embrace of Evergreen is a stunningly written slow-burn romance, full of warmth, friendship, breathtaking nature, and a deeply emotional journey of healing and hope: hope for better days, for finding peace with your past, for believing you are worthy, for finally belonging, for letting yourself be loved and loving in return.
Blue and Ethan were fantastic characters.
Blue is the kind of person you just want to be friends with - open, honest, kind, and gentle, untouched by bitterness despite everything life has thrown at him.
And then there’s Ethan, who is careful, skittish, quiet and shy, stepping into this close-knit friend group with so much wonder and astonishment that people actually want him around. He thinks he’s broken because he doesn’t feel sexual attraction the way others do, because touch is difficult for him - but the way the book handles his journey toward understanding himself, letting people in, and realizing that he is not broken but worthy of so much patience and love? Absolutely beautiful.
This is the kind of slow-burn romance where a simple hi, a lingering glance, the brushing of shoulders, or holding hands is enough to give you butterflies. It made every small moment feel huge, and I loved that. When things finally did progress, the physical intimacy was both deeply emotional and scorching hot without being overly descriptive - a breath of fresh air in a genre that often leans toward explicit detail.
Another thing that stood out was the setting. The nature descriptions were absolutely breathtaking and the sense of place just as strong as the relationships, making everything feel immersive and alive.
That said, there were a few inconsistencies, especially considering the content of the first book and the way Ethan was grieving felt too intense to me, maybe even a little exaggerated. I found myself thinking that Blue deserved more in those moments.
Overall though, this was an incredibly moving read, full of heart, depth, and the kind of slow-burn romance that lingers with you. Absolutely recommend. 4,5⭐️
Also, a quick shoutout to Gabriel, who was an amazing side character. I can’t wait to read his book, though I have to admit I’m a little nervous… It’s never been mentioned that he’s into women, so is this going to be a hetero-awakening? 🙈 Guess I’ll have to find out!
Blue doesn’t look at me like he knows I'm lonely and confused and just a little bit desperate to belong. He doesn't make me feel like I need to smile more and ramble less and hide everything that makes me, me, behind thick steel walls because who I really am is too dull or introverted or anxious. He doesn't look like he's trying to find a way to extricate himself from my company. He listens when I talk and he laughs like I'm funny and he smiles like he's happy I'm around. I feel seen and heard and wanted, actually truly wanted. I feel like I might actually be worth keeping around. 🥹
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
I want to lie in bed and talk about nicknames and hobbies and favorite books. I want whispered words of desire and fingertips that move slowly enough to count every freckle sprinkled across pale white skin. I want late mornings tangled up in strong, lithe limbs and my cheek resting on a broad chest in the dark. I want to let myself believe that love just might be real and that not everyone in the world is going to hurt me. I want to be open and honest and truthful. I want to forget my past and find a future where I belong to someone, mind and body and heart and soul. I want that someone to be Ethan.
Thank you to GRR for this beautiful ARC!
February 15, 2025
For me, this book is divided into two parts: the first 35% felt like watching a snail cross the road—painfully slow. I was exhausted, struggling to stay engaged, and genuinely considering a DNF. But then... something shifted. I don’t even know what changed, but after that 35% mark, I devoured it. Suddenly, I was completely wrapped up in their story, in their connection, in the slow burn that felt so earned.
The writing is ethereal—so atmospheric, full of vivid descriptions of nature, surroundings, emotions, and inner turmoil. It pulls you in, but it also has a tendency to get heavy, sometimes veering into the kind of introspection that makes it hard to stay focused. The book leans into the melancholic, which can be both immersive and draining, depending on your mood. But if you’re in the right mindset? It’s magical.
Ethan and Blue are beautiful—inside and out. I loved how Blue helped Ethan find himself, to realize he wasn’t broken, that the blandness he had always lived in wasn’t all there was. That love was possible. And Blue—sweet, patient Blue—finally getting the love he deserved? God, they are so precious. Their relationship is so vulnerable, so gentle, always taking baby steps, yet already so deeply in love. The walks in the forest, the quiet moments, the glassblowing—every part of their world felt intimate, warm, and deeply romantic.
Yes, you can kiss me. Jesus Christ, you can kiss me, Ethan. You can kiss me now and tomorrow and the tomorrow after that. I have thought about begging you to kiss me for days and weeks and months. Even just once, just one kiss so I can at least pretend to know what it’s like to have someone I want so much want me back. I’ve wanted you to kiss me even if it wasn’t real for you because then I could pretend for a moment. I could pretend there might be a chance that one day if I just held on to the excruciating hope that maybe I could somehow be enough for you, that one day it might happen. You can kiss me, Ethan. You can kiss me always.”
And the sex? Damn It was a perfect blend of poetic and filthy, brimming with intimacy and scorching hot chemistry. I can’t deal. It was everything.
Sweat is dripping from his skin to blend with mine, and the pressure is building inside of me. A stream of “gods” and “yesses” and “deeper” and “please” and “more” escapes between my grunts, and I’m nearly sobbing with the perfection of this moment and my desperation to live in it for the rest of time. He shifts his weight onto one arm and reaches the other between us to grasp me tightly. I scream his name into the universe as my release floods warm and sticky between us, and I barely notice as his head falls to my shoulder and heat erupts inside of me as he follows me into oblivion.
That said, there were some inconsistencies and flaws :(
Ethan not knowing what demisexuality is felt odd. I can accept that he didn’t realize it applied to him, but the fact that he had nevercome across the term? That didn’t quite add up. His separation from his father made sense in a way—two broken souls grieving in isolation rather than together. I didn’t fully understand it, but I could accept it. Still, after nearly a decade of silence (with only a few letters in later years), I wish we had gotten more closure.By the end, I felt a little manipulated into accepting everything so lightly. Ethan’s breakdown, his separation from his dad—it all wrapped up too neatly after dragging on for so long. And Blue? He deserved so much more spoiling. I know grief affects people differently, but Ethan’s felt exaggerated at times, almost unfair to Blue.
But despite all that… I loved this book. Especially after 35%. It was emotional, intimate, and deeply romantic. Ethan and Blue’s love felt like something real—delicate but unshakable, soft but intense. They are pure magic. 🖤🩵
A sense of serenity and belonging so deep and unshakable that I feel inexorably connected to the rest of the universe is something I've only found wandering misty beaches or through forests, listening to the sounds of remote and unspoiled beauty and life untouched by man…but I feel it around Ethan now too. It's in the touch of his fingertips and the taste of the salt on his neck, the quiet, stuttering gasps he breathes against my ear, and the way he whispers my name in a voice filled with wonder and worship and passion and love. It’s in the way he’s captured my heart and my soul and the way the universe seems to exist only to bring us together. Being with Ethan is like finding the meaning of life.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The writing is ethereal—so atmospheric, full of vivid descriptions of nature, surroundings, emotions, and inner turmoil. It pulls you in, but it also has a tendency to get heavy, sometimes veering into the kind of introspection that makes it hard to stay focused. The book leans into the melancholic, which can be both immersive and draining, depending on your mood. But if you’re in the right mindset? It’s magical.
Ethan and Blue are beautiful—inside and out. I loved how Blue helped Ethan find himself, to realize he wasn’t broken, that the blandness he had always lived in wasn’t all there was. That love was possible. And Blue—sweet, patient Blue—finally getting the love he deserved? God, they are so precious. Their relationship is so vulnerable, so gentle, always taking baby steps, yet already so deeply in love. The walks in the forest, the quiet moments, the glassblowing—every part of their world felt intimate, warm, and deeply romantic.
Yes, you can kiss me. Jesus Christ, you can kiss me, Ethan. You can kiss me now and tomorrow and the tomorrow after that. I have thought about begging you to kiss me for days and weeks and months. Even just once, just one kiss so I can at least pretend to know what it’s like to have someone I want so much want me back. I’ve wanted you to kiss me even if it wasn’t real for you because then I could pretend for a moment. I could pretend there might be a chance that one day if I just held on to the excruciating hope that maybe I could somehow be enough for you, that one day it might happen. You can kiss me, Ethan. You can kiss me always.”
And the sex? Damn It was a perfect blend of poetic and filthy, brimming with intimacy and scorching hot chemistry. I can’t deal. It was everything.
Sweat is dripping from his skin to blend with mine, and the pressure is building inside of me. A stream of “gods” and “yesses” and “deeper” and “please” and “more” escapes between my grunts, and I’m nearly sobbing with the perfection of this moment and my desperation to live in it for the rest of time. He shifts his weight onto one arm and reaches the other between us to grasp me tightly. I scream his name into the universe as my release floods warm and sticky between us, and I barely notice as his head falls to my shoulder and heat erupts inside of me as he follows me into oblivion.
That said, there were some inconsistencies and flaws :(
Ethan not knowing what demisexuality is felt odd. I can accept that he didn’t realize it applied to him, but the fact that he had nevercome across the term? That didn’t quite add up. His separation from his father made sense in a way—two broken souls grieving in isolation rather than together. I didn’t fully understand it, but I could accept it. Still, after nearly a decade of silence (with only a few letters in later years), I wish we had gotten more closure.By the end, I felt a little manipulated into accepting everything so lightly. Ethan’s breakdown, his separation from his dad—it all wrapped up too neatly after dragging on for so long. And Blue? He deserved so much more spoiling. I know grief affects people differently, but Ethan’s felt exaggerated at times, almost unfair to Blue.
But despite all that… I loved this book. Especially after 35%. It was emotional, intimate, and deeply romantic. Ethan and Blue’s love felt like something real—delicate but unshakable, soft but intense. They are pure magic. 🖤🩵
A sense of serenity and belonging so deep and unshakable that I feel inexorably connected to the rest of the universe is something I've only found wandering misty beaches or through forests, listening to the sounds of remote and unspoiled beauty and life untouched by man…but I feel it around Ethan now too. It's in the touch of his fingertips and the taste of the salt on his neck, the quiet, stuttering gasps he breathes against my ear, and the way he whispers my name in a voice filled with wonder and worship and passion and love. It’s in the way he’s captured my heart and my soul and the way the universe seems to exist only to bring us together. Being with Ethan is like finding the meaning of life.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
I'm in awe yet again with the authors beautiful prose and masterful storytelling. This romance was perfection from start to finish: we get strangers-to friends to lovers, a demisexual realising he's demi, amazing grief rep (it hits when you least expect it), and beautiful moments between the two MCs. Blue is just the most understanding and supportive person, and Ethan is just a sweet baby who needs all the love and support he can get.
Their intimacy was precious and I loved how it was essential to the development of the relationship.
I liked the Ken storyline and how we get a bit of Namid (my bb) and Jayce.
I don't want to give much away because it's better to read it and enjoy the journey.
I can't wait to read the next, because everything Rayne and DW write is an immediate 5⭐
🥹
I'm in awe yet again with the authors beautiful prose and masterful storytelling. This romance was perfection from start to finish: we get strangers-to friends to lovers, a demisexual realising he's demi, amazing grief rep (it hits when you least expect it), and beautiful moments between the two MCs. Blue is just the most understanding and supportive person, and Ethan is just a sweet baby who needs all the love and support he can get.
Their intimacy was precious and I loved how it was essential to the development of the relationship.
I liked the Ken storyline and how we get a bit of Namid (my bb) and Jayce.
I don't want to give much away because it's better to read it and enjoy the journey.
I can't wait to read the next, because everything Rayne and DW write is an immediate 5⭐
🥹
dnf
March 3, 2025I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
DNF @ 48%
unfortunately this is just not working out for me. the narrative is just too maudlin and at 48% i'm still struggling to connect to either of the characters. so i think it's fair to say that i'm simply not the intended reader for this kind of story. happy others loved this though!
DNF @ 48%
unfortunately this is just not working out for me. the narrative is just too maudlin and at 48% i'm still struggling to connect to either of the characters. so i think it's fair to say that i'm simply not the intended reader for this kind of story. happy others loved this though!
February 17, 2025
5/5 stars 2.5/5 spice
This series…. This. Freaking. Series. It has my heart. I was thinking maybe this book wouldn’t come close for my love for the first book but it did.
I related to Ethan a lot. I’m a lonely person who believes they’re broken, and I’m a very anxious person. His inner monologues struck something in me. I was rooting so hard for his happy ending and was so glad when he got it. Especially the family that he had lost.
Blue is a very strong character. After his very sad romantic past I could understand why he wrote love off. But he was brave enough to risk his heart in order to gain the love of his life. He accepted Ethan whole heartedly and supported him no matter what, even when things got tough.
I never thought love making scenes could be so romantic and intense but it sure is in this. This whole book and series is just so beautifully written.
If you want to read about two lonely people (in their own way) find each other through friendship first then love, this is the book.
This series…. This. Freaking. Series. It has my heart. I was thinking maybe this book wouldn’t come close for my love for the first book but it did.
I related to Ethan a lot. I’m a lonely person who believes they’re broken, and I’m a very anxious person. His inner monologues struck something in me. I was rooting so hard for his happy ending and was so glad when he got it. Especially the family that he had lost.
Blue is a very strong character. After his very sad romantic past I could understand why he wrote love off. But he was brave enough to risk his heart in order to gain the love of his life. He accepted Ethan whole heartedly and supported him no matter what, even when things got tough.
I never thought love making scenes could be so romantic and intense but it sure is in this. This whole book and series is just so beautifully written.
If you want to read about two lonely people (in their own way) find each other through friendship first then love, this is the book.
February 8, 2025
Ethan + Blue
-mm romance
-friends to lovers
-opposites attract
-slow burn
-found family
-demi sexual rep
these books are like the ultimate feel good let’s get to know the characters & watch them slowly fall in love books! this one did have a little menty b moment in here & i was getting a little scared there for a sec but it was still so cute!
-mm romance
-friends to lovers
-opposites attract
-slow burn
-found family
-demi sexual rep
these books are like the ultimate feel good let’s get to know the characters & watch them slowly fall in love books! this one did have a little menty b moment in here & i was getting a little scared there for a sec but it was still so cute!
March 9, 2025
I didn’t realise this was a follow on from ‘Beneath The Indigo Skies’ by the same author until I was half way through. I was so happy to pick up Ethan’s story, who was the son of a leading character in book 1.
Ethan fled his home in Alaska when he was 18 when he was rejected by his childhood friend Jordyn, this happened soon after his mother’s death and it was just too much. Since then he has never stayed anywhere longer than 2 years. His job allows him to move on anywhere and work at home. He doesn’t have much luck in his love life since, and he doesn’t understand why he never feels anything with his dates. He has given up trying as he feels he is broken.
Now starting a new project for an Artwork Group in Seattle he can’t help noticing the guy with the turquoise hair in the Coffee Shop near his new apartment. When the Guy notices the guy staring at him he winks at him and continues chatting to his equally gorgeous companion. Ethan’s heart starts thumping in his chest.
Blue shares an apartment with Gabriel, they’ve been best friends for years, Blue doesn’t do relationships anymore, hookups on Friday night only. His last ex left him battered and bruised. He couldn’t help noticing the gorgeous man in the Coffee Shop. Fate brings them together days later.
Both these MC’s have erected barriers around their hearts but each decide they could be friends. It was a joy to watch the adorable, talented Blue slowly but surely draw Ethan into his lovely circle of friends. More importantly, Blue helped Ethan realise he was not broken, and he discovered where he fitted on the sexuality spectrum and boosted his confidence.
There is much more to their story that makes this second book in ‘Unexpected Love’ a joy to read. The past doesn’t always stay there and its appearance adds an extra dimension to ‘The Embrace of Evergreen’ which is set in o e of my favourite parts of USA, Seattle, Washington.
I’m very happy that Gabriel, Blue’s, flatmate, gets to tell his story in Book 3 in ‘ Unexpected Love Series’ by this author. I’m waiting for it.
Ethan fled his home in Alaska when he was 18 when he was rejected by his childhood friend Jordyn, this happened soon after his mother’s death and it was just too much. Since then he has never stayed anywhere longer than 2 years. His job allows him to move on anywhere and work at home. He doesn’t have much luck in his love life since, and he doesn’t understand why he never feels anything with his dates. He has given up trying as he feels he is broken.
Now starting a new project for an Artwork Group in Seattle he can’t help noticing the guy with the turquoise hair in the Coffee Shop near his new apartment. When the Guy notices the guy staring at him he winks at him and continues chatting to his equally gorgeous companion. Ethan’s heart starts thumping in his chest.
Blue shares an apartment with Gabriel, they’ve been best friends for years, Blue doesn’t do relationships anymore, hookups on Friday night only. His last ex left him battered and bruised. He couldn’t help noticing the gorgeous man in the Coffee Shop. Fate brings them together days later.
Both these MC’s have erected barriers around their hearts but each decide they could be friends. It was a joy to watch the adorable, talented Blue slowly but surely draw Ethan into his lovely circle of friends. More importantly, Blue helped Ethan realise he was not broken, and he discovered where he fitted on the sexuality spectrum and boosted his confidence.
There is much more to their story that makes this second book in ‘Unexpected Love’ a joy to read. The past doesn’t always stay there and its appearance adds an extra dimension to ‘The Embrace of Evergreen’ which is set in o e of my favourite parts of USA, Seattle, Washington.
I’m very happy that Gabriel, Blue’s, flatmate, gets to tell his story in Book 3 in ‘ Unexpected Love Series’ by this author. I’m waiting for it.
February 17, 2025
reading this book after a breakup definitely makes you sick but at the same time it heals you.
ethan’s journey is so inspiring and emotional. 🥹 he went through so much and just asBlue went through so much both of them found each other.
i loved this book so much.
ethan’s journey is so inspiring and emotional. 🥹 he went through so much and just asBlue went through so much both of them found each other.
i loved this book so much.
January 31, 2025
Oh my goodness, if you are looking for a sweet friends to lovers story with incredible demi rep, you have GOT to pick up The Embrace of Evergreen. The MOMENT I finished reading Beneath the Indigo Sky back in the fall, I knew I was going to need more from this story. While BTIS had a decent amount of angst, Evergreen was quieter and softer, definitely a sweeter low angst story. And if you are looking for a book with well-done demi rep - THIS IS IT!
Though Blue and Ethan seem like complete opposites on paper, they really are so well suited for each other. Blue has been seriously burned by his past relationships. Though he dates around, he tries so hard to guard his heart - until he meets Blue. They have an immediate spark, but Ethan has always felt like he was broken with regards to attraction and relationships, so they start off just as friends. The more time they spend together, however, the more things change between them, and Blue eventually points out that Ethan might be demi. It ends up being a really sweet s3xual awakening situation as they slowly figure things out. The angst was so minimal up until this point that I was COMPLETELY thrown when it does pop up closer to the end. And it was kind of funny that I didn't predict the situation that causes it also features in BTIS, however, it took me by surprise and left me in a puddle of tears. Thank goodness for the HEA, because I really needed it at that point!
I am SO glad I found these authors and this series - incredible writing and characters, and I'm so excited to see where this series goes next!
Though Blue and Ethan seem like complete opposites on paper, they really are so well suited for each other. Blue has been seriously burned by his past relationships. Though he dates around, he tries so hard to guard his heart - until he meets Blue. They have an immediate spark, but Ethan has always felt like he was broken with regards to attraction and relationships, so they start off just as friends. The more time they spend together, however, the more things change between them, and Blue eventually points out that Ethan might be demi. It ends up being a really sweet s3xual awakening situation as they slowly figure things out. The angst was so minimal up until this point that I was COMPLETELY thrown when it does pop up closer to the end. And it was kind of funny that I didn't predict the situation that causes it also features in BTIS, however, it took me by surprise and left me in a puddle of tears. Thank goodness for the HEA, because I really needed it at that point!
I am SO glad I found these authors and this series - incredible writing and characters, and I'm so excited to see where this series goes next!
March 8, 2025
Rany, napiszę coś jutro albo pojutrze, bo grypa mnie tak zwaliła z nóg, że ledwo żyję 😞
January 21, 2025
Something changed between us while we sat together surrounded by evergreens, at least for me. I offered him a glimpse of my soul and he accepted me without hesitancy or uncertainty.
My entire existence seems to have reorganized itself to revolve around Ethan. I want his smiles and his laughter and his quiet, painful truths. I want his gaze on me and his small, innocent touches. For the first time in so, so long, I want.
“Have you told him how you feel?” “Not in so many words.” I cringe. “It’s such a huge risk. I mean, I know it’s one worth taking, but I just…What if it changes things?”
“But…” she leans forward just a bit, “what if it changes things?”
“Jordyn will always own a piece of my heart, but Blue, Blue owns my soul.”
Awww this book was very sweet, absolutely lovely characters I really enjoyed reading about. It’s also unbearably sad when depicting how painful loneliness can be whether it stems from isolation or from self protection. The found family themes in the book were also stellar as was the complete immersion in art and culture and exploration of self expression. I loved the way the bond between Blue and Ethan just took hold pulling them inexorably closer, transitioning from friends to lovers.. beautifully built intimacy.
October 23, 2025
4 stars ☆⋆˙
Review:
If you’re looking for a heartwarming friends-to-lovers story, this book is a must-read. Blue and Ethan seem like opposites, but they’re a perfect match.
Blue, wary from past relationships, keeps his heart guarded, while Ethan struggles with attraction and relationships. They start as friends, but as their bond deepens, Blue helps Ethan in his journey of self-discovery.
This book beautifully captures slow-burn romance and deep emotional connections. Ethan’s longing for love and belonging was especially moving, and his relationship with Blue felt truly magical.
This series is so beautiful written and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Review:
If you’re looking for a heartwarming friends-to-lovers story, this book is a must-read. Blue and Ethan seem like opposites, but they’re a perfect match.
Blue, wary from past relationships, keeps his heart guarded, while Ethan struggles with attraction and relationships. They start as friends, but as their bond deepens, Blue helps Ethan in his journey of self-discovery.
This book beautifully captures slow-burn romance and deep emotional connections. Ethan’s longing for love and belonging was especially moving, and his relationship with Blue felt truly magical.
This series is so beautiful written and I can’t wait to read the next book!
February 17, 2025
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
~
The Embracing of Evergreen (Unexpected Love, Book 2)
by Rayne Hawthorne, D.W. Michaels
★☆☆☆☆
307 Pages
1st person, dual character POV
Triggers: intense grief and depression; loss of past love; suicidal ideation; self-neglect; historic domestic abuse
~
DNF'd
The Embracing of Evergreen is a hurt/comfort, slow burn romance within the Unexpected Love series. As Book 2, it actually continues right after the end of Book 1, with a letter from Ken – the funeral home guy from Book 1 – explaining that he, Jayce and Namid are leaving their small town because of the attack on Namid. So, right from page 1, it makes it clear that this book cannot exist as a standalone. Fine, I knew that going in.
Full disclosure: I did not enjoy Book 1. Long-winded, overly floral and less hurt/comfort more full on depressive.
Sadly, Book 2 was just more of the same. Before I even got to the end of Chapter 1, it began with a letter in Ken's POV, which surprised me. Then I kept reading and...this wasn't Ken from Book 1. I don't know why or how, but this Ken didn't speak like the serious, 60 year-old funeral home director of Book 1, instead talking like a teenager who was unfamiliar with complete sentences. So many sentences ended with “or something” and “or anything”.
Then we get into the crux of the story, with Ethan's POV.
On page 1 alone, we get FIVE instances of paragraphs starting with “Maybe this time...” which makes me want to break out into Cabaret. Turn the page and we get SIX more. Then we start with repetitions of “I've stopped counting...” where we get three on page, turn over and get SIX sentences IN A ROW that all start with “I know...”. Turn the page and we get SEVEN sentences that start with “I miss...”
Now, I get it. Repetition at the beginning of a sentence can be a good thing. However, when we get THREE separate instances within the first 3%, that is what you call overkill. It's unnecessary and it loses the magic of the formula that is supposed to make that repetition work.
Just as with Book 1, there were endless pages of thoughts and emotions, with the first dialogue at 5%. This was an improvement upon Book 1, but it still took far too long to get to the point.
~
Overall, I'm just seeing the same problems with this book as there were with Book 1. I'm bored. It feels endless because of the countless repetition, paragraphs that fill an entire page or half a page, all to talk about ONE thought process, and memories mentioned that I have no connection to, interest in or that have any impact on the plot or character. Yet again, this is about intense grief and I just don't have the desire or invested interest in either the characters or the plot to continue reading something that – if it follows the formula of Book 1 – will be so draining and depressing that it makes me want to cry for the wrong reasons.
So, to spare myself the pain and the author the negative review, I'm bowing out – of this book and this series.
~
The Embracing of Evergreen (Unexpected Love, Book 2)
by Rayne Hawthorne, D.W. Michaels
★☆☆☆☆
307 Pages
1st person, dual character POV
Triggers: intense grief and depression; loss of past love; suicidal ideation; self-neglect; historic domestic abuse
~
DNF'd
The Embracing of Evergreen is a hurt/comfort, slow burn romance within the Unexpected Love series. As Book 2, it actually continues right after the end of Book 1, with a letter from Ken – the funeral home guy from Book 1 – explaining that he, Jayce and Namid are leaving their small town because of the attack on Namid. So, right from page 1, it makes it clear that this book cannot exist as a standalone. Fine, I knew that going in.
Full disclosure: I did not enjoy Book 1. Long-winded, overly floral and less hurt/comfort more full on depressive.
Sadly, Book 2 was just more of the same. Before I even got to the end of Chapter 1, it began with a letter in Ken's POV, which surprised me. Then I kept reading and...this wasn't Ken from Book 1. I don't know why or how, but this Ken didn't speak like the serious, 60 year-old funeral home director of Book 1, instead talking like a teenager who was unfamiliar with complete sentences. So many sentences ended with “or something” and “or anything”.
Then we get into the crux of the story, with Ethan's POV.
On page 1 alone, we get FIVE instances of paragraphs starting with “Maybe this time...” which makes me want to break out into Cabaret. Turn the page and we get SIX more. Then we start with repetitions of “I've stopped counting...” where we get three on page, turn over and get SIX sentences IN A ROW that all start with “I know...”. Turn the page and we get SEVEN sentences that start with “I miss...”
Now, I get it. Repetition at the beginning of a sentence can be a good thing. However, when we get THREE separate instances within the first 3%, that is what you call overkill. It's unnecessary and it loses the magic of the formula that is supposed to make that repetition work.
Just as with Book 1, there were endless pages of thoughts and emotions, with the first dialogue at 5%. This was an improvement upon Book 1, but it still took far too long to get to the point.
~
Overall, I'm just seeing the same problems with this book as there were with Book 1. I'm bored. It feels endless because of the countless repetition, paragraphs that fill an entire page or half a page, all to talk about ONE thought process, and memories mentioned that I have no connection to, interest in or that have any impact on the plot or character. Yet again, this is about intense grief and I just don't have the desire or invested interest in either the characters or the plot to continue reading something that – if it follows the formula of Book 1 – will be so draining and depressing that it makes me want to cry for the wrong reasons.
So, to spare myself the pain and the author the negative review, I'm bowing out – of this book and this series.
February 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! I’m not a huge fan of slow burns but this book kept me intrigued and fully engaged the whole time. Loved getting to know Ethan and Blue. I cried a bunch for Ethan throughout the book. And for Blue towards the end. And I can’t wait for Gabriel’s book!
did-not-finish
February 13, 2025- friends to lovers
- demi rep
- hurt x comfort
- found family
- demi rep
- hurt x comfort
- found family
February 17, 2025
Another absolutely exquisite book from this author. Blue and Ethan both had reasons to be careful with their hearts. Building their friendship first, learning to trust each other, made it easier (though not easy) to overcome their walls. The tension and pining were delicious… and when they finally gave in? Fireworks. The intimacy was very well-written, evoking tenderness and emotion along with the passion. It was great to see characters from book 1. I’m so excited for Gabriel; he deserves so much love and happiness.
January 26, 2025
4.5. This book was a true romance book. Rayne, with DW, really know how to make you feel things with descriptive language. There is a lot of beautiful language in this book that really made me feel. Sometimes it seems like authors are trying too hard to sound literary or evoke emotions with extended analogies and it falls flat, that is not the case here. This book’s language really brought the book depth and drew me in. It was beautiful.
This book is about Ethan, Ken’s estranged son from book 1. He’s sad and lonely and lost and Blue finds him and adopts him into his life, and they become exactly who each other needed.
This book gave me all the emotions. I just wanted to give Ethan all the hugs! Certain moments had my heart rate doing weird things with anticipation, and my eyes were definitely not dry more than once. The whole book is a long, and oh so slow burn, emotional hurt/comfort journey. Both characters have their hang ups that they need to get through but it absolutely thrilled me that the commitment-phobe falls first! *swoon*
When I say it’s a slow burn, it’s a true slow burn. The characters first cross paths at 18% and don’t actually meet and interact until closer to 25%. The entire buildup to their meeting I kept trying to guess how they would run into each other, fall in love etc; It was so fun! The burn also didn’t feel long, no part of this book dragged for me despite the characters not getting together romantically until later in the story. I devoured it.
Why not quite 5 stars? Well I just wanted more of them! There were a lot of time gaps during the book, showing the passage of months or weeks, which I think was necessary for the story, but for all the sweet waiting I did I wanted even more of them learning to, and just loving each other by the end. There was so much hurt I wanted a little more of the cute comfort. The *big emotional event* at the end was somewhat expected given the events of book 1, but I also felt it went from 0-100 a little fast for me with how they handled it, and I think it was the time jump. I was so emotional for these boys and I felt like it came out of nowhere and then left just as quickly. However, it’s just a small personal to me complaint!
The book was amazing and I loved every second of it. I’m already ready for Gabriel’s book and I’m convinced no one will ever write grief as beautifully as these authors do.
*Thank you to the authors for the opportunity to do an ARC review*
This book is about Ethan, Ken’s estranged son from book 1. He’s sad and lonely and lost and Blue finds him and adopts him into his life, and they become exactly who each other needed.
This book gave me all the emotions. I just wanted to give Ethan all the hugs! Certain moments had my heart rate doing weird things with anticipation, and my eyes were definitely not dry more than once. The whole book is a long, and oh so slow burn, emotional hurt/comfort journey. Both characters have their hang ups that they need to get through but it absolutely thrilled me that the commitment-phobe falls first! *swoon*
When I say it’s a slow burn, it’s a true slow burn. The characters first cross paths at 18% and don’t actually meet and interact until closer to 25%. The entire buildup to their meeting I kept trying to guess how they would run into each other, fall in love etc; It was so fun! The burn also didn’t feel long, no part of this book dragged for me despite the characters not getting together romantically until later in the story. I devoured it.
Why not quite 5 stars? Well I just wanted more of them! There were a lot of time gaps during the book, showing the passage of months or weeks, which I think was necessary for the story, but for all the sweet waiting I did I wanted even more of them learning to, and just loving each other by the end. There was so much hurt I wanted a little more of the cute comfort. The *big emotional event* at the end was somewhat expected given the events of book 1, but I also felt it went from 0-100 a little fast for me with how they handled it, and I think it was the time jump. I was so emotional for these boys and I felt like it came out of nowhere and then left just as quickly. However, it’s just a small personal to me complaint!
The book was amazing and I loved every second of it. I’m already ready for Gabriel’s book and I’m convinced no one will ever write grief as beautifully as these authors do.
*Thank you to the authors for the opportunity to do an ARC review*
March 4, 2025
Thank you GRR for the arc!
This is the second book in the unexpected love series, and sort of a continuation in the story for this group of friends/family in the Seattle area.
When this book said it had a demi rep, and after loving indigo sky, I was completely on board. Hello, fellow demis!
I felt like the portrayal of demisexuals was well done. The story covered a character discovering that this was their orientation, and I feel like many of us go on similar journeys of self discovery.
I love the writing style of this series, it feels warm, comforting, and emotional, with the beauty of nature thrown in. It's a whole vibe, and it's beautifully executed. I can't wait to read more!
Embrace the evergreen follows Ethan, who was alluded to in the first book as he moves to Seattle and befriends some locals. He hasn't had much luck in terms of relationships, and is convinced something is wrong with him, so he swears them off. One night stands are/were his go-to with no strings attached.
Ethan meets a local with blue hair, named Blue. He's an artist who works in various forms of media. Blue is a sensitive guy, but he also is closed off and doesn't want relationships due to being hurt so much in the past. He's experienced "love" from his previous abusive partners and also wants nothing to do with it. One night stands with no strings attached, no attachments.
The two guys become friends, growing closer by the day and find that they are able to confide in each other. Eventually though, the friendship becomes more...
I'll leave it there, but thank you so much for the book! It would have been 5 stars, but I had trouble with some things, like the dad not telling his son about something huge (no spoilers), the zero to one hundred relationship, and kind of the slow pace at the start.
This is the second book in the unexpected love series, and sort of a continuation in the story for this group of friends/family in the Seattle area.
When this book said it had a demi rep, and after loving indigo sky, I was completely on board. Hello, fellow demis!
I felt like the portrayal of demisexuals was well done. The story covered a character discovering that this was their orientation, and I feel like many of us go on similar journeys of self discovery.
I love the writing style of this series, it feels warm, comforting, and emotional, with the beauty of nature thrown in. It's a whole vibe, and it's beautifully executed. I can't wait to read more!
Embrace the evergreen follows Ethan, who was alluded to in the first book as he moves to Seattle and befriends some locals. He hasn't had much luck in terms of relationships, and is convinced something is wrong with him, so he swears them off. One night stands are/were his go-to with no strings attached.
Ethan meets a local with blue hair, named Blue. He's an artist who works in various forms of media. Blue is a sensitive guy, but he also is closed off and doesn't want relationships due to being hurt so much in the past. He's experienced "love" from his previous abusive partners and also wants nothing to do with it. One night stands with no strings attached, no attachments.
The two guys become friends, growing closer by the day and find that they are able to confide in each other. Eventually though, the friendship becomes more...
I'll leave it there, but thank you so much for the book! It would have been 5 stars, but I had trouble with some things, like the dad not telling his son about something huge (no spoilers), the zero to one hundred relationship, and kind of the slow pace at the start.
February 20, 2025
This was SO SWEET.
I had been curious about Ethan and what was going on with him since BtIS. Now to have read his story? Gosh. It was so heartbreaking but in the best ways.
The slight paranormal aspects to these books are so mysterious and I never know what’s going to happen with that 😂
Blue is the best. He was so supportive and I loved that he wasn’t painted as this perfectly stable and entirely introspective. He had his past and he maybe didn’t handle things perfectly, neither of them did. Ethan’s experiences impacted Blue and I thought that was such a good thing to show.
The placement of evergreen and emerald (both tree and colors) was perfect and always seemed to act as this invisible string with them. Like when in doubt, run to and embrace the forest.
They were perfect together and I definitely feel like they’d make it go for the long haul. 🥹🥹
I love them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
I had been curious about Ethan and what was going on with him since BtIS. Now to have read his story? Gosh. It was so heartbreaking but in the best ways.
The slight paranormal aspects to these books are so mysterious and I never know what’s going to happen with that 😂
Blue is the best. He was so supportive and I loved that he wasn’t painted as this perfectly stable and entirely introspective. He had his past and he maybe didn’t handle things perfectly, neither of them did. Ethan’s experiences impacted Blue and I thought that was such a good thing to show.
The placement of evergreen and emerald (both tree and colors) was perfect and always seemed to act as this invisible string with them. Like when in doubt, run to and embrace the forest.
They were perfect together and I definitely feel like they’d make it go for the long haul. 🥹🥹
I love them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
September 17, 2025
Another very sweet slow-burn story filled with beautiful, insightful, and inspiring quotes. There is still pain and past hurt in this story but nowhere near the level of the previous book. This one feels much more cosy and more about trusting in love again.
Both Blue and Ethan are lovely characters. They have good friends and colleagues who support and help them. It was lovely having Ethan reunite with his dad, and the scene where he thought he was seeing Jordyn was very emotional.
My only personal issue is that sometimes the inner monologues during a conversation get a little too much, and I find myself skimming to get back to the conversation. I think that’s the only reason I haven’t marked any of these books a 5 so far.
Both Blue and Ethan are lovely characters. They have good friends and colleagues who support and help them. It was lovely having Ethan reunite with his dad, and the scene where he thought he was seeing Jordyn was very emotional.
My only personal issue is that sometimes the inner monologues during a conversation get a little too much, and I find myself skimming to get back to the conversation. I think that’s the only reason I haven’t marked any of these books a 5 so far.
January 27, 2025
"What would it feel like to belong somewhere, to have a home that just… fits?"
Beneath the Indigo Sky is one of the best books I've read recently and The Embrace of Evergreen is right up there with it. Both of these books are so freaking beautiful and raw, and the writing is truly poetic. Book one had me bawling my eyes out from page one and while the heartbreak and pain plateaued in the middle, it went right back to a hundred by the end of it. Where Namid and Jayce's story felt like being in the middle of a raging thunderstorm, Ethan and Blue's story was more like the calm before the storm. There was a soft steadiness to it but you just knew something strong was coming and it did not disappoint at all.
"I don’t really understand the way he makes me feel, but I’m in no hurry for it to end."
Ethan has been drifting ever since he left home as a teenager. He's desperate to find love and romance but life keeps knocking him back down. He moves to Seattle looking for a change but he doesn't expect it to come in the form of a confident, sunshiney, blue haired artist.
"He makes me want to see the world the way he does. He makes me want to be happy. Not just existing, but deeply and truly happy."
Blue has had his own troubles with love and is determined not to fall again. But Ethan sneaks up on him. Their friendship slowly grows into so much more and it's beautiful to watch the way their walls slowly come down and see them accept their own feelings and each other's.
"He’s pulled me out of grey and beige and showed me a world filled with vibrant, colorful joy."
I can't not talk about Ethan's journey of self-discovery. His experiences felt so real and as someone who went through a similar process, I felt that moment of understanding so deeply. Learning the term demisexual was a big moment for him. It wasn't a magic fix by any means, but it did help him feel less alone and gave him the courage to fight for more.
"I never want to be anywhere other than right here in his arms for the rest of my life."
For all the effervescent joy that this book has, there's also an underlying note of sadness and grief that builds until it hits a peak and all those emotions come rushing at you. It was hard and painful, but it made the light on the other side feel brighter and more wonderful. I'm so looking forward to reading the final book in this series. I cannot recommend this series enough, so if you haven't started this yet, do yourself a favor and pick this up asap!
Beneath the Indigo Sky is one of the best books I've read recently and The Embrace of Evergreen is right up there with it. Both of these books are so freaking beautiful and raw, and the writing is truly poetic. Book one had me bawling my eyes out from page one and while the heartbreak and pain plateaued in the middle, it went right back to a hundred by the end of it. Where Namid and Jayce's story felt like being in the middle of a raging thunderstorm, Ethan and Blue's story was more like the calm before the storm. There was a soft steadiness to it but you just knew something strong was coming and it did not disappoint at all.
"I don’t really understand the way he makes me feel, but I’m in no hurry for it to end."
Ethan has been drifting ever since he left home as a teenager. He's desperate to find love and romance but life keeps knocking him back down. He moves to Seattle looking for a change but he doesn't expect it to come in the form of a confident, sunshiney, blue haired artist.
"He makes me want to see the world the way he does. He makes me want to be happy. Not just existing, but deeply and truly happy."
Blue has had his own troubles with love and is determined not to fall again. But Ethan sneaks up on him. Their friendship slowly grows into so much more and it's beautiful to watch the way their walls slowly come down and see them accept their own feelings and each other's.
"He’s pulled me out of grey and beige and showed me a world filled with vibrant, colorful joy."
I can't not talk about Ethan's journey of self-discovery. His experiences felt so real and as someone who went through a similar process, I felt that moment of understanding so deeply. Learning the term demisexual was a big moment for him. It wasn't a magic fix by any means, but it did help him feel less alone and gave him the courage to fight for more.
"I never want to be anywhere other than right here in his arms for the rest of my life."
For all the effervescent joy that this book has, there's also an underlying note of sadness and grief that builds until it hits a peak and all those emotions come rushing at you. It was hard and painful, but it made the light on the other side feel brighter and more wonderful. I'm so looking forward to reading the final book in this series. I cannot recommend this series enough, so if you haven't started this yet, do yourself a favor and pick this up asap!
February 24, 2025
Tropes:
🌲 friends-to-lovers
🌲 opposites attract
🌲 demi rep
🌲 hint of magical realism
After reading Beneath the Indigo Sky, I was soooo excited to sign up for an ARC of The Embrace of Evergreen and continue reading in this little universe. There was a definite tenderness between the two of them as MCs and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Blue sleeps around, but has always guarded his heart from being broken, while Ethan is overcoming someone whom he thought he could love forever. I love how the two of them really supported each other and built their friendship first, and a really good sexual awakening, demi representation.
I really love the magical realism aspect of these books. It was a lot more prominent in Beneath the Indigo Sky, and I wished we saw more of it in this book, I still really enjoyed the little touches of it in the story. Ethan and Blue were revolving around each other's orbits so much and just waiting for them to meet and everything to come out just made me giggle on the inside and kept me going through the book.
There was one scene that I was soooo excited and waiting patiently for that i wished happened a little sooner (and honestly be a little more dramatic), but still loved the resolution and the hard fought HEA between these two.
Thank to Rayne and DW for the eARC!
🌲 friends-to-lovers
🌲 opposites attract
🌲 demi rep
🌲 hint of magical realism
After reading Beneath the Indigo Sky, I was soooo excited to sign up for an ARC of The Embrace of Evergreen and continue reading in this little universe. There was a definite tenderness between the two of them as MCs and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Blue sleeps around, but has always guarded his heart from being broken, while Ethan is overcoming someone whom he thought he could love forever. I love how the two of them really supported each other and built their friendship first, and a really good sexual awakening, demi representation.
I really love the magical realism aspect of these books. It was a lot more prominent in Beneath the Indigo Sky, and I wished we saw more of it in this book, I still really enjoyed the little touches of it in the story. Ethan and Blue were revolving around each other's orbits so much and just waiting for them to meet and everything to come out just made me giggle on the inside and kept me going through the book.
There was one scene that I was soooo excited and waiting patiently for that i wished happened a little sooner (and honestly be a little more dramatic), but still loved the resolution and the hard fought HEA between these two.
Thank to Rayne and DW for the eARC!
February 5, 2025
This is a sweet story about a lonely man who moves around every few years finally finding a place he belongs, finds friends who go out with him and make him laugh, and especially an artist who soon becomes his closest friend. The artist, Blue, has had some very bad experiences with relationships and has given up on them. His resolve is tested by Ethan, who just appears one day and who Blue feels drawn to and spende more and more time with. Since Ethan does not seem to be looking for a relationship, Blue is at first relieved but after a while he has to admit he has developed feelings for Ethan. Ethan discovers new things about himself and his years of unsuccessful attempts at dating.
The characters are well written and likeable, the book is quite calm, idyllic and slow paced for the most part, but it does deal with some difficult and emotional topics as well.
There are ties to the characters of the first book but it does work as a stand-alone as well, I think.
The characters are well written and likeable, the book is quite calm, idyllic and slow paced for the most part, but it does deal with some difficult and emotional topics as well.
There are ties to the characters of the first book but it does work as a stand-alone as well, I think.
February 15, 2025
Ethan • Blue
….
“The embrace of ancient redwoods and soothing green as far as the eye can see closing in around me and holding me safe and tight and warm.”
….
The Embrace of Evergreen is book 2 in The Unexpected Love world and shouldn’t be read without reading book 1 as both books are very interconnected with each other.
Going into this story blindly will enhance the experience as Hawthorne is one of these authors that catch you with the written word. The words are so craftily put together to give you a sense of magic surrounding you.
In book 2 we met Ethan, Ken’s son (we met Ken in book 1) and Blue. These two made one of the warmest couples I had the chance to read about in a while. I felt like their souls just matched. The patience and understanding.
There’s one scene in this book, that I waited for since book 1 and let’s just say, a tear or two was shed. Ethan and Ken 🥹.
You will definitely enjoy this book if you love friends to lovers, being surrounded by magical forest trails, good coffee, glass blowing and all shades of Blue.
….
“I hope that maybe one day you'll visit, and I’ll get to hug you again.” // “…as I remember what it felt like to stare at the fragile glass inside the inconspicuous box. It’s more than I’ve allowed myself to feel in a very long time.” // “Everything about him says that he’s completely comfortable with himself, and I can’t help but wonder what it must feel like to live that way. To live with laughter and love and openness.” // “It's my heart on my sleeve, my soul on display. I couldn't imagine my life without it.” // “To friendships, old and new.” // “I wish there was a way to go back and tell that kid that he’d make it through.” // “I want him to overpower me.” // “Everything I always hoped it could be, and so many things I never even knew I wanted.” // We’ll find a way through anything together.”
….
*I received an advance copy directly from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“The embrace of ancient redwoods and soothing green as far as the eye can see closing in around me and holding me safe and tight and warm.”
….
The Embrace of Evergreen is book 2 in The Unexpected Love world and shouldn’t be read without reading book 1 as both books are very interconnected with each other.
Going into this story blindly will enhance the experience as Hawthorne is one of these authors that catch you with the written word. The words are so craftily put together to give you a sense of magic surrounding you.
In book 2 we met Ethan, Ken’s son (we met Ken in book 1) and Blue. These two made one of the warmest couples I had the chance to read about in a while. I felt like their souls just matched. The patience and understanding.
There’s one scene in this book, that I waited for since book 1 and let’s just say, a tear or two was shed. Ethan and Ken 🥹.
You will definitely enjoy this book if you love friends to lovers, being surrounded by magical forest trails, good coffee, glass blowing and all shades of Blue.
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“I hope that maybe one day you'll visit, and I’ll get to hug you again.” // “…as I remember what it felt like to stare at the fragile glass inside the inconspicuous box. It’s more than I’ve allowed myself to feel in a very long time.” // “Everything about him says that he’s completely comfortable with himself, and I can’t help but wonder what it must feel like to live that way. To live with laughter and love and openness.” // “It's my heart on my sleeve, my soul on display. I couldn't imagine my life without it.” // “To friendships, old and new.” // “I wish there was a way to go back and tell that kid that he’d make it through.” // “I want him to overpower me.” // “Everything I always hoped it could be, and so many things I never even knew I wanted.” // We’ll find a way through anything together.”
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*I received an advance copy directly from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
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March 1, 2025
Stick it out! I agree with some of the other reviewers that this book is a slow-starter, and it took me longer than usual to get engaged. However, I enjoyed the first book so much I kept going. I'm so glad I did! The writing is a style I don't normally read a lot of, but it works beautifully for this book (and if you enjoyed the first already, know this is just as beautifully-written). I absolutely adored seeing the characters grow together in their relationship, and I love how much the author trusts the relationship in moving things along at a slower (realistic for the situation) pace. This book feels like a soft, warm hug, which I think we could all use right now.
February 20, 2025
The Embrace of Evergreen is a pretty straightforward friends to lovers romance.
While this is the second book of a series, I thought it worked fine as a standalone. I could tell it's part of a larger story but didn't feel like I missed out on the main two characters by not reading the first book. The authors did a great job of weaving in backstory so I wasn't left in the dark.
My favorite part was the demisexual rep. While Ethan's discovery hits a lot of familiar beats I've read in bi-awakening-type stories, I was very happy to see demisexuality explicitly named and handled respectfully.
I'm grateful that I received an ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
While this is the second book of a series, I thought it worked fine as a standalone. I could tell it's part of a larger story but didn't feel like I missed out on the main two characters by not reading the first book. The authors did a great job of weaving in backstory so I wasn't left in the dark.
My favorite part was the demisexual rep. While Ethan's discovery hits a lot of familiar beats I've read in bi-awakening-type stories, I was very happy to see demisexuality explicitly named and handled respectfully.
I'm grateful that I received an ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
February 22, 2025
I love the title of this book. It’s both creative and apropos on so many levels.
Blue. Resilient and joyful, even in the face of a past that has left him both literally and figuratively scarred, paired with the way he so beautifully word-vomits his deepest feelings makes him a very connectable character. It’s wonderful to watch him fall so deeply in love and fight it so hard along the way.
Ethan’s journey is very different. He’s been longing for love, actively trying to find someone, for so long but he’s convinced that his body is broken and each attempt is so painful on so many levels. When he discovers the concept of being demisexual, everything just clicks into place. It’s a great example of how understanding yourself can lead to a much more fulfilling life.
However. The first several chapters, before they even meet, are quite a slog.
Also. Ethan’s grief over the death of someone he hasn’t seen in 15 years is way over the top. He’s catatonic for months. His reaction doesn’t ring true for his character and muddies the entire ending of the book.
And Namid’s “I’m too empathetic to handle his pain” bullshit after he’s been there for something like 3 weeks. Seriously. Anyone who claims they’re “too empathetic” is selling you a load of crap.
Blue. Resilient and joyful, even in the face of a past that has left him both literally and figuratively scarred, paired with the way he so beautifully word-vomits his deepest feelings makes him a very connectable character. It’s wonderful to watch him fall so deeply in love and fight it so hard along the way.
Ethan’s journey is very different. He’s been longing for love, actively trying to find someone, for so long but he’s convinced that his body is broken and each attempt is so painful on so many levels. When he discovers the concept of being demisexual, everything just clicks into place. It’s a great example of how understanding yourself can lead to a much more fulfilling life.
However. The first several chapters, before they even meet, are quite a slog.
Also. Ethan’s grief over the death of someone he hasn’t seen in 15 years is way over the top. He’s catatonic for months. His reaction doesn’t ring true for his character and muddies the entire ending of the book.
And Namid’s “I’m too empathetic to handle his pain” bullshit after he’s been there for something like 3 weeks. Seriously. Anyone who claims they’re “too empathetic” is selling you a load of crap.
z-dnf-nopes
July 10, 2025DNF, Early
I did not love the first one, but it was okay. The beginning of this one felt kind of slow, so I cheated and read a few good and bad reviews. Unfortunately BOTH mentioned things I know I won’t enjoy so I’m cutting my losses.
I did not love the first one, but it was okay. The beginning of this one felt kind of slow, so I cheated and read a few good and bad reviews. Unfortunately BOTH mentioned things I know I won’t enjoy so I’m cutting my losses.
December 31, 2025
I will write a review for this as soon as I can...
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