The Day I Found Him

Lost and Found #2

by Calliope Rhys

Gavin has spent years trying to make a life for himself, always trying to stay out from under his father’s thumb, the father who thinks he’s broken and would do whatever it took to fix him, no matter how badly it hurt him. It was hard to escape his past, when it came back to torment him nearly every time he closed his eyes. When the life he built for himself comes crashing down in one night, he runs to the only person he thinks might help him, the boy he lost long ago. Instead, he finds someone unexpected there, someone who feels safe for the first time in a long time.

Nick’s nights are haunted by memories of an emotionally abusive, cheating ex who filled him with self-doubt and made it nearly impossible to trust anyone. The only upside to being moved across the country was finally finding a job he adored, one in which he felt he was actually helping people while putting his culinary degree to good use. Working at the youth shelter gave him the joy his ex tried to take away. When Nick finds someone who needs help, who needs more than anything to just be seen, it will change both of their lives forever.

When Gavin’s past catches up to him, Nick will do anything to protect him from the people who want to take him away, to change him. But will it be enough to save Gavin from the darkness, or will his monsters win?

Genres: M M Romance, Found Family, Abuse, Mental Health, Dark, LGBT, Forced Proximity

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Obsessed with coffee, cats, books, and broken boys getting their HEAs.

My boys might go through trouble, but I promise lots of sweet and spicy moments in between, and even if it's a tough road getting there, HEA guaranteed.

Reviews

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Day I Found Him is a beautiful emotional romance between Nick and Gavin. They are both scarred from their pasts while trying to move forward when they are forcibly pulled backward. Fate intervenes in the most inopportune moment to bring them together on a journey of healing and hope.

This story is very emotional and touches amount a topic that is challenging to read, but due to the strength of Gavin, Nick, and their support system, they both overcome so many obstacles. I loved how earnest and kind both Gavin and Nick are to one another as they navigate their trauma. Both deserve everything positive and happy, so having them be there for one another made this story so moving.

Overall I could not get enough of these two and loved getting to see Caden and Jamie play such important roles in this story as well. I hope to see these characters again as I love being in this world where in the most impossible and dark situation there is still an HEA.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Marthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Musiałam trochę ochłonąć, zanim cokolwiek napisałam, bo inaczej komentarz tak ociekałby jadem, że pewnie przeżarłby mi kable od laptopa. A tak oczywiście też będzie, ale mniej...

Chciałam przeczytać tę książkę na jeden raz. Ale nie mogłam. Tak mnie zdenerwowała, że musiałam robić przerwy, bo żołądek mi się przewracał i nerwy mnie brały okropne...

Religia to zło. Wymyślona przez człowieka, by kontrolować innych ludzi i karać ich niby w jej imieniu, jeżeli nie stosują się do jej zasad, a tak naprawdę by dać możliwość bezkarnego upustu najgorszych ludzkich cech - despotyzmu, sadyzmu, narcyzmu, egoizmu, egocentryzmu, kontroli, próżności, arogancji, chęci władzy, pieniędzy, seksu. Na pewno o niejednej zapomniałam. I nie muszę chyba mówić, że ci, którzy wymagają przestrzegania religijnych zasad od wiernych, praktycznie nigdy sami się do nich nie stosują... Większość najgorszego zła tego świata została wyrządzona w imię Boga i z imieniem Boga na ustach - bez względu na to, jakiego.

To właśnie spotkało Gavina - terapia konwersyjna. Najgorszego sortu. Która nie "uleczyła" go oczywiście z bycia gejem, ale namieszała mu w głowie, sprawiła, że seks i związek kojarzył tylko z bólem, że uważał siebie za truciznę, która sprawia, że wszystkie nieszczęścia najbliższych mu osób (które można było policzyć na palcach jednej ręki) to jego wina. Że wszystko niszczy i rujnuje. A jednocześnie był fizycznie zdrowym 24-latkiem, ze zdrowym popędem seksualnym - jednorazowe numerki w łazienkach, alejkach czy na tylnym siedzeniu samochodu były dla niego mentalnym wyzwaniem. Był tak złamany 😢 Miałam ochotę go przytulić z całych sił i już nigdy nie puścić... Sceny z koszmarów czy w którymś momencie te bieżące, dotyczące terapii sprawiały, że żołądek mi się wywijał na druga stronę. I robiło mi się niedobrze, jak sobie pomyślałam, że to nie jest fikcja i że takie rzeczy ciągle kogoś gdzieś spotykają...

Nick jest absolutnie kochany, choć również złamany - aczkolwiek w inny sposób. Jego ex sprawił, że poczucie jego wartości jest równe zeru. Jego serducho jest tak wielkie, że wszyscy naokoło go uwielbiają i podziwiają, choć on tego nie widzi. Ale to właśnie serducho nie pozwala mu przejechać obojętnie obok człowieka na moście, który ewidentnie nie przyszedł oglądać widoków...

Nie wiem, czy kiedykolwiek wrócę do tej książki, bo trudno mi się czytało, naprawdę.
Ale było warto 💙

[kaye taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook

Book one made me sob but this book made me sobbbbb.

Gavin and Nick were absolutely precious. I knew I was going to love Gavin based just on his history with Caden, but I was not prepared for the depth in which I’d fall. And Nick was a wonderful addition to the amazing friend group we got in the first book.

The found family aspects of this series are seriously unmatched, and every time they suit up I get so excited.

And Jamie and Caden! I got so much of my babies from book one and I was so happy. I love seeing them still so happy and in love, and achieving all the goals they wanted to in their book. Ugh, I just love all these characters so much.

I still think the writing, mostly the dialogue, can do with a touch of editing. It gets a little wordy and superfluous sometimes. But the overall plot and romance always make up for it in spades.

Please, please, please give us more. I don’t care who’s next, just keep feeding us!

*I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. The characters… their depth and range was incredible. Despite being strangers when Gavin and Nick meet, the author paints their story in the most beautiful, natural way. Although they quickly feel comfortable with one another, find attraction and trust and safety in the other…
nothing ever feels rushed about their relationship even if the calendar days may indicate it’s fast.

This story is about overcoming a life of being beaten down time and time again by powers outside of your control and made to feel like you’re worthless. It’s about finding your inner strength and fighting to take back your own life (because you found someone to finally make it worth sticking around for). You find a happiness you never thought you’d deserve or get because your life has always been controlled by someone else’s strings. Nick is an incredible, showstopper of a MAN… the greatest support system and someone who just feels like home.

This book contains darker themes compared to The Night I Lost Him. Think lots of trauma, lots of cuddles … basically hurt/comfort, thriller, plus spicy good times. HEA guaranteed. Check TW if needed as this deals with religious trauma/torture.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book of this series, but this one was so much better. This story has truly touched my heart and, even though it's not low angst (which I usually prefer to read), I really loved both Gavin and Nick, and their relationship.
Gavin... Gavin broke my heart. Well, not actually him but what he went through. I felt sad, worried and overwhelmed by everything he had had to endure in his life so far. I think what made it worse is knowing that the abuse he suffered is still going on in the world. There are many guys going through the same and it just breaks my heart to know that.
Nick had his own ghosts to deal with, but from the moment he met Gavin he was determined to help him. Their relationship started off as a friendship and it was beautiful to see them learn about each other. The trust that Gavin put on Nick was very touching and it actually helped Nick deal with the scars that his ex had left him with.
This story made me feel so much. It was extremely emotional in most parts but it was also full of hope. Gavin ran away from a life of hurt, pain and abuse, he almost gave up but Nick and the rest of his new friends helped him see that life could be better.
Their love was soul deep and heartwarming, their connection and how they were towards one another was addictive. It was easy to feel their emotions and feelings page after page. I just couldn't stop smiling when they were together, and when Nick helped Gavin with his nightmares it made me think that was what love is all about.

[Shanna Ferris · Rating 4 out of 5]

• MM Romance
• Religious trauma
• Hurt/Comfort
• Close proximity
• PTSD
• Side characters from book 1 are very present
• Strong MMCs

WOW! What an incredible series this is turning out to be! I completely devoured both of these two books in less than 2 days! To say I'm obsessed would be putting it lightly! This book follows Gavin and Nick. We hear about Gavin in the first book from Caden! But getting to actually meet him! Ahh. I loved every second. Calliope handled this book so well. Just like with the first book this one has VERY sensitive topics. And she takes these broken boys and creates the most beautiful HEAs for them!

Gavin's history was had to read about and the things that he has had to face and go through. And his self-loathing was understandable given everything he had been told his whole life. It broke my heart! But the way Nick puts him back together again was incredible to read about. I just loved them!!! The way they found comfort in each other was the absolute sweetest!
And we got to see Jamie and Caden so many times throughout this book! And ahhh! My heart. They're just perfect.

I can't wait to read more books by Calliope. I'm so blown away by her writing! And the way she handles such heavy topics!

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like hurt/comfort, you’re going to love this one. Gavin and Nick have both been hurt by people they should have been able to trust. They eventually are able to learn to love and trust each other, but Gavin’s past won’t let him go so easily.

Calliope is such a gifted author. How can someone simultaneously make you like and dislike them at the same time?! (Jk still like you…maybe…)

*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my god, from the first page what Gavin goes through is horrific. I havnt read Caden’s story but I really feel I need to now. I think I truly abhor Gavin’s dad, completely heinous. Not that I am fond of Nick’s ex but holy h3ll Gavin’s dad is a piece of work. This book has a tonne of very sensitive themes so please take care and read the trigger warnings but it’s a story that tracks immeasurable hurt, significant resilience and the path to healing, hope and love.. so much love. We all need that spark of light in the darkness at some point or the other and it’s a good reminder to know life changes unaccountably and it will come. I love the message of hope the book gives.
Gavin and Nick needed each other and they were perfect for each other. This story and their struggles made me glad they found each other and had an instant bond of instinctive trust that offered support and safety when they both needed it. The speed up to the end was perfect, action packed and so well done.

Expect:
* Found family
* Old friendships
* Trauma
* Healing
* Tattoos
* Hurt comfort
* Protective MC

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ Wow. Just wow.

I loved this one. The emotional depth and the way the characters were written—absolutely stunning. I adored The Night I Lost Him, but I might love this one even more. Calliope once again delivered a story so beautifully heartbreaking, it’s impossible to walk away unchanged.

✮⋆˙ The day I found him on that bridge had truly been the best day of my life. Even though it was a long way to where we were, we'd found the end of the hard road and had discovered an easier one. One that led to love and life.
We'd found each other that day. We'd found the end of our nightmares. The good dreams were our reality. Our hugs healed us both, and I never wanted to wake up from the dream he'd given me.

Though Gavin and Nick’s relationship came easily—with comfort, trust, and safety—I never once felt it was rushed. They both had their individual traumas, but the way they helped each other see their worth? It brought tears to my eyes. This book felt like a soft, warm hand holding yours while you’re falling apart.

⸻

• Gavin:

Gavin absolutely wrecked me. His pain, his nightmares, the panic attacks—my heart broke into a thousand pieces. I felt every ounce of his suffering, and all I wanted was for him to find the love he kept convincing himself he didn’t deserve.

"You feel like something I've never had," I said, "You feel like home."

Gavin was shattered by people who were supposed to protect him, but he survived. He endured. And he found someone who saw through all that pain, straight to the beautiful soul underneath. I love him so much.

⸻

• Nick:

Nick was fiercely loyal and endlessly patient. He saw the beauty in Gavin when Gavin couldn’t see it in himself. And Gavin, in turn, showed Nick how worthy and lovable he was—exactly as he is.

"God, Gavin, you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.”

Nick is such a gentle, sweet soul. When he found Gavin on that bridge, it wasn’t just a rescue. It was a turning point. You could feel Nick start to believe he was finally enough, and that journey was just as emotional and powerful to witness.

⸻

Gavin and Nick are the definition of healing together. They built each other up piece by piece, offering love and support in all the ways they never thought they’d receive. These two needed each other in the most beautiful, soul-deep way.

"His past was still there, but he would overcome it, just like I would overcome the things that haunted me. Because we could do anything hand in hand.
We could face the world, and it couldn't hurt us anymore. We would protect each other."

As much as I loved Caden and Jamie, I have to admit—this one hit even harder. The themes of trauma, recovery, and conversion therapy were heartbreaking and real. That topic never gets easier to read, especially knowing it still happens in the world today. But it was handled with so much care.

"What did you dream about?"
"You."

Seeing Caden and Jamie return in this book brought a warm feeling of familiarity and family. That moment of déjà vu when the friend group came together to find Gavin? It completely shattered me—in the best way.

✮⋆˙ I'd never let them take him away from me. I'd be his life preserver forever if he'd let me.

This book was sweet, tender, painful, and healing all wrapped in one. I’m emotional by nature, sure, but this was heartbreakingly emotional in a way that felt necessary and unforgettable.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆

This book had everything I wanted at the moment. It had a lot of emotion, and Gavin and Nick's journey to their HEA was a hard one.
Also, please read the TWs and CWs, this book deals with heavy, triggering topics.
That being said, Gavin must be protected at all costs. The book starts out with one of his nightmares and my heart instantly broke for him. As the book progresses we find out more and more about the horrible things that have happened to him. I just wanted to hug him and shelter him from everything. When he's forced to flee his hometown he runs to Florida to his former best friend, Caden(who we met in book 1). Nick finds him at the perfect moment, because Gavin was heavily doubting his decision to seek help from Caden. Coincidentally, Caden's partner is with Nick when they find Gavin on a bridge, and from what Gavin tells them he recognizes him as someone from Caden's past and they take Gavin to the shelter/youth center Caden runs. Nick ends up offering up his spare room to Gavin to live in while he gets back on his feet. Nick also has his own trauma he's dealing with, so both of them are cautious, but feelings still develop between them. But Gavin's past is not far behind and it catches up to him. Thankfully this time Gavin has people who care about him and go in search of him. The experiences he goes through again are horrible, but thankfully Nick and the gang find him just in time.

Both boys went through some heavy things, but I loved how they saved each other. I especially enjoyed their cute little dates and motorcycle rides. I loved how Nick always tried to plan dates for them, and he really payed attention to what Gavin liked. I also really enjoyed how Gavin was so free with his praise and attraction towards Nick, because that was what Nick really needed after an ex that really tore him down every chance he had. I loved Nick's calming presence and his perseverance to make Gavin see that he is not broken or messed up. I really enjoyed the sense of comfort they found in each other and how they were able to heal together. I had tears of sorrow for the things Gavin went through, but I also had tears of happiness when I finished the epilogue.

It was great to see the friend group from book 1, and it was even better to see Jamie and Caden a couple of years in the future and living their best lives! They really came together to find Gavin, the same way they did in book 1 when they were looking for Jamie.

I liked the pacing of the story, and I feel like we got a great mix of Nick and Gavin getting to know each other and being couple-y, but we got a great plot and saw everything resolve in quite an explosive way.

If you like hurt/comfort and you're okay with emotional reads and the heavier topics, then this book could definitely be for you.

I received a copy of this book from the Author, and this is my honest review.

[xxBooksILovexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about an amazing hurt/comfort story? I loved it! Both Nick & Gavin bother suffered through so much trauma. I cried a lot reading this story. These poor boys! Love that we got to spend more time with Caden & Jamie as well. This book is must read!

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

Please read TW/CWs.

Full disclosure, I skipped all of the trauma memories and I skimmed over the beginning half because I don't like seeing MCs with others.

For my safety friends: We start off with Gavin and learning that he has a high sex drive and does hook ups.. and has an arrangement with a "friend" where he sucks his dick and doesn't have to pay for the tattoos aside from the ink cost. That "friend" wants to have penetrative sex because he's curious and feels safe to explore with Gavin..Gavin wants physical touch and he's horny, has always had a crush on this 'straight friend' so they have sex ON PAGE. The tattoo artist finished his back tattoo and then they had sex 🤷‍♀️ immediately after the "friend " texts him and tells him they shouldn't hang out for a while because he needs some space and Gavin's father finds him and this leads him to travel to Florida.

For Nick, there's memories of him having his ex moaning underneath him which felt totally unnecessary but whatever 🙄 his ex-fiance cheated on him with their mutual friend and moved out of their apartment so that's what leads Nick to having a spare room to offer to Gavin.

There's plenty of mentions of how Gavin exchanged sexual stuff for tattoos and the recounting of where all the trauma started with Caden (MC from book 1) but the retelling felt very immature and it doesn't always feel like it aligns with the serious themes in the book.

Once the MCs meet they're not interested in anyone else. I liked their relationship and how they became a lil codependent.

Nick's ex shows up a few times and one time Gavin thinks Nick should forgive his ex for cheating because he seems remorseful and even thinks about how the ex can help Nick move on once Gavin is gone ( at this point he thinks he's going to be taken away) but still, I never like when an MC seems okay with the other moving on with someone else instead of being hurt by the thought of them being with someone else 🤷‍♀️

A weird part for me?
That Collin, the tattoo artist who was giving tattoos in exchange for head, at the end of the story he comes into play and it's made out to be like what they had was a friends with benefits thing instead of it being a weird situation where sex was being exchanged for something 😵‍💫

I dunno... I liked the MCs together but everything else was a questionable to me 🙈

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Emotional. Sweet. SWOON WORTHY ✨

From the very first page, this book wrapped around my heart and refused to let go. Let me start by saying I absolutely adore Nick! He’s like a big, warm teddy bear with the softest heart, and I just wanted to hug him forever. He and Gavin were two lost souls who found their way to each other at exactly the right moment, and their journey was as tender as it was heart-wrenching.

There’s something so special about watching two broken boys piece themselves back together through love, and The Day I Found Him delivers that beautifully. It’s raw, healing, and filled with moments that had me clutching my Kindle, grinning like a fool, and maybe (definitely) shedding a few tears.


Calliope Rhys knows how to write emotional, deeply heartfelt romance, and this book is no exception. If you love a story that feels like home warm, healing, and full of love you need to read this. ❤️

[Giulia’s bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC

Wow. The Day I Lost Him was the first ever ARC I requested and received, so Caden and Jamie have a special place in my heart, for sure… but Nick and Gavin in The Day I Found Him? Oh man.
I’m starting this review at 62% cause I can’t wait anymore😂

I’m so in love with Gavin. So much.
I find myself internally screaming “MY BABYYYYYY” randomly and I think that should count for something lol
Baby is broken, so much, they hurt him bad but I believe in him. I believe in beautiful, sweet Nick and his restoration superpowers.
We will get my baby back and this two are just so precious together.

I love how with just the first time seeing each other, they were obsessed. There’s so much growth here, so much heartbreak to go through, but they’re fighting for each other. And it’s so beautiful🥹

(also Nick? I wanna be your backpack too! Or maybe lend my your crotch rocket sometime soon?)

EDIT: finished it and… this is a sob-fest! Oh my god my pretty beautiful baby😭 I love them so much. This book is worth it. This story needs reading.
They’re perfect.

‼️Your mental health matters, check the trigger warnings before starting this book. It can be triggering⚠️

[_readwithtee_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was absolutely beautiful to read!
Gavin was dealt such a tough hand, and his backstory and present situation was incredibly painful, which made me feel so angry for him. He suffered so much and only experienced tiny specks of happiness in his life. But then he meets Nick, who, despite his own insecurities and pain, turned out to be the perfect man for Gavin and vice versa.

Their relationship was so uplifting; they truly became each other’s safety and support while also working on themselves individually. The themes of love and connection were woven in so well, and I couldn’t help but root for Gavin and Nick, hoping they would get their happily ever after - they more than deserved it.

It was just a stunning story! I love the found family trope, and this had it in abundance. There’s nothing quite like reading about friends having each other’s backs, no questions asked! Just loving each other so unconditionally. It’s so heartwarming, and I couldn’t be happier with how Gavin and Nick’s story finished.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows Gavin and Nick, both of whom have experienced betrayal from those they should have been able to trust.

Gavin embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to escape the torment inflicted by his father through years of conversion therapy within the church. Nick offers Gavin refuge in his home, providing a spare bedroom and a safe space. Both characters grapple with the trauma stemming from past relationships and family dynamics that have undermined their self-worth. As they grow closer, they develop a profound love for one another.

Throughout the story, Gavin confronts his nightmares and emotional scars while sharing a bed with Nick. Determined to protect Gavin, Nick is unwavering in his commitment to reclaiming his partner.

The characters find a happiness they never believed they could attain, having previously lived under the constraints imposed by others. Nick emerges as an extraordinary figure—an unparalleled support system.

* Found family
* Old friendships
* Trauma
* Healing
* Tattoos
* Hurt/comfort
* Protective MC

[Kate K · Rating 5 out of 5]

High angst and trigger warnings +++, but I loved the story and the characters. I couldn’t put it down!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you @author.calliope.rhys for honouring me with the opportunity to arc read The Day I Found Him.

This is the second book by @author.calliope.rhys in the same universe as The Night I Lost Him (see my review) and I enjoyed reading that book last Christmas.

However, back to The Day I Lost Him. Outstanding, from the get go the characters Gavin and Nick were so well crafted and easy to understand and relate to, the build up of their current and past experiences was well developed and felt genuine and natural.

I am not going to give much of the plot away, read the blurbs on @author.calliope.rhys page. I felt the plot was really well thought about bringing everyone together, the romantic parts between Gavin and Nick were so wholesome yet spicy. The darker moments were handled and crafted very well as they touch on coercion in past relationships and conversation therapy in a young person’s past. This book had me in tears, the portrayal of the main characters thoughts and feeling was heart gripping, I really must applaud the author for having that ability to get a reader feeling this. This book was like watching a phycological thriller with added spice. It was superb, please have a read when it is released very soon.


#books #bookstagram #queerbookstagram #gayreads #gayswhoread #booknerd #bookaddict #bookworm #bookstagrammer #queerreads #queerlibrary #booklover #arcreader

[Ella Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Day I Found Him was fantastic. Gavin was everything as he tried to escape from his past and find his own happiness. Coming to Florida, meeting Nick, reconnecting with Caden, and beginning to heal after years of trauma Gavin was a character you wanted to root for. Nick was kind, patient, loving, but also self-conscious and in his head and left feeling unworthy after a nasty breakup but he loved all of Gavin. I liked the way they complimented each other and that love didn’t fix everything for them. It felt real and realistic. This was a really enjoyable read. I already know it’s one I’ll be coming back to!

[Mackenzie Hayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

book one in this series was an absolute masterpiece and this book as absolute no different❤️
I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in a book as I did in this one, it had all the feels, heartbreak, found family and a beautiful relationship. All of those things together is what makes this book a 5 star read and it will be in my top 5 for 2025 !
There are a lot of really heavy topics in this book so I really urge you to read the TW before reading

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing isn’t the best. A whole lot of “telling” instead of “showing” and it was a lot of telling. You can read the first sentence of one paragraph and skip the rest because they all say the same thing in slightly different ways.

[Megz · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I love the concept but this book wasn’t for me. It was too insta-love for me and I’m just not a fan of trauma dumping especially when it’s not earned. For a character to be “closed off” and yet tell everyone their business felt disingenuous. I dunno. Not for me. Love the idea though.

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am all for a hard fought HEA, and in The Day I Found Him Callipe Rhyss puts her MCs through some things!
A sequel to The Night I Lost Him, Gavin is that Gavin, Caden’s high school boyfriend. (I recommend reading TNILH to understand the context of how all these characters fit together.) And good lord Gavin has lived a life. After yet another act of cruelty by a father who constantly abused him, ruining any glimmer of happiness, and a friend who pushes Gavin to help him test his bisexuality and then ghosts him, Gavin is at his breaking point.
He heads south, hoping to find Caden and Jamie in Florida and ask for shelter. But suddenly it all seems too much…
Fate has Nick, the chef at Caden’s shelter, and Jamie finding Nick and talking him down. Nick offers his spare bedroom, promising a place of safety to start over.
The kindness Nick shows Gavin slowly dismantles the walls the bruised and broken man has put around his heart.
And Nick has his own battle scars thanks to a cruel ex who belittled him every chance he got.
Their connection, the love that dawns, gives them both strength. It happens naturally, organically, and is beautiful.
Nick and Jamie enjoy a brief interlude of romantic promise until his father’s goons abduct him back to North Carolina under the guise of putting him in a facility for his drug addiction. (Spoiler alert: Gavin is not an addict, and it’s not rehab. This section is hard to read and my heart broke over and over again at all the people who let Gavin down.)
But this time Gavin has people in his corner willing to fight tooth and nail for him. And Nick, sweet, swoony Nick, is a prince. We all need someone like him in our corner, showing us we are worthy and deserving of joy. Their love story is sweet and sexy, but never shies away from the trauma both men went through, and the healing that needed to be done.
Despite the heavy themes there is also humor and a strong found family. It’s a love story with every kind of love worth celebrating. And if you like seeing evil b*stards get what they deserve, you’ll really appreciate this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Day I Found Him - Calliope Rhys
5/5✨🌟

** SPOILER **

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘸𝘦’𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘞𝘦’𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘞𝘦’𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘦.

I loved this book so much. I’m always hesitant in reading books by authors I’ve never heard of but geez, Calliope surprised us he hell out of me just by starting the first chapter.

Gavin and Nick were so perfect for one another. They needed each other in the best way from just being loved and feeling how much the other cared for one another. How Nick saved Gavin was everything because that was the beginning for the two of them when he saw him for the very first time.

I wanted to kill Gabriel from every moment he made Nick’s insecurities come forth. And he wanted Nick back, to do what, knock him back down and calling him overweight and making him feel not worthy when he truly was. I loved it when Nick smashed his records but the best part was how Gavin stood up for Nick both times Gabriel came to interrupt them.

Man, the length that Nick and his friends went to save Gavin was truly amazing. That was like top tier shit and I’m so glad that the people that hurt him and Gavin’s dad got what they deserved.

The spice was so perfect and I loved how Nick made Gavin truly be seen when they were intimate because he truly had never been made love to.

The found family in this book was probably one of my favorites because I loved the interactions with all the characters. It wasn’t just one character interaction. Simply perfect. Also, the adorable cuddle scenes were everything. From the moment Nick got into bed with Gavin to comfort him after a nightmare, I knew this book was gonna be everything and more!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚨ARC REVIEW 🚨
Please keep in mind this is an arc review!!
I am super grateful to have received a copy of this book and the opportunity to read it early and I can not wait to see how this author grows and the work she will continue to put out!

I really enjoyed this book! Ive said it before but I think the way this author writes is just so captivating and interesting especially with this only being her 2nd book.
BUT I could tell there was more of modern slang or terms thrown in here that I didn’t love. Nothing wrong with it nor did it affect the story I just didn’t enjoy it.

Overall I really enjoyed this story, because while there was smut it wasn’t the center focus and we actually got a lot more plot and story than we did in “the day I lost him”
would I say the premise entertained and would make me re read as many times and i did “as the day i lost him” no. I did enjoy getting to meet Gavin and see his relationship grow with Nick but idk I think my heart lies with Jamie and Caden.

ONE thing I did really really hated was Gavin getting sent back, it made me feel genuinely sick to my stomach. I understand it was for the plot and having to be the reason he finally gets caught it just made me feel super icky

I did really enjoy the cameos of Jamie and Caden and the site they run!! AND JAMIE STILL RIDES HIS BIKE

Overall this was a really good book and touches on a lot of good serious topics

[Aly York · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC for my honest opinion. The Day I Found Him by Calliope Rhys was a fabulous and heartwarming read. The story is about Gavin finding himself and getting away from his father after years of torture through conversion therapy within the church. Gavin was torn apart and the church and at the time youth pastor tried to make him not gay. Conversion therapy never works. Gavin then must face the fear of his father and the church getting him back. They keep tabs on him. He runs and comes back to first love Caden. As he approaches the bridge, he realizes that it is a horrible idea and tries to jump. Nick stops him and Jamie, Caden’s husband, gives him a ride to the shelter. Caden and Gavin talk. Nick offers him his home since he has a spare bedroom. Gavin and Nick are both dealing with trauma from past relationships and family making them feel less than. They fall in love. Gavin is now working through his nightmares and trauma as Nick and him share a bed. Gavin is taken and Nick will stop at nothing to get back his man. This story hit really close to home for me. I grew up Catholic and raised that being anything other than straight was not right. My family would punish us for having thoughts they deemed unpure. This story was fabulous, heartwarming, heart wrenching and loved the ending. Nick and Gavin are works in progress as humans navigating PTSD and C-PTSD. I highly recommend this to all my friends.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Calliope Rhys for this ARC. This review is entirely my own.

We met Gavin in The Night I Lost Him and I was curious about this character. Being able to get to know him more and what he went through is an emotional journey. His story is not an easy one and the HEA he gets with Nick was a hard, well earned one. We learned from TNILH, just what kind of person his dad is and with this book we see just how evil his dad is.
You can see how Gavin why Gavin thought jumping off the bridge was the best thing for him, thankfully Nick steps in and from there the journey to this to going from strangers to friends to lovers begin.

Nick was in an abusive relationship and thinks that he is better off single until Gavin comes along and blows that thought up. Gavin shows Nick what it means to be loved, cherished and adored. Nick shows Gavin what is means to be accepted, protected and loved.

Seeing the characters from TNILH was so much fun and I loved seeing them living their best lives. This story is heartbreaking. This story is at times hard to get through but it is so worth the tears. This story broke me and put me back together.

[shaylovesbooks.xo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in this series was in my top 5 from last year, so to say I was looking forward to this one was an understatement. Gavin absolutely broke my heart. He was broken down from the beginning with his dad and went through so much. After his breaking point, he meets Nick and finds himself face to face with his ex, Caden, and he needs his help. Nick and Gavin fit so well together from the first time they met. They both had some low self esteem even though according to Jamie and Caden they were both hot lol. I loved that they were both into each other but thought the other was 'too good' for them until they got their heads together and found how good they could be. Nick was fiercely protective of Gavin, and Gavin finally found someone who care about him because of who he was. Calliope definitely had me nervous towards the end, but the HEA was beautiful!

I loved seeing Jamie and Caden again and they will always be one of my comfort couples!

[mm_spice_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the story of Gavin and Nick. We see alot of Caden in this story (and Jamie), as Nick works as the chef at Caden's youth center. Gavin is.... Gavin is heartbreaking, to be honest. I don't want to be too spoilery here, but Gavin's character gutted me. He withstood so much trauma, so much abuse, and he is scarred - physically and mentally. Nick also has his own insecurities, but together, these two were so amazingly good! They learned how to bring out the best in each other. This story was interesting in that I would characterize this as a hurt/comfort... But it wasn't one of them hurt and the other comforting, they both had both roles at different times. This story didn't have the same tension as the first book, but there was still alot of angst in my opinion. And Gavin's dad? Wins the award for worst parent in existence.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Gavin’s dad was a horrible human being but my God, he was worse than I thought he’d be. I know it’s going to be a great read when I already have one or more characters on my shit list in the first chapter and I was right. What Gavin went through was absolutely horrific. IMO ALL conversion camps should be closed permanently and anyone found doing crap like that should be put in jail for life.

Thankfully Nick found Gavin that day. These two needed each other more than anything. I love how the group took him in and protected him. This group of friends is one of the best kind anyone could ask for. I’m really looking forward to more books by Calliope in the future. I’m hoping Collin gets a book. 🖤🔥🍍🔥🖤

My favorite quotes:

• Gavin: He let out a sob and abandoned his quest to find the next tattoo. He pulled me back to his chest and hugged me tightly. I suddenly found the words. “You feel like something I’ve never had,” I said, “You feel like home.”

• Gavin: He was moving just right, but it was more than that. It was him. It was everything I felt for him. He was everything. He was life. He was the only thing that would possibly keep me alive when they took me back. I would never love anyone else.

• “I mean, it does belong on pizza,” Nick said as he shut the door with a smile.

I grinned. “We both agree on the hottest topic of debate in this country. That almost never happens in a couple. It’s like…like it was fate.”

He grinned back. “It’s why we’re perfect. And it was fate,” he said with a laugh, “Come on. You want to make some pizza?”

I nodded and stood, smiling brightly at him. I’d never wanted anything more.

• Nick: His past was still there, but he would overcome it, just like I would overcome the things that haunted me. Because we could do anything hand in hand. We could face the world, and it couldn’t hurt us anymore. We would protect each other. And it wasn’t just the pineapple pizza that made us complement one another. We were perfect.