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Return to Me
What would you do if the man you loved vanished without a trace?
Kyle and Todd meet at a party in their freshman year at college. They fall in lust at first sight, then deep in love. In spite of Kyle’s melancholy past, their future together looks bright. Then Kyle disappears, leaving Todd heartbroken and alone, and their dreams in ruins. Fifteen years later, Todd is a successful but lonely psychiatrist. He still hasn’t come to terms with the loss of his first love. When a dangerous amnesiac arrives at the hospital, Todd is forced to confront the past, and is driven to find answers to the questions that have haunted him all these years.
Kyle and Todd meet at a party in their freshman year at college. They fall in lust at first sight, then deep in love. In spite of Kyle’s melancholy past, their future together looks bright. Then Kyle disappears, leaving Todd heartbroken and alone, and their dreams in ruins. Fifteen years later, Todd is a successful but lonely psychiatrist. He still hasn’t come to terms with the loss of his first love. When a dangerous amnesiac arrives at the hospital, Todd is forced to confront the past, and is driven to find answers to the questions that have haunted him all these years.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2014
About the author
James Oliver French
2 books71 followersJames grew up in South Africa and immigrated to Christchurch in Aotearoa several years ago, where he now lives with his wonderful partner. He has been a writer since his early teens, and has written numerous screenplays and short stories for his own enjoyment. When he isn't hard at work writing, he'll either be seeking inner zen at a yoga class or trying to satisfy his insatiable appetite for good film and television.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 1, 2014
A beautifully written story of love and heartbreak...
GoodReads doesn't do half stars, but this is definitely a 4.5 for me.
I'm not even going to try to pretend this book didn't wreck me emotionally.
I smiled.
I laughed.
I cried real tears.
I fell in love with these two characters.
I felt the heartache and betrayal all the way to my bones...
I was left with a severe book hangover...
It takes phenomenal talent for an author to touch a reader so deeply.
We know form the blurb that the budding romance between Kyle and Todd is going to come to an end.
I assumed that this would be a fast and hot romance lasting a couple of chapters then jumping to present day. I was so wrong.
We watch an honest and beautiful love grow between these two characters for 47% of the book - yes, the hotness and impetuous youthfulness is there. After all, they are two college students navigating their way through their first relationship... But I knew that Kyle was going to disappear and break Todd's heart - It says it clearly in the blurb - so I read the first half of the book with a building dread, thinking that at any moment I would be mourning the loss of this sweet relationship between two characters it was so easy to fall for...
When it hit, it was a powerful thing - Kyle does indeed vanish without a trace, and poor Todd (as well as the reader) is completely devastated by the sudden shocking departure. Everything seemed to be going so well in their relationship...
Todd Chambers
15 Years later...
Todd moved on with the help of his family and friends. Once it became clear that Kyle wasn't coming back, and that the police had no interest in pursuing his missing-persons case, Todd had no choice but to get his shit together.
He completed his studies and became a Psychiatrist with his own successful practice, but he also volunteers his time at a local psyche-ward where the patients truly need his help and the state has little funding.
It's on his rounds at that facility when he encounters a man who has been passed off from ward to ward. He is an amnesiac John Doe who is prone to violent outbursts...
Kyle Hansen
Kyle is finally back.
But this isn't the same man Todd once thought he'd spend the rest of his life with... The file on Kyle indicates that he was brutally attacked and spent time in a coma before being past around to various hospitals. He has no memory of Todd or much of anything else. Poor medical care and apathy among his doctors have created a case that Todd isn't sure he can solve.
Todd decides to do what the police refused to do fifteen long years ago: investigate the disappearance of his lover and best friend...
In the process he will retrace Kyle's steps, confront the pain of his past, and discover how and why Kyle left.
This is a story of young love and loss which will affect you long after you've finished. It took me a few days to sort out my thoughts before writing this review, and I can still feel Todd's loss.
Return to Me seamlessly blends romance and mystery and completely blew me away. Bravo James Oliver French; you have a new fan.
***I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Just like that, the man I love, my first everything, the one I want to be with forever, has vanished without a trace.(Spoiler Free Review)
GoodReads doesn't do half stars, but this is definitely a 4.5 for me.
I'm not even going to try to pretend this book didn't wreck me emotionally.
I smiled.
I laughed.
I cried real tears.
I fell in love with these two characters.
I felt the heartache and betrayal all the way to my bones...
I was left with a severe book hangover...
It takes phenomenal talent for an author to touch a reader so deeply.
We know form the blurb that the budding romance between Kyle and Todd is going to come to an end.
I assumed that this would be a fast and hot romance lasting a couple of chapters then jumping to present day. I was so wrong.
We watch an honest and beautiful love grow between these two characters for 47% of the book - yes, the hotness and impetuous youthfulness is there. After all, they are two college students navigating their way through their first relationship... But I knew that Kyle was going to disappear and break Todd's heart - It says it clearly in the blurb - so I read the first half of the book with a building dread, thinking that at any moment I would be mourning the loss of this sweet relationship between two characters it was so easy to fall for...
When it hit, it was a powerful thing - Kyle does indeed vanish without a trace, and poor Todd (as well as the reader) is completely devastated by the sudden shocking departure. Everything seemed to be going so well in their relationship...
Todd Chambers
It's like having your soul torn apart or your heart ripped out through your throat. Raw, bleeding and dying. I can't scream. I can't move. I'm numb... detached... hollow. I miss him so much, and I would do anything to get him back. Just to feel him next to me one last time.The entire book is told through Todd's POV, so we keenly understand the euphoric high and the devastating low of the time he spends with Kyle. Todd went into college as a shy and inexperienced (though openly gay) man. Through his time spent with Kyle he comes out of his shell and fell deeply in love.
15 Years later...
Todd moved on with the help of his family and friends. Once it became clear that Kyle wasn't coming back, and that the police had no interest in pursuing his missing-persons case, Todd had no choice but to get his shit together.
He completed his studies and became a Psychiatrist with his own successful practice, but he also volunteers his time at a local psyche-ward where the patients truly need his help and the state has little funding.
It's on his rounds at that facility when he encounters a man who has been passed off from ward to ward. He is an amnesiac John Doe who is prone to violent outbursts...
Kyle Hansen
"You're a weirdo, Todd Chambers. Of course I want to be your boyfriend."Fifteen years has left a hollow shell of a man behind, but he still retains the smile Todd fell in love with.
He seals it with a kiss.
Kyle is finally back.
But this isn't the same man Todd once thought he'd spend the rest of his life with... The file on Kyle indicates that he was brutally attacked and spent time in a coma before being past around to various hospitals. He has no memory of Todd or much of anything else. Poor medical care and apathy among his doctors have created a case that Todd isn't sure he can solve.
Todd decides to do what the police refused to do fifteen long years ago: investigate the disappearance of his lover and best friend...
In the process he will retrace Kyle's steps, confront the pain of his past, and discover how and why Kyle left.
This is a story of young love and loss which will affect you long after you've finished. It took me a few days to sort out my thoughts before writing this review, and I can still feel Todd's loss.
Return to Me seamlessly blends romance and mystery and completely blew me away. Bravo James Oliver French; you have a new fan.
***I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
November 18, 2014
How do I review this beautiful, bittersweet book without giving anything away? That's the question I've been pondering since I closed my kindle down, sobbing so much that I could hardly see to read the last couple of chapters! All I can say is that I finished it feeling so moved that for a day or so after, I found myself welling up just thinking about its heartbreaking content. In fact now that I'm finally putting my thoughts down in this review I can feel myself spilling over again. I know we always say "This book will stay with me for a long time", but I truly believe that Todd and Kyle's story will be one that lives up to that statement and one I'll remember forever. I went into it tentatively as I knew the nature of the story was going to be thought provoking and poignant but I didn't know just how much I was going to end up loving James Oliver French's debut novel, despite how much it shattered my heart into little pieces.
It's not that long ago that Mark reviewed a book that dealt with the same subject, albeit a different background storyline, but he had the same intense, emotional reaction as I did to this and I think it's because if we put ourselves in the same position as Todd, the MC; who's beloved Kyle vanishes without a trace one day, and imagine it's one of our loved ones disappearing abruptly and without warning, then that thought becomes so distressing your mind doesn't want to even go there. We all take it for granted that every time someone goes out to do normal, everyday things like popping to the local shops for ten minute to do a quick errand, they will always come back...but what happens if those ten minutes turns into hours...then days...weeks...months...years! The person you thought you knew and loved has disappeared of the face of the earth and you're left with no closure; no way of putting the pain of never knowing to rest. How do you cope with that type of loss and what questions must frantically haunt you every second that there's still no word from them! Why have they not come home? Where are there? Are they hurt? Why has this happened? Have they been taken? Was it planned? Is it something I did? And of course the most dreadful thought...are they dead? So many worries, so much anguish. Why? Why? Why? ...I just can't comprehend the pain, grief and heartache of living with all that on a daily basis. Just thinking about it now makes me feel physically sick...but then what happens if after fifteen years that person does turn up again under circumstances that are extremely upsetting in themselves, and the only way to get answers is as distressing as the years spent hoping for them to come home. How do you cope with all that?
This really is a story of two halves. The first sets quite a lot of seeds, dealing with how Todd and Kyle meet and become a couple, and it's this half of the story that because you know exactly what's going to happen, sort of lulls you into a false sense of security as you watch their romance grow quickly, and happily, into a love that you just know under normal circumstances would be the stuff of soul mates and happy ever afters. They encounter some conflict both inside and outside of their partnership but you never doubt that these two young, innocent men are destined to be together. They lose their virginity to each other, making their bond even more special and settle quickly into a deep loving relationship. This half is lighter, more reminiscent of a general, contemporary romance but of course as the reader we know that the 'lightness' is going to be short lived and I found myself constantly wondering if every time Kyle was away from Todd, was this going to be the time he doesn't come back...but every time he did, and their relationship just got tighter and more loving and I found myself even more on pins, because the anticipation of what was to come, was always hanging over the happiness they were experiencing, and when it did finally arrive, even though it wasn't particularly a total shock, it was still a heartbreaking moment and my own heart bled for Todd as he was left helpless, not knowing, and grieving. See rest of my review at : http://bit.ly/11eW1nR
November 17, 2014
This is not a romance. So forget that idea. Right now.
This is better categorized as a mystery, but it's emotional, intense and not action oriented enough to be a suspense. The problem is the format of the book; the first fifty percent reads like a romance. Straight up, contemporary college setting romance. A sweet double v card, new adult romance. The second half of the story disabuses the reader of that incorrect assumption. Honestly, the events in the book need to be shifted around so that the reader isn't confused and betrayed by the set up. Definitely an instance where chronological storytelling failed the story. It's formatted all wrong. Part One of the book is a big, fat red herring.
Language was another incongruence. There are smatterings of British English, yet Todd is never identified as British living in Denver and LA. Additionally, I was a little disconcerted by the terms member and manhood, very old-fashioned for two young, if chaste men, even if one hails from a religious background. While this one is particularly florid in its purple prose and more so than other instances it demonstrates my point:
So my expectations were wrong. WRONG. So wrong that the last 15% of the book had me swearing at it. Betrayal. I felt played. There were two logical ways this story could go, but it went with the previously unmentioned Door #3-- WTF?! It's strange. Reordered and categorized as a suspense this would be good. But, its present manifestation and rendering is unsatisfying either as a romance or a suspense.
Overall, good storytelling cards, but dealt incorrectly.
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
This is better categorized as a mystery, but it's emotional, intense and not action oriented enough to be a suspense. The problem is the format of the book; the first fifty percent reads like a romance. Straight up, contemporary college setting romance. A sweet double v card, new adult romance. The second half of the story disabuses the reader of that incorrect assumption. Honestly, the events in the book need to be shifted around so that the reader isn't confused and betrayed by the set up. Definitely an instance where chronological storytelling failed the story. It's formatted all wrong. Part One of the book is a big, fat red herring.
Language was another incongruence. There are smatterings of British English, yet Todd is never identified as British living in Denver and LA. Additionally, I was a little disconcerted by the terms member and manhood, very old-fashioned for two young, if chaste men, even if one hails from a religious background. While this one is particularly florid in its purple prose and more so than other instances it demonstrates my point:
"Kyle grinds back onto my pole and swallows my manhood, inch by tumescent inch."
So my expectations were wrong. WRONG. So wrong that the last 15% of the book had me swearing at it. Betrayal. I felt played. There were two logical ways this story could go, but it went with the previously unmentioned Door #3-- WTF?! It's strange. Reordered and categorized as a suspense this would be good. But, its present manifestation and rendering is unsatisfying either as a romance or a suspense.
Overall, good storytelling cards, but dealt incorrectly.
Favorite quote:
"Never underestimate just how fucked up people in this world can be, and you’ll never be upset when they disappoint you.”
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
November 24, 2014
Review as previously seen at BMBR.
My update on Goodreads when I first finished reading this book was:
"Oh fuck. I don't know if I love this or hate it....I do know I want to bawl my eyes out. Rating may change. Review when I can think straight at BMBR. Someone direct me to some fluffy happiness quick smart."
A couple of weeks down the line...and I still don't know exactly how I feel. Ugh. This book KILLED me. I just can't work out if it was in a good way or not. Bear with me while I try and pull my thoughts into some sort of cohesive review.... The writing style was a big plus for me. it flowed well and there was great characterisation. The author is a natural storyteller and I was caught up in this story , always wanting to solve the mystery and find out what happened to Kyle. He has the knack of pulling the reader into the story and giving just enough information to keep us wanting more.
The story is told in two parts. The first part is when Todd and Kyle meet and we see them fall in love. I loved the first section of the book, I was completely caught up in the love story. Then Kyle disappears. Okay, I know this is in the blurb and, yes, I had read the blurb....but I'd read the blurb when the book first came through as a requested read, agreed to read it and then forgot what the story was about. I didn't re-read the blurb when the book came through, I just dove straight into the story. When Kyle disappeared wow - well this was my Goodreads update
"Oh. My. God. There goes my early night..".
Yeah, I was only going to read a little bit.... I was enthralled I couldn't read fast enough and NEEDED to know what happened.
So why am I dithering about what rating I should give it? I'm going to try and explain...without any spoilers. The mystery deepens, fifteen years later Todd is getting on with his life. He's a respected psychiatrist and has just met someone new who he's developing feelings for - and this is a big move for Todd because he'd never gotten over Kyle. He loved that man with all his heart and for him to just disappear broke him. Then, of course life happens and Todd finds himself in the middle of the mystery all over again. And it's at this point, during the resurfacing of this mystery that I became...not disillusioned...not angry...maybe upset? Purely because I wanted the resolution to go one way and the author wrote it a different way. It's not that Todd didn't get an HEA (or an HFN that the epilogue suggest is going to be an HEA).
It's not that the mystery etc wasn't solved...it just wasn't solved the way I wanted it to be. But it's not my story, I'm only along for the ride and James Oliver French is the one in charge of how this story ends. I just wanted it to end differently. My heart ached - it still aches - for Todd. I wanted to take the last quarter of the book and re-write it. A lot of it I'd have kept the same, but one thing I most certainly would have changed. I suppose the conclusion is that my hopes for the character didn't match up with the authors but that doesn't make this a badly written story or me a bad reader...it's just the way it is sometimes. For a debut novel, this is amazing.
Otherwise, there are some English to American phrases that didn't quite translate, mostly I didn't notice as I am English (though when I do notice these things it really BUGS me) but I know some American readers have. I also know that the author is making sure it gets a re-edit before it's published to fix this. And I have to say I LOVE the front cover, I would probably have chosen this book to read on the cover alone if the blurb hadn't drawn me in.
All in all a good read and one I'd recommend...but gird your loins if you're soft hearted like me!
Did Not Finish
November 18, 2014I stopped actively reading this at 34% and skimmed the rest of the book.
This is not a review, only a few thoughts.
This is written in the first person POV, which is always a hard sell for me, but it wasn't bad. The first half of the book was a sweet boy meets boy in college story of intsa-love to a promise of a long life together. I never full connected with either Todd our narrator, nor his boyfriend Kyle, as both were a bit two dimensional for me. I couldn't find the depth in them I was looking for. The chemistry with Kyle and Todd wasn't enough of what I needed. Yes, there were things that bugged me like the Brit speak used by two boys who were not from the UK, but I was attempting to get over that.
But then, Kyle disappears and the mystery happens. This story had bit of everything and the kitchen sink tossed into it. The first half was good, the second was filled with constant WTF moments all the way to the last WTAFONYD moment that was unnecessary, in my opinion. I'll leave it at that.
Reading is a personal experience and for me this just didn't work. It was all over the place; I could never fully settle in and enjoy the story. I read the authors note at the end and tried to wrap my head around it all, but this could have been two separate stories: a NA romance with a dark twist and then possibly a Sci Fi with that element included.
***Advanced Review Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
This is not a review, only a few thoughts.
This is written in the first person POV, which is always a hard sell for me, but it wasn't bad. The first half of the book was a sweet boy meets boy in college story of intsa-love to a promise of a long life together. I never full connected with either Todd our narrator, nor his boyfriend Kyle, as both were a bit two dimensional for me. I couldn't find the depth in them I was looking for. The chemistry with Kyle and Todd wasn't enough of what I needed. Yes, there were things that bugged me like the Brit speak used by two boys who were not from the UK, but I was attempting to get over that.
But then, Kyle disappears and the mystery happens. This story had bit of everything and the kitchen sink tossed into it. The first half was good, the second was filled with constant WTF moments all the way to the last WTAFONYD moment that was unnecessary, in my opinion. I'll leave it at that.
Reading is a personal experience and for me this just didn't work. It was all over the place; I could never fully settle in and enjoy the story. I read the authors note at the end and tried to wrap my head around it all, but this could have been two separate stories: a NA romance with a dark twist and then possibly a Sci Fi with that element included.
***Advanced Review Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
November 1, 2015
☆☆☆☆ 4 I Think You're Pretty Neat Stars ☆☆☆☆
He whispers in my ear, "Would you like to come home with me?"
For the first 40% of this book is an absolute sweet tale of two men finding each other and falling deeply in love.
"Can I kiss you goodnight?
"Yes," he answers with a grin.
I lean in and kiss him softly.
Kyle and Todd are amazing together with some steamy, hot sex after losing their virginity to each other.
As their love matures into a future, the unthinkable happens, leaving Todd shattered and so many questions unanswered.
As life contines on, Todd is forced into a life he had planned so differently. All plans of love and life together are no more.
The book fast-forwards 15 years and Todd has created a career of helping others but never finding the love he lost so many years ago.
The fate steps in, unraveling all the strength Todd has. He fights to save the man his heart forever loves, but fate is cruel and decides otherwise.
"I can’t help but cry. I don’t know how to explain the hurt inside. I lost him once. By some miracle, I had him return to me … and now he’s gone forever."
From sweet to heartbreaking, this is a great read. It is not what I expected at all. My heart was ripped open with the emotion that Todd experiences and the tortured life that his love Kyle endured by the hands of Hate.
He whispers in my ear, "Would you like to come home with me?"
For the first 40% of this book is an absolute sweet tale of two men finding each other and falling deeply in love.
"Can I kiss you goodnight?
"Yes," he answers with a grin.
I lean in and kiss him softly.
Kyle and Todd are amazing together with some steamy, hot sex after losing their virginity to each other.
As their love matures into a future, the unthinkable happens, leaving Todd shattered and so many questions unanswered.
As life contines on, Todd is forced into a life he had planned so differently. All plans of love and life together are no more.
The book fast-forwards 15 years and Todd has created a career of helping others but never finding the love he lost so many years ago.
The fate steps in, unraveling all the strength Todd has. He fights to save the man his heart forever loves, but fate is cruel and decides otherwise.
"I can’t help but cry. I don’t know how to explain the hurt inside. I lost him once. By some miracle, I had him return to me … and now he’s gone forever."
From sweet to heartbreaking, this is a great read. It is not what I expected at all. My heart was ripped open with the emotion that Todd experiences and the tortured life that his love Kyle endured by the hands of Hate.
November 25, 2014
. Such an emotional read, probably because of the spoiler.
A story of two halves. The first half of the novel deals with the protagonists coming together, the love they feel for each other, the happiness and joy of a new and developing relationship. Part two is set fifteen years later as the two main characters come together again and the consequences of Todd's profession.
What a exciting and intense plot and a plot of two halves. First a Young Adult/College m/m romance, then a slightly scifi, thriller/mystery.
Great characters, easy writing style, intense plot. Loved it.
The scifi element threw me somewhat and spoiled my enjoyment of an otherwise great story which could have been better told without the futuristic, medical technologies, and whilst this is only a tiny element of the overall plot, for me it jarred. Otherwise brilliant. I really enjoyed it.
A story of two halves. The first half of the novel deals with the protagonists coming together, the love they feel for each other, the happiness and joy of a new and developing relationship. Part two is set fifteen years later as the two main characters come together again and the consequences of Todd's profession.
What a exciting and intense plot and a plot of two halves. First a Young Adult/College m/m romance, then a slightly scifi, thriller/mystery.
Great characters, easy writing style, intense plot. Loved it.
The scifi element threw me somewhat and spoiled my enjoyment of an otherwise great story which could have been better told without the futuristic, medical technologies, and whilst this is only a tiny element of the overall plot, for me it jarred. Otherwise brilliant. I really enjoyed it.
November 18, 2014
3.5 stars.
Be forewarned people, this isn't a HEA. It is tragic, and it's not your conventional mm romance. If you do decide to read the story, please read the author's note after, It would probably make you feel better.
I didn't expect to feel this mad or pissed off. I'm saddened by some aspects in the book. Don't get me wrong, I don't need a HEA or HFN in my books. I like tragedy, cheating, murder, death and destruction that's all me. I was just shocked that's all. I felt like we came along way and all we needed to do was pass the baton to the last runner and we would have won. Nope it didn't go like that. It went like runner 3 blew his knee out and we were done for the season. Okay enough with analogy's, too many damn chocolates before bed.
I was really lucky to read this arc before the book came out. In fact J.O.F wasn't even handing out arc's no more but I asked nicely! Ha, nice isn't ever equated to me. Back on schedule, he is a new author I was interested in. I really liked the blurb, but after reading he did point out that it said tragic. One thing him and I agreed on were people was possibly going to be pissed by the ending. If you find yourself raging mad like me, read the damn author's note. I instantly deflated afterwards, like well he warned us. I can't give away the plot that would be pointless. I can say I liked Todd & Kyle from the beginning. It did seem the time frame was a bit wonky, I had to keep thinking of their ages. I also definitely noticed the author's British wording in the book. It wasn't an issue, but noticeable to me.
I can say I didn't like the split in the book, we had these months of getting to know Todd & Kyle and seeing their love, to something happening and fast forward 15 years later. Like WTF, what happened after that night? Why wasn't more things be done? Was Todd satisified what people were telling him? I kept reminding myself of the present day in book. It's 2014 he could have gotten answers. It didn't take almost 20 years for P.I., I just didn't see it. What I really did like was Linda, and that whole scene of understaffed and no room for patients. I don't buy for a second someone that is that extremely dangerous can get easily around patients in the psyche ward. That threw me for a loop and I was pissed. I thought that the last 50% of the book went extremely fast, I think we needed more minute details involved. I also think Samuel Christensen deserves to have his balls removed and sent to Maximum Security. I didn't like the smidget of sci-fi that was in the book, I thought it threw the tone of the book off, but not that I'm thinking about it the author's note make sense alot of it. I did cry at the end, I think my frustration was building with the situation and it just came out. All in all, I think J.O.F did a good job with his debut novel.
Be forewarned people, this isn't a HEA. It is tragic, and it's not your conventional mm romance. If you do decide to read the story, please read the author's note after, It would probably make you feel better.
I didn't expect to feel this mad or pissed off. I'm saddened by some aspects in the book. Don't get me wrong, I don't need a HEA or HFN in my books. I like tragedy, cheating, murder, death and destruction that's all me. I was just shocked that's all. I felt like we came along way and all we needed to do was pass the baton to the last runner and we would have won. Nope it didn't go like that. It went like runner 3 blew his knee out and we were done for the season. Okay enough with analogy's, too many damn chocolates before bed.
I was really lucky to read this arc before the book came out. In fact J.O.F wasn't even handing out arc's no more but I asked nicely! Ha, nice isn't ever equated to me. Back on schedule, he is a new author I was interested in. I really liked the blurb, but after reading he did point out that it said tragic. One thing him and I agreed on were people was possibly going to be pissed by the ending. If you find yourself raging mad like me, read the damn author's note. I instantly deflated afterwards, like well he warned us. I can't give away the plot that would be pointless. I can say I liked Todd & Kyle from the beginning. It did seem the time frame was a bit wonky, I had to keep thinking of their ages. I also definitely noticed the author's British wording in the book. It wasn't an issue, but noticeable to me.
I can say I didn't like the split in the book, we had these months of getting to know Todd & Kyle and seeing their love, to something happening and fast forward 15 years later. Like WTF, what happened after that night? Why wasn't more things be done? Was Todd satisified what people were telling him? I kept reminding myself of the present day in book. It's 2014 he could have gotten answers. It didn't take almost 20 years for P.I., I just didn't see it. What I really did like was Linda, and that whole scene of understaffed and no room for patients. I don't buy for a second someone that is that extremely dangerous can get easily around patients in the psyche ward. That threw me for a loop and I was pissed. I thought that the last 50% of the book went extremely fast, I think we needed more minute details involved. I also think Samuel Christensen deserves to have his balls removed and sent to Maximum Security. I didn't like the smidget of sci-fi that was in the book, I thought it threw the tone of the book off, but not that I'm thinking about it the author's note make sense alot of it. I did cry at the end, I think my frustration was building with the situation and it just came out. All in all, I think J.O.F did a good job with his debut novel.
Did Not Finish
November 24, 2014Good grief. I just read some of the reviews here and at Amazon and my stomach is in knots just from those! I don't think I'd be able to handle this one, even though I'm intrigued to know what happened.
Too dark, not enough romance. Just not for me.
Too dark, not enough romance. Just not for me.
November 26, 2014
Some stories simply stay with you, some you enjoy, but eventually the details slip your memory. This is one of those stories that will stay with me forever. It is definitely an emotional, difficult read, but it found a place in my heart and will stay there. The writing is excellent, the characters real and the story heartbreaking.
I will be following this new author.
I will be following this new author.
January 13, 2015
I'm not sure how to go about reviewing this book. It started out as what appeared to be young adult or new adult coming-out love story. The main character, a 20 year old named Todd, tells his first person narrative about meeting and falling in love with Kyle. Halfway through the story, Kyle goes missing, and the story jumps forward in time fifteen years. At this point it appears the story is a forced separation/reunion plot, but it takes another turn into the realm of science fiction. The ending (spoiler alert) is crushingly devastating, and having finished reading this afternoon, I'm still reeling.
I had some difficulty in the beginning half of the story relating to the central character. Todd's internal monologue irritated me a little, or at the very least, it disappointed me. He made statements about other characters, their appearance or overall affect, that seemed cruel and mean-spirited. At times he came across as shallow and snobbish, and I struggled to view him sympathetically.
When the tragedy occurred and Kyle went missing, my opinion of Todd grew exponentially. I started to really care about him, and I sort of liked his older, more mature self. I was positive he'd solve the mystery surrounding his boyfriend's disappearance, they'd be reunited, and I'd get my HEA.
NOT!
I'm sure I'll read more of this author's work because I think he's a great writer, but I'm not sure about this story. It left me feeling deflated, and when I read a love story, especially one I think is a young adult coming of age story, I really want that happily ever after, or at the very least a happy-for-now ending.
I don't want to trash the debut novel of an aspiring author, especially not one who is as talented as this. But I also don't want to give other readers the impression that this is a story that's gonna make them feel all warm and fuzzy. It's definitely provocative and quite disturbing. I encourage other readers to give this book a try, but just proceed with caution. Don't expect a wonderful, cheery Hollywood ending. 3.5 stars
I had some difficulty in the beginning half of the story relating to the central character. Todd's internal monologue irritated me a little, or at the very least, it disappointed me. He made statements about other characters, their appearance or overall affect, that seemed cruel and mean-spirited. At times he came across as shallow and snobbish, and I struggled to view him sympathetically.
When the tragedy occurred and Kyle went missing, my opinion of Todd grew exponentially. I started to really care about him, and I sort of liked his older, more mature self. I was positive he'd solve the mystery surrounding his boyfriend's disappearance, they'd be reunited, and I'd get my HEA.
NOT!
I'm sure I'll read more of this author's work because I think he's a great writer, but I'm not sure about this story. It left me feeling deflated, and when I read a love story, especially one I think is a young adult coming of age story, I really want that happily ever after, or at the very least a happy-for-now ending.
I don't want to trash the debut novel of an aspiring author, especially not one who is as talented as this. But I also don't want to give other readers the impression that this is a story that's gonna make them feel all warm and fuzzy. It's definitely provocative and quite disturbing. I encourage other readers to give this book a try, but just proceed with caution. Don't expect a wonderful, cheery Hollywood ending. 3.5 stars
October 12, 2016
I knew going in that this story didn't end on what one considers an HEA. And it wasn't a traditional HEA, but bittersweet with the promise of one later one. I loved Kyle and Todd; there were such an adorable and loving couple, both just starting out their lives (college, virgins, life). This story isn't for the faint of heart and I don't recommend reading this in public as for one, you will not want to put it down so stopping for chitchat won't do, and two, being seen throwing your e-reader might draw you too much attention.
As I said, I knew this story wasn't going to end the way I wanted, but I couldn't stop myself from wishing and hoping anyway. Life isn't fair, it really isn't, and this book just cements that fact. There are not nice people in this world and they often fuck it up with their negativity and small minds, and their fear. I can't say I understood why Kyle had been beat up - TORTURED, really - and had it not been for certain life choices made on everybody's part, perhaps Kyle's life would have continued on, none the wiser as to what may have happened.
But Todd and Kyle are torn apart, and the police are not willing nor interested in looking for Kyle when he disappears. I do have a problem though with Todd not doing more to look for Kyle. I can't believe he just listened to his family and friends when they told him Kyle simply ran away. Really? They all knew how in love these men were - or did they? I mean, if they really knew about how deep their love was, wouldn't they have fought tooth and nail to discover the truth? This whole thing could have been solved so much sooner and possibly saved Kyle. That's what I am upset about - Todd giving up. I will never understand how he could believe Kyle would just leave and never do anything about it, except go to the police one time. That is not realistic.
15 years later, Todd is a head shrink and treats his patients as well as pro bono work at a local facility. This is where he sees Kyle again who is transferred as a new patient. Todd recognizes Kyle and can't believe it's him. After suffering the attack years ago and not getting proper treatment after, Kyle's memories are gone. He can barley function and can't recall even events that took place moments before. He's been labeled violent and nobody took the time to actually look into his case. Except for Todd of course. I found it so sad that Kyle had been treated the way he was all those years ago. It's hard to believe he wasn't given priority care simply because the hospital didn't think he had insurance. His wallet was taken!! He had no ID, don't hospitals get those kinds of situations all the time? I can't believe all those patients would be sent off somewhere else. But what's done is done and Todd can only work with what he has now and he hires a PI (something he should have done 15 years before, but whatev) to look into Kyle's history. And he finds A LOT. It' unbelievable the stuff he found even after 15 years. Todd does his best to treat Kyle and work to get his memory back, but his efforts are truly cut short when Kyle is killed by another patient.
There is so much that took place in this book that was hard to believe; so many things had to happen for the events to turn out the way they did. And frankly, I saw most of what was going to happen a mile away; and I am not even talking about Kyle going missing (knew that from blurb), but the rest I predicted right when some stuff was introduced. And while that's not a bad thing exactly, I wish some of the events in this book had been different or more unique. Foreshadowing and all that I get, but don't give it away!
I love a good angst story and this has that for sure. There is a bright light at the end of this though with Todd on the brink of falling in love with a man he met months before. I think they will be happy together, but I also think Todd will never be the full man he was meant to be if Kyle hadn't disappeared. Kyle was Todd's first love, and you never get over your first.
As I said, I knew this story wasn't going to end the way I wanted, but I couldn't stop myself from wishing and hoping anyway. Life isn't fair, it really isn't, and this book just cements that fact. There are not nice people in this world and they often fuck it up with their negativity and small minds, and their fear. I can't say I understood why Kyle had been beat up - TORTURED, really - and had it not been for certain life choices made on everybody's part, perhaps Kyle's life would have continued on, none the wiser as to what may have happened.
But Todd and Kyle are torn apart, and the police are not willing nor interested in looking for Kyle when he disappears. I do have a problem though with Todd not doing more to look for Kyle. I can't believe he just listened to his family and friends when they told him Kyle simply ran away. Really? They all knew how in love these men were - or did they? I mean, if they really knew about how deep their love was, wouldn't they have fought tooth and nail to discover the truth? This whole thing could have been solved so much sooner and possibly saved Kyle. That's what I am upset about - Todd giving up. I will never understand how he could believe Kyle would just leave and never do anything about it, except go to the police one time. That is not realistic.
15 years later, Todd is a head shrink and treats his patients as well as pro bono work at a local facility. This is where he sees Kyle again who is transferred as a new patient. Todd recognizes Kyle and can't believe it's him. After suffering the attack years ago and not getting proper treatment after, Kyle's memories are gone. He can barley function and can't recall even events that took place moments before. He's been labeled violent and nobody took the time to actually look into his case. Except for Todd of course. I found it so sad that Kyle had been treated the way he was all those years ago. It's hard to believe he wasn't given priority care simply because the hospital didn't think he had insurance. His wallet was taken!! He had no ID, don't hospitals get those kinds of situations all the time? I can't believe all those patients would be sent off somewhere else. But what's done is done and Todd can only work with what he has now and he hires a PI (something he should have done 15 years before, but whatev) to look into Kyle's history. And he finds A LOT. It' unbelievable the stuff he found even after 15 years. Todd does his best to treat Kyle and work to get his memory back, but his efforts are truly cut short when Kyle is killed by another patient.
There is so much that took place in this book that was hard to believe; so many things had to happen for the events to turn out the way they did. And frankly, I saw most of what was going to happen a mile away; and I am not even talking about Kyle going missing (knew that from blurb), but the rest I predicted right when some stuff was introduced. And while that's not a bad thing exactly, I wish some of the events in this book had been different or more unique. Foreshadowing and all that I get, but don't give it away!
I love a good angst story and this has that for sure. There is a bright light at the end of this though with Todd on the brink of falling in love with a man he met months before. I think they will be happy together, but I also think Todd will never be the full man he was meant to be if Kyle hadn't disappeared. Kyle was Todd's first love, and you never get over your first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2014
Original Blog Post: eARC Review & #Free 3Book #Giveaway: Return To Me James by Oliver French
My Rating: (5 of 5 Stars) 5
The Multiplier Rating Takes Effect
Before I begin with the review I need to point out that this is not an MM Romance even if the tag says that it is. This is a Gay Fiction with a dash of the Sci-Fi. Overall, it is a bittersweet story of the What Ifs that could have been realized but was cut short and brutally.
There are two parts to this story. The first part is narrated from Todd's point of view on how he meets, falls in lust, then loses his heart to a young wrestling scholarship college boy named Kyle. These two boys were two peas in a pod but they come from totally different backgrounds. Todd comes from a very loving and accepting family while Kyle comes from a supposed traditional-religious family who kick him out of house and home once they find out he is gay. When the two meet, they connect and become the couple that everyone envies. They were in love, they had communication and they had plans for a family life with maybe two kids in the near future. They had it all mapped out.
Then Kyle fell from the face of the earth leaving Todd in limbo that lasts fifteen years.
The second part is the future and Todd is a successful psychiatrist but relationship-wise, he is disconnected. He is thirty-five but has yet to find someone to share his life with other than his two best friends and immediate family. In short, he is financially secure but his personal life was floating.
Meeting Simon at a medical convention was unexpected and for the first time in almost two decades, Todd thinks he may be on the mend. Then the shoe drops and Kyle reappears in the form of John Doe, a violent psychiatric ward of the state. Suffering from brain damage, this new Kyle holds no memories save a few scraps of the here and there. He also cannot hold on to new memories so is trapped in that here and there. At first, Todd is hesitant to treat him as a patient but his need for closure spurs him to break the rules and protocols and does everything in his power to solve the mystery of Kyle's past. When a medical breakthrough is made available, he reaches out to it.
And this is when the heartbreak, for me, begins.
Todd's need for closure is met but not at the cost he had to pay. Just when the mystery could have been solved, the harsh realities snatches whatever hope he and Kyle could gain. His search for the truth directs him to a path that would vindicate and bring justice to Kyle.
As for Simon, Todd's distraction may just lose him his first real sense of a happy future.
Despite the plot that honestly scared me to death, the book cover that sent my imagination to go amok, this was a surprisingly light read that got my goofy smile on after reading the first part. The end was unexpected and yet gave the closure much needed but I am a blubbering idiot now typing out this review, tears running down my face. The sense of happiness and loss are warring over me but I think this is exactly how the author intended it to happen.
No, this is not purely MM Romance, this is more Gay Science fiction. It is also one of the best I have read this year and there have been quite a few to choose from.
My Rating: (5 of 5 Stars) 5
The Multiplier Rating Takes Effect
Before I begin with the review I need to point out that this is not an MM Romance even if the tag says that it is. This is a Gay Fiction with a dash of the Sci-Fi. Overall, it is a bittersweet story of the What Ifs that could have been realized but was cut short and brutally.
There are two parts to this story. The first part is narrated from Todd's point of view on how he meets, falls in lust, then loses his heart to a young wrestling scholarship college boy named Kyle. These two boys were two peas in a pod but they come from totally different backgrounds. Todd comes from a very loving and accepting family while Kyle comes from a supposed traditional-religious family who kick him out of house and home once they find out he is gay. When the two meet, they connect and become the couple that everyone envies. They were in love, they had communication and they had plans for a family life with maybe two kids in the near future. They had it all mapped out.
Then Kyle fell from the face of the earth leaving Todd in limbo that lasts fifteen years.
The second part is the future and Todd is a successful psychiatrist but relationship-wise, he is disconnected. He is thirty-five but has yet to find someone to share his life with other than his two best friends and immediate family. In short, he is financially secure but his personal life was floating.
Meeting Simon at a medical convention was unexpected and for the first time in almost two decades, Todd thinks he may be on the mend. Then the shoe drops and Kyle reappears in the form of John Doe, a violent psychiatric ward of the state. Suffering from brain damage, this new Kyle holds no memories save a few scraps of the here and there. He also cannot hold on to new memories so is trapped in that here and there. At first, Todd is hesitant to treat him as a patient but his need for closure spurs him to break the rules and protocols and does everything in his power to solve the mystery of Kyle's past. When a medical breakthrough is made available, he reaches out to it.
And this is when the heartbreak, for me, begins.
Todd's need for closure is met but not at the cost he had to pay. Just when the mystery could have been solved, the harsh realities snatches whatever hope he and Kyle could gain. His search for the truth directs him to a path that would vindicate and bring justice to Kyle.
As for Simon, Todd's distraction may just lose him his first real sense of a happy future.
Despite the plot that honestly scared me to death, the book cover that sent my imagination to go amok, this was a surprisingly light read that got my goofy smile on after reading the first part. The end was unexpected and yet gave the closure much needed but I am a blubbering idiot now typing out this review, tears running down my face. The sense of happiness and loss are warring over me but I think this is exactly how the author intended it to happen.
No, this is not purely MM Romance, this is more Gay Science fiction. It is also one of the best I have read this year and there have been quite a few to choose from.
November 21, 2014
3.5 Genre Bending Stars
I had high hopes for this one. The blurb sounded sooo good. I had such high hopes for it.
Kyle and Todd are young gays discovering new love in college. Kyle knows who he is and has always known. He has a loving supportive family.
The simultaneous My Little Pony and GI Joe requests for Christmas must have confused the hell out of them.
Todd's family did not have the same reaction. They have shunned him. Cut him out of their life. With Kyle and Todd there are walks in the zoo, fun sex in public, and the building of confidence in who they are. It all is going so well. Then Kyle goes missing. Its like a Venn Diagram of Potential. We have love and mystery. Angst and anger.
But it fell flat for me. I wanted to like it so much. I didn't get the emotional connection from the guys I wanted. It was very surface writing. There were some quirky moments that I loved.
At the bar
...what exactly do straight boys find attractive about drunk girls?
At the wrestling match
I've never seen so much visible penis line in all my life.
And some interesting word choices
Woe betide us if he ever becomes supreme ruler of the world.
Of course, I have to give Mr French credit, it is hard to work "woe betide" into a book. My guess is that he lost a bet and had to sneak that in somewhere. Thankfully, the book did pick up in the second half. I felt more from Todd later in the book.
And let's talk about later in the book. You know I don't do spoilers, but I was very disappointed in the end. So freakin' disappointed. Now, it is the time where you roll your eyes and tell me to write my own freakin book. I get it...this is Mr French's book. But I thought the solution was just too quick and easy.
So....in conclusion. I think Mr French has great potential and imagination. I just want him to have more depth to this characters. But I hope he leaves in the "woe betide" and "visible penis line" phrases. It would be a great drinking game to find that in his next book.
I had high hopes for this one. The blurb sounded sooo good. I had such high hopes for it.
Kyle and Todd are young gays discovering new love in college. Kyle knows who he is and has always known. He has a loving supportive family.
The simultaneous My Little Pony and GI Joe requests for Christmas must have confused the hell out of them.
Todd's family did not have the same reaction. They have shunned him. Cut him out of their life. With Kyle and Todd there are walks in the zoo, fun sex in public, and the building of confidence in who they are. It all is going so well. Then Kyle goes missing. Its like a Venn Diagram of Potential. We have love and mystery. Angst and anger.
But it fell flat for me. I wanted to like it so much. I didn't get the emotional connection from the guys I wanted. It was very surface writing. There were some quirky moments that I loved.
At the bar
...what exactly do straight boys find attractive about drunk girls?
At the wrestling match
I've never seen so much visible penis line in all my life.
And some interesting word choices
Woe betide us if he ever becomes supreme ruler of the world.
Of course, I have to give Mr French credit, it is hard to work "woe betide" into a book. My guess is that he lost a bet and had to sneak that in somewhere. Thankfully, the book did pick up in the second half. I felt more from Todd later in the book.
And let's talk about later in the book. You know I don't do spoilers, but I was very disappointed in the end. So freakin' disappointed. Now, it is the time where you roll your eyes and tell me to write my own freakin book. I get it...this is Mr French's book. But I thought the solution was just too quick and easy.
So....in conclusion. I think Mr French has great potential and imagination. I just want him to have more depth to this characters. But I hope he leaves in the "woe betide" and "visible penis line" phrases. It would be a great drinking game to find that in his next book.
October 19, 2014
I haven't read many m/m books but this one absolutely blew me away. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from this debut author and I was hooked from the first chapter.
Most of the m/m books that I've read in this genre have been erotica, and don't get me wrong the sex scenes in the book are hotter then hell, but the story is so much more than that. The author has captured the angst and passion of first love so beautifully that for me it transcended sexuality.
I don't want to give away any plot spoilers but the twists and turns were heart breaking and at one point I was actually in tears. I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future!
Most of the m/m books that I've read in this genre have been erotica, and don't get me wrong the sex scenes in the book are hotter then hell, but the story is so much more than that. The author has captured the angst and passion of first love so beautifully that for me it transcended sexuality.
I don't want to give away any plot spoilers but the twists and turns were heart breaking and at one point I was actually in tears. I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future!
October 26, 2016
I knew going in that this story didn’t end on what one considers an HEA. And it wasn’t a traditional HEA, but bittersweet with the promise of one later one. I loved Kyle and Todd; they were such an adorable and loving couple, both just starting out their lives (college, virgins, life). This story isn’t for the faint of heart and I don’t recommend reading this in public as for one, you will not want to put it down so stopping for chitchat won’t do, and two, being seen throwing your e-reader might draw you too much attention.
As I said, I knew this story wasn’t going to end the way I wanted, but I couldn’t stop myself from wishing and hoping anyway. Life isn’t fair, it really isn’t, and this book just cements that fact. There are not nice people in this world and they often fuck it up with their negativity and small minds, and their fear. I can’t say I understood why events took place the way they did, and had it not been for certain life choices made on everybody’s part, perhaps Kyle’s life would have continued on, none the wiser as to what may have happened.
But Todd and Kyle are torn apart, and the police are not willing nor interested in looking for Kyle when he disappears. I do have a problem with how Todd handles Kyle’s disappearance, it just didn’t feel realistic to me. It felt as though he gave up too soon and easily on the man he loved. He didn’t put out flyers or talk to neighbors or schoolmates. He just believed that Kyle took off on his own, I didn’t understand that and wanted to hit him over the head to wake him up!
15 years later, Todd is a head shrink and treats his patients as well as pro bono work at a local facility. This is where he sees Kyle again who is transferred as a new patient. Todd recognizes Kyle and can’t believe it’s him. After suffering from an attack years ago and not getting proper treatment after, Kyle’s memories are gone. He can barley function and can’t recall even events that took place moments before. He’s been labeled violent and nobody took the time to actually look into his case. Except for Todd of course. I found it so sad that Kyle had been treated the way he was all those years ago. It’s hard to believe he wasn’t given priority care simply because the hospital didn’t think he had insurance. His wallet was taken!! He had no ID, don’t hospitals get those kinds of situations all the time? But what’s done is done and Todd can only work with what he has now and he hires a PI (something he should have done 15 years before, but whatev) to look into Kyle’s history. And he finds A LOT. So many questions are answered. It’s unbelievable the stuff he found even after 15 years. Todd does his best to treat Kyle and work to get his memory back.
There is so much that took place in this book that was hard to believe; so many things had to happen for the events to turn out the way they did. And frankly, I saw most of what was going to happen a mile away; and I am not even talking about Kyle going missing (knew that from blurb), but the rest I predicted right when some stuff was introduced. And while that’s not a bad thing exactly, I wish some of the events in this book had been different or more unique. Foreshadowing and all that I get, but don’t give it away!
I love a good angst story and this has that for sure. I think Todd will have a good life, but I also think Todd will never be the full man he was meant to be if Kyle hadn’t disappeared. This is a bittersweet ending, have some tissues ready!
As I said, I knew this story wasn’t going to end the way I wanted, but I couldn’t stop myself from wishing and hoping anyway. Life isn’t fair, it really isn’t, and this book just cements that fact. There are not nice people in this world and they often fuck it up with their negativity and small minds, and their fear. I can’t say I understood why events took place the way they did, and had it not been for certain life choices made on everybody’s part, perhaps Kyle’s life would have continued on, none the wiser as to what may have happened.
But Todd and Kyle are torn apart, and the police are not willing nor interested in looking for Kyle when he disappears. I do have a problem with how Todd handles Kyle’s disappearance, it just didn’t feel realistic to me. It felt as though he gave up too soon and easily on the man he loved. He didn’t put out flyers or talk to neighbors or schoolmates. He just believed that Kyle took off on his own, I didn’t understand that and wanted to hit him over the head to wake him up!
15 years later, Todd is a head shrink and treats his patients as well as pro bono work at a local facility. This is where he sees Kyle again who is transferred as a new patient. Todd recognizes Kyle and can’t believe it’s him. After suffering from an attack years ago and not getting proper treatment after, Kyle’s memories are gone. He can barley function and can’t recall even events that took place moments before. He’s been labeled violent and nobody took the time to actually look into his case. Except for Todd of course. I found it so sad that Kyle had been treated the way he was all those years ago. It’s hard to believe he wasn’t given priority care simply because the hospital didn’t think he had insurance. His wallet was taken!! He had no ID, don’t hospitals get those kinds of situations all the time? But what’s done is done and Todd can only work with what he has now and he hires a PI (something he should have done 15 years before, but whatev) to look into Kyle’s history. And he finds A LOT. So many questions are answered. It’s unbelievable the stuff he found even after 15 years. Todd does his best to treat Kyle and work to get his memory back.
There is so much that took place in this book that was hard to believe; so many things had to happen for the events to turn out the way they did. And frankly, I saw most of what was going to happen a mile away; and I am not even talking about Kyle going missing (knew that from blurb), but the rest I predicted right when some stuff was introduced. And while that’s not a bad thing exactly, I wish some of the events in this book had been different or more unique. Foreshadowing and all that I get, but don’t give it away!
I love a good angst story and this has that for sure. I think Todd will have a good life, but I also think Todd will never be the full man he was meant to be if Kyle hadn’t disappeared. This is a bittersweet ending, have some tissues ready!
December 5, 2014
Blog Review Post: http://gaymediareviews.weebly.com/blo...
Return To Me by James Oliver French!
In their freshman year of college is where Kyle and Todd meet. They fall for each other in the hottest sexual way and then they fall madly in love with each other. Kyle disappears and this completely devastates and crushes Todd's heart. Now jump 15 years later and Todd is a very successful psychiatrist but he leads a very lonely life. He has never gotten over his love for Kyle and how he vanished from his life.
I enjoyed very much how this novel was written in two parts. The first part is from Todd's POV on how he meets and falls madly in love with Kyle. These boys come from very different backgrounds to say the least. Kyle comes from a very religious family and he is kicked out of the home for being gay. Todd comes from a very loving and accepting family and gives him the strength to be who he actually is. So when they meet, sparks fly and they become the amazing couple that everyone loves. They plan a future of love, marriage and possibly kids and everything is going perfect for this beautiful loving couple. Now Kyle vanishes without a trace and leaves behind a broken hearted and a completely devastated Todd.
The second part finds Todd 15 years later. He is very successful and financially secure but there is still a hole in his heart which he hasn't been able to fill. Then he meets Simon at a convention and now Todd thinks maybe his heart can be healed with Simon. Just as he was letting go of his past with Kyle and trying to move on, a dangerous patient arrives at the psychiatric hospital. This man has some brain damage and holds no memories of his past except for a few pieces here and there. Todd is very reluctant to treat him but he needs to know what happened 15 years ago in order to move on with his life with Simon. This is where the story gets so heartbreaking as Todd investigated what took Kyle away from him so many years ago. The answers are so shocking and heartbreaking as I found it ripping away at my heart. This story affected me in so many ways and the emotions that I went through reading it was just simply amazing. This author has written one of the most brilliant and heartfelt stories. I loved the writing style in this book, the characters he created and the heart wrenching angst was just so amazing. I loved this novel from page one to the very end! Will Todd find the true answers he is looking for and at what cost? Who will Todd end up with or will he be alone again? Can his relationship with Simon survive this? Will Todd and Kyle have the HEA they so desperately deserve? I highly recommend this beautiful story of love, acceptance, heartbreak, drama, intrigue and forgiveness.....Return To Me by James Oliver French!
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews
Return To Me by James Oliver French!
In their freshman year of college is where Kyle and Todd meet. They fall for each other in the hottest sexual way and then they fall madly in love with each other. Kyle disappears and this completely devastates and crushes Todd's heart. Now jump 15 years later and Todd is a very successful psychiatrist but he leads a very lonely life. He has never gotten over his love for Kyle and how he vanished from his life.
I enjoyed very much how this novel was written in two parts. The first part is from Todd's POV on how he meets and falls madly in love with Kyle. These boys come from very different backgrounds to say the least. Kyle comes from a very religious family and he is kicked out of the home for being gay. Todd comes from a very loving and accepting family and gives him the strength to be who he actually is. So when they meet, sparks fly and they become the amazing couple that everyone loves. They plan a future of love, marriage and possibly kids and everything is going perfect for this beautiful loving couple. Now Kyle vanishes without a trace and leaves behind a broken hearted and a completely devastated Todd.
The second part finds Todd 15 years later. He is very successful and financially secure but there is still a hole in his heart which he hasn't been able to fill. Then he meets Simon at a convention and now Todd thinks maybe his heart can be healed with Simon. Just as he was letting go of his past with Kyle and trying to move on, a dangerous patient arrives at the psychiatric hospital. This man has some brain damage and holds no memories of his past except for a few pieces here and there. Todd is very reluctant to treat him but he needs to know what happened 15 years ago in order to move on with his life with Simon. This is where the story gets so heartbreaking as Todd investigated what took Kyle away from him so many years ago. The answers are so shocking and heartbreaking as I found it ripping away at my heart. This story affected me in so many ways and the emotions that I went through reading it was just simply amazing. This author has written one of the most brilliant and heartfelt stories. I loved the writing style in this book, the characters he created and the heart wrenching angst was just so amazing. I loved this novel from page one to the very end! Will Todd find the true answers he is looking for and at what cost? Who will Todd end up with or will he be alone again? Can his relationship with Simon survive this? Will Todd and Kyle have the HEA they so desperately deserve? I highly recommend this beautiful story of love, acceptance, heartbreak, drama, intrigue and forgiveness.....Return To Me by James Oliver French!
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews
November 23, 2014
Return to Me, James Oliver French
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I’m struggling to review this. It’s a romance and then again its not....I do love my happy endings and this doesn’t have one...or does it? There’s a glimpse of something positive on the way for poor Todd. Overall this has a beautiful romanctic theme that ends far too soon, along with some nifty, interesting futuristic possibilities.
Kyle and Todd, the perfect couple in college, very tender and sweet, and it’s a first time complete romance for both. Todd’s family are supportive of him but Kyle’s – they were typical bigots, and kicked the poor kid out. Sadly it happens, seems Christianity is only for selected groups...
The two lads are at college and getting on really well, getting closer and closer, and finally deeply in love when suddenly Kyle disappears. The police aren’t interested, his parents don’t care, and it seems like only Todd is worried but he can do nothing. It looks like Kyle has got cold feet and just moved on, and yet Todd can’t believe that and is finding it hard to move forward.
Fast-forward fifteen years and Todd is a fully fledged Psychiatrist. He’s never got over the loss of his first love, never really got into a full relationship again. He’s so many unanswered questions. Then he gets a new patient that forces him to look back at the past ,and he makes further investigations into what happened and is shocked and horrified by what he finds. ( So was I, and sadly I have no problem believing this could and does happen)
At times this was a really emotional read, and mixes current medical practice with some interesting futuristic possibilities, to move the story to where James wants it to be. Just when I thought things were looking up though he throws in more drama, and more angst and it takes away all the hope I had. TBH that spoiled it for me, I need my happy endings, and though Todd gets a peek at a happy future it isn’t the one I wanted for him. I’m just one reader though, and not everyone wants the HEA, some would rather the story take a more intriguing direction, and for them this will be a perfect read.
Stars: Four, there were parts I loved, parts I felt a bit slow, parts where I was glad some people got just what they deserved however long it took, and then a part that just wanted a different ending :-( Ah well....you can’t please everyone. Its really well written and if you can go without the HEA it may be the perfect read for you.
ARC supplied by author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I’m struggling to review this. It’s a romance and then again its not....I do love my happy endings and this doesn’t have one...or does it? There’s a glimpse of something positive on the way for poor Todd. Overall this has a beautiful romanctic theme that ends far too soon, along with some nifty, interesting futuristic possibilities.
Kyle and Todd, the perfect couple in college, very tender and sweet, and it’s a first time complete romance for both. Todd’s family are supportive of him but Kyle’s – they were typical bigots, and kicked the poor kid out. Sadly it happens, seems Christianity is only for selected groups...
The two lads are at college and getting on really well, getting closer and closer, and finally deeply in love when suddenly Kyle disappears. The police aren’t interested, his parents don’t care, and it seems like only Todd is worried but he can do nothing. It looks like Kyle has got cold feet and just moved on, and yet Todd can’t believe that and is finding it hard to move forward.
Fast-forward fifteen years and Todd is a fully fledged Psychiatrist. He’s never got over the loss of his first love, never really got into a full relationship again. He’s so many unanswered questions. Then he gets a new patient that forces him to look back at the past ,and he makes further investigations into what happened and is shocked and horrified by what he finds. ( So was I, and sadly I have no problem believing this could and does happen)
At times this was a really emotional read, and mixes current medical practice with some interesting futuristic possibilities, to move the story to where James wants it to be. Just when I thought things were looking up though he throws in more drama, and more angst and it takes away all the hope I had. TBH that spoiled it for me, I need my happy endings, and though Todd gets a peek at a happy future it isn’t the one I wanted for him. I’m just one reader though, and not everyone wants the HEA, some would rather the story take a more intriguing direction, and for them this will be a perfect read.
Stars: Four, there were parts I loved, parts I felt a bit slow, parts where I was glad some people got just what they deserved however long it took, and then a part that just wanted a different ending :-( Ah well....you can’t please everyone. Its really well written and if you can go without the HEA it may be the perfect read for you.
ARC supplied by author
April 24, 2015
Title: Return to Me
Author: James Oliver French
Cover Artist: bowie15 (c) 123RF.com
Publisher: Kaituhi Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Long Novel
Heat Rating: 3 Flames
Book Rating: 4.25 Stars
Return to me is an emotional read that is broken into two parts. The first part, told from Todd’s point of view, is where Kyle and Todd meet during their freshman year of college. These guys fall hard for each other and then Kyle suddenly and unexpectedly disappears devastating Todd. The second part is fifteen years later when Todd has become a very successful and secure psychiatrist. Yet, for the past fifteen years he has never let go of Kyle and has lived a very lonely life.
During the second part we see Todd taking baby steps to move on and the mystery behind Kyle’s disappearance is pursued. At a convention Todd meets Simon and thinks he may be ready. When a violent John-Doe is referred to Todd his world crashes down around him. Kyle is that John-Doe and has suffered severe brain damage and basically has no memories. Breaking the rules, Todd tries to help Kyle retrieve his past and along the way pieces together the events leading to Kyle’s sudden disappearance.
Simon is patient with Todd while he tries to bring closure to his past by just being there for Todd as the heartbreaking past and conclusion unfolds. The questions you have answered by cracking the cover of this story are:
• Will Todd and Kyle find their way back to each other?
• What really happened all those years ago?
• How does Simon play into the future?
• Will Todd ultimately be alone again?
The answers to these questions and more are between the pages of this amazing story. I don’t know that I would call Return to Me a romance. While this is a bit of romance it is it truly a heartbreaking adventure dealing with moving from tragedy and onto a path of happiness. There is also bit of sci-fi thrown in that may or may not seem relevant to the story I’ll let you decide. Over all I truly enjoyed this bittersweet story that James Oliver French has given us.
Review also at WoDF - Return to Me
Author: James Oliver French
Cover Artist: bowie15 (c) 123RF.com
Publisher: Kaituhi Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Long Novel
Heat Rating: 3 Flames
Book Rating: 4.25 Stars
Return to me is an emotional read that is broken into two parts. The first part, told from Todd’s point of view, is where Kyle and Todd meet during their freshman year of college. These guys fall hard for each other and then Kyle suddenly and unexpectedly disappears devastating Todd. The second part is fifteen years later when Todd has become a very successful and secure psychiatrist. Yet, for the past fifteen years he has never let go of Kyle and has lived a very lonely life.
During the second part we see Todd taking baby steps to move on and the mystery behind Kyle’s disappearance is pursued. At a convention Todd meets Simon and thinks he may be ready. When a violent John-Doe is referred to Todd his world crashes down around him. Kyle is that John-Doe and has suffered severe brain damage and basically has no memories. Breaking the rules, Todd tries to help Kyle retrieve his past and along the way pieces together the events leading to Kyle’s sudden disappearance.
Simon is patient with Todd while he tries to bring closure to his past by just being there for Todd as the heartbreaking past and conclusion unfolds. The questions you have answered by cracking the cover of this story are:
• Will Todd and Kyle find their way back to each other?
• What really happened all those years ago?
• How does Simon play into the future?
• Will Todd ultimately be alone again?
The answers to these questions and more are between the pages of this amazing story. I don’t know that I would call Return to Me a romance. While this is a bit of romance it is it truly a heartbreaking adventure dealing with moving from tragedy and onto a path of happiness. There is also bit of sci-fi thrown in that may or may not seem relevant to the story I’ll let you decide. Over all I truly enjoyed this bittersweet story that James Oliver French has given us.
Review also at WoDF - Return to Me
April 29, 2015
This was one of those books that sneaks up on you. From the beginning I loved Todd and all his flighty ways. But when Kyle came into his life I liked him even more. Their relationship was sweet to watch. First loves are all consuming and theirs was beautiful and hot!! But then Klyes gone and no one knows what happened to him.
Fifteen years go by and Todd is still not over Kyle. His first love, his first everything. Todd is now a psychiatrist and doing well for himself. Helps out at the local psych hospital, all that's missing his love. He takes on a John Doe of only to realize it's Kyle. Suffering from amnesia Kyle can't tell Todd what happened all those years ago. I won't spoil it but this book has it all. Love, heartache, pain, grief, and profound loss. I laughed, I cried, and I screamed. But most of all I loved it!!!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fifteen years go by and Todd is still not over Kyle. His first love, his first everything. Todd is now a psychiatrist and doing well for himself. Helps out at the local psych hospital, all that's missing his love. He takes on a John Doe of only to realize it's Kyle. Suffering from amnesia Kyle can't tell Todd what happened all those years ago. I won't spoil it but this book has it all. Love, heartache, pain, grief, and profound loss. I laughed, I cried, and I screamed. But most of all I loved it!!!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2015
Barb Manning's Review:
Return to Me is the debut novel of James Oliver French. It tells the story of the romance of Todd Chambers and Kyle Hansen, two young men who meet during their college years. Todd is planning to go into medicine and Kyle wants to become an accountant. Return to Me reveals itself through the eyes of Todd and this may be one of the novel's shortcomings. As I read the book, I felt I never really got a chance to know Kyle. The reader sees Kyle and his life through the eyes of Todd. Kyle is the beautiful boy that Todd loves with all of his young heart. You clearly see the passion and love the two young men share. Read More. . . http://www.blackravensreviews.com/aut...
Return to Me is the debut novel of James Oliver French. It tells the story of the romance of Todd Chambers and Kyle Hansen, two young men who meet during their college years. Todd is planning to go into medicine and Kyle wants to become an accountant. Return to Me reveals itself through the eyes of Todd and this may be one of the novel's shortcomings. As I read the book, I felt I never really got a chance to know Kyle. The reader sees Kyle and his life through the eyes of Todd. Kyle is the beautiful boy that Todd loves with all of his young heart. You clearly see the passion and love the two young men share. Read More. . . http://www.blackravensreviews.com/aut...
February 15, 2015
I have sat and read this book in one sitting this evening and even 20 minutes later I am still a little weepy.
I don't know if I love or hate this book because it didn't end the way I wanted it to.
The book spends a long time building up to Kyle vanishing and I did find myself waiting for it to happen, but this build up did mean you felt more of the emotional connection between Kyle and Todd.
Personal 'frustration' aside this is a really good debut book and I look forward to reading more from James French.
I don't know if I love or hate this book because it didn't end the way I wanted it to.
The book spends a long time building up to Kyle vanishing and I did find myself waiting for it to happen, but this build up did mean you felt more of the emotional connection between Kyle and Todd.
Personal 'frustration' aside this is a really good debut book and I look forward to reading more from James French.
January 29, 2015
i started reading this book early this morning. i couldnt put it down and even had a hard time at work. this was very well written and i enjoyed the story. the connection i felt to the characters was incredible. i hope this author writes more, but maybe gives it a bit of happier ending!
January 31, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are all well written. The story is well told. A strong debut book for author. I look forward to more of his work
May 30, 2015
I've cried so much with this pure romantic and sad story, it was worth it, it really touched me.
April 5, 2018
I find the dialogue in this book to be a little too stiff. The initial romance was kind of blah and Todd’s life up to this point was maybe too much of a smooth ride while Kyle has had the opposite experience, maybe too obviously opposite backgrounds. There’s not enough complexity in the characterizations. While I admit to preferring to read about older characters, the college-age Todd was still a little too juvenile for me. I struggled with wanting to put this book down until around halfway through when I suddenly became interested in finding out what was going on.
The last half of the book was more intriguing, keeping my attention to the end, though I still had a few issues. There were a few oddities here and there. When I finally found out what happened it was a little anticlimactic. I found the resolution with respect to to be a little too easily wrapped up.
Overall, I thought the concept of the book was a great idea, it just didn’t come through in the details of the execution for me. It could have been great.
The last half of the book was more intriguing, keeping my attention to the end, though I still had a few issues. There were a few oddities here and there. When I finally found out what happened it was a little anticlimactic. I found the resolution with respect to to be a little too easily wrapped up.
Overall, I thought the concept of the book was a great idea, it just didn’t come through in the details of the execution for me. It could have been great.
August 27, 2023
Wow. 💔😭
I’m going to write the parts that are still bothering me soon.
ETA:
Things that didn't make sense.
1. That Todd just assumed Kyle had run. Like I get that Kyle's apartment was cleaned out. But it just rang false to me. He believed everyone. Did he not know Kyle better than that? Did he not try just a little harder?
2. That the hospital Kyle was sent to didn't do a missing person's search on him. You didn't think to put info on the news around the country to see if anyone could identify him?
3. That the police knew Todd had put in a missing persons request but nothing was done about it.
4. That Todd didn't even try for a few months to find Kyle.
5. That not one person thought to go to Kyle's work and have a chat to them to see if they knew anything?
6. That Samuel was able to clean out Kyle's apartment over the weekend without getting caught. He had NO idea that Kyle had said he was going away for the weekend. So why did he take a few days to do it... Seems awfully convenient!
7. That Todd didn't see into the car that nearly hit him and see Samuel!
8. You telling me there was no CCTV anywhere near the park that Kyle was beaten up in?
Kyle deserved better than this Todd!
I’m going to write the parts that are still bothering me soon.
ETA:
Things that didn't make sense.
1. That Todd just assumed Kyle had run. Like I get that Kyle's apartment was cleaned out. But it just rang false to me. He believed everyone. Did he not know Kyle better than that? Did he not try just a little harder?
2. That the hospital Kyle was sent to didn't do a missing person's search on him. You didn't think to put info on the news around the country to see if anyone could identify him?
3. That the police knew Todd had put in a missing persons request but nothing was done about it.
4. That Todd didn't even try for a few months to find Kyle.
5. That not one person thought to go to Kyle's work and have a chat to them to see if they knew anything?
6. That Samuel was able to clean out Kyle's apartment over the weekend without getting caught. He had NO idea that Kyle had said he was going away for the weekend. So why did he take a few days to do it... Seems awfully convenient!
7. That Todd didn't see into the car that nearly hit him and see Samuel!
8. You telling me there was no CCTV anywhere near the park that Kyle was beaten up in?
Kyle deserved better than this Todd!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2014
Reviewed for www.smexybooks.com
The blurb really drew me in to want to read this debut by Mr. French. I also absolutely love the cover of this book. It is a stunning representation of the story in it’s subtle simplicity and in my opinion is really just a perfect choice.
I liked Kyle and Todd a lot. They meet at a college party and hit it off right away. Todd comes from a loving, supportive family but Kyle does not. When Kyle came out to his parents, he was kicked out and disowned. Kyle is also living with some guilt with respect to the death of his brother when they were younger. Though it was an accident, his parents had always made him feel like he should have been the one to die. Coming out as gay was just the last straw where his parents were concerned. So, Kyle is on his own. I’ve seen this mix of couples in my m/m reading before and I like this theme. Kyle is literally alone until he meets and starts a relationship with Kyle. They have each other and in turn Kyle then has Todd’s family who welcome Kyle without question. It’s clear that what Kyle and Todd have is special and has the potential of something long lasting. So it is devastating when Kyle disappears without a trace. He goes away over a weekend for a wrestling tournament and never returns. There are no clues, they find Kyle’s apartment cleaned out, and the police can only do so much-which is nothing in this case. For all intents and purposes, Kyle becomes a unsolved missing persons case.
When we jump forward 15 years, Todd is now a psychiatrist and has a thriving practice. He also works part-time at the local psychiatric hospital. It is here where Kyle returns to the story when Todd is called in to assess an amnesiac patient. The patient comes in as a John Doe, having been moved from one facility to the next over the last 15 years. They only know that he had sustained a head injury, clearly the cause of the severe amnesia and his violent tendencies. Of course, Kyle does not remember him, but for Todd all the old wounds are opened up and he’s determined to find out just exactly what happened to Kyle all those years ago.
It’s difficult not be too spoilery here, so I will just say that the story takes some interesting twists and turns and I was quite surprised at the person who was ultimately responsible for what happened. I will also say that the crime against Kyle that led to his disappearance was a hate crime, so if that’s a trigger for you, you have been warned. While this part of the story is steeped with the horrific details of what Kyle endured, I never got that punch in the gut like I usually get when reading something that is so tragic that it fills me with emotion so much so that I am moved to tears. I’m a cryer and it doesn’t take much to set me off. It’s all kind of revealed in a very matter of fact way, so much so that I felt quite removed from the story and it’s characters rather than pulled into their grief.
Having said that, I must also note, that the author throws a wrench in here as he uses some science fiction in the form of a medical procedure in his plot to reveal Kyles memories. It really comes out of left field in a way, but because I love syfy, I kind of just rolled with it. The scene where Todd learns exactly what Kyle went through; not just learns, but actually feels it and experiences it, did pull me into that place where I was really in the moment and actually felt what the character was feeling.
I finished reading this story two days ago. I wanted to think about it a bit before actually writing down my thoughts and I even went back and read a few passages to refresh my memory of certain events. It reads very much like an NA in the beginning. The way Kyle and Todd act and speak to each other and the fact that this starts in a college setting have all the marks of a New Adult. Which is appropriate for that part of the story, but when the story moves into the future by 15 years after Kyle disappears, it takes a while for the writing to make the jump into a more adult feel. This was a bit unsettling and could be the reason why I never quite fell into the story, feeling more like an observer. As I went back and read a few of the latter chapters, I could almost spot the point when the writing changed and began to feel more mature. I did finally cry too; during the epilogue-which I’m so glad the author included.
Lastly, there were a few word choices that kind of pulled me out of the story here and there. At first, I thought the author must be British or European because of certain word usage. In fact, I didn’t know the story was taking place in Los Angeles until it’s mentioned and Todd states he’s originally from Denver. There is a definite non-American feel to this author’s voice. He uses “lounge” and “living room” interchangeably and also uses the word “bonnet” when he refers to the hood of the car in one scene. It was only at the end when I read his author bio where he states he’s originally from South Africa, but now lives in Christchurch, Aotearoa that I confirmed he was neither British, European or American.
There is no HEA in this story, more like an HFN and I was okay with that. I liked this story and I look forward to reading more by this author. For it’s content, though, I would have liked to have felt the emotion and angst of grief and loss more. It didn’t quite come across very strongly for me. I’m not quite sure how I feel about the mix of contemporary and syfy-but I really liked the syfy element used in here with the futuristic medical procedure and would definitely read a book where that was explored.
The blurb really drew me in to want to read this debut by Mr. French. I also absolutely love the cover of this book. It is a stunning representation of the story in it’s subtle simplicity and in my opinion is really just a perfect choice.
I liked Kyle and Todd a lot. They meet at a college party and hit it off right away. Todd comes from a loving, supportive family but Kyle does not. When Kyle came out to his parents, he was kicked out and disowned. Kyle is also living with some guilt with respect to the death of his brother when they were younger. Though it was an accident, his parents had always made him feel like he should have been the one to die. Coming out as gay was just the last straw where his parents were concerned. So, Kyle is on his own. I’ve seen this mix of couples in my m/m reading before and I like this theme. Kyle is literally alone until he meets and starts a relationship with Kyle. They have each other and in turn Kyle then has Todd’s family who welcome Kyle without question. It’s clear that what Kyle and Todd have is special and has the potential of something long lasting. So it is devastating when Kyle disappears without a trace. He goes away over a weekend for a wrestling tournament and never returns. There are no clues, they find Kyle’s apartment cleaned out, and the police can only do so much-which is nothing in this case. For all intents and purposes, Kyle becomes a unsolved missing persons case.
When we jump forward 15 years, Todd is now a psychiatrist and has a thriving practice. He also works part-time at the local psychiatric hospital. It is here where Kyle returns to the story when Todd is called in to assess an amnesiac patient. The patient comes in as a John Doe, having been moved from one facility to the next over the last 15 years. They only know that he had sustained a head injury, clearly the cause of the severe amnesia and his violent tendencies. Of course, Kyle does not remember him, but for Todd all the old wounds are opened up and he’s determined to find out just exactly what happened to Kyle all those years ago.
It’s difficult not be too spoilery here, so I will just say that the story takes some interesting twists and turns and I was quite surprised at the person who was ultimately responsible for what happened. I will also say that the crime against Kyle that led to his disappearance was a hate crime, so if that’s a trigger for you, you have been warned. While this part of the story is steeped with the horrific details of what Kyle endured, I never got that punch in the gut like I usually get when reading something that is so tragic that it fills me with emotion so much so that I am moved to tears. I’m a cryer and it doesn’t take much to set me off. It’s all kind of revealed in a very matter of fact way, so much so that I felt quite removed from the story and it’s characters rather than pulled into their grief.
Having said that, I must also note, that the author throws a wrench in here as he uses some science fiction in the form of a medical procedure in his plot to reveal Kyles memories. It really comes out of left field in a way, but because I love syfy, I kind of just rolled with it. The scene where Todd learns exactly what Kyle went through; not just learns, but actually feels it and experiences it, did pull me into that place where I was really in the moment and actually felt what the character was feeling.
I finished reading this story two days ago. I wanted to think about it a bit before actually writing down my thoughts and I even went back and read a few passages to refresh my memory of certain events. It reads very much like an NA in the beginning. The way Kyle and Todd act and speak to each other and the fact that this starts in a college setting have all the marks of a New Adult. Which is appropriate for that part of the story, but when the story moves into the future by 15 years after Kyle disappears, it takes a while for the writing to make the jump into a more adult feel. This was a bit unsettling and could be the reason why I never quite fell into the story, feeling more like an observer. As I went back and read a few of the latter chapters, I could almost spot the point when the writing changed and began to feel more mature. I did finally cry too; during the epilogue-which I’m so glad the author included.
Lastly, there were a few word choices that kind of pulled me out of the story here and there. At first, I thought the author must be British or European because of certain word usage. In fact, I didn’t know the story was taking place in Los Angeles until it’s mentioned and Todd states he’s originally from Denver. There is a definite non-American feel to this author’s voice. He uses “lounge” and “living room” interchangeably and also uses the word “bonnet” when he refers to the hood of the car in one scene. It was only at the end when I read his author bio where he states he’s originally from South Africa, but now lives in Christchurch, Aotearoa that I confirmed he was neither British, European or American.
There is no HEA in this story, more like an HFN and I was okay with that. I liked this story and I look forward to reading more by this author. For it’s content, though, I would have liked to have felt the emotion and angst of grief and loss more. It didn’t quite come across very strongly for me. I’m not quite sure how I feel about the mix of contemporary and syfy-but I really liked the syfy element used in here with the futuristic medical procedure and would definitely read a book where that was explored.
October 26, 2020
I applaud this heartfelt story🌹
Kyle and Todd's story was truly heartfelt. A HEA isn't always a story that would leave a reader with something to think about. It doesn't leave a strong message. I for one find pleasure in reading a story that gets right down into my emotional feelings. And their story did that for me. I will remember these two characters for days to come. Plus, majority of romance stories have a HEA. It is a welcoming surprise to come across a story that has a Shakespearian tragic tale in the plot. This story delivered. It also was written beautifully. I so highly recommend! Enjoy.📚🌹
Kyle and Todd's story was truly heartfelt. A HEA isn't always a story that would leave a reader with something to think about. It doesn't leave a strong message. I for one find pleasure in reading a story that gets right down into my emotional feelings. And their story did that for me. I will remember these two characters for days to come. Plus, majority of romance stories have a HEA. It is a welcoming surprise to come across a story that has a Shakespearian tragic tale in the plot. This story delivered. It also was written beautifully. I so highly recommend! Enjoy.📚🌹
July 14, 2025
How does this book have a 3.97 rating? I haven’t been able to finish a book for the last several weeks. All books seemed predictable and underwhelming, and then I stumble upon this…
How do I even review this without giving it away? This book shook me to my core, I couldn’t put it down, had me hoping and praying, to then completely leaving me heartbroken and distressed. It’s been 4 hours since I finished it and the memory of what happened still brings me to tears.
I want to thank the author for letting this book take it’s own course and develop in it’s own way.
How do I even review this without giving it away? This book shook me to my core, I couldn’t put it down, had me hoping and praying, to then completely leaving me heartbroken and distressed. It’s been 4 hours since I finished it and the memory of what happened still brings me to tears.
I want to thank the author for letting this book take it’s own course and develop in it’s own way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews