What do you think?
Rate this book
Senses #4
Love Comes Around
A Senses Series Story
Dan was a throwaway child and learned to take care of himself in foster care. As an adult, he devotes his life to the business he started and his heart to raising children no one else wants. Dan has already adopted six-year-old Lila, who walks on crutches, and then decides to adopt eight-year-old Jerry, who suffers from MD and is confined to a wheelchair.
Also abandoned as a child, Connor ended up on his own and retreated into himself. He works as a carpenter and woodcarver and is the perfect man to ensure Dan’s home becomes wheelchair accessible.
When Dan hires Connor, neither of the men are ready to open their hearts to the possibility of love. As they learn how much they have in common, both of them must weigh the possibility of family and a future against the risks of getting hurt again.
Dan was a throwaway child and learned to take care of himself in foster care. As an adult, he devotes his life to the business he started and his heart to raising children no one else wants. Dan has already adopted six-year-old Lila, who walks on crutches, and then decides to adopt eight-year-old Jerry, who suffers from MD and is confined to a wheelchair.
Also abandoned as a child, Connor ended up on his own and retreated into himself. He works as a carpenter and woodcarver and is the perfect man to ensure Dan’s home becomes wheelchair accessible.
When Dan hires Connor, neither of the men are ready to open their hearts to the possibility of love. As they learn how much they have in common, both of them must weigh the possibility of family and a future against the risks of getting hurt again.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2014
22 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 8, 2017
2.25 stars The story of when the two most boring men in the world... fall in love. I thought this was gonna be a 3 star like the first book in this series, Love Comes Silently. It was mostly in the 2.5 range for me, but by the end I just couldn't take the saccharine sweetness anymore and had to bump it a little further.
I'm not sure how much the narration played a role in my dislike. Definitely some, but not all. I've listened to books narrated by Max Lehnen before, I did recognize his voice and I think I had similar complaints previously. He reminds me of a high school teach reading Shakespeare, poorly. Everything sounds too formal, too stilted. Even when Dan and Conner were talking to each other, the tone that the narrator used was like when people talk to children. Almost condescending and/or patronizing, it just did not work for me.
That being said, not all can be blamed on the narration. The dialogue itself was also too formal and stilted. The major plot point is how both Dan and Conner are throw-aways, and how much this affects them. But besides being a little emotionally protective, they're both fairly average. Each only mentions the details of their childhoods once, to explain, and then they don't go into any more detail and it's not even brought up again except for their frequent claims of "I don't trust easily."
I get their shared connection. And I get that they liked each other. The plot flowed in that respect. But there was no passion. Again perhaps the overly formal writing, it was all just, Meh. The sex scenes borderline awkward.
Now onto a big pet peeve in the story. The children. It kinda seemed like a cheap ploy to gain sympathy. Dan wanted to take in other throw-aways, but all the kids at the orphanage were throw-aways. The added component of kids with disabilities seemed forced. If Dan had some story or connection to people with disabilities it would have made more sense, but whatever. Then, a shit-ton of detail about Jerry's MD, and nothing about Lila. We have no idea why she was using crutches, why she seems to be improving, nothing. In fact, we know little about either child's background. They could have been complete and sympathetic characters with entire stories of their own. Instead, they popped into existence for Dan's convenience. Okay, rant over.
Bottom line, most reviewers loved this. Can my dislike be attributed to the audio version? Perhaps. My 3 star rating of Love Comes Silently was one of the lower ratings lost in a sea of 4 and 5 star reviews, so Mr. Grey's writing and I may just not be the best fit. That being said, I believe this narrator is used for all the books in this series, so I would recommend reading the Senses series instead of listening if you are still interested.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I'm not sure how much the narration played a role in my dislike. Definitely some, but not all. I've listened to books narrated by Max Lehnen before, I did recognize his voice and I think I had similar complaints previously. He reminds me of a high school teach reading Shakespeare, poorly. Everything sounds too formal, too stilted. Even when Dan and Conner were talking to each other, the tone that the narrator used was like when people talk to children. Almost condescending and/or patronizing, it just did not work for me.
That being said, not all can be blamed on the narration. The dialogue itself was also too formal and stilted. The major plot point is how both Dan and Conner are throw-aways, and how much this affects them. But besides being a little emotionally protective, they're both fairly average. Each only mentions the details of their childhoods once, to explain, and then they don't go into any more detail and it's not even brought up again except for their frequent claims of "I don't trust easily."
I get their shared connection. And I get that they liked each other. The plot flowed in that respect. But there was no passion. Again perhaps the overly formal writing, it was all just, Meh. The sex scenes borderline awkward.
Now onto a big pet peeve in the story. The children. It kinda seemed like a cheap ploy to gain sympathy. Dan wanted to take in other throw-aways, but all the kids at the orphanage were throw-aways. The added component of kids with disabilities seemed forced. If Dan had some story or connection to people with disabilities it would have made more sense, but whatever. Then, a shit-ton of detail about Jerry's MD, and nothing about Lila. We have no idea why she was using crutches, why she seems to be improving, nothing. In fact, we know little about either child's background. They could have been complete and sympathetic characters with entire stories of their own. Instead, they popped into existence for Dan's convenience. Okay, rant over.
Bottom line, most reviewers loved this. Can my dislike be attributed to the audio version? Perhaps. My 3 star rating of Love Comes Silently was one of the lower ratings lost in a sea of 4 and 5 star reviews, so Mr. Grey's writing and I may just not be the best fit. That being said, I believe this narrator is used for all the books in this series, so I would recommend reading the Senses series instead of listening if you are still interested.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
September 24, 2014
The expression “throwaway child” is one of the most horrific descriptors in existence, at least in my opinion. Children deserve to be loved and accepted unconditionally, not “thrown away” like old furniture or other possessions. This fourth volume of the ‘Senses’ series is all about “throwaways”. The children, Lila and Jerry, come from an orphanage and are both physically challenged. Both main characters, Dan and Connor, were rejected by their parents when they were kids and have each chosen a different way of dealing with the situation. Neither of them ever wants to be vulnerable again, but of course, life (or in this case Andrew Grey) has different ideas for them. Their path is not an easy one, and my heart hurt for them as they tried to deal with their emotional issues. This story shows how wounds to the soul can be just as difficult to deal with as physical challenges. They may be less obvious on the surface, but they can be just as tough to overcome.
Dan may be a successful businessman now, but he didn’t have it easy. His father left when he was young, his mother made it clear the worst thing she ever did was to have Connor, then left him with his aunt and uncle and ran off. When the aunt and uncle find out she is dead, they pass Dan to other members of the family, and he ends up in foster care. To top all that off, any men he was interested in have only wanted him for his money, so Dan is determined not to let anyone close again. He has, however, decided to build his own family. He has adopted Lila, who walks on crutches, then adds Jerry, who has MD and needs a wheelchair. But all of Dan’s walls begin to crack when he meets Connor. Without knowing what to do, and no idea how to express his feelings, even once he admits he has them, he figures their relationship is doomed before it even starts.
Connor is a carpenter and loves his work. His response to his parents being drug addicts and killing themselves with an overdose was to retreat into work. He never knew what a family was supposed to look like, and has no idea how to deal with being part of one, never mind a loving relationship, so he decides not to want any emotional entanglements. When he meets Dan and starts to work for him, making the house wheelchair accessible for Jerry, Connor is not only attracted to Dan, he wants more. He cannot express his feelings either (or rather, he does not want to risk it), and the two men almost drift apart once the work that brought them together is completed.
With two men dead-set on not falling in love, this must be one of the most difficult love stories I can think of. Dan has a big heart though, as proven by the way he relates to his kids, so there is hope for him. Connor may say he does not want a relationship, but he secretly keeps hoping anyway. And when he and Dan begin to figure out their feelings may be mutual, at least I had hope. It still took them long enough to get there, but considering their backgrounds, it is a miracle they made it at all!
If you want to find out how two emotionally challenged men deal with falling in love, if you liked the sense of family and love in the first three books, and if you’re looking for a deeply emotional, sometimes heartbreaking, and touching read, then you will probably like this novel. I adored it and hope there will be many more to come in this amazing series.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Dan may be a successful businessman now, but he didn’t have it easy. His father left when he was young, his mother made it clear the worst thing she ever did was to have Connor, then left him with his aunt and uncle and ran off. When the aunt and uncle find out she is dead, they pass Dan to other members of the family, and he ends up in foster care. To top all that off, any men he was interested in have only wanted him for his money, so Dan is determined not to let anyone close again. He has, however, decided to build his own family. He has adopted Lila, who walks on crutches, then adds Jerry, who has MD and needs a wheelchair. But all of Dan’s walls begin to crack when he meets Connor. Without knowing what to do, and no idea how to express his feelings, even once he admits he has them, he figures their relationship is doomed before it even starts.
Connor is a carpenter and loves his work. His response to his parents being drug addicts and killing themselves with an overdose was to retreat into work. He never knew what a family was supposed to look like, and has no idea how to deal with being part of one, never mind a loving relationship, so he decides not to want any emotional entanglements. When he meets Dan and starts to work for him, making the house wheelchair accessible for Jerry, Connor is not only attracted to Dan, he wants more. He cannot express his feelings either (or rather, he does not want to risk it), and the two men almost drift apart once the work that brought them together is completed.
With two men dead-set on not falling in love, this must be one of the most difficult love stories I can think of. Dan has a big heart though, as proven by the way he relates to his kids, so there is hope for him. Connor may say he does not want a relationship, but he secretly keeps hoping anyway. And when he and Dan begin to figure out their feelings may be mutual, at least I had hope. It still took them long enough to get there, but considering their backgrounds, it is a miracle they made it at all!
If you want to find out how two emotionally challenged men deal with falling in love, if you liked the sense of family and love in the first three books, and if you’re looking for a deeply emotional, sometimes heartbreaking, and touching read, then you will probably like this novel. I adored it and hope there will be many more to come in this amazing series.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 15, 2014
2.5 stars - Sticky sweet, with very little plot. Gave me sugar overload. This seals it, Andrew Grey and I are not compatible. With his fan base, I don't think he'll miss me. Wish him all the best.
September 13, 2018
Ugh. It's fine. But it comes off very "After School Special/On A Very Special Episode". It is soooo saccharine and felt like I was reading a moralistic lecture. There is ZERO subtlety. It also manages to be very banal. I swear nothing happens. There's no excitement. I don't need an epic disaster but SOMETHING should grab my interest. I was also bothered by how easily the orphanage just handed the MC a kid. There's enough of a backstory & history that it's not *that* objectionable but it still unsettled me. Felt very much like "oh he's rich? He must be a great guy and capable parent, here's a kid." The romance is okay. Nice guys fall in love etc etc etc. Meh.
October 26, 2014
3.75 Stars.
Read
November 29, 2014REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Story 4 Stars
Narration 3 Stars
Overall 3.5 Stars
This is the fourth book in the Senses Series and one that is bound to pull on your heartstrings as it involves children who it seems nobody wants.
Connor is a carpenter and he knows firsthand how it feels not to be wanted by your family. He still wears his emotional scars, albeit buried, but when he does any work for the local children’s home they are brought to the forefront of his mind. He always tries to spend time with the children especially the ones that seem to never move on to their forever home.
Dan is also living with his childhood demons and is more determined than ever to succeed in life, he has worked hard building his business and wealth and now he is building himself a family. He has adopted Lila, a six year old girl who relies on crutches to walk and she has quickly become the most important person in his life. When he decides to adopt Jerry, who is confined to a wheelchair due to his terminal MD, his family is almost complete.
Dan meets Connor when he hires him to do some work in his home to accommodate the new requirements that having a wheelchair bound child make. There is a bit of misunderstanding between the two men initially and Connor is sure he doesn’t want the job but after his first visit to the house it is clear that he had the situation very wrong. He is left amazed at Dan’s compassion and love for his children.
Their working arrangement sees these two men slowly fall into a friendship that becomes more after a night of too much wine. They both obviously care a lot about the two children involved and Connor ends up spending more and more of his free time with this new family helping out and joining in their fun. It moves forward slowly as both men try to overcome their fear of commitment and love.
This is a feel good story. There is little angst but more a slow burn romance all about love and hope. You also get the chance to catch up with Ken and Patrick from Book 1.
My View – Narration:
Max Lehnen is not my favourite narrator. I often feel as though his voice is too old for the characters he is narrating. He speaks very clearly and is always very easy to understand, he just doesn’t make me interested.
Story 4 Stars
Narration 3 Stars
Overall 3.5 Stars
This is the fourth book in the Senses Series and one that is bound to pull on your heartstrings as it involves children who it seems nobody wants.
Connor is a carpenter and he knows firsthand how it feels not to be wanted by your family. He still wears his emotional scars, albeit buried, but when he does any work for the local children’s home they are brought to the forefront of his mind. He always tries to spend time with the children especially the ones that seem to never move on to their forever home.
Dan is also living with his childhood demons and is more determined than ever to succeed in life, he has worked hard building his business and wealth and now he is building himself a family. He has adopted Lila, a six year old girl who relies on crutches to walk and she has quickly become the most important person in his life. When he decides to adopt Jerry, who is confined to a wheelchair due to his terminal MD, his family is almost complete.
Dan meets Connor when he hires him to do some work in his home to accommodate the new requirements that having a wheelchair bound child make. There is a bit of misunderstanding between the two men initially and Connor is sure he doesn’t want the job but after his first visit to the house it is clear that he had the situation very wrong. He is left amazed at Dan’s compassion and love for his children.
Their working arrangement sees these two men slowly fall into a friendship that becomes more after a night of too much wine. They both obviously care a lot about the two children involved and Connor ends up spending more and more of his free time with this new family helping out and joining in their fun. It moves forward slowly as both men try to overcome their fear of commitment and love.
This is a feel good story. There is little angst but more a slow burn romance all about love and hope. You also get the chance to catch up with Ken and Patrick from Book 1.
My View – Narration:
Max Lehnen is not my favourite narrator. I often feel as though his voice is too old for the characters he is narrating. He speaks very clearly and is always very easy to understand, he just doesn’t make me interested.
November 18, 2014
4.5 stars The Blogger Girls
I am not a huge fan of books with children, but I am a fan of Andrew Grey, so I decided to give this one a go…and I am so glad I did. It was just the perfect combination of sweet and sorrow, joy and sadness. The many emotions that this story makes you feel is immense, but it ends on such a positive note that you close the book with a smile on your face and hope inside your heart.
Dan is a man who has it all: career, house, and wealth, but he is also a man who is still suffering from a horrendous childhood, and no matter how successful he’s become, he still feels as if he isn’t worthy of love. Dan was a throwaway, one of those kids whose parents should have been neutered. He’s left without any family to take him in and floundering through the foster care system.
But Dan has a heart the size of Canada, and as much as he was denied as a kid, he gives two-fold to his two disabled adopted children. This is a man that you can’t help but fall in love with…and as much as Connor didn’t want that, he did it anyway. Connor’s history is eerily similar to Dan, so once they got to know each other, they really didn’t need to explain in too much detail their feelings about their pasts because they already knew. Dan and Connor were two men who were meant for each other.
The children, Lila and Jerry, broke my heart. How sad for them to not only be disabled, but to not have a family either. Watching the lives of Dan and Connor, and Lila and Jerry, was very heartwarming. Having the added benefit of Wilson was just the icing on the cake. These are people you want to know and be friends with, these are people who have seen the worst of mankind but instead of digging a hole and drowning in a pity party, they get back up and create the life that they want. Simply put, this is a beautiful story of love, and acceptance, and a devotion to family. I highly recommend this story for those who want a feel good story, but don’t mind working for it.
I am not a huge fan of books with children, but I am a fan of Andrew Grey, so I decided to give this one a go…and I am so glad I did. It was just the perfect combination of sweet and sorrow, joy and sadness. The many emotions that this story makes you feel is immense, but it ends on such a positive note that you close the book with a smile on your face and hope inside your heart.
Dan is a man who has it all: career, house, and wealth, but he is also a man who is still suffering from a horrendous childhood, and no matter how successful he’s become, he still feels as if he isn’t worthy of love. Dan was a throwaway, one of those kids whose parents should have been neutered. He’s left without any family to take him in and floundering through the foster care system.
But Dan has a heart the size of Canada, and as much as he was denied as a kid, he gives two-fold to his two disabled adopted children. This is a man that you can’t help but fall in love with…and as much as Connor didn’t want that, he did it anyway. Connor’s history is eerily similar to Dan, so once they got to know each other, they really didn’t need to explain in too much detail their feelings about their pasts because they already knew. Dan and Connor were two men who were meant for each other.
The children, Lila and Jerry, broke my heart. How sad for them to not only be disabled, but to not have a family either. Watching the lives of Dan and Connor, and Lila and Jerry, was very heartwarming. Having the added benefit of Wilson was just the icing on the cake. These are people you want to know and be friends with, these are people who have seen the worst of mankind but instead of digging a hole and drowning in a pity party, they get back up and create the life that they want. Simply put, this is a beautiful story of love, and acceptance, and a devotion to family. I highly recommend this story for those who want a feel good story, but don’t mind working for it.
December 29, 2014
Loved it. It's Andrew Grey's book and it's always a great one
May 31, 2018
Why do I read any book by Andrew Grey. I should stop. Every time I end up cry big ugly tears. This time was no different. Why I even cried by the end of the second chapter. This book was so beautifully written that it made me read it twice. My favorite quote of the book was: “I know. I love you too.” Dan held him close without moving. “I know this is going to sound strange, but I like sitting and doing nothing with you.” Connor wasn’t sure what that meant. He looked at Dan with one raised eyebrow. “See, I knew it would be strange. But people fall in love and do all kinds of things together. They go places and make memories, see sights, take trips—all that stuff. But I think real love is sitting on the sofa in a quiet room and being happy simply because the other person is there. That’s what I feel with you. I’m happy to sit here and do nothing with you"
The kids made this book. Sweet little Jerry with so much sickness and a death that will come way to young was full of life and love. This book has become my favorite Andrew Grey book and I think maybe even my favorite book.
The kids made this book. Sweet little Jerry with so much sickness and a death that will come way to young was full of life and love. This book has become my favorite Andrew Grey book and I think maybe even my favorite book.
March 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
September 19, 2014
My heart broke while reading this. Broke.
Kids in stories make me melt. Then when I see MEN with kids?! There's no way to keep the smile off my face when I see that. However, kids with disabilities make my heart burst. They have to be the strongest people ever. I often say that there should be a rule against children getting sick. It makes me so sad to see kids going through something so heartbreaking when they are so young and just trying to live life.
In High School I volunteered in the MR/DD classroom all 4 years. I may not have been the one in the chair or in a walker, but I was right there when all the slurs started. I ignored it then, but I always saw who said it (I come from a small town and the school was even smaller, everybody knows everybody) and then I gave them a piece of my mind later. I've been in so many fights because I've stuck up for those kids and I don't regret a single moment of it. Kids are so cruel and I am betting even more so NOW than they were when I was in HS.
Jerry. Jerry gutted me. Man, I just want to give him a big ole' hug and never let him go.
Connor broke my heart, too. He just didn't know where he fit in. It was so sad to see him go through life, alone. However, I will say, Mr. Grey, that I was kind of offended when the 'hippie' part came in. Some of you know, through previous reviews, I was quite a party girl. I'm a hippie-a big ole liberal, out-spoken, feminist, tree hugger. I partied all the way until I found out I was pregnant and then stopped. I knew I had to grow up, but I will always be a hippie. Yes, I will eventually own a VW bus :) Most of us tree huggers are pretty good parents. Junkies might not be, but there's a difference between a junkie and a hippie.
Dan, well, I never got a good read on Dan. I mean, I liked him well enough, but I think something was missing.
I may not know a lot of foster kids, but there have been a couple. I could see the distance they put between themselves and everyone else. It was sad. I could see that in distance with Connor, but not Dan. Dan talked about being alone, but he had his work people, Wilson, the kids, etc. But Connor had Maggie and Gert, and that wasn't constant. He worked alone, lived alone, and was alone. There's a difference between being alone and lonely and I truly felt that Connor was lonely. I actually love being alone, but I'm not lonely. Connor was and you could see it.
I actually liked how Connor and Patrick met. Seemed real.
The Epilogue. Too sweet.
I love this series. Definitely one of my faves.
Kids in stories make me melt. Then when I see MEN with kids?! There's no way to keep the smile off my face when I see that. However, kids with disabilities make my heart burst. They have to be the strongest people ever. I often say that there should be a rule against children getting sick. It makes me so sad to see kids going through something so heartbreaking when they are so young and just trying to live life.
In High School I volunteered in the MR/DD classroom all 4 years. I may not have been the one in the chair or in a walker, but I was right there when all the slurs started. I ignored it then, but I always saw who said it (I come from a small town and the school was even smaller, everybody knows everybody) and then I gave them a piece of my mind later. I've been in so many fights because I've stuck up for those kids and I don't regret a single moment of it. Kids are so cruel and I am betting even more so NOW than they were when I was in HS.
Jerry. Jerry gutted me. Man, I just want to give him a big ole' hug and never let him go.
Connor broke my heart, too. He just didn't know where he fit in. It was so sad to see him go through life, alone. However, I will say, Mr. Grey, that I was kind of offended when the 'hippie' part came in. Some of you know, through previous reviews, I was quite a party girl. I'm a hippie-a big ole liberal, out-spoken, feminist, tree hugger. I partied all the way until I found out I was pregnant and then stopped. I knew I had to grow up, but I will always be a hippie. Yes, I will eventually own a VW bus :) Most of us tree huggers are pretty good parents. Junkies might not be, but there's a difference between a junkie and a hippie.
Dan, well, I never got a good read on Dan. I mean, I liked him well enough, but I think something was missing.
I may not know a lot of foster kids, but there have been a couple. I could see the distance they put between themselves and everyone else. It was sad. I could see that in distance with Connor, but not Dan. Dan talked about being alone, but he had his work people, Wilson, the kids, etc. But Connor had Maggie and Gert, and that wasn't constant. He worked alone, lived alone, and was alone. There's a difference between being alone and lonely and I truly felt that Connor was lonely. I actually love being alone, but I'm not lonely. Connor was and you could see it.
I actually liked how Connor and Patrick met. Seemed real.
The Epilogue. Too sweet.
I love this series. Definitely one of my faves.
September 21, 2014
I'm not sure anyone can break you heart with a book like Andrew Grey. Break your heart and then put it back together with so much love and care.
We start with a home for children nobody wants. Just that sentence... children nobody wants? Agh!
Conner is a carpenter and woodworking artist. He's doing some work at the home when he sees Dan return a little boy in a wheelchair. This child has MS and will never grow old but in Conner's mind he deserves all the happiness possible in the time he has left. Conner misinterprets Dan's actions and develops an immediate hate for anyone who would "return" a child like a badly made coffeepot.
Then Dan calls Conner to ask him to do some work on his house, to make it wheelchair accessible. Conner is shocked to discover the reason and his anger begins to melt away. Dan has already adopted a little girl who is using crutches to get around but is determined to get rid of them.
We get to see our old friends Patrick, the former opera star who lost his voice, and his partner Ken as well as their daughter Hanna. I was particularly glad to see Hanna, a child wise beyond her years who was very ill.
Dan and Conner have both been hurt in their childhoods. They are the kids no one wanted, too. It has made them close off their hearts to keep from being hurt again, but they are able to love children. Over time, and Mr. Grey lets this take time, as it should, they each begin to find that they can love another man, but it's a journey.
I cried while reading this book. Real tears. This is a book to savor but I couldn't put it down and read it straight though. Then I went back and reread it because I love the story and characters so much. I can't recommend Love Comes Around highly enough. It's a beautiful story and part of a touching series. Mr. Grey must have a huge heart to hold such stories as well as the ability to spin a tale that captures the reader and won't let go. Loved it. A must read.
We start with a home for children nobody wants. Just that sentence... children nobody wants? Agh!
Conner is a carpenter and woodworking artist. He's doing some work at the home when he sees Dan return a little boy in a wheelchair. This child has MS and will never grow old but in Conner's mind he deserves all the happiness possible in the time he has left. Conner misinterprets Dan's actions and develops an immediate hate for anyone who would "return" a child like a badly made coffeepot.
Then Dan calls Conner to ask him to do some work on his house, to make it wheelchair accessible. Conner is shocked to discover the reason and his anger begins to melt away. Dan has already adopted a little girl who is using crutches to get around but is determined to get rid of them.
We get to see our old friends Patrick, the former opera star who lost his voice, and his partner Ken as well as their daughter Hanna. I was particularly glad to see Hanna, a child wise beyond her years who was very ill.
Dan and Conner have both been hurt in their childhoods. They are the kids no one wanted, too. It has made them close off their hearts to keep from being hurt again, but they are able to love children. Over time, and Mr. Grey lets this take time, as it should, they each begin to find that they can love another man, but it's a journey.
I cried while reading this book. Real tears. This is a book to savor but I couldn't put it down and read it straight though. Then I went back and reread it because I love the story and characters so much. I can't recommend Love Comes Around highly enough. It's a beautiful story and part of a touching series. Mr. Grey must have a huge heart to hold such stories as well as the ability to spin a tale that captures the reader and won't let go. Loved it. A must read.
September 24, 2014
Ok...I have been a long time fan of Andrew Grey. I really liked the first in the senses series. However I need to get some insulin in me fast. Handicapped children, a butler, more saccharine than a Sweet & Low factory....does not a good novel make. Where is the Andrew Grey that wrote books that dealt with real life issues and weaved romance in them? This book is so formulaic, it isn't even funny. I think Mr Grey needs to re-read some of his older books. I am listening to 'Inside Out' on my I Pod....a story with interesting characters, conflict, and something unique. I love a HEA, but not at the expense of the story. I am only surprised there wasn't an abused puppy in the plot. you are better than this, Mr. Grey.
September 24, 2014
I love Andrew Grey and all his books so I liked the Dan and Connor's story too, but it not engaged me in deep way as others did. A bit flat, lacking of much magic, shine , warm...passion (do you remember Ken and Patrick's story?). Then, Love Comes Around is the second book where there are child with disease or handicap( true there was Hanna in the first too), very moving but ...I don't know ...it's confusing, because the subject of Senses series is very intense and serious but I thought was with adult protagonists especially, so ,sometimes the stories are overwhelming.
September 21, 2014
2.5 stars - Although I found Conner and Dan's relationship a bit lacking (mostly due to the slight but repetitive drama caused by each man's childhood), I did manage to enjoy the story and the family vibe throughout. I also found the scenes with the kids quite touching, especially those with Jerry.
September 21, 2014
3,5 stars
October 27, 2015
4.5 stars...
July 8, 2017
I skipped book 3 and went directly to this one, number 4.
I think I'm in a phase of my life when I don't want deep meaning, great hurdles or moments of personal revelations. I just want a story to progressively grow into a happy end. It soothes me that at least imaginary people in novels do get them.
And in that sense this series, no pun intended, delivers right on the spot.
The characters are nice, there's a feel of living family, the challenges of the outside world and society are barely touched. They are Robinson Crusoe stories of some people on a metaphorical paradise island, all alone. Which is another thing that really seems to work for me.
The one thing I did mine, though, was there artificial taste here and there. It's like the author insisted to do some dialogues and scenes by the book. And anybody who ever dated knows that there is no book.
To me this ticking off of a checklist cheapened the reading experience. How much I enjoy a book is directly linked to how well I can grow to relate to the characters. Their decisions, words, actions or lack thereof. When an author tries to push them towards artificial behaviour, that increases the distance between me, the reader, and the characters of the story, resulting in a decline of my enjoying the novel.
Otherwise this was a fun book to read.
I think I'm in a phase of my life when I don't want deep meaning, great hurdles or moments of personal revelations. I just want a story to progressively grow into a happy end. It soothes me that at least imaginary people in novels do get them.
And in that sense this series, no pun intended, delivers right on the spot.
The characters are nice, there's a feel of living family, the challenges of the outside world and society are barely touched. They are Robinson Crusoe stories of some people on a metaphorical paradise island, all alone. Which is another thing that really seems to work for me.
The one thing I did mine, though, was there artificial taste here and there. It's like the author insisted to do some dialogues and scenes by the book. And anybody who ever dated knows that there is no book.
To me this ticking off of a checklist cheapened the reading experience. How much I enjoy a book is directly linked to how well I can grow to relate to the characters. Their decisions, words, actions or lack thereof. When an author tries to push them towards artificial behaviour, that increases the distance between me, the reader, and the characters of the story, resulting in a decline of my enjoying the novel.
Otherwise this was a fun book to read.
July 21, 2018
WOW!!!!!! What an incredible book. It was the first one of the Senses series I read by Andrew Grey and i loved it. You cry, you laugh, and you feel love. So many feelings in one book and the chemistry between Connor and Dan was impeccable. I highly recommend this book. It makes you feel many emotions which I have found rare in many novels. Worth the read.
July 18, 2020
Enjoyed this one more than the previous but while I loved the story, there were a few things that felt unfinished or never communicated.
August 6, 2017
Dan is a carrying person and is building a loving family. Conner doesn't feel worthy and yet is a caring person as well willing to do battle for another. As they come together come together they become a huge force for good.
June 9, 2018
A little too sweet and angst free even for me. Though both men suffered from doubt regarding their worth, the story really didn't have much in the way of complications, and I think that is why I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have hoped. I did love the addition of children to the story.
July 30, 2017
DNF. Didn't care for writing style.
February 11, 2019
3.75 *
June 29, 2020
Book I have waited for so much in this series. Loved every second of it.
October 27, 2025
3.5 Stars
December 20, 2014
Full Review http://thebloggergirls.com/2014/11/28...
Dan Harrington is now a rich guy who wants to help kids who didn’t have a good life, kids who were “thrown away” like he was. He adopts a little girl and then later a little boy, both with disabilities and converts his house to accommodate their needs.
Connor O’Malley, who considers himself a “throw away”, volunteers his handyman/wood working skills at the Children’s Home where Dan’s kids were adopted from. Connor had a crush on Dan when they were teenagers, but Dan moved away before anything could ever come of it.
At first Connor sees Dan as a rich guy who is self-important and selfish when he misinterprets an event he witnesses at the Children’s Home, but he soon realizes Dan is anything but selfish.
Dan asks Connor to help him renovate his house for the kids partly because he’s the best wood worker in town, and partially because Dan has always had a crush on Connor.
There are some brief moments of angst and miscommunication between Dan and Connor, both thinking the other doesn’t like or is too good for the other, but mostly the story is about helping these two forming a relationship and helping to raise two disabled children.
**
Andrew Grey is hit or miss for me. I read the first two books in the series, those were about one MC who was blind and the other deaf and it was about them finding love despite their respective issues.
In this case the “issue” is really that neither Dan nor Connor feels they “deserve” love because of bad childhood experiences.
In Dan’s case, it kind of makes sense. In Connor’s… less so, but I can sort of see it.
I’m not sure how to rate this book. The story felt… off. Connor almost felt like a man with a learning disability. He was slow talking, off-putting, reclusive and socially inept. I really have no idea what Dan saw in him. Connor kept isolating himself and making assumptions about Dan that cast Dan in a bad light when Dan was never anything but a sterling guy.
The kids really stole the show. Their story was heartbreaking and it was hard reading about and loving Jerry, the boy with Muscular Dystrophy who wouldn’t be alive for more than a handful of pain filled years.
I appreciated that Dan had a total collapse due to his controlling ways, but never really saw him lean on Connor and utilize the support that Connor could provide to take some of the burden.
I would have loved to see Dan give some of the children’s care to Connor and have them form their relationship as a partnership, taking care of the children and each other. Instead they only connected in the most superficial of ways, sexually. It felt like Connor was always just on the outside, never really belonging to the family Dan had created.
I had enjoyed the first two books in the series and I have to say this is the worst of the three I have read.
I give the story a 2.5 of 5 stars.
Audio:
Max Lehnen did a nice job with the narration. He has a “country” type voice that suits the setting and the characters and I enjoyed his interpretation. He did a good job with separating the voices out and making each unique. The sound quality was good. I give the narration a 3 of 5 stars.
Though the narration was fine, it didn’t add enough to really make the story more entertaining, so I am sticking with an overall rating of 2.5 stars, it was okay, not bad, not good.
Overall Impression:
2.5 stars- It was okay.
Dan Harrington is now a rich guy who wants to help kids who didn’t have a good life, kids who were “thrown away” like he was. He adopts a little girl and then later a little boy, both with disabilities and converts his house to accommodate their needs.
Connor O’Malley, who considers himself a “throw away”, volunteers his handyman/wood working skills at the Children’s Home where Dan’s kids were adopted from. Connor had a crush on Dan when they were teenagers, but Dan moved away before anything could ever come of it.
At first Connor sees Dan as a rich guy who is self-important and selfish when he misinterprets an event he witnesses at the Children’s Home, but he soon realizes Dan is anything but selfish.
Dan asks Connor to help him renovate his house for the kids partly because he’s the best wood worker in town, and partially because Dan has always had a crush on Connor.
There are some brief moments of angst and miscommunication between Dan and Connor, both thinking the other doesn’t like or is too good for the other, but mostly the story is about helping these two forming a relationship and helping to raise two disabled children.
**
Andrew Grey is hit or miss for me. I read the first two books in the series, those were about one MC who was blind and the other deaf and it was about them finding love despite their respective issues.
In this case the “issue” is really that neither Dan nor Connor feels they “deserve” love because of bad childhood experiences.
In Dan’s case, it kind of makes sense. In Connor’s… less so, but I can sort of see it.
I’m not sure how to rate this book. The story felt… off. Connor almost felt like a man with a learning disability. He was slow talking, off-putting, reclusive and socially inept. I really have no idea what Dan saw in him. Connor kept isolating himself and making assumptions about Dan that cast Dan in a bad light when Dan was never anything but a sterling guy.
The kids really stole the show. Their story was heartbreaking and it was hard reading about and loving Jerry, the boy with Muscular Dystrophy who wouldn’t be alive for more than a handful of pain filled years.
I appreciated that Dan had a total collapse due to his controlling ways, but never really saw him lean on Connor and utilize the support that Connor could provide to take some of the burden.
I would have loved to see Dan give some of the children’s care to Connor and have them form their relationship as a partnership, taking care of the children and each other. Instead they only connected in the most superficial of ways, sexually. It felt like Connor was always just on the outside, never really belonging to the family Dan had created.
I had enjoyed the first two books in the series and I have to say this is the worst of the three I have read.
I give the story a 2.5 of 5 stars.
Audio:
Max Lehnen did a nice job with the narration. He has a “country” type voice that suits the setting and the characters and I enjoyed his interpretation. He did a good job with separating the voices out and making each unique. The sound quality was good. I give the narration a 3 of 5 stars.
Though the narration was fine, it didn’t add enough to really make the story more entertaining, so I am sticking with an overall rating of 2.5 stars, it was okay, not bad, not good.
Overall Impression:
2.5 stars- It was okay.
July 27, 2015
Der erfolgreiche Geschäftsmann Dan hat sich seinen Erfolg und sein Vermögen aus eigener Kraft erarbeitet. Und sein Weg als Heim- bzw. Pflegekind war wirklich sehr hart. Doch jetzt hat er es geschafft und er hat sich auch seinen Herzenswunsch erfüllt. Dan wünscht sich nicht mehr als eine Familie und hat zwei Kinder adoptiert. Beide Lila und Jerry sind körperlich beeinträchtigt. Kinder, deren Leben auch schon so schwer genug ist und die keiner haben will. Doch Dan will die Kinder haben und er liebt sie bedingungslos. Vor allem Jerry braucht Hilfe, denn der Junge leidet an einer unheilbaren Muskelkrankheit. Seine Lebensdauer ist auch nicht sehr hoch. Und trotzdem hat Dan diesem Kind ein Heim und eine Familie gegeben.
Doch auch wenn die Kinder sein Leben bereichern, ist Dan einsam. Ihm fehlt ein Lebenspartner. Da trifft er auf Connor. Ausgerechnet den Connor, für den er schon in der High School geschwärmt hat. Doch zu einem wirklichen Kontakt kam es nie und nach einem Jahr musste Dan Pleasanton wieder verlassen. Connor ist ein sehr distanzierter Mensch, der seine Umwelt meist auf Distanz hält. Er wurde früh eine Waise, doch seine Eltern waren sowieso nicht wirkliche Eltern, die ihm Halt im Leben gegeben haben. Beziehungen sind ihm fremd und sie ängstigen ihn auch. Doch Dan scheint anders zu sein. Connors Respekt für ihn wächst mit jeder Begegnung und er findet es unglaublich faszinierend wie sich der Geschäftsmann um seine Kinder bemüht und sich um sie sorgt. Gern wäre Connor Teil dieser Beziehung, doch er gehört eben nicht dazu.
Um Jerrys Leben in Dans Haus zu erleichtern, heuert Dan Connor an und dieser baut Dans Haus behindertengerecht um. Dabei treffen sie natürlich oft aufeinander und Dan, wie auch die Kinder gewöhnen sich schnell an den zurückhaltenden Connor. Der wird, ob er nun will oder nicht, doch Teil dieses Beziehungsgeflechts und auch wenn er arge Zweifel hegt, so erweist er sich als verlässlicher Freund und Partner, als Dan und seine Kinder Hilfe brauchen!
Connor ist ein sehr sprödes Pflänzchen, das viel Imput braucht. Doch von seinen Eltern enttäuscht, nachlässig behandelt und schliesslich alleine zurückgelassen sind seine Distanz und seine Skepsis absolut nachvollziehbar und verständlich. Dans Verhalten und bedingungslose Liebe für seine Adoptivkinder ringen ihm Respekt und auch so etwas wie Neid ab. Obwohl er sich zurücknimmt, ‘verschluckt’ ihn diese Familie irgendwann und Connor wird auch von den Kindern als selbstverständlich betrachtet. Mehr noch, Lila und Jerry scheuen sich nicht ihrer Zuneigung zu ihm zu zeigen.
Connor wie auch Dan sind zwei zerbrochene, aber auch zerbrechliche Männer. Doch siie haben überlebt und sind Kämpfer. Unterschiedlich gehen sie mit ihren Erwartungen und Bedürfnissen um. Connor ist da wirklich sehr vorsichtig, obwohl mir Dans Vergangenheit fast noch drastischer und trauriger erscheint. Doch Andrew Grey hat eine wundervolle und sehr berührende Geschichte um Liebe, Freundschaft, Vertrauen und Hingabe geschrieben. Eines meiner Lieblingsbücher des Autors!
Doch auch wenn die Kinder sein Leben bereichern, ist Dan einsam. Ihm fehlt ein Lebenspartner. Da trifft er auf Connor. Ausgerechnet den Connor, für den er schon in der High School geschwärmt hat. Doch zu einem wirklichen Kontakt kam es nie und nach einem Jahr musste Dan Pleasanton wieder verlassen. Connor ist ein sehr distanzierter Mensch, der seine Umwelt meist auf Distanz hält. Er wurde früh eine Waise, doch seine Eltern waren sowieso nicht wirkliche Eltern, die ihm Halt im Leben gegeben haben. Beziehungen sind ihm fremd und sie ängstigen ihn auch. Doch Dan scheint anders zu sein. Connors Respekt für ihn wächst mit jeder Begegnung und er findet es unglaublich faszinierend wie sich der Geschäftsmann um seine Kinder bemüht und sich um sie sorgt. Gern wäre Connor Teil dieser Beziehung, doch er gehört eben nicht dazu.
Um Jerrys Leben in Dans Haus zu erleichtern, heuert Dan Connor an und dieser baut Dans Haus behindertengerecht um. Dabei treffen sie natürlich oft aufeinander und Dan, wie auch die Kinder gewöhnen sich schnell an den zurückhaltenden Connor. Der wird, ob er nun will oder nicht, doch Teil dieses Beziehungsgeflechts und auch wenn er arge Zweifel hegt, so erweist er sich als verlässlicher Freund und Partner, als Dan und seine Kinder Hilfe brauchen!
Connor ist ein sehr sprödes Pflänzchen, das viel Imput braucht. Doch von seinen Eltern enttäuscht, nachlässig behandelt und schliesslich alleine zurückgelassen sind seine Distanz und seine Skepsis absolut nachvollziehbar und verständlich. Dans Verhalten und bedingungslose Liebe für seine Adoptivkinder ringen ihm Respekt und auch so etwas wie Neid ab. Obwohl er sich zurücknimmt, ‘verschluckt’ ihn diese Familie irgendwann und Connor wird auch von den Kindern als selbstverständlich betrachtet. Mehr noch, Lila und Jerry scheuen sich nicht ihrer Zuneigung zu ihm zu zeigen.
Connor wie auch Dan sind zwei zerbrochene, aber auch zerbrechliche Männer. Doch siie haben überlebt und sind Kämpfer. Unterschiedlich gehen sie mit ihren Erwartungen und Bedürfnissen um. Connor ist da wirklich sehr vorsichtig, obwohl mir Dans Vergangenheit fast noch drastischer und trauriger erscheint. Doch Andrew Grey hat eine wundervolle und sehr berührende Geschichte um Liebe, Freundschaft, Vertrauen und Hingabe geschrieben. Eines meiner Lieblingsbücher des Autors!
September 26, 2014
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Another book in a wonderful series that brings attention to those among us who live with disabilities, yet show courage and strength on a daily basis as they not only live with them, but they put the disabilities on the back burner and live a full, enriching life despite them.
Love finally comes around to Connor, a carpenter and skilled woodworker, who is hired to fit out the home of Dan Harrington, a wealthy land development executive, for Dan’s soon-to-be-adopted son, Jerry. At first, Connor is upset with Dan when Connor witnesses Dan returning Jerry to the orphanage after spending two weeks with him. Connor doesn’t even want to respond to Dan’s call for an estimate, but is very thankful that he decided to see what Dan had in mind. Connor not only gets to see what accommodations Dan wants made, but also gets the double reward of becoming Dan’s friend and experiencing what it’s like to build your own family.
Slowly, both Dan and Connor discover that they have a great deal in common, including having been “throwaways” as children, deserted by those who should have loved them unconditionally. Both men understand what it is for the children in the orphanage to know that they are rejected and unwanted by most prospective parents. And both men finally reveal their pasts to each other and start to form a bond of more than just sexual attraction.
When a crisis occurs and Dan needs help, Connor drops everything to go to him and support him and the children throughout that difficult period. And when it’s over, both men are left lonely and feeling abandoned when Connor returns to his own home. Connor assumed that he should go back to his own place because he knows Dan needs time with his family. It doesn’t take long, however, for Dan to come after him because the family Dan has begun to build, to create as his “family of the heart” is just not complete without Connor.
I really enjoyed this story, not only for the perspective it brings on what it’s like for the children who are considered “throwaways”, but also because it underlines the fact that we don’t all have the benefits of a “family of origin”. Sometimes we need to build our own families from the people we love. Family is what we make it, and as long as it’s full of warmth, caring and love, it’s everything we need.
I recommend this to fans of Andrew Grey, and to those who love a slow-building romance with strong characters who overcome life’s obstacles and find their HEA turns out to be everything they hoped for.
Another book in a wonderful series that brings attention to those among us who live with disabilities, yet show courage and strength on a daily basis as they not only live with them, but they put the disabilities on the back burner and live a full, enriching life despite them.
Love finally comes around to Connor, a carpenter and skilled woodworker, who is hired to fit out the home of Dan Harrington, a wealthy land development executive, for Dan’s soon-to-be-adopted son, Jerry. At first, Connor is upset with Dan when Connor witnesses Dan returning Jerry to the orphanage after spending two weeks with him. Connor doesn’t even want to respond to Dan’s call for an estimate, but is very thankful that he decided to see what Dan had in mind. Connor not only gets to see what accommodations Dan wants made, but also gets the double reward of becoming Dan’s friend and experiencing what it’s like to build your own family.
Slowly, both Dan and Connor discover that they have a great deal in common, including having been “throwaways” as children, deserted by those who should have loved them unconditionally. Both men understand what it is for the children in the orphanage to know that they are rejected and unwanted by most prospective parents. And both men finally reveal their pasts to each other and start to form a bond of more than just sexual attraction.
When a crisis occurs and Dan needs help, Connor drops everything to go to him and support him and the children throughout that difficult period. And when it’s over, both men are left lonely and feeling abandoned when Connor returns to his own home. Connor assumed that he should go back to his own place because he knows Dan needs time with his family. It doesn’t take long, however, for Dan to come after him because the family Dan has begun to build, to create as his “family of the heart” is just not complete without Connor.
I really enjoyed this story, not only for the perspective it brings on what it’s like for the children who are considered “throwaways”, but also because it underlines the fact that we don’t all have the benefits of a “family of origin”. Sometimes we need to build our own families from the people we love. Family is what we make it, and as long as it’s full of warmth, caring and love, it’s everything we need.
I recommend this to fans of Andrew Grey, and to those who love a slow-building romance with strong characters who overcome life’s obstacles and find their HEA turns out to be everything they hoped for.
September 14, 2014
Dan and Connor have similar pasts and want the same things in life. Both abandoned in one form or another when they were younger, all they want in life is that family they never had. A sense of stability, to find someone to love, and be loved unconditionally in return. Dan now owns a very successful business which affords him financial stability and the opportunity to give a home to a couple of ‘throwaway children’ that no one else wants, much like he was as a child. Connor as well runs his own business, but his wounds and distrust are far deeper rooted than Dan’s.
Misunderstandings keep them apart in the beginning, but a mutual admiration and attraction bring them together soon enough. They’ve known each other since high school, and both liked each other then as well, neither ever saying it out loud or acting on it. Could a chance encounter at the local orphanage and an opportunity of work result in the happiness they both so deserve? Or will Connor’s inability to trust, his feelings that he doesn’t deserve to be loved squash any hopes of a romance between them.
Just like all the other stories in this series, something is missing inside these men that force them to use something other than the usual senses to feel their way to each other. In this story Connor has to allow himself to use the sense of trust if he is ever going to be happy. Circumstance and life have caused him to doubt that sense for many years, but Dan will help him recognize and utilize it. Their family reminds me of the quilts that my grandmother used to make, every piece is different and unique, but they all blend together flawlessly in the end. Dan is the strength, Connor is the soul, their daughter is the heart, their son is the passion and the butler is the glue.
Grey has given us another great story to get lost in. This one made me laugh, cry and laugh while I was crying. And I have to tell you that laughter through tears is my favorite emotion, so I would highly recommend this read. Grey is a one click buy for me sight unseen, meaning I will buy his books without knowing what they are about, he is just that good. You have to add this one to your TBR list, but be sure you start at the beginning with Love Comes in Silence as each story is an addition to a family that starts there.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Misunderstandings keep them apart in the beginning, but a mutual admiration and attraction bring them together soon enough. They’ve known each other since high school, and both liked each other then as well, neither ever saying it out loud or acting on it. Could a chance encounter at the local orphanage and an opportunity of work result in the happiness they both so deserve? Or will Connor’s inability to trust, his feelings that he doesn’t deserve to be loved squash any hopes of a romance between them.
Just like all the other stories in this series, something is missing inside these men that force them to use something other than the usual senses to feel their way to each other. In this story Connor has to allow himself to use the sense of trust if he is ever going to be happy. Circumstance and life have caused him to doubt that sense for many years, but Dan will help him recognize and utilize it. Their family reminds me of the quilts that my grandmother used to make, every piece is different and unique, but they all blend together flawlessly in the end. Dan is the strength, Connor is the soul, their daughter is the heart, their son is the passion and the butler is the glue.
Grey has given us another great story to get lost in. This one made me laugh, cry and laugh while I was crying. And I have to tell you that laughter through tears is my favorite emotion, so I would highly recommend this read. Grey is a one click buy for me sight unseen, meaning I will buy his books without knowing what they are about, he is just that good. You have to add this one to your TBR list, but be sure you start at the beginning with Love Comes in Silence as each story is an addition to a family that starts there.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews