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Skyewards
UK – 1985
James MacKay seems to have everything one could wish for: a well-paying job as one of London’s ‘City Boys’, a fancy flat in Chelsea, a beautiful girlfriend. But his heart is aching for something else entirely – or rather someone.
Twelve years ago, he had to leave his home on the Isle of Skye, fleeing to London after being disowned by his homophobic father.
However, he didn't only leave behind the breathtaking wilderness and solitude of Skye, but also his best friend, the boy he lost his heart to, Kieran Brodie.
Kieran is perfectly content with his life as a fisherman on Skye, with his large family, and the orange tabby cat he shares his little cottage with. He isn’t lacking anything, despite his Ma’s constant nagging to finally get married; or so he thinks.
Until Jamie, his childhood best friend, shows up again to attend his father’s funeral – and old feelings resurface.
All James ever wanted is to be with Kieran, but Kieran first has to figure out in what way he wants Jamie…
[Skyewards is a second chance slow burn sweet romance novella with ace representation, containing period-typical homophobic slurs and mentions of HIV/ AIDS]
James MacKay seems to have everything one could wish for: a well-paying job as one of London’s ‘City Boys’, a fancy flat in Chelsea, a beautiful girlfriend. But his heart is aching for something else entirely – or rather someone.
Twelve years ago, he had to leave his home on the Isle of Skye, fleeing to London after being disowned by his homophobic father.
However, he didn't only leave behind the breathtaking wilderness and solitude of Skye, but also his best friend, the boy he lost his heart to, Kieran Brodie.
Kieran is perfectly content with his life as a fisherman on Skye, with his large family, and the orange tabby cat he shares his little cottage with. He isn’t lacking anything, despite his Ma’s constant nagging to finally get married; or so he thinks.
Until Jamie, his childhood best friend, shows up again to attend his father’s funeral – and old feelings resurface.
All James ever wanted is to be with Kieran, but Kieran first has to figure out in what way he wants Jamie…
[Skyewards is a second chance slow burn sweet romance novella with ace representation, containing period-typical homophobic slurs and mentions of HIV/ AIDS]
- GenresRomance
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
About the author
Caleb L. Ambrose
4 books16 followersAuthor also writes as C.L. Ambrose
About the author: Caleb is a queer author of LGBTQ+ slow burn sweet romances. Encouraged by their schoolteachers, they have been writing fictional stories from an early age on. Although first choosing an entirely different career path to make a living, involving numbers and statistics rather than words and books, now they want to make this childhood dream become a reality.
About the author: Caleb is a queer author of LGBTQ+ slow burn sweet romances. Encouraged by their schoolteachers, they have been writing fictional stories from an early age on. Although first choosing an entirely different career path to make a living, involving numbers and statistics rather than words and books, now they want to make this childhood dream become a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 22, 2025
Gosh, this story was utterly romantic and sweetly charming. James and Kieran, friends since they were four, the way this story is paced telling their tale of friends to lovers with a second chance at being together, just put a smile in my face.
It’s a novella but it’s perfectly complete and while I would love to keep getting glimpses into these characters lives nothing feels left unfinished. Those epilogues were beautiful. I think one of my favourite parts in the book is the complete lack of drama around the bone deep acceptance these two have for each other. And while there are sensitive themes they are so beautifully handled by the author with this gentle swaying emotion to buoy you as you are taken on this journey of James and Kieran finding their way to each other.
If you are in the mood for an emotional, swoony, romantic love story with brilliant ace rep, second chances, lovely pining and best friends to lovers I highly recommend giving this a go, I think you’ll love it.
It’s a novella but it’s perfectly complete and while I would love to keep getting glimpses into these characters lives nothing feels left unfinished. Those epilogues were beautiful. I think one of my favourite parts in the book is the complete lack of drama around the bone deep acceptance these two have for each other. And while there are sensitive themes they are so beautifully handled by the author with this gentle swaying emotion to buoy you as you are taken on this journey of James and Kieran finding their way to each other.
If you are in the mood for an emotional, swoony, romantic love story with brilliant ace rep, second chances, lovely pining and best friends to lovers I highly recommend giving this a go, I think you’ll love it.
October 1, 2025
4.5 stars
This was my first book from C.L. Ambrose and I loved it, a very romantic story set on the Isle of Skye (Scotland).
The author has a way to describe the surroundings that honestly made me want to jump on a plane and go there, the whole small town vibe was described perfectly.
The period is not one of the most accepting for queer people, on the contrary, without the internet resources and the spreading of AIDS, it was a very difficult time.
Kieran and James were childhood best friends, they had an instant connection in kindergarten and they were inseparable since then. During the years, James realised his feelings for Kieran went beyond friendship and, when he was about to turn 18 and move away for University, he wrote a letter to Kieran when he confessed his feelings. Sadly, the letter was found out by James' father, a very homophobic man, who didn't hesitate to kick his own son out of his home.
That event was the beginning of their 12 years of separation.
James will make a life for himself in London: a well paid job, an open relationship with a nice woman, and a best friend with benefits, David (who's wonderful, by the way).
But despite him apparently having everything, James is lonely, his life is meaningless and he's incapable of loving anyone, because his heart has always belonged to Kieran.
So, the journey back to Skye, through the feelings of nostalgia and wistfulness, will also be a journey back to Kieran, to their friendship and their connection.
Kieran has lived a simple life: he's a fisherman like his father and his brothers, he renovated a little nice cottage that, for a while, he shared with his girlfriend, now turned best friend.
Kieran never felt like he would fit, he struggled with his lack of physical response around James and he always thought he would never be enough for anyone.
I adored how James and Kieran openly talked about their feelings, their fears, their emotions. I loved that they started a relationship slowly and that they were very understanding about each other: James truly accepted Kiernan’s sexuality and Kiernan respected James’ need to take his time to sort out his life in London.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I have conflicted feelings for James' mom. While I understand that she couldn't go against his husband, it's also undeniable that she didn't support her son like she should have. Her apologies to him seemed just shallow and late.
The author promised to write bonus scenes about James and Kiernan and I look forward to reading them.
I also strongly hope David will have his HEA soon, because he deserves all the love.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
This was my first book from C.L. Ambrose and I loved it, a very romantic story set on the Isle of Skye (Scotland).
The author has a way to describe the surroundings that honestly made me want to jump on a plane and go there, the whole small town vibe was described perfectly.
The period is not one of the most accepting for queer people, on the contrary, without the internet resources and the spreading of AIDS, it was a very difficult time.
Kieran and James were childhood best friends, they had an instant connection in kindergarten and they were inseparable since then. During the years, James realised his feelings for Kieran went beyond friendship and, when he was about to turn 18 and move away for University, he wrote a letter to Kieran when he confessed his feelings. Sadly, the letter was found out by James' father, a very homophobic man, who didn't hesitate to kick his own son out of his home.
That event was the beginning of their 12 years of separation.
James will make a life for himself in London: a well paid job, an open relationship with a nice woman, and a best friend with benefits, David (who's wonderful, by the way).
But despite him apparently having everything, James is lonely, his life is meaningless and he's incapable of loving anyone, because his heart has always belonged to Kieran.
So, the journey back to Skye, through the feelings of nostalgia and wistfulness, will also be a journey back to Kieran, to their friendship and their connection.
Kieran has lived a simple life: he's a fisherman like his father and his brothers, he renovated a little nice cottage that, for a while, he shared with his girlfriend, now turned best friend.
Kieran never felt like he would fit, he struggled with his lack of physical response around James and he always thought he would never be enough for anyone.
I adored how James and Kieran openly talked about their feelings, their fears, their emotions. I loved that they started a relationship slowly and that they were very understanding about each other: James truly accepted Kiernan’s sexuality and Kiernan respected James’ need to take his time to sort out his life in London.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I have conflicted feelings for James' mom. While I understand that she couldn't go against his husband, it's also undeniable that she didn't support her son like she should have. Her apologies to him seemed just shallow and late.
The author promised to write bonus scenes about James and Kiernan and I look forward to reading them.
I also strongly hope David will have his HEA soon, because he deserves all the love.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
May 27, 2025
Going into this book, I was already a fan of the author. Now having read this beautiful piece of fiction, I think | consider myself a super fan.
Ambrose has a way of transporting readers to places they've never been while making the scenery visually accessible through their carefully crafted Words. This book will transport you from London to the Isle of Skye, back to London, and then... again, no spoilers.
I couldn't help but feel for James from the very first chapter. He starts out as sort of an antihero who I rooted for the whole way through. | longed for him to find his HEA. From page to page, | Watched him grow into Someone his Chapter 1 self Wouldn't even recognize. His story is heartbreaking yet heart healing at the same time. Many will relate and understand how he's become the man he has.
And Kieran. oh, my Kieran. How I Love him so. His growth is just as profound as he navigates his asexuality. Witnessing his are was breathtaking, and | cried literal tears for him.
In closing, 'll read this novella time and time again. I can't wait to see what else the author has in Store for their readers.
Ambrose has a way of transporting readers to places they've never been while making the scenery visually accessible through their carefully crafted Words. This book will transport you from London to the Isle of Skye, back to London, and then... again, no spoilers.
I couldn't help but feel for James from the very first chapter. He starts out as sort of an antihero who I rooted for the whole way through. | longed for him to find his HEA. From page to page, | Watched him grow into Someone his Chapter 1 self Wouldn't even recognize. His story is heartbreaking yet heart healing at the same time. Many will relate and understand how he's become the man he has.
And Kieran. oh, my Kieran. How I Love him so. His growth is just as profound as he navigates his asexuality. Witnessing his are was breathtaking, and | cried literal tears for him.
In closing, 'll read this novella time and time again. I can't wait to see what else the author has in Store for their readers.
July 1, 2025
🌈ARC REVIEW🌈
One of the things I appreciate about Caleb L. Ambrose's writing is the soft quietude of it. Their stories are filled with strong emotions transmitted in a calm way, which make each conflict punch you in the gut with its strength without the necessity to be extra-dramatic. This novella made me cry and I love that it wasn't because of the ott drama, but from the realness and the depth.
It's set in 1985, but there's a serie of flashbacks in which we learn about Kieran's and James's relationship. We all know the 80s weren't the most queer-friendly times of all (hell, not even now are we living the most queer-friendly times either). We witness James being kicked out of his home in Skye, how he confesses his love for Keiran, how he comes back to Skye for his father's funeral after 10 years being away, his reunion with Kieran, and some other painful moments.
I LOVED the asexual rep. Kieran is a sex-averse asexual in a time when that wasn't even a concept you could find anywhere so you'd be able to understand yourself. James offers him so much understanding and love and support, just like that, without question. It's a beautiful portrayal of love and a romantic non-sexual relationship, especially in a MM romance space filled with sexual intimacy (even asexual rep is usually demisexual rep, so we get our MCs being intimate).
Look, I'm a horndog, I love my erotic romances, but I'm also a sucker for the soft gentle romance without the sex. It's not necessary for me to enjoy a book. And I thouroughly enjoyed this one. In fact, I inhaled it in one sitting.
One of the things I appreciate about Caleb L. Ambrose's writing is the soft quietude of it. Their stories are filled with strong emotions transmitted in a calm way, which make each conflict punch you in the gut with its strength without the necessity to be extra-dramatic. This novella made me cry and I love that it wasn't because of the ott drama, but from the realness and the depth.
It's set in 1985, but there's a serie of flashbacks in which we learn about Kieran's and James's relationship. We all know the 80s weren't the most queer-friendly times of all (hell, not even now are we living the most queer-friendly times either). We witness James being kicked out of his home in Skye, how he confesses his love for Keiran, how he comes back to Skye for his father's funeral after 10 years being away, his reunion with Kieran, and some other painful moments.
I LOVED the asexual rep. Kieran is a sex-averse asexual in a time when that wasn't even a concept you could find anywhere so you'd be able to understand yourself. James offers him so much understanding and love and support, just like that, without question. It's a beautiful portrayal of love and a romantic non-sexual relationship, especially in a MM romance space filled with sexual intimacy (even asexual rep is usually demisexual rep, so we get our MCs being intimate).
Look, I'm a horndog, I love my erotic romances, but I'm also a sucker for the soft gentle romance without the sex. It's not necessary for me to enjoy a book. And I thouroughly enjoyed this one. In fact, I inhaled it in one sitting.
May 21, 2025
SKYEWARDS is a wonderful novella with such important ace representation. Kieran, one of the main characters, is homoromantic asexual man living in a small town on an island (Skye) in Scotland during the 1980s, when there was no internet, no way of finding any sort of ace community that you'd see nowadays. He falls in love with his childhood best friend Jamie, who also falls for him, but circumstances set them apart - until they meet again 12 years later. It's wonderful to see how these young men reconnect and learn more about each other! Throughout this book there's sort of a dual timeline - the "current" timeline being the 1980s while every couple chapters we get a flashback to before Jamie left Skye.
Especially what's wonderful about this story is reading the journey of how Kieran discovers himself and finds love with someone that understands him. Kieran may be ace, but Jamie is allosexual. But this book shows how intimacy and love come in many forms, and is just as valid as any other.
The setting is also so beautiful! I want to go visit this place myself if I ever had the chance, a small picturesque fishing town. So lovely! Check out this book if you love sweet romances, for sure! 💕
Especially what's wonderful about this story is reading the journey of how Kieran discovers himself and finds love with someone that understands him. Kieran may be ace, but Jamie is allosexual. But this book shows how intimacy and love come in many forms, and is just as valid as any other.
The setting is also so beautiful! I want to go visit this place myself if I ever had the chance, a small picturesque fishing town. So lovely! Check out this book if you love sweet romances, for sure! 💕
July 8, 2025
This is a delightful and wholesome novella with a second chance at first love. James and Kieran have such a beautiful deep unconditional acceptance of each other. Its wonderful to read about their relationship dynamics from a time when being queer was not as acceptable, and asexuality wasn't a known term with a community of support and understanding. While this is a wholesome and sweet story, it also tackles some heavier topics in a way that felt realistic and authentic and gave the characters more depth.
My heart really went to Kieran who didn't understand why he was the way he was and his fears over being accepted, and to James whose family weren't supportive of him (or outright hostile in the case of his father). It's so much more than a romance but a journey they both go on of self acceptance, being comfortable in their identities, and finding a home with each other.
Tropes
- Third person Dual POV
- Second chance
- Small town
- Historical (70s-80s)
- First loves
- Childhood friends to lovers
My heart really went to Kieran who didn't understand why he was the way he was and his fears over being accepted, and to James whose family weren't supportive of him (or outright hostile in the case of his father). It's so much more than a romance but a journey they both go on of self acceptance, being comfortable in their identities, and finding a home with each other.
Tropes
- Third person Dual POV
- Second chance
- Small town
- Historical (70s-80s)
- First loves
- Childhood friends to lovers
June 23, 2025
Skyewards is a beautifully written historical queer romance. Being queer in the 70s and 80s was not generally accepted. And our MMC James is sadly outed in the worst way at not quite 18 years old. He's grown up on the Isle of Skye and finds himself in love with his best friend (and other MMC) Kieran.
These characters maneuvering through their own sexualities and the time period is often heartbreaking. And the author has done a terrific job making this believable and authentic. The queer representation presented through James and Kieran isn't given specific labels (we didn't have the language in the 80s that we do now to label everything), but readers are along for this discovery and the incredible message of love.
If you are ready for a moving, diverse love story filled with a range of raw emotion, forgiveness, discovery, and true love, get this novella!
Open door spice level: 🌶️ (1/5)
These characters maneuvering through their own sexualities and the time period is often heartbreaking. And the author has done a terrific job making this believable and authentic. The queer representation presented through James and Kieran isn't given specific labels (we didn't have the language in the 80s that we do now to label everything), but readers are along for this discovery and the incredible message of love.
If you are ready for a moving, diverse love story filled with a range of raw emotion, forgiveness, discovery, and true love, get this novella!
Open door spice level: 🌶️ (1/5)
September 16, 2025
This was a beautiful story of two friends who fell in love with one another at the wrong time. After being separated for twelve years Jamie finds his way back to Kieran and it was so 🥹 ugh.
It was interesting to read a queer book based in the 80s. It focused on some of the issues men would have faced in those times, such as the topic of HIV and and how homosexuality was talked about in such homophobic ways, even if they meant no harm by it.
This book also has an Ace rep that was very well done. Seeing the internal struggle Kieran had, thinking there was something wrong with him. Especially because in the 80s the concept of not wanting to be sexually active wasn’t really talked about, or labelled as such.
Mostly though the interactions between the two MCs were just gentle and loving, and that came across perfectly.
It was interesting to read a queer book based in the 80s. It focused on some of the issues men would have faced in those times, such as the topic of HIV and and how homosexuality was talked about in such homophobic ways, even if they meant no harm by it.
This book also has an Ace rep that was very well done. Seeing the internal struggle Kieran had, thinking there was something wrong with him. Especially because in the 80s the concept of not wanting to be sexually active wasn’t really talked about, or labelled as such.
Mostly though the interactions between the two MCs were just gentle and loving, and that came across perfectly.
November 5, 2025
So to get this of my chest. How dare this book make my desire to travel to Scotland again grow even more? Phew. So we’re was I?
As it is this book is beautifully written. Cinematic in a way. So much so that it felt like you could hear the Sea and feel the wind rustling through the meadows.
Even though time line jumps in a story are not my favorite for personal and practical reasons, I actually didn’t mind them here. The jumps were clear and the chapters worthwhile and short enough that it was easy to follow.
Jamie’s and Kieran’s story losing and finding a way back to each other was heartbreaking as it was inevitable. I loved how the struggles they faced felt real and grounded.
C. L. Ambrose takes us on a nice trip that I wouldn’t mind going on again
June 21, 2025
This was a beautiful story mainly set in the mid 1980's , of a rekindling of a best friends and more relationship between Kieran and James after 12 years apart. The descriptions of both location and the characters thoughts and feelings are so lovely, as I have found with this author's writing previously.
The portrayal of Kieran's asexuality was done so well, with him progressing from thinking there is something inherently wrong with him to finally feeling understood and lovable.
This novella was well worth the read and although dealt with some tough topics was still interesting and romantic.
The portrayal of Kieran's asexuality was done so well, with him progressing from thinking there is something inherently wrong with him to finally feeling understood and lovable.
This novella was well worth the read and although dealt with some tough topics was still interesting and romantic.
July 1, 2025
Skyewards is a sweet second chance romance with delightful asexual representation. I loved the nostalgic vibes when James and Kieran fall right back into their old friendship and reminisce about their childhood. This story emphasizes healthy and open communication between partners, friends, and even exes. On the subject of communication, I did feel that Skyewards tends to overexplain dialogue at times.
Thanks so much to the author for a chance to read this ARC! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Thanks so much to the author for a chance to read this ARC! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
June 13, 2025
I would love to visit Isle of Skye 🌸
This novella is really good. To be able to follow Kieran through his self-discovery as an ace person was beautiful. I love how we get to see that love really comes in so many different forms and they are all just as valid! I’m so happy that Jamie and Kieran got to feel the love from each other ❤️
This novella is really good. To be able to follow Kieran through his self-discovery as an ace person was beautiful. I love how we get to see that love really comes in so many different forms and they are all just as valid! I’m so happy that Jamie and Kieran got to feel the love from each other ❤️
July 5, 2025
4.5 stars. A very complete and satisfying novella. The time the main plot was set, and the flashbacks to James/Jimmy/Jamie and Kieran at various times when they were younger were well written and very meaningful. The asexual representation at a time when no one knew anything about that was excellent, and I loved how Jamie had no problems accepting it.
July 24, 2025
Like all books by this author, I enjoyed this a lot! Loved especially Kieran, he is so precious 🩷
June 14, 2025
Beautiful story set mostly in the 1980s. I particularly like the way the asexual character struggles to understand his own sexuality, during a time without internet when “asexual” wasn’t a term yet. At least I hadn’t heard of it back then, just “frigid” for females who didn’t want sex.
August 5, 2025
This was the first book I read by this author, and as a novella, without smut, it's not my typically spicy read. But I kept seeing this book on my FYP and it seemed like such a sweet heartwarming story. That I had to read it, and I am so glad I did. Because this novella is amazing, it is as sweet and heartwarming as I thought. And while I would love to read more about these two, the book feels complete <3
Jamie and Kieran are so good together, I love what a sweet, drama free love these two share. And I love queer historic romances, but too often the acceptance is too much, too soon. In times when that sadly wasn't the case. But not with Skyewards, as sad as James' situation is I love how well portrayed it is. As is the A-sexual rep, the reason there is no smut.
Jamie and Kieran are so good together, I love what a sweet, drama free love these two share. And I love queer historic romances, but too often the acceptance is too much, too soon. In times when that sadly wasn't the case. But not with Skyewards, as sad as James' situation is I love how well portrayed it is. As is the A-sexual rep, the reason there is no smut.
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