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Unexpected Love #3
The Call of Azure
Gabriel
I can do this.
Lots of people have hookups rather than relationships. I mean, I’ve had them in the past, I just didn’t realize that’s what they were at the time. It’s not my fault that I assumed those encounters were going to turn into something more even though the men I was with didn’t end up feeling the same.
Tonight, I’m not going to let myself fall into old patterns, and nothing is going to change my mind. I’m going to completely forget that I believe in love. I have a job I enjoy, my performance art, and friends that would burn down the world for me - even if I do worry sometimes that one of these days they’ll finally leave me too.
Tonight is the start of a new life and a new me. No prince charming required.
Yep…I can do this.
Liam
There was a time not all that long ago when I felt lost and out of control. Like the world surrounding me wasn’t real, and I wasn’t sure how to survive in it after all that I’d seen. These days, things are a bit better. I have my bakery where my work is repetitive and focused. One step after the other, the same steps as yesterday, the same steps tomorrow. It’s calm and consistent and ordered. I need that. Still, there are moments it’s not enough. That’s okay though, because when even the bakery won’t calm me, the water will.
I’ve always felt a sense of peace when I’m near the water. I lose myself under the surface or sit and listen to the waves and wonder if my heart and mind will ever manage to settle. If I’m still capable of joy and love and peace. If I’ll ever really find a way to belong in this world. Or if memories and emotions will push and pull like the endless turning of the tide until the sharp edges of pain and loss that have shaped so much of my life are worn smooth and there is nothing left of me but a pebble tossed up on the shore.
The Call of Azure is a 100000 word, MM, slow burn, contemporary romance filled with found family, mutual pining, snark and sass, fake swears, a feisty dog, soup, performance art, and of course a HEA. There is also just the tiniest bit of unexplained magic that is deliberately open to reader interpretation.Unexpected Love
A Trilogy
This contemporary romance series consists of three novels. Each book follows a different couple, but there are cameos/minor overlapping plots. They are meant to be read as a series rather than as stand alone books.
While each couple gets a hard-earned HEA, there is plenty of angst and heartbreak along the way.
As each couple is unique, the levels of angst vs. humor will vary with each book.
I can do this.
Lots of people have hookups rather than relationships. I mean, I’ve had them in the past, I just didn’t realize that’s what they were at the time. It’s not my fault that I assumed those encounters were going to turn into something more even though the men I was with didn’t end up feeling the same.
Tonight, I’m not going to let myself fall into old patterns, and nothing is going to change my mind. I’m going to completely forget that I believe in love. I have a job I enjoy, my performance art, and friends that would burn down the world for me - even if I do worry sometimes that one of these days they’ll finally leave me too.
Tonight is the start of a new life and a new me. No prince charming required.
Yep…I can do this.
Liam
There was a time not all that long ago when I felt lost and out of control. Like the world surrounding me wasn’t real, and I wasn’t sure how to survive in it after all that I’d seen. These days, things are a bit better. I have my bakery where my work is repetitive and focused. One step after the other, the same steps as yesterday, the same steps tomorrow. It’s calm and consistent and ordered. I need that. Still, there are moments it’s not enough. That’s okay though, because when even the bakery won’t calm me, the water will.
I’ve always felt a sense of peace when I’m near the water. I lose myself under the surface or sit and listen to the waves and wonder if my heart and mind will ever manage to settle. If I’m still capable of joy and love and peace. If I’ll ever really find a way to belong in this world. Or if memories and emotions will push and pull like the endless turning of the tide until the sharp edges of pain and loss that have shaped so much of my life are worn smooth and there is nothing left of me but a pebble tossed up on the shore.
The Call of Azure is a 100000 word, MM, slow burn, contemporary romance filled with found family, mutual pining, snark and sass, fake swears, a feisty dog, soup, performance art, and of course a HEA. There is also just the tiniest bit of unexplained magic that is deliberately open to reader interpretation.Unexpected Love
A Trilogy
This contemporary romance series consists of three novels. Each book follows a different couple, but there are cameos/minor overlapping plots. They are meant to be read as a series rather than as stand alone books.
While each couple gets a hard-earned HEA, there is plenty of angst and heartbreak along the way.
As each couple is unique, the levels of angst vs. humor will vary with each book.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 13, 2025
From the first book I knew this series would be special, but with each new instalment it digs deeper into love, friendship, family, and the quiet ways people save each other. Gabriel and Liam’s story continues that beautifully.
I already knew I liked Gabriel from the previous instalments, but then came Liam. From the very first page, he completely stole my heart. Everyone sees this huge, muscly ex-military guy and assumes he’s confident, dominant, larger-than-life. But inside he’s shy, anxious, traumatised… a quiet baker who clings to his routines and doesn’t quite know how to fit in. That contradiction made me love him instantly. He was so precious, so tender, so much more than anyone expected - and I got protective of him right away.
Gabriel’s pain was different but just as sharp. Every man he’s ever dated has left him with the same damning words: “it’s not you, it’s me.” And he still can’t figure out what it is about him that makes people turn away. So he decides to stop letting anyone in, to keep his distance, to pretend he’s content on his own - because people only ever see the glitter anyway: his beauty, his charm, his energy. Never him. Never his depth, his ache, his loneliness beneath the sparkle and that felt incredibly relatable.
Still, I struggled with Gabriel a bit. Because while Liam bared his soul again and again, Gabriel kept those walls up until the very end. I wanted him to be more vulnerable, more honest, earlier, to meet Liam halfway. And when he ghosted him? Ouch. I just wanted to shake him and scream “don’t you see how much he deserves better?! How you deserve better?!” and get rid of the emotional imbalance I felt between them.
The book opens with a hot bathroom encounter, which honestly felt like a bit much for shy Liam (and for me as a reader). But fear not, this is just the prologue and what follows is very much a true slow burn full of care and comfort and quiet, understanding moments between two lost souls. The trust and feeling of being utterly safe between them was so, so moving. And their pining was palpable, neither of them believing they could ever be enough for the other, even though they are more than enough on their own and perfect together.
I did wish for a couple things: I wanted the scene of Liam watching Gabriel on the silks for the first time (I needed that wonder on page!). And when they finally sleep together, I wanted an explosion of feeling instead of the careful, almost rational decision we got. It made it feel a bit like two friends choosing sex rather than that delicious, inevitable snap of long-built tension - which might just be my preference.
Still, I highlighted half the book and there were so many absolutely beautiful scenes, that’ll stay with me. Like Liam’s first flashback and panic attack and the way Gabriel responded. And when Liam’s unusual hobby was revealed, it was so unexpected and such a perfect fit for him that I fell for him even more.
As in the previous books, the Seattle setting - especially the beaches - is beautifully described and so vividly written. I also loved how much focus the story gives to friendship and found family. And the shibari element was absolutely gorgeous; probably one of the best depictions of intimacy without sex and subspace I’ve ever read. Truly moving 🥹
So yes, I had some issues with Gabriel. But Liam, my sweet anxious baker, completely stole my heart. And the slow, careful way this book lets two people find safety in each other was absolutely beautiful.
Thank you to GRR for this ARC, this is my honest opinion!
I already knew I liked Gabriel from the previous instalments, but then came Liam. From the very first page, he completely stole my heart. Everyone sees this huge, muscly ex-military guy and assumes he’s confident, dominant, larger-than-life. But inside he’s shy, anxious, traumatised… a quiet baker who clings to his routines and doesn’t quite know how to fit in. That contradiction made me love him instantly. He was so precious, so tender, so much more than anyone expected - and I got protective of him right away.
Gabriel’s pain was different but just as sharp. Every man he’s ever dated has left him with the same damning words: “it’s not you, it’s me.” And he still can’t figure out what it is about him that makes people turn away. So he decides to stop letting anyone in, to keep his distance, to pretend he’s content on his own - because people only ever see the glitter anyway: his beauty, his charm, his energy. Never him. Never his depth, his ache, his loneliness beneath the sparkle and that felt incredibly relatable.
Still, I struggled with Gabriel a bit. Because while Liam bared his soul again and again, Gabriel kept those walls up until the very end. I wanted him to be more vulnerable, more honest, earlier, to meet Liam halfway. And when he ghosted him? Ouch. I just wanted to shake him and scream “don’t you see how much he deserves better?! How you deserve better?!” and get rid of the emotional imbalance I felt between them.
The book opens with a hot bathroom encounter, which honestly felt like a bit much for shy Liam (and for me as a reader). But fear not, this is just the prologue and what follows is very much a true slow burn full of care and comfort and quiet, understanding moments between two lost souls. The trust and feeling of being utterly safe between them was so, so moving. And their pining was palpable, neither of them believing they could ever be enough for the other, even though they are more than enough on their own and perfect together.
I did wish for a couple things: I wanted the scene of Liam watching Gabriel on the silks for the first time (I needed that wonder on page!). And when they finally sleep together, I wanted an explosion of feeling instead of the careful, almost rational decision we got. It made it feel a bit like two friends choosing sex rather than that delicious, inevitable snap of long-built tension - which might just be my preference.
Still, I highlighted half the book and there were so many absolutely beautiful scenes, that’ll stay with me. Like Liam’s first flashback and panic attack and the way Gabriel responded. And when Liam’s unusual hobby was revealed, it was so unexpected and such a perfect fit for him that I fell for him even more.
As in the previous books, the Seattle setting - especially the beaches - is beautifully described and so vividly written. I also loved how much focus the story gives to friendship and found family. And the shibari element was absolutely gorgeous; probably one of the best depictions of intimacy without sex and subspace I’ve ever read. Truly moving 🥹
So yes, I had some issues with Gabriel. But Liam, my sweet anxious baker, completely stole my heart. And the slow, careful way this book lets two people find safety in each other was absolutely beautiful.
“You did that too just now. When I was lost. You somehow felt like peace.”
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Spending time with him has changed me. He’s allowed me the chance to feel safe while being vulnerable. He’s told me I’m brave while I’ve been scared. He’s made me want to be stronger and more open and find a way to start actually living my life rather than simply existing in the world.
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
We watch as they laugh and kiss and wipe stray tears from the corners of their eyes. I watch as my family finally becomes whole. Each of us loved by another. Each of us loved by all.
I watch as my dreams come true.
Thank you to GRR for this ARC, this is my honest opinion!
September 17, 2025
This book was a little lighter than the others. Although they both still had issues that held them back from living their best lives and finding love.
Liam was an absolute teddy bear. He was so kind, considerate, and doted on Gabriel from the start. Despite his anxiety, he opened up to Gabriel time and time again.
I understand why Gabriel decided to stop trying to look for love. But when he met Liam again after their quick tryst and he realised his feelings, he panicked. Liam wore his heart on his sleeve; he made it clear that he wanted Gabriel and that he wanted Gabriel to be in control, to set the pace. But Gabriel kept his walls high, and I was a little bit (unintentionally) upset with him for hurting Liam. It was like he was refusing to listen to reason. I’m glad in the end that he took Ken’s advice and took a chance on love because they made the cutest couple.
My only niggle was the same as the last two. I love the detail and the depths the author goes to to bring you into the story, but the length of some of the inner monologues during conversations throws me off a bit.
Still, it was emotional, sweet, enjoyable, and I really want to watch their performance!
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
Liam was an absolute teddy bear. He was so kind, considerate, and doted on Gabriel from the start. Despite his anxiety, he opened up to Gabriel time and time again.
I understand why Gabriel decided to stop trying to look for love. But when he met Liam again after their quick tryst and he realised his feelings, he panicked. Liam wore his heart on his sleeve; he made it clear that he wanted Gabriel and that he wanted Gabriel to be in control, to set the pace. But Gabriel kept his walls high, and I was a little bit (unintentionally) upset with him for hurting Liam. It was like he was refusing to listen to reason. I’m glad in the end that he took Ken’s advice and took a chance on love because they made the cutest couple.
My only niggle was the same as the last two. I love the detail and the depths the author goes to to bring you into the story, but the length of some of the inner monologues during conversations throws me off a bit.
Still, it was emotional, sweet, enjoyable, and I really want to watch their performance!
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
September 20, 2025
This book is even more breathtakingly beautiful than I expected. (And after the previous books, I expected a lot.) I wanted to take it slow but ended up burning through it in less than two days. I couldn't put it down.
Reading this series, I wouldn't have thought Gabriel is the protagonist I would connect with the strongest. Not because I'm half as amazing and vibrant as he is (I wish!), but because he's always too much. Because of the walls he's built around himself. Because he tries so hard to be what others want him to be but that's still never enough.
As always, Rayne Hawthorne writes beautifully, in an ethereal and effortless way that gets me lost in their words. This book, as always, was an absolute pleasure to read.
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC.
Reading this series, I wouldn't have thought Gabriel is the protagonist I would connect with the strongest. Not because I'm half as amazing and vibrant as he is (I wish!), but because he's always too much. Because of the walls he's built around himself. Because he tries so hard to be what others want him to be but that's still never enough.
As always, Rayne Hawthorne writes beautifully, in an ethereal and effortless way that gets me lost in their words. This book, as always, was an absolute pleasure to read.
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC.
October 9, 2025
Absolutely loved Gabriel & Liam’s story! These two were both so broken in their own ways. And each never thought they would be able to find love. But boy were they wrong!! What a great way to end this series. But I’m definitely a little sad. Really loved all three books!
October 15, 2025
This is book 3 in the series, and while it's a standalone, it's so much better if read in order. Gabriel hurt my heart with how protective he thought he needed to be with his heart. Thankfully, the universe kept putting Liam in his path. Liam had his own troubles after being wounded in war. I couldn't get enough of watching these two build a friendship, then more. The description of their performance was so gorgeous, I wish I could have seen it. I also loved their friends, and seeing people from the previous books.
Then there is the series epilogue. Just reading the words of the section header made me break out in chills and get teary. The series is just so beautiful. I already own the first two in physical copies, and I will be ordering the third one. Thank you, Rayne, for these gorgeous stories.
Then there is the series epilogue. Just reading the words of the section header made me break out in chills and get teary. The series is just so beautiful. I already own the first two in physical copies, and I will be ordering the third one. Thank you, Rayne, for these gorgeous stories.
October 9, 2025
Beautiful ending to an emotional series!
"The world takes things from us all the time, but if you have a chance to know love, a real, honest chance, don’t take that away from yourself."
Where book one was a raging storm, The Call of Azure was more of a gentle crashing of waves. There was just something about Liam and Gabriel that felt so steady and almost soothing. We still got the intense emotions, and while it was in a much softer way, it was just as impactful. Liam is the very definition of a gentle giant. He's so pure and deserves to be cherished. Gabriel's built a hard shell around himself, but he's so soft and gooey on the inside. Both of these men are so precious and are total opposites. But they deserve the kind of love they find with each other, and I'm so delighted that I got to go on this journey with them.
"When I was lost. You somehow felt like peace.”
One of my favorite things about this series is the writing. Rayne's words and the imagery they provoke is so vivid and vibrant. They make me feel like I'm right there with the characters, experiencing things as they do. For every high and every low, it was like I was Liam or Gabriel, feeling their every emotion.
"I fly or fall or float, and it doesn’t even matter which it is because Gabriel will catch me."
It also helps that these characters are so relatable. From the overwhelming grief in book one, to the journey of self-discovery in book two, to the feelings of inadequacy and anxieties of book three, these stories put words to my own experiences in such a raw and graphic way. Gabriel and Liam are so different, but their experiences with relationships have left similar scars. Constantly being left behind has given them a need to protect themselves and left them feeling like they're not enough. It's heartbreaking but so, so real.
"With him, it felt like sharing breaths and heartbeats and consciousness. It felt like he handed me his soul and believed in my ability to protect it."
That same need makes their own relationship incredibly intimate. Trying not to act on their chemistry and their feelings helps them build a bond on vulnerability and trust. They let each other in so completely that by the time they acknowledge their feelings for each other, their foundation is already unshakeable. And when old fears start to creep in, they work through it together. Everything about that just made me so happy and I'm so glad they found each other.
"He’s safety and peace and home. He’s more a part of my soul than the sound of the tides and the embrace of the water."
This book was a beautiful ending to this series. It connected so many dots and really brought things full circle for this family. I loved revisiting Ethan, Blue, Namid, Jayce, Ken and Mar. Together they've grown and healed and built something truly magical. I'm sad that we're turning the page on their stories, but I'm very satisfied with the way it ended. If you haven't read these books yet, grab some tissues and prepare for an emotional ride that's absolutely worth it!
"The world takes things from us all the time, but if you have a chance to know love, a real, honest chance, don’t take that away from yourself."
Where book one was a raging storm, The Call of Azure was more of a gentle crashing of waves. There was just something about Liam and Gabriel that felt so steady and almost soothing. We still got the intense emotions, and while it was in a much softer way, it was just as impactful. Liam is the very definition of a gentle giant. He's so pure and deserves to be cherished. Gabriel's built a hard shell around himself, but he's so soft and gooey on the inside. Both of these men are so precious and are total opposites. But they deserve the kind of love they find with each other, and I'm so delighted that I got to go on this journey with them.
"When I was lost. You somehow felt like peace.”
One of my favorite things about this series is the writing. Rayne's words and the imagery they provoke is so vivid and vibrant. They make me feel like I'm right there with the characters, experiencing things as they do. For every high and every low, it was like I was Liam or Gabriel, feeling their every emotion.
"I fly or fall or float, and it doesn’t even matter which it is because Gabriel will catch me."
It also helps that these characters are so relatable. From the overwhelming grief in book one, to the journey of self-discovery in book two, to the feelings of inadequacy and anxieties of book three, these stories put words to my own experiences in such a raw and graphic way. Gabriel and Liam are so different, but their experiences with relationships have left similar scars. Constantly being left behind has given them a need to protect themselves and left them feeling like they're not enough. It's heartbreaking but so, so real.
"With him, it felt like sharing breaths and heartbeats and consciousness. It felt like he handed me his soul and believed in my ability to protect it."
That same need makes their own relationship incredibly intimate. Trying not to act on their chemistry and their feelings helps them build a bond on vulnerability and trust. They let each other in so completely that by the time they acknowledge their feelings for each other, their foundation is already unshakeable. And when old fears start to creep in, they work through it together. Everything about that just made me so happy and I'm so glad they found each other.
"He’s safety and peace and home. He’s more a part of my soul than the sound of the tides and the embrace of the water."
This book was a beautiful ending to this series. It connected so many dots and really brought things full circle for this family. I loved revisiting Ethan, Blue, Namid, Jayce, Ken and Mar. Together they've grown and healed and built something truly magical. I'm sad that we're turning the page on their stories, but I'm very satisfied with the way it ended. If you haven't read these books yet, grab some tissues and prepare for an emotional ride that's absolutely worth it!
September 28, 2025
This was a lovely story of two people falling in love whilst trying not to let their hearts run away with them.
Gabriel has sworn off love; everyone he falls for leaves him and he’s sick of the heartbreak. But when the universe keeps causing his path to cross with beautiful baker Liam, he can’t help but fall head over heels for the part-time merman.
Being a merman performer at the local aquarium is Liam’s way of escaping when life gets too much. He has PTSD from his time in the military and suffers from anxiety after growing up in foster care. When Gabriel, the man who Liam can’t get out of his mind, suggests doing an artistic performance with him, he is all to happy to help the bright, outgoing man whom he would love to spend more time with.
There was so much pining between these two, with both of them worried they weren’t good enough for the other. I loved the shibari scenes and the deep intimacy it fosters between the pair. It’s such a sweet, lovely story about healing and acceptance!
The reason it looses a star for me is my age-old bug bear… everyone say it together: INNER MONOLOGUING. So much of this book is inner monologue from the two characters, a lot of which I found repetitive (ie. They’d inner monologue their thoughts about scenes that we’ve just read about happening…). As always, if you like books where the characters inner monologue a lot you’re gonna love this. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just a personal dislike of mine and definitely doesn’t detract from how lovely the story is.
Read The Call of Azure for:
✨ Baker & part-time merman x performance artist
✨ PTSD & anxiety rep
✨ Lots of pining, some miscommunication
✨ The universe is pushing them together
✨ Cameos from characters in the series
✨ Dom/sub dynamics, shibari & ropework
✨ Side rep (at least on the page)
✨ An evil tiny dog called cupcake
Thank you to the author for an ARC! It’s available on the 9th October.
Gabriel has sworn off love; everyone he falls for leaves him and he’s sick of the heartbreak. But when the universe keeps causing his path to cross with beautiful baker Liam, he can’t help but fall head over heels for the part-time merman.
Being a merman performer at the local aquarium is Liam’s way of escaping when life gets too much. He has PTSD from his time in the military and suffers from anxiety after growing up in foster care. When Gabriel, the man who Liam can’t get out of his mind, suggests doing an artistic performance with him, he is all to happy to help the bright, outgoing man whom he would love to spend more time with.
There was so much pining between these two, with both of them worried they weren’t good enough for the other. I loved the shibari scenes and the deep intimacy it fosters between the pair. It’s such a sweet, lovely story about healing and acceptance!
The reason it looses a star for me is my age-old bug bear… everyone say it together: INNER MONOLOGUING. So much of this book is inner monologue from the two characters, a lot of which I found repetitive (ie. They’d inner monologue their thoughts about scenes that we’ve just read about happening…). As always, if you like books where the characters inner monologue a lot you’re gonna love this. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just a personal dislike of mine and definitely doesn’t detract from how lovely the story is.
Read The Call of Azure for:
✨ Baker & part-time merman x performance artist
✨ PTSD & anxiety rep
✨ Lots of pining, some miscommunication
✨ The universe is pushing them together
✨ Cameos from characters in the series
✨ Dom/sub dynamics, shibari & ropework
✨ Side rep (at least on the page)
✨ An evil tiny dog called cupcake
Thank you to the author for an ARC! It’s available on the 9th October.
October 16, 2025
3.5 star
This is the last book of Unexpected Love series, an emotional journey through love, acceptance and found family.
In this book Gabriel, Blue's best friend, finds his forever love with Liam.
They're perfect for each other: Gabriel is easy going, funny and chatty, while Liam i more reserved and shy. Gabriel loves to take control and be more dominant while Liam craves to let go and be taken care of.
I loved how they connected over their passions and their show together was very beautiful.
Unfortunately, Gabriel is determined to resist his feelings for Liam, because he's scared to be left alone again.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I didn't really connect with Gabriel. His reason to not date anymore were valid and he really tried to keep his relationship with Liam only in the friendship boundaries, without leading him on.
But after Liam poured his heart out and was so brave for asking what he needed, I felt that all his reasons made no sense anymore and he was just being stubborn. It was obvious that Liam was very different from all the men he dated before.
I didn't like that fate put that perfect wonderful man in front of him 4 times and he still couldn't gave their love a chance. Liam had to basically convince him to try.
Honestly there were times when I thought that Gabriel didn't deserve a sweet man like Liam.
Moreover, the inner monologues and all the description were too many and too long and I struggled to keep my attention to the story.
I'm sorry I couldn't appreciate this book more, but I genuinely like this author and I look forward to read more from her.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
This is the last book of Unexpected Love series, an emotional journey through love, acceptance and found family.
In this book Gabriel, Blue's best friend, finds his forever love with Liam.
They're perfect for each other: Gabriel is easy going, funny and chatty, while Liam i more reserved and shy. Gabriel loves to take control and be more dominant while Liam craves to let go and be taken care of.
I loved how they connected over their passions and their show together was very beautiful.
Unfortunately, Gabriel is determined to resist his feelings for Liam, because he's scared to be left alone again.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I didn't really connect with Gabriel. His reason to not date anymore were valid and he really tried to keep his relationship with Liam only in the friendship boundaries, without leading him on.
But after Liam poured his heart out and was so brave for asking what he needed, I felt that all his reasons made no sense anymore and he was just being stubborn. It was obvious that Liam was very different from all the men he dated before.
I didn't like that fate put that perfect wonderful man in front of him 4 times and he still couldn't gave their love a chance. Liam had to basically convince him to try.
Honestly there were times when I thought that Gabriel didn't deserve a sweet man like Liam.
Moreover, the inner monologues and all the description were too many and too long and I struggled to keep my attention to the story.
I'm sorry I couldn't appreciate this book more, but I genuinely like this author and I look forward to read more from her.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
September 4, 2025
This book is so good!! I think most people can find a little bit of themselves in either Gabriel or Liam. Compared to the other characters in this series I really felt like thier trauma and experiences were the most relatable. As usual for this series the language, the writing, and the overall intimacy of the story was amazing. The first shibari scene was so intense and written with so much emotion I felt like I was in the room with them.
I loved that both Liam and Gabriel just wanted the best for each other at the expense of themselves. They were both so selfless it was heartbreaking at times to see how they viewed themselves and knowing as the reader that's not at all what the other saw in them. The story is a slow slow burn because of this and I definitely had a few moments where I wanted to yell at both of them to get it together but the HEA was worth it! Also how can you stay frustrated with a character who refers to confessions of feelings as "heart ejaculations".
There were so many small sweet moments that if you blink you might miss but they were perfect and so important, like Liam whispering to Cupcake about taking care of Gabriel for him when he snuck out. Sweetness overload. The hurt/comfort here was also fan-fluffing-tastic. Both men got thier turn to be caretaker and I was living for it!
It was a perfect end to this series and we got a sweet Ken moment and a Namid POV series epilogue. Couldn't have asked for a better ending!
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I loved that both Liam and Gabriel just wanted the best for each other at the expense of themselves. They were both so selfless it was heartbreaking at times to see how they viewed themselves and knowing as the reader that's not at all what the other saw in them. The story is a slow slow burn because of this and I definitely had a few moments where I wanted to yell at both of them to get it together but the HEA was worth it! Also how can you stay frustrated with a character who refers to confessions of feelings as "heart ejaculations".
There were so many small sweet moments that if you blink you might miss but they were perfect and so important, like Liam whispering to Cupcake about taking care of Gabriel for him when he snuck out. Sweetness overload. The hurt/comfort here was also fan-fluffing-tastic. Both men got thier turn to be caretaker and I was living for it!
It was a perfect end to this series and we got a sweet Ken moment and a Namid POV series epilogue. Couldn't have asked for a better ending!
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
October 7, 2025
*arc review*
4.5/⭐️
1.5/🌶️
Of the 3 stories this was the most refreshing in a sense that I wasn’t hurting because of deep battles being fought internally. Which I needed because goodness i love me some broken boys but Gabriel was a fun ride and his with Liam was a great ending to the series.
Gabriel was hilarious and fun and just the vibrant best friend I would want in my life. Did I want to smack some sense into his stubborn little head? Yes. Yes I did. But that’s what I love about characters who have all the developmental traits of an interesting person.
Sweet. Sweet Liam. I love this man. All he needed was a good squeeze to start to feel some things it seems. He was quiet and truly living in his one mind, but when he found someone, he held them and high and loved them hard.
The magic that this story brought to my imagination was a trip. It was so fun to just imagine what their show looked like. Cause I know it was beautiful and I’m jealous this was all fictional.
Raynes writing was beautiful and flowed together to bring us a truely beautiful trilogy I’m sad to see end.
4.5/⭐️
1.5/🌶️
Of the 3 stories this was the most refreshing in a sense that I wasn’t hurting because of deep battles being fought internally. Which I needed because goodness i love me some broken boys but Gabriel was a fun ride and his with Liam was a great ending to the series.
Gabriel was hilarious and fun and just the vibrant best friend I would want in my life. Did I want to smack some sense into his stubborn little head? Yes. Yes I did. But that’s what I love about characters who have all the developmental traits of an interesting person.
Sweet. Sweet Liam. I love this man. All he needed was a good squeeze to start to feel some things it seems. He was quiet and truly living in his one mind, but when he found someone, he held them and high and loved them hard.
The magic that this story brought to my imagination was a trip. It was so fun to just imagine what their show looked like. Cause I know it was beautiful and I’m jealous this was all fictional.
Raynes writing was beautiful and flowed together to bring us a truely beautiful trilogy I’m sad to see end.
September 5, 2025
The Call of Azure was just the perfect conclusion to the Unexpected Love trilogy! This book had me constantly on the brink of tears with how Gabriel and Liam both feel like they're never enough or not good enough... for each other, but also just in general. It kind of broke my heart and made me want to just give them both a giant hug. I love them so much! There's actually not a whole lot of dialogue compared to the inner monologue from both characters, and I felt like that really helped me get into their heads and hearts and understand the reasons for their actions.
This is a one night stand that turns into a slowwwwww burn! The yearning. The pining. Oh my goodness. It's next level! They are total opposites but literally perfect for each other, and when they finally stop fighting their growing feelings, it's that much sweeter 🥰
And I absolutely loved getting to see how the other characters from the series showed up in this book... when friends are more like family, and they are just your absolute ride or die!
✨️The Call of Azure is out 10/9/25 and I highly recommend binging the first two (Beneath the Indigo Sky & The Embrace of Evergreen) before it releases!✨️
This is a one night stand that turns into a slowwwwww burn! The yearning. The pining. Oh my goodness. It's next level! They are total opposites but literally perfect for each other, and when they finally stop fighting their growing feelings, it's that much sweeter 🥰
And I absolutely loved getting to see how the other characters from the series showed up in this book... when friends are more like family, and they are just your absolute ride or die!
✨️The Call of Azure is out 10/9/25 and I highly recommend binging the first two (Beneath the Indigo Sky & The Embrace of Evergreen) before it releases!✨️
September 22, 2025
“Before we met, I’d been stuck for a very long time. I worked too much, had no real connections to the world or the people in it, and struggled to accept nearly everything about myself. Somewhere along the line, I forgot to realize that I'm allowed to actively live instead of simply existing. That I can seek out fun and engagement and joy, even if it’s just in little ways.”
Oh, that was a lovely story. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started The Call of Azure, (mostly because I’ve never read a Rayne Hawthorne book before and I found it purely through a gorgeous piece of art on Bluesky) but the emotional depth of it really exceeded my expectations. It’s not often that books make me ugly sob, but this one really resonated with me and some of the characters inner thoughts really hit home and cut deeper than I was expecting them to.
A story based around a main character with PTSD is always going to be quite heavy, but it was written really beautifully. Both Liam and Gabriel carry a lot of heavy emotional weight, to the point where it eclipses most things in their lives. They meet fleetingly on multiple occasions and, while there’s a definite spark and something between them each time, they both hesitate to allow themselves to connect fully with each other. Until they meet at the aquarium.
Without any spoilers, the time they spend together brings them both together in a way that frightens them because it’s so intense. They become entwined in each others lives and they come to trust each other with parts of themselves that they don’t share with anyone else. It was actually really beautiful to read. I hope that one day I can build a foundation with someone I love the way Liam and Gabriel built theirs. It’s solid and there’s so much love and trust between them.
I will say there is a lot of repeat inner monologuing. It feels like 65% of the story is inner monologue, 20% dialogue, and 15% actions.* And the same information is repeated over and over every few pages, but it didn’t spoil the slow burn or take away from the characters feelings or growth, so this isn’t a complaint it’s just an observation.
I really did enjoy The Call of Azure and I’d love to read more from Rayne Hawthorne in the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!
*Not accurate stats.
Oh, that was a lovely story. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started The Call of Azure, (mostly because I’ve never read a Rayne Hawthorne book before and I found it purely through a gorgeous piece of art on Bluesky) but the emotional depth of it really exceeded my expectations. It’s not often that books make me ugly sob, but this one really resonated with me and some of the characters inner thoughts really hit home and cut deeper than I was expecting them to.
A story based around a main character with PTSD is always going to be quite heavy, but it was written really beautifully. Both Liam and Gabriel carry a lot of heavy emotional weight, to the point where it eclipses most things in their lives. They meet fleetingly on multiple occasions and, while there’s a definite spark and something between them each time, they both hesitate to allow themselves to connect fully with each other. Until they meet at the aquarium.
Without any spoilers, the time they spend together brings them both together in a way that frightens them because it’s so intense. They become entwined in each others lives and they come to trust each other with parts of themselves that they don’t share with anyone else. It was actually really beautiful to read. I hope that one day I can build a foundation with someone I love the way Liam and Gabriel built theirs. It’s solid and there’s so much love and trust between them.
I will say there is a lot of repeat inner monologuing. It feels like 65% of the story is inner monologue, 20% dialogue, and 15% actions.* And the same information is repeated over and over every few pages, but it didn’t spoil the slow burn or take away from the characters feelings or growth, so this isn’t a complaint it’s just an observation.
I really did enjoy The Call of Azure and I’d love to read more from Rayne Hawthorne in the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!
*Not accurate stats.
October 8, 2025
And in the end…
I’m just sad the series is over. I’m so happy all of these broken sad men found their HEA, even Ken (although at the end of evergreen I was rooting for Ken and Gabriel to get together🤣). Alisa they were not meant to be and Gabriel found his perfect match in Liam. Sad, insecure, lonely, scared Liam. A war veteran and baker who has closed himself into a quiet little bubble. He has built a good life for himself, it’s just solitary and he longs for a partner but not sure he will ever find anyone. With his PTSD a constant monkey on his back. Telling he’s not whole, not normal, not ok and no one will ever want him. Well along comes Gabriel and Cupcake to shake up his life. Gabriel is equally sad and has given up on finding the one. He’s decided dating is not the way, and quick hook ups will do. That way he doesn’t have to feel the heartbreak of falling and never being enough for anyone to stay. These two really make us wait it out. It’s a painful slow burn, to the point I gave up and just needed them to hug and kiss it out. It was a beautiful book and the perfect end to the series.
I’m just sad the series is over. I’m so happy all of these broken sad men found their HEA, even Ken (although at the end of evergreen I was rooting for Ken and Gabriel to get together🤣). Alisa they were not meant to be and Gabriel found his perfect match in Liam. Sad, insecure, lonely, scared Liam. A war veteran and baker who has closed himself into a quiet little bubble. He has built a good life for himself, it’s just solitary and he longs for a partner but not sure he will ever find anyone. With his PTSD a constant monkey on his back. Telling he’s not whole, not normal, not ok and no one will ever want him. Well along comes Gabriel and Cupcake to shake up his life. Gabriel is equally sad and has given up on finding the one. He’s decided dating is not the way, and quick hook ups will do. That way he doesn’t have to feel the heartbreak of falling and never being enough for anyone to stay. These two really make us wait it out. It’s a painful slow burn, to the point I gave up and just needed them to hug and kiss it out. It was a beautiful book and the perfect end to the series.
October 9, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The books in the Unexpected Love series have an atmospheric feel that carry through all three books. There is a little bit of subtle magic throughout the series that is not defined and is left up to reader interpretation. It creates a gentle atmosphere, but also some loose ends.
This series has a quiet intimate feel as the men all find what they have been longing for. With subtle touches of magic and a warm, found family, you might think about meeting these men yourself.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The books in the Unexpected Love series have an atmospheric feel that carry through all three books. There is a little bit of subtle magic throughout the series that is not defined and is left up to reader interpretation. It creates a gentle atmosphere, but also some loose ends.
This series has a quiet intimate feel as the men all find what they have been longing for. With subtle touches of magic and a warm, found family, you might think about meeting these men yourself.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 17, 2025
Thank you, Rayne for the arc!
And with this book, the unexpected love trilogy has come to an end. 🥺
I'm sad that it's over, but we got three couples, as well as cute dog and cat out of it.
This book follows the poor guy who got the mermaid tarot card in the previous book. It's made him go a little crazy and spiral a little.
Gabriel is friends with Ethan and Blue, and is a very vivacious acrobatic silks performer.
He's sworn off love and has a rule that there are no repeats with partners.
Liam happens to be that one guy who catches Gabriel's attention and they have an instant connection.
He's a quiet, tall, mountain of a man who generally keeps to himself. He also owns a bakery!
Their bathroom hookup is fast, and just like that, they break apart and go their separate ways. It replays in both of their minds for a year, until they run into each other a year later.
It is then revealed that Liam performs as a mermaid at the aquarium as a volunteer for the children.
He's always been drawn to the calming nature of water, and being able to move freely.
He feels kinda out of place and big in the real world, but he can propel himself and pull off acrobatic moves under the water thanks to his longer limbs.
Gabriel is kind of unraveling at this, he's found a mermaid- his mermaid, but what could it mean?
Since he's not wanting to think of any deeper meaning, he comes up with an idea: they could do some performances together.
Okay, I want to say that this book has a lot of good going on in it. You're really on a rollercoaster of emotions and you're not sure if/when they will give in.
The tension is high, the desire to throw the book out of your hands is also high. 😂
Liam feels like a clueless little puppy, who is head over heels in love with Gabriel. For a guy who has terrible PTSD and anxiety, he's giving him everything he has and puts himself out there.
Gabriel is hard to read, and very inconsistent because he's at war with himself. I didn't find myself loving him as a character.
It felt like he hurt Liam a lot, and left him hanging.
Also there was *a lot* of monologuing. The two guys didn't really communicate and just assumed *a lot*.
The main miscommunication isn't discussed until like ~70% in and it was super infuriating to have them both talk it to death in their own heads.
Both of their thinking seemed super circular, which also kind of grated on my nerves too.
And with this book, the unexpected love trilogy has come to an end. 🥺
I'm sad that it's over, but we got three couples, as well as cute dog and cat out of it.
This book follows the poor guy who got the mermaid tarot card in the previous book. It's made him go a little crazy and spiral a little.
Gabriel is friends with Ethan and Blue, and is a very vivacious acrobatic silks performer.
He's sworn off love and has a rule that there are no repeats with partners.
Liam happens to be that one guy who catches Gabriel's attention and they have an instant connection.
He's a quiet, tall, mountain of a man who generally keeps to himself. He also owns a bakery!
Their bathroom hookup is fast, and just like that, they break apart and go their separate ways. It replays in both of their minds for a year, until they run into each other a year later.
It is then revealed that Liam performs as a mermaid at the aquarium as a volunteer for the children.
He's always been drawn to the calming nature of water, and being able to move freely.
He feels kinda out of place and big in the real world, but he can propel himself and pull off acrobatic moves under the water thanks to his longer limbs.
Gabriel is kind of unraveling at this, he's found a mermaid- his mermaid, but what could it mean?
Since he's not wanting to think of any deeper meaning, he comes up with an idea: they could do some performances together.
Okay, I want to say that this book has a lot of good going on in it. You're really on a rollercoaster of emotions and you're not sure if/when they will give in.
The tension is high, the desire to throw the book out of your hands is also high. 😂
Liam feels like a clueless little puppy, who is head over heels in love with Gabriel. For a guy who has terrible PTSD and anxiety, he's giving him everything he has and puts himself out there.
Gabriel is hard to read, and very inconsistent because he's at war with himself. I didn't find myself loving him as a character.
It felt like he hurt Liam a lot, and left him hanging.
Also there was *a lot* of monologuing. The two guys didn't really communicate and just assumed *a lot*.
The main miscommunication isn't discussed until like ~70% in and it was super infuriating to have them both talk it to death in their own heads.
Both of their thinking seemed super circular, which also kind of grated on my nerves too.
September 17, 2025
My heart is filled with loved reading about these characters.
This was the perfect finale for a perfect series
This was the perfect finale for a perfect series
September 25, 2025
It was a sweet book. But it went a bitt slow for me. Some things were over explained. And not a lott of exciting stuff happend. Still a good read😊
October 14, 2025
This is the final book in the Unexpected Love series, and is as beautiful as the previous two books. The language the author uses in world-building and especially the personality descriptions to paint such vivid pictures of places or feelings —the things that make up the essence of the characters and make them so real, like someone you want to know and call friend, is a special gift from the author. The book alternates from the point of view of Gabriel, a thirty year old coffee shop worker and performance artist, and Liam, a thirty-four year old ex-Marine and bakery owner, two lonely men that connect for a quick bj, then go their separate ways, only to meet a year later courtesy of Gabriel’s dog, Cupcake, in an epic meet-cute. Neither acknowledges the previous meeting, then go their separate ways again, interested but not acting on it. Both have issues regarding love.
Gabriel has sworn off love, believing that he is always left behind, no matter how long or short a relationship may be, and he has decided he isn’t meant for love so why look and get your heart broken. Better to go without, even though that is his secret desire. He believes that other men expect him to live up to the “eternally beautiful and animated image people form in their minds” after meeting him, not allowing for any deviation like quiet times alone or sharing tv shows or quiet conversations and walks in the park. He has always been the caregiver, self-sufficient, and he doesn’t know why no one has wanted him long term, so he avoids any relationships or feelings, believing he isn’t worthy of being wanted by Liam (even though he is perfect for Gabriel) or anyone because “everyone leaves eventually”. I did get pretty fed up at times with what I saw as selfishness on his part, as he pushed everyone but Blue and Ethan away, rigid with his feelings about himself toward others, but compassionate in his interactions as long as feelings didn’t get too complicated. His image of being left was foremost in his mind with anything but very casual interactions, and he hurt Liam because of that.
Liam had his issues, too. The product of a poor childhood, he shies away from touch, is triggered by crowds and loud noises as a result of his military duty, is subject to panic attacks, and is much happier alone, though he longs for someone of his own to love, but he also doesn’t feel worthy or capable of being loved. He wants Gabriel, but never thinks Gabriel could be interested in him, so pines in secret. He is a caregiver with so much love to give but has been taught to expect nothing so is not confident enough to pursue what he wants.
When Gabriel is planning a performance at the Seattle Aquarium in conjunction with one of the merfolk performing there, he discovers Liam is one of the mermen, and is willing to work with Gabriel for his show. The two spend more time working together and feelings grow, but neither will act on them, due to the aforementioned issues. That still isn’t enough to bring them together, but finally a birthday party, a witch, a bit of “magic-??” and a dog named Cupcake eventually get them to their HEA.
(This part of the book sent me down a rabbit hole —I live near Seattle and had not been to the aquarium in many years, so I had to research if there were merfolk there as part of the attraction, but alas, not. There are actually merfolk available in Seattle, though, for performances, just not at the aquarium that I could find.☹️)
The monologue from Ken (Ethan’s father and the birthday boy) to Gabriel was quite moving from my perspective. It expressed a lot of what I have learned from my life and what I feel about love and loss, but put much more eloquently than I could. I have lost loves through leaving and death, but each gave me something good beyond the heartache, and I was glad for that.
This book wasn’t a happy book most of the time with each having their share of angst, but there was a lot of depth to the thoughts shared by the characters, to themselves and each other, and they got their HEA. The epilogue gave a sense of completeness to Gabriel and Liam’s story, as well as to the series as a whole. In all three books, love did triumph for all six men, each damaged in their own way, but finding the one that completed them and made them whole. A very satisfying series all around. Fascinating characters, a bit of magic (maybe), interesting places, and an attack dog named Cupcake made for an entertaining and thoughtful read.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
Gabriel has sworn off love, believing that he is always left behind, no matter how long or short a relationship may be, and he has decided he isn’t meant for love so why look and get your heart broken. Better to go without, even though that is his secret desire. He believes that other men expect him to live up to the “eternally beautiful and animated image people form in their minds” after meeting him, not allowing for any deviation like quiet times alone or sharing tv shows or quiet conversations and walks in the park. He has always been the caregiver, self-sufficient, and he doesn’t know why no one has wanted him long term, so he avoids any relationships or feelings, believing he isn’t worthy of being wanted by Liam (even though he is perfect for Gabriel) or anyone because “everyone leaves eventually”. I did get pretty fed up at times with what I saw as selfishness on his part, as he pushed everyone but Blue and Ethan away, rigid with his feelings about himself toward others, but compassionate in his interactions as long as feelings didn’t get too complicated. His image of being left was foremost in his mind with anything but very casual interactions, and he hurt Liam because of that.
Liam had his issues, too. The product of a poor childhood, he shies away from touch, is triggered by crowds and loud noises as a result of his military duty, is subject to panic attacks, and is much happier alone, though he longs for someone of his own to love, but he also doesn’t feel worthy or capable of being loved. He wants Gabriel, but never thinks Gabriel could be interested in him, so pines in secret. He is a caregiver with so much love to give but has been taught to expect nothing so is not confident enough to pursue what he wants.
When Gabriel is planning a performance at the Seattle Aquarium in conjunction with one of the merfolk performing there, he discovers Liam is one of the mermen, and is willing to work with Gabriel for his show. The two spend more time working together and feelings grow, but neither will act on them, due to the aforementioned issues. That still isn’t enough to bring them together, but finally a birthday party, a witch, a bit of “magic-??” and a dog named Cupcake eventually get them to their HEA.
(This part of the book sent me down a rabbit hole —I live near Seattle and had not been to the aquarium in many years, so I had to research if there were merfolk there as part of the attraction, but alas, not. There are actually merfolk available in Seattle, though, for performances, just not at the aquarium that I could find.☹️)
The monologue from Ken (Ethan’s father and the birthday boy) to Gabriel was quite moving from my perspective. It expressed a lot of what I have learned from my life and what I feel about love and loss, but put much more eloquently than I could. I have lost loves through leaving and death, but each gave me something good beyond the heartache, and I was glad for that.
This book wasn’t a happy book most of the time with each having their share of angst, but there was a lot of depth to the thoughts shared by the characters, to themselves and each other, and they got their HEA. The epilogue gave a sense of completeness to Gabriel and Liam’s story, as well as to the series as a whole. In all three books, love did triumph for all six men, each damaged in their own way, but finding the one that completed them and made them whole. A very satisfying series all around. Fascinating characters, a bit of magic (maybe), interesting places, and an attack dog named Cupcake made for an entertaining and thoughtful read.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
October 10, 2025
""I want to be the person who holds your hand and laughs with you. The one who gets to hear every one of your absurd stories and learn your quiet secrets."
This series is honestly so beautiful, moving, touching, and full of a myriad of representation. From different types of mental health being discussed, to different sexualities and identities, different forms of friendship and found family... This series just really has such a broad range that showcases and highlights so many important topics.
Liam and Gabriel's book is sadly the last one in the Unexpected Love series, but wow, what a way to end it. Liam and Gabriel couldn't be more different from each other, or so you might think. Once you dive in deeper though and continue reading about these two men, you'll realize they have quite a bit in common. And that the people the world views them as isn't who they always are... Sometimes what you see is a mask on the surface, and what lies underneath that is something, or someone else entirely.
Both Liam and Gabriel's characters are fantastic and have so much depth and personality to them. I love both of them equally and my heart was hurting on both of their behalves. I could relate to Liam with him having trouble getting out of his head, and having a hard time with friendships and talking to others... And I could also relate and sympathize with Gabriel, with him wondering why people leave him time and time again. These men will pull at your heart strings; and perhaps make you reflect on your own journey. Perhaps it'll have you pondering about things you haven't thought about in a while, or even maybe these two will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Their love story is a hard fought one, it's not an easy road for either of these men, but both of them eventually realize that being with each other is worth the risks. I enjoyed reading the scene where everything came to a head... You know the one, the particular scene when a certain Aunt gets called a Witch? I thought that whole chapter was really beautiful and was an absolutely wonderful way to really kickstart Liam and Gabriel's romantic relationship journey.
All in all, a really beautiful and inspiring story. Also, Liam's character has made me want to get a mermaid tail and try it out for myself one day. I've been obsessed with water and merfolk since I was a kid, so to read a book about someone who's a real life merman?? It was just spectacular and magical for me! The epilogue was also very beautiful, both epilogues were a really lovely way to wrap up this whole series.
This series is honestly so beautiful, moving, touching, and full of a myriad of representation. From different types of mental health being discussed, to different sexualities and identities, different forms of friendship and found family... This series just really has such a broad range that showcases and highlights so many important topics.
Liam and Gabriel's book is sadly the last one in the Unexpected Love series, but wow, what a way to end it. Liam and Gabriel couldn't be more different from each other, or so you might think. Once you dive in deeper though and continue reading about these two men, you'll realize they have quite a bit in common. And that the people the world views them as isn't who they always are... Sometimes what you see is a mask on the surface, and what lies underneath that is something, or someone else entirely.
Both Liam and Gabriel's characters are fantastic and have so much depth and personality to them. I love both of them equally and my heart was hurting on both of their behalves. I could relate to Liam with him having trouble getting out of his head, and having a hard time with friendships and talking to others... And I could also relate and sympathize with Gabriel, with him wondering why people leave him time and time again. These men will pull at your heart strings; and perhaps make you reflect on your own journey. Perhaps it'll have you pondering about things you haven't thought about in a while, or even maybe these two will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Their love story is a hard fought one, it's not an easy road for either of these men, but both of them eventually realize that being with each other is worth the risks. I enjoyed reading the scene where everything came to a head... You know the one, the particular scene when a certain Aunt gets called a Witch? I thought that whole chapter was really beautiful and was an absolutely wonderful way to really kickstart Liam and Gabriel's romantic relationship journey.
All in all, a really beautiful and inspiring story. Also, Liam's character has made me want to get a mermaid tail and try it out for myself one day. I've been obsessed with water and merfolk since I was a kid, so to read a book about someone who's a real life merman?? It was just spectacular and magical for me! The epilogue was also very beautiful, both epilogues were a really lovely way to wrap up this whole series.
October 10, 2025
3.25 stars. While there were things I really loved, like Liam, the merman / aerial dance act and the few scenes we got in the bakery, I also had some problems with this story:
* I don't mind some internal monologuing (I'm a Tal Bauer fan...), but I do mind it when it gets repetitive, and especially Gabriel was very bad that way.
* I hate it when a character is wallowing in the feeling of being left by everyone he was ever interested in, but then absolutely refuses to let the person who actually is interested in. Liam was there for him at every turn, he was sweet, he was listening to him, they were compatible in every way, but Gabriel is like 'noooo, no one ever loves me, so I'm going to lead Liam on for months and then I'm going to ghost him to protect myself, because it's better to hurt someone else than to get hurt myself. I'm not going to think for a second about how my behavior will affect Liam, who doesn't have a lot of people around him. I'm not going to think for a second about what HE might need, because everything is about my poor hurt feelings, never mind that Liam wasn't the one to do the hurting.' Yeah, as you can see, I wasn't the greatest Gabriel fan. Dude, be honest with yourself and with Liam and use your words. Liam opened up so many times to Gabriel, but he rarely got anything back. Hated that.
* The pacing was off. It took way too long for Gabriel to see the light and by that time I was kind of over the story and wanted Liam to find someone who put him first for a change. I also missed some key scenes on page, like the first time Liam saw Gabriel on the silks. I also wanted them to have a scene together in water, like have Gabriel try out a merman tail, or have them take a bath together. Anything. Water was so important to Liam, so I wanted them to share that together.
* I would have liked it better if they had the shibari scene at the end of the story, instead of as a sort of parting gift from Gabriel. It didn't sit right with me that Liam got so vulnerable and open again, while Gabriel still refused to open up.
* I wanted more focus on Liam's PTSD. Cut some of Gabriel's whining and there would have been plenty of space to explore it more.
What I liked most about this series was the sort of fairytale-like atmosphere and the artsy vibes and we got that in this book too. I just liked the other books in the series better.
* I don't mind some internal monologuing (I'm a Tal Bauer fan...), but I do mind it when it gets repetitive, and especially Gabriel was very bad that way.
* I hate it when a character is wallowing in the feeling of being left by everyone he was ever interested in, but then absolutely refuses to let the person who actually is interested in. Liam was there for him at every turn, he was sweet, he was listening to him, they were compatible in every way, but Gabriel is like 'noooo, no one ever loves me, so I'm going to lead Liam on for months and then I'm going to ghost him to protect myself, because it's better to hurt someone else than to get hurt myself. I'm not going to think for a second about how my behavior will affect Liam, who doesn't have a lot of people around him. I'm not going to think for a second about what HE might need, because everything is about my poor hurt feelings, never mind that Liam wasn't the one to do the hurting.' Yeah, as you can see, I wasn't the greatest Gabriel fan. Dude, be honest with yourself and with Liam and use your words. Liam opened up so many times to Gabriel, but he rarely got anything back. Hated that.
* The pacing was off. It took way too long for Gabriel to see the light and by that time I was kind of over the story and wanted Liam to find someone who put him first for a change. I also missed some key scenes on page, like the first time Liam saw Gabriel on the silks. I also wanted them to have a scene together in water, like have Gabriel try out a merman tail, or have them take a bath together. Anything. Water was so important to Liam, so I wanted them to share that together.
* I would have liked it better if they had the shibari scene at the end of the story, instead of as a sort of parting gift from Gabriel. It didn't sit right with me that Liam got so vulnerable and open again, while Gabriel still refused to open up.
* I wanted more focus on Liam's PTSD. Cut some of Gabriel's whining and there would have been plenty of space to explore it more.
What I liked most about this series was the sort of fairytale-like atmosphere and the artsy vibes and we got that in this book too. I just liked the other books in the series better.
October 12, 2025
Thank you Rayne Hawthorne for a copy of this book. The review is entirely my own.
I'm crying. This is the last book in this series and, even knowing this, I was not mentally prepared to say good bye to these characters.
We met Gabe in The Embrace of Evergreen and from the start, all I wanted was for him to find his person, to find love. Due to men ending things before going to far, Gabe decides that Blue had the right idea (before finding Ethan) and decides that he is better alone and that he can do no strings, one night stands and be completely happy.
Liam is a man that feels he is too broken to find find someone to love him and all the jagged pieces. A chance meeting between two strangers leads to an intense moment and two people fighting fate. How long can two people meant for each other, who think there is something wrong with them, fight fate? And what will it take for them to stop fighting it and go with the tide?
This book is a slow burn, mid angst book. These two going from strangers to friends to lovers was the most amazing thing ever. Watching them with each other, you can see how their broken pieces fit to form this beautiful picture. I hated that they fought their attraction but if they had gone with it from the start, I think they would have allowed the thoughts that lead them to thinking they were too broken to have love to tear them apart. You cheer for them, you want to wrap the both of them in a blanket and feed them all the good things.
You will cheer for them, you will cry with them and at the end you will want to pretend you never read this just to go back and enjoy it again.
We get to see the characters from the first two books and seeing them living their best life is like welcoming family home after not seeing them for years.
This book was the best way to end the series. You will hate that it is over it your heart and soul will be happy.
I'm crying. This is the last book in this series and, even knowing this, I was not mentally prepared to say good bye to these characters.
We met Gabe in The Embrace of Evergreen and from the start, all I wanted was for him to find his person, to find love. Due to men ending things before going to far, Gabe decides that Blue had the right idea (before finding Ethan) and decides that he is better alone and that he can do no strings, one night stands and be completely happy.
Liam is a man that feels he is too broken to find find someone to love him and all the jagged pieces. A chance meeting between two strangers leads to an intense moment and two people fighting fate. How long can two people meant for each other, who think there is something wrong with them, fight fate? And what will it take for them to stop fighting it and go with the tide?
This book is a slow burn, mid angst book. These two going from strangers to friends to lovers was the most amazing thing ever. Watching them with each other, you can see how their broken pieces fit to form this beautiful picture. I hated that they fought their attraction but if they had gone with it from the start, I think they would have allowed the thoughts that lead them to thinking they were too broken to have love to tear them apart. You cheer for them, you want to wrap the both of them in a blanket and feed them all the good things.
You will cheer for them, you will cry with them and at the end you will want to pretend you never read this just to go back and enjoy it again.
We get to see the characters from the first two books and seeing them living their best life is like welcoming family home after not seeing them for years.
This book was the best way to end the series. You will hate that it is over it your heart and soul will be happy.
October 8, 2025
It is finally time for the last book. This series has been a journey whirlwind emotions from the beginning to end. I would’ve loved to see where Namid came from, but I can live without that. I love each and every single character and the relationship they developed, and all of them were relatable. For the last story it was Gabriel and Liam. These two poor sweet babies. I enjoyed their ups and downs, and celebrated when they finally talked about their feelings for one another. I’m giving this story five out of five stars.
The third book, The Call Of Azure, talks about the couple Gabriel and Liam. They begin their introduction with a small sexual encounter in a more casual club setting. Liam has too much trauma from his past. Gabriel is trying a more casual approach when it comes to relationships due to the fact actual relationships haven’t been working out for him. Both they’ve highly satisfied from the encounter.
Flash forward a year later, Gabriel has this brilliant idea from a certain tarot card to do a show with a mermaid, or merman this case. Both men have never forgotten one another, and this makes the interaction even more hilarious. I felt like Fate was really pushing these two to be together. As time goes on, and they learn more about each other, and fall more and more in love. However, Gabriel is trying to stay away from more serious relationships because he does not want to be hurt again. After the shows are done, this leaves them at a standstill, and it is Liam that takes matters into his own hands. Liam tries to talk to Gabriel into having a relationship with him, but Gabriel is too scared, which is understandable considering his history. But things come to a head at the end. I couldn’t be happier with how the book had ended, and with how the series had ended.
The third book, The Call Of Azure, talks about the couple Gabriel and Liam. They begin their introduction with a small sexual encounter in a more casual club setting. Liam has too much trauma from his past. Gabriel is trying a more casual approach when it comes to relationships due to the fact actual relationships haven’t been working out for him. Both they’ve highly satisfied from the encounter.
Flash forward a year later, Gabriel has this brilliant idea from a certain tarot card to do a show with a mermaid, or merman this case. Both men have never forgotten one another, and this makes the interaction even more hilarious. I felt like Fate was really pushing these two to be together. As time goes on, and they learn more about each other, and fall more and more in love. However, Gabriel is trying to stay away from more serious relationships because he does not want to be hurt again. After the shows are done, this leaves them at a standstill, and it is Liam that takes matters into his own hands. Liam tries to talk to Gabriel into having a relationship with him, but Gabriel is too scared, which is understandable considering his history. But things come to a head at the end. I couldn’t be happier with how the book had ended, and with how the series had ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
A SWEET AND HEARTFELT CONCLUSION!💕
“I guess I’ll just have to keep my eyes out for a sexy merman”
A Tarot reading by a mysterious esoteric and eclectic woman will leaves serial dater Gabriel Vega 29 in a flat spin until he meets his sexy merman…
“as of tonight, I'm going to be a one-night stand kind of guy too.”
A choice made by Gabriel will maybe be his downfall when the universe or fate causes him to cross paths with sexy Marine veteran and baker Liam 35, three times…
Gabriel is a very complex character that tries to please everybody but himself but sexy Liam sees beneath the surface and wants more than Gabriel can give after an unforgettable hookup, working together on a project a year later and an amazing Shibari experience…
Liam is a total softy with emotional scars from the war and foster care but maybe Gabriel is exactly what this teddy bear of a man needs to lose control and feel safe…
Like the call of the azure sea for calmness and a safe space so is the sirens song of Gabriel for this sexy emotionally scarred veteran…
This was a very slow burn with lots of pining, emotional undertones and poetic moments for two destined souls who were made for each other!
I loved the cameos of Blue and Ethan and Kevin who supported Gabriel with his difficult journey to acceptance and love!
The show that they did at the aquatic centre was described so beautifully- poetry in motion!
I loved Gabriel’s dog Cupcake and how she just accepted Liam as her second other person!
A beautiful conclusion to this trilogy with a found family of broken souls who needed love, support and a loving safe place to call home…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
“I guess I’ll just have to keep my eyes out for a sexy merman”
A Tarot reading by a mysterious esoteric and eclectic woman will leaves serial dater Gabriel Vega 29 in a flat spin until he meets his sexy merman…
“as of tonight, I'm going to be a one-night stand kind of guy too.”
A choice made by Gabriel will maybe be his downfall when the universe or fate causes him to cross paths with sexy Marine veteran and baker Liam 35, three times…
Gabriel is a very complex character that tries to please everybody but himself but sexy Liam sees beneath the surface and wants more than Gabriel can give after an unforgettable hookup, working together on a project a year later and an amazing Shibari experience…
Liam is a total softy with emotional scars from the war and foster care but maybe Gabriel is exactly what this teddy bear of a man needs to lose control and feel safe…
Like the call of the azure sea for calmness and a safe space so is the sirens song of Gabriel for this sexy emotionally scarred veteran…
This was a very slow burn with lots of pining, emotional undertones and poetic moments for two destined souls who were made for each other!
I loved the cameos of Blue and Ethan and Kevin who supported Gabriel with his difficult journey to acceptance and love!
The show that they did at the aquatic centre was described so beautifully- poetry in motion!
I loved Gabriel’s dog Cupcake and how she just accepted Liam as her second other person!
A beautiful conclusion to this trilogy with a found family of broken souls who needed love, support and a loving safe place to call home…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
September 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into The Call of Azure expecting to savour it slowly, but Rayne Hawthorne’s writing swept me away and I devoured it in less than two days. This third instalment of the Unexpected Love trilogy is breathtakingly beautiful — gentler in tone than its predecessors, yet no less moving — and once again reminds me why I keep coming back to Hawthorne’s work.
Gabriel wasn’t the protagonist I thought I’d identify with, but I did, deeply. Not because I’m as vibrant or dazzling as he is, but because of his walls, his tendency to shape-shift for others and still feel like it’s not enough, his fear of reaching for love after disappointment. Liam, on the other hand, is an absolute teddy bear: kind, grounded, patient, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and lets Gabriel set the pace even when it costs him. Watching them circle each other — one trying to protect his heart, the other quietly offering his — was tender, frustrating, and ultimately so rewarding.
This book is full of found family, mutual pining, soup and performance art, a feisty dog, even a glimmer of unexplained magic. It deals with anxiety, loneliness and hope without ever losing its warmth or humour. Yes, there are long inner monologues, but instead of pushing me out, they made me feel like I was living inside these characters, breathing with them.
Hawthorne writes with an ethereal ease that makes every page a pleasure, weaving heartbreak and healing into something luminous. The Call of Azure isn’t just a romance; it’s a meditation on trust, belonging, and the courage to choose love again. I closed it with a full heart, grateful for the journey.
I went into The Call of Azure expecting to savour it slowly, but Rayne Hawthorne’s writing swept me away and I devoured it in less than two days. This third instalment of the Unexpected Love trilogy is breathtakingly beautiful — gentler in tone than its predecessors, yet no less moving — and once again reminds me why I keep coming back to Hawthorne’s work.
Gabriel wasn’t the protagonist I thought I’d identify with, but I did, deeply. Not because I’m as vibrant or dazzling as he is, but because of his walls, his tendency to shape-shift for others and still feel like it’s not enough, his fear of reaching for love after disappointment. Liam, on the other hand, is an absolute teddy bear: kind, grounded, patient, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and lets Gabriel set the pace even when it costs him. Watching them circle each other — one trying to protect his heart, the other quietly offering his — was tender, frustrating, and ultimately so rewarding.
This book is full of found family, mutual pining, soup and performance art, a feisty dog, even a glimmer of unexplained magic. It deals with anxiety, loneliness and hope without ever losing its warmth or humour. Yes, there are long inner monologues, but instead of pushing me out, they made me feel like I was living inside these characters, breathing with them.
Hawthorne writes with an ethereal ease that makes every page a pleasure, weaving heartbreak and healing into something luminous. The Call of Azure isn’t just a romance; it’s a meditation on trust, belonging, and the courage to choose love again. I closed it with a full heart, grateful for the journey.
October 7, 2025
In this long awaited third book to the series, we finally get the HEA of Gabriel who stole our hearts from Book 2.
After having relationship fail one after another Gabriel swears off relationships and starts a new thing where he's going to just have quickies and one night stands to find himself. On his first night out with this resolve he runs into Liam, they have a quickie in the back of a club and call it one and done. You see where this story is going right? The rest of the book is them two fighting fate when they are constantly thrown together.
Rayne Hawthorne writes such emotional characters and the emotions grab you, suck you in and don't let go. It's emotionally heavy as the same with this others in series, so I have to be in the right headspace for it which is why it took me so long to finish the book. I love Rayne's writing, and wanted to give it proper attention that it deserved so I waited and came back to it when I was ready. What I loved most were the moment the two MCs were being open with one another, those intense emotional connections, I think that's what Rayne does best.
This the slowest slow burn ever, despite it starting with a quickie in the back. (Although honestly I did not miss nor notice the spice at all) And the third act breakup, I felt it, I was close to tears, and the feeling of loneliness got to me. Thankfully Blue and Ethan were there to pull me and Gabriel out of it.
Definitely give this book a chance and finish the series, the series epilogue at the end was pretty great, so don't miss that!
After having relationship fail one after another Gabriel swears off relationships and starts a new thing where he's going to just have quickies and one night stands to find himself. On his first night out with this resolve he runs into Liam, they have a quickie in the back of a club and call it one and done. You see where this story is going right? The rest of the book is them two fighting fate when they are constantly thrown together.
Rayne Hawthorne writes such emotional characters and the emotions grab you, suck you in and don't let go. It's emotionally heavy as the same with this others in series, so I have to be in the right headspace for it which is why it took me so long to finish the book. I love Rayne's writing, and wanted to give it proper attention that it deserved so I waited and came back to it when I was ready. What I loved most were the moment the two MCs were being open with one another, those intense emotional connections, I think that's what Rayne does best.
This the slowest slow burn ever, despite it starting with a quickie in the back. (Although honestly I did not miss nor notice the spice at all) And the third act breakup, I felt it, I was close to tears, and the feeling of loneliness got to me. Thankfully Blue and Ethan were there to pull me and Gabriel out of it.
Definitely give this book a chance and finish the series, the series epilogue at the end was pretty great, so don't miss that!
"I want to lose myself in him until the rest of the world falls away."
October 8, 2025
🌶️.5
Okay, so, rating this was difficult. Because I really enjoyed their story, BUT I wanted to throw my kindle at a wall between like 65% and 92% because what in the holy slowburn was that? I will add my frustrations around the 82% mark here behind a spoiler tag:
I'm not gonna lie, at some point I really fucking hated Gabriel. And yes, I kinda felt bad for feeling like that. I also loved many aspects, like the performance art collab thingy, and the Shibari aspect, and the fact that it was an non-stereotypical pairing (like big ex-military soft sub/bottom and flamboyant smaller -still 6ft- dom/top), the friendships are beautiful and soft and amazing 🥹🥰
I also loved the surprise second HEA at the end. He deserved it so much and I'm glad he got it 🥹
In the end, I did like this book, but now I need some insta-love high-heat non-miscommunication story STAT. 🤣
Okay, so, rating this was difficult. Because I really enjoyed their story, BUT I wanted to throw my kindle at a wall between like 65% and 92% because what in the holy slowburn was that? I will add my frustrations around the 82% mark here behind a spoiler tag:
I'm not gonna lie, at some point I really fucking hated Gabriel. And yes, I kinda felt bad for feeling like that. I also loved many aspects, like the performance art collab thingy, and the Shibari aspect, and the fact that it was an non-stereotypical pairing (like big ex-military soft sub/bottom and flamboyant smaller -still 6ft- dom/top), the friendships are beautiful and soft and amazing 🥹🥰
I also loved the surprise second HEA at the end. He deserved it so much and I'm glad he got it 🥹
In the end, I did like this book, but now I need some insta-love high-heat non-miscommunication story STAT. 🤣
October 6, 2025
Wow, Rayne knows how to close out a series. The way that the brokenhearted can find love in their stories is truly special.
Gabriel and Liam are sweet, I'm not sure that I have another word for it but they are just sweet. Trying to navigate through their struggles, how they exist in the world and why things never seem to work with romantic partners. Their backgrounds are quite different and their demeanors couldn't be more different but they work. They have so much love to give but it is tough to look beyond your loved experiences. It can be hard to see yourself as a lovable person who someone would desire and it can cause walls to be rebuilt and moats to form. But sometimes fate and love step in to prove how much that connection really means, how much being seen really means, how much feeling something wonderful can actually mean.
I want to tell you more about Liam and Gabriel but truly the parts of their lives that I would normally tell you apart gives a bit too much away about their lives and how they end up entwined together. This story is a bit different from others but we are given the perfect bow to wrap it all together. I cannot wait for this audio to become available because it is going to be stunning.
I received a free advanced copy from the author and I am leaving an honest review.
Gabriel and Liam are sweet, I'm not sure that I have another word for it but they are just sweet. Trying to navigate through their struggles, how they exist in the world and why things never seem to work with romantic partners. Their backgrounds are quite different and their demeanors couldn't be more different but they work. They have so much love to give but it is tough to look beyond your loved experiences. It can be hard to see yourself as a lovable person who someone would desire and it can cause walls to be rebuilt and moats to form. But sometimes fate and love step in to prove how much that connection really means, how much being seen really means, how much feeling something wonderful can actually mean.
I want to tell you more about Liam and Gabriel but truly the parts of their lives that I would normally tell you apart gives a bit too much away about their lives and how they end up entwined together. This story is a bit different from others but we are given the perfect bow to wrap it all together. I cannot wait for this audio to become available because it is going to be stunning.
I received a free advanced copy from the author and I am leaving an honest review.
October 12, 2025
This book is a slow burn romance with on of the MC's having PTSD and anxiety due to past military service and has a bit of shibari. Gabriel is a permanence artist who supplements his income by working at a coffee shop and has had a tendency in the past of falling too fast and hoping for his forever guy. He has now decided on being a hookup guy only due to all of his past partners dumping him. Only his best friend, Blue, has stuck by him. Liam is a ex-marine who looks like a Viking but is in reality a gently soul who finds solace from his past by being near or in the water. He owns a bakery and volunteers as a "mer-man" at the local aquarium. Gabriel and Liam first meet at a club and have a quick hookup. they meet again nearly a year later when Liam finds Gabriel's dog Cupcake. The two really get to know each other when they collaborate on a performance at the aquarium in which Liam is in the water and Gabriel is performing with silks in the air. Each man has past issues that makes them feel that they don't deserve love and makes them hesitant to try for a deeper relationship. Gabriel is the one who was most resistant to a relationship and had to face his fears of abandonment. I enjoyed the book and really loved Liam. He was such a sweet person and so wanted to be loved.
October 12, 2025
Slow burn love with an abundance of angst
Although we find out that Gabriel is not the introvert in this story, being an introvert myself, I can truly understand Gabriel’s worry in the beginning. “Should I play it cool?” “How much is too much?” and on and on he thinks…sweet, poignant, a wee bit funny and a lot angsty. This is the third book in the series of standalone but interconnected-by-characters stories. I must admit that the angst volume has increased with each subsequent book. The prose is beautifully written and will make you laugh or cry in places, but in my mind it could have been shorter. Lots of soul searching so if that is your go-to kind of book, you will definitely want to read this book.
The blurb gives you enough of the plot so I’ll not go into that. Love the titles of all these books. I love the cover because it is a perfect depiction of Gabriel and Liam. The author did a wonderful job of tying everyone together and making sense of previous seemingly unconnected events; such as Gabriel getting his Tarot cards read by Marigold showing that he would find a merman to love. Read the book. You’ll see. This book is peppered with poignant conversations and revelations between characters. Lots of amorous gazes. If any of this aligns with your interests, you will enjoy this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
Although we find out that Gabriel is not the introvert in this story, being an introvert myself, I can truly understand Gabriel’s worry in the beginning. “Should I play it cool?” “How much is too much?” and on and on he thinks…sweet, poignant, a wee bit funny and a lot angsty. This is the third book in the series of standalone but interconnected-by-characters stories. I must admit that the angst volume has increased with each subsequent book. The prose is beautifully written and will make you laugh or cry in places, but in my mind it could have been shorter. Lots of soul searching so if that is your go-to kind of book, you will definitely want to read this book.
The blurb gives you enough of the plot so I’ll not go into that. Love the titles of all these books. I love the cover because it is a perfect depiction of Gabriel and Liam. The author did a wonderful job of tying everyone together and making sense of previous seemingly unconnected events; such as Gabriel getting his Tarot cards read by Marigold showing that he would find a merman to love. Read the book. You’ll see. This book is peppered with poignant conversations and revelations between characters. Lots of amorous gazes. If any of this aligns with your interests, you will enjoy this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
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