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Mis-shapes
Maybe: An adopted brother romance
Learn to fly. Fly away.
Isaac: After one quarrel too many with our wealthy father, my eighteen-year-old brother, Ezra Fitz-Henry, does exactly that. He flies away, leaving me behind to play the part of the perfect and dutiful son. When our cold, heartless father dies a decade later, Ezra strolls back into my life—as difficult and secretive as he is beautiful. I’m not prepared. You’re not supposed to want the one you can’t have.
Ezra: I only go back for the money. I have a three-point plan: take what’s mine, use it to escape my lousy flat, and never have anything to do with the Fitz-Henrys ever again. But that’s before I see Isaac, with his solemn frowns and disapproving lips—the best of things and the worst of things. My friend. My enemy. My sinful fantasy.
My younger brother.
Maybe is a standalone M/M romance featuring a relationship between adopted brothers. Trigger warnings for grief following parental death, a history of mental health issues and substance misuse, a brief description of a cot death.
Isaac: After one quarrel too many with our wealthy father, my eighteen-year-old brother, Ezra Fitz-Henry, does exactly that. He flies away, leaving me behind to play the part of the perfect and dutiful son. When our cold, heartless father dies a decade later, Ezra strolls back into my life—as difficult and secretive as he is beautiful. I’m not prepared. You’re not supposed to want the one you can’t have.
Ezra: I only go back for the money. I have a three-point plan: take what’s mine, use it to escape my lousy flat, and never have anything to do with the Fitz-Henrys ever again. But that’s before I see Isaac, with his solemn frowns and disapproving lips—the best of things and the worst of things. My friend. My enemy. My sinful fantasy.
My younger brother.
Maybe is a standalone M/M romance featuring a relationship between adopted brothers. Trigger warnings for grief following parental death, a history of mental health issues and substance misuse, a brief description of a cot death.
278 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2025
54 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Fearne Hill
28 books348 followersFearne Hill resides far from the madding crowds in the county of Dorset, deep in the British countryside. She likes it that way.
Her novel, Oyster, is a 2025 Lambda Literary Award winner. Two Tribes is a 2023 Lambda Literary Award finalist..
Her popular Rossingley series was nominated in nine separate categories of the 2021 Goodreads M/M Romance awards and received an Honourable Mention in the 2021 Rainbow Awards.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest sales and releases! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/fearn...
Join her Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11724...
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearnehill_...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/FearneHill
She also writes very brief and not especially insightful book reviews here on GR...
Finally, she also writes straight contemporary romance under the pseudonym Coco Chambers.
Her novel, Oyster, is a 2025 Lambda Literary Award winner. Two Tribes is a 2023 Lambda Literary Award finalist..
Her popular Rossingley series was nominated in nine separate categories of the 2021 Goodreads M/M Romance awards and received an Honourable Mention in the 2021 Rainbow Awards.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest sales and releases! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/fearn...
Join her Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11724...
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearnehill_...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/FearneHill
She also writes very brief and not especially insightful book reviews here on GR...
Finally, she also writes straight contemporary romance under the pseudonym Coco Chambers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 31, 2025
After a good night’s sleep on how to rate this book, I decided to go with 4,5 stars, rounded up because this is Fearne Hill and with this newest addition to her oeuvre she has made it clear why she is one of those authors I will come back to again and again.
This is very much a Fearne Hill book. If you are familiar with her writing, you’d know that she handles heavy topics very well and gentle, always with a light touch and with very lovely British humour.
I was a bit surprised when I found out she wrote a forbidden romance between 2 brothers, but then I learned they were not blood related, which took away most of the taboo factor.
Ezra and Isaac shared a childhood under the same roof, Isaac being the first born child of his father’s new family with his second wife, with whom he had an affair while still being married to Ezra’s mum. The father, a very wealthy and well know heart surgeon, had adopted Ezra when he first married, and after the unfortunate death of Ezra’s mother, he took him in to live with his new family.
The man was a terrible father, living for his career and fame and fortune, with a tendency to cruelty towards Ezra, which made Ezra decide to leave at 18 and never look back.
At the father’s funeral, Isaac and Ezra meet again after 10 years. They have a lot to overcome from their past, but there has always been a brotherly love and bond between them. That it appears to become much more that that, is another hurdle for them to take.
I loved this cast of characters. Hated the father, the mother as well at first, but she got her redemption towards the end and it didn’t feel forced. I loved Ezra to bits, he was such a great character! I loved his son Jonty too and their close bond. It was great to witness Isaac grow in this story. At the end, he’s definitely a different guy from the one we meet at the beginning of the book. The slow burn feels right, Ezra and Isaac had a lot to overcome and, specially Isaac needed time to accept he loved Ezra as a lover and not just as a brother.
In between the lines there’s a complaint towards the NHS, perfectly woven into the story, as Isaac is working as a doctor in a London hospital. About the workload and the limited awareness of the mental health situation for the people on the floor. About the continuing shifts on the roster so that people work too many shifts in a row. It’s a problem in many countries, I suppose, too few people for too many people in need of help.
I really love to see how this series will continue and I will curiously await the second book! This book is a great start, one I will highly recommend.
This is very much a Fearne Hill book. If you are familiar with her writing, you’d know that she handles heavy topics very well and gentle, always with a light touch and with very lovely British humour.
I was a bit surprised when I found out she wrote a forbidden romance between 2 brothers, but then I learned they were not blood related, which took away most of the taboo factor.
Ezra and Isaac shared a childhood under the same roof, Isaac being the first born child of his father’s new family with his second wife, with whom he had an affair while still being married to Ezra’s mum. The father, a very wealthy and well know heart surgeon, had adopted Ezra when he first married, and after the unfortunate death of Ezra’s mother, he took him in to live with his new family.
The man was a terrible father, living for his career and fame and fortune, with a tendency to cruelty towards Ezra, which made Ezra decide to leave at 18 and never look back.
At the father’s funeral, Isaac and Ezra meet again after 10 years. They have a lot to overcome from their past, but there has always been a brotherly love and bond between them. That it appears to become much more that that, is another hurdle for them to take.
I loved this cast of characters. Hated the father, the mother as well at first, but she got her redemption towards the end and it didn’t feel forced. I loved Ezra to bits, he was such a great character! I loved his son Jonty too and their close bond. It was great to witness Isaac grow in this story. At the end, he’s definitely a different guy from the one we meet at the beginning of the book. The slow burn feels right, Ezra and Isaac had a lot to overcome and, specially Isaac needed time to accept he loved Ezra as a lover and not just as a brother.
In between the lines there’s a complaint towards the NHS, perfectly woven into the story, as Isaac is working as a doctor in a London hospital. About the workload and the limited awareness of the mental health situation for the people on the floor. About the continuing shifts on the roster so that people work too many shifts in a row. It’s a problem in many countries, I suppose, too few people for too many people in need of help.
I really love to see how this series will continue and I will curiously await the second book! This book is a great start, one I will highly recommend.
August 12, 2025
I don’t know why I was expecting something light this time around from an author who is my favourite go to when I want something that always digs deep below the surface. I was pleasantly and ecstatically disappointed. This story so sublime. Slowly peeling away these wondrous layers of the past, the developed coping mechanisms, the ennui and quiet devastation to reveal bright sparks of humour and joy and this beautiful slow burn of unbrotherly love.
What these men go through in their formative years is truly appalling and a trauma they both struggle to overcome and while on the surface it feels like Isaac has more to pull from it’s the resilience and sheer stubbornness of Ezra that he leans on. Ezra’s circumstances feel bleak but he has a son who is a shining light and Isaac feels bleak on the inside until he reconnects with Ezra.
Their relationship development doesn’t follow a norm at all and yet it’s quite perfect for the mega Hurdle of being adopted brothers they are trying to overcome. Sometimes I couldn’t understand where Ezra’s single mindedness came from but I could see Isaac’s struggle.
I think being asthmatic Jonty’s story and childlike resilience touched me the most
This is a very different book than I’ve read from Fearne hill but no less engaging and impact full- highly recommend
What these men go through in their formative years is truly appalling and a trauma they both struggle to overcome and while on the surface it feels like Isaac has more to pull from it’s the resilience and sheer stubbornness of Ezra that he leans on. Ezra’s circumstances feel bleak but he has a son who is a shining light and Isaac feels bleak on the inside until he reconnects with Ezra.
Their relationship development doesn’t follow a norm at all and yet it’s quite perfect for the mega Hurdle of being adopted brothers they are trying to overcome. Sometimes I couldn’t understand where Ezra’s single mindedness came from but I could see Isaac’s struggle.
I think being asthmatic Jonty’s story and childlike resilience touched me the most
This is a very different book than I’ve read from Fearne hill but no less engaging and impact full- highly recommend
August 19, 2025
Rounding up to 4 ⭐️
When I first saw the blurb, I somehow tricked myself into thinking that Fearne Hill had finally discovered wincest. Alas! It was not to be. (And yes, it says "adopted brothers" right there at the end. Wishful thinking be a dangerous drug.)
My point is that I went into this thinking it was gonna be all taboo and wincesty, so imagine my surprise when we are plunged straight into an authentic accounting of the inhumanely dysfunctional way the NHS treats its employees. Which! I am not mad about! Once Iset aside my hopes and dreams re-calibrated my mind to what I was actually reading, I was able to enjoy this thoughtful, low angst, slow-burn story about two men reconciling and learning how to live with the legacy of their cobbled-together, then broken-up family, and the father whose suffocating presence dictated so much of their lives.
Indeed, had we stayed in junior doctor Isaac's POV the whole time, I would have enjoyed it more: his exhausted, stressed, burnt out, cynical-but-clinging-to-goodness voice is by far the standout, even if his major dilemma -- whether to slog on with his destined career path as a cardiac surgeon, or plump for a less prestigious emergency medicine post -- is a bit thin, at least for readers who are not themselves invested in the status markers of the medical profession. (Dude can still save lives. Color me impressed.) Unfortunately, I didn't jibe with Ezra's voice as well. It was too mate-y for my tastes; and while Isaac had a solid decade-plus of unrequited pining on his side, Ezra's leap from "younger brother who was nice to me but whose very existence I resent on principle" to "walking heart-eyes emoji" felt very insta. I did, however, appreciate the excellent supporting cast -- Carly and Alaric, in particular; Jonty was a surprise, but perfectly fine in the "there are limits to how well these characters can be written"-sense -- and the fact that Isaac's bio-mom/ Ezra's step-mom, though difficult and selfish, did not cross the line into cartoonish villainy.
I'm always happy when Fearne Hill is writing doctors; and while I would have liked less discordance between Isaac's real-feeling narration and Ezra's overdone bloke-iness, this was a solid start to a new series.
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
When I first saw the blurb, I somehow tricked myself into thinking that Fearne Hill had finally discovered wincest. Alas! It was not to be. (And yes, it says "adopted brothers" right there at the end. Wishful thinking be a dangerous drug.)
My point is that I went into this thinking it was gonna be all taboo and wincesty, so imagine my surprise when we are plunged straight into an authentic accounting of the inhumanely dysfunctional way the NHS treats its employees. Which! I am not mad about! Once I
Indeed, had we stayed in junior doctor Isaac's POV the whole time, I would have enjoyed it more: his exhausted, stressed, burnt out, cynical-but-clinging-to-goodness voice is by far the standout, even if his major dilemma -- whether to slog on with his destined career path as a cardiac surgeon, or plump for a less prestigious emergency medicine post -- is a bit thin, at least for readers who are not themselves invested in the status markers of the medical profession. (Dude can still save lives. Color me impressed.) Unfortunately, I didn't jibe with Ezra's voice as well. It was too mate-y for my tastes; and while Isaac had a solid decade-plus of unrequited pining on his side, Ezra's leap from "younger brother who was nice to me but whose very existence I resent on principle" to "walking heart-eyes emoji" felt very insta. I did, however, appreciate the excellent supporting cast -- Carly and Alaric, in particular; Jonty was a surprise, but perfectly fine in the "there are limits to how well these characters can be written"-sense -- and the fact that Isaac's bio-mom/ Ezra's step-mom, though difficult and selfish, did not cross the line into cartoonish villainy.
I'm always happy when Fearne Hill is writing doctors; and while I would have liked less discordance between Isaac's real-feeling narration and Ezra's overdone bloke-iness, this was a solid start to a new series.
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
once Ezra turned eighteen, he left Isaac's life not be seen again until their parental units passed. Ezra learns it's okay to let others in and not run whenever things get difficult. Issac with Ezras helps learn the art of the word 'no', and it's okay not to be perfect. these men learn together to lean on the other in difficult times and cherish the good times. Their love and support are beautiful thing once they allow the other in. This story had a different feel than what I usually read from Fearne, and it was a beautiful thing to see how diverse of an author they are. When a slow burn is done, correct for me, it's one to cherish always. For those worried, the men are in no way blood related, and their time apart made them so different that it was an art to see their bond grown slowly but surely.
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
August 25, 2025
I generally enjoy this author so was delighted to get an ARC.
The premise of this book drew me in - I’m a sucker for angst. However this didn’t quite live up to the standard of the authors other books. The “brother” aspect was laid on just a little too thick for my liking . It took away from the story , in what felt like, an attempt to fit into the “brothers / incest” trope .
First half was more enjoyable but this was a little bit of a miss for me.
The premise of this book drew me in - I’m a sucker for angst. However this didn’t quite live up to the standard of the authors other books. The “brother” aspect was laid on just a little too thick for my liking . It took away from the story , in what felt like, an attempt to fit into the “brothers / incest” trope .
First half was more enjoyable but this was a little bit of a miss for me.
August 18, 2025
Another fav read from one of my favourite MM-contemporary authors. Hill’s style is easy to spot: raw, sarcastic, laugh-out-loud funny and unapologetically British. The banter between characters is top-notch, laced with the dark humour I love.
About the romance: I want to be clear: this book is marketed as romance, yet it stretches far beyond. Hill tackles rejection, parental death, disappointment, fear of choice and poverty with equal weight. If you’re looking for a story where the love arc hogs the spotlight, you won’t find it here. Instead, you’ll get a narrative that refuses to leave you indifferent, even if some romantic parts could have used a bit more page-time.
I know the step-brother trope is everywhere and I was wary of yet “one more”. Surprisingly, it feels fresh here. Often the trope is just backstory or a childhood link, but Hill weaves it into present-day scenes and ongoing conflict. If the real-world implications of step-siblings loving each other unsettle you, this might not be for you. Hill never softens the taboo: Ezra and Isaac know it’s messy, talk it through, cry about it, want it anyway.
Beneath the snappy banter and light-hearted banter, there are moments that cut deep. I’ll never forgive that smug old bastard, but oh well, I did live long enough to hate Janice a little less. And yes, the financial resolution is wish-fulfilment, yet I read for the HEA, so it didn’t bother me one bit.
About the romance: I want to be clear: this book is marketed as romance, yet it stretches far beyond. Hill tackles rejection, parental death, disappointment, fear of choice and poverty with equal weight. If you’re looking for a story where the love arc hogs the spotlight, you won’t find it here. Instead, you’ll get a narrative that refuses to leave you indifferent, even if some romantic parts could have used a bit more page-time.
I know the step-brother trope is everywhere and I was wary of yet “one more”. Surprisingly, it feels fresh here. Often the trope is just backstory or a childhood link, but Hill weaves it into present-day scenes and ongoing conflict. If the real-world implications of step-siblings loving each other unsettle you, this might not be for you. Hill never softens the taboo: Ezra and Isaac know it’s messy, talk it through, cry about it, want it anyway.
Beneath the snappy banter and light-hearted banter, there are moments that cut deep. I’ll never forgive that smug old bastard, but oh well, I did live long enough to hate Janice a little less. And yes, the financial resolution is wish-fulfilment, yet I read for the HEA, so it didn’t bother me one bit.
August 30, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: adopted brothers, hurt / comfort, single dad
Maybe was a beautiful and complex story!
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one, but it didn’t take long for Isaac to capture my attention. It was easy to feel for him, he had a lot to deal with and his emotions were very present in the story. I loved his sense of humour, and his cynical, self-deprecating thoughts and comments made me giggle several times.
It was interesting to see Isaac and Ezra reconnect and get to know each other again after spending a decade apart. There was quite a bit of history from their childhood that they needed to overcome and discuss before anything could happen between them. It was a story that was uncovered piece by piece, with complicated histories and families, and while it sometimes got messy and heavy, it was overall handled with a gentle and somewhat light-hearted touch.
Ezra had some lingering resentment towards Isaac’s family, which made sense, and he could be a little bit too stubborn at times. I loved seeing him with his son Jonty, it was obvious that Jonty meant the world to him and they were so cute together. The characters were all very well written, and both Isaac and Ezra had a lot of depth and layers.
Maybe was a moving and tender story with banter, raw emotions, pining and well written characters. It was a somewhat unconventional romance, with a lot of bumps along the way, but Isaac and Ezra got their HEA in the end. Isaac especially had some great character development, and I loved seeing him find his own way in life and starting to thrive. It was a strong start to the Mis-shapes series, and it’s definitely a series I’ll keep my eyes on!
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I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: adopted brothers, hurt / comfort, single dad
Maybe was a beautiful and complex story!
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one, but it didn’t take long for Isaac to capture my attention. It was easy to feel for him, he had a lot to deal with and his emotions were very present in the story. I loved his sense of humour, and his cynical, self-deprecating thoughts and comments made me giggle several times.
It was interesting to see Isaac and Ezra reconnect and get to know each other again after spending a decade apart. There was quite a bit of history from their childhood that they needed to overcome and discuss before anything could happen between them. It was a story that was uncovered piece by piece, with complicated histories and families, and while it sometimes got messy and heavy, it was overall handled with a gentle and somewhat light-hearted touch.
Ezra had some lingering resentment towards Isaac’s family, which made sense, and he could be a little bit too stubborn at times. I loved seeing him with his son Jonty, it was obvious that Jonty meant the world to him and they were so cute together. The characters were all very well written, and both Isaac and Ezra had a lot of depth and layers.
Maybe was a moving and tender story with banter, raw emotions, pining and well written characters. It was a somewhat unconventional romance, with a lot of bumps along the way, but Isaac and Ezra got their HEA in the end. Isaac especially had some great character development, and I loved seeing him find his own way in life and starting to thrive. It was a strong start to the Mis-shapes series, and it’s definitely a series I’ll keep my eyes on!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 16, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
Fearne Hill kicks off her new Mis-shapes contemporary romance series with Maybe, a gorgeous slow-burn romance between step/adopted brothers that explores the complexities of grief, the weight of living with unhealthy expectations and learning to let go of those expectations to find happiness and forge your own path in life.
Overworked junior doctor Isaac Fitz-Henry has taken a rare day off from the frenetically busy Emergency Department he currently works in in order to attend the reading of his late father’s will. (For American readers, ‘junior’ doctors in the NHS are fully qualified with several years of experience under their belts, so ‘junior’ is something of a misnomer.) Professor Sir Henry Fitz-Henry KBE BM BCh FRCS (Eng) was one of the world’s most renowned cardiac surgeons, a high-profile figure famous for his many charitable endeavours, both in the UK and internationally, whose acts of benevolence won him great acclaim. Those acts, however, hid a calculating man whose charitable impulses were usually prompted by the opportunity for self-aggrandisement, and who was also a total shit in his personal life; Isaac was nine or ten when he found out that his illustrious father had been living a double-life and had a second family, or rather that he, Isaac, was part of that second family, the first consisting of a wife and adopted son, Ezra. The sudden discovery of the years-long deception led to the death of Ezra’s mother in an accident, after which the devastated, grieving and furious teen moved in with the rest of the Fitz-Henrys.
Although Isaac quickly developed a case of hero-worship for Ezra – who is four years his senior – and the two of them bonded over a shared antipathy towards their father, Ezra never really fit in. Still hurt, angry and grieving over his mum, he’d lash out and behave obnoxiously, his stepmother his usual target because his father was rarely around. When Sir Henry was around, Ezra bore the brunt of his ready disapproval and the pair butted heads all the time, until Ezra walked out when he was eighteen following a massive row. Isaac hasn’t seen or heard from Ezra in the decade since, although he thinks of him often and wonders where he is and how he’s doing, but has no idea how to go about tracking him down.
Isaac knows Ezra has been invited to the will reading and half-expects him not to show. But he does – all lanky grace, black eyeliner, sharp cheekbones and sarcasm, and Isaac is uncomfortably reminded of his long-ago crush – and that it has never gone away. Then the will is read, and Ezra’s name is not mentioned until a short note at the end stating he is not to receive anything from the estate. Isaac is indignant and furious on his brother’s behalf and insists there must be some mistake, but there isn’t – Sir Henry cut his eldest son from his life and left him nothing at his death. Isaac insists he’s going to arrange to give Ezra his proper share of the family money, but Ezra doesn’t want it. With a snarky parthian shot, he walks out of Isaac’s life for the second time. Isaac really hopes it isn’t for good.
Isaac and Ezra are superbly drawn characters who have both struggled to overcome the awful experiences of their childhoods. They’re polar opposites in many ways, but those experiences have created a connection that has never really broken, no matter how much Ezra has tried to distance himself from it. He doesn’t want anything to do with the family who rejected him; he certainly doesn’t want Isaac’s money or his pity or anything else from him, and isn’t shy about making that clear, taking his anger and frustration out on Isaac and generally behaving like a complete knob to him to start with. Ezra is proud and he’s hurting; his father’s beyond-the-grave snub has brought back unpleasant memories of all the times Sir Henry made Ezra believe he was wrong and hard to love - but with those painful memories come memories of Isaac, the intense, nerdy kid who’d made everything seem easier and brighter. And Ezra realises that there is something he wants from the Fitz-Henrys after all - to have Isaac back in his life.
Isaac spends most of his life being completely knackered, but he loves helping people despite all the petty frustrations he faces every day. His career path has been mapped out for as long as he can remember; become a doctor, pass the surgical exams, take up a cardiac fellowship post to expand his research, get published, get a formal training post in Sir Henry’s old department… it’s a long road and far from an easy one, but becoming a cardiac surgeon is what he’s always known he’s supposed to do. Having spent so long going along with other people’s expectations that he’s going to follow in his father’s footsteps makes it hard for Isaac to admit that perhaps cardiac surgery isn’t what he really wants to do and he’s lost sight of the fact that he gets to choose what he does with his life.
Despite the overwork, the stress and the high expectations, it would seem, at first glance, that Isaac has his life more under control than Ezra; he’s got a good job, he has a family who loves him (even though he doesn’t see them often) a very nice place to live and is now, thanks to Sir Henry, quite wealthy, whereas Ezra had no-one to lean on when he walked out and is clearly struggling to make ends meet. Yet Ezra is thriving. He’s so strong and so unapologetically himself, and where Isaac is exhausted and running on fumes most of the time, Ezra has struck out on his own and made a life and a new family for himself, handles the crap life throws at him mostly without complaint, and above all, he has his nine-year-old son, Jonty, who is the apple of his eye and the light of his life.
The romantic relationship between Ezra and Isaac is a nicely done slow-burn filled with lots of longing and affection and warmth and good humour. Ezra is less fazed about their familial connection – they don’t share blood or DNA after all – than Isaac is to start with, although Isaac’s reservations about embarking on a relationship come more as a result of inexperience and worrying he’ll fuck things up and lose Ezra all over again. The depth of their love for each other and the strength of their emotional bond comes through strongly – it’s clear that these two are a perfect fit despite being so different, and that they each bring something the other badly needs to the relationship. Ezra helps Isaac to realise that his wants and needs are important, too, that he’s his own person and not just an extension of their father, and Isaac helps Ezra banish those deep-seated childhood fears that told him he wasn’t worth loving and wasn’t good enough, and that accepting help doesn’t make him weak or mean he’s unable to cope.
The author’s background as a medical professional in the NHS enables her to paint a very realistic portrait of the workings of a busy emergency department, and she doesn’t shy away from exploring the way years of chronic underfunding have taken a real toll on the staff, who somehow, and against all the odds, keep things going and for the most part, do an amazing job in very difficult circumstances. It’s not preachy or tub-thumbing – it’s important to an understanding of Isaac’s character to know what he deals with every day, and why his dedication and willingness to help out isn’t always a good thing.
The story has plenty of the down-to-earth humour I so enjoy about Ms. Hill’s work, and the secondary characters are superbly drawn - Isaac’s friend and colleague Alaric is a stand-out (I hope he’s getting a book of his own!), and Jonty is very much a regular nine-year-old rather than a clichéd plot-moppet.
Maybe is nuanced, heartfelt and emotionally satisfying, a lovely romance about two people coming to terms with the past and working their way towards happiness, and I loved it. It’s a great start to this new series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Note: The story deals with grief following the death of a parent, and there are mentions of mental health issues, past substance abuse and a brief description of a cot death.
Fearne Hill kicks off her new Mis-shapes contemporary romance series with Maybe, a gorgeous slow-burn romance between step/adopted brothers that explores the complexities of grief, the weight of living with unhealthy expectations and learning to let go of those expectations to find happiness and forge your own path in life.
Overworked junior doctor Isaac Fitz-Henry has taken a rare day off from the frenetically busy Emergency Department he currently works in in order to attend the reading of his late father’s will. (For American readers, ‘junior’ doctors in the NHS are fully qualified with several years of experience under their belts, so ‘junior’ is something of a misnomer.) Professor Sir Henry Fitz-Henry KBE BM BCh FRCS (Eng) was one of the world’s most renowned cardiac surgeons, a high-profile figure famous for his many charitable endeavours, both in the UK and internationally, whose acts of benevolence won him great acclaim. Those acts, however, hid a calculating man whose charitable impulses were usually prompted by the opportunity for self-aggrandisement, and who was also a total shit in his personal life; Isaac was nine or ten when he found out that his illustrious father had been living a double-life and had a second family, or rather that he, Isaac, was part of that second family, the first consisting of a wife and adopted son, Ezra. The sudden discovery of the years-long deception led to the death of Ezra’s mother in an accident, after which the devastated, grieving and furious teen moved in with the rest of the Fitz-Henrys.
Although Isaac quickly developed a case of hero-worship for Ezra – who is four years his senior – and the two of them bonded over a shared antipathy towards their father, Ezra never really fit in. Still hurt, angry and grieving over his mum, he’d lash out and behave obnoxiously, his stepmother his usual target because his father was rarely around. When Sir Henry was around, Ezra bore the brunt of his ready disapproval and the pair butted heads all the time, until Ezra walked out when he was eighteen following a massive row. Isaac hasn’t seen or heard from Ezra in the decade since, although he thinks of him often and wonders where he is and how he’s doing, but has no idea how to go about tracking him down.
Isaac knows Ezra has been invited to the will reading and half-expects him not to show. But he does – all lanky grace, black eyeliner, sharp cheekbones and sarcasm, and Isaac is uncomfortably reminded of his long-ago crush – and that it has never gone away. Then the will is read, and Ezra’s name is not mentioned until a short note at the end stating he is not to receive anything from the estate. Isaac is indignant and furious on his brother’s behalf and insists there must be some mistake, but there isn’t – Sir Henry cut his eldest son from his life and left him nothing at his death. Isaac insists he’s going to arrange to give Ezra his proper share of the family money, but Ezra doesn’t want it. With a snarky parthian shot, he walks out of Isaac’s life for the second time. Isaac really hopes it isn’t for good.
Isaac and Ezra are superbly drawn characters who have both struggled to overcome the awful experiences of their childhoods. They’re polar opposites in many ways, but those experiences have created a connection that has never really broken, no matter how much Ezra has tried to distance himself from it. He doesn’t want anything to do with the family who rejected him; he certainly doesn’t want Isaac’s money or his pity or anything else from him, and isn’t shy about making that clear, taking his anger and frustration out on Isaac and generally behaving like a complete knob to him to start with. Ezra is proud and he’s hurting; his father’s beyond-the-grave snub has brought back unpleasant memories of all the times Sir Henry made Ezra believe he was wrong and hard to love - but with those painful memories come memories of Isaac, the intense, nerdy kid who’d made everything seem easier and brighter. And Ezra realises that there is something he wants from the Fitz-Henrys after all - to have Isaac back in his life.
Isaac spends most of his life being completely knackered, but he loves helping people despite all the petty frustrations he faces every day. His career path has been mapped out for as long as he can remember; become a doctor, pass the surgical exams, take up a cardiac fellowship post to expand his research, get published, get a formal training post in Sir Henry’s old department… it’s a long road and far from an easy one, but becoming a cardiac surgeon is what he’s always known he’s supposed to do. Having spent so long going along with other people’s expectations that he’s going to follow in his father’s footsteps makes it hard for Isaac to admit that perhaps cardiac surgery isn’t what he really wants to do and he’s lost sight of the fact that he gets to choose what he does with his life.
Despite the overwork, the stress and the high expectations, it would seem, at first glance, that Isaac has his life more under control than Ezra; he’s got a good job, he has a family who loves him (even though he doesn’t see them often) a very nice place to live and is now, thanks to Sir Henry, quite wealthy, whereas Ezra had no-one to lean on when he walked out and is clearly struggling to make ends meet. Yet Ezra is thriving. He’s so strong and so unapologetically himself, and where Isaac is exhausted and running on fumes most of the time, Ezra has struck out on his own and made a life and a new family for himself, handles the crap life throws at him mostly without complaint, and above all, he has his nine-year-old son, Jonty, who is the apple of his eye and the light of his life.
The romantic relationship between Ezra and Isaac is a nicely done slow-burn filled with lots of longing and affection and warmth and good humour. Ezra is less fazed about their familial connection – they don’t share blood or DNA after all – than Isaac is to start with, although Isaac’s reservations about embarking on a relationship come more as a result of inexperience and worrying he’ll fuck things up and lose Ezra all over again. The depth of their love for each other and the strength of their emotional bond comes through strongly – it’s clear that these two are a perfect fit despite being so different, and that they each bring something the other badly needs to the relationship. Ezra helps Isaac to realise that his wants and needs are important, too, that he’s his own person and not just an extension of their father, and Isaac helps Ezra banish those deep-seated childhood fears that told him he wasn’t worth loving and wasn’t good enough, and that accepting help doesn’t make him weak or mean he’s unable to cope.
The author’s background as a medical professional in the NHS enables her to paint a very realistic portrait of the workings of a busy emergency department, and she doesn’t shy away from exploring the way years of chronic underfunding have taken a real toll on the staff, who somehow, and against all the odds, keep things going and for the most part, do an amazing job in very difficult circumstances. It’s not preachy or tub-thumbing – it’s important to an understanding of Isaac’s character to know what he deals with every day, and why his dedication and willingness to help out isn’t always a good thing.
The story has plenty of the down-to-earth humour I so enjoy about Ms. Hill’s work, and the secondary characters are superbly drawn - Isaac’s friend and colleague Alaric is a stand-out (I hope he’s getting a book of his own!), and Jonty is very much a regular nine-year-old rather than a clichéd plot-moppet.
Maybe is nuanced, heartfelt and emotionally satisfying, a lovely romance about two people coming to terms with the past and working their way towards happiness, and I loved it. It’s a great start to this new series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Note: The story deals with grief following the death of a parent, and there are mentions of mental health issues, past substance abuse and a brief description of a cot death.
August 11, 2025
4.5⭐️
I enjoyed this book a lot. I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author, but it was a great introduction to her.
Ezra’s story was raw and unfiltered. He watched as his life fell apart around him at just 13 and continued to get worse until he walked away at 18. Isaac’s love for his brother goes outside the lines of a normal brotherly relationship, and despite loving Ezra since he was 14, he still struggles to overcome his internalised homophobia and the fact that this relationship wouldn’t follow the plan that’s been designed for him.
The author takes us on a journey with the two of them, letting us in while they overcome their issues together. She touches upon social issues and writes about the complexities of grief, emotional abuse, and unhealthy expectations in a way that really has you rooting for the two of them to take back their own lives.
My only niggle was that even after they decided to pursue a relationship together, they still referred to each other as brothers even in front of the kids, which would surely be confusing. They’ve explained they’re not blood related and that they love each other, so why not change the way they define their relationship? It seemed a bit odd, but that’s probably just me.
Overall, a realistic take on brothers navigating a relationship and fighting against the struggles of life to get there. I really enjoyed it.
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I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author, but it was a great introduction to her.
Ezra’s story was raw and unfiltered. He watched as his life fell apart around him at just 13 and continued to get worse until he walked away at 18. Isaac’s love for his brother goes outside the lines of a normal brotherly relationship, and despite loving Ezra since he was 14, he still struggles to overcome his internalised homophobia and the fact that this relationship wouldn’t follow the plan that’s been designed for him.
The author takes us on a journey with the two of them, letting us in while they overcome their issues together. She touches upon social issues and writes about the complexities of grief, emotional abuse, and unhealthy expectations in a way that really has you rooting for the two of them to take back their own lives.
My only niggle was that even after they decided to pursue a relationship together, they still referred to each other as brothers even in front of the kids, which would surely be confusing. They’ve explained they’re not blood related and that they love each other, so why not change the way they define their relationship? It seemed a bit odd, but that’s probably just me.
Overall, a realistic take on brothers navigating a relationship and fighting against the struggles of life to get there. I really enjoyed it.
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I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
August 21, 2025
Fearne Hill is such a solid author, and this book was a fantastic surprise for me. Be warned that it is heavy and there are many serious topics and situations throughout the book. However, seeing what they went through over the course of the book made it even more powerful for me. It is a slow burn (what I prefer), but that makes it feel more real. I am excited for the next book in the series!
November 15, 2025
I liked Jonty. The two MCs, not so much. Ezra has too much pride, and is very stubborn. Isaac is a people pleaser and tends to be non confrontational.
August 25, 2025
MIS-SHAPES BOOK 1
Isaac father dies. His older brother, Ezra, who has been gone for 10 years arrives for the reading of the will.
‘Ezra Fitz-Henry. Sir Henry’s adopted son from his first marriage. My stepbrother. And my first and only love.’
Ezra is left nothing much to the outrage of Isaac.
Isaac is a doctor working towards being a cardiac surgeon, like his father.
Ezra turns up drunk, insulting his stepmother and trashing his dad’s memorial service.
Very messy childhood. Dear old Dad had two families and when Ezra’s mum found out she died. So Isaac’s mum moved in with her kids.
Three months later, Isaac’s on a date when he hears Ezra busking. The date leaves, Ezra’s set ends and Issac follows Ezra.
Ezra has a 9 year old son, Jonty! Did not see that coming. Ezra is gay but had drunken sex with a girl, Carly, who is his best friend.
They live pretty poverty stricken life , Ezra’s dad / stepdad knew but didn’t care.
Definitely not feeling sad their shithead of a dad died.
Isaac goes back to the cafe to chat with Ezra. Ezra sends him photos of Jonty. Isaac calls Ezra. Isaac is back at the cafe.
So they are communicating. This is going to be a slow burn romance I feel.
Wow. I feel so sad about Ezra’s mum and the way she died. Oh My God.
This book feels emotionally devastating and we aren’t at any romance yet 😭
“We’re not blood relatives. His dad was with my mum. I was adopted by his dad. His mum is someone else. Long story.” Neil digested that, or pretended to, squinting up at the clear evening sky. “That’s good, seeing as you want to jump his bones.”
Ezra kisses Isaac and they get lost in the moment…until Isaac is like what the fuck bro!
“What do you mean? Christ, Isaac, it was a quick goodbye snog after a few beers, that’s all.” “That’s all?” he shouted. “That’s all? You’re my brother, fuckwit!” “Only on a piece of paper, somewhere. Who gives a fuck?”
( It took half the book to get to a kiss )
Ezra tells Carly Isaac is his soul mate.
Isaac is spiralling after that kiss. He tells Ezra he liked the kiss but he doesn’t want to lose him again.
Ezra pays a visit to his stepmother to try and make nice.
Jonty has to go to hospital due to a pretty severe asthma attack. Jonty lets Isaac know Ezra has being writing a song about him called ‘Maybe’. Ah that’s where the title comes from.
Ezra and Jonty visit Ezra’s stepmother again.
‘If I wanted to have a happy Isaac in my life, then I was going to have to get over my dislike of Janice and try and support her.‘
Isaac gets his way and has Ezra and Jonty staying with him in his fancy rich apartment.
They finally have sex ( at 80% of the book) but do they really need to keep reminding me they are lovers , boyfriends and brothers.
Jonty questions if brothers can kiss on the lips like they do, he’s pretty grossed out but Ezra explains they aren’t biologically brothers so it’s ok.
Ezra and Isaac exchange I love you’s.
Ezra and Jonty move out. Isaac’s mum is going into rehab for her drinking. Isaac decided not to go into being a Cardiac Surgeon.
Janice , the stepmother, sets up a trust for Jonty with a considerable amount of money.
“I’m doing this, Ez,” I stated. “Big brothers need help sometimes too, you know? As do boyfriends. And you’ve got a boyfriend who’s going to be with you forever. Which means that what’s mine is yours, Ez.”
They house hunt.
The end with some epilogues.
Soo a messy, slow burn read with a lot of focus on secondary characters. Didn’t really make me feel all warm and romantic.
Learn to fly. Fly away. Only mentioned 8 times but felt like more.
Lovers and brothers mentioned 3 times but I swear it was more too.
Isaac father dies. His older brother, Ezra, who has been gone for 10 years arrives for the reading of the will.
‘Ezra Fitz-Henry. Sir Henry’s adopted son from his first marriage. My stepbrother. And my first and only love.’
Ezra is left nothing much to the outrage of Isaac.
Isaac is a doctor working towards being a cardiac surgeon, like his father.
Ezra turns up drunk, insulting his stepmother and trashing his dad’s memorial service.
Very messy childhood. Dear old Dad had two families and when Ezra’s mum found out she died. So Isaac’s mum moved in with her kids.
Three months later, Isaac’s on a date when he hears Ezra busking. The date leaves, Ezra’s set ends and Issac follows Ezra.
Ezra has a 9 year old son, Jonty! Did not see that coming. Ezra is gay but had drunken sex with a girl, Carly, who is his best friend.
They live pretty poverty stricken life , Ezra’s dad / stepdad knew but didn’t care.
Definitely not feeling sad their shithead of a dad died.
Isaac goes back to the cafe to chat with Ezra. Ezra sends him photos of Jonty. Isaac calls Ezra. Isaac is back at the cafe.
So they are communicating. This is going to be a slow burn romance I feel.
Wow. I feel so sad about Ezra’s mum and the way she died. Oh My God.
This book feels emotionally devastating and we aren’t at any romance yet 😭
“We’re not blood relatives. His dad was with my mum. I was adopted by his dad. His mum is someone else. Long story.” Neil digested that, or pretended to, squinting up at the clear evening sky. “That’s good, seeing as you want to jump his bones.”
Ezra kisses Isaac and they get lost in the moment…until Isaac is like what the fuck bro!
“What do you mean? Christ, Isaac, it was a quick goodbye snog after a few beers, that’s all.” “That’s all?” he shouted. “That’s all? You’re my brother, fuckwit!” “Only on a piece of paper, somewhere. Who gives a fuck?”
( It took half the book to get to a kiss )
Ezra tells Carly Isaac is his soul mate.
Isaac is spiralling after that kiss. He tells Ezra he liked the kiss but he doesn’t want to lose him again.
Ezra pays a visit to his stepmother to try and make nice.
Jonty has to go to hospital due to a pretty severe asthma attack. Jonty lets Isaac know Ezra has being writing a song about him called ‘Maybe’. Ah that’s where the title comes from.
Ezra and Jonty visit Ezra’s stepmother again.
‘If I wanted to have a happy Isaac in my life, then I was going to have to get over my dislike of Janice and try and support her.‘
Isaac gets his way and has Ezra and Jonty staying with him in his fancy rich apartment.
They finally have sex ( at 80% of the book) but do they really need to keep reminding me they are lovers , boyfriends and brothers.
Jonty questions if brothers can kiss on the lips like they do, he’s pretty grossed out but Ezra explains they aren’t biologically brothers so it’s ok.
Ezra and Isaac exchange I love you’s.
Ezra and Jonty move out. Isaac’s mum is going into rehab for her drinking. Isaac decided not to go into being a Cardiac Surgeon.
Janice , the stepmother, sets up a trust for Jonty with a considerable amount of money.
“I’m doing this, Ez,” I stated. “Big brothers need help sometimes too, you know? As do boyfriends. And you’ve got a boyfriend who’s going to be with you forever. Which means that what’s mine is yours, Ez.”
They house hunt.
The end with some epilogues.
Soo a messy, slow burn read with a lot of focus on secondary characters. Didn’t really make me feel all warm and romantic.
Learn to fly. Fly away. Only mentioned 8 times but felt like more.
Lovers and brothers mentioned 3 times but I swear it was more too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
Ezra & Isaac
This was good but emotional slow burn type of story. There may be the brothers aspect but there is much more to Ezra and Isaac's story than that. I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This was good but emotional slow burn type of story. There may be the brothers aspect but there is much more to Ezra and Isaac's story than that. I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
August 15, 2025
4.5 stars
Very beautiful start of a new series by Fearne Hill.
Since the first pages, I loved Ezra and I was overwhelmed by how he suffered in his life (his mother's death was horrible), how everyone who was supposed to love him, left him, how awfully his adoptive father and his stepmother treated him and how alone he must have felt for a long time.
On the contrary, I couldn't connect with Isaac at first: he was too nice, too submissive, incapable of making a decision for himself. I have to admit, he frustrated me quite a bit.
But then, having Ezra back in his life, finally helped him breathe: it was like the overbearing presence of his father was fading little by little and he could finally see a different future for himself.
I really appreciated the slow burn, I believe it suited their relationship very well: I loved how Ezra adored and doted on Isaac without needing or pushing for physical release.
The sex scenes were very romantic and emotional: I loved how both of them were overwhelmed by their feelings (they had done very little and yet Ezra considered those moments as making love, gahhh!)
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I needed more of Isaac and Jonty's bond. That little guy was awesome and I would have liked to see more of him and Isaac spending time together.
I really really despised Janice: I get that she was also a victim of her narcissistic husband but she put the blame solely on him for their affair and never acknowledged or apologised for all the pain she caused to Ezra and Isaac just tiptoed around her his whole life.
I liked the side characters and I hope the author will give Luke his own happy ending because that boy surely deserves it.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Very beautiful start of a new series by Fearne Hill.
Since the first pages, I loved Ezra and I was overwhelmed by how he suffered in his life (his mother's death was horrible), how everyone who was supposed to love him, left him, how awfully his adoptive father and his stepmother treated him and how alone he must have felt for a long time.
On the contrary, I couldn't connect with Isaac at first: he was too nice, too submissive, incapable of making a decision for himself. I have to admit, he frustrated me quite a bit.
But then, having Ezra back in his life, finally helped him breathe: it was like the overbearing presence of his father was fading little by little and he could finally see a different future for himself.
I really appreciated the slow burn, I believe it suited their relationship very well: I loved how Ezra adored and doted on Isaac without needing or pushing for physical release.
The sex scenes were very romantic and emotional: I loved how both of them were overwhelmed by their feelings (they had done very little and yet Ezra considered those moments as making love, gahhh!)
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I needed more of Isaac and Jonty's bond. That little guy was awesome and I would have liked to see more of him and Isaac spending time together.
I really really despised Janice: I get that she was also a victim of her narcissistic husband but she put the blame solely on him for their affair and never acknowledged or apologised for all the pain she caused to Ezra and Isaac just tiptoed around her his whole life.
I liked the side characters and I hope the author will give Luke his own happy ending because that boy surely deserves it.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
October 7, 2025
This wasn’t for me. It was about really nothing for 2/3 of the book. I kept checking how far in the book I was because nothing was happening and I felt like I’d read the majority of the book.
Ezra was annoying, his pride was too much and was literally putting his son’s health at risk. Jonty was sick and Ezra was just okay with bringing him back to his moldy apartment, multiple times there were references to actual mushrooms growing on the walls. Absolutely ridiculous.
Issac was just boring. He was a doctor who seemingly hated working, not helping people but didn’t enjoy being at work. There was way too much really descriptive medical stuff, page after page of medical terminology about people we don’t see again.
Their relationship doesn’t progress until like 80%, they finally have sex and it reads very medical like, not sexy at all. Using “tummy” in the midst of describing being fingered is crazy.
All the brother stuff was also a step too far, a lot of specific talk about “brother, boyfriend”, it was like the author wanted to write incest but wasn’t totally sure. Once they’d had sex the “brother” moniker should’ve ended.
Ezra was annoying, his pride was too much and was literally putting his son’s health at risk. Jonty was sick and Ezra was just okay with bringing him back to his moldy apartment, multiple times there were references to actual mushrooms growing on the walls. Absolutely ridiculous.
Issac was just boring. He was a doctor who seemingly hated working, not helping people but didn’t enjoy being at work. There was way too much really descriptive medical stuff, page after page of medical terminology about people we don’t see again.
Their relationship doesn’t progress until like 80%, they finally have sex and it reads very medical like, not sexy at all. Using “tummy” in the midst of describing being fingered is crazy.
All the brother stuff was also a step too far, a lot of specific talk about “brother, boyfriend”, it was like the author wanted to write incest but wasn’t totally sure. Once they’d had sex the “brother” moniker should’ve ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot.
The hardships these two go through in their formative years really puts it's mark on them. Ezra's stubbornness have helped him in many ways and at times I just wanted to tell him that it's ok to take the help offered. Isaac is just going through the motions, doesn't really connect with the world around him until he meets Ezra again.
Thank you Fearne Hill for the arc. This review is honest and voluntary!
The hardships these two go through in their formative years really puts it's mark on them. Ezra's stubbornness have helped him in many ways and at times I just wanted to tell him that it's ok to take the help offered. Isaac is just going through the motions, doesn't really connect with the world around him until he meets Ezra again.
Thank you Fearne Hill for the arc. This review is honest and voluntary!
September 21, 2025
I like the author's books but I'm half way through and I'm putting it down. I may or may not come back. I don't like Ezra. None of the characters grab me, to be honest.
I can very occasionally enjoy romance books with children in them, but not often.
ETA 21/09/25
I did come back and finished Maybe. I ended up liking Ezra more and Isaac remained solid throughout.
There's nothing wrong with the writing. Hill has a nice turn of phrase.
I still remained unimpressed with a child in the book, nothing against Jonty, I rarely gel with children in romance reading.
The use of 'brother-uncle-lover' or 'my brother' for spice fell flat. If you like raunchy reading there are more graphic or taboo books out there like the Twin Ties series - don't buy the books, Lynn Kelling hasn't been paid for them. Or Secrets and Lies by Nicky James.
Overall, this ended up being middle of the road reading. It was a contemporary gay romance with two pleasant characters that I liked but didn't come close to loving. Usually this author tugs at my heart but this one missed... although it did help between some dark romantasy audiobooks.
I can very occasionally enjoy romance books with children in them, but not often.
ETA 21/09/25
I did come back and finished Maybe. I ended up liking Ezra more and Isaac remained solid throughout.
There's nothing wrong with the writing. Hill has a nice turn of phrase.
I still remained unimpressed with a child in the book, nothing against Jonty, I rarely gel with children in romance reading.
The use of 'brother-uncle-lover' or 'my brother' for spice fell flat. If you like raunchy reading there are more graphic or taboo books out there like the Twin Ties series - don't buy the books, Lynn Kelling hasn't been paid for them. Or Secrets and Lies by Nicky James.
Overall, this ended up being middle of the road reading. It was a contemporary gay romance with two pleasant characters that I liked but didn't come close to loving. Usually this author tugs at my heart but this one missed... although it did help between some dark romantasy audiobooks.
October 8, 2025
Excellent story telling.
OMG, this is so beautifully written, emotional, compelling, and as stunning as it is heartbreaking. Fearne totally drew me into the messed up and often painful world of Isaac and Ezra. Their relationship is a slow burn that feels both forbidden and inevitable, built on years of shared history, and longing on Isaac's side. They are so different but, at the same time, so similar. They both have 'daddy issues,' and insecurities galore.
The dual POV is perfect, giving you an insight into both brothers' minds. You feel Isaac's resentment and a decade of suppressed emotion, and you also feel Ezra's desperation and love for Jonty, his son. Jonty is at the centre of his actions, only wanting a better life for his son. The tension between the brothers is palpable, and every interaction, from their heated arguments to their tentative moments of connection, is charged.
Fearne doesn't shy away from the heavy topics mentioned in the trigger warnings, but she handles them sensitively and with a subtle touch. She explores the troubled family dynamics, grief, and the issues that plague both Isaac and Ezra. Her writing is so authentic that it's easy to get drawn into the story and root for their happiness
'Maybe' is a poignant and deeply moving story about forgiveness, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected of places. I love that Fearne's writing is so character driven, which I do enjoy in a story. It was lovely to watch both MCs develop and become stronger and wiser, as the book progresses. It's such a beautiful romance, with lots of emotional depth and a gorgeous HEA.
I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.
OMG, this is so beautifully written, emotional, compelling, and as stunning as it is heartbreaking. Fearne totally drew me into the messed up and often painful world of Isaac and Ezra. Their relationship is a slow burn that feels both forbidden and inevitable, built on years of shared history, and longing on Isaac's side. They are so different but, at the same time, so similar. They both have 'daddy issues,' and insecurities galore.
The dual POV is perfect, giving you an insight into both brothers' minds. You feel Isaac's resentment and a decade of suppressed emotion, and you also feel Ezra's desperation and love for Jonty, his son. Jonty is at the centre of his actions, only wanting a better life for his son. The tension between the brothers is palpable, and every interaction, from their heated arguments to their tentative moments of connection, is charged.
Fearne doesn't shy away from the heavy topics mentioned in the trigger warnings, but she handles them sensitively and with a subtle touch. She explores the troubled family dynamics, grief, and the issues that plague both Isaac and Ezra. Her writing is so authentic that it's easy to get drawn into the story and root for their happiness
'Maybe' is a poignant and deeply moving story about forgiveness, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected of places. I love that Fearne's writing is so character driven, which I do enjoy in a story. It was lovely to watch both MCs develop and become stronger and wiser, as the book progresses. It's such a beautiful romance, with lots of emotional depth and a gorgeous HEA.
I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.
August 25, 2025
Isaac Fitz-Henry is the golden boy of the family. In his father’s eyes, Isaac is destined to become a top cardiologist surgeon just like him. Professor Sir Henry Fitz-Henry, has Isaac’s future already planned, one that he can’t deviate from. With the sudden passing of Sir Fitz-Henry, Isaac will have more pressure placed upon him.
The Fitz-Henry family consists of mother, Lady Janice, and younger, twins Saffron and Edward with Isaac being the older at this point. There is another brother, Ezra, by adoption only, who is four years older than Isaac. Ezra was never loved by his biological father who deserted him and his mother before he was born. As a young boy he watched the tragedy that lead to his mother’s death. The only one in the Fitz-Henry family he connected with was Isaac. They both had special feelings for each other, but never expressed them. At eighteen Ezra had his reasons to rebel and mistakes were made. When he sought out help from Sir Fitz-Henry he was kicked out. But Ezra made the best of his life and flew away without any help from Fitz-Henry.
With the sudden death of Sir Fitz-Henry comes a will reading. Even not having contact with Ezra for ten years, he is contacted to attend the reading and that’s of great importance to Isaac. Isaac has mixed feelings about Ezra. He can’t understand how Erza could walk out on him and never contact him. He was confused in his feelings about Ezra, his hero and more. When the will is gone over by the solicitor and for Ezra there was nothing, he walks away from Isaac again.
As Isaac constantly thinks of Ezra, their paths cross again. Can they both get passed the issues of the past and find what they both need?
Fearne Hill has impressed with several of her books and “Maybe” is now one of them.
She writes such a heart-rending story of a somewhat dysfunctional family ruled by an egotistical father.
I loved the contrast between Ezra and Isaac. Ezra lived a different life than Isaac. He is certainly more worldly than Isaac. Nothing was handed to him and he made mistakes. Along the way he learned from them. His only big issue is that he’s very stubborn and is determined to make his own way, without being a burden to anyone. The stubbornness at times is a way for him to prove he didn’t need the late Sir Fitz-Henry’s help in anyway. Ezra keeps his world together and tries to better it for one special little boy Jounty.
Isaac is to the breaking point. He doesn’t even have time for a decent hook-up. He’s working multiple late shifts at the different wards at the hospital, and studying for the Cardiac exam in order to please his late father and his colleagues and wishes. He believes he can’t change his course, no matter how much the thought creeps in his head. There’s always the guilt of how the Fitz-Henry’s ruined Isaac’s life. He will also have to face secrets that his parents kept from him.
There are two special characters that give their support. Alaric a good friend to Isaac. He works at the hospital with him and they always have time to share their thoughts. Carly and her entire family are a tremendous support to Ezra and Jounty.
I double highly recommend, “Maybe” by Fearne Hill. There’s a variety of feelings that twist the heart strings. There’s tragedy, drama, surprises, facing sexuality awareness, love of friends and family, an enthusiastic and sweet little boy, a love that lasted forever, and those times of snarky and light banter.
As for me, this is one of the best stories that I’ve read so far and I can’t wait to see what Fearne Hill will delight readers with next.
The Fitz-Henry family consists of mother, Lady Janice, and younger, twins Saffron and Edward with Isaac being the older at this point. There is another brother, Ezra, by adoption only, who is four years older than Isaac. Ezra was never loved by his biological father who deserted him and his mother before he was born. As a young boy he watched the tragedy that lead to his mother’s death. The only one in the Fitz-Henry family he connected with was Isaac. They both had special feelings for each other, but never expressed them. At eighteen Ezra had his reasons to rebel and mistakes were made. When he sought out help from Sir Fitz-Henry he was kicked out. But Ezra made the best of his life and flew away without any help from Fitz-Henry.
With the sudden death of Sir Fitz-Henry comes a will reading. Even not having contact with Ezra for ten years, he is contacted to attend the reading and that’s of great importance to Isaac. Isaac has mixed feelings about Ezra. He can’t understand how Erza could walk out on him and never contact him. He was confused in his feelings about Ezra, his hero and more. When the will is gone over by the solicitor and for Ezra there was nothing, he walks away from Isaac again.
As Isaac constantly thinks of Ezra, their paths cross again. Can they both get passed the issues of the past and find what they both need?
Fearne Hill has impressed with several of her books and “Maybe” is now one of them.
She writes such a heart-rending story of a somewhat dysfunctional family ruled by an egotistical father.
I loved the contrast between Ezra and Isaac. Ezra lived a different life than Isaac. He is certainly more worldly than Isaac. Nothing was handed to him and he made mistakes. Along the way he learned from them. His only big issue is that he’s very stubborn and is determined to make his own way, without being a burden to anyone. The stubbornness at times is a way for him to prove he didn’t need the late Sir Fitz-Henry’s help in anyway. Ezra keeps his world together and tries to better it for one special little boy Jounty.
Isaac is to the breaking point. He doesn’t even have time for a decent hook-up. He’s working multiple late shifts at the different wards at the hospital, and studying for the Cardiac exam in order to please his late father and his colleagues and wishes. He believes he can’t change his course, no matter how much the thought creeps in his head. There’s always the guilt of how the Fitz-Henry’s ruined Isaac’s life. He will also have to face secrets that his parents kept from him.
There are two special characters that give their support. Alaric a good friend to Isaac. He works at the hospital with him and they always have time to share their thoughts. Carly and her entire family are a tremendous support to Ezra and Jounty.
I double highly recommend, “Maybe” by Fearne Hill. There’s a variety of feelings that twist the heart strings. There’s tragedy, drama, surprises, facing sexuality awareness, love of friends and family, an enthusiastic and sweet little boy, a love that lasted forever, and those times of snarky and light banter.
As for me, this is one of the best stories that I’ve read so far and I can’t wait to see what Fearne Hill will delight readers with next.
October 25, 2025
It was a nice read that I enjoyed. I liked Ezra and Issac, and although I'm not a fan of kids in romance, Jonty wasn't overpowering or annoying.
There were some things about it I couldn't reconcile or didn't quite like. Firstly, in Ezra's initial appearance at the reading of the will, he puts his lips right against Issac's ear to say something. Which to me felt mildly sexual--the breath on the ear, but as you read you find out Ezra's attraction to Issac is a new thing as opposed to Issac who's had feelings for his "brother" for years.
It just felt off. Ezra mentions in inner-monologue having a sexual dream about Issac after they see each other again, but it's not presented as the two MCs having had these taboo feelings for ages. Which was what I was expecting. If Ezra suddenly developed feelings it wasn't shown well and if they were always buried there, that wasn't shown well either.
My second quibble was there wasn't enough of the two MCs together. Yes, there were scenes of them and dialogue, but there was too much summarizing (Idk wth is up with M/M authors summarizing parts that could provide the most emotional depth lately, but it's irritating) where it could have been active and could have been moving, but apparently, words are better spent in another setting away from the other MC. I don't get it.
In the end, it made the reading experience shallower. Which is disappointing because it had a terrific foundation and two awesome MCs.
A small quibble: Ezra's tattoo. It's an eagle on his left hip that Issac remembers. At one point during inner monologue Ezra thinks of how there's a cigarette burn on it now. And we never find out the story behind why. It also makes no sense that Issac wouldn't notice this when they finally are intimate. A talk about that could have made a great emotional scene, but okay.
I don't go into FH's books expecting tons of on page sex, and I'm fine with that, but if you're going to give one actual sex scene, could it at least have more depth to it? It was sweet and cute and funny but felt, Idk, surface level. Especially with Issac being insecure and feeling like he's not good at being gay. A second scene from his POV might have shown that he got past that.
The shallowness was my main issue with this book. A lot felt surface level and I felt like it didn't properly balance the MCs personal issues and their relationship. It's almost like the driver was Issac's career struggles and Ezra's stubbornness and justifiable hurt (actually there wasn't a ton about that), while the relationship was the passenger. And there were such beautiful little sparkles and gems in here, but they never really went anywhere when they could have. We didn't even get Issac's reaction to the song Ezra wrote once he played it.
Maybe this is a "me thing," but I feel this way a lot lately reading M/M. Things so often feel shallow. Like authors are afraid to really dive into complex emotion. I miss when books like this made me cry, laugh out loud, or tugged me in so deep I had "reading hangover" for a week.
I'd rec it, but I wouldn't reread it. Though I will read the next book.
There were some things about it I couldn't reconcile or didn't quite like. Firstly, in Ezra's initial appearance at the reading of the will, he puts his lips right against Issac's ear to say something. Which to me felt mildly sexual--the breath on the ear, but as you read you find out Ezra's attraction to Issac is a new thing as opposed to Issac who's had feelings for his "brother" for years.
It just felt off. Ezra mentions in inner-monologue having a sexual dream about Issac after they see each other again, but it's not presented as the two MCs having had these taboo feelings for ages. Which was what I was expecting. If Ezra suddenly developed feelings it wasn't shown well and if they were always buried there, that wasn't shown well either.
My second quibble was there wasn't enough of the two MCs together. Yes, there were scenes of them and dialogue, but there was too much summarizing (Idk wth is up with M/M authors summarizing parts that could provide the most emotional depth lately, but it's irritating) where it could have been active and could have been moving, but apparently, words are better spent in another setting away from the other MC. I don't get it.
In the end, it made the reading experience shallower. Which is disappointing because it had a terrific foundation and two awesome MCs.
A small quibble: Ezra's tattoo. It's an eagle on his left hip that Issac remembers. At one point during inner monologue Ezra thinks of how there's a cigarette burn on it now. And we never find out the story behind why. It also makes no sense that Issac wouldn't notice this when they finally are intimate. A talk about that could have made a great emotional scene, but okay.
I don't go into FH's books expecting tons of on page sex, and I'm fine with that, but if you're going to give one actual sex scene, could it at least have more depth to it? It was sweet and cute and funny but felt, Idk, surface level. Especially with Issac being insecure and feeling like he's not good at being gay. A second scene from his POV might have shown that he got past that.
The shallowness was my main issue with this book. A lot felt surface level and I felt like it didn't properly balance the MCs personal issues and their relationship. It's almost like the driver was Issac's career struggles and Ezra's stubbornness and justifiable hurt (actually there wasn't a ton about that), while the relationship was the passenger. And there were such beautiful little sparkles and gems in here, but they never really went anywhere when they could have. We didn't even get Issac's reaction to the song Ezra wrote once he played it.
Maybe this is a "me thing," but I feel this way a lot lately reading M/M. Things so often feel shallow. Like authors are afraid to really dive into complex emotion. I miss when books like this made me cry, laugh out loud, or tugged me in so deep I had "reading hangover" for a week.
I'd rec it, but I wouldn't reread it. Though I will read the next book.
August 25, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Fearne Hill's narrative was unrelenting, heart-gripping magic. 3% in and I was already squirming with emotions and the kind of tension that builds like a thunderstorm. You could feel it. The energizing air. My skin was buzzing.
I knew instantly that Maybe was going to make my chest feel like squeezed pulp…I was not wrong. I made it to the end with shaky breath and glassy eyes and I loved every second of the ache!
I'm very much a fan of feeling all the feelings,
so it was unsurprising that about a quarter of the way through
Ezra,
and his r e a s o n for being estranged,
took me tf out.
Everything Ezra was already pretty raw and achy, but that got turned up about a thousand percent when it was made obvious w h y he was the embodiment of ferocious determination laced with so much fear of losing that which he loved the most. I was in my throat from the urgency of it all.
Fearne had me in a chokehold from start to finish, and straight up, I loved that this book wasn't about sex.
And when Tracy Chapman entered the scene (iykyk) I burst into tears because lyrics are power, and I knew then that THIS BOOK was going to be yet another Fearne Hill favourite to add to my collection!
Isaac was a breathtaking mess as well and I loved him just as hard. There was so much pressure in his POV that I found myself pressing my mind like a bruise, lighting up the fact that this babe was around mid-twenties and his life was a horror-cocktail of emergency rotation, exams, his legacy name, and his f-ed up family dynamics with NO RESPITE.
Until Ezra, of course.
This story was equal parts exorcism and healing work, and I did not want it to end. Ever. But their gorgeous HEA was perfect and completely worth it, and the little note after the epilogue said that Book 2 should be about next Spring, so all my feelings are the solid, deep-hearted good ones. What more can I ask for?
Fearne Hill is top tier brilliance and has been a gift since discovering her masterclass work! I cannot wait for everything still to come in the Mis-shapes series because Maybe was a stunner and I'm crazy in love with everything this was!
Learn to fly. Fly away.
Fearne Hill's narrative was unrelenting, heart-gripping magic. 3% in and I was already squirming with emotions and the kind of tension that builds like a thunderstorm. You could feel it. The energizing air. My skin was buzzing.
I knew instantly that Maybe was going to make my chest feel like squeezed pulp…I was not wrong. I made it to the end with shaky breath and glassy eyes and I loved every second of the ache!
I'm very much a fan of feeling all the feelings,
so it was unsurprising that about a quarter of the way through
Ezra,
and his r e a s o n for being estranged,
took me tf out.
Everything Ezra was already pretty raw and achy, but that got turned up about a thousand percent when it was made obvious w h y he was the embodiment of ferocious determination laced with so much fear of losing that which he loved the most. I was in my throat from the urgency of it all.
Fearne had me in a chokehold from start to finish, and straight up, I loved that this book wasn't about sex.
And when Tracy Chapman entered the scene (iykyk) I burst into tears because lyrics are power, and I knew then that THIS BOOK was going to be yet another Fearne Hill favourite to add to my collection!
Isaac was a breathtaking mess as well and I loved him just as hard. There was so much pressure in his POV that I found myself pressing my mind like a bruise, lighting up the fact that this babe was around mid-twenties and his life was a horror-cocktail of emergency rotation, exams, his legacy name, and his f-ed up family dynamics with NO RESPITE.
Until Ezra, of course.
This story was equal parts exorcism and healing work, and I did not want it to end. Ever. But their gorgeous HEA was perfect and completely worth it, and the little note after the epilogue said that Book 2 should be about next Spring, so all my feelings are the solid, deep-hearted good ones. What more can I ask for?
Fearne Hill is top tier brilliance and has been a gift since discovering her masterclass work! I cannot wait for everything still to come in the Mis-shapes series because Maybe was a stunner and I'm crazy in love with everything this was!
October 2, 2025
A new Fearne Hill book means I’m clearing time to devour it without interruptions.
Maybe is the story of Isaac Fitz-Henry and his older, adopted brother Ezra. Orphaned, adopted, and raised with his fathers secret second family, Ezra never stood a chance with his perfectionist father and suspicious step-mother.
However brilliant a surgeon/esteemed philanthropist the Honorable Henry Fitz-Henry was, he was an absolute horror to his family.
A youthful indiscretion has 18-year old Ezra banished from the family home; Isaac is left to struggle with his father’s unattainable expectations. Henry’s death should have been a chance for these men to reconnect. But the old bastard couldn’t resist the opportunity to twist the knife and deliver one final humiliation from the grave…
I love the way Fearne writes. It’s warm, witty, and filled with so much emotion. You feel like you’re sharing cozy confidences with a friend. Or been gifted with a precious secret when her MCs unburden their pain in hushed whispers.
Good lord Ezra was prickly. Life hasn’t been easy, and he was struggling as a single dad to 10-year old Jonty.
And Isaac could never resist his charismatic adopted brother…
This is a slow burn as the brothers admit their feelings and gently explore the journey from brothers to boyfriends.
Despite Ezra wanting to rabbit when Isaac offers help, the two share a lovely connection built on love, respect, and understanding. When Isaac tells Ezra he’s not sure he wants to be a surgeon, you sense it’s the first time he’s said the words out loud.
And the things Isaac has to endure as a young ER doctor are so heartbreaking. That sweet, sweet man.
I also loved how Ezra patiently let Isaac set the pace of their physical relationship. Plus Jonty is just an amazing child. Their unconventional, chaotic, extended family with Jonty’s mother is what blended families should be.
Isaac’s mother has a wonderful redemptive arc, and Ezra and Jonty play their part in pulling her out of her grief.
Ezra and Isaac’s HEA is everything and well worth the wait. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One last thought: Poor Gerald.
Maybe is the story of Isaac Fitz-Henry and his older, adopted brother Ezra. Orphaned, adopted, and raised with his fathers secret second family, Ezra never stood a chance with his perfectionist father and suspicious step-mother.
However brilliant a surgeon/esteemed philanthropist the Honorable Henry Fitz-Henry was, he was an absolute horror to his family.
A youthful indiscretion has 18-year old Ezra banished from the family home; Isaac is left to struggle with his father’s unattainable expectations. Henry’s death should have been a chance for these men to reconnect. But the old bastard couldn’t resist the opportunity to twist the knife and deliver one final humiliation from the grave…
I love the way Fearne writes. It’s warm, witty, and filled with so much emotion. You feel like you’re sharing cozy confidences with a friend. Or been gifted with a precious secret when her MCs unburden their pain in hushed whispers.
Good lord Ezra was prickly. Life hasn’t been easy, and he was struggling as a single dad to 10-year old Jonty.
And Isaac could never resist his charismatic adopted brother…
This is a slow burn as the brothers admit their feelings and gently explore the journey from brothers to boyfriends.
Despite Ezra wanting to rabbit when Isaac offers help, the two share a lovely connection built on love, respect, and understanding. When Isaac tells Ezra he’s not sure he wants to be a surgeon, you sense it’s the first time he’s said the words out loud.
And the things Isaac has to endure as a young ER doctor are so heartbreaking. That sweet, sweet man.
I also loved how Ezra patiently let Isaac set the pace of their physical relationship. Plus Jonty is just an amazing child. Their unconventional, chaotic, extended family with Jonty’s mother is what blended families should be.
Isaac’s mother has a wonderful redemptive arc, and Ezra and Jonty play their part in pulling her out of her grief.
Ezra and Isaac’s HEA is everything and well worth the wait. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One last thought: Poor Gerald.
August 23, 2025
This book deals with couples family issues such as the death of a parent, parental expectations and and betrayal by an adoptive parent. Dr. Henry Fitz-Henry was a brilliant cardiac surgeon but a horrible husband and father. He married his first wife who already had a son, Ezra, which he adopted and then cheated on her with Janice, a woman who worked as his personal assistant and had a secret family with her of 3 children, Issac, and twins, Ed and Saffy. His first wife died when hit by a bus after discovering his infidelity when Ezra was 13 years old. Ezra was understandably quite angry and hurt after his mother's death. Henry married his mistress and Ezra ended up living with them. He ended up befriending Isaac who was 4 years younger than him. Ezra was kicked out of the home after an argument with his father when he was 18 years old and seems to disappear. Ten years later, Dr. Henry Fitz-Henry has ironically unexpectedly died of a heart attack. His natural son, Issac, is in the middle of an ED residency and is expected to become a cardiac surgeon like his father but is it what he really wants. Ezra is asked to come to the reading of the will only to find that he has been excluded and that his adoptive father's seconds wife, Isaac, and the twins have inherited everything. Isaac feels horrible and wants to give some of the money to Ezra. The two men reconnect and Isaac finds out that Ezra has a 9 year old son, Jonty, who has asthma and is the reason for Ezra being kicked out of the family. Ezra is a wonderful father and the reader can see how much he loves Jonty. Isaac and Ezra start to have romantic feelings for each other but Isaac has to stop fearing societal disapproval and live for himself instead of doing what is expected of him and Ezra has to learn to accept help and have at least a civil relationship with Isaac's mother, Janice, for their relationship to have a chance. This is another novel full complex emotions and situations. I really enjoyed it and look forwards to the next book in the series.
August 21, 2025
Maybe
Mis - Shapes Book 1
Fearne Hill
Isaac and Ezra
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Adopted brothers
Rich / Poor
Mental health rep
Hurt / Comfort
Single dad
London setting
Issac and Ezra have been estranged for 10 years. Issac has not seen him since Ezra was 18. Now back in eachothers lives after the passing of Ezra's adopted father.
This is so well written. So beautifully done. Their reconnection felt so natural. The bond they once shared as youths reemerging.
Ezra has a son, Jonty, Issac finding out he's an uncle is so sweet.
Ezra and Issac care for eachother, clearly, but their shared father staunchly ruined any chance of a real relationship, brotherly or not.
“I drank him in. My brother, my soulmate. A man I knew I’d never stopped loving and, with the exception of my own son, would love more than I would ever love anyone else. And he was miserable.”
Seeing each other as adults now, without the dad in the way they can reunite as the men they are now. Learning about who they are now was emotional. I cried at times.
“You’re mine, and I’m yours, Isaac.”
They have been through a lot. More so ezra. And sweet Jonty.
This was incredible. So well done. The banter, the humour. They way they laughed at who they were to each other. I teared up so many times.
“he laughed and ducked and pushed me away, the fucker, until we were wrestling and kissing and loving and fooling around like lovers and brothers.”
Their relationship felt so natural. Even their first time read as a real encounter not fluffed up for views. I loved this book.
“I’d still choose you, Ez. Every time.”
Incredible story. So sweet and real. Hilarious brit humour and banter.
“And for the person who shines the light that is the right one for me. For the only love I’ll ever know. This one’s for you, babe. My very own Wonderwall. This song’s called Maybe.”
So thankful for this arc
Mis - Shapes Book 1
Fearne Hill
Isaac and Ezra
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Adopted brothers
Rich / Poor
Mental health rep
Hurt / Comfort
Single dad
London setting
Issac and Ezra have been estranged for 10 years. Issac has not seen him since Ezra was 18. Now back in eachothers lives after the passing of Ezra's adopted father.
This is so well written. So beautifully done. Their reconnection felt so natural. The bond they once shared as youths reemerging.
Ezra has a son, Jonty, Issac finding out he's an uncle is so sweet.
Ezra and Issac care for eachother, clearly, but their shared father staunchly ruined any chance of a real relationship, brotherly or not.
“I drank him in. My brother, my soulmate. A man I knew I’d never stopped loving and, with the exception of my own son, would love more than I would ever love anyone else. And he was miserable.”
Seeing each other as adults now, without the dad in the way they can reunite as the men they are now. Learning about who they are now was emotional. I cried at times.
“You’re mine, and I’m yours, Isaac.”
They have been through a lot. More so ezra. And sweet Jonty.
This was incredible. So well done. The banter, the humour. They way they laughed at who they were to each other. I teared up so many times.
“he laughed and ducked and pushed me away, the fucker, until we were wrestling and kissing and loving and fooling around like lovers and brothers.”
Their relationship felt so natural. Even their first time read as a real encounter not fluffed up for views. I loved this book.
“I’d still choose you, Ez. Every time.”
Incredible story. So sweet and real. Hilarious brit humour and banter.
“And for the person who shines the light that is the right one for me. For the only love I’ll ever know. This one’s for you, babe. My very own Wonderwall. This song’s called Maybe.”
So thankful for this arc
August 24, 2025
If you hadn’t fully read the blurb for this book, you’d go into it thinking it’s a taboo subject. The opening continues to give that impression until the realisation that Ezra and Isaac are adopted brothers only, who didn’t actually spend that many years living together under the same roof. In the time they did spend together they formed a friendship and brotherly relationship, united together despite their father’s actions and lack of care and the way they were both treated by him. Ezra adopted while their father was married to his first wife (Ezra’s biological Mum) and Isaac the product of a long term affair and part of their father’s second family - with this revelation ultimately leading to a tragedy involving Ezra’s Mum and life as Ezra knew it being over.
Not surprisingly with this sort of subject matter, the story is a slow burn as the brothers reconnect after the death of their father and try to get to know each other again over time after a 10 year gap of not being in contact.
As well as getting to know each other again as adults and adjusting to their changing relationship, we get to witness Isaac’s frustration with his career path and a pretty bleak portrayal of life as an NHS doctor. Ezra is also trying to sort his life out while being responsible for Jonty, his son (who is a cute kid) and trying to do best by him. There is a strong supporting cast, especially Carly and Alaric. Even Isaac’s Mum isn’t portrayed to be a total witch although she’s definitely not that likeable for most of the book either.
Overall I really enjoyed this and felt the relationship was realistically portrayed with the characters having to adjust to their new feelings, it was not just insta love with all problems being immediately resolved. It was a strong start to a new series.
Not surprisingly with this sort of subject matter, the story is a slow burn as the brothers reconnect after the death of their father and try to get to know each other again over time after a 10 year gap of not being in contact.
As well as getting to know each other again as adults and adjusting to their changing relationship, we get to witness Isaac’s frustration with his career path and a pretty bleak portrayal of life as an NHS doctor. Ezra is also trying to sort his life out while being responsible for Jonty, his son (who is a cute kid) and trying to do best by him. There is a strong supporting cast, especially Carly and Alaric. Even Isaac’s Mum isn’t portrayed to be a total witch although she’s definitely not that likeable for most of the book either.
Overall I really enjoyed this and felt the relationship was realistically portrayed with the characters having to adjust to their new feelings, it was not just insta love with all problems being immediately resolved. It was a strong start to a new series.
August 17, 2025
Maybe is a story about grief, complicated and at times brutal family dynamics, succession, finding one’s path in life, and a bit of a love story between brothers that do not share a bloodline.
Fearne Hill’s writing is always thoughtful, humorous, researched, and never cookie cutter. I’m a huge fan.
There were aspects I loved in Maybe…well 1 aspect really, I loved Ezra. Loved his relationship with Jonty and Carly. Loved his vibe. He was real… his hurt, his parenting, his snark. Loved everything about Ezra until he turned on a dime to all of a sudden he was attracted to Issac and see Issac as a potential boyfriend and “you’re it for me.” We saw reconnection as brothers but no chemistry or UST. I don’t mean to doubt Ezra’s intent but was it more loneliness, hardship, and desire for acceptance and to belong… that confused love.
Now Isaac… he was the younger brother… favored by their father who always carried a crush on his cool older brother. And that might be the most interesting thing about him…he even calls himself a “hairy potato” (funny)…he worked endlessly at the hospital… and studied. Isaac unfortunately for the vast most was dull. I did appreciate his vulnerability at times but other than that Isaac was one to stand back while everyone around him was more vibrant or defined.
Maybe is an interesting family saga- yes, snapshot of an Emergency Room for residents- sure, but I never felt the romance or even felt it was necessary.
I will continue this series as Drs Alaric (Neil connection?) and Luke (please not Gerald) have my interest as well as the twins… and I will always read everything Fearne Hill writes.
Fearne Hill’s writing is always thoughtful, humorous, researched, and never cookie cutter. I’m a huge fan.
There were aspects I loved in Maybe…well 1 aspect really, I loved Ezra. Loved his relationship with Jonty and Carly. Loved his vibe. He was real… his hurt, his parenting, his snark. Loved everything about Ezra until he turned on a dime to all of a sudden he was attracted to Issac and see Issac as a potential boyfriend and “you’re it for me.” We saw reconnection as brothers but no chemistry or UST. I don’t mean to doubt Ezra’s intent but was it more loneliness, hardship, and desire for acceptance and to belong… that confused love.
Now Isaac… he was the younger brother… favored by their father who always carried a crush on his cool older brother. And that might be the most interesting thing about him…he even calls himself a “hairy potato” (funny)…he worked endlessly at the hospital… and studied. Isaac unfortunately for the vast most was dull. I did appreciate his vulnerability at times but other than that Isaac was one to stand back while everyone around him was more vibrant or defined.
Maybe is an interesting family saga- yes, snapshot of an Emergency Room for residents- sure, but I never felt the romance or even felt it was necessary.
I will continue this series as Drs Alaric (Neil connection?) and Luke (please not Gerald) have my interest as well as the twins… and I will always read everything Fearne Hill writes.
August 30, 2025
★彡 𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 彡★
For me, this story felt a bit different from other Fearne Hill books and yet the same? I know, that doesn’t make much sense. 😊 I loved all of the British stuff – even the things I didn’t totally get (US gal here) – and that’s part of what made it a Fearne Hill book for me. It’s a taboo story that’s not exactly full-on taboo. Ezra and Isaac were raised as brothers but only from the time that Ezra was around 14 and they share no blood relatives.
I loved how authentic this story seemed, the hospital stuff in particular. And that makes sense since Fearne is (was? because it isn’t in her bio for this book) a doctor. If only half of what she writes about Isaac and his hospital duties is accurate I feel sorry for both the doctors and their patients – but that’s not really what the story is about.
The story is about a love that won’t be denied and how the choices Ezra made at age 18 affected both him and Isaac. It’s also about Isaac trying to live up to his famous father’s wishes even after his father passed on and how that’s going to ruin him.
I loved that this was a slow-burn romance and fairly low spice – a romance doesn’t always need high spice to be romantic. There are a couple of surprises in the story but I won’t say what because I don’t do spoilers (at least not intentionally). I’d say if you’ve enjoyed other Fearne Hill books you definitely should give this one a try. I think it’s a mark of a good writer when they can pen so many different types of stories and have them be so good.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
For me, this story felt a bit different from other Fearne Hill books and yet the same? I know, that doesn’t make much sense. 😊 I loved all of the British stuff – even the things I didn’t totally get (US gal here) – and that’s part of what made it a Fearne Hill book for me. It’s a taboo story that’s not exactly full-on taboo. Ezra and Isaac were raised as brothers but only from the time that Ezra was around 14 and they share no blood relatives.
I loved how authentic this story seemed, the hospital stuff in particular. And that makes sense since Fearne is (was? because it isn’t in her bio for this book) a doctor. If only half of what she writes about Isaac and his hospital duties is accurate I feel sorry for both the doctors and their patients – but that’s not really what the story is about.
The story is about a love that won’t be denied and how the choices Ezra made at age 18 affected both him and Isaac. It’s also about Isaac trying to live up to his famous father’s wishes even after his father passed on and how that’s going to ruin him.
I loved that this was a slow-burn romance and fairly low spice – a romance doesn’t always need high spice to be romantic. There are a couple of surprises in the story but I won’t say what because I don’t do spoilers (at least not intentionally). I’d say if you’ve enjoyed other Fearne Hill books you definitely should give this one a try. I think it’s a mark of a good writer when they can pen so many different types of stories and have them be so good.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
August 25, 2025
Slow burn love
I love Fearne Hill's writing. My favourite of hers is Two Tribes, which is so powerful, it knocked me for six. Maybe reminded me of Two Tribes and I think the stubborness of Ezra made me think of Matt and his absolute contrariness, even though the two men, and their books, are nothing alike.
Anyone English has had their own experiences of the NHS, good, bad or indifferent, and we all have our own tales. Bureaurocracy rules, as Fearne so ably documented, and Isaac and his friends' struggles as doctors rang so true.
Isaac was a sweetheart, overwhelmed and overworked, lonely and barely surviving. I really felt for him, struggling with the loss of his father, worrying about his mother, missing his younger siblings while they study abroad, and still thinking and worrying about his older adopted brother who disappeared from his life without a backward glance ten years ago. No time for anything except work, eat, sleep, repeat.
Ezra was a harder one to like. He came and went with no pattern, and his stubborness became weary after a while, especially when it would have benefitted his family.
I believed in Isaac's love for Ezra, as he told us all his feelings from a young age and how much he missed Ezra, but Ezra's love seemed to materialise from nowhere. They were sweet together, and I liked them as a couple, though I wasn't particularly keen on them calling each other 'brother' once they were romantically involved.
I liked Alaric and look forward to his story, and I hope Luke gets his own HEA.
I love Fearne Hill's writing. My favourite of hers is Two Tribes, which is so powerful, it knocked me for six. Maybe reminded me of Two Tribes and I think the stubborness of Ezra made me think of Matt and his absolute contrariness, even though the two men, and their books, are nothing alike.
Anyone English has had their own experiences of the NHS, good, bad or indifferent, and we all have our own tales. Bureaurocracy rules, as Fearne so ably documented, and Isaac and his friends' struggles as doctors rang so true.
Isaac was a sweetheart, overwhelmed and overworked, lonely and barely surviving. I really felt for him, struggling with the loss of his father, worrying about his mother, missing his younger siblings while they study abroad, and still thinking and worrying about his older adopted brother who disappeared from his life without a backward glance ten years ago. No time for anything except work, eat, sleep, repeat.
Ezra was a harder one to like. He came and went with no pattern, and his stubborness became weary after a while, especially when it would have benefitted his family.
I believed in Isaac's love for Ezra, as he told us all his feelings from a young age and how much he missed Ezra, but Ezra's love seemed to materialise from nowhere. They were sweet together, and I liked them as a couple, though I wasn't particularly keen on them calling each other 'brother' once they were romantically involved.
I liked Alaric and look forward to his story, and I hope Luke gets his own HEA.
August 11, 2025
First in series (Mis-shapes). Adopted brother. Single dad. Hurt/comfort. Very slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Isaac hasn’t seen his adopted brother for ten years, but his father’s death brings Ezra back into orbit, and Isaac isn’t sure how to feel about seeing his first crush - related or not- again. Ezra was hoping for some money to help him and his son get out of their dingy flat, but he refuses help from Isaac even as he hopes to keep the man close like they were once before.
This story was an interesting mix of two men that reunite to return to the close relationship that they once shared while both men grow and change after meeting again. I was slow to warm to Ezra, not that his reactions weren’t understandable, but only once he had the epiphany that Isaac was possibly his soulmate did his character become more likable (although his dedication and love of his son was without a doubt unassailable). Finding a haven with each other with their shared awful relationship with their father was a strong basis for their care and understanding of each other's motivations. Interesting secondary characters, real world problems that don’t get easily resolved, and two men that find that together they can be and do anything.
Isaac hasn’t seen his adopted brother for ten years, but his father’s death brings Ezra back into orbit, and Isaac isn’t sure how to feel about seeing his first crush - related or not- again. Ezra was hoping for some money to help him and his son get out of their dingy flat, but he refuses help from Isaac even as he hopes to keep the man close like they were once before.
This story was an interesting mix of two men that reunite to return to the close relationship that they once shared while both men grow and change after meeting again. I was slow to warm to Ezra, not that his reactions weren’t understandable, but only once he had the epiphany that Isaac was possibly his soulmate did his character become more likable (although his dedication and love of his son was without a doubt unassailable). Finding a haven with each other with their shared awful relationship with their father was a strong basis for their care and understanding of each other's motivations. Interesting secondary characters, real world problems that don’t get easily resolved, and two men that find that together they can be and do anything.
August 16, 2025
Isaac and Ezra are beautifully drawn, interesting characters– they’re both a little damaged, a little stubborn, and mostly perfect for each other. The way they understand/process their feelings for each other didn’t always vibe for me: they aren’t genetically related, but they were raised as brothers, and consider each other such (except for when they don’t?) This take on the “taboo” trope felt more complicated/awkward than anything else: they’re completely good for each other and great to each other, but there’s some interesting mental shifting from “always kind of had these unbrotherly feelings” from one of them to “brother boyfriends” from them both which…ok. Still, now that I write that out, I guess it is simultaneously complicated, messy, and weirdly simple at the same time, at least for these two. They’re both lovely. Additionally, I loved many of the supporting characters: Jonty is delightful, his mother is a force of nature in all the best ways, and Isaac’s friend/co-worker deserves a book of his own. The only person I had a hard time warming up to is Isaac’s mother, who gets, in my unforgiving opinion, way too much of a pass for some truly heinous and ugly choices and their fallout.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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