Finding Harbor

by Duncan Gaye

Part of The Long Shadow Series by Duncan Gaye

Patrick Callahan comes to Cape Breton expecting easy money from a quick and lucrative timber deal. Instead, he only finds humiliation. Swindled out of his inheritance and stranded in a windswept fishing village, he is left with nothing but a single suitcase and a future that has collapsed overnight. At seven and a half feet tall, Angus MacAskill is a gentle giant with his own past. In St. Ann's, he is known for his silent kindness as much as he is for his stoic nature. He offers Patrick a bookkeeping job in his mercantile, and a place by the fire. What begins as simple arrangement blossoms into a profound connection neither man could have ever imagined. 

Set within the wild beauty of nineteenth-century Nova Scotia, Finding Harbor is a queer historical romance about survival, finding home, and a love that takes root slowly but with unshakable strength. Perfect for fans of Annie  Proulx (Brokeback Mountain), Cat Sebastian (A Gentleman Never Keeps Score) and KJ Charles (An Unseen Attraction).


 

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2025

About the author

Duncan Gaye lives in River Forest, Illinois. He believes magic can be found anywhere, even the suburbs. He writes the kind of love stories that sneak up on you—queer, tender, and just a little strange. His books are full of burly big-hearted men, tall tales, impossible odds, and the kind of endings that leave you wanting more.

When not writing, he likes to read, travel and relax with his adorable senior dogs, Spotty and French Fry.



The Long Shadow Series by Duncan Gaye is a thematic anthology series of stand-alone LGBTQ+ novellas and novels that tell love stories shaped by the extraordinary. Blending elements of speculative fiction, magical realism, tall tales, and literary drama, these are stories where intimacy and identity meet epic strength and emotional vulnerability.

From the mythical to the mundane, each book explores larger-than-life characters—strongmen, bodyguards, super soldiers, and other giants. For fans of emotional intensity, queer desire, and stories that stretch the boundaries of realism, this series offers a new kind of legend.

Reviews

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

FINDING HARBOR is the third book in The Long Shadow series, and I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the other two.

The first half of the book is fairly fast-paced as Patrick lands on the shores of St. Ann's, a small village in the middle of nowhere, for a deal that was a scam. He doesn't have enough money on him for a return ticket and is unsure of what to do. Angus is the local giant who seems to have everyone's respect. Patrick asks for a job, Angus gives him not only that but a place to live too. They kiss. Everything's tickety-boo.

BUT then comes the second half which, for me, felt a little off in the pacing. It also felt a little repetitive. During this time, I didn't really feel anything significant between the two men, beyond a push/pull situation where nothing seemed resolved.

You see, Patrick goes to The Rusty Anchor, against Angus' advice, and gets into a situation where Angus rescues him. Angus literally carries him out, making a statement to the town. Then they drift apart. Preacher comes to town, making everyone question the morality of Angus and Patrick living together. Sailors come to the store and cause trouble, Angus deals with them, Patrick and Angus drift apart. Mary goes into a three-day labour, Patrick and Angus help, then they drift apart. Angus saves Patrick from runaway horses and carries him home, once again making a statement to the town.

Overall, this is a low steam story that I enjoyed. I'm struggling to say whether or not it's high angst or medium. There are also lots of things left open, so I'm unsure if they're in other books or if this is their story done with. There is no obvious cliffhanger or HEA, but more of a HFN. Considering the time of the story, that isn't really a surprise.

I do think that this story would be better read as part of the series, simply because I am unsure of how much I have missed by not having read the others. I am sure this book will be popular and have no hesitation in recommending it to readers of this author.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025

[Bluesky39 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a challenge for me. The description sounded good and the storyline is historical. Patrick and Angus are both very interesting characters with insecurities and worries I can relate to. However, I must have missed the slow burn in the description. Not surprising really. I was hooked by the time, place and characters and didn't pay close enough attention. This is a slow burn romance with no on page intimacy beyond kissing. This was a disappointment to me as the practicalities of intimacy between two people of such disparate sizes are interesting to consider and could have been handled well by this author. The challenge in reading this came because it is a very slow moving book with few occasions of drama or action. When there are such moments they are very intense and pivotal to the story. It took me a while to become invested in this book but am glad I persevered. The ending is worth reading through the book and I recommend it to readers who enjoy slow moving, slow burn romance between two damaged and misunderstood men who finally feel seen by each other.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brand new author for us, and we have to say we thoroughly enjoyed our first read by them.

The narrative beautifully explores Angus and Patrick's relationship as they face various challenges, both literal and metaphorical, in a historical setting. The story is touching and respectful, devoid of unnecessary embellishments. We loved everything about this story; it was emotional and heartwarming, which warmed the hearts of its readers with its compelling characters.

The plot unfolds with tender moments between the couple, portraying their feelings, fears, loneliness, and the judgment of closed-minded townspeople. This love story differs from typical m/m romance reads, focusing on emotional connection and companionship rather than physical intimacy.

The characters, including supporting ones like Mary MacGregor and her husband, John David, add depth to the story. Mary's non-judgmental and supportive nature contrasts with Angus's cruel and judgmental brother, Donald.

"Finding Harbour" is a compelling read for those who enjoy emotional, historical, and small-town stories centred on male-male relationships. The author successfully captures the hearts of readers with Angus and Patrick's story. We haven't felt a story that truly profoundly touched our hearts since reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Thank you, Duncan Gaye, for making that change.

[Jim Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in this book is superb. It has almost a lyrical quality to it.



It follows the predictable boy meets boy, boys falls in love, something happens to separate them in act three, and they get back together. A bit too predictable.

I never understood why the distance formed between Patrick and Angus. It just happened and they grew distant. Two people who loved each other did not talk, only existed in the same space, continued to misunderstand and be hurt. I am not sure why the author wrote three chapters about it.

Angus is a well formed character. His size was over emphasized. It did not need to be repeated as many times as it was. Every time he walked through a door his shoulders brushed the sides. His head touched the ceiling. His bed was huge.
Patrick is also a well formed character. His pain for growing up unseen was well written.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes MM romance.

[Linda Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply emotional
Heavy with the weight of a world not so long past that exacts specific social mores, like what one must be and do to be accepted by, at the very least, their peers and, seen as more important, by those in control of power.
Written with what I've come to see as Duncan Gaye's typical repetitive prose, grinding in the specific places, moments, and feelings expressed through haunting melancholy or buoyant joy.
Very emotionally draining for the reader as much as the protagonists. I was crying, if not sobbing outright, through at least a third of the book, reading through tears as the utterly unfair conditions placed by social expectancy on the sweetest couple tried to destroy a joyous peace they'd found in each other. This scenario was even more devastating knowing that it reflects a reality so many have been forced to live through over the last few centuries.

[Shruti Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a good time, but something was missing.

I’m always drawn to a good historical, forbidden queer romance, and while this book had a lot going for it, it didn’t completely land for me this time. There were moments I really enjoyed, especially the chemistry between the leads and the tension created by their circumstances, but parts of the story started to feel a little repetitive as it went on.

Both Patrick and Angus have deeply emotional backstories. Patrick’s dreams and choices leaving him stuck in St. Ann’s were heartbreaking, and Angus’s desire to be seen as more than a curiosity in a travelling show added another layer of quiet sadness to the story. Their pain and longing definitely made their connection feel real and earned.

That said, even with all the angst and a happy ending, the conclusion felt rushed. I was hoping for more time to sit with them after everything they went through.

All in all, a touching and emotional read, just one that could’ve benefited from a slower, more fleshed-out ending.

[Rachel Harrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m usually a sucker for an historical, forbidden, queer romance and while there were many parts of this book I really enjoyed, it slightly missed the mark for me this time.

The story is written from Patrick’s POV in the third person, but there is also an odd chapter written from the perspective of another character which threw me off.

Both Patrick and Angus’s stories were incredibly sad; Patrick’s ambitions that lead him to being stranded in St. Ann’s and Angus’s longing to be seen as anything more than an oddity in a travelling show. Despite their angsty love story and the HEA, I did feel the ending was very rushed.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Finding Harbor by Duncan Gaye.
Patrick and Angus' story was a good escape from reality. I liked their romance. It was well written and in my opinion it was gentle. I liked how they talked to each other and how they took care of each other. It was sweet.
I think Duncan's writing is nice. He creates a nice world. A small town with unique characters and community. I also liked his dialogue. It was well done.
I received a complimentary copy of this story, and I freely left this review.

[Christina Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in “ The Long Shadow” series. This was my first MM story I enjoyed it we have our main characters Angus and Patrick, This was a good paced to the story with a historical setting, the tropes on the book we have is a slow burn, forced-proximity, Historical romance, MM, and many more. I really enjoyed the story the author really captivate the emotions throughout of the story. I’m thankful or TAA and Duncan for the arc.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful historical romance for these nights when dark falls early and evenings are chilly. I loved the Nova Scotia setting and the kindness of Angus as he gives Patrick a job and a place to land when he's swindled out of everything. Watching these two go from acquaintances, to friends to more made for a wonderful story.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is set in the 1800's. Its a beautiful historical romance between s man thats been duied of all his money, sent to St Ann Harbor with no money snd on a wild Goose chase. He meets a man that a giant but has s wonderful heart and takes him in.
There's so much sweetness and romance. Its a beautifully written story and I nearly cried at the end. I highly recommend it.

[RICHARD C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staggering read

Not knowing how this story would be, I started it thinking that I would not enjoy. Found myself getting so involved that I read in one sitting. Shows how love grows in the most unusual scheme of thing. Grew fearful of the ending, but the HEA is wonderful and so enjoyable

[Richa · Rating 3 out of 5]

What worked for me: I loved both main characters and I especially loved how Angus was written. Both he and Patrick felt like complex and layered people who unraveled slowly over the course of the book. The conflicts they faced felt real and urgent, and the mis/non-communication between them felt earned as a result. I loved the side characters as well and they also felt like complex and fleshed-out people rather than plot devices. The writing also was beautiful and meditative, and the setting felt cozy and lived-in and had a real impact on the plot.

What didn't work: We spend so much of the book in Patrick's head with little to no action taking place, just his long and elaborate thoughts, which often felt repetitive. At many places, Patrick would think through some problem or come to a conclusion, move to a new place, and then have essentially the same sequence of thoughts coming to the same conclusion. This was beautifully written, yes, but the repetitiveness got tiring pretty soon. I think the conflict between Angus and Patrick, while realistic and true to both their characters, also dragged on too long and got kind of repetitive towards the end, only to be abruptly resolved at the very end of the book. I think I see what the author was going for, with the near-death experience Patrick has making the conflict between them and the threat of exposure and ostracization feel unimportant compared to their love for each other but it wasn't a satisfying payoff for me compared to all the tension and buildup throughout the second half of the book.

Overall, I really liked this, and I recommend if you're looking for a heartfelt and tender queer period romance.