20/20: Twenty Twenty

by M.W. Gold, Taylor Bayside (Editor)

Genres: M M Romance

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

Reviews

[Foggybottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hero of the story, Aberlour, is a fascinatingly complex man, despite his simple upbringing in the Appalachian Mountains. After joining the Marines at 18, he finds himself in the midst of not only building a challenging and purposeful life as an outstanding squad leader, but also developing an unbreakable bond with another man that he thinks will last forever. Well, that, along with serving alongside his merry band of warrior brothers. It's all a house of cards, unfortunately. The trials and tribulations of Abe will lead the reader down a path that is strewn with lessons in love, sacrifice, friendship, loyalty, rivalries, and adventure that I guarantee will be nothing like you've ever witnessed before in m/m fiction. Few writers can capture the emotional highs and lows of central (and minor) characters the way that M.W. Gold can do again and again. However, this book is definitely one of the best works, if not the best, yet from this extraordinarily talented writer. I loved the integration of military life and male bonding that are so naturally woven into every chapter. For those of us who have known that life, it is especially gratifying to see the realism and hardships of the characters be captured and presented so well. The emotional impact of this story on the reader will be mighty. Brace yourself. And clear your calendar for the day before you start reading this book, because you won't be able to put it down until you're done.

[KLee Bumblebee · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading 700 odd books, this is my first written review. Only a few other books have ever hit this hard for me. The MC Abe is going to stick with me for a long time, much like many of the other characters and not just because of my strong understanding of the military life. I thought I would be frustrated by some of the decisions and communication in the story but I just couldn’t be in the end because it is a powerful story that mixes in those things that could have been different to things that were completely out of control of main character. It is heartbreaking in a way that the best stories are and left a big impact. As a useful part of this review, I would recommend not reading this book in public, rather to save it for a rainy day at home. In the authors note she mentioned this was her favorite book that she has written and I hope it’s true because it’s certainly spiraled right up the list of mine.

[Svea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure where to start, or how to move on from this story. But for now, I don’t really want to. It’s one of those reads that’s absolutely impossible to put down until the very end, one of those I wish I could experience again for the first time. I laughed, I swooned, I was angry, and I cried - oh, how I cried! I could barely see the words. And it wasn’t even for the obvious reasons - there’s just so much, so much of everything. I was baited by the tag "The Song of Achilles"-vibe and I wasn't disappointed!

This is an absolutely beautiful, almost poetically written story of Gavin Aberlour, an extraordinary marksman, who joins the Marines at just eighteen. It follows his journey as a soldier, a squad leader, a friend, a brother in arms - a strong, loyal, caring, loving, and protective man. A man who once had everything, until suddenly he had nothing at all, losing everything he held dear piece by piece. Everything he built slowly crumbles under unbearable pressure: responsibility, disappointment, heartbreak, betrayal… And in the end grief and guilt nearly crush him.
And yet, his story is also filled with love, loyalty, and camaraderie. The first half of the book is packed with action: six men on missions, working together like a finely tuned machine. I loved reading about how they always had each other’s backs - all for one and one for all. And then, seeing them return home to their families, falling in love, getting married, having children, and still standing by one another - it made my heart so full.
Abe’s love story is nothing short of epic. I loved that he was never shy about his feelings, that he truly believed in the words he spoke and followed through on them. He wanted everything or nothing - and in the end, somehow, he got both. After everything he went through, I didn’t think a happy ending was possible for him, but I’m so glad he got one. He truly deserved it.

P.S. I’ve loved Shawn since his very first appearance, I’m so glad it’s him.

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful well written piece of art.

I hate that I had to go through everything (my heart literally hurts and I cannot stop crying) but It’s also a privilege. A privilege that I felt all the emotions the story had to offer, a privilege to know these characters as if I know them personally, and a privilege to be reminded to take life one minute at a time. This is such a precious gift to anyone who will read it. Yes, you’ll be angry, sad, mad, cry, and grieve. But you’ll also laugh, smile, and appreciate everything and be grateful for it.

I know I’m not making sense, I’m just babbling but oh my god. I cannot move on. I WILL NOT move on. 😭😭😭

[Fiona McCraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm broken

It takes a lot to make me cry, and cry I did, buckets full. I'm sitting here thinking about this book over and over again, weeping a little every so often. I don't think I'll be ok for a couple of days to come. This is a beautiful story, well written, heartfelt and deep. I was not expecting it at all. Well done M.W. Gold, you know how to write a book that hits the heart deep.

[mmmollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisitely painful story. Big big themes - purpose, belonging, friendship, guilt, duty, love, grief, forgiveness - woven throughout the life of Aberlour, and his conflict ridden inner narrative. Such a sweet but stoic man, who had just so much happen to him that at times I found myself whispering ‘no!’ at each additional blow. I also sobbed for the last 20% or so of the book, but it was beautifully done and I’m so pleased to have picked this up.

Added to my all time faves list <3

[Ira R · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storytelling is mesmerizing — genuinely hard to put down, and I've loved this author before. But this novel asks you to believe its protagonist's suffering is worth it, and I never did. By the end I was flipping pages just to get to the finish line. The writing kept me; the story lost me.

[Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. The story itself is a tragedy the finds its way to end on a slightly positive note, but be prepared to sob through the last 20 percent of the story. There is a beauty to the story but I was emotionally devastated by the final act.