The Intimacy of Finding You

The Intimacy of #2

by C.W. Scott

Callum Stanton
Ten years had gone by since the love of my life had left in the middle of the night. No note. No reason. No trace. Ten years of sleepless nights and searching for obituaries, just in case. Ten years of trying to pretend like it didn't bother me and like I'd moved on. Ten years ago, I'd lost the only man I'd ever loved. Ten years later, I was staring at the husk of him in my best friend's bar, drinking himself into oblivion. The Tobi I once knew wouldn't even go near alcohol. But this wasn't the Tobi I once knew, and he refused to tell me the truth.
I'd find it out eventually, though. I'd find out the truth, and I'd find Tobi. Even if it was the last thing I ever did.

Tobias Weaver
I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of hurt and misfortune. Destruction and devastation followed me wherever I went, only further proving my point.
I'd lost everything.
The only thing that made the pain bearable was to drown in vodka and forget that I used to have friends. I used to have a family. I used to be worthy of loving and being loved. That was the old me, though, and I hadn't seen the old me in over a decade now.
I saw a glimpse of him in Callum's eyes, though. Just a spark of what I could've had if I hadn't broken his heart in order to spare him.
He claimed he's going to find out the truth, but I'm far beyond saving, and that's all he really wants to do. Callum had saved me once before. I wasn't going to burden him a second time.
Not when he deserved so much better than I could give him.

The Intimacy of Finding You is an MM hurt/comfort second chance romance featuring two souls brought together by fate, handmade rocking chairs, and a dog named Fishbowl who deserves all the love… Just don’t forget to bring a Swiffer mop.

The Intimacy of Finding You is an interconnected standalone in the Intimacy of series. It can be read alone, but it is best enjoyed after reading book one. This book contains heavy themes that could potentially be triggering. A detailed list of trigger warnings is included in the Content and Trigger Warnings section.

Genres: Second Chance, M M Romance, Addiction, Friends To Lovers, Grief, Slow Burn

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2026

About the author

C.W. Scott has spent his entire life in the depths of the Deep South, dreaming that one day, he’d write hundreds of happy stories to counteract the bad ones. Starting as a poet, he eventually found his passion writing MM romance novels that maintain a lyrical and poetic essence in their style. Much like his poetry, his writing includes dark, difficult themes and brings them to life with a heartwarming, hard-fought HEA. Don’t ever ask him to cook or solve a math problem, though. He has one skill, and one skill alone. It’s in everyone’s best interests that no one pushes for a second.

Reviews

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When they cut me open, they’d find his name. Every bone in my body would be etched with it. When they buried me six feet under, I’d deteriorate. I’d decompose and become food for tree roots and green grass and worms and bugs and flowers, and every single one of them would know his name. They’d carry his legacy, even if I couldn’t. The world would never forget Tobi because I’d never forget Tobi. At least I had that. At least I had my memories.”


I knew going in that Tobi's story would be sad, given his involvement with Crew in the first book, but I was interested to see how he handled his trauma. There is such a contrast in coping mechanisms between the characters. Where Crew was reckless, Tobi shuts down physically, making Callum's decade long wait agonizing but rewarding. The commitment Callum has for this man!

Callum's insecurity hit hard. Watching him fear that everyone, including Tobias, will choose alcohol over him was heartbreaking, even when we understand why Tobias makes those choices. Also, as a fellow silent disco struggler, I just wanted to hug Callum and tell him everything would be okay!

This book is the true definition of a slow burn, yet it definitely feels more heartwarming than angsty. I love that author's background in poetry is evident in their writing style, and I love all the flashbacks that add to the depth of the present timeline. I have a strong feeling about who is getting the next book, and I am impatiently waiting.

[readingwithmiaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ STARS!!!! ⭐️
2.5 🌶️



Holy Mother Fucking SHIT! Scott, 2 Things, 1, I’m So Mad At You ( But Also Not Cause I Love You To Bits ) For Making Me Cry 4 FUCKING TIMES In This Book 2 For Making A Book Not Only So Beautiful But So Phenomenal That It’s One Of My New Favorite Books Ever Where I Couldn’t Put The Book Down For The Life Of Me. Guys, It’s Official, This Is My Top Read Of 2026, I Honestly Don’t Think Any Other Book I Read This Year Can Top This Book Cause This Was Just SO Phenomenal!!!! Callum And Tobias, These Two Are Bow My Heart And Soul Literally, They Are The Definition Of Soulmates Like If These Two Aren’t Soulmates I Don’t Know What You Would Call Them But Just Know These Two Are One Of My Favorite Couples EVER!!! Hands Down Period. Callum, Guys This Man Goes Through So Much Stress In This Book But He Was Just Everything To Tobias When It Came To Him Overcoming His Alcoholism Like I Just Adore That Man So Much I Need 14 More ASAP!!! Y’all Like I Cried For Him So Much Especially Him And His Papa, UGH!!! IYKYK But Those Scenes DESTROYED ME!!! UGH!! And There Is One Scene I Broke Down Literally Like I Had To Step Away After I Read It I Was Crying So Hard, IYKYK😭 But I Loved Callums Grandfather Literally To Bits He Reminds He Of My Dad That’s Older And The Scenes With Him Broke Me So Hard. And Tobias Mom, Oh She Is A Light I Love Her So Much And The Scene With Her And Tobias, Ugh Will Never Forget It. And Y’all Don’t Get Me Started On Tobias, UGH That Man Deserved Everything He Got And So Much More Like I Was So Happy For Him Like Ugh I Adore Him To Bits He Needs All The Love Ever. Also Guys The Found Family Here UGH!!! So Good I Love Them All Especially Jack, Ooooooooooooo He Needs A Book Y’all IMMEDIATELY!!! Also I Still Haven’t Read Book 1 Yet, I Know I KNOW!!! And I Promise Y’all I Will Before Book 3 Releases Cause I Now Need To Know About Pierce And Crew ASAP!!!! But Guys I Cannot Recommend This Book Enough It Was Just So So Phenomenal Like This Is Easily The Best Romance I’ve Read This Year And One Of My Favorites EVER!!!! Ugh Scott You Are So An Auto Buy Author For
Me Cause I Need To Know Read Every From You Period. Also Can I Say, I’m So So Proud Of You Being One Year Sober, Like That Is So Amazing And I’m So So Undeniably Proud Of You For Conquering Such A Hard Addiction And I’m So Glad That I Get To Know You From Your Books And You As A Person And I Cannot Wait To Read Every You Write Cause I Need To ASAP , Love You🥹💕 But Guys July 4 When It Comes Out, READ IT!!!! You’ll Thank Me Later. Ugh I Cannot Wait For The Next Book Intimacy Of Control Cause I Have A Feeling Who It’s About IYKYK🤭🤫🤐 But This Couple And Book Is Staying With Me Forever , FOREVER! Through The Afterlife oh and also one of the best representations of addiction to alcohol I’ve seen ever so phenomenal

[Tonya Druckenmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those books that put your heart through the wringer and then somehow convince you to thank them for it afterward? This was one of those books.

I was hooked by the premise from the start. Callum has spent ten years wondering why the love of his life disappeared without a note, explanation, or trace. Then he unexpectedly finds Tobi again, and let’s just say the reunion is anything but easy.

This story is packed with angst, longing, heartbreak, and healing. The emotional weight of what both men have been through felt very real, especially Tobi’s journey. There were so many moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and give him a hug. At the same time, I loved Callum’s determination to uncover the truth and his refusal to stop caring, even after all those years.

The hurt/comfort elements were exactly what I was hoping for, and the slow process of rebuilding trust felt earned. I found myself completely invested in seeing these two find their way back to each other.

Also, Fishbowl deserves a special mention because every book is better with a lovable dog.

This book is an emotional, angsty second-chance romance filled with heartbreak, hope, and healing. If you love stories where two people have to fight their way back to each other after years apart, this one is worth picking up.

❤️ And yes, this book absolutely made me emotional. I’m apparently incapable of resisting a well-written “I never stopped loving you” story.

** I received a complementary copy of this book.**

[Vanessa V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Cally, the amazing human you are ❤️
Dear Tobi, you deserve to be loved ❤️

This book is full of emotions highs and lows that completely wrecked me.

Callum still loves Tobi, even though he vanished without a trace ten years ago. Tobi is so traumatized that he convinces himself he only brings pain into the lives of the people he loves.

Again, these are two men who, on paper, are completely wrong for each other but are so perfect together.

Callum’s parents left him with his grandfather because they couldn’t overcome their addiction, and now he has to watch the love of his life struggle with the same disease.

The moment Tobi is willing to try to be the man Callum deserves is absolutely heartbreaking (yeah you ARE GONNA CRY 😭)
I sobbed for over an hour… I should have seen it coming.

Again, CW Scott—thank you for these amazing books and for the honor of letting me ARC read this one.

You will definitely be on my radar for every release.

[Kyra]

Dnf at 70%. I liked the book but i just didnt care that much. It felt like the couple was always together idk. But i just choose that i will not continue books i dont love reading

[Mayami · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, a big shout out to the author for their bravery for speaking and pushing through and putting so much of themselves and experiences here. 💜 I want you to know that us readers can tell, and appreciate you all the more for it.

First word that comes to mind, PAIN. Trauma didn’t even register yet, just this pain in exhaustion, surrendering, giving up. Pain because that was all that was left.

When does a crutch stop being a crutch and just becomes what you are, what you’re defined by? When it is your beginning and your end and everything in between. Are you still you or just existing? Maybe you’re just the crutch for the actual vice because why would YOU matter anymore. It’s not you talking. You’re no longer making the decisions. The addiction is making them for you. You’re basically in the backseat in your own life, watching, helpless, because it damn sure doesn’t feel like your life anymore. And if you HAD a choice, who would choose this. PAIN.

“No, you never failed me. I’m just a failure.”

Callum goes straight to believing it’s just the norm for people to abandon him, convinced he’s unlovable. Childhood trauma molding together with Tobi’s path, showing him that those closest to him need to be numbed and couldn’t stand to be around him. I think heartbreaking is an understatement for all of this. I truly wonder with horror how Callum would have coped without his wonderful Pops to keep him grounded. His wisdom in sharing that you don’t help someone who doesn’t want help by force, guilt,change or control disguised as help, but by unconditional support, by endurance, understanding and guidance. Being ready when they’re ready, being an anchor when they’ve found the will to actually live. Waiting patiently. I can’t even really describe the hurt there since I was full on crying with Pops. I had to take a few good mins to breathe and recalibrate. The rocking chairs thought just drove the nail home. It’s been a good while since I full on cried from a book, but here we are. You know this author will MAKE you feel it in HD. Witnessing Cal’s flashbacks grip you, someone so willing to love, so loyal and determined going through loss.

This has the type of writing where you’re just going along and suddenly a line or 2, or specific scene completely chokes you out of nowhere. Just randomly crying. Cal thinking that when he’s dead and buried, decomposing to energy for grass, ground, roots, worms, bugs and flowers, it’s somehow ok because then they’d also know Tobi’s name cuz it’s engrained in his whole being, his bones, his essence and soul. They’d carry his legacy even if Cal no longer could. I’m NOT okay!

Loved Pops, Tobi’s mom was amazing, the OG crew still awesome. This is low spice but it very much makes sense here.

I’d give this 6 stars if I could. It was beautiful, painful, endearing, and completely digs into you. I know the author is also a poet so of course the book would read that way as well. Great read! Definitely can’t wait for the 3rd one.

“You were, and still are, the only taste of peace I’ve ever known” “what I wanted to find was the last piece of the life I’d imagined a thousand futures for” “you light up the entire earth by just existing on it” “my heart took on the same beat as his”

[Mariah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this needed to be longer to really flesh out the storyline better, both Tobi and Callum feel like unfinished characters. Also it says it can be read as a standalone and I don’t think that’s accurate. There is a ton of book one references that, even though I’ve read book 1, were hard to recall, and had a pretty good impact on the storyline in book 2.

This book also does something that really bothers me with addiction storylines and that’s when authors start to vaguely push that the couples “love” heals a lot of the mc’s personal issues. Tobi and Callum needed more care and time with their own struggles than what we were shown. Tobi’s addiction and subsequent treatment read a little blasé, we had 50% of the book focused on his drinking and repeated meetings with Callum to check in and then the AA meetings and his therapy were lost in all the sex Callum and Tobi were having, a sentence here and there about having been at a meeting or talking to the therapist.

Callum’s anxiety just kind of isn’t discussed much after like 60%. He should’ve been seeing a therapist for his own anxiety but also for guidance in starting and continuing a relationship with an alcoholic. Again it was like forget about the constant panic attacks, blurry vision, weak legs and bloody fingers cause they’re having sex again. It was a weird decision to me that Tobi’s 96 hours sober and Callum’s dealing with his heavy grief from his Papa’s traumatic death and they’re hooking up.

I don’t particularly feel like these guys had any chemistry. 10 years of zero contact and Callum is falling all over himself for a man he doesn’t currently know. They just kind of fall back into where they left off but that doesn’t read like chemistry to me. We’re shown glimpses of their past but nothing that came off really romantic or showed the soulmate connection the author was alluding to.

A few petty issues that were driving me a bit crazy were the repetition of phrases and words, specifically just the over use of “silent disco” and “papa” which are used 12 and 96 times respectively in this 250 page book. I thought the silent disco term was a cool way to describe the panic attack feelings but it just was hammered a little too heavy for me. And the Papa of it all just became tough. I cried when he died, the whole scene was so sad but the way it was just repeatedly added even when we already knew Callum was talking about him (so it’d be multiple times in one sentence) was a lot and then some of the sentences that had Callum using the name “Papa” started to feel really juvenile, like he was a kid talking to and about his grandfather (pre-death).

The way the conversations between characters were happening also felt very strangely structured sometimes. Almost stilted and not how normal people talk, some of them were also unnecessarily harsh and didn’t fit the vibe of the scene.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.W. Scott freaking wrecked me with this read, like full on sobbing wrecked me, and honestly, I can’t thank him enough.
This is an absolutely gorgeous read about alcoholism and abuse and finding your reason to stay sober, about holding on to hope and watching someone pull away and self-destruct, and about that ache inside you that asks why am I not enough and why do I deserve anything good, and it hurts and it’s beautiful and you break and bleed and cry for Tobias and Callum and obsessively love every raw, brutal, and honest word of it.
I feel like this is one of those reads that you need to live and breathe and experience for yourself so I’m not going to give you a summary of all the different plot points I freaking adore, or all the little reasons Callum and Tobias are unforgettable and will touch you and move you like you wouldn’t believe. What I want you to know is that C.W. Scott wrote both sides of what alcoholism looks like and feels like in the most incredible way, giving both Tobias and Callum room for their reasons, their thought processes, and their emotions, and it’s impactful and important because this addiction, like many others, is never simple and never a linear line and the ups and the downs and the struggles from both sides are what makes this story so special. I’m calling it a must read, I’m saying this will stick with you and make you feel and make you think, and I’m saying, as someone who is intimately aware of the damage, the hope, the hate, the love, the fear, and the forgiveness that goes along with alcoholism, that this story is remarkable and one of those reads you will never regret picking up.
Which comes to why I’m thankful for this read. On a personal note, C.W. Scott, for me at least, has put into words the things I remember feeling during my own experience, I was Callum, I wanted to know why I wasn’t enough, I held on to hope, I forgave, and I got angry and I felt lost and even now, twenty-some-odd years later, I still cycle through that stuff. So, having the words in front of me the way they’ve been written in this book is cathartic and reminds me what that hope felt like, reminds me that most addicts don’t want to be addicts, and helps me remember that every single day no matter how much time has passed the struggle for an addict is always there and the battle to be enough and to keep holding onto hope and finding peace with everything never stops, but also no matter which side of it you’re on, you’re not alone. So thank you C.W. Scott for putting into words the things that are hard but mean everything.

[Jordy - Hard Earned and Slow Burn HEAs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Callum and Tobias

Another amazing story in this series, this time focusing on Callum and Tobias (who are side characters in the first book) and how their relationship changes and develops over a 12 or so year period.

Callum and Tobias are co-workers that start a relationship and are taking baby steps towards a HEA. Then something happens that triggers Tobias and sends him running straight to the bottom of a bottle for ten long years. Callum is left in a limbo state, never really knowing what went wrong, if Tobias is even alive and always questioning what he could have done differently. When they finally meet again by chance ten years later they’re both changed men and this book is about seeing whether or not they can find their way back to each other.

Much like the first book this deals with some heavy themes and triggers. Also much like the first book there is a good balance of these heavier themes with lighter moments, so you can get through the book quite quickly. The characters journeys to a HEA are hard fought, but once they finally make decisions about where they wanna go and how they’re gonna get there it’s a fairly straightforward journey.

Callum has so much patience and love for Tobias, it was beautiful. Even through his own loss, he found ways to be there for Tobias. Tobias certainly has the longer way to go of the two in this book and it’s no wonder, but once he starts to put himself first ahead of his demons his progress is wonderful to see.

The book does go back and forth a little bit with the timeline and I personally would have loved a few more chapters from when they first got together, so we could see them and their feelings then more fleshed out. I feel that would have added just that little bit more of an emotional impact when Tobias made the decision to leave. But then again, I’m a details person, I want all the meat and succinctness has never been my strong suit 🤣😂 and I realise some people prefer stories to be kept more concise.

Certainly check triggers before proceeding, there are quite a few heavy hitters in here, but rest assured we do get a HEA in the end. Low spice, and not until quite far into the book. This didn’t bother me because I didn’t think spice was necessary for these two and who they are as characters.

[Brittany Barbieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intimacy of finding you arc 📚 by @C.W Scott

This story is about callum and Tobi, and finding their way back to each other , After Tobi up and leaves Callum , only to see him again in a bar years later. Callum is just trying to get back the man he loves, he never stopped loving Tobi after all these years. Callum has accepted that Tobi is an alcoholic, but wants Tobi to make the choice to stop! He can’t force him, as much as he’d love to. He can only be there for him, as hard as that is and as much as he wants to step in and take it all away he can’t! He can only wait!

Having Callum stay for Tobi, even when Tobi didn’t want him there made my heart happy! He never gave up on him! He was patient with him. He brought him food, and coats and met him where he was at that moment! Never expecting any more than what Tobi could give him!

C.w really hit you in the heart with this one! You see Tobi struggle with homelessness and drinking and his past trauma. You see Callum struggle as well, but for a different reason. You see him struggle to essentially keep the man he loves from hurting himself anymore than he already has. And watching family member slowly fade out, while trying to keep himself from falling apart!

There’s so many people who can relate to this story whether you’re in Callum’s shoes and loving someone with an addiction and trying to be there for them and help them! Then you’re someone who can relate to Tobi who is struggling with an addiction and struggling to get help, or to ask for help.

This story had heartbreak but it also had love, whether it was the love that Callum had for Tobi or the love between a grandparent and grandchild, where you have love for the people who are struggling and just trying to be there for them any way they allow.

These two characters have been through so much! , there’s pain but what comes out of pain is the sweetest love with the sweetest HEA!

And that epilogue, you see the fight finally end! And they get the best parts of themselves and each other!

Please, please check the trigger warnings before going into this book! It is heavy! This book was beautiful!

#bookreview #mmhurtcomfortromance

[Maxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*

If you read book one, The Intimacy of Skin, then you already knew you were in for an angsty time. So yes, I was prepared to have my feelings rattled. What I wasn’t prepared for was how deeply I would relate to one of the characters and his struggle.

Callum owned my heart from the start. His anxiety and fear felt so painfully familiar that I spent the whole book begging for him to finally feel safe and happy. Also, his unwavering love and devotion for the guy who left him ten years ago is actually inspiring. You never feel like he is settling or forgiving too soon, he just knows that he is truly soul bound to this man, and he’s not willing to let go.

And Tobias, poor broken Tobias. His trauma and alcoholism are handled with so much care, and I appreciate that his healing is never treated as something simple or magically fixed by love. It’s messy, painful and honest.

I don’t know what it says about me that lately the stories I enjoy the most are about sad, broken boys, the sadder, the better, but this one hit exactly where it needed to.

I really loved this book. Callum and Tobias’s journey toward healing is so compelling and beautifully written. My heart broke for both of them, but the emotional reward feels so earned that by the end, it’s completely cathartic.

The portrayal of addiction, trauma recovery, and grief is nuanced and respectful. There are no shortcuts here. Recovery is hard. Grief is brutal. Love helps, but it doesn’t magically erase the damage. That honesty made the story hit even harder.

For a romance where you know from page one that the main characters love each other, the resolution is slow, but it never drags. The pacing works perfectly for the story. Everything unfolds when it needs to, and the slow burn is more about healing, and learning how to be together in a way that is actually healthy.

I am really taken by this series. C.W. Scott is slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite authors, I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to ARC read this one, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Mind the trigger warnings guys, better safe than sorry!

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to both beta read and ARC read The Intimacy of Finding You, and it absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. CW Scott has a gift for writing stories that burrow deep into your heart, and Tobi and Callum's journey is one I'll be thinking about for a very long time.

Spanning more than a decade, this is a beautiful second-chance romance about love, loss, healing, and finding your way back to the person who never truly stopped loving you. After a single phone call changes everything, Tobi disappears from Callum's life, leaving behind unanswered questions and a broken heart. When they unexpectedly reconnect years later, Callum discovers the man he loved is carrying far more pain than he ever imagined.

Tobi's story broke my heart. The trauma, self-doubt, and struggles he carries felt incredibly real, and watching him slowly find the strength to accept help and believe he deserved happiness was both heartbreaking and hopeful. And Callum? He is simply wonderful. Patient, loyal, and endlessly devoted, even when doing the right thing meant respecting boundaries instead of trying to fix everything himself.

What I loved most was how much care and compassion existed throughout this story. The healing felt authentic, the emotional moments hit hard, and the romance developed with patience and understanding. Add in a fantastic found family, wonderful side characters, and Fishbowl the adorable pup, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.

This book made me cry more than once, but it also made me smile, hope, and believe in second chances. Emotional without being overwhelming, heartbreaking without losing its warmth, and beautifully written from start to finish.

One of my favourite reads of 2026 so far, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

💙 Second Chance Romance
💙 Friends to Lovers
💙 Slow Burn
💙 Hurt/Comfort
💙 Found Family
💙 Healing & Recovery
💙 Emotional Read
💙 Adorable Dog Sidekick

Just make sure to check the content warnings before diving in.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about CW’s books that always gut me in the best way and the story of Tobias and Callum, was no exception.
Adding to my list of the best books of 2026,  The Intimacy of Finding You is a slow burning romance that spans 12 years.  Tobias Weaver and Callum Stanton found true love early in life, marred by past wounds and traumas that never healed, Tobi received one phone call that changed the trajectory of their love story, leaving Callum reeling with unanswered questions of why he left in the middle of the night.
10 years later on a random chance encounter at his friend's bar Callum sees Tobi and sadly, he is a shell of what he used to be, plagued by homeless and alcoholism the time apart was not the great life Cal had hoped for Tobi.  With determination and the love that has never died, nothing will stop Cal from getting back his Tobi.
The amount of tears I shed for these sweet boys!  Oh Tobias riddle with so much trauma from his youth, he just couldn't see past how amazing he is and all the love that surrounds him to ask for the help he needed instead he thought killing himself slowly was the better option - watching him gain the strength and courage to do the right thing not only for himself but to win back the love of his life was written so beautifully.
And Callum, oh he is just everything that is good in this world.  An amazing friend, grandson and doing everything he can to bring back Tobi had my heart breaking for his pain.
I loved everything about this book - the love, the heartache, the amazing found family, Fishbowl the adorable pup and the steps of rebuilding a love that was lost was so eloquently captured, I can't recommend this book enough.
CW's writing is so captivating, I am so looking forward to the next installment of this series.
As always, please adhere to your triggers. There are some heavy topics in this novel.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 2/5

Main characters: Callum & Tobias
Side characters: Crew, Price, Jack, Papa
Page count: 274

First person, dual POV.

This book is the true definition of emotional damage. I loved every moment of this even though the feelings we are taken through as Callum and Tobias try to reconnect felt devastating. CW does not shy away from the heavy themes. I went back and re-read The Intimacy of Skin before starting this so I was completely fresh on these characters and the storyline before delving in. There is no shortage of devastation and trauma in both books. Tobias became caught in a very similar loop of self punishment that we saw in Crew in the first book. They both had so much trauma and very unhealthy ways of coping with it. The difference here is that Tobias’s trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms drove him to walk away from a deep and true love that he had already found with Callum, which devastated them both.

Callum is such a beautiful soul. He struggles deeply with anxiety but is also just filled with the most pure love for Tobias. He has also been hurt by a lot in his life but he handles the situation with Tobias with so much patience and care. And this is exactly what Tobias needs. I loved how this story evolved and how they ended up showing up for each other in exactly the right ways. And Jack was such a great addition to larger group of side characters. He is an amazing friend to Callum, and to Tobias as well. I was really happy to learn that there will be a third book in this series focusing on Jack’s story. We didn’t learn too much about him here except that he seems like a really great guy and was willing to show up for his friends when they needed him. Looking forward to the continuation of this series. 🤍

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum’s always known that Tobi is it for him. He may not know where Tobi ended up after he left in the middle of the night 10 years ago, but his love has never wavered. He accepts that Tobi is an alcoholic, but knows that Tobi needs to be the one to decide when/if he chooses to stop drinking. It made my heart so happy that he was still there as a constant presence, supporting him without pressure. All while also dealing with his own mental health struggles and anxiety over his aging grandfather.

C.W. didn’t shy away from showing the struggles that Tobi goes through—from homelessness, being unready for sobriety, his past trauma, and the continued struggles of recovery. I have so much empathy for Tobi’s journey and anyone else who can relate to his story. Always infinitely proud of you, C.W., on whatever part of your journey you’re on.

I love this story so much. There’s a lot of heartbreak, but there’s also a lot of love. Love between Callum and Tobi, love for grandparents/parents, love for friends that have become family, and love for the cutest dog named Fishbowl. Callum and Tobi were always meant to be together. They’ve been through so much and there’s so much pain, but it leads to the sweetest, most hard-fought HEA and an epilogue that had me crying long after I had finished reading.

As always, check the content warnings first and make sure you have a box of tissues handy—you’ll need them. I will never be able to look at a homemade rocking chair the same ever again. This book is heartbreakingly stunning and I can’t wait for everyone to read it.

So thankful for this ARC!

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‼️SPOILERS‼️
🌟 Read Your Triggers 🌟

I have been wanting to jump into C.W. Scott’s books for a hot minute and when I saw the beautiful cover and the tropes, I just knew that this book was going to make me an emotional mess. I devoured this beauty in a day.

Just from the first page of their story, I knew I was going to be a hot mess.

Callum and Tobias were so beautiful from the moment we meet them. When Callum runs into Tobias after not seeing him for years, we knew whatever made him run was going to break our hearts. What I loved the most was how Callum never gave up on Tobias the moment he saw him. He wanted to be there for him.

I cried so many parts in this book. Callum and his Papa, the scene with Tobias with his mother when she told him what happened and just all the emotional moments that this book had.

I really loved the found family because the way that Tobias left makes you wonder if anyone would forgive him, but they did! And the dog named Fishbowl. I was laughing at the name but it did suit him.

I love how sometimes my own personal battles show up in books because it can be therapeutic. It is really about healing and forgiving yourself, along with getting that love you truly deserve. Definitely read the triggers because there are some heavy topics on this book.

The healing process these broken boys go through had my heart squeezing in my chest and making me yearn for the happily ever after.

I was jumping for joy when Tobias decided to make the effort to get help and it was so beautiful to watch.

I now need to go ahead and read the other books this amazing author has come up with because wow!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Sharon Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a raw, emotional love story.
A story about addiction and how it doesn’t just affect the person struggling with it, but everyone who loves them too.

I don’t know how CW does it, but even when writing about difficult topics like alcohol addiction, abuse, and trauma, he somehow turns them into something both beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking.
CW doesn’t just write love stories, he writes poetry.🤍

Tobi and Callum aren’t perfect. They’re two men trying to survive their past.

Once, they were everything to each other. But after ten years apart, Tobi is battling alcoholism and has pushed away everyone he ever loved. Callum is left with a broken heart, doing his best to move on without the love of his life.

Until one day, they find each other again.🥹🤍

Can love really heal? Is it stronger than addiction?

This story is beautiful, painful, and incredibly real. It’s full of emotion, hope, heartbreak, and second chances. Knowing it’s also inspired by parts of CW’s own journey made it even more special. Thank you for sharing something so personal. 🤍

Tobi and Callum completely stole my heart, and I loved following their journey back to each other, even when it was messy and filled with setbacks. It felt honest, and that’s what made it so powerful.

If you’re looking for a love story that feels real, imperfect, and emotional, this one is for you.
It’s definitely a slow burn, but it fits this story perfectly.

Oh… and don’t forget the tissues. 😩

Thank you, CW, for another beautiful book.
Please never stop writing stories about real, imperfect love.🖤

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚌𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝙵𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚈𝚘𝚞

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

5/5 ⭐️

↓↓
This book absolutely wrecked me, the struggle, the pain, the loss, the grief but then the healing, the recovery, the love, it was all so heartbreakingly beautiful.

Callum the patient, kind, caring and sunshiny man that you are.

Tobi, I just want to wrap you up in a ginormous hug and never let you go.

These two had such a painful journey. I knew it wasn't going to be easy based on some of the tidbits of Tobi's past we got in the first book, but learning everything he went through, was PAINFUL!

Callum was so patient and willing to meet Tobi, where he was. He never pushed him to get sober, he never asked more than Tobi was willing to give and in the end I think that is what ultimately showed Tobi that he could move forward and get sober.

The amount of tears I cried was insane throughout this whole book, I have no words. I had to pause, let me eyes dry then continue, only to have to take a break yet again because I couldn't read through my blurry ass eyes.

C.W did an absolute phenomenal job of highlighting trauma and addiction and how close they play hand and hand. He handled Tobi's journey delicately and knowing how open and honest he has been that Tobi is extremely close to his own personal journey with alcoholism, it made this book and journey all that more special in my opinion.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧
Second Chance
Found Family
Slow Burn
Addiction
Hurt/Comfort
Grumpy x Sunshine
Friends to Lovers

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the dedication you know this book is gonna be a tough on the heart read.  We meet Tobias and Callum in The Intimacy of Skin and this is their story 10 years later.  I don't want to spoil anything but I just wanted to make it known that this piece of writing was stripped from from the authors own heart and experiences and bled onto the page with such care and in such delicate respect for the topic.  It demonstrates insight into the mind of a person gripped with addiction and how that addiction affects your own life and those around you. 
The trauma, the addiction,  the healing and ultimate finding of love and happiness of this story is one you won't forget.  As someone who has seen what addiction can do first hand,  having Tobias' perspective was heart wrenching but seeing the growth of someone who ultimately makes a decision to live and truly be healthy and happy and deserve those things is one of the reasons I pick up a book like this and cherish every word.
I want to reach across the miles and hug C.W. Scott and tell him how proud I am of not only this book but being so brave as to bleed their own story onto the pages for people to read. This is an important story I won't forget and urge others to pick up and read for themselves.  Whether you know and love an alcoholic or can relate to Tobias in any way,  this was a beautifully written testament to choosing to live as your true authentic self and know that you DESERVE love and happiness in the face of trauma and addiction. 
Truly stunning. Bring tissues.

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Intimacy of Finding You
The Intimacy Series book 2
CW Scott

High angst
Second chance
Grab the tissues
Slow burn
Addiction rep
Grumpy / Sunshine
Friends to lovers

Callum & Tobias

SO, I knew I'd cry, we were warned to grab the tissues. But oh my heart, the tears I cried, like full wracking ugly snot sobs.

First of all, just wow, at how beautifully this was written, how beautiful all of CW Scotts books are written, so poetic and heartbreaking at the same time. But this was such an emotional and sad story but also filled with so much hope and healing, another thing his books are always filled with.

This definitely has very challenging themes in this book, the author covers them honestly and with real vulnerability that at times you feel you are going through it with them.

Callum, oh my heart, iykyk, my face was leaking like, gasping, broke me sobs, sheesh, this wrecked me, I will never forget a certain moment in this book. It’s going to stay with me for a very long time.

The healing Tobi got in this was incredible, I cried like a baby so many times. It was so beautiful to see him come back to himself, to see him grow and find new ways to cope.

These two perfect beautiful souls, what a story this was. I will literally never forget them.

I love all of these characters that we have met. The pain and suffering they have been through, but now, to see them thrive, do well, succeed and have love, joy, laughter and PEACE… ugh, i’m crying right now…. The peace they have found, I am so thankful to CW Scott that these boys got their hea’s

Stunning book, emotional damage = 100% but just so so worth it. Stayed up late to finish it and cried myself to sleep.

Beautiful, just beautiful. Just wow. CW Scott is such an incredible author. His stories hurt, while also being some of the most memorable out there.


So thankful or this arc

[Sarahsaurus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free for my honest review.

First I would like to congratulate the author on their success with sobriety. This story gives some insight on how hard that fight is for the person in the battle, and wish the best for them.

I was happy to get more of Tobi and Callum after meeting them in book 1. This book was an easier read for me, less inner thoughts and dialogue, in the first half though it amped up in the second half. I didn’t fee the length of this book like I did the first book.

There is a dual timeline here and it does go back in time every couple of chapters, but those chapters aren’t long. That type of storytelling isn’t palatable to everyone, but it was not terrible here since those chapters were short.

I was really invested up till about 1/2 way thru the book then I just kept reading to see how it resolved. This story lacks the typical beginning/middle/end and is more of a healing journey. It’s beautiful in its own way and a window into the realities of dealing with trauma/PTSD/and addiction.

That all said, this story didn’t resonate with me. I like both men as characters and we see the “family” from book 1 along with a new friend, but it felt a little disjointed.

Tobi is the main focus but I felt like more was missing with Callum and his anxiety issues. Also everything felt very “wrapped up” in the second half, everything just worked out splendidly.

Overall a good story, just missed the mark for me a bit.

[Candice Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review
The Intimacy of Finding You
Release Date: July 4
Thank you for the advanced copy!

Holy Sh*t!!! CW Scott wrote a masterpiece here. I made a comment about having tissues when I sat to read this, and did I need them. From the first page I was immersed in this book. I did not put it down until I finished it.
Raw and emotional doesn’t even cover the depths of which the journey we are taken on covers. As always the writing is poetic, the way we are held captive by these characters is otherworldly.
Tobias; my heart broke for him, his pain, his addiction bled through the pages. Watching him deal with his trauma and find himself worthy is worth reading this book alone.
Then we have Callum, the depth of his love and devotion to Tobi was heartbreaking and healing its own way. It is hard to love an addict, and he does it so purely. What makes me sob for Callum is his Papa, I may never recover! I will also never look at something so simple as a rocking chair the same way again.
Healing isn’t linear, everyone’s journey to recovery isn’t the same this book reminds us of that, at the core of despair is hope and love sometimes buried so deep it feels impossible.
While this is book is “romance” book at its core I think as with all CW’s books it a story of life and what happens when you take ahold of it and live.

[Chasary Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The infancy of finding you by CW Scott
Advance copy book review

Please check your TW/CW
Where do I begin my gosh I’m a blubbering mess!
Tobias my gosh my heart Tobias everything he endure, the trauma, loss and grief of losing himself as well as for his momma and the love of his life. Tobias I just wanted to hug him so tight. He’s been sleeping from couch to couch until he had nowhere to go. He ends up in a bar drinking and numbing the pain. Until his past walks in the bar.

Callum my heart Callum is living his life with his friends, but one thing is missing like a limb. The love of his life. Callum suffers from Anxiety (Silent Discos). He’s also taking care of his papa. He’s has a long day and ends up in the same bar as Tobias.. The emotion Callum feels is overwhelming and so heartbreaking.

Callum and his papa 😭
Tobias with his mama 😭🤧🫂❤️‍🩹

Callum and Tobias relationship isn’t perfect it’s build on learning to trust , seeking and Accepting help. This is a Romance book. But it’s also about Addiction, it’s about wanting to live wanting to stay not just for everyone but for yourself.

Lullabies will hold a different meaning to me after this book. I have read countless of CW Scott’s books but this one literally hit home. It’s raw emotional it shows you that loving someone who’s an addict isn’t linear it’s about the healing journey and to the road to recovery.

"Thank you for finding me."
"Oh, baby doll.""Not finding you was never an option."
"Thank you for loving me." He swiped my hair away from my forehead.
"I'll love you until the end of time."
"Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for meeting me where I was. Thank you for showing me what kind of life I'd been missing out on."

Get those tissues ready trust me you’ll need them.

[Amalas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start this review by saying, it isn't often I slide into an authors DMs while I'm reading/after I finish a book. I have no shame in admitting I messaged CW Scott when I hit the half way point in Callum and Tobi's story. I needed to thank him for writing this story. I was all up in my feelings and I needed to share them. I messaged him again when I finished the book (later that same day) and said; thank you for this amazingly beautiful, gritty story. For not shying away from the heartbreaking realities that so many face and showing us that happy endings are still posible.

I meant every word. This book will hit you in your feelings, please read the content warning before you start. It's a story that some may find hard to read because it is presented in such a raw, realistic view. You can feel the pain, longing, love, frustration and loss in every word. But you also feel hope, you see growth and you see realistic healing, and the struggles and inner turmoil that comes with it.

If you've read CW Scott before you already know its going to hurt in the best way. If this is your first CW Scott book, I recommend reading The Intimacy of Skin first. While The Intimacy of Finding You is a standalone- it does contain spoilers for the first book in the series. Five stars isn't enough and a 10/10 rating isn't enough either. Callum and Tobi are going to live rent-free in my head for a bit after this.

[Donna Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. It made me cry, it made me kick my legs in excitement, then it made me cry some more lol. So much raw emotion and realness packed into this book.

This is a second chance story about Tobi and Callum who were brought back together when they both needed it the most. These two have both been through so much and I’m so happy that they found their way back to each other. They never stopped loving each other and it was absolutely heartbreaking to see how they held on all these years.

Seeing Tobi slowly start to heal and be happy brought tears to my eyes. You could feel Tobi’s struggles through the pages and all I wanted was for him to feel like he’s worth the love he deserves and be his happiest.

Oh Callum, my sweet baby Callum, he’s so supportive and patient. Such a light for Tobi and even though Tobi did so much of the work himself, Callum was definitely there to always reach a hand out and help him in any way that he could.

This book deals with some very sensitive and heavy topics but with all the sad tears comes happy tears and seeing Tobi and Callum get their happy ending was everything I needed and more. These two and their story will stick with me, that is for sure!

Thank you so much for the chance to read this arc! Truly incredible

[Vania - My Little Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautifully written story that completely took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Callum and Tobias caught my attention from the very beginning, and watching their journey unfold through both the present day and the flashbacks made their story all the more emotional. The way the author slowly reveals pieces of their past worked so well, building the heartbreak, angst, and hope until you can’t help but become invested in them. By the time they reached their HEA, it felt completely deserved.

I would’ve loved even more flashback chapters. They were some of my favourite parts of the book, and I would’ve happily spent more time getting to know Callum and Tobias, seeing more of how they fell for each other before everything changed.

If you’re someone who needs a lot of spice in your romances, this may not be the book for you. The romance leans much more into the emotional connection than the physical, and while that worked for me, it’s definitely worth knowing going in.

One thing I can’t stress enough is to read the trigger warnings before starting. They are there for a reason, and this story tackles some heavy topics that won’t be for everyone. If you’re prepared for that, though, you’ll be rewarded with an emotional, heartfelt read that’s full of pain, healing, and ultimately, a hard-earned happily ever after.

[MM.Romancebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

This was such a stunning and heartbreaking book, and I was hooked from the very beginning. The story takes place about ten years after Book 1, and if you loved the first book, you absolutely need to read this one as well. Tobias ran away, and he and Callum were separated for those ten years. Tobias now struggles with alcohol addiction, and for a large part of the story, he is still actively drinking. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but I would also recommend checking the trigger warnings beforehand, as it deals with some very heavy topics.

Tobias and Callum's story was incredibly emotional, and I cried so much for them. It's a second chance romance filled with patience, healing, and finding their way back to each other (just as the title beautifully hints at).

I don't want to give too much away, which makes this review a little difficult to write, but their journey back to each other was beautiful, even though it was often heartbreaking. I especially loved the grandfather and the way the lullaby Mockingbird was woven into the story. Now, every time I sing that song, I start crying because it reminds me of this book.

This isn't a spicy romance. It's a very slow burn when it comes to both the romance and the physical intimacy, but it is packed with emotion. I was on edge the entire time, desperately hoping Tobias and Callum would find their way back to each other.

Keep the tissues close!

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

TIOFY was one of the most heartbreaking books I’ve ever read. The way CW wrote about trauma and addiction was so gut-wrenching and raw. I think I felt every single emotion while reading these two.

Callum never stopped looking for Tobi. Never stopped loving him. Callum’s ability to give Tobi what he was asking for while also trying to help him was so dang sweet. He pushed boundaries but only when he knew it was safe to do it. When he knew Tobi wanted to be pushed.

Tobi was hardheaded and stubborn, but in the end, when it mattered the most, he got the help he needed and deserved. Watching him fall back in love with not only Callum but also himself warmed my heart.

Fishy, OMG, I can’t forget about what a cutie he is. Animals truly can heal you in ways you never imagined, and Fishy did that for both Callum and Tobi.

Seeing the Fire & Ice crew again made me so happy. I love them all so much, and seeing how their lives intertwined with each other and the family they built together was so cute.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what else CW writes. He truly is a master of words.

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book.
But I also kind of hated it.

Not because there was anything wrong, but because it emotionally beat the absolute shit out of me and expected me to just...be okay afterwards.

Mission. Failed.

I was crying. Constantly.
Every time I thought I'd recovered, C.W looked at me and said, "No, you can suffer a little more."

And you know what?
I'd do it all over again.
Without question.

Tobi & Cal consumed me completely. Their love, their pain, their hope, all the years they lost...Every single page hurt in the most beautiful way. Watching two people who had been so broken fight their way back toward each other felt incredibly special.

This story is heavy. It doesn't shy away from trauma, addiction, grief, or mental health, and because of that, every tiny moment of hope feels monumental.

I honestly cannot praise this book enough. It is beautiful. It is devastating. It is compassionate. And it is absolutely unforgettable.

I loved this book with my entire being.
I hated how much it made me cry.
And I'd recommend it in a heartbeat.

[WickedRiverReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to hurt my feelings a bit but I’m convinced CW Scott and his twin have made hurt feel and tears their goal with every book!

I loved Callum and Tobi so much and reading their journey back to one another was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. These two had been through so much together and individually that all you wanted was for them to find their happy. Both men were easy to root for.

I loved the support and care that was shown. I really appreciated the boundaries that were respected. It’s not always easy to give someone what they need when all you wanted to do is fix it for them but sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is listen when they speak. As hard as this was for Callum he did it and it was hard yet great to see.

The writing was great, the side characters are amazing and I’m excited and nervous (in the best way) for book 3!

💛ACR REVIEW🖤

☑️ Trigger Warnings