Ink Beneath Starlight

Queensland Duet #1

by Henley Prosher

One man is his awakening
One man is his catalyst
One man is his monster

And another man
is his soulmate, his home.

Eleven years have passed
since a young man
in the middle of nowhere
left it all behind
and created a new identity.

As two stories
unfold side by side,
so do the secrets
that he tried so hard to bury.

Paths cross.
Lives intertwine.
Past and present collide
when love conquers fear.



Amos is a flirty, easygoing tattoo artist with A-list clients and a cheeky sense of humour.

Marco is an uptight perfectionist event planner who likes everything to run according to schedule.

Getting a crush on his client was definitely not on his to-do list.

But their worlds entangle, and despite getting on each other's nerves, they can't resist temptation for long.

Naughty texts, stolen kisses, and undeniable chemistry lead to a whirlwind romance that risks exposing Marco's heaviest burden.

As they grow closer and Amos melts Marco's hardened shell, the truth can no longer be ignored.

Together they must face the shadows that still linger.

And with Amos by his side, love can overcome the darkness.



Hurt/Comfort
Tattoo artist x Event planner
Crushing on a client
Hidden past identity
Opposites attract
Small town vs Big city
Found family
Flirty banter & texting
Backstory flashbacks
Anxiety & panic rep
Still friends with his ex
Love triangle (no cheating)
Workplace romance
Healing through therapy
Role switching in the bedroom
Green flag MMC
No third act breakup
HEA
Spice Level 4 (but with a deep love story)
Dual POV
E-book has both first and third person options
BONUS: Recipe, map & roadtrip playlist included

Trigger warnings:

MMC - anxiety, panic attacks, scars and injuries (from an incident with a side character)

Side characters - alcoholic, addict, gambling, domestic violence, poverty, emotional abuse, homophobic slurs, cheating

Genres: M M Romance

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2026

About the author

Things I love:
Bohemian print teacups, long skirts, going to local film festivals, watching ocean waves curl, black and white photography, handwritten letters, pink roses, sweet gentle dogs, my antique chair, documentaries about the 60s and 70s, hot coconut milk in a mug, the sound of rain, sending parcels to my nephews and nieces, homemade chicken pizza, Rory & Lorelai, taking naps, deep conversations, theatre shows, full moons and real stars.

Things I don’t love at all:
Mosquitos, instant porridge, hamstring cramps, flying long distance at night, big scary spiders, noisy neighbours when I’m trying to write or sleep, soap that makes your hands smell like loo freshener, baby shark (don’t even whisper it), tomato juice, people smoking in crowded places, boys who fart in my car (you know who you are), windy hair & lipgloss at the same time.

Why I started writing...
Because I can step inside the story and immerse myself in all the layers of that world and those characters. And because bookshelves on every continent need as many rainbow love stories as possible.

Reviews

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a week since I finished this book, and I think I finally have the words.

This wasn't an easy 4-star read. In fact, my love for Marco and Amos is probably 5 stars, but the execution had enough issues that I couldn't ignore them.

First, I have to say how original this book is. The ebook lets you choose between first- and third-person POV, read the story in chronological or puzzle order, and even includes a map, playlist, recipes, and art. You can tell so much care went into creating this world.

I won't lie, though—I struggled with the writing until around the 30% mark. The prose felt very choppy and observational, and it took me a while to settle into its rhythm. Once it clicked, I barely noticed it anymore, and the emotional moments landed exactly as they were supposed to. I read the first-person version because that's normally my preference, but I actually think I would have enjoyed the third-person version more.

I also felt like I missed parts of Marco and Amos' relationship. Sometimes it seemed to jump from attraction to deep feelings without showing enough of the journey in between. There were also a few moments I really wanted to see on the page that happened off-page instead.

Another small issue for me was the amount of detail devoted to Marco's previous relationships. I completely understand why they were included—they shaped the man he became—and I never once questioned that Amos was the love of his life. Still, I personally didn't need quite so much emotional and intimate detail from relationships that ended over a decade before this story began.

That said... this is Marco's story.

Because of that, I didn't mind that Amos' past wasn't explored to the same extent. We get enough to understand who he is, but Marco is the one carrying years of trauma, and he needed that space to heal.

There were so many moments that stuck with me. Early on, this quote completely broke my heart:

"I have no ID card, and no bank account. No work experience aside from gardening. And no address. Not even a pillow. Everything I have to my name is inside this stupid bag. Half a jar of stolen peanut butter and a map of the stars."

And then there was this one, which perfectly captures who Amos is:

"My protective arms are decades too late, and I know there’s no way to erase it. But still I wrap myself around him, as if by some miracle my love could ever be fierce enough to undo everything that’s ever hurt him... 'This hug is for Mark,' I whisper. 'And this is for you.'"

I adored the road trip, the lake house, Bub, learning the meanings behind Marco's tattoos, the astronomy references, Beth, Porter, Amos' wonderful family, and watching Marco slowly believe he deserved the love being offered to him. "For I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." became one of my favourite quotes in the book.

My only wish is that the ending had been a little longer. I wanted a stronger epilogue—more closure with Marco's mother, and just a little more time in the future with Marco and Amos after everything they'd been through.

Despite its flaws, this story has stayed with me. Sometimes a book doesn't have to be perfect to leave a mark, and this one certainly did. Marco and Amos have a permanent place in my heart, even if the journey wasn't flawless.

I'll absolutely be following Henley Prosher, and I'll be first in line to read whatever she writes next. ❤️

[Sandy Kay]

(early DNF, so early that I'm not rating.)

This story sounds amazing. And I cannot get into it.

Because.

It is written as if...

As if.

It is Rupi Kaur/an amazing verse poet

Writing a novel, but, alas...

It is really, REALLY not.

I also am miffed that I can't figure out how to switch from first to third person? I thought that was supposed to be a unique feature of this ebook but I don't see any place for that choice, not even dual editions in the store. And to do the chapters chronologically, I have to keep flipping back to the page that lays out the order, which...I don't have the patience for bc the unnecessary, ineffective verse style (for me, I know, I KNOW, a lot of readers loved it! read the 5 star reviews, maybe it'll be for you) has irritated me to the point that I give up.

Sigh.

And now I shall go back...

Back into the ether of my ebook library.

And find something to catch...

To capture...

To hold my interest.

Or die trying.

[BethanyReadsMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Review of advanced reader copy from the author**

Wow. This book was amazing. The story was written so beautifully and I just couldn’t get enough. A true raw, love story that hits you with all the emotions. I cried so many times while reading this book.

Marcos and Amos ❤️❤️ Marcos had such an emotional journey and my heart seriously broke for him so many times. When people say “emotional roller coaster,” this is the book I will forever picture. The mental health rep in this book and how Henley wrote it was so raw. The survival and healing for Marcos was real. I was so committed to this book from start to finish.

Also, Amos was seriously the greenest of all green flags for Marcos. He was so kind and supportive. You could truly feel the caring nature of him through the book.

I also loved the imagery the book showed of Australia. I was in Brisbane last year and it brought back tons of memories. The book was perfect with scenery, writing style and everything in between.

If you’re looking for a book that is filled with raw emotion, true love, and an overall rollercoaster of emotions, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[AngstLover-Jing · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️, rounded up for brave young Marco.

The book has some really great strengths—for instance, the artistic presentation is quite thoughtful. Marco's experience of bravely escaping domestic violence is a highlight; in fact, the description of him just arriving in Brisbane is my favorite part, vividly capturing his bewilderment and shock. I also enjoyed the sincere connection between Marco and Beth, and how Marco navigates his relationship with his mother.

BUT, yes, there is always a 'but'—and here I am, playing the party pooper again.

First off, the biggest issue is the writing style. Did the author decide to write a full-length novel in such fragmented, short sentences just because they were worried our screens weren't wide enough? God, it’s HORRIBLE!!!! There are barely any words on a single page! I’m going to develop carpal tunnel syndrome from all the swiping!!!

Besides the short sentences, the prose is also quite flowery at times, filled with an excessive amount of filler. Especially the last 30%.

While Marco has a relatively complete backstory and clear character growth, Amos has even less depth than Porter. He’s essentially a plot device. Where is his backstory?

Honestly, the romance between the MCs completely fails to move me. From the very beginning, it’s that Insta-love trope I hate most—the 'just a few glances and got hard' kind. The rest of the story either revolves entirely around sex or keeps dumping cloying, artificial sugar on me, with almost no foundation for deep connection. This makes it impossible for me to resonate with them. Sure, Amos later supports Marco in facing his childhood trauma (major 'purple prose' warning!), but with a romance that lacks any real roots, it’s just too late for me to invest.

Ironically, Marco’s two failed past relationships were written much better than the main romance.

Also, regarding that 'two ways to read the story' gimmick—well, it is lovely, but at its core, it’s just a dual-timeline structure. It doesn't actually create any of the puzzle-like effect of information misalignment. Nice try though.

All in all, the core of this story is heartwarming and the plot is simple. The author clearly put in the effort, but the final execution just didn't quite reach its full potential.

[HappilyEverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended on BookTok, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a chance.

The writing style is unlike anything I've read before. It's almost poetic—very stripped back, with no unnecessary fluff, very little descriptive prose, and none of the long, drawn-out inner monologues that are so common in romance. The ebook also gives you the option to read in either first or third person, although I didn't realize that until after I finished, so I ended up reading the third-person version. The story moves back and forth between Marco's past and present, gradually revealing the experiences that shaped him as he and Amos' relationship is developing.

At its heart, this is Marco's story, with Amos serving more as the steady presence alongside him. They share an instant connection, but the real journey is watching Marco slowly heal from the trauma of his past. What he endured was heartbreaking, but it also highlighted just how resilient he is. I loved seeing him work toward healing, and Amos was exactly the partner he needed—kind, patient, and unwavering in his support. Their relationship was incredibly sweet, and it was especially touching to watch Marco become vulnerable with Amos in ways he never had with anyone else.

As much as I appreciated the writing style, I did find myself wanting just a little more. At times, it felt like I was being told about the emotional moments rather than fully experiencing them alongside the characters. I also kept expecting a little more push and pull or relationship tension that never really came. Because the story focuses more on Marco's internal healing than external conflict, I occasionally found myself wanting something to create a bit more emotional momentum. As a result, I never felt quite as immersed in Marco and Amos's emotional connection as I wanted to. I also found myself wanting more of Amos's story. The glimpses we got of his past and his wonderfully loving, accepting family only made me more curious about him and what shaped him into such a compassionate person.

I loved the Australian setting and really enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. Overall, this was a beautifully written, heartfelt story that I completely devoured in a single day.

[TH Forest · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story despite the writing style

I really loved this story and I especially loved the flashbacks to when Marco was young. The way his and Amos’ love evolved was really satisfying. I wish there was an epilogue or a different outcome with Louise, I understand the author probably didn’t want everything to be wrapped up in a neat little bow, but based on the history there’s only one outcome for what happened after. A note on the writing style: There are no paragraphs, each sentence is its own thought so the book is entirely one liners except for bouts of dialogue. Not a deal breaker, certainly, but I found myself skipping a lot when it got exhausting and being confused with whose POV it was because both characters did it.

[double g · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like it was written by AI

[Tamara · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of Marco and Amos that predominately is focussed on Marco as we see his life in dual timelines- the past reads as a coming of age story. And in the present Marco is ready to face his demons. The angst of this story comes from this past - not from the main relationship because those boys are green flags. The night sky as Marco’s companion was so heartfelt and how Amos just got it!

While this is a romance it’s about Marco’s facing and letting go of trauma and Amos accepts this and helps him heal. They are a COUPLE- they survive and thrive together. Don’t go in expecting this to be about a story of falling in love- it’s definitely there but that is more of a supportive piece to Marco’s healing.

I was riveted in young Marco’s story. 4 stars story and .5 add on top for the writing. I loved the writing style! I see others struggled. Maybe it’s any Aussie thing but my brain really liked it. This author is an auto read author for me.
.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that come so far out of left field that you don’t know where you are, how you got here, or what the heck just hit you in the head. And this one was exactly that kind of experience for me.

On one hand, this is such a sweet and sensual romance, which I absolutely did not expect. With a generous sprinkling of heartbreak, of course.
On the other, this is probably the first time I’ve read a book that offers so many different ways to experience the story. You can read the chapters in their presented order, follow the story chronologically, or even read a third-person POV version. I found this approach really interesting, and I can already see how it could make rereading an absolute pleasure.

As a story, like I said, it was heartbreaking at times. It’s so well written that I forgot these were just characters in a book. There was crying involved, which is not something that happens often with me. Plausible events, well-written characters, and an emotional journey that really got to me.
Speaking of characters, I think it's a bit of a risk to take a character who plays a somewhat negative role in one book and make them the main MMC in the next book of the series. I had a problem with this in Two for Holding. But here, even the secondary characters are so well written that I’m already looking forward to learning their stories.

As with On Dry Land, I wish there were more. I want to know more about certain characters and events.
This book left me feeling like I’m waiting for a phone call. And God, I really hope we hear about it in the second book...

And there is something so heartbreaking about the innocence of a child who finally has hope….

[chellereadssmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story, full of love, healing and all set in my own backyard of Brissie and Ipswich.

We meet Marco, who appears to be an uptight, list and structure obsessed event planner, who despite better judgment plans the opening night event for Amos, a laidback tattoo artist, who is a secret yoga doing, book loving shy boy.

Their attraction is immediate and sparks fly fairly early but our boys take things slow.

Our story weaves across past and present, with majority of the past events focusing of Marco, aka Mark. We see a young Mark running from his small outback town and the trauma of his home life. Through the kindness of strangers like the magical enigma that is Beth, Mark emerges as Marco, but never forgets his love of the night sky and the Milky Way above, something he loses in the city sky.

As Amos and Marco’s relationship continues to grow in the present storyline, we see a past Mark flourishing at university, encountering heartbreak and learning to live again with the help of Beth and his first friend and love, Porter. The way these two people love Marco had me balling many times in this book, especially Beth.

As far as a book boyfriend goes, it would be hard to go past Amos. Attentive, patient, willing to do anything for Marco, and allowed Marco the space to develop enough trust to finally share his scars, the physical and spiritual.

I’m writing this with a deep need to cry. It’s hard to explain why other than this book truly touched my soul. Henley handled some very heavy themes without being gratuitous and the focus was rooted in healing. And the healing we experienced through Marco, with the steady adoration of Amos made this book an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trigger warnings:

Domestic and family violence

Spice was maybe a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but delicious. That riverside chapter 👀

Do yourself a favour and read a beautiful story set against the backdrop of my home.

[Nicola Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an advanced reader copy

I don't know where to begin with this book.
This review will most likely be all over the place, like my emotions!

The two main characters, Amos and Marco....wow, what a rollercoaster they went on. Their story is such an honest to goodness love story, I'm so glad they were there for eachother, specifically how Amos would've walked through fire for Marco.

Their whole relationship was so beautiful, the pure honest truth they gave eachother about their own pasts and relationships they had on the way was so very well written.

Henley touched on so many mental health difficulties with raw emotion, but she created a wonderful story and these difficulties were written with utmost care and love.

The side characters who are involved with Amos and Marco have helped them on their journey towards eachother, the term soulmates is for sure them.

The tattoos and constellations were such a fantastic topic, personally I love tattoos and have my own stars on my nape. I'm also a huge moon, star and sun lover (got those as tattoos as well lol).

I'm so happy to have been able to read this gorgeous book early, I knew I would love it, I really can't wait for it to be released so every book lover can delve right into it.

Congratulations Henley.....your book will stay with me, it's just amazingly beautiful.

[Alexa Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know what to say. This was easily a 6 star read for me.

When I received this ARC, I honestly had no idea what to expect. What I found instead was one of the most beautiful stories I've read all year. This is a story about survival, strength, healing, and finding a way forward even when life has stacked every odd against you.

At the heart of the story are Marcos and Amos. Marcos carries a past that has shaped so much of who he is and how he views the world. Watching his journey unfold was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Then there's Amos, the tattoo artist who may just be one of the biggest green flags I've ever read. His patience, kindness, and unwavering support made him impossible not to love.

The emotional journey Marcos goes on from beginning to end had me absolutely bawling my eyes out, both from heartbreak and from joy. There were moments that shattered me and others that put all the pieces back together again. Henley Prosher handled Marcos's healing with so much care, and I found myself completely invested in every step of his journey.

I loved every single minute of this book. My only complaint? I wanted more. More Marcos. More Amos. More of their life together.

If you're looking for an emotional, deeply moving romance that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, Ink Beneath Starlight is one I cannot recommend enough.

[keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has genuinely entered my top 10 of the year. Not only is this book incredibly well written, it’s soft, it’s slow-paced, it’s tender, and I highlighted many many quotes that read out loud like swoon worthy poetry. I know what it’s like to be in Marco‘s situation to have no contact with family members. Some people think the hardest part is having no contact but actually the hardest part is confronting those Demons and getting the closure that you need. Not only am I proud of Marco for taking that step but it’s just inspirational as someone myself who has not taken that step yet. I’m happy with the way it ended because not everything is so easy when it comes to domestic violence. I’m glad that you left it open ended; Louise has her own life and maybe we’ll see more of her book two, but it would take so much time and it would just be a culture shock for her so I’m glad you left it where it was.
Just a gorgeous piece of literature and I’m going to constantly be promoting this because people deserve to hear Henley’s story. I’m glad that you have found a vessel through which to express what you went through and I always want other people to find books to find themselves. This is one of those books. You damn well outdid yourself. Five fucking billion stars; or however many there were in Jundah.

[Holly Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Arc Reader Review*
This was such a fantastic book! Such an emotional rollercoaster. But in a good way.
I just absolutely love these two guys! Marco had to overcome so much, but no matter what Amos was there for him through the thick and thin.
I loved the interactions between each other and the inner monologues of each others thoughts especially at the beginning with Marco planning Amos' event. The love between these two is very tender and heartwarming. No matter what they stuck with each other.
This book was so beautifully written! The way everything just flowed. Utter perfection!  The way Henley has me giggling, crying..My heart really went through it. But this book was worth the emotional rollercoaster! If I could rate it more than 5* I would. Definitely the best book I've read this year. So much so I've read it twice in 48 hours!! Never done that before either!
The way she has captured these two men, Marco's past.. it's just done so well.
The spice was perfect! Just the right amount.
Everything about this book is just utter perfection. Highly recommend it! It's honestly worth it!
I'm so excited for future work! Book 2 with Porter and Deacon is gonna be an absolute journey.. and I literally cannot wait. It's been such an honour to read this book early, give my opinions and thoughts on each scene.

[Carshenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 beautiful stars!

This coming-of-age story pulled me in from beginning to end. The poetic prose, exploration of themes such as love, heartache, and found family, and the absolutely beautiful romance had me smiling, crying, and thinking about the story long after I turned the last page.

The main characters were thoughtfully developed and are the epitome of well-rounded, kind, and emotionally intelligent people who are simply made for each other. I chose to read the story in chronological order, which is my usual preference, and I have no regrets. I prefer to experience a story moving forward rather than backward, and this format worked perfectly for me.

While the book contains potentially triggering topics, particularly childhood trauma and abuse, the overall reading experience felt incredibly healing. Not only does the main character experience meaningful growth and healing, but the journey also invites the reader to reflect on their own relationships and the kind of partner they want to be for others.

This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys emotional, character-driven romances with depth and heart.

[Miss Pokerface]

I don’t wanna rate this book because I still want people to read it despite it not being a 4 or 5 stars read. This author has potential. There is depth in their writing which is a requirement for me to love a book. This was a good story. But there were many things I did not like. Some of the dialogues between the mcs were a little cringe for my taste. For example there were too many ‘’my baby’’. It was too much insta lust/love. I wish their story was developed slowly. For a person like Marco who has childhood trauma and who was abandoned by two lovers ain’t no way he would have been able to trust another person as quickly as he did with Amos. Their relationship seemed too good to be true. It felt a little fairy tale-ish and fake because they did not have any set up at all during their relationship. It was too smooth sailing for my part. I loved reading more about Marco’s childhood and knowing more about his life when he ran away because the relationship/romance between Amos was not giving. I would love to read more from this author. Hopefully they take every review into consideration. And I really hope they release bonus chapters or a novella because i really do want to know if Marco’s mom escaped

[ash | society of plots · Rating 5 out of 5]

─── 📖✒️⭐️

Review of Advance Readers Copy from Author

Before writing this review, I had to take a day to sleep on it but only because I was still stuck in Lala land with my new book boyfriend Amos and his boyfriend Marco.

Now that I’ve had time to digest this book, I have to say Ink Beneath Starlight is truly a five star read. I loved everything about this book… okay, not everything… (I’m looking at you Ray 👀🤬)

I loved the backdrop of the Australian outback with its gorgeous painted skies, and the charming towns that guide Marco’s journey from young man to adulthood. I also enjoyed the wonderful cast of side characters who aren’t just there for the sake of it but to help us get to know and understand our MMC’s in a more intimate way. I loved the way that Amos and Marco fell in love, It wasn’t always pretty or easy but everything they went through lead to a beautiful ending.

While Ink Beneath Starlight is a beautiful love story it also deals with plenty of difficult topics including abuse, neglect, trauma and mental health yet somehow it is hopeful and inspiring at the same time.

All around, a gorgeous read. Bravo Henley!

[Samira · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

i will say first and foremost this is a beautiful contemporary romance, i could really feel the pain and trauma with marco, and the love amos had to offer.

there are only two reasons why this isnt 5 stars, i was very confused on the roles when it came to them sleeping together. I read a review stating this was not versus and in the beginning it was clear, but then it started confusing me. i dont know if it was just me and i wasnt 100% focused or what. Another reason i didnt rate this as 5 stars is because the spice was supposed to be 3-4/5, it wasnt. while it was there, it was more emotional than explicit. (for example Rina kent is 3/4 spice level, this wasnt that.) there is plenty of sex between characters but it wasnt anything crazy.

overall the story was GOOD, and the cons i stated above is not something that should determine whether you read or not. I hope one day we all find our own Amos.

[Benji Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Absolute. God!

I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC Reader for Henley on her new book, and I cannot express how much of a beautiful opportunity it was.

She has brought to life one of the most beautiful loves stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

The story follows Marco and Amos from their instant connection right through the completely unbreakable love that they have for each other.

It features tropes such as hurt/comfort, past trauma, and found family.

What I’m particularly enjoyed whilst reading this book was the style in which it is written. The flow of it was so beautiful. The story progressing, the love, and some of the side characters you absolutely adore.

I can’t wait to read further novels written by Henley and be apart of her journey to becoming a successful author!!

100% beautiful read and I will scream it from the top of this hill!

[Melissa D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there’s one book you need to read this year, it’s Ink Beneath Starlight. This beautifully written story will tug at your heartstrings in more ways than one. Every character is richly developed, with compelling backstories and personal struggles that feel authentic and deeply relatable. From the very first page, you become completely immersed in the story, unable to pull yourself away.

Henley masterfully balances the emotional complexities of a relationship with the intense physical desire that accompanies it, creating a romance that feels both raw and genuine. The connection between Marco and Amos is simply extraordinary—powerful, unforgettable, and filled with undeniable chemistry. Ink Beneath Starlight is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.

[Victoria Malickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity stars. I sobbed, I laughed, i kicked my legs, i swooned! Not just over the characters but of my beautiful city of Brisbane and state of Queensland. Never could I convey to overseas friends what it is like to live here but this book captures our vast ways of life perfectly. From the inner city lights, to our beautiful coast line and our harsh outback. The writing is incredible and I can't wait to read more of this authors work. Thank you for writing Brisbane and Qld with heart and the way a local would view it. The best representation I've read of Australia. Not cringy just hearty just like all of us. Now onto the boys. My heart what a beautiful love story. They are both being inducted into my book boyfriend hall of fame. I couldn't love either of these men more. What one goes through, the life he had to endure. Then to share all he's lost and gained. Bring your tissues, Tim Tam's and coffee snobbery. Iykuk.

[Inda Deleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful 😭

Oh man, I don’t even know where to start. First, how incredibly sad everything that Marco had to endure. Reading what he had to do as a kid to survive and get to where he is was heartbreaking and also beautiful because he truly made such a great life after all the pain. Bless Beth for loving him. Ugh and Amos..what a man. What a love he has for his bub and the steadiness he provides for him through all of the pain and the healing. This was incredible. Infinity stars. No notes.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely a 5 star read!! The complex characters and impeccable writing brought this story of love and healing to life so beautifully. Marco and Amos' love story is one that will not leave me, such heartbreak but so much healing and finding a love that conquers it all! Even the side characters were written to perfection, I won't spoil anything but please check any content warnings and read this book, Henley is someone to look out for, this was immaculate!

[Rencha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin because there's just so much to say. I loved every minute of reading this book. Reading Marco's backstory was so incredibly sad and I wish I could punch Ray straight in the nose for what he has done. The ending is so sweet and it ties their story together so beautifully. Not going to spoil anything but there's a scene in the book, certain tree scene 👀👀 (iykyk) that's my favourite scene of the book. I do hope Louise makes that decision for a better life.

[Ev Reads A Lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ: This book was absolutely STUNNING! Mark has endured a lifetime of hurt. Escaping a prison of abuse and neglect and survived broken hearts. A story of found family and beautiful healing love. Set in Brisbane it was refreshing reading Aussie lingo instead of American for a change. Had me SMILING🥰 and CRYING 😭 .

Poor upbringing
Found family
First times
Heartbreak
Instant chemistry
Yearning
Exhibitionism
Panic attacks
Switch
No 3rd act break up

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Low angst but all the feels

I was able to read this as an arc. I really enjoyed this story,the love between Amos and Marco was so beautiful,i enjoyed watching them develope their love story. The story itself and writing were good. I enjoyed the flow of the story. Low angst but high feelings. Marco deserves Amos and his pure love. Very enjoyable story and lovely characters,looking forward to book 2.

[Sabrina Jürgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from an advanced reader copy

This is such a cute but very emotional Story. I love Amos a lot and Marco just destroyed me in so many ways 🥲
Their dynamic is fantastic and the book is beautifully written.

A little jealousy? I'm in.
But you can fell the bond between the characters from the start <3

All of the characters are portrayed well and the author makes you hate the right ones ;)

This book will not only take you to Australia but also play with you emotions.
Such a great book ✨️

[Tracey Anderson · Rating 0.25 out of 5]

This was a DNF at the 30% mark for me.
It was leaning to at least a 4 star and then came the HARRY POTTER REFERENCE, IN A QUEER ROMANCE IN 2026!
I couldn’t find any information about the authors background until I looked on Goodreads either, and now I’m wondering if she’s even queer (thought this was a male author). I desperately wanted to support a queer Aussie indie author. Instead I’ve added to my no read author list.

[Daniella Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story and just the perfect amount of hurt/comfort. Both Amos and Marco knew what they wanted, knew what they had to offer, and delivered! This story touches on mental health, addiction, abuse, manipulation and starting over. Henley did such an amazing job telling these hardships and making you feel the emotions throughout the book! So good!

[Nano · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

I stopped at 30% and these are just like notes to myself not to try and read it again. Insta love not for me, the writing structure not for me, too much prolonged pain not for me. I went and saw the 3 stars review to see if the book will be going in a direction I would enjoy and they definitely confirmed it’s not for me. I really wanted to like it though