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Where Wishes Go
Can you have a second chance at a first love?
Nick Paine is just starting to return to normal after he told his wife he’s gay and asked for a divorce. Despite a daughter he loves dearly and a job he believes in, part of him is stuck in the past. He’s never forgotten the first love he let fade away fifteen years ago.
Adam "Izz" Azzi has settled into a happy rhythm. His daughter is healthy, he's found a mosque that accepts him, and his work as a modern artist is gaining international attention. While his past is fraught with mistakes and what-ifs, his life now is good, and he doesn't want to upset any of the balance he's worked so hard to achieve.
When Nick and Izz are reunited by luck and fate, their attraction is just as undeniable, but what was left unsaid haunts them. They have hope for a future together, but wishing may not be enough.
Nick Paine is just starting to return to normal after he told his wife he’s gay and asked for a divorce. Despite a daughter he loves dearly and a job he believes in, part of him is stuck in the past. He’s never forgotten the first love he let fade away fifteen years ago.
Adam "Izz" Azzi has settled into a happy rhythm. His daughter is healthy, he's found a mosque that accepts him, and his work as a modern artist is gaining international attention. While his past is fraught with mistakes and what-ifs, his life now is good, and he doesn't want to upset any of the balance he's worked so hard to achieve.
When Nick and Izz are reunited by luck and fate, their attraction is just as undeniable, but what was left unsaid haunts them. They have hope for a future together, but wishing may not be enough.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
3 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
S.A. McAuley
27 books246 followersSam is a wandering queer romance author who sleeps little and reads a lot. Happiest in a foreign country. Twitchy when not mentally in motion. Her name is Sam, not Sammy, definitely not Samantha. She’s a dark/cynical/jaded person, but hides that darkness well behind her obsession(s) with shiny objects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 29, 2015
2 stars. DNF @51%. Review posted September 29, 2015
Before anyone gets their panties in a twist, according to GR, a two-star rating means it was ok. To me, however, it wasn't really ok, but it's definitely worthy of more than one star. Two stars it is, then.
It pains me to say this but Where Wishes Go wasn't my cup of tea. It specifically pains me because I have liked a few of S.A. McAuley's books in the past and I was very much looking forward to reading Where Wishes Go. After all, the premise did sound interesting and I was already familiar with her writing. All the more reason to check this one out.
Well, after only having read a few pages, my gut feeling was negative. I can do the "normal" kind of sweet, but I can neither do sap nor melodrama. I felt there was quite an abundance of both here. Voices broke, words came out choked, or they were pleading, or crying. And when they weren't sad, they seemed to be smiling, laughing or grinning one too many times.
Word count
111 x smile, smiled, smiles
56 x grin, grins, grinned, grinning
121 x laugh, laughter, laughed, laughing
I'm going to spare you the examples. *smiles*
The waterworks
Adam started to tear up.
Adam felt the tears welling up in his eyes…
Shelly wiped away a tear…
…wide brown eyes filling with tears.
…his chest constricting and the tears tugging at his eyes.
…matching the tracks of hot tears…
…hot prickling sensation of brimming tears…
…her eyes wet with unshed tears.
…Adam felt the beginning of tears prickling at the corners of his eyes.
His chest ached and tears prickled at the corners of his eyes.
…watched the trickle of one teardrop from the edge of Nick's eye track down his cheek,…
etc.
Frowny faces
32 x frowned, frown, (1 x) non-frown
Nick frowned.
Nick frowned.
Adam frowned and decided…
Adam frowned deeply, …
Adam frowned and threw his keys on the table…
Adam frowned and slowed down, …
He frowned when he finally picked up…
Nick frowned and studied Adam.
Nick's frown deepened.
Adam frowned.
She frowned.
Nick frowned.
He frowned.
etc.
Baba makes a frowny face too.
17 x furrowed
Adam furrowed his brow…
His brows furrowed…
Adam's eyebrows furrowed together.
Adam's brow furrowed.
Charlie furrowed his brow.
Nick furrowed his brow.
Nick furrowed his brow and followed…
Nick furrowed his brow, trying…
Nick furrowed his brow but didn't…
Adam furrowed his brow and looked…
Adam furrowed his brow and tried to piece together…
Adam's brows furrowed.
Nick's brow furrowed at the mention…
Adam furrowed his brow as he looked…
etc.
17 x is not really all that much but it somehow stuck with me. Worse, it irritated me.
I just didn't connect with the main characters and never felt emotionally invested. As a matter of fact, I don't want to be forced to feel something; it should happen naturally over the course of time, but sugary sweet storytelling and/or writing isn't the right motivator for me, TBH. Anyway, the characters irked me and the storyline did not manage to captivate me. Adam was a wuss, a drama queen and a procrastinator. Don't get me wrong, I actually like the brooding kind of hero very much, but Adam was a PITA. What I thought was a little bit disappointing was Adam's religious background. I can't speak for the second half of the story, but halfway through and the Muslim aspect was only superficially touched upon, which was just not good enough for me.
Also, what rubbed me the wrong way was the portrayal of the two girls. They were the sweetest angels who must have graced our Mother Earth. Granted, I don't have any girls but I'm a mother of two boys and I assure you that even though people are cooing over my avatar and his gorgeous hair and post sweet comments, i.e. 'He's a cherub' etc. …he's not. I mean he's cute and all that. I love him dearly and he can be nice when he feels like showing himself at his very best, but he isn't an angel. Honestly, nothing could be further from the truth. Let me tell you something. His favorite words are:
"No."
"No!"
"No, not now!"
"I did say no!"
"No, I don't want to do that."
"Wait, I am busy now."
"I don't have time now."
"I can't. I'm drawing now."
"No, I want to play with my Legos."
"Later!" (When I tell him to brush his teeth.)
"Not now. Later!" (When I tell him to do his homework.)
"But, Mom…"
"Yes, but…Mo-ooooom..."
Mom to K.: There is no but after a yes, K. Jesus.Fucking.Christ. Of course I don't voice that Jesus.Fucking.Christ, but I think you get the gist. I mean this is what I hear every friggin' day. Seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Now, nobody should tell me that girls are sooooooo sweet and soooooo obedient all the time. Because they are not. When I see what goes on in my son's class…those girls? Whew. I think I'm glad that I have two boys, thank you very much.
and as far as drama is concerned, it was so easy to guess where the plot was headed. A perfect foundation for another little drama.
I decided to throw in the towel at 51% when Nick talked about his epiphany:
How convenient, right? and bam! He knows he's gay. *cue eye roll*
Other quibbles
The endearment baby girl. Ig ha fasch überbisse wo ni das ha müesse läse. That's Swiss German and I'm going to translate it only loosely. I almost snapped because I'm highly allergic to the endearment baby girl since I read this horrible book:
Baby Girl: Ruined
Well, even if I hadn't read that dumb story, I wouldn't be fond of baby girl either.
"What did you wish for, baby girl?"
"Yeah, baby girl." I'll call her… "
"Of course, baby girl. …"
…I love you too, Nick's baby girl. …
"And you are always beautiful, baby girl, but tonight you…
"Never, baby girl."
The writing didn't really appeal to me, i.e.
Adam frowned deeply, felt his chest constricting and the tears tugging at his eyes.
Sprung, leaked, tore, roared, ripped, flooded… Fury spiked his blood, and set his teeth and nerves on edge. The anger dissected him, bisected him, until it was as if it was tearing him in half with the force of it.
Anyhoo, I don't want to prolong my review unnecessarily. It looks like I'm in the minority once again, so I'd like to encourage you to give this book a try. It might as well work out just fine for you.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of author S.A. McAuley in exchange for an honest review**
The author has a really nice backlist and I'd recommend you to check out:
An Immoveable Solitude 3 stars (one of the best three-star books I've ever read)
Someday It Will Be 4 stars
This is What a Cold Lake Looks Like 5 stars
Before anyone gets their panties in a twist, according to GR, a two-star rating means it was ok. To me, however, it wasn't really ok, but it's definitely worthy of more than one star. Two stars it is, then.
It pains me to say this but Where Wishes Go wasn't my cup of tea. It specifically pains me because I have liked a few of S.A. McAuley's books in the past and I was very much looking forward to reading Where Wishes Go. After all, the premise did sound interesting and I was already familiar with her writing. All the more reason to check this one out.
Well, after only having read a few pages, my gut feeling was negative. I can do the "normal" kind of sweet, but I can neither do sap nor melodrama. I felt there was quite an abundance of both here. Voices broke, words came out choked, or they were pleading, or crying. And when they weren't sad, they seemed to be smiling, laughing or grinning one too many times.
Word count
111 x smile, smiled, smiles
56 x grin, grins, grinned, grinning
121 x laugh, laughter, laughed, laughing
I'm going to spare you the examples. *smiles*
The waterworks
Adam started to tear up.
Adam felt the tears welling up in his eyes…
Shelly wiped away a tear…
…wide brown eyes filling with tears.
…his chest constricting and the tears tugging at his eyes.
…matching the tracks of hot tears…
…hot prickling sensation of brimming tears…
…her eyes wet with unshed tears.
…Adam felt the beginning of tears prickling at the corners of his eyes.
His chest ached and tears prickled at the corners of his eyes.
…watched the trickle of one teardrop from the edge of Nick's eye track down his cheek,…
etc.
Frowny faces
32 x frowned, frown, (1 x) non-frown
Nick frowned.
Nick frowned.
Adam frowned and decided…
Adam frowned deeply, …
Adam frowned and threw his keys on the table…
Adam frowned and slowed down, …
He frowned when he finally picked up…
Nick frowned and studied Adam.
Nick's frown deepened.
Adam frowned.
She frowned.
Nick frowned.
He frowned.
etc.
Baba makes a frowny face too.
17 x furrowed
Adam furrowed his brow…
His brows furrowed…
Adam's eyebrows furrowed together.
Adam's brow furrowed.
Charlie furrowed his brow.
Nick furrowed his brow.
Nick furrowed his brow and followed…
Nick furrowed his brow, trying…
Nick furrowed his brow but didn't…
Adam furrowed his brow and looked…
Adam furrowed his brow and tried to piece together…
Adam's brows furrowed.
Nick's brow furrowed at the mention…
Adam furrowed his brow as he looked…
etc.
17 x is not really all that much but it somehow stuck with me. Worse, it irritated me.
I just didn't connect with the main characters and never felt emotionally invested. As a matter of fact, I don't want to be forced to feel something; it should happen naturally over the course of time, but sugary sweet storytelling and/or writing isn't the right motivator for me, TBH. Anyway, the characters irked me and the storyline did not manage to captivate me. Adam was a wuss, a drama queen and a procrastinator. Don't get me wrong, I actually like the brooding kind of hero very much, but Adam was a PITA. What I thought was a little bit disappointing was Adam's religious background. I can't speak for the second half of the story, but halfway through and the Muslim aspect was only superficially touched upon, which was just not good enough for me.
Also, what rubbed me the wrong way was the portrayal of the two girls. They were the sweetest angels who must have graced our Mother Earth. Granted, I don't have any girls but I'm a mother of two boys and I assure you that even though people are cooing over my avatar and his gorgeous hair and post sweet comments, i.e. 'He's a cherub' etc. …he's not. I mean he's cute and all that. I love him dearly and he can be nice when he feels like showing himself at his very best, but he isn't an angel. Honestly, nothing could be further from the truth. Let me tell you something. His favorite words are:
"No."
"No!"
"No, not now!"
"I did say no!"
"No, I don't want to do that."
"Wait, I am busy now."
"I don't have time now."
"I can't. I'm drawing now."
"No, I want to play with my Legos."
"Later!" (When I tell him to brush his teeth.)
"Not now. Later!" (When I tell him to do his homework.)
"But, Mom…"
"Yes, but…Mo-ooooom..."
Mom to K.: There is no but after a yes, K. Jesus.Fucking.Christ. Of course I don't voice that Jesus.Fucking.Christ, but I think you get the gist. I mean this is what I hear every friggin' day. Seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Now, nobody should tell me that girls are sooooooo sweet and soooooo obedient all the time. Because they are not. When I see what goes on in my son's class…those girls? Whew. I think I'm glad that I have two boys, thank you very much.
and as far as drama is concerned, it was so easy to guess where the plot was headed. A perfect foundation for another little drama.
I decided to throw in the towel at 51% when Nick talked about his epiphany:
How convenient, right? and bam! He knows he's gay. *cue eye roll*
Other quibbles
The endearment baby girl. Ig ha fasch überbisse wo ni das ha müesse läse. That's Swiss German and I'm going to translate it only loosely. I almost snapped because I'm highly allergic to the endearment baby girl since I read this horrible book:
Baby Girl: Ruined
Well, even if I hadn't read that dumb story, I wouldn't be fond of baby girl either.
"What did you wish for, baby girl?"
"Yeah, baby girl." I'll call her… "
"Of course, baby girl. …"
…I love you too, Nick's baby girl. …
"And you are always beautiful, baby girl, but tonight you…
"Never, baby girl."
The writing didn't really appeal to me, i.e.
Adam frowned deeply, felt his chest constricting and the tears tugging at his eyes.
Sprung, leaked, tore, roared, ripped, flooded… Fury spiked his blood, and set his teeth and nerves on edge. The anger dissected him, bisected him, until it was as if it was tearing him in half with the force of it.
Anyhoo, I don't want to prolong my review unnecessarily. It looks like I'm in the minority once again, so I'd like to encourage you to give this book a try. It might as well work out just fine for you.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of author S.A. McAuley in exchange for an honest review**
The author has a really nice backlist and I'd recommend you to check out:
An Immoveable Solitude 3 stars (one of the best three-star books I've ever read)
Someday It Will Be 4 stars
This is What a Cold Lake Looks Like 5 stars
September 22, 2015
Where Wishes Go by S.A. McAuley is the love story of Nick and Adam. Nick, who has recently divorced and has custody of his daughter and Adam, the brooding artist who is the single parent of his daughter. Fate has brought them together 15 years after old hurts and fears separated them.
"I'm just amazed to have you here-in front of me, with this chance again. We both have our histories, together and apart. But I'm hoping that maybe we can continue this together. In whatever form that takes. I've just... I've missed you."
~Nick
This story was not at all what I was expecting. Going in, I thought this story would be full of angst and turmoil and it wasn't it. It was surprisingly low angst with snarky humor provided mainly by their friends.
What I loved:
*Great character development.
*The chemistry between Nick and Adam.
*Loved the main characters and secondary characters.
*Story flow had a nice easy pace.
*I appreciated how Nick and Adam communicated with each other. There was no miscommunication between them.
*The humor I mentioned earlier.
*The epilogue was very sweet.
Couple things I wish, though:
*A few more intimate moments between the two main characters.
*More angst. I was in the mood for a heavy read so I just wanted a bit more heartbreak.
A disclaimer:
*If you're afraid the book has a lot do with religion- don't worry it doesn't. The topic is mentioned but is not a major plot point.
All in all, this is a sweet second chance love story. It's not just about romance, though- it's about family and friendships- and it will leave you with a smile on your face. A solid 4 stars.
**ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.**
**This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by JesseWave:
http://reviewsbyjessewave.com/2015/09...
May 18, 2016
Dos estrellas que justo es decir que se corresponden a mis gustos más que a la calidad literaria del libro. No es una obra maestra del género, pero tampoco es realmente malo. El gran problema es que no me ha gustado, nada, nada de nada.
La historia arrancaba con una premisa para mi interesante, antiguos amantes de Instituto se vuelven a reencontrar después de 5 años e intentan volver a construir una relación. A partir de aquí, es decir, las primeras diez páginas, todo va mal. Dos protagonistas perfectos, con dos hijas perfectas (que ¡oh! ¡sorpresa!, cumplen años el mismo día), con familias perfectas, con trabajos en los que son lo más de lo más, amigos perfectos y un enorme blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. ¿Dónde está exactamente la historia? ¿Dónde está el conflicto? No lo hay. De la nada se reconstruye esa relación, sin introspección por parte de los personajes, sin explicaciones. De una página a otra te encuentras que se han querido muchísimo, no entiendes bien por qué se separaron, y ahora se siguen queriendo todavía más o.O, What? ¿Me lo puede explicar alguien para que pueda seguir una línea coherente de pensamiento y acción? Y toda esta nada acompañada por unas dosis de azucar que me han hecho (lo juro) entornar los ojos varias veces a lo largo de la lectura, otras me ha dado vergüenza leer lo que ponía y otras cuantas lo he encontrado tan pueril que me ha entrado la carcajada.
Después de esta breve exposición en la que explico cómo no me gusta el desarrollo de los personajes, no entiendo y no encuentro la trama y he vivido momentos de vergüenza ajena ante lo que estaba leyendo, queda claro que no lo recomiendo.
Por favor, que recordaban los dos los días, horas y minutos que hacía que se habían reencontrado. Vengaaaaaaaa, hasta luego. Nope, nope.
La historia arrancaba con una premisa para mi interesante, antiguos amantes de Instituto se vuelven a reencontrar después de 5 años e intentan volver a construir una relación. A partir de aquí, es decir, las primeras diez páginas, todo va mal. Dos protagonistas perfectos, con dos hijas perfectas (que ¡oh! ¡sorpresa!, cumplen años el mismo día), con familias perfectas, con trabajos en los que son lo más de lo más, amigos perfectos y un enorme blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. ¿Dónde está exactamente la historia? ¿Dónde está el conflicto? No lo hay. De la nada se reconstruye esa relación, sin introspección por parte de los personajes, sin explicaciones. De una página a otra te encuentras que se han querido muchísimo, no entiendes bien por qué se separaron, y ahora se siguen queriendo todavía más o.O, What? ¿Me lo puede explicar alguien para que pueda seguir una línea coherente de pensamiento y acción? Y toda esta nada acompañada por unas dosis de azucar que me han hecho (lo juro) entornar los ojos varias veces a lo largo de la lectura, otras me ha dado vergüenza leer lo que ponía y otras cuantas lo he encontrado tan pueril que me ha entrado la carcajada.
Después de esta breve exposición en la que explico cómo no me gusta el desarrollo de los personajes, no entiendo y no encuentro la trama y he vivido momentos de vergüenza ajena ante lo que estaba leyendo, queda claro que no lo recomiendo.
Por favor, que recordaban los dos los días, horas y minutos que hacía que se habían reencontrado. Vengaaaaaaaa, hasta luego. Nope, nope.
October 2, 2015
Reviewed for Sinfully... Addicted to All Male Romance.
Click here for a guest post and giveaway from S.A. McAuley!
Although their paths diverged wildly after they lost touch 15 years ago after graduating high school, Nick and Adam both wind up in eerily similar circumstances, almost as if fate had been guiding them back to each other once they were ready. Adam is an artist and his emotions are integral to his work, while Nick is a vice president of a hospital system and necessarily sees things with more of a logical view.
Even after 15 years, Adam is still struggling with losing Nick. He has poured those emotions into his art and is finally on the verge of really putting those feelings to rest. When Nick discovers that Adam is closer than he ever expected, the memories that he has hung onto over the years come back with a vengeance. While all the memories are happy, Nick is not sure why they ever lost touch and not sure he’s ready to face the man who had made him so happy then disappeared from his life. With the help of some meddling friends and family, the two soon find themselves face to face and trying to reconnect.
Different from other S.A. McAuley books I’ve read, this is a low angst, feel good story of two adults finding their way back to each other. The focus is on the rebuilding of their relationship and discovering the differences between the kids they were and the men they have become. Adam has had a more difficult past than Nick, resulting in a lot of emotional baggage. He finds it hard to just trust Nick and open himself up to the possibility of losing him again. Nick is a bit oblivious at first, but he is determined to prove to Adam that his feelings are real and he is ready to be there for the long haul.
While the steam factor is low with few sex scenes, the ones we do get see are intense and meaningful. I wouldn’t have minded a few more as there was great chemistry. The secondary characters made up of Nick and Adam’s friends provided humor, support and bit of snark. Both men also have children and they are an integral part of the story, but do not overwhelm it.
This was not the roller coaster of emotions I’ve come to expect from this author. It was a more subdued story, without excessive drama, a low angst feel good story... with a gorgeous happy ending. I am a big fan of men who act their age and Adam and Nick do that as they work through past hurt and misunderstanding to build a future and a family based on love, trust and honesty.
Click here for a guest post and giveaway from S.A. McAuley!
Although their paths diverged wildly after they lost touch 15 years ago after graduating high school, Nick and Adam both wind up in eerily similar circumstances, almost as if fate had been guiding them back to each other once they were ready. Adam is an artist and his emotions are integral to his work, while Nick is a vice president of a hospital system and necessarily sees things with more of a logical view.
Even after 15 years, Adam is still struggling with losing Nick. He has poured those emotions into his art and is finally on the verge of really putting those feelings to rest. When Nick discovers that Adam is closer than he ever expected, the memories that he has hung onto over the years come back with a vengeance. While all the memories are happy, Nick is not sure why they ever lost touch and not sure he’s ready to face the man who had made him so happy then disappeared from his life. With the help of some meddling friends and family, the two soon find themselves face to face and trying to reconnect.
Different from other S.A. McAuley books I’ve read, this is a low angst, feel good story of two adults finding their way back to each other. The focus is on the rebuilding of their relationship and discovering the differences between the kids they were and the men they have become. Adam has had a more difficult past than Nick, resulting in a lot of emotional baggage. He finds it hard to just trust Nick and open himself up to the possibility of losing him again. Nick is a bit oblivious at first, but he is determined to prove to Adam that his feelings are real and he is ready to be there for the long haul.
While the steam factor is low with few sex scenes, the ones we do get see are intense and meaningful. I wouldn’t have minded a few more as there was great chemistry. The secondary characters made up of Nick and Adam’s friends provided humor, support and bit of snark. Both men also have children and they are an integral part of the story, but do not overwhelm it.
This was not the roller coaster of emotions I’ve come to expect from this author. It was a more subdued story, without excessive drama, a low angst feel good story... with a gorgeous happy ending. I am a big fan of men who act their age and Adam and Nick do that as they work through past hurt and misunderstanding to build a future and a family based on love, trust and honesty.
September 23, 2015
4 stars.
Low-angst, sweet contemporary story featuring a second chance love.
I really enjoyed this story, with an amazing cast to go with it. I read this in one sitting straight through, that's how much I liked it. I feel like DSP always lacks the passion that I require with stories like this. Very low-angst, and I love the second chance romance. I just wish the passion was there between Nick & Adam. I expected it to be fire once these two settled through their difference, instead I just felt like it was coasting through passion wise.
Both guy deal with pretty much different aspects in their past, but they are able to move forth and understand what happened all those years ago. I liked the idea of Adam being of a different race and religion outside of being catholic. I loved seeing his Islam religion being acceptance of him as a person, as well as his sexuality. I liked that both guys had children. I think children in stories show a more human approach. I love the side characters as well. I hope some of them can get little novellas of some sort. All in all, I think the author did a good job with this story. I'd recommend to all.
Low-angst, sweet contemporary story featuring a second chance love.
I really enjoyed this story, with an amazing cast to go with it. I read this in one sitting straight through, that's how much I liked it. I feel like DSP always lacks the passion that I require with stories like this. Very low-angst, and I love the second chance romance. I just wish the passion was there between Nick & Adam. I expected it to be fire once these two settled through their difference, instead I just felt like it was coasting through passion wise.
Both guy deal with pretty much different aspects in their past, but they are able to move forth and understand what happened all those years ago. I liked the idea of Adam being of a different race and religion outside of being catholic. I loved seeing his Islam religion being acceptance of him as a person, as well as his sexuality. I liked that both guys had children. I think children in stories show a more human approach. I love the side characters as well. I hope some of them can get little novellas of some sort. All in all, I think the author did a good job with this story. I'd recommend to all.
October 28, 2015
A second chance and feel-good story. Plenty of non-communication which only made things worse, but lots of engaging characters in this one especially Charlie and Daniel (Flame On!!). The two young girls were little princesses, and I was so happy everything worked out for Miriam in the end. Sam's writing was as good as usual, but there were a few typos and things got bogged down sometimes. 4 stars from me.
Read
September 1, 2015Wow. Just wow. This was so so fabulous. Will hav more words soon.
November 18, 2015
Where Wishes Go is a sweet, sometimes sad story of two men who struggle a lot but truly find their place in the world and a great love to complete each other. It has the perfect balance of romance, heartbreak, and sweetness.
The story has a really nice and solid pace and it’s so easy to fall for both of the guys. You love with them, you suffer with them…. and you’d do anything to help them finding their HEA.
Recommended to those who like a character driven story with lots of heart, kids, and a sentimental, sappy ending.
September 20, 2015
4.5 Stars
Adam and Nick have always thought of each other in a what if way after their time together in high school came to an end after graduation, now 15 years later the two suddenly find themselves face to face. Will they find in the other what they always wanted or will their memories prove to have been better than seeing each other again.
Nick is a businessman who is forced to have his phone with him 24/7, but he also knows how to turn it off and that right there says allot about him to me. He is sweet and caring and always does what is best for others. Seeing him learn about himself is just one of the things I loved about him.
Adam has known tough times and has come out of it all for the better. He loves deeply and when he trusts he does it with his whole heart. He is your typical brooding artist and the fun part is HE knows it!
These two have had their share of tough times, but it has all brought them to where they are now.
There is so much complexity to this story and I absolutely LOVED it all. Each of the main characters were so well written that you feel like you are truly getting to know them. I enjoyed the depth of their feelings as they were written on the page because it make me feel like I was the one going through those emotions. Great read and can't wait to see more!
Adam and Nick have always thought of each other in a what if way after their time together in high school came to an end after graduation, now 15 years later the two suddenly find themselves face to face. Will they find in the other what they always wanted or will their memories prove to have been better than seeing each other again.
Nick is a businessman who is forced to have his phone with him 24/7, but he also knows how to turn it off and that right there says allot about him to me. He is sweet and caring and always does what is best for others. Seeing him learn about himself is just one of the things I loved about him.
Adam has known tough times and has come out of it all for the better. He loves deeply and when he trusts he does it with his whole heart. He is your typical brooding artist and the fun part is HE knows it!
These two have had their share of tough times, but it has all brought them to where they are now.
There is so much complexity to this story and I absolutely LOVED it all. Each of the main characters were so well written that you feel like you are truly getting to know them. I enjoyed the depth of their feelings as they were written on the page because it make me feel like I was the one going through those emotions. Great read and can't wait to see more!
October 6, 2015
3.75 Star reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®
During the first pages of this book, I felt good. The characters were introduced in every day ways, highlighting the kind of people they are, their diversity immediately on display. I felt like I was settling in for a cozy read. That was mostly the case. I had been invited in to story time, not just to it.
Friendship is an important part of this story. Just as quickly as I’d fell into the lives of these characters, the different relationships and types of friendships showed themselves to be the backbones of the entire thing. This is deftly coupled with the family dynamics, both existing and those newly created as all of these characters make their way through the challenges they’re faced with in this book. Many different familial relationships are portrayed and they felt real and worthy of being included.
I found myself looking forward to reading this each time I could get back to it. As I learned more about Adam and Nick, I wondered what’s next? What are they going to do? What are they doing right now?
This has an interesting mix of tones, feeling like a fairytale love holding hands with the unavoidable need to deal with the past and the pain that comes with that. Fate is warring with itself in the forms of Adam and Nick and the relationship that might or might not come to be.
McAuley takes her time with the telling of this story, revealing details and their emotional impact in realistic ways. This approach helped me make connections to the characters. Sometimes I’d lose that connection, though, due to sentences and passages feeling over-extended, overdone. When I feel like I have to take a mental breath while reading, that indicates a point where restraint would have been a beneficial tool. Some dialogue-heavy scenes also felt overly long for this same reason.
This leads me into the uneven pacing during some build-ups and conflicts. A lot of time is spent on issues, past mistakes, hurt feelings between Nick and Adam, and most of this feels right, it works. However, some of the resolutions feel rushed and were not worth the price of the suffering. In other words, I was robbed, and so were the characters.
The supporting characters are a lovely lot: Adam’s mom, Nick’s mom, both Adam and Nick’s daughters, Charlie the agent and friend of Adam’s, Daniel the boutique owner and friend of Nick’s, and Roban, who might have some of the best lines and nicknames of the bunch. They’re all well drawn, with a few instances when their personalities seem to blur into one another. A few times while reading, Charlie sounded more like Daniel than Charlie. Even so, they’re all entertaining and important to the story, especially Miriam and Katie.
We get some humor, especially when some of the guys are hanging out, having fun. Daniel and Charlie in particular enjoy some fine scene-stealing moments. Daniel’s story is begging to be told, in my opinion. How he came to be the person he is, his strengths, and there are so many questions just waiting to be answered in a Daniel type way. These exchanges often made me feel like I was watching a movie, it was that easy to picture and hear everything going on.
I’ve enjoyed every story by S.A. McAuley that I’ve read, including this one, it just needed to get out of its own way here and there. This reading experience was a mixed bag, with more that worked than did not: great characters that occasionally became overwhelmed by their own dialogue, diversity the cast of characters that sometimes wandered into everything is puppies and roses perfect-landia, and wonderfully deep emotion that came and went too fast, almost like the author found it difficult to stay there and examine it.
I’ll leave you with this, as it’s a good example of a lot of the things I mentioned, including the complex emotions:
He cried because he needed to hear Miri call him Daddy. He cried because he couldn’t imagine Katie celebrating her birthday alone next year. And he cried because despite how painful this all was, he’d almost let this man go, and right now there was nowhere else he would’ve wanted to be.
During the first pages of this book, I felt good. The characters were introduced in every day ways, highlighting the kind of people they are, their diversity immediately on display. I felt like I was settling in for a cozy read. That was mostly the case. I had been invited in to story time, not just to it.
Friendship is an important part of this story. Just as quickly as I’d fell into the lives of these characters, the different relationships and types of friendships showed themselves to be the backbones of the entire thing. This is deftly coupled with the family dynamics, both existing and those newly created as all of these characters make their way through the challenges they’re faced with in this book. Many different familial relationships are portrayed and they felt real and worthy of being included.
I found myself looking forward to reading this each time I could get back to it. As I learned more about Adam and Nick, I wondered what’s next? What are they going to do? What are they doing right now?
This has an interesting mix of tones, feeling like a fairytale love holding hands with the unavoidable need to deal with the past and the pain that comes with that. Fate is warring with itself in the forms of Adam and Nick and the relationship that might or might not come to be.
McAuley takes her time with the telling of this story, revealing details and their emotional impact in realistic ways. This approach helped me make connections to the characters. Sometimes I’d lose that connection, though, due to sentences and passages feeling over-extended, overdone. When I feel like I have to take a mental breath while reading, that indicates a point where restraint would have been a beneficial tool. Some dialogue-heavy scenes also felt overly long for this same reason.
This leads me into the uneven pacing during some build-ups and conflicts. A lot of time is spent on issues, past mistakes, hurt feelings between Nick and Adam, and most of this feels right, it works. However, some of the resolutions feel rushed and were not worth the price of the suffering. In other words, I was robbed, and so were the characters.
The supporting characters are a lovely lot: Adam’s mom, Nick’s mom, both Adam and Nick’s daughters, Charlie the agent and friend of Adam’s, Daniel the boutique owner and friend of Nick’s, and Roban, who might have some of the best lines and nicknames of the bunch. They’re all well drawn, with a few instances when their personalities seem to blur into one another. A few times while reading, Charlie sounded more like Daniel than Charlie. Even so, they’re all entertaining and important to the story, especially Miriam and Katie.
We get some humor, especially when some of the guys are hanging out, having fun. Daniel and Charlie in particular enjoy some fine scene-stealing moments. Daniel’s story is begging to be told, in my opinion. How he came to be the person he is, his strengths, and there are so many questions just waiting to be answered in a Daniel type way. These exchanges often made me feel like I was watching a movie, it was that easy to picture and hear everything going on.
I’ve enjoyed every story by S.A. McAuley that I’ve read, including this one, it just needed to get out of its own way here and there. This reading experience was a mixed bag, with more that worked than did not: great characters that occasionally became overwhelmed by their own dialogue, diversity the cast of characters that sometimes wandered into everything is puppies and roses perfect-landia, and wonderfully deep emotion that came and went too fast, almost like the author found it difficult to stay there and examine it.
I’ll leave you with this, as it’s a good example of a lot of the things I mentioned, including the complex emotions:
He cried because he needed to hear Miri call him Daddy. He cried because he couldn’t imagine Katie celebrating her birthday alone next year. And he cried because despite how painful this all was, he’d almost let this man go, and right now there was nowhere else he would’ve wanted to be.
October 8, 2015
This was my first actual S.A. McAuley book where she was the sole author. I read Ruin Porn a few weeks ago where she’d paired up to co-author with SJD Peterson. I enjoyed that immensely and realized I needed to read S.A.’s work…and what better place to start than a new release?
I’m a bit torn.
On one hand, I absolutely loved and enjoyed this overall and cannot wait to read more from this author. On the other hand, I had a few quibbles holding me back from that elusive fifth star.
I feel bullet points are in order.
The One Hand:
See? Good Stuff.
The Other Hand: (Warning: possible very mild spoilers that I'm not tagging because they really are minor)
My quibbles are trivial.
Overall I thought this was a solid read.
I’m a bit torn.
On one hand, I absolutely loved and enjoyed this overall and cannot wait to read more from this author. On the other hand, I had a few quibbles holding me back from that elusive fifth star.
I feel bullet points are in order.
The One Hand:
❊ I love second-chance romance
❊ I love a good M/M de-virginizing
❊ I’m beginning to accept as fact that I really do (occasionally) like the presence of children in my romance stories. (I don’t have them…I generally think they’re cute from afar, but sticky smelly monsters up close)
❊ I love introspection and growth from the MCs
❊ I love a moody, brooding artist
❊ I go crazy nuts for well done imagery and there was some good stuff in here
❊ The sex was slow-burn and scorching.
See? Good Stuff.
The Other Hand: (Warning: possible very mild spoilers that I'm not tagging because they really are minor)
❊ There were a few scenes that lagged for me, where maybe introspection or description seemed to take a little bit too long and my attention started to wander. I’ve never been diagnosed with ADD…but fully admit this may be a case of “it’s me and not the book” because there’s also been some real-life stuff on my mind that might have decided to hijack my attention.
❊ I liked the kids…but I didn’t really warm up to them. They were almost too perfect. I think I tend to like the little monsters to be…well, monsters.
Side note on Miri…I can’t figure out if it’s a quibble or me being defensive - but pulling on my heart strings and making me sob uncontrollable tears over a sick kid…low. Just…low.
❊ I liked the side/supporting characters, but for some reason had a hard time keeping Daniel and Charlie straight—who belonged to whom as a BFF sort of thing. They seemed almost like one character.
❊ I wasn’t fond of Nick’s ex-wife. I suppose I wasn’t meant to be. But, her role seemed almost unnecessary since we didn’t see much of her and her main purpose was to glare and sneer and be a bitch-face. And I couldn’t understand why she seemed to have so little interest in her own child. I’m sure it would be a whole ‘nother book to explore that. I get really judgy about parents who don’t fight to be in their kid’s lives. It’s good she realized Katie was better off with her dad, but her absence and lack of effort to be in Katie’s life was unforgivable. Had it seemed like she was trying to make some actual progress on this front I might could give her some leeway. See? This could be a book on its own!
❊ So many coincidences…maybe this was by design, if so..I don’t think I got what the author was trying to achieve. Possibly some existential alignment-of-the-stars-this-proves-we’re-meant-to-be story? Maybe. I’ll go with that.
My quibbles are trivial.
Overall I thought this was a solid read.
December 22, 2022
4.5 Stars ~ "I am going to wrap my arms around you, hold you, inhale your scent, breathe your very essence, and let it fill the hole inside me that has ached and bled for so very long." ~ CD
A lot of things can happen in fifteen years. An entire lifetime can happen between the ages of eighteen and thirty-three. For Adam and Nick, that's exactly what occurred from when they last saw each other at their high school graduation and unexpectedly meeting again at Adam's gallery showing. A host of memories has gone by for each of them, but neither one ever stopped missing the love of their life.
"I told you I loved you and I never heard back from you,” Nick whispered, the words coming out choked. But if they were going to have any hope of rediscovering what they’d once had, then everything needed to be said. No matter how painful it was. He had to find the strength to rip them out of a past that would only attack them again and again if they didn’t face it now."
I could so understand and appreciate Adam's perspective, however. As a recovering alcoholic and addict, who only got clean when he found out he had a brand-new daughter, the thought of getting lost in Nick, again and then losing him, is a terrifying prospect. My heart went out to Nick, also, who literally didn't figure out he was gay and still in love with Adam until his wife talked to him about having another child, and he all of a sudden realized he wanted all of the day-to-day stuff, but with Adam. Nick is so focused on everyone else's happiness he completely forgets to take the time to figure out what he wants. Whereas Adam, as an emotional artist, often forgets to learn what those he loves want. Two sides of a coin.
I was incredibly impressed that the author didn't stick with the standard fare in this trope. Instead, she broadened it with some extremely heartfelt and very emotional drama, that reminded me of what family is truly all about. The writing was brilliant and evocative. The story was simple, but equally complex. Truly a must-read in my opinion.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
A lot of things can happen in fifteen years. An entire lifetime can happen between the ages of eighteen and thirty-three. For Adam and Nick, that's exactly what occurred from when they last saw each other at their high school graduation and unexpectedly meeting again at Adam's gallery showing. A host of memories has gone by for each of them, but neither one ever stopped missing the love of their life.
"I told you I loved you and I never heard back from you,” Nick whispered, the words coming out choked. But if they were going to have any hope of rediscovering what they’d once had, then everything needed to be said. No matter how painful it was. He had to find the strength to rip them out of a past that would only attack them again and again if they didn’t face it now."
I could so understand and appreciate Adam's perspective, however. As a recovering alcoholic and addict, who only got clean when he found out he had a brand-new daughter, the thought of getting lost in Nick, again and then losing him, is a terrifying prospect. My heart went out to Nick, also, who literally didn't figure out he was gay and still in love with Adam until his wife talked to him about having another child, and he all of a sudden realized he wanted all of the day-to-day stuff, but with Adam. Nick is so focused on everyone else's happiness he completely forgets to take the time to figure out what he wants. Whereas Adam, as an emotional artist, often forgets to learn what those he loves want. Two sides of a coin.
I was incredibly impressed that the author didn't stick with the standard fare in this trope. Instead, she broadened it with some extremely heartfelt and very emotional drama, that reminded me of what family is truly all about. The writing was brilliant and evocative. The story was simple, but equally complex. Truly a must-read in my opinion.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
October 2, 2015
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
I loved this book. It caught me from the first sentence and didn't let go until the last. I couldn't put it down. I wanted the HEA ending, but didn't want the story to come to an end. This was a beautifully written story, about a second chance at first love.
Nick and Adam, best friends and lovers in high school go their separate ways off to college, on opposite coasts. 15 years later they meet up again, with the meddlesome help of their mutual friends. Will these men who have both been through so much heartbreak open themselves up, to take a chance on love again. Will the two of them along, with their daughters Katie and Miriam complete the perfect family unit?
Adam and Nick had a chemistry that was out of this world. The sparks flew every time they were on the page together. You could feel the love and passion between them. This was a sweet, and at times heartbreaking story. It's a well written story, and it flowed well. The main characters were well developed, as were the secondary characters of their daughters. Pick it up, you won't regret it.
I loved this book. It caught me from the first sentence and didn't let go until the last. I couldn't put it down. I wanted the HEA ending, but didn't want the story to come to an end. This was a beautifully written story, about a second chance at first love.
Nick and Adam, best friends and lovers in high school go their separate ways off to college, on opposite coasts. 15 years later they meet up again, with the meddlesome help of their mutual friends. Will these men who have both been through so much heartbreak open themselves up, to take a chance on love again. Will the two of them along, with their daughters Katie and Miriam complete the perfect family unit?
Adam and Nick had a chemistry that was out of this world. The sparks flew every time they were on the page together. You could feel the love and passion between them. This was a sweet, and at times heartbreaking story. It's a well written story, and it flowed well. The main characters were well developed, as were the secondary characters of their daughters. Pick it up, you won't regret it.
October 30, 2015
4.5 LOVE this cover. And, love this fabulous romance!! #SexyDadsFTW <3 Full review at The Novel Approach! http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
September 28, 2015
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (rounded up for this site)
* I received an advanced copy of this novel from Pride Promotions in exchange for a fair and honest review. *
Wow. Just... wow. This story was beautiful. Exceptional, heart-wrenching, gorgeous. The Romance genre is full of "love at first sight" stories, but this is a story about two men who fell in love as teenagers-- fell in love slowly, painfully, piece by piece-- and then were separated for years. It's about never forgetting your first love, and getting a chance to reconnect and rekindle that relationship.
If you're anything like me, then this is a book that's going to hit you in the heart. It's not a depressing read, but instead one that moves the reader along the full emotional spectrum, from depression to hope to joy to angst and back again. I love books that you can get invested in as a reader, and this is one where you truly care about the characters.
Read the rest of the review on Just Love !
* I received an advanced copy of this novel from Pride Promotions in exchange for a fair and honest review. *
Wow. Just... wow. This story was beautiful. Exceptional, heart-wrenching, gorgeous. The Romance genre is full of "love at first sight" stories, but this is a story about two men who fell in love as teenagers-- fell in love slowly, painfully, piece by piece-- and then were separated for years. It's about never forgetting your first love, and getting a chance to reconnect and rekindle that relationship.
It had been fifteen years since he'd last seen Nick, and he could still hear his voice in his head. He could still feel the touch of his fingertips on his skin. And that just made it all the more unreal. He could barely remember what he had eaten for breakfast, and yet this-- these desperate remembrances of a time long past-- was still so clear in his head? It couldn't be possible.
If you're anything like me, then this is a book that's going to hit you in the heart. It's not a depressing read, but instead one that moves the reader along the full emotional spectrum, from depression to hope to joy to angst and back again. I love books that you can get invested in as a reader, and this is one where you truly care about the characters.
Read the rest of the review on Just Love !
October 13, 2015
3.50 stars
Nick Paine spends much of his time working or with his daughter. Although he came out to his ex-wife and friends he has not given himself the chance to explore his possibilities. On one of his first outings he discovers that his childhood best friend and the man who has been haunting him through the years, lives close by and will soon be having a show at a gallery.
Adam "Izz" Azzi is a talented artist who had made a name for himself. Adam is content on living his life dedicated to his art and his daughter. After recovering from an addiction that led to his losing a loved one, Adam is determined to continue to leave his demons behind. So having his unrequited love attending his show, is not only a surprise but a also a curve ball to the careful balance he's trying to achieve in his life. Nick was the one who got away, but now having him back in his life brings uncertainty and a whole other set of emotions he's not quite ready to deal with.
Can you have a second chance at a first love? It seems you can, if this story is anything to go by.
When I started this book, I was so looking forward for these two to be reunited. I knew there was going to be some drama since it was Nick who left and Adam who always felt left behind but, honestly, I was not prepared for the overwhelming amount of angst I found.
If you know me, I like my angst and have read my fair share of angsty stories, but this one sort of left me numb. Why? I don't know. That is the same question I asked myself throughout. What I ultimately came up with was that there was quite a bit of unnecessary drama which in the end took away from the romance. But hey, that's just me.
I do think that the author did a great job in bringing forth the uncertainties of reconnecting with a past love. She brought the range of emotions necessary for me to understand well where Adam and Nick were coming from and why they behaved and/or acted the way they did in the past and in the present time. My only regret in that aspect is that the connection between the two got lost along the way of it all. I felt like the connection was to be assumed, but that took a lot of effort on my part. Since these men had changed so much through the years, it was hard for me to reconcile what they once shared with what they were trying to recapture.
Regardless, there was something there, which was what ultimately made me continue with the story. I enjoyed some their more candid interactions and heated moments they shared. It was during those moments that their connection made itself known, so of course those were the moments that stood out for me the most.
This is the first book by SA McAuley I've read and it certainly won't be the last. Although the story dragged in places, I do feel that the story was well written and engaging enough for me to give this author another try. I particularly enjoyed the complexity of the characters and the range of emotions the author brought to the page. Always a win in any book I read.
All in all, a second chance story that was as intense and it was sweet.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
Nick Paine spends much of his time working or with his daughter. Although he came out to his ex-wife and friends he has not given himself the chance to explore his possibilities. On one of his first outings he discovers that his childhood best friend and the man who has been haunting him through the years, lives close by and will soon be having a show at a gallery.
Adam "Izz" Azzi is a talented artist who had made a name for himself. Adam is content on living his life dedicated to his art and his daughter. After recovering from an addiction that led to his losing a loved one, Adam is determined to continue to leave his demons behind. So having his unrequited love attending his show, is not only a surprise but a also a curve ball to the careful balance he's trying to achieve in his life. Nick was the one who got away, but now having him back in his life brings uncertainty and a whole other set of emotions he's not quite ready to deal with.
Can you have a second chance at a first love? It seems you can, if this story is anything to go by.
When I started this book, I was so looking forward for these two to be reunited. I knew there was going to be some drama since it was Nick who left and Adam who always felt left behind but, honestly, I was not prepared for the overwhelming amount of angst I found.
If you know me, I like my angst and have read my fair share of angsty stories, but this one sort of left me numb. Why? I don't know. That is the same question I asked myself throughout. What I ultimately came up with was that there was quite a bit of unnecessary drama which in the end took away from the romance. But hey, that's just me.
I do think that the author did a great job in bringing forth the uncertainties of reconnecting with a past love. She brought the range of emotions necessary for me to understand well where Adam and Nick were coming from and why they behaved and/or acted the way they did in the past and in the present time. My only regret in that aspect is that the connection between the two got lost along the way of it all. I felt like the connection was to be assumed, but that took a lot of effort on my part. Since these men had changed so much through the years, it was hard for me to reconcile what they once shared with what they were trying to recapture.
Regardless, there was something there, which was what ultimately made me continue with the story. I enjoyed some their more candid interactions and heated moments they shared. It was during those moments that their connection made itself known, so of course those were the moments that stood out for me the most.
This is the first book by SA McAuley I've read and it certainly won't be the last. Although the story dragged in places, I do feel that the story was well written and engaging enough for me to give this author another try. I particularly enjoyed the complexity of the characters and the range of emotions the author brought to the page. Always a win in any book I read.
All in all, a second chance story that was as intense and it was sweet.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
October 3, 2015
This was a very emotional story. Two men who loved each other as teenagers meet twenty years later only to fall hard for each other once again. Add in matching mothers and daughters and the author has created a gentle, domestic story. With the romance resolved in the first half of the story, much of the action revolves around Adam’s daughter’s illness.
This isn’t one of my favourite books by this author. I loved the idea of the brooding artist and the reunited teen lovers, but there were too many inconsistencies.
Adam’s Islamic faith never rang true. The lives of even the most liberal Muslims I know are still dominated by religious routines and restrictions. Adam’s extra-marital sex with Nick (the author calls him a nominal-Christian) and his mosque’s comfort with his sexuality don’t match his devout faith and the Arabic that slips into his speech. The Arabic is odd. His mum’s name is Tracey which isn’t exactly an Arabic name. Is Adam a convert? Was his dad Muslim? I was left with far too many questions about Adam’s religion.
Miri is described as having “learning disabilities and some autistic tendencies” at the start of the book, but we see very little evidence of this. She comes across as Katie’s equal and doesn’t demonstrate any of these issues through the rest of the story. I think the story would have been more interesting if Miri wasn’t perfect, if Adam had adapted his life to meet her challenging needs and behaviours. As it is, Miri and Katie are impossibly perfect children and I found it difficult to warm to them.
And of course I have railed repeatedly about hospital visits as plot devices in m/m romance stories. Miri’s illness was a little odd here. At 56% I checked the book, assuming it was nearly finished as the romance had resolved and Adam and Nick were playing happy families. Instead, I was only half-way through and about to read about Miri’s heart failure for the rest of the book. None of this was mentioned in the blurb.
I signed up for a m/m romance, not a family-focused-after-school-special-tear-jerker. I enjoyed both of the male leads and I loved their group of friends. I would have been much happier with a deeper exploration of the central relationship.
For people who love sweet stories, who love cute kids and who can enjoy a book without asking too many questions about the plot or characters - this would be a great story. It just wasn’t for me.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
This isn’t one of my favourite books by this author. I loved the idea of the brooding artist and the reunited teen lovers, but there were too many inconsistencies.
Adam’s Islamic faith never rang true. The lives of even the most liberal Muslims I know are still dominated by religious routines and restrictions. Adam’s extra-marital sex with Nick (the author calls him a nominal-Christian) and his mosque’s comfort with his sexuality don’t match his devout faith and the Arabic that slips into his speech. The Arabic is odd. His mum’s name is Tracey which isn’t exactly an Arabic name. Is Adam a convert? Was his dad Muslim? I was left with far too many questions about Adam’s religion.
Miri is described as having “learning disabilities and some autistic tendencies” at the start of the book, but we see very little evidence of this. She comes across as Katie’s equal and doesn’t demonstrate any of these issues through the rest of the story. I think the story would have been more interesting if Miri wasn’t perfect, if Adam had adapted his life to meet her challenging needs and behaviours. As it is, Miri and Katie are impossibly perfect children and I found it difficult to warm to them.
And of course I have railed repeatedly about hospital visits as plot devices in m/m romance stories. Miri’s illness was a little odd here. At 56% I checked the book, assuming it was nearly finished as the romance had resolved and Adam and Nick were playing happy families. Instead, I was only half-way through and about to read about Miri’s heart failure for the rest of the book. None of this was mentioned in the blurb.
I signed up for a m/m romance, not a family-focused-after-school-special-tear-jerker. I enjoyed both of the male leads and I loved their group of friends. I would have been much happier with a deeper exploration of the central relationship.
For people who love sweet stories, who love cute kids and who can enjoy a book without asking too many questions about the plot or characters - this would be a great story. It just wasn’t for me.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
October 16, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I adore everything S.A. McAuley. What I love is the way she reaches for new boundaries with every story and this one is not like any of her other books, and still, it’s fabulous. From the contrast in religion and race, to the coincidence in hometown and children and careers, Where Wishes Go is truly a beautiful story.
Adam is a wonderfully damaged character. He’s an addict who lives with who he is and what he’s done, but doesn’t let it own him. That doesn’t mean he’s not afraid of relapse or weakness, but for the most part, he overcomes every day because of his daughter. I love it because to him, he feels like he could crack under pressure at any moment, but the truth of it is, to anyone looking from the outside in, Adam is the strongest of the pair. He’s the rock.
Nick, on the other hand, seemingly held things together for years. He has an ideal job and place in the community. But where he looks to have the strength and confidence, he’s crumbling under the pressure until Adam shows up in his life. Don’t get me wrong. He’s a fabulous character, full of depth and complication. But he finds himself in his support of Adam. I love his growth and who he becomes when Adam shows up in his life. From this fragile flower to this beast of a man who will take down an entire city for a little girl and for his family. It’s quite beautiful.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I adore everything S.A. McAuley. What I love is the way she reaches for new boundaries with every story and this one is not like any of her other books, and still, it’s fabulous. From the contrast in religion and race, to the coincidence in hometown and children and careers, Where Wishes Go is truly a beautiful story.
Adam is a wonderfully damaged character. He’s an addict who lives with who he is and what he’s done, but doesn’t let it own him. That doesn’t mean he’s not afraid of relapse or weakness, but for the most part, he overcomes every day because of his daughter. I love it because to him, he feels like he could crack under pressure at any moment, but the truth of it is, to anyone looking from the outside in, Adam is the strongest of the pair. He’s the rock.
Nick, on the other hand, seemingly held things together for years. He has an ideal job and place in the community. But where he looks to have the strength and confidence, he’s crumbling under the pressure until Adam shows up in his life. Don’t get me wrong. He’s a fabulous character, full of depth and complication. But he finds himself in his support of Adam. I love his growth and who he becomes when Adam shows up in his life. From this fragile flower to this beast of a man who will take down an entire city for a little girl and for his family. It’s quite beautiful.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
October 4, 2015
I usually detest books that are overtly sugary which this book is saturated with but sometimes in life we do need that an abundance of light in darker situations to remind us that there is hope at the end of the tunnel.
There are no villains in this tale,no one to dislike,everyone is instantly likable.This a Walton's epic family saga.
Snips and snails
And puppy-dogs' tails
That's what little boys are made of
What are little girls made of?
What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice
And everything nice (or all things nice)
This is what wishes are made of.This is that feelgood book of the month.
There are no villains in this tale,no one to dislike,everyone is instantly likable.This a Walton's epic family saga.
Snips and snails
And puppy-dogs' tails
That's what little boys are made of
What are little girls made of?
What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice
And everything nice (or all things nice)
This is what wishes are made of.This is that feelgood book of the month.
May 22, 2016
Another one of Bobo's dnf's that I liked the sound of, and I'm really glad I did! This was a lovely story, grabbed me from page one and didn't let go till the end.
Nick and Adam were fabulous together and their sweet daughters and supportive families and friends were the icing on the cake. It was a nice change to read a book that didn't have the stereotypical evil* (*insert here one of the following - religion, parent, ex wife, sibling...).
I recommend this read for a lazy Sunday :-)
P.S.
Word count from Bobo's review:
14 x me
35 x I
Enough said
Nick and Adam were fabulous together and their sweet daughters and supportive families and friends were the icing on the cake. It was a nice change to read a book that didn't have the stereotypical evil* (*insert here one of the following - religion, parent, ex wife, sibling...).
I recommend this read for a lazy Sunday :-)
P.S.
Word count from Bobo's review:
14 x me
35 x I
Enough said
January 3, 2016
Very rarely do I DNF a book ..... but I was sorely tempted with Where Wishes Go. I found myself skimming the last half of the book. It started out well, but then the pace of the story became glacial and I lost interest. I guess the story and characters never really grabbed me and Nick and Adam's darling daughters, both sweet as all get-out, AND born on the same day seemed too cliched.
dnf
July 4, 2016At least I got it for only 1$ from amazon! Somehow this isn't working for me. The POVs change every few pages, so I can't really get a feel for any of the characters. I don't get the relevance of their background being Indian?/Lebanon? or what was it? Other than one of them is muslim?
Anyway - so many books, not enough time, off to the DNF shelf with you. Sorry, book!
Anyway - so many books, not enough time, off to the DNF shelf with you. Sorry, book!
no-thank-you
September 29, 2015just read Baba's review
October 16, 2015
Adam and Nick reconnect after 15 years -- the result is un-nuanced drama and sugary sweetness and way too much telling without any showing.
October 7, 2015
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, eARC Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: Where Wishes Go by S.A. McAuley
Review by: multitaskingmomma and Ray
(Joint Read Effort)
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
This was a sweet story, but it was deeply flawed. Why do we say this? Well, a lot of things bothered us during the read. We began to question several things in the story. One thing in particular caught our eye: when author went to some lengths to say that Nick couldn't discuss Mari's case with the doctors. Wrong.
As a hospital administrator, he would be able to discuss the case of any patient freely with the doctors. I've been around hospitals for years and truly, it is one place where people gossip and talk. When I say people, I mean the staff, the doctors and especially those in administrative positions. Yet, the author had him say otherwise on two different occasions and I wondered what kind of hospital is this where no such thing happened? Also, he is the admin of high rank, he has the clout to make sure Mari get the one thing she needed most. Believe me, they do throw around their weight in hospitals. Unfortunate fact? It's true nonetheless.
I really didn't find it believable that two men who were something more than best friends as teenagers, and regularly engaged in mutual masturbation would have never actually "done the deed." Somehow, this does not ring true? Teenaged boys and young men often experiment with each other. Some discover girls and move on, and some do not.
And then there is the question of Islam and homosexuality. This is the one religion that is steadfast in its stand of full stop no tolerance. There is no place for homosexuality in Islam. None. Period. No matter how we want to dream or scream justice for those poor gay men tortured to death because of their sexuality, the religion remains closed. It is even now worse with the Taliban and ISIS. Given the threat that militant Islam represents to western civilization today.
That said, and admittedly, I really have a hard time with a book that paints Islam favorably tolerating homosexuality, there is one (#1) Mosque that does accept it. Yes, I actually did my research. It is in the US led by the one and only openly gay Imam in the history of this planet. One.
I've talked to a few Muslim friends and they agree. They are here far from their land and culture and traditions but their religion holds on to them tight. There is no Imam who will tolerate homosexuality. It's a sad truth. I say, what about Imam Daayiee Abdullah? They gasp. It is unheard of.
The last sentence in this quote sums up what we all generally know about homosexuality and Islam.
And yet, homosexuals have been beheaded, hung and stoned in modern Saudi Arabia and Iran, where Muhammad's laws are applied most strictly. Five other Muslim countries also have the death penalty on their books for homosexual behavior. In the past, gays were burned as well. As one cleric recently put it, the only point of theological debate is over how the offender should be killed.
Where Wishes Go. It is a story that makes the readers think and hope. When asked what was good about the whole plot? My answer is simple: This is fiction based on a fact that there be acceptance, albeit from one Imam, of homosexuals within the religion.
This was a difficult book to read and accept per se. It took some time of interviewing friends of the faith and googling some facts. One came up to support this book. For that alone, I give kudos to S.A. McAuley. She did her research well. I only wish the book were better edited. Other than that, go ahead. Now you know I did my research as well. Give this a chance. The wishes will go where they will. Hopefully to the heavens of acceptance.
Note: eARC provided for by Enticing Journey for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma and Ray
(Joint Read Effort)
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
This was a sweet story, but it was deeply flawed. Why do we say this? Well, a lot of things bothered us during the read. We began to question several things in the story. One thing in particular caught our eye: when author went to some lengths to say that Nick couldn't discuss Mari's case with the doctors. Wrong.
As a hospital administrator, he would be able to discuss the case of any patient freely with the doctors. I've been around hospitals for years and truly, it is one place where people gossip and talk. When I say people, I mean the staff, the doctors and especially those in administrative positions. Yet, the author had him say otherwise on two different occasions and I wondered what kind of hospital is this where no such thing happened? Also, he is the admin of high rank, he has the clout to make sure Mari get the one thing she needed most. Believe me, they do throw around their weight in hospitals. Unfortunate fact? It's true nonetheless.
I really didn't find it believable that two men who were something more than best friends as teenagers, and regularly engaged in mutual masturbation would have never actually "done the deed." Somehow, this does not ring true? Teenaged boys and young men often experiment with each other. Some discover girls and move on, and some do not.
And then there is the question of Islam and homosexuality. This is the one religion that is steadfast in its stand of full stop no tolerance. There is no place for homosexuality in Islam. None. Period. No matter how we want to dream or scream justice for those poor gay men tortured to death because of their sexuality, the religion remains closed. It is even now worse with the Taliban and ISIS. Given the threat that militant Islam represents to western civilization today.
That said, and admittedly, I really have a hard time with a book that paints Islam favorably tolerating homosexuality, there is one (#1) Mosque that does accept it. Yes, I actually did my research. It is in the US led by the one and only openly gay Imam in the history of this planet. One.
I've talked to a few Muslim friends and they agree. They are here far from their land and culture and traditions but their religion holds on to them tight. There is no Imam who will tolerate homosexuality. It's a sad truth. I say, what about Imam Daayiee Abdullah? They gasp. It is unheard of.
The last sentence in this quote sums up what we all generally know about homosexuality and Islam.
And yet, homosexuals have been beheaded, hung and stoned in modern Saudi Arabia and Iran, where Muhammad's laws are applied most strictly. Five other Muslim countries also have the death penalty on their books for homosexual behavior. In the past, gays were burned as well. As one cleric recently put it, the only point of theological debate is over how the offender should be killed.
Where Wishes Go. It is a story that makes the readers think and hope. When asked what was good about the whole plot? My answer is simple: This is fiction based on a fact that there be acceptance, albeit from one Imam, of homosexuals within the religion.
This was a difficult book to read and accept per se. It took some time of interviewing friends of the faith and googling some facts. One came up to support this book. For that alone, I give kudos to S.A. McAuley. She did her research well. I only wish the book were better edited. Other than that, go ahead. Now you know I did my research as well. Give this a chance. The wishes will go where they will. Hopefully to the heavens of acceptance.
Note: eARC provided for by Enticing Journey for an honest review.
November 4, 2015
The premise of the book, caught my eye immediately – what happens when you meet someone when you were younger, with no commitments and meet up again after 15 years?
They met at school and fell in love. They explored each other but never took it to the final step and then just moved on! Do you ever forget that first love or do you bury your feelings so deep down that no one could ever find them, get married to a woman and have a child together, you are content until you meet “him” again, after all those years? This is the basis of the storyline, so you can see why I found it interesting.
I cannot say that he is bi-sexual or even a closet gay – because he’s not! and that’s another reason why this book is so interesting on so many levels.
As I have already said, they met at school and fell in love, but neither of them said the words/declared their love for each other, even when they separated to go to College……and they never saw one another again until 15 years later, from an act of fate!
Their pasts were different, Nick had confessed to his wife 2 years previously that he was gay so even though they have a daughter, they divorce. Adam meanwhile is now an Artist, he hasn’t had it easy but he survived and is now quite successful with his Artwork, but meeting Nick again, shakes him to his core. He also now has a daughter who, because of some serious health issues, needs him and at this stage in his life, he cannot lose his focus.
Neither man have had a sexual experience with another man, except their fooling around when younger and at first, it was a little hard to understand, but the more I read the easier it was to understand these two men.
Nick and Adam are great characters and have some wonderful friends in Ro, Daniel and Charlie, their daughters are both very sweet. And what (almost) happen to Miry has nearly broke my heart.
So why only 4*? I found it very odd that their wives/ex did not play a more major part in the story? Lily (Adam’s ex) was hardly mentioned and I found it hard to understand Adam’s past with her, because of that. On the other hand, Shelly (Nick’s ex) seemed totally absent! And I’m really at a lost as to why? She can be angry but they have a daughter and it seems she didn’t care. In my opinion, this was a lost opportunity on the part of the Author.
Having said all that, it was a very romantic and enjoyable read, it almost had a fairytale feel about it, highlighting love and fate – how real love can survive time and distance, nothing can get in it’s way – not anything or anyone!
****I would like to thank the Author for the opportunity and privilege of reading this ARC. My review was an honest opinion of the book****
https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...
November 28, 2015
Where Wishes Go is a novel by S.A. McAuley. It explores the possibility of a second chance at your first love. Is that even possible?
Nick Paine has been married to his wife Shelly for a long time, but finally admitted that he is really gay. So he came out to her and asked her for a divorce. He still loves his ex wife very much and his daughter Katie even more, but he has never been able to forget his first love, the one who got away 14 years ago.
Adam "Izzi" Azzi is an artist who has just starting to be recognized. His daughter Miriam is young and healthy, he found a mosque that accepts him for who and what he is and his life is finally turning out for the best. He has made many mistakes and errors in the past, but he doesn't want to look back at that and disturb the balance he has found.
It is by pure luck that Nick and Adam are reunited again, however they both try to forget about the other one. The attraction between them is still as strong as it ever was and there is no denying about it anymore. And the moment Katie and Miriam meet, they are also inseparable.
Nick and Adam had a fling in high school but it never led to anything serious. And when high school was over, they both left town and never looked back again. But now after all those years they both find there is no running away from your first love, especially not when it is as strong as theirs.
When I first read about this book I immediately liked the story line. Who can ever forget their first love? I know I never can and never will. And sometimes I truly wonder what would happen if you would meet this person again after many years and be able to talk about the feelings you had and whatever happened between the two of you.
The story of Nick and Adam is a strong one and at points it almost made me cry. But there were also times when I just wanted to scream at the book to "move on already" Apparently Adam had some troubles with alcohol and drugs in the past, but that was only mentioned once and in passing. But then all of a sudden some emotional point comes along and immediately Adam drops into a depression and thinks about drinking and getting high again. Now I admit I have no experience with this, but does it really work that way? You can go from mountain high to valley deep in a matter of seconds?
And then there is the matter of organ transplant. At some point in the story, one of the characters needs a new heart. And of course this new heart is available in only days, forming a perfect match and going in without any trouble or problems. But I guess that is the advantage of a story.....
I also would like to give a special compliment for the cover of the book. I really really like the picture on the front of the book, so compliment for that.
Nick Paine has been married to his wife Shelly for a long time, but finally admitted that he is really gay. So he came out to her and asked her for a divorce. He still loves his ex wife very much and his daughter Katie even more, but he has never been able to forget his first love, the one who got away 14 years ago.
Adam "Izzi" Azzi is an artist who has just starting to be recognized. His daughter Miriam is young and healthy, he found a mosque that accepts him for who and what he is and his life is finally turning out for the best. He has made many mistakes and errors in the past, but he doesn't want to look back at that and disturb the balance he has found.
It is by pure luck that Nick and Adam are reunited again, however they both try to forget about the other one. The attraction between them is still as strong as it ever was and there is no denying about it anymore. And the moment Katie and Miriam meet, they are also inseparable.
Nick and Adam had a fling in high school but it never led to anything serious. And when high school was over, they both left town and never looked back again. But now after all those years they both find there is no running away from your first love, especially not when it is as strong as theirs.
When I first read about this book I immediately liked the story line. Who can ever forget their first love? I know I never can and never will. And sometimes I truly wonder what would happen if you would meet this person again after many years and be able to talk about the feelings you had and whatever happened between the two of you.
The story of Nick and Adam is a strong one and at points it almost made me cry. But there were also times when I just wanted to scream at the book to "move on already" Apparently Adam had some troubles with alcohol and drugs in the past, but that was only mentioned once and in passing. But then all of a sudden some emotional point comes along and immediately Adam drops into a depression and thinks about drinking and getting high again. Now I admit I have no experience with this, but does it really work that way? You can go from mountain high to valley deep in a matter of seconds?
And then there is the matter of organ transplant. At some point in the story, one of the characters needs a new heart. And of course this new heart is available in only days, forming a perfect match and going in without any trouble or problems. But I guess that is the advantage of a story.....
I also would like to give a special compliment for the cover of the book. I really really like the picture on the front of the book, so compliment for that.
October 13, 2015
5 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Can you have a second chance at a first love?
Nick Paine is just starting to return to normal after he told his wife he’s gay and asked for a divorce. Despite a daughter he loves dearly and a job he believes in, part of him is stuck in the past. He’s never forgotten the first love he let fade away fourteen years ago.
Adam "Izz" Azzi has settled into a happy rhythm. His daughter is healthy, he's found a mosque that accepts him, and his work as a modern artist is gaining international attention. While his past is fraught with mistakes and what-ifs, his life now is good, and he doesn't want to upset any of the balance he's worked so hard to achieve.
When Nick and Izz are reunited by luck and fate, their attraction is just as undeniable, but what was left unsaid haunts them. They have hope for a future together, but wishing may not be enough.
My Review ~
Have you ever started a book and the characters felt so familiar, even though you just met them? Adam and Nick felt like old friends finally get the ending that you saw coming eons ago.
Where Wishes Go was about as close as you can get to a perfect book for this reader/reviewer. This second chance at love story put the emphasis on the characters, their relationship, and their immediate surroundings. There was very little angst, and there wasn't a ton of conflict other than normal working through relationship pitfalls type issues. I don't know about you, but as a reader there are times I just want to read a well written romance. I don't always need action to drive the story to really enjoy it.
That's not to say our boys, Nick and Adam, have had an easy go of the last 15 years. They've done a lot of growing up, dealt with a marriage for Nick, baby girls for both men, addiction for Izz, and learning to love themselves. That last one is a tall order for anyone, but for two men that have to adult while discovering, well that's a pretty daunting task. The fact that they get lucky enough to meet again after all those years. Then to be able to rekindle that first true love that they both wanted more of but were too young to really explore. Now they are able to appreciate each other, and themselves, and have the strength to be there for the other when needed.
To top the book off you have their very adorable, very precocious daughters who give their daddies fits and lots of love. This book was a win all the way around for me, in ways I can't even express. All I can say is go read Where Wishes Go, you won't be disappointed.
Description ~
Can you have a second chance at a first love?
Nick Paine is just starting to return to normal after he told his wife he’s gay and asked for a divorce. Despite a daughter he loves dearly and a job he believes in, part of him is stuck in the past. He’s never forgotten the first love he let fade away fourteen years ago.
Adam "Izz" Azzi has settled into a happy rhythm. His daughter is healthy, he's found a mosque that accepts him, and his work as a modern artist is gaining international attention. While his past is fraught with mistakes and what-ifs, his life now is good, and he doesn't want to upset any of the balance he's worked so hard to achieve.
When Nick and Izz are reunited by luck and fate, their attraction is just as undeniable, but what was left unsaid haunts them. They have hope for a future together, but wishing may not be enough.
My Review ~
Have you ever started a book and the characters felt so familiar, even though you just met them? Adam and Nick felt like old friends finally get the ending that you saw coming eons ago.
Where Wishes Go was about as close as you can get to a perfect book for this reader/reviewer. This second chance at love story put the emphasis on the characters, their relationship, and their immediate surroundings. There was very little angst, and there wasn't a ton of conflict other than normal working through relationship pitfalls type issues. I don't know about you, but as a reader there are times I just want to read a well written romance. I don't always need action to drive the story to really enjoy it.
That's not to say our boys, Nick and Adam, have had an easy go of the last 15 years. They've done a lot of growing up, dealt with a marriage for Nick, baby girls for both men, addiction for Izz, and learning to love themselves. That last one is a tall order for anyone, but for two men that have to adult while discovering, well that's a pretty daunting task. The fact that they get lucky enough to meet again after all those years. Then to be able to rekindle that first true love that they both wanted more of but were too young to really explore. Now they are able to appreciate each other, and themselves, and have the strength to be there for the other when needed.
To top the book off you have their very adorable, very precocious daughters who give their daddies fits and lots of love. This book was a win all the way around for me, in ways I can't even express. All I can say is go read Where Wishes Go, you won't be disappointed.
October 5, 2015
Ever since I read a book by McAuley she has been an automatic buy/read for me. Where Wishes Go will definitely be at the top of my favorite reads. The array of characters in this book was freaking fantastic. The secondary characters definitely made the book an enjoyable read as everyone needs BFFs to share everything with.
Nick, newly divorced after telling his wife he was gay, is sole caretaker of their daughter as well as the VP of a hospital. He is happy with how his life is, but wants to start dating except he is not sure where to start.
Adam, a not-so-starving artist, has had more obstacles to overcome than any one person should have to deal with. He has a Mosque that accepts his lifestyle and he couldn’t be happier with life than he is right now, except 1 thing is missing – His first true love.
Nick & Adam were once best friends, but for unforeseen reasons they lost touch. Each is not sure what the main reason is, but they know they both loved each other. Where Wishes Go follows their story of what ifs, close family & friends and possibility of second chance.
What if – they lived in the same town?
What if – Nick gets dragged to attend an Art Gallary?
What if – Adam’s “art piece” at said gallery was inspired by Nick?
What if – They walked away for good?
OMG…..This story was one of kind. I was not expecting to fall in love with Nick & Adam. I was not expecting to laugh out loud at Uncle Daniel & Uncle Roban (seriously they made the story even better). I was not expecting to feel absolute heart break for Adam and the difficulties from his past. I sure as SH$T was not expecting to feel completely broken down & ripped through a parents worse nightmare. And I was not expecting to than be built back up to happiness, love, acceptance and family!
To S.A. McAuley: You are phenomenal – the writing is flawless – the characters were outstanding. You took a generic story of second chances and turned it into a masterpiece of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I screamed (literally out loud), I smiled from ear to ear, and I really enjoy Nick & Adam’s intimacy & pillow talk.
* If you are looking for a love story that will make you wonder if they will come out on top – Than this is the story for you.
* If you are looking for a story that will challenge what you think will happen – Than this is the story for you.
* If you need porn on pages than this is not for you. There scenes are sensual & exciting which completely fit the book!
4.5 STARS
Reviewed for Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy
Nick, newly divorced after telling his wife he was gay, is sole caretaker of their daughter as well as the VP of a hospital. He is happy with how his life is, but wants to start dating except he is not sure where to start.
Adam, a not-so-starving artist, has had more obstacles to overcome than any one person should have to deal with. He has a Mosque that accepts his lifestyle and he couldn’t be happier with life than he is right now, except 1 thing is missing – His first true love.
Nick & Adam were once best friends, but for unforeseen reasons they lost touch. Each is not sure what the main reason is, but they know they both loved each other. Where Wishes Go follows their story of what ifs, close family & friends and possibility of second chance.
What if – they lived in the same town?
What if – Nick gets dragged to attend an Art Gallary?
What if – Adam’s “art piece” at said gallery was inspired by Nick?
What if – They walked away for good?
OMG…..This story was one of kind. I was not expecting to fall in love with Nick & Adam. I was not expecting to laugh out loud at Uncle Daniel & Uncle Roban (seriously they made the story even better). I was not expecting to feel absolute heart break for Adam and the difficulties from his past. I sure as SH$T was not expecting to feel completely broken down & ripped through a parents worse nightmare. And I was not expecting to than be built back up to happiness, love, acceptance and family!
To S.A. McAuley: You are phenomenal – the writing is flawless – the characters were outstanding. You took a generic story of second chances and turned it into a masterpiece of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I screamed (literally out loud), I smiled from ear to ear, and I really enjoy Nick & Adam’s intimacy & pillow talk.
* If you are looking for a love story that will make you wonder if they will come out on top – Than this is the story for you.
* If you are looking for a story that will challenge what you think will happen – Than this is the story for you.
* If you need porn on pages than this is not for you. There scenes are sensual & exciting which completely fit the book!
4.5 STARS
Reviewed for Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy
October 9, 2015
4 Heart Review by Amber
To be honest I am a little bit torn with this one. I spent all last night thinking about it and trying to get my thoughts in order. To be clear, I did like the story. I would recommend the story, without a doubt. I really love reunited lovers. I love lifelong love stories. I love interracial anything and I especially love mixing cultures. And this story had all of the elements that make for a perfect story, in my opinion. What I struggled with was the pacing of the story. It dragged at some parts and that made it difficult for me to stay interested. This wasn’t a crazy long story but it felt like it was 500+ pages at times. I did care about the characters. I felt a connection with them both. I so wanted to see them get their HEA. Furthermore, the side characters were amazing. I loved the support these two got from their close network of friends and family.
Adam Azzi is a world renowned artist. Having overcome loss and a horrible addiction he is now wealthy and famous for his art. Adam is also the single father to an 8 yr old so he’s well versed in juggling his career and fatherhood. At his latest art exhibit however he is unprepared when he runs into his high school love.
Nick Paine is recently divorced after finally admitting his sexuality to his now ex-wife. Working more often than not Nick divides his time between work and his 8 year old daughter. Never really having time to go out his friends drag him to an art exhibit, lo and behold the artist is his first love, Adam Azzi.
Adam and Nick’s connection is very true and very real. While not explosive in heat and passion the buildup is sweet and smoldering. They have tons in common and both of them know there is still love between them. They just have to get over the hurt and build on the trust. Never did I question the love they felt. It was quite beautiful.
Like I mentioned I do recommend this story. It was very sweet, beautiful and hopeful. I think most M/M fans would really enjoy it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
To be honest I am a little bit torn with this one. I spent all last night thinking about it and trying to get my thoughts in order. To be clear, I did like the story. I would recommend the story, without a doubt. I really love reunited lovers. I love lifelong love stories. I love interracial anything and I especially love mixing cultures. And this story had all of the elements that make for a perfect story, in my opinion. What I struggled with was the pacing of the story. It dragged at some parts and that made it difficult for me to stay interested. This wasn’t a crazy long story but it felt like it was 500+ pages at times. I did care about the characters. I felt a connection with them both. I so wanted to see them get their HEA. Furthermore, the side characters were amazing. I loved the support these two got from their close network of friends and family.
Adam Azzi is a world renowned artist. Having overcome loss and a horrible addiction he is now wealthy and famous for his art. Adam is also the single father to an 8 yr old so he’s well versed in juggling his career and fatherhood. At his latest art exhibit however he is unprepared when he runs into his high school love.
Nick Paine is recently divorced after finally admitting his sexuality to his now ex-wife. Working more often than not Nick divides his time between work and his 8 year old daughter. Never really having time to go out his friends drag him to an art exhibit, lo and behold the artist is his first love, Adam Azzi.
Adam and Nick’s connection is very true and very real. While not explosive in heat and passion the buildup is sweet and smoldering. They have tons in common and both of them know there is still love between them. They just have to get over the hurt and build on the trust. Never did I question the love they felt. It was quite beautiful.
Like I mentioned I do recommend this story. It was very sweet, beautiful and hopeful. I think most M/M fans would really enjoy it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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