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Lavender Shores #2
The Garden
Beautiful Gilbert Bryant designs jewelry for the rich and famous, and he made his escape from his gossipy little hometown of Lavender Shores. However, with so many friends and family, he keeps getting pulled back. When he attends his best friend’s engagement party, Gilbert can’t help but sample one of the new men in town. It’s just some innocent—or not so innocent—fun. Nothing that will even cross his mind once he gets back to his everyday life.
Walden Thompson dreamed about living in Lavender Shores since he visited as a child. He finally gets his chance, and he embraces the opportunity to start over, to become someone new. He leaves both hurts and dangerous habits in the past, where they belong. When Gilbert crosses his path, Walden gives in to his baser instincts. He can indulge in the carnal pleasures this once and still be okay.
Their few hours together haunt Gilbert, the two-hundred-mile buffer from home no longer shutting out the past or the sexy man he left behind. Walden is just beginning to recover from the smoldering encounter with Gilbert when they are thrust together once more. This time, neither of them can walk away, no matter how hard they try. But when their pasts crash into each other as surely as the magnetism that pulls them together, walking away may be the only option.
Listening Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes
Walden Thompson dreamed about living in Lavender Shores since he visited as a child. He finally gets his chance, and he embraces the opportunity to start over, to become someone new. He leaves both hurts and dangerous habits in the past, where they belong. When Gilbert crosses his path, Walden gives in to his baser instincts. He can indulge in the carnal pleasures this once and still be okay.
Their few hours together haunt Gilbert, the two-hundred-mile buffer from home no longer shutting out the past or the sexy man he left behind. Walden is just beginning to recover from the smoldering encounter with Gilbert when they are thrust together once more. This time, neither of them can walk away, no matter how hard they try. But when their pasts crash into each other as surely as the magnetism that pulls them together, walking away may be the only option.
Listening Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 22, 2017
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February 7, 2023
The Garden is book two in the Lavender Shores series by Rosalind Abel. Before I start this review, I have to call attention to this gorgeous cover. I think I could have just gazed at it for a few hours without even reading the book. Maybe I did! And I loved having these images in my head while reading about these two.
We met Gilbert Bryant in the first book of the series as Andrew’s best friend with so many secrets. Now it’s his turn to get his story. Gilbert is a jewelry designer for the rich and famous and lives near Lake Tahoe. He doesn’t visit his family in Lavender Shores as often as he should. There are memories here that he’d rather not revisit, things some of the town’s people won’t let him forget. But when he’s in town for Andrew’s engagement party, and he’s at the gym, a chance encounter leads to one of the hottest hook ups of his life. It was supposed to be one time only. But forgetting that night has been impossible. Then when back in town for Andrew’s wedding, everything changes.
Walden Thompson is twenty six years old and is a high school biology teacher in Lavender Shores. Living in this beautiful little town has been his dream all his life and he’s finally made it come true. He has found the perfect little house and created it into a peaceful home with a garden he created himself. A refuge, because he also has secrets, pain in his past that he can’t let go of. The one night he allows himself with Gilbert wasn’t supposed to ever happen again. But when they see each other again, they can’t stay away from each other.
Both Gilbert and Walden have so much pain and neither has been able to deal with it or get past it. But when they are together, somehow it fades. They both feel the rightness of being together, something neither of them ever expected. But will they be brave enough to take that last step and leave their pasts behind?
This is a story of finding true love, and for Walden, found family. I loved the way they found each other and how they were able to help each other finally move forward. I didn’t enjoy the sex scenes as much in this book. For me it kind of took something away from their romance. But that’s just on me. The next book in the series is book three, The Veranda, which is Donovan’s book. I can’t wait to read it.
“I will always choose you.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
We met Gilbert Bryant in the first book of the series as Andrew’s best friend with so many secrets. Now it’s his turn to get his story. Gilbert is a jewelry designer for the rich and famous and lives near Lake Tahoe. He doesn’t visit his family in Lavender Shores as often as he should. There are memories here that he’d rather not revisit, things some of the town’s people won’t let him forget. But when he’s in town for Andrew’s engagement party, and he’s at the gym, a chance encounter leads to one of the hottest hook ups of his life. It was supposed to be one time only. But forgetting that night has been impossible. Then when back in town for Andrew’s wedding, everything changes.
Walden Thompson is twenty six years old and is a high school biology teacher in Lavender Shores. Living in this beautiful little town has been his dream all his life and he’s finally made it come true. He has found the perfect little house and created it into a peaceful home with a garden he created himself. A refuge, because he also has secrets, pain in his past that he can’t let go of. The one night he allows himself with Gilbert wasn’t supposed to ever happen again. But when they see each other again, they can’t stay away from each other.
Both Gilbert and Walden have so much pain and neither has been able to deal with it or get past it. But when they are together, somehow it fades. They both feel the rightness of being together, something neither of them ever expected. But will they be brave enough to take that last step and leave their pasts behind?
This is a story of finding true love, and for Walden, found family. I loved the way they found each other and how they were able to help each other finally move forward. I didn’t enjoy the sex scenes as much in this book. For me it kind of took something away from their romance. But that’s just on me. The next book in the series is book three, The Veranda, which is Donovan’s book. I can’t wait to read it.
“I will always choose you.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 31, 2017
~3.5~
This book wasn't nearly as corny as book 1 (probably because Andrew's pervy dad didn't get any page time). Gilbert and Walden are relatively well developed characters with angsty backstories.
Even though the lust hits immediately (a little too quickly for me, honestly; I prefer a slower burn), the love takes just a little longer to come round.
Gilbert's big secret was appalling, not because of what happened but because of how the town treated him. Perhaps some of it was Gilbert's projection of guilt, but how could any sane person blame Gilbert who was still a kid vs. someone who was an adult and in a position of power and authority (never mind with children of his own)?
Gilbert's relationship with his therapist, Donovan, struck me as rather unprofessional. They knew each other too well to really maintain the kind of distance needed between a doctor and his patient.
Even so, I would love to read Donovan's story! And Lamont's! Oh, and Connor's!
What really worked for me, besides the lovely HEA of course, was all the delicious dirty talk and kinky sex. *Whew*. Rosalind Abel has a dirty mind, and I love it!
This book wasn't nearly as corny as book 1 (probably because Andrew's pervy dad didn't get any page time). Gilbert and Walden are relatively well developed characters with angsty backstories.
Even though the lust hits immediately (a little too quickly for me, honestly; I prefer a slower burn), the love takes just a little longer to come round.
Gilbert's big secret was appalling, not because of what happened but because of how the town treated him. Perhaps some of it was Gilbert's projection of guilt, but how could any sane person blame Gilbert who was still a kid vs. someone who was an adult and in a position of power and authority (never mind with children of his own)?
Gilbert's relationship with his therapist, Donovan, struck me as rather unprofessional. They knew each other too well to really maintain the kind of distance needed between a doctor and his patient.
Even so, I would love to read Donovan's story! And Lamont's! Oh, and Connor's!
What really worked for me, besides the lovely HEA of course, was all the delicious dirty talk and kinky sex. *Whew*. Rosalind Abel has a dirty mind, and I love it!
September 22, 2017
This series has fast become one of my most anticipated reads and The Garden did not disappoint! I loved this just as much as I did The Palisade but for wholly different reasons. Where the first book was full of swoon-worthy romance and tropey goodness, Gilbert and Walden's book had a more serious tone. That's not to say I didn't laugh during this book because I LOL'ed quite a bit, especially with Walden.
One of the things I love most about this series and this author is that the characters and the story are never what I expected. I will think a character is going to be one way but then they take off in a completely different direction. It's fantastic! Take, for instance, Walden. A big, tall hunk of corn-fed man meat with an ass for days (dat ass!) and I'm expecting Toppy McTopperson, III with a big ole' chip on his shoulder. What I got instead was a shy, sweet, awkward middle school science teacher with a big heart and an even bigger desire to have his field thoroughly plowed.
Walden is some kind of special. He's incredibly awkward and oh so adorable. Completely pocket-worthy.
You get in my pocket right now, Walden! Do you hear me, Mister? RTF Now!
And Gilbert... I thought I had him pegged from the first book but he surprised me even more. I thought he was a playboy who didn't take life very seriously and would be a bit immature. Nope! Not this Gilbert. Yeah, he was rough around the edges and talked a good game but underneath was sensitivity and the kind of maturity that gets my motor running and will guarantee a successful read for me. This is a man who conquers his demons the right way, through therapy, and isn't afraid to admit when he's afraid.
*dreamy sigh*
I'm so incredibly in love with this series I can hardly stand it. The way the author portrays these characters has me swooning. The communication! Lawd, the communication in this book is outstanding! Communication is so damned sexy. Gilbert and Walden actually talk to each other, about what they're thinking, about how they're feeling and it. Is. Fabulous! There are zero Big Misunderstandings here. Yes, they have secrets, but - and here's the kicker - they share them with each other. I know, right?!?!?
You know what else is sexy? Dirty talk. Holy hotness of the mouth, this had some serious dirty talk in it! I thought I was going to burst into flame during some of the scenes, especially that first scene. Like, whoa. Gilbert, man... he's got some serious talent there. He could teach a class on it, like 'Dirty Talk 101' or something. Hoo boy!
I want everyone to read this book. I want everyone to read this series. I want everyone to fangirl along with me. I loved this so damned much!
One of the things I love most about this series and this author is that the characters and the story are never what I expected. I will think a character is going to be one way but then they take off in a completely different direction. It's fantastic! Take, for instance, Walden. A big, tall hunk of corn-fed man meat with an ass for days (dat ass!) and I'm expecting Toppy McTopperson, III with a big ole' chip on his shoulder. What I got instead was a shy, sweet, awkward middle school science teacher with a big heart and an even bigger desire to have his field thoroughly plowed.
Walden is some kind of special. He's incredibly awkward and oh so adorable. Completely pocket-worthy.
Her brother? She was going to introduce me to her bother? A Bryant, obviously. Holy shit, what if she introduced me to Gilbert? How was I supposed to play that off? Obviously I wouldn’t look at her and be like Oh, we know each other. He used my ass so hard I was still feeling him this morning.
Or worse, what if Gilbert wasn’t her brother, but a cousin or something and she introduced me to whomever her brother actually was. Then Gilbert walks up, and it looks like I’m trying fuck my way through the entire Bryant family?
You get in my pocket right now, Walden! Do you hear me, Mister? RTF Now!
And Gilbert... I thought I had him pegged from the first book but he surprised me even more. I thought he was a playboy who didn't take life very seriously and would be a bit immature. Nope! Not this Gilbert. Yeah, he was rough around the edges and talked a good game but underneath was sensitivity and the kind of maturity that gets my motor running and will guarantee a successful read for me. This is a man who conquers his demons the right way, through therapy, and isn't afraid to admit when he's afraid.
That wasn’t how being a man worked. How being an adult worked. You fixed yourself. You didn’t wait for love to do it for you. You fixed yourself, and then you earned love.
*dreamy sigh*
I'm so incredibly in love with this series I can hardly stand it. The way the author portrays these characters has me swooning. The communication! Lawd, the communication in this book is outstanding! Communication is so damned sexy. Gilbert and Walden actually talk to each other, about what they're thinking, about how they're feeling and it. Is. Fabulous! There are zero Big Misunderstandings here. Yes, they have secrets, but - and here's the kicker - they share them with each other. I know, right?!?!?
You know what else is sexy? Dirty talk. Holy hotness of the mouth, this had some serious dirty talk in it! I thought I was going to burst into flame during some of the scenes, especially that first scene. Like, whoa. Gilbert, man... he's got some serious talent there. He could teach a class on it, like 'Dirty Talk 101' or something. Hoo boy!
I want everyone to read this book. I want everyone to read this series. I want everyone to fangirl along with me. I loved this so damned much!
July 8, 2019
Audio - 3.5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
January 4, 2020
It was That Ass that did it. Lavender Shores's bad boy Gilbert Bryant (who we met in The Palisade (Lavender Shores #1) spots that sweet ass on a thick corn-fed gorgeous man at the gym ("Well-proportioned face, angular enough to be masculine but round enough to give off a boyish air") and one very steamy blow job later, Gilbert and Walden (aka That Ass) heads to Walden's house for another sizzling round. Afterwards Gilbert, who definitely doesn't do commitment thinks "something completely stupid. Something like here’s my number, let’s do it again" while Walden berates himself for slipping into bad behavior and messing up his self-imposed chastity and each man vows this was just a one-time-only hookup.
Except ... Gilbert finds himself thinking more and more about Walden, all the while telling Andrew and Joel his standard line:
The "Garden" of the title refers to the incredible fairy garden Walden has created out of the overgrown wilderness in the back yard of his tiny Lavender Shores' home. It's a great metaphor for what happens in both men's lives:
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Except ... Gilbert finds himself thinking more and more about Walden, all the while telling Andrew and Joel his standard line:
We just had great sex. Some of the most fun sex of my life, sure, and you know that’s saying something, but still. It was just sex.The Garden is such a different story than The Palisade in that Gilbert and Walden's relationship is anything but insta-love. Each man has more issues than Vogue magazine; as Gilbert says "the things I have done have kept me in therapy since I was a teenager" and Walden? When Walden breaks down telling Gilbert his story, Gilbert doesn't him judge him but understands that fine line between not caring if you live or die.
The "Garden" of the title refers to the incredible fairy garden Walden has created out of the overgrown wilderness in the back yard of his tiny Lavender Shores' home. It's a great metaphor for what happens in both men's lives:
Somehow he managed to keep some of the wildness it had but turned it into something beautiful, something nearly supernaturally wonderful.This story kept my interest every page of the way and I loved how we get to see Joel and Andrew's wedding! Walden and Gilbert's sexual chemistry is Off.The.Chain with lots and lots of sex and some seriously hot kink. But I also loved the way Walden and Gilbert's relationship developed and I liked how Walden resolves his issues and becomes stronger and more certain that Gilbert is the one:
It was like drinking that powdered chocolate stuff you put in milk when you’re a kid. You think it’s delicious, that you love chocolate. Then one day you stumble into a chocolate store and pick up a high quality piece of chocolate and take a bite. You suddenly realize you’ve never tasted chocolate before. You have no idea what that powdered stuff was that you thought was chocolate, but you know you’ll never drink it again. Not after discovering real chocolate.5 stars for The Garden and I'm looking to the next book in the Lavender Shores's series - The Veranda which tells Donovan Carlisle's story.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
February 21, 2019
The lust-sex made me a little uncomfortable. But they were still hot. Once these boys fell in love, it got too sweet. Tooth ache sweet. Which I do enjoy, but not paired with the porn in the first half of the book.
Just wasn’t for me right now.
Just wasn’t for me right now.
July 30, 2017
Much better than the first. Very sexy and sweet.
July 25, 2017
Originally reviewed at Sinfully.
I am absolutely loving this series! This story definitely works as a standalone, although we met Gilbert in the previous book and we do get to check in with Joel and Andrew from The Palisade. It also had a very different feel to it, adding a bit of angst, but still bringing the sex and romance I loved with the last book.
Gilbert has been in therapy since he was 16 years old and still can’t forgive himself for what happened back then. He ran from gossipy Lavender Shores as quickly as he could and only goes back occasionally to visit his family. He is now back to attend his best friend Andrew’s engagement party. Sexy, with an arrogant air about him, he is a successful jewelry designer and has set about working his way through the male population between Lavender Shores and Lake Tahoe. Walden, on the other hand, dreamed of living in Lavender Shores since he used to drive through it as a child with his religious, disapproving parents. He is now living out his dream, recently moved in and working as a teacher. Walden may dress a bit nerdy, but there is so much more beneath that surface. He also has had his share of heartache, pain and regret and is now living in a self-imposed state of celibacy. It seems to be sticking until he meets Gilbert at the gym. One intense hook-up and each is stuck in the other’s head.
Told in alternating points of view, the story starts off with several hook ups over a period of about six months, jumping from meeting to meeting. Each man has their own reason for not wanting a relationship. When they realize how much they are looking forward to being with each other, how much they miss each other in between and that feelings are getting involved, they decide that they need to put the brakes on things. Can they be friends without benefits those times when Gilbert returns to Lavender Shores? If not, can they go back to existing without having a presence in each others’ lives? Yeah, right – we all know that’s not going to happen!
This story had a more serious tone than the last one. Gilbert’s and Walden’s issues are all within themselves. There are no outside influences trying to keep them apart or working to ruin them. Both men are struggling with pasts they don’t think they can ever overcome. Neither thinks he is worthy of the other. They each have plenty of self-doubt, self-loathing and aren’t willing to cut themselves a break. Although there are hints from the start about some of what Gilbert went through as a teenager, Walden’s past is a bit more mysterious and it didn’t pan out completely the way I expected.
While they immediately realize that they are perfect for each other sexually, it takes a bit longer for them to realize that they also are in a position to offer each other the emotional support and understanding, without judgment, that others have been unable to. In bed, from the start, they are explosive together! The dirty talk, the no holds barred sex, each is able to get just what they want and need from the other. When things start to get to the “more than just sex point” the intensity of the kissing alone…. Wow! But just as good is the emotional aspect of the story. I loved being with them as they worked through their issues individually and together. Gilbert makes good use of his therapy sessions while Walden unburdens himself to Gilbert. The mutual trust and understanding they build is touching and something neither expected.
As much as I liked the first book, I liked Gilbert and Walden’s story even more. Even though they really start to fall for each other over the course of those first few meetings, this isn’t insta-love. These two work for it. The emotional breakthroughs and honest conversations between the men grabbed me just as much as the super hot sex. The more I got into the story, the more their layers were revealed and the more I realized what a struggle it really would be for both of them to get to their HEA, made me root for them even harder. Their HEA was well earned and I am so happy I was on the journey with them. I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I am absolutely loving this series! This story definitely works as a standalone, although we met Gilbert in the previous book and we do get to check in with Joel and Andrew from The Palisade. It also had a very different feel to it, adding a bit of angst, but still bringing the sex and romance I loved with the last book.
Gilbert has been in therapy since he was 16 years old and still can’t forgive himself for what happened back then. He ran from gossipy Lavender Shores as quickly as he could and only goes back occasionally to visit his family. He is now back to attend his best friend Andrew’s engagement party. Sexy, with an arrogant air about him, he is a successful jewelry designer and has set about working his way through the male population between Lavender Shores and Lake Tahoe. Walden, on the other hand, dreamed of living in Lavender Shores since he used to drive through it as a child with his religious, disapproving parents. He is now living out his dream, recently moved in and working as a teacher. Walden may dress a bit nerdy, but there is so much more beneath that surface. He also has had his share of heartache, pain and regret and is now living in a self-imposed state of celibacy. It seems to be sticking until he meets Gilbert at the gym. One intense hook-up and each is stuck in the other’s head.
Told in alternating points of view, the story starts off with several hook ups over a period of about six months, jumping from meeting to meeting. Each man has their own reason for not wanting a relationship. When they realize how much they are looking forward to being with each other, how much they miss each other in between and that feelings are getting involved, they decide that they need to put the brakes on things. Can they be friends without benefits those times when Gilbert returns to Lavender Shores? If not, can they go back to existing without having a presence in each others’ lives? Yeah, right – we all know that’s not going to happen!
This story had a more serious tone than the last one. Gilbert’s and Walden’s issues are all within themselves. There are no outside influences trying to keep them apart or working to ruin them. Both men are struggling with pasts they don’t think they can ever overcome. Neither thinks he is worthy of the other. They each have plenty of self-doubt, self-loathing and aren’t willing to cut themselves a break. Although there are hints from the start about some of what Gilbert went through as a teenager, Walden’s past is a bit more mysterious and it didn’t pan out completely the way I expected.
While they immediately realize that they are perfect for each other sexually, it takes a bit longer for them to realize that they also are in a position to offer each other the emotional support and understanding, without judgment, that others have been unable to. In bed, from the start, they are explosive together! The dirty talk, the no holds barred sex, each is able to get just what they want and need from the other. When things start to get to the “more than just sex point” the intensity of the kissing alone…. Wow! But just as good is the emotional aspect of the story. I loved being with them as they worked through their issues individually and together. Gilbert makes good use of his therapy sessions while Walden unburdens himself to Gilbert. The mutual trust and understanding they build is touching and something neither expected.
“One day we’re going to believe we deserve each other.”
As much as I liked the first book, I liked Gilbert and Walden’s story even more. Even though they really start to fall for each other over the course of those first few meetings, this isn’t insta-love. These two work for it. The emotional breakthroughs and honest conversations between the men grabbed me just as much as the super hot sex. The more I got into the story, the more their layers were revealed and the more I realized what a struggle it really would be for both of them to get to their HEA, made me root for them even harder. Their HEA was well earned and I am so happy I was on the journey with them. I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
January 16, 2018
This garden is definitely coming into bloom...
'The Garden' is the second book in Rosalind Abel's series 'Lavender Shores' and I have to say this one worked much better for me than 'The Palisade'. We first met Gilbert Brayant in 'The Palisade' as the best friend of MC Andrew Kelly and while this book can easily be read without having read that book I have to admit I enjoyed having the background of the first book before going into this one.
Gilbert may be a member of one of Lavender Shores founding families but for him Lavender Shores isn't the idealistic little town that others seem to find it. But when that's where your family lives it's hard to cut all ties so he's found a compromise he's made his home base just a short commute away and when family obligations demand it he makes the trip back to Lavender Shores only to escape back to his sanctuary as soon as he can.
Walden Thompson has escaped to Lavender Shores following a disastrous ending to a bad relationship. Every since he'd visited Lavender Shores as a child, Walden had dreamed of living there.
Gilbert and Walden both have things in their past that they regret...mistakes that haunt them still and neither man wants a relationship again. Nor does either of them count on the strength of their attraction to each other and how perfectly they fit together when it comes to their sexual proclivities and let me just say these two clicked in the bedroom...they were hot...smokin', sizzling hot and add in Gilbert and his 'do you kiss your momma' with that mouth?' dirty talk and well I seriously considered reading this outside and folks I live in Canada our temps are in the 'who needs a freezer range'...need I say more?
Following what's suppose to be a one time encounter both men are very aware of how well they fit sexually and are equally determined to keep their distance from each other but Karma well...she's got other plans and she's determined to make sure their paths keep cross whether they want it or not.
I really liked Gilbert. His humor and snark were right up my alley and had me laughing out loud more than once and while Walden was so open and honest at times he was also quiet and reserved but neither man was totally what they appeared to be and each man had things they were more than a little hesitant to share with anyone.
For Gilbert and Walden the road to love and happiness has more than a few twist and turns in it. I really enjoyed the journey as these two got to know each other slowly sharing their secrets and their hearts as their relationship went from sexual attraction to a tenuous friendship to two men in love. It took time and effort from both of them before they finally got to a point where they could both admit the wanted more...they wanted to be together and have a relationship.
While events from the first book really didn't impact the plot on this one it was nice to be familiar with a lot of the secondary characters in this story especially since Andrew and Joel showed up a fair bit, but if you haven't read the first book 'The Garden' gives enough background to keep the reader from feeling lost.
Once again Kirt Graves was the narrator for this audio book and once again he delivered a solid narration the kept me engaged and delivered a very enjoyable audio book experience. 'The Garden' is not my first audio book by this narrator for that matter neither is 'The Palisade', no this is actually my fourth audiobook narrated by Kirt Graves and I've enjoyed his narration on each one of them and I'm hoping to enjoy more in the future...specifically I'd love to listen to more of the 'Lavender Shores' series narrated by Mr. Graves. He adds depth and dimension to the story bringing it to life and allowing me to enjoy the story all the more for having listened to it on audio.
While this series only got off to an ok start for me...this book has changed that and definitely has me on board for future stories about the residents of 'Lavender Shores, but I have to admit...I've enjoyed listening to these on audio and I'm planning on continuing with this format so please...dear author can we have more on audio...soonish, please?
*************************
An audio book of 'The Garden' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
'The Garden' is the second book in Rosalind Abel's series 'Lavender Shores' and I have to say this one worked much better for me than 'The Palisade'. We first met Gilbert Brayant in 'The Palisade' as the best friend of MC Andrew Kelly and while this book can easily be read without having read that book I have to admit I enjoyed having the background of the first book before going into this one.
Gilbert may be a member of one of Lavender Shores founding families but for him Lavender Shores isn't the idealistic little town that others seem to find it. But when that's where your family lives it's hard to cut all ties so he's found a compromise he's made his home base just a short commute away and when family obligations demand it he makes the trip back to Lavender Shores only to escape back to his sanctuary as soon as he can.
Walden Thompson has escaped to Lavender Shores following a disastrous ending to a bad relationship. Every since he'd visited Lavender Shores as a child, Walden had dreamed of living there.
Gilbert and Walden both have things in their past that they regret...mistakes that haunt them still and neither man wants a relationship again. Nor does either of them count on the strength of their attraction to each other and how perfectly they fit together when it comes to their sexual proclivities and let me just say these two clicked in the bedroom...they were hot...smokin', sizzling hot and add in Gilbert and his 'do you kiss your momma' with that mouth?' dirty talk and well I seriously considered reading this outside and folks I live in Canada our temps are in the 'who needs a freezer range'...need I say more?
Following what's suppose to be a one time encounter both men are very aware of how well they fit sexually and are equally determined to keep their distance from each other but Karma well...she's got other plans and she's determined to make sure their paths keep cross whether they want it or not.
I really liked Gilbert. His humor and snark were right up my alley and had me laughing out loud more than once and while Walden was so open and honest at times he was also quiet and reserved but neither man was totally what they appeared to be and each man had things they were more than a little hesitant to share with anyone.
For Gilbert and Walden the road to love and happiness has more than a few twist and turns in it. I really enjoyed the journey as these two got to know each other slowly sharing their secrets and their hearts as their relationship went from sexual attraction to a tenuous friendship to two men in love. It took time and effort from both of them before they finally got to a point where they could both admit the wanted more...they wanted to be together and have a relationship.
While events from the first book really didn't impact the plot on this one it was nice to be familiar with a lot of the secondary characters in this story especially since Andrew and Joel showed up a fair bit, but if you haven't read the first book 'The Garden' gives enough background to keep the reader from feeling lost.
Once again Kirt Graves was the narrator for this audio book and once again he delivered a solid narration the kept me engaged and delivered a very enjoyable audio book experience. 'The Garden' is not my first audio book by this narrator for that matter neither is 'The Palisade', no this is actually my fourth audiobook narrated by Kirt Graves and I've enjoyed his narration on each one of them and I'm hoping to enjoy more in the future...specifically I'd love to listen to more of the 'Lavender Shores' series narrated by Mr. Graves. He adds depth and dimension to the story bringing it to life and allowing me to enjoy the story all the more for having listened to it on audio.
While this series only got off to an ok start for me...this book has changed that and definitely has me on board for future stories about the residents of 'Lavender Shores, but I have to admit...I've enjoyed listening to these on audio and I'm planning on continuing with this format so please...dear author can we have more on audio...soonish, please?
*************************
An audio book of 'The Garden' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2017
I just fell more in love with Lavender Shores! Even better than book 1 for my tastes, there’s a deeper, more emotional storyline, given more impact by access to the MC’s inner dialogue, through alternating POV’s.
Gilbert is Andrew’s best friend and owned the cabin Andrew and Joel bought. So it’s already known that something in his past keeps him away from Lavender. He sees Walden at the gym, while visiting Andrew, and they hook up, against Walden’s better instincts. But neither is looking for more and part ways easily at first. Yet they each felt a connection and after hooking up again unexpectedly, they can’t forget each other.
It’s hurt/comfort times two, with a layer of angst and Rosalind Abel wrote this just the way I like. Both men have painful episodes in their past, although Gilbert has had the worst repercussions. And while they don’t share every detail right away, they don’t keep their troubles secret from each other or hide the way it’s affected their current views on relationships. The characters are strongly written and I really became absorbed in their stories and emotional over their struggles. There’s the addition of a new secondary character, Donovan, who is Gilbert’s therapist, and the return of most characters from book 1. The Lavender Shores setting is marvelous, the small town personality encompassed in a LGBTQ friendly atmosphere, but still set firmly in the real world; a haven but not a utopia.
It can be read as a standalone story but I’d hate for anyone to miss the first romantic story of Andrew and Joel. It also explains the origins of the town and its residents. With this second offering, I think this series will take its place among my favorites. Can’t wait for the next installment and Donovan’s story!
*An ARC was provided to me by the author, via Hearts On Fire Reviews, for the purpose of an honest review*
Gilbert is Andrew’s best friend and owned the cabin Andrew and Joel bought. So it’s already known that something in his past keeps him away from Lavender. He sees Walden at the gym, while visiting Andrew, and they hook up, against Walden’s better instincts. But neither is looking for more and part ways easily at first. Yet they each felt a connection and after hooking up again unexpectedly, they can’t forget each other.
It’s hurt/comfort times two, with a layer of angst and Rosalind Abel wrote this just the way I like. Both men have painful episodes in their past, although Gilbert has had the worst repercussions. And while they don’t share every detail right away, they don’t keep their troubles secret from each other or hide the way it’s affected their current views on relationships. The characters are strongly written and I really became absorbed in their stories and emotional over their struggles. There’s the addition of a new secondary character, Donovan, who is Gilbert’s therapist, and the return of most characters from book 1. The Lavender Shores setting is marvelous, the small town personality encompassed in a LGBTQ friendly atmosphere, but still set firmly in the real world; a haven but not a utopia.
It can be read as a standalone story but I’d hate for anyone to miss the first romantic story of Andrew and Joel. It also explains the origins of the town and its residents. With this second offering, I think this series will take its place among my favorites. Can’t wait for the next installment and Donovan’s story!
*An ARC was provided to me by the author, via Hearts On Fire Reviews, for the purpose of an honest review*
March 7, 2019
OMG, so much better than the last one...even with the relatively quick emotional connection.
December 22, 2018
Great improvement over book one in this new series
There was a lot less cheese in this one than the first in the series and a whole lot more down and dirty sexy times.
Both Walden and Gilbert had huge amounts of baggage but together they managed to even out the doubts and fears of past mistakes to make some seriously hot and steamy encounters mean more than just a hook up.
I liked how, while it was another super fast relationship, the ground work of good communication and honesty with each other was firmly planted as they realised there was more than just the sex drawing them together.
This is a really cool setting, I liked the world building in the first book, and we get more of that here which helps ground the story in its coastal quirky California home.
It was also nice to see Andrew and Joel being happy and to catch up with the rest of the crazy inhabitants of Lavender Shores.
The teaser of book three looks like it's going to be even better and a pairing which hadn't even popped on my radar!
There was a lot less cheese in this one than the first in the series and a whole lot more down and dirty sexy times.
Both Walden and Gilbert had huge amounts of baggage but together they managed to even out the doubts and fears of past mistakes to make some seriously hot and steamy encounters mean more than just a hook up.
I liked how, while it was another super fast relationship, the ground work of good communication and honesty with each other was firmly planted as they realised there was more than just the sex drawing them together.
This is a really cool setting, I liked the world building in the first book, and we get more of that here which helps ground the story in its coastal quirky California home.
It was also nice to see Andrew and Joel being happy and to catch up with the rest of the crazy inhabitants of Lavender Shores.
The teaser of book three looks like it's going to be even better and a pairing which hadn't even popped on my radar!
July 30, 2017
**3.75 stars** rounded up because it was so much better for me than the first book.
2nd book of this new series set up in a beautiful small town on the Californian coast. Because the writing is good and this series is sexy as hell, I had an entertaining time with flawed characters, some hurt-comfort and a little bit of angst. And these guys are hot together !!!
This time, no BAM factor, no "hi, nice to meet you, I love you", which is not my taste. Two sexy guys, with a lot of self-loathing elevated to an art form after they both made some mistakes on their own and founding their way towards a satisfying HEA.
I will read book 3 : mature MC, hum, I like that !!
2nd book of this new series set up in a beautiful small town on the Californian coast. Because the writing is good and this series is sexy as hell, I had an entertaining time with flawed characters, some hurt-comfort and a little bit of angst. And these guys are hot together !!!
This time, no BAM factor, no "hi, nice to meet you, I love you", which is not my taste. Two sexy guys, with a lot of self-loathing elevated to an art form after they both made some mistakes on their own and founding their way towards a satisfying HEA.
I will read book 3 : mature MC, hum, I like that !!
August 28, 2017
This book has more substance and seriousness than the first in the series, and could be read as a stand-alone. I had wondered about Gilbert and why he had that love-hate relationship with his hometown. In this book, we find out what drove him away from Lavender Shores, and why he keeps sex a casual sport.
We also meet Walden, a sweet, strong science teacher who moved into town to a new job, and new home, as he recovers from loving a liar. Walden has passed through his own dark days, and is still figuring out what he wants his new life to look like. He's planned on starting fresh in Lavender Shores, a town he loved as a tourist, and having a house with a garden. He hasn't planned on any man, and definitely not on hit-and-run sex with someone like Gilbert. But somehow they recognize in each other both passion and pain. And "just this once" becomes something more.
This still has an element of love-at-first-sight, although it is not as unmotivated as in book 1. I liked that Walden had a slutty bottom vibe, where he just simply likes sex, and how letting go with Gilbert liberates him just a bit from the weight he's been carrying. I loved that Gilbert is in therapy for his issues, and that his sessions are important to his mental stability. Typical for this series, the supporters of our MCs and all things gay are more OTT than the antagonists. I kind of enjoy that for a change. And although more time and angst might have been involved in these guys getting to their HEA, this book hit a nice mix of emotion and sweetness.
We also meet Walden, a sweet, strong science teacher who moved into town to a new job, and new home, as he recovers from loving a liar. Walden has passed through his own dark days, and is still figuring out what he wants his new life to look like. He's planned on starting fresh in Lavender Shores, a town he loved as a tourist, and having a house with a garden. He hasn't planned on any man, and definitely not on hit-and-run sex with someone like Gilbert. But somehow they recognize in each other both passion and pain. And "just this once" becomes something more.
This still has an element of love-at-first-sight, although it is not as unmotivated as in book 1. I liked that Walden had a slutty bottom vibe, where he just simply likes sex, and how letting go with Gilbert liberates him just a bit from the weight he's been carrying. I loved that Gilbert is in therapy for his issues, and that his sessions are important to his mental stability. Typical for this series, the supporters of our MCs and all things gay are more OTT than the antagonists. I kind of enjoy that for a change. And although more time and angst might have been involved in these guys getting to their HEA, this book hit a nice mix of emotion and sweetness.
November 17, 2022
Unlike the insta-love connection between Andrew and Joel in book one, I didn't really understand made Walden and Gilbert want each other so badly, especially in the beginning. Their initial hookup was pretty hot but I didn’t see a deeper connection beyond that.
After a while I just accepted that they loved each other and wanted to be with each other (even if they wouldn't admit it to themseleves) but the story still didn't have the same magic that book 1 had. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
After a while I just accepted that they loved each other and wanted to be with each other (even if they wouldn't admit it to themseleves) but the story still didn't have the same magic that book 1 had. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
January 11, 2018
The Garden is about two men with troubled pasts who aren't looking for, but both desperately need, someone special in their lives. Ultimately this is a sweet romance featuring a hookup that becomes a friends with benefits thing to something more.
The dual POV works beautifully here. There's a lovely thread of hurt/comfort throughout, and while there's lots of sex, it's supported through the characters getting to know one another...sometimes even when putting themselves out there makes them uncomfortable.
There is some humor that helps lighten the angst, and a lot of passion and emotion to the story that I wish were highlighted more in the narration.
Kirt Graves delivers a more subdued reading with different character voices, but only mild embellishment in tone to highlight some of the humor or passion.
In my opinion I think this audio will appeal more to those who prefer to have less "performance" or "acting" in their audiobooks.
Bottom line, this is a sweet and angsty romance with some humor, lots of hot sexy times, and a pretty awesome HEA.
Story = 4 Stars; Narration = 3 Stars (3.5 Stars total)
Audio copy of The Garden (Lavender Shores #2) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
July 24, 2017
I may have asked the author for an early copy. Possibly.
Oh, who am I kidding - I shamelessly begged as soon as I saw CrabbyPatty reading it.
And I would beg again, if given the choice, because this book was fabulous. Gorgeous. Rapturous. Captivating. Brilliant. If my 15 status updates didn't convince you to pick up a copy of this as soon as you can, hopefully my review will.
Where book 1 was a mostly easy love story between Andrew and Joel, book 2 isn't like that at all. In this 2nd book, the author created a much more emotional and pain-filled plot, giving both of the MCs past hurts and some big issues they must overcome.
Gilbert Bryant (Andrew's cousin who sold him the cabin), a member of one of the founding families of Lavender Shores, has escaped his hometown as soon as he could. He designs one of a kind jewelry for the rich and famous, and he's perfectly happy in his cabin above Lake Tahoe, having no illusions that he'll ever be as happy as his cousin. Not that he thinks he deserves to be. Except he's having to go back for family get-togethers every so often, one of which is Andrew and Joel's engagement party.
Walden Thompson has recently moved to Lavender Shores, a place he visited once as a kid and dreamed of making his home ever since. He's a teacher and running from a past he's not proud of. It's clear early on that Walden keeps mostly to himself, and also doesn't have any aspirations of finding someone to love.
The two meet at the gym, where Gilbert is on a treadmill behind Walden on a Stairmaster. Lusting for the well-formed ass in front of him, Gilbert thinks Walden is a tourist. Attraction is immediate, and after some steamy times in the steam room, they spend a hot night together. Their specific kinks line up pretty well, and that first bedroom scene was .... uh, well... let's call it rough and rowdy. I don't think I've ever read a scene like that in an M/M romance novel... not even in one that I knew would be kinky.
I might have fanned myself.
Moving on.
Then Gilbert and Walden meet again at the engagement party, and Gilbert finds out Walden is a teacher. Immediate recoil by Gilbert makes things a bit awkward for Walden. I was scratching my head as to why that would be an issue for Gilbert, since no reason is given at that time.
Still licking his wounds, Walden ends up in a resort kind of place on a short vacation near Lake Tahoe, unaware that Gilbert lives in the area. While being propositioned by a Gilbert-lookalike, the real deal shows up, and the attraction still burns brightly. Also, Gilbert might be a little jealous. Possibly. Even if he tells himself that he shouldn't be, because he's no good for Walden.
And Walden fears being hurt again, and possibly falling down that rabbit hole of pain and shame once more if he lets himself get close to Gilbert. Sex is easy (and super hawt) - feelings are not welcome here.
I really liked that the author didn't make things easy for them. There's a lot of angst here, and both men have pasts that still haunt them. No, I'm not going to tell you what those pasts are, but let it suffice that they both struggle, in their own ways. They're both still hurting, and while they don't immediately share their deepest and darkest secrets, they are both honest about being troubled, and how those troubles are impacting their views and actions.
Of course, true love will not be thwarted, no matter how hard they both fight it. This is a romance, after all.
What I really loved is how Gilbert and Walden help each other come to terms with their pasts. Even as Gilbert believes he doesn't deserve Walden, believes the things hateful people have told him in the past, even as he confesses his fears, his depression, his attempts at ending things when the pain gets too much, all of his darkness, it is clear that Walden doesn't judge Gilbert for his past. And when Walden comes clean about his own past, he realizes that Gilbert isn't judging him either.
The author created two complex, flawed, and yet strong characters, with histories that still shape their actions, but also allowed them to grow, to realize things, and to forge a new path - together. Their story isn't without pitfalls, and for some time, it's two steps forward, one step back, but as the plot progresses, their relationship goes from hot animalistic sexy times to real intimacy. Their fears don't disappear overnight, there's no magical healing here, but they face their fears, they move forward, they learn, they grow.
This is hurt/comfort/healing at its finest, and I didn't want to put this book down until I had finished their story, only stopping for such pesky reasons as work and sleep. Absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A fantastic supporting cast rounded out this novel, with many of the characters making repeat appearances in this book and its predecessor.
While this book could easily be read as a standalone, I would personally recommend you read the first one too, because a lot of the history of the town, as well as the intermingled family history, is explained in that first one. What I also want to mention are the titles. The Palisade and The Garden are both places that are important to the stories and to the characters. I thought that this was rather clever on the author's part, since both places play a huge role in the plot lines of their respective stories.
Donovan's book is next. I'll be begging for a copy, for sure.
This is one series you do not want to miss. Read it!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Oh, who am I kidding - I shamelessly begged as soon as I saw CrabbyPatty reading it.
And I would beg again, if given the choice, because this book was fabulous. Gorgeous. Rapturous. Captivating. Brilliant. If my 15 status updates didn't convince you to pick up a copy of this as soon as you can, hopefully my review will.
Where book 1 was a mostly easy love story between Andrew and Joel, book 2 isn't like that at all. In this 2nd book, the author created a much more emotional and pain-filled plot, giving both of the MCs past hurts and some big issues they must overcome.
Gilbert Bryant (Andrew's cousin who sold him the cabin), a member of one of the founding families of Lavender Shores, has escaped his hometown as soon as he could. He designs one of a kind jewelry for the rich and famous, and he's perfectly happy in his cabin above Lake Tahoe, having no illusions that he'll ever be as happy as his cousin. Not that he thinks he deserves to be. Except he's having to go back for family get-togethers every so often, one of which is Andrew and Joel's engagement party.
Walden Thompson has recently moved to Lavender Shores, a place he visited once as a kid and dreamed of making his home ever since. He's a teacher and running from a past he's not proud of. It's clear early on that Walden keeps mostly to himself, and also doesn't have any aspirations of finding someone to love.
The two meet at the gym, where Gilbert is on a treadmill behind Walden on a Stairmaster. Lusting for the well-formed ass in front of him, Gilbert thinks Walden is a tourist. Attraction is immediate, and after some steamy times in the steam room, they spend a hot night together. Their specific kinks line up pretty well, and that first bedroom scene was .... uh, well... let's call it rough and rowdy. I don't think I've ever read a scene like that in an M/M romance novel... not even in one that I knew would be kinky.
I might have fanned myself.
Moving on.
Then Gilbert and Walden meet again at the engagement party, and Gilbert finds out Walden is a teacher. Immediate recoil by Gilbert makes things a bit awkward for Walden. I was scratching my head as to why that would be an issue for Gilbert, since no reason is given at that time.
Still licking his wounds, Walden ends up in a resort kind of place on a short vacation near Lake Tahoe, unaware that Gilbert lives in the area. While being propositioned by a Gilbert-lookalike, the real deal shows up, and the attraction still burns brightly. Also, Gilbert might be a little jealous. Possibly. Even if he tells himself that he shouldn't be, because he's no good for Walden.
And Walden fears being hurt again, and possibly falling down that rabbit hole of pain and shame once more if he lets himself get close to Gilbert. Sex is easy (and super hawt) - feelings are not welcome here.
I really liked that the author didn't make things easy for them. There's a lot of angst here, and both men have pasts that still haunt them. No, I'm not going to tell you what those pasts are, but let it suffice that they both struggle, in their own ways. They're both still hurting, and while they don't immediately share their deepest and darkest secrets, they are both honest about being troubled, and how those troubles are impacting their views and actions.
Of course, true love will not be thwarted, no matter how hard they both fight it. This is a romance, after all.
What I really loved is how Gilbert and Walden help each other come to terms with their pasts. Even as Gilbert believes he doesn't deserve Walden, believes the things hateful people have told him in the past, even as he confesses his fears, his depression, his attempts at ending things when the pain gets too much, all of his darkness, it is clear that Walden doesn't judge Gilbert for his past. And when Walden comes clean about his own past, he realizes that Gilbert isn't judging him either.
The author created two complex, flawed, and yet strong characters, with histories that still shape their actions, but also allowed them to grow, to realize things, and to forge a new path - together. Their story isn't without pitfalls, and for some time, it's two steps forward, one step back, but as the plot progresses, their relationship goes from hot animalistic sexy times to real intimacy. Their fears don't disappear overnight, there's no magical healing here, but they face their fears, they move forward, they learn, they grow.
This is hurt/comfort/healing at its finest, and I didn't want to put this book down until I had finished their story, only stopping for such pesky reasons as work and sleep. Absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A fantastic supporting cast rounded out this novel, with many of the characters making repeat appearances in this book and its predecessor.
While this book could easily be read as a standalone, I would personally recommend you read the first one too, because a lot of the history of the town, as well as the intermingled family history, is explained in that first one. What I also want to mention are the titles. The Palisade and The Garden are both places that are important to the stories and to the characters. I thought that this was rather clever on the author's part, since both places play a huge role in the plot lines of their respective stories.
Donovan's book is next. I'll be begging for a copy, for sure.
This is one series you do not want to miss. Read it!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
November 1, 2017
No to that cover but yes to the story.
November 19, 2017
So I liked this book more than the first one - I have a feeling this series might mature or I might just adapt to the writing style. This wasn’t quite insta love but it was still heavy on the sweet romance side ... pretty low angst, sugar sweet
August 15, 2022
I love this series so much. This one, is by far one of the hardest to read in the series. Gilbert's pain is palpable through most of the story and I never fail to feel his pain deep in my bones. Both he, himself and some of Lavender Shores is blaming him for something happening when he was just a kid, something he shouldn't have taken the blame for in the beginning. How Walden helped him realize his own worth is beautiful and worth all the pain.
Reread August 2022
Reread August 2022
November 19, 2019
Sweet and Poignant Second Chance Romance
Overall: 5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars
Reviewed: 10-19-19
Okay, is official ! I am hook, line and sinker 💖💜💚
Walden's Garden
The Garden book 2 in the Lavender Shores series by Rosalind Abel ; it tells the tale of Walden and Gilbert, two fractured and damaged souls; two individuals with a lot of emotional baggage and low self esteem . Two lovable and good men who deserve a second chance to love.
Gilbert Bryant
A compelling , poignant and romantic story with lots of hot AF , sexually explicit , smutty sexy times . And just like book 1 , it have also a delightful fairytale , magical quality to it.
Lavender Shores
Kirt Graves narration gave me all the feels. His emotional performance was well paced and natural. He transported me to Lavender Shores and Walden's magical garden.
Walden Thompson
This series seem to be written in a continuous time line. Joel and Andrew's story, from book 1, continues in this book. As well as, the first families and the town people lives are all integral part of the overall story arc. My point on this is , books should be listen in chronological order.
Sunrise at Lavender Shores
I enjoyed and was entertained by The Garden and I'm looking forward listening the next audiobook in the series.
August 1, 2017
Waaaaaaaaayyyyy better than the one star disaster the first book was. I am very glad I gave the series another chance.
Hot, hot, hot!
I am anxious for more although the next pairing is going to be filled with drama, I can already see it.
Hot, hot, hot!
I am anxious for more although the next pairing is going to be filled with drama, I can already see it.
February 14, 2021
La storia narrata all’interno del secondo volume, “Il Giardino”, è sicuramente più complessa e ricca di sfumature rispetto alla precedente. È una storia che vede come protagonisti Gilbert Bryant e Walden Thompson, due giovani spezzati e sofferenti, con alle spalle un passato doloroso che continua a condizionare le loro esistenze e impedisce loro di concedersi la possibilità di una vera relazione sentimentale.
Gilbert, anche lui membro di una delle famiglie fondatrici di Lavender Shores, dopo un episodio che ha profondamente segnato la sua adolescenza e lo ha indotto in uno stato depressivo tale da richiedere una lunga terapia presso uno psicologo, si abbandona al sesso casuale e frenetico senza intrecciare alcun legame con i ragazzi che incontra, come se non si meritasse alcun tipo di felicità. Fino a quando in palestra non incrocia lo sguardo del bellissimo Walden con cui vive un incontro molto erotico e appassionato. Gilbert, inizialmente convinto che quel giovane sconosciuto fosse uno dei tanti incontri occasionali di cui non avrebbe ricordato nemmeno il volto, non riesce più a toglierselo dalla testa: «Il modo in cui aveva detto il mio nome in mezzo a quelle parole mi colpì. Era come se non volesse permettere a nessun altro di usarlo, a parte me. Mi fece desiderare che non si trattasse del nostro primo e unico incontro, che potessi possederlo ancora e ancora, fino a imparare ogni sfumatura del suo piacere e dei suoi desideri, fino a conoscere ogni parola che potesse eccitarlo e ogni angolazione che lo trasformasse dal ragazzo nervoso e mite che avevo conosciuto all'uomo affamato di sesso che era davvero».
Walden ha dovuto affrontare la traumatica rottura di una relazione che sembrava procedere serenamente da due anni. L’uomo di cui era innamorato e di cui si fidava ciecamente era in realtà molto diverso da ciò che aveva fatto credere. La disperazione è stata tale da fargli toccare il fondo e il suo tentativo di iniziare a risalire la china è coinciso con l’arrivo a Lavender Shores, il suo sogno fin da bambino, un luogo che gli ha permesso di conciliare la professione di insegnante e la passione per la natura. Tuttavia, Walden ha deciso di chiudere il suo cuore per non soffrire più e di tenersi lontano da chiunque possa procurargli un’altra delusione. Eppure l’incontro con Gilbert inizia poco alla volta a far crollare le sue barriere: «Non ero sicuro di ciò che stavo cercando, cosa ognuno di noi sperasse di trovare, ma ciò che avevo visto era più che sufficiente per me. Nel suo sguardo trovai disperazione; non un sentimento debole, quanto una forte disperazione nei miei confronti, che urlava nel bisogno di me. E quella disperazione combaciava perfettamente con ciò che provavo io per lui»
L’autore conferma come sempre l’elevata qualità della sua scrittura, precisa, calorosa e avvolgente, capace di rappresentare in modo mirabile la dolcezza e il romanticismo. Ma questa volta la narrazione si fa più intima e introspettiva, fondendo sentimenti profondi, sensualità ed erotismo con una sofferenza che non diviene mai angosciante o morbosa, grazie a una leggerezza pervasa da un tocco di ironia che rende questa storia davvero unica.
Gilbert e Walden, pur essendo entrambi spezzati e delusi, sono totalmente diversi l’uno dall’altro: Gilbert, sfrontato e sarcastico, affronta ogni situazione con la sua consueta dose di cinismo; Walden, timido e impacciato, mostra una grande determinazione nel riprendere in mano la sua vita. Nonostante cerchino di non cedere alla passione che provano l’uno per l’altro, non possono fare a meno di cercarsi a vicenda e di trascorrere del tempo insieme. Soprattutto Gilbert è convinto di non doversi lasciare andare ai sentimenti che prova, è assalito da dubbi, tormenti e paure, mentre i ricordi del passato sembrano volerlo bloccare, un promemoria costante che gli rammenta che non può far nulla che gli consenta di avere un po’ di felicità.
Emozionante è il percorso di questi due ragazzi che, pur rimanendo coerenti con il loro carattere, riescono a guardare le rispettive anime e a riconoscere il comune dolore, cercando di trovare sollievo ai propri problemi attraverso l’amore: «C’era uno strano calore nei loro occhi, e la consapevolezza di aver visto l’uno nell’anima dell’altro e di essersi innamorati di ciò che avevano trovato. Io lo avevo fatto con Walden Thompson»
Anche in questo romanzo viene scelto un luogo simbolico che rappresenta perfettamente l’unione tra i due protagonisti, il giardino della casa di Walden, quella distesa di piante e fiori a cui il giovane si dedica con passione, rendendolo un luogo affascinante e ricco di magia, pur conservando il suo aspetto selvaggio. È un luogo che permette a Walden di creare qualcosa di suo e di staccarsi dalla vita precedente, un luogo che ammalia profondamente Gilbert che in quel giardino si sente a suo agio: «Quel giardino era diverso da qualunque altra cosa avessi mai visto e, anche se si trovava a Lavender Shores, era un luogo a sé stante, fuori dall’influenza della città. Fuori dalle scelte che lì avevo fatto, dalle vite che avevo ferito e da quelle che avevano ferito me».
Il “Giardino” è, dunque, un romanzo ricco di emozioni, che ci parla di anime tormentate che trovano rifugio l’una nell’altra dopo aver scoperto l’autenticità dei propri sentimenti rispetto a quanto avevano provato in passato: «Non sappiamo perché fossimo stati così convinti che quella roba in polvere fosse cioccolata, ma sappiamo già che non la berremo mai più. Non dopo aver scoperto la vera cioccolata». È un invito a lasciare da parte i tormenti e i rimorsi, a riprendere in mano la propria vita e a credere che possa esserci sempre un’occasione di felicità: «Un giorno arriveremo a credere di meritarci l’un l’altro».
Gilbert, anche lui membro di una delle famiglie fondatrici di Lavender Shores, dopo un episodio che ha profondamente segnato la sua adolescenza e lo ha indotto in uno stato depressivo tale da richiedere una lunga terapia presso uno psicologo, si abbandona al sesso casuale e frenetico senza intrecciare alcun legame con i ragazzi che incontra, come se non si meritasse alcun tipo di felicità. Fino a quando in palestra non incrocia lo sguardo del bellissimo Walden con cui vive un incontro molto erotico e appassionato. Gilbert, inizialmente convinto che quel giovane sconosciuto fosse uno dei tanti incontri occasionali di cui non avrebbe ricordato nemmeno il volto, non riesce più a toglierselo dalla testa: «Il modo in cui aveva detto il mio nome in mezzo a quelle parole mi colpì. Era come se non volesse permettere a nessun altro di usarlo, a parte me. Mi fece desiderare che non si trattasse del nostro primo e unico incontro, che potessi possederlo ancora e ancora, fino a imparare ogni sfumatura del suo piacere e dei suoi desideri, fino a conoscere ogni parola che potesse eccitarlo e ogni angolazione che lo trasformasse dal ragazzo nervoso e mite che avevo conosciuto all'uomo affamato di sesso che era davvero».
Walden ha dovuto affrontare la traumatica rottura di una relazione che sembrava procedere serenamente da due anni. L’uomo di cui era innamorato e di cui si fidava ciecamente era in realtà molto diverso da ciò che aveva fatto credere. La disperazione è stata tale da fargli toccare il fondo e il suo tentativo di iniziare a risalire la china è coinciso con l’arrivo a Lavender Shores, il suo sogno fin da bambino, un luogo che gli ha permesso di conciliare la professione di insegnante e la passione per la natura. Tuttavia, Walden ha deciso di chiudere il suo cuore per non soffrire più e di tenersi lontano da chiunque possa procurargli un’altra delusione. Eppure l’incontro con Gilbert inizia poco alla volta a far crollare le sue barriere: «Non ero sicuro di ciò che stavo cercando, cosa ognuno di noi sperasse di trovare, ma ciò che avevo visto era più che sufficiente per me. Nel suo sguardo trovai disperazione; non un sentimento debole, quanto una forte disperazione nei miei confronti, che urlava nel bisogno di me. E quella disperazione combaciava perfettamente con ciò che provavo io per lui»
L’autore conferma come sempre l’elevata qualità della sua scrittura, precisa, calorosa e avvolgente, capace di rappresentare in modo mirabile la dolcezza e il romanticismo. Ma questa volta la narrazione si fa più intima e introspettiva, fondendo sentimenti profondi, sensualità ed erotismo con una sofferenza che non diviene mai angosciante o morbosa, grazie a una leggerezza pervasa da un tocco di ironia che rende questa storia davvero unica.
Gilbert e Walden, pur essendo entrambi spezzati e delusi, sono totalmente diversi l’uno dall’altro: Gilbert, sfrontato e sarcastico, affronta ogni situazione con la sua consueta dose di cinismo; Walden, timido e impacciato, mostra una grande determinazione nel riprendere in mano la sua vita. Nonostante cerchino di non cedere alla passione che provano l’uno per l’altro, non possono fare a meno di cercarsi a vicenda e di trascorrere del tempo insieme. Soprattutto Gilbert è convinto di non doversi lasciare andare ai sentimenti che prova, è assalito da dubbi, tormenti e paure, mentre i ricordi del passato sembrano volerlo bloccare, un promemoria costante che gli rammenta che non può far nulla che gli consenta di avere un po’ di felicità.
Emozionante è il percorso di questi due ragazzi che, pur rimanendo coerenti con il loro carattere, riescono a guardare le rispettive anime e a riconoscere il comune dolore, cercando di trovare sollievo ai propri problemi attraverso l’amore: «C’era uno strano calore nei loro occhi, e la consapevolezza di aver visto l’uno nell’anima dell’altro e di essersi innamorati di ciò che avevano trovato. Io lo avevo fatto con Walden Thompson»
Anche in questo romanzo viene scelto un luogo simbolico che rappresenta perfettamente l’unione tra i due protagonisti, il giardino della casa di Walden, quella distesa di piante e fiori a cui il giovane si dedica con passione, rendendolo un luogo affascinante e ricco di magia, pur conservando il suo aspetto selvaggio. È un luogo che permette a Walden di creare qualcosa di suo e di staccarsi dalla vita precedente, un luogo che ammalia profondamente Gilbert che in quel giardino si sente a suo agio: «Quel giardino era diverso da qualunque altra cosa avessi mai visto e, anche se si trovava a Lavender Shores, era un luogo a sé stante, fuori dall’influenza della città. Fuori dalle scelte che lì avevo fatto, dalle vite che avevo ferito e da quelle che avevano ferito me».
Il “Giardino” è, dunque, un romanzo ricco di emozioni, che ci parla di anime tormentate che trovano rifugio l’una nell’altra dopo aver scoperto l’autenticità dei propri sentimenti rispetto a quanto avevano provato in passato: «Non sappiamo perché fossimo stati così convinti che quella roba in polvere fosse cioccolata, ma sappiamo già che non la berremo mai più. Non dopo aver scoperto la vera cioccolata». È un invito a lasciare da parte i tormenti e i rimorsi, a riprendere in mano la propria vita e a credere che possa esserci sempre un’occasione di felicità: «Un giorno arriveremo a credere di meritarci l’un l’altro».
April 8, 2023
3+
No cóż za poprawa w stosunku do pierwszego tomu 😁
W dalszym ciągu była insta, ale taka rozciągnięta w czasie, że o wiele bardziej można było ją wziąć na klatę, bo pokazane było coś więcej, niż sam pociąg seksualny (w przeciwieństwie do jedynki). Jednakże bohaterowie byli dużo bardziej skomplikowani, z charakterem i przeszłością, sama historia bardziej interesująca i nie taka już ckliwa, zaś seks całkiem sprośny 😉
No cóż za poprawa w stosunku do pierwszego tomu 😁
W dalszym ciągu była insta, ale taka rozciągnięta w czasie, że o wiele bardziej można było ją wziąć na klatę, bo pokazane było coś więcej, niż sam pociąg seksualny (w przeciwieństwie do jedynki). Jednakże bohaterowie byli dużo bardziej skomplikowani, z charakterem i przeszłością, sama historia bardziej interesująca i nie taka już ckliwa, zaś seks całkiem sprośny 😉
May 31, 2018
3.5~4/5
A slutty total bottom, light kink, and some mild angst. Everything I could ever ask for.
A slutty total bottom, light kink, and some mild angst. Everything I could ever ask for.
Want to read
November 26, 2018Free until 11/26/18
July 30, 2017
3.75 stars
Better than the first book. Insta-love not as neck-breaking as in the first book.
Better than the first book. Insta-love not as neck-breaking as in the first book.
probably-not-but-freebie
November 22, 2018Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Garden-Laven...
November 28, 2018
4.5 stars!
I am so enjoying this series. This was a very solid installment for me. One thing interesting about having read the 5th book about Micah and Connor is knowing what happens while reading this. That they're in a non-relationship relationship at this point. It's also interesting trying to figure out the timeline.
About a month after the end of the first book's epilogue when Andrew and Joel got engaged, they're having their engagement party, and so Gilbert comes back into to town for it, and it's while he's working out a day or so before the engagement party that he meets Walden. He's instantly attracted to him, and Walden is as well.
Walden has his own hang ups that make him hesitant, but it doesn't take him long to give in with Gilbert Bryant pursuing him.
They both say it's just a hookup, and it's better for them both that it is, but they both can't get the other out of their minds. A few months pass before they see each other again, during spring break (for Walden who is a science teacher) and things change. It's more than just a hookup this time, as much as they both keep trying to tell themselves otherwise.
In a way, these two happened quickly like Andrew and Joel. While it takes about 5 months for them get together together as a couple, they only truly spend about 3, 4 days together before they fall in love. Although the difference is that they had months between seeing each other to think about each other, unlike Andrew and Joel, but still, their romance was almost as whirlwind like as Andrew and Joel's.
But their connection felt even more real than Andrew and Joel's had, and I loved it. Their chemistry was whoo boy, hOT.
The thing with Gilbert's past -
I enjoyed this story immensely and really loved Gilbert and Walden together.
Two thumbs up from me for a great story. Definitely recommend :D
I am so enjoying this series. This was a very solid installment for me. One thing interesting about having read the 5th book about Micah and Connor is knowing what happens while reading this. That they're in a non-relationship relationship at this point. It's also interesting trying to figure out the timeline.
About a month after the end of the first book's epilogue when Andrew and Joel got engaged, they're having their engagement party, and so Gilbert comes back into to town for it, and it's while he's working out a day or so before the engagement party that he meets Walden. He's instantly attracted to him, and Walden is as well.
Walden has his own hang ups that make him hesitant, but it doesn't take him long to give in with Gilbert Bryant pursuing him.
They both say it's just a hookup, and it's better for them both that it is, but they both can't get the other out of their minds. A few months pass before they see each other again, during spring break (for Walden who is a science teacher) and things change. It's more than just a hookup this time, as much as they both keep trying to tell themselves otherwise.
In a way, these two happened quickly like Andrew and Joel. While it takes about 5 months for them get together together as a couple, they only truly spend about 3, 4 days together before they fall in love. Although the difference is that they had months between seeing each other to think about each other, unlike Andrew and Joel, but still, their romance was almost as whirlwind like as Andrew and Joel's.
But their connection felt even more real than Andrew and Joel's had, and I loved it. Their chemistry was whoo boy, hOT.
The thing with Gilbert's past -
I enjoyed this story immensely and really loved Gilbert and Walden together.
Two thumbs up from me for a great story. Definitely recommend :D
July 23, 2017
This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a standalone. Personally, I would recommend reading in order because the series is somewhat character-heavy. And of course there are some spoilers for book 1 in book 2.
I had mixed feelings about book 1, The Palisade. Andrew was a lovely character and I honestly just liked him. Joel was tougher to like, and I hated the The Big Miscommunication.
Well let me tell you that I had no such mixed feelings about book 2. I absolutely loved it and the MCs. Gilbert is a snarky character, but I love those. He uses humor and aggravation during awkward situations. However, he is a sympathetic character. Growing up in Lavender Shores as a member of one of the founding families, he would seem to have it all. However, he couldn’t wait to get away. And only comes back because his best friend, Andrew, is getting married.
Walden is possibly my favorite character. He has had a tough life, comparatively. He was born in the South to a family that would not accept the fact that he is gay. Then while living in San Francisco, he meets someone who he thinks is the love of his life. When that relationship crashed and burned, he ended up in Lavender Shores, a place where he had always wanted to live. However, even in an accepting and picturesque place like Lavender Shores, he still feels a disparity.
When Gilbert and Walden get together, sparks fly. And each finds something in the other that completes him. I truly loved this story and read it in one sitting. Any fans of romance that have a bit of hurt/comfort would love this.
I had mixed feelings about book 1, The Palisade. Andrew was a lovely character and I honestly just liked him. Joel was tougher to like, and I hated the The Big Miscommunication.
Well let me tell you that I had no such mixed feelings about book 2. I absolutely loved it and the MCs. Gilbert is a snarky character, but I love those. He uses humor and aggravation during awkward situations. However, he is a sympathetic character. Growing up in Lavender Shores as a member of one of the founding families, he would seem to have it all. However, he couldn’t wait to get away. And only comes back because his best friend, Andrew, is getting married.
Walden is possibly my favorite character. He has had a tough life, comparatively. He was born in the South to a family that would not accept the fact that he is gay. Then while living in San Francisco, he meets someone who he thinks is the love of his life. When that relationship crashed and burned, he ended up in Lavender Shores, a place where he had always wanted to live. However, even in an accepting and picturesque place like Lavender Shores, he still feels a disparity.
When Gilbert and Walden get together, sparks fly. And each finds something in the other that completes him. I truly loved this story and read it in one sitting. Any fans of romance that have a bit of hurt/comfort would love this.
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