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Lavender Shores #8
The Wilderness
Will Epstein had it all—playboy good looks, wealth and prestige, and a gorgeous fiancé to costar with him on a reality television show. But that was years ago, before he was abandoned at the altar on national television. In the aftermath, Will’s world crumbled, leaving him humiliated and lost.
Andre Rivera married his first love and lived a dream life until tragedy stepped in. His wife’s sudden death left him devastated and struggling to build a life for his young daughter. Being a pilot offers Andre a sense of freedom from Lavender Shores, but he feels trapped and unable to move forward.
A shared sense of loss fosters a surprising friendship between Will and Andre, giving them both the salvation they need. But when feelings cross the lines of friendship and secrets are revealed, Will and Andre have to confront their own fears.
Amid the gold of a Lavender Shores autumn, Will and Andre must grasp their chance at love… before it slips away.
Andre Rivera married his first love and lived a dream life until tragedy stepped in. His wife’s sudden death left him devastated and struggling to build a life for his young daughter. Being a pilot offers Andre a sense of freedom from Lavender Shores, but he feels trapped and unable to move forward.
A shared sense of loss fosters a surprising friendship between Will and Andre, giving them both the salvation they need. But when feelings cross the lines of friendship and secrets are revealed, Will and Andre have to confront their own fears.
Amid the gold of a Lavender Shores autumn, Will and Andre must grasp their chance at love… before it slips away.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2018
56 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 31, 2018
~3.5~
Definitely read the sixth Lavender Shores book, The Glasshouse (Adrian and Harrison's story) before reading The Wildneress. Will, one of the MCs of The Wildneress, is Harrison's fiancé in book 6. He's ditched at the altar by Harrison after Harrison realizes he's falling in love with Adrian.
In The Glasshouse, I didn't feel sorry for Will, who came across like an arrogant, uptight fame whore. He cared more about his five minutes in the limelight than his future husband. But Will seemed to truly be devastated when Harrison ditched him.
This book opens just a few weeks after the wedding incident. Will is drinking himself into a stupor when he sees Adrian enter the bar. Will lashes out and punches the man he thinks stole his fiancé. Except he punches the wrong guy. Andre is Adrian's twin, and he becomes Will's best friend.
Fast forward three years, and Will and Andre's friendship is strong and steady. Will is in love with Andre, but Andre is oblivious and, uh, "straight" (as if such a thing were even possible in Lavender Shores).
I really disliked Will in the sixth book, but he was the more sympathetic character in this story. He is honest with his feelings and grows as a person. Andre, on the other hand, annoyed me. Still grieving the death of his wife many years later, Andre sleeps around with guys because sleeping with women would be a betrayal to Meghan.
Say what now? Men are good enough to fuck but not good enough to date. Homophobic much?
When Will finds out, he's justifiably hurt. To put some distance between himself and Andre, he leaves Lavender Shores. It takes being apart from Will for Andre to pull his head out of his metaphorical ass and see the light.
As per usual for this series, this is a very romantic story with plenty of steam and a HEA. The slow burn was appropriate; even though Andre and Will aren't together for that long in the story, I believed in their relationship because it had a solid foundation of friendship.
However, I'm not a fan of "dead spouse" stories. I'm sure Meghan was a wonderful person, but she was basically the third MC. I also didn't like the way Andre blamed Will for leaving when Will owed him nothing.
Some of the scenes set in Lavender Falls (like wise Pete philosophizing about relationships with Andre or Robert Kelly fawning over Will) felt scripted and expected (although I really liked the scenes set in Alaska at Will's brother's cabin). There was a twist at the end with yet another "sex tape" that I could have done without.
Also, the epilogue, while sweet, was vague. Any story involving Will should have ended with him not getting stood up at the altar. I was bummed that didn't happen.
Definitely read the sixth Lavender Shores book, The Glasshouse (Adrian and Harrison's story) before reading The Wildneress. Will, one of the MCs of The Wildneress, is Harrison's fiancé in book 6. He's ditched at the altar by Harrison after Harrison realizes he's falling in love with Adrian.
In The Glasshouse, I didn't feel sorry for Will, who came across like an arrogant, uptight fame whore. He cared more about his five minutes in the limelight than his future husband. But Will seemed to truly be devastated when Harrison ditched him.
This book opens just a few weeks after the wedding incident. Will is drinking himself into a stupor when he sees Adrian enter the bar. Will lashes out and punches the man he thinks stole his fiancé. Except he punches the wrong guy. Andre is Adrian's twin, and he becomes Will's best friend.
Fast forward three years, and Will and Andre's friendship is strong and steady. Will is in love with Andre, but Andre is oblivious and, uh, "straight" (as if such a thing were even possible in Lavender Shores).
I really disliked Will in the sixth book, but he was the more sympathetic character in this story. He is honest with his feelings and grows as a person. Andre, on the other hand, annoyed me. Still grieving the death of his wife many years later, Andre sleeps around with guys because sleeping with women would be a betrayal to Meghan.
Say what now? Men are good enough to fuck but not good enough to date. Homophobic much?
When Will finds out, he's justifiably hurt. To put some distance between himself and Andre, he leaves Lavender Shores. It takes being apart from Will for Andre to pull his head out of his metaphorical ass and see the light.
As per usual for this series, this is a very romantic story with plenty of steam and a HEA. The slow burn was appropriate; even though Andre and Will aren't together for that long in the story, I believed in their relationship because it had a solid foundation of friendship.
However, I'm not a fan of "dead spouse" stories. I'm sure Meghan was a wonderful person, but she was basically the third MC. I also didn't like the way Andre blamed Will for leaving when Will owed him nothing.
Some of the scenes set in Lavender Falls (like wise Pete philosophizing about relationships with Andre or Robert Kelly fawning over Will) felt scripted and expected (although I really liked the scenes set in Alaska at Will's brother's cabin). There was a twist at the end with yet another "sex tape" that I could have done without.
Also, the epilogue, while sweet, was vague. Any story involving Will should have ended with him not getting stood up at the altar. I was bummed that didn't happen.
September 13, 2018
If you haven't read The Glasshouse, I suggest you do so before jumping into this one as you'll definitely get more out of the story. In that book, Will is left at the altar and his fiancé winds up with Andre's twin brother, so the animosity in the prologue here when a drunk Will mistakes Andre for Adrian is understandable. That night is the start of a strong friendship that has helped both Will and Andre through tough times.
Fast-forward a few years and the two are best of friends, though Will laments that his friend is straight and tries to keep those feelings of "more than friendship" at bay. Since nothing stays secret in Lavender Shores things go awry, feelings are hurt and we get a very slow burn, friends to lovers (with plenty of anger as well) story.
While I didn't particularly care for Andre's reasoning for his actions and his keeping some things from Will, I absolutely ate up Will's story. He didn't come out looking so good in The Glasshouse, but I loved watching him work on finding his own footing and becoming a happier, stronger person for it.
As with prior stories, especially since this involves two founding families, there is plenty of meddling, attempts to break free of family pressures and some truly soap-opera style antics. There are also plenty of romantic moments (I loved Will's surprise in the epilogue), one very interesting sex scene and just a bit of angst and drama.
This was another easily readable book in the series. I'm really looking forward to finally getting Seth's story and with the introduction of Will's brother Nick, who has run to live in Alaska to escape the Lavender Shores nonsense, I am thrilled that he will be getting his own story soon well.
Fast-forward a few years and the two are best of friends, though Will laments that his friend is straight and tries to keep those feelings of "more than friendship" at bay. Since nothing stays secret in Lavender Shores things go awry, feelings are hurt and we get a very slow burn, friends to lovers (with plenty of anger as well) story.
While I didn't particularly care for Andre's reasoning for his actions and his keeping some things from Will, I absolutely ate up Will's story. He didn't come out looking so good in The Glasshouse, but I loved watching him work on finding his own footing and becoming a happier, stronger person for it.
As with prior stories, especially since this involves two founding families, there is plenty of meddling, attempts to break free of family pressures and some truly soap-opera style antics. There are also plenty of romantic moments (I loved Will's surprise in the epilogue), one very interesting sex scene and just a bit of angst and drama.
This was another easily readable book in the series. I'm really looking forward to finally getting Seth's story and with the introduction of Will's brother Nick, who has run to live in Alaska to escape the Lavender Shores nonsense, I am thrilled that he will be getting his own story soon well.
August 11, 2019
Will gets a wonderful redemption romance
I wasn't very keen on Will Epstein back in book six, although I did feel sorry for him being left at the altar on live TV
Here Rosalind gives him his own focus and it's one in which I came to understand, and like, him a great deal.
With Andre, I have a few mixed feelings too. I didn't like the anguish he repeatedly put himself through over his actions after he started to "move on".
Some of his comments seemed to be verging close to perhaps unintentional homophobia as he considered sleeping with men to be a way of not betraying the memory of his dead wife.
It may be more that he felt he could detach his feelings with the mechanical act of sex with another man, rather than with a woman, but it came across as a bit dismissive.
Either way, it meant I had a fair bit of "not again-ness" each time he went there mentally with his guilt-ing before I warmed up. He did ultimately turn the corner and I was rooting for him fully as Will's soul mate by the end.
As ever with this series, the heat level is strong! And there's the usual madcap antics from the rest of the Lavender Shores crew to round off another good addition to the series.
I wasn't very keen on Will Epstein back in book six, although I did feel sorry for him being left at the altar on live TV
Here Rosalind gives him his own focus and it's one in which I came to understand, and like, him a great deal.
With Andre, I have a few mixed feelings too. I didn't like the anguish he repeatedly put himself through over his actions after he started to "move on".
Some of his comments seemed to be verging close to perhaps unintentional homophobia as he considered sleeping with men to be a way of not betraying the memory of his dead wife.
It may be more that he felt he could detach his feelings with the mechanical act of sex with another man, rather than with a woman, but it came across as a bit dismissive.
Either way, it meant I had a fair bit of "not again-ness" each time he went there mentally with his guilt-ing before I warmed up. He did ultimately turn the corner and I was rooting for him fully as Will's soul mate by the end.
As ever with this series, the heat level is strong! And there's the usual madcap antics from the rest of the Lavender Shores crew to round off another good addition to the series.
July 27, 2023
Reread August 2022
September 6, 2018
I can't keep away from this series. Seriously. I read them as soon as they are released and this time I had the good fortune of reading it before it was released! Thank you author :)
That being said, my relationship with the series is very rocky. Very.
I am happy to report that this one worked. I liked it. Whew, what a relief because seriously, Will, yeah, I was very nervous about him and his story. I did not like what went down in The Glasshouse, at all so I just wasn't sure if I even cared for more of that.
I ended up mostly liking Will. There were a few moments that were too reminiscent of book 6 but luckily moved on quickly. I liked his growth as a person and although it was described as running, I don't know if that is truly what it was.
Andre. This is not my favorite kind of setup. The lost love is always tricky to navigate around truthfully. He was still very hung up on his dead wife. Very. I am sympathetic to this but am not the biggest fan of the third person in the relationship. I mostly liked him and did find it pretty believable when he had his revelation about Will. Actually, this was really believable to me because I've had it happen.
So, as it seems with this series, this wasn't perfect but I don't think they are supposed to be. The perfect is left for Lavender Shores, the residents are all slightly flawed in their own way and each have a unique story to tell. There is just something about this town that pulls me back over and over again.
Well done.
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
That being said, my relationship with the series is very rocky. Very.
I am happy to report that this one worked. I liked it. Whew, what a relief because seriously, Will, yeah, I was very nervous about him and his story. I did not like what went down in The Glasshouse, at all so I just wasn't sure if I even cared for more of that.
I ended up mostly liking Will. There were a few moments that were too reminiscent of book 6 but luckily moved on quickly. I liked his growth as a person and although it was described as running, I don't know if that is truly what it was.
Andre. This is not my favorite kind of setup. The lost love is always tricky to navigate around truthfully. He was still very hung up on his dead wife. Very. I am sympathetic to this but am not the biggest fan of the third person in the relationship. I mostly liked him and did find it pretty believable when he had his revelation about Will. Actually, this was really believable to me because I've had it happen.
So, as it seems with this series, this wasn't perfect but I don't think they are supposed to be. The perfect is left for Lavender Shores, the residents are all slightly flawed in their own way and each have a unique story to tell. There is just something about this town that pulls me back over and over again.
Well done.
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
December 6, 2018
Ah, what a wonderful story. I was wondering how the author would write Will and if she would be able to make him sympathetic (beyond just him having been left at the alter) - and boy did she. I absolutely loved Will.
He had a few moments of being the fairly annoying Will from book six, but they were pretty rare, pretty few and far between.
When Harrison left him at the alter, it changed Will. He was no longer the golden boy his father adored, because he'd had a scandal happen to him, he wasn't perfect anymore. He used to worship his father, John Epstein, who most everyone else saw for who he really was - a complete and utter jackass - but Will thinks to himself how even he has come to basically hate him as well, with how he treats Will ever since the wedding.
The Will we saw at the start of book six was hyper obsessed with his image, of being perfect, of being better than everyone else, of having fortune and fame. He cared more about the reality show and the wedding than Harrison. And no, that doesn't make Harrison blameless at ALL, but the Will from book six wasn't able to see his own faults in what happened. He was able to see that and more in this book.
I was honestly thinking a talk with Harrison would never come, but it FINALLY does near the end of this book - four years later! - and it was so great. I thought it was never going to come and that would have really annoyed me and caused me to give off half a star in this. Thankfully it happened - and also, I can't believe that in 4 years, the only time Will talked to Harrison was when he yelled at him over the phone in book six. They saw each other around, and acknowledged each other, but they never spoke to each other.
I can't believe it took them that long to even say one word to each other. That's also on both of them for being dumb idiots. But I'm glad it finally happened int his book and they started on their way to becoming friends.
Andre and Will were wonderful together - I loved how they had a friendship first, that they got to really know each other before they fell in love (with their circumstances, it made sense too).
I loved how with both couples - Harrison and Adrian and Will and Andre - it showed why they were perfect for each other. Will didn't even think of what Harrison wanted before, didn't even seem to consider him, but with Andre he did, he took in what Andre wanted as well, and was willing to work with him to make their relationship work.
I love Andre was able to find love with Will again, and it wasn't replacing Meghan in any way. Meghan and Will are different people, and Andre fell in love with one, and then the other when the other was gone. Really, it took what happened with Harrison and Will's wedding and Meghan being gone for them to even really see each other, to even talk as more than acquaintances. No that it makes those things a good thing, at all, but...they did happen, and from their pain they were able to find happiness, and that is wonderful.
With who Will was before, and Andre being very much in love with his wife, if those two events had never happened, they would have never really known each other, even though they were perfect for each other. This book really makes you think about how life can be, how things you'd never think would lead to a good thing or you'd ever look back and be thankful for can happen.
Will and Andre both recognized the pain they were both in and the loneliness they both shared and found a lifetime partner in each other, someone to love and be happy with. It was beautiful.
Two thumbs up from me for a wonderful installment in this series. Now, onto enemies-to-loves soon (my favorite trope!) with Seth and Charlie. Can't wait!
P.S. Also yay, all caught up on this series now! Woot woot!
He had a few moments of being the fairly annoying Will from book six, but they were pretty rare, pretty few and far between.
When Harrison left him at the alter, it changed Will. He was no longer the golden boy his father adored, because he'd had a scandal happen to him, he wasn't perfect anymore. He used to worship his father, John Epstein, who most everyone else saw for who he really was - a complete and utter jackass - but Will thinks to himself how even he has come to basically hate him as well, with how he treats Will ever since the wedding.
The Will we saw at the start of book six was hyper obsessed with his image, of being perfect, of being better than everyone else, of having fortune and fame. He cared more about the reality show and the wedding than Harrison. And no, that doesn't make Harrison blameless at ALL, but the Will from book six wasn't able to see his own faults in what happened. He was able to see that and more in this book.
I was honestly thinking a talk with Harrison would never come, but it FINALLY does near the end of this book - four years later! - and it was so great. I thought it was never going to come and that would have really annoyed me and caused me to give off half a star in this. Thankfully it happened - and also, I can't believe that in 4 years, the only time Will talked to Harrison was when he yelled at him over the phone in book six. They saw each other around, and acknowledged each other, but they never spoke to each other.
I can't believe it took them that long to even say one word to each other. That's also on both of them for being dumb idiots. But I'm glad it finally happened int his book and they started on their way to becoming friends.
Andre and Will were wonderful together - I loved how they had a friendship first, that they got to really know each other before they fell in love (with their circumstances, it made sense too).
I loved how with both couples - Harrison and Adrian and Will and Andre - it showed why they were perfect for each other. Will didn't even think of what Harrison wanted before, didn't even seem to consider him, but with Andre he did, he took in what Andre wanted as well, and was willing to work with him to make their relationship work.
I love Andre was able to find love with Will again, and it wasn't replacing Meghan in any way. Meghan and Will are different people, and Andre fell in love with one, and then the other when the other was gone. Really, it took what happened with Harrison and Will's wedding and Meghan being gone for them to even really see each other, to even talk as more than acquaintances. No that it makes those things a good thing, at all, but...they did happen, and from their pain they were able to find happiness, and that is wonderful.
With who Will was before, and Andre being very much in love with his wife, if those two events had never happened, they would have never really known each other, even though they were perfect for each other. This book really makes you think about how life can be, how things you'd never think would lead to a good thing or you'd ever look back and be thankful for can happen.
Will and Andre both recognized the pain they were both in and the loneliness they both shared and found a lifetime partner in each other, someone to love and be happy with. It was beautiful.
Two thumbs up from me for a wonderful installment in this series. Now, onto enemies-to-loves soon (my favorite trope!) with Seth and Charlie. Can't wait!
P.S. Also yay, all caught up on this series now! Woot woot!
October 20, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Let me start by telling you I am a big, big fan of the Lavender Shores series. I’ve eagerly snatched up every single new installment and devoured them. To begin, I will say I’m not at all sure if, as a new reader, you should jump into the series at this particular point. The town of Lavender Shores is not very large, but there are a lot of family connections between the five “Founding Families” (that is a story unto its own). From book one, The Palisade, until The Wilderness, a tremendous amount of information is given about the families, their members, and their rivalries among themselves.
Will Epstein’s story begins in book six of the series, The Glasshouse. We meet him at the beginning of that book. I felt sorry for him because of his humiliation, but my first general opinion of him wasn’t exactly rosy. He’s caught up in the whole Hollywood aspect of his and his fiancée’s relationship. He likes the attention the cameras are giving him, and he’s started to kind of believe the hype. Now, in The Wilderness, Will doesn’t start out as very likable. He’s getting drunk and continues to feel sorry for himself. He’s not terribly friendly. In fact, I would go so far as to say he was full of hate, even though it’s been a year.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Let me start by telling you I am a big, big fan of the Lavender Shores series. I’ve eagerly snatched up every single new installment and devoured them. To begin, I will say I’m not at all sure if, as a new reader, you should jump into the series at this particular point. The town of Lavender Shores is not very large, but there are a lot of family connections between the five “Founding Families” (that is a story unto its own). From book one, The Palisade, until The Wilderness, a tremendous amount of information is given about the families, their members, and their rivalries among themselves.
Will Epstein’s story begins in book six of the series, The Glasshouse. We meet him at the beginning of that book. I felt sorry for him because of his humiliation, but my first general opinion of him wasn’t exactly rosy. He’s caught up in the whole Hollywood aspect of his and his fiancée’s relationship. He likes the attention the cameras are giving him, and he’s started to kind of believe the hype. Now, in The Wilderness, Will doesn’t start out as very likable. He’s getting drunk and continues to feel sorry for himself. He’s not terribly friendly. In fact, I would go so far as to say he was full of hate, even though it’s been a year.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
April 17, 2023
Tę część w sumie trudno czytać bez znajomości tomu nr 6, czyli The Glasshouse. Pewnie, można, ale wiele się traci.
Will wydoroślał i dojrzał od tomu nr 6. Choć miał momentami jeszcze nawroty, krótkie na całe szczęście, myślenia, że on jest Panem tego świata, że jest lepszy od innych, że musi koniecznie być znowu tym "złotym chłopcem" swojego zrypanego na maksa ojca. Ojca, który uważał go za ósmy cud świata, dopóki nie został porzucony przed ołtarzem. To totalnie odmieniło pozycję Willa w oczach tatusia - przypomnę tylko, że zrypanego totalnie, żeby nie użyć mocniejszego słowa - stał się wyrzutkiem i pośmiewiskiem rodziny (no dobrze, przede wszystkim ojca), kimś, kto przyniósł rodzinie wstyd 👀 I kimś, komu zarówno to porzucenie przed ołtarzem, jak i niespodziewana totalnie przyjaźń z Andre - bratem bliźniakiem Adriana, który stał się miłością życia jego byłego ex-narzeczonego, wyszło zdecydowanie na dobre.
Andre do pewnego momentu był oki. Ale potem zdecydowanie mnie wkurzył kilka razy. Nie chce mi się rozpisywać, bo jestem w trakcie czytania ostatniego już tomu serii, ale miałam ochotę kilka razy walnąć go w łeb - i to bez specjalnego powstrzymywania ręki.
Dodatkowo - naprawdę, jeszcze jedna niby taka seks-taśma? Trzecia w tej całej telenoweli? No mogłabym się bez tego obejść, zwłaszcza, że spokojnie można było w inny sposób pokazać, że więź Willa i Andre jest nierozerwalna i prawdziwa.
Ale znowu, pomimo że daję trzy gwiazdki, to historia świetnie się wpisuje w całość.
Will wydoroślał i dojrzał od tomu nr 6. Choć miał momentami jeszcze nawroty, krótkie na całe szczęście, myślenia, że on jest Panem tego świata, że jest lepszy od innych, że musi koniecznie być znowu tym "złotym chłopcem" swojego zrypanego na maksa ojca. Ojca, który uważał go za ósmy cud świata, dopóki nie został porzucony przed ołtarzem. To totalnie odmieniło pozycję Willa w oczach tatusia - przypomnę tylko, że zrypanego totalnie, żeby nie użyć mocniejszego słowa - stał się wyrzutkiem i pośmiewiskiem rodziny (no dobrze, przede wszystkim ojca), kimś, kto przyniósł rodzinie wstyd 👀 I kimś, komu zarówno to porzucenie przed ołtarzem, jak i niespodziewana totalnie przyjaźń z Andre - bratem bliźniakiem Adriana, który stał się miłością życia jego byłego ex-narzeczonego, wyszło zdecydowanie na dobre.
Andre do pewnego momentu był oki. Ale potem zdecydowanie mnie wkurzył kilka razy. Nie chce mi się rozpisywać, bo jestem w trakcie czytania ostatniego już tomu serii, ale miałam ochotę kilka razy walnąć go w łeb - i to bez specjalnego powstrzymywania ręki.
Dodatkowo - naprawdę, jeszcze jedna niby taka seks-taśma? Trzecia w tej całej telenoweli? No mogłabym się bez tego obejść, zwłaszcza, że spokojnie można było w inny sposób pokazać, że więź Willa i Andre jest nierozerwalna i prawdziwa.
Ale znowu, pomimo że daję trzy gwiazdki, to historia świetnie się wpisuje w całość.
December 21, 2018
3.0-3.5 stars....I have been a big fan of this series but this one, I skimmed quite a bit...Too much eye rolling repetition so much so that I was really feeling really bad for Will and Andre and needed to see their HEA...The story seemed as though it didn't know where to go at times so 2 steps forward then 2 steps backwards. There were some really wonderful moments in the book and some very sexy ones as well..Too much chatter about too many of the relatives on occasion that really didn't play a huge role in the story and was unnecessarily confusing and pulled me out of the story... On to Seth!!
September 1, 2018
A beautifully written addition to the series.
This is Will's story. He is run off to hide after being humiliated by being left at the altar on national television. For that part of the story you ought to read The Glasshouse first. Now back in Lavender Shores he builds a friendship with Andre, the twin brother of the man who stole his fiance who is still grieving the sudden loss of his wife from an aneurysm a few years before.
Will grows during the story from a man used to getting his own way and not really very likeable, into a warm and caring person, but everyone questions whether he would face his fears or run again when the pressure builds.
This is Will's story. He is run off to hide after being humiliated by being left at the altar on national television. For that part of the story you ought to read The Glasshouse first. Now back in Lavender Shores he builds a friendship with Andre, the twin brother of the man who stole his fiance who is still grieving the sudden loss of his wife from an aneurysm a few years before.
Will grows during the story from a man used to getting his own way and not really very likeable, into a warm and caring person, but everyone questions whether he would face his fears or run again when the pressure builds.
September 13, 2018
I say everytime a new Lavender Shores book comes out that it's my new fav in the series & damnit, I'm saying it again! Will & Andre's relationship is a delight to follow, the friendship, hurt, love & their journey towards their HEA.
Once again a recommended read from this author. One of my favourite series.
Once again a recommended read from this author. One of my favourite series.
September 16, 2018
This wasn't my favorite. I didn't read the one before this, I have read a few but not in order. I'm assuming Will must have been a large asshat otherwise I cannot imagine that anyone would have wanted Harrison and Adrian together. Will admitted to many issues and worked to change and find himself and who he really was and I liked that. I wish that part had been more actually. It was nice to meet Nick. I think the mothers of these families should take a drunken walk off a pier. My issue with this one was Andre. Unfortunately, I just did not like him at all. I wanted to. I tried. But alas, I could not like him.
I will continue to read from this series.
I will continue to read from this series.
September 4, 2018
3.5 Stars
The Glasshouse wasn’t my favorite of the series but now we get the story of what happened to Will, the poor guy left at the altar on national TV. Reading that book will help make this one clearer, although this will also do okay as a stand alone. Will didn’t come across very well then, seemingly more worried about being famous than actually being married. Afterwards, fleeing to England to get over a man by getting under another (and another), he’s not over it but returns home. Drinking at Seth’s bar he sees Andre, mistakes him for his twin brother Adrian who his ex basically left him for, and punches him. Andre, a widower still in mourning, ends up becoming Will’s best friend, or Will became his because Andre doesn’t realize Will is falling for him. After three years of friendship, Will still thinks Andre is straight, while bisexual Andre has been secretly sleeping with men. I kind of understood that, not wanting to have another woman remind him of his beloved wife and not wanting to be judged by the gossipy, nosy denizens of Lavender Shores for moving forward with his life. It doesn’t seem like a very nice viewpoint from him though, just using men as substitutes.
This is sloooow burn between Will and Andre as they don’t get together as a couple for half the book. Which is fine, because Will needs to grow out of the persona he had cultivated for so long, trying to please his snobby, demanding, arrogant father. The less fun members of the Founding Families are front and center in this one. Will’s older brother Nick appears too, when Andre flies Will to Alaska after a disturbing, drunken phone call from Nick one night. Can’t wait to hear his story. Anyway, I felt this was a bit too long and having the feces hit the fan again just felt like overkill and an unneeded test of their barely established relationship. The time spent in Alaska was nice and shows more of where the title comes from. I mostly enjoyed the way the sex scenes were written, although the mile-high club initiation sounded dangerous. But while plenty hot, they were also written like real sex is, sometimes becoming funny or a little awkward. I liked this book a lot but darn it all, I’m dyin’ for Seth’s story. I’m thinking Nick’s might be next though. Can’t wait either way.
The Glasshouse wasn’t my favorite of the series but now we get the story of what happened to Will, the poor guy left at the altar on national TV. Reading that book will help make this one clearer, although this will also do okay as a stand alone. Will didn’t come across very well then, seemingly more worried about being famous than actually being married. Afterwards, fleeing to England to get over a man by getting under another (and another), he’s not over it but returns home. Drinking at Seth’s bar he sees Andre, mistakes him for his twin brother Adrian who his ex basically left him for, and punches him. Andre, a widower still in mourning, ends up becoming Will’s best friend, or Will became his because Andre doesn’t realize Will is falling for him. After three years of friendship, Will still thinks Andre is straight, while bisexual Andre has been secretly sleeping with men. I kind of understood that, not wanting to have another woman remind him of his beloved wife and not wanting to be judged by the gossipy, nosy denizens of Lavender Shores for moving forward with his life. It doesn’t seem like a very nice viewpoint from him though, just using men as substitutes.
This is sloooow burn between Will and Andre as they don’t get together as a couple for half the book. Which is fine, because Will needs to grow out of the persona he had cultivated for so long, trying to please his snobby, demanding, arrogant father. The less fun members of the Founding Families are front and center in this one. Will’s older brother Nick appears too, when Andre flies Will to Alaska after a disturbing, drunken phone call from Nick one night. Can’t wait to hear his story. Anyway, I felt this was a bit too long and having the feces hit the fan again just felt like overkill and an unneeded test of their barely established relationship. The time spent in Alaska was nice and shows more of where the title comes from. I mostly enjoyed the way the sex scenes were written, although the mile-high club initiation sounded dangerous. But while plenty hot, they were also written like real sex is, sometimes becoming funny or a little awkward. I liked this book a lot but darn it all, I’m dyin’ for Seth’s story. I’m thinking Nick’s might be next though. Can’t wait either way.
September 18, 2018
Review by 2shay..........
This book packed an emotional wallop that left me teary-eyed. This author has a way of weaving words around to make you feel the loss, the grief, the stinging burn of trying to move forward after unbearably sharp sorrow. I shared Andre’s pain. I couldn’t help myself. I cried for him.
Will’s loss was different, but no less profound. Public humiliation, desertion and betrayal by the one you love is just another form of loss...of being left behind.
These two men, Andre and Will, being part of Lavender Shores founding families, have known each other practically from birth. They were never friends. In a drunken haze, Will mistakes Andre for his identical twin brother, Adrian. Oops. Adrian is the man Will’s fiancé deserted him for. Will, having just watched the video of his aborted wedding for the billionth time, takes a swing at Andre...punching him in the face. From that unfortunate incident, a surprising friendship develops.
There are seven books in this series that I haven’t read, regrettably. There is a lot of backstory that I don’t know, more regrettably. I loved this book anyway and never felt that lack of background impacted this book at all. In other words, while I would not call this book a stand-alone, it worked for me.
......Possible Spoiler......Warning.....Possible Spoiler......
This is a confession, of sorts. I enjoy reading well done sex scenes. I have a tendency to flip pages if the sex gets too explicit. The sex in this book gets just a little...okay...really, really explicit! I didn’t flip a single page. The sexual energy and emotion between these men is beautifully portrayed. And they have fun. I can promise that you will never hear, read or even think the word “cockpit” without at least a smile. I won’t. 😎
Grab a copy and...
Enjoy!
This book packed an emotional wallop that left me teary-eyed. This author has a way of weaving words around to make you feel the loss, the grief, the stinging burn of trying to move forward after unbearably sharp sorrow. I shared Andre’s pain. I couldn’t help myself. I cried for him.
Will’s loss was different, but no less profound. Public humiliation, desertion and betrayal by the one you love is just another form of loss...of being left behind.
These two men, Andre and Will, being part of Lavender Shores founding families, have known each other practically from birth. They were never friends. In a drunken haze, Will mistakes Andre for his identical twin brother, Adrian. Oops. Adrian is the man Will’s fiancé deserted him for. Will, having just watched the video of his aborted wedding for the billionth time, takes a swing at Andre...punching him in the face. From that unfortunate incident, a surprising friendship develops.
There are seven books in this series that I haven’t read, regrettably. There is a lot of backstory that I don’t know, more regrettably. I loved this book anyway and never felt that lack of background impacted this book at all. In other words, while I would not call this book a stand-alone, it worked for me.
......Possible Spoiler......Warning.....Possible Spoiler......
This is a confession, of sorts. I enjoy reading well done sex scenes. I have a tendency to flip pages if the sex gets too explicit. The sex in this book gets just a little...okay...really, really explicit! I didn’t flip a single page. The sexual energy and emotion between these men is beautifully portrayed. And they have fun. I can promise that you will never hear, read or even think the word “cockpit” without at least a smile. I won’t. 😎
Grab a copy and...
Enjoy!
March 30, 2023
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Dopo essere stato abbandonato all’altare dal fidanzato, Will Epstein è tornato in città. Ha lasciato trascorrere un po’ di tempo, ma per lui è ancora motivo di imbarazzo fari vedere in città.
La sua famiglia è una delle fondatrici della città, quindi è ricca, spocchiosa e forse anche la più antipatica!
Insomma se la tira parecchio ed essere stato sulla bocca di tutti dopo quell’evento, brucia ancora.
All’epoca non avevo trovato molto simpatico Will: mi sembrava il classico bamboccio che prestava più attenzione alla forma esteriore che al contenuto. Anche la sua reazione al rifiuto del fidanzato di sposarlo mi è sembrato che avesse ferito di più orgoglio che il cuore.
Ho apprezzato che la Abel abbia deciso di dare anche a lui la possibilità di essere felice e di tornare a casa, perché è inutile fuggire da Lavender Shore se ci sei nato!
Una volta che lo si conosce Will non è male, è solo il prodotto dell’ambiente in cui è cresciuto. Per fortuna non tutti lo hanno abbandonato o deriso, c’è chi gli è rimasto accanto e, forse per scherzo del destino, il fratello gemello dell’uomo che gli ha portato via il fidanzato è diventato il suo migliore amico.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Dopo essere stato abbandonato all’altare dal fidanzato, Will Epstein è tornato in città. Ha lasciato trascorrere un po’ di tempo, ma per lui è ancora motivo di imbarazzo fari vedere in città.
La sua famiglia è una delle fondatrici della città, quindi è ricca, spocchiosa e forse anche la più antipatica!
Insomma se la tira parecchio ed essere stato sulla bocca di tutti dopo quell’evento, brucia ancora.
All’epoca non avevo trovato molto simpatico Will: mi sembrava il classico bamboccio che prestava più attenzione alla forma esteriore che al contenuto. Anche la sua reazione al rifiuto del fidanzato di sposarlo mi è sembrato che avesse ferito di più orgoglio che il cuore.
Ho apprezzato che la Abel abbia deciso di dare anche a lui la possibilità di essere felice e di tornare a casa, perché è inutile fuggire da Lavender Shore se ci sei nato!
Una volta che lo si conosce Will non è male, è solo il prodotto dell’ambiente in cui è cresciuto. Per fortuna non tutti lo hanno abbandonato o deriso, c’è chi gli è rimasto accanto e, forse per scherzo del destino, il fratello gemello dell’uomo che gli ha portato via il fidanzato è diventato il suo migliore amico.
Continua sul nostro blog!
September 15, 2018
This was fun! I don't read a ton of romance-for-romance's-sake, and I liked this. It's my first book by one of Brandon Witt's pseudonyms, and I'll definitely read more—perhaps even more from this series! :) I knew this was the 8th book in the series when I went in, and I could tell, as I was reading, that there was probably supplemental information that would have made the story a bit richer for me, but I never felt lost or confused, so I think you can read this as a standalone if you're so inclined.
While this was a quick, fun read, I feel like the story itself kind of slowed down —it didn't necessarily kill the momentum...but it kind of killed the momentum. Or at least tripped it up. Not a huge deal, really, but I definitely got to that point and thought maybe it could have happened a bit later. But it's not like it ruined the story or anything.
Fun stuff!! Hard to complain about Brandon's work. :)
While this was a quick, fun read, I feel like the story itself kind of slowed down —it didn't necessarily kill the momentum...but it kind of killed the momentum. Or at least tripped it up. Not a huge deal, really, but I definitely got to that point and thought maybe it could have happened a bit later. But it's not like it ruined the story or anything.
Fun stuff!! Hard to complain about Brandon's work. :)
December 13, 2018
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Wilderness
Lavender Shores, Book 8
★★★★★
321 Pages
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Would I read it again?: Of course!
Genre: MM, Contemporary, Romance, Enemies-to-friends-to-lovers
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: deals with loss/death, deals with health scare/HIV, and self-discovery themes.
Here's a confession for you – Lavender Shores is one of the only series that I have never found fault with. There are no characters I truly hate and don't want to read about; no books that I've given anything less than 5 stars to; and no other series where I can pick up a book when I'm not feeling well/sociable/in the mood and instantly be swept away. No matter what book I pick up, I immediately feel better, fall straight into the world, and never want to leave. I can read every single book in this series at least twice a year, and never feel like it's a chore to catch up or remind myself of the previous books whenever a new one comes out. And I will never not want to read the next installment.
CHARACTERS
I actually said in my review of book 6 – the only other in the series that directly ties into the events of this novel (though it's not vital to read it, to understand this book) – that I wanted a story for Will. I spent half of book 6 hating him, then I began to understand him and what he was going through, and I knew that Will had the ability to be a character I could love.
Andre, similarly, was a character I felt drawn to within book 6, while we explored Adrian's romance, and I had a feeling that he and Will would be perfect together. I even talking about how much I wanted to see Kimberly Epstein's face when she found out! And I got my wish, and I couldn't be happier. Not because I was right, but because I knew these two were right for each other, and because I got my moment of Kimberly Epstein.
I got exactly what I wanted with these two. Will had his redemption story; Andre discovered that he could “move on” without leaving Meghan behind or pretending he didn't love her wholeheartedly. What I loved the most was how slowly their relationship developed; that it began with compassion drunkenness, descended into an unlikely friendship and became an attraction that crept up on both of them, so much so that they weren't on the same page when they finally revealed their feelings.
Most of all, what I loved was Will's respect for Meghan, and Andre's feelings for her. Never once did he ask Andre to not talk about her, did he show resentment or resistance towards her memory. In fact, he respected it so much that he included her memory in their relationship in small but meaningful ways. And he didn't try to step into a stepfather role with Katniss, but offered a new and just as special relationship for her to count on.
The communication between Will and Andre is another favourite thing of mine. They not only discuss their bedroom roles, openly and without resistance, but they also discuss Meghan, their future, and even Will's assumption that Andre has been secretly gay his entire life. Without that communication, I don't think I could have felt as much as I do for these two men. I would have worried that they were jumping into something that couldn't be good for them. Instead, I got to be there through every important moment, and I seriously hope that book 9 begins with their wedding. A beautiful, palisade wedding in spring/summer that has all the magic Will and Andre deserve! (and none of the Epstein tackiness or gold.)
And while I love Seth and his friendship with Will, how much he supported him and stuck by him, despite it all, can I just give a massive shout out to Robert? I frickin' love Robert. And Pete. Without those three, I'm not sure Will and Andre would have been able to come together or trust in each other as much as they did. And without these three, Lavender Shores wouldn't be what it's become.
PLOT
I loved how the timeline of the plot made sense. It sounds strange, but I liked that we got to see Will just a few months after being left at the alter, the aftermath of all that had gone on with Harrison, and how that affected him. Then we moved on to three years later, when he'd become someone new, when he'd spent time trying to find himself and building a friendship with Andre that helped them both heal their wounds and have someone to lean on. More than anything else, it was that friendship that made me fall in love with these two. Knowing that they helped and healed each other, that they didn't let their family/relationships with other people get in the way of their friendship, and that they were there when the other needed them, let me know that there was a solid foundation for any relationship that followed.
Even the one year gap in the middle of the book, at 44%, made sense to me. It showed that neither of these two were jumping headlong into something that didn't work, or that they were going to push themselves to face a situation that was unhealthy and they weren't mentally ready to face.
Nick's storyline, Seth's continued feud with Charley, and the appearance of a new man in Silas, all make me eager to read more. I love these characters, even from the little we've seen of some of them, and I want them all to have books. Whether that means doubling them up (Seth with Charley, PLEASE!) or each one having their own story, I hope that Lavender Shores is one of those book series that never ends. At least not after reading double digits, if you don't mind.
WRITING
For an ARC, I'm usually shocked when there are few editing issues. But, I've come to expect this level of excellence from Rosalind Abel. The author's skill for storytelling is that kind that sweeps you away with every word, weaving a picture-perfect visual in your mind, while dragging your heart into an emotional rollercoaster. In those circumstances, I'd expect a few editing issues, if I had any hope that the author was on the same crazy emotional ride as I was. And that is true, sometimes, but while you can feel that the author is right there with you, being swept up in the same emotions, the skill of their ability shines through just as equally.
Characterisation, in a series this large, is never a problem for this author. Never, not once, does a character act out of place to how they've acted before. They never say things that they would never have said when they appeared in previous books, unless that change is explained. Such as Will's change to swearing more often.
The characters, the location, the whole world and feel of Lavender Shores is so familiar, no matter how long has passed between each book's release. Lavender Shores feels like a home away from home, like a place you once lived and miss every time you pick up a new book and realise how long it's been since your last visit. Whether it's Joel walking his dogs past Lavender Pages, Erica taking her kids into Mabel's for something to eat, Pete visiting Omar, Robert at the book club, or whether it's Mabel delivering a piece of pie to Lavender Leaves; each page has a special nugget that reminds you of all the people you know and love and who make Lavender Shores a place that you've come to love. So much so that, while I spent 90% of this book with tears burning right at the back of my eyes, it wasn't until Pete went to visit Omar and had that talk with Andre that I couldn't fight them any longer. Just as the stained glass window made me cry. And the beauty of all the little details came together to make the story even more special than it would have been without them.
~
Favourite Quotes
“I just...didn't realize I was important enough to you to hurt you.
He didn't try to pull his arm free, nor did he step away. “You were.””
“His blue eyes glistened with tears, though none fell, and his lips curved into a trembling, self-conscious smile. That was new too. That smile used to be one of arrogance, and then later, of pain, but there...in the forest...it was just Will. My friend, the man who'd helped heal me and then hurt me. Just Will...clearly hoping that I loved him.”
“As stunning as the unearthly flickering lights above us were, they weren't the miracle that nearly broke my heart. “You don't need me to be anything, do you?””
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Wilderness
Lavender Shores, Book 8
★★★★★
321 Pages
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Would I read it again?: Of course!
Genre: MM, Contemporary, Romance, Enemies-to-friends-to-lovers
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: deals with loss/death, deals with health scare/HIV, and self-discovery themes.
Here's a confession for you – Lavender Shores is one of the only series that I have never found fault with. There are no characters I truly hate and don't want to read about; no books that I've given anything less than 5 stars to; and no other series where I can pick up a book when I'm not feeling well/sociable/in the mood and instantly be swept away. No matter what book I pick up, I immediately feel better, fall straight into the world, and never want to leave. I can read every single book in this series at least twice a year, and never feel like it's a chore to catch up or remind myself of the previous books whenever a new one comes out. And I will never not want to read the next installment.
CHARACTERS
I actually said in my review of book 6 – the only other in the series that directly ties into the events of this novel (though it's not vital to read it, to understand this book) – that I wanted a story for Will. I spent half of book 6 hating him, then I began to understand him and what he was going through, and I knew that Will had the ability to be a character I could love.
Andre, similarly, was a character I felt drawn to within book 6, while we explored Adrian's romance, and I had a feeling that he and Will would be perfect together. I even talking about how much I wanted to see Kimberly Epstein's face when she found out! And I got my wish, and I couldn't be happier. Not because I was right, but because I knew these two were right for each other, and because I got my moment of Kimberly Epstein.
I got exactly what I wanted with these two. Will had his redemption story; Andre discovered that he could “move on” without leaving Meghan behind or pretending he didn't love her wholeheartedly. What I loved the most was how slowly their relationship developed; that it began with compassion drunkenness, descended into an unlikely friendship and became an attraction that crept up on both of them, so much so that they weren't on the same page when they finally revealed their feelings.
Most of all, what I loved was Will's respect for Meghan, and Andre's feelings for her. Never once did he ask Andre to not talk about her, did he show resentment or resistance towards her memory. In fact, he respected it so much that he included her memory in their relationship in small but meaningful ways. And he didn't try to step into a stepfather role with Katniss, but offered a new and just as special relationship for her to count on.
The communication between Will and Andre is another favourite thing of mine. They not only discuss their bedroom roles, openly and without resistance, but they also discuss Meghan, their future, and even Will's assumption that Andre has been secretly gay his entire life. Without that communication, I don't think I could have felt as much as I do for these two men. I would have worried that they were jumping into something that couldn't be good for them. Instead, I got to be there through every important moment, and I seriously hope that book 9 begins with their wedding. A beautiful, palisade wedding in spring/summer that has all the magic Will and Andre deserve! (and none of the Epstein tackiness or gold.)
And while I love Seth and his friendship with Will, how much he supported him and stuck by him, despite it all, can I just give a massive shout out to Robert? I frickin' love Robert. And Pete. Without those three, I'm not sure Will and Andre would have been able to come together or trust in each other as much as they did. And without these three, Lavender Shores wouldn't be what it's become.
PLOT
I loved how the timeline of the plot made sense. It sounds strange, but I liked that we got to see Will just a few months after being left at the alter, the aftermath of all that had gone on with Harrison, and how that affected him. Then we moved on to three years later, when he'd become someone new, when he'd spent time trying to find himself and building a friendship with Andre that helped them both heal their wounds and have someone to lean on. More than anything else, it was that friendship that made me fall in love with these two. Knowing that they helped and healed each other, that they didn't let their family/relationships with other people get in the way of their friendship, and that they were there when the other needed them, let me know that there was a solid foundation for any relationship that followed.
Even the one year gap in the middle of the book, at 44%, made sense to me. It showed that neither of these two were jumping headlong into something that didn't work, or that they were going to push themselves to face a situation that was unhealthy and they weren't mentally ready to face.
Nick's storyline, Seth's continued feud with Charley, and the appearance of a new man in Silas, all make me eager to read more. I love these characters, even from the little we've seen of some of them, and I want them all to have books. Whether that means doubling them up (Seth with Charley, PLEASE!) or each one having their own story, I hope that Lavender Shores is one of those book series that never ends. At least not after reading double digits, if you don't mind.
WRITING
For an ARC, I'm usually shocked when there are few editing issues. But, I've come to expect this level of excellence from Rosalind Abel. The author's skill for storytelling is that kind that sweeps you away with every word, weaving a picture-perfect visual in your mind, while dragging your heart into an emotional rollercoaster. In those circumstances, I'd expect a few editing issues, if I had any hope that the author was on the same crazy emotional ride as I was. And that is true, sometimes, but while you can feel that the author is right there with you, being swept up in the same emotions, the skill of their ability shines through just as equally.
Characterisation, in a series this large, is never a problem for this author. Never, not once, does a character act out of place to how they've acted before. They never say things that they would never have said when they appeared in previous books, unless that change is explained. Such as Will's change to swearing more often.
The characters, the location, the whole world and feel of Lavender Shores is so familiar, no matter how long has passed between each book's release. Lavender Shores feels like a home away from home, like a place you once lived and miss every time you pick up a new book and realise how long it's been since your last visit. Whether it's Joel walking his dogs past Lavender Pages, Erica taking her kids into Mabel's for something to eat, Pete visiting Omar, Robert at the book club, or whether it's Mabel delivering a piece of pie to Lavender Leaves; each page has a special nugget that reminds you of all the people you know and love and who make Lavender Shores a place that you've come to love. So much so that, while I spent 90% of this book with tears burning right at the back of my eyes, it wasn't until Pete went to visit Omar and had that talk with Andre that I couldn't fight them any longer. Just as the stained glass window made me cry. And the beauty of all the little details came together to make the story even more special than it would have been without them.
~
Favourite Quotes
“I just...didn't realize I was important enough to you to hurt you.
He didn't try to pull his arm free, nor did he step away. “You were.””
“His blue eyes glistened with tears, though none fell, and his lips curved into a trembling, self-conscious smile. That was new too. That smile used to be one of arrogance, and then later, of pain, but there...in the forest...it was just Will. My friend, the man who'd helped heal me and then hurt me. Just Will...clearly hoping that I loved him.”
“As stunning as the unearthly flickering lights above us were, they weren't the miracle that nearly broke my heart. “You don't need me to be anything, do you?””
July 13, 2023
.✔ Letto! E finalmente avrò l'opportunità di conoscere chi sia la persona che il dolce Harrison Getty pensava di essere innamorato.
Il famoso e bellissimo Will Epstein e cosa sia successo a lui dopo che Harrison lo ha lasciato sull'altare, lasciandolo a subire tutta l'umiliazione in diretta TV nazionale.
Lo troviamo ancora che cerca di annegare il dolore nell'alcol, dal suo barista preferito e amico, Seth Marino.
Ed è proprio li che avrà l'opportunità di incontrerà la coppia sputata della persona che ha contribuito al suo dolore.
Andre Rivera, anche lui che soffre ancora per il dolore per la perdita della sua dolce moglie, morta per un aneurisma. E con una figlia da crescere da solo.
I due condividendo questo senso di perdita e il dolore dietro scoprono che possono essere amici. Salvandosi a vicenda, vediamo questo Will che si trasforma durante la storia, cresce e matura, rompedo le catene che il padre lo tieni prigioniero. E finalmente facendosi conoscere e amare come una persona bella, affettuosa, desiderosa di imparare cose nuove e trovare la sua strada nel mondo.
Da tempo ha scoperto di provare dei sentimenti che vanno oltre l'amicizia per Andre, e qui si passano anni, tra questa scoperta e quando loro prendono posizioni su questi sentimenti che lasceranno tutti a bocca aperta. Ma il sostegno della città ancora una volta è importante e primordiale.
Ho adorato anche questa storia. Will mi è piaciuto un sacco e anche Andre.
Mi piacerebbe tantissimo che anche che Nick trovasse l'amore. E una storia tutta sua sua da raccontare.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤, perché amo questa serie della città più gay del mondo, dopo Cattle Valley.
Il famoso e bellissimo Will Epstein e cosa sia successo a lui dopo che Harrison lo ha lasciato sull'altare, lasciandolo a subire tutta l'umiliazione in diretta TV nazionale.
Lo troviamo ancora che cerca di annegare il dolore nell'alcol, dal suo barista preferito e amico, Seth Marino.
Ed è proprio li che avrà l'opportunità di incontrerà la coppia sputata della persona che ha contribuito al suo dolore.
Andre Rivera, anche lui che soffre ancora per il dolore per la perdita della sua dolce moglie, morta per un aneurisma. E con una figlia da crescere da solo.
I due condividendo questo senso di perdita e il dolore dietro scoprono che possono essere amici. Salvandosi a vicenda, vediamo questo Will che si trasforma durante la storia, cresce e matura, rompedo le catene che il padre lo tieni prigioniero. E finalmente facendosi conoscere e amare come una persona bella, affettuosa, desiderosa di imparare cose nuove e trovare la sua strada nel mondo.
Da tempo ha scoperto di provare dei sentimenti che vanno oltre l'amicizia per Andre, e qui si passano anni, tra questa scoperta e quando loro prendono posizioni su questi sentimenti che lasceranno tutti a bocca aperta. Ma il sostegno della città ancora una volta è importante e primordiale.
Ho adorato anche questa storia. Will mi è piaciuto un sacco e anche Andre.
Mi piacerebbe tantissimo che anche che Nick trovasse l'amore. E una storia tutta sua sua da raccontare.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤, perché amo questa serie della città più gay del mondo, dopo Cattle Valley.
July 30, 2019
Excellent redemption for Will! I'm so glad both he and Adrian had their friendship to help each other through their years of loss. Now it's time for Seth...
(And part of me still wonders about the rest of the families, Heather Kelly and her new husband, Lacy Bryant, Shawn and Tiffany Carlisle, David and Mark Epstein's two sons (who never have come into the series so far), Nick Epstein (who really needs an HEA!!!), and Amelia Rivera and Bethany Amberlie...)
(And part of me still wonders about the rest of the families, Heather Kelly and her new husband, Lacy Bryant, Shawn and Tiffany Carlisle, David and Mark Epstein's two sons (who never have come into the series so far), Nick Epstein (who really needs an HEA!!!), and Amelia Rivera and Bethany Amberlie...)
December 11, 2018
A Chemistry Issue!?!
Personal insecurities, lingering grief and crazy-arse families are the bedrock of the Will & Andre relationship. I must admit this was my least favorite story in the Lavender Shores series. For most of this story, the chemistry was missing between the MCs. I thought Will was mean and harsh toward Andre at the cabin. I didn’t feel the love until maybe the very end.
Personal insecurities, lingering grief and crazy-arse families are the bedrock of the Will & Andre relationship. I must admit this was my least favorite story in the Lavender Shores series. For most of this story, the chemistry was missing between the MCs. I thought Will was mean and harsh toward Andre at the cabin. I didn’t feel the love until maybe the very end.
March 23, 2019
This book was just as amazing as all of the previous Lavender Shores books. I love Will and Andre! This book was emotional and tugged at my heart a little bit but it was beautifully written and felt very authentic to the characters. There was great character development and the pacing made the story flow really well. I cannot wait to get Seth's story next!!
January 14, 2019
This might be the best one so far. it has everything, good writing, multitude of emotions well placed and a believable story.
September 11, 2018
Will and Andre finally get their turn!
From earlier books in this series, we know Will was left at the alter and Andre is mourning the loss of his wife. These guys deserve their HEA and they find just that after first finding what makes them happy as individuals.
A bit angsty, but I love the we are finally seeing a character who’s HIV status is something other than negative. #reallifeproblems.
Recommended.
From earlier books in this series, we know Will was left at the alter and Andre is mourning the loss of his wife. These guys deserve their HEA and they find just that after first finding what makes them happy as individuals.
A bit angsty, but I love the we are finally seeing a character who’s HIV status is something other than negative. #reallifeproblems.
Recommended.
September 26, 2018
(Verified purchase, Sept 12 2018)
This is book 8 in the Lavender Shores series, and you don't NEED to have read the others before this one. I would, however, probably recommend that you read book 6, The Glasshouse. You'll get a better picture of what Will suffered, and it gives a hint to this book!
Will was left at the altar in font of a multi million viewing audience. Andre's wife passed away. Together, they get themselves through a really tough period. But it's not until Will decides to run clear across the world, does Andre realise what Will means to him, and just how much his heart would break, if he lost him.
For me? The weakest of the series, and I've no idea why! And you KNOW how much that pains me!!
I loved the other books, all 4 and 5 stars reads, and I really was looking forward to this one, especially after that hint in book 6, and I really don't know why in falls flat *insert wailing*
It's well told, from both Will and Andre's point of view, in the first person, just like the rest. It's extremely well written and well delivered and I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading. And I DID read it in one sitting, just like the rest!
It has very early (internal) professions of love, from both guys, and I don't usually like that but its quite some time before they SAY the words. It's a bit more . . . whats the word . . . lovey dovey . . . hearts and flowers . . . . .type of thing, than the rest, or at least I thought so? Maybe that's it?? **insert more wailing**
I just don't know WHY this one didn't hit the spot, and for that I'm sorry. But still a nice read and a good addition to the series.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 8 in the Lavender Shores series, and you don't NEED to have read the others before this one. I would, however, probably recommend that you read book 6, The Glasshouse. You'll get a better picture of what Will suffered, and it gives a hint to this book!
Will was left at the altar in font of a multi million viewing audience. Andre's wife passed away. Together, they get themselves through a really tough period. But it's not until Will decides to run clear across the world, does Andre realise what Will means to him, and just how much his heart would break, if he lost him.
For me? The weakest of the series, and I've no idea why! And you KNOW how much that pains me!!
I loved the other books, all 4 and 5 stars reads, and I really was looking forward to this one, especially after that hint in book 6, and I really don't know why in falls flat *insert wailing*
It's well told, from both Will and Andre's point of view, in the first person, just like the rest. It's extremely well written and well delivered and I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading. And I DID read it in one sitting, just like the rest!
It has very early (internal) professions of love, from both guys, and I don't usually like that but its quite some time before they SAY the words. It's a bit more . . . whats the word . . . lovey dovey . . . hearts and flowers . . . . .type of thing, than the rest, or at least I thought so? Maybe that's it?? **insert more wailing**
I just don't know WHY this one didn't hit the spot, and for that I'm sorry. But still a nice read and a good addition to the series.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
January 12, 2019
There's a lot of hashing out the same things over and over again in this story. The whole thing felt just okay. I'll be glad if we get a Nick story at some point. What did make me furious was Andre and Will's decision to go without condoms before getting tested even though Will's brother has HIV, and they should know better than to be absolutely certain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Whenever I start a review for this series, there is always so much I want to say about what I loved, but I don’t want to go on all day. So sometimes, I miss discussing one or two things. As I looked at the title for this book, it occurred to me how much I love the titles; how they are simply a place, but one that means so much to the main characters. The Wilderness, whether it be the area around Lavender Shores, the woods in Alaska, or Washington, is a place for Andre and Will to escape. They need to escape the prying eyes, the pitying, the gossip that can happen in their small town. And sometimes they need to escape one of my favorite things about Lavender Shores – the founding families.
We met Andre’s parents in The Glasshouse, when Andre’s twin fell in love. We also met the Epsteins in The Veranda, when Will’s sister’s ex-husband fell in love with their half-brother. (Needless to say there is a bit of drama in Lavender Shores.) Most of the books, though, have been about the Bryants and the Kellys, two of the families in Lavender Shores I would love to be a part of. They might have a little craziness going on especially Robert Kelly, whose appearance in each book makes me smile. But they also have so much love. All the founding families do have some expectations of their offspring but the Epsteins and the Riveras take it to a whole new level.
Since Andre’s wife died, and after a respectable waiting time, Andre’s mother has been pushing him to fall in love and find happiness again. She probably has good intentions but her refusal to listen to what her kids really want and accept those wants makes her intimidating and not really likable. But Andre has good friends like Will and Seth to talk to, he has his daughter who he wants to be his best self for, and he has his twin who can sympathize with him when their parents drive them crazy.
Will undergoes so much character development from the first time we met him. He was a diva, at first. He thought being an Epstein made him superior but he came by that from hearing his parents saying it all the time. Years of living up to his father’s expectations have really taken root in Will, even as he yearns to be free. His humiliation of being left at the alter is something he can’t get past especially when his father won’t let him. It does take some time and forgiving Harrison and Adrian isn’t easy even as Will slowly changes. He becomes a little more humble, and he finds good friendship with Andre and Seth. His friendship with Andre is especially important until it isn’t enough anymore.
It isn’t an easy path for Will and Andre. Andre is bisexual though Will doesn’t know it. He is also not looking to fall in love again, because he doesn’t want to risk his heart. Will thinks he has no chance, and the truth is Andre did place him in the friend zone. When they are open about their feelings, Will’s love and Andre’s reluctance, things crumble and both are hurting when one of them leaves Lavender Shores. It takes a funeral for them to see each other, and then they have to work on rebuilding trust before they can form a relationship. I didn’t expect it, but these two have become one of my favorite couples of the series.
At the end of the book, I still loved Lavender Shores, but I could see a downside to the town. While there are some wonderful people in Lavender Shores there are a few judgmental busybodies who made me shake my head. I love discovering each new couple and each new place so much though, that I would probably overlook those people to still live there. There are so many possible couples I want to read about from previous books, and in this book a character really made me want a story. Will’s brother Nick left Lavender Shores and the pressures from his father to live a somewhat lonely life in Alaska. I don’t know if it’s possible he will ever come back to live in Lavender Shores, and at the risk of being a busybody with this fictional character, I need him to find his happy and I don’t think it’s him living alone.
Do I need to tell you how much I recommend this book or this series? Probably not, but I will. This is a must read series! While it’s not necessary to read the books in order, I think it can only add to the experience by starting with the first book. The audios are also great, so what are you waiting for? 🙂 Hope you enjoy.
Whenever I start a review for this series, there is always so much I want to say about what I loved, but I don’t want to go on all day. So sometimes, I miss discussing one or two things. As I looked at the title for this book, it occurred to me how much I love the titles; how they are simply a place, but one that means so much to the main characters. The Wilderness, whether it be the area around Lavender Shores, the woods in Alaska, or Washington, is a place for Andre and Will to escape. They need to escape the prying eyes, the pitying, the gossip that can happen in their small town. And sometimes they need to escape one of my favorite things about Lavender Shores – the founding families.
We met Andre’s parents in The Glasshouse, when Andre’s twin fell in love. We also met the Epsteins in The Veranda, when Will’s sister’s ex-husband fell in love with their half-brother. (Needless to say there is a bit of drama in Lavender Shores.) Most of the books, though, have been about the Bryants and the Kellys, two of the families in Lavender Shores I would love to be a part of. They might have a little craziness going on especially Robert Kelly, whose appearance in each book makes me smile. But they also have so much love. All the founding families do have some expectations of their offspring but the Epsteins and the Riveras take it to a whole new level.
Since Andre’s wife died, and after a respectable waiting time, Andre’s mother has been pushing him to fall in love and find happiness again. She probably has good intentions but her refusal to listen to what her kids really want and accept those wants makes her intimidating and not really likable. But Andre has good friends like Will and Seth to talk to, he has his daughter who he wants to be his best self for, and he has his twin who can sympathize with him when their parents drive them crazy.
Will undergoes so much character development from the first time we met him. He was a diva, at first. He thought being an Epstein made him superior but he came by that from hearing his parents saying it all the time. Years of living up to his father’s expectations have really taken root in Will, even as he yearns to be free. His humiliation of being left at the alter is something he can’t get past especially when his father won’t let him. It does take some time and forgiving Harrison and Adrian isn’t easy even as Will slowly changes. He becomes a little more humble, and he finds good friendship with Andre and Seth. His friendship with Andre is especially important until it isn’t enough anymore.
It isn’t an easy path for Will and Andre. Andre is bisexual though Will doesn’t know it. He is also not looking to fall in love again, because he doesn’t want to risk his heart. Will thinks he has no chance, and the truth is Andre did place him in the friend zone. When they are open about their feelings, Will’s love and Andre’s reluctance, things crumble and both are hurting when one of them leaves Lavender Shores. It takes a funeral for them to see each other, and then they have to work on rebuilding trust before they can form a relationship. I didn’t expect it, but these two have become one of my favorite couples of the series.
At the end of the book, I still loved Lavender Shores, but I could see a downside to the town. While there are some wonderful people in Lavender Shores there are a few judgmental busybodies who made me shake my head. I love discovering each new couple and each new place so much though, that I would probably overlook those people to still live there. There are so many possible couples I want to read about from previous books, and in this book a character really made me want a story. Will’s brother Nick left Lavender Shores and the pressures from his father to live a somewhat lonely life in Alaska. I don’t know if it’s possible he will ever come back to live in Lavender Shores, and at the risk of being a busybody with this fictional character, I need him to find his happy and I don’t think it’s him living alone.
Do I need to tell you how much I recommend this book or this series? Probably not, but I will. This is a must read series! While it’s not necessary to read the books in order, I think it can only add to the experience by starting with the first book. The audios are also great, so what are you waiting for? 🙂 Hope you enjoy.
April 14, 2024
Aspettavo con una certa trepidazione di leggere la storia di Andre Rivera e Will Epstein, due uomini che nei precedenti volumi avevano attirato la mia attenzione, In particolare, ero curioso di comprendere come avrebbe potuto svilupparsi una relazione sentimentale tra due personalità in apparenza così diverse.
In realtà, “La natura selvaggia”, ottavo volume della serie “Lavender Shores”, mi ha mostrato due protagonisti molto più in sintonia di quanto mi aspettassi. Andre e Will sono due anime che si sono ritrovate in una strana serata di ubriachezza e depressione e hanno scoperto di condividere molti aspetti della loro vita, soprattutto quel senso di smarrimento legato alle recenti perdite subite, che li spinge a cementare un’amicizia profonda e rinfrancante, una fonte di reciproco conforto che, tuttavia, nasconde un sentimento importante destinato a uscire allo scoperto.
Will Epstein è il ragazzo d’oro di Lavender Shores, arrogante rampollo di una importante famiglia fondatrice, star televisiva con un radioso futuro davanti, figlio prediletto di un padre egoista e invadente, che ha su di lui grandi aspettative. Tutto questo fino a quando Will non viene abbandonato all’altare dal suo fidanzato Harrison e finisce per diventare uno zimbello per tutti, considerato che il suo ex poco tempo dopo trova l’amore con Adrian Rivera. Sicuramente, tutto si sarebbe aspettato fuorché diventare il migliore amico del gemello dell’uomo che gli ha portato via il suo futuro sposo, ma il rapporto con Andre diventa per lui imprescindibile, tanto da spingerlo a cambiare e a pensare di potersi finalmente liberare dell’influenza paterna per poter realizzare ciò che desidera davvero. Ben presto, Will realizza che quello che prova per Andre è molto più di un’amicizia, ma è convinto che il suo amico non sia interessato agli uomini e che, in ogni caso, dopo la perdita della moglie pochi anni prima, non sia comunque pronto per una relazione. Forse, però il destino potrebbe aver deciso diversamente.
Andre Rivera, pilota ed ex militare, si è innamorato di Meghan a prima vista quando era appena adolescente, non ha mai avuto dubbi sul loro rapporto, sul fatto che fossero anime gemelle, destinate a invecchiare insieme e vedere i propri figli crescere. Ma un aneurisma si è portato via la sua amata moglie troppo presto, per cui Andre è rimasto da solo, vedovo inconsolabile e padre di una ragazzina a cui dedicare ogni attenzione per non farle pesare troppo l’assenza materna. L’uomo sembra rassegnato a non ritrovare più la serenità, ma conoscere Will lo aiuta a sorridere nuovamente, rappresenta per lui una sorta di rinascita, tanto che la sola idea di perderlo rischia di essere molto più devastante di quanto potesse mai immaginare, spingendolo a pensare a una seconda possibilità di amare. Ma saprà davvero cogliere questa opportunità?
L’autore con la sua consueta scrittura precisa ed elegante ha dato vita con grande sensibilità ad una storia di rinascita, in cui entrambi i protagonisti devono lottare contro le aspettative altrui per far valere i propri desideri, all’interno di una cittadina che, seppure aperta e accogliente, sa a volte essere un po’ invadente e soffocante. Ho amato il cambiamento di Will, il suo mostrarsi non più come un ragazzo viziato e arrogante, con il nascosto e profondo desiderio di ricercare l’approvazione altrui, ma come un uomo maturo e sensibile, che sa far ridere il suo migliore amico, che sa essere comprensivo e pronto all’ascolto, che sa ricercare la sua strada lontano dai riflettori e dal successo illusorio, nel momento in cui si rende conto di essere abbastanza per l’unica persona che conta davvero. Ho provato una grande empatia per Andre, un uomo disperato e fragile che avverte in modo lancinante la mancanza di sua moglie, ma si mostra capace di ricordarla con tenerezza nei piccoli gesti quotidiani. A volte può sembrare egoista nelle sue scelte, ma in realtà si limita a cercare dove possibile un sollievo dal dolore che non gli procuri sensi di colpa, confinato nel suo ruolo di vedovo inconsolabile che inizia a stargli stretto, ma che non riesce ad abbandonare per poter andare avanti. Dovrà affrontare nuovamente una sensazione di perdita, rischiando di spezzarsi definitivamente, per poter aprire finalmente gli occhi e vedere in Will una nuova occasione per essere felice, ma sarà necessario superare paure e timori per poter fare questo passo avanti. Anche Andre subisce pressioni familiari in campo lavorativo e sentimentale, ma reagisce senza farsi piegare, lasciandosi guidare dall’istinto e da una sensazione di predestinazione.
La narrazione è molto ben strutturata, coinvolgente ed emozionante, con la storia di Andre e Will che si sviluppa con il giusto ritmo, una splendida amicizia che lentamente si evolve trasformandosi in un amore profondo, pur dovendo attraversare periodi di tensione e distacco, con segreti che vengono scoperti in modo traumatico e paure da affrontare senza indugio. Non manca il supporto della famiglia e degli amici, che a volte sanno essere invadenti, ma sanno elargire consigli e conforto al momento giusto. Le scene erotiche non sono molte, ma sono davvero ben descritte e sapientemente inserite all’interno della narrazione, mostrando la passione e lo stupore di due uomini che non credevano inizialmente di poter trovare la felicità insieme.
“La natura selvaggia” è un romanzo bellissimo che ho amato e assaporato poco alla volta, che mi ha fatto vivere emozioni intense grazie a due protagonisti meravigliosamente descritti, che mi hanno fatto realmente comprendere cosa significhi essere anime gemelle e che nella natura selvaggia ritrovano insieme la loro pace lontano dal mondo caotico.
In realtà, “La natura selvaggia”, ottavo volume della serie “Lavender Shores”, mi ha mostrato due protagonisti molto più in sintonia di quanto mi aspettassi. Andre e Will sono due anime che si sono ritrovate in una strana serata di ubriachezza e depressione e hanno scoperto di condividere molti aspetti della loro vita, soprattutto quel senso di smarrimento legato alle recenti perdite subite, che li spinge a cementare un’amicizia profonda e rinfrancante, una fonte di reciproco conforto che, tuttavia, nasconde un sentimento importante destinato a uscire allo scoperto.
Will Epstein è il ragazzo d’oro di Lavender Shores, arrogante rampollo di una importante famiglia fondatrice, star televisiva con un radioso futuro davanti, figlio prediletto di un padre egoista e invadente, che ha su di lui grandi aspettative. Tutto questo fino a quando Will non viene abbandonato all’altare dal suo fidanzato Harrison e finisce per diventare uno zimbello per tutti, considerato che il suo ex poco tempo dopo trova l’amore con Adrian Rivera. Sicuramente, tutto si sarebbe aspettato fuorché diventare il migliore amico del gemello dell’uomo che gli ha portato via il suo futuro sposo, ma il rapporto con Andre diventa per lui imprescindibile, tanto da spingerlo a cambiare e a pensare di potersi finalmente liberare dell’influenza paterna per poter realizzare ciò che desidera davvero. Ben presto, Will realizza che quello che prova per Andre è molto più di un’amicizia, ma è convinto che il suo amico non sia interessato agli uomini e che, in ogni caso, dopo la perdita della moglie pochi anni prima, non sia comunque pronto per una relazione. Forse, però il destino potrebbe aver deciso diversamente.
Andre Rivera, pilota ed ex militare, si è innamorato di Meghan a prima vista quando era appena adolescente, non ha mai avuto dubbi sul loro rapporto, sul fatto che fossero anime gemelle, destinate a invecchiare insieme e vedere i propri figli crescere. Ma un aneurisma si è portato via la sua amata moglie troppo presto, per cui Andre è rimasto da solo, vedovo inconsolabile e padre di una ragazzina a cui dedicare ogni attenzione per non farle pesare troppo l’assenza materna. L’uomo sembra rassegnato a non ritrovare più la serenità, ma conoscere Will lo aiuta a sorridere nuovamente, rappresenta per lui una sorta di rinascita, tanto che la sola idea di perderlo rischia di essere molto più devastante di quanto potesse mai immaginare, spingendolo a pensare a una seconda possibilità di amare. Ma saprà davvero cogliere questa opportunità?
L’autore con la sua consueta scrittura precisa ed elegante ha dato vita con grande sensibilità ad una storia di rinascita, in cui entrambi i protagonisti devono lottare contro le aspettative altrui per far valere i propri desideri, all’interno di una cittadina che, seppure aperta e accogliente, sa a volte essere un po’ invadente e soffocante. Ho amato il cambiamento di Will, il suo mostrarsi non più come un ragazzo viziato e arrogante, con il nascosto e profondo desiderio di ricercare l’approvazione altrui, ma come un uomo maturo e sensibile, che sa far ridere il suo migliore amico, che sa essere comprensivo e pronto all’ascolto, che sa ricercare la sua strada lontano dai riflettori e dal successo illusorio, nel momento in cui si rende conto di essere abbastanza per l’unica persona che conta davvero. Ho provato una grande empatia per Andre, un uomo disperato e fragile che avverte in modo lancinante la mancanza di sua moglie, ma si mostra capace di ricordarla con tenerezza nei piccoli gesti quotidiani. A volte può sembrare egoista nelle sue scelte, ma in realtà si limita a cercare dove possibile un sollievo dal dolore che non gli procuri sensi di colpa, confinato nel suo ruolo di vedovo inconsolabile che inizia a stargli stretto, ma che non riesce ad abbandonare per poter andare avanti. Dovrà affrontare nuovamente una sensazione di perdita, rischiando di spezzarsi definitivamente, per poter aprire finalmente gli occhi e vedere in Will una nuova occasione per essere felice, ma sarà necessario superare paure e timori per poter fare questo passo avanti. Anche Andre subisce pressioni familiari in campo lavorativo e sentimentale, ma reagisce senza farsi piegare, lasciandosi guidare dall’istinto e da una sensazione di predestinazione.
La narrazione è molto ben strutturata, coinvolgente ed emozionante, con la storia di Andre e Will che si sviluppa con il giusto ritmo, una splendida amicizia che lentamente si evolve trasformandosi in un amore profondo, pur dovendo attraversare periodi di tensione e distacco, con segreti che vengono scoperti in modo traumatico e paure da affrontare senza indugio. Non manca il supporto della famiglia e degli amici, che a volte sanno essere invadenti, ma sanno elargire consigli e conforto al momento giusto. Le scene erotiche non sono molte, ma sono davvero ben descritte e sapientemente inserite all’interno della narrazione, mostrando la passione e lo stupore di due uomini che non credevano inizialmente di poter trovare la felicità insieme.
“La natura selvaggia” è un romanzo bellissimo che ho amato e assaporato poco alla volta, che mi ha fatto vivere emozioni intense grazie a due protagonisti meravigliosamente descritti, che mi hanno fatto realmente comprendere cosa significhi essere anime gemelle e che nella natura selvaggia ritrovano insieme la loro pace lontano dal mondo caotico.
September 12, 2018
While a new addition to the Lavender Shores is always welcome, THE WILDERNESS is particularly welcome when two familiar characters come together to share their grief, the unfairness when life is changed without giving permission.
Will Epstein, still the gorgeous blond left at the altar in front of a national television audience and Andre Rivera sweet, sexy widower, and single father. As two members of the founding families of Lavender Shores, having grown up with the heritage and expectations the positions required, they find in each other companionship, humor, and sharing the sheer ridiculousness of their positions. Will after nearly 40 years, is still trying to measure up to his father’s unobtainable expectations. Andre is trying to be a loving father to a 12-year-old daughter, while fending off his mother’s effusive attempts for him to date. Luckily his business as a private pilot fly allows him the ability to escape the confines of Lavender Shores. Wishing sometimes he could leave and begin again somewhere new without memories, but Andre knows he could not do this to his daughter.
A family confession finds Andre and Will flying overnight to the Alaskan Wilderness, to see Nick Epstein. A little too much spiced rum and heartfelt confessions has Will leaving for London on the return to Lavender Shores and Andre missing his confidant and best friend while compounding the loss in his past.
The underlying contract of THE WILDRENESS is that it will be a good book. Good will not begin to value this story. It is that rare writing which captures the reader page by page, into Andre and Will’s intimate thoughts for a unique love story.
Deeply romantic as only a love based in friendship without expectations of finding a soul mate and finally realizing that both men are going through their own wilderness to unexpectedly find each other in a new perspective. This will undoubtably be my most favorite Lavender Shore.
Will Epstein, still the gorgeous blond left at the altar in front of a national television audience and Andre Rivera sweet, sexy widower, and single father. As two members of the founding families of Lavender Shores, having grown up with the heritage and expectations the positions required, they find in each other companionship, humor, and sharing the sheer ridiculousness of their positions. Will after nearly 40 years, is still trying to measure up to his father’s unobtainable expectations. Andre is trying to be a loving father to a 12-year-old daughter, while fending off his mother’s effusive attempts for him to date. Luckily his business as a private pilot fly allows him the ability to escape the confines of Lavender Shores. Wishing sometimes he could leave and begin again somewhere new without memories, but Andre knows he could not do this to his daughter.
A family confession finds Andre and Will flying overnight to the Alaskan Wilderness, to see Nick Epstein. A little too much spiced rum and heartfelt confessions has Will leaving for London on the return to Lavender Shores and Andre missing his confidant and best friend while compounding the loss in his past.
The underlying contract of THE WILDRENESS is that it will be a good book. Good will not begin to value this story. It is that rare writing which captures the reader page by page, into Andre and Will’s intimate thoughts for a unique love story.
Deeply romantic as only a love based in friendship without expectations of finding a soul mate and finally realizing that both men are going through their own wilderness to unexpectedly find each other in a new perspective. This will undoubtably be my most favorite Lavender Shore.
September 7, 2018
Review by Gloria Lakritz Sr Reviewer of the Paranormal Romance Guild
5*****STARS
Novella: The Wilderness
Series: Lavender Shores Book #8
Author: Rosalind Abel
Publisher: Rosalind Abel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rated:Mature M/M
Pages:300 pages
Release date: Sept 21. 2018
Oh how special….I am away for theLabor Day Weekend and I have book 8 Lavender Shores with me on a 4 ½ hr plane ride…..I am in heaven because I am enchanted that maybe Will Epstein will have an HEA Man was he ever shamed s Harrison left him at the alter…..a bloody sex video with Adrian in the Greenhouse and it had to be more shame .
Roalind Abel has chosen a back drop of Lavender Shores to host this series. The Shores host a LQBTQ town of founding families and we certainly are trying to keep them straight. The Epsteins, Kellys, Riveras bah blah blah….
Will Epstein and Harrison were due to marry on TV like one of those Bachelor in Paradise shows and Harrison got cold feet and ran from the alter leaving handsome Will Epstein in a load of shame…. wedding was televised….next was Harrison and Adrian Rivera being filmed getting busy in an uploaded hot sex video. How to live that down?
Finally the group formed the three amigos…..the Bartender…..Harrison and Andre Rivera (Adrian’s twin) …..When I read who the mc were I was so happy to see Will….But Andre had as much if not more baggage. Andre was married to Meghan and had a beautiful daughter……Losing Meghan in an instant to a brain aneurism.
Rosalind let the speed take its own time….Friendship first… then trust….. The unexpected trip to Alaska to Will’s brother Nick…( need to see more of Nick) The relationship was hard….Will leaving the Shores, returning for funeral….this was meant to be…
I loved this story….Every word…all 300 pages…..
5*****STARS
Novella: The Wilderness
Series: Lavender Shores Book #8
Author: Rosalind Abel
Publisher: Rosalind Abel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rated:Mature M/M
Pages:300 pages
Release date: Sept 21. 2018
Oh how special….I am away for theLabor Day Weekend and I have book 8 Lavender Shores with me on a 4 ½ hr plane ride…..I am in heaven because I am enchanted that maybe Will Epstein will have an HEA Man was he ever shamed s Harrison left him at the alter…..a bloody sex video with Adrian in the Greenhouse and it had to be more shame .
Roalind Abel has chosen a back drop of Lavender Shores to host this series. The Shores host a LQBTQ town of founding families and we certainly are trying to keep them straight. The Epsteins, Kellys, Riveras bah blah blah….
Will Epstein and Harrison were due to marry on TV like one of those Bachelor in Paradise shows and Harrison got cold feet and ran from the alter leaving handsome Will Epstein in a load of shame…. wedding was televised….next was Harrison and Adrian Rivera being filmed getting busy in an uploaded hot sex video. How to live that down?
Finally the group formed the three amigos…..the Bartender…..Harrison and Andre Rivera (Adrian’s twin) …..When I read who the mc were I was so happy to see Will….But Andre had as much if not more baggage. Andre was married to Meghan and had a beautiful daughter……Losing Meghan in an instant to a brain aneurism.
Rosalind let the speed take its own time….Friendship first… then trust….. The unexpected trip to Alaska to Will’s brother Nick…( need to see more of Nick) The relationship was hard….Will leaving the Shores, returning for funeral….this was meant to be…
I loved this story….Every word…all 300 pages…..
November 10, 2023
I really, really enjoyed this book - more than I thought I would too. I'd kind of binged all the previous books in the series, since I have a bad habit of forgetting too much if I wait too long in between series books. But after I finished the previous book, I was getting antsy for something totally different and then it took awhile before I felt like resuming it. This is likely a me thing.
Once I started listening though after a long break, I was quickly sucked in and felt as if I could've listened to the whole thing nonstop, if only that were possible. And while I didn't instantly connect EVERY character's name with previous storylines, things came back really fast. And that's definitely an endorsement. (There's a LOT of characters in this book & in the series - John Solo did a great job with voicing so many, though I'm not sure that all the Riveras needed such accents, considering that they'd lived there for generations.)
For suspense and depth, the book definitely had moments of anger, sadness, and bittersweetness to work through, since the main characters were a widow and a guy who'd been left at the altar, but there was also such a great amount of humor in this book. I laughed out loud - loudly out loud - several times. With regard to the characters, I think I love Will most of all in the whole series. He's often full of anger and bile, and his thoughts and/or words sometimes make him seem like a lost cause, but there's so much more. I just love a complicated, messed up character in need of redemption and I could really understand why he didn't always do the perfect thing. I did like Andre quite a bit, though he was almost TOO perfect.
There's only one more book in the series, but I wish there were more and that more characters would get their own books. Maybe someday, the author will return to this series?
Once I started listening though after a long break, I was quickly sucked in and felt as if I could've listened to the whole thing nonstop, if only that were possible. And while I didn't instantly connect EVERY character's name with previous storylines, things came back really fast. And that's definitely an endorsement. (There's a LOT of characters in this book & in the series - John Solo did a great job with voicing so many, though I'm not sure that all the Riveras needed such accents, considering that they'd lived there for generations.)
For suspense and depth, the book definitely had moments of anger, sadness, and bittersweetness to work through, since the main characters were a widow and a guy who'd been left at the altar, but there was also such a great amount of humor in this book. I laughed out loud - loudly out loud - several times. With regard to the characters, I think I love Will most of all in the whole series. He's often full of anger and bile, and his thoughts and/or words sometimes make him seem like a lost cause, but there's so much more. I just love a complicated, messed up character in need of redemption and I could really understand why he didn't always do the perfect thing. I did like Andre quite a bit, though he was almost TOO perfect.
There's only one more book in the series, but I wish there were more and that more characters would get their own books. Maybe someday, the author will return to this series?
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