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Nook Island #1
Center of Gravity
When life comes apart at the seams, love is the only thread that can mend it
Accountant Rob Macomb has a stable job that he’s good at and… that’s about it. A year of nothing but heartache leaves him seeking refuge from loneliness and grief behind spreadsheets, punishing daily runs, and the occasional anonymous tryst. He wants only to bury the past and focus on his career, but he has one last task to complete: pack up his parent’s quaint beachside house and put it on the market.
Alex Andrews is a budding artist with a penchant for Converse, Cracker Jack, and piercings. Family turmoil sidelines his dreams of finishing art school and building a career in three-dimensional design, and now he’s doing whatever he can to keep everyone afloat.
When Alex shows up as a part of the moving crew hired to help Rob clean out the house, what should be a simple move becomes far more complex. Because it’s not the first time they’ve met, and their last encounter was memorable for all the wrong reasons.
The attraction between them is undeniable and intense, but Rob’s hell-bent on pushing everyone away, and Alex is on the verge of spinning out of control. Can a grumpy accountant and a bootstrapping artist find their center of gravity together, or are they on a collision course to heartbreak?
An emotionally-charged, slow burn m/m romance featuring an age gap, hurt/comfort themes, and a hard-won happily ever after. This is the standalone first in the Nook Island, Georgia series.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2018
187 people are currently reading
1103 people want to read
About the author
Neve Wilder
21 books2,012 followersNeve Wilder lives in the southern U.S., where the summers are hot and the winters are...sometimes cold. She is a mom to three rambunctious weebeasts who have joined forces in a mission to carpet the family home with toys and small items that really suck to step on at six in the morning.
She reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. Down and dirty scorchers? Yes. And every flavor in between.
Neve isn't keen on being limited to one type of story or a single genre. If you enjoy slow burns and musicians, the Rhythm of Love series might be up your alley.
You'll find high heat, crackling sexual tension, and a variety of angst levels in the new adult Extracurricular Activities series that begins with Want Me.
Like smart-ass antiheroes and super steamy thrill rides? Stay tuned for the upcoming Wages of Sin series, which begins with Bad Habits.
If you need a good cry, Center of Gravity is a standalone age-gap slow burn that examines grief, enduring love, and imperfect characters doing their best (or worst, as it were) in shitty situations.
Neve fervently believes David Bowie was the sexiest musician to ever live, and she's always game to nerd out on anything from music to writing.
And finally, she believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.
She reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. Down and dirty scorchers? Yes. And every flavor in between.
Neve isn't keen on being limited to one type of story or a single genre. If you enjoy slow burns and musicians, the Rhythm of Love series might be up your alley.
You'll find high heat, crackling sexual tension, and a variety of angst levels in the new adult Extracurricular Activities series that begins with Want Me.
Like smart-ass antiheroes and super steamy thrill rides? Stay tuned for the upcoming Wages of Sin series, which begins with Bad Habits.
If you need a good cry, Center of Gravity is a standalone age-gap slow burn that examines grief, enduring love, and imperfect characters doing their best (or worst, as it were) in shitty situations.
Neve fervently believes David Bowie was the sexiest musician to ever live, and she's always game to nerd out on anything from music to writing.
And finally, she believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
May 28, 2019
This was a pleasant surprise. Not a book without faults, but I enjoyed it a lot regardless.
The pacing felt off at times, the MCs were assholes sometimes, and a couple scenes were somewhat weird but it had so much heart! The grief was palpable and a constant thing but despite the fact it was portrayed very realistically, it was never overwhelming. It was obvious this was a subject matter very close to the author's heart, but the romance was always on the forefront. There was a lot of push and pull but I'm known to love this stuff so I was completely on board with it.
At first I was afraid that the conflict in the end was fake, but I soon realized that both characters had valid reasons that made sense to me. The separation period, the reunion that followed and the epilogue were lovely.
Plus, I'm really digging this author writing style.
I hope this is not the only book in the series. There is a go go dancer and a bi jock that beg for a story. I hope the author doesn't leave us hanging!
The pacing felt off at times, the MCs were assholes sometimes, and a couple scenes were somewhat weird but it had so much heart! The grief was palpable and a constant thing but despite the fact it was portrayed very realistically, it was never overwhelming. It was obvious this was a subject matter very close to the author's heart, but the romance was always on the forefront. There was a lot of push and pull but I'm known to love this stuff so I was completely on board with it.
At first I was afraid that the conflict in the end was fake, but I soon realized that both characters had valid reasons that made sense to me. The separation period, the reunion that followed and the epilogue were lovely.
Plus, I'm really digging this author writing style.
I hope this is not the only book in the series. There is a go go dancer and a bi jock that beg for a story. I hope the author doesn't leave us hanging!
May 28, 2019
This author can do romance just as well as erotica. The first thing I read by this author was her Want Me series, which was primarily erotica but with romance as well. This book was the opposite, but just like with her erotica series and how the romance was done well and well written, the sex scenes in this were just as well written as the romance, which was front and center in this.
Rob is a 37 year old accountant who has been trying to make his way up in his corporate financial company for the past ten years, but the past year or so hasn't been good, because he's lost first his mother and then father and also had his heart broken by Sean, his ex. He's just starting to get past the worst of his grief after his father has died, and also slowly getting over Sean by having one-night stands.
One particular one-night-stand - although you can't even call him that, because all he did was blow Rob in the bathroom of the club they met at before Rob bailed (because he got a call from Sean and since he wasn't 100% over him, it affected him) - named Alex, a 22, almost 23 year old whose father has cancer and so he's had to move back before his senior year in college becomes much more than a one time thing, though.
When Rob takes a few weeks off work to go to Nook Island where his parents had lived - not too far from Savannah where Rob works - and to move their stuff out and make the house presentable to sell, he runs into Alex again, who is one of the movers at his parents house.
Rob is tense and uncomfortable about Alex being there, even as he attracted to him, and tries to keep him at arms length, while Alex at first is amused by Rob's behavior, because it isn't serious for Alex at first either, even if he wouldn't mind a few repeat performances (this time with him getting off as well), because he's a one-night-stand kind of guy too. Although Alex's reasons are just because he hasn't found anyone he's wanted to be with for more than a short period of time, while Rob is scared to put himself out there again.
Rob resists Alex for awhile - and when their time together is extended when Alex offers to help paint the house and fix things up (for the extra cash he needs to help his family, what with his father sick and the bills piling up - but also to be near Rob), Rob and Alex get closer, even with Rob doing everything in his power to keep Alex at arms length.
When Rob finally gives in and sleeps with Alex, he maintains that it's just sex and nothing more, and Alex is okay with that...at first. But of course they start to fall for each other, but Rob is still keeping Alex at arms length. He goes back to work in Savannah while coming back to Nook Island every weekend to have sex with Alex.
When Alex has enough (and frankly, assumes things and doesn't really let Rob talk...although it's understandable with what he's going through and with how Rob's been treating him), personal issues with his father make things worse and Rob, who was previously holding Alex at arms length...finds himself getting a taste of his own medicine.
So things get quite a bit angsty for a bit (and almost made me cry) as these two try to figure things out - and as mostly Alex figures things out. Their HEA was hard fought for, but I love how they got there, and their HEA was wonderful.
I loved these two together, they had such an amazing connection. Their age difference didn't matter either (even though Alex angsted over it for a bit) and they were able to just connect and work well together. I loved their characters and I loved the secondary characters in this as well (well, except Sean. He can fuck off) and I loved how well written this was. Every character - even Sean - felt three dimensional, they were well rounded and their motivations and actions and so on made sense.
I've come to love this author, who can do the romance as well as the sex and the sex as well as the romance. I can't wait to read more from her, because I just get sucked into her books (even though this was a slow start, I soon got sucked into this like crazy) and want to keep reading.
Two thumbs up from me for this, it was amazing. Definitely recommend!
Rob is a 37 year old accountant who has been trying to make his way up in his corporate financial company for the past ten years, but the past year or so hasn't been good, because he's lost first his mother and then father and also had his heart broken by Sean, his ex. He's just starting to get past the worst of his grief after his father has died, and also slowly getting over Sean by having one-night stands.
One particular one-night-stand - although you can't even call him that, because all he did was blow Rob in the bathroom of the club they met at before Rob bailed (because he got a call from Sean and since he wasn't 100% over him, it affected him) - named Alex, a 22, almost 23 year old whose father has cancer and so he's had to move back before his senior year in college becomes much more than a one time thing, though.
When Rob takes a few weeks off work to go to Nook Island where his parents had lived - not too far from Savannah where Rob works - and to move their stuff out and make the house presentable to sell, he runs into Alex again, who is one of the movers at his parents house.
Rob is tense and uncomfortable about Alex being there, even as he attracted to him, and tries to keep him at arms length, while Alex at first is amused by Rob's behavior, because it isn't serious for Alex at first either, even if he wouldn't mind a few repeat performances (this time with him getting off as well), because he's a one-night-stand kind of guy too. Although Alex's reasons are just because he hasn't found anyone he's wanted to be with for more than a short period of time, while Rob is scared to put himself out there again.
Rob resists Alex for awhile - and when their time together is extended when Alex offers to help paint the house and fix things up (for the extra cash he needs to help his family, what with his father sick and the bills piling up - but also to be near Rob), Rob and Alex get closer, even with Rob doing everything in his power to keep Alex at arms length.
When Rob finally gives in and sleeps with Alex, he maintains that it's just sex and nothing more, and Alex is okay with that...at first. But of course they start to fall for each other, but Rob is still keeping Alex at arms length. He goes back to work in Savannah while coming back to Nook Island every weekend to have sex with Alex.
When Alex has enough (and frankly, assumes things and doesn't really let Rob talk...although it's understandable with what he's going through and with how Rob's been treating him), personal issues with his father make things worse and Rob, who was previously holding Alex at arms length...finds himself getting a taste of his own medicine.
So things get quite a bit angsty for a bit (and almost made me cry) as these two try to figure things out - and as mostly Alex figures things out. Their HEA was hard fought for, but I love how they got there, and their HEA was wonderful.
I loved these two together, they had such an amazing connection. Their age difference didn't matter either (even though Alex angsted over it for a bit) and they were able to just connect and work well together. I loved their characters and I loved the secondary characters in this as well (well, except Sean. He can fuck off) and I loved how well written this was. Every character - even Sean - felt three dimensional, they were well rounded and their motivations and actions and so on made sense.
I've come to love this author, who can do the romance as well as the sex and the sex as well as the romance. I can't wait to read more from her, because I just get sucked into her books (even though this was a slow start, I soon got sucked into this like crazy) and want to keep reading.
Two thumbs up from me for this, it was amazing. Definitely recommend!
October 5, 2018
After having year in which his father and mother both died, and finding out his boyfriend was not quite as broken up with his wife as previously stated, the last thing that Rob Macomb wants to be doing is packing up his parent’s house for sale. But with his sister living across the country, he is the only one around to do it. Hopefully he can do it quickly, if not painlessly. A few days and surely he can go back to his boring, if predictable, life.
Imagine his surprise when the moving company he hired to help him shows up and one of them is the guy he hooked up with recently. Under a different name. In a club. Where Rob left before returning the blow job he received in the bathroom. Awkward. But what had started with only a hookup turns slowly into something that could one day be more. If only Rob wasn’t still wrestling with his grief, or Alex wasn’t 15 years younger, or if both of them were at a point in their lives where more seems impossible. If only, if only, if only…
While a bit sedate at times, I found that this story really made that work. Watching these two circle each other, drawing closer then pushing back, steadily working out what they needed from the other and themselves, made it so that you are ready to strangle the two of them by the time they have worked their shit out. In a good way.
There are not very high stakes in this story, just an underlying grief and inevitability that lingers in the background, so this slow ramp up of tension between Alex and Rob is needed. But it never crossed over into gimmicky angst, where the book is shouting at you to Feel Sad Right Now!!! This story knows how to work levity into all this seriousness, leaving the reader unafraid of the next scene because it knows how to knock you down and leave you asking for more.
A bit of the back-and-forth can get frustrating at times, though. But the age difference makes sense of their conflicts. They are coming at each other from two vastly different points in their lives. It was inevitable that they wouldn’t see things in the same light all the time. But the years that can separate them, can also bring them together. They are both dealing with some major life changes, and having the other there to show them a different way to handle things, makes a huge difference.
This story was a bit of a downer at times, and as such I can’t say it will be getting a re-read any time soon, but it was still a very good story. Enough hope to balance the sad parts, and enough love to make even those parts worth it. It also did a few things I wasn’t expecting, and I found the story was all the better for it. This might not be the go-to if you want a light read, but if you can brave the possibility of tears, I think you will find yourself well rewarded.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Imagine his surprise when the moving company he hired to help him shows up and one of them is the guy he hooked up with recently. Under a different name. In a club. Where Rob left before returning the blow job he received in the bathroom. Awkward. But what had started with only a hookup turns slowly into something that could one day be more. If only Rob wasn’t still wrestling with his grief, or Alex wasn’t 15 years younger, or if both of them were at a point in their lives where more seems impossible. If only, if only, if only…
While a bit sedate at times, I found that this story really made that work. Watching these two circle each other, drawing closer then pushing back, steadily working out what they needed from the other and themselves, made it so that you are ready to strangle the two of them by the time they have worked their shit out. In a good way.
There are not very high stakes in this story, just an underlying grief and inevitability that lingers in the background, so this slow ramp up of tension between Alex and Rob is needed. But it never crossed over into gimmicky angst, where the book is shouting at you to Feel Sad Right Now!!! This story knows how to work levity into all this seriousness, leaving the reader unafraid of the next scene because it knows how to knock you down and leave you asking for more.
A bit of the back-and-forth can get frustrating at times, though. But the age difference makes sense of their conflicts. They are coming at each other from two vastly different points in their lives. It was inevitable that they wouldn’t see things in the same light all the time. But the years that can separate them, can also bring them together. They are both dealing with some major life changes, and having the other there to show them a different way to handle things, makes a huge difference.
This story was a bit of a downer at times, and as such I can’t say it will be getting a re-read any time soon, but it was still a very good story. Enough hope to balance the sad parts, and enough love to make even those parts worth it. It also did a few things I wasn’t expecting, and I found the story was all the better for it. This might not be the go-to if you want a light read, but if you can brave the possibility of tears, I think you will find yourself well rewarded.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 29, 2019
I'm digging this author's writing style.
Highlights:
-Age gap
-Grief. It was palpable throughout the story but never felt like a kick in the gut. I loved the way she handled it.
-Push and pull was delicious AND frustrating! Lol
-The conflict never felt OTT. It made sense.
-The romance and chemistry.
-Winslow! ❤ I don't think what happened to him needed to happen, but at least he survived.
-The epilogue.
Neve Wilder is an author to look out for. I'm looking forward to what else she has in store for us in the future.
4.25 Stars
Highlights:
-Age gap
-Grief. It was palpable throughout the story but never felt like a kick in the gut. I loved the way she handled it.
-Push and pull was delicious AND frustrating! Lol
-The conflict never felt OTT. It made sense.
-The romance and chemistry.
-Winslow! ❤ I don't think what happened to him needed to happen, but at least he survived.
-The epilogue.
Neve Wilder is an author to look out for. I'm looking forward to what else she has in store for us in the future.
4.25 Stars
September 4, 2022
I knew Neve Wilder was an excellent writer, and I've enjoyed the angst she's worked into her other books, but I was not prepared for the emotional depth in this book still.
This book takes on the heaviness of grief so well, but still keeps it wonderfully balanced with hope and a wholesome romance, as well as personal growth. Reading the authors note at the end makes it clear how it was dead on for those feelings, though I expect nothing less from such a skilled writer.
The romance was impeccable - both on how the characters came together, and how they helped each other come to realizations and grow within themselves in a completely natural feeling way. I truly believed in their future as a happy couple at the end, through all they overcame.
Everything had its place in this story, and served to develop all the storylines and characters at the same time. Absolutely a work of art, it took me a while to read because of how much it was on my emotions. I highly recommend this.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
This book takes on the heaviness of grief so well, but still keeps it wonderfully balanced with hope and a wholesome romance, as well as personal growth. Reading the authors note at the end makes it clear how it was dead on for those feelings, though I expect nothing less from such a skilled writer.
The romance was impeccable - both on how the characters came together, and how they helped each other come to realizations and grow within themselves in a completely natural feeling way. I truly believed in their future as a happy couple at the end, through all they overcame.
Everything had its place in this story, and served to develop all the storylines and characters at the same time. Absolutely a work of art, it took me a while to read because of how much it was on my emotions. I highly recommend this.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
June 12, 2022
DNF at 40%
I enjoyed the beginning of this story very much and I can’t find any faults in the writing aside from the fact that things seem to be dragging a little so far, although I’ve seen reviews mentioning that the pace picks up in the second half.
The main problem I have is that I can’t connect with the characters, I can see they are well-written and the characterization is good, but I can only see it at a logical level, I don’t feel it and I definitely don’t feel any chemistry between them. Since I liked how the story started, I was hoping it would turn around soon, that I would click with Alex and Rob eventually, but I had to accept reality when I started skimming during the first sex scene and realized I didn’t really care to find out what was in store for them next.
I enjoyed the beginning of this story very much and I can’t find any faults in the writing aside from the fact that things seem to be dragging a little so far, although I’ve seen reviews mentioning that the pace picks up in the second half.
The main problem I have is that I can’t connect with the characters, I can see they are well-written and the characterization is good, but I can only see it at a logical level, I don’t feel it and I definitely don’t feel any chemistry between them. Since I liked how the story started, I was hoping it would turn around soon, that I would click with Alex and Rob eventually, but I had to accept reality when I started skimming during the first sex scene and realized I didn’t really care to find out what was in store for them next.
December 31, 2021
⭐️ 5+++ ⭐️
LOVED IT!! ♥️ Wilder knows what she’s doing 🙃
LOVED IT!! ♥️ Wilder knows what she’s doing 🙃
May 29, 2019
What a book! Truly one of only two books to crush me completely. Center of Gravity is a somewhat quiet study on illness, grief and healing. Don’t worry it is also a romantic book but not one where the main characters tear up the sheets every five minutes. There are no quick fixes or magic dicks present. In fact it is honest, painful and doesn’t pull its punches. That being said it does have its moments. Passion and connection between the MC’s is portrayed with realism within the context of the story. The characters are imperfect, they make mistakes - to be honest I wasn’t sure I liked Rob for a good portion of this book- he grew on me. In the end who am I to judge? We all grieve differently and my experiences are not the same as Rob or Alex’s here.
Center of Gravity is beautifully handled by the author and I think a successful first M/M novel. I’ve read another of her books and will read others when she writes them. As for this one I’m finding it difficult to rate. It is exquisitely painful in places and I’m not sure I can give a book 5 stars when it highlighted some of my own harsh realities. Then again how can I not give it *5 Stars*? After all it made me write a review (not something I do often), what a dilemma. For now I need to dry the dog off, I ran out of tissues and used him instead (don’t worry he’s used to it.) Then I can have time to contemplate and reflect on my rating.
For those who need to know it’s not all doom and gloom and most importantly there is a HEA for Rob and Alex.
It couldn’t be anything else *5 Stars*
April 29, 2023
This one had all the ingredients to be perfect but it was letdown by a few specific narrative choices, including having the second half drag with too much repetition and keeping the MCs apart for longer than I would have liked. In addition, the inclusion of some side plots which weren't woven together with the main romance annoyed me because they ended up not mattering.
I really liked both MCs and how the author gave them both issues to work on. Rob is dealing with grief from having lost his parents and a cheating partner in the same year while he's also unhappy with his career and life in general. Alex might be ten years younger than him but he's in the same boat: his dad has cancer and only has a few months left to live, the family is struggling financially and Alex also feels directionless in life. I liked that both of them had conflicts they were struggling with because it allowed both of them to give and receive comfort and support from each other. I particularly liked some great hurt-comfort stuff that was included .
In particular, the absolutely gutted me.
As a side note, I also adored Rob's dog Winslow. He's a snotty, aggressive little dog who spends the entire book zooming around, yapping at people and deciding who are his preferred humans (Alex easily gets added to the list, along with Alex's younger sister). Rob's growing bond with Winslow throughout the story was really well done and I nearly had a heart attack when . His presence added some much needed lightness into the story when both Rob and Alex were dealing with difficult things, which was great.
Unfortunately, I felt the story was much longer than it needed to be. The main conflict keeping the MCs apart for the majority of the story was that neither felt the other was serious about the relationship. This could have been resolved with one in-depth conversation but the author refused to let the MCs have that conversation until the end of the story. Along the way, there was a lot of angsting from both MCs, a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of unintentional hurting of each other. The problem is that the entire thing became repetitive after a while and I got bored. In particular, I didn't like how the MCs always defaulted to sex instead of communicating properly whenever they were together in the last half, which meant there was a lot of sex happening but the relationship progression felt stalled by manufactured drama. This author is known from writing very, VERY hot smut scenes and that stayed true in this story, but I got tired of it eventually because the MCs were just spinning in endless circles.
It didn't help that the author went off on some tangents to give some side characters really in-depth story arcs when that didn't add anything to the MCs romance. For example -
Not only did I find the second half a bit boring and repetitive, but another side effect of this long lasting miscommunication was that we didn't get to see enough of the MCs being the supportive partners I wanted them to be. The worst examples of this were done by Rob, who was so convinced that both of them didn't want anything serious that the guy was actually dating another character in the final chapters of the story before that long-needed conversation finally happens between Rob and Alex. Not only that, but . This is something they both wanted and they insisted it was good for their overall relationship, but I hated it. If something really emotional happens with one MC, the whole point of a romance novel is that I want the other MC to be there 100% - supporting, comforting and joining whatever battle needs to be fought. Having the MCs acting awkward and unsure about their feelings for each other in the final chapters of the story is a kind of romance story structure I don't like.
So overall, this wasn't a great example of a romance for me but the writing was great, the MCs were fantastic and I enjoyed it overall.
I really liked both MCs and how the author gave them both issues to work on. Rob is dealing with grief from having lost his parents and a cheating partner in the same year while he's also unhappy with his career and life in general. Alex might be ten years younger than him but he's in the same boat: his dad has cancer and only has a few months left to live, the family is struggling financially and Alex also feels directionless in life. I liked that both of them had conflicts they were struggling with because it allowed both of them to give and receive comfort and support from each other. I particularly liked some great hurt-comfort stuff that was included .
In particular, the absolutely gutted me.
As a side note, I also adored Rob's dog Winslow. He's a snotty, aggressive little dog who spends the entire book zooming around, yapping at people and deciding who are his preferred humans (Alex easily gets added to the list, along with Alex's younger sister). Rob's growing bond with Winslow throughout the story was really well done and I nearly had a heart attack when . His presence added some much needed lightness into the story when both Rob and Alex were dealing with difficult things, which was great.
Unfortunately, I felt the story was much longer than it needed to be. The main conflict keeping the MCs apart for the majority of the story was that neither felt the other was serious about the relationship. This could have been resolved with one in-depth conversation but the author refused to let the MCs have that conversation until the end of the story. Along the way, there was a lot of angsting from both MCs, a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of unintentional hurting of each other. The problem is that the entire thing became repetitive after a while and I got bored. In particular, I didn't like how the MCs always defaulted to sex instead of communicating properly whenever they were together in the last half, which meant there was a lot of sex happening but the relationship progression felt stalled by manufactured drama. This author is known from writing very, VERY hot smut scenes and that stayed true in this story, but I got tired of it eventually because the MCs were just spinning in endless circles.
It didn't help that the author went off on some tangents to give some side characters really in-depth story arcs when that didn't add anything to the MCs romance. For example -
Not only did I find the second half a bit boring and repetitive, but another side effect of this long lasting miscommunication was that we didn't get to see enough of the MCs being the supportive partners I wanted them to be. The worst examples of this were done by Rob, who was so convinced that both of them didn't want anything serious that the guy was actually dating another character in the final chapters of the story before that long-needed conversation finally happens between Rob and Alex. Not only that, but . This is something they both wanted and they insisted it was good for their overall relationship, but I hated it. If something really emotional happens with one MC, the whole point of a romance novel is that I want the other MC to be there 100% - supporting, comforting and joining whatever battle needs to be fought. Having the MCs acting awkward and unsure about their feelings for each other in the final chapters of the story is a kind of romance story structure I don't like.
So overall, this wasn't a great example of a romance for me but the writing was great, the MCs were fantastic and I enjoyed it overall.
October 10, 2018
So I kinda fell in love with this book.
Which in all actuality I probably should have stayed very far away from because
But there was actually just this quiet sense of melancholy that drew me right in.
I love books where the 2 MCs challenge the relationship. I hate insta love.
I need deep. I need to feel an ache in my chest that I rub and rub and rub while I'm reading.
I love sexual chemistry. I love the push pull. I love when both MCs push and pull and I don't know but a grey Monday with the fire lit and a good book is the best life and its exactly what I got with this book.
Mare~Slitsread
Which in all actuality I probably should have stayed very far away from because
But there was actually just this quiet sense of melancholy that drew me right in.
I love books where the 2 MCs challenge the relationship. I hate insta love.
I need deep. I need to feel an ache in my chest that I rub and rub and rub while I'm reading.
I love sexual chemistry. I love the push pull. I love when both MCs push and pull and I don't know but a grey Monday with the fire lit and a good book is the best life and its exactly what I got with this book.
Mare~Slitsread
November 29, 2019
After reading her short stories with Nate & Eric that are full of banter - and the author is really good at that, lemme tell ya - I wasn't sure what to expect from this story.
The last few chapters were indeed very sad, and hard to read, I was choking on my tears, while trying to hold them back. I maaay have skimmed over the most brutal chapter, when the grief was so overwhelming I couldn't take it.
Otherwise this book was very flirtatious, though I'm used to way more banter from Neve Wilder, I believe she held back on that front, so the tone would match that of the last few chapters, and wouldn't feel as if I was reading two different books. And that was smart.
There's age gap between the MC's which caused some conflict, there's also an ex, who showed up out of desperation I believe, and caused the Big (and stupid) Misunderstanding. The ex was not portrayed as the bad guy here, at least I didn't see him that way. It was just bad timing on his part. And I can imagine him getting his own story in this series maybe.
One thing I noticed and don't particularly like about her writing is that her characters often space out, for example after a sex scene... they stare into nothing while they think back on some past event, and they start monologuing. Other authors do that too, but Neve somehow does it differently, can't really explain what I mean. It happened in Dedicated too, but there it was coupled with dialogues while we traveled back in time in the characters head. It was confusing.
Another example for this spacing out when the MC would get home, goes in the kitchen to drink a cup of water, and then would start monologuing by the time we reach the end of the scene somehow he's already in his bedroom switching off the light, but how did he got there?
Overall I like Neve's stories, and her writing is good too, I especially like her vocabulary, I don't mean in a big way, but you know there are certain phrases and expressions in the gay romance genre that are there in every damn book and sometimes I'm sick of reading the same words. Seems to me the author made it her mission to shake it up a little. :)
Patiently awaiting the very straight Tom and genderfluid Reese's story. It's been so long since I read a good GFY. Le' sigh.
The last few chapters were indeed very sad, and hard to read, I was choking on my tears, while trying to hold them back. I maaay have skimmed over the most brutal chapter, when the grief was so overwhelming I couldn't take it.
Otherwise this book was very flirtatious, though I'm used to way more banter from Neve Wilder, I believe she held back on that front, so the tone would match that of the last few chapters, and wouldn't feel as if I was reading two different books. And that was smart.
There's age gap between the MC's which caused some conflict, there's also an ex, who showed up out of desperation I believe, and caused the Big (and stupid) Misunderstanding. The ex was not portrayed as the bad guy here, at least I didn't see him that way. It was just bad timing on his part. And I can imagine him getting his own story in this series maybe.
One thing I noticed and don't particularly like about her writing is that her characters often space out, for example after a sex scene... they stare into nothing while they think back on some past event, and they start monologuing. Other authors do that too, but Neve somehow does it differently, can't really explain what I mean. It happened in Dedicated too, but there it was coupled with dialogues while we traveled back in time in the characters head. It was confusing.
Another example for this spacing out when the MC would get home, goes in the kitchen to drink a cup of water, and then would start monologuing by the time we reach the end of the scene somehow he's already in his bedroom switching off the light, but how did he got there?
Overall I like Neve's stories, and her writing is good too, I especially like her vocabulary, I don't mean in a big way, but you know there are certain phrases and expressions in the gay romance genre that are there in every damn book and sometimes I'm sick of reading the same words. Seems to me the author made it her mission to shake it up a little. :)
Patiently awaiting the very straight Tom and genderfluid Reese's story. It's been so long since I read a good GFY. Le' sigh.
October 3, 2018
This was a story I really got immersed in; there was no insta-love here, it was a relationship that evolved in its own time, and during the journey we got to see and feel the emotional connection building exponentially between these two men. I could understand Rob’s insistence on keeping up his walls up, being where he was in his life and the losses he’d suffered, and Alex; going through one of the most horrific experiences that a person can and trying to hold it together for himself and his family. Both seemingly poles apart; one, successful and settled and the other just starting out and finding his footing in life, but as we read on, we see them slowly start to realise that they could be exactly what the other needs.
I can’t believe this a newly published author; the calibre of the writing is truly remarkable―not that I’m an expert in any way, but after reading hundreds of books in this genre, you get a feel for who’s perfected and polished their craft and who’s just starting out―it’s very cleverly written, funny as hell in parts and deeply moving to the point that I had to put it down for a moment to just process what was happening with Alex and his dad. The dialogue between them and also Alex’s thoughts on this journey were expressed in a tragically beautiful and honest way, the agony was laid bare, but we also felt love, in its purest form.
Once in a while, a book comes along and knocks you for six; this is one of those books. It was a joy to read and it had so much depth, that it reached another level for me. I adored the supporting cast; in particular, Alex’s dad was a phenomenal character. I’m really happy I found this book and I’m looking forward to reading more from Neve Wilder.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
I can’t believe this a newly published author; the calibre of the writing is truly remarkable―not that I’m an expert in any way, but after reading hundreds of books in this genre, you get a feel for who’s perfected and polished their craft and who’s just starting out―it’s very cleverly written, funny as hell in parts and deeply moving to the point that I had to put it down for a moment to just process what was happening with Alex and his dad. The dialogue between them and also Alex’s thoughts on this journey were expressed in a tragically beautiful and honest way, the agony was laid bare, but we also felt love, in its purest form.
Once in a while, a book comes along and knocks you for six; this is one of those books. It was a joy to read and it had so much depth, that it reached another level for me. I adored the supporting cast; in particular, Alex’s dad was a phenomenal character. I’m really happy I found this book and I’m looking forward to reading more from Neve Wilder.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
October 20, 2019
“But sadness was maddening in how it transformed through time, the way it could hide in plain sight, lying in wait in something as small and innocuous as a set of car keys, a pair of socks, a layer of dust—ready to sting with the vicious quickness of a paper cut.”
I don’t think I would have picked this book up if I knew it was going to deal so closely with the death of parents. I knew that one of the men had lost both parents within a year so that part wasn’t a surprise. I didn’t know that the other man had a father who was dying. So put all of that together and it was very heavy. I didn’t know so much of the focus would be on that. I’m at the age where I see my parents getting older and get intense anxiety about it. So this was hard for me to read. It made me think about so many of my deep fears.
All of this being said, I don’t regret reading this book. It was beautiful and poignant. Neve Wilder noted at the end of this book that losing her own father was a big part of this book. It shows. The grief feels real. This was unlike the other Wilder books I read but that’s not a bad thing. Quite the opposite. I like seeing authors show different sides.
Side note: I hope she someday writes a book about Reece and Tom. They are begging for a story. I think I saw in her Facebook group that she was waiting for them to talk to her. Let’s hope they talk soon! 😉
I don’t think I would have picked this book up if I knew it was going to deal so closely with the death of parents. I knew that one of the men had lost both parents within a year so that part wasn’t a surprise. I didn’t know that the other man had a father who was dying. So put all of that together and it was very heavy. I didn’t know so much of the focus would be on that. I’m at the age where I see my parents getting older and get intense anxiety about it. So this was hard for me to read. It made me think about so many of my deep fears.
All of this being said, I don’t regret reading this book. It was beautiful and poignant. Neve Wilder noted at the end of this book that losing her own father was a big part of this book. It shows. The grief feels real. This was unlike the other Wilder books I read but that’s not a bad thing. Quite the opposite. I like seeing authors show different sides.
Side note: I hope she someday writes a book about Reece and Tom. They are begging for a story. I think I saw in her Facebook group that she was waiting for them to talk to her. Let’s hope they talk soon! 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2019
This was my first book of Wilder's ... and I thought it was good 😊
Sure, it got a bit heavy near the end -- and I was in tears -- but the whole book was a good combination of cuteness and tenderness and angst. I was very much entertained with the how determined Alex was to wear Rob down, telling the older man that there was nothing wrong to have some fun.
The part with Alex's sick father, and Rob reminiscing about his own deceased father wasn't easy to read -- and I felt that this was very personal to the author, reading her note in the back of this book -- but it also felt necessary.
There were lots of things that also happened, and it made this story as a slow burn category ... which made me pretty satisfied.
Sure, it got a bit heavy near the end -- and I was in tears -- but the whole book was a good combination of cuteness and tenderness and angst. I was very much entertained with the how determined Alex was to wear Rob down, telling the older man that there was nothing wrong to have some fun.
The part with Alex's sick father, and Rob reminiscing about his own deceased father wasn't easy to read -- and I felt that this was very personal to the author, reading her note in the back of this book -- but it also felt necessary.
There were lots of things that also happened, and it made this story as a slow burn category ... which made me pretty satisfied.
January 2, 2019
This was a wonderful start to my new reading year 2019! Funny and sad with a wonderful happy ending.
Now off to the short story 'Sightlines', which is not on GR yet. Hopefully someone will add it soon.
Now off to the short story 'Sightlines', which is not on GR yet. Hopefully someone will add it soon.
August 6, 2019
Rob and Alex will stay with me... a beautiful and heartbreaking read, that ends happy. Strong character development, lots of layers with a ton warmth (and steam.) Highly recommend.
September 4, 2021
4.5 stars from me. Another well-written story from Neve Wilder, this one full of feels but at the same time, there was an underlying sense of sadness because you knew that the story would probably end with a death and all the melancholy and misery that goes along with it.
Rob, the elder of the MC's, needed a few kicks up the backside as far as I was concerned. He hurt Alex on several occasions with his attitude which was both reserved and aloof even though it was fairly obvious that he had feelings, whereas Alex was practically an open book and had moved back home, given up art college, and was taking any job he could just to help his mum stay afloat when his dad's medical bills were eating up any savings the family had. Yes, Alex was only 22 but he certainly seemed to be the adult in the 'relationship' such as it was...you were pretty much a coward Rob, and that was mostly thanks to the way he'd been treated by his ex [sorry Sean, but not sorry for you at all].
Liked Tom most of the time [Alex's helper at the removal company] and hope that he might feature in book 2 of this series [now he's got his bisexual groove on]...along with a certain go-go dancer of his acquaintance 😉.
Rob, the elder of the MC's, needed a few kicks up the backside as far as I was concerned. He hurt Alex on several occasions with his attitude which was both reserved and aloof even though it was fairly obvious that he had feelings, whereas Alex was practically an open book and had moved back home, given up art college, and was taking any job he could just to help his mum stay afloat when his dad's medical bills were eating up any savings the family had. Yes, Alex was only 22 but he certainly seemed to be the adult in the 'relationship' such as it was...you were pretty much a coward Rob, and that was mostly thanks to the way he'd been treated by his ex [sorry Sean, but not sorry for you at all].
Liked Tom most of the time [Alex's helper at the removal company] and hope that he might feature in book 2 of this series [now he's got his bisexual groove on]...along with a certain go-go dancer of his acquaintance 😉.
October 7, 2018
4.5 Stars
This tender jerker with its slow burn to love and relationship and the stops and starts of two heroes who find their way to a perfect match.
Rob is shut down when they meet and Alex is reeling with his father's illness.
All the details of this story make it truly special from the inherited dog, discovered truths about Rob's fathers, the intensity of Alex's job clearing out houses, the wonderful art and Cracker Jacks.
The secondary characters are fully drawn and compelling. Wilder creates a rich and vibrant world in this Georgia islet setting but most importantly is the emotionial truths of grief, falling in love, and varied and vivid connections.
Rob and Alex struggle together and apart and then find a safe loving place in each other.
Really lovely read.
This tender jerker with its slow burn to love and relationship and the stops and starts of two heroes who find their way to a perfect match.
Rob is shut down when they meet and Alex is reeling with his father's illness.
All the details of this story make it truly special from the inherited dog, discovered truths about Rob's fathers, the intensity of Alex's job clearing out houses, the wonderful art and Cracker Jacks.
The secondary characters are fully drawn and compelling. Wilder creates a rich and vibrant world in this Georgia islet setting but most importantly is the emotionial truths of grief, falling in love, and varied and vivid connections.
Rob and Alex struggle together and apart and then find a safe loving place in each other.
Really lovely read.
October 12, 2018
4.5 stars
There's much to like about this story. Good writing...really good writing, actually. The characters are well fleshed out, the dialogue is good and the MCs have wonderful chemistry. Both characters are dealing with death (or imminent death) of a parent. This was beautifully.. and painfully accurately portrayed. The book was generally well balanced with enough snark and charm to lighten things up but I felt that the last quarter could have been tightened up a bit. I skimmed the gratuitous sex scenes and the two unnecessary epilogues.
Ms Wilder has been added to my auto-buy list.
There's much to like about this story. Good writing...really good writing, actually. The characters are well fleshed out, the dialogue is good and the MCs have wonderful chemistry. Both characters are dealing with death (or imminent death) of a parent. This was beautifully.. and painfully accurately portrayed. The book was generally well balanced with enough snark and charm to lighten things up but I felt that the last quarter could have been tightened up a bit. I skimmed the gratuitous sex scenes and the two unnecessary epilogues.
Ms Wilder has been added to my auto-buy list.
Read
October 18, 2019I tried, I really did but I had to DNF at 48%. It bored me to tears. I mean there was some background story of the one guy who's closed off, but the other guy kept pursuing and very little actually happened. I feel bad because I really loved Want Me by the same author, but this just wasn't my jam.
Want to read
November 18, 2021Thank you to Sassy Kane for the gift!
January 30, 2020
Actual rate is 4.8
This is a book that I can admit I approached with a lot of wariness. The blurb made me uncomfortable because its main theme is one that can be mishandled really fast.
So I'll be v. candid and point out that this book deals with grief/mourning from page one.
OTOH, there's Rob who was slowly approaching the stage of acceptance after his parents' deaths within a short period of time. He was "mostly okay" and, to many ppl, seemed like a man on top of the world. And then, there was Alex who is coping with the fact that his father's on the last part of his battle against cancer. Although he had his family support, losing a parent is rarely easy and can feel like the weight of the world.
Rather than going into an exaggerated/overly dramatic route, Wilder takes the reader into a journey that is honest yet respectful when it comes to such a heavy topic. I handled it okay up until the last third of the novel when I deffo had to stop and have a good cry.
For all the seriousness in the novel, though, there were deffo moments of humor, tenderness, horniness, and (eventually) love between the MCs. Their chemistry was easy and inviting. Individual issues aside (Rob's tendency to reticence, Alex's occasional immaturity), Rob and Alex were a good couple because of the age gap. Rob had experience that won Alex over while Alex brought a kind of happy impulsiveness that was much needed in Rob's life.
It was so rewarding to see Alex eventually find his way into a more adult mindset without having to sacrifice his inner spark. For Rob, the theme of change or, better said, evolution was important and well-done. I truly believed in how their storylines developed because nothing really felt faked or exaggerated.
The secondary characters (including 2 women) were superb. I liked how the story allowed readers to see Rob and Alex when they were apart, who they interacted with, their friends, etc. In return, the book felt more complete than if it had focused only in Rob and Alex's times together.
One interesting thing was seeing the potential building of a new couple in a future book? I'm legit crossing all the crossables because I was impressed with how deftly this author handled the situation of a character who is questioning their sexuality. (I'm trying to be vague because, although it didn't catch me by surprise, it was cool enough for me to zip up my lips abt it.)
All that praise aside, there were 2 things that kept this from reaching that coveted 5-star status.
The major issue
At one point in the last third of the book, Alex and Rob have an intense argument that spins out of a misunderstanding. OTOH, I loathe misunderstandings because most of the time they can be resolved by having the characters sit down and talk things out. OTOH, however, the misunderstanding + argument were the result of something that had been building up for a long time. So, in a way, I understood both of the characters' reactions. I just thought it was an annoying thing to have to sit through the fight and the temporary separation. So I lowered the rating by one point.
The minor issue
This might be a cultural thing, but it deffo got me side-eyeing certain fashion choices. Some context first: the majority of the book occurred in Nook Island--which was a fictional place near Savannah, GA.
In the first scene, Alex went out to celebrate his birthday with his friends. He took care of his clothing (a nice pair of pants and an ironed linen shirt). For the next few hours, he danced on the packed dance floor and drank, etc. It wasn't until the end of the chapter that it was revealed he'd worn FLIP FLOPS the entire time. Which was weird AF. I mean, didn't his toes get stepped on? How did he danced (while tipsy, even) without losing a flip flop?
Then, a few chapters later, Rob went over to Alex's place (btw, Alex lived with his family) for a family dinner. It was his FIRST TIME meeting Alex's family and he made sure to wear an ironed button-down shirt, a good pair of jeans, and...FLIP FLOPS. To which I say: WTF? How would flip flops be acceptable "shoes" for that occasion?
Although Alex's family was v. informal and no one commented on it, the whole FLIP FLOP FIASCO x2 made me lower the rating by one point. I just couldn't deal, y'all
Content warnings:
And, once again since I'm someone who is sensitive to animal harm, I have to point out that there WAS an off-screen scene of an animal being in serious danger via a car accident. The animal ended up OK at the end (though it was pretty touch-and-go for a moment there) after veterinarian intervention. This happened around the 70% mark, iirc.
TL;DR: A slow-burn romance in which the age gap is well-done. The heavier themes of grief/mourning and grown up children seeing their parents dying can deter some from picking up this wonderful novel. And, hey, that's completely okay; only you know what you can and can't handle.
Once again, I am impressed by an author who gifted her readers with a story that has a lot of love and mundane moments that are v. special. My two complaints aside, I think this is the kind of book that might leave readers taking a closer look at themselves and their lives. I can't wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve.
This is a book that I can admit I approached with a lot of wariness. The blurb made me uncomfortable because its main theme is one that can be mishandled really fast.
So I'll be v. candid and point out that this book deals with grief/mourning from page one.
OTOH, there's Rob who was slowly approaching the stage of acceptance after his parents' deaths within a short period of time. He was "mostly okay" and, to many ppl, seemed like a man on top of the world. And then, there was Alex who is coping with the fact that his father's on the last part of his battle against cancer. Although he had his family support, losing a parent is rarely easy and can feel like the weight of the world.
Rather than going into an exaggerated/overly dramatic route, Wilder takes the reader into a journey that is honest yet respectful when it comes to such a heavy topic. I handled it okay up until the last third of the novel when I deffo had to stop and have a good cry.
For all the seriousness in the novel, though, there were deffo moments of humor, tenderness, horniness, and (eventually) love between the MCs. Their chemistry was easy and inviting. Individual issues aside (Rob's tendency to reticence, Alex's occasional immaturity), Rob and Alex were a good couple because of the age gap. Rob had experience that won Alex over while Alex brought a kind of happy impulsiveness that was much needed in Rob's life.
It was so rewarding to see Alex eventually find his way into a more adult mindset without having to sacrifice his inner spark. For Rob, the theme of change or, better said, evolution was important and well-done. I truly believed in how their storylines developed because nothing really felt faked or exaggerated.
The secondary characters (including 2 women) were superb. I liked how the story allowed readers to see Rob and Alex when they were apart, who they interacted with, their friends, etc. In return, the book felt more complete than if it had focused only in Rob and Alex's times together.
One interesting thing was seeing the potential building of a new couple in a future book? I'm legit crossing all the crossables because I was impressed with how deftly this author handled the situation of a character who is questioning their sexuality. (I'm trying to be vague because, although it didn't catch me by surprise, it was cool enough for me to zip up my lips abt it.)
All that praise aside, there were 2 things that kept this from reaching that coveted 5-star status.
The major issue
At one point in the last third of the book, Alex and Rob have an intense argument that spins out of a misunderstanding. OTOH, I loathe misunderstandings because most of the time they can be resolved by having the characters sit down and talk things out. OTOH, however, the misunderstanding + argument were the result of something that had been building up for a long time. So, in a way, I understood both of the characters' reactions. I just thought it was an annoying thing to have to sit through the fight and the temporary separation. So I lowered the rating by one point.
The minor issue
This might be a cultural thing, but it deffo got me side-eyeing certain fashion choices. Some context first: the majority of the book occurred in Nook Island--which was a fictional place near Savannah, GA.
In the first scene, Alex went out to celebrate his birthday with his friends. He took care of his clothing (a nice pair of pants and an ironed linen shirt). For the next few hours, he danced on the packed dance floor and drank, etc. It wasn't until the end of the chapter that it was revealed he'd worn FLIP FLOPS the entire time. Which was weird AF. I mean, didn't his toes get stepped on? How did he danced (while tipsy, even) without losing a flip flop?
Then, a few chapters later, Rob went over to Alex's place (btw, Alex lived with his family) for a family dinner. It was his FIRST TIME meeting Alex's family and he made sure to wear an ironed button-down shirt, a good pair of jeans, and...FLIP FLOPS. To which I say: WTF? How would flip flops be acceptable "shoes" for that occasion?
Although Alex's family was v. informal and no one commented on it, the whole FLIP FLOP FIASCO x2 made me lower the rating by one point. I just couldn't deal, y'all
Content warnings:
And, once again since I'm someone who is sensitive to animal harm, I have to point out that there WAS an off-screen scene of an animal being in serious danger via a car accident. The animal ended up OK at the end (though it was pretty touch-and-go for a moment there) after veterinarian intervention. This happened around the 70% mark, iirc.
TL;DR: A slow-burn romance in which the age gap is well-done. The heavier themes of grief/mourning and grown up children seeing their parents dying can deter some from picking up this wonderful novel. And, hey, that's completely okay; only you know what you can and can't handle.
Once again, I am impressed by an author who gifted her readers with a story that has a lot of love and mundane moments that are v. special. My two complaints aside, I think this is the kind of book that might leave readers taking a closer look at themselves and their lives. I can't wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve.
January 25, 2021
so I started this book and it was very very slow at first. I had to stop, actually. But then I was like, okay, let’s try it again.
AND JESUS. This was so good!!
This book is way slower than the other books I’ve read from this author, but it made me feel ten times more.
I cried.. I CRIED!!
seriously, the writing was poetic in a not overwhelming way, the characters were real, relatable. I have to say, it was hard to feel the chemistry but I did feel the rawness of their relationship and the rawness of their emotions as two normal, damaged people getting to know each other.
I give it 4 stars and not 5 just because of the beginning, it was indeed slow, but the final product stole my heart!!
AND JESUS. This was so good!!
This book is way slower than the other books I’ve read from this author, but it made me feel ten times more.
I cried.. I CRIED!!
seriously, the writing was poetic in a not overwhelming way, the characters were real, relatable. I have to say, it was hard to feel the chemistry but I did feel the rawness of their relationship and the rawness of their emotions as two normal, damaged people getting to know each other.
I give it 4 stars and not 5 just because of the beginning, it was indeed slow, but the final product stole my heart!!
March 7, 2024
3.25⭐️ ok so for a start this is not a bad book, it’s written beautifully and had some really nice moments but I just was soooo bored of the MMCs. They really didn’t seem to have any chemistry and personally I think Alex could have done a lot better than Rob🤪 but yeah really nothing happened in this book that I will remember next week.
June 9, 2019
To me Neve‘s note at the end sums this beautiful book up wonderfully. It is...„Hopeful and alive, messy and imperfect, sexy and tender—sometimes in the strangest of moments. Just as life can be.“
Couldn’t say it better than that. Very different from Want Me, which I absolutely loved as well.
Couldn’t say it better than that. Very different from Want Me, which I absolutely loved as well.
October 4, 2018
Really love this one.
Want to read
September 13, 20193.5 stars
The first half of the book was super slow-going that I thought I might have a DNF on my hands. Happily, it did pick up in the second half.
The first half of the book was super slow-going that I thought I might have a DNF on my hands. Happily, it did pick up in the second half.
September 27, 2021
Packing, painting, sex.
Prickly, punishing, split.
Dying, loving, whole.
Prickly, punishing, split.
Dying, loving, whole.
January 6, 2020
4.5/5 stars
September 29, 2018
I can't remember a book that was so touching but had such a gut wrenching portrayal of grief and mourning. The author made me feel I was in the midst of the heartbreaking end of life of the MC dad. It was so utterly beautiful. The MCs always seemed to just miss each other. The writing is suppurb; fluid and filled with beautiful moments. I will read more from this author.
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