What do you think?
Rate this book
The Isle #1
Isle of Where
A gay holiday romance
Two men meet at the end of a pier. It could have been the end of the story if one of them hadn’t been Sam Owens.
After taking care of his dying best friend, Michigan-based Liam is exhausted and in desperate need of a vacation of sun, sea and hot men. Instead, his friend sends him on a journey to scatter his ashes in a family destination thousands of miles from home, with grey skies, a rickety train, and Sam.
Sam is on the island to check on his eccentric grandma. He meets an overwhelmed and tired man at the end of a pier, clearly in need of a friend, a family, and a lot of loving.
Will Liam let Sam sweep him into his heart and his family? Will he complete the task his friend set him? Will Sam introduce him to the whole island? Will he leave his heart behind with Sam when he returns home?
If you love gay vacation romances which make you cry a little, laugh a lot, with loving men with big hearts and an eccentric grandma, the Isle of Where is for you.
Originally published by Dreamspinner Press as The Isle of... Where?
Two men meet at the end of a pier. It could have been the end of the story if one of them hadn’t been Sam Owens.
After taking care of his dying best friend, Michigan-based Liam is exhausted and in desperate need of a vacation of sun, sea and hot men. Instead, his friend sends him on a journey to scatter his ashes in a family destination thousands of miles from home, with grey skies, a rickety train, and Sam.
Sam is on the island to check on his eccentric grandma. He meets an overwhelmed and tired man at the end of a pier, clearly in need of a friend, a family, and a lot of loving.
Will Liam let Sam sweep him into his heart and his family? Will he complete the task his friend set him? Will Sam introduce him to the whole island? Will he leave his heart behind with Sam when he returns home?
If you love gay vacation romances which make you cry a little, laugh a lot, with loving men with big hearts and an eccentric grandma, the Isle of Where is for you.
Originally published by Dreamspinner Press as The Isle of... Where?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2012
123 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Sue Brown
140 books838 followersHot guys, big hearts, Sue's world.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
July 4, 2020
Liam is broken by his best friends death following a battle with colon cancer. Sam has always given his heart to freely and been devastated by betrayal. These two are able to build a future by supporting each other thru their trials and tribulations. I cried watching these two strong wonderful men work together to find a future together.
July 3, 2012
I guess, again, I will be a minority here among the 4-5 stars review. I needed two attempts to finish this one. First attempt, I botched down the book around 40% because I was bored. I finished it by the second attempt.
Sure, Sam was likeable, if not overwhelming most of the times with his moving to fast -- he asked Liam to move in with him after merely days of knowing him?!. Liam was okay too -- though he sure seemed to just follow Sam's lead almost all throughout the book.
However, the quick love and promise of forever, from the moment they met until the very end, wasn't something I prefer. It is okay to watch on rom-com movies, but on books, I like things to take a liiittle more time. Then, there was the romp around the sheet, with the cliché step by step that almost feel like a manual template for m/m romance (I ended up skimming them a lot; nothing new there).
Sam's family members were a hoot (and provided more memorable scenes for me compared to the MCs); the ending felt rush (with all the quick romance, I expected ).
I am sure majority of readers will love this ... I just think it's so-so, like other similar 'nice' romance I've read over the years *shrugs*
Sure, Sam was likeable, if not overwhelming most of the times with his moving to fast -- he asked Liam to move in with him after merely days of knowing him?!. Liam was okay too -- though he sure seemed to just follow Sam's lead almost all throughout the book.
However, the quick love and promise of forever, from the moment they met until the very end, wasn't something I prefer. It is okay to watch on rom-com movies, but on books, I like things to take a liiittle more time. Then, there was the romp around the sheet, with the cliché step by step that almost feel like a manual template for m/m romance (I ended up skimming them a lot; nothing new there).
Sam's family members were a hoot (and provided more memorable scenes for me compared to the MCs); the ending felt rush (with all the quick romance, I expected ).
I am sure majority of readers will love this ... I just think it's so-so, like other similar 'nice' romance I've read over the years *shrugs*
June 30, 2012
This is a simple, no-deep-thought-required contemporary romance and it's fabulous.
The first 15% of the book had me crying my eyes out, so I was deeply invested in Liam getting his HEA. I completely and absolutely believe in both characters. Their relationship is wonderfully depicted: neither are perfect, but their flaws just mesh together.
Things I particularly liked:
Sam and Liam: goddamn it, I love these guys.
That Liam is a shorter seme.
The watching Liam always does to judge how others are reacting to his interactions with Sam. Heartbreaking and realistic.
The coffee shop manager at the airport :D
Charlie: realistic and well-handled, not over-the-top.
Things I didn't like so much
The vast insta-family, and Sam knowing everyone got a bit much for me at about 60%. I felt overwhelmed. Maybe that was to show how overwhelmed Liam would be too, but Liam wasn't. If I was Liam I would have been heading off for long walks alone just to escape.
Overall, simply a lovely, wonderful, happy, feel-good romance.
The first 15% of the book had me crying my eyes out, so I was deeply invested in Liam getting his HEA. I completely and absolutely believe in both characters. Their relationship is wonderfully depicted: neither are perfect, but their flaws just mesh together.
Things I particularly liked:
Sam and Liam: goddamn it, I love these guys.
That Liam is a shorter seme.
The watching Liam always does to judge how others are reacting to his interactions with Sam. Heartbreaking and realistic.
The coffee shop manager at the airport :D
Charlie: realistic and well-handled, not over-the-top.
Things I didn't like so much
The vast insta-family, and Sam knowing everyone got a bit much for me at about 60%. I felt overwhelmed. Maybe that was to show how overwhelmed Liam would be too, but Liam wasn't. If I was Liam I would have been heading off for long walks alone just to escape.
Overall, simply a lovely, wonderful, happy, feel-good romance.
July 3, 2012
There was a serious love/hate relationship with this book. Loved the majority of the first half of the book. I connected with Liam and Sam almost as fast as they connected with each other. I enjoyed their initial conversations, the banter and the flirting to bits. Liam's best friend Alex, who died of cancer at such a young age, became just as real to me. Visiting the Isle of Wight and getting acquainted with its residents was a pleasure. All very good so far.
Getting close to the halfway mark I hit a wall and became overwhelmed. Overwhelmed mostly by Sam and his family, a huge part of the book, who passed the sweet and charming stage and quickly became overbearing and claustrophobic. By the numerous touches, a couple of them more like slaps, on homophobia where I almost snapped in frustration "I get it!!!" and by the insta-love which I found hard to buy. At around 70% or so I couldn't wait for the book to end.
Quick disclaimer: I can't explain it. I tried two other Sue Brown novel length books and was unable to finish either one hitting that wall again somewhere in the middle. Will gladly read anything novella length or shorter by this author but will stay away from the longer books from now on.
Getting close to the halfway mark I hit a wall and became overwhelmed. Overwhelmed mostly by Sam and his family, a huge part of the book, who passed the sweet and charming stage and quickly became overbearing and claustrophobic. By the numerous touches, a couple of them more like slaps, on homophobia where I almost snapped in frustration "I get it!!!" and by the insta-love which I found hard to buy. At around 70% or so I couldn't wait for the book to end.
Quick disclaimer: I can't explain it. I tried two other Sue Brown novel length books and was unable to finish either one hitting that wall again somewhere in the middle. Will gladly read anything novella length or shorter by this author but will stay away from the longer books from now on.
September 11, 2014
Sue Brown I applaud you for this book. For a while I was debating whether to read this one. It sounded emotional and maybe angsty. I was half right. It was an emotional read. No doubt about that, but there was little to no angst. Just real, raw emotion that was dripping from the pages. I encourage people to give this book a chance, for me it's a must read.
We start off with Alex and Liam. Best friends who are going through a tough time. Alex has colon cancer and it's too late for him. His best friend Liam is caring for him. Those scenes were so real and raw. It was done at the very beginning and it made me crave this book. There was a love there that was non-romantic, but a beautiful love all the same. They were brothers in more way than one. Of course Alex dies and so we begin the story.
Liam and Sam meet and things happen very quickly. Of course there are a couple of chuckles along the way. The first for me was. Then we meet Rose. The thing about the old girl is she is part of the reason this book is so great. She's a gas character and pivotal to the story. She lightens the story and gives it something special. I was almost crying when I did think the worst.
In general the romance could be seen as very fast. It happens very quickly and they do fall in love within a few days. But for me, it was good. Sam was there for Liam. It meant they formed a bond that healed some of Liam's pain. Liam has to release Alex's ashes and Sam is the one who supported him. He wasn't pushy, but supportive. Too many times a character is pushy. It happens, and I find that annoys me more often than not.
We get a glimpse of Sams past too. It's wasn't the most surprising for me. His humor and overall personality was fun and quirky. His ex was an ass but he had the best family. The two mixed well, and made me love the character The ending was beautiful and I was smiling. The book ended on such a high for me. The ending wrapped up a lot of things, but left it open for your own imagination too. We feel the love of family and see how strong the relationship is.
Must read emotional story, highly recommend it!
We start off with Alex and Liam. Best friends who are going through a tough time. Alex has colon cancer and it's too late for him. His best friend Liam is caring for him. Those scenes were so real and raw. It was done at the very beginning and it made me crave this book. There was a love there that was non-romantic, but a beautiful love all the same. They were brothers in more way than one. Of course Alex dies and so we begin the story.
Liam and Sam meet and things happen very quickly. Of course there are a couple of chuckles along the way. The first for me was. Then we meet Rose. The thing about the old girl is she is part of the reason this book is so great. She's a gas character and pivotal to the story. She lightens the story and gives it something special. I was almost crying when I did think the worst.
In general the romance could be seen as very fast. It happens very quickly and they do fall in love within a few days. But for me, it was good. Sam was there for Liam. It meant they formed a bond that healed some of Liam's pain. Liam has to release Alex's ashes and Sam is the one who supported him. He wasn't pushy, but supportive. Too many times a character is pushy. It happens, and I find that annoys me more often than not.
We get a glimpse of Sams past too. It's wasn't the most surprising for me. His humor and overall personality was fun and quirky. His ex was an ass but he had the best family. The two mixed well, and made me love the character The ending was beautiful and I was smiling. The book ended on such a high for me. The ending wrapped up a lot of things, but left it open for your own imagination too. We feel the love of family and see how strong the relationship is.
Must read emotional story, highly recommend it!
July 23, 2012
Nice enough read, but after the rest of the family was introduced it got a bit overwhelming, I was just happy we didn't meet the other 3 brothers and their wives and kids!
I wish a bit more time was really spent on showing us the love/affection between the MC's, yes, they had tons of sex and I get Sam likes to 'jump the fence', but it seemed rushed.
I understand where the author was going, but the constant homophobes in almost every situation got tiring.
All in all a sweet story, if maybe a bit weak on the actual relationship.
I wish a bit more time was really spent on showing us the love/affection between the MC's, yes, they had tons of sex and I get Sam likes to 'jump the fence', but it seemed rushed.
I understand where the author was going, but the constant homophobes in almost every situation got tiring.
All in all a sweet story, if maybe a bit weak on the actual relationship.
June 25, 2016
2,5...3 y soy minoría en puntuación.
Quizás sea yo pero casi dejo el libro como "no acabado" un par de veces. Estaba saltandome párrafos XD
Lento, pasó caracol ha sido este libro
: ( Juro que me estaba quedando dormida.
La idea del libro me pareció buena pero la ejecución me ha fallado. Lo he leído y no se me ha quedado nada destacable. Mucho sexo, desayunos y comidas XD
Intentaré con algún libro paranormal suyo a ver si tengo más suerte.
Quizás sea yo pero casi dejo el libro como "no acabado" un par de veces. Estaba saltandome párrafos XD
Lento, pasó caracol ha sido este libro
: ( Juro que me estaba quedando dormida.
La idea del libro me pareció buena pero la ejecución me ha fallado. Lo he leído y no se me ha quedado nada destacable. Mucho sexo, desayunos y comidas XD
Intentaré con algún libro paranormal suyo a ver si tengo más suerte.
May 18, 2014
Pleasant diversion.
The beginning of this story is extremely deceptive. Like a punch to the gut, this story starts with a wallop and then proceeds to wrap you up in the the softest, fluffiest, most delicious smelling blankie. A sweet and steamy romance with a few laughs and some entertaining secondary characters. Nothing too complicated here, but there are worst ways to spend a few hours then hanging with Sam and Liam.
PS They fuck like Energizer bunnies.
Favorite qute:
The beginning of this story is extremely deceptive. Like a punch to the gut, this story starts with a wallop and then proceeds to wrap you up in the the softest, fluffiest, most delicious smelling blankie. A sweet and steamy romance with a few laughs and some entertaining secondary characters. Nothing too complicated here, but there are worst ways to spend a few hours then hanging with Sam and Liam.
PS They fuck like Energizer bunnies.
Favorite qute:
Liam’s vision of a tropical vacation with cocktails and cabana boys faded away with the tide and instead there was this, a special hell, surrounded by screaming kids and overweight moms.
January 18, 2018
3.5 Stars
While I loved the setting, the rest of the story was a bit...well, dull. With the almost immediate introduction the family members and townsfolk as a boyfriend, after such a short courtship (hours) I kind of expected the romance to be super hot and whirlwind. Not so much.
Not as emotionally deep (even with the task of having to scattered a loved-one's ashes) as I'm used to from this author.
Max Lehnen did a pretty good job though and his narration is probably what kept me listening...
While I loved the setting, the rest of the story was a bit...well, dull. With the almost immediate introduction the family members and townsfolk as a boyfriend, after such a short courtship (hours) I kind of expected the romance to be super hot and whirlwind. Not so much.
Not as emotionally deep (even with the task of having to scattered a loved-one's ashes) as I'm used to from this author.
Max Lehnen did a pretty good job though and his narration is probably what kept me listening...
November 13, 2024
I've had this one on my TBR shelf for way too long, so glad I finally gave it a chance. Sue Brown's The Isle of...Where? is a bit dated, but an awful lot of fun as well.
The audio version is nicely performed by Max Lehnen.
The audio version is nicely performed by Max Lehnen.
February 6, 2014
This was such an adorable read. It’s hard to write intsa-love and have me fall in love with it but this, this thing with Liam and Sam, it just works.
There was not a single think I disliked about the book. I mean, it was a bit odd how Sam kinda stalked Liam on the train before they met but from the second Sam comes to the rescue of a very distraught Liam I was in love. The way the story was told was just a load of super cute/gooey moments and at times an fantastic overload of the hot and sexy with the layering of endearing family, friends, love and commitment. It worked. That's all I can say; this story simply worked.
Is it possible to find the man of your dreams and future in a mere five days while on vacation in a foreign country to carry out your best friends last wish? I believe it can be done. It was done here and I am still in a warm and cozy cocoon of goo after these boys.
Sam was amazing and his family…I so want to be adopted by Rose and have tea with her on a daily basis. I loved all of them from Colin and Dan to his parents and even Paul. Oh yeah, Paul. Your introduction has me curious as to your role in the next book which I will so be reading.
Liam you were one hell of a toppy git and I adored the absolute hell out of you. Even your shocking admission to Sam after protecting him in a surprising show of alpha maleness was one for the record of swoonable moments in books. You were made for this boy and he was made for you and thank goodness you got that ticket to Ryde and not ride my man. Thank goodness.
I cannot say enough what a feel good book this was, it was so much fun. Even the heartbreaking parts dealing with the separation of the boys with the different countries was done so sweetly and honestly. Gah. I can’t quite say what I want to with the right words so I will stop. I will stop and go sigh a bit more over the boys one last time but before I move on I will share a bit of what made me adore these two so damn much…
”I want you to make love to me so that every time I sit down for the next week I am reminded why I love you so much.”
“Because I can fuck you stupid?”
“Exactly.”
August 20, 2014
This was insta-love to the max, from strangers to forever and ever within four days (or was it five? Never mind...) But curiously, I almost bought that, because it fit the characters so well. At least, it fit Sam, who always jumps ahead of himself. Plus, Liam and Sam were indeed a match made in heaven, and both very sympathetic to booth. And Gran was every inch the hoot the author obviously intended her to be, so good job!
A propos job: Another thing that made me buy and read this even though I normally avoid the insta!love thing (which the blurb makes quite clear this is) like the plague was the writing. I read the excerpt on the DSP page out of pure curiosity and found myself hooked on the spot by the wonderful writing and the skillful storytelling in itself.
Why then "only" three stars? The book, sadly, suffers from several lengths and gratuitous sex, particularly toward the end. I'd still recommend it as a smooth, sweet and entertaining read, just right for an afternoon at the beach.
A propos job: Another thing that made me buy and read this even though I normally avoid the insta!love thing (which the blurb makes quite clear this is) like the plague was the writing. I read the excerpt on the DSP page out of pure curiosity and found myself hooked on the spot by the wonderful writing and the skillful storytelling in itself.
Why then "only" three stars? The book, sadly, suffers from several lengths and gratuitous sex, particularly toward the end. I'd still recommend it as a smooth, sweet and entertaining read, just right for an afternoon at the beach.
November 9, 2015
4.5 - must read more of this author stars!
June 1, 2016
Me ha parecido un muermo absoluto.
January 29, 2013
(4.5 stars)
This a feel-good romance story about Liam, who after caring for his best friend Alex as he was dying, meets Sam while carrying out Alex's last wishes - to have his ashes scattered on the Isle of Wight.
For over a year, Liam's world had narrowed to looking after his best friend; the friend who had been there for him when the football team beat him, and who gave him a home and family when his own family kicked him out because he was gay. Losing Alex meant that he was losing everything; it meant he was losing his home.
So when Sam meets him as he is trying build the courage up to let loose his final link to Alex - to scatter his ashes at the pier at Ryde - he doesn't realize that Alex has found a final way to be there for him, as he has no way of knowing that Sam will become his new home.
This a sweet story of two men coming together against the odds (normally they're half a world apart) and finding their dreams. There is, perhaps, a touch of insta-love, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility. There is healing for both men, as Sam's cheerful facade hides a lonely and insecure man, and there is a strong sense of family - even if it's not the family one is born in. It's a perfect 'pick me up' read.
This a feel-good romance story about Liam, who after caring for his best friend Alex as he was dying, meets Sam while carrying out Alex's last wishes - to have his ashes scattered on the Isle of Wight.
For over a year, Liam's world had narrowed to looking after his best friend; the friend who had been there for him when the football team beat him, and who gave him a home and family when his own family kicked him out because he was gay. Losing Alex meant that he was losing everything; it meant he was losing his home.
So when Sam meets him as he is trying build the courage up to let loose his final link to Alex - to scatter his ashes at the pier at Ryde - he doesn't realize that Alex has found a final way to be there for him, as he has no way of knowing that Sam will become his new home.
This a sweet story of two men coming together against the odds (normally they're half a world apart) and finding their dreams. There is, perhaps, a touch of insta-love, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility. There is healing for both men, as Sam's cheerful facade hides a lonely and insecure man, and there is a strong sense of family - even if it's not the family one is born in. It's a perfect 'pick me up' read.
June 3, 2015
This was between a 3.5 to 4 star read for me.
Usually insta-love and overly meddling families will turn me off of a book, however Sam is such a lovable character, his tendency to love at first sight just added to his sweetness. Liam is devastated at the death of his best friend and is having difficulty saying his final goodbye and spreading Alex's ashes as he was requested. This is where they meet and Sam admits to having stalked Liam since he spotted him on the train. Sam takes care of Liam that day and before he knows it, Liam is being introduced to Sam's family.
The majority of the book takes place over the week before Liam must return to the US and is completely character driven. I would have liked a little more of the actual relationship between the two, as the book does a fast forward over the next year. The ending is happy, but leaves it open for continuation. I would definitely pick up another installment to see how Sam and Liam's relationship progresses once they are actually permanently together on the same continent.
Usually insta-love and overly meddling families will turn me off of a book, however Sam is such a lovable character, his tendency to love at first sight just added to his sweetness. Liam is devastated at the death of his best friend and is having difficulty saying his final goodbye and spreading Alex's ashes as he was requested. This is where they meet and Sam admits to having stalked Liam since he spotted him on the train. Sam takes care of Liam that day and before he knows it, Liam is being introduced to Sam's family.
The majority of the book takes place over the week before Liam must return to the US and is completely character driven. I would have liked a little more of the actual relationship between the two, as the book does a fast forward over the next year. The ending is happy, but leaves it open for continuation. I would definitely pick up another installment to see how Sam and Liam's relationship progresses once they are actually permanently together on the same continent.
February 12, 2014
Weird cover notwithstanding, it was cute and quirky, a really mellow read.
There were a couple of times when one name was mentioned when I felt like it should have been the other. Like, switched names.
Seeing as I read most of it on my phone, I couldn't make comments as I went, so I really have nothing more to say except asinine comments, like "Lol, Skype."
Eh. I actually cheated and have a bit more of the book left, so here's more comments:
lol the ex-wife is Tea.
Wow. I like the way the author talks about immigration as an actual thing, cuz immigration law really is convoluted and stuff and sometimes you really do just get bastard immigrations people.
And wow, the ending. It ends with an HEA, but it's still bittersweet, in a sense, but it's still a happy ending, it just has that air of melancholy to it. Nice.
You know what it's 3AM what am I doing I'm going to bed.
There were a couple of times when one name was mentioned when I felt like it should have been the other. Like, switched names.
Seeing as I read most of it on my phone, I couldn't make comments as I went, so I really have nothing more to say except asinine comments, like "Lol, Skype."
Eh. I actually cheated and have a bit more of the book left, so here's more comments:
lol the ex-wife is Tea.
Wow. I like the way the author talks about immigration as an actual thing, cuz immigration law really is convoluted and stuff and sometimes you really do just get bastard immigrations people.
And wow, the ending. It ends with an HEA, but it's still bittersweet, in a sense, but it's still a happy ending, it just has that air of melancholy to it. Nice.
You know what it's 3AM what am I doing I'm going to bed.
own-discarded
July 4, 2012Not that nice thing again.
I`ll listen to The Searchers instead...
" If you wanted that star that shines so brightly
To match the stardust in your eye
Darling, I would chase that bright star nightly
And try to steal it from the sky
And I would bring
Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey
Your first sweet kiss thrilled me so
Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey
I'll never ever let you go......."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tnqnX...
I`ll listen to The Searchers instead...
" If you wanted that star that shines so brightly
To match the stardust in your eye
Darling, I would chase that bright star nightly
And try to steal it from the sky
And I would bring
Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey
Your first sweet kiss thrilled me so
Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey
I'll never ever let you go......."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tnqnX...
August 4, 2012
There was nothin wrong with this, but it just didn't do it for me. Maybe I'm a little m/m jaded at the moment, but I just found this to be ... OK.
The characters were cute, the story was skin-deep, but a few of the situations were just a bit too cliche for me.
This book wold be good for those interested in a generally sweet: light romance with some glimpses into homophobia.
The characters were cute, the story was skin-deep, but a few of the situations were just a bit too cliche for me.
This book wold be good for those interested in a generally sweet: light romance with some glimpses into homophobia.
July 2, 2012
4.5 stars. Very good m/m romance about a technical writer from Michigan who's on the Isle of Wight to scatter his best friend's ashes, but he's having a hard time doing so. A very sweet, cute, and somewhat overwhelming guy steps in to offer support... I was surprised at how much I liked this, and at how much it pulled me in.
October 12, 2020
There are 5 or 6 authors that I love. Sue Brown is one of them. I love the way she writes. Her stories just flow like melted butter.
Liam and Sam are wonderful together. They meet when Liam comes to England to spread some ashes of his best friend. He meets Sam and it changes his life. I really loved the Owens family. I can’t wait to read about Paul in book 2.
Liam and Sam are wonderful together. They meet when Liam comes to England to spread some ashes of his best friend. He meets Sam and it changes his life. I really loved the Owens family. I can’t wait to read about Paul in book 2.
January 11, 2019
Ecco un altro libro della Brown che mi ha emozionato, primo della serie “L’isola di Wight” ha in sé tutte le caratteristiche che mi fanno amare quest’autrice. Come l’affrontare temi importanti, quali l’omofobia e la posizione della religione nei confronti dei gay, temi che ritroviamo in tutti i suoi libri, molto probabilmente sono molto cari anche a lei.
Parliamo dei protagonisti del libro: Liam sta attraversando un brutto momento, il suo migliore amico Alex è morto di cancro e lui deve esaudire il suo ultimo desiderio, spargendo le sue ceneri sull’isola di Wight, luogo a lui caro visto che vi trascorreva le estati da bambino.
Il compito, però, non è così facile come Liam credeva, perché farlo vorrebbe dire lasciare andare Alex per sempre, e forse lui ancora non è pronto a farlo.
Per più di venti anni, era stato il punto fermo del suo mondo. Non un amante, ma l’amico, il fratello, il compagno d’avventure. Disperdere le sue ceneri avrebbe lasciato Liam senza niente di lui. Sarebbe stato come perderlo una seconda volta.
È proprio sull’sola che Liam incontra Sam, uno sconosciuto, per altro molto sexy, che riesce a confortarlo in un momento così importante, irrompendo nella sua vita in stile punzer, nel senso letterale del termine.
Sam è una persona dirompente e ostinata, con una famiglia meravigliosa, cosa sulla quale Liam non ha mai potuto contare, avendo avuto solo Alex e ora neanche lui. Forse per questo motivo si lascia travolgere da Sam e di conseguenza dalla sua famiglia: nonna Rose è qualcosa di spettacolare, vorrei anch’io una nonna così.
Sam lo faceva sentire vivo per la prima volta dopo oltre un anno.
Inoltre, è troppo bello vedere come interagiscono tra loro: Sam, come ho detto, è una persona travolgente, ma in camera da letto è decisamente Liam a comandare. Adoro quando fa il maschio alfa, le scene di sesso della Brown sono sempre molto hot e anche in questo libro non si smentisce.
È arrivato il momento per me di subentrare al posto di guida.”
“Adoro gli uomini decisi,” mormorò Sam.
“E a me piacciono gli uomini che sanno stare al loro posto.”
Sam, però, non vuole solo un’avventura estiva e per Liam lasciarsi andare non è semplice, forse non lo ha mai fatto fino in fondo con nessuno, senza considerare poi che si conoscono solo da tre giorni.
Non lo so, è che mi sembra di vedere come una barriera tra te e il resto del mondo. Forse solo Alex conosceva il vero Liam.”
Era una congettura molto perspicace. Alex si lamentava continuamente che Liam non abbassava mai la guardia abbastanza da permettere agli altri di conoscerlo meglio.
Ma Liam non ha fatto i conti con la tenacia di Sam: quest’uomo è un portento, l’adoro.
“Ti ho trovato, ti ho seguito, e non intendo lasciarti andare.”
Devo dire che il finale mi ha lasciata un po’ perplessa, non in senso negativo, badate bene, ma perché rimane aperto, anche se in una serie ci può stare.
Tra l’altro ho dato una sbirciatina al secondo libro, in cui saranno ancora presenti Sam e Liam, ma i veri protagonisti saranno Paul, uno dei fratelli di Sam che lavora come poliziotto, e Olaf.
Dalla trama non si capisce, ma spero che la Brown ci spieghi anche quello che succede tra Colin, un altro fratello di Sam, e una sua vecchia fiamma, in questo caso donna, perché questo particolare è rimasto insoluto nel finale.
Spero di non dover attendere troppo per il seguito perché, non so voi, ma io non vedo l’ora di leggere ancora di questi due.
Parliamo dei protagonisti del libro: Liam sta attraversando un brutto momento, il suo migliore amico Alex è morto di cancro e lui deve esaudire il suo ultimo desiderio, spargendo le sue ceneri sull’isola di Wight, luogo a lui caro visto che vi trascorreva le estati da bambino.
Il compito, però, non è così facile come Liam credeva, perché farlo vorrebbe dire lasciare andare Alex per sempre, e forse lui ancora non è pronto a farlo.
Per più di venti anni, era stato il punto fermo del suo mondo. Non un amante, ma l’amico, il fratello, il compagno d’avventure. Disperdere le sue ceneri avrebbe lasciato Liam senza niente di lui. Sarebbe stato come perderlo una seconda volta.
È proprio sull’sola che Liam incontra Sam, uno sconosciuto, per altro molto sexy, che riesce a confortarlo in un momento così importante, irrompendo nella sua vita in stile punzer, nel senso letterale del termine.
Sam è una persona dirompente e ostinata, con una famiglia meravigliosa, cosa sulla quale Liam non ha mai potuto contare, avendo avuto solo Alex e ora neanche lui. Forse per questo motivo si lascia travolgere da Sam e di conseguenza dalla sua famiglia: nonna Rose è qualcosa di spettacolare, vorrei anch’io una nonna così.
Sam lo faceva sentire vivo per la prima volta dopo oltre un anno.
Inoltre, è troppo bello vedere come interagiscono tra loro: Sam, come ho detto, è una persona travolgente, ma in camera da letto è decisamente Liam a comandare. Adoro quando fa il maschio alfa, le scene di sesso della Brown sono sempre molto hot e anche in questo libro non si smentisce.
È arrivato il momento per me di subentrare al posto di guida.”
“Adoro gli uomini decisi,” mormorò Sam.
“E a me piacciono gli uomini che sanno stare al loro posto.”
Sam, però, non vuole solo un’avventura estiva e per Liam lasciarsi andare non è semplice, forse non lo ha mai fatto fino in fondo con nessuno, senza considerare poi che si conoscono solo da tre giorni.
Non lo so, è che mi sembra di vedere come una barriera tra te e il resto del mondo. Forse solo Alex conosceva il vero Liam.”
Era una congettura molto perspicace. Alex si lamentava continuamente che Liam non abbassava mai la guardia abbastanza da permettere agli altri di conoscerlo meglio.
Ma Liam non ha fatto i conti con la tenacia di Sam: quest’uomo è un portento, l’adoro.
“Ti ho trovato, ti ho seguito, e non intendo lasciarti andare.”
Devo dire che il finale mi ha lasciata un po’ perplessa, non in senso negativo, badate bene, ma perché rimane aperto, anche se in una serie ci può stare.
Tra l’altro ho dato una sbirciatina al secondo libro, in cui saranno ancora presenti Sam e Liam, ma i veri protagonisti saranno Paul, uno dei fratelli di Sam che lavora come poliziotto, e Olaf.
Dalla trama non si capisce, ma spero che la Brown ci spieghi anche quello che succede tra Colin, un altro fratello di Sam, e una sua vecchia fiamma, in questo caso donna, perché questo particolare è rimasto insoluto nel finale.
Spero di non dover attendere troppo per il seguito perché, non so voi, ma io non vedo l’ora di leggere ancora di questi due.
April 19, 2016
'The Isle of...Where?' was a bit of a quandary for me. There were some things that just really, really didn't work and then there was a side to this story that tore my heart out had me crying so much I had to quit reading for a while.
So let's start with the it didn't work list first.
What didn't work was the 'insta-love'. Not because I don't believe in it, well maybe in the real world but in my books? Hey it's fiction anything can happen that's why I enjoy fiction. But for some reason I just couldn't quite connect with this relationship, try as I might I just couldn't buy into it and believe me I wanted to, but...nope just didn't happen. I think part of it was the fact that everyone in the book just seemed to fall into it. No one questioned that these men had only known each other for really what amounted to 'the blink of an eye' it was just auto acceptance. To quick, to easy...well except for Charlie. But really did we expect differently from Sam's ex? I mean that would really have pushed things into fantasy land, wouldn't it?
Then we have the whole incident in the hotel with the cleaning lady? I mean really? The staff complains because they don't like that someone is gay and you kick them out? Sorry, I don't know one intelligent business person who isn't a bigot who would do that and then we are suddenly given a magical turn around...nope, sorry just no this whole scene just didn't work. (However, the incident in the airport coffee shop when Liam was returning home was far better and more believable).
Also towards the end Sam became in some ways very clingy and needy and it just deviated too far from the personality that I had come to associate with him. I suddenly felt like Liam was in a relationship with someone else.
The last thing that threw the whole romance aspect of this story off kilter for me was the ending, I just needed more closure for Sam & Liam, maybe in book 2 or 3 (which I will read, soon.)
Ok, so in general that was what didn't work for me. Now the good part what worked.
The fact that Sam came from a large close knit family. I really enjoy stories where there's family interaction or a close knit group of friends (the family your born with or the family you make, either works well). It helps to define a character's personality and show how they interact with people other than their romantic partner, for me it gives their personality some depth. That I often find to be otherwise missing.
The biggest part of this story, the part that really, really worked for me was also the part that had me in tears and that was the whole reason that Liam was on the Isle of Wight to begin with. His promise, to his best friend Alex, to fulfill his final wish. The internal struggle that Liam faced in doing this, in letting go of that last small physical representation of his friend was for me very real. I understood this, I knew his pain and how incredibly hard it was in spite of his desire to do this one last thing for his friend.
At the end of it all the romance between Liam and Sam may not have worked for me...yet, I'm willing to give it a second try with 'The Isle of Wishes' because overall it was an interesting story with good moments and characters that for the most part intrigued me.
In general I like Sue Brown and I'm hoping that the next book will convince me that sticking with the story was worth it.
So let's start with the it didn't work list first.
What didn't work was the 'insta-love'. Not because I don't believe in it, well maybe in the real world but in my books? Hey it's fiction anything can happen that's why I enjoy fiction. But for some reason I just couldn't quite connect with this relationship, try as I might I just couldn't buy into it and believe me I wanted to, but...nope just didn't happen. I think part of it was the fact that everyone in the book just seemed to fall into it. No one questioned that these men had only known each other for really what amounted to 'the blink of an eye' it was just auto acceptance. To quick, to easy...well except for Charlie. But really did we expect differently from Sam's ex? I mean that would really have pushed things into fantasy land, wouldn't it?
Then we have the whole incident in the hotel with the cleaning lady? I mean really? The staff complains because they don't like that someone is gay and you kick them out? Sorry, I don't know one intelligent business person who isn't a bigot who would do that and then we are suddenly given a magical turn around...nope, sorry just no this whole scene just didn't work. (However, the incident in the airport coffee shop when Liam was returning home was far better and more believable).
Also towards the end Sam became in some ways very clingy and needy and it just deviated too far from the personality that I had come to associate with him. I suddenly felt like Liam was in a relationship with someone else.
The last thing that threw the whole romance aspect of this story off kilter for me was the ending, I just needed more closure for Sam & Liam, maybe in book 2 or 3 (which I will read, soon.)
Ok, so in general that was what didn't work for me. Now the good part what worked.
The fact that Sam came from a large close knit family. I really enjoy stories where there's family interaction or a close knit group of friends (the family your born with or the family you make, either works well). It helps to define a character's personality and show how they interact with people other than their romantic partner, for me it gives their personality some depth. That I often find to be otherwise missing.
The biggest part of this story, the part that really, really worked for me was also the part that had me in tears and that was the whole reason that Liam was on the Isle of Wight to begin with. His promise, to his best friend Alex, to fulfill his final wish. The internal struggle that Liam faced in doing this, in letting go of that last small physical representation of his friend was for me very real. I understood this, I knew his pain and how incredibly hard it was in spite of his desire to do this one last thing for his friend.
At the end of it all the romance between Liam and Sam may not have worked for me...yet, I'm willing to give it a second try with 'The Isle of Wishes' because overall it was an interesting story with good moments and characters that for the most part intrigued me.
In general I like Sue Brown and I'm hoping that the next book will convince me that sticking with the story was worth it.
June 14, 2015
Cute fast paced romance and instant family. Not sure if I liked it enough to follow Sam and Liam navigate the long distance relationship.
...and now for a sidebar commentary about something that happened in the book...
There was a chapter where Sam is confronted by an old boyfriend and things get tense for a while. Fortunately everything gets sorted without too much trouble. We find out that Sam's old boyfriend was physically abusive towards him which is never a nice thing. In the aftermath of the confrontation, Liam and Sam's brothers asked him about the relationship:
Unfortunately, for someone who is the victim of abuse, simple answers to these common sense questions don't exist and they generally end up making the abused feel bad about themselves. If you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, give them support, make things safe for them, and listen to them. But don't make them feel like an idiot for their choices. Chances are the situation is way more complicated than you will ever know.
...and now for a sidebar commentary about something that happened in the book...
There was a chapter where Sam is confronted by an old boyfriend and things get tense for a while. Fortunately everything gets sorted without too much trouble. We find out that Sam's old boyfriend was physically abusive towards him which is never a nice thing. In the aftermath of the confrontation, Liam and Sam's brothers asked him about the relationship:
Liam - "I'm confused why you stayed with such a dick"
Brother Dan - "Why the hell did you get into a relationship with Charlie if you knew what he was like?”
Unfortunately, for someone who is the victim of abuse, simple answers to these common sense questions don't exist and they generally end up making the abused feel bad about themselves. If you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, give them support, make things safe for them, and listen to them. But don't make them feel like an idiot for their choices. Chances are the situation is way more complicated than you will ever know.
June 28, 2012
4.5/5
The proviso as usual when I review a friends book is that yes, this is a book written by an author friend - but we became friends because I enjoyed her writing! As such I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this and I couldn't put it down.
This is a long book and the only reason I knocked off .5 was that I found myself skipping the sex a bit towards the end and the topping/bottoming mentions. This is nothing major and certainly doesn't detract from the story, it was just because I wanted the story to unfold quicker! Liam and Sam are perfect and what I do love about Sue's books is her characterisation.
A must have if you love all things English as the descriptions of the Isle of Wight are spot on!
The proviso as usual when I review a friends book is that yes, this is a book written by an author friend - but we became friends because I enjoyed her writing! As such I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this and I couldn't put it down.
This is a long book and the only reason I knocked off .5 was that I found myself skipping the sex a bit towards the end and the topping/bottoming mentions. This is nothing major and certainly doesn't detract from the story, it was just because I wanted the story to unfold quicker! Liam and Sam are perfect and what I do love about Sue's books is her characterisation.
A must have if you love all things English as the descriptions of the Isle of Wight are spot on!
September 27, 2015
This is the story of Liam who cares for his best friend Alex when he is dying with Colon cancer. Alex makes him promise to go to the Isle of Wight to scatter his ashes. After Alex's death Liam makes the journey and meets Sam who is visiting his grandmother, Rose.
The story is just one long boring tale of instalove. The characters are bland, the plot is non existent and the ending is predictable. Sorry not for me.
The story is just one long boring tale of instalove. The characters are bland, the plot is non existent and the ending is predictable. Sorry not for me.
July 1, 2012
3.80 stars
A lovely, feel good romance. Yeah I know Sam's family were a menace at times and everyone felt smothered, I liked them. Boisterous, involved and caring, I thought it was a great story. Liam and Sam are cute and their fast love was fine by me.
A lovely, feel good romance. Yeah I know Sam's family were a menace at times and everyone felt smothered, I liked them. Boisterous, involved and caring, I thought it was a great story. Liam and Sam are cute and their fast love was fine by me.
did-not-finish
July 16, 2017DNF at 16%
Literally 2 hours after they met, they had their first date. They went to meet MC1's grandmother where MC2 was introduced as the boyfriend?
I've had a series of unsatisfying reads lately and I'm not going to waste my precious time on another one.
Literally 2 hours after they met, they had their first date. They went to meet MC1's grandmother where MC2 was introduced as the boyfriend?
I've had a series of unsatisfying reads lately and I'm not going to waste my precious time on another one.
July 8, 2024
cheers Sue for repping the isle of wight 👏👏 it was so funny to read a book based where I live 😭
the pacing was horrendous, and the lack of description was criminal. thankfully I’m familiar with the area and knew everything but anyone reading who wasn’t, I would assume might’ve gotten confused or lost? I wish there was a bit of prose in here too just to make the romance pop a bit more 🙄 overall it was just a melodramatic, sweet story!! even with all the scenes about homophobia .. don’t worry LOVE WINS 🏳️🌈 and everyone stood up and clapped when the weirdos who stuck their nose in their business got served 💀☝️
p.s ASDA DOGS U WILL FOREVER BE ICONIC 🙏
the pacing was horrendous, and the lack of description was criminal. thankfully I’m familiar with the area and knew everything but anyone reading who wasn’t, I would assume might’ve gotten confused or lost? I wish there was a bit of prose in here too just to make the romance pop a bit more 🙄 overall it was just a melodramatic, sweet story!! even with all the scenes about homophobia .. don’t worry LOVE WINS 🏳️🌈 and everyone stood up and clapped when the weirdos who stuck their nose in their business got served 💀☝️
p.s ASDA DOGS U WILL FOREVER BE ICONIC 🙏
January 4, 2018
Voto: 4.5 stelline.
Ho dovuto fare scorta di fazzoletti, perché già all’inizio della storia mi sono trovata così coinvolta da commuovermi, sentendo in modo vivido il dolore e il lutto di Liam. Anche in un altro paio di punti mi è scappata qualche lacrimuccia, ma per fortuna c’è Sam, un piccolo vulcano sempre in attività, che è anche dolce, sensibile, affettuoso, un po’ strano e irresistibile.
Sam “adotta” Liam proprio mentre questi ne ha più bisogno e tra loro si crea un legame forte, unico, uno scambio che aiuta entrambi, un ‘istant love’ di due anime affini.
Ho amato la dolcezza infinita di questa coppia, il loro modo di sostenersi e di aiutarsi, la maniera in cui è stato trattato il delicato tema del lutto.
Ho adorato la famiglia di Sam, un po’ prepotente, un po’ impicciona, ma davvero unita e amorevole con tutti. Nonna Rose merita un applauso tutto per sé.
Alex, il grande assente, è presente però sotto forma di pensieri e i dialoghi interiori di Liam fanno comprendere quanto fosse speciale il loro legame come amici fraterni.
Nella storia sono presenti molte scene esplicite, dolci e sensuali. Francamente, però, le avrei sfoltite un po’, soprattutto quelle troppo ravvicinate.
Il finale è un po’ veloce, ma è anche vero che questo è il primo libro di una serie, quindi le cose continueranno nel prossimo.
Ho dovuto fare scorta di fazzoletti, perché già all’inizio della storia mi sono trovata così coinvolta da commuovermi, sentendo in modo vivido il dolore e il lutto di Liam. Anche in un altro paio di punti mi è scappata qualche lacrimuccia, ma per fortuna c’è Sam, un piccolo vulcano sempre in attività, che è anche dolce, sensibile, affettuoso, un po’ strano e irresistibile.
Sam “adotta” Liam proprio mentre questi ne ha più bisogno e tra loro si crea un legame forte, unico, uno scambio che aiuta entrambi, un ‘istant love’ di due anime affini.
Ho amato la dolcezza infinita di questa coppia, il loro modo di sostenersi e di aiutarsi, la maniera in cui è stato trattato il delicato tema del lutto.
Ho adorato la famiglia di Sam, un po’ prepotente, un po’ impicciona, ma davvero unita e amorevole con tutti. Nonna Rose merita un applauso tutto per sé.
Alex, il grande assente, è presente però sotto forma di pensieri e i dialoghi interiori di Liam fanno comprendere quanto fosse speciale il loro legame come amici fraterni.
Nella storia sono presenti molte scene esplicite, dolci e sensuali. Francamente, però, le avrei sfoltite un po’, soprattutto quelle troppo ravvicinate.
Il finale è un po’ veloce, ma è anche vero che questo è il primo libro di una serie, quindi le cose continueranno nel prossimo.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews