What do you think?
Rate this book
Solomon Trebeck’s heart broke the night of his bi-awakening.
Fifteen years later, Sol’s back in Cornwall where it happened, single, shy, and oh-so lonely. Teaching art to kids wasn’t his life plan. Neither is raising a teenage nephew, but with no family left to support him, a live-in job at a boarding school becomes his life raft.
Problem: that life raft is sinking.
Solution: Sol’s first love could have the cash to keep it afloat.
Reconnecting with Jace Pascoe might save the school—the one place Sol’s nephew is happy. Asking for his help opens old wounds, but Jace helps to heal them, fusing Sol’s broken heart back together. However, Jace has his own shadows, no matter how brightly his smile dazzles.
Falling for Jace again could be so easy. It could also be a huge risk when neither of them plans to stay in Cornwall forever….
♥ Featuring sweet angst, hurt/comfort, and second chances for a shy heart, Sol is a standalone MM romance novel in the Learning to Love series with a fulfilling happily ever after. ♥
Fifteen years later, Sol’s back in Cornwall where it happened, single, shy, and oh-so lonely. Teaching art to kids wasn’t his life plan. Neither is raising a teenage nephew, but with no family left to support him, a live-in job at a boarding school becomes his life raft.
Problem: that life raft is sinking.
Solution: Sol’s first love could have the cash to keep it afloat.
Reconnecting with Jace Pascoe might save the school—the one place Sol’s nephew is happy. Asking for his help opens old wounds, but Jace helps to heal them, fusing Sol’s broken heart back together. However, Jace has his own shadows, no matter how brightly his smile dazzles.
Falling for Jace again could be so easy. It could also be a huge risk when neither of them plans to stay in Cornwall forever….
♥ Featuring sweet angst, hurt/comfort, and second chances for a shy heart, Sol is a standalone MM romance novel in the Learning to Love series with a fulfilling happily ever after. ♥
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2021
77 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
October 22, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
i mentioned to a goodreads friend while reading this that i think Con Riley has become one of my favorite m/m romance writers, and this book really cemented that in my mind.
the romance between Sol and Jace is just... so soft. they're so loving and kind and considerate to each other, especially Jace who puts Sol first from the moment they reconnect. i think the romance aspect of this book was handled perfectly. it was the right amount of sweetness with just a little bit of melancholy that i just love.
where the book lost me juuuust a bit was the plot outside of the romance. to compare, i felt more invested in the overall plot of Charles' book than what happens in this one, despite the stakes being much higher here. i just was never able to really care about or get invested in the school drama when i knew the book would have a happy ending. the various discussions about street art vs vandalism, etc. were als oa bit tedious for me. i did like the Cameron / Mary aspects of the story, however. that whole subplot was really moving and terribly sweet, and Cameron's growth was so heartwarming to experience. it was so good to see Mitch again, as well, as i really, really loved him in His Haven.
while this is a standalone, i do think it may be a good idea to read both Charles and His Haven to give a bit more depth to some aspects of the story. Sol is, of course, briefly introduced in Charles and Mitch and Mary (and her home, the Haven) are featured prominently in His Haven (also, two other minor characters in this story, Ed and Pash have their own book, True Brit, that i have yet to read but plan to very soon!).
i mentioned in a status update how nice it is to revist characters i really enjoyed without them coming in and just taking over the story completely. Mitch plays an integral role in advancing one of the subplots here, but this is still Sol and Jace's story 100%, even when Mitch is on page.
overall, i really enjoyed this. like a lot. it doesn't quite reach the heights of Charles' book just because the subplots were a little bit lacking for me, but it was still a wonderful, satisfying read. i canNOT wait for Luke's book in February!
i mentioned to a goodreads friend while reading this that i think Con Riley has become one of my favorite m/m romance writers, and this book really cemented that in my mind.
the romance between Sol and Jace is just... so soft. they're so loving and kind and considerate to each other, especially Jace who puts Sol first from the moment they reconnect. i think the romance aspect of this book was handled perfectly. it was the right amount of sweetness with just a little bit of melancholy that i just love.
where the book lost me juuuust a bit was the plot outside of the romance. to compare, i felt more invested in the overall plot of Charles' book than what happens in this one, despite the stakes being much higher here. i just was never able to really care about or get invested in the school drama when i knew the book would have a happy ending. the various discussions about street art vs vandalism, etc. were als oa bit tedious for me. i did like the Cameron / Mary aspects of the story, however. that whole subplot was really moving and terribly sweet, and Cameron's growth was so heartwarming to experience. it was so good to see Mitch again, as well, as i really, really loved him in His Haven.
while this is a standalone, i do think it may be a good idea to read both Charles and His Haven to give a bit more depth to some aspects of the story. Sol is, of course, briefly introduced in Charles and Mitch and Mary (and her home, the Haven) are featured prominently in His Haven (also, two other minor characters in this story, Ed and Pash have their own book, True Brit, that i have yet to read but plan to very soon!).
i mentioned in a status update how nice it is to revist characters i really enjoyed without them coming in and just taking over the story completely. Mitch plays an integral role in advancing one of the subplots here, but this is still Sol and Jace's story 100%, even when Mitch is on page.
overall, i really enjoyed this. like a lot. it doesn't quite reach the heights of Charles' book just because the subplots were a little bit lacking for me, but it was still a wonderful, satisfying read. i canNOT wait for Luke's book in February!
November 29, 2021
Dreams.
We all have them. Some stick with us while others slip away on the wings of sleep fairies. Sol has many dreams, some haunting him during his slumber and wakeful hours while others mock him day in and day out. You see, Sol isn’t living the life of his choosing. His life is full of complications. These complications dictate what he does and what he needs to do. And if we’re gonna be honest here, he’s bitter and resentful that he lost control of the steering wheel and is at the mercy of his family’s driving force. His mum was the conductor of their family, single-handedly pushing them forwards and doing her best to keep them on their fragile tracks. When she passed, Sol was meant to fill her shoes and keep them on course. But somehow he ended up on a runaway train and he’s certain they are about to crash. He can’t do it. He can’t even fathom how his mum managed. Just as he’s preparing to bail before the inevitable derailment, his most coveted dream appears.
Jace.
Fifteen years ago, Sol gave his heart to a boy, but circumstances ripped them apart. Perhaps his new guardian angel rerouted Jace and brought him and the missing pieces of his heart back to Cornwall? Now, if only they both can find a way to stay. Just another thing to add to the neverending to-do list. Jace was crushed when Sol disappeared from his life but moved forward even if he always kept one eye focused on the rearview mirror. I almost wish we had the chance to hear from Jace firsthand and slip into his mind, but I believe Con had valid reasons for letting Jace’s secrets unravel at their own pace. Jace is as much Sol’s opposite as he is his counterpart. He is easy to love. His life hasn’t been smooth sailing either, but he has found a way to channel his frustrations. I loved how easily they sank back into each other’s arms. Jace never stopped loving his first love. He has carried Sol with him every step of the way. Always dreaming for their orbits to connect once more. When they do he’s…over the moon. But time has brought more changes than crinkly eyes and fuzzy chests. The sky is bigger than just the two of them.
Sol.
They say if you don’t fill your well, your muse will wither. Sol’s muse is not only dry but fading away. His needs have always come second or third, and his muse isn’t even on the list anymore. Becoming his nephew’s guardian was not a role he was prepared for. Cameron was struck by tragedy as an infant. He doesn’t know the woman who gave birth to him and has no desire to. As soon as he began navigating his teenage years, was beginning to find himself and searching for his path, his Gran was taken from him. He’s lost and angry at the world. Unfortunately, Sol’s responsibilities don’t stop with our surly teen. The vital care his sister receives requires extra funds he doesn’t have. Keeping his position in the artroom at Glynn Harbor is crucial. When he learns they are on the brink of closing, he feels himself sink further. Then Jace appears like the life preserver he’s desperate for. Comforting hugs and wordless promises soothe his frayed nerves. And give him the boost he urgently needed to trust and believe they could make it…together.
This story was a journey that took me places I never expected while ending with the happiness I knew was coming. There is darkness and light. There is bone-deep angst and blinding-bright hope. There is a familiarity with love stories previously shared. You don’t need to know how Charles and His Holy Hotness ended up together or even the story of His Haven. However, there is a richness and deeper understanding if you know the intimacy they bring. This is a story of a second chance, forgiveness, and trust. If you’re expecting a duplicate of the first book, you’ll be vexed. For Sol is nothing like Charles. This is for the best since Jace has a thing for a shy artist who is blessed with complications. As it turns out, so do I. And I can’t wait for Luke to find his one and only!!
Beware of: Patience is not only a virtue Jace requires…I kinda wanted to shake Sol myself. If true art makes you feel…I sobbed ugly tears all over this stunning piece. And prepare to chase moonbeams and catch falling stars…I can feel the glow from here.
This book is for: Anyone searching for a powerful, emotional, and hopeful story about two souls finding each other…again. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to know and love Charles!
Book UNfunk
We all have them. Some stick with us while others slip away on the wings of sleep fairies. Sol has many dreams, some haunting him during his slumber and wakeful hours while others mock him day in and day out. You see, Sol isn’t living the life of his choosing. His life is full of complications. These complications dictate what he does and what he needs to do. And if we’re gonna be honest here, he’s bitter and resentful that he lost control of the steering wheel and is at the mercy of his family’s driving force. His mum was the conductor of their family, single-handedly pushing them forwards and doing her best to keep them on their fragile tracks. When she passed, Sol was meant to fill her shoes and keep them on course. But somehow he ended up on a runaway train and he’s certain they are about to crash. He can’t do it. He can’t even fathom how his mum managed. Just as he’s preparing to bail before the inevitable derailment, his most coveted dream appears.
Jace.
Fifteen years ago, Sol gave his heart to a boy, but circumstances ripped them apart. Perhaps his new guardian angel rerouted Jace and brought him and the missing pieces of his heart back to Cornwall? Now, if only they both can find a way to stay. Just another thing to add to the neverending to-do list. Jace was crushed when Sol disappeared from his life but moved forward even if he always kept one eye focused on the rearview mirror. I almost wish we had the chance to hear from Jace firsthand and slip into his mind, but I believe Con had valid reasons for letting Jace’s secrets unravel at their own pace. Jace is as much Sol’s opposite as he is his counterpart. He is easy to love. His life hasn’t been smooth sailing either, but he has found a way to channel his frustrations. I loved how easily they sank back into each other’s arms. Jace never stopped loving his first love. He has carried Sol with him every step of the way. Always dreaming for their orbits to connect once more. When they do he’s…over the moon. But time has brought more changes than crinkly eyes and fuzzy chests. The sky is bigger than just the two of them.
Sol.
They say if you don’t fill your well, your muse will wither. Sol’s muse is not only dry but fading away. His needs have always come second or third, and his muse isn’t even on the list anymore. Becoming his nephew’s guardian was not a role he was prepared for. Cameron was struck by tragedy as an infant. He doesn’t know the woman who gave birth to him and has no desire to. As soon as he began navigating his teenage years, was beginning to find himself and searching for his path, his Gran was taken from him. He’s lost and angry at the world. Unfortunately, Sol’s responsibilities don’t stop with our surly teen. The vital care his sister receives requires extra funds he doesn’t have. Keeping his position in the artroom at Glynn Harbor is crucial. When he learns they are on the brink of closing, he feels himself sink further. Then Jace appears like the life preserver he’s desperate for. Comforting hugs and wordless promises soothe his frayed nerves. And give him the boost he urgently needed to trust and believe they could make it…together.
This story was a journey that took me places I never expected while ending with the happiness I knew was coming. There is darkness and light. There is bone-deep angst and blinding-bright hope. There is a familiarity with love stories previously shared. You don’t need to know how Charles and His Holy Hotness ended up together or even the story of His Haven. However, there is a richness and deeper understanding if you know the intimacy they bring. This is a story of a second chance, forgiveness, and trust. If you’re expecting a duplicate of the first book, you’ll be vexed. For Sol is nothing like Charles. This is for the best since Jace has a thing for a shy artist who is blessed with complications. As it turns out, so do I. And I can’t wait for Luke to find his one and only!!
Beware of: Patience is not only a virtue Jace requires…I kinda wanted to shake Sol myself. If true art makes you feel…I sobbed ugly tears all over this stunning piece. And prepare to chase moonbeams and catch falling stars…I can feel the glow from here.
This book is for: Anyone searching for a powerful, emotional, and hopeful story about two souls finding each other…again. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to know and love Charles!
Book UNfunk
October 13, 2021
They own me ❤🥰🔥😚💦🤪
So, it's no secret how much I loved Charles and HHH. But when I started reading the first draft for Sol and Jace, I knew that they'd be very quickly taking the top spot on my list of characters that take hold of my heart and don't let go.
Sol is mired in a life he hadn't expected and didn't want. He's suddenly got his teenage nephew with all his feelings of loss and grief over the death of Sol's mum, who had essentially brought up Cameron since he was a baby when his own mum became incapable of taking care of him.
They're also reliant on Sol's position teaching Art at Glynn Harber and the scholarship which is paying for Cameron's education.
So when the school becomes threatened, headmaster Luke's last ditch attempts to raise awareness - and money - puts Sol on a collision course with the most famous person he knows, Cornish artist Emily Pascoe and her son Jace.
Jace, the guy who awoke his bisexuality with a kiss one stormy night 15 years earlier, before Sol was snatched away by his father to go live in London. Someone who Sol's never managed to forget.
This book is more angsty than Charles' so I do hope people don't expect more of the same because this narrative is focused way more on finding a new path, a new family, a way to connect with both a troubled teenager and how to reconnect with a former school friend who could have been so much more if life had taken a different path.
I adored watching how Sol and Jace reconnect. At first it's physical, their initial meeting and the smexy time which follows is incandescent. They burn up the pages and can I just say, I LOVE how Jase hides nothing about his feelings.
He tells Sol he never forgot him, that Sol broke his heart and that he's never been able to move on and he is all in for whatever Sol wants to give him. There's no artifice with Jace when it comes to his feelings.
The secret he's hiding though plays a major part in the overall series story arc which is focused on Glynn Harber's future and the wider implications of events from 15 years earlier which will continue on into Luke's book.
This is one of the things I love so much about Con's worlds, they're all subtly interconnected and you sometimes don't realise it until two or three books later (hi Ed and Pasha in this series :D ) when something that might have been a throwaway line becomes a key component.
It doesn't affect those who haven't read previous books, it's always self contained within the current book, but it provides a lovely Easter Egg for fans of her work.
And, without giving anything away, I'm just gonna throw a shout out to the GOAT Mitch, who lays some home truths down on both Sol and Cameron on a visit to The Haven
This book was cathartic for me at times. It introduces some really thought provoking ideas about street art and graffiti and the validity of it both as a medium for expression and creativity, but also as a form of protest.
As an amateur artist (albeit one who hasn't created properly since my early 20s!) I find the idea of protest in expression through creative methods to be powerfully moving. Think of Picasso's Guernica or The Face of War by Salvador Dali and they instantly evoke a feeling of horror.
Anyway, this is approaching an essay rather than just a book review 😁 so I'll finish it off by saying this book will make you cry if you're that kind of a reader, it will give you hope, it lays down the foundations for Luke's story and it throws in a few twists that I don't think anyone will be expecting.
It also has a perfect pairing in Sol and Jace. Two people who are given a second chance and they hold on to it with everything in their power, pouring that love out to enclose Cameron and to look at forging a new path together.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
So, it's no secret how much I loved Charles and HHH. But when I started reading the first draft for Sol and Jace, I knew that they'd be very quickly taking the top spot on my list of characters that take hold of my heart and don't let go.
Sol is mired in a life he hadn't expected and didn't want. He's suddenly got his teenage nephew with all his feelings of loss and grief over the death of Sol's mum, who had essentially brought up Cameron since he was a baby when his own mum became incapable of taking care of him.
They're also reliant on Sol's position teaching Art at Glynn Harber and the scholarship which is paying for Cameron's education.
So when the school becomes threatened, headmaster Luke's last ditch attempts to raise awareness - and money - puts Sol on a collision course with the most famous person he knows, Cornish artist Emily Pascoe and her son Jace.
Jace, the guy who awoke his bisexuality with a kiss one stormy night 15 years earlier, before Sol was snatched away by his father to go live in London. Someone who Sol's never managed to forget.
This book is more angsty than Charles' so I do hope people don't expect more of the same because this narrative is focused way more on finding a new path, a new family, a way to connect with both a troubled teenager and how to reconnect with a former school friend who could have been so much more if life had taken a different path.
I adored watching how Sol and Jace reconnect. At first it's physical, their initial meeting and the smexy time which follows is incandescent. They burn up the pages and can I just say, I LOVE how Jase hides nothing about his feelings.
He tells Sol he never forgot him, that Sol broke his heart and that he's never been able to move on and he is all in for whatever Sol wants to give him. There's no artifice with Jace when it comes to his feelings.
The secret he's hiding though plays a major part in the overall series story arc which is focused on Glynn Harber's future and the wider implications of events from 15 years earlier which will continue on into Luke's book.
This is one of the things I love so much about Con's worlds, they're all subtly interconnected and you sometimes don't realise it until two or three books later (hi Ed and Pasha in this series :D ) when something that might have been a throwaway line becomes a key component.
It doesn't affect those who haven't read previous books, it's always self contained within the current book, but it provides a lovely Easter Egg for fans of her work.
And, without giving anything away, I'm just gonna throw a shout out to the GOAT Mitch, who lays some home truths down on both Sol and Cameron on a visit to The Haven
This book was cathartic for me at times. It introduces some really thought provoking ideas about street art and graffiti and the validity of it both as a medium for expression and creativity, but also as a form of protest.
As an amateur artist (albeit one who hasn't created properly since my early 20s!) I find the idea of protest in expression through creative methods to be powerfully moving. Think of Picasso's Guernica or The Face of War by Salvador Dali and they instantly evoke a feeling of horror.
Anyway, this is approaching an essay rather than just a book review 😁 so I'll finish it off by saying this book will make you cry if you're that kind of a reader, it will give you hope, it lays down the foundations for Luke's story and it throws in a few twists that I don't think anyone will be expecting.
It also has a perfect pairing in Sol and Jace. Two people who are given a second chance and they hold on to it with everything in their power, pouring that love out to enclose Cameron and to look at forging a new path together.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 16, 2021
Sol is a man of few words, he’s an observer, an artist, a loner, always been, he’s also lonely. Working hard, teaching art at Glynn Harber, to keep his nephew Cameron at this school. He’s the only one to support him. It’s complicated.
Financial Glynn Harber isn’t healthy and nominated to close.
Fifteen years before Sol made a promise to Jace, they were young. He still has to fulfill it.
Meeting again after all these years there is still something special and delicate between them.
They also share art, and in quite an impressive way!
There’s a family drama, hanging heavily between Sol and Cameron. Jace has a soothing effect and offers Cameron something to work with. Cameron is just as artistic as Sol and Jace.
Glynn Harber is an important place for children who are in need for just something more.
Sol is committed and wants to safe this harbor for Cameron.
What a beautiful story, softhearted people, some drama, a lot of feelings, and a plot that brought my heart to a happy place. Two broken hearts finding a second chance!
I was delighted to meet beautiful Mitch again, with his golden heart and his precious words, they made me cry. The Haven is still important!
There is a finesse in the author’s writing that makes it a grand story, highlighting the importance of art for the people was breathtaking. Sol was soft and utterly introverted. His thoughts are on paper and not always spoken. Jace was clear and sincere. The love between them was as soft as Sol. I was so happy for them!
Overall a beautifully written, mellow story with an extraordinary plot, this author never disappoints.
Financial Glynn Harber isn’t healthy and nominated to close.
Fifteen years before Sol made a promise to Jace, they were young. He still has to fulfill it.
Meeting again after all these years there is still something special and delicate between them.
They also share art, and in quite an impressive way!
There’s a family drama, hanging heavily between Sol and Cameron. Jace has a soothing effect and offers Cameron something to work with. Cameron is just as artistic as Sol and Jace.
Glynn Harber is an important place for children who are in need for just something more.
Sol is committed and wants to safe this harbor for Cameron.
What a beautiful story, softhearted people, some drama, a lot of feelings, and a plot that brought my heart to a happy place. Two broken hearts finding a second chance!
I was delighted to meet beautiful Mitch again, with his golden heart and his precious words, they made me cry. The Haven is still important!
There is a finesse in the author’s writing that makes it a grand story, highlighting the importance of art for the people was breathtaking. Sol was soft and utterly introverted. His thoughts are on paper and not always spoken. Jace was clear and sincere. The love between them was as soft as Sol. I was so happy for them!
Overall a beautifully written, mellow story with an extraordinary plot, this author never disappoints.
June 8, 2023
2.5 stars
Sorry GR friends, but I found this boring. Even the beautiful writing (which felt contrived at times) couldn’t make up for it. The second chance trope was also a bit hard to swallow. Two artistic teenagers become friends over a few months at the age of sixteen. Sol experiences a bi-awakening as he gets to know Jace. They share one life-changing kiss before they’re separated, and meet again fourteen years later when Sol is an art teacher at a school which is in danger of closing. Throughout that time there is a ton of mutual pining for the one who got away…. after one kiss…. at the age of sixteen!!! It’s a predictable tale about brilliant artists with dashed hopes due to blah blah blah tragic circumstances—with the added twist of Sol being responsible for a troubled younger brother.
Sorry GR friends, but I found this boring. Even the beautiful writing (which felt contrived at times) couldn’t make up for it. The second chance trope was also a bit hard to swallow. Two artistic teenagers become friends over a few months at the age of sixteen. Sol experiences a bi-awakening as he gets to know Jace. They share one life-changing kiss before they’re separated, and meet again fourteen years later when Sol is an art teacher at a school which is in danger of closing. Throughout that time there is a ton of mutual pining for the one who got away…. after one kiss…. at the age of sixteen!!! It’s a predictable tale about brilliant artists with dashed hopes due to blah blah blah tragic circumstances—with the added twist of Sol being responsible for a troubled younger brother.
October 16, 2021
3.5 stars
Hmmmm, this is my least favorite from the His and Learning to Love series so far. I love second-chance romance, I will say that again and again. But Sol and Jace jumps back into their relationship a little too fast, a little too easy. I want more pining before they get back together.
I think it's also because Sol and Jace need to share their story with a whole lot of other problems: the school's finance (which drives Sol and Jace to work together again), Cameron's (Sol's nephew) anger, Sol trying to connect with Cameron... then Sol's bitterness on his own artistry (which I feel is not fully solved in the end). It's too much for me.
BUT, this also means one book closer to Luke (and Nathan's) and I can't wait to get my hand on that one.
Hmmmm, this is my least favorite from the His and Learning to Love series so far. I love second-chance romance, I will say that again and again. But Sol and Jace jumps back into their relationship a little too fast, a little too easy. I want more pining before they get back together.
I think it's also because Sol and Jace need to share their story with a whole lot of other problems: the school's finance (which drives Sol and Jace to work together again), Cameron's (Sol's nephew) anger, Sol trying to connect with Cameron... then Sol's bitterness on his own artistry (which I feel is not fully solved in the end). It's too much for me.
BUT, this also means one book closer to Luke (and Nathan's) and I can't wait to get my hand on that one.
October 2, 2023
DNF ~38%
What is with this author and writing second chance romance where the characters are each heartbroken and carrying a ton of resentment for the other after sharing a single kiss and not being in a relationship at all?!? It's just so ridiculous to me, and this is the second time I've read it by Con in two of their series which are connected, which is such a baffling choice. I also was really struggling with the way the author wrote Sol, with him continuing to actively think that he needs to focus on his troubled nephew that he is guardian over, and then actively letting himself get distracted by literally everything else. Tell Jace to fuck off and focus on your kid, maybe?? Not for me, and I'm giving this author a break because they've pretty consistently not worked for me lately.
What is with this author and writing second chance romance where the characters are each heartbroken and carrying a ton of resentment for the other after sharing a single kiss and not being in a relationship at all?!? It's just so ridiculous to me, and this is the second time I've read it by Con in two of their series which are connected, which is such a baffling choice. I also was really struggling with the way the author wrote Sol, with him continuing to actively think that he needs to focus on his troubled nephew that he is guardian over, and then actively letting himself get distracted by literally everything else. Tell Jace to fuck off and focus on your kid, maybe?? Not for me, and I'm giving this author a break because they've pretty consistently not worked for me lately.
September 24, 2021
I am an artist myself. But Sol is kinda bitter artist to be with. I can understand his fear of losing everything especially a privilege for Cameron.
Jace , his first love, with a fifteen years gap between now and their first kiss, this book should be given a title, Promise.
Everything in this book is about promise.
Maybe Sol's on again, off again attitude is kinda a turn-on for Jace, good for him. Because, Sol is not someone easy to be with. Jace is definitely made for Sol.
Sol, telling us about acceptance for who and what you are, love between family member, and fulfilling your promise and the most important thing, loyalty.
Though Charles is still my favorite of this series, I think Sol taught us something important. Loving someone, is not as easy as we thought.
But I'm also probably bias with Charles, Hugo and my favorite human, Tor.
And I was happy Tor made appearance, just to praise his favorite teacher, Charles Heppel who can 'Count backward from 20! How smart!'😂😂😂
Jace , his first love, with a fifteen years gap between now and their first kiss, this book should be given a title, Promise.
Everything in this book is about promise.
Maybe Sol's on again, off again attitude is kinda a turn-on for Jace, good for him. Because, Sol is not someone easy to be with. Jace is definitely made for Sol.
Sol, telling us about acceptance for who and what you are, love between family member, and fulfilling your promise and the most important thing, loyalty.
Though Charles is still my favorite of this series, I think Sol taught us something important. Loving someone, is not as easy as we thought.
But I'm also probably bias with Charles, Hugo and my favorite human, Tor.
And I was happy Tor made appearance, just to praise his favorite teacher, Charles Heppel who can 'Count backward from 20! How smart!'😂😂😂
December 6, 2021
I've given this a B at AAR.
Con Riley has become a must-read author for me over the last couple of years, and she earned high grades for her last three books, which I gave DIK reviews. The most recent of these – Charles, book one in the Learning to Love series – was always going to be a tough act to follow due to its incredibly loveable and engaging titular character, but I had high hopes that book two, Sol, would wow me, too. I’m a fan of second-chance romances, and have been looking forward to learning more about Solomon Trebeck, the quiet, reserved art teacher at Glynn Harber school. However, I can’t say that I loved the book as much as I’d hoped to. It’s a poignant and beautifully written story about a man struggling under the weight of commitments, trying to sort his life out, and to allow himself not just to learn to love (as per the series title) but to accept it – but the insta-love nature of the romance didn’t really work for me.
A couple of years before the story begins, Sol had to take custody of his teenaged nephew, Cameron, who was brought up by his grandmother – Sol’s mother Mary- owing to the fact that his own mother is unable to take care of him. When Mary Trebeck died unexpectedly, Sol had not only to deal with his own grief at her loss, but to take on the responsibility for his grieving nephew, too. To start with, Sol moved Cameron into his home in London, but when he realised that uprooting the boy from the life he’d known in Cornwall had been a mistake, he took a job teaching art at Glynn Harber school. Teaching is not a job he’d ever wanted to do, but his position there at least provides him with somewhere to live and means Cameron’s schooling is paid for. But as much as he loves Cameron and wants to do the best for him, their relationship is going from bad to worse, and Sol is at a loss as how to repair it.
As was hinted at in the previous book, all is not well at Glynn Harber. The finances are strapped and there’s the strong possibility that the head will have to take the drastic step of dispensing with the free places and scholarships the school offers if he’s going to balance the books. It’s not something he wants to do at all; those free places go to kids who really need the kind of security and nurturing environment the school specialises in, kids who were “given up on before they got here” – and he believes, passionately and wholeheartedly, in continuing to give those children what they need to succeed. But unless he can come up with a way of bringing in more money, those places will have to be cut and the whole school may eventually be forced to close. He suggests to the staff that they all try to find a benefactor with money to invest, or talented people willing to be associated with the school whose names might help drum up more fee-paying parents.
Sol finds himself thinking, not for the first time since he returned to Cornwall, of Jace Pascoe, the object of his first ever same-sex crush and the boy whose kisses had revealed a truth about himself that Sol hadn’t known before – that he liked guys as well as girls. He and Jace haven’t seen each other since the night they kissed fifteen years before; Sol promised he’d return later that evening, but instead found himself whisked away to live in London by his father without a moment to spare and with no money to even make a phone call. But Jace’s mother Emily was a well-known artist and her paintings sell for massive amounts of money – could Jace be persuaded to help save the school? Sol can’t believe he’s even considering asking, or that Jace will listen, given they haven’t seen or spoken for fifteen years, but he’s willing to try anything if it means keeping Glynn Harber open and providing much-needed stability for Cameron in a place that makes him happy.
Sol and Jace’s reunion is as awkward as you might expect, but it doesn’t take too long for them to become comfortable around each other again. They have great chemistry and it’s very clear that the feelings that were developing between them as teens have never gone away, but things move so fast in the present that it feels like a strong dose of insta-love rather than a second-chance romance in which the couple spends time learning about the people they are now – and it didn’t really work for me. I find it difficult to accept that two people who haven’t been in contact for fifteen years could just pick up where they left off – and being so young the last time they saw each other makes it an even harder sell because we change and grow so much in the years between fifteen and thirty.
That, though, is my major gripe about a book I otherwise enjoyed a lot. Sol is the story’s sole narrator, so we see everything through his eyes, but all the characters are superbly drawn and their motivations are clear. Sol is a complicated character with a lot on his plate – family tragedy and loss, a nephew he can’t connect with, a job he doesn’t really want but needs, the possibility of losing it – and Ms. Riley does a great job of conveying how utterly overwhelmed he is by it all. He’s easy to sympathise with but difficult to like sometimes – his passive-aggressiveness towards Jace doesn’t paint him in the best light, and the almost continual sense that he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop can be exhausting – and yet I could understand where he was coming from, and I appreciated the way we’re shown him coming to realise the difference between being responsible for someone and genuinely caring for them. Unlike Sol, Jace is outgoing and sociable; he’s also kind, insightful and completely upfront with Sol about how he feels – which I found very refreshing – and it’s he who finds a way for Sol to begin to reconnect with Cameron (who has started to go off the rails a bit). In fact, one of the real highlights of the book is watching Cameron’s slow transformation from surly, resentful teen to a caring, determined and passionate young man. But Jace seems to have no flaws and comes across as too good to be true at times. Still, there’s no doubt that he and Sol feel for each other very deeply and are good for one another, and although this may seem an odd thing to say, while the romance didn’t work all that well for me, the relationship did.
Con Riley excels at crafting quiet stories full of genuine emotion, featuring ordinary, relatable characters with ordinary, relatable problems, and those things are much in evidence here. Sol’s journey towards learning to accept himself and that he’s worthy of love is very well done, and it, together with the lyrical but understated prose, the beautifully realised setting and the wonderful sense of community the author has created around Glynn Harber earns Sol a recommendation.
Con Riley has become a must-read author for me over the last couple of years, and she earned high grades for her last three books, which I gave DIK reviews. The most recent of these – Charles, book one in the Learning to Love series – was always going to be a tough act to follow due to its incredibly loveable and engaging titular character, but I had high hopes that book two, Sol, would wow me, too. I’m a fan of second-chance romances, and have been looking forward to learning more about Solomon Trebeck, the quiet, reserved art teacher at Glynn Harber school. However, I can’t say that I loved the book as much as I’d hoped to. It’s a poignant and beautifully written story about a man struggling under the weight of commitments, trying to sort his life out, and to allow himself not just to learn to love (as per the series title) but to accept it – but the insta-love nature of the romance didn’t really work for me.
A couple of years before the story begins, Sol had to take custody of his teenaged nephew, Cameron, who was brought up by his grandmother – Sol’s mother Mary- owing to the fact that his own mother is unable to take care of him. When Mary Trebeck died unexpectedly, Sol had not only to deal with his own grief at her loss, but to take on the responsibility for his grieving nephew, too. To start with, Sol moved Cameron into his home in London, but when he realised that uprooting the boy from the life he’d known in Cornwall had been a mistake, he took a job teaching art at Glynn Harber school. Teaching is not a job he’d ever wanted to do, but his position there at least provides him with somewhere to live and means Cameron’s schooling is paid for. But as much as he loves Cameron and wants to do the best for him, their relationship is going from bad to worse, and Sol is at a loss as how to repair it.
As was hinted at in the previous book, all is not well at Glynn Harber. The finances are strapped and there’s the strong possibility that the head will have to take the drastic step of dispensing with the free places and scholarships the school offers if he’s going to balance the books. It’s not something he wants to do at all; those free places go to kids who really need the kind of security and nurturing environment the school specialises in, kids who were “given up on before they got here” – and he believes, passionately and wholeheartedly, in continuing to give those children what they need to succeed. But unless he can come up with a way of bringing in more money, those places will have to be cut and the whole school may eventually be forced to close. He suggests to the staff that they all try to find a benefactor with money to invest, or talented people willing to be associated with the school whose names might help drum up more fee-paying parents.
Sol finds himself thinking, not for the first time since he returned to Cornwall, of Jace Pascoe, the object of his first ever same-sex crush and the boy whose kisses had revealed a truth about himself that Sol hadn’t known before – that he liked guys as well as girls. He and Jace haven’t seen each other since the night they kissed fifteen years before; Sol promised he’d return later that evening, but instead found himself whisked away to live in London by his father without a moment to spare and with no money to even make a phone call. But Jace’s mother Emily was a well-known artist and her paintings sell for massive amounts of money – could Jace be persuaded to help save the school? Sol can’t believe he’s even considering asking, or that Jace will listen, given they haven’t seen or spoken for fifteen years, but he’s willing to try anything if it means keeping Glynn Harber open and providing much-needed stability for Cameron in a place that makes him happy.
Sol and Jace’s reunion is as awkward as you might expect, but it doesn’t take too long for them to become comfortable around each other again. They have great chemistry and it’s very clear that the feelings that were developing between them as teens have never gone away, but things move so fast in the present that it feels like a strong dose of insta-love rather than a second-chance romance in which the couple spends time learning about the people they are now – and it didn’t really work for me. I find it difficult to accept that two people who haven’t been in contact for fifteen years could just pick up where they left off – and being so young the last time they saw each other makes it an even harder sell because we change and grow so much in the years between fifteen and thirty.
That, though, is my major gripe about a book I otherwise enjoyed a lot. Sol is the story’s sole narrator, so we see everything through his eyes, but all the characters are superbly drawn and their motivations are clear. Sol is a complicated character with a lot on his plate – family tragedy and loss, a nephew he can’t connect with, a job he doesn’t really want but needs, the possibility of losing it – and Ms. Riley does a great job of conveying how utterly overwhelmed he is by it all. He’s easy to sympathise with but difficult to like sometimes – his passive-aggressiveness towards Jace doesn’t paint him in the best light, and the almost continual sense that he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop can be exhausting – and yet I could understand where he was coming from, and I appreciated the way we’re shown him coming to realise the difference between being responsible for someone and genuinely caring for them. Unlike Sol, Jace is outgoing and sociable; he’s also kind, insightful and completely upfront with Sol about how he feels – which I found very refreshing – and it’s he who finds a way for Sol to begin to reconnect with Cameron (who has started to go off the rails a bit). In fact, one of the real highlights of the book is watching Cameron’s slow transformation from surly, resentful teen to a caring, determined and passionate young man. But Jace seems to have no flaws and comes across as too good to be true at times. Still, there’s no doubt that he and Sol feel for each other very deeply and are good for one another, and although this may seem an odd thing to say, while the romance didn’t work all that well for me, the relationship did.
Con Riley excels at crafting quiet stories full of genuine emotion, featuring ordinary, relatable characters with ordinary, relatable problems, and those things are much in evidence here. Sol’s journey towards learning to accept himself and that he’s worthy of love is very well done, and it, together with the lyrical but understated prose, the beautifully realised setting and the wonderful sense of community the author has created around Glynn Harber earns Sol a recommendation.
February 26, 2022
disappointed
After the high Charles left me on, I had high hopes with this one. Unfortunately by the time I finished, I didn’t feel… anything. I never felt the connection between Jace and Sol. I never really understood Jace at all, which is sometimes a problem with single POV books. And reading this from Sol’s POV probably made him one of my most disliked main characters in a book ever. He was a sad stressed out quiet guy and stayed that way and it was just… a bummer to read. I nearly quit several times but figured I owed the author more than that. Once I finished I still felt… nothing. Regardless of that, I’m still looking forward to Luke’s book.
After the high Charles left me on, I had high hopes with this one. Unfortunately by the time I finished, I didn’t feel… anything. I never felt the connection between Jace and Sol. I never really understood Jace at all, which is sometimes a problem with single POV books. And reading this from Sol’s POV probably made him one of my most disliked main characters in a book ever. He was a sad stressed out quiet guy and stayed that way and it was just… a bummer to read. I nearly quit several times but figured I owed the author more than that. Once I finished I still felt… nothing. Regardless of that, I’m still looking forward to Luke’s book.
June 4, 2022
3.3 Stars
When I read "Charles" I had a personal dislike of the character types, but liked the overall writing, therefore I thought I would give this series another chance with the second volume and a new character set. And the introverted, lonely artist Sol who suddenly had to take responsibility for a teenager and more sounded interesting. Jace ... I don't really know who Jace is. He was a vaguely pleasant character but I can't fully see him. I liked Sol ... mostly. He made many obvious mistakes, especially with his nephew Cameron.
But at least I did not have problems with the characters and the writing again was solid. The second chances plot is not my favourite but I know several cases in which it worked very well for me and even several of my favourite books use this trope.
Therefore the fact that I was not head over heels for this book can no longer be explained by factors like disliked characters or tropes. But still this was a so-so read for me. No, not bad. I could finish it, but at some times I was ... bored. And I did not deeply connect with the characters. And the plot felt not realistic to me at times. Most of all what bothered me was that the reunification of the MCs happened way too fast. And they both are supposed to have not been able to forget their first kiss, felt that things were left way too unresolved, kept thinking of the other one for 15 or more years ... but never did anything about it? And then they meet again ... and ... booom ... everything back to like it was when they were kids? .... No, doesn't seem realistic to me. I can't follow these feelings. I wish I could, it was beautiful to read at places, but it felt just like a romance book to me, not like something that would go down like this in real life.
This book is part of a series but could also be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment and understanding.
When I read "Charles" I had a personal dislike of the character types, but liked the overall writing, therefore I thought I would give this series another chance with the second volume and a new character set. And the introverted, lonely artist Sol who suddenly had to take responsibility for a teenager and more sounded interesting. Jace ... I don't really know who Jace is. He was a vaguely pleasant character but I can't fully see him. I liked Sol ... mostly. He made many obvious mistakes, especially with his nephew Cameron.
But at least I did not have problems with the characters and the writing again was solid. The second chances plot is not my favourite but I know several cases in which it worked very well for me and even several of my favourite books use this trope.
Therefore the fact that I was not head over heels for this book can no longer be explained by factors like disliked characters or tropes. But still this was a so-so read for me. No, not bad. I could finish it, but at some times I was ... bored. And I did not deeply connect with the characters. And the plot felt not realistic to me at times. Most of all what bothered me was that the reunification of the MCs happened way too fast. And they both are supposed to have not been able to forget their first kiss, felt that things were left way too unresolved, kept thinking of the other one for 15 or more years ... but never did anything about it? And then they meet again ... and ... booom ... everything back to like it was when they were kids? .... No, doesn't seem realistic to me. I can't follow these feelings. I wish I could, it was beautiful to read at places, but it felt just like a romance book to me, not like something that would go down like this in real life.
This book is part of a series but could also be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment and understanding.
August 20, 2024
Not as emotional for me as book one, but you could FEEL the stress that Sol was under throughout this whole book - I felt so tense by the time I was done reading this!
Again, there are a lot of issues being dealt with, along with grief, relief, and a lot of hope. There's so much pressure on Sol, whether it's self inflicted or external, and seeing him find a way to get through the problems he's encountering felt like a really rewarding reading experience. I was so happy for Sol and Jace by the end of this book, as well as for Cameron who had a lot to deal with for being a fifteen year old who has experienced so much upheaval and turmoil in his life already.
I feel so invested in these characters now, and even though I know what happens in future (because I've already read Second Song), I feel so anxious about what's going to happen to the school!
I still think Charles is my favourite character though!
Again, there are a lot of issues being dealt with, along with grief, relief, and a lot of hope. There's so much pressure on Sol, whether it's self inflicted or external, and seeing him find a way to get through the problems he's encountering felt like a really rewarding reading experience. I was so happy for Sol and Jace by the end of this book, as well as for Cameron who had a lot to deal with for being a fifteen year old who has experienced so much upheaval and turmoil in his life already.
I feel so invested in these characters now, and even though I know what happens in future (because I've already read Second Song), I feel so anxious about what's going to happen to the school!
I still think Charles is my favourite character though!
dnf
January 20, 2024DNF @ 36%
Nope that's it! I'm enraged and I'm out!!! Not Cameron nor Jace deserve to be stuck with someone like Sol! He is cruel with his actions and sometimes with his words, he is judgemental, censorious, he doesn't listen nor asks but attacks and he thinks he has everyone's motives and reasons figured out!
I'm coming from an amazing book where the MC had the responsibility of his siblings thrust upon him and having to leave a lucrative and successful career behind to take care of them and although, as is human, he felt some times that he couldn't and wanted to escape that was always followed by guilt and the love he has for them.
So reading here how Sol HAS TO care for his nephew, when his sister for reasons not known till the point I DNFed can't, after Sol's mother that was raising him died. How he had to leave London for Cameron's sake, how he had to work as teacher and he's not sure he likes the job and generally Sol being a freaking gray cloud of doom and gloom, without actually giving any hints that he sacrificed a whole lot for Cameron (the nephew), I'm pissed. Because screw you! Sol never had ONE, single positive thought for having Cameron. He has a lot to say (well think actually since there's a lot of internal musing going on and very little dialogue) about how his father was no good, but where was Sol when his mother had to work 2-3 jobs to take care of his sister and his nephew? Living the high life? No! Painting? I don't think so since there were no indications of him doing so.
For all that Sol thinks that he needs to pay more attention to his nephew:
1. he almost broke his promise to be back for breakfast because apparently it was more important to keep a promise with an old flame that his nephew
2. he hardly spent any time with him, talked to him, do things Cameron wants to do. I mean couldn't Sol arrange with Luke or someone in the village and take Cameron and go spray paint art to a wall? Did he even ask Cameron what he wanted the spray cans to paint with? No he immediately accused him of wanting to tag the village!
And as for Sol with Jace, why, Why, WHY would Jace want to be with Sol after they way Sol attacked him on chapter 12? Sol didn't even notice Jace's anguish when he grabbed Sol's wrist and asked him:
[...]"You can still draw, can't you? Or is something stopping you?"
Nope! That whole thing flew over his head, only caring about how Sol had to dash Luke's hopes. And don't get me started about half of the things Sol threw at him without giving Jace the benefit of the doubt or letting him say his piece.
So really there is nothing for me to like in an MC like that and I can't go on.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Nope that's it! I'm enraged and I'm out!!! Not Cameron nor Jace deserve to be stuck with someone like Sol! He is cruel with his actions and sometimes with his words, he is judgemental, censorious, he doesn't listen nor asks but attacks and he thinks he has everyone's motives and reasons figured out!
I'm coming from an amazing book where the MC had the responsibility of his siblings thrust upon him and having to leave a lucrative and successful career behind to take care of them and although, as is human, he felt some times that he couldn't and wanted to escape that was always followed by guilt and the love he has for them.
So reading here how Sol HAS TO care for his nephew, when his sister for reasons not known till the point I DNFed can't, after Sol's mother that was raising him died. How he had to leave London for Cameron's sake, how he had to work as teacher and he's not sure he likes the job and generally Sol being a freaking gray cloud of doom and gloom, without actually giving any hints that he sacrificed a whole lot for Cameron (the nephew), I'm pissed. Because screw you! Sol never had ONE, single positive thought for having Cameron. He has a lot to say (well think actually since there's a lot of internal musing going on and very little dialogue) about how his father was no good, but where was Sol when his mother had to work 2-3 jobs to take care of his sister and his nephew? Living the high life? No! Painting? I don't think so since there were no indications of him doing so.
For all that Sol thinks that he needs to pay more attention to his nephew:
1. he almost broke his promise to be back for breakfast because apparently it was more important to keep a promise with an old flame that his nephew
2. he hardly spent any time with him, talked to him, do things Cameron wants to do. I mean couldn't Sol arrange with Luke or someone in the village and take Cameron and go spray paint art to a wall? Did he even ask Cameron what he wanted the spray cans to paint with? No he immediately accused him of wanting to tag the village!
And as for Sol with Jace, why, Why, WHY would Jace want to be with Sol after they way Sol attacked him on chapter 12? Sol didn't even notice Jace's anguish when he grabbed Sol's wrist and asked him:
[...]"You can still draw, can't you? Or is something stopping you?"
Nope! That whole thing flew over his head, only caring about how Sol had to dash Luke's hopes. And don't get me started about half of the things Sol threw at him without giving Jace the benefit of the doubt or letting him say his piece.
So really there is nothing for me to like in an MC like that and I can't go on.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
February 14, 2023
As always Con Riley delivers with beautiful prose and an all around good story, but this book is a little different than others i have read. While I adored Jace and Sol together, a long awaited second-chance romance with a man who seems to be literal sunshine what's not to love, I really felt like the romance was more a background story. This book was really Sol's show. Sol growing, learning how to be a better parent when he never knew he'd be one, learning how to appreciate more out of life, and just growing leaps and bounds as the story progresses. It was emotional, gritty, and real, and I loved every second of it.
ETA: After listening to this on audio I loved it even more!I feel like I was transported to Cornwall with real people that I could meet. Everything in my original review was amplified so much with Cornell Collins narration and I loved it!
ETA: After listening to this on audio I loved it even more!I feel like I was transported to Cornwall with real people that I could meet. Everything in my original review was amplified so much with Cornell Collins narration and I loved it!
October 17, 2021
4.25 stars from me. Not quite as good for me as Charles [loved little Tor to bits, and Charles Heppel wasn't too shabby either 😍]. Unfortunately, Sol seemed to excel at non-communication or even mis-communication, both with his young nephew Cam and his long lost 'love' Jace. He didn't think things through clearly, or say what he meant a lot of the time. It was really nice catching up with old friends like Mitch from His Haven and Ed and Pasha from True Brit.
As far as the street art is concerned...yes, I can appreciate some street art, but mostly it's not good enough to be called art it has to be said, and usually makes pretty ugly buildings look even more dreadful 😕 so vandalism IMHO not art 🤔. I am looking forward to Luke's story Luke however, I can already taste the angst between him and Nathan!!
As far as the street art is concerned...yes, I can appreciate some street art, but mostly it's not good enough to be called art it has to be said, and usually makes pretty ugly buildings look even more dreadful 😕 so vandalism IMHO not art 🤔. I am looking forward to Luke's story Luke however, I can already taste the angst between him and Nathan!!
September 23, 2021
Sol and Jace knew each other from their teens. Shared one moment together and then poof Sol was gone.
Years later they pick up where they left off at a very rapid rate. Instant lust which was a bit of a problem for me. It seemed way too easy but….
Sol was a mass of contradictions. He loved Cameron, his nephew, but also saw him as an albatross. It was strange. He was VERY passive aggressive with Jace as well. The book could have been called waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sol was always waiting for doom and gloom. It was frustrating to read.
Another part of the plot that was a bit meh was Austin the ex was around like a bad penny. *eye roll*
This book dovetails into the previous series where the care home ,The Haven, was an integral part of the story. This was an interesting twist.
There are more twists and turns. NGL, kids in books where they are a major plot driver, not my favorite. Never getting Jace’s POV is also a bit of an annoyance.
Sol was very Eyore to Jace’s Tigger. It was an interesting mix of personalities. Add in a brooding teenage boy. It was a bit much for me. It had a very different feel than Charles’s book, which I loved!
I really wanted to love Sol but he was just way too irritating in his passive aggressive behavior. I could not get over it. 😣😣 I’m not sure Jace made Sol better and vice versa.
Years later they pick up where they left off at a very rapid rate. Instant lust which was a bit of a problem for me. It seemed way too easy but….
Sol was a mass of contradictions. He loved Cameron, his nephew, but also saw him as an albatross. It was strange. He was VERY passive aggressive with Jace as well. The book could have been called waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sol was always waiting for doom and gloom. It was frustrating to read.
Another part of the plot that was a bit meh was Austin the ex was around like a bad penny. *eye roll*
This book dovetails into the previous series where the care home ,The Haven, was an integral part of the story. This was an interesting twist.
There are more twists and turns. NGL, kids in books where they are a major plot driver, not my favorite. Never getting Jace’s POV is also a bit of an annoyance.
Sol was very Eyore to Jace’s Tigger. It was an interesting mix of personalities. Add in a brooding teenage boy. It was a bit much for me. It had a very different feel than Charles’s book, which I loved!
I really wanted to love Sol but he was just way too irritating in his passive aggressive behavior. I could not get over it. 😣😣 I’m not sure Jace made Sol better and vice versa.
October 15, 2021
Charlie was one of my favorite books of the year, and in this follow-up, Con Riley has created a pair of characters who are uniquely suited for each other, and whose poignant second-chance romance transported me to their little corner of Cornwall. Con paints the scene so clearly I could smell the salt from the sea.
Sol is pretty much the polar opposite of sweet, funny Charlie, who we get to see living his best life at the school where they both work. One can hardly blame Sol, though, given his circumstances, such as having custody of the surly bundle of hurt and anger that is his teenaged nephew Cameron, and having been dragged away from Jace and everything familiar to him in the middle of the night.
Jace, who thought Sol ghosted him fifteen years prior, has his own issues, of course, so the trajectory of his and Sol's relationship isn't all sweetness and light, though they do reach their HEA in the end.
There were times when I think Sol, and thus the book, got a bit too trapped in his head, but Con's writing is beautiful and she's really hit her stride with her books set in and around Cornwall. I loved the crossover with The Haven, where Sol's brain-injured sister lives. (You don't have to have read either His Haven or Charlie to enjoy this book, but they are both well worth the read.)
I'm eager to see what happens with Headmaster Luke!
Sol is pretty much the polar opposite of sweet, funny Charlie, who we get to see living his best life at the school where they both work. One can hardly blame Sol, though, given his circumstances, such as having custody of the surly bundle of hurt and anger that is his teenaged nephew Cameron, and having been dragged away from Jace and everything familiar to him in the middle of the night.
Jace, who thought Sol ghosted him fifteen years prior, has his own issues, of course, so the trajectory of his and Sol's relationship isn't all sweetness and light, though they do reach their HEA in the end.
There were times when I think Sol, and thus the book, got a bit too trapped in his head, but Con's writing is beautiful and she's really hit her stride with her books set in and around Cornwall. I loved the crossover with The Haven, where Sol's brain-injured sister lives. (You don't have to have read either His Haven or Charlie to enjoy this book, but they are both well worth the read.)
I'm eager to see what happens with Headmaster Luke!
Read
October 30, 2021Dnf @ 25%
October 17, 2021
great read! so much feels here.
i love Sol and how he prioritised Cam before his own need. how he considers his actions and words, even when he was angry, before speaking. how he kept tryinggggg. and Jace. i love how he cant stop touching Sol??? he was so sweet and always there for Sol!!! i wish we got abit of his pov, bc i wanna see his struggles w his arm, (it felt like it was brushed off) and his desperation for Sol.
(before starting this, i read some reviews but))
i actually dont see Sol as a mean person tbh?? he.. had to sacrificed so many things for a kid who was so ungrateful and cold towards him, and yet again and again Sol did it willingly bc he loves Cam. he may be a bit judgemental towards street art but cmon what do you expect when you might end up in jail for vandalising?? and thats what Cam kept doing?? honestly, Sol was so strong here, holding on a very very tiny thread. lets not forget, he lost Jace then his mum and sister too, and this dude didnt have time to even grieve??? (i wish we had some scenes of his mum and sis too, bc it was hard to connect)
(yes i am very annoyed at Cam, who was ungrateful and selfish and did not deserve Sol at all.)
as much as it was a good read, this was kinda flat and boring for me.
i love Sol and how he prioritised Cam before his own need. how he considers his actions and words, even when he was angry, before speaking. how he kept tryinggggg. and Jace. i love how he cant stop touching Sol??? he was so sweet and always there for Sol!!! i wish we got abit of his pov, bc i wanna see his struggles w his arm, (it felt like it was brushed off) and his desperation for Sol.
(before starting this, i read some reviews but))
i actually dont see Sol as a mean person tbh?? he.. had to sacrificed so many things for a kid who was so ungrateful and cold towards him, and yet again and again Sol did it willingly bc he loves Cam. he may be a bit judgemental towards street art but cmon what do you expect when you might end up in jail for vandalising?? and thats what Cam kept doing?? honestly, Sol was so strong here, holding on a very very tiny thread. lets not forget, he lost Jace then his mum and sister too, and this dude didnt have time to even grieve??? (i wish we had some scenes of his mum and sis too, bc it was hard to connect)
(yes i am very annoyed at Cam, who was ungrateful and selfish and did not deserve Sol at all.)
as much as it was a good read, this was kinda flat and boring for me.
October 4, 2022
I'm married to an artist, who I met through my artist sister, and we have an artist daughter. There are definitely some things I'm familiar with in this book, including having to find other ways to be paid instead of making rent through art. This is such a lovely trio of artists, working hard to be supportive of each other while still meeting living expenses. Luke's view of all three of them, Sol, Jace and Cameron, might be my favorite scene here, but I don't want to quote him for fear of spoilers. Just pay attention when eavesdropping. I'm so glad I still have Mitch's story to read in the next two months, since his nudge at both Sol and Cameron was my second favorite scene.
October 18, 2021
Learning to love… and trust.
Though the series is titled Learning to Love, for me this was much more about trust. The love came fairly easily, but trusting in others and himself was much harder for Sol.
Told entirely from Sol’s perspective, you really dive in deep and *feel* with him, from the tremulous beginnings of a new relationship to the bone-deep fear that he isn’t doing what he needs to keep his nephew safe and with him. There was a wee bit of a twist that I feel like I should have seen coming but didn’t yet still loved.
Like all the other books I’ve read by Con, the romance feels authentic and satisfying. I adored this and can’t wait for Luke’s story.
Though the series is titled Learning to Love, for me this was much more about trust. The love came fairly easily, but trusting in others and himself was much harder for Sol.
Told entirely from Sol’s perspective, you really dive in deep and *feel* with him, from the tremulous beginnings of a new relationship to the bone-deep fear that he isn’t doing what he needs to keep his nephew safe and with him. There was a wee bit of a twist that I feel like I should have seen coming but didn’t yet still loved.
Like all the other books I’ve read by Con, the romance feels authentic and satisfying. I adored this and can’t wait for Luke’s story.
October 17, 2021
Lovely
Quiet , genuine , sweet , emotional , compelling comes to mind when I think about this book and the feelings it provoked in me.
I had a lovely time reading this slow burn, second chance romance.
Quiet , genuine , sweet , emotional , compelling comes to mind when I think about this book and the feelings it provoked in me.
I had a lovely time reading this slow burn, second chance romance.
March 9, 2023
You’re most likely gonna need tissues for this read - definitely if you’re a crier like me - as this story really tugs at the heart strings, (damn you Sol and Jace), but, on the other hand, there’s also a light, happiness and love as well as a sense of hope and looking forward to new beginnings too. Family plays an important part in this story - of both blood and choice - it also catches up with characters from previous books, like Ed and Pasha, love them both.
I'm loving this series. Con Riley writes with such heart. She writes about places where family means more than just DNA. It means opening our doors and our hearts to strangers. It means reaching out when you know someone needs it. It's all about forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, joy... and it's that feeling you get when you know you're home.
So good. You don't need to read Charles, the first book in the series, but you really should. The author writes with such pathos and feeling, her work is definitely not to be missed.
I'm loving this series. Con Riley writes with such heart. She writes about places where family means more than just DNA. It means opening our doors and our hearts to strangers. It means reaching out when you know someone needs it. It's all about forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, joy... and it's that feeling you get when you know you're home.
So good. You don't need to read Charles, the first book in the series, but you really should. The author writes with such pathos and feeling, her work is definitely not to be missed.
September 1, 2021
*happy sigh* Review to come closer to release.
November 4, 2021
Obviously I cried...a lot. Ms Riley's stories just make me happy and I cry happy tears...always.
Such a great plot, the writing as always is amazingly good. Just cannot fault. Beautiful, just so beautiful.
5 x Stars from me.
Such a great plot, the writing as always is amazingly good. Just cannot fault. Beautiful, just so beautiful.
5 x Stars from me.
October 14, 2021
In this latest instalment of the Learning to Love series we follow Sol, an art teacher at Glynn Harbour school and guardian of his 15yr old nephew. As he discovers the school where he works, and his nephew boards is in financial trouble, he sets to helping find a solution. A solution which might be in the shape of the teenage love that broke his heart 15years ago.
I found this book a little hard going for the first half. It's got a lot of complex themes and emotions woven throughout the characters and the first half of introducing all these variables wasn't an easy read. But the second half (I'm saying half...not actually sure when the turning point was) when all the foundations are laid was a better flow for me.
Sol as a character came across as flawed and a little unlikeable initially but I read this as an outward expression of the stress and life changes that he's undergone and the way it would've constantly challenged his introversion and confidence. But he shows development and change as a person as he understands his role, understands himself and his needs through the love and support that Jace provides seemingly unconditionally, as well as to a lesser part his work colleagues.
Sol and Jace's relationship is portrayed as this perfectly fitting connection that whilst a little dormant for 15years, remains unwavering and blossoms as soon as it's given the space to. Both have their baggage, but they eventually find their counterpoint in each other. There are some beautiful, tender moments that pass between them and Con Riley's almost poetical writing really enhances this. It is, of course, steamy and hot in all the right places.
A second major plot point in the book is the tentative relationship between Sol and his nephew, having become his guardian in recent years. Cameron being a teenager makes this new caring role no easy thing (teenagers, bleurgh 😉), but add into that the change in family dynamic, a long unsettled period of adjustment and his passion in terms of street art and it becomes a role that needs careful handling, no easy job for someone who has recently been thrust into the position, no matter how much Sol loves Cameron. I think it's fair to say Cameron is let down a little initially until we see Sol find his footing and become able to support Cameron in the way he needs. This is in no small part to the addition of Jace.
There are some very serious themes in this book and I think each of them are dealt with in a realistic and not insensitive manner.
On the lighter side of things I did really enjoy the inclusion of characters from previous books. Whilst this is definitely a standalone, it really adds to the immersion in this universe. I'm itching to get to Luke's story in the next in the series.
I found this book a little hard going for the first half. It's got a lot of complex themes and emotions woven throughout the characters and the first half of introducing all these variables wasn't an easy read. But the second half (I'm saying half...not actually sure when the turning point was) when all the foundations are laid was a better flow for me.
Sol as a character came across as flawed and a little unlikeable initially but I read this as an outward expression of the stress and life changes that he's undergone and the way it would've constantly challenged his introversion and confidence. But he shows development and change as a person as he understands his role, understands himself and his needs through the love and support that Jace provides seemingly unconditionally, as well as to a lesser part his work colleagues.
Sol and Jace's relationship is portrayed as this perfectly fitting connection that whilst a little dormant for 15years, remains unwavering and blossoms as soon as it's given the space to. Both have their baggage, but they eventually find their counterpoint in each other. There are some beautiful, tender moments that pass between them and Con Riley's almost poetical writing really enhances this. It is, of course, steamy and hot in all the right places.
A second major plot point in the book is the tentative relationship between Sol and his nephew, having become his guardian in recent years. Cameron being a teenager makes this new caring role no easy thing (teenagers, bleurgh 😉), but add into that the change in family dynamic, a long unsettled period of adjustment and his passion in terms of street art and it becomes a role that needs careful handling, no easy job for someone who has recently been thrust into the position, no matter how much Sol loves Cameron. I think it's fair to say Cameron is let down a little initially until we see Sol find his footing and become able to support Cameron in the way he needs. This is in no small part to the addition of Jace.
There are some very serious themes in this book and I think each of them are dealt with in a realistic and not insensitive manner.
On the lighter side of things I did really enjoy the inclusion of characters from previous books. Whilst this is definitely a standalone, it really adds to the immersion in this universe. I'm itching to get to Luke's story in the next in the series.
April 2, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELVINO 1831
Nel secondo volume della serie “Learning to Love” di Con Riley, approfondiamo la conoscenza di Solomon Trebeck, più conosciuto come Sol, che avevamo intravisto nel precedente volume; e conosciamo Jace Pascoe, primo amore di Sol ai tempi della sua adolescenza, quando entrambi frequentavano la stessa scuola.
Sol si è ritrovato a dovere crescere suo nipote Cameron, un quindicenne molto dotato a livello artistico, figlio di sua sorella Marissa, dopo la morte per un ictus di sua madre, che si era occupata fino alla sua morte del nipote, in quanto la madre del ragazzo non ne era in grado, a causa di un grave incidente stradale occorsogli quando li figlio aveva poco più di 6 mesi. Ciò lo ha portato ad abbandonare Londra, città in cui viveva da quando quindicenne vi si era trasferito con la famiglia, e a porre fine a una relazione durata qualche anno con Austin, li quale aveva capito di non essere tagliato per il ruolo di “co-genitore” del ragazzo.
Ritornato in Cornovaglia, luogo dove il nipote aveva sempre vissuto con la nonna e dove lui stesso aveva lasciato una parte del suo cuore, aveva accettato, pur non sentendosi molto tagliato per quel ruolo, un posto da insegnante di Arte a Glynn Harber, lavoro che includeva anche una borsa di studio in Arte per suo nipote Cameron, in modo da averlo sempre con sé.
La nostra storia inizia proprio poco dopo la fine del precedente libro: la scuola è in difficoltà economiche e Luke, il preside, chiede a tutto li personale di impegnarsi per trovare nuove entrate, così da poter tenere aperto l’istituto. A questo punto entra in scena Jace Pascoe, figlio di Emily, nota pittrice a livello mondiale, di cui cura l’eredità artistica dopo la sua scomparsa.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Nel secondo volume della serie “Learning to Love” di Con Riley, approfondiamo la conoscenza di Solomon Trebeck, più conosciuto come Sol, che avevamo intravisto nel precedente volume; e conosciamo Jace Pascoe, primo amore di Sol ai tempi della sua adolescenza, quando entrambi frequentavano la stessa scuola.
Sol si è ritrovato a dovere crescere suo nipote Cameron, un quindicenne molto dotato a livello artistico, figlio di sua sorella Marissa, dopo la morte per un ictus di sua madre, che si era occupata fino alla sua morte del nipote, in quanto la madre del ragazzo non ne era in grado, a causa di un grave incidente stradale occorsogli quando li figlio aveva poco più di 6 mesi. Ciò lo ha portato ad abbandonare Londra, città in cui viveva da quando quindicenne vi si era trasferito con la famiglia, e a porre fine a una relazione durata qualche anno con Austin, li quale aveva capito di non essere tagliato per il ruolo di “co-genitore” del ragazzo.
Ritornato in Cornovaglia, luogo dove il nipote aveva sempre vissuto con la nonna e dove lui stesso aveva lasciato una parte del suo cuore, aveva accettato, pur non sentendosi molto tagliato per quel ruolo, un posto da insegnante di Arte a Glynn Harber, lavoro che includeva anche una borsa di studio in Arte per suo nipote Cameron, in modo da averlo sempre con sé.
La nostra storia inizia proprio poco dopo la fine del precedente libro: la scuola è in difficoltà economiche e Luke, il preside, chiede a tutto li personale di impegnarsi per trovare nuove entrate, così da poter tenere aperto l’istituto. A questo punto entra in scena Jace Pascoe, figlio di Emily, nota pittrice a livello mondiale, di cui cura l’eredità artistica dopo la sua scomparsa.
Continua sul nostro blog!
October 25, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is the second book in the Learning to Love series, but reads fine as a standalone. This was a really neat, found family, reconnected love story. Sol’s duty to his family has caused him a lot of heartache, and he loves Cam like crazy, but he also struggles with conflict, and Cam is a headstrong youth. Cam’s abandonment and trust struggles highlighted how Austin was so the wrong man for Sol, and yet his ready acceptance of Jace as a mentor and confidante seems like a miracle. Jace, as a street artist with the cred Cam respects, is able to lead him into cooperation. Cam blooms under the urging of Jace, much like Sol had bloomed under Emily’s advice. I loved seeing Cam really open up and become a leader, as well as seeing Sol and Cam repair their fraying familial bond.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is the second book in the Learning to Love series, but reads fine as a standalone. This was a really neat, found family, reconnected love story. Sol’s duty to his family has caused him a lot of heartache, and he loves Cam like crazy, but he also struggles with conflict, and Cam is a headstrong youth. Cam’s abandonment and trust struggles highlighted how Austin was so the wrong man for Sol, and yet his ready acceptance of Jace as a mentor and confidante seems like a miracle. Jace, as a street artist with the cred Cam respects, is able to lead him into cooperation. Cam blooms under the urging of Jace, much like Sol had bloomed under Emily’s advice. I loved seeing Cam really open up and become a leader, as well as seeing Sol and Cam repair their fraying familial bond.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
October 25, 2021
Golden memories.
Artist, teacher, caretaker.
Sun and moon, again.
Artist, teacher, caretaker.
Sun and moon, again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews