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The Home I Find With You
After the second U.S. Civil War, life is dangerous, but risking their hearts might be the biggest threat.
When charismatic newcomer Clark walks into Van’s life in post-war rural Colorado, neither can ignore the sparks between them. Van has built a fulfilling new normal with his girlfriend Hadas after his wife’s death, but Clark’s brash flirtation and dominant tendencies awaken a desire for a kind of romance Van thought he’d lost forever. Even if he’s not sure he’s ready for it.
Clark survived the war, but his family fractured and now his relationships are in ruins. All that must be his fault, or everyone wouldn’t say so. He’s relocated to start over, zero interpersonal complications welcome. His inescapable chemistry with Van, who seems to crave more than hookups, is a complication. So is Clark’s growing platonic bond with Hadas. Both want an emotional connection he can’t give them, and he’ll only disappoint them if he tries. Won’t he?
Then a violent gang of thieves targets their small town, and Van and Hadas prepare to put their lives on the line protecting their close-knit community. Having lost too much already, Clark starts to pull away, spooking Van. But when a traitor betrays them all, Clark is the only one who can save the two people who asked him to open his heart… and made him want to risk it.
THE HOME I FIND WITH YOU is a high-heat, hurt-comfort polyamorous M/M romance novel with an MMF+ HEA. The story deals with serious topics such as grief and trauma, but it also features an accepting community supporting each other in a post-collapse world, queer found family, folks helping each other heal, and a very good dog who never has anything bad happen to her.
Content warnings are available in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
Cover artist: Sarah Waites, Illustrated Page Book Design
When charismatic newcomer Clark walks into Van’s life in post-war rural Colorado, neither can ignore the sparks between them. Van has built a fulfilling new normal with his girlfriend Hadas after his wife’s death, but Clark’s brash flirtation and dominant tendencies awaken a desire for a kind of romance Van thought he’d lost forever. Even if he’s not sure he’s ready for it.
Clark survived the war, but his family fractured and now his relationships are in ruins. All that must be his fault, or everyone wouldn’t say so. He’s relocated to start over, zero interpersonal complications welcome. His inescapable chemistry with Van, who seems to crave more than hookups, is a complication. So is Clark’s growing platonic bond with Hadas. Both want an emotional connection he can’t give them, and he’ll only disappoint them if he tries. Won’t he?
Then a violent gang of thieves targets their small town, and Van and Hadas prepare to put their lives on the line protecting their close-knit community. Having lost too much already, Clark starts to pull away, spooking Van. But when a traitor betrays them all, Clark is the only one who can save the two people who asked him to open his heart… and made him want to risk it.
THE HOME I FIND WITH YOU is a high-heat, hurt-comfort polyamorous M/M romance novel with an MMF+ HEA. The story deals with serious topics such as grief and trauma, but it also features an accepting community supporting each other in a post-collapse world, queer found family, folks helping each other heal, and a very good dog who never has anything bad happen to her.
Content warnings are available in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
Cover artist: Sarah Waites, Illustrated Page Book Design
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2021
9 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Skye Kilaen
19 books379 followersSkye Kilaen is a bi author who writes contemporary & science fiction romance that is sometimes polyamorous, focusing on sapphic stories, queer M+F, and bi and pan main characters.
She also sends out a monthly newsletter highlighting new & recent self-published and small press queer romances that look particularly promising but might fly under the radar. Sign up on her website, your TBR will thank you!
Skye currently lives in Austin, Texas because it has so many libraries and breakfast tacos.
She also sends out a monthly newsletter highlighting new & recent self-published and small press queer romances that look particularly promising but might fly under the radar. Sign up on her website, your TBR will thank you!
Skye currently lives in Austin, Texas because it has so many libraries and breakfast tacos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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May 22, 2022The Home I Find With You, my first polyamorous romance, is out now on Kindle and in KU. The book has:
- People working together to survive, heal, and support each other even in difficult circumstances. Less grim post-apocalypse and more hopepunk optimism.
- M/M romance with light D/s elements.
- Polyamory, wherein one MC has a girlfriend, and she very much approves of him dating the other MC - but also there's a mini-arc about that first MC and his girlfriend successfully figuring out their own relationship.
- Hurt-comfort and found family.
- A very good dog who is never in any danger.
- A small town where I honestly think every single resident may be queer. (Please feel free to headcanon anything you want if it's not on page!)
- Some violence and suspense, because there are bandits in the area.
- A Western vibe to many readers, since it's a rural setting with horses and the aforementioned bandits.
Detailed content warnings are also available on my website: https://skyewritesromance.com
Will it go wide and have a paperback eventually? Yes, but sadly right now I can't say when.
Review copies are still avaiable; DM me! )
- People working together to survive, heal, and support each other even in difficult circumstances. Less grim post-apocalypse and more hopepunk optimism.
- M/M romance with light D/s elements.
- Polyamory, wherein one MC has a girlfriend, and she very much approves of him dating the other MC - but also there's a mini-arc about that first MC and his girlfriend successfully figuring out their own relationship.
- Hurt-comfort and found family.
- A very good dog who is never in any danger.
- A small town where I honestly think every single resident may be queer. (Please feel free to headcanon anything you want if it's not on page!)
- Some violence and suspense, because there are bandits in the area.
- A Western vibe to many readers, since it's a rural setting with horses and the aforementioned bandits.
Detailed content warnings are also available on my website: https://skyewritesromance.com
Will it go wide and have a paperback eventually? Yes, but sadly right now I can't say when.
Review copies are still avaiable; DM me! )
September 12, 2021
Although my preferred genre is lesfic, I enjoyed this story more than the first book I read by this author Get It Right. Other than a few instances of choppy writing that threw me out of the story, it flowed better.
I haven't seen many authors publish a (mostly) M/M book after publishing a F/F book, and I hope this book reaches the right audience.
If I hadn't been a lover of post apocalyptic stories, I quite likely wouldn't have picked it up. But I digress. If the blurb appeals, give this one a shot. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
With that said, the polyamorous aspect was way less than I expected. Like WAY less. But reading and expectations are subjective.
Oh, and the BDSM aspect thrown in felt incredibly out of place. Almost like an afterthought.
I'm bowing out before I continue to nitpick because this really is a story worthy of a read.
I haven't seen many authors publish a (mostly) M/M book after publishing a F/F book, and I hope this book reaches the right audience.
If I hadn't been a lover of post apocalyptic stories, I quite likely wouldn't have picked it up. But I digress. If the blurb appeals, give this one a shot. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
With that said, the polyamorous aspect was way less than I expected. Like WAY less. But reading and expectations are subjective.
Oh, and the BDSM aspect thrown in felt incredibly out of place. Almost like an afterthought.
I'm bowing out before I continue to nitpick because this really is a story worthy of a read.
Read
January 25, 2021I received an early copy from the author for content notes. This in no way influences my review; all words thoughts and opinions are my own.
Skye is proving herself to be very good at writing sweet, emotional romances! I loved the growth of characters and learning to better communicate, as well as seeing all these different people figure out dynamics that work best for them and their needs. If you're looking for more polycule type polyamorous romances with a hopeful chosen family post-apocalyptic setting, you should definitely be on the lookout for this book in March!!
Content warnings can be found on the author's website: https://skyewritesromance.com/books/t...
Skye is proving herself to be very good at writing sweet, emotional romances! I loved the growth of characters and learning to better communicate, as well as seeing all these different people figure out dynamics that work best for them and their needs. If you're looking for more polycule type polyamorous romances with a hopeful chosen family post-apocalyptic setting, you should definitely be on the lookout for this book in March!!
Content warnings can be found on the author's website: https://skyewritesromance.com/books/t...
March 1, 2021
4.5/5 Stars
Once again Skye Kilaen has written a beautiful novel so full of hope and love that I absolutely devoured in the space of a day! This is my fourth read from Skye, including Knock Me Down, and I can safely say that her writing just keeps getting better and better! The world building in this book was so, so great - the small, abandoned, post second civil-war town setting was developed so strongly that I could picture everything so clearly in my head as we followed the two main characters - Van and Clark. From the get go I was excited to read another romance novel about a poly relationship, and this definitely didn't disappoint. The m/m/f relationship in this book was so loving and healthy and I loved all three of them together so much (also the sex scenes were really great!)! Although the action in the book takes a bit of a backseat compared to the romance and character relationships, that's not to say that it was underdeveloped - not in the slightest. Reminiscent of Skye's first book, Glorious Day, there were some really powerful action scenes that left me on the edge of my seat!
Overall this was a great read and I can't help but hope that Skye decides to expand upon this setting in a companion novel, because I'm just so intrigued by all the side characters and the politics of this world. This is definitely a book you need to keep and eye out for on its release!
I was provided an ARC copy by the author but all thoughts are my own!
Once again Skye Kilaen has written a beautiful novel so full of hope and love that I absolutely devoured in the space of a day! This is my fourth read from Skye, including Knock Me Down, and I can safely say that her writing just keeps getting better and better! The world building in this book was so, so great - the small, abandoned, post second civil-war town setting was developed so strongly that I could picture everything so clearly in my head as we followed the two main characters - Van and Clark. From the get go I was excited to read another romance novel about a poly relationship, and this definitely didn't disappoint. The m/m/f relationship in this book was so loving and healthy and I loved all three of them together so much (also the sex scenes were really great!)! Although the action in the book takes a bit of a backseat compared to the romance and character relationships, that's not to say that it was underdeveloped - not in the slightest. Reminiscent of Skye's first book, Glorious Day, there were some really powerful action scenes that left me on the edge of my seat!
Overall this was a great read and I can't help but hope that Skye decides to expand upon this setting in a companion novel, because I'm just so intrigued by all the side characters and the politics of this world. This is definitely a book you need to keep and eye out for on its release!
I was provided an ARC copy by the author but all thoughts are my own!
March 4, 2021
It was profoundly strange to read a dystopian romance set in a United States after a climate change and racism driven civil war while my city and state were going through a climate driven disaster exacerbated by racist policies. If it had been written by another author, I probably would have put it aside as too close to home, but Skye Kilaen writes with such kindness that it was a balm to read about her characters working together as a community to survive.
Set in a small town outside of Denver, The Home I Find With You centers on Van, who took over as the head of town security when his wife died fighting off a group of thieves, and Clark, newly arrived in town looking for a fresh start after an accident. Climate change and the aftermath of the war are making the town a hard place to survive. Everyone has trauma, whether it’s from the war or from the hardships in a post war landscape. The town operates on cooperation within and also with other local towns. As a new resident, Clark wants to make himself valuable and be considered reliable. He also wants Van, but just for fun. Van has partnered with Hadas, but their relationship is open. The romance between Van and Clark is a slow burn, though they do have a couple of unsatisfying sexual encounters. Everyone here is traumatized, whether from the war or life after. It makes sense that they would be emotionally guarded. Kilaen puts the ingredients for emotional intimacy in the crock pot and lets them slowly come together into a lovely polycule relationship between Clark, Van and Hadas.
The idea of war or some other apocalypse returning us to a small community, quasi-agrarian/hunter-gatherer life has been a popular prompt for story telling. Very often it’s based in regressive ideas about the virtues of a simple life and a return to “traditional” gender roles. Kilaen turns all that on it’s head and instead tells a story of people who are scarred by violence and seek to heal with kindness. There is no room for traditional gender roles when everyone is trying to survive, and at least one character is nonbinary. As with Kilaen’s other books, her characters feel like solid people who would probably stop to help you change your tire on a cold, rainy night.
The Home I Find With You is out March 3. I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a small town outside of Denver, The Home I Find With You centers on Van, who took over as the head of town security when his wife died fighting off a group of thieves, and Clark, newly arrived in town looking for a fresh start after an accident. Climate change and the aftermath of the war are making the town a hard place to survive. Everyone has trauma, whether it’s from the war or from the hardships in a post war landscape. The town operates on cooperation within and also with other local towns. As a new resident, Clark wants to make himself valuable and be considered reliable. He also wants Van, but just for fun. Van has partnered with Hadas, but their relationship is open. The romance between Van and Clark is a slow burn, though they do have a couple of unsatisfying sexual encounters. Everyone here is traumatized, whether from the war or life after. It makes sense that they would be emotionally guarded. Kilaen puts the ingredients for emotional intimacy in the crock pot and lets them slowly come together into a lovely polycule relationship between Clark, Van and Hadas.
The idea of war or some other apocalypse returning us to a small community, quasi-agrarian/hunter-gatherer life has been a popular prompt for story telling. Very often it’s based in regressive ideas about the virtues of a simple life and a return to “traditional” gender roles. Kilaen turns all that on it’s head and instead tells a story of people who are scarred by violence and seek to heal with kindness. There is no room for traditional gender roles when everyone is trying to survive, and at least one character is nonbinary. As with Kilaen’s other books, her characters feel like solid people who would probably stop to help you change your tire on a cold, rainy night.
The Home I Find With You is out March 3. I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
B/B+
Immersive, compelling queer/bi/poly mm romance in a unexpectedly hopeful post-apocalyptic world, set 12 years after the end of the 2nd American Civil War and the collapse of life as it used to be. The author calls this hope-punk and that seems like as good a term as any.
I loved the messy protagonists and their emotional journeys. I was completely swept away while I was reading it but when I put down the book I noticed a few holes in the plot and world building.
Immersive, compelling queer/bi/poly mm romance in a unexpectedly hopeful post-apocalyptic world, set 12 years after the end of the 2nd American Civil War and the collapse of life as it used to be. The author calls this hope-punk and that seems like as good a term as any.
I loved the messy protagonists and their emotional journeys. I was completely swept away while I was reading it but when I put down the book I noticed a few holes in the plot and world building.
December 15, 2021
This book delivered all the hurt/comfort feelings alongside great characters and so many soft moments.
Clark is absolutely my favourite.
And the exploration of poly relationships and found family, the focus on mending past, broken connections? Perfection.
Clark is absolutely my favourite.
And the exploration of poly relationships and found family, the focus on mending past, broken connections? Perfection.
February 23, 2021
This was a really fantastic read: An emotionally thoughtful book with great depth to the various characters and the balances found and developing in their relationships.
There's a full list of CW on the website for the bookbut a few main ones- violence and death as part of a post civil war society; non-negotiated D/s dynamic; grief; internalised ableism
Set in a period after a future civil war, we are based in one of the new communities set up, and mainly gollow the development of a relationship between Van, a stronghold and leader of the community, and Clark, a new arrival. When the story opens, Van is dealing with grief after the death of his wife in previous battles between this community and outside raiders, and the effect that that has had on him not merely on a personal level but also by leaving him a position of greater authority than he had originally considered. Relationship wise, he has a girlfriend, Hadas, and a more casual hookup partner, Jaime. When I first read the blurb for the book, I had assumed that the relationship between Hadas and Van would be pretty strong and established at the start, but actually we see much more how Van is struggling, closing himself off so as to avoid being vulnerable and risk getting so badly hurt again. One of things I enjoyed greatly within the novel is how we see the unreliability of the character's POV narration as in here, where Van insists that his relationship with Hadas is not so serious, but we can see the glimpses of how he tries to guard himself off from the reality of his feelings. I did feel sometimes that I might liked to have had a few chapters from Hadas perspective too, mostly because I really liked her! But I did feel that she was given a lot of positive attention and development in the book too.
Clark is another great character whose vulnerability is also shielded, but through his emphasis on casual sex and hookups rather than allowing a relationship. Just as I liked seeing the development of Van and Hadas, I really liked that Clark was given the opportunity to face his past relationships. Both really worked for me to see the characters in greater depth and to make the future both happier and more sustainable.
There was a lot about consent and communication in the book, which I think came partly from the themes of D/s and polyamory, and it was something which I really enjoyed seeing, especially in the way that they did mess up in this regard, but addressed the issues and worked through it. Its very much still a work in progress at the end, but the progress is getting there and there is a real sense of hope. Positive communication methods are exactly what I love to see!
And hope is one of the fundamental themes in the book and which was one if the things that kept me gripped to it throughout. There was always this sense that the characters would work through things, even if they lost someone or a relationship changed form, there was still a future somewhere.
This book gave me do much to think about and worked in a lot of depth, and I really enjoyed reading it.
*I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
There's a full list of CW on the website for the bookbut a few main ones- violence and death as part of a post civil war society; non-negotiated D/s dynamic; grief; internalised ableism
Set in a period after a future civil war, we are based in one of the new communities set up, and mainly gollow the development of a relationship between Van, a stronghold and leader of the community, and Clark, a new arrival. When the story opens, Van is dealing with grief after the death of his wife in previous battles between this community and outside raiders, and the effect that that has had on him not merely on a personal level but also by leaving him a position of greater authority than he had originally considered. Relationship wise, he has a girlfriend, Hadas, and a more casual hookup partner, Jaime. When I first read the blurb for the book, I had assumed that the relationship between Hadas and Van would be pretty strong and established at the start, but actually we see much more how Van is struggling, closing himself off so as to avoid being vulnerable and risk getting so badly hurt again. One of things I enjoyed greatly within the novel is how we see the unreliability of the character's POV narration as in here, where Van insists that his relationship with Hadas is not so serious, but we can see the glimpses of how he tries to guard himself off from the reality of his feelings. I did feel sometimes that I might liked to have had a few chapters from Hadas perspective too, mostly because I really liked her! But I did feel that she was given a lot of positive attention and development in the book too.
Clark is another great character whose vulnerability is also shielded, but through his emphasis on casual sex and hookups rather than allowing a relationship. Just as I liked seeing the development of Van and Hadas, I really liked that Clark was given the opportunity to face his past relationships. Both really worked for me to see the characters in greater depth and to make the future both happier and more sustainable.
There was a lot about consent and communication in the book, which I think came partly from the themes of D/s and polyamory, and it was something which I really enjoyed seeing, especially in the way that they did mess up in this regard, but addressed the issues and worked through it. Its very much still a work in progress at the end, but the progress is getting there and there is a real sense of hope. Positive communication methods are exactly what I love to see!
And hope is one of the fundamental themes in the book and which was one if the things that kept me gripped to it throughout. There was always this sense that the characters would work through things, even if they lost someone or a relationship changed form, there was still a future somewhere.
This book gave me do much to think about and worked in a lot of depth, and I really enjoyed reading it.
*I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
February 9, 2022
I'll repeat it, but Skye Kilaen has a talent for writing romance!! It's spectacular to read a story that takes on so many different relationships and makes them all work in such an individual and important way!!!
The first thing to mention is the importance of grief and loving those who you've lost. With a book set in a post war ridden world, there couldn't be a chance that these characters wouldn't have lost someone, and Van and Irene's love is as important to the story as any other, and his partners (and possible partners) understand it entirely, how she will always be important to Van, how losing someone doesn't mean not loving them anymore, and that you can create space to love more and again, without forgetting the ones you've loved before
Secondly, the book establishes such different dynamics and relationships and it's so important!!!! I'm here for this polycule with my all heart, I'm here for romantic and sexual love, and I'm here for platonic love and queerplatonic relationship - this is all I want to see more of in the media I consume!!!!
Clark and Van's romance is easy - not to play between them, because you have a lot of the good angst and they've both been hurt and in pain and they can't help but be scared, and I LOVED them both moving things slowly and then fast, finding their rhythm - but it's easy to understand.
The way Hadas warms her way into Clark's heart is something else - the way you see his mind starting to include her in his thoughts and worries - you see her matter in a way outside of the love we're used to see in media.
Then the same can be said of Hadas and Van, who are very different from any of the other pairs mentioned, but you also enter this book with them needing to come into a new cycle, a new understanding of their relationship, that needing of words to use, and the commitment between them is perfect and beautiful to see, and how it grew from comfort and grief (and on those themes still Jamie and Van and how that is handled!!!!)
As you heard this book is made of relationships, and those aren't all, from other sexual partners, to family, and most of all the importance of community!!! The mentions of Hadas missing being around Jewish people to start, but to the actual community in the book, and the found family aspect of it and the resolution there is just perfect and again I want more of this!!!!
Thirdly, the plot is engaging and interesting!!! I really LIKE how this focus on the day to day life of living in this post-apocalyptic universe, which reminds me of what I like to read in fanfic world (and even read in the few fics I've written in this genre), and I'll warn you that the moment mentioned in the synopsis with Hadas and Van being taken happens quite down the line... which on the bright side means a lot of relationship stuff being established before.
Now on a more negative note, but fully subjective, I really feel this was missing Hadas pov chapters, I really think that could have moved this book to the five starts or at least some higher four stars if that had been the case. I both missed that female perspective, but also Hadas herself - she's created as such an interesting character and put at the center of the story, then that it felt like her voice was missing.
Now with this all said, I'm still fully recommending this book, with every bone in my body, this is the type of love story I want to see more of!!! I want to see queer love and polycules and second loves and found family and grief written right!!!! This is the type of romance I love and I keep looking forward to reading through this author's collection!!!!
The first thing to mention is the importance of grief and loving those who you've lost. With a book set in a post war ridden world, there couldn't be a chance that these characters wouldn't have lost someone, and Van and Irene's love is as important to the story as any other, and his partners (and possible partners) understand it entirely, how she will always be important to Van, how losing someone doesn't mean not loving them anymore, and that you can create space to love more and again, without forgetting the ones you've loved before
Secondly, the book establishes such different dynamics and relationships and it's so important!!!! I'm here for this polycule with my all heart, I'm here for romantic and sexual love, and I'm here for platonic love and queerplatonic relationship - this is all I want to see more of in the media I consume!!!!
Clark and Van's romance is easy - not to play between them, because you have a lot of the good angst and they've both been hurt and in pain and they can't help but be scared, and I LOVED them both moving things slowly and then fast, finding their rhythm - but it's easy to understand.
The way Hadas warms her way into Clark's heart is something else - the way you see his mind starting to include her in his thoughts and worries - you see her matter in a way outside of the love we're used to see in media.
Then the same can be said of Hadas and Van, who are very different from any of the other pairs mentioned, but you also enter this book with them needing to come into a new cycle, a new understanding of their relationship, that needing of words to use, and the commitment between them is perfect and beautiful to see, and how it grew from comfort and grief (and on those themes still Jamie and Van and how that is handled!!!!)
As you heard this book is made of relationships, and those aren't all, from other sexual partners, to family, and most of all the importance of community!!! The mentions of Hadas missing being around Jewish people to start, but to the actual community in the book, and the found family aspect of it and the resolution there is just perfect and again I want more of this!!!!
Thirdly, the plot is engaging and interesting!!! I really LIKE how this focus on the day to day life of living in this post-apocalyptic universe, which reminds me of what I like to read in fanfic world (and even read in the few fics I've written in this genre), and I'll warn you that the moment mentioned in the synopsis with Hadas and Van being taken happens quite down the line... which on the bright side means a lot of relationship stuff being established before.
Now on a more negative note, but fully subjective, I really feel this was missing Hadas pov chapters, I really think that could have moved this book to the five starts or at least some higher four stars if that had been the case. I both missed that female perspective, but also Hadas herself - she's created as such an interesting character and put at the center of the story, then that it felt like her voice was missing.
Now with this all said, I'm still fully recommending this book, with every bone in my body, this is the type of love story I want to see more of!!! I want to see queer love and polycules and second loves and found family and grief written right!!!! This is the type of romance I love and I keep looking forward to reading through this author's collection!!!!
April 22, 2021
This novel really suited my state of mind at the moment! Times are hard, but people are doing their best, and there's an HEA. The author has referred to this as "hopepunk," which is a great term for this post-apocalyptic setting in which people are trying to rebuild their lives with ingenuity and a sense of fairness. A comforting read with, yes, a sense of hope for the future as well as the romantic relationships.
June 14, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I am a big fan of post-apocalyptic stories and the blurb for this one drew me in right away. I definitely enjoyed this story and found myself really caught up in the the journey. Despite the high stakes situation and the alternate world setting, at its heart, this book is about relationships. This is a true polyamorous story, with a variety of pairings, both casual connections, as well as long-term partnerships that develop over the course of the book. Van and Hadas are best friends and love one another fiercely. They have an emotional and sexual relationship, but not a romantic one, and both have various outside sexual partners. Hadas supports and encourages Van’s relationship with Clark, and in fact, plays a major role in helping the men to come together. She and Clark also grow to be close friends, but Hadas and Clark have no romantic or sexual relationship. I really enjoyed all these dynamics and this open style of love among all of them.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I am a big fan of post-apocalyptic stories and the blurb for this one drew me in right away. I definitely enjoyed this story and found myself really caught up in the the journey. Despite the high stakes situation and the alternate world setting, at its heart, this book is about relationships. This is a true polyamorous story, with a variety of pairings, both casual connections, as well as long-term partnerships that develop over the course of the book. Van and Hadas are best friends and love one another fiercely. They have an emotional and sexual relationship, but not a romantic one, and both have various outside sexual partners. Hadas supports and encourages Van’s relationship with Clark, and in fact, plays a major role in helping the men to come together. She and Clark also grow to be close friends, but Hadas and Clark have no romantic or sexual relationship. I really enjoyed all these dynamics and this open style of love among all of them.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 5, 2021
Content warnings: | Author’s content warnings
The author calls it “hopepunk” and that’s definitely a good description. Despite the fact that it’s set in a world reeling from climate changes and the after effects of war, it’s really quite sweet, full of chosen family and people doing their best to heal and help others heal.
Van’s partner died three years ago in a battle with raiders. Irene had run defense for the circuit towns, a group of settlements who’ve banded together loosely for protection against raiders. After her passing, Van took up the job. It’s been mostly quiet since, but a new rash of smaller thefts suggests the pattern is starting again, and the last thing he needs is someone new moving unannounced into his town. Clark’s come to stay with his estranged mom after running from his latest relationship disaster. Van immediately catches his eye, but he’s not interested in anything serious – that’s how he got in trouble in his last place. Van notices Clark, as well, but he’s not sure he can get what he wants – what he needs – from him. With the raids worsening, Van’s life is only getting more dangerous. Is there room for both men to heal enough to figure out what they both need?
Van and Clark are great characters. Clark has a lot of issues he’s mostly trying to ignore. There’s always something that needs fixing in any community, and Clark immerses himself in trying to make himself useful, even if that means picking up his gun and taking lookout tower shifts, something that’s rough for him between his injured leg and his PTSD from being a sniper during the war. In Clark’s mind, if he keeps his head down and just keeps working, no one’ll expect much more of him – or kick him out of town. Van knows he’s a valued member of the community, which has its own pitfalls. Being the head of the defense team isn’t exactly what he wants to be doing, but it’s necessary and someone has to do it. Plus, it means he gets to spend more time with Hadas, who he’s in an open relationship with. Van had a dom/sub relationship with Irene, and while he loves Hadas, they don’t have that sort of relationship. He feels that pull with Clark, though, but Clark is pretty clueless about how that lifestyle works.
I thought the romance between all the characters was well done. I don’t know much about polycule relationships, and I’m more used to triads where all the members are sexually involved with each other, but I thought how each relationship worked for each character was well explained. The main focus is on Van and Clark, of course, but there’s also Van’s relationship with Hadas, Van’s relationship (or not) with Jaime, and Clark’s relationship with his ex Thao. Both men have issues they’re trying to work through, usually on their own, so you can guess how that goes initially, and it takes time for their relationship to form. There is a big focus on communication, not just with their partners but also with other members of the community. While Van and Hadas have been sleeping together for quite a while by the time the story starts, Van is still so traumatized from Irene’s death that he’s holding back from realizing how much she means to him, and it takes more relationship upheaval before he even admits it to himself, let alone Hadas. The consent is well thought out, and when boundaries are crossed (unintentionally for the most part), the characters apologize, communicate, and don’t do it again.
Overall, while there’s a lot of possibly heavy content, this is overall a very lovely read.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The author calls it “hopepunk” and that’s definitely a good description. Despite the fact that it’s set in a world reeling from climate changes and the after effects of war, it’s really quite sweet, full of chosen family and people doing their best to heal and help others heal.
Van’s partner died three years ago in a battle with raiders. Irene had run defense for the circuit towns, a group of settlements who’ve banded together loosely for protection against raiders. After her passing, Van took up the job. It’s been mostly quiet since, but a new rash of smaller thefts suggests the pattern is starting again, and the last thing he needs is someone new moving unannounced into his town. Clark’s come to stay with his estranged mom after running from his latest relationship disaster. Van immediately catches his eye, but he’s not interested in anything serious – that’s how he got in trouble in his last place. Van notices Clark, as well, but he’s not sure he can get what he wants – what he needs – from him. With the raids worsening, Van’s life is only getting more dangerous. Is there room for both men to heal enough to figure out what they both need?
Van and Clark are great characters. Clark has a lot of issues he’s mostly trying to ignore. There’s always something that needs fixing in any community, and Clark immerses himself in trying to make himself useful, even if that means picking up his gun and taking lookout tower shifts, something that’s rough for him between his injured leg and his PTSD from being a sniper during the war. In Clark’s mind, if he keeps his head down and just keeps working, no one’ll expect much more of him – or kick him out of town. Van knows he’s a valued member of the community, which has its own pitfalls. Being the head of the defense team isn’t exactly what he wants to be doing, but it’s necessary and someone has to do it. Plus, it means he gets to spend more time with Hadas, who he’s in an open relationship with. Van had a dom/sub relationship with Irene, and while he loves Hadas, they don’t have that sort of relationship. He feels that pull with Clark, though, but Clark is pretty clueless about how that lifestyle works.
I thought the romance between all the characters was well done. I don’t know much about polycule relationships, and I’m more used to triads where all the members are sexually involved with each other, but I thought how each relationship worked for each character was well explained. The main focus is on Van and Clark, of course, but there’s also Van’s relationship with Hadas, Van’s relationship (or not) with Jaime, and Clark’s relationship with his ex Thao. Both men have issues they’re trying to work through, usually on their own, so you can guess how that goes initially, and it takes time for their relationship to form. There is a big focus on communication, not just with their partners but also with other members of the community. While Van and Hadas have been sleeping together for quite a while by the time the story starts, Van is still so traumatized from Irene’s death that he’s holding back from realizing how much she means to him, and it takes more relationship upheaval before he even admits it to himself, let alone Hadas. The consent is well thought out, and when boundaries are crossed (unintentionally for the most part), the characters apologize, communicate, and don’t do it again.
Overall, while there’s a lot of possibly heavy content, this is overall a very lovely read.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 3, 2021
I read chapter 1 early February, then put it down because I had other books to finish on a timeline, so I read the last blast of it in a period of four days.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a review - that doesn't affect how my review will be.
First and foremost - I love the relationship between the characters - this is more a character driven book than a plot driven book. The characters talk to each other. This story explores a post apocalyptic war and the struggling groups of people trying to pick up the pieces afterwards - including making relationships and new found families along the way. It's queer as hell and I'm HERE FOR IT. There are a lot of bisexual characters (mostly men, I believe), pronouns are openly discussed, RELATIONSHIPS ARE OPENLY DISCUSSED, and there are several healthy open relationships. ALSO All these people need therapy. ;) I say that about almost every book, of course, because it is my firm believe that every person in the world can benefit from therapy, but these people have been through immense trauma and it would make sense that they're suffering.
I wish it was longer with more story explained - by the end of the book there was what seemed to be a gang war? A group of thieves doing hits on towns to steal stuff? I'm honestly not sure, and I would have liked to have had more backstory on the group, and in general. I feel this book could have benefitted from about a hundred more pages of back and front story, woven in with the characters. It reminds me of Far Cry 5 and Last of Us (two of my very fave games) in a post apocalyptic kind of way, but I wanted more of that.
I didn't like the unmarked shifts in perspective, found it jarring without being marked, so it did ruin immersion for me.
Loved the relationship discussions. This is an important and accurate portrayal of moving on from grief in a complex situation. Grief is difficult enough without an apocalypse.
Overall, I liked it, but I wish it had been longer! I'm looking forward to reading more of Skye's work in the future. :)
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a review - that doesn't affect how my review will be.
First and foremost - I love the relationship between the characters - this is more a character driven book than a plot driven book. The characters talk to each other. This story explores a post apocalyptic war and the struggling groups of people trying to pick up the pieces afterwards - including making relationships and new found families along the way. It's queer as hell and I'm HERE FOR IT. There are a lot of bisexual characters (mostly men, I believe), pronouns are openly discussed, RELATIONSHIPS ARE OPENLY DISCUSSED, and there are several healthy open relationships. ALSO All these people need therapy. ;) I say that about almost every book, of course, because it is my firm believe that every person in the world can benefit from therapy, but these people have been through immense trauma and it would make sense that they're suffering.
I wish it was longer with more story explained - by the end of the book there was what seemed to be a gang war? A group of thieves doing hits on towns to steal stuff? I'm honestly not sure, and I would have liked to have had more backstory on the group, and in general. I feel this book could have benefitted from about a hundred more pages of back and front story, woven in with the characters. It reminds me of Far Cry 5 and Last of Us (two of my very fave games) in a post apocalyptic kind of way, but I wanted more of that.
I didn't like the unmarked shifts in perspective, found it jarring without being marked, so it did ruin immersion for me.
Loved the relationship discussions. This is an important and accurate portrayal of moving on from grief in a complex situation. Grief is difficult enough without an apocalypse.
Overall, I liked it, but I wish it had been longer! I'm looking forward to reading more of Skye's work in the future. :)
February 21, 2021
Mild spoilers!
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I read an ARC and loved this! I was especially impressed with the way the author subtly worked the post-apocalyptic setting into scenes that were focussed on something else with just little details like saving beer-bottle caps to use on the next batch, saving scraps of lumber left over after a building project, having a town medic but having to go to a larger settlement to see a doctor, etc. It really brought home that these people were just managing to make it, through intense cooperation and never wasting anything, without the author having to beat you over the head with big DID YOU NOTICE THE APOCALYPSE? scenes.
I also don't think I'd ever read a post-apocalypse story before that addresses the difference just a few years of age would make between people who've never known any other way of being and people who spent early childhood expecting to have a nice normal life before the apocalypse happened. Cool.
Ha this makes it sound like it's all survival and no love, which is not at all the case--the societal survival details are just what my brain got hung up on! There's plenty of love, erotic and otherwise, and it's the chief source of hope in this world. (Also, the erotic parts are indeed hot!) I love the various facets of the polycule that happens (and the fact that nearly the entire town is a cheering section for our main characters, Van and Clark, to get together.)
So go ye and read this (when it comes out in March!) You probably do want to read the content warnings at the author's website, though, because, well, apocalypse. https://skyewritesromance.com/books/t...
But I'll go ahead and tell you: THE DOG IS FINE. :)
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I read an ARC and loved this! I was especially impressed with the way the author subtly worked the post-apocalyptic setting into scenes that were focussed on something else with just little details like saving beer-bottle caps to use on the next batch, saving scraps of lumber left over after a building project, having a town medic but having to go to a larger settlement to see a doctor, etc. It really brought home that these people were just managing to make it, through intense cooperation and never wasting anything, without the author having to beat you over the head with big DID YOU NOTICE THE APOCALYPSE? scenes.
I also don't think I'd ever read a post-apocalypse story before that addresses the difference just a few years of age would make between people who've never known any other way of being and people who spent early childhood expecting to have a nice normal life before the apocalypse happened. Cool.
Ha this makes it sound like it's all survival and no love, which is not at all the case--the societal survival details are just what my brain got hung up on! There's plenty of love, erotic and otherwise, and it's the chief source of hope in this world. (Also, the erotic parts are indeed hot!) I love the various facets of the polycule that happens (and the fact that nearly the entire town is a cheering section for our main characters, Van and Clark, to get together.)
So go ye and read this (when it comes out in March!) You probably do want to read the content warnings at the author's website, though, because, well, apocalypse. https://skyewritesromance.com/books/t...
But I'll go ahead and tell you: THE DOG IS FINE. :)
March 3, 2021
In a post-apocalyptic world where civilization is fragmented following the Second Civil War, resources are scarce and the environment is inhospitable, surviving isn’t easy. Van leads his town’s defense force and tries to keep his community together as best he can, even though he’s still reeling from the loss of his lover and Dom. Clark has walled himself off from emotional connection of any kind, dazed and nearly broken from the war, his recent accident that has left him in chronic pain, and a fractured relationship with his parents and his ex. He’s a newcomer to the town Van defends, and they might just be able to build something together— if they can find the time between their own issues, town politics, and the very real peril of raiders threatening their entire existence.
I loved this novel for a number of reasons. I enjoyed the way it melds a variety of genres: it’s almost a western in the sense of the harsh frontier and the need for law and order as a communal, moral effort. It’s a novel about love, although I wouldn’t say it’s a novel with a romance so much as a novel with romances— there are complex, vibrant interconnections of people and relationships woven throughout the characters’ struggle for survival, giving them strength, solace, fun, comfort, and love in a variety of different forms. Van and Hadas, Van and Clark, Clark and Thao all fit each other beautifully, if not always easily (I’m looking at you here Clark, you spikey yet wonderful porcupine of a person). It’s beautifully written, with compellingly imperfect characters and solid world building. All in all, an amazing read.
*An ARC was provided to me by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review.*
I loved this novel for a number of reasons. I enjoyed the way it melds a variety of genres: it’s almost a western in the sense of the harsh frontier and the need for law and order as a communal, moral effort. It’s a novel about love, although I wouldn’t say it’s a novel with a romance so much as a novel with romances— there are complex, vibrant interconnections of people and relationships woven throughout the characters’ struggle for survival, giving them strength, solace, fun, comfort, and love in a variety of different forms. Van and Hadas, Van and Clark, Clark and Thao all fit each other beautifully, if not always easily (I’m looking at you here Clark, you spikey yet wonderful porcupine of a person). It’s beautifully written, with compellingly imperfect characters and solid world building. All in all, an amazing read.
*An ARC was provided to me by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review.*
February 4, 2023
This is a really interesting book. I usually avoid dystopian stories, but this one was recommended to me and so I gave it a try. While I found the dystopian back story a little confusing at times, and wasn't a huge fan of the over all plot, I did find the characters and their dynamics with each other pretty interesting.
This isn't your average romance book - and I'm not talking about the polyamory or the dystopian stuff when I say that. No, just in terms of the average formula for writing a romance story, which this book doesn't really follow. I felt like Van and Clark barely actually spend any time together or get to know each other very much. By the 80% mark in the story, they'd had sex a few times but the actual progress they'd made in having feelings for each other or knowing each other well didn't feel like a lot - like, I'd say with normal romance books, these two would have been at the 30% mark in the story, if that makes sense?
So I was fully expecting for me to hate how this ended and to feel like the romance was not fully developed. But, it pulled through for me. By the 90% mark I could see that the importance in this book was not the two main characters falling in love, but giving themselves the chance at love. And they both do so, and venture into a new path in their life with their little found family, and I actually really loved the ending. It's a really sweet hopeful ending.
So I definitely was sceptical about this one, but I actually really liked it in the end. And I loved the polyamory, the casual representation of different races, genders, disability, etc, the interconnection between different characters.
This isn't your average romance book - and I'm not talking about the polyamory or the dystopian stuff when I say that. No, just in terms of the average formula for writing a romance story, which this book doesn't really follow. I felt like Van and Clark barely actually spend any time together or get to know each other very much. By the 80% mark in the story, they'd had sex a few times but the actual progress they'd made in having feelings for each other or knowing each other well didn't feel like a lot - like, I'd say with normal romance books, these two would have been at the 30% mark in the story, if that makes sense?
So I was fully expecting for me to hate how this ended and to feel like the romance was not fully developed. But, it pulled through for me. By the 90% mark I could see that the importance in this book was not the two main characters falling in love, but giving themselves the chance at love. And they both do so, and venture into a new path in their life with their little found family, and I actually really loved the ending. It's a really sweet hopeful ending.
So I definitely was sceptical about this one, but I actually really liked it in the end. And I loved the polyamory, the casual representation of different races, genders, disability, etc, the interconnection between different characters.
April 19, 2024
In The Home I Find With You, Skye Kilaen vividly depicts a near-future where the USA has been torn apart by civil war. The setting was written in such an immersive way that from the first page I was drawn into the world and into the story. There was a very immediate sense of the dangers faced by the characters, as well as how society works in this new landscape.
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I also thought that the setting worked really well with the polyamorous themes. In this world monogamy is no longer the default, and I thought it made for a really interesting approach to the different character dynamics. It changed the expectations the characters had for each other, which made for a fascinating and refreshing approach.
It was actually the romance itself which I didn’t enjoy so much in this book. I didn’t particularly root for the main couple, and quite often didn’t like Clark. I also didn’t find their dynamic the most convincing, which is a shame as I think if it had been done slightly different I would have found it very compelling.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
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I also thought that the setting worked really well with the polyamorous themes. In this world monogamy is no longer the default, and I thought it made for a really interesting approach to the different character dynamics. It changed the expectations the characters had for each other, which made for a fascinating and refreshing approach.
It was actually the romance itself which I didn’t enjoy so much in this book. I didn’t particularly root for the main couple, and quite often didn’t like Clark. I also didn’t find their dynamic the most convincing, which is a shame as I think if it had been done slightly different I would have found it very compelling.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
March 30, 2021
An enjoyable story that has both heavy, sad moments and light, funny moments. Featuring wonderful characters
This story is set in a post-civil war 2 America caused by white supremacists - No surprise there. The war has ended but life is not the same. Clark ran away from his town and moved to the town his mum was living in. He meets Van there. I liked how Clark and Van interacted - How Clark could be confident but also awkward at times. There were sad moments in the story but there were also plenty of moments that inspire laughter. There's a lot of polyamorous relationships here. The town Clark and Van live in and the other partner towns are rather inclusive. The use of pronouns is normal and there isn't any homophobia. There are several trigger warnings at the start of the book for those who may need them. All in all, I enjoyed reading this story and I do hope that the author considers bringing the characters back for a second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is set in a post-civil war 2 America caused by white supremacists - No surprise there. The war has ended but life is not the same. Clark ran away from his town and moved to the town his mum was living in. He meets Van there. I liked how Clark and Van interacted - How Clark could be confident but also awkward at times. There were sad moments in the story but there were also plenty of moments that inspire laughter. There's a lot of polyamorous relationships here. The town Clark and Van live in and the other partner towns are rather inclusive. The use of pronouns is normal and there isn't any homophobia. There are several trigger warnings at the start of the book for those who may need them. All in all, I enjoyed reading this story and I do hope that the author considers bringing the characters back for a second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2021
I did receive this book as an ARC, but am mindful and honest in my review. So much so that I was torn between rating a 4 and a 5, the 4 because to me some of the language was not what I would have chosen to describe certain actions. I did find some of the writing abrasive as a result *however* greatly appreciated the construction of the dialogue. So, I went with the 5.
The character development, the emotional work, the scene setting were all fantastic. Being on a journey to healthy polyamory myself, the humanity in this book was much in line with the attachment and healing I have experienced. There was so much love and care represented in this book, as well as self accountability on the character level.
Seeing a post apocalyptic view of the United States, well hopefully we shift through our current climate for the better. One thing I did feel about this book, a visual adaptation would likely work well.
The character development, the emotional work, the scene setting were all fantastic. Being on a journey to healthy polyamory myself, the humanity in this book was much in line with the attachment and healing I have experienced. There was so much love and care represented in this book, as well as self accountability on the character level.
Seeing a post apocalyptic view of the United States, well hopefully we shift through our current climate for the better. One thing I did feel about this book, a visual adaptation would likely work well.
January 9, 2022
an excellent dystopian poly romance. In a post-apocalyptical america, Van is dealing with grief after the death of a previous partner and leading a defense team for the towns around. Clark is new in town, escaping his previous life after a serious injury and coming to live with the mother who bailed on him years ago. They both deal with trauma and trying to find eachother in the middle when they keep hurting each other without meaning to. Van is also in an open relationship with Hadas and I love how supportive and communicative they are. All the stars. Beautiful flawed characters and a solid worldbuilding that isn't heavy or distracting. and that ending, just perfect.
March 2, 2021
What do you get when you blend post-apocalyptic and romantic tropes? This awesome read. As someone who really enjoys both genres, this book hit the spot for me. There's a great balance between peril (without the threat of sexual assault - rare in my experience with post-apocalyptic stories) and gentle scenes that build up to affection between certain characters. Skye's a really gifted writer and I'm glad she shared this story with us!
April 3, 2021
This novel took me by surprise because it's not usually one i would enjoy. Characters like Clarke, if not written well, really turns me off and i have problems with books where i don't understand the world by chapter three. However, this book really kept me hooked. Of course the poly tag helped. i rarely find any good books with polyamory in it. so this was a treat for me.
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June 20, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Antisemitism & Nazism
Antisemitic hate crime recounted
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Alcohol consumption
Recreational drug use
Chronic pain
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a parent in an explosion recounted
Gun violence
Antisemitism & Nazism
Antisemitic hate crime recounted
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Alcohol consumption
Recreational drug use
Chronic pain
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a parent in an explosion recounted
Gun violence
November 19, 2023
My first Skye Kilaen book won't be my last. "The Home I Found in You" has a wonderful plot arc, multifaceted fragile/tough characters whose interactions are soulful and deep. Ms. Kilaen created a believable world, heartbreaking yet hopeful scenarios and elucidation the path to freedom. You know you’ve found good writing when the story and characters stick with you days later. Just spectacular.
July 22, 2021
This novel has shaped all my post-apocalypse thinking/reading - it has become my touchstone. So lovely, how they navigate their broken world and each other, and so heartbreaking. Ultimately hopeful - it is a romance - though the world remains grim. Not unlike now.
December 30, 2021
The Home I Find With You combines an interesting post-apocalyptic setting with a beautiful romance and amazing chatacters. It's a beautiful love story between multiple people trying to survive harsh conditions.
March 10, 2021
I really do seem to have a thing for these lovely polyamourous love stories. even as they make me cry so damn much. the ending on this one got me especially good.
August 4, 2021
Extraordinary, one of my all-time favorites. Satisfying arcs of found family and love for all the well drawn leads.
December 5, 2021
The best Western I've read in a long time. Great worldbuilding & characters.
May 8, 2022
Lovely, soft, heartfelt post-apoc poly romance. Wonderful world-building. More people should read this book!
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