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trin's review against another edition
3.0
Lots and lots of sexy repression! Andrews obviously did her research; the Amish setting feels authentic. Too bad one half of this pairing feels like a bit of a cypher -- it might have helped if, as in [b:Beyond the Sea|29276390|Beyond the Sea|Keira Andrews|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1456243508s/29276390.jpg|49516503], the POV had alternated between both guys. The ending is also rushed and seemed too easy. Nevertheless, I will definitely be checking out the sequel.
authorofthings's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
frunge's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It will not win any prizes fir originality but my goodness is it a wonderful dose of feel-good love
bitchie's review
4.0
This was an amazing, hot, sweet story, but I think this type of story is just not for me. The Amish world, the invasive way the families and the church people are, the strictness, it just really effected how I looked at the story. It was wonderfully written, and I LOVED Isaac and David, but every time a family member tried to throw Isaac at David's sister Mary, or someone demanded when David was joining the church, I wanted to scream. Not real sure if I'll continue this series, even though I did like this one.
a_reader_obsessed's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
This is what I would have wanted to know before going into this series.
1. Is this really religious?
Yes.
The Amish community depicted here is extremely strict in all that they do. There are rules upon rules upon rules, governing pretty much every aspect of their lives. As one would guess, this religion looks at the modern world with disdain and at homosexuality as a grave and serious sin.
2. How angsty is this story?
Pretty darn angsty.
I would say my anxiety levels were moderate and they stayed that way throughout the entire story. There was this constant fear of being discovered, as well as so much inner turmoil and guilt that weighed heavily on Isaac and David. Over and over they worried about their morality, while resigned that they could never be together without being ostracized by their family and community.
3. How's the actual romance?
Freaking fabulous.
If you want sweet, soulful yearning and palpable sexual tension, then this is the epitome of that. Tender and innocent - that rush of first love, lust, and fervent exploration was a wonder to behold. Divine actually. And hot. *ahem*
So overall I would say it was painful to witness Isaac and David struggle immensely. They earnestly want to do what's expected of them, but such desires were in direct opposition to fulfilling their own right to be happy and to be themselves.
I admit I was on pins and needles while reading this, but I'm quite sensitive when it comes to this kind of subject matter. However it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. It helps that their romance was so good that it outweighed most of the negative, and though I still have some serious trepidation about the angst that is sure to come, I will definitely carry on.
This is what I would have wanted to know before going into this series.
1. Is this really religious?
Yes.
The Amish community depicted here is extremely strict in all that they do. There are rules upon rules upon rules, governing pretty much every aspect of their lives. As one would guess, this religion looks at the modern world with disdain and at homosexuality as a grave and serious sin.
2. How angsty is this story?
Pretty darn angsty.
I would say my anxiety levels were moderate and they stayed that way throughout the entire story. There was this constant fear of being discovered, as well as so much inner turmoil and guilt that weighed heavily on Isaac and David. Over and over they worried about their morality, while resigned that they could never be together without being ostracized by their family and community.
3. How's the actual romance?
Freaking fabulous.
If you want sweet, soulful yearning and palpable sexual tension, then this is the epitome of that. Tender and innocent - that rush of first love, lust, and fervent exploration was a wonder to behold. Divine actually. And hot. *ahem*
So overall I would say it was painful to witness Isaac and David struggle immensely. They earnestly want to do what's expected of them, but such desires were in direct opposition to fulfilling their own right to be happy and to be themselves.
I admit I was on pins and needles while reading this, but I'm quite sensitive when it comes to this kind of subject matter. However it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. It helps that their romance was so good that it outweighed most of the negative, and though I still have some serious trepidation about the angst that is sure to come, I will definitely carry on.
thestarlesscasea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
eyelit's review against another edition
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
ryleybanks's review against another edition
5.0
Isaac and David's story was one of the first MM romances I read from Keira Andrews, and it was the one that made me finish the series and read pretty much everything else she's written. I highly recommend this tale of forbidden love and attraction.