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monismmreviews's review
5.0
I forever will be thankful to Riley for giving us a final HEA for Jonah and Gray. This short novella should be read after Make Me Fall and tells the story of how both men finally heal from their past emotional hurt. It is just as touching as Make Me Fall, but there is a gentleness about it that I truly adore.
Jonah and Gray are happy. Unquestionably happy together. It was such a joy to see where they are after settling into their small-town life and adopting their cute little daughter. But when outside circumstances force them to look at their past again, all the pain comes back, and they are both powerless to stop it. This book, first and foremost, is about family: how Jonah and Gray feel about their family … or the lack of it, and how they cope with their hurt and emotional trauma when it comes to their younger years. Moreover, where their life is supposed to go, according to Gray who is always making precise plans, and Jonah who is always wrecking them. The type of family they are trying to build … Gosh, how I wish there would be a million more people out there with the same intentions! Their interactions are still witty, sexy, and funny ... and adding a kid or two into this mixture just makes this story that much more precious. This book could have been twice the size and I would still feel it wasn't long enough.
Please check the TW for sensitive content!
Jonah and Gray are happy. Unquestionably happy together. It was such a joy to see where they are after settling into their small-town life and adopting their cute little daughter. But when outside circumstances force them to look at their past again, all the pain comes back, and they are both powerless to stop it. This book, first and foremost, is about family: how Jonah and Gray feel about their family … or the lack of it, and how they cope with their hurt and emotional trauma when it comes to their younger years. Moreover, where their life is supposed to go, according to Gray who is always making precise plans, and Jonah who is always wrecking them. The type of family they are trying to build … Gosh, how I wish there would be a million more people out there with the same intentions! Their interactions are still witty, sexy, and funny ... and adding a kid or two into this mixture just makes this story that much more precious. This book could have been twice the size and I would still feel it wasn't long enough.
Please check the TW for sensitive content!
booksbyec's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This novella give us even more beautiful scenes and stories surrounding Jonah and Gray. It is about growing and standing up for what you believe in and it also shows you can't always prepare for everything in life.
nathanae88's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brutalistemerald's review
4.0
More Jonah and Gray from [b:Make Me Fall|60577344|Make Me Fall (Water, Air, Earth, Fire, #2)|Riley Nash|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646787444l/60577344._SY75_.jpg|95479561]! This novella focuses on them and expanding their family.
We knew from the previous book that Gray was fostered and that it had had a significant impact on him, so it’s not unsurprising that he has strong feelings to deal with when fostering a young boy who reminds him of himself and his childhood.
I’m openly not a fan of babies/children in romances (they just get in the way!) but this genuinely added depth to Jonah and Gray’s story. We’d already had them falling in love and getting established in their relationship. I found their love, tenderness and care for each other really compelling in [b:Make Me Fall|60577344|Make Me Fall (Water, Air, Earth, Fire, #2)|Riley Nash|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646787444l/60577344._SY75_.jpg|95479561], so to see them as parents makes sense.
There is a trigger warning at the start of the novella, which is always useful and appreciated.
We knew from the previous book that Gray was fostered and that it had had a significant impact on him, so it’s not unsurprising that he has strong feelings to deal with when fostering a young boy who reminds him of himself and his childhood.
I’m openly not a fan of babies/children in romances (they just get in the way!) but this genuinely added depth to Jonah and Gray’s story. We’d already had them falling in love and getting established in their relationship. I found their love, tenderness and care for each other really compelling in [b:Make Me Fall|60577344|Make Me Fall (Water, Air, Earth, Fire, #2)|Riley Nash|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646787444l/60577344._SY75_.jpg|95479561], so to see them as parents makes sense.
There is a trigger warning at the start of the novella, which is always useful and appreciated.
meaghanisreading's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aisling_rose's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
dinohakari's review
5.0
In recent times I have had the privilege of reading great authors. Riley Nash is one of them.
I need to say first that I have recommended Hold Me Under, the first of this series, to everyone who's asked me for a recommendation, and who hasn't asked me too! It is one of the best stories I have read so far. Emotional, harrowing, traumatic and so full of love between the main characters (even though they "hate" each other) that it spills over the pages. So as soon as Make me Fall came out, the second book in the series, where one of the protagonists was Gray, Victor's friend and lawyer, I had to read it.
Gray is absolutely nothing that I expected. Or what I had imagined when reading it in the first book. I don't know why I thought he wasn't going to have a traumatic past. But at the same time, I was intrigued to know about him. A character who seemed very enigmatic. Needless to say, it broke my heart to learn about him and realize that inside, he carries immense sadness.
And Jonah. What an incredible life lesson. A human being who learns to overcome all the obstacles that are put in his way. Also a bit lost, but nonetheless not afraid to face life, without losing his inherent sweetness along the way.
Two imperfect halves that formed a perfect whole.
And this is what we see in this new novel about them.
A new beginning in a new place, with many challenges. We see a Gray shaken by these new events that bring to light all the pain of his past. But above all we see how they remain committed to each other. With his love and faith in the other intact and without fear of moving forward with the path they have chosen.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
I need to say first that I have recommended Hold Me Under, the first of this series, to everyone who's asked me for a recommendation, and who hasn't asked me too! It is one of the best stories I have read so far. Emotional, harrowing, traumatic and so full of love between the main characters (even though they "hate" each other) that it spills over the pages. So as soon as Make me Fall came out, the second book in the series, where one of the protagonists was Gray, Victor's friend and lawyer, I had to read it.
Gray is absolutely nothing that I expected. Or what I had imagined when reading it in the first book. I don't know why I thought he wasn't going to have a traumatic past. But at the same time, I was intrigued to know about him. A character who seemed very enigmatic. Needless to say, it broke my heart to learn about him and realize that inside, he carries immense sadness.
And Jonah. What an incredible life lesson. A human being who learns to overcome all the obstacles that are put in his way. Also a bit lost, but nonetheless not afraid to face life, without losing his inherent sweetness along the way.
Two imperfect halves that formed a perfect whole.
And this is what we see in this new novel about them.
A new beginning in a new place, with many challenges. We see a Gray shaken by these new events that bring to light all the pain of his past. But above all we see how they remain committed to each other. With his love and faith in the other intact and without fear of moving forward with the path they have chosen.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
queenbee_of_hearts's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
layla87's review
5.0
“Baby,” I breathe. “God I love you so much. I’m going to hold you, and take care of you, and remind you to smile every single day for the rest of our lives. And I’m gonna make sure you always know that Kenzie and Eli and I chose you. You mean everything to us. And I promise you’ll never be alone. Do you understand?”
THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL I CAN'T
THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL I CAN'T
jamie_w's review
5.0
This is a novella - I wasn’t supposed to cry!! Damnit!! But Jonah and Gray will do that to a girl. These two were just to tragically lonely before they found each other.
This novella is set after they moved to Iowa. They are building their lives together and have their daughter Kenzie. Jonah is suffering from imposters syndrome as he takes over his fathers business. He loves the business with his whole heart but small town ideologies keep tearing their ugly head.
We get to see flashbacks into Gray’s life growing up in foster care and it’s truly heartbreaking. He had basically shut down. The fact that not only did Jonah stumble into his life but that his joy with life found a way to break thru Gray’s walls was nothing short of miraculous.
They also find themselves taking care of an 11 yo boy who is in desperate need of safety and security. This boy shows us how strong the bond between found family can be. It was just beautiful.
This novella is set after they moved to Iowa. They are building their lives together and have their daughter Kenzie. Jonah is suffering from imposters syndrome as he takes over his fathers business. He loves the business with his whole heart but small town ideologies keep tearing their ugly head.
We get to see flashbacks into Gray’s life growing up in foster care and it’s truly heartbreaking. He had basically shut down. The fact that not only did Jonah stumble into his life but that his joy with life found a way to break thru Gray’s walls was nothing short of miraculous.
They also find themselves taking care of an 11 yo boy who is in desperate need of safety and security. This boy shows us how strong the bond between found family can be. It was just beautiful.