Scan barcode
emilyexmas's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
booksafety's review against another edition
5.0
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Caleb was still shaking. “It’s not fair. I love you and I want you, and it’s not fair.” “I know it’s not,” John said. His breath hitched. “I know.”
It’s a relief when you finally find a really good book when you’re in the middle of a reading slump. I don’t think I’m out of the slump yet, but this book was a lovely break in a sea of books and characters I don’t care about.
I did have pretty high hopes as it sounded like a book made for me. If you enjoy mental illness rep and hurt comfort as well as a smidge of pining and protector vibes then you really should give this book a go.
It’s quite different for a love story as they both already love each other and are super close, their relationship just evolves. I thought that was pretty perfect for the story as much of the focus needs to be on Caleb and his recovery.
Speaking of recovery, I’m happy to say there is no ✨magic dick✨ in this story. By the time the book starts it’s been 8 years since Caleb was rescued and he is not all of a sudden ‘cured’ just because he’s in a romantic relationship. He still struggles and it’s something they’ll have to navigate for a long time. It was really well done.
Love like that, you carried like a burden.
There’s some sweetness and a couple hot scenes, but it’s not ‘romance heavy’, but I thought it worked well for the characters. I didn’t feel like I missed out on the relationship development or anything.
I recommend checking out the content warnings as some parts of this book are pretty heavy.
Caleb wanted to live. He was a fighter but, like all fighters, sometimes he took a hit.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Rescue/rescuer
Small age gap
Past trauma
Healing
Police officer MC
Samoan MC
Size difference
Mutual pining
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of death of parent (past)
Brief mention of rape (MC’s police case, no MC involved, no details)
Self harm (MC, cutting)
MC hospitalized
MC admitted to psychiatric hospital against will
Mentions of child murder (MC’s police case)
MC on psychiatric medication + sleeping pills
Brief mention of past animal abuse
Grief
PTSD symptoms
Details of past abuse of MC (cult)
Themes of religion
Religious trauma
Themes of homophobia (from religion and cult members/leader)
MC physically restrained by other MC to keep from hurting himself
MC sedated against will
Suicidal ideation
Violent outbursts during mental episodes
Pet dog stabbed (off page, survives)
MC abducted (off page)
Mention of bad guy committing suicide (off page)
Gun violence
Alcohol consumption
Some details of MC found beaten and starved (past)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance w/suspense elements
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Vers (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 22/23 and 30/31
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 292
Happy ending: Yes
“Do you remember what I said at the hospital?” John reached out and took Caleb’s hand, threading those slender fingers through his own. “If you feel like that again, I want you to promise that you’ll call someone. Me, or your dad, or your doctor.” “I mean to,” Caleb whispered. “I do, I swear. It’s just stuff gets in the way. Big stuff.” John squeezed his hand. “I know.” He didn’t, not really. Nobody except Caleb knew why he felt he was alone in the dark those times. Why there was no way out. Caleb stared at him. “You won’t give up on me, will you, John?” “Never.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Caleb was still shaking. “It’s not fair. I love you and I want you, and it’s not fair.” “I know it’s not,” John said. His breath hitched. “I know.”
It’s a relief when you finally find a really good book when you’re in the middle of a reading slump. I don’t think I’m out of the slump yet, but this book was a lovely break in a sea of books and characters I don’t care about.
I did have pretty high hopes as it sounded like a book made for me. If you enjoy mental illness rep and hurt comfort as well as a smidge of pining and protector vibes then you really should give this book a go.
It’s quite different for a love story as they both already love each other and are super close, their relationship just evolves. I thought that was pretty perfect for the story as much of the focus needs to be on Caleb and his recovery.
Speaking of recovery, I’m happy to say there is no ✨magic dick✨ in this story. By the time the book starts it’s been 8 years since Caleb was rescued and he is not all of a sudden ‘cured’ just because he’s in a romantic relationship. He still struggles and it’s something they’ll have to navigate for a long time. It was really well done.
Love like that, you carried like a burden.
There’s some sweetness and a couple hot scenes, but it’s not ‘romance heavy’, but I thought it worked well for the characters. I didn’t feel like I missed out on the relationship development or anything.
I recommend checking out the content warnings as some parts of this book are pretty heavy.
Caleb wanted to live. He was a fighter but, like all fighters, sometimes he took a hit.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Rescue/rescuer
Small age gap
Past trauma
Healing
Police officer MC
Samoan MC
Size difference
Mutual pining
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of death of parent (past)
Brief mention of rape (MC’s police case, no MC involved, no details)
Self harm (MC, cutting)
MC hospitalized
MC admitted to psychiatric hospital against will
Mentions of child murder (MC’s police case)
MC on psychiatric medication + sleeping pills
Brief mention of past animal abuse
Grief
PTSD symptoms
Details of past abuse of MC (cult)
Themes of religion
Religious trauma
Themes of homophobia (from religion and cult members/leader)
MC physically restrained by other MC to keep from hurting himself
MC sedated against will
Suicidal ideation
Violent outbursts during mental episodes
Pet dog stabbed (off page, survives)
MC abducted (off page)
Mention of bad guy committing suicide (off page)
Gun violence
Alcohol consumption
Some details of MC found beaten and starved (past)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance w/suspense elements
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Vers (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 22/23 and 30/31
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 292
Happy ending: Yes
“Do you remember what I said at the hospital?” John reached out and took Caleb’s hand, threading those slender fingers through his own. “If you feel like that again, I want you to promise that you’ll call someone. Me, or your dad, or your doctor.” “I mean to,” Caleb whispered. “I do, I swear. It’s just stuff gets in the way. Big stuff.” John squeezed his hand. “I know.” He didn’t, not really. Nobody except Caleb knew why he felt he was alone in the dark those times. Why there was no way out. Caleb stared at him. “You won’t give up on me, will you, John?” “Never.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
hippiedaizy's review against another edition
4.0
There were times when I couldn't look at John and Caleb together romantically. It just felt very wrong. I never felt like Caleb was independent. He relied way too much on his father and John. Their relationship will never be a true partnership. I don't know. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. But, man, did I really enjoy this story.
melthemighty's review against another edition
5.0
Wow ...
I'm wearing a scarf in the apartment because it's cold as shit and this one got a little uncomfortable because it was completely soaked with tears.
To say I cried a lot reading this incredible story would be an understatement.
Please by all means pay attention to the triggers (child abuse, self-harm, suicide attempts and various others), but if you're comfortable with that and looking for something emotionally devastating, this book is perfect.
I'm a bit wiped out at the moment and I'm at a loss for words, so here are a few wonderful highlights to show how wonderful this book is.
Stupid dumb hope, because Caleb wasn’t going to get better. He had no baseline of good mental health to try to reclaim. Caleb had been broken for too long, into too many pieces, and there wasn’t a doctor or a medication in the world that could plaster over all the cracks and pretend they didn’t go bone deep.
I'm wearing a scarf in the apartment because it's cold as shit and this one got a little uncomfortable because it was completely soaked with tears.
To say I cried a lot reading this incredible story would be an understatement.
Please by all means pay attention to the triggers (child abuse, self-harm, suicide attempts and various others), but if you're comfortable with that and looking for something emotionally devastating, this book is perfect.
I'm a bit wiped out at the moment and I'm at a loss for words, so here are a few wonderful highlights to show how wonderful this book is.
Stupid dumb hope, because Caleb wasn’t going to get better. He had no baseline of good mental health to try to reclaim. Caleb had been broken for too long, into too many pieces, and there wasn’t a doctor or a medication in the world that could plaster over all the cracks and pretend they didn’t go bone deep.
mariahreadit's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 The characters and story were here but the timeskipping and flashback format wan't the way to go.
I wish this was longer and we could've seen it develop linearly.
I wish this was longer and we could've seen it develop linearly.
miabdour's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful, heartbreaking love story
The story of John and Caleb.
They meet when John saves Caleb from a religious cult.
Eight long years their relationship grows, from the boy he saves, to friends, to family, to romantic love.
John has a beautiful soul, but is worn down and barely holding on to all the threads of responsibility.
Sleep deprived
Helpless
Overwhelmed
Going through the motions
" Always looking out for the smaller ones, always making sure nobody got hurt. Like a mama bird, a little fafa."
His love for Caleb.
No question about it, it's there, has always been there, will always be there
The doubts of what if's are keeping them apart.
"Because if he started it, and then it ended... Might as well rip Caleb's heart out and leave him to die. Might as well take a knife and slide open Caleb's wrists himself"
Caleb is holding on with the tips of his fingers.
Constant rollercoaster with his mental health
Self harm
Self hate
Instability
Clarity
Joy
Balance
"Caleb was strong. Most people didn’t get that. The ones who saw the bottles of pills, the scars on his wrists, the public tantrums, they didn’t get that. Thought he was some kind of fragile, hysterical thing when he was like that. But that was because he’d been pushed further than most people ever were. If some tiny thing sent him over the edge — a new job, a party where he was expected to talk to people, once, spilling sauce on his shirt — it was only because he was so consumed with dealing with the big stuff, so worn out with it already."
Their romance was a beautiful thing to witness.
It wasn't about healing and comfort.
Mental illness being a forever thing and not a passing thing.
It is about Love.
Being there
Being present
Never judging
Being grateful
Nurturing the Love
A beautiful Love story
Read it!
The story of John and Caleb.
They meet when John saves Caleb from a religious cult.
Eight long years their relationship grows, from the boy he saves, to friends, to family, to romantic love.
John has a beautiful soul, but is worn down and barely holding on to all the threads of responsibility.
Sleep deprived
Helpless
Overwhelmed
Going through the motions
" Always looking out for the smaller ones, always making sure nobody got hurt. Like a mama bird, a little fafa."
His love for Caleb.
No question about it, it's there, has always been there, will always be there
The doubts of what if's are keeping them apart.
"Because if he started it, and then it ended... Might as well rip Caleb's heart out and leave him to die. Might as well take a knife and slide open Caleb's wrists himself"
Caleb is holding on with the tips of his fingers.
Constant rollercoaster with his mental health
Self harm
Self hate
Instability
Clarity
Joy
Balance
"Caleb was strong. Most people didn’t get that. The ones who saw the bottles of pills, the scars on his wrists, the public tantrums, they didn’t get that. Thought he was some kind of fragile, hysterical thing when he was like that. But that was because he’d been pushed further than most people ever were. If some tiny thing sent him over the edge — a new job, a party where he was expected to talk to people, once, spilling sauce on his shirt — it was only because he was so consumed with dealing with the big stuff, so worn out with it already."
Their romance was a beautiful thing to witness.
It wasn't about healing and comfort.
Mental illness being a forever thing and not a passing thing.
It is about Love.
Being there
Being present
Never judging
Being grateful
Nurturing the Love
A beautiful Love story
Read it!
jg1987's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
[b:The Parable of the Mustard Seed|50994867|The Parable of the Mustard Seed|Lisa Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584582113l/50994867._SY75_.jpg|75841041]is wonderfully written, character driven story about an experienced police officer and how the relationship with one of the children he rescues from abuse develops over time. One thing that struck me while reading this novel is that the characters felt so genuine and authentic. Caleb especially was really well written. He had such a traumatic past and although his is recovering, it doesn’t mean everything is rainbows and unicorns for him. I really liked how the author showed that even after setbacks in his health, Caleb has the everlasting support of both John, and his dad, Darren. Darren was another character I really liked. You can see it has not been easy for him over the years, but he always put his son’s wellbeing first, and adapts to whatever comes their way (although I’m sure being very wealthy doesn’t hurt). John was great as well. His patience and understanding with Caleb was so sweet but he also know how to be firm with him when it was in Caleb’s best interest. I really just like how supportive all of the characters were with each other and how they were always communicating honestly (most of the time). I really just made the whole interpersonal aspects of the story so refreshing. Not to mention the crime/investigation aspect of the story. That was really well done, and I was so glad all the loose ends got tied up in a satisfying conclusion to finally provide some closure. This novel was defiantly not what I expected when I picked it up, but I was really well done and I greatly enjoyed it.
[b:The Parable of the Mustard Seed|50994867|The Parable of the Mustard Seed|Lisa Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584582113l/50994867._SY75_.jpg|75841041]is wonderfully written, character driven story about an experienced police officer and how the relationship with one of the children he rescues from abuse develops over time. One thing that struck me while reading this novel is that the characters felt so genuine and authentic. Caleb especially was really well written. He had such a traumatic past and although his is recovering, it doesn’t mean everything is rainbows and unicorns for him. I really liked how the author showed that even after setbacks in his health, Caleb has the everlasting support of both John, and his dad, Darren. Darren was another character I really liked. You can see it has not been easy for him over the years, but he always put his son’s wellbeing first, and adapts to whatever comes their way (although I’m sure being very wealthy doesn’t hurt). John was great as well. His patience and understanding with Caleb was so sweet but he also know how to be firm with him when it was in Caleb’s best interest. I really just like how supportive all of the characters were with each other and how they were always communicating honestly (most of the time). I really just made the whole interpersonal aspects of the story so refreshing. Not to mention the crime/investigation aspect of the story. That was really well done, and I was so glad all the loose ends got tied up in a satisfying conclusion to finally provide some closure. This novel was defiantly not what I expected when I picked it up, but I was really well done and I greatly enjoyed it.
a_reader_obsessed's review
4.0
4 Hearts! -Team review with Adam!
Angsty but not torturously so, Henry delivers a heartfelt and hard won love story.
As per the blurb, John and Caleb meet under the worst of circumstances, and though it's been many years later, their connection is stronger than ever. There’s definitely been slow healing with plenty of setbacks, all of which have shaped these two into who they are today. John has always been a solid force, often showing unconditional support for Caleb and his dad Darren, through the many ups and downs they’ve faced together.
However over time, John’s initial concern for the once teenage Caleb has slowly morphed into so much more. It comes as no surprise that his caring feelings have evolved, but John knows he must keep them close to the vest, mainly because he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Caleb but also, should things not work out, the possible repercussions could be devastating.
What John doesn’t know is that despite Caleb’s many many issues, his traumatic past has obviously and inevitably shaped who Caleb feels most safe with and that person of course, is John. Caleb (though we don’t get his point of view) knows he’s forever altered because of the appalling circumstances he was subjected to for over a decade, but that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t try to make his life something more than fear and nightmares. He wants a chance to move on, he wants John, and he makes himself perfectly clear on such.
This was a thoughtful and what I assume, realistic look at PTSD and anxiety, where there is no easy fix and definitely, no easy answers. At times both frustrating and heartbreaking, beware triggers for religious oppression, physical and emotional abuse, awful parents being unforgivably evil, and murder. It’s understandable that Caleb is scarred, and while he’s made many strides in overcoming brutal conditioning, sometimes even the smallest obstacles can have huge consequences and stall progress, but not all is lost.
More importantly, despite the overwhelming worry and doubts, one has to take a leap of faith. There's a fine line between wanting to shield and protect and also allowing one to attempt some progress despite the possibility of failure. This was emotional but never unnecessarily overdramatic. There are brief flashbacks consistently scattered throughout showing the past and the evolution of John and Caleb, doling out what has transpired over time. Intermix that with the present and the fallout when Caleb’s tormentors are released from prison, and this becomes more than just a romance. There's good guys to root for and bad guys to get their deserved punishment, and Henry delivers.
Overall though, this is a journey about two men who love each other desperately and at long last, bravely try to make it work. Henry accomplishes a difficult win that’s as tenuous as it is strong and leaves the reader with confidence that John and Caleb will undoubtedly triumph. Whatever challenges they‘ll for sure face, they'll do it together with the support of their friends and family. Again, this was touching and intimate and just very sweet in and amongst the maelstrom of apt turmoil. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Angsty but not torturously so, Henry delivers a heartfelt and hard won love story.
As per the blurb, John and Caleb meet under the worst of circumstances, and though it's been many years later, their connection is stronger than ever. There’s definitely been slow healing with plenty of setbacks, all of which have shaped these two into who they are today. John has always been a solid force, often showing unconditional support for Caleb and his dad Darren, through the many ups and downs they’ve faced together.
However over time, John’s initial concern for the once teenage Caleb has slowly morphed into so much more. It comes as no surprise that his caring feelings have evolved, but John knows he must keep them close to the vest, mainly because he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Caleb but also, should things not work out, the possible repercussions could be devastating.
What John doesn’t know is that despite Caleb’s many many issues, his traumatic past has obviously and inevitably shaped who Caleb feels most safe with and that person of course, is John. Caleb (though we don’t get his point of view) knows he’s forever altered because of the appalling circumstances he was subjected to for over a decade, but that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t try to make his life something more than fear and nightmares. He wants a chance to move on, he wants John, and he makes himself perfectly clear on such.
This was a thoughtful and what I assume, realistic look at PTSD and anxiety, where there is no easy fix and definitely, no easy answers. At times both frustrating and heartbreaking, beware triggers for religious oppression, physical and emotional abuse, awful parents being unforgivably evil, and murder. It’s understandable that Caleb is scarred, and while he’s made many strides in overcoming brutal conditioning, sometimes even the smallest obstacles can have huge consequences and stall progress, but not all is lost.
More importantly, despite the overwhelming worry and doubts, one has to take a leap of faith. There's a fine line between wanting to shield and protect and also allowing one to attempt some progress despite the possibility of failure. This was emotional but never unnecessarily overdramatic. There are brief flashbacks consistently scattered throughout showing the past and the evolution of John and Caleb, doling out what has transpired over time. Intermix that with the present and the fallout when Caleb’s tormentors are released from prison, and this becomes more than just a romance. There's good guys to root for and bad guys to get their deserved punishment, and Henry delivers.
Overall though, this is a journey about two men who love each other desperately and at long last, bravely try to make it work. Henry accomplishes a difficult win that’s as tenuous as it is strong and leaves the reader with confidence that John and Caleb will undoubtedly triumph. Whatever challenges they‘ll for sure face, they'll do it together with the support of their friends and family. Again, this was touching and intimate and just very sweet in and amongst the maelstrom of apt turmoil. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
vinoverse's review
3.0
I wanted to love this more. It's a premise I love - damaged virgin meets and falls in love with kind hearted hero who tears themselves apart about ruining the virgin's innocence. But while, I should have loved this, it just fell flat.
You enter a relationship that has already been established, and there was limited relationship building on page. There seems to be no growth in the connection between John and Caleb. While usually, I like books from a single point of view. In this book, I felt like only telling things from John's POV kept us from seeing Caleb grow and mature. I was left with the feeling that he was still, in so many ways, a kid.
While this was enjoyable and the storyline kept me reading, it fell shy of being a great read for me. 3.5 stars!
You enter a relationship that has already been established, and there was limited relationship building on page. There seems to be no growth in the connection between John and Caleb. While usually, I like books from a single point of view. In this book, I felt like only telling things from John's POV kept us from seeing Caleb grow and mature. I was left with the feeling that he was still, in so many ways, a kid.
While this was enjoyable and the storyline kept me reading, it fell shy of being a great read for me. 3.5 stars!
jjkook13's review
5.0
9 out of 10.
Broke my heart, beautifully.
The best thing about this book is the complete absence of the magic dick trope. Unlike all the previous books I've read that has the same themes as this one, [b:The Parable of the Mustard Seed|50994867|The Parable of the Mustard Seed|Lisa Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584582113l/50994867._SY75_.jpg|75841041] presents trauma, not as something that will be cured by a good 'ol dicking, but as something real and heartbreaking and challenging.
Broke my heart, beautifully.
The best thing about this book is the complete absence of the magic dick trope. Unlike all the previous books I've read that has the same themes as this one, [b:The Parable of the Mustard Seed|50994867|The Parable of the Mustard Seed|Lisa Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584582113l/50994867._SY75_.jpg|75841041] presents trauma, not as something that will be cured by a good 'ol dicking, but as something real and heartbreaking and challenging.