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mila_readsmm's review against another edition
5.0
***4.75 rating***
"You have a big, scarred heart in that chest of yours, and I love you for it. I want to help you heal those wounds the way you do mine.”
A beautiful heartfelt angsty read.
I have read many books by Riley Hart, probably more recent releases than her previous books. The first book I ever read by her was Crossroads. I loved Nick and Bryce's story and from there I wanted to read more of RH's work. Sadly, every book I read after that, did not live up to Crossroads. Maybe it was the comparison, maybe it was seeing Riley's quality of writing deteriorating, there were many reasons why I couldn't rate her other books higher than 3 stars. But this book was a game-changer. Thanks to my lovely friend Elena and her beautifully written review of this book, I was curious and intrigued.
Endless Stretch of Blue sounded emotional, beautiful and heart-rending. It was obvious that I was going to add it to my tbr and I am so glad that I did. It turned out to be a wonderful read about an unexpected couple who were meant to be together as a result of life's tragic circumstances. Tragedy and grief brought Enzo (Lorenzo) and Damon together but a beautiful heartfelt friendship and romance triumphed as a result. Riley Hart made me remember why I fell in love with her writing in the first place, I felt the same wave of happiness and other twisted emotions when I read Nick and Bryce's story. Enzo and Damon are my second favorite couple that is written by her. While their story was more emotional and at times heart-wrenching, I rooted for this couple from the very beginning, from their loss, sadness, and friendship to their heartfelt romance. Enzo and Damon are a couple you want to read about. You feel for them and their grief, especially survivor's guilt. To lose a sibling is a loss I never wish to experience but in this story, you read about it from Enzo and Damon's perspectives. It was really sad how both wished it had been them instead of their siblings, that their families would have wanted it that way, it was absolutely devastating.
Despite the many emotional moments, there are also many happy ones. Enzo and Damon's relationship never felt forced. Their friendship made it more real and I loved that they always understood each other, Damon never pressured Enzo and was just there for him and likewise. Their chemistry and romance was even better. So many romantic moments between this couple, from their kisses to little touches and heated sex scenes, you fall in love with them. What is better than seeing two people who genuinely love each other? Riley wrote these characters with care and much thought. I wish she still wrote like this because she has the potential, clearly. It is a shame that her recent releases are nowhere near as great as her previous books. As a reader, you cannot help but miss this style of writing from her.
I have also said this about RH in my other reviews, RH loves to bring up family meddling and difficult dynamics in her books but in this story, it worked effortlessly. The complications surrounding grief and trauma are evident in both Enzo and Damon's families but especially Enzo and his complicated relationship with his mother. You feel for both characters and want them to resolve their issues with their families, however, with Damon, it was very sad due to his mother's Alzheimer's. That was rather emotional to read about, be prepared with some tissues in hand.
Overall, this was a beautifully written story about overcoming loss, grief, unexpected friendship, and romance between two men who were somehow meant to be together despite the tragedy they experienced. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good angsty friends-to-lovers story.
"You have a big, scarred heart in that chest of yours, and I love you for it. I want to help you heal those wounds the way you do mine.”
A beautiful heartfelt angsty read.
I have read many books by Riley Hart, probably more recent releases than her previous books. The first book I ever read by her was Crossroads. I loved Nick and Bryce's story and from there I wanted to read more of RH's work. Sadly, every book I read after that, did not live up to Crossroads. Maybe it was the comparison, maybe it was seeing Riley's quality of writing deteriorating, there were many reasons why I couldn't rate her other books higher than 3 stars. But this book was a game-changer. Thanks to my lovely friend Elena and her beautifully written review of this book, I was curious and intrigued.
Endless Stretch of Blue sounded emotional, beautiful and heart-rending. It was obvious that I was going to add it to my tbr and I am so glad that I did. It turned out to be a wonderful read about an unexpected couple who were meant to be together as a result of life's tragic circumstances. Tragedy and grief brought Enzo (Lorenzo) and Damon together but a beautiful heartfelt friendship and romance triumphed as a result. Riley Hart made me remember why I fell in love with her writing in the first place, I felt the same wave of happiness and other twisted emotions when I read Nick and Bryce's story. Enzo and Damon are my second favorite couple that is written by her. While their story was more emotional and at times heart-wrenching, I rooted for this couple from the very beginning, from their loss, sadness, and friendship to their heartfelt romance. Enzo and Damon are a couple you want to read about. You feel for them and their grief, especially survivor's guilt. To lose a sibling is a loss I never wish to experience but in this story, you read about it from Enzo and Damon's perspectives. It was really sad how both wished it had been them instead of their siblings, that their families would have wanted it that way, it was absolutely devastating.
Despite the many emotional moments, there are also many happy ones. Enzo and Damon's relationship never felt forced. Their friendship made it more real and I loved that they always understood each other, Damon never pressured Enzo and was just there for him and likewise. Their chemistry and romance was even better. So many romantic moments between this couple, from their kisses to little touches and heated sex scenes, you fall in love with them. What is better than seeing two people who genuinely love each other? Riley wrote these characters with care and much thought. I wish she still wrote like this because she has the potential, clearly. It is a shame that her recent releases are nowhere near as great as her previous books. As a reader, you cannot help but miss this style of writing from her.
I have also said this about RH in my other reviews, RH loves to bring up family meddling and difficult dynamics in her books but in this story, it worked effortlessly. The complications surrounding grief and trauma are evident in both Enzo and Damon's families but especially Enzo and his complicated relationship with his mother. You feel for both characters and want them to resolve their issues with their families, however, with Damon, it was very sad due to his mother's Alzheimer's. That was rather emotional to read about, be prepared with some tissues in hand.
Overall, this was a beautifully written story about overcoming loss, grief, unexpected friendship, and romance between two men who were somehow meant to be together despite the tragedy they experienced. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good angsty friends-to-lovers story.
ankysbookbubble's review against another edition
5.0
Enzo and Damon's story was so beautiful. I loved their chance-meet beginning and the way they helped each other grow. Their character development as well as relationship development was spot on. There were so many sweet moments and I absolutely loved reading them.
donttellmomwhatimreading's review
3.5
All I know is this book needs to serve time for the assault and battery to my tear ducts.
brutalistemerald's review against another edition
2.0
Enzo and Damon both lose siblings in the same nightclub fire. They coincidentally meet some months later and strike up a friendship, which turns into something more.
I was expecting angst, but although the main characters are both coming to terms with the loss of siblings and their experiences of a traumatic event, there really isn’t much angst. Before the main characters meet they are dealing with nightmares, but these all drop away once they meet. It’s all a bit ‘nice’ and easy. I wanted a third act breakup or some drama, but really there was nothing. I expected to shed some tears given the subject matter, but I didn’t. It was perfectly pleasant - I can imagine it would work well if you’ve read a lot of heavy going, emotionally draining books and are looking for a palate cleanser. It’s well written, but ultimately a bit dull.
There’s no content warning page in the book, so here’s some stuff that might be worth being aware of:
I was expecting angst, but although the main characters are both coming to terms with the loss of siblings and their experiences of a traumatic event, there really isn’t much angst. Before the main characters meet they are dealing with nightmares, but these all drop away once they meet. It’s all a bit ‘nice’ and easy. I wanted a third act breakup or some drama, but really there was nothing. I expected to shed some tears given the subject matter, but I didn’t. It was perfectly pleasant - I can imagine it would work well if you’ve read a lot of heavy going, emotionally draining books and are looking for a palate cleanser. It’s well written, but ultimately a bit dull.
There’s no content warning page in the book, so here’s some stuff that might be worth being aware of:
Spoiler
death of siblings, a fire, a parent with dementia, a secondary character in hospital, difficult relationship with mother.caseroo7's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this story a lot, but it was really short. Damon and Enzo were great, and I liked them a lot. They had great chemistry and a strong connection. I really felt for them and all they'd been through. I was so glad that they found one another and could connect with each other in a way that they couldn't with anyone else. I love Riley Hart's books and this was another winner. I can't wait for more!
10111111111's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Rating: 4 stars (8/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: stranger to friends to lovers, family death, past trauma, mommy issues, double bi-awakening
Review:
This was a great re-read, and I liked the narrator's voices for Enzo and Damon. This story wasn't as sad the second time around, though Enzo's reluctance to go to therapy and rely on Damon did hit a bit harder, and I didn't enjoy that aspect. The two voices were easy to tell apart, and I loved how deep and rumbly they sounded at times too, though that did make it slightly hard to hear with background noise.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: stranger to friends to lovers, family death, past trauma, mommy issues, double bi-awakening
Review:
This was a great re-read, and I liked the narrator's voices for Enzo and Damon. This story wasn't as sad the second time around, though Enzo's reluctance to go to therapy and rely on Damon did hit a bit harder, and I didn't enjoy that aspect. The two voices were easy to tell apart, and I loved how deep and rumbly they sounded at times too, though that did make it slightly hard to hear with background noise.
ntdan's review against another edition
5.0
9/10
the ending was a bit lackluster, but this book still felt really good to read
the ending was a bit lackluster, but this book still felt really good to read
beck22's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
writtenechoes's review against another edition
5.0
That was a really beautiful portrayal of grief and overcoming it while simultaneously falling in love. It was moving in so many ways. Especially so to someone that lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, that part was beautifully written with a lot of heart.
jamie_w's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️ - This should be called Lessons in Communication. Seriously