Scan barcode
eesh25's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
A few days ago, I read a question about the kind of setting I'd prefer to read about, a city or a small town. And honestly, it's impossible to choose. On one hand, I love books set in cities. They usually make for more fast paced and fun reads with characters who are very invested in their professional lives. But I also love how quaint small towns are. You know, with the friendly and familiar people and the relaxed atmosphere.
This book is set in such a town. Though really, the word "town" isn't technically accurate for a place with only sixty-three people. It's a hamlet off the coast of South Australia. Patrick has lived there for quite a few years. He the keeper of the lighthouse and, in many ways, still recovering from the death of his boyfriend four years ago. He's not broody or miserable at all, just... moving on doesn't seem to be happening for him. Especially since there's hardly anyone to move on with. That changes when Aubrey comes to town.
Aubrey is a private person and moves around very frequently, ever since he was finally able to fake his death and escape his abusive boyfriend a few months ago.
When the two meet, it's inevitable. They're both genuinely good people and understand each other in a way no one else could. They're supportive and caring and the relationship develops in a quiet and natural way. Every scene between them is beautiful and heartfelt.
Of course, there are complications. Patrick is trying to learn how to love someone else without feeling like he's betraying his ex, while Aubrey is learning how to trust someone again. Not to mention the secrets that Aubrey has to keep because he doesn't want to involve Patrick in what he had to do to escape his ex. He can't even tell Patrick his real name, which is Ethan. And he also feels like he's living on borrowed time until he's found out.
But all of that doesn't affect how they feel about each other and how they treat each other. There are hand-ups but there's also safety and happiness, and intimacy and understanding.
I can't tell you how much I love a simple and beautiful relationship like this one. The peaceful setting, the lovable characters, all of it. Sure, it doesn't make for the most exciting read but it does make for one that's deep and comforting. Which is why I definitely recommend it; or any other of N.R. Walker's books. They're all lovely.
A few days ago, I read a question about the kind of setting I'd prefer to read about, a city or a small town. And honestly, it's impossible to choose. On one hand, I love books set in cities. They usually make for more fast paced and fun reads with characters who are very invested in their professional lives. But I also love how quaint small towns are. You know, with the friendly and familiar people and the relaxed atmosphere.
This book is set in such a town. Though really, the word "town" isn't technically accurate for a place with only sixty-three people. It's a hamlet off the coast of South Australia. Patrick has lived there for quite a few years. He the keeper of the lighthouse and, in many ways, still recovering from the death of his boyfriend four years ago. He's not broody or miserable at all, just... moving on doesn't seem to be happening for him. Especially since there's hardly anyone to move on with. That changes when Aubrey comes to town.
Aubrey is a private person and moves around very frequently, ever since he was finally able to fake his death and escape his abusive boyfriend a few months ago.
When the two meet, it's inevitable. They're both genuinely good people and understand each other in a way no one else could. They're supportive and caring and the relationship develops in a quiet and natural way. Every scene between them is beautiful and heartfelt.
Of course, there are complications. Patrick is trying to learn how to love someone else without feeling like he's betraying his ex, while Aubrey is learning how to trust someone again. Not to mention the secrets that Aubrey has to keep because he doesn't want to involve Patrick in what he had to do to escape his ex. He can't even tell Patrick his real name, which is Ethan. And he also feels like he's living on borrowed time until he's found out.
But all of that doesn't affect how they feel about each other and how they treat each other. There are hand-ups but there's also safety and happiness, and intimacy and understanding.
I can't tell you how much I love a simple and beautiful relationship like this one. The peaceful setting, the lovable characters, all of it. Sure, it doesn't make for the most exciting read but it does make for one that's deep and comforting. Which is why I definitely recommend it; or any other of N.R. Walker's books. They're all lovely.
acaprice20's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
campestcowboy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
notguilty's review against another edition
5.0
What a gorgeous story. I love it when NR writes nature-centric stories, she excels at describing the scenery in such incredible detail, that I get to travel while also experiencing a wonderful romance. And wow, these two swept me off my feet.
Ethan/Aubrey and Patrick meet when Aubrey arrives in their small town after escaping his well-known and abusive ex. He had to give everything up in order to be free which makes him wary to make any connections should they discover his secrets.
Patrick is drawn to Aubrey, which is a surprise to him, he never thought heโd ever feel something for another man after the death of his partner. But slowly they both find happiness in the quiet moments sharing food or watching the stars.
They are both beautiful in the way they accept each other's pasts and find a way to create a future full of love.
It should also be mentioned that the audiobook is narrated by Joel Leslie. So you get a gorgeous story performed by one of the top narrators around. Swoon.
readsknitsrepeats's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
What a beautiful relationship between Aubrey and Patrick ๐
necahual's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
karen_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
suzysuzy34's review against another edition
4.0
First time reading this author. Beautiful writing, loved Aubrey and Patrick, loved the setting in Australia, Hadley Cove, looked it up on google, sounds like a beautiful place. Will definitely read something else by this author.
vief_lucas's review against another edition
4.0
The story was very good. I loved the characters and the build-up to their relationship.
Spoiler (Kind of)
I do think the fallout was a bit underwhelming.
And the narrator of the audiobook didn't do it for me. I think if I had read the physical copy with my voice in my head, I would've liked it better.
Spoiler (Kind of)
I do think the fallout was a bit underwhelming.
And the narrator of the audiobook didn't do it for me. I think if I had read the physical copy with my voice in my head, I would've liked it better.
sarahsupastar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75