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A review by ladymacbeth2024
The Long Refrain by Maya Jean
5.0
5 stars
A couple of necessary clarifications:
Like clearly listed in the TWs at the start of the book, this story contains suicidal ideation and on page suicidal attempt (not graphic): if these topics trigger you, don't read this. If you still decide to read this, it's highly unfair to the author to rate this story low because of them.
Moreover, mental illnesses, coping mechanism and healing are a personal journey. You don't get to label the author's choices as not credible just because they don't match your own experiences.
This was the hardest story of the series, but also the most beautiful (sorry Beau and Trevor!).
Nolan and Benji's is a journey towards love for themselves, for each other, for their friends. It's a journey of healing, for both of them, even if in very different ways.
Nolan didn't have an easy childhood and teenage years, he wasn't able handle his huge success, he tried to cope with alcohol first and rough sex later, he had depression and suicidal thought. He's very talented but also so very lost.
Benji is easygoing and extroverted, he's friendly and caring, but he's also scared to lose the people he loves, because of a trauma in his past.
When they met each other, they have an instant connection, even if neither of them recognised it, they're like 2 pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly.
Benji wants to erase all the pain from Nolan's life and finds a way to give him what he needs without hurting him, while Nolan feels like he can lean on Benji, he can open up to him, very slowly and with a lot of difficulty, but still he let Benji see the real him. With Benji, finally Nolan can feels safe.
The scene at the hotel is heartbreaking, highly emotional, painful, but also so very beautifully written: Beni and Nolan's feelings are intense and raw and all the situation made me cry ugly tears.
I really loved that, even when Nolan started therapy, he still had bad days and a lot of doubts, like it wasn't all suddenly resolved, like Benji's love wasn't the solutions to all his problems, but that he had to work hard to get better. Their HEA doesn't come out of the blue, neither their love declaration: when they finally say their I love yous, it's exactly the right time.
I also adored how supportive all the guys were: obviously, they were concerned about Benji, when he was on tour, but the moment they met Nolan, they took him under their wings and helped him getting the help he needed. They also offered something Nolan never had, a real friendship, with down to earth people who didn't care about fame or money (I really adored Nolan and Harper's relationship, Nolan was carefree with him).
Chris is worth mentioning too, he acted like a guardian angel over Nolan since he started working for him.
The series ends with this book, we don't know if Maya Jean will bring us back to Clay Springs again in the future. I'm sad but I'm also very curious to read what she'll write next. I hope we'll have a new story soon.
Highly recommended
A couple of necessary clarifications:
Like clearly listed in the TWs at the start of the book, this story contains suicidal ideation and on page suicidal attempt (not graphic): if these topics trigger you, don't read this. If you still decide to read this, it's highly unfair to the author to rate this story low because of them.
Moreover, mental illnesses, coping mechanism and healing are a personal journey. You don't get to label the author's choices as not credible just because they don't match your own experiences.
This was the hardest story of the series, but also the most beautiful (sorry Beau and Trevor!).
Nolan and Benji's is a journey towards love for themselves, for each other, for their friends. It's a journey of healing, for both of them, even if in very different ways.
Nolan didn't have an easy childhood and teenage years, he wasn't able handle his huge success, he tried to cope with alcohol first and rough sex later, he had depression and suicidal thought. He's very talented but also so very lost.
Benji is easygoing and extroverted, he's friendly and caring, but he's also scared to lose the people he loves, because of a trauma in his past.
When they met each other, they have an instant connection, even if neither of them recognised it, they're like 2 pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly.
Benji wants to erase all the pain from Nolan's life and finds a way to give him what he needs without hurting him, while Nolan feels like he can lean on Benji, he can open up to him, very slowly and with a lot of difficulty, but still he let Benji see the real him. With Benji, finally Nolan can feels safe.
The scene at the hotel is heartbreaking, highly emotional, painful, but also so very beautifully written: Beni and Nolan's feelings are intense and raw and all the situation made me cry ugly tears.
I really loved that, even when Nolan started therapy, he still had bad days and a lot of doubts, like it wasn't all suddenly resolved, like Benji's love wasn't the solutions to all his problems, but that he had to work hard to get better. Their HEA doesn't come out of the blue, neither their love declaration: when they finally say their I love yous, it's exactly the right time.
I also adored how supportive all the guys were: obviously, they were concerned about Benji, when he was on tour, but the moment they met Nolan, they took him under their wings and helped him getting the help he needed. They also offered something Nolan never had, a real friendship, with down to earth people who didn't care about fame or money (I really adored Nolan and Harper's relationship, Nolan was carefree with him).
Chris is worth mentioning too, he acted like a guardian angel over Nolan since he started working for him.
The series ends with this book, we don't know if Maya Jean will bring us back to Clay Springs again in the future. I'm sad but I'm also very curious to read what she'll write next. I hope we'll have a new story soon.
Highly recommended