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A review by nicola949
The Truth About Riley by Henrietta Clarke
4.0
This book is gorgeous. It is a heart-felt story of how one man's love finally convinces another of his beauty.
Through a series of telephone conversations and over a period of months, Cameron and Riley share their thoughts and feelings and develop a deep connection. It is so easy to like both Cameron and Riley. Through conversations we learn that both men are intelligent and witty and kind.
But Riley is a haunted by his own face in the mirror and can't believe anyone would be able to see past his scars. It is so sad and heartbreaking to read of him referring to himself as a monster. However this made it even more beautiful when Riley finally starts to understand how Cameron sees him..."You're just the same as everyone else, Cam's voice said in his head. You're not a freak, not an outcast. You just need to find the right person to walk through life with. Your load may be heavier, but you don't have to carry it alone."
I appreciated the slow journey of the relationship, sure it was frustrating for the two to take so long to meet, but it made their final getting together so much more meaningful.
There are some very special romantic moments in the story and some beautiful 'firsts' - first touch, first kiss - but the most romantic element to me was towards the end of the book where Cam used songs to send special messages to Riley, messages about love, support and inner beauty. Click here for the songs
The ending was wonderful as the trust and love shown by Cameron ensures Riley finally realises the truth and what is really important to him.
The author closes the book with mention of a continuation of Cam and Riley's story in 2014 so something to look forward to! Yes, I would like to see more of them, particularly as they are now actually in the same room together! But I do feel that this book can be read very much as a standalone. The ending didn't leave me feeling that anything was missing or unresolved.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Through a series of telephone conversations and over a period of months, Cameron and Riley share their thoughts and feelings and develop a deep connection. It is so easy to like both Cameron and Riley. Through conversations we learn that both men are intelligent and witty and kind.
But Riley is a haunted by his own face in the mirror and can't believe anyone would be able to see past his scars. It is so sad and heartbreaking to read of him referring to himself as a monster. However this made it even more beautiful when Riley finally starts to understand how Cameron sees him..."You're just the same as everyone else, Cam's voice said in his head. You're not a freak, not an outcast. You just need to find the right person to walk through life with. Your load may be heavier, but you don't have to carry it alone."
I appreciated the slow journey of the relationship, sure it was frustrating for the two to take so long to meet, but it made their final getting together so much more meaningful.
There are some very special romantic moments in the story and some beautiful 'firsts' - first touch, first kiss - but the most romantic element to me was towards the end of the book where Cam used songs to send special messages to Riley, messages about love, support and inner beauty. Click here for the songs
The ending was wonderful as the trust and love shown by Cameron ensures Riley finally realises the truth and what is really important to him.
The author closes the book with mention of a continuation of Cam and Riley's story in 2014 so something to look forward to! Yes, I would like to see more of them, particularly as they are now actually in the same room together! But I do feel that this book can be read very much as a standalone. The ending didn't leave me feeling that anything was missing or unresolved.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!