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A review by mila_readsmm
Endless Stretch of Blue by Riley Hart
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.