Scan barcode
A review by oceaneanagonye
Seeking Sanctuary by Romeo Alexander, Romeo Alexander
5.0
"Seeking Sanctuary" is an easy five-star read or listen. I listened to the audiobook, so that's what I'll be reviewing today. Please see the blurb for a detailed summary of the plot. BE SURE TO READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS and know that there are mentions of SA, DV, murder, detailed scenes of drug abuse, and on-page violence.
First things first, we have to talk about the narrator. I feel like Michael Dean can be a bit polarizing due to his inflection and pacing. He often draws out words and shifts his tone in a very dramatic way, even when the scene does not necessarily call for drama. To be honest, I had a really hard time listening to the first book I purchased with him as the narrator. But over time, his voice has grown on me. Plus, the way he changes his tone between characters during dialog makes the conversations easier to follow. Definitely listen to a sample before you buy the audiobook!
On to the story itself. I had a hard time putting this one down once I finally got into it! This is a grumpy/sunshine(ish), hurt/comfort, second chance MM romance. We start off with Devin hitting rock bottom and reaching out to his long-ignored former best friend Chase. Devin has gone from one trauma to another his whole life and is now trying to dig himself out of a hole. Chase has been dealing with his mother's death and the sudden abandonment of his best friend for years when Devin comes crashing back into his life. I liked how realistic their relationship felt. There was no insta-love or lust (which, don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of). The build-up to their romantic relationship was gradual and kept pace with them building trust with one another again.
The characters were beautifully fleshed out and easy to root for. Except for Bennett, but that might just be me. Devin and Chase's chemistry was believable, and the steam was...delicious. This book is not for minors or the faint of heart.
Overall, I would recommend this book to MM readers who love a good friends-to-strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance.
First things first, we have to talk about the narrator. I feel like Michael Dean can be a bit polarizing due to his inflection and pacing. He often draws out words and shifts his tone in a very dramatic way, even when the scene does not necessarily call for drama. To be honest, I had a really hard time listening to the first book I purchased with him as the narrator. But over time, his voice has grown on me. Plus, the way he changes his tone between characters during dialog makes the conversations easier to follow. Definitely listen to a sample before you buy the audiobook!
On to the story itself. I had a hard time putting this one down once I finally got into it! This is a grumpy/sunshine(ish), hurt/comfort, second chance MM romance. We start off with Devin hitting rock bottom and reaching out to his long-ignored former best friend Chase. Devin has gone from one trauma to another his whole life and is now trying to dig himself out of a hole. Chase has been dealing with his mother's death and the sudden abandonment of his best friend for years when Devin comes crashing back into his life. I liked how realistic their relationship felt. There was no insta-love or lust (which, don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of). The build-up to their romantic relationship was gradual and kept pace with them building trust with one another again.
The characters were beautifully fleshed out and easy to root for. Except for Bennett, but that might just be me. Devin and Chase's chemistry was believable, and the steam was...delicious. This book is not for minors or the faint of heart.
Overall, I would recommend this book to MM readers who love a good friends-to-strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance.