A review by rlzirkle
Noaz by Crea Reitan

5.0

I love the Van Dorens and can't wait for more. Noaz's story was compelling for so many reasons. You have Briar, who is so similar to Noaz. Both characters want a family and have a kinship in their desire to create a family unit that they can nurture, grow, and commit to fully. When Briar sees Noaz for the first time, he sees a stunning female and doesn't realize that this person is Uncle Noaz, who identifies as gender fluid. The way Briar is respectful and seems to understand how Noaz feels and makes Noaz feel seen is a beautiful thing. Really, the entire Van Doren family (even the black sheep) makes sure Noaz knows how important he/she is on any given day to their family unit. Being with the rest of the family is all Noaz has ever wanted, choosing an early retirement and raising kids just supports the desire to make his/her dreams a reality. The way Briar jumped right in painting Noaz's nails, target shooting, and never just addressing Noaz as one gender but always as both during intimate moments reinforced that he saw every facet of the person he was falling in love with. There's also this decision that has to be made that forces the Van Dorens to make a life choice, and I was swooning at how the choice was made. This group is truly one big family. The suspense part, and Briar realizing the family role Noaz is retiring from, happens in the latter half of the book when their unborn child and surrogate are put in danger. Even though Loren hinted at Noaz's dark side, Briar sees it for himself. Their HEA made my heart happy, and I can't wait for the releases that are coming next.