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bitchie's review
5.0
Maybe this book went on a bit too long, and it drew out the frustration with Riley near the breaking point, as other readers have suggested, but I guess I'm a sucker, because I adored nearly every word.
This is a true SLOW burn romance, and had I known that "the end" wasn't going to be the end, but really, the beginning of a story to be continued next year, I probably wouldn't have read it yet, but I am so glad I didn't know that. This book pulled me in in a way that no book has in a while.
Riley was scarred three years ago in a fire, and apparently, has only met shallow people who recoiled at the mere sight of his scars. Understandably, Riley is lonely and very very wary. When he and Cam strike up a phone only relationship, he has a very hard time trusting in Cam.
The phone calls were at turns funny, sexy, moving, and sad, and I spent my night/morning alternating between laughs and tears.
My heart broke over and over for both of these men, so loveable in their own ways, and I can't wait to see how it goes now that they have finally really met face to face.
This is a true SLOW burn romance, and had I known that "the end" wasn't going to be the end, but really, the beginning of a story to be continued next year, I probably wouldn't have read it yet, but I am so glad I didn't know that. This book pulled me in in a way that no book has in a while.
Riley was scarred three years ago in a fire, and apparently, has only met shallow people who recoiled at the mere sight of his scars. Understandably, Riley is lonely and very very wary. When he and Cam strike up a phone only relationship, he has a very hard time trusting in Cam.
The phone calls were at turns funny, sexy, moving, and sad, and I spent my night/morning alternating between laughs and tears.
My heart broke over and over for both of these men, so loveable in their own ways, and I can't wait to see how it goes now that they have finally really met face to face.
a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
This is literally the tale of a courtship by conversation.
If you're ok with a slow burn romance that shows how two people fall in love without being encumbered first by looks, and second by visual cues such as body language, then come read this!
I admit at times it might have been a bit slow in some parts but one can empathize with Riley in his insecurity. One can also empathize in Cameron's understandable frustration as well. With palpable angst in the form of want and doubt, the taut UST between these two kept me on edge as their relationship progressed. And as their relationship progressed the emotional turmoil also rose. You could feel Riley's fears. You could feel Cameron's yearning. Once Riley acknowledges the possibility of being with Cameron, this is where the book takes off.
Of course there's a happy ending - it's the journey that made it worth getting there!
This is literally the tale of a courtship by conversation.
If you're ok with a slow burn romance that shows how two people fall in love without being encumbered first by looks, and second by visual cues such as body language, then come read this!
I admit at times it might have been a bit slow in some parts but one can empathize with Riley in his insecurity. One can also empathize in Cameron's understandable frustration as well. With palpable angst in the form of want and doubt, the taut UST between these two kept me on edge as their relationship progressed. And as their relationship progressed the emotional turmoil also rose. You could feel Riley's fears. You could feel Cameron's yearning. Once Riley acknowledges the possibility of being with Cameron, this is where the book takes off.
Of course there's a happy ending - it's the journey that made it worth getting there!
nicola949's review
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!
wickedwitchofthewords's review
5.0
I just finished the most wonderful story about 2 guys falling for each other in the most unlikely way...
I absolutely adored this story!
I absolutely adored this story!
ancientshadows's review
5.0
This is absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. It was written magnificiently<3
nnof's review
3.0
This fizzled before it ever really got started.
Cam was supposed to be this great and understanding guy, yet he constantly pushed and prodded Riley outside of his comfort zone. Meanwhile, how was Riley not in therapy?
We never learned what Riley's life was before the accident, what the accident actually was (kitchen stove gas fire presumably), or what his real job was. Drew mentioned something that writing was half of Riley's income. What was the other half? Why would Riley's face before the accident be all over the internet? Was there a resolution with Isaac?
Cam was supposed to be this great and understanding guy, yet he constantly pushed and prodded Riley outside of his comfort zone. Meanwhile, how was Riley not in therapy?
We never learned what Riley's life was before the accident, what the accident actually was (kitchen stove gas fire presumably), or what his real job was. Drew mentioned something that writing was half of Riley's income. What was the other half? Why would Riley's face before the accident be all over the internet? Was there a resolution with Isaac?
karlijnmerle's review
4.0
Deep sigh. Hard to describe my feelings right now. The end is killing me. Where o where is book 2? Please, give me!
"There's something about lying in the dark with someone baring your soul, you know? I think, in a way, it's my safe place. If I've had this conversation, then when the walls start closing in, I can shut my eyes and I'm safe in the dark, knowing I'm not alone because there's someone else's voice right there with me. I don't think there's anything in this world more lonely than light and silence."
What I love about this book?
- Riley
- Cam. So full of hope, understanding and love.
- Carlotta. Everybody needs a mom like Carlotta.
- their phone conversations
- their movie-date
- their dates through the phone
- the songs Cam sends to Riley, 'True Colors'.
- the nicknames Buttercup and Munchkin
- the phone conversation with Riley's niece
I think I understand why some people say their phone conversations are too long. But I disagree with that. I think that they are perfect and let us see how Riley is so full self-doubt. He thinks he is not loveable, that he is disgusting and everyone is scared of his face. But during the phone calls he slowly falls in love with Cam and his feelings make him doubt. He is used to his own disgusting feelings about himself, so when Cam keeps saying he likes him (is even in love with him) he don't know what to do anymore. It shows us how such an event can haunt people. Yes, it is three years ago but it never left Riley. He deals with the pain everyday and such a thing isn't easy to solve. It takes a long time and that is reality.
Now I really want to read book 2, I can't wait because I need to know how their life will look like after Riley takes of the blindfold.
"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."
"There's something about lying in the dark with someone baring your soul, you know? I think, in a way, it's my safe place. If I've had this conversation, then when the walls start closing in, I can shut my eyes and I'm safe in the dark, knowing I'm not alone because there's someone else's voice right there with me. I don't think there's anything in this world more lonely than light and silence."
What I love about this book?
- Riley
- Cam. So full of hope, understanding and love.
- Carlotta. Everybody needs a mom like Carlotta.
- their phone conversations
- their movie-date
- their dates through the phone
- the songs Cam sends to Riley, 'True Colors'.
- the nicknames Buttercup and Munchkin
- the phone conversation with Riley's niece
I think I understand why some people say their phone conversations are too long. But I disagree with that. I think that they are perfect and let us see how Riley is so full self-doubt. He thinks he is not loveable, that he is disgusting and everyone is scared of his face. But during the phone calls he slowly falls in love with Cam and his feelings make him doubt. He is used to his own disgusting feelings about himself, so when Cam keeps saying he likes him (is even in love with him) he don't know what to do anymore. It shows us how such an event can haunt people. Yes, it is three years ago but it never left Riley. He deals with the pain everyday and such a thing isn't easy to solve. It takes a long time and that is reality.
Now I really want to read book 2, I can't wait because I need to know how their life will look like after Riley takes of the blindfold.
"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."