A good slow-burn hurt/comfort HEA story is my jam, and I loved this one. It’s as much a story of Callum and Dylan building a trusting friendship as it is their journey toward romance, which makes their becoming a couple all the sweeter.
Club barman Callum is fresh out of juvie, trying to build a new life in a new town, and tentatively exploring his bisexuality while enduring strained family relations (including homophobic relatives). Club dancer Dylan, meanwhile, is careful to hide his insecurities and painful past behind the cheeky and cocky facade he’s crafted for fear of rejection and abandonment.
Both young men carry a lot of emotional baggage and have never had unconditional love, support and acceptance. Only when they trust enough to let their guards down and open their hearts do both realize they’re exactly what the other needs, and it’s a beautiful rollercoaster of feelings.
Narrator Piers Ryman really shines in this performance, giving an array of distinct character voices and British accents, and really capturing the emotions, moods and personalities of the characters. This is easily my favorite narration of his to date.
This story totally works as a standalone, although knowing the secondary character backstories from having read Books 1 & 2 (which are both far more angsty) adds to the periphery. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.