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Vino & Veritas #13
Heartsong
"It just figures that the first guy I’m bringing back to my place is cute, single, and totally off-limits..."
Sean Johnson has spent his life waiting to get the hell out of West Virginia. His plans got derailed when his dad shipped him off to “pray the gay away,” but he’s over it, ready to prove that he’s a grown-ass man who can take care of himself. Of course, he’d have a better chance convincing himself if he could stop lusting after his grumpy roommate.
Army veteran Cooper Hill returned to Vermont minus one leg and one career, but determined to build a new life. When an army buddy asks Cooper to keep an eye on his nephew, a junior at the local college, Cooper can’t say no. He’s expecting a sheltered kid. What he gets is a gorgeous young man whose brilliant poetry gives voice to everything Cooper’s been trying to express. He wants Sean more than he’s ever wanted anything. And somehow, miraculously, Sean wants him too.
But wanting each other isn’t the same as being good for each other . . . especially when past pain threatens to write its own verse in their song.
A stand-alone novel in Sarina Bowen’s True North world, Heartsong contains first love, found family, kisses around the campfire, and two caring men who discover they make beautiful music together.
Sean Johnson has spent his life waiting to get the hell out of West Virginia. His plans got derailed when his dad shipped him off to “pray the gay away,” but he’s over it, ready to prove that he’s a grown-ass man who can take care of himself. Of course, he’d have a better chance convincing himself if he could stop lusting after his grumpy roommate.
Army veteran Cooper Hill returned to Vermont minus one leg and one career, but determined to build a new life. When an army buddy asks Cooper to keep an eye on his nephew, a junior at the local college, Cooper can’t say no. He’s expecting a sheltered kid. What he gets is a gorgeous young man whose brilliant poetry gives voice to everything Cooper’s been trying to express. He wants Sean more than he’s ever wanted anything. And somehow, miraculously, Sean wants him too.
But wanting each other isn’t the same as being good for each other . . . especially when past pain threatens to write its own verse in their song.
A stand-alone novel in Sarina Bowen’s True North world, Heartsong contains first love, found family, kisses around the campfire, and two caring men who discover they make beautiful music together.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2021
About the author
A.E. Wasp
44 books591 followersAfter time spent raising children, earning several college degrees, and traveling the world with the U.S. State Department, she is returning to her first love - writing.
A dreamer and an idealist, Amy writes about people finding connection in a world that can seem lonely and magic in a world than can seem all too mundane. She invites readers into her characters’ lives and worlds when they are their most vulnerable, their most human, living with the same hopes and fears we all have. An avid traveler who has lived in big cities and small towns in four different continents, Amy has found that time and distance are no barriers to love. She invites her readers to reach out and share how her characters have touched their lives or how the found families they have gathered around them have shaped their worlds.
Born on Long Island, NY, Amy has lived in Los Angeles, London, and Bangkok. She currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado for who knows how long.
A dreamer and an idealist, Amy writes about people finding connection in a world that can seem lonely and magic in a world than can seem all too mundane. She invites readers into her characters’ lives and worlds when they are their most vulnerable, their most human, living with the same hopes and fears we all have. An avid traveler who has lived in big cities and small towns in four different continents, Amy has found that time and distance are no barriers to love. She invites her readers to reach out and share how her characters have touched their lives or how the found families they have gathered around them have shaped their worlds.
Born on Long Island, NY, Amy has lived in Los Angeles, London, and Bangkok. She currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado for who knows how long.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
April 30, 2021
3.5*
I've got real mixed feelings for this book. Most of them are positive but there was the odd niggle which stopped me from falling completely into the narrative.
Both Sean and Cooper are well crafted characters, I thought the PTSD elements of the story were very well done.
However, at times I was irritated by Sean and his youth, which is probably more a me thing than a fault with the book!
As the tale progresses, it becomes ever clearer that more is hidden under the surface than first meets the eye.
I became less irritated with Sean and more desirous of him finding the right path to take him forward.
Cooper though, him I fell in love with from the start. His own baggage makes him evoke feelings of protection and I just wanted to hug him.
Their falling for each other is inevitable. The chemical attraction is clear from their first meeting. And while this all happens again over a relatively short time period, it doesn't have a feeling of instalove.
It's perhaps not as closely connected to the Vino & Veritas store as some of the others but it still has the same Vermont feel.
Overall it's a satisfying romance and I felt it had a lovely conclusion.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I've got real mixed feelings for this book. Most of them are positive but there was the odd niggle which stopped me from falling completely into the narrative.
Both Sean and Cooper are well crafted characters, I thought the PTSD elements of the story were very well done.
However, at times I was irritated by Sean and his youth, which is probably more a me thing than a fault with the book!
As the tale progresses, it becomes ever clearer that more is hidden under the surface than first meets the eye.
I became less irritated with Sean and more desirous of him finding the right path to take him forward.
Cooper though, him I fell in love with from the start. His own baggage makes him evoke feelings of protection and I just wanted to hug him.
Their falling for each other is inevitable. The chemical attraction is clear from their first meeting. And while this all happens again over a relatively short time period, it doesn't have a feeling of instalove.
It's perhaps not as closely connected to the Vino & Veritas store as some of the others but it still has the same Vermont feel.
Overall it's a satisfying romance and I felt it had a lovely conclusion.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Heart Eyes Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
May 10, 2021
Sean + Cooper.
23 year old Sean has finally made it out of West Virginia. His new gay college life can finally begin - right here in Burlington, Vermont.
His uncle organzied a place for him to stay at an army buddy's of his.
Cooper. He's finally home after almost giving all to the military.
Time to start the rest of his life.
And now he has to babysit a college kid?
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺
════════════════
Adorable!
Sean is such a sweet and innocent guy. But he's also so curious and interested in all things gay and dating. I just adored his endless questions. Too funny! But also heartbreaking. The poor guy.
And poor Cooper too. He lost so much in the war. But he's still alive and now he has this beautiful boy living with him and helping him renovating his house. LOL!
Those two were just too adorable. Those three really - with their new dog! 😍
Such a sweet love story with some very serious themes.
I loved reading this.
What I didn't love-love was the extreme connection to another of the author's series. I don't like things like that. I'm so weird with my reading that I always feel pressured to read everything else too - which I'm not doing this time - that would be way too much with all the authors in the True North world! Even though she really teased us with the uncle and his husband and dog 😭
And because of the many mentions of the other series - this book ended up being a bit short - or it felt a bit too cut.
But - I still really liked Sean and Cooper's story...
Like I always say: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
HEARTSONG was such a sweet + sparky + sexy + heartbreaking + just beautiful love story! I adored it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Sean + Cooper - they'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
October 29, 2023
MM Romance
Roommates to lovers
3.5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by: Chris Chambers🎵 💗
Well, this was quite a nice surprise from a series that’s been more miss than hit for me and I really hadn’t planned on reading any more of them. However, when I saw my beloved Chris Chambers was narrating, I was all in because I lovvvveee his voice so much that he could read the dictionary to me and I’d beg for more. He just sounds so sexy 🔥 He can do all kinds of accents but he seems to do mostly US southern drawls which I can’t say I’m a huge fan of in real life 🤷🏻♀️ but listening to CC do it, it’s like audio-porn. 😂
So, this is one of those books that probably wouldn’t have been as interesting had I not listened to it but CC reeled me in and I found myself adoring the characters. Sean moves from conservative West Virginia to Vermont to go to school for creative writing. Sean’s uncle’s ex army mate, Cooper, has a home that needs some fixing up and agrees to let Sean stay there for free if he helps with some construction projects he can’t do himself. The premise is simple enough but this book had a lot of things happening beneath the surface because both men have some demons to overcome. This is Sean’s first time out of West Virginia and he’s finally able to date men and be who he truly is but he doesn’t know how and has a bunch of stereotypical bullshit that has been programmed into him from his mom and others over the years. Once he finds out that Cooper is gay, he starts asking questions, some really cringy, others offensive to try to get a handle on “how to be gay”. He seems really rude at first but he only knows what he’s seen on tv or in porn. Once Cooper realizes how innocent and naive Sean is, he wants to help him find himself, teach him to just be and not worry if he’s acting a certain way. There was a lot of character growth in this book from both men and I really enjoyed that. There’s also an adorable puppy and I adored Cooper despite his grumpy demeanor.
However, this did have a bit of insta-love from the start because when these two meet, the hair on both their necks electrify and they have this moment in the rain, seeing into each other’s souls. Cue eye roll 🙄 I didn’t read the blurb before I started listening to this and it made Sean’s issues a bit of a mystery although once I realized the what and why of the situation, my heart broke. I forgave him for all his ignorant questions and loved how he finally stood up for himself but this part of the book brought a lot of drama I wasn’t expecting and it was a bit much. Cooper was my favorite character and while I loved what he did for Sean during this whole thing, I liked that Sean got professional support too. My favorite part was Sean’s writings near the end especially his real beach experience and CC’s sex scenes were super hot too. 🥵
I’m rounding to 4 because of Chris Chambers. 💗
Roommates to lovers
3.5 Stars ⭐️
🎵Narrated by: Chris Chambers🎵 💗
Well, this was quite a nice surprise from a series that’s been more miss than hit for me and I really hadn’t planned on reading any more of them. However, when I saw my beloved Chris Chambers was narrating, I was all in because I lovvvveee his voice so much that he could read the dictionary to me and I’d beg for more. He just sounds so sexy 🔥 He can do all kinds of accents but he seems to do mostly US southern drawls which I can’t say I’m a huge fan of in real life 🤷🏻♀️ but listening to CC do it, it’s like audio-porn. 😂
So, this is one of those books that probably wouldn’t have been as interesting had I not listened to it but CC reeled me in and I found myself adoring the characters. Sean moves from conservative West Virginia to Vermont to go to school for creative writing. Sean’s uncle’s ex army mate, Cooper, has a home that needs some fixing up and agrees to let Sean stay there for free if he helps with some construction projects he can’t do himself. The premise is simple enough but this book had a lot of things happening beneath the surface because both men have some demons to overcome. This is Sean’s first time out of West Virginia and he’s finally able to date men and be who he truly is but he doesn’t know how and has a bunch of stereotypical bullshit that has been programmed into him from his mom and others over the years. Once he finds out that Cooper is gay, he starts asking questions, some really cringy, others offensive to try to get a handle on “how to be gay”. He seems really rude at first but he only knows what he’s seen on tv or in porn. Once Cooper realizes how innocent and naive Sean is, he wants to help him find himself, teach him to just be and not worry if he’s acting a certain way. There was a lot of character growth in this book from both men and I really enjoyed that. There’s also an adorable puppy and I adored Cooper despite his grumpy demeanor.
However, this did have a bit of insta-love from the start because when these two meet, the hair on both their necks electrify and they have this moment in the rain, seeing into each other’s souls. Cue eye roll 🙄 I didn’t read the blurb before I started listening to this and it made Sean’s issues a bit of a mystery although once I realized the what and why of the situation, my heart broke. I forgave him for all his ignorant questions and loved how he finally stood up for himself but this part of the book brought a lot of drama I wasn’t expecting and it was a bit much. Cooper was my favorite character and while I loved what he did for Sean during this whole thing, I liked that Sean got professional support too. My favorite part was Sean’s writings near the end especially his real beach experience and CC’s sex scenes were super hot too. 🥵
I’m rounding to 4 because of Chris Chambers. 💗
April 20, 2021
*** I received an eArc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
This was an incredibly emotional story that covers a range of important topics including PTSD and conversion therapy. Both are serious topics that I was curious about the author's approach. This story did not disappoint because I became emotionally invested in each main character's developing and healing from their experiences.
I was particularly moved at how each MC was able to turn to each other and move forward together. This was a deeply touching story that I enjoyed immensely.
This was an incredibly emotional story that covers a range of important topics including PTSD and conversion therapy. Both are serious topics that I was curious about the author's approach. This story did not disappoint because I became emotionally invested in each main character's developing and healing from their experiences.
I was particularly moved at how each MC was able to turn to each other and move forward together. This was a deeply touching story that I enjoyed immensely.
March 24, 2022
3.25 hesitating stars
It was a nice reading, with some sweet moments and important messages, but I’m a bit parted on this one.
Because of the title, I was expecting more music related scenes. There were a few beautiful ones - and now I’m very curious to hear what a 12-strings guitar sounds like - but it was marginal compared to other topics. I also wished we had dived a bit deeper into Sean’s psyche thanks to his poetry. The snippets Cooper read from his notebook were very promising.
On the plus side, I liked the fact it tackled interesting themes, like war veterans (sadly only superficially), emotional instability, and PTSD. These were the best parts! However, it took forever to get into the subject, as it was the secret “that was often hinted at, but only revealed at the very end”. The dragging helped built some angst, yes, but it got very frustrating, and I wished we had more space dedicated to PTSD than what we had on page at the end of the day.
It was still very impactful. Through episodes, confrontations, and reflections on how Sean saw himself as a gay man, we explored the consequences of his long-term trauma. It was deeper and emotionally harsher than expected. These considerations were probably what pushed me to finish the book.
I’ll keep this novel in mind for recommendations about PTSD-themed romances.
It was a nice reading, with some sweet moments and important messages, but I’m a bit parted on this one.
Because of the title, I was expecting more music related scenes. There were a few beautiful ones - and now I’m very curious to hear what a 12-strings guitar sounds like - but it was marginal compared to other topics. I also wished we had dived a bit deeper into Sean’s psyche thanks to his poetry. The snippets Cooper read from his notebook were very promising.
On the plus side, I liked the fact it tackled interesting themes, like war veterans (sadly only superficially), emotional instability, and PTSD. These were the best parts! However, it took forever to get into the subject, as it was the secret “that was often hinted at, but only revealed at the very end”. The dragging helped built some angst, yes, but it got very frustrating, and I wished we had more space dedicated to PTSD than what we had on page at the end of the day.
It was still very impactful. Through episodes, confrontations, and reflections on how Sean saw himself as a gay man, we explored the consequences of his long-term trauma. It was deeper and emotionally harsher than expected. These considerations were probably what pushed me to finish the book.
I’ll keep this novel in mind for recommendations about PTSD-themed romances.
May 10, 2021
Almost heaven, West Virginia....
I couldn't help but be singing "Take Me Home Country Roads" the whole time I was reading this installment.
Sean was just the most adorable thing, with all his gay life questions. He made me laugh out loud more than once,
Cooper is beautiful and lovely and not quite broken, but definitely a little bent.
And when they meet, you can feel the sparks fly, and as much as they are so different, they are so perfect for each other. They made me smile hard.
Though these books can all be read as stand alones, this one did have a bigger connection to earlier books than others. You won't miss much if this is the only book in the series, but if you have read other ones you will like seeing these guys again.
This series just makes me want to travel to Vermont (*shakes fist at COVID stopping international travel*)
I could read these WoTN books forever,
a>
I couldn't help but be singing "Take Me Home Country Roads" the whole time I was reading this installment.
Sean was just the most adorable thing, with all his gay life questions. He made me laugh out loud more than once,
Cooper is beautiful and lovely and not quite broken, but definitely a little bent.
And when they meet, you can feel the sparks fly, and as much as they are so different, they are so perfect for each other. They made me smile hard.
Though these books can all be read as stand alones, this one did have a bigger connection to earlier books than others. You won't miss much if this is the only book in the series, but if you have read other ones you will like seeing these guys again.
This series just makes me want to travel to Vermont (*shakes fist at COVID stopping international travel*)
I could read these WoTN books forever,
a>
July 16, 2023
This was the first audio book ever that I really couldn't finish (dnf at around 80%).. And it wasn't even the narrators fault. I couldn't connect with the story. The characters seemed to be built of a multitude of clichés and I didn't like Sean. The romance was waaaay overplayed (like they look at each other and get hard and come because the other one breathes). The beautiful twink, the injured army hunk ... it has all been written before and probably written better.
July 22, 2021
4 heartbreaking and heartwarming stars.
May 16, 2021
Heartsong is a beautiful story of self discovery, self acceptance and love.
I was sucked in from the start and at the end I was completely in love with this story and these characters.
Sean Johnson is a young man, he feels overwhelmed by the judging glances and comments of his fellow towners, so he decides to move from his little town in West Virginia to Burlington, Vermont. Here he meets his uncle former comrades, Cooper Hill, who will host him while he attends college. They instantly feel an attraction but living together and Sean lack of dating experience put the breaks on this physical relationship.
I loved the chemistry between Cooper and Sean, but I loved even more the sensitivity that Cooper shows with Sean, he understands the younger one so well and he never pushes his limits.
I definitely recommend to read this book, it will touch your heart.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
March 22, 2024
4.5 stars. This is the last book in this series that I have on audio and I’m so sad. Want to keep listening to more in this series as I love it so much. These can all be read as standalones and there are so many in the series that I recommend if you haven’t read them already.
My heart hurt for Sean. At first he just seemed like a boy going to college in any romance but then we got little glimpses into his earlier years and I couldn’t even imagine the things he went through. I’m so glad he had Cooper there to help him get through!
Cooper was an awesome character and I loved how he dealt with life and didn’t beat around the bush with Sean. There wasn’t the whole I shouldn’t cause of our age gap thing. When he realized what they had he went for it!
I loved the haikus at the end of the story. It’s amazing how much beauty and emotion can be in 17 syllables! I’m so glad this author wrote those for us. This was my first time reading this author but I’ll definitely read more by them. The narrator did a great job with this story, especially Sean’s accent!
My heart hurt for Sean. At first he just seemed like a boy going to college in any romance but then we got little glimpses into his earlier years and I couldn’t even imagine the things he went through. I’m so glad he had Cooper there to help him get through!
Cooper was an awesome character and I loved how he dealt with life and didn’t beat around the bush with Sean. There wasn’t the whole I shouldn’t cause of our age gap thing. When he realized what they had he went for it!
I loved the haikus at the end of the story. It’s amazing how much beauty and emotion can be in 17 syllables! I’m so glad this author wrote those for us. This was my first time reading this author but I’ll definitely read more by them. The narrator did a great job with this story, especially Sean’s accent!
June 1, 2023
I went to work, came home and had completely forgotten what book I was reading until I opened my kindle. That probably sums it up. Nice story, nothing bad about it as such but it was a bit too instalove, I couldn’t connect with Sean’s character and the flow just didn’t engage me.
Pros - amputee, Cooper’s injury is from being in the army but not an IED or attack which I appreciated, so many other roles in the army than frontline soldiers. Cute dog. Richie was a good friend.
I couldn’t understand why Troy didn’t have more to say about Cooper’s relationship with Sean? I was waiting for him to have some words about it but I either missed them or they strangely didn’t occur.
I did find myself skimming a fair bit.
Pros - amputee, Cooper’s injury is from being in the army but not an IED or attack which I appreciated, so many other roles in the army than frontline soldiers. Cute dog. Richie was a good friend.
I couldn’t understand why Troy didn’t have more to say about Cooper’s relationship with Sean? I was waiting for him to have some words about it but I either missed them or they strangely didn’t occur.
I did find myself skimming a fair bit.
August 30, 2021
A car hits a dog and keeps on going, so, Sean picks it up and carries it to safety and help. There he meets Cooper, his friend's cousin, that he'll be staying with during school. When they see each other, the sizzle is electric. Dr. Moore performs the dog's surgery and they go home to Cooper's.
Sean, 23, dark hair, blue eyes is to be with
Cooper while he gets his bachelor's Degree. Sean will help remodel Cooper's new home. The look in Sean's face, says he's been through a lot already in life.
Cooper, 35, has his first home by the beach,
remodeling and needs a second pair of hands. Cooper got his below the knee amputation in a car accident, that ended his Army career. He's got brown eyes, broad shoulders and a six pack, plus plays guitar and sings.
The two men do some talking, share a bit, keep the three legged dog, Stumpy, and work well together.
Sean admits he's a virgin and he needs information on all things gay, so Cooper explain things to him. Sean likes the feel of the welcoming town.
Eventually the guys begin with a kiss that escalates to scorching hot sexy times for both men.
Sean begins to have nightmares and issues from his past that need to be dealt with. We find out why he washes dishes with cold water, and bits and pieces of what happened before. We also get a PTSD episode, and we learn more after Sean goes missing.
Cooper rescues him, and Sean will be getting therapy.
This is well written, the sensitive topics are beautifully handled, the characters are needy and dynamic, plus the whole story has heartfelt emotions and passion.
(PTSD, amputation, conversion therapy abuse told, emotional scars, a breakthrough and unconditional love)
I love a deep, hopeful tale of ex-military, and the tale of a future for a deserving young man.
ENJOY !
======
Sean, 23, dark hair, blue eyes is to be with
Cooper while he gets his bachelor's Degree. Sean will help remodel Cooper's new home. The look in Sean's face, says he's been through a lot already in life.
Cooper, 35, has his first home by the beach,
remodeling and needs a second pair of hands. Cooper got his below the knee amputation in a car accident, that ended his Army career. He's got brown eyes, broad shoulders and a six pack, plus plays guitar and sings.
The two men do some talking, share a bit, keep the three legged dog, Stumpy, and work well together.
Sean admits he's a virgin and he needs information on all things gay, so Cooper explain things to him. Sean likes the feel of the welcoming town.
Eventually the guys begin with a kiss that escalates to scorching hot sexy times for both men.
Sean begins to have nightmares and issues from his past that need to be dealt with. We find out why he washes dishes with cold water, and bits and pieces of what happened before. We also get a PTSD episode, and we learn more after Sean goes missing.
Cooper rescues him, and Sean will be getting therapy.
This is well written, the sensitive topics are beautifully handled, the characters are needy and dynamic, plus the whole story has heartfelt emotions and passion.
(PTSD, amputation, conversion therapy abuse told, emotional scars, a breakthrough and unconditional love)
I love a deep, hopeful tale of ex-military, and the tale of a future for a deserving young man.
ENJOY !
======
May 24, 2021
3.5 stars
This is moderately enjoyable overall, but the pacing was odd, and it could’ve benefited from some editing with all its grammatical errors, improperly placed punctuation, and continuity errors.
This is moderately enjoyable overall, but the pacing was odd, and it could’ve benefited from some editing with all its grammatical errors, improperly placed punctuation, and continuity errors.
May 10, 2021
Cooper and Sean are two men very deserving of the HEA awaiting them in Heartsong.
Cooper gets himself a new roommate in twenty three year old Sean, who's moving to Burlington for university. From the first moment they meet after Sean rescues a dog from a hit and run, there is a spark and serious undercurrent of attraction between them. It's quick to build up and as the two become closer as friends, Sean finds himself comfortable enough with Cooper to ask questions of the life he is yet to live as a gay man. There is awkwardness, funny moments and lingering looks as they come to balance honesty, heat and emotion, moving through all of Sean's firsts, Cooper's revelation about his leg and ~dealing with a past that raises it's ugly head. The moment that their spark ignites, it's damn hot and continues to get better for them both, at least in regards to a relationship between them. Sean has some underlying issues that he's pushed way down tha have a way of coming out eventually and Cooper just proves himself yet again as a strong pillar of support for the young man.
I love these two together. It shines from the pages, how much they want and care for each other. There's a little interaction with some characters from other books but it's mostly just the two of them or talk of Sean's people back home in West Virginia. Both men make me smile but Sean truly brought a tear to my eye when he struggles but its important to showcase how certain events can affect your mental health.
Absolutely a recommended read from a great author and this wonderful series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Cooper gets himself a new roommate in twenty three year old Sean, who's moving to Burlington for university. From the first moment they meet after Sean rescues a dog from a hit and run, there is a spark and serious undercurrent of attraction between them. It's quick to build up and as the two become closer as friends, Sean finds himself comfortable enough with Cooper to ask questions of the life he is yet to live as a gay man. There is awkwardness, funny moments and lingering looks as they come to balance honesty, heat and emotion, moving through all of Sean's firsts, Cooper's revelation about his leg and ~dealing with a past that raises it's ugly head. The moment that their spark ignites, it's damn hot and continues to get better for them both, at least in regards to a relationship between them. Sean has some underlying issues that he's pushed way down tha have a way of coming out eventually and Cooper just proves himself yet again as a strong pillar of support for the young man.
I love these two together. It shines from the pages, how much they want and care for each other. There's a little interaction with some characters from other books but it's mostly just the two of them or talk of Sean's people back home in West Virginia. Both men make me smile but Sean truly brought a tear to my eye when he struggles but its important to showcase how certain events can affect your mental health.
Absolutely a recommended read from a great author and this wonderful series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 5, 2021
3,5 stars. Full review to come
Well...Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did Jay Hogan’s and Kate Hawthorne’s, the last 2 books I read in this series. Maybe my expectations were too high after those, but I don’t think it’s just that.
This story, about army vet Cooper and Sean, one of Coopers former army friends’ cousin, is well written and I can see a lot of readers liking or loving it. It’s an age-gap, hurt-comfort romance and throughout the book the author reveals there is a lot more to Sean than you might think at first. The way he deals with his fears and ptsd seems very realistic and is one of the reasons
I liked this book. Also the fact that the author didn’t rush the complicated relationship Sean has with his mother into something better, was something I appreciated. That would not have been realistic; things like that take a lot of time to heal.
I liked how Richie was such a good friend to Sean and that he was there when he needed him, no questions asked. What I didn’t understand is that Sean’s uncle didn’t ask questions about Sean and Coopers relationship. Not because he should disapprove, but I can imagine he would have liked to have some answers.
The story felt too much insta love and I think that’s the main reason I didn’t love it but liked it. So, that’s all on me.
I do recommend it to mm readers who enjoy age gap and hurt comfort because I’m sure you’ll like it.
I received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review
Well...Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did Jay Hogan’s and Kate Hawthorne’s, the last 2 books I read in this series. Maybe my expectations were too high after those, but I don’t think it’s just that.
This story, about army vet Cooper and Sean, one of Coopers former army friends’ cousin, is well written and I can see a lot of readers liking or loving it. It’s an age-gap, hurt-comfort romance and throughout the book the author reveals there is a lot more to Sean than you might think at first. The way he deals with his fears and ptsd seems very realistic and is one of the reasons
I liked this book. Also the fact that the author didn’t rush the complicated relationship Sean has with his mother into something better, was something I appreciated. That would not have been realistic; things like that take a lot of time to heal.
I liked how Richie was such a good friend to Sean and that he was there when he needed him, no questions asked. What I didn’t understand is that Sean’s uncle didn’t ask questions about Sean and Coopers relationship. Not because he should disapprove, but I can imagine he would have liked to have some answers.
The story felt too much insta love and I think that’s the main reason I didn’t love it but liked it. So, that’s all on me.
I do recommend it to mm readers who enjoy age gap and hurt comfort because I’m sure you’ll like it.
I received an ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review
October 11, 2021
Sean se esta trasladando desde Virginia Occidental hasta Vermont, esperando poder terminar de graduarse de la Universidad y poder vivir una vida abierta, sin escondense y sin recriminaciones. Desde que tiene memoria ha sido el chico raro, y la decepcion de la familia, algo que te hacen saber a menudo cuando vienes de una familia Italia tradicional. Gracias a su tio Troy, tiene un sitio donde llegar y quedarse mientras estudia, pagando solo con su trabajo ayudando en la reparacion de la casa. Lo que no espera es que este hombre sea todo lo que siempre ha fantaseado, y ademas que tambien sea gay. Quizas quedarse en su casa sin que la atraccion entre ellos explote puede ser mas dificil de lo que piensa.
Copper le esta haciendo un favor a su amigo Troy, recibiendo a su sobrino en su casa, solo obteniendo como pago la ayuda para terminar todas las remodelaciones que necesita ahora que esta discapacitado. Pero el joven no es nada de lo que espera, su atraccion hacia el es muy muy grande, sera una tortuna tenerlo en su casa mientras hacen las reparaciones.
Sean y Copper, ambos tienen problemas, Sean tiene PTSD y Copper le falta una pierna. Ambas discapacidades pueden ser muy dificiles de manejar para una relacion tan nueva como la de ellos, pero la confianza y el amor sera lo que los lleve a mantenerse juntos sin importar que.
El libro es romantico, toca unos temas bastantes fuertes con respecto a la homofobia en los estados del sur de Estados Unidos, y como las mismas familias minan la confianza de sus hijos con estas conductas. Sin embargo, siento que el tema le falto mucho desarrollo, no senti ni la mas minima simpatia con los protas, asi como tampoco senti que la relacion entre ellos fluyera de forma natural.
Entiendo que es un romance suave, sin mucho drama ni complicaciones, pero deberia haberme hecho sentir, aunque sea, rabia contra los padres de Sean, o simpatia por la soledad de Copper, y realmente el libro lo senti aburrido, sin nada que atrajera realmente mi atencion y facilmente olvidable.
Sin embargo, como esta serie es multiautor, cada libro es un regalo, nunca sabes cual te va a gustar y cual te va a dar lo mismo, asi que yo seguire con la serie, esperando que el proximo libro sea mejor que este.
Copper le esta haciendo un favor a su amigo Troy, recibiendo a su sobrino en su casa, solo obteniendo como pago la ayuda para terminar todas las remodelaciones que necesita ahora que esta discapacitado. Pero el joven no es nada de lo que espera, su atraccion hacia el es muy muy grande, sera una tortuna tenerlo en su casa mientras hacen las reparaciones.
Sean y Copper, ambos tienen problemas, Sean tiene PTSD y Copper le falta una pierna. Ambas discapacidades pueden ser muy dificiles de manejar para una relacion tan nueva como la de ellos, pero la confianza y el amor sera lo que los lleve a mantenerse juntos sin importar que.
El libro es romantico, toca unos temas bastantes fuertes con respecto a la homofobia en los estados del sur de Estados Unidos, y como las mismas familias minan la confianza de sus hijos con estas conductas. Sin embargo, siento que el tema le falto mucho desarrollo, no senti ni la mas minima simpatia con los protas, asi como tampoco senti que la relacion entre ellos fluyera de forma natural.
Entiendo que es un romance suave, sin mucho drama ni complicaciones, pero deberia haberme hecho sentir, aunque sea, rabia contra los padres de Sean, o simpatia por la soledad de Copper, y realmente el libro lo senti aburrido, sin nada que atrajera realmente mi atencion y facilmente olvidable.
Sin embargo, como esta serie es multiautor, cada libro es un regalo, nunca sabes cual te va a gustar y cual te va a dar lo mismo, asi que yo seguire con la serie, esperando que el proximo libro sea mejor que este.
August 21, 2021
Eh, this one really fell flat for me. I liked it pretty well until the 50% mark, and then it went downhill. The pacing was weird, and we really only got the Cooper & Sean story in the first half of the book. Then Sean’s issues were just thrown into the mix with little warning, and the second half of the book was as only about that. By 80% I had lost interest, but I pushed through to finish anyway.
September 11, 2021
Juvenile writing. Lots of story errors. Boring as hell. Just a load of crap.
January 9, 2022
I've been struggling a bit with this series. Some books I've loved and a couple I've just skipped over altogether. But despite my book group deciding to walk away from this series, there were a couple more I still wanted to read and this was one of them.
I'm so glad I did! AE Wasp brought me two wonderful MCs. Both broken but not irredeemably so. Cooper is a 35yo vet, an amputee and PTSD survivor. He wasn't a killer - he worked construction in the military so that in and of itself was a pleasant change from many military MCs. He lost his leg in a car crash but in doing so, also his livelihood because its hard to work construction with one leg.
Sean comes to Burlington for college. He's young (23) but not a child. He came out at the same time his uncle did (reference this book:Incoming ), his uncle being the one to suggest he stay with Cooper. After coming out, he was then pretty much alone and still not accepted except by his one friend and some co-workers. He's traumatised from a number of things, especial being kidnapped and sent to 'pray the gay away' (that's in the blurb so no spoiler there).
Sean is so desperate to know what it means to be gay, how to be gay, what that looks like for him. The relationship development between them both so so sweet and loving. Cooper is a dream. Yes he's a bit grumpy but not OTT grumpy and the man has no trouble expressing his feelings.
Sean's character development wasn't linear and I loved that. It takes us a while to see past the innocence and desperation to the trauma underneath. Cooper is so supportive without it being sappy.
I loved the little side roads this story took - it could have been so stereotypical but it gave me just enough of an edge of difference. I'm all in for AE Wasp as one of my new favourite authors.
I'm so glad I did! AE Wasp brought me two wonderful MCs. Both broken but not irredeemably so. Cooper is a 35yo vet, an amputee and PTSD survivor. He wasn't a killer - he worked construction in the military so that in and of itself was a pleasant change from many military MCs. He lost his leg in a car crash but in doing so, also his livelihood because its hard to work construction with one leg.
Sean comes to Burlington for college. He's young (23) but not a child. He came out at the same time his uncle did (reference this book:Incoming ), his uncle being the one to suggest he stay with Cooper. After coming out, he was then pretty much alone and still not accepted except by his one friend and some co-workers. He's traumatised from a number of things, especial being kidnapped and sent to 'pray the gay away' (that's in the blurb so no spoiler there).
Sean is so desperate to know what it means to be gay, how to be gay, what that looks like for him. The relationship development between them both so so sweet and loving. Cooper is a dream. Yes he's a bit grumpy but not OTT grumpy and the man has no trouble expressing his feelings.
Sean's character development wasn't linear and I loved that. It takes us a while to see past the innocence and desperation to the trauma underneath. Cooper is so supportive without it being sappy.
I loved the little side roads this story took - it could have been so stereotypical but it gave me just enough of an edge of difference. I'm all in for AE Wasp as one of my new favourite authors.
May 13, 2021
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I am sitting square in the middle of like/dislike for this story. The problem with it for me is an absolute me thing because the writing is solid, and the story is not half bad. But see, if I can’t invest in what’s happening or rather if I want to scream because a character is just so hmmmmmm, even if the writing is solid, I’m not going to enjoy myself reading and what do I always say about a reader’s feelings … they are of the upmost importance but a writer has zero control over a lot that may or may not go into how a reader feels while reading their book. So here I am, as the reader, completely blah about a story that I probably should feel more than blah over and if I’m being honest, it falls squarely on the shoulders on my connection with Sean.
Sean isn’t just young in age, he’s young mentally also. He’s naïve and just too much, for me. Let me repeat for those in the back, for me. This is in no way the author’s fault, but I couldn’t shake it so it kinda bummed me out for the rest of the story and maybe even caused Cooper to lose a bit of his shine. Copper’ character was shinny for me. He was perfect and so were his circumstances. I really think the author did an excellent job representing him in the story. And also the build-up of the relationship itself. See, there’s a lot that was shinny but gaaaaaaaaah, I just couldn’t root for Sean. I tried guys. I really did. I even stopped reading and came back and still, too much.
So that’s my 2 cents for anyone out there who cares :) Don’t spend them all at once!
I am sitting square in the middle of like/dislike for this story. The problem with it for me is an absolute me thing because the writing is solid, and the story is not half bad. But see, if I can’t invest in what’s happening or rather if I want to scream because a character is just so hmmmmmm, even if the writing is solid, I’m not going to enjoy myself reading and what do I always say about a reader’s feelings … they are of the upmost importance but a writer has zero control over a lot that may or may not go into how a reader feels while reading their book. So here I am, as the reader, completely blah about a story that I probably should feel more than blah over and if I’m being honest, it falls squarely on the shoulders on my connection with Sean.
Sean isn’t just young in age, he’s young mentally also. He’s naïve and just too much, for me. Let me repeat for those in the back, for me. This is in no way the author’s fault, but I couldn’t shake it so it kinda bummed me out for the rest of the story and maybe even caused Cooper to lose a bit of his shine. Copper’ character was shinny for me. He was perfect and so were his circumstances. I really think the author did an excellent job representing him in the story. And also the build-up of the relationship itself. See, there’s a lot that was shinny but gaaaaaaaaah, I just couldn’t root for Sean. I tried guys. I really did. I even stopped reading and came back and still, too much.
So that’s my 2 cents for anyone out there who cares :) Don’t spend them all at once!
July 31, 2021
Cooper is a wounded soldier, an amputee, that grew up in the foster system and bought a modest fixer-upper when he was discharged from the military.
Sean's Uncle served with Cooper and when Sean needs a place to stay, Cooper agrees to help his buddy's nephew out.
Sean's got a traumatic past that he keeps repressed and hidden until the nightmares bring them to life at night.
Sean enjoys writing, poems mostly, but it seems to be a backburner story element, similar to Cooper's musical talents. Neither talent/hobby get much page time.
Add a newly-TriPawed pooch and you have the makings of a cute story.
Oh, and did I mention that Sean's a virgin with homophobe ideals?
It was interesting to see how this one would unfold.
Warning: Gay conversion camp abuse and torture are discussed and minor details are on-page.
Sean's Uncle served with Cooper and when Sean needs a place to stay, Cooper agrees to help his buddy's nephew out.
Sean's got a traumatic past that he keeps repressed and hidden until the nightmares bring them to life at night.
Sean enjoys writing, poems mostly, but it seems to be a backburner story element, similar to Cooper's musical talents. Neither talent/hobby get much page time.
Add a newly-TriPawed pooch and you have the makings of a cute story.
Oh, and did I mention that Sean's a virgin with homophobe ideals?
It was interesting to see how this one would unfold.
Warning: Gay conversion camp abuse and torture are discussed and minor details are on-page.
August 5, 2021
3.5 stars
This was good. A bit more serious than some of the other installments in this series. Some serious topics. I liked these two together and they were really supportive of each other. There is a guest appearance of characters from this author's Veterans series so it was nice to see that. If you haven't read that series though you'll be fine. It wont effect your understanding of this plotline.
This was good. A bit more serious than some of the other installments in this series. Some serious topics. I liked these two together and they were really supportive of each other. There is a guest appearance of characters from this author's Veterans series so it was nice to see that. If you haven't read that series though you'll be fine. It wont effect your understanding of this plotline.
May 10, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the thirteenth book in a series of stories written by a collection of talented authors and set in Sarina Bowen’s True North world. I am really enjoying the connections, and yet the variety of styles offered by the different writers. This time we two men who chance has brought together, but who complete each other in a very healing and affirmative way - but the journeys both have taken to get there are complicatedly awful.
Sean is starting college late, and as far away from home as he can afford to be. His uncle has called up an old army buddy, Cooper, and asked that if in exchange for renovation works, Sean could stay with him. At this point we have no idea why Sean needs the support, but let me tell you, as it is revealed, one's admiration for his resilience, and sadness at what he has suffered is high.
Cooper is busy trying to renovate a house on the shoreline just outside Burlington. He had to leave the army due to injury, and is not sure how he even survived the accident which befell him. It does however mean that he needs help in some tasks, and so Sean's arrival makes those possible.
From how they first meet; from the involvement of vet Emmett and his partner Tai; from the secrets that both hold tight - we get a story of two damaged men who need each other more than either imagined. I loved how Cooper was so patient, and how perfectly his songwriting tied in with Sean's poetry. In fact there has been a lovely theme of music through many of the stories in this series ... as well (of course) as maple syrup!
Quite a tough read in terms of the pain these men have suffered, especially Sean's, but a lovely outcome deserved by both of them, and Stumpy.
This is the thirteenth book in a series of stories written by a collection of talented authors and set in Sarina Bowen’s True North world. I am really enjoying the connections, and yet the variety of styles offered by the different writers. This time we two men who chance has brought together, but who complete each other in a very healing and affirmative way - but the journeys both have taken to get there are complicatedly awful.
Sean is starting college late, and as far away from home as he can afford to be. His uncle has called up an old army buddy, Cooper, and asked that if in exchange for renovation works, Sean could stay with him. At this point we have no idea why Sean needs the support, but let me tell you, as it is revealed, one's admiration for his resilience, and sadness at what he has suffered is high.
Cooper is busy trying to renovate a house on the shoreline just outside Burlington. He had to leave the army due to injury, and is not sure how he even survived the accident which befell him. It does however mean that he needs help in some tasks, and so Sean's arrival makes those possible.
From how they first meet; from the involvement of vet Emmett and his partner Tai; from the secrets that both hold tight - we get a story of two damaged men who need each other more than either imagined. I loved how Cooper was so patient, and how perfectly his songwriting tied in with Sean's poetry. In fact there has been a lovely theme of music through many of the stories in this series ... as well (of course) as maple syrup!
Quite a tough read in terms of the pain these men have suffered, especially Sean's, but a lovely outcome deserved by both of them, and Stumpy.
November 11, 2021
I have enjoyed several books in this series, just not this one. It started well enough with a lovely atmospheric opening scene before the melodrama hit. And when I say melodrama ... I mean lots of melodrama. Parts of it were so sickeningly sweet it was hard to take ... then the plot whiplashed into super preachy territory ... the usual suspects involved ... homophobia, conversion therapy, and PTSD ... all over-used tropes that are not particularly well handled here. I think this books biggest downfall was trying to do to much all at once. You have age gap, coming of age, trauma/abuse, disability, military service, new chapter, rescue dog, home renovation, town loner, family drama, pick up trucks, talented musician, aspiring writer and MORE. A lot of it didn't work for me and just felt disjointed ... disengaging when it wasn't cringy. I just never connected with the MCs and TBH didn't really like them much. This probably should have been a DNF but giving it 2 stars because I was able to keep reading to the end. This just wasn't for me.
May 14, 2021
3 Why Me Stars ⭐⭐⭐
Oh god why???? I was loving this book! Cooper was fun snarky without being a turnoff. Sean was adorably virginal. It was going along ok!!
Then the dreaded left turn at Albuquerque 🔁
The beginning was a bit of a cluster. Sean saves a puppy who was the victim of a hit & run.
Sean meets Cooper & its instant attraction. Then Cooper does all the mental gymnastics to talk himself out of hitting on Sean.
Then there were Coopers insecurities about his amputation. He was uncertain over most terrain but runs out in the rain to pull Sean off the road ?
Sean's manifestation of PTSD was not well done. It was a bad plot move & just really thrown in. The last third was him yelling at people & then depression weighing him down. PTSD isn't a joke nor should it be an add on.
This is gone of those books that the last 1/3 kinda screws the book for me.
Oh god why???? I was loving this book! Cooper was fun snarky without being a turnoff. Sean was adorably virginal. It was going along ok!!
Then the dreaded left turn at Albuquerque 🔁
The beginning was a bit of a cluster. Sean saves a puppy who was the victim of a hit & run.
Sean meets Cooper & its instant attraction. Then Cooper does all the mental gymnastics to talk himself out of hitting on Sean.
Then there were Coopers insecurities about his amputation. He was uncertain over most terrain but runs out in the rain to pull Sean off the road ?
Sean's manifestation of PTSD was not well done. It was a bad plot move & just really thrown in. The last third was him yelling at people & then depression weighing him down. PTSD isn't a joke nor should it be an add on.
This is gone of those books that the last 1/3 kinda screws the book for me.
May 14, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. this was a really cute book! I absolutely loved Cooper. I did find that the romance happened so quickly, and I kind of wish it took even just a little bit longer for the beginning to start. this book had many cheesy moments, but most of the time it was the cute and acceptable kind. there were also some odd page breaks/editing choices in addition to actual editing errors that threw me off and were sometimes confusing. I totally understand typos making their way into published books, but some of the errors made the actual sentences not make sense anymore, and there were a couple continuity errors with the tense and with Cooper’s good leg that were also confusing.
but overall this was a super cute book that also dealt with dark themes of PTSD and homophobia. the relationship is really sweet and there are also adorable puppies.
but overall this was a super cute book that also dealt with dark themes of PTSD and homophobia. the relationship is really sweet and there are also adorable puppies.
May 10, 2021
https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/05/...
I received a free copy through Heart Eyes Press in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — I think this book went a little differently than I was expecting from the blurb. I expected a much stronger music/poetry component, and it wasn’t really there…it was more background, felt tacked on. But at the same time what I did get was fantastic.
Cooper surprised the heck out of me. I was expecting someone more taciturn, but he wasn’t really grumpy at all. He was wary and self-effacing, but not grumpy exactly. I appreciated seeing a different side of the military through him. I appreciated the glimpses of his life with his prosthetic. Also, I LOVED that Cooper had such a romantic heart, and that while he had a rough lonely childhood, it didn’t prevent him from reaching for what he wanted and trying to give the relationship his all.
Sean made my heart break. It was startling to go through his PTSD with him, especially given he didn’t know what was going on. It felt so real to me. The emotions, the irrational anger, it was all just so…visceral. I ached for what he went through, and how it had affected him. It was hard to see the internalized homophobia at work, especially because he was such a sweet guy. Who he was underneath all that just didn’t fit with what he had been taught.
It was so refreshing to have a romance that, while fraught with pitfalls, was hopeful and loving. So many times characters feel resistant to love, but I don’t feel like that was Cooper or Sean. There were a lot of other things going on, but the basic desire for a monogamous relationship wasn’t a pitfall. It was refreshing. I really loved the two of them together, and I was rooting for them.
Another thing I wasn’t expecting was how strong the element of deep and tragic was in this book. I appreciated where it went, and how it was dealt with though. I also appreciated how the everyday subtle homophobic things can be just as, if not more, damaging than the obvious…especially when it comes from people who are supposed to love us.
Shout out to Stumpy, what a good girl. Also shout out to Richie who was an epic BFF.
Like I said, it wasn’t what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed the story I got.
I received a free copy through Heart Eyes Press in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — I think this book went a little differently than I was expecting from the blurb. I expected a much stronger music/poetry component, and it wasn’t really there…it was more background, felt tacked on. But at the same time what I did get was fantastic.
Cooper surprised the heck out of me. I was expecting someone more taciturn, but he wasn’t really grumpy at all. He was wary and self-effacing, but not grumpy exactly. I appreciated seeing a different side of the military through him. I appreciated the glimpses of his life with his prosthetic. Also, I LOVED that Cooper had such a romantic heart, and that while he had a rough lonely childhood, it didn’t prevent him from reaching for what he wanted and trying to give the relationship his all.
Sean made my heart break. It was startling to go through his PTSD with him, especially given he didn’t know what was going on. It felt so real to me. The emotions, the irrational anger, it was all just so…visceral. I ached for what he went through, and how it had affected him. It was hard to see the internalized homophobia at work, especially because he was such a sweet guy. Who he was underneath all that just didn’t fit with what he had been taught.
It was so refreshing to have a romance that, while fraught with pitfalls, was hopeful and loving. So many times characters feel resistant to love, but I don’t feel like that was Cooper or Sean. There were a lot of other things going on, but the basic desire for a monogamous relationship wasn’t a pitfall. It was refreshing. I really loved the two of them together, and I was rooting for them.
Another thing I wasn’t expecting was how strong the element of deep and tragic was in this book. I appreciated where it went, and how it was dealt with though. I also appreciated how the everyday subtle homophobic things can be just as, if not more, damaging than the obvious…especially when it comes from people who are supposed to love us.
Shout out to Stumpy, what a good girl. Also shout out to Richie who was an epic BFF.
Like I said, it wasn’t what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed the story I got.
June 7, 2021
Note: An ARC was provided by Heart Eyes Press.
A.E. Wasp is a new-to-me author, and Heartsong is my introduction to their writing. This is the thirteenth book in the Vino & Veritas series, and there was no bad luck on my end when it came to reading this. Sean Johnson (23) moves from West Virginia to Vermont in order to attend college. His Uncle Troy, whose story can be read in Wasp's Veterans Affairs series starter, Incoming, makes plans for Sean to stay with an old Army buddy of his, Cooper Hill (35). After an accident led to Cooper losing his leg, he had no choice but to leave the Army and life as he knew it behind. His return to Vermont is meant to be a fresh start, but his unexpected attraction to his friend's nephew gives him pause. While Sean is openly gay, he still struggles with his sexuality, and Cooper hesitates to become involved with him, especially given Sean's ties to one of Cooper's closest friends as well as their age difference.
This is going to sound weird, especially since it would be pretty easy to read the blurb to the book and the paragraph above gives the basic to the story, but I think going into this blind is a good idea. When I started reading the book, I'd forgotten what it was going to be about since it had been quite a while since I last read the blurb. This was far angstier than I'd expected, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, since I'm all about the angst, especially when it's written and incorporated well into the story. My heart went out to Sean, particularly when details about his past were revealed. I think that having a support system that included Cooper and Troy was helpful for him to deal with stuff that he had buried for years. A.E. Wasp did a good job with Heartsong, which gets four stars.
A.E. Wasp is a new-to-me author, and Heartsong is my introduction to their writing. This is the thirteenth book in the Vino & Veritas series, and there was no bad luck on my end when it came to reading this. Sean Johnson (23) moves from West Virginia to Vermont in order to attend college. His Uncle Troy, whose story can be read in Wasp's Veterans Affairs series starter, Incoming, makes plans for Sean to stay with an old Army buddy of his, Cooper Hill (35). After an accident led to Cooper losing his leg, he had no choice but to leave the Army and life as he knew it behind. His return to Vermont is meant to be a fresh start, but his unexpected attraction to his friend's nephew gives him pause. While Sean is openly gay, he still struggles with his sexuality, and Cooper hesitates to become involved with him, especially given Sean's ties to one of Cooper's closest friends as well as their age difference.
This is going to sound weird, especially since it would be pretty easy to read the blurb to the book and the paragraph above gives the basic to the story, but I think going into this blind is a good idea. When I started reading the book, I'd forgotten what it was going to be about since it had been quite a while since I last read the blurb. This was far angstier than I'd expected, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, since I'm all about the angst, especially when it's written and incorporated well into the story. My heart went out to Sean, particularly when details about his past were revealed. I think that having a support system that included Cooper and Troy was helpful for him to deal with stuff that he had buried for years. A.E. Wasp did a good job with Heartsong, which gets four stars.
May 12, 2021
I loved it!
Heartsong is only the second book I’ve read by AE Wasp and I really need to correct that. I have many of her books in my digital library but there just aren’t enough hours in the day to read as many books as I’d like to. However, after having read Heartsong, I definitely need to move her books up higher on my TBR list.
Heartsong was such a heartbreaking story to read in places but also very uplifting as Sean comes to terms with what happened to him and people gather around him to support him. Sean and Cooper have that instant zing of attraction when they first meet but it takes them awhile to acknowledge it.
There’s an age-gap between Sean and Cooper but that fact wasn’t beat to death (I hate when that happens). They acknowledge the age difference but it’s a minor thing. The more important thing between Sean and Cooper is Sean’s lack of any sexual experience; he’s a virgin in every way. Cooper is humbled that he gets to be the one to initiate Sean and teach him what it means to be a gay man.
I felt the connection between the two characters and enjoyed reading about their relationship as it developed. There really was a lot to love about this story, including a rescued puppy, good friends and the beautiful views from Cooper’s house that I was able to imagine due to the descriptive writing by AE Wasp.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Heartsong is only the second book I’ve read by AE Wasp and I really need to correct that. I have many of her books in my digital library but there just aren’t enough hours in the day to read as many books as I’d like to. However, after having read Heartsong, I definitely need to move her books up higher on my TBR list.
Heartsong was such a heartbreaking story to read in places but also very uplifting as Sean comes to terms with what happened to him and people gather around him to support him. Sean and Cooper have that instant zing of attraction when they first meet but it takes them awhile to acknowledge it.
There’s an age-gap between Sean and Cooper but that fact wasn’t beat to death (I hate when that happens). They acknowledge the age difference but it’s a minor thing. The more important thing between Sean and Cooper is Sean’s lack of any sexual experience; he’s a virgin in every way. Cooper is humbled that he gets to be the one to initiate Sean and teach him what it means to be a gay man.
I felt the connection between the two characters and enjoyed reading about their relationship as it developed. There really was a lot to love about this story, including a rescued puppy, good friends and the beautiful views from Cooper’s house that I was able to imagine due to the descriptive writing by AE Wasp.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
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