Under the Twilight Rainfall, Love Abroad by Rikki Leighton

Under the Twilight Rainfall is both a debut and part of the Love Abroad series, with reconnection and lots of heat. 

From the blurb:

Find Love Abroad under the twinkling twilight of the Philippines.

DEX

Life is good: I’ve got a thriving private photography business, gorgeous sights at my fingertips, and not a single desire to set down roots. Roots that once entangled me with a boy of dark eyes and a smart mouth who I never would have survived my time in the foster system without.

He was both my savior and my curse. I didn’t belong–I never do–so I left the Olaño family behind. I should have known fate would eventually draw me back into Valen Olaño’s orbit. This family is more than I deserve, but I want it. I want him.

Except I wasn't built to be kept, and I'm not sure I know how to stay.

VALEN

Once upon a time, I fell in love with a broken boy. He didn’t want me to fix him, and one day, he disappeared. When Dex’s work brings him to my family’s home in the Philippines, that long buried spark kindles back to life and catches us both on fire.

Innocent touches become heated hands, and as I hold onto these stolen moments like a lifeline, I tell myself it will be enough. As much as I want him, I can’t hope to keep him. My family needs me.

If only Dex would accept that he’s my family too.

Sheena's Review:

Under the Twilight Rainfall is part of the multi-author Love Abroad series, set in the Philippines. Dex is a travel photographer and amateur cam star, and Valen his one-time foster brother. The two meet up again after a few years apart when Valen somehow manages to find out Dex's travel schedule and finds him at the airport in the Philippines. It's essentially a story of the two reconnecting, and trying to get past Dex's past abandonment issues.

For whatever reason, (I think it's probably me), I just didn't connect all that well with these two. I felt for Dex, especially when the reason behind his issues is revealed, but for some reason I just didn't feel it. There was lots and lots of heat and spice between them, and those scenes were well done, I loved all the dirty talk and they obviously were compatible. I did like Valen's family welcoming Dex 'home' after all that time and making him welcome. I just felt there were huge gaps in the backstory, like I was missing big chunks.

That said, I loved virtually visiting the Philippines and I did enjoy the story, I just didn't connect with it.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Heather's Review:

Rikki Leighton's debut novel as part of the Love Abroad series was a chance for former foster-brothers to re-connect and re-ignite passions that they'd sparked years before.  Dex spends his life travelling and photographing beautiful places and beautiful people while also camming.   Valen arranges to host Dex in the Phillipines when Dex finally travels there... and introduces him to more extended family that he hadn't met while being fostered with Valen's family... and tries to break down Dex's barriers...

I truly enjoyed getting to know both Dex and Valen and watching them re-connect and learn to trust in each other again.  There were a few small bumps and a few loose ends, but it didn't make me enjoy the story any less.  I truly look forward to Rikki Leighton's next offering!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

 

Sarah C's Review:

 

I loved Rikki Leighton's debut novel. I am, first and foremost, a character based reader. In order for me to fully enjoy a book, I need to connect with the characters and Rikki presented two amazing characters that came alive on the page.

Dex was complicated and broken and watching him learn to open up over the weeks that he spent in the Phillipines and reconnecting with Valen was beautiful. I loved him so much. Like I wanted to pick him up and put him in my pocket, even if that wanderlust filled boy would hate it. And Valen was a perfect complement to Dex. He was steady and patient and so head over heels for his former foster brother that it wasn't funny.

The chemistry between these two men was palpable. I think I would've liked a little more of when they were younger, just because I'm a curious kitten, but it wasn't enough of a desire to count against the story. The bits we did get though enhanced their connection and enhanced the believability of what they felt for each other.

And while I know this is controversial, I loved the epilogue. I'll say it. I loved it. I loved that their HEA took time and was hard won. It wasn't the traditional HEA we expect and that made both their HEA and the couple itself stand out.

I cannot wait to see what else Rikki produces and I know they'll be added to my TBR instantly from now on.  

 

Rating: 5 Stars 

Lori C's Review:

Dex is a photographer and a camboy. He works a public and private photo gallery with millions of followers that love his sensually stunning work. He can’t soothe the broken pieces that are left from his foster years, so he travels never resting in one place for too long. On his solo trip to the Philippines, he’s met at the airport by Valen Olaño, a member of his last foster family. To say he’s thrown for a loop is being generous, but Val has a plan and it includes showing Dex that he’s loved and that he’ll always have a home with him. Will Val be able to keep his heart in one piece? Or will Dex run away again? 

This is my first Rikki Leighton book and I truly hope it won’t be my last. I completely enjoyed the push and pull of Dex’s feelings as he tried so hard to figure out what he wanted and needed for his life. When Val slowed him down with his missing steps comments, I felt like my heart might bottom out. There is so much depth to this story, so much pain and heartache. I think the characters are amazing. The ending totally got me and I had to read the epilogue twice. Sometimes you just want more and I can definitely get behind more of these two guys! 

Rating: 5 Stars

Under the Twilight Rainfall is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.