The Wisdom Within (The Collective) by Gwen Martin

The Wisdom Within is a story of two men generous with their caring, find each other and build a sweet and special love. Micah and Nik may have started out casual but when there is so much possibility, nothing can interfere with their chance at an HEA.


From the blurb:

At five years sober, Nik Ward is the picture-perfect recovering addict. With a carefully curated schedule that includes a job, volunteer hours, and hobbies, his routine shields him from the claws of addiction. All good, steady, healthy . . . and boring. Until he meets Micah.

Micah just wants everything to go back to the way it was before his twin sister became an addict. He’d give anything to free her from the depths of her addiction, but if she doesn’t try to get sober by their mother’s vow renewals, he’ll have to cut her out of his life for good—no matter how much it hurts. Micah needs a distraction, and instead of dwelling on his ultimatum, he finds the perfect distraction in Nik.

When the two men meeting turns into a series of hot and heavy hookups, both of their plans go out the window. Unless Nik can find the wisdom within to live off-balance and Micah can learn meet his loved ones where they’re at, their budding romance may thrust them both into the depths of the world they’re desperately trying to escape.

Trigger Warnings: Drug abuse of a secondary character, deep discussions of drug recovery and drug abuse.

The Wisdom Within is a hookup-to-lovers, angsty, bisexual romance, that's heavy on the hurt with a whole lot of comfort, and a hard-won happily ever after. This book can be read as a standalone.


SNik's review:

Third in series (The Collective), can be read as a standalone, but might be more fun if read in order due to former main characters appearances. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. 

Nik is glad to be sober, but his fear of falling back into his addiction has made his life boring, predictable and lonely. Micah is constantly dealing with trying to help his addict sister and barely has time outside of work and worrying about her when he meets Nik. Their casual, one-time hookup slowly grows to more frequent times together as Micah and Nik’s chemistry is off the charts, and as they slowly learn more about each other feelings begin to grow and overcome their own self doubts about being able to have a relationship. 

Both Nik and Micah are admirable in their dedication to try and help others, and they are very sweet with each other, being supportive and caring. Angsty only outside the relationship, this story was filled with hope and love, and secondary characters that were so supportive, I really enjoyed this read.


The Wisdom Within is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription