Vine by Fearne Hill will take you on an emotional journey that is both gut-wrenching and breath-taking. True love comes for both Max and Caspian and the way the author handles such sensitive topics will make you weep for joy amongst all the other types of tears you'll shed.
From the blurb:
Caspian Pumkin-Watts is at the end of his rope. Facing a career crossroads, when he’s offered a chance to spend nine months filming a reality TV show on a French holiday island, he grabs it with both hands.
There are only two problems. His co-star is his ex-husband, and the producer is Caspian’s replacement in his ex-husband’s bed.
Max La Forge of La Forge Oyster Farms knows he’s peculiar. He has a penchant for blue rubber, for instance, and only drinks from a blue mug. He loves driftwood and seashells and hates being touched without his permission. Living alone in his little hexagonal house suits him perfectly, until his dog discovers a young Englishman unconscious on his driveway. Inexplicably drawn to the lonely, complicated stranger, Max garners courage to set out on his first ever romantic exploration.
Author’s note: as always, I write with a light touch, but please heed the trigger warnings for anxiety disorder and deliberate self-harm (on page).
Molly Otto's review:
Let's start this off by saying this is by no means a light read. It is a true, beautifully gut-wrenching, truthful read on living with anxiety. Caspian has been through the ringer this past year that elevated his past mental health issues. What he doesn't expect is Max. Max is a man on the nuerospicy spectrum who is truly happy as he is. He knows his issues and embraces them fully, and helps Caspian be able to settle into his. These two are an odd pair that on paper may be too much for the other, yet aren't because they accept and help the other. Caspian knows he will never fully be past his issues but learns to be okay with them. He learns it's okay to not be okay, and for me, that's truly magical. Max, the beautiful soul that he is, takes on this with open arms and enables them to move forward to a better future. One of if not the best representations of controlled cutting I have read. More often than not, it bothers me how it's treated, but in this case, it felt real and beautiful and well life. Another amazing addition to this already beautiful series.
SNik's review:
Third in series (Island Love), but can be read as a standalone. Mental health representation. Hurt/comfort. Slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Stuck in a contract to finish one last season of his reality television show with his ex-husband and co-star, Caspian struggles with his anxiety and dreads each day and having no plan for his future. When oyster farmer and vineyard owner Max meets Caspian, he is willing to try and push aside his social difficulties for a chance to woo the man filled with sadness that may secretly need him.
This author continues this series with her well written, emotional writing, adding another story with vulnerable characters finding a special person that fits, and sticks with their partner, in all their ups and downs. I appreciated that Caspian and Max took their time building a connection, sweet quiet moments that lead to intimacy and sharing their backgrounds. Max is a burly cinnamon roll that is determined and knows what he wants and Caspian appreciates everything Max is willing to give him. I could have kept reading about these two for much longer.
Vine is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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