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Review by Sally Hopkinson
There is so much I could say about this wonderful story, but I don’t want to give too much away. Carter and Riley first meet as freshmen roommates at Harvard and forge a bond that goes beyond friendship. After they finish their grad degrees in business, they both return to their New York City homes to pursue their chosen careers. Though they both grew up in high society, their families were very different, though their parents expected great things from both of them. As they work their ways into the workforce, their emotional lives become a roller coaster ride. Suffice it to say these two men stole and then broke my heart, especially Riley. In the end, all I really want is for these two to be happy, whether it's together or not. Though, I really hope it's together. They have so many things working against them: family expectations, high-profile jobs. Looking forward to reading the sequel to see how these men work things out.
Review by Melisa
I don't think I've read any of K.'s work before this book, but I have read just about everything Brigham's published. When I heard of this project, I thought I was prepared for Wake. I was not. It wasn't at all what I expected it to be in the very best of ways. The emotions that Wake stirred up in my chest will be there for a while and, frankly, those are the kind of stories I love best. It's real and raw with grit. Even if you're not lgbt or you've always known you were from the beginning that you are, K. and Brigham did an amazing job of showing just how difficult coming out to yourself can be. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next been has in store. I have no doubt it'll exceed my expectations.
Review by Patricia Nelson
In my humble opinion, the authors have written a compelling , engrossing, and wonderful story about the tumultuous and complicated decades-long friendship between Carter Hamilton and Riley Porter-Wright. It was so heartbreaking, and make-me-want-to-scream-in-frustration to watch both men deny their true feelings for each other, dragging others into the ticking time bomb that will eventually blow up in their faces, leaving grief, pain, and utter devastation in its wake. I was hooked from the very first page, and stayed up until 6am because I just could not put it down.
Review by Joyfully Jay
I was quite impressed with this book. It’s unique and it took risks, but it all came together remarkably well... I cannot wait for the next book because when these guys get together, I am anticipating nothing short of epic. [It] took the kind of risks that I like to read and offered a fresh take on a character-driven novel with the best of friends trying to find their way to each other. If you like your books to fall a little outside of the traditional lines, definitely pick this one up.
Review by MM Good Book Reviews
I recommend this story to those who love angsty stories, lives being pulled apart and reshaped, friendships tested, relationships in limbo and a desperate need to read the next book!
Review by Wicked Reads
This is a really difficult book to review – it is brilliant, but so sad. It is fun and sexy and then cold and depressing. Overall, it is a book which will not leave your mind in a while... I loved the way that the story is revealed, moving backwards and forwards, and from lead to lead seamlessly. Not once was I unsure as to where, when, or who was the focus of the chapter – and the writing was the richer for the clarity. Trying to predict what might happen, to watch as they snatch an intimate moment, that they deny themselves again given the pressure from every corner... This book is a rich, complex, and demanding read, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the concluding installment and get some kind of resolution for what currently seems a no win scenario.
Review by Bec
This book is utterly amazing, and I find the best part about it is that you are brought into these mens lives like you are living with them! It is very rare to be able to develop characters that way, and to show their flaws as well as their strengths in a way that we will still love them, but these tow authors do it beautifully! Riley and Carter share a history that those close to them know nothing about, the truth is they were once more than just best friends, and one of them at least, would be more than that now, even though they are both settled with families. One of them is willing to come out of the closet and live the life he should have long ago, but will he have to live it without the one he wants most? You really have to read this book, and it ends in such a way that you are aching for the next book.