Endless Stretch of Blue

It’s stories like this one where it makes me so glad to have found it. I’ve read several of Riley’s stories. Riley is one of my favorite authors, and it’s stories like this one that really drive home the point of why I love her writing. Based on the book blurb alone, I knew there was great potential of a fantastic story. It was better than I imagined it could be. If I could give it higher than 5 stars I would. This will be going on my to be read again list.

I really loved this book. I was a little worried going into it because I didn’t want to be overly sad. I want to feel love and happiness when reading romance mostly. I can handle so angst and craziness but I was in the mood for intimacy. And this had it in spades. They really connect over months. They become best friends and confidants of their grief and pain. They don’t talk it to death but they acknowledge it and grow together. And in that growth they find that they feel more than just friendship. They feel that intimacy. They crave that closeness. And only with one another. I loved how devoted and possessive they were in a healthy way. I did wish there was some angst in the end. Some kind of excitement. It did feel like an inevitable tide of love that slowly washed over them. Not violent or rushed. But deep and abiding love. No turning back and no regrets.

I really loved this slow burn story of Enzo and Damon. It has the theme of friends-to-lover and first time M/M loving. I could not put this book down. I stayed up late to finish this deeply moving and beautiful story of two men who find one another after a horrific tragedy. Enzo and Damon each, lost a sibling during a nightclub fire that changed their lives forever. Both are drowning in sorrow and guilt being survivors from the tragedy. Neither men have coped well with the loss of their siblings. Enzo lost his brother Ricky who was his best friend and older brother. Damon lost his baby sister Katie. Months after the nightclub fire Damon happens to be outside a bar. He is still hesitant and scared to step foot in a bar. While standing there hesitant, Damon notices Enzo standing off to the side of the building where the bar is at. He watches Enzo walking into an alleyway with a woman and notices shortly two men following them into the alleyway. Damon sees this and steps in and save Enzo from being mugged. Enzo offers to feed Damon for helping him. Somehow these two lost souls that are strangers feel a kinship with another. A tentative friendship forms as they both realize they were at the same nightclub fire and both lost a loved one. I was really engrossed with Enzo and Damon's story. Their tentative friendship forged from the nightclub fire allowed both to reveal things they couldn't to others and be there for one another the way they couldn't with family. I like being in their world and watching as friendship turned into something neither expected or ever experienced. Their story was told beautifully. How they deal with their inner demons was very believable. They wanted to get better for each other and seek actual help. I loved that. Things didn't just get better for them because they found love, their love made them wanted to get better and heal by asking for professional help instead of just relying on one another. This was a beautiful story of hope, healing and the power of love. Absolutely adore Enzo and Damon. I didn't want their book to end.

I bought this book when it was first released, but chose to wait and listened to the audiobook, because...Michael Dean, HELLO! Anyway, somehow the timing and other books got in the way, so I didn’t listen to it until now. As always, Riley’s writing is perfect for presenting the characters chemistry between one another. Their storyline, the struggles they endure and the emotion that evokes for the reader is never rushed and is always handled with the utmost respect for those fans who may have gone through a similar situation. I have really enjoyed the way Enzo and Damon found each other through shared tragedy and how it brought their lives into focus for both And last, but not least, Michael Deans’ performance was fantastic, as always. ❤️

I loved it! The feels were strong in this story. First you feel for them and hurt with them but then to be able to fall in love with them...SO good! Riley always writes wonderfully so I am not surprised at how good this was. Every character was thought out & written well. You got not only two wonderful men dealing with their insecurities, grief & eventually a deep soulmate kind of love...but you also got to know their families. There aren’t a ton of extra characters but the ones we do meet, we get to know and love just as much! If you want a book full of feels, great characters that you fall in love with & deliciously yummy smut, then this book is a Must read!!! Once again Riley Hart hits it out of the park! ;)

This is a gorgeous story, of two men who survived a horrible tragedy and find each other. It’s a story of soulmates, and discovering that your person is so very different than you always imagined. While both Enzo and Damon were straight before, their journey is less about their sexuality and more about how they help each other heal, and love, and grow. While the uniting event is a tragedy, and both characters are grieving, this isn’t a heavy or angsty read. There are moments of sadness, but the story really begins at the point that both characters begin the climb out from their grief. There’s a lot of romance, and the right amount of sex, and a really great connection. Highly recommend!

Endless Stretch of Blue was such a beautiful story. So much more emotional than I ever thought it would be. Damon and Enzo have something in common that is so tragic and heartbreaking. It created a bond between these two guys that was strong and life changing. I loved that they were both straight before, yet everything changed after they met. I truly believe that things are meant to be, and the guys were meant to be together. They each had so much to work on within themselves and with their families. It was truly an amazing love story.

This story touched me deeply and brought actual tears to my eyes. Both MC's have lost a sibling and are struggling to deal with their grief and survivor's guilt. There's a beautifully written, haunting sadness in this book, a sense of such deep sorrow. The connection and growing love between Enzo and Damon was epic and incredibly powerful, building slowly from friendship to a gradual awareness of an even deeper, stronger feeling. What I loved the most was how safe they feel with each other at all times and how inevitable and meant-to-be their love is.

I purchased this book on a suggestion from a mm recommendation group on Facebook. I rarely read a book in one sitting but this one had me mesmerized from the beginning. Slow burn, painful, fun, witty, I could not put it down. I won't go into detail as to what it is about I just encourage you to read it and find out for yourself. This is one of Riley Hart's best yet! Wish there was a sequel.

I received and arc for my honest review! I loved reading a Ripley Hart book because she always takes u on a journey. In this book we meet Damon and Lorenzo (Enzo) when they first meet they have no idea the tragedy that will forever be a part of their lives. They both benefit from a wonderful friendship when they start to realize the fire that burns between them but neither have been with men. This book is wonderful! It's got all the feels. Do yourself a favor and ONE CLICK THIS BOOK!

It’s stories like this one where it makes me so glad to have found it. I’ve read several of Riley’s stories. Riley is one of my favorite authors, and it’s stories like this one that really drive home the point of why I love her writing. Based on the book blurb alone, I knew there was great potential of a fantastic story. It was better than I imagined it could be. If I could give it higher than 5 stars I would. This will be going on my to be read again list.

I really loved this book. I was a little worried going into it because I didn’t want to be overly sad. I want to feel love and happiness when reading romance mostly. I can handle so angst and craziness but I was in the mood for intimacy. And this had it in spades. They really connect over months. They become best friends and confidants of their grief and pain. They don’t talk it to death but they acknowledge it and grow together. And in that growth they find that they feel more than just friendship. They feel that intimacy. They crave that closeness. And only with one another. I loved how devoted and possessive they were in a healthy way. I did wish there was some angst in the end. Some kind of excitement. It did feel like an inevitable tide of love that slowly washed over them. Not violent or rushed. But deep and abiding love. No turning back and no regrets.

I really loved this slow burn story of Enzo and Damon. It has the theme of friends-to-lover and first time M/M loving. I could not put this book down. I stayed up late to finish this deeply moving and beautiful story of two men who find one another after a horrific tragedy. Enzo and Damon each, lost a sibling during a nightclub fire that changed their lives forever. Both are drowning in sorrow and guilt being survivors from the tragedy. Neither men have coped well with the loss of their siblings. Enzo lost his brother Ricky who was his best friend and older brother. Damon lost his baby sister Katie. Months after the nightclub fire Damon happens to be outside a bar. He is still hesitant and scared to step foot in a bar. While standing there hesitant, Damon notices Enzo standing off to the side of the building where the bar is at. He watches Enzo walking into an alleyway with a woman and notices shortly two men following them into the alleyway. Damon sees this and steps in and save Enzo from being mugged. Enzo offers to feed Damon for helping him. Somehow these two lost souls that are strangers feel a kinship with another. A tentative friendship forms as they both realize they were at the same nightclub fire and both lost a loved one. I was really engrossed with Enzo and Damon's story. Their tentative friendship forged from the nightclub fire allowed both to reveal things they couldn't to others and be there for one another the way they couldn't with family. I like being in their world and watching as friendship turned into something neither expected or ever experienced. Their story was told beautifully. How they deal with their inner demons was very believable. They wanted to get better for each other and seek actual help. I loved that. Things didn't just get better for them because they found love, their love made them wanted to get better and heal by asking for professional help instead of just relying on one another. This was a beautiful story of hope, healing and the power of love. Absolutely adore Enzo and Damon. I didn't want their book to end.

I bought this book when it was first released, but chose to wait and listened to the audiobook, because...Michael Dean, HELLO! Anyway, somehow the timing and other books got in the way, so I didn’t listen to it until now. As always, Riley’s writing is perfect for presenting the characters chemistry between one another. Their storyline, the struggles they endure and the emotion that evokes for the reader is never rushed and is always handled with the utmost respect for those fans who may have gone through a similar situation. I have really enjoyed the way Enzo and Damon found each other through shared tragedy and how it brought their lives into focus for both And last, but not least, Michael Deans’ performance was fantastic, as always. ❤️

I loved it! The feels were strong in this story. First you feel for them and hurt with them but then to be able to fall in love with them...SO good! Riley always writes wonderfully so I am not surprised at how good this was. Every character was thought out & written well. You got not only two wonderful men dealing with their insecurities, grief & eventually a deep soulmate kind of love...but you also got to know their families. There aren’t a ton of extra characters but the ones we do meet, we get to know and love just as much! If you want a book full of feels, great characters that you fall in love with & deliciously yummy smut, then this book is a Must read!!! Once again Riley Hart hits it out of the park! ;)

This is a gorgeous story, of two men who survived a horrible tragedy and find each other. It’s a story of soulmates, and discovering that your person is so very different than you always imagined. While both Enzo and Damon were straight before, their journey is less about their sexuality and more about how they help each other heal, and love, and grow. While the uniting event is a tragedy, and both characters are grieving, this isn’t a heavy or angsty read. There are moments of sadness, but the story really begins at the point that both characters begin the climb out from their grief. There’s a lot of romance, and the right amount of sex, and a really great connection. Highly recommend!

Endless Stretch of Blue was such a beautiful story. So much more emotional than I ever thought it would be. Damon and Enzo have something in common that is so tragic and heartbreaking. It created a bond between these two guys that was strong and life changing. I loved that they were both straight before, yet everything changed after they met. I truly believe that things are meant to be, and the guys were meant to be together. They each had so much to work on within themselves and with their families. It was truly an amazing love story.

This story touched me deeply and brought actual tears to my eyes. Both MC's have lost a sibling and are struggling to deal with their grief and survivor's guilt. There's a beautifully written, haunting sadness in this book, a sense of such deep sorrow. The connection and growing love between Enzo and Damon was epic and incredibly powerful, building slowly from friendship to a gradual awareness of an even deeper, stronger feeling. What I loved the most was how safe they feel with each other at all times and how inevitable and meant-to-be their love is.

I purchased this book on a suggestion from a mm recommendation group on Facebook. I rarely read a book in one sitting but this one had me mesmerized from the beginning. Slow burn, painful, fun, witty, I could not put it down. I won't go into detail as to what it is about I just encourage you to read it and find out for yourself. This is one of Riley Hart's best yet! Wish there was a sequel.

I received and arc for my honest review! I loved reading a Ripley Hart book because she always takes u on a journey. In this book we meet Damon and Lorenzo (Enzo) when they first meet they have no idea the tragedy that will forever be a part of their lives. They both benefit from a wonderful friendship when they start to realize the fire that burns between them but neither have been with men. This book is wonderful! It's got all the feels. Do yourself a favor and ONE CLICK THIS BOOK!

Riley Hart you really put it all out there for us. This is a soul searing read. I couldn't put it down. Tragedies come in our lives and we never know how we'll deal with them but I'm happy that you gave each of them, Damon and Enzo, someone to face their pain with. This book has all the feels and I know that everyone who reads this book will love it too. I can't thank you enough for this book and the men you wrote about. Highly recommend.

Damon and Enzo stoke my heart, I hurt for them and their loss and how broken they both were. Who would have known that fate would bring two souls who were hurting together to be healed. Loved this story and this author. Highly recommend.

These characters broke my heart. So much pain and guilt. Then the healing began and it was beautiful. I've never read a story like this one. Most are just fluff with some sex thrown in. And that's ok!! But this time my emotions were involved. I wanted these two men to work thru their grief and heal. And they did in the best possible way. With love and respect for each other. Fantastic story.

Wow!! This book is everything..what a beautiful story..I loved their love and it was hot! Riley I am your number one fan!! Don't ever stop writing!!

Wow - what a beautiful book. It alternates between rough and sweet....it's tender and intense....it's silly and it's crazy-hot And it's all in Riley Hart's usual style of drawing interesting characters that are like the people I know in my own life....and they have personal stories and pasts that sometimes make it difficult. Definitely 2 guys I wanna go out and grab a beer with 😎

A first for me of Riley Hart book. Amazing!!!!! Heartbreaking at times. I found that I just couldn’t stop reading. I laughed in parts ..... the wit and teasing between Enzo and Damon was perfect. Some spots I cried. Oh, the hospital scene ...... I cried and it took my breath away. I LOVED this book. 5 Stars!!

This is a story about two men who loose some one they love ❤️ but use the love for each other to heal.They are both new to loving a man but it works out wonderfully for them.Anyone Who has lost someone will feel what they feel.The sexy parts are more about love than just sex.

I’m giving 3 stars as it smoothed out, but the first 20%....awkward, odd, discombobulated, overblown angst. Yes, they lost somebody, but it goes on and on. The rest is a nice story with the bits at the front that I almost didn’t make it through. Rounding to 3 stars.

This story of Enzo and Damon is awesome. I do not want to say too much but there is a person out there for everyone. Loved this story and it is a must read .

loved this book, read it in one sitting! Which reminds me, I really like Riley Hart's writings, so I should go back through my list of her books and re-read them. I recall that she is a pretty amazing writer. All the feels!

A well written and beautiful story of 2 individuals. Who found a bond that others and themselves don’t understand. Riley Hart has outdone herself yet again

You will devour this one! Damon and Enzo's story is told so beautifully and with such finesse. It's a sweet story about love, acceptance, loss, and moving forward. Their story will leave you with all the feels! Read it. You won't regret it!

Healing, grieving, reconnecting, falling in love, family this book has a little bit of EVERYTHING! It was a pleasure reading and listening to the one. It was sad but also gratifying. So sugary sweet.

This book is just everything. The story is amazing, the MCs are just so in sync and their bagages are just heartbreaking. I love this book and highly recommend it

The emotional intensity of this book is too incredible to describe I implore you to read this amazing love story I can truly say it changed me thank you Riley !

Two beautiful people whose lives a r e scarred by fire and love. Entwined by chance United in love grow I Nguyen th r ouch pain and finding love.

Another beautiful story by Riley! I’m so impressed with Riley’s ability to make me feel for her characters. I’ll definitely be rereading this story. ❤️

I couldn't stop reading. Such a beautiful story! The journey to healing and finding live along the way is inspiring.

OMG this book had me in crocodile tears!! This will be a reread of mine often!! Love Enzo and Damon!!❤️❤️

I was disappointed at the poor writing. I expect better from Riley. Slow moving, too much narration. Lots of awkward, confusing writing.

“Maybe it was our shared trauma, or maybe it was a combination of things, but I felt warmth emanate from my heart and spread throughout my chest.” ~Theresa Braun, Dead over Heels There are events in life than can’t be understood unless experienced. Survivor’s guilt is one such circumstance. Losing someone you love, as Lorenzo (Enzo) Moretti and Damon Blackwell, of ‘Endless Stretch of Blue’ by Riley Hart, did and surviving what killed them, is one of those situations. No one understands the guilt, self-loathing, and soul killing feelings that are involved in not feeling worthy of living when your loved one died. Enzo and Damon are feeling the effects of survivor’s guilt to the point that they are barely functioning, until they find the one person who, without explaining, will be able to understand what they are feeling and, hopefully, help heal themselves and each other. When Enzo loses his older brother in a bar fire, he is consumed with guilt. His brother was the golden child of the family, the one who could do no wrong, while Enzo is the black sheep who can’t do anything right. Things are uncomfortable and strained enough in his family, but when his brother dies, his family, particularly his mother, blames him. Enzo already felt inferior and this only makes matters worse. He is like a dead man walking, getting by, but nothing more. He feels numb and empty; he is full of regrets and what-ifs. It doesn’t seem like life will ever be any better than it is now. Unlike Enzo, since losing his sister, his only family is his mother, who has Alzheimer’s and lives in an assisted living home. He visits her every week; sometimes she knows him, sometimes she doesn’t. Damon has told his mom that his sister died, but she doesn’t always remember it. Each time he has to retell her, the pain is as new as it was the first time he did so. Damon’s life is on standby. He is consumed with guilt, wondering what he could have done to save his sister, feeling guilty for living when she didn’t, and is ashamed to feel the least bit of joy because letting go of any of his pain is like letting go of her. Although there is no answer, Damon questions why it was his sister instead of himself who died that night. Sometimes, the guilt is all-consuming, yet, he has no motivation to move on. Enzo and Damon first meet after Damon breaks up an attempted robbery in which Enzo is the victim. To thank Damon for intervening, Enzo offers to buy Damon dinner. In the course of conversation, they learn that they have a lot more in common than they ever thought they would - the same fire that took Damon’s sister also took Enzo’s brother. Not only do they have an emotional connection, they also have an inexplicable physical one. It is especially puzzling, because both men thought of themselves as straight. Yet, it is undeniable. Their shared experiences bring them together, first as best friends, confidants and, eventually, as lovers. The only way two straight men can explain the comfort their sex brings them is to admit that it is the person, not the gender, and that Enzo and Damon’s connection surpasses anything they have ever felt before. This is an intense story with amazing characters, tackling the very hard to understand phenomenon survivor’s guilt. Riley does an excellent job of explaining the complicated and contradictory feelings involved in this situation. Enzo and Damon needed to find someone to talk to in order for them to put their feelings into perspective. They needed to realize that they could grieve for their losses and enjoy being alive at the same time. Thanks, Riley, for bringing Damon and Enzo together and for giving them hope. Originally reviewed at Rainbow Book Reviews.

Endless Stretch of Blue is a stand alone M/M romance by Riley Hart. This is the story of two men, both at the lowest point of their lives. Fate gives them a nudge and they meet and find something in each other that no one else has been able to provide, peace, comfort, and love. It’s the story of healing hearts and finding “the one.” Lorenzo (Enzo) Moretti is a thirty year old carpenter, and Damon Blackwell is a thirty seven year old who works in the office of a hospital. Both of these men are straight. And both of them shared a tragic night, even though they didn’t even know each other yet. Enzo had been at the club with his older brother and Damon was there with his younger sister, both enjoying some sibling time, when the fire happened. Both lost their siblings that night. “It was just them, Damon and Enzo, two men who shared the worst night of their lives and met when they were at their darkest. Two men who showed each other there was still some light left in the world.” Now it’s nine months later. Both Enzo and Damon are struggling. It was surely fate that brought them together that night when they were at their lowest. It didn’t take long for them to realize they shared that night. Who better to understand what they are going through. So a friendship was born. The more time they spent together, the more they both felt drawn to each other. It was confusing because neither of them had ever entertained thoughts of another man before. But the feelings grew stronger until they could no longer be ignored. Neither of them wanted to deny what they felt for one another. “It didn’t matter that Enzo was a man. All that mattered was that he was Damon’s friend, and a part of him realized he’d been waiting for this moment in ways he hadn’t even realized.” Things began to happen as Damon and Enzo became closer, they smiled more, laughed even. The world started to look just a little bit brighter. The guilt felt just a little bit lighter. But they were still living in their own little bubble. What would Enzo’s family say? What about Damon’s co-workers? Was their relationship strong enough to survive in the public? I loved these two so much. I loved the ways they found to explore this new attraction to another man. Danom’s was intellectually. Enzo’s more through exploration. I especially loved the way they talked about everything! They both just accepted that they were each other’s “one!” “It’s like you started this fire inside me, when I’d been nothing but ice. I wanna bask in your warmth, wanna stoke those flames until they consume me.” I was afraid going in that this would be too sad. But it really wasn’t. Yes, they were both dealing with grief. But the story was more of their healing, of their love for each other, of they journey together. This is only my second Riley Hart book. I have no idea why because I truly enjoyed both books I read so much. These characters will live on in my heart for a very long time. “Loving Enzo felt as easy as breathing.”

This book was an amazing, emotional book. I cried throughout a good part of the story because the tragedy these two men shares shaped them. While that is not necessarily what brought them into the same stratosphere, they soon learned that they needed each other. Only the other could really understand all the pain and the underlying guilt and fear. Despite not knowing what they are doing or where they are going, they find in each other the peace that is needed and the love they never really wanted. Is that enough though? Families are sometimes the most difficult especially if you choose to lock them out. What happens when you decide to let someone in to feel the most difficult pain with you? Ugly cry indeed but worth it!

What an unexpected book. When it came out I read the synopsis and thought it would be good, but I didn’t see it coming. The book centers around two men who live very different lives. Enzo Moretti is a good Italian boy. He comes home to ‘sauce’ every weekend with his family and does his best. He’s a successful carpenter who builds beautiful cabinets, but he can never please his family. His older brother Ricky is the apple of his parents’ eye and Enzo knows he’ll never be good enough. He tries, but the fact he isn’t settled down with a nice girl and making good Italian babies is a constant cause of strife with his mother. Enzo’s a good guy, to be sure. Just not as ‘perfect’ as his brother. Damon Blackwell has a successful career as a hospital administrator. He is a dutiful brother and son. His sister Katie is a little on the wild side, but Damon is always there to rescue her from scrapes. His mother is sick, so he’s always there to ensure she has the best care. He does his best but it never quite feels good enough because so much of his life is not under his control. Both men face the worst night of their lives. They were there when the club caught on fire. They both lost someone they love. They both have to continue on, living with the ever-present guilt. Living with the ‘what if’. Haven’t we all done that? Maybe not lost someone so tragically and devastatingly, but done something that had unforeseen consequences where something bad happened. Then had to live with always wondering if you had just done something different – driven a different route or called someone at the right time – that tragedy might not have struck. But life’s not like that. You don’t get a do-over. You have to learn to live with the pain. And so, day after day, Enzo and Damon continue on with their lives. They go to work. They attend their parents. And they don’t really deal with what is hurting them the most. Oh they put on a good show, but they’re just shadows of their former selves. Until one night when they meet fortuitously. They spend some times together before they realize they share something deep and painful. They part and it seems like there’s an end to it, but fate brings them together again. This book is very much a gay-for-you story. Neither man has been in any kind of relationship with another man before – never even looked at a guy. Certainly never considered dating one. And a physical relationship? Would have at least wigged them out to think about it. Yet something works between the two of them. And it’s not just the shared grief – although that’s part of it. It’s that they’ve both been lonely. Both are seeking someone they can take care of and love. Sometimes in relationships one person takes on the caregiver role and occasionally it falls to Damon, but Enzo is just as supportive. As time passes, there is real caring there. Even love. This is a special book in so many ways. It’s a simple story. Aside from the family and a couple of close friends, the story really centers around the two men. It’s a very intimate story. The bulk of the book is just time spent by the two men alone. Exploring and testing the concept of moving on. Not forgetting, of course, but of finding a way to live with the grief and guilt. This is a hopeful story. I have to take a moment to mention the narrator Michael Pauley. He’s one of my favorites because he always delivers a solid performance. I love his style and how he takes a tough story and delivers a powerful performance. I love that with him I get the comfort of a familiar voice and yet the distinctiveness of each character. I love that he gives his all for every performance. This is a great book. Somehow simple in its execution yet oceans-deep in its emotion. It’s a story that will stay with me for a long time.

This book has great blurb and RH is a skilled enough author to bring two guys from different worlds together convincingly, and I quite liked both guys, though Damon kept a fair bit of himself hidden and his job made him sound a bit staid and boring. Enzo was made out to be far livelier and a bit of a manwhore who didn't have any real plans in life. They were opposites with nothing in common other than the tragedy that united them. I actually believed in how they moved from strangers to sort-of-friends and then to being sexually curious about each other, and yes, I believed that a cautious guy like Damon would read up on guy-on-guy sex, but it all felt rushed and premature. They'd had a kiss on a sofa, a little bit of making out but by the next time, Damon had checked it all out and it really felt as if he came across utterly mechanically and didactically. He spouted stuff and Enzo seemed to find it funny, but also interesting. It really felt as if the author was too heavy-handed here, despite having made Damon out to be the cautious type and it was as if RH was spouting many aspects of gender and sexuality and all the associated labels that she's learned about as an author and/or ally/more. It was inorganic and jolted me out of the tale and it really wasn't necessary, as it added trope-ish-ness to what would/could otherwise be a tale about two needy, lonely guys coming together. Labels, as Enzo pointed out, weren't necessary and a dictionary cut-and-paste wasn't, either. On top, the sex for two straight guys who'd never contemplated anything other than being het wasn't realistic; it was from 0-60 in about a week, and there was no questioning, and Enzo took to everything a little too fast and too much like a a cis gay guy to be believable for a formerly het guy who'd never questioned himself. Sex dialogue was cringe-worthy and a repeat of pretty much everything trope-y that I've read about over the years in MM. Seriously, do guys talk this much about each other's body parts and their enjoyment and their menu/agenda, during the act? It was too unintentionally LOL for me. The ending, with how slightly dysfunctional Enzo's family had been made out to be (compared to the stereotypical Italian families represented in tales, that is), was unsatisfying and a lot got rushed and skipped. I ended this tale not feeling that these guys were a HEA couple because of how fast-forwarded everything felt. With a longer epilogue, or one a way down the line, or even a show, either on or off page, of how Enzo's family came to terms with him being with a guy, I'd have believed it more. I hadn't liked the mother and her actions, and how she treated Enzo and favoured his late brother, and for him and her to clear the air so quickly and without time to take in and process stuff, didn't feel real. I got the impression that his parents weren't the most progressive and were traditional in wanting their kids married and settled down early, which is why Enzo and his youngest sister, Izzy, had each other's backs. He'd been apprehensive about outing himself and she seemed to be a bit slow in introducing her black boyfriend to them, and at the end of the tale, all this got glossed over. Enzo was accepted, just like that, no issues or concerns from either parent, Damon was loved, and the issue of Izzy's situation just got brushed aside. This tale, had it avoided being heavy-handed on the ladling out of labels, of tropes, of GFD (Gay For Damon; yes, this came up, and it was trite), and had it been allowed simply to be two people having a eureka! sexual and emotional moment based on their shared past experience, their current apathy with their lives, their needing a supportive partner and an anchor, and this could have been a really decent read. The author mentions having just finished writing 2 books when this popped into her head and she jumped in and wrote it quickly - that really shows in how rushed the ending was. Glad it's a KU title.

❤KU Read 💜 I really enjoyed this book. It was emotional and heartbreaking what happened to Enzo and Damon. I love their friendship. Enzo has always felt like the screw-up of his family, and like he never fit in. His mom doesn't approve of his job as a contractor, or that he isn't married. Damon is a manager at the hospital. He is the caretaker of his family. Has his life in order. On the anniversary of a tragedy that affected them both, they have a chance meeting. They bond over pain, and the grief of losing a love one.

I'm a true Riley Hart fan...and this one sat in my queue for quite a while. Not sure why. After a disappointing read from another MM author who shall not be named, I knew a Riley Hart book was what I needed! I so love Enzo and Damon--I love them individually and love them together. I'm a sucker for fated relationships because I've had my own (in real life) so their relationship deeply resonated with me. I'm not gonna lie, I wanted a wedding while Damon's mom was still alive. These two will continue to live in my heart!

5 fancy stars This is such a beautiful story. First of all look at that cover. It’s gorgeous. It drew me in right away. The “gfy” or “ofy” stories are something Riley really excels at. This book was about loss and love, falling in love with someone you never expected but feeling it is right and going with it. This book was special to me also on a personal level. I lost my sister when she was 28 to a drunk driver and that loss is profound. Losing a sibling, especially one who is your best friend, just leaves a hole in your heart that will never be filled. Damon and Enzo had survivors guilt and issues with their families that made them feel their losses even more than the others around them. They being there that night of the fire and feeling like they could’ve changed the outcome for their siblings was slowly killing them. No one could’ve understood what each of them were feeling except for them. I understood all too well that feeling of guilt when you laugh or feel happy because the person you lost isn’t there so maybe you shouldn’t feel that way. They didn’t rush through trying to get over their losses because you don’t get over them. They worked through their feelings with each other and others outside of their relationship and it was handled perfectly. I really loved that Damon and Enzo had a connection before they discovered the losses they had in common. They became friends but also felt something more that neither understood or expected. They took their time discovering their feelings and didn’t rush into sex. When they did have sex it was beautiful. The story was about them falling in love and supporting each other, building each other up and being that pillar they each needed.

Both Enzo and Damon lose someone very close to them at the beginning of this story. They are both struggling with the guilt of what has happened. Enzo is a talented carpenter who has always felt like the black sheep of the family. Never feeling good enough for his mom. And then tragedy hits the family and he feels everyone is blaming him. Damon is a successful hospital manager that has built a life for himself despite his poor upbringing. He only has his sister and his mom, who suffers from Alzheimer's and is living in an assistant living home. When tragedy hits his small family, he struggles with not only the blame, but the hurt he feels for his mom as she sometimes remembers what has happened and the pain starts all over again. And he is very lonely. Enzo and Damon run into one another one night when they are both hanging around the place where it all happened. Damon sees Enzo being pulled into an alley across the street by a beautiful and decides to follow after seeing two guys follow them down the alley. That can't be a good situation. So Damon pretty much saves Enzo that night and a friendship forms between the two. But the author does a great job having their friendship come across as something deeper. They feel better together. They can lean on each other. Help each other through the loneliness and guilt. Their journey to love is sexy and raw and just beautiful.

Not just about surviving a horrific event but the aftermath of losing loved ones and survivors guilt. Riley dives into a deep subject but as always comes away with an amazing story with two awesome characters. Damon and Enzo meet in a time of their lives that they need it the most. Both drowning in despair, depression and guilt as they both lost loved ones in the same tragic event. Their friendship blooms almost instantly because I feel they both saw they needed the other and they were a lifeline to each other. They both have issues to work thru and Damon commits to getting help first with Enzo being reluctant to follow. But in order to be together they need to be strong and face their guilt. Enzo also has added family issues and never has like he's fit in. Damon's only family is a mom in a nursing home with Alzheimer's. Needless to say they have their work cut out for them. Their love blossomed organically for me and was the perfect pace. Even though they both saw themselves as straight before falling in love, they accepted their feelings for each without too much angst involved. I really appreciate that in a story. I hate it when characters over think everything to no end and drag it out lol. This was a lovely book from Riley and definitely had all the feelz going on for me. I loved Damon and Enzo and loved their story! Highly recommended by me!

Endless Stretch of Blue is a story of friendship and love, involving 2 men who have both survived a traumatic experience and struggle with survivor guilt. They manage to find each other when they both need it the most. Enzo and Damon meet as strangers, a random moment that then allows them to form a connection. This connection slowly deepens as they realise their shared past, and they find an understanding in each other that no-one else in their lives is able to give them due to not experiencing the trauma they have. A firm friendship develops before they slow fall into a relationship. Lots of sweet and hot moments between these 2. Enzo's sister Isabella is a great character as well, out of all of his family she was my favourite

This story grabbed a hold of me from page one and will forever own a little peace of my heart. Endless Stretch of Blue will definitely illicit all the feels when you're reading it and make you an emotional mess. Both guys are suffering from a huge traumatic event/loss and they're full of so much pain and guilt. But one small coincidence of being at the same place at the same time brings them together and a strong bond and friendship begins. They start relying on each other in ways they never expected and their friendship slowly blooms into love. Though neither guy have ever been with another guy, or even wanted to, it feels completely normal and right for them to be with one another. I loved how this book took me through the emotional ringer. I felt everything with these guys and was cheering them on so hard in the background. You want them to finally find happiness and love. To heal and live the life they deserve so much, even though they don't believe they're deserving of that life. Aside from the sad and emotional parts you get the usual Riley Hart 'heat' too. They may go from straight to bi but they go into it with open minds and a lot of curiosity, so it was definitely HOT reading about their exploration of each other. This book is the definition of beautiful and an absolute MUST READ!

One of my all time favorites from Riley is Crossroads, so when I saw she was working on another double G/O/OFY story I was immediately interested. I thought this story was just beautiful. Enzo and Damon meet each other and become friends, not knowing at the beginning just how intertwined their lives really are. Both men have suffered major trauma and loss, and both are struggling to cope and get through daily life. The more time they spend together, the closer they become. And once they share their pasts, Damon and Enzo be one even closer. They truly are linked together, help each other get through the day, and find they can lean on the other. The writing in this was just beautiful. Sad, but hopeful. Poetic, lyrical, and it just had this perfect flow. And when Damon and Enzo discover they want each other in bed? Scorchingly hot, yummy, delicious as the two navigate intimacy with another man for the first time. I love that these two supported each other, were able to bring out the best of the other, and were ultimately able to seek help and find peace to move on together. No major drama or angst, just two men who happened to fall in love. Another new favorite from Riley Hart, and why she is consistently at the top of my list of favorites!

I enjoyed every part of this book!!! First it has all my favorite things about romance: Friends-to-Lovers, first times (with a man), exploration of the physical side of a relationship that is gradual and THOROUGH (yum!) and a story that is very focused on the couple with real emotions and little drama. especially here, Riley made sure every part that could be a big dramatic explosion remained simple, and they talked about things instead of bottling it in and having a huge misunderstanding between them. It was so refreshing to read a romance in this genre that avoided the unnecessary and emphasized the simplicity of a genuine relationship that is built on communication and trust. With the shared tragedy both men have they build a bond you feel in your bones, with a fabulous chemistry between them that is scorching HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Enzo and Damon are very relatable. I found myself identifying with Enzo in particular many times, especially with his relationship with his mother. Through him and how he managed to talk to her and explain his feeling I understood many things about how I am with my own mother- there are not many books that managed to make me relate to them so. This book was sweet, hopeful, uplifting, unique, emotional, sexy, fun, humorous and flowed beautifully from start to finish.

This book is hands down my favorite Riley Hart book out there. She is an amazing writer and I have not found any of her books I don't like but this one is absolutely AMAZING. As a person who has experienced a similar trauma and now has PTSD, I could fully relate to this story and to the two men who came together because of the trauma they both went through. The emotions you feel will bring you to your knees but lift you back up again. The love and support that Lorenzo and Damon have for each other is incredible. I originally bought the book first but had to get the audio when it came out. It will be a story I will come back to over and over again.

This is one of those books that draws you in completely and has you reading the whole thing in one sitting. It was beautifully written, and so heartfelt! Our 2 MCs so broken - survivor's guilt such a terrible thing for them to both be living through. Most days they're barely keeping their heads above water, yet when they meet, they finally find someone who knows what they're going through - and understands exactly what they need without having to put it into words. The comfort between them is there from the start, and the chemistry and sexual tension grows slowly as they get to know each other. It was a beautiful exploration for these 2 men who had identified as straight all their lives, but found in each other what they didn't even realise they were missing. I would definitely recommend this book, and would say have the tissues handy as it does get a little emotional at times. You won't be disappointed though - Riley Hart is an easy one-click buy for me every time!

I knew going in this would be sad. And in the beginning, it was. But as soon as Enzo and Damon meet, a really powerful unfurling of unfiltered joy began. It was so deliberately soft and easy and sweet. I could actually FEEL them healing together. So many books in this genre are either angst heavy or not enough to be believable. This was the perfect mix. I really truly enjoyed this book beginning to end.

These two have been through so much. They deserve a happily ever after more than anything. Their road is not easy or without bumps but these two give it their all because they see what they need in each other even if it wasn't what they thought they needed. This is a beautiful story about an amazing couple. Their story starts with so much grief and sadness but they found their happy after the darkness and it's was a beautiful story.

I found this book to be entirely enjoyable and poignant. It deals with the loss of siblings after a shared tragedy. The two main characters are entirely different, but they bond over the loss of their loved ones and it was beautiful how their friendship evolved into something so much more. They became each others anchors but at the same time they were able to communicate how putting too much dependency in one other could result in negative after effects in their relationship. They took the time to encourage and support each other in finding help and they were always there for one another. There was not so much drama surrounding the whole double out for you aspect , it was pretty “inevitable” and natural. There were a few hiccups but they were handled quickly and it really highlighted how mature both were. Enzo’s mom did make me rage a bit, but Enzo was able to resolve that. Also, the sex scenes were 🔥 and I expected no less. Beautiful story.

This is one of the BEST touch-my-heart-feel-good romance books I have read in 2019. I’m already of fan of Riley Hart but for me, this is my favorite by her so far. I fell hard and fast into this more serious tone. I am a sucker for a WELL DONE friends to lovers plot. Here we have two men who come together and find a unique bond over a tragic experience that very few could even begin to empathize. Through quietly providing emotional support for one another, they develop strong bonds of friendship. Gradually and in a totally realistic way, those feelings turn to love. I do love that at one point, they realize they cannot be the only answer to healing for each other and individually find help to continue on the path living life to its fullest again. Don’t go into this expecting the emotional heaviness to outweigh the romance. The two are perfectly played off one another. Also, she’s a steamy read y’all so buckle up and prepare to singe your eyebrows and your heartstrings.

A moving novel with a well-crafted backstory and characters. Endless Stretch of Blue offered a great balance of smouldering heat, emotional growth, and relationship development. It was easy to relate to the characters, and effectively pulled me in and kept me turning the pages while I cheered for Damon and Enzo. A lovely, emotive LGBTQ romance.

This one is sad and troubled until they find their way to happy. Damon and Enzo meet after a horrible tragedy and fight their way through it with the help from each other. Along the way there are new discoveries about themselves and what makes them happy. Good story!

Simply put, this story, this novel, it is just beautiful. I love Enzo and Damon. They are both struggling from survivor's guilt, from the same tragedy. They found each other unexpectedly. They are pretty much the break from the isolated, lonely, guilt-ridden lives they were existing on. I could not put this book down. I love seeing their tentative friendship grow, the gradual building of trust, of being each other's person. Both are each other's first time with a man. The hesitance, then the exploration and the acceptance. It was so beautiful to watch. The healing was another thing of a beauty too. They boost each other, they are each other's comfort and they draw strength from each other. The friendship ran so deep that both are committed to being in each other's lives even if the relationship doesn't work. I simply love it. This probably my favorite amongst all the Riley Hart books I've read, and I've read plenty.

This book took me totally by surprise. I thought that I knew where Riley Hart was going with the story, but I was wrong. The way she wrote these characters, the depth of their pain, their sadness as the result of such a tragedy really resonated with me and just broke my heart. The progression of their relationship from acquaintance, to friendship, to love was so real that I sometimes forgot I was reading a fictional book. It's so hard to put into words how this book affected me. I stayed up way past my bedtime because I couldn't put it down without knowing how it ended. The strength that they found in each other and the way they supported each other, leaned on each other was just beautiful and I'm so happy with their happy ending. This book was amazing and will be a definite reread.

I loved Enzo and Damon together. The relationship was uncharted territory for both of them but every step felt very natural. The chemistry was amazing and sex scenes were perfect for the couple. I enjoyed seeing each man deal with their trauma separately and together.

As usual Riley Hart is amazing he always provides a great story.... Four stars ****spoiler alert****because of the conclusion of Enzo and his mother's reconciliation. I feel like I got jipped a sex scene as well as a heartfelt moment between Enzo and Damon.

As always, Riley Hart writes another amazing story. I loved the message of this book and how they dealt with their grief. I also really like how Enzo dealt with his family issues. I really enjoyed this one.

Hart didn’t disappoint! This is one of my favorite writers, have read every single one of her books. Enjoyed the characters, especially Enzo, I felt I could see their emotional growth and how they found their way amidst the tragedy they both experienced.

This story reaches inside you and grabs hold so tightly! One night two brothers and a man and his sister go to a club that catches on fire and two families are affected by the subsequent deaths of two characters. The pain these two men go through is unfathomable and add in the survivors guilt and the angst is palpable through the pages. I am so very happy that I took the chance on this because it's so very good and honest. Ms Hart never fails to bring great characters and plots to life and as I sit here still with tears running down my face I can say she delivered a great one!

This book was everythjng, the best GFY I have ever read. It wasnt about being gay or bisexual or any labels at all. It was about love, pure and simple. It flowed off the pages and I could feel it deep in my soul. Enzo and Damon were soulmates. This book had everything, love, passion, humor, family....watching them fall in love was a joy. It had everything I like in a book, wonderful main characters, fantastic side characters, realistic storyline and just all the feels!!! My favorite part was the dialogue between the 2 MCs. I loved how they talked about everything, theirs feelings, navigating through sex and intimacy with a man for the first time, and their shared loss. This was a homerun, all the stars for this amazing book!!!

It was a beautifully written story. Since each man liked women and not other men, they came together in friendship first. I wasn't too thrilled with Mama Moretti and Enzo's Father, but learned to love them.

These two men have endured tragedy and they meet, party due to that tragedy but also by happenstance. Once they realize they share a common event, their friendship and trust level with each other grows. This is truly a beautifully portrayed friendship that progresses toward romance. It's as if both men, one day, look at each other and think, "How did we get here? How did this happen?" Their falling in love was that gentle. To make a lovely story even more detailed, David deals with a mother suffering dementia and Enzo deals with intense survivor's guilt and feelings that his family doesn't really approve of him. It's very easy to give 5 stars to a story like this.

This story of Damon and Enzo broke my heart, but also warmed it in ways I can't describe. These 2 men finding each other, becoming friends, then lovers was told in such a flow of beautiful words, that my eyes were constantly wet! The author is truly gifted with insight to the human condition. Loved it so much, I read it twice!!

This is a deep story of loss and love. I love that the characters grow so much in this story. And we are need the recipe for that red sauce! Good job Riley Hart! If you like Riley Hart, you will love this book!!

This was a super sweet story. I honestly thought Enzo would have more angst then the book portrayed. Still a good read.

This is the perfect read for those that want a little bit of non angsty sadness thrown into their contemporary HEAs

First book I've read by Ms Riley in a very long time but was not at all disappointed that I had chosen this book. The story was about main characters Enzo and Dameon, two individuals who became friends after they realized they shared a devastating lost of their siblings in the same way and they both suffered with survivor guilt over the death of their brother and sister . I loved the pace of this story, (no instant love/lust) it felt almost real, which was a nice change. Even though the relationship began over a tragic event the story still was one of those feel good books with a happy ending

Enzo and Demon, two beatifuls soul who was mourning on their own, living a life so empty, so lifeless, but morning from the same reasons. But destiny is so weird sometimes and show you this complicated roads, at first you don't understand but thats is the beaty in that. Explore and find your own happiness, and let it go , start to enjoy life with the people who attr most. I love this love, how you can find you soulmate and no matter who it is, th only thing is mater is you can find love and be happy, no matter what. Thanks for this beatiful book

I loved this book! At first I was worried that it would be too heavy with references to the fire and resulting death but the author handled it delicately. The story focused on the two main characters and how they related to each other and how they grew to love each other while dealing with their grief and guilt. Their relationship felt organic from the beginning to end, and now that I’ve finished reading the book, I can honestly say I’m going to miss them.

I absolutely loved this book! Both of the main characters had been through something awful, that they couldn’t move past. But after they meet, they form an instant connection with eachother, and they finally have someone to talk to. I loved how they never judged the other, and they were there to help with anything the other needed. You could feel the bond and connection between the two. And even tho neither of them had ever felt that way about another man before, they just accepted it as the next step in their relationship. The book was all about love and learning to accept yourself, even when you feel broken.

Your heart really broke with both Enzo and Damon as they each suffered loss from that firy night. Then your heart started to mend back together as both men found each other and provided the strength needed for them to heal from their loss. By the end of the book, while your heart is healed there is always that small part that is broken for the loss they endured. This was a breath taking story and a beautiful one at heart.

From the getgo this book had me interested in the characters. The theme of loss together with the idea of finding a kind of redemption is beautifully done here. I particularly the the scenes between the two sons and their mothers. Both were different, and yet the loss of something and the finding were very satisfying and emotional. I heartily recommend this. And I don't usually review things here.

I just really enjoyed this story. In a lot of books where men are realizing they may be attracted to another man there's the inevitable drum beating of "I'm straight." It doesn't happen here. Which is a good thing in my opinion. And the characters. Immensely enjoyed them. The MCs are individuals with unique personalities, voices, wants, and problems. And it's very satisfying to see them come together amd find each other. Well done.

That was the most heartbreakingly touching story ever!!! I swear I couldn't stop crying and swooning. I can't believe I had never read this till now! This is my favorite trope and these men just stole my heart. Love everything about this read!

A wonderful book about lose and survivors quilt and how two lost men found each other and themselves. There is no rush in this story .. just a natural progression of finding out how to pull one's self out of the depths of depression by examining the past, present and future with honesty. It will touch your emotions and you'll be cheering for Damon and Enzo!

This book spoke to me on a level that it’s never too late to find your true self. We often go through life doing what is expected of us, and ignoring the things that make us truly happy if it goes against the norm. The characters started out that way, but along the way embraced what they felt for and with each other. This was very well written and drew me in

I had this book on my TBR list just waiting for the right time when I felt like I needed an emotional story. Damon and Enzo hit the nail on the head and stirred my emotions with laughs, tears and overall happiness. The characters were well written and I was happy the angst was low for me.

Beautiful! Heartwarming! After a tragic event leaves both Enzo and Damon broken and filled with pain, months later fate brings these lonely men together. The burdens of their shared tragic pasts brings them together in a friendship that begins the healing that they so desperately need. As time goes what started a friendship begins to blossom into a one of a kind love that neither man expected. Emotional, heartwarming, beautiful!!

These two men meet and things just naturally flowed between them. Into them being great friends then lovers. Finding out that they had both been involved in a tragedy and are helping each other sort things out is the starting point for them. They are just so prefect together and Enzo's sister is a wonderful support. This is a Riley Hart book, that to me makes it an automatic read. HEA.

I couldn't out it down. It made me cry and I don't even read this type of romance novels. But I connected with character and felt for him and noticed stuff I took for granted. I loved it and hope you will too

You cannot love anyone else, wholly, until you can love yourself. The conversations Enzo, especially, had with Courtney and his family, allowed him to come to terms with past events and embrace the love of his life. A wonderful story with great characters.

I could not put this book down!! The best book by Riley-Hart that I have read and I have read quite a few. This book doesn’t allow for a quick escape reading. Yeah it’s a romance book with a happily ever after, but it will take your emotions thru a ringer (in a good way). Solid m/m romance, that keeps you invested from start to finish.

Just wow. I sooo enjoyed these two MCs, broken but healing and being there for each other. I felt their emotions and their triumphs. This author has a way of telling a story and drawing you into the lives of the characters like you were their family and friends. Always a one click purchase. Definitely a reread worthy story.

I loved how the characters had some depth and struggles without becoming caricatures. Their relationship development felt real in so many ways... This is one of my favorites by Riley Hart!

Riley Hart definitely put her heart and soul into this book. It’s been a while since a story brought tears to my eyes and Endless Stretch of Blue did it for me. Two broken souls coming together to make each other whole. Enzo and Damon are AMAZING, they way how they love and grow together. I enjoyed this story immensely.

Riley Hart takes two broken hearts and tangles them together so very beautifully. Family issues, family losses, families broken all come together to weave a magnificent novel of love. There's heartbreak of epic scale and love of epic scale that will take your heart and make it break and then make it soar. This novel comes with my highest recommendation. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I started this book I really didn't think it would grow on me enough to finish. But this is a very good book and the characters are so very awesome we could all use them as a friend. There are tears that come with this book but true love will bring tears at times. I really enjoyed the book

Finally I have read this, it has been on my KU list foreverrrr! And whoa it was stunning read. Damon and Enzo find each other by accident or was it fate, to help each other heal as friends to best friends to lovers.

I was blown away by this story. The author created a unique story line with incredible characters. Their bond is special and makes the reader keep turning the page. I finished it in a day. I highly recommend this book. I plan to read more from this author because of this book.

Characters vulnerable, yet strong, but stronger together than apart...such a moving story of a tragedy, two men and their families and the healing properties of love

Grief and despair overwhelm the hardiest and most faithful souls. Finding love again is a fantasy seemingly impossible to entertain. In this lovely tale, we are given hope, love and joy in surprising packages. A gratifying read.

The tragedy and loss that brought these men together was heartbreaking. Their emotional journeys so real, and when they find peace in each others arms it’s a new beginning for them both. I loved the characters and the writing. It drew me in and made me feel it all the way thru to their HEA

I really enjoyed this book I loved the progress of the story and the characters another great book by Riley hart

I am a die-hard Riley Hart fan. No one writes a M/M love story like she does. Enzo and Damon leaped off the pages and I to my heart. Unexpected love is so exciting to witness with these two. I didn't want it to end!

Ok so this one reaches deep to pull the emotions to the surface, and in so many ways brings home the reality and need to find common ground in our lives. Sometimes our very survival can be influenced by someone just being there to listen!

I have read many of Riley Harts books and I think this is a favorite of mine. Deeper and more heartfelt then others. Just as sexy as any of her other books.

Wow! This book was amazing. I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down. Enzo and Damon’s emotions felt so real. Fantastic read! I read through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

This story has so much heart. At times it was difficult to read. You really struggle along with Enzo and Damon. Their pain is your own. But then so is their happiness and growth. I really love everything about this book. Perfect.

Riley Hart is a master with words and weaving a beautiful story. I loved these guys so very much. So broken with so much love to share with each other. As with all her books...you don’t want to miss this one either!!!

This book is going on my "favorite" list. Two wonderful characters that I fell in love with. Tragedy brought them together...friends first then lovers. They helped and cared for each other...such a joy to read!

The love scenes, and of course what leads up to them. I live these stories in my heart! Gives me hope for my life💜

I absolutely love this story. It's good to read a love story that has pain and death instead of angst and uncertainties. I highly recommend this book. It's sweetly written and wonderfully edited.

I was honestly surprised I liked this so much. It didn't seem like all that much actually happened, but the GFY trope was handled really well and the characters well thought out. All around very enjoyable.

Enzo and Damon shared a tragic history that makes both of their lives meaningless. Until they find each other, and learn that after the storm is the calm, and after the sorrow there can still be joy.

Lived Enzo and Damon some fierce. I couldn’t put done this book. Read it in one sitting. I loved the pace and story, sad, but the way these guys combat their sorrow together was so rewarding. I love them fiercely.

What a beautiful story. I wasn’t sure about this straight to bi storyline, but Riley knocked it out of the park! It has all the feels and the story was well developed with no slow parts.

I absolutely loved this book. It was so beautiful, heart wrenching, and sweet. The characters felt so real. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

Where do I start? The characters were amazing. The families were so relatable but so heartbreaking. The relationship that grew between the two main characters was sweet, compelling and enticing. Really, really enjoyed this book.

I wasn't sure about this book at first but I am glad i read it. It was sad and beautiful. I had tears leaking almost the whole book. But it was a healing cry if that makes sense?

I haven’t read such a tear jerker in quite awhile! I loved this book but it was very emotional I have gone through a fist full of tissues so be prepared! Great story though !

With this book, Riley Hart returns to the excellent story telling that she gave us in Crossroads and Collide. What a thrill it was to experience this story with these two beautiful people.

The heart knows what the heart wants. Love is found where the heart settles. This wonderful story reminds of this.

This is by far the best Riley Hart book I've read. Damon and Enzo working through their heartaches together, owning their past and forging a future together is just beautiful.

I loved this story so much. Has a lot of good feels! A very different kind of story from anything I’ve read before. Love everything by Riley Hart!!!

Damon and Enzo were both in such a dark place. Their story takes you through so many emotions that you just root for them. A beautiful story.

Working through life's normal difficulties is brought to a grinding halt in the wake of tragedy. Emotional reawakening becomes more confusing when sexual orientation comes into question.

My favorite Riley Hart novel so far. Damon and Enzo have the most beautiful love story (and it's super steamy, of course). Just read it... it's amazing.

I always rate the books I read but I rarely review them. This one grabbed me though. It's special. :)

Loved this book! I don’t say that about many books but I loved it. The author has a good writing style and it kept me engaged from start to finish.

That was so good to read!! Had me crying and laughing!! I can’t wait to read more!!!!!! Amazing author!!! Ty!!

Love this book so much

I really liked the entire story. there is happy ending, but also some tough relism for both guys. It was touching and bittersweet.

This book was very well written. Enzo and Damon were well rounded and thought characters and I enjoyed their love stay so much!

It was so beautifully written ! emotional and heartfelt. I absolutely adored Enzo and Damon. Thank you Riley !!

That was so good! It could have been shorter in portions and longer in others, but overall is was very good.-

What can I say, I loved this read from page one.

OMG! So much feeling ♥️ one of the best by Mrs. Hart. Love all her books but this has become my fav!

I love the evolution of their relationship. The respect and commitment they shared even though it was all new to them.

Beautiful. One of my favorite love stories to date!! She out did herself with this one!!! Absolutely loved everything about it!

Beautiful story. I have no words. Just beautiful. Didn't want it to end and can't wait for the next one

Started out as a tragedy and blossomed into a beautiful tale of friendship, love, romance, relatable family dynamics and redemption.

This is another wonderful story by Riley Hart.

This story was emotional, romantic amd sweet! All of the stars!

This book is perfect.

but I really liked this book!

The beginning was sad and Damon and Enzo’s bisexual awakening came fairly slowly but the story became too dull. There’s is little conflict, mostly Enzo’s internal insecurity (so much insecurity). Every potential obstacle is easily overcome, everyone is so understanding, felt like a massive therapy session. Echoes of Crossroads but not nearly as good in my opinion.

I just can’t believe the oh I’ve always liked women suddenly I’m attracted to a guy. There are so many books like that it’s getting old. Now both guys have never even thought about it 🙄 The writing here is ok but I’m not in the mood for tragedy, and this is tragic right from the start.

Not one of my favorites and I like Riley. It was like ok let's get on with it and I really didn't care about the characters . This story could have been cut in half - to much unnecessary dialogue .

Wow! Honestly I don’t know where to start, I loved this book so much! I was only a quarter into Enzo and Damon’s story before I was telling my friends to add this to the top of their TBR list. This book evoked so many emotions in me and I know that it will be a book I find the time to re-read again. First time, out for for you is one of my very favorite tropes because of all the emotions involved with the characters. With both Enzo and Damon having never been with a man before, these emotions were heightened into so much more. The way they just clicked from the first moment they met, and as they evolved from friendship to lovers to family just grabbed at my heartstrings. They each had suffered such a tragic and emotional loss that only the other could understand. The way they were each other’s support structure helped each of them find a way to manage their grief and begin to feel and BE again. Their story pulled so many emotions in me and I found myself smiling, laughing, crying a bit, and overall just feeling so swoony over these beautiful men who found each other in their darkest hour. I couldn’t recommend this book more.

A chance meeting between Damon and Enzo, where Damon intervenes and prevents Enzo from seriously getting hurt brings these two characters together. They find they have more in common than they realized when they discover they each have lost someone close to them in the same fire. Damon and Enzo’s connection is immediate, and they discover that each is exactly what the other needs. This was a great hurt/comfort, double gay for you, friend to lovers read. There is some angst in this book, but I didn’t feel it was too bad if you happen to be someone who doesn’t like a lot of angst. The connection between Damon and Enzo was fantastic. I loved the way their relationship progressed. How accepting they were of each other. It was truly wonderful. Riley Hart has amazed me once again with her storytelling, and I totally loved this book.

Enzo and Damon broke my heart, and yet Riley put it back together for me beautifully. I loved how extremely different these two were, but their jagged hearts fit perfectly together. Damon was uptight with his ironed polo shirts and Enzo felt comfortable in his jeans and t-shirts. The way they teased each other was so endearing and put a smile on my face while warming my heart. What another great read by Riley Hart. She is quickly becoming a go-to author for me and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work ❤️❤️❤️ I laughed, got teary eyed and simply loved my journey with these two. You've gained a new follower, Riley. Thank you for your beautiful words!

This is one of those books that you don't want to end...I didn't want to quit reading about this couple. And Enzo and Damon were such great and developed characters....and man, could you feel the love and passion. They were in it together and communicated....no silly drama. But maybe that's most what this is about....appreciation, not sweating the unnecessary stuff, and recognizing your place in this world. I love romances with an element of discovery...but this went so deep beyond the physical...It was about connection, grief, healing, love, acceptance, family, and so so beautiful. There was pain and there was laughter. I cried at Enzo's conversation with Damon's mother and then literally laughed out loud during their visit with Damon's mother and her enthusiastic announcement that her son is a homosexual. Precious! Absolutely my favorite read of 2019.

Heart wrenching story. You just wanted to reach in and give both of these guys a big hug. The characters had real issues that you cared about. I really connected with Damon and his mother, as my mother also had Alzheimer’s. The support they offer each other is amazing. Both are floundering and find help with the only one who could possibly understand. Another fantastic read fromRiley heart

WOW! What a beautiful and emotional story by one of my favorite authors! Her characters are always well written with depth and believability, but I felt a deep connection to Enzo and Damon. Their shared tragedy brought them together, but it was their navigation of their friendship turning into love that made it so wonderful. Well done, Ms. Hart!

Why does Riley Hart make me fall in love her characters? OMG the emotions that were going through me as I read this story is just amazing. Damon and Enzo's story is just absolutely perfection! My heartbreaks for both if them but I love how they support they have for each other. I just couldn't stop. I love this story so much!

I love this story of heartbreaking loss, family, friendship and love. Life can definitely change drastically and unexpectedly. For Enzo and Damon life took them by surprise in the worst and best ways! ❤💙

This was such a beautiful story I can’t even....I’m just...so glad I read this. Enzo and Damon were so broken and beautiful, the way they came together and found each other and....it was just all pure perfection!

Loved the banter and the easy relationship between Enzo and Damon. Though this was a little heavier than I was looking, I really enjoyed their journey to happiness.

This is a story that begins with absolute heartbreak. But what comes from that heartbreak is the most beautiful, inspirational love story I think I have ever read. This story touched my heart SO deep. Enzo and Damon had never met. But what they shared would bind them together forever. This is a beautiful story about life and moving forward, through guilt, devastation and regret. These two men, met by chance, at a time when life meant nothing to either one. Becoming friends, with anyone, was rare for both. But they were drawn together. This is an EXTRAORDINARY story about survival. About growing into yourself and the relationships with your families, ready or not. Damon and Enzo will touch your heart in places that have never been touched before. Thank You RILEY HART for taking me on this journey. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!

When Enzo’s brother is killed in an accident, he is broken and just going through the motions. When he is attacked he is saved by Damon, a bystander. As the two talk they can’t deny a connection. Damon has his own troubles but also finds solace in Enzo. Amazing GFY romance. The two guys are so broken. Yet somehow together they are able to heal. Plenty of angst to keep the story moving. I liked how the two kind of figured it out as they went along. Perfect blend of heart wrenching and heat.

This book was very emotional. I was in tears more times than I can count, but not all my tears were sad ones. I truly enjoyed this book.

Beautiful story about to broken souls that followed their path to each other by fate. This book is beautiful in every way. Full of love and understanding, as well as regrets and tragedy. Enzo and Damon story is by far one of my favorite happily ever after and I hope anyone that read this book feels like that as well.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? This book was wonderful. I read a LOT of books and it’s one of the best. Lots of stars for this one!

A beautifully written and entrancing book by Riley Hart. We love our men right away and want them to be whole. Each man was at a club fire and lost a beloved family member. Carpenter, black haired Italian Lorenzo/Enzo, 30, lost his older brother, Ricky. They have a huge family. A hospital worker, 37, Damon lost his sister, and now visits his only relative, his Mom, in an Alzheimer's Unit. Damon is in anguish and guilt, as is Enzo. Damon has a shaved head, glasses, and a swimmer's body. Nine months later, each man is hanging around late at night, looking at the burnt building, haunted by the event. Damon see a man go into an alley and decides to check it out. Enzo is being hit and robbed, but Damon saves him. They begin their sharing stories, and give each other strength. Our author shows us their progression of these straight men as friends, and the slow burn that turns into GFY for each man. They find intense emotions for each other, only each other, no other men have ever attracted them. We see tenderness, acceptance, hurt/comfort, and extremely passionate awakenings. Enzo and Damon's sexy times are all first M/M times and neither guy is afraid to explore equally. It is smoothly paced, with deeply emotional thoughts, some are close to suicidal, plus we see amazing sharing, and the lovely use of a therapist for a healing tool. This is simply a glorious story to read. I highly recommend it. ENJOY ! =========

OMG! This book absolutely gutted me! Have tissues handy! Lorenzo (Enzo) and Damon, both straight men, find each other after tragic circumstances alter the lives they’ve always known. An unlikely friendship bonds these men into a relationship that most of us only dream about. I hesitate to label this GFY- these guys are each other’s hearts! SO highly recommended!

Enzo and Damon. Both think of themselves as straight. A tragedy strikes each, they lose a sibling in the same club fire, for which each feels guilty. They help each other, falling in love along the way.

The best, saddest, sexiest, loveliest book ever ! Just when you think you've read the best book by Riley she goes and writes a better one. This is one I plan to re-read over and over !

Poignant and sweet read. The timeline is realistic, which is often not the case in GFY novels. A nice balance between relationship and heat, too.

This story shows that heartache can bring an endless love in a persons life. Enzo and Damon meet and find that they both suffered a terrible loss on the same night. This story will bring happiness when read.

Aw man, this was a heart-wrenching read. So much pain and sorrow and regret, but out of it came something bloody beautiful. I freaking love it when a character (or characters!) discover a new side to their sexuality and it lights them up and fills them with a joy they've not previously known. For Enzo and D to have suffered because of their losses and then discover his whole new world within each other and be the greatest balm to their tortured souls was told so beautifully. This line, THIS line jumped off the page at me: "... they kissed like each other's mouths offered air". I adored this story, it was like the sun breaking through after wet, grey and miserable day, offering all sorts of possibilities, and it's one that'll spoil me for other books for a while to come.

Almost to the point of too much. I don't mind men being emotional and sentimental, but this was bordering on corny. The story is good, although the last few chapters felt a little.rushed, like.ok, last.2 so let's try and resolve everything in 12 pages. Also, the epilogue, when it's a standalone, I expect more, not.just "all is well". A nice.enough read, but not unforgettable.

You want heavy without angst? If so, this is your book. All the bad in this book happened already—although we get a solid POV of the “bad:” the burning of a nightclub in which both MC’s lost a sibling. Both straight. Both unsuccessfully coping with survivors’ guilt. Both drawn to each other one fateful night. Aside from them grieving for their losses and overcoming family issues, these boys got the straight to bi in the bag. No issues, no problems, no angst (other than coping with the past). Everything is fine and dandy. Can I call this a bit of fluff? Because aside from sibling loss, slowly losing a parent to dementia, and being real with one’s mother there was zero drama. So heavy fluff, like fudge instead of cotton candy. I enjoyed it, but it was a little too perfect for me. Oh...and it was plenty hot!! 🔥🔥🔥

Hmmmmmmm.... I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, it was able to make me cry. On the other hand, I couldn’t stop my engineer brain from dissecting everything. It just didn’t pull me in so completely. In fact, I almost DNFed so many times. I only kept going because I kept feeling like I was missing something what with all the awesome reviews it was getting 🥴 what’s wrong with me?!? I felt like the author was trying to create these layers to the characters but it just didn’t feel organic to me. It felt a little forced, a little too deep too soon and just always felt slightly off to me. I wanted to enjoy the complex layers of the characters but gah....I could never buy into their complex layers. And the relationship...I just couldn’t get why they connected other than knowing the other was at the scene of their most painful tragedy of their lives. The initial connection didn’t convince me although their subsequent friendship did. But then again, I couldn’t see why they were attracted to each other. I mean, I get that their shared tragedy brought them together and drew them to each other. But I don’t really see how they connected further than that to actually be in love, ya’know? 😑 I wanted so much to love this story as so many others have. But gah, I just couldn’t find the connection other people seem to have found and I’m so bummed about it 😢 But I did give this 3 stars, more stars than I usually would because it did manage to make me cry 😅

Food cures all, a polo shirt fanatic and all-consuming grief are elements of the Enzo & Damon love story. Ms Hart is consistently a good storyteller. Even though the subject matter is bit heavy, the writer uses a light touch in telling the story. I enjoyed the premise, the MCs and the pacing.

I have to admit when I was reading the first chapter I was a little worried because I felt that I was going to get super depressed with this book. But even after all the chaos and heartbreak, this story was filled with hope, love, friendship, and the need to share ones burden. Enzo and Damon were beautiful together, they were perfect for one another, and I couldn’t have asked for a better book.

This book was beautiful. The pain that both MCs had to overcome and their instant connection made this book SO amazing. Enzo and Damon’s chemistry was off the charts as well. I would definitely recommend this book!

Wow loved this story from start to end! After recently finishing Riley Hart I honestly have fallen in love with all her books and characters that I've read so far and Enzo and Damon are no exception! After both suffering a devastating loss and struggling to find where they go next in life, they could never imagine the twist that will happen for them next. Absolutely love how their relationship works out and just how perfect they are for each other. Jam packed with emotions, honesty and a heap of steaminess this story has it all. Can't wait to read more by this author!

This is one of those books that draws you in completely and has you reading the whole thing in one sitting. It was beautifully written, and so heartfelt! Our 2 MCs so broken - survivor's guilt such a terrible thing for them to both be living through. Most days they're barely keeping their heads above water, yet when they meet, they finally find someone who knows what they're going through - and understands exactly what they need without having to put it into words. The comfort between them is there from the start, and the chemistry and sexual tension grows slowly as they get to know each other. It was a beautiful exploration for these 2 men who had identified as straight all their lives, but found in each other what they didn't even realise they were missing. I would definitely recommend this book, and would say have the tissues handy as it does get a little emotional at times. You won't be disappointed though - Riley Hart is an easy one-click buy for me every time!

Another great author. Two guys fighting with survivor guilt and inextricably joined in a common event. They meet quite randomly and once they discover this commonality, they are drawn to each other for support and understanding. Both straight, both searching, and both enjoying the others company. Loved it a lot! How they navigated their way through their guilt, their doubts, their families, themselves. A really thorough, well written story. Damon is the sensible, clear thinking one, Enzo is the creative, spontaneous one who doesn't want to look too closely at his feelings and his grief. They blend together beautifully and come out of it bigger, better and stronger than ever. Awesome!

What can I say but be prepared with tissues, I fell I’m love with this emotional book so much so I couldn’t stop reading the story. The heart break the 2 mc’s go through and how they overcome it is amazing.

A wonderful book. Heartbreaking at times and such an emotional read. I loved the gentle friendship that leads to something much more, and the unique back story that brought them together. I read everything by this author, always wonderful stories.