Re-Read Review - Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman
An unusual premise to today’s book review, one that requires a bit of background. Over the weekend I was watching a Youtube account for MM recommendations (Catbandbooks, a very good account to follow if you are looking for inspiration). One of the titles that came up was Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman. I really liked the sound of the book and went to have a look at it to add to my TBR. It was vaguely familiar and I was definitely surprised to note that I had already borrowed a few years ago. Undeterred, I added it again and had a quick look. Much to my mortification, not only have I previously read it but it was a book that I really enjoyed at the the time, and I can’t believe I forgot about it! I have re-read it very quickly over the past few days and I don’t feel comfortable putting up my usual review as I did speed read some parts on account of previously reading it. I have rated it in GoodReads and I am posting it about here. One of the unexpected benefits of starting to review is that it is helping me to track and remember what I have read!
Book Blurb
Harper Reid has no money and nowhere to go, but he can't spend one more day under the same roof as his abusive boyfriend. Desperate to start fresh, he takes on a special case through the caregiver agency that contracts him. The client has fired everyone else, but this job includes lodging, so Harper will find a way to make it work until he's back on his feet.
High-flying, eccentric Riley Davenport has lost his sight, effectively clipping the vivacious man's wings. Learning to navigate in darkness is difficult enough without being treated like a house plant by his girlfriend, parents, and friends. The last thing he needs is another pushy caregiver, hovering over him, curtailing the last of his freedom. But Harper Reid is different...very different.
Nervous, quiet, reserved. It's almost like Harper has secrets and is the one who needs to be taught how to live again. And why does he smell like sugar cookies? Men aren't supposed to smell delicious.
An MM romance story of survival, healing, and finding the courage to love
Book Review
Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman is the Book 1 in The Broken Hearts series. The story brings together two protagonists, Riley and Harper, who are both trying to find their respective ways after life-changing events. Riley, who is adjusting to life after losing his sight in an accident, meets Harper who has been hired as his live-in caregiver. Riley was so well written, and it was so refreshing to see such a joyful and life -affirming character largely retain that energy even though they were experiencing challenges. He was warm, he was witty and he was such a kind soul and he gave Harper place to land and heal. My heart really hurt for Haper, when we first meet him in the book, he is escaping a relationship that was both emotionally and physically abusive. It is quite hard to read what he goes through and see the impact of his ex’s behaviour on him, but to then watch him go on to develop a tentative connection with Riley and that turn into a loving and warm relationship is affirming. This book deal with a lot of dark and heavy themes and yet the story is surprisingly light and full of joy, which speaks to the talent of the author. If you are expecting a super angsty read, then this won’t fulfil that requirement. This is a gentle story about the healing power of love, about finding your place and your people and learning to accept that good can come after bad. I would recommend this story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
