Review: Inspiring!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2014
I can’t stress this enough, but I’m in love with this story. It is so touching and beautiful. This was my first Nikki Godwin novel and my first LGBT book, and now I can’t get enough.The plot was so simple but all the delicate details gave it some sort of magic. Maybe it was the magic of true of love, as cliché as that may sound. But it’s true. This story absolutely captures the essence of falling in love; it strikes fear and loss in its core, and the joy of belonging to someone and finding peace.The carousel horses’ idea was brilliant! It is the perfect way of getting to know someone and now I keep thinking I have to do something like this myself. It was incredibly original and creative and it kept me guessing what the next horse will bring as much as Ridge did.It is that sort of story where you can’t decipher what’s happening next, but at the same time you don’t feel lost nor confused. You will just want to keep on reading until the end, and even then, you’ll want a bit more.Micah and Ridge’s characters are so complex. They have both been through a lot, and you can certainly tell they are a bit broken and trying to cope with pain and loss, but it is astounding to see how they change when their burdens start to lift and they discover they are happy. Their relationship grew so subtle it was romantic and meaningful in a way that will stick with me. You could feel Ridge’s struggle with accepting his current predicament, and it was cute to appreciate his shift to feeling comfortable with it.I adored Terrence, and I love how supporting he always was for Ridge. He was funny and an excellent example of a great friend. The twins were so damn adorable I just want to hug them and smother them with kisses; and Samantha, oh my, I just wanted to kick her skinny butt.Nikki has a way with words. Her writing is smooth and delicate, and her capacity to transport you to places and provoke feelings is praiseworthy.Overall, its characters are complex and beautifully broken, the story is simple but truthful, emotion filled, and it will touch in a way you wouldn’t expect. A masterpiece!*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.