Audiobook, Audible
Author: Sarina Bowen
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Teddy Hamilton
Kieran Shipley is in the closet. Not only the proverbial closet, but he hides EVERYTHING about himself. Living in parents’ farm, under the shadow of his brother (The Favorite), Kieran always felt like he doesn’t belong, like is completely invisible.
When the opportunity arises to rent a 3-bedroom house, he jumps on it and all he needs is a roommate…
Roderick left town eight years ago when his parents couldn’t accept a gay son. Now he’s back in town, down on his luck and in dire need of a place to stay. He and Kieran work in the same bakery, so he would be the perfect roommate candidate, but there is one little problem: they went to high school together and he’s the only one who accidentally learned Kieran’s most guarded secret.
I love Sarina Bowen and how she delivers wonderful characters. Kieran is the broody, silent, lumberjack type with a heart of gold (the crap he takes from his brother and parents!! Ugh!!!). You want to give him a hug and tell him YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU MATTER. Roderick is like a big puppy dog – you know he’s gonna make a mess here and there but you can’t not love him.
I particularly liked how their relationship evolved (forced proximity and all, y’all, just sayin’!). Loved how they SAW each other.
This is a sweet, low angst, low drama story. I just wish Roderick got some acceptance from his parents, but then again, it also doesn’t always happen in real life.
Narration: Stephen Dexter is great as Kieran and Teddy Hamilton kills it as Roddy! Perfect!
Possible triggers: homophobia, toxic relationship with parents, serious farming accident
