Witness

This book was supremely boring. I was surprised because I greatly enjoyed the author's other works. Then again, it makes sense if this is the first of L.A. Gilbert's books with Dreamspinner. You can tell – the later works are so much better! Every romance story needs to have, well, romance but that alone isn't enough. There needs to be some kind of opposing force, an obstacle or tension to keep the story interesting. This is where Witness was sorely lacking, it was like reading pointless scene after pointless scene of sappy dialogue and gratuitous sex. The style wasn't bad but the story itself was just not developed enough. There was potential for more in Reece's insecurities and traumatic past but it really wasn't dealt with in any depth untill the very last chapters and even then the issue was solved very easily. More time was given to explore events that really had little bearing on the plot as a whole and had more to do with fluff and fanservice. The focus on the main couple's relationship might not have been so bad if there was some interesting character development there, but aside from a little jealousy on Reece's part, it was pretty smooth sailing. Personally, I like to read stories that are actually about something. I really couldn't tell you what this book was about except for two dudes in a sappy relationship. And speaking of sappy, this book was extremely sexist. Every time something really romantic was discussed there was a comment about the men being just like girls or turning into women. It was beyond annoying. If you know in your heart that no man – gay or straight – would ever act or speak the way you've written, rewrite the scene to be more realistic, don't take cheap jibes at the female population and how women are weak and overly emotional. I'm sure some gay men do make inappropriate jokes like that but thinking it a part of the characteristics of these men would've only made them less likeable. I could't finish this book properly, but for people who want to read their favorite author's every book, start with this one and keep in mind that the other books to look forward to are heaps better.

I am not embarrassed to say that I wept profusely when I finished this book. Such a beautiful story about two lonely people who find each other and create a new life together. Such love! My heart bursts every time I look at the cover and see the aurora borealis.

I truly enjoyed this novel. I look forward to more from this author.