“Not gonna lie, I’m pretty much obsessed with everything Leta Blake writes (and I’m also a huge fan of Indra Vaughn’s Shadow Mountain series), so obviously I was chomping at the bit for this book to be released. It would be impossible for me to pick my favorite Leta Blake book, but this one was special. Nicky and Jazz are beautiful together – but their connection feels less based on attraction and more based on the kind of bone deep love that you can only feel about someone who came into your life and saved you. Nicky and Jazz saved each other when they were little, and I loved watching them do it all over again the second time around. I’ll be honest, individually, I didn’t feel a personal connection to either man. It was hard for me (and I’m Roman Catholic) to understand Jazz’s devotion to his faith and Nicky’s lot in life and the choices he made broke my heart. But together, these two men are beautiful. Their interactions are genuine and their affection for each other was palpable. I love the way Nicky shook up Jazz’s life – with his humor and irreverent nature. I love the way Jazz made Nicky want to become the best possible version of himself. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I appreciated that the flashbacks were minimal and mostly told through reminiscing. This allowed the story to flow smoothly. As I was reading, I felt like I was witnessing Jazz waking up from a long slumber. He was an unreliable narrator in the beginning, and I liked that as he spent more time with Nicky and remembered his youth with greater clarity, he began to reevaluate his life. There are some scenes in this book that plain ripped out my heart and others that made me smile like a little kid. I plan on rereading immediately. I’d give it more stars if I could.”
Source: Goodreads | Lauren Woods (Lumberton, NJ)’s review of Vespertine
Seventeen years ago, Jasper Hendricks and Nicholas Blumfeld’s childhood friendship turned into a secret, blissful love affair. They spent several idyllic months together until Jasper’s calling to the Catholic priesthood became impossible to ignore. Left floundering, Nicky followed his own trajectory into rock stardom, but he never stopped looking back.
Today, Jasper pushes boundaries as an out, gay priest, working hard to help vulnerable LGBTQ youth. He’s determined to bring change to the church and the world. Respected, admired, and settled in his skin, Jasper has long ignored his loneliness.
As Nico Blue, guitarist and songwriter for the band Vespertine, Nicky owns the hearts of millions. He and his bandmates have toured the world, lighting their fans on fire with their music. Numbed by drugs and fueled by simmering anger, Nicky feels completely alone. When Vespertine is forced to get sober, Nicky returns home to where it all started.
Jasper and Nicky’s careers have ruled their lives since they parted as teens. When they come face to face again, they must choose between the past’s lingering ghosts or the promise of a new future.
