BARE: A Slow-Burn MM Single Dad Romance

I wasn’t quite sure about this book going in, but Rory and Neil grabbed my heart and I was lost. I often had tears in my eyes at the changes Neil went through to become the man he always wanted to be, but he was so conditioned to not even consider the possibility of someone for him, he resisted, almost kicking and screaming the whole way. It is amazing the roadblocks the mind can throw up, repressing the beautiful, expressive person inside, “shielding”from what the heart wants. Rory was exactly what Neil needed, he knew what he wanted and was willing to go as slowly as necessary, seldom pushing for what he wanted, always mindful of Neil and his headspace as he wound his way into Neil’s heart and made things seem more possible, within reach. He gave Neil confidence, honored his fears and feelings, and supported him in whatever way possible. Precocious Freddy added so much to the story. His astute observations about Neil, his life, Rory, and his expanding universe showed an understanding and awareness far beyond his 5-year old body and brain, exemplifying the old adage “out of the mouth of babes”. He was so articulate for his age, gathering and storing facts about topics that fascinated him and kept him focused, observing adults around him and drawing conclusions based on what he saw and felt. He reminded me of my grandson at about that age, fascinated by composers and their works, things I would never expect to hear from a 5-year old. He also reminded me of first-graders I…

This is a story (4.5*) about learning to live authentically after years of hiding. Neil is an English teacher and a divorced dad who shares custody of his child. He’s trying to keep his life together, but things get complicated when a new art teacher arrives at school. Neil can’t avoid him because they have to work together on a project. He finds himself thinking about him constantly. Rory, the new art teacher, is there to help paint a mural and work with Neil to add words to it. It’s clear Neil is hiding his true self. Rory has been in this situation before and refuses to be someone’s secret again. The question is will Rory be patient enough to give Neil the time he needs to realize that letting people see his true self won’t ruin his life? This is a touching story about coming out later in life, showing the fear and loneliness that come from hiding who you are. The characters felt real, and their relationship was moving. I especially liked the supportive friends and how children accepted things easily when adults didn’t influence them. I appreciated that Rory didn’t pressure Neil to come out but gave him space to see that most people, especially those who matter, would support him. Overall, this is a strong debut novel, and I’m excited to read more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

So far the best one I've read this year. I'm Not normally into slow burns BUT this one was excellent. It was in the everyday things and situations and the mundane feeling of it, that pulled me in and then I saw and felt it with the character the small tiny changes that were brought into their lives by the other without noticing. I was lovely and I loved every second of it. Read it in 1 and a half they, why yiu ask well because I had to work 😬. When I was at the last chapter I knew the story was coming to an end and I was sad because I love these characters. All of them even the parents at the end they did burrow themselves in my heart.