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Secrets of Neverwood #3
The Lost Year
Devon McCade is no stranger to adversity. As a photojournalist, he’s seen all manner of human struggle. And as a kid, it’s what brought him to Neverwood, to his foster mother Audrey. It’s what he’s facing now, as he and his foster brothers work to restore the once-stately mansion amidst surprising signs from Audrey herself.
But when another anguished soul arrives at Neverwood, Devon can’t hide behind his camera. Nicholas Hardy is certain he saw his runaway son, Robbie, in a photo Devon took of homeless children. Devon knows all too well that a young teenager on the streets doesn’t have many options—and Robbie has been missing for a full year.
Searching for Robbie with Nicholas stirs memories and passions Devon had thought long lost, yet knowing that Nicholas will leave as soon as Robbie is found keeps him from opening himself up to something permanent. Devon must learn to fight for what he wants to keep—his love, and his home.
But when another anguished soul arrives at Neverwood, Devon can’t hide behind his camera. Nicholas Hardy is certain he saw his runaway son, Robbie, in a photo Devon took of homeless children. Devon knows all too well that a young teenager on the streets doesn’t have many options—and Robbie has been missing for a full year.
Searching for Robbie with Nicholas stirs memories and passions Devon had thought long lost, yet knowing that Nicholas will leave as soon as Robbie is found keeps him from opening himself up to something permanent. Devon must learn to fight for what he wants to keep—his love, and his home.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2014
2 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Libby Drew
16 books110 followersLibby glimpsed her true calling when her first story, an A.A. Milne /Shakespeare crossover, won the grand prize in her elementary school's fiction contest. Her parents explained that writers were quirky, poor, and often talked to themselves in supermarket checkout lines. They implored her to be practical, a request she took to heart for twenty years, earning two degrees, a white-collar job, and an ulcer, before realizing that practical was absolutely no fun.
Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.
Libby’s STATE OF MIND received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 SOULS TO KEEP, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.
An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.
Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.
Libby’s STATE OF MIND received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 SOULS TO KEEP, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.
An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 6, 2016
*** 4.25 Stars ***
I felt as if this one had more raw emotion than the other two, and I'm a total sucker for that.
My only real issue with this book was that I don't think the author ever explained why Robbie ran away from home in the first place. I mean, it was established why Nicholas thought he ran away, but Robbie claimed that wasn't it (of course, he was talking to Devon at the time, so I don't know if he ever told his father that wasn't the reason). I feel like this explanation was a necessary piece of the story and I don't understand how it didn't get included. I'm serious. It's such a critical detail that I feel like it MUST be there, and I somehow missed it. That's right, I'm willing to doubt my own reading ability rather than accept that an author would have such an egregious oversight in her plot.
Has anyone else read this one? Feel free to comment below and tell me I'm an idiot and Robbie ran away because...
Edit:
Hmm... the more I think about it, the more "I thought he didn't want me anymore" seems to ring a bell for me. But if that's so - if that's the entire reason this kid spent a year on the streets - that's weak sauce, my friends.
Regardless, I liked the book and I thought it was generally well written. The characters wormed their way under my skin with surprising speed and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I felt as if this one had more raw emotion than the other two, and I'm a total sucker for that.
My only real issue with this book was that I don't think the author ever explained why Robbie ran away from home in the first place. I mean, it was established why Nicholas thought he ran away, but Robbie claimed that wasn't it (of course, he was talking to Devon at the time, so I don't know if he ever told his father that wasn't the reason). I feel like this explanation was a necessary piece of the story and I don't understand how it didn't get included. I'm serious. It's such a critical detail that I feel like it MUST be there, and I somehow missed it. That's right, I'm willing to doubt my own reading ability rather than accept that an author would have such an egregious oversight in her plot.
Has anyone else read this one? Feel free to comment below and tell me I'm an idiot and Robbie ran away because...
Edit:
Hmm... the more I think about it, the more "I thought he didn't want me anymore" seems to ring a bell for me. But if that's so - if that's the entire reason this kid spent a year on the streets - that's weak sauce, my friends.
Regardless, I liked the book and I thought it was generally well written. The characters wormed their way under my skin with surprising speed and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
August 11, 2016
3.5 stars
Neverwood is a grand old house left to three men, Calvin, Danny, and Devon, by their foster mother, Audrey. Her spirit continues to keep watch over their lives and the house, as it did when she took them in as runaway kids.
In this third book of the anthology, we get Devon’s story. He is a photojournalist and has just returned home to Neverwood from a war assignment. Devon is haunted by what he has seen on the job, but he also carries lots of childhood demons inside. A “throwaway kid,” Devon was taken in by Audrey when he was ten years old, and her loving spirit never gave up on the closed-off, difficult boy that he was. Now thirty, he still battles with distancing himself from others— a childhood defense to abuse and neglect— from living inside his head too much, and he hasn’t found the lover he yearns for. He sees Calvin and Danny so happy in their lives with their partners (who get very short shrift in the story)— and he longs for that kind of connection.
Then, one day, Nicholas shows up at Neverwood asking for Devon’s help. It seems he’s seen a picture of his missing son, Robbie, in an article Devon contributed to about homeless kids in nearby Seattle. Nicholas has been searching for his son for a long, lonely year and is desperate for any clue. Devon responds fairly immediately and offers his help free of charge. I have to add that the three foster brothers’ mission is to turn Neverwood into a kind of shelter for homeless/runaway kids. They see this as giving back to Audrey for all the love she gave them. So, it is fitting that Devon agrees to help Nicholas so quickly. For some reason, he is also quickly attracted to him. That helps.
The author works to weave together this story about runaway kids— the lost year that Nicholas tries to get back by finding Robbie— and Devon’s coming into himself. There is a subplot about a crazy, evil relative with designs on Neverwood for himself, to give the story some tension, but it’s really all about these three men who have a close connection to helping kids in need. Devon’s and Nicholas’ developing feelings, while at times electric, take a back seat to that other important plot point, and to the insistence of Audrey’s ghost into the story. Yet, while the romance is a bit cool for me, and I still feel somewhat “distanced” from Devon, their story is ultimately satisfying at its conclusion. How can you not like these guys and hope the best for them?
This is the latest book in the Secrets of Neverwood series. I was assured that it would work as a stand-alone but I think there was something lost in not having read the other two books first. The relationship between the three brothers is a given, here, and not really delved into— I didn’t feel that I knew them well enough to understand their interaction, and, especially, Devon’s reactions to them. Still, this was an enjoyable read about three young men paying it back. And I do hope to get to those other two books soon.
For this and other great reviews, author interviews, and general fabulousness, visit Love Bytes:
June 23, 2014
Devon McCade has been able to turn his inability, and unwillingness, to emotionally connect to others into a career as a photojournalist, where he can be safe from emotional attachment, protected as he is by the other side of the photo lens – or so he tells himself. When desperate father Nicholas Hardy sees his runaway son, Robbie, who’s been missing for a year, in one of Devon’s photos, he begs for help in locating him. Devon agrees and the two set out to find the missing boy. Along the way attraction leads to attachment and Devon fears his carefully crafted emotional shield won’t be able to protect him from Nicholas’s certain departure from his life once his help is no longer needed.
I found it quite interesting Devon kept thinking he was so detached and “emotionally handicapped”, when it was obvious how big a heart he truly had. He was not immune from the subjects of his assignments any more than he was immune to the anguish in a father’s eyes. Like his foster mother always knew, he has the heart of an adventuresome knight – wanting to seek out the truth and help others. And I worried for that unknowingly soft heart of his. When Nicholas and Devon first get together it feels more like comfort than any real attachment on Nicholas’s part. Nicholas’s first priority is his son, as it should be, but that means his focus is more on that relationship and not really on the budding romantic one he has with Devon.
This book is told completely through Devon’s perspective and I really felt for him the whole time, becoming emotionally invested in his journey to getting the guy. Audrey, the dearly departed foster mother, was also invested, helping in her own ghostly way – although how much of a nightmare would it be to have your mother, no matter how well-meaning or right she may be, meddling in your love life at any given moment, with no expectation of privacy? The addition of Audrey the helpful ghost mom was interesting and I liked the little paranormal touches to the story.
The Lost Year is the third book in the Secrets of Neverwood series. As with most books in a romance series, the book stands on its own, with couples from other books making appearances – in this instance it’s Devon’s two foster brothers, Calvin and Danny, who found love with their respective partners before him. I love romance series for this reason – so much love going around and being able to revisit characters from previous books and seeing them happily settled into domestic bliss.
After having greatly enjoyed this book and the characters within, I can’t wait to get my hands on the first two books in the series.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
I found it quite interesting Devon kept thinking he was so detached and “emotionally handicapped”, when it was obvious how big a heart he truly had. He was not immune from the subjects of his assignments any more than he was immune to the anguish in a father’s eyes. Like his foster mother always knew, he has the heart of an adventuresome knight – wanting to seek out the truth and help others. And I worried for that unknowingly soft heart of his. When Nicholas and Devon first get together it feels more like comfort than any real attachment on Nicholas’s part. Nicholas’s first priority is his son, as it should be, but that means his focus is more on that relationship and not really on the budding romantic one he has with Devon.
This book is told completely through Devon’s perspective and I really felt for him the whole time, becoming emotionally invested in his journey to getting the guy. Audrey, the dearly departed foster mother, was also invested, helping in her own ghostly way – although how much of a nightmare would it be to have your mother, no matter how well-meaning or right she may be, meddling in your love life at any given moment, with no expectation of privacy? The addition of Audrey the helpful ghost mom was interesting and I liked the little paranormal touches to the story.
The Lost Year is the third book in the Secrets of Neverwood series. As with most books in a romance series, the book stands on its own, with couples from other books making appearances – in this instance it’s Devon’s two foster brothers, Calvin and Danny, who found love with their respective partners before him. I love romance series for this reason – so much love going around and being able to revisit characters from previous books and seeing them happily settled into domestic bliss.
After having greatly enjoyed this book and the characters within, I can’t wait to get my hands on the first two books in the series.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
June 4, 2014
Note that this is the 3rd story in the anthology, not the 1st as listed Goodreads. If you want to read the Neverwood stories in order, and get the full experience of them all, start with One Door Closes, then read The Growing Season (listed correctly on here), and then read where Libby Drew brings it all home in The Lost Year.
Full review of all three stories in the Secrets of Neverwood anthology can be found at -
In The Lost Year we have Devon's story. Devon is one of three former foster brothers to inherit Neverwood, the large home of their late foster mother, Audrey. The other two are Calvin and Danny. The brothers were never close as children and, as adults, only have Neverwood in common.
Devon is my kind of man. I have to throw that out there early.
“He wears glasses.”
Cal tilted his head, considering, as though Devon were a challenging Soduku puzzle.
“Glasses,” Devon repeated, then pressed his fingers against his eyelids. “Why did he have to wear glasses?”
I am so there with Devon on that one. I adore men who wear glasses. He also drives a motorcycle. I was hooked on him two stories back. *grin*
Of all the foster children Audrey had taken in over the years, Devon was the only one who broke her heart. He was forced at a very early age to keep his emotions at bay and this carried over to the woman who would become the closest thing to a mother he ever had.
A photojournalist, Devon travels all over the world taking photographs. When he comes home after a particularly difficult assignment, he is met by Nicholas. Nicholas' son (Robbie) ran away a year before and Nicholas has put his life on hold in order to search for him. When he sees a blurry photo of his son in a publication, he knows he must find the photographer and ask for help. That photographer, of course, is Devon. At first Devon balks, but it doesn't take long before he and Nicholas are revisiting places Devon had photographed, and seeking information about the teen. Along the way, Devon and Nicholas come together, but what happens when/if Robbie is found? Then there is the fact that Danny and Calvin aren't that thrilled over Devon helping Nicholas (the reasons are listed in the story) and this makes it difficult for Devon to not only do the right thing by Nicholas and Robbie, but to keep harmony with his brothers, who he is slowly getting close to.
It takes a lot for Devon to learn to open up - and to show emotions and actually allow himself to feel. It's beautiful when it finally happens.
Eric Angus, a very influential person in the community, has secrets of his own and he's fighting to have Neverwood taken away from Devon and his brothers. I love the resolution of that particular part of the story.
This is a great addition to an excellent anthology. While this can most definitely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading all three of the stories so that you can watch each foster brother as they not only find love, but are brought together as brothers to save the home their mother loved so dearly. Throw in Audrey, who in death is still trying to be there for her boys, and you get an outstanding story. Libby Drew brought everything together brilliantly in The Lost Year.
Highly recommended.
Secrets of Neverwood, the full anthology, was provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review of all three stories in the Secrets of Neverwood anthology can be found at -
In The Lost Year we have Devon's story. Devon is one of three former foster brothers to inherit Neverwood, the large home of their late foster mother, Audrey. The other two are Calvin and Danny. The brothers were never close as children and, as adults, only have Neverwood in common.
Devon is my kind of man. I have to throw that out there early.
“He wears glasses.”
Cal tilted his head, considering, as though Devon were a challenging Soduku puzzle.
“Glasses,” Devon repeated, then pressed his fingers against his eyelids. “Why did he have to wear glasses?”
I am so there with Devon on that one. I adore men who wear glasses. He also drives a motorcycle. I was hooked on him two stories back. *grin*
Of all the foster children Audrey had taken in over the years, Devon was the only one who broke her heart. He was forced at a very early age to keep his emotions at bay and this carried over to the woman who would become the closest thing to a mother he ever had.
A photojournalist, Devon travels all over the world taking photographs. When he comes home after a particularly difficult assignment, he is met by Nicholas. Nicholas' son (Robbie) ran away a year before and Nicholas has put his life on hold in order to search for him. When he sees a blurry photo of his son in a publication, he knows he must find the photographer and ask for help. That photographer, of course, is Devon. At first Devon balks, but it doesn't take long before he and Nicholas are revisiting places Devon had photographed, and seeking information about the teen. Along the way, Devon and Nicholas come together, but what happens when/if Robbie is found? Then there is the fact that Danny and Calvin aren't that thrilled over Devon helping Nicholas (the reasons are listed in the story) and this makes it difficult for Devon to not only do the right thing by Nicholas and Robbie, but to keep harmony with his brothers, who he is slowly getting close to.
It takes a lot for Devon to learn to open up - and to show emotions and actually allow himself to feel. It's beautiful when it finally happens.
Eric Angus, a very influential person in the community, has secrets of his own and he's fighting to have Neverwood taken away from Devon and his brothers. I love the resolution of that particular part of the story.
This is a great addition to an excellent anthology. While this can most definitely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading all three of the stories so that you can watch each foster brother as they not only find love, but are brought together as brothers to save the home their mother loved so dearly. Throw in Audrey, who in death is still trying to be there for her boys, and you get an outstanding story. Libby Drew brought everything together brilliantly in The Lost Year.
Highly recommended.
Secrets of Neverwood, the full anthology, was provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 5, 2014
Good book though I didn't understand what made Nicholas so irresistible to the aloof and emotionally remote Devon.
Read
August 20, 2014This book was reviewed by Love Bytes Reviews!
July 17, 2014
This was a very enjoyable conclusion to the Neverwood series, and without a doubt my favorite of the three stories. :)
November 4, 2017
This was a great addition to the series. I loved Devon and Nicholas and their hard fought HEA was well deserved. The only reservation I had with this story was the ending. I feel like I've been left hanging even though it didn't have the traditional cliffhanger.
Even though I had to give
the first book in this series a lower rating (reasons given in its review) as a whole this is a really great and is well worth the read. 
January 12, 2015
When I requested a review copy of The Lost Year on Netgalley I had no idea that it was the third book about Neverwood. However, the reason I ignored my usual book series OCD was that Calvin and Danny’s stories are written by separate authors and each book stands alone. Whilst Libby Drew does a fantastic job at filling in the Neverwood history for her reader, I also felt that I was missing the meaning behind certain interactions between the brothers and I now plan to read the three books together.
I honestly felt there was a slim chance that the three men would all be homosexual, yet this did not ruin my enjoyment of the novel in any way. If anything it added to my interest about the characters and their backgrounds.
In The Lost Year Libby Drew is able to balance the separate family dramas with the supernatural occurrences and the mystery of the house. I liked how the three plot threads came together, meaning that eventually the characters share deeper connections than before.
This book is Devon’s story, who is the self-confessed emotionally detached brother. He returns to Neverwood during its renovation, after a particularly hard assignment and his exhaustion is obvious. There is remaining tension between him, Calvin and Danny which is made worse when he agrees to help a stranger find his son. It is during this task and his emerging friendship with Nicholas that we watch a softer side of Devon surface and he begins to adjust to his new role as one of the Neverwood caretakers.
Although Libby Drew makes no attempt to disguise Devon’s initial attraction for Nicholas, their romance grows out of a need for comfort. Theirs is not an easy romance and the difficulties they face are namely Robbie, Calvin and Danny, yet this is a couple we long to see have their happy ending.
The fact that Audrey’s ghost has such an important part in this story did not unsettle me, in fact I think her presence adds to the change we see in Devon’s character. Not only does Audrey continue to protect her home and her sons, but she continues to have influence over Devon’s decisions and I think this is one of the reasons we see a turnaround in his self-esteem.
The Lost Year is a great story in which each character plays an important role and it is a book I would recommend to fans of M/M romances.
I honestly felt there was a slim chance that the three men would all be homosexual, yet this did not ruin my enjoyment of the novel in any way. If anything it added to my interest about the characters and their backgrounds.
In The Lost Year Libby Drew is able to balance the separate family dramas with the supernatural occurrences and the mystery of the house. I liked how the three plot threads came together, meaning that eventually the characters share deeper connections than before.
This book is Devon’s story, who is the self-confessed emotionally detached brother. He returns to Neverwood during its renovation, after a particularly hard assignment and his exhaustion is obvious. There is remaining tension between him, Calvin and Danny which is made worse when he agrees to help a stranger find his son. It is during this task and his emerging friendship with Nicholas that we watch a softer side of Devon surface and he begins to adjust to his new role as one of the Neverwood caretakers.
Although Libby Drew makes no attempt to disguise Devon’s initial attraction for Nicholas, their romance grows out of a need for comfort. Theirs is not an easy romance and the difficulties they face are namely Robbie, Calvin and Danny, yet this is a couple we long to see have their happy ending.
The fact that Audrey’s ghost has such an important part in this story did not unsettle me, in fact I think her presence adds to the change we see in Devon’s character. Not only does Audrey continue to protect her home and her sons, but she continues to have influence over Devon’s decisions and I think this is one of the reasons we see a turnaround in his self-esteem.
The Lost Year is a great story in which each character plays an important role and it is a book I would recommend to fans of M/M romances.
June 30, 2014
I received The Lost Year in exchange for a fair and honest review.
4 1/2… oh, what the heck... this one deserves a 5 too. ;)
Ironically, two authors in the Secrets of Neverwood collaboration were my introduction to M/M romance. Diana Copland was the first, and Libby Drew’s 40 Souls to Keep was the second. The first few that I chose had a paranormal aspect. Since PNR is my favorite romance genre, it made perfect sense to start there. Since then I’ve definitely broadened my scope and added a lot of M/M Romance authors to my ‘auto read’ list. The Lost Year has put this author back on my reading radar.
I honestly looked forward to Devon’s story from the beginning and The Lost Year was definitely worth the wait. I loved this guy. He was a huge support to his brothers, even though he didn’t see himself that way. I loved his interactions with Danny and the quiet way that he was just ‘there’ whenever he needed to be. It was no surprise to me at all when he offered to help Nicholas. That’s just who Devon was.
The connection between Devon and Nicholas was intense. Nicholas had given up everything for his son and he needed something to hold on to. Devon had kept everyone at a distance, but he couldn’t keep himself from opening up to Nicholas.
Even though Nicholas and Devon were at the center of The Lost Year, at lot more went on in this story. I think what I liked most about this entire boxed set was the way previous characters developed with each story. Each author kept the characters true to themselves, but another dimension was added with each story. Cal became more sure of himself and his connection to his brothers, Danny realized how much he had to offer (I loved the way he handled Robbie) and he actually became the lovable little brother. Devon opened up a little bit more with each story as well. I also loved the way that Aubrey ‘communicated’ with each of the brothers differently.
The Lost Year ended this compilation well, but things were left kind of open ended at the end. I can only hope that means that the collaboration between these three authors isn’t over. I definitely want more from Cal, Will, Danny, Sam, Devon, Nicholas, Robbie, Aubrey and Neverwood.
4 1/2… oh, what the heck... this one deserves a 5 too. ;)
Ironically, two authors in the Secrets of Neverwood collaboration were my introduction to M/M romance. Diana Copland was the first, and Libby Drew’s 40 Souls to Keep was the second. The first few that I chose had a paranormal aspect. Since PNR is my favorite romance genre, it made perfect sense to start there. Since then I’ve definitely broadened my scope and added a lot of M/M Romance authors to my ‘auto read’ list. The Lost Year has put this author back on my reading radar.
I honestly looked forward to Devon’s story from the beginning and The Lost Year was definitely worth the wait. I loved this guy. He was a huge support to his brothers, even though he didn’t see himself that way. I loved his interactions with Danny and the quiet way that he was just ‘there’ whenever he needed to be. It was no surprise to me at all when he offered to help Nicholas. That’s just who Devon was.
The connection between Devon and Nicholas was intense. Nicholas had given up everything for his son and he needed something to hold on to. Devon had kept everyone at a distance, but he couldn’t keep himself from opening up to Nicholas.
Even though Nicholas and Devon were at the center of The Lost Year, at lot more went on in this story. I think what I liked most about this entire boxed set was the way previous characters developed with each story. Each author kept the characters true to themselves, but another dimension was added with each story. Cal became more sure of himself and his connection to his brothers, Danny realized how much he had to offer (I loved the way he handled Robbie) and he actually became the lovable little brother. Devon opened up a little bit more with each story as well. I also loved the way that Aubrey ‘communicated’ with each of the brothers differently.
The Lost Year ended this compilation well, but things were left kind of open ended at the end. I can only hope that means that the collaboration between these three authors isn’t over. I definitely want more from Cal, Will, Danny, Sam, Devon, Nicholas, Robbie, Aubrey and Neverwood.
June 27, 2014
4.5 stars.
The Secrets of Neverwood anthology concludes with Libby Drew's The Lost Year. Devon McCade is the oldest foster brother and he is definitely the most enigmatic of the three. Although he kept in touch with Audrey over the years through letters, he never returned to Neverwood after he left. While Devon is behind the renovation 100 percent, his career as a photojournalist requires frequently travel. Returning home after his most recent assignment, Nicholas Hardy asks for Devon's help in locating his runaway son, Robbie.
The Lost Year is a little different than the other stories in the anthology since some of Devon's story takes place away from Neverwood. He and Nicholas form a close bond during their search for Robbie, but both view their relationship as short term. Surprisingly, although he tends to be emotionally distant, Devon falls hard for Nicholas but he remains very wary of opening up and letting Nicholas completely into his life.
Like his foster brothers, Devon is still struggling to put his painful past behind him. He was one of Audrey's first (and most difficult) foster children and she felt his loss the most keenly. The reasons behind his behavior and departure are deeply rooted in his dysfunctional childhood and it explains much about Devon, including his career choice. While his relationship with his brothers is much improved, the fact that he is not at Neverwood full time is still cause for uncertainty and they are very wary of his involvement with Nicholas and Robbie.
As with The Growing Season, the paranormal portion of the storyline is much more pronounced in The Lost Year. Each of the brothers experiences their encounters with Audrey's ghost differently and her role in the storyline increases along with their fight to keep Neverwood out of the hands of an unscrupulous developer. The conclusion of this story arc is rather dramatic and extremely satisfying!
The Lost Year by Libby Drew is a marvelous conclusion to the Secrets of Neverwood anthology. It is well worth the wait to uncover all of Devon's longheld secrets but it is watching him fall in love that is so incredibly gratifying.
The Secrets of Neverwood anthology concludes with Libby Drew's The Lost Year. Devon McCade is the oldest foster brother and he is definitely the most enigmatic of the three. Although he kept in touch with Audrey over the years through letters, he never returned to Neverwood after he left. While Devon is behind the renovation 100 percent, his career as a photojournalist requires frequently travel. Returning home after his most recent assignment, Nicholas Hardy asks for Devon's help in locating his runaway son, Robbie.
The Lost Year is a little different than the other stories in the anthology since some of Devon's story takes place away from Neverwood. He and Nicholas form a close bond during their search for Robbie, but both view their relationship as short term. Surprisingly, although he tends to be emotionally distant, Devon falls hard for Nicholas but he remains very wary of opening up and letting Nicholas completely into his life.
Like his foster brothers, Devon is still struggling to put his painful past behind him. He was one of Audrey's first (and most difficult) foster children and she felt his loss the most keenly. The reasons behind his behavior and departure are deeply rooted in his dysfunctional childhood and it explains much about Devon, including his career choice. While his relationship with his brothers is much improved, the fact that he is not at Neverwood full time is still cause for uncertainty and they are very wary of his involvement with Nicholas and Robbie.
As with The Growing Season, the paranormal portion of the storyline is much more pronounced in The Lost Year. Each of the brothers experiences their encounters with Audrey's ghost differently and her role in the storyline increases along with their fight to keep Neverwood out of the hands of an unscrupulous developer. The conclusion of this story arc is rather dramatic and extremely satisfying!
The Lost Year by Libby Drew is a marvelous conclusion to the Secrets of Neverwood anthology. It is well worth the wait to uncover all of Devon's longheld secrets but it is watching him fall in love that is so incredibly gratifying.
July 7, 2014
I loved this story…absolutely loved it!
The Lost Year is the third and final story of the Secrets of Neverwood anthology. The anthology tells the stories of three foster brothers who are brought back together after the death of their foster mother Audrey. The Lost Year is about Devon, the oldest brother of the three, who finds his HEA with Nicholas, a man who comes to Devon enlisting his help to find his runaway son.
Like I already said, I LOVED THIS STORY! And stayed up all night reading it.
I loved all the sexual tension between Devon and Nicholas. The whole is-he-or-isn’t-he-gay trope really works for me. Plus, Devon’s little glasses kink was hot. They both drove me crazy with not being able to admit what that wanted…stubborn men! But everything works out in the end.
I loved the suspense. I wasn’t sure if Devon and Nicholas would be able to find Robbie, but I think their search process was believable even though the likelihood that they would have found him would have been extremely slim.
I loved the brothers…Cal and Danny. And even though they treated Nicholas horribly, I understand they were only looking out for Devon…and themselves. Trust doesn’t come easy to any of them.
I loved Audrey. She gets a little wild there in the end and I was biting my nails like crazy throughout the big danger scene. I think her “presence” was really well done and only slightly creepy.
Since this is the only story of the anthology that I read (and likely to be the only one I read) I think I missed a bit of the crazy relative plot. But I’m fine with that and happy that I am able to know how it all ends.
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
The Lost Year is the third and final story of the Secrets of Neverwood anthology. The anthology tells the stories of three foster brothers who are brought back together after the death of their foster mother Audrey. The Lost Year is about Devon, the oldest brother of the three, who finds his HEA with Nicholas, a man who comes to Devon enlisting his help to find his runaway son.
Like I already said, I LOVED THIS STORY! And stayed up all night reading it.
I loved all the sexual tension between Devon and Nicholas. The whole is-he-or-isn’t-he-gay trope really works for me. Plus, Devon’s little glasses kink was hot. They both drove me crazy with not being able to admit what that wanted…stubborn men! But everything works out in the end.
I loved the suspense. I wasn’t sure if Devon and Nicholas would be able to find Robbie, but I think their search process was believable even though the likelihood that they would have found him would have been extremely slim.
I loved the brothers…Cal and Danny. And even though they treated Nicholas horribly, I understand they were only looking out for Devon…and themselves. Trust doesn’t come easy to any of them.
I loved Audrey. She gets a little wild there in the end and I was biting my nails like crazy throughout the big danger scene. I think her “presence” was really well done and only slightly creepy.
Since this is the only story of the anthology that I read (and likely to be the only one I read) I think I missed a bit of the crazy relative plot. But I’m fine with that and happy that I am able to know how it all ends.
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
June 24, 2014
Devon McCade returns to Neverwood for the first time in a long time. Although he remember the time spent with Audrey fondly, he still has issues with hte reason why he ended up in Neverwood in the first place.
Now that he is working closely with his foster brothers in restoring Neverwood to the place it once was he feels the urge to keep on with Audrey's work of providing others with a safe place to land.
It is through Devon's work as a photojournalist that Nicholas Hardy arrives at Neverwood. Faced with the responsibility of helping Nicholas find his missing son and knowing the chances of finding him and the risk if the search, Devon's old uncertainties and forgotten feelings come to the surface.
This was my favorite story of the three.
I found Devon to be a complex character from the very first story, so to have the chance to see him unravel was a treat for me. I loved his conflicted emotions and how deeply he felt each one of them. Out of the three foster brothers I think he was the one who had the most growth and who truly needed Audrey's presence to move forward with his life.
My only complaint would be that it felt too much like insta-love between Nicholas and Devon, but after considering how deeply affected Devon was by Nicholas and the presence of Nicholas hesitation I came to overlook it easily.
This time around the main conflict reached its highest peak and was finally resolved. The resolution to the plot was well written providing answers to important questions while still allowing the reader to see how far the brothers have come since the first day they arrived at Neverwood.
All in all, a wonderful conclusion to the anthology that provided the chance to two individuals to find each other amongst a difficult situation.
Now that he is working closely with his foster brothers in restoring Neverwood to the place it once was he feels the urge to keep on with Audrey's work of providing others with a safe place to land.
It is through Devon's work as a photojournalist that Nicholas Hardy arrives at Neverwood. Faced with the responsibility of helping Nicholas find his missing son and knowing the chances of finding him and the risk if the search, Devon's old uncertainties and forgotten feelings come to the surface.
This was my favorite story of the three.
I found Devon to be a complex character from the very first story, so to have the chance to see him unravel was a treat for me. I loved his conflicted emotions and how deeply he felt each one of them. Out of the three foster brothers I think he was the one who had the most growth and who truly needed Audrey's presence to move forward with his life.
My only complaint would be that it felt too much like insta-love between Nicholas and Devon, but after considering how deeply affected Devon was by Nicholas and the presence of Nicholas hesitation I came to overlook it easily.
This time around the main conflict reached its highest peak and was finally resolved. The resolution to the plot was well written providing answers to important questions while still allowing the reader to see how far the brothers have come since the first day they arrived at Neverwood.
All in all, a wonderful conclusion to the anthology that provided the chance to two individuals to find each other amongst a difficult situation.
June 30, 2014
My Rating: A-
My Review:
Reading through the series, Devon has seemed the most well-adjusted of the three men. He was the oldest and one of the first boys to come through Audrey's house. But looks can hide a lot. Like all the boys who came through, Devon had issues and Audrey saw them. He couldn't handle that and left, never to come back, which broke her heart. He couldn't handle the emotions she made him feel. He didn't want to love her...or anyone.
As an adult, Devon has spent his life dealing with incredibly emotional things with the wall of his camera between him and them so that he doesn't have to feel. But when a desperate father shows up needing help to find one of the kids in his photos, it's hard for Devon to maintain that distance, especially as exhaustion and frustration wear down his defenses.
There was so much to like about this story. I loved the "images" of what Devon does with his camera. I also really liked his strength that he showed to do what he did. The entire story line about Nicholas and his son worked for me....and made my heart hurt for those runaways that live like that on a daily basis. I loved the way that this one ended with Audrey's ghost and the single call that happened at the end...perfect way to end the series. What these men have built with this house is wonderful and I know it's probably not going to happen, but I'd love to see more stories from the house. I'd love to know what happens with Glenna, Tag, and Wes...and even Robbie...the kids that we got to know through the series.
Overall, I am so glad I chose to pick this one up for review. It's an excellent series and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
My Review:
Reading through the series, Devon has seemed the most well-adjusted of the three men. He was the oldest and one of the first boys to come through Audrey's house. But looks can hide a lot. Like all the boys who came through, Devon had issues and Audrey saw them. He couldn't handle that and left, never to come back, which broke her heart. He couldn't handle the emotions she made him feel. He didn't want to love her...or anyone.
As an adult, Devon has spent his life dealing with incredibly emotional things with the wall of his camera between him and them so that he doesn't have to feel. But when a desperate father shows up needing help to find one of the kids in his photos, it's hard for Devon to maintain that distance, especially as exhaustion and frustration wear down his defenses.
There was so much to like about this story. I loved the "images" of what Devon does with his camera. I also really liked his strength that he showed to do what he did. The entire story line about Nicholas and his son worked for me....and made my heart hurt for those runaways that live like that on a daily basis. I loved the way that this one ended with Audrey's ghost and the single call that happened at the end...perfect way to end the series. What these men have built with this house is wonderful and I know it's probably not going to happen, but I'd love to see more stories from the house. I'd love to know what happens with Glenna, Tag, and Wes...and even Robbie...the kids that we got to know through the series.
Overall, I am so glad I chose to pick this one up for review. It's an excellent series and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 2, 2014
Neverwood is doing what it has always done, welcoming people to come live there with open arms. The three brothers who returned have added new family members into the fold. In hopes fulfilling Audrey’s wishes Calvin, Danny, and Devon are doing everything they can to reopen the doors of Neverwood to once again be the safe haven foster home that they grew up in.
From the beginning of the Secrets of Neverwood I’ve been so curious about Devon. He was one of Audrey’s first boys. I can only image the unexpected complications that would arise with the first. It was an unfamiliar venture for Audrey. It would also have been something scary and new for a young Devon. Sadly that is about as interesting as Devon got for me.
Nicholas approaches Devon about some photos he took on an assignment. Nicholas is looking for his son and Devon has photographed him living on the streets. From there they embark on a mission to find Robbie and bring him home. There is not much romantic buildup. Devon and Nicholas fall into bed and eventually a convenient relationship. I really did need a little more romance with The Lost Year.
I did enjoy the story that surrounds Devon and Nichols. I’ve enjoyed my time spent within the walls of Neverwood. I really did need a little more romance with The Lost Year. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of page time with Audrey. She is the bond that has brought these men together, she is the foundation that has held Neverwood together, and she is the gift that will keep young boys in need of sanctuary coming to Neverwood.
From the beginning of the Secrets of Neverwood I’ve been so curious about Devon. He was one of Audrey’s first boys. I can only image the unexpected complications that would arise with the first. It was an unfamiliar venture for Audrey. It would also have been something scary and new for a young Devon. Sadly that is about as interesting as Devon got for me.
Nicholas approaches Devon about some photos he took on an assignment. Nicholas is looking for his son and Devon has photographed him living on the streets. From there they embark on a mission to find Robbie and bring him home. There is not much romantic buildup. Devon and Nicholas fall into bed and eventually a convenient relationship. I really did need a little more romance with The Lost Year.
I did enjoy the story that surrounds Devon and Nichols. I’ve enjoyed my time spent within the walls of Neverwood. I really did need a little more romance with The Lost Year. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of page time with Audrey. She is the bond that has brought these men together, she is the foundation that has held Neverwood together, and she is the gift that will keep young boys in need of sanctuary coming to Neverwood.
July 8, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The Lost Year is one of three books that are part of the Secrets of Neverwood anthology. Each story is available both as a standalone book, as well as as part of the larger anthology. The anthology has a really interesting premise in that all three stories feature one of three foster brothers, men who are brought back together upon the death of their foster mother. They agree to take on Audrey’s last wishes, that of reopening her home to needy children. Each of the stories focuses on one brother, and the The Lost Year is the last one, wrapping up both Devon’s story as well as the larger plot arc across the anthology. I read only this final story in the anthology, which means to some degree I was jumping in at the middle. However, since the books are sold as standalones as well as a set, it seems reasonable to assume the book should be able to be read and evaluated on its own, so that is what I am doing here.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The Lost Year is one of three books that are part of the Secrets of Neverwood anthology. Each story is available both as a standalone book, as well as as part of the larger anthology. The anthology has a really interesting premise in that all three stories feature one of three foster brothers, men who are brought back together upon the death of their foster mother. They agree to take on Audrey’s last wishes, that of reopening her home to needy children. Each of the stories focuses on one brother, and the The Lost Year is the last one, wrapping up both Devon’s story as well as the larger plot arc across the anthology. I read only this final story in the anthology, which means to some degree I was jumping in at the middle. However, since the books are sold as standalones as well as a set, it seems reasonable to assume the book should be able to be read and evaluated on its own, so that is what I am doing here.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
January 4, 2016
4.5*
The final story in the trilogy is about the oldest brother, Devon. One of Audrey’s first, and more troubled, foster children, he left Neverwood when he turned 18 and never looked back. He has traveled the world as a photojournalist and has seen some true horrors. By the time The Lost Year starts, he has been back at Neverwood and bonding with his brothers for months. Devon is aloof, almost cold. He has used that trait in his work and is happy alone. That is until Nicholas shows up in his life, desperate and close to the end of his rope.
In this installment, we see Devon slowly soften the wall around his heart. We see the brothers move forward to become the men that will carry on the work of their mother. We see things come full circle. We see Angus finally getting his due. We see some seriously cool paranormal activity. The Lost Year is a worthy, well written, end to this fabulous anthology.
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
The final story in the trilogy is about the oldest brother, Devon. One of Audrey’s first, and more troubled, foster children, he left Neverwood when he turned 18 and never looked back. He has traveled the world as a photojournalist and has seen some true horrors. By the time The Lost Year starts, he has been back at Neverwood and bonding with his brothers for months. Devon is aloof, almost cold. He has used that trait in his work and is happy alone. That is until Nicholas shows up in his life, desperate and close to the end of his rope.
In this installment, we see Devon slowly soften the wall around his heart. We see the brothers move forward to become the men that will carry on the work of their mother. We see things come full circle. We see Angus finally getting his due. We see some seriously cool paranormal activity. The Lost Year is a worthy, well written, end to this fabulous anthology.
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
July 14, 2014
All I'm going to say is I absolutely loved this Trilogy.
This book was just as good as the other Two and gave me lots to think about! It's not your typical m/m read, but a book about realising family comes in many different ways and learning to trust can open many doors including your heart!
Highly recommended!
This book was just as good as the other Two and gave me lots to think about! It's not your typical m/m read, but a book about realising family comes in many different ways and learning to trust can open many doors including your heart!
Highly recommended!
January 6, 2016
buon finale di serie ma non il migliore,forse troppa aspettativa hanno smorzato l'entusiasmo.
la virata decisamente fantasy del finale non l'ho gradita molto:peccato la coppia protagonista non è male come anche la storia.
la virata decisamente fantasy del finale non l'ho gradita molto:peccato la coppia protagonista non è male come anche la storia.
May 27, 2016
A great ending to the Secrets of Neverwood series. I wondered about Devon being too hard to open up, but he and Nicholas, as well as Robbie, got the happy ending the deserved.
June 30, 2014
This was a nice story but I think it lacked a bit in the romance department. I liked Devon a lot though. There is also a ghost and I don't love ghosts (but I knew that going in)
Review coming...
Review coming...
March 2, 2016
I want to read Wes story
February 8, 2016
Didn't really feel like I got to know much about Nicholas, but I loved Robbie. Nicely done.
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