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Duty and Desire
An island escape.
A stranger with secrets.
A love that could change everything.
Burned out and creatively blocked, I flee to a friend’s bungalow on the sun-drenched shores of Bora-Bora. I’m chasing peace, inspiration…
What I don’t expect is him.
Nick is quiet, intense, devastatingly handsome—and completely unreadable. There’s something about him, something just beneath the surface. We collide like a storm and fall fast into something wild and breathless. Days blur into nights filled with laughter, longing, and kisses that taste like forever.
But paradise is never what it seems.
Because Nick isn’t just any man hiding out in paradise. He’s trying to outrun his destiny, and that world is about to drag him back.
When he disappears without warning, I’m left with a heart in pieces.
When I learn the truth, I’m left with a choice: walk away, or fight for a love Nick’s world says I can’t have.
Nick was never supposed to fall in love.
I was never supposed to find out who he really is.
But fate doesn't follow rules—and neither does love.
A stranger with secrets.
A love that could change everything.
Burned out and creatively blocked, I flee to a friend’s bungalow on the sun-drenched shores of Bora-Bora. I’m chasing peace, inspiration…
What I don’t expect is him.
Nick is quiet, intense, devastatingly handsome—and completely unreadable. There’s something about him, something just beneath the surface. We collide like a storm and fall fast into something wild and breathless. Days blur into nights filled with laughter, longing, and kisses that taste like forever.
But paradise is never what it seems.
Because Nick isn’t just any man hiding out in paradise. He’s trying to outrun his destiny, and that world is about to drag him back.
When he disappears without warning, I’m left with a heart in pieces.
When I learn the truth, I’m left with a choice: walk away, or fight for a love Nick’s world says I can’t have.
Nick was never supposed to fall in love.
I was never supposed to find out who he really is.
But fate doesn't follow rules—and neither does love.
Unknown Binding
First published June 6, 2025
54 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
161 books1,859 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
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June 6, 2025At the end of 2024, and the first month of 2025, I'd been working on the final books in two different series - Lions & Tigers & Bears, and Second Sight. Now, while they are very different - shifter battles between good and evil vs serial killer being sought by a detective and his psychic partner - they did have one thing in common.
They were both kind of... dark. Heavy. Angsty.
Then 2025 really got into its swing, and heavy was the last kind of book I wanted to be writing.
My feel-good film of 2024? Red, White & Royal Blue. That film made me smile, every time I watched it.
And so a seed was sown.
What I told my beta readers?
"I want to write a Hallmark novel, but without the saccharine sweetness."
I wanted an exotic location, and one of my beta readers came up with Bora-Bora, because he's always wanted to go there. He also told me how he saw the cover - and I was sold.
Meredith Russell worked her magic, and Nick and Gio came to life.
Then I made a big decision.
The sex scenes would be different from my usual kind of scenes. Not fade to black, but nothing graphic. I wanted to create steam in a whole new way.
Wow. That was quite the challenge. LOL
But when I'd finished the book, I was more than happy with it.
I asked my ARC readers who was prepared to sign up for a book knowing nothing about it.
About twenty of them said yes.
And their comments blew me away.
Then I did a first for me. I've put together a Special Edition. In fact, they arrive here next week, and I can't wait to see them. If you're going to be at ShiMMer, RARE London, Indie Pride in Manchester, Northern Romance Readers in Toronto, or GLO and RARE in Australia, then you'll get to see this gorgeous book.
They were both kind of... dark. Heavy. Angsty.
Then 2025 really got into its swing, and heavy was the last kind of book I wanted to be writing.
My feel-good film of 2024? Red, White & Royal Blue. That film made me smile, every time I watched it.
And so a seed was sown.
What I told my beta readers?
"I want to write a Hallmark novel, but without the saccharine sweetness."
I wanted an exotic location, and one of my beta readers came up with Bora-Bora, because he's always wanted to go there. He also told me how he saw the cover - and I was sold.
Meredith Russell worked her magic, and Nick and Gio came to life.
Then I made a big decision.
The sex scenes would be different from my usual kind of scenes. Not fade to black, but nothing graphic. I wanted to create steam in a whole new way.
Wow. That was quite the challenge. LOL
But when I'd finished the book, I was more than happy with it.
I asked my ARC readers who was prepared to sign up for a book knowing nothing about it.
About twenty of them said yes.
And their comments blew me away.
Then I did a first for me. I've put together a Special Edition. In fact, they arrive here next week, and I can't wait to see them. If you're going to be at ShiMMer, RARE London, Indie Pride in Manchester, Northern Romance Readers in Toronto, or GLO and RARE in Australia, then you'll get to see this gorgeous book.
June 18, 2025
Suspend disbelief all ye who enter...
Seriously, this story isn't realistic at all, but its characters sure were. It's been a minute since I've last read a KC Wells book, and I'd sort of forgotten how well this author can write sensual scenes without them needing to be explicit, and how well she can convey emotions with her words.
Very enjoyable!
Seriously, this story isn't realistic at all, but its characters sure were. It's been a minute since I've last read a KC Wells book, and I'd sort of forgotten how well this author can write sensual scenes without them needing to be explicit, and how well she can convey emotions with her words.
Very enjoyable!
Read
May 11, 2025DNF. Time of Death – 57%
When I picked up Duty and Desire for review, there was no mention that it was a Royal romance – I don’t like them as a rule and wouldn’t have requested this one had I known. I only found out when I saw the book title on Goodreads given as Duty and Desire: A sweet, feel-good, swoonworthy Royal MM romance – and thought “bugger”. The author spends half the book keeping the fact that one of the MCs is a prince under wraps – they must’ve done that for a reason and yet here we are with a massive spoiler right in the title. Good job. (Not.)
But I had a review copy and so thought I’d give it a go; maybe the book would turn out better than I hoped. It starts well. Gio, a burned-out writer is offered a free, four month stay on Bora-Bora by a close friend, and accepts in the hope of getting the creative juices flowing again; Nick, twelve years younger, does a bit of everything on the island – tour guiding, bar-tending etc. – and Gio is intrigued when he learns that even though Nick has lived on the island for a few years, he’s still a bit of a mystery. Thinking about the reasons why Nick might be so enigmatic cranks Gio’s writerly brain into gear, and just for a bit of practice, he starts writing a few scenarios – he’s in witness protection, he’s a spy, he’s on the run from an abusive family or ex…
Gio is attracted to Nick and wants to spend time with him and get to know him; first he hires Nick to take him on a boat trip around the island, then to go on a hike, after which he asks Nick out for a drink. Things progress naturally from there, and the two men grow closer, despite the hints that Nick is not what he seems.
The guys are cute together, but I was losing interest by around a quarter of the way through. The descriptions of the locations and the food are interesting and well done, but they’re both so bland and so nice and the chemistry between them is so lacklustre, I’d had enough. I kept reading for a bit longer though, because I wanted to find out what would happen when Gio finds out the truth, which happens at the halfway point in dramatic fashion; Franz (Nick's bodyguard) tells Nick his father and brother are dead and that he needs to leave at once and go back to Eisenland (really?) and he can’t call Gio to let him know. So off he goes, leaving a worried Gio behind to find out who Nick really is from some photos on Facebook.
The rest of the story – I skimmed – is a plotline from the 1980s, wherein Nick has to marry a woman he doesn’t love for the sake of the country (that is deeply anti-LGBTQ+) and Gio must save him from ruining his life and… it was all so earnest and teachy in places, that I just gave up. I didn’t care about the characters or the story – and, quite frankly, I was bored.
I don’t DNF often, but I’ve just had a great run of excellent reads, and this was so poor and simplistic by comparison that I simply couldn’t finish it.
When I picked up Duty and Desire for review, there was no mention that it was a Royal romance – I don’t like them as a rule and wouldn’t have requested this one had I known. I only found out when I saw the book title on Goodreads given as Duty and Desire: A sweet, feel-good, swoonworthy Royal MM romance – and thought “bugger”. The author spends half the book keeping the fact that one of the MCs is a prince under wraps – they must’ve done that for a reason and yet here we are with a massive spoiler right in the title. Good job. (Not.)
But I had a review copy and so thought I’d give it a go; maybe the book would turn out better than I hoped. It starts well. Gio, a burned-out writer is offered a free, four month stay on Bora-Bora by a close friend, and accepts in the hope of getting the creative juices flowing again; Nick, twelve years younger, does a bit of everything on the island – tour guiding, bar-tending etc. – and Gio is intrigued when he learns that even though Nick has lived on the island for a few years, he’s still a bit of a mystery. Thinking about the reasons why Nick might be so enigmatic cranks Gio’s writerly brain into gear, and just for a bit of practice, he starts writing a few scenarios – he’s in witness protection, he’s a spy, he’s on the run from an abusive family or ex…
Gio is attracted to Nick and wants to spend time with him and get to know him; first he hires Nick to take him on a boat trip around the island, then to go on a hike, after which he asks Nick out for a drink. Things progress naturally from there, and the two men grow closer, despite the hints that Nick is not what he seems.
The guys are cute together, but I was losing interest by around a quarter of the way through. The descriptions of the locations and the food are interesting and well done, but they’re both so bland and so nice and the chemistry between them is so lacklustre, I’d had enough. I kept reading for a bit longer though, because I wanted to find out what would happen when Gio finds out the truth, which happens at the halfway point in dramatic fashion; Franz (Nick's bodyguard) tells Nick his father and brother are dead and that he needs to leave at once and go back to Eisenland (really?) and he can’t call Gio to let him know. So off he goes, leaving a worried Gio behind to find out who Nick really is from some photos on Facebook.
The rest of the story – I skimmed – is a plotline from the 1980s, wherein Nick has to marry a woman he doesn’t love for the sake of the country (that is deeply anti-LGBTQ+) and Gio must save him from ruining his life and… it was all so earnest and teachy in places, that I just gave up. I didn’t care about the characters or the story – and, quite frankly, I was bored.
I don’t DNF often, but I’ve just had a great run of excellent reads, and this was so poor and simplistic by comparison that I simply couldn’t finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 9, 2025Thanks to GRR for giving me this ARC! Don’t read this review if you don’t want SPOILERS
I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to abandon another ARC. And in the first 50% of the book I didn’t think I would. There are lovely mc’s, there’s a great falling-in-love story, theres no apparent homophobia, there’s some mystery and intrigue…
And then… it all falls apart when the mystery is revealed. Nick is a prince. And not just any prince, no of course he’s a made up prince of a ridiculous made up very homophobic country in Europe, you know where we do have actual kingdoms but also very old existing countries. I hate it when this happens.
Authors, for the love of everything holy, if you make up a country do that somewhere in the ocean. Just a cute little island. Not a place on the map where actual people live.
I don’t know why it bugs me so much but it does. It feels so ignorant. Especially if you make the homophobia your biggest plot. I do not like homophobia. I don’t need it in the real world. And I definitely don’t need it in my romance novels.
Also, if I’m dissecting the book, there were also some plot points I didn’t understand. Mostly about the bodyguard/ stalker who doesn’t want Nick and Gio together and threatens Nick not to see him anymore, but then totally gets on board and helps Gio to get to Nick when he left.
Anyway, I just can’t finish it. DNF at 75%…. No stars, because I don’t want to take the rating down.
I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to abandon another ARC. And in the first 50% of the book I didn’t think I would. There are lovely mc’s, there’s a great falling-in-love story, theres no apparent homophobia, there’s some mystery and intrigue…
And then… it all falls apart when the mystery is revealed. Nick is a prince. And not just any prince, no of course he’s a made up prince of a ridiculous made up very homophobic country in Europe, you know where we do have actual kingdoms but also very old existing countries. I hate it when this happens.
Authors, for the love of everything holy, if you make up a country do that somewhere in the ocean. Just a cute little island. Not a place on the map where actual people live.
I don’t know why it bugs me so much but it does. It feels so ignorant. Especially if you make the homophobia your biggest plot. I do not like homophobia. I don’t need it in the real world. And I definitely don’t need it in my romance novels.
Also, if I’m dissecting the book, there were also some plot points I didn’t understand. Mostly about the bodyguard/ stalker who doesn’t want Nick and Gio together and threatens Nick not to see him anymore, but then totally gets on board and helps Gio to get to Nick when he left.
Anyway, I just can’t finish it. DNF at 75%…. No stars, because I don’t want to take the rating down.
April 20, 2025
Cute!
It was endearing and a little fantastical, but then considering the plot, that’s understandable. Think a queer mash-up of The Princess Diaries, The Christmas Prince, with a touch of Red, White, and Royal Blue.
“I thought love had passed me by, but suddenly there you were, showing me the kind of love that made the world feel different, that made the ordinary seem extraordinary. I’ll write our story every day, and I’ll write every word with love.”
Their relationship starts off a little rocky, then they fall in love. Then duty comes between them, and desire to love each other overcomes their obstacles.
I did find the love scenes in the first half to be a little naive, simplistic, and superficial, which meant their love was hard to believe at first, but they grew into it, and it became less cringey to read as the story went on.
I think this was my only criticism. Once I realised my suspicions about Nick were correct, I realised I wasn’t reading a story based on truth, rather something akin to a fairy tale, and I based my opinion on that. I love the above movies, so in turn, I enjoyed this story.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
It was endearing and a little fantastical, but then considering the plot, that’s understandable. Think a queer mash-up of The Princess Diaries, The Christmas Prince, with a touch of Red, White, and Royal Blue.
“I thought love had passed me by, but suddenly there you were, showing me the kind of love that made the world feel different, that made the ordinary seem extraordinary. I’ll write our story every day, and I’ll write every word with love.”
Their relationship starts off a little rocky, then they fall in love. Then duty comes between them, and desire to love each other overcomes their obstacles.
I did find the love scenes in the first half to be a little naive, simplistic, and superficial, which meant their love was hard to believe at first, but they grew into it, and it became less cringey to read as the story went on.
I think this was my only criticism. Once I realised my suspicions about Nick were correct, I realised I wasn’t reading a story based on truth, rather something akin to a fairy tale, and I based my opinion on that. I love the above movies, so in turn, I enjoyed this story.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
April 8, 2025
What a beautiful novel! K.C. Wells builds a gorgeous relationship, and creates the perfect romantic atmosphere, in this wonderful love story Duty and Desire.
Told in alternating points of view, we get to know each of these fascinating men, as Wells skillfully reveals their secrets to us... there are several times in the story I literally could not imagine how they'd ever get their happily ever after. But fans of K.C. Wells know, she'd never do that to us!
Not only does Wells delve into some marvelous family drama, she also shares her message of acceptance and support for LGBT couples in this feel good tale. In addition, Wells takes us to the island paradise of Bora-Bora, and paints a gorgeous picture of this tropical wonderland. Duty and Desire is a feast for the senses and a touching tale for the heart. Fantastic!
an advanced copy of Duty and Desire was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Told in alternating points of view, we get to know each of these fascinating men, as Wells skillfully reveals their secrets to us... there are several times in the story I literally could not imagine how they'd ever get their happily ever after. But fans of K.C. Wells know, she'd never do that to us!
Not only does Wells delve into some marvelous family drama, she also shares her message of acceptance and support for LGBT couples in this feel good tale. In addition, Wells takes us to the island paradise of Bora-Bora, and paints a gorgeous picture of this tropical wonderland. Duty and Desire is a feast for the senses and a touching tale for the heart. Fantastic!
an advanced copy of Duty and Desire was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
June 23, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Ogni volta che leggo una storia di K. C. Wells mi sorprendo per la sua poliedrica inventiva e questo libro me lo conferma: è una dolce e avventurosa storia d’amore che è anche, a tutti gli effetti, una fiaba moderna. Rispetto ai suoi soliti standard è un po’ meno erotica, ma la passione e l’attrazione fra i protagonisti si sentono forti e chiare!
Giovanni “Gio” Colonna è uno scrittore americano in pieno deserto ispirativo e non sa come uscirne. Il fatto che riceva spesso solleciti a produrre dai suoi collaboratori non lo aiuta di certo, perché l’ansia non è mai amica di chi vive di pensieri e parole da inventare.
Anche sul versante amoroso Gio è solo e triste, avendo sempre privilegiato la propria carriera e gli incontri casuali a discapito di una possibile relazione e di un investimento emotivo a lungo termine, ma forse non ha mai neppure incontrato l’uomo giusto, finora.
Un caro amico dei tempi dell’università gli offre la propria casetta a Bora-Bora per alcuni mesi, nei quali, si spera, Gio possa distrarsi, fare cose avventurose e ritrovare la sua musa ispiratrice.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Ogni volta che leggo una storia di K. C. Wells mi sorprendo per la sua poliedrica inventiva e questo libro me lo conferma: è una dolce e avventurosa storia d’amore che è anche, a tutti gli effetti, una fiaba moderna. Rispetto ai suoi soliti standard è un po’ meno erotica, ma la passione e l’attrazione fra i protagonisti si sentono forti e chiare!
Giovanni “Gio” Colonna è uno scrittore americano in pieno deserto ispirativo e non sa come uscirne. Il fatto che riceva spesso solleciti a produrre dai suoi collaboratori non lo aiuta di certo, perché l’ansia non è mai amica di chi vive di pensieri e parole da inventare.
Anche sul versante amoroso Gio è solo e triste, avendo sempre privilegiato la propria carriera e gli incontri casuali a discapito di una possibile relazione e di un investimento emotivo a lungo termine, ma forse non ha mai neppure incontrato l’uomo giusto, finora.
Un caro amico dei tempi dell’università gli offre la propria casetta a Bora-Bora per alcuni mesi, nei quali, si spera, Gio possa distrarsi, fare cose avventurose e ritrovare la sua musa ispiratrice.
Continua sul nostro blog!
June 17, 2025
3.5 stars
June 9, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is an engaging royal romance that combines a vacation fling with a desire to do more and have more. Nick has been convinced that his duty to the crown is at odds with his own personal desires for a fulfilling relationship. He and Gio, through their weeks of intimacy, build a very strong connection that is scary for both men, and heartbreaking when it reaches an untimely end. Because Nick is yanked back to Europe under the most tragic of circumstances and his capacity for self-preservation is low. Gio’s just a mess afterwards, but then he empathizes with Nick’s situation and wants to be a support, however he can. This brings in a caper-like plan to get Nick and Gio reunited in Europe, which helps Nick see that his duty doesn’t actually outweigh his desire, and well, there are more kinds of love than his father or brother approved of, after all.
For readers who like royal romances, I think this one really satisfies. Expect a happy ending for two well-developed characters, and probably a deep hankering for a Bora Bora vacation.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is an engaging royal romance that combines a vacation fling with a desire to do more and have more. Nick has been convinced that his duty to the crown is at odds with his own personal desires for a fulfilling relationship. He and Gio, through their weeks of intimacy, build a very strong connection that is scary for both men, and heartbreaking when it reaches an untimely end. Because Nick is yanked back to Europe under the most tragic of circumstances and his capacity for self-preservation is low. Gio’s just a mess afterwards, but then he empathizes with Nick’s situation and wants to be a support, however he can. This brings in a caper-like plan to get Nick and Gio reunited in Europe, which helps Nick see that his duty doesn’t actually outweigh his desire, and well, there are more kinds of love than his father or brother approved of, after all.
For readers who like royal romances, I think this one really satisfies. Expect a happy ending for two well-developed characters, and probably a deep hankering for a Bora Bora vacation.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
June 8, 2025
I wanted a cute summer read and this was perfect! It's a sweet story, and there was not much angst. I'm not sure how much of a spoiler the "twist" is, so I don't want to mention it just in case, but I went in knowing it (unlike it seems some other people did?) so I knew all along. It's a trope that I particularly like, so I loved it!
June 18, 2025
Gio and Nick
I liked the relationship between Gio and Nick. Slow moving and sweet between them. The story was somewhat predictable when you factor in the secret identity. But it was a good read.
I liked the relationship between Gio and Nick. Slow moving and sweet between them. The story was somewhat predictable when you factor in the secret identity. But it was a good read.
August 9, 2025
Gio et Nick avec un Culomètre à 🍑
Ce qui est bien avec K.C Wells, c'est que ce sont toujours des sorties surprises très appréciables !
Gio est un auteur avec le syndrome de la page blanche. Quand son meilleur ami lui offre un séjour de plusieurs mois sur une île paradisiaque pour retrouver l'inspiration, il ne s'attendait pas à trouver l'amour au passage.
Ici, on comprend très vite que ce sera une romance interdite avec un thème royale, mais ce n'est étonnamment pas dit explicitement dès le début. On prend d'abord le temps de faire la rencontre de Gio, l'écrivain un peu torturé qui se remet en question, puis de Nick, l'homme à tout faire sur l'île, qu'il cache quelque chose.
Entre eux, l'alchimie est immédiate et on le sent très vite. L'autrice nous plonge dans une romance douce met intense à la fois, où on voit d'abord les protagonistes se rapprocher pour créer un lien fort, puis elle fait éclater la vérité après laquelle ils devront faire un choix.
J'ai vraiment passé un excellent moment avec le deux hommes, même si certains choix scénaristiques sont très clichés du bord, on apprécie l'aventure et on espère que tout ira bien pour eux jusqu'à la fin !
Bref, encore une très bonne lecture signée K.C Wells !
Ce qui est bien avec K.C Wells, c'est que ce sont toujours des sorties surprises très appréciables !
Gio est un auteur avec le syndrome de la page blanche. Quand son meilleur ami lui offre un séjour de plusieurs mois sur une île paradisiaque pour retrouver l'inspiration, il ne s'attendait pas à trouver l'amour au passage.
Ici, on comprend très vite que ce sera une romance interdite avec un thème royale, mais ce n'est étonnamment pas dit explicitement dès le début. On prend d'abord le temps de faire la rencontre de Gio, l'écrivain un peu torturé qui se remet en question, puis de Nick, l'homme à tout faire sur l'île, qu'il cache quelque chose.
Entre eux, l'alchimie est immédiate et on le sent très vite. L'autrice nous plonge dans une romance douce met intense à la fois, où on voit d'abord les protagonistes se rapprocher pour créer un lien fort, puis elle fait éclater la vérité après laquelle ils devront faire un choix.
J'ai vraiment passé un excellent moment avec le deux hommes, même si certains choix scénaristiques sont très clichés du bord, on apprécie l'aventure et on espère que tout ira bien pour eux jusqu'à la fin !
Bref, encore une très bonne lecture signée K.C Wells !
June 6, 2025
If you'd like to escape to a magical island for an hour or two, then this story is the one!
Gio is an American author who has total writers block and is struggling with life in general. After confiding in an old friend he is offered the loan of his holiday place on the beautiful island of Bora Bora as repayment for an old debt. At first Gio is hesitant about the trip, but then decides he has nothing to lose, especially if there's a chance he will get the inspiration to write again. His friends place is wonderful and comes complete with boat and a waterfront view. As Gio settles into life on the island, with a little help from the housekeeper, he notices a beautiful man who seems to be everywhere on the island. Feeling intrigued, Gio tries to find out more about him with little success until one day the two strike up a conversation. This leads to a wonderful friendship as Nick shows him the sights of the island where he has been living for the past few years. Gio finds Nick very mysterious, and especially the large hulking man that seems to be everywhere Nick is. The words begin to flow again as Gio jots down various scenarios that could cover Nicks mysterious life. Nick is non too pleased when he accidentally reads one of them, and then soon afterwards disappears leaving Gio distraught. He sets out to find out what has happened to Nick and is met with a wall of silence, apart from a little information from Nicks friend Claudia who knows much more than Gio could ever imagine. The pair then set upon a mission to reunite the couple, but it won't be an easy task...
I really loved this story which is totally different from everything else KC has written. It's really an escapism story, with the descriptions of the island making the reader feel that they have visited it and have experienced it in real life. Such a beautiful place. Nick and Gio are fabulous characters, helped along by Gios housekeeper, Claudia and the very special Franz who turns out to be Nick's bodyguard. The romance is slow burn but well worth it in the end. All together this is a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable story and well worth the read.
I was lucky enough to receive the book to read totally blind, with no blurb or anything else, and was rewarded by a wonderful engrossing, magical story.
Gio is an American author who has total writers block and is struggling with life in general. After confiding in an old friend he is offered the loan of his holiday place on the beautiful island of Bora Bora as repayment for an old debt. At first Gio is hesitant about the trip, but then decides he has nothing to lose, especially if there's a chance he will get the inspiration to write again. His friends place is wonderful and comes complete with boat and a waterfront view. As Gio settles into life on the island, with a little help from the housekeeper, he notices a beautiful man who seems to be everywhere on the island. Feeling intrigued, Gio tries to find out more about him with little success until one day the two strike up a conversation. This leads to a wonderful friendship as Nick shows him the sights of the island where he has been living for the past few years. Gio finds Nick very mysterious, and especially the large hulking man that seems to be everywhere Nick is. The words begin to flow again as Gio jots down various scenarios that could cover Nicks mysterious life. Nick is non too pleased when he accidentally reads one of them, and then soon afterwards disappears leaving Gio distraught. He sets out to find out what has happened to Nick and is met with a wall of silence, apart from a little information from Nicks friend Claudia who knows much more than Gio could ever imagine. The pair then set upon a mission to reunite the couple, but it won't be an easy task...
I really loved this story which is totally different from everything else KC has written. It's really an escapism story, with the descriptions of the island making the reader feel that they have visited it and have experienced it in real life. Such a beautiful place. Nick and Gio are fabulous characters, helped along by Gios housekeeper, Claudia and the very special Franz who turns out to be Nick's bodyguard. The romance is slow burn but well worth it in the end. All together this is a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable story and well worth the read.
I was lucky enough to receive the book to read totally blind, with no blurb or anything else, and was rewarded by a wonderful engrossing, magical story.
June 23, 2025
Recensione su copia ARC
Voto: 4+ su 5 stelle
Ogni volta che leggo una storia di K.C. Wells mi sorprendo per la sua poliedrica inventiva e questo libro me lo conferma: è una dolce e avventurosa storia d’amore che è anche, a tutti gli effetti, una fiaba moderna. Rispetto ai suoi soliti standard è un po’ meno erotica, ma la passione e l’attrazione fra i protagonisti si sentono forti e chiare!
Giovanni “Gio” Colonna è uno scrittore americano in pieno deserto ispirativo e non sa come uscirne. Il fatto che riceva spesso solleciti a produrre dai suoi collaboratori non lo aiuta di certo, perché l’ansia non è mai amica di chi vive di pensieri e parole da inventare.
Anche sul versante amoroso Gio è solo e triste, avendo sempre privilegiato la propria carriera e gli incontri casuali a discapito di una possibile relazione e di un investimento emotivo a lungo termine, ma forse non ha mai neppure incontrato l’uomo giusto, finora.
Un caro amico dei tempi dell’università gli offre la propria casetta a Bora-Bora per alcuni mesi, nei quali, si spera, Gio possa distrarsi, fare cose avventurose e ritrovare la sua musa ispiratrice.
Gio trova proprio un “musetto ispiratore” nel giovane e misterioso Nick, che spunta di continuo nelle varie parti dell’isola, facendo tanti piccoli lavori saltuari per mantenersi, e di cui nessuno conosce davvero la storia.
È proprio la riservatezza di Nick e quell’aura misteriosa che lo circonda a far accendere la curiosità di Gio, che all’improvviso ritrova la voglia di scrivere, ipotizzando gli scenari più disparati sul bellissimo giovane indecifrabile.
Con la scusa di fargli conoscere l’isola, Nick e Gio passano molto tempo insieme e la loro amicizia finisce per diventare un tenero sentimento, sebbene a scadenza, dato che i quattro mesi di Nick sull’isola non sono eterni…
La sparizione improvvisa di Nick e un oscuro stalker che li controlla da lontano spariglia le loro carte e Gio si ritrova a scoprire cose impensate, ancor più straordinarie dell’ipotetico romanzo su cui stava fantasticando.
Lasciando Bora-Bora, Gio rincorre Nick, ma non sa se il loro neonato amore sia sufficiente a sfidare un mondo che è contro di loro… e per saperlo, non vi resta che leggerlo!
Ho trovato questo romanzo molto piacevole da leggere, ha un ritmo incalzante e con il suo mistero invoglia sempre più a scoprire cosa ci sia dietro a silenzi e bugie.
Accanto ai protagonisti troviamo degli interessanti complementari, che arricchiscono la trama. C’è persino una coppia secondaria che merita il proprio lieto fine.
La differenza d’età fra i protagonisti è di dodici anni, per quelli che come me amano l’age gap, e questa favola moderna ha saputo regalarmi delle deliziose ore di intrattenimento, per cui ve la consiglio!
Voto: 4+ su 5 stelle
Ogni volta che leggo una storia di K.C. Wells mi sorprendo per la sua poliedrica inventiva e questo libro me lo conferma: è una dolce e avventurosa storia d’amore che è anche, a tutti gli effetti, una fiaba moderna. Rispetto ai suoi soliti standard è un po’ meno erotica, ma la passione e l’attrazione fra i protagonisti si sentono forti e chiare!
Giovanni “Gio” Colonna è uno scrittore americano in pieno deserto ispirativo e non sa come uscirne. Il fatto che riceva spesso solleciti a produrre dai suoi collaboratori non lo aiuta di certo, perché l’ansia non è mai amica di chi vive di pensieri e parole da inventare.
Anche sul versante amoroso Gio è solo e triste, avendo sempre privilegiato la propria carriera e gli incontri casuali a discapito di una possibile relazione e di un investimento emotivo a lungo termine, ma forse non ha mai neppure incontrato l’uomo giusto, finora.
Un caro amico dei tempi dell’università gli offre la propria casetta a Bora-Bora per alcuni mesi, nei quali, si spera, Gio possa distrarsi, fare cose avventurose e ritrovare la sua musa ispiratrice.
Gio trova proprio un “musetto ispiratore” nel giovane e misterioso Nick, che spunta di continuo nelle varie parti dell’isola, facendo tanti piccoli lavori saltuari per mantenersi, e di cui nessuno conosce davvero la storia.
È proprio la riservatezza di Nick e quell’aura misteriosa che lo circonda a far accendere la curiosità di Gio, che all’improvviso ritrova la voglia di scrivere, ipotizzando gli scenari più disparati sul bellissimo giovane indecifrabile.
Con la scusa di fargli conoscere l’isola, Nick e Gio passano molto tempo insieme e la loro amicizia finisce per diventare un tenero sentimento, sebbene a scadenza, dato che i quattro mesi di Nick sull’isola non sono eterni…
La sparizione improvvisa di Nick e un oscuro stalker che li controlla da lontano spariglia le loro carte e Gio si ritrova a scoprire cose impensate, ancor più straordinarie dell’ipotetico romanzo su cui stava fantasticando.
Lasciando Bora-Bora, Gio rincorre Nick, ma non sa se il loro neonato amore sia sufficiente a sfidare un mondo che è contro di loro… e per saperlo, non vi resta che leggerlo!
Ho trovato questo romanzo molto piacevole da leggere, ha un ritmo incalzante e con il suo mistero invoglia sempre più a scoprire cosa ci sia dietro a silenzi e bugie.
Accanto ai protagonisti troviamo degli interessanti complementari, che arricchiscono la trama. C’è persino una coppia secondaria che merita il proprio lieto fine.
La differenza d’età fra i protagonisti è di dodici anni, per quelli che come me amano l’age gap, e questa favola moderna ha saputo regalarmi delle deliziose ore di intrattenimento, per cui ve la consiglio!
June 9, 2025
Gio writing career will go down the toilet if he can’t get over his writers block. He’s been wallowing for a while and he decides to take up an offer from a friend. His friend Roger offers him his newly renovated house in Bora Bora. Roger feels like he owes Gio and after some give and take Gio accepts his gracious offer.
Gio lands on the island and everything is amazing. The island, Roger’s house, the weather and the housekeeper who comes with said house. It’s a shame his writers block is still hanging out. So Gio closes his laptop and decides to explore the island. His exploration takes him to a regular bar where he notices a gorgeous man who’s delivering to said bar. Nick is the said man and Gio inquires about him. Gio hires him to show him the island. They go snorkeling and then hiking and in between the form a friendship with heaven undertones of raw chemistry.
So they embark on this journey of exploration and hot damn Gio’s muse comes back only to absolutely rile Nick up. Yes Nick has secrets. Apparently they surround his family. This is where the story goes supernova for me. I had no idea what Nicks secret was so finding out was a pleasure. At this point Nick disappeared and Gio was left trying to pick up the pieces and figure out WTH was going on.
One, I’m glad Gio figured out the what fire and did something about it. Nick at this point was standing on a precipice. He had a decision to make and in the end he chose love.
The secondary characters of Claudia and Franz added to the story and I think their relationship was an added bonus. Overall I enjoyed this story immensely and would recommend this book.
Gio lands on the island and everything is amazing. The island, Roger’s house, the weather and the housekeeper who comes with said house. It’s a shame his writers block is still hanging out. So Gio closes his laptop and decides to explore the island. His exploration takes him to a regular bar where he notices a gorgeous man who’s delivering to said bar. Nick is the said man and Gio inquires about him. Gio hires him to show him the island. They go snorkeling and then hiking and in between the form a friendship with heaven undertones of raw chemistry.
So they embark on this journey of exploration and hot damn Gio’s muse comes back only to absolutely rile Nick up. Yes Nick has secrets. Apparently they surround his family. This is where the story goes supernova for me. I had no idea what Nicks secret was so finding out was a pleasure. At this point Nick disappeared and Gio was left trying to pick up the pieces and figure out WTH was going on.
One, I’m glad Gio figured out the what fire and did something about it. Nick at this point was standing on a precipice. He had a decision to make and in the end he chose love.
The secondary characters of Claudia and Franz added to the story and I think their relationship was an added bonus. Overall I enjoyed this story immensely and would recommend this book.
June 14, 2025
Nick and Gio's romance was a heartfelt and sweet story with a wonderfully happy ending. As a writer, Gio was hoping to rekindle his creative muse by taking a break from his life in San Francisco and vacationing to Bora Bora. Meeting Nick was an unexpected but welcome surprise, and I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding him and the way he dodged answering any personal questions. Their connection flared to life quickly but authentically, with long days spent hiking, snorkeling, and chatting. I could feel the lightness Gio brought into Nick's life, and Nick inspired Gio's creativity in a way nothing else could. The two of them were so sweet together, and I was thrilled as their chemistry heated up into a delightful burn. Nick's big secret was the one thing eating away at me as the two lovers enjoyed their island paradise, and it was the catalyst for the rollercoaster of a second half to this book. Nick and Gio landed at a crossroads between duty and desire, their emotions at war with what the rest of the world expected of them. My heart especially went out to Nick and the losses he had to process, and his obligation was a heavy burden to manage on top of it all. For a time I was worried he'd lock his love for Gio away in a memory of what could have been, but thankfully Gio wasn't the kind of man to let go so easily. Their journey back into each other's arms wasn't without risk, but the payoff was more than worth it in the end.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 29, 2025
🏝Bora Bora or Europe: can he choose?🏞
I loved the French Polynesia setting for the first part of the story, and Gio and Nick's gradual and sweet coming together as a couple. An American author suffering from writer's block and a somewhat mysterious jack of all trades who, it turns out, IS keeping a whopper of a secret. The plot is good, not tremendously realistic in this day and age when almost everything can be discovered on-line, but a feel-good fairytale of a story, with a few dramatic bumps in the road along the way and a nicely finished off HEA. The descriptions of the landscape and activities on Bora Bora seemed spot on (though it's been a good while since I last visited), especially of the incredible feeling of vastness and quiet under the night skies.
Limited steam, but for me it did not need graphic details, capitalizing well on the romance and a relatively small cast of characters. I got quite emotional near the end when Gio makes his big decision without consulting Nick, and his letter:😢. I also got a kick out of poor Franz, Nick's burly shadow, who keeps getting pushback when he's just trying to do the right thing.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I loved the French Polynesia setting for the first part of the story, and Gio and Nick's gradual and sweet coming together as a couple. An American author suffering from writer's block and a somewhat mysterious jack of all trades who, it turns out, IS keeping a whopper of a secret. The plot is good, not tremendously realistic in this day and age when almost everything can be discovered on-line, but a feel-good fairytale of a story, with a few dramatic bumps in the road along the way and a nicely finished off HEA. The descriptions of the landscape and activities on Bora Bora seemed spot on (though it's been a good while since I last visited), especially of the incredible feeling of vastness and quiet under the night skies.
Limited steam, but for me it did not need graphic details, capitalizing well on the romance and a relatively small cast of characters. I got quite emotional near the end when Gio makes his big decision without consulting Nick, and his letter:😢. I also got a kick out of poor Franz, Nick's burly shadow, who keeps getting pushback when he's just trying to do the right thing.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 8, 2025
Duty and Desire is beautiful and well-written. It is one of my favorite tropes. I appreciate that the author did not explicitly state that tidbit in the blurb or even give the reader extra insight until Nick’s identity was confirmed. It added to the quality of the story. At times I was certain I knew who he was, then the author would shift something or throw a curveball to make me wonder if my suspicions were on target.
Nick and Gio’s Bora-Bora journey was fun-filled, free-spirited, spicy, and full of love, and their life outside of Bora-Bora was empowering and equally filled with love. I enjoy when characters seem real. Just like real life, these guys could benefit from better communication, especially with their goodbyes. This just gives credence to their characters. K.C. Wells knows how to script great characters. I felt like I really got to know not only Nick and Gio, but some of the secondary characters as well. Even characters who only popped up briefly were described so vividly that I could clearly see their countenance and mannerisms. Well-written characters, picturesque location descriptions (oh to be floating on the night ocean staring up at the stars), and various events encountered added depth to this story. A fantastic read!
Nick and Gio’s Bora-Bora journey was fun-filled, free-spirited, spicy, and full of love, and their life outside of Bora-Bora was empowering and equally filled with love. I enjoy when characters seem real. Just like real life, these guys could benefit from better communication, especially with their goodbyes. This just gives credence to their characters. K.C. Wells knows how to script great characters. I felt like I really got to know not only Nick and Gio, but some of the secondary characters as well. Even characters who only popped up briefly were described so vividly that I could clearly see their countenance and mannerisms. Well-written characters, picturesque location descriptions (oh to be floating on the night ocean staring up at the stars), and various events encountered added depth to this story. A fantastic read!
June 9, 2025
A SWEET ESCAPE TO UNWIND WITH!💕🏝️
This is the third book by this author I have read and won’t be the last!
If you want a sweet romantic low angst fantasy story about an impossible love that grows between two lost beautiful souls who fight the impossible to be together then this is the book for you!
Giovani Colonna (37) aka G . Meyers a published author who has hit a writers block until his friend offers him a break away to his holiday bungalow in Bora Bora.
“Who knows? Maybe even as we speak, there’s a gorgeous guy waiting for you on the shores of Bora-Bora. Someone who’s perfect for you.”
“The last thing I need is a man.”
This is where he meets free spirited Nick Wenzel (25)who lives on Bora Bora for the last three years working odd jobs and being his true self- an enigma to Gio…
Gio and Nick’s love story spans over six weeks on an island- Bora Bora where they meet, find a connection they’ve never felt with anybody else and fall hopelessly in love until Nick abruptly leaves the island…
There are choices and decisions to be made when the truth behind Nick’s mysterious identity is revealed…
Duty and Desire…
Will Gio make the right decision?
Will Nick make the right choice?
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
This is the third book by this author I have read and won’t be the last!
If you want a sweet romantic low angst fantasy story about an impossible love that grows between two lost beautiful souls who fight the impossible to be together then this is the book for you!
Giovani Colonna (37) aka G . Meyers a published author who has hit a writers block until his friend offers him a break away to his holiday bungalow in Bora Bora.
“Who knows? Maybe even as we speak, there’s a gorgeous guy waiting for you on the shores of Bora-Bora. Someone who’s perfect for you.”
“The last thing I need is a man.”
This is where he meets free spirited Nick Wenzel (25)who lives on Bora Bora for the last three years working odd jobs and being his true self- an enigma to Gio…
Gio and Nick’s love story spans over six weeks on an island- Bora Bora where they meet, find a connection they’ve never felt with anybody else and fall hopelessly in love until Nick abruptly leaves the island…
There are choices and decisions to be made when the truth behind Nick’s mysterious identity is revealed…
Duty and Desire…
Will Gio make the right decision?
Will Nick make the right choice?
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
July 9, 2025
Gio, a creatively blocked and burned-out individual, seeks peace and inspiration at a friend's bungalow in Bora-Bora. There, they unexpectedly meet Nick, a quiet, intense, and handsome stranger who is completely unreadable. Their connection is immediate and powerful, leading to a whirlwind romance filled with laughter, longing, and deep affection. However, their paradise is shattered when Gio discovers Nick is not just an ordinary man; he's hiding from his destiny, and his past is about to reclaim him. Nick disappears without warning, leaving Gio heartbroken. When Gio uncovers the truth about Nick's identity and his world, they are faced with a difficult choice: abandon the love they found or fight for a relationship that Nick's world deems impossible. Despite their intentions, fate and love prove to be beyond their control.
This story was full of powerful emotions as the two men met, fell in love and then struggled with the implications and limitations of the real world. The other characters were well placed and written. The letters were very emotional and could bring you some tears. I loved the ending and that change was possible although it happen a little too fast. This was an MM story with mature content.
This story was full of powerful emotions as the two men met, fell in love and then struggled with the implications and limitations of the real world. The other characters were well placed and written. The letters were very emotional and could bring you some tears. I loved the ending and that change was possible although it happen a little too fast. This was an MM story with mature content.
April 10, 2025
4.5 stars. Once again the story telling ability of KC Wells gifts us with a beautiful romance and two wonderful main characters in Gio and Nick. Due to writers block Gio takes the opportunity to go to Bora Bora for inspiration where circumstances have him meeting and spending a lot of time with Nick. Their friendship blossoms and begins to morph into something more with a delightful balance between sweet and steam. Although Nick is holding back from Gio when it comes to one vital piece of information. That particular family situation leads to a bit of angst and drama both external and internal but nothing can derail Nick and Gio from a very swoon worthy HEA.
The author’s description of Bora Bora made me feel like I was there watching the water and listening to the waves roll back and forth. I felt the need for cocktails from the bar and the desire to be with Nick and Gio as they explored this idyllic island. I was very much invested in their relationship which had me smiling one moment and feeling some feels the next. This is a very engaging and enjoyable feel good romance about love and acceptance with an ending that left me with a warm heart and a smile on my face.
The author’s description of Bora Bora made me feel like I was there watching the water and listening to the waves roll back and forth. I felt the need for cocktails from the bar and the desire to be with Nick and Gio as they explored this idyllic island. I was very much invested in their relationship which had me smiling one moment and feeling some feels the next. This is a very engaging and enjoyable feel good romance about love and acceptance with an ending that left me with a warm heart and a smile on my face.
June 10, 2025
I have to admit, I like a good romance where the protagonists meet when both are trying to take a break from their reality only to meet someone who feels like they could be the one. And then their reality intrudes and they have to decide whether they can make room in the lives they live for one another. The vacation romance between Gio and Nick was unexpected. Gio went to Bora-Bora to unwind and unblock. In this beautiful but small place he meets Nick who is a bit of a mystery. That does not stop Gio from spending time with Nick and them from falling in love. Which is complicated a bit by a major secret that Nick is keeping that can jeopardize this developing attachment. And when Nick disappears he takes Gio's heart with him. The title tells it all. Which will prevail, duty or desire or is there another choice? I really enjoyed this story. Well written with romance and tension as I read to see how things would work out for this pair.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2025
Oh man, this one is so great.
It's not something KC Wells writes a lot, it's very swoony but miles away from your average Royal romance book.
She ensures both characters have a lot of depth, they are absolutely likeable, there is plenty of chemistry and I love that they are friends first. It's a slow burn romance at its finest.
There is baggage for both, Nick is battling a split between his duty and his love and at one point it feels like this split will break him. But this only adds to the story, you can feel their pull between what they want and what they think they can or can't have.
Another thing KC Wells does brilliantly is the location. You can feel like you are next to them, she describes the island in so much detail, you can see what they see and I swear I felt I feel the sun on my skin and hear the waves.
I think it's one of my favourite releases of 2025 and the beautiful cover also fits the story and these two great characters.
It's not something KC Wells writes a lot, it's very swoony but miles away from your average Royal romance book.
She ensures both characters have a lot of depth, they are absolutely likeable, there is plenty of chemistry and I love that they are friends first. It's a slow burn romance at its finest.
There is baggage for both, Nick is battling a split between his duty and his love and at one point it feels like this split will break him. But this only adds to the story, you can feel their pull between what they want and what they think they can or can't have.
Another thing KC Wells does brilliantly is the location. You can feel like you are next to them, she describes the island in so much detail, you can see what they see and I swear I felt I feel the sun on my skin and hear the waves.
I think it's one of my favourite releases of 2025 and the beautiful cover also fits the story and these two great characters.
April 30, 2025
I wanted to like this story so much more than I actually did.
Let's get my random quibble out of the way first: There are five instances of "comprised/ing" in this book, which is at least four too many. Two of them are on the same page! Since this is an ARC, I can hope that most of those will be edited out before release. Fingers crossed!
In terms of the story, it just... never worked for me. I never cared about Gio or felt any connection to him, either in terms of his career as an author or in terms of his desire (or lack thereof) to fall in love. Nick behaved like an immature teenager, running hot and cold (though Gio did his share of that, too). Pretty much all the obstacles were built up as OMG insurmountable and then collapsed like wet tissue. I've liked some of this author's other books, but this wasn't a good fit for me, I guess.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.
Let's get my random quibble out of the way first: There are five instances of "comprised/ing" in this book, which is at least four too many. Two of them are on the same page! Since this is an ARC, I can hope that most of those will be edited out before release. Fingers crossed!
In terms of the story, it just... never worked for me. I never cared about Gio or felt any connection to him, either in terms of his career as an author or in terms of his desire (or lack thereof) to fall in love. Nick behaved like an immature teenager, running hot and cold (though Gio did his share of that, too). Pretty much all the obstacles were built up as OMG insurmountable and then collapsed like wet tissue. I've liked some of this author's other books, but this wasn't a good fit for me, I guess.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.
May 26, 2025
Gio has serious writer's block. He fears he may never write another book. His old college friend Roger is finally able to repay a debt of gratitude; he offers the use of his over-the-water bungalow in Bora Bora for four months. When Gio arrives, nothing seems to change until everyone insists, he meet Nick. Nick has been on the island for two or three years; he lives a relaxed life helping people and working several jobs. There is something mysterious about Nick, Gio is sure there is more to his story.
Gio and Nick spend the next two months together exploring Bora Bora and each other. The best thing is Gio's writing has returned. Suddenly, Nick disappears without a goodbye or a message. Nick is about to face the life he never expected or wanted. Nick's friend Claudia knows this life will snuff out all joy in Nick's life: so, she and Gio spring into action to go to Eisenland to save Nick's sanity.
Gio and Nick spend the next two months together exploring Bora Bora and each other. The best thing is Gio's writing has returned. Suddenly, Nick disappears without a goodbye or a message. Nick is about to face the life he never expected or wanted. Nick's friend Claudia knows this life will snuff out all joy in Nick's life: so, she and Gio spring into action to go to Eisenland to save Nick's sanity.
June 8, 2025
Sweet romance
The love story between Gio and Nick is a nice easy read, just right for the beach. The romantic and tropical setting of Bora-Bora was a wonderful backdrop to their meeting and Nick's many different jobs on the island allowed him to get to know Gio, while playing tour guide to him.
Both men were good characters, but I would have liked a little more background for Gio. Nick's history was delivered sparingly thoughout but that was only to be expected, and I felt as though I knew him so much better than I did Gio, even though he was the one hiding himself and his identity.
There was little angst and their romance was quite low key. There was lots of passion between them, though it was not explicit, and it was very clear how much they were both invested from very early on.
I liked them together and I enjoyed their story. I also liked Claudia, Franz and Aulani who all made the book better.
The love story between Gio and Nick is a nice easy read, just right for the beach. The romantic and tropical setting of Bora-Bora was a wonderful backdrop to their meeting and Nick's many different jobs on the island allowed him to get to know Gio, while playing tour guide to him.
Both men were good characters, but I would have liked a little more background for Gio. Nick's history was delivered sparingly thoughout but that was only to be expected, and I felt as though I knew him so much better than I did Gio, even though he was the one hiding himself and his identity.
There was little angst and their romance was quite low key. There was lots of passion between them, though it was not explicit, and it was very clear how much they were both invested from very early on.
I liked them together and I enjoyed their story. I also liked Claudia, Franz and Aulani who all made the book better.
June 8, 2025
I didn't know what to expect when asked if I wanted an ARC from KC Wells (no details provided), but I accepted and jumped in. What I got was a royal romance that felt like a fairy tale.
From the paradise of Bora Bora (described so well, I felt like I was there) to the trappings of the royal residence (also described so well, I wished I DIDN'T feel like I was there), the settings felt like supporting characters. From first attraction to friendship and more, I really enjoyed this. Even though there were secrets and lies (it IS a royal romance, after all), and mistakes made, there was mild angst and a great HEA. The actual supporting cast added so much to the story as well, and all in all, it was quite the fun ride, and I was rooting for the MCs the whole way.
Different from anything this author has written before, but no less enjoyable. Sweet and simple, light on the steam and heavy on the swoon, this book is easy to recommend.
From the paradise of Bora Bora (described so well, I felt like I was there) to the trappings of the royal residence (also described so well, I wished I DIDN'T feel like I was there), the settings felt like supporting characters. From first attraction to friendship and more, I really enjoyed this. Even though there were secrets and lies (it IS a royal romance, after all), and mistakes made, there was mild angst and a great HEA. The actual supporting cast added so much to the story as well, and all in all, it was quite the fun ride, and I was rooting for the MCs the whole way.
Different from anything this author has written before, but no less enjoyable. Sweet and simple, light on the steam and heavy on the swoon, this book is easy to recommend.
June 12, 2025
*I received an free copy of this book from GRR and the author. This review is my honest onion of the book*
This was a cute, summer read which I did really enjoy in the first 50%ish. I thought the romance between the two mmcs was cute and I did like both Nick and Gio. However I did struggle a little in the secund half once the twist was revealed - I did not know that this was a royalty story going into the book and it isn't really a trope that I enjoy. However, I wanted to finish as if been enjoying the book up to that point so I decided to finish. Despite not liking the trope, I though KC handled it well and I did enjoy it. It was deffo pure escapism and the wtiting, esodcially the place drescriptions, were really beautiful. I think if you like the royalty trope more than I'd do, youd really enjoy this bit I still enjoyed it despite this not really being a trope I enjoy.
There is some homophobia on the second half of the book, in case this is a trigger for anyone.
This was a cute, summer read which I did really enjoy in the first 50%ish. I thought the romance between the two mmcs was cute and I did like both Nick and Gio. However I did struggle a little in the secund half once the twist was revealed - I did not know that this was a royalty story going into the book and it isn't really a trope that I enjoy. However, I wanted to finish as if been enjoying the book up to that point so I decided to finish. Despite not liking the trope, I though KC handled it well and I did enjoy it. It was deffo pure escapism and the wtiting, esodcially the place drescriptions, were really beautiful. I think if you like the royalty trope more than I'd do, youd really enjoy this bit I still enjoyed it despite this not really being a trope I enjoy.
There is some homophobia on the second half of the book, in case this is a trigger for anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
4.25-4.5 stars
Gio is vacationing in Bora Bora to attempt to break through his writer’s block. While looking for inspiration, he sees an attractive young man and discovers his name is Nick. Turns out, Nick is a jack-of-all-trades and Gio sees him everywhere.
Gio’s imagination comes up with several backstories for Nick. Gio hires Nick to take him snorkeling and on a tour of the island, and a hike. They go on several dates and the mutual attraction is palpable.
Nick is keeping a rather large secret from Gio and before he gets a chance to tell him, he abruptly leaves without explanation.
When we discover his identity and his reason for leaving as well as his reason for being in Bora Bora, it’s not hard to understand (and forgive him).
The only thing that surprised me was Karoline’s response to the incident.
*****
POV… multi first person
Standalone or series… standalone
Hangover… slight
Recommend… yes
Reread… yes
Gio is vacationing in Bora Bora to attempt to break through his writer’s block. While looking for inspiration, he sees an attractive young man and discovers his name is Nick. Turns out, Nick is a jack-of-all-trades and Gio sees him everywhere.
Gio’s imagination comes up with several backstories for Nick. Gio hires Nick to take him snorkeling and on a tour of the island, and a hike. They go on several dates and the mutual attraction is palpable.
Nick is keeping a rather large secret from Gio and before he gets a chance to tell him, he abruptly leaves without explanation.
When we discover his identity and his reason for leaving as well as his reason for being in Bora Bora, it’s not hard to understand (and forgive him).
The only thing that surprised me was Karoline’s response to the incident.
*****
POV… multi first person
Standalone or series… standalone
Hangover… slight
Recommend… yes
Reread… yes
June 3, 2025
Want to escape from life's humdrum scenarios? Then let K.C. Wells take you to Bora-Bora and read the life of an author, Gio, who's lost his muse and Nick who's hiding from his family obligations. Gio is intrigued by Nick while Nick is suspicious of Gio's flirting motives. Their sexual chemistry is intriguing; one that eventually leads to deeper emotional connections with a satisfying mutual commitment. The dual POV shows each man's perspective so the reader can see what the other is thinking in any situation. It revealed each man's opinions and feelings. This reader also enjoyed the secondary character of Aulani. Her intuition was spot on. Their HEA was well written by Ms. Wells and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I received an ARC of this book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
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