Invisible Strings

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Magnetic as the Sun

Jimmy Alsop, a vivacious journalist, longs to trade his sheltered life for a summer of adventure but lacks the confidence to launch his stellar plan.

Lonely as the Moon

Nova Skye, an aloof scientist, wants to resuscitate his dead love life but hasn’t found the right man to kickstart his guarded heart.

Eclipse of the Heart

Sparks fly when a chance encounter drops Jimmy and Nova into the same orbit. Though their approach to life and love couldn’t be more different, they’re inexplicably drawn together as if connected by an invisible string. With nothing to lose but their inhibitions, Jimmy and Nova embark on an epic adventure of discovery. Passions soar with the sultry Savannah temperatures, and soon, their carefree summer becomes something more profound and beautiful than either man bargained for.

But are the ties that bind sturdy enough to withstand a lifetime, or will they fray after a season?

Invisible Strings is a standalone novel within the Sinister in Savannah universe. Jimmy was introduced in Mr. Perfect, but it is not necessary to read that book first. Invisible Strings is a contemporary romance, where the other Savannah books are romantic suspense. We have heat, humor, and heart, but there are no homicides in this book, y’all. Invisible Strings contains mature content and is intended for adults eighteen and older.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, M M Contemporary, Humor, Contemporary Romance

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2021

About the author

I'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."

I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.

I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

Reviews

[Gustaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning for a super swoony review! It might not make a lot of sense.

My heart could not handle the beautiful love story that this book turned out to be. Seriously. It might just be one of the most romantic books I have ever had the pleasure to read.

I love Aimee Nicole Walkers writing. I don't think I've ever read a book by her that I haven't liked. However, I think it's pretty sure to say that Invisible Strings is my favorite book by her. The love story between Jimmy and Nova was so honest and pure. It melted my heart and gave me all the feelings.

It's set in the same word as the Sinister in Savannah series, but can without a doubt be read as a standalone. We first met Jimmy in Felix book Mr. Perfect. I liked Jimmy from the very first page and he didn't disappoint in this book. He's such a good guy. I was scared that Nova's character would turn out the be annoying. He had all the characteristics of being one of those "I love you but I can't be with you for your own good" characters... But I didn't need to worry. He never once went there after their first encounter.

This book is filled with nice people doing nice things. And I loved that. Hell, even the Nova's ex is a really nice guy. It's lighthearted, yet emotional. Funny, but not silly.

Aimee Nicole Walker's writing was stellar as usual. I can't wait to reread this one. It was a magical read.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely joyous romance with nothing but feel good emotions

I love Aimee Nicole's romantic suspense books, but sometimes you just want to read an honest love story without any drama and this one is just that.

It's just a joyously happy narrative which still engages the senses as two very different men prove that love really does come out of nowhere.

I loved every bit of this, from Nova's amazing family, his insanely cute and precocious daughter and the excellent relationship he had with his ex-husband and his new partner.

Jimmy's mother and grandmother were also a delight, even though they're off on a cruise for more than half the book.

You'd think that without a secondary plot to hook tension on, that there'd be nothing to hold the reader's attention.

You'd be wrong, there's just so much emotion and humour and the excitement of falling in love that it captivates from start to finish.

I'm looking forward to more in this series.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invisible Strings is definitely my favorite book from this author, so far. I adored the MC, Nova and Jimmy, and their adventures. Of course the side characters were just as interesting and fun, especially my favorite, Millie.

This story is sugary sweet with no OTT llama drama. Just two men that acted like adults and talked when they had any issues, quite refreshing.

[⭐️AMST⭐️]

DNF 28%. No rating.

I’m really sad because I wanted to like it and the first two chapters felt promising. I had a hard time with the focus on the kid and that so much was happening at once, and on top of all of that that it was way more fluff than I can handle. 😪

[Aimora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out so promising. It lost me during the scene with the alligator, and the utter ridiculousness of what supposedly happened, and fell apart for me after that. Felt like a made for tv romance if lifetime had m/m.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read - made me smile all the way through.
Love angst, lots of warmth ❤️

[Kaity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audio: 1 star

Book: 3 stars

trisitan james should not narrate books, harsh but i mean someone has to say it. i think his narration ruined the book for me.

this book was cute very instalove but it was Nova and Jimmy were cute, i wished there was more suspense like the other books, but it was enjoyable. I think if you are looking for a low/no angst book then this would be the one for you.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Jimmy Alsop, the aspiring, but insecure journalist that Felix took on as an intern, then put him into a sort of "Felix boot camp" to build up his self-image and ability to become a better reporter, in a previous Sinister in Savanna story, and yes, we fell in love with sweet, blushing Jimmy then. I was happy to see that it carried over into this, Jimmy's romance story. Jimmy has now become a much stronger reporter and individual...a bit more able to stand up for himself and his ideas than the younger Jimmy that we originally met. The stories Jimmy is wanting to do for his newspaper is the perfect format for the author to show the character’s interactions with others, and it’s Jimmy’s humanity that shine out on every occasion. Now we have Nova, the astronomer, whose mother is part of Jimmy’s series of stories. Nova, (I love his name), is equally fascinating. He’s divorced, a single dad, with issues he’s dealing with, and an overwhelming attraction to our innocent Jimmy, the journalist is the last thing he expects or thinks he needs. I really liked how the title The Invisible Strings, showed that these unseen strings are what connects people whether we see them or feel them at first. It’s those strings that just keep pulling people back together, time after time. Fate, stars… whatever you want to call it. In Jimmy and Nova case it was a list that Jimmy made up of all the "adventures" he wanted to accomplish over a two-week period. Things like "swim in the ocean", go for a long bicycle ride"...fall in love wasn't on the list... but should have been. This is a wonderful love story, made so much better by those characters that surround the two men and support them with their love. It’s family, co- workers, and friends... We get to know them all. It meant so much to see how Nova and his ex-husband shared their daughter, and how Nova's ex and his boyfriend supported Nova and Jimmy's new and fragile relationship with not a cross or bad word spoken between them. My only slight issue was with the small amount of drama at the end. It felt to be forced when given the two men and how well they communicated...but it was short lived and easily resolved. Overall, I adored Jimmy and Nova’s romance. It was a winner all the way around. Tristan James once again, does a fantastic job with the narration and "giving life" to Nova and Jimmy.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sanaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

A very delightful read! Loved the two MC's and Millie June was absolutely adorable. There wasn't crazy amounts of drama which I appreciated and the secondary characters really made the book so much better.

[Esra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott is the best ex ever!!! And Kai is the best new-lover-of-the-ex!
I loved them so much!
Jimmy and Nova were perfect for each other!
Their family were amazing!
And little June Bug was absolutely gorgeous!

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with the gals from Turning Pages At Midnight

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Fun & Love

Two completely different MC's stumble upon each other and somehow get to bond through a summer of excitement and fun.

Jimmy is a precocious journalist always looking for stories, Nova is a quiet scientist with a precocious six-year-old daughter who basically steals the show whenever she shows up. Jimmy's mother and grandmother and Nova's ex-husband who is almost married to another man now, toss enough of their personalities and mini plot lines to feed a genuinely wonderful romance with lots of chuckles along the way.

Wonderful.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

So damn cute, just hugs all round feeling. A little Felix appearance, which was nice to see their mentor relationship. Jimmy was pretty much a saint with how he helped everyone. Very fluffy, list fulfillment romance. I liked how Nova was still friends with his ex husband and how happy Millie was. After the Savannah series I was expecting a little drama but it is just one of those sweet ones with the occasional annoyance.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely new romance by Aimee Nicole Walker. It was a summertime journey of discovery for both Jimmy and Nova, though each had their own goals in mind. I loved reading about the fall for both of them. It was sweet and so innocent at times. Then it would turn straight into blazing when the two would come together in passion. I adored these MCs and almost every single side character too. Millie June, Nova's daughter, was a scene stealer. My daughter is the same age and I could relate to all the babble that comes out of her mouth.

I remember meeting Jimmy in Felix's book and immediately took a liking to him. It was so great to be able to read his HEA. Nova was just perfect for him. I guess in this instance Nova's mom was right, the stars really don't lie. I really enjoyed the astrology aspect of the book. It has made me want to do some reading of my own about my personal signs.

Brett and Steph were side characters that were memorable to the point that I seriously am hoping one of both of them whisper into this authors thoughts. I'd love to get a book to learn more about them. Each of them seem like they could be so fun in their own ways.


* an ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest and unbiased review*

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threads

“The stars don’t lie.” Like the view of a gorgeous night sky, Jimmy and Nova dazzle the senses. I fell hard for Jimmy when we first saw him, but he shines so brilliantly in this book. It’s his innate kindness, his curiosity, and thirst for adventure that truly cemented my love for him. If anyone is special enough to deserve his love, it can only be Nova, with his wickedly sexy, romantic, and logical mind. Plus, with Nova comes an amazing daughter and family that I adore. These two are an incredibly beautiful lesson in embracing all that life can be and like the stars in the sky, their love is endless and full of wondrous possibilities.

[Cyndi (hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bad at Love was the first and only book I had read by this author and I loved it, so I couldn't wait to see her approach to a contemporary romance. Unfortunately this book fell flat for me. I liked Nova and Jimmy and their story was sweet, but also very boring. There were some funny moments that kept it from being a complete snooze fest, but overall everything happened too easily and all of the characters were too nice for the story to be engaging. I don't need drama to love a book, but I felt the absence of drama in this one and it went down like a flat soda - sugary but with no kick. There was some ridiculousness near the end that led to a reaction totally out of character for someone who saved a dog from an alligator and from that point on it was a matter of getting to the end as quickly as possible so I could move on to my next book. It sucks because I liked the characters and there were some great moments that made me smile, but in the end this book just wasn't for me.

[DJO · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I stuck this one out but should've bailed. It started strong but petered out once the MCs got together. Most boring and anticlimactic first kiss ever. I loved the healthy relationship between Nova and his first husband but didn't feel anything for Nova and Jimmy as a couple. I thought it weird that 26yo Jimmy lived with his mother and grandmother in a pink house. I've enjoyed Tristan James's narration in the past but that was not at all the case here and I'm not sure if that's down to me or him. There were some sweet bits here and there but all in all, I found this story flat and pretty snoozy.

[Sarah Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invisible Strings is an absolutely beautiful book. Jimmy and Nova are such gorgeous characters and I'm feeling very emotional now to the point I've got tears in my eyes. That's how beautiful the book was.

Thanks to Aimee Nicole Walker for my ARC of this book.

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Funny, Slow Burn

Jimmy and Nova's story, set in this author's Savannah-verse (but you don't have to have read any of the other books), is just fantastic fluff. It's an angst-free, comical age gap romance between the young reporter and older scientist. Jimmy and Nova are wonderful together - perfectly balanced - and Nova's daughter is adorable. Love it!

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Cheating
Organised crime (mafia)

[T.L. Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie stole the show!

Unbelievably fantastic. The story, that child - she was the best! As usual another 5* book that I highly recommend.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see Invisible Strings as a standalone that takes one of my favorite secondary characters from the Sinister in Savannah series for his journey to a happily-ever-after. This is such a unique story in a number of ways and I really liked how smooth and positive it is, it’s definitely a mood-lifter.

Jimmy and Nova meet under cute and interesting circumstances. I loved how an instant bond is established without it feeling forced or trivial. I also liked how their circumstances lead to more time together where the relationship and connection is allowed space and time to develop. Nova and Jimmy have great chemistry and such a lovely, sweet relationship, I couldn’t help but root for them.

Sometimes you just want something easy. While Invisible Strings isn’t one of those addictive stories I can’t step away from (like some of this author’s romantic suspense books), it is chock full of great characters, a sweet explorative romance, bright dialogue, supportive family and friends, and an adorable young child. If you are looking for a contemporary without a heap of baggage to cloud a relationship, Invisible Strings is definitely worth checking out.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in the stars

OMG! This book is so good! I love Aimee Nicole Walker’s books and she is an automatic buy for me when she comes out with a new story. I also love the Savannah she has created with Royce and Sawyer and our boys from Sinister in Savannah. This book is related because Jimmy works with Felix. That is really the only tie to these other books because this is a romance and not a mystery. Jimmy and Nova have instant attraction and are connected by invisible thread that tie them together from the start. This book is absolutely amazing and I loved every page! And little Millie is quite the scene stealer. I also found the relationship Nova still has with his ex, Scott, refreshing. They are still friends and are coparenting their little spitfire amicably. I highly recommend this book!!

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be sweet because Jimmy is a sweetheart. And yet, I was not prepared. Seriously, I adore this book. Nova and Natalie and Millie and Dave. They're great. I thought the conflict at the end was a little.. meh, but I also appreciate the low-angst of it, so there's that.

re-read: this remains one of the sweetest books I've ever read. the ending didn't bother me at all this time, though I understand why I reacted the way I did on my first read.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing characters, truly romantic storyline

Rating: 4.5 🌈

At the end of the fabulous Sinister in Savannah trilogy Walker let us know that she planned to write further stories in this universe. Specifically, one’s for some of our favorite secondary characters that deserved a HEA and full out storyline.

Mentioned were Kendall Blakemore, aka Sugar, who was Jonah’s ex and renter. Kendall got his HEA in a marvelous novel, Bad at Love! Now a favorite of mine.

Next on Walker’s list was Jimmy Alsop. We met Jimmy as an aspiring, but insecure journalist just starting at the newspaper where grumpy investigative reporter Felix Franklin (Mr. Perfect #2) lives to write, report and occasionally terrorize those around him. Felix took him on as a intern, then put him into a sort of Felix boot camp to build up his self image and ability to become a better reporter. Yes, we fell into love with the sweet, blushing Jimmy there. And it carries over into his story here.

Invisible Strings is Jimmy’s romance. By now, Jimmy has become a stronger reporter, bit more able to stand up for himself and his ideas then the younger Jimmy we originally were introduced to. Although it still helps to have Felix mentoring him as well as his backup.

Although older here, Jimmy’s innocence and exuberance is so adorable yet never overdone. Walker feeds us the type of adolescence and family history that led into Jimmy becoming the type of sheltered person he is without being someone who’s totally withdrawn and shy.

The stories Jimmy is seeking to do for his newspaper is the perfect format for the author to show the character’s interactions with others. Whether it’s someone who’s personality is fascinating or a person who’s situation seems troubling, it’s Jimmy’s humanity that the author gets to shine out in every occasion.

Nova, the astronomer, who’s mother is part of Jimmy’s series of stories, is equally fascinating. He’s divorced, single dad, with issues he’s dealing with, and a overwhelming attraction to a innocent journalist that is the last thing he expects or thinks he needs.

The invisible strings of the title are those that connect people whether we see them or feel them at first. It’s those strings that just keep pulling people back together, time after time.
Fate, stars… whatever you might call it.

Or a list that someone makes up to get done over a two week time frame.

This is a wonderful love story, made better by those characters that surround the two men and support them with their love. It’s family, or co- workers, and friends. We get to know them all.

My only slight issue is with the drama at the end that’s a “crisis “ element. That felt a tad forced given the two men, how well they communicated, and how easily it was resolved.

Overall, I adore Jimmy and Nova’s romance. Such a winner!

I believe we have another story/ romance to come. A bartender? Following the pattern it should come or be tied to Pretty Poison #3, from the Sinister in Savannah series. Hmm maybe I’ll just have to reread those. Sigh!

I’m highly recommending this, Bad at Love and the original series. The author, obviously, as well. Enjoy!

Note: love that cover and the watercolor lighthouse at the top of every chapter! Beautiful.


Connected Secondary Character Romance Series:

- [x] Bad at Love, foundation Ride the Lightning
- [x] Invisible Strings, foundation Mr. Perfect
- [ ] ? To come

Connected series:

Sinister in Savannah series:
- [x] Ride the Lightning #1
- [x] Mr. Perfect #2
- [x] Pretty Poison #3

[Dez · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5 'stars don't lie' stars***

Dez, did you enjoy this book?
Hell yeah! My heart was still a little raw the heartbreaking situations in A Solitary Man (great story btw, totally go read it but beware there's some tough, possibly triggering things in that book). Anyhoo, I needed a little break from all the death and gore in my mystery books and needed something sweet with little to no angst. This was the perfect book!

Can you tell us a brief overview of the story? (Free of spoilers)
Lemme introduce you to the two MCs:

Jimmy Alsop- Suffers from overprotective guardians, virgin, and has an adventurous side he has yet to explore because of said guardians. Jimmy is a reporter for a local newspaper company, and is probably the sweetest guy you'll ever meet. Sweet doesn't mean innocent though! Our boy Jimmy has a wild side and we love it!


Dr. Nova Skye- Suffers from loneliness, likes to be in control, and has the cutest daughter ever! Nova is a scientist and works at a university. Nova may be geeky but boy that does not take away from the fact that he one sexy man! (Jimmy would agree). Geek on the street, but a freak in the sheets!


Jimmy and Nova's stars align one day when they meet in Natalie's, Nova's mom, class one day. I love their journey. It was so freaking sweet I almost got a cavity! These two guys belong together!


I won't go deep in the story because you should just go enjoy their journey (: NOW. What I really like about this story is how it is super sweet, but not in a cringey way. Aimee really wrote their story out beautifully. I hate stories that are so sweet it just doesn't seem realistic. Job well done Aimee.


Did you have a favorite character?
Mmm, I loved both MCs. Can we talk about how Jimmy had like no flaws, at all. Actually, I feel like most of the characters in this book did not have flaws LOL. But that did not take away from the story at all! Still loved it.

Any problems with this book you would like to discuss?
Nope.

Would you read this story again?
Yuppp.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 SuperNova Stars 

If you are in the mood for a perfect romance laced with humor, please look no further. Ms. Walker has gifted you the perfect book!  The story matches two men that both need to live life more fully. They both have a nativity about them that  I found not only endearing but refreshing.

I love the concept of a novice in romance seeking out someone more experienced. At first, I felt Nova, a renowned astronomer, was aloof and cold. It turns out he was anything but that! Being the son of a famous astrologist, he is remarkably different from his mother. The further you read this story, you will see the two have more in common than you would suspect. As a matter of fact, the longer I got to know the crusty, yet gorgeous Nova, the more I realized he had a really sheltered love life. There are reasons for this and I don’t want to give too much away. Nova truly did grow on me, and I loved how being the instructor on a first-time romantic encounter started to shatter his huge walls.

Jimmy is too freaking adorable. Don’t get me wrong, there is more to him than meets the eye. He may be inexperienced but he is far from angelic. Getting out from under his mother and grandmother’s suppressive thumbs, he created an adventure wish list for the summer. The reporter had some embarrassingly intimate firsts that he never intended anyone to see. The list starts a very interesting sequence of events.

This book was a true gem. Every character in the story had me wrapped around their little finger, especially Millie June, Nova’s precious daughter. Some of the more adorable and memorable scenes feature the fierce little minx that brings sunshine into everyone’s life.

The relationship between Nova and Jimmy felt believable and strong. It was not insta-love as both men worked at establishing a true connection. I was so pleased there was no added artificial angst, just the growing pains of a new relationship.

So please do yourself a giant favor and read this special romance that I know, I will definitely re-read. Happy reading!

* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. * * *

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars 🌟

This was probably the most pleasant surprise I've had recently. This book happened to be in my TBR Library with audiobooks. I pushed play without a summary, without actually knowing anything about the book other than the fact that I have enjoyed other books by this author.

I'm not really sure how to explain this book other than to say that it was just a wonderful journey to be a part of. There wasn't suspense, no real drama (not like other books I have read by her) but this book was the telling of the beginnings of a relationship between two people who were honestly, just good people. For once, it was nice to just read a story that made me happy. Made me smile. Yes, it was a bit fluffy, but you know what? I haven't really had that in a while. I enjoy EVERY genre. And lately, I've been reading a lot of books - even wonderful books - but books about how bad humans can be. It was a joy to put aside that for a day and read about two wonderful people and how they found each other.

The secondary characters were also great. Little "June Bug" was adorable and I could completely picture her and see just how wonderful it was to have so many people love and adore her.

I enjoyed everything about this book - well, other than the narration. I actually went and found the print version because the narrator was a bit annoying. Not so much that I would have stopped, but enough that I wanted to enjoy the book more and realized that it was going to impact my level of enjoyment.

This book may have hit me at just the right time, and maybe I might feel differently if I read it on a different day. But...I read it today, and I enjoyed the heck out of it.

[Terri Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

On the one hand, I was charmed by various characters in this book. But on the other hand, at 45%, I am just bored enough by all the description slowing down the plot without adding much of value that I wonder who edited this, and why they didn't do a better job. The worst example so far was an emotional scene during cooking, when a smoke alarm ought to have gone off.

This novel *is* better than two previous books I'd tried by this author, but not as good as it could have been, but I continue to skim for relevant content. For instance, at this point (63%) there've been NUMEROUS "threw his head back and laughed"s, as if the author is unaware of any other way to LOL. Editor should've caught the habit, and that showers don't have faucets.

71%: ten more chapters of skimming. Somewhere in here is a good novella. If only someone had gotten rid of the clutter. Either I finish this today or I ditch it... 90%, five chapters to skim. The clutter is unrelenting. 95% and I am glowering at this stupid plot device x stupid character reaction. What utter nonsense. and I skimmed very quickly through the last 5% and I am done done done. The single star is for good characters. The missing stars are for all the goo they're tangled in and the stupid dark moment BS.

This cried out for a better editor, and was not heard.