Stephen’s home, deep in the heart of the Welsh valleys, suits his reclusive nature. However, as he recovers from illness, he’s struggling to manage alone. As nature reclaims the land he’s poured his heart into cultivating, he becomes increasingly unhappy. His only outlet is his blog, where he documents the decline of the garden that had been his pride and joy.
Luke is more used to a concrete jungle. He was a high-flyer, living and working in London, until addiction sent him into free fall. Now on the road to recovery, he still wants to make some changes, but he’s unsure where to find the purpose and fulfilment he craves.
A mutual acquaintance suggests Luke visits Stephen to help him out for a while, and a seed of hope is planted. From prickly beginnings, shoots of friendship emerge, blossoming into a deeper connection when they act on their mutual attraction.
This was only ever supposed to be a temporary arrangement, and soon Stephen will be able to manage on his own again. But both men need each other in ways they’re afraid to admit. If their love is going to last for more than one season, they’ll need to find the courage to be honest.
This book is a standalone read with a satisfying happy ending.
Sweet with a bit of angst, though a bit too slow at times.
Stephen and Luke struggle with two very different things, but both men look to the Welsh countryside for healing.
Stephen is trying to get his life back from the debilitating onset of Guillain-Baré syndrome, while Luke is a recovering alcoholic who’s hit rock bottom.
A mutual friend puts the two men in touch - Luke can help Stephen to rejuvenate his ruined garden, and the garden can give Luke the peace and focus he needs.
Their initial meeting isn’t promising at all. Luke relies heavily on drink to feel at ease, and Stephen gives a less-than-happy welcome.
But over the days that follow, slowly, very slowly, Stephen and Luke develop a friendship. Shared meals, days working in the garden, and quiet nights with the cats become a routine.
Though I thought the story dragged at times, particularly with the gardening, I really enjoyed the muted tone and Luke and Stephen’s sweet dynamic in the Welsh countryside.
And beneath it all there’s an underlying attraction that becomes more and more difficult to ignore.
The romance here isn’t easy. Both men have been burned, and they’re hesitant to take things to the next step.
Stephen especially becomes the roadblock. He repeatedly pushes Luke away, even before anything romantic happens. I really could have done with less of Stephen’s prickliness. It just wasn’t a good look!
But once Stephen gets his head out of his ass and lets Luke love him and lets himself love Luke the way they deserve, the happy ending was all kinds of sweet.
If you’re looking for a quiet romance between two men in need of healing, give ‘Where Love Grows’ a try!
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
