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Of Sunlight and Stardust
**2019 Lambda Literary Award finalist in Gay Romance
After the death of his wife, Tanner Rowe takes a step toward making her dying wish come true and buys the house with the dilapidated barn she’d been inexplicably drawn to in the picturesque Upper Peninsula. But after a year, he still can’t get past his grief long enough to make the repairs he’d promised.
Recently out of prison, Cole Lachlan has little to his name. Homeless, broke, and without many options as a felon, Cole heads to Red Bluff with hopes of a second chance. There he meets Tanner, whose loneliness mirrors his own, and soon Cole is trading room and board for rebuilding the burned-out barn on Tanner’s property that hasn’t been touched in seventy years.
Turns out, the barn holds more secrets than either of them could have imagined. After unearthing a hidden journal from 1948, Cole and Tanner spend their evenings poring over the pages, reading about a young man pining after his best friend. The deeper they delve into this forbidden affair from the past, the more Cole and Tanner’s own relationship shifts—from acquaintances to friends…to undeniable attraction.
But as they begin to deal with the newness of falling in love in the wake of Tanner’s loss and Cole’s past, they also become more determined to unravel the mystery of the young lovers who’ve captured their hearts, the rumors about the fire, and what really happened that fateful night.
TW: Homophobia
After the death of his wife, Tanner Rowe takes a step toward making her dying wish come true and buys the house with the dilapidated barn she’d been inexplicably drawn to in the picturesque Upper Peninsula. But after a year, he still can’t get past his grief long enough to make the repairs he’d promised.
Recently out of prison, Cole Lachlan has little to his name. Homeless, broke, and without many options as a felon, Cole heads to Red Bluff with hopes of a second chance. There he meets Tanner, whose loneliness mirrors his own, and soon Cole is trading room and board for rebuilding the burned-out barn on Tanner’s property that hasn’t been touched in seventy years.
Turns out, the barn holds more secrets than either of them could have imagined. After unearthing a hidden journal from 1948, Cole and Tanner spend their evenings poring over the pages, reading about a young man pining after his best friend. The deeper they delve into this forbidden affair from the past, the more Cole and Tanner’s own relationship shifts—from acquaintances to friends…to undeniable attraction.
But as they begin to deal with the newness of falling in love in the wake of Tanner’s loss and Cole’s past, they also become more determined to unravel the mystery of the young lovers who’ve captured their hearts, the rumors about the fire, and what really happened that fateful night.
TW: Homophobia
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2018
About the author
Riley Hart
104 books6,417 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 919 reviews
September 25, 2018
~4.5~
Despite being a fan of both authors, I wasn't sure I'd like this book; the dead spouse trope can be a serious turn-off. Grief is not conducive to romance, especially when one of the MCs is completely hung up on what was versus what can be.
Emma, Tanner's deceased wife, was quite present in the story. Her name was mentioned more than a hundred times. Incredibly, this wasn't an issue for me. Indeed, I'd argue that Emma was essential to the plot; she was the catalyst that propelled Tanner toward his destiny.
Plus, Emma was amazing; she was an artist and a kind, bright soul. She volunteered for LGBQT causes and was drawn to a particular farm house with a burned down barn.
Tanner bought that house for Emma. But he also bought it for Cole. He just didn't know it yet.
This isn't just Tanner and Cole's story. It's also Tom and Charlie's story, a story that began and ended in 1948. All Tanner and Cole have is a newspaper article and Tom's journal, buried beneath a loose floorboard in the dilapidated barn.
Tanner and Cole begin as strangers and bond over fishing and shared dinners, over sweat and tears and vivid dreams. Tanner offers Cole the job of restoring the barn because he promised Emma and because he wants Cole to stay.
Cole is a convicted felon, and small town folks are suspicious of men with a record. They judge, and they point fingers, even though Cole just wants to work hard and earn his keep.
Both men need a friend, someone who'll listen, someone who'll help them heal.
The sexy times are ever so tender (also, smokin' hot!). Tanner isn't shy about exploring his newfound bisexuality at all, and Cole is an eager teacher.
I wasn't expecting the paranormal element in the story, but what I loved most is that the authors don't spoon-feed the reader. They create a possibility, a measure of doubt, a whiff of something extraordinary; they ask, What if? And it's up to us to believe. Or not.
Of Sunlight and Stardust is a beautiful book, full of hope and heartbreak and promises. Not all love stories have happy endings, but love finds us again and again if we let it.
Tanner and Cole did. They planted roses, brewed beer, and held hands. They felt a bone-deep connection and seized it—for each other, and for Tom and Charlie too.
The heart never forgets.
Despite being a fan of both authors, I wasn't sure I'd like this book; the dead spouse trope can be a serious turn-off. Grief is not conducive to romance, especially when one of the MCs is completely hung up on what was versus what can be.
Emma, Tanner's deceased wife, was quite present in the story. Her name was mentioned more than a hundred times. Incredibly, this wasn't an issue for me. Indeed, I'd argue that Emma was essential to the plot; she was the catalyst that propelled Tanner toward his destiny.
Plus, Emma was amazing; she was an artist and a kind, bright soul. She volunteered for LGBQT causes and was drawn to a particular farm house with a burned down barn.
Tanner bought that house for Emma. But he also bought it for Cole. He just didn't know it yet.
This isn't just Tanner and Cole's story. It's also Tom and Charlie's story, a story that began and ended in 1948. All Tanner and Cole have is a newspaper article and Tom's journal, buried beneath a loose floorboard in the dilapidated barn.
Tanner and Cole begin as strangers and bond over fishing and shared dinners, over sweat and tears and vivid dreams. Tanner offers Cole the job of restoring the barn because he promised Emma and because he wants Cole to stay.
Cole is a convicted felon, and small town folks are suspicious of men with a record. They judge, and they point fingers, even though Cole just wants to work hard and earn his keep.
Both men need a friend, someone who'll listen, someone who'll help them heal.
The sexy times are ever so tender (also, smokin' hot!). Tanner isn't shy about exploring his newfound bisexuality at all, and Cole is an eager teacher.
"Nothing would stop me from getting on my knees for you."
I wasn't expecting the paranormal element in the story, but what I loved most is that the authors don't spoon-feed the reader. They create a possibility, a measure of doubt, a whiff of something extraordinary; they ask, What if? And it's up to us to believe. Or not.
Of Sunlight and Stardust is a beautiful book, full of hope and heartbreak and promises. Not all love stories have happy endings, but love finds us again and again if we let it.
Tanner and Cole did. They planted roses, brewed beer, and held hands. They felt a bone-deep connection and seized it—for each other, and for Tom and Charlie too.
The heart never forgets.
September 20, 2018
When I read the blurb for this book, I was extremely intrigued...When I saw the names of the authors, I knew I HAD to read it !! I am familiair with, and a fan of, both of their work. I knew a book written by both of them, might very well kill me though... and guess what ?? It nearly did ;)
I loved this story, it was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I don't want to spoiler it though, so I am gonna keep my review as vague as possible...Sorry about that (not really) I just think this is one of those books, you should just jump into, without knowing too much.... Do it !!
I loved both Cole and Tanner, they were pretty awesome characters. Cole just got out of prison and Tanner has been dealing with the loss of his beloved wife Emma.. Both of these man are broken in their own way, but fate has something planned for them... and so they cross paths in the best of ways.
There was such a sweetness to this story, it made me smile throughout the book, which made up for the tears it also made me shed.
Cole has almost always known he was gay, but Tanner has only ever been with women and he has only ever loved Emma. Men have never been on Tanner's radar, before Cole entered his life that is. So this one is definitely a "bi for you". I was a bit worried about Tanner dealing with the loss of his wife and Cole having to stand in her her shadow, but I thankfully never once felt that was the case. I actually didn't mind reading about her and I would have even liked a bit more info about her and how/why she passed away.
I am a big fan of GFY or BFY stories and Tanner getting in touch with his new-found sexuality was all kinds of sexy ...and HOT ;)
Emotional, sweet, sexy and beautiful... I highly recommend !!!
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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May 11, 2021
There was something comforting about reading this.
A beautiful story with the sweetest main characters. Truly enjoyed it.
*******
Re-read 5/2021: I listened to the audiobook for my re-read and really liked both narrators.
A beautiful story with the sweetest main characters. Truly enjoyed it.
*******
Re-read 5/2021: I listened to the audiobook for my re-read and really liked both narrators.
June 19, 2024
4/5
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.
December 11, 2021
Of Sunshine and Stardust by Riley Hart
Contemporary M - M romance.
Cole travels to Red Bluff after getting out of prison. He’s broke but doesn’t want a handout. He’s willing to work and takes a handyman/contractor job with room and board to rebuild a half burned barn. Tanner bought the house and barn in memory of his deceased wife. He’s lonely and begins to appreciate the company. Cole and Tanner spend more time together learning the history of the barn and eventually become more than friends which is a first for Tanner.
Parts of the story are from a diary found in the barn of a gay couple 70 years in the past. Similarities between the couples heighten the emotions and tension.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
Contemporary M - M romance.
Cole travels to Red Bluff after getting out of prison. He’s broke but doesn’t want a handout. He’s willing to work and takes a handyman/contractor job with room and board to rebuild a half burned barn. Tanner bought the house and barn in memory of his deceased wife. He’s lonely and begins to appreciate the company. Cole and Tanner spend more time together learning the history of the barn and eventually become more than friends which is a first for Tanner.
Parts of the story are from a diary found in the barn of a gay couple 70 years in the past. Similarities between the couples heighten the emotions and tension.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
September 19, 2018
EDIT: This doesn't contain spoilers directly but may influence your direction of reading so I shall hide it behind a tag.
The beauty of this book, from these two amazing writers who produce magic in their own right but whose collaborations take things into the stratosphere, was that even knowing where the narrative was likely to go, I devoured it.
Cole and Tanner are such incredible characters who burst from the pages, but Charlie and Tom, and their steadfast friend Paige, were just as brilliantly drawn.
Christina, Riley, once again as a pair you have created a tale of love which has depth and so many layers to it, and which is about so much more than just the people in it.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The beauty of this book, from these two amazing writers who produce magic in their own right but whose collaborations take things into the stratosphere, was that even knowing where the narrative was likely to go, I devoured it.
Cole and Tanner are such incredible characters who burst from the pages, but Charlie and Tom, and their steadfast friend Paige, were just as brilliantly drawn.
Christina, Riley, once again as a pair you have created a tale of love which has depth and so many layers to it, and which is about so much more than just the people in it.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 13, 2023
If ever a story was driven by fate, it must be this one.
Cole is a homeless guy who just came out of prison and is wandering through the countryside hoping to find some way to make a living, legally.
Tanner is a teacher who bought an old farmhouse in the (same) countryside, because it was the last wish of his late wife Emma. He is a depressed widower and cannot do much around the house himself, but when he meets Cole in the neighborhood, he offers him paid work rebuilding his barn, as well as food and accomodation.
I don't need to go into any details here. You know they fall in love. You know there will be a bit of back of forth considering Cole's dark past. And there is always that tiny moment of doubt that is the spice of even the sweetest romances.
BUT the interesting thing about this book is a side story that is told through a diary that the guys find in the old barn that Cole is refurbishing for Tanner.
The diary was kept by a young man, Tom, who lived there in the 1940s. He was in love with another young man, Charlie, and they had to endure lots of trauma, injustice and bullying for being gay in that era. Their life story is told through this diary.
Cole and Tanner keep reading pages from the diary throughout their own story, taking their time with it, and somehow feeling closer to the men who lived in the same spot some 70 years ago.
By the end of the book, the question is: What happened to Tom and Charlie?
The novel almost turns into a bit of a mystery and I found that extremely fascinating. It gave the book several additional layers and provided interesting analogies with Tanner and Cole's current live in that small town.
I admit, I found it a bit odd how Tom's diary was written like a MM romance, but it works well after all - and by the end I had tears in my eyes.
This is definitely a strong romance that provides warmth and good feelings.
5 stars from me :-)
Cole is a homeless guy who just came out of prison and is wandering through the countryside hoping to find some way to make a living, legally.
Tanner is a teacher who bought an old farmhouse in the (same) countryside, because it was the last wish of his late wife Emma. He is a depressed widower and cannot do much around the house himself, but when he meets Cole in the neighborhood, he offers him paid work rebuilding his barn, as well as food and accomodation.
I don't need to go into any details here. You know they fall in love. You know there will be a bit of back of forth considering Cole's dark past. And there is always that tiny moment of doubt that is the spice of even the sweetest romances.
BUT the interesting thing about this book is a side story that is told through a diary that the guys find in the old barn that Cole is refurbishing for Tanner.
The diary was kept by a young man, Tom, who lived there in the 1940s. He was in love with another young man, Charlie, and they had to endure lots of trauma, injustice and bullying for being gay in that era. Their life story is told through this diary.
Cole and Tanner keep reading pages from the diary throughout their own story, taking their time with it, and somehow feeling closer to the men who lived in the same spot some 70 years ago.
By the end of the book, the question is: What happened to Tom and Charlie?
The novel almost turns into a bit of a mystery and I found that extremely fascinating. It gave the book several additional layers and provided interesting analogies with Tanner and Cole's current live in that small town.
I admit, I found it a bit odd how Tom's diary was written like a MM romance, but it works well after all - and by the end I had tears in my eyes.
This is definitely a strong romance that provides warmth and good feelings.
5 stars from me :-)
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 9, 2019DNF @ 30-something %
A grieving husband. A convicted felon who for some odd reason got out of prison without having to do parole, leaving him free to wander about the country. A hidden notebook written by a tortured closet case in the 1940s. Oh, the violin of it all. The drama! The heart-felt pain!
Good grief, y'all. I tried, I really did, but I got bored. Maybe I'm just cold-hearted, but this was not working for me at all.
Bad enough that it was GFY and didn't once attempt to deviate from the tropes of that worn-out genre. I powered on, hoping it would be one of the few rare good GFYs, because they do exist. But nope. This man, who volunteered time helping at a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ teens but never once bothered to question his total straightness until that one uber special guy showed up out of nowhere, is suddenly attacked by the gay flu. Seriously, every time he started getting gay feelings, his reactions read similar to getting the flu. Dude even thought he was coming down sick a few times, and even at one point had to lie down to take a nap that ended up lasting all day. For real. That happened. But have no fear, my man! You're just turned on by a man! With tattoos! What else are you gonna do when he walks around shirtless all the time, all sweaty and tempting? Ooh-la-la-la.
The characters were nice and all, but the "secret notebook hidden in the floorboards to be conveniently discovered decades later by the very people who need to read it most" has been done better before. Namely, in The Tin Box, which this book made me want to reread rather than continue to drudge through the tediousness of this story. There was no real plot to speak of, and the long-lost lovers having the same initials as our current day duo was desperately schmaltzy, although I was probably meant to see it as kismet or serendipitous or some other heart-tugging nonsense.
Yep, I'm cold as ice. Willing to sacrifice their love for a DNF. Yes, I am!
But tons of others loved this book, so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and see if it strikes the right chords for you.
A grieving husband. A convicted felon who for some odd reason got out of prison without having to do parole, leaving him free to wander about the country. A hidden notebook written by a tortured closet case in the 1940s. Oh, the violin of it all. The drama! The heart-felt pain!
Good grief, y'all. I tried, I really did, but I got bored. Maybe I'm just cold-hearted, but this was not working for me at all.
Bad enough that it was GFY and didn't once attempt to deviate from the tropes of that worn-out genre. I powered on, hoping it would be one of the few rare good GFYs, because they do exist. But nope. This man, who volunteered time helping at a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ teens but never once bothered to question his total straightness until that one uber special guy showed up out of nowhere, is suddenly attacked by the gay flu. Seriously, every time he started getting gay feelings, his reactions read similar to getting the flu. Dude even thought he was coming down sick a few times, and even at one point had to lie down to take a nap that ended up lasting all day. For real. That happened. But have no fear, my man! You're just turned on by a man! With tattoos! What else are you gonna do when he walks around shirtless all the time, all sweaty and tempting? Ooh-la-la-la.
The characters were nice and all, but the "secret notebook hidden in the floorboards to be conveniently discovered decades later by the very people who need to read it most" has been done better before. Namely, in The Tin Box, which this book made me want to reread rather than continue to drudge through the tediousness of this story. There was no real plot to speak of, and the long-lost lovers having the same initials as our current day duo was desperately schmaltzy, although I was probably meant to see it as kismet or serendipitous or some other heart-tugging nonsense.
Yep, I'm cold as ice. Willing to sacrifice their love for a DNF. Yes, I am!
But tons of others loved this book, so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and see if it strikes the right chords for you.
October 11, 2019
Christina Lee’s and Riley Hart’s collaborations are magical. Of Sunlight and Stardust is no exception. This is a beautiful, heart clenching story about Tanner, a bereft widower unable to move past his wife’s death, and Cole, a felon looking to find a place in the world to live as an honest, hard working man. Together they breathe life into each other and Tanner’s property to create a home. The book starts off at a languid pace as their friendship slowly develops into love. The writing is so good you’ll want to savor every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter. As the climax builds, the pace increases. Towards the end, I couldn’t put it down, barely able to see the words through my tears. This is an extraordinary book that I highly recommend. Tanner and Cole will live in a little corner of my heart for a long time.
March 2, 2019
DNF at 20%
Obviously I am in minority here, it seems everyone loved this book, but I just can't continue reading it. I loved Tanner and Cole, I see they could be amazing together. Also their story seemed very promising and I was looking forward to get acquainted with them.
But the way how the story is told..... this got on my nerve and I just can't stand it.
I never read book where writing style would be so contradictory to story. Tanner was mourning the death of a spouse, so I should felt his grief. But story was described in very polished, cheery and encouraging language; at times it bordered to naivety like author thought we won't get it.
At 20% I decided put it on DNF shelf, because story felt too artificial and patronizing.
Obviously I am in minority here, it seems everyone loved this book, but I just can't continue reading it. I loved Tanner and Cole, I see they could be amazing together. Also their story seemed very promising and I was looking forward to get acquainted with them.
But the way how the story is told..... this got on my nerve and I just can't stand it.
I never read book where writing style would be so contradictory to story. Tanner was mourning the death of a spouse, so I should felt his grief. But story was described in very polished, cheery and encouraging language; at times it bordered to naivety like author thought we won't get it.
At 20% I decided put it on DNF shelf, because story felt too artificial and patronizing.
April 26, 2023
***** Seventy years prior, Tom and Charlie's journal entries explain the 1948 attitudes and prejudice. Their deep stolen moments are told, as are the hateful treatment by the people from that period. Tanner bought this farm to honor his wife who died from cancer.
Cole, a felon has been homeless until Tanner asks him to restore the burnt barn. Tanner and Cole find a peace with each other as Cole begins the restoration.
They grow as friends, and share the pages of the old journal Cole found. Tanner's emotions are opening up to the possibility of being bisexual, with his need for Cole.
Both men have feelings, which begin with kisses and lead to more. This is a GFY tale, and first times with a man for Tanner, and the beautiful love story that escalates as they proceed.
Our amazing authors give us fantastic tales that coincide with the seventy years prior love story. Tom and Charlie's tale is in correlation to Tanner and Cole. Simply wonderful ! We get a thrilling view of how Tanner and Cole's togetherness is domestic and loving.
We see the extra investigating they delve into, also.
Is it magical, destiny, or a coincidence ? You decide.
I highly recommend this magnificent and brilliantly written mix of the past and present.
A stellar read !
ENJOY !
====
Cole, a felon has been homeless until Tanner asks him to restore the burnt barn. Tanner and Cole find a peace with each other as Cole begins the restoration.
They grow as friends, and share the pages of the old journal Cole found. Tanner's emotions are opening up to the possibility of being bisexual, with his need for Cole.
Both men have feelings, which begin with kisses and lead to more. This is a GFY tale, and first times with a man for Tanner, and the beautiful love story that escalates as they proceed.
Our amazing authors give us fantastic tales that coincide with the seventy years prior love story. Tom and Charlie's tale is in correlation to Tanner and Cole. Simply wonderful ! We get a thrilling view of how Tanner and Cole's togetherness is domestic and loving.
We see the extra investigating they delve into, also.
Is it magical, destiny, or a coincidence ? You decide.
I highly recommend this magnificent and brilliantly written mix of the past and present.
A stellar read !
ENJOY !
====
March 8, 2024
2 stars.
I'll try to make this quick so I can hide before I get hit by thrown tomatoes.
I loved 2 books by RH, felt meh about 8 and this one was definitely not for me. I had high hopes because I had just finished "Endless stretch of blue" and loved it.
From the start I didn't get a feel for the MCs, had a hard time believing in their connection and had issues with the subtle (but steadily increasing) hints at paranormal elements. The name-coincidences, the dreams, it all felt so pathetic, corny and OTT.
The story itself bored me, the constant short chapters from Tom's journal felt anticlimactic. Why would they just read 1 chapter a week? Why would Tom have written the journal in such a detailled way? It felt unbelievable and not realistic.
It takes good writing to get me to enjoy the gay-for-him trope, and here that wasn't the case. How Tanner thought a few times he was getting ill when in reality he felt physical attraction to a man was cringey.
I didn't like how Tanner and Cole's sex together was better than anything they had experienced before. There was no need to point that out again and again. Tanner had been deeply in love with his late wife Emma, and Cole respected that from the start. Why do authors always need to compare love like that? Why not honor the MCs first love and grant them another big fulfilling love without cheapening the first?
The drama around the theft was overly constructed, didn't feel genuine, and the last chapters were the worst part for me, sooo OTT I'd have to switch my brain off to enjoy this kind of writing. It's not what I expect from a contemporary romance.
(I'll go hiding now)
I'll try to make this quick so I can hide before I get hit by thrown tomatoes.
I loved 2 books by RH, felt meh about 8 and this one was definitely not for me. I had high hopes because I had just finished "Endless stretch of blue" and loved it.
From the start I didn't get a feel for the MCs, had a hard time believing in their connection and had issues with the subtle (but steadily increasing) hints at paranormal elements. The name-coincidences, the dreams, it all felt so pathetic, corny and OTT.
The story itself bored me, the constant short chapters from Tom's journal felt anticlimactic. Why would they just read 1 chapter a week? Why would Tom have written the journal in such a detailled way? It felt unbelievable and not realistic.
It takes good writing to get me to enjoy the gay-for-him trope, and here that wasn't the case. How Tanner thought a few times he was getting ill when in reality he felt physical attraction to a man was cringey.
I didn't like how Tanner and Cole's sex together was better than anything they had experienced before. There was no need to point that out again and again. Tanner had been deeply in love with his late wife Emma, and Cole respected that from the start. Why do authors always need to compare love like that? Why not honor the MCs first love and grant them another big fulfilling love without cheapening the first?
The drama around the theft was overly constructed, didn't feel genuine, and the last chapters were the worst part for me, sooo OTT I'd have to switch my brain off to enjoy this kind of writing. It's not what I expect from a contemporary romance.
(I'll go hiding now)
August 17, 2019
Glad I came across this book - and all bc of what my GR friends are putting on their feeds! LOVE GR!!
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
The 0.5 off is for the cover - not a huge fan - and maybe, I dunno, just something slightly missing in the novel to make it a complete home run.
Still rounded to a 5 tho. It was very good. Poignant, real, emotional, sexy. Maybe I was hoping for more intense, emotional sexy times... Maybe the 2 men were just a little bit not enough alpha for me, at least 1 of them should be more alpha... I dunno. I liked them both, but some "oomph" was missing.
I do love reading about the way 2 men get in a relationship tho. I just love the way men are. The directness, the action vs. words, the subtleties... there's a certain "purity" about them (not talking about manwhores, but the REAL men) that I like better than women. Women are... irritating. So hard for me to like heroines in books sometimes. And to that point, I don't often like the "she-man" in m-m's that much either. So I guess it's the personality and not the gender that irritates me.
Anyway, these were 2 non-irritating characters. When Cole felt like Tanner didn't want him any more after finding out he was in prison, and my eyes got red and my throat closed up... that's when I knew this is a 5 star book.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
The 0.5 off is for the cover - not a huge fan - and maybe, I dunno, just something slightly missing in the novel to make it a complete home run.
Still rounded to a 5 tho. It was very good. Poignant, real, emotional, sexy. Maybe I was hoping for more intense, emotional sexy times... Maybe the 2 men were just a little bit not enough alpha for me, at least 1 of them should be more alpha... I dunno. I liked them both, but some "oomph" was missing.
I do love reading about the way 2 men get in a relationship tho. I just love the way men are. The directness, the action vs. words, the subtleties... there's a certain "purity" about them (not talking about manwhores, but the REAL men) that I like better than women. Women are... irritating. So hard for me to like heroines in books sometimes. And to that point, I don't often like the "she-man" in m-m's that much either. So I guess it's the personality and not the gender that irritates me.
Anyway, these were 2 non-irritating characters. When Cole felt like Tanner didn't want him any more after finding out he was in prison, and my eyes got red and my throat closed up... that's when I knew this is a 5 star book.
September 25, 2018
Overall book rating: 4.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Let me give this something more than an emotional ranting 5 minutes after finishing the book.
I think this was right up my alley in the exact same time the mood struck me.
And therefore can I tell you that I found this book “Magical” in its own special way.
To Tom and Charlie...
Tanner and Cole. The relationship building was done really well. I loved having this experience with them. Not only finding their own little place in a world that hasn’t been all that great to them, but also in the building of new relationships and finding love.
It was beautiful. It was touching. It will haunt me for a very very long time.
Beautifully done.
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So..I just read this in one sitting..I'ts f@#cking Heart Breaking!!!! Hatefulle sons of BiTCHES!!!!! Damit all to hell this was beautifully sad. I don.t even know what else to say. My heart is broken
Great job by the authors.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Let me give this something more than an emotional ranting 5 minutes after finishing the book.
I think this was right up my alley in the exact same time the mood struck me.
And therefore can I tell you that I found this book “Magical” in its own special way.
To Tom and Charlie...
Tanner and Cole. The relationship building was done really well. I loved having this experience with them. Not only finding their own little place in a world that hasn’t been all that great to them, but also in the building of new relationships and finding love.
It was beautiful. It was touching. It will haunt me for a very very long time.
Beautifully done.
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So..I just read this in one sitting..I'ts f@#cking Heart Breaking!!!! Hatefulle sons of BiTCHES!!!!! Damit all to hell this was beautifully sad. I don.t even know what else to say. My heart is broken
Great job by the authors.
July 25, 2019
Honestly one of the best books in my lifetime.
It's very hard not to be emotional, not only about Tom and Charlie, but also Tanner and Cole.
The story just sucked me in, sinking down deep in my soul. Tanner has such an air of insurmountable grief, and Cole is just defeated. He doesn't believe he's ever going to find anything good again in his life, and Tanner is both overwhelmed and angry that he's purchased this land and farm for his late wife.
As they get to know one another, it's almost one step forward and two steps back for each man. Cole unwilling to be pitied, or accept charity, and Tanner feeling the need to help, and then hurt when he finds Cole's dishonesty from the lips of the town gossip.
The overwhelming amount of heart these authors put in their characters, all four of them, is stunning. Tragic, and inspiring, it brought me to tears on more than one occasion. The end was worth it all. Take a chance on this book, you might just surprise yourself.
It's very hard not to be emotional, not only about Tom and Charlie, but also Tanner and Cole.
The story just sucked me in, sinking down deep in my soul. Tanner has such an air of insurmountable grief, and Cole is just defeated. He doesn't believe he's ever going to find anything good again in his life, and Tanner is both overwhelmed and angry that he's purchased this land and farm for his late wife.
As they get to know one another, it's almost one step forward and two steps back for each man. Cole unwilling to be pitied, or accept charity, and Tanner feeling the need to help, and then hurt when he finds Cole's dishonesty from the lips of the town gossip.
The overwhelming amount of heart these authors put in their characters, all four of them, is stunning. Tragic, and inspiring, it brought me to tears on more than one occasion. The end was worth it all. Take a chance on this book, you might just surprise yourself.
June 6, 2022
This was a super interesting tale than spanned two time periods. Each story about two men falling in love and while they had much in common there was so much more it didn’t share.
Tanner wanted to honor his deceased wife by buying the old farmhouse with the half burned barn. But once he owned it, he couldn’t bring himself to fixing it up without her.
Cole is an ex-convict, having been in prison for mostly being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet he was ostracized as if he was a cold blooded killer.
Happenstance brings these two together. Cole wanting to help the guy out hires him to do what he can’t. To fix up the barn.
During his renovations, Cole discovers an old journal about Tom and Charlie. Two men who fell in love during a time that wasn’t accepting in the 1940’s.
It’s so interesting because both stories mirror each other. The journal leads up to the barn’s demise. They read it together as they bring the barn back to life.
It’s super emotional, both past and present. Tom and Charlie go through so much to be together. Tanner is grieving but he finds comfort in the last place he would’ve ever suspected. In Cole.
The chemistry between Tanner and Cole grew at a steady, realistic pace. I especially enjoyed Tanner falling in love with a man for the first time. Best of all is that they found a home where before they were floundering.
I didn’t feel as connected to this one. I fear that’s due to listening to the audio rather than reading it. Even so, there’s something missing for me that I can’t quite name.
Tanner wanted to honor his deceased wife by buying the old farmhouse with the half burned barn. But once he owned it, he couldn’t bring himself to fixing it up without her.
Cole is an ex-convict, having been in prison for mostly being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet he was ostracized as if he was a cold blooded killer.
Happenstance brings these two together. Cole wanting to help the guy out hires him to do what he can’t. To fix up the barn.
During his renovations, Cole discovers an old journal about Tom and Charlie. Two men who fell in love during a time that wasn’t accepting in the 1940’s.
It’s so interesting because both stories mirror each other. The journal leads up to the barn’s demise. They read it together as they bring the barn back to life.
It’s super emotional, both past and present. Tom and Charlie go through so much to be together. Tanner is grieving but he finds comfort in the last place he would’ve ever suspected. In Cole.
The chemistry between Tanner and Cole grew at a steady, realistic pace. I especially enjoyed Tanner falling in love with a man for the first time. Best of all is that they found a home where before they were floundering.
I didn’t feel as connected to this one. I fear that’s due to listening to the audio rather than reading it. Even so, there’s something missing for me that I can’t quite name.
September 26, 2018
✮5 Stars✮
💗
A story that emotionally breaks your heart and...Absolutely very beautiful!
I recommend this book to EVERYONE!
A story that emotionally breaks your heart and...Absolutely very beautiful!
I recommend this book to EVERYONE!
September 17, 2023
4/5 stars
I cried a little too much 😭
I cried a little too much 😭
September 26, 2018
Going on the blurb this should have been a winner - hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, GFY, ex con trying to start over all mixed in with a twist? Yes please! But it fell short and the good parts that I was waiting for kinda got side swiped with all the mundane day to day happenings. I wanted all the feels and angst and drama, the more the merrier. Instead, this was rather low on the drama with even less angst. 😞
Definitely wasn't wowed.
3.5 stars
Definitely wasn't wowed.
3.5 stars
October 7, 2018
I'm kinda confused about this. While this was Tanner's and Cole's story, I cared more about Tom's and Charlie's story on the background.
Incredibly slow burn for Tanner and Cole. I had a hard time keeping focused with this. It was okay but I was not really a fan of these guys. Like I said I loved Tom & Charlie more..
May 12, 2021
4.5 stars 💫
This story was bittersweet and soothing. 💕 This was amazing and heartbreaking to read at the same time. I knew from the start, Tanner and Cole had an instant connection. My heart aches for Tom, Charlie, and Paige. 🥺 They deserved better.
This story was bittersweet and soothing. 💕 This was amazing and heartbreaking to read at the same time. I knew from the start, Tanner and Cole had an instant connection. My heart aches for Tom, Charlie, and Paige. 🥺 They deserved better.
September 20, 2018
Tanner Rowe has bought a house with a burned-out barn because it was his wife, and best friend, Emma's dream inexplicably for them to own the property. But Tanner is in over his head both with the repairs and his grief after losing Emma less than a year before.
Cole Lachlan has recently gotten out of prison, and with no parole to worry about and the only person in his life, his grandfather, that he cared for and cared about him, gone, he drifts along hoping for a break. He winds up in picturesque Red Bluff with not a lot of money left and very little in the way of prospects. It's rough going and Cole's really on hard times, but still proud. When Tanner discovers Cole is homeless, he and Cole work out a deal where Cole will have room and board (in the burned out barn) in exchange for manual labor.
When Cole discovers a hidden journal from 1948 in the barn it's more than a book that's unearthed. A mystery blooms and the two men make the determination to find out what really happened to the writer, his best friend, and the barn. Additionally there is the attraction and romance that builds slowly between Tanner and Cole, despite Tanner never having been attracted to a man before.
I don't want to give too much away, it's definitely better to go in blind to this one. If you're in the mood for a dual POV, medium angst, slower paced romance with a happy ending, but quite a few tears before you get there check out Of Sunlight and Stardust.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Of Sunlight and Stardust provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Cole Lachlan has recently gotten out of prison, and with no parole to worry about and the only person in his life, his grandfather, that he cared for and cared about him, gone, he drifts along hoping for a break. He winds up in picturesque Red Bluff with not a lot of money left and very little in the way of prospects. It's rough going and Cole's really on hard times, but still proud. When Tanner discovers Cole is homeless, he and Cole work out a deal where Cole will have room and board (in the burned out barn) in exchange for manual labor.
When Cole discovers a hidden journal from 1948 in the barn it's more than a book that's unearthed. A mystery blooms and the two men make the determination to find out what really happened to the writer, his best friend, and the barn. Additionally there is the attraction and romance that builds slowly between Tanner and Cole, despite Tanner never having been attracted to a man before.
I don't want to give too much away, it's definitely better to go in blind to this one. If you're in the mood for a dual POV, medium angst, slower paced romance with a happy ending, but quite a few tears before you get there check out Of Sunlight and Stardust.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Of Sunlight and Stardust provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 30, 2018
“I read somewhere that we’re all made of sunlight and stardust. So maybe, whenever you look at the sky, from morning till nightfall, you’re connecting with them in some small way.”
There are some books that fill your heart to bursting point and every time you think of them, your heart flutters a little. They are those books that you cannot help but recommend to every one of your friends, and over time, they become some of your favourite re-reads. Riley Hart and Christina Lee’s latest collaboration is every bit as beautiful as I’ve come to expect from this excellent duo, and from the very first page, I was besotted. A tender story of love that both heals and breaks the heart, and told through two very different narratives, braided together, but separated in time—one set in the present, and the other told through letters from many years before—a novel like this gives voice to all the forgotten love stories that could not be, and all the ones that wouldn’t have been possible had times not changed. I loved this book so much, I never wanted it to end.
Continue reading this review...
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February 7, 2021
Beautifully performed by Kale Williams and Tristan James, Of Sunlight and Stardust is a moving and emotional audiobook. Such a sad, but uplifting story. With cool elements of magic and mystery, Riley Hart blends the stories of Cole and Tanner (today) with the tale of Charlie and Tom they find memorialized in a journal. Yes, I got shivers up my spine at the climax of this story - it was wonderful.
September 16, 2023
"Are you praying?" I whispered.
He nodded. "Praying that our souls will be united for all of eternity."
I spent the last 10% of this book ugly crying. It was such a beautiful and moving story. Of Sunlight and Stardust follows Tanner and Cole, but also Tom and Charlie through a journal from 1948 that they find. I loved how Tom and Charlie's story was integrated into the main story. I will not say more about it to avoid any spoilers, but wow. Everything ties together perfectly.
Tanner and Cole's relationship was also great. They went from strangers to friends to lovers in a way that felt natural despite Tanner's grief and Cole's hang-ups. They were able to lean on and support each other through their journey. It was beautiful.
"...and now it made his chest feel lighter [...]. Like he wouldn't wake from this dream he'd been living on borrowed time with a man who made him feel so many things. Like he mattered, had worth. Like he could actually be someone's whole world."
He nodded. "Praying that our souls will be united for all of eternity."
I spent the last 10% of this book ugly crying. It was such a beautiful and moving story. Of Sunlight and Stardust follows Tanner and Cole, but also Tom and Charlie through a journal from 1948 that they find. I loved how Tom and Charlie's story was integrated into the main story. I will not say more about it to avoid any spoilers, but wow. Everything ties together perfectly.
Tanner and Cole's relationship was also great. They went from strangers to friends to lovers in a way that felt natural despite Tanner's grief and Cole's hang-ups. They were able to lean on and support each other through their journey. It was beautiful.
"...and now it made his chest feel lighter [...]. Like he wouldn't wake from this dream he'd been living on borrowed time with a man who made him feel so many things. Like he mattered, had worth. Like he could actually be someone's whole world."
July 11, 2021
Wow, this story was amazing.
June 4, 2019
Those of you who enjoyed the authors' writing style in the past, pick this one up. It's one of their best work. And you get to root for not one but two couples.
I'm always reluctant to pick up a book that takes the reader back to the past, though I don't really have a reason as to why. I enjoyed books in the past that contained a story within a story, though not as much as this one.
I was worried that Tom and Charlie's story might overshadow Tanner and Cole's relationship development. If anything, it added to it and helped them move forward.
I also don't believe in reincarnation and such spiritual beliefs, but I put that aside.
Readers who are looking for books where the MC is fresh out of prison and tries to start over. This is a really good representation for that.
I only had really minor issues with the writing.
4.5 stars.
I'm always reluctant to pick up a book that takes the reader back to the past, though I don't really have a reason as to why. I enjoyed books in the past that contained a story within a story, though not as much as this one.
I was worried that Tom and Charlie's story might overshadow Tanner and Cole's relationship development. If anything, it added to it and helped them move forward.
I also don't believe in reincarnation and such spiritual beliefs, but I put that aside.
Readers who are looking for books where the MC is fresh out of prison and tries to start over. This is a really good representation for that.
I only had really minor issues with the writing.
4.5 stars.
June 10, 2019
This was a lovely second chance at life story, with a hint of reincarnation/spirituality sprinkled throughout, but not clobbered over the reader's head. Nice. Very nice. Heartwarming and sad at once.
When Tanner Rowe and Cole Lachlan meet they're each at a crossroad in their respective lives: Tanner isn't quite moving on after his wife's death and Cole, without family or friends as a safety net, is finding it almost impossible to reenter society after a stint in prison. After kind-or -sort-of meeting at a bait-and-tackle shop, Tanner offers Cole room and board in exchange for repair work on the burnt-out barn on his property. From the first moment, each of the MCs, but particularly Tanner, feels an unexplained familiarity or comfort level with the other. A sense of 'knowing' each other, in spite of being virtual strangers. Little by little, but not super belabored, Tanner and Cole forge a friendship, greatly aided by their reading of Tom Crawford's journal.
In the journal, Tom, the son of the previous occupants of Tanner's house, tells of his relationship with Charlie Myers. A relationship that morphs from friendship into more in the inhospitable climate of 1948 Red Bluff, Michigan. While reading the journal, and in everyday interactions, we become aware of the affinity between the two couples and the rest is just bittersweet.
I liked that the Tom & Charlie story wasn't sugar coated, reality is reality, And I really liked how Tanner's attraction to Cole, despite previously having thought of himself as straight, wasn't fraught with any inner turmoil. It wouldn't make sense for his character and especially having been married to someone like Emma. I liked that the love scenes evolved organically, and while sexy, were really more sensual. The townsfolk were a nice mix of busybodies and good people, which made the stetting realistic.
Overall I'd recommend it. What I couldn't get on-board with was the audio. Sorry. I love Kale Williams but couldn't warm up to the other narrator. I ended up just reading, so I'm not rating the audio.
When Tanner Rowe and Cole Lachlan meet they're each at a crossroad in their respective lives: Tanner isn't quite moving on after his wife's death and Cole, without family or friends as a safety net, is finding it almost impossible to reenter society after a stint in prison. After kind-or -sort-of meeting at a bait-and-tackle shop, Tanner offers Cole room and board in exchange for repair work on the burnt-out barn on his property. From the first moment, each of the MCs, but particularly Tanner, feels an unexplained familiarity or comfort level with the other. A sense of 'knowing' each other, in spite of being virtual strangers. Little by little, but not super belabored, Tanner and Cole forge a friendship, greatly aided by their reading of Tom Crawford's journal.
In the journal, Tom, the son of the previous occupants of Tanner's house, tells of his relationship with Charlie Myers. A relationship that morphs from friendship into more in the inhospitable climate of 1948 Red Bluff, Michigan. While reading the journal, and in everyday interactions, we become aware of the affinity between the two couples and the rest is just bittersweet.
I liked that the Tom & Charlie story wasn't sugar coated, reality is reality, And I really liked how Tanner's attraction to Cole, despite previously having thought of himself as straight, wasn't fraught with any inner turmoil. It wouldn't make sense for his character and especially having been married to someone like Emma. I liked that the love scenes evolved organically, and while sexy, were really more sensual. The townsfolk were a nice mix of busybodies and good people, which made the stetting realistic.
Overall I'd recommend it. What I couldn't get on-board with was the audio. Sorry. I love Kale Williams but couldn't warm up to the other narrator. I ended up just reading, so I'm not rating the audio.
August 20, 2019
4.5 Stars!!💕 L❤️VED IT!! This was a tear-jerker 😭 but sweet and sentimental too😍..; and it is hard for me to review this book without giving away any spoilers so I will keep it brief.
Both Cole and Tanner have had a difficult life but they find comfort and friendship in each other when their paths cross in a small town in Michigan. They also find a new purpose in their lives when they start rebuilding the barn (attached to the house Tanner has recently bought) which was burnt down decades ago, following some tragic events. As they try to move past their old lives, they start to feel an inexplicable bond between themselves that soon starts to feel more than friendship. But is Tanner ready to get into a relationship with Cole when he has never been attracted to a man before or is this just temporary? Will Cole's past conviction hurt his prospects of finding an honest living? Will he be able to earn the trust of everyone in town including Tanner? And what is the backstory behind the burned down barn and why has it impacted Cole and Tanner so much?
The story is emotional, angsty 😢but still has many sweet 😍as well as steamy moments🔥. Cole and Tanner are both likable, grounded, sweet MCs with past tragedies coloring their personalities. Nevertheless they find strength in each other and the slow burn from friendship to lovers is very well written. I have never read anything by this collab of authors, but I loved this unique story with its fusion of past and present. I highly recommend it to all fans of tropes with slow-burn, friends-to-lovers; GFY 😍😉 and who can handle emotion and angst too. 👍👍
Both Cole and Tanner have had a difficult life but they find comfort and friendship in each other when their paths cross in a small town in Michigan. They also find a new purpose in their lives when they start rebuilding the barn (attached to the house Tanner has recently bought) which was burnt down decades ago, following some tragic events. As they try to move past their old lives, they start to feel an inexplicable bond between themselves that soon starts to feel more than friendship. But is Tanner ready to get into a relationship with Cole when he has never been attracted to a man before or is this just temporary? Will Cole's past conviction hurt his prospects of finding an honest living? Will he be able to earn the trust of everyone in town including Tanner? And what is the backstory behind the burned down barn and why has it impacted Cole and Tanner so much?
The story is emotional, angsty 😢but still has many sweet 😍as well as steamy moments🔥. Cole and Tanner are both likable, grounded, sweet MCs with past tragedies coloring their personalities. Nevertheless they find strength in each other and the slow burn from friendship to lovers is very well written. I have never read anything by this collab of authors, but I loved this unique story with its fusion of past and present. I highly recommend it to all fans of tropes with slow-burn, friends-to-lovers; GFY 😍😉 and who can handle emotion and angst too. 👍👍
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