Stand by You
(Belonging, Book 3)
By A.M. Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brendan Walker is a man of few words. Although some are intimidated by his size, the gentle personality that radiates from his heart quickly sets most at ease.
Romy Myers is an almost broken man with a very broken past. Years of abuse and neglect have left him with social anxiety and PTSD. Romy feels safe with Brendan, and their unusual friendship helps to ground him when circumstances trigger his panic attacks.
Brendan is attracted to his friend, but acting on his feelings could damage their friendship, and that is a risk Brendan is reluctant to take. There is also the not-so-small matter of coming out to his friends and family to consider as well.
This emotionally charged story is well written and paced. The traumatic experiences from Romy's past, as well as the challenges faced in this book, are balanced with moments of laughter, love and family. While at times difficult to read, the journey Bren and Roe travel together from friendship towards love is a touching story that focuses on hope rather than despair and is well worth reading.
STAND BY YOU, the third book in the Belonging series, can be read as a stand alone story, but contains characters from the first two books and the experience is enhanced by reading in order.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
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