Where Wishes Go by S.A. McAuley

Title: Where Wishes Go
Series: N/A
Author: SA McAuley
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (246 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2 Oct 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Can you have a second chance at a first love?

Nick Paine is just starting to return to normal after he told his wife he’s gay and asked for a divorce. Despite a daughter he loves dearly and a job he believes in, part of him is stuck in the past. He’s never forgotten the first love he let fade away fourteen years ago.

Adam “Izz” Azzi has settled into a happy rhythm. His daughter is healthy, he’s found a mosque that accepts him, and his work as a modern artist is gaining international attention. While his past is fraught with mistakes and what-ifs, his life now is good, and he doesn’t want to upset any of the balance he’s worked so hard to achieve.

When Nick and Izz are reunited by luck and fate, their attraction is just as undeniable, but what was left unsaid haunts them.

They have hope for a future together, but wishing may not be enough

ISBN: 9781634764728

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6916

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a book about first loves and what happens when you are all grown up and the memory of that person still haunts you. Where Wishes Go is a somewhat intense, but very sweet read about two guys who lost each other along the way. Nothing says “I love you, but…” better than a couple of thirty-somethings angsting over love while their daughters are all that is sweetness in the background.

The MCs are Nick Paine and Adam Azzi (aka Izz). Nick has recently divorced after a bit of self-discovery and finally admitting that he is gay. He also has a daughter who adores him as much as he adores her and in the aftermath of the divorce has become the primary caregiver.

Otherwise he is more than happy in his role as a hospital administrator, dealing with some rather cranky surgeons constantly. Adam is an artist and in recent has cleaned up his act (he has fought addiction) to become the father that his daughter needs. He has also rediscovered religion and is just about on top of the world when it comes to his career.

To be quite honest, sometimes I was a little annoyed at the back and forth between Nick and Adam, but since I’m not a particularly big fan of angsty situations I’m letting that all slide. Nonetheless, I love these characters. They are relatable and they feel so real.

One aspect that I enjoyed was Adam’s religion, religion is always a bit of a hot potato in MM books, but I enjoyed the lack of emphasis on it because in the end of it, Adam is a normal, everyday sort of bloke. The little girls –Katie and Miri – are absolutely adorable and certainly bring out the best in their fathers.

Like religion though, addiction and the results of one are for the most part left in the background of the story. However, it later becomes front and centre in the final third of the book and I haven’t quite decided yet if it was used as a means to an end or if it was a brilliant (yet poignant) glimpse into what can happen through addiction.

I’m going to admit, the ending had me tearing up a bit

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *