The Wonder Within By Gwen Martin
Genre: Contemporary Romance, GLBTQ, MM
Tropes: Second chance, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, grief, found family
Released: October 27, 2023
Publisher: Self Published
Series: The Collective, Book 0.5
Length: Prequel Novella
Cover Design: We Go You Covered Bok Design
Honoring their friend brought them back together. Will love and a common goal keep them there?
Four years ago, Leon fled Knoxville with a broken heart and swore he’d never come back. But when his best friend dies tragically, he finds himself face to face with a place he’d just as soon forget, and the man he left behind.
As a teacher, Toryn knows how much the community needs a facility like The Collective. But bringing his dead best friend’s legacy to life is complicated. Working with Leon makes it even harder. Toryn never thought he’d see the man who walked away from him again.
Together, Leon and Toryn have just three weeks to get The Collective ready to welcome the community. Building something from a clean slate should be easy. But rebuilding what is broken between them will be the hardest thing they’ve ever done.
CONTENT WARNING: This novella centers around the aftermath of a death by suicide, including his family and close friends’ grief. The suicide itself is mentioned briefly, though not in great detail.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the US, you can or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In a life-threatening situation, call 911 in life-threatening situations. In the UK, call the Samaritans at 116 123.
For international resources, visit the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide
Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003
So many feels!
The Wonder Within is a standalone prequel novella that introduces Gwen Martin’s upcoming series The Collective. It’s a story that is full of feels. It’s heartbreaking in places but ultimately something good comes out of something devastating. Please see the content warning in the blurb.
Toryn and Leon parted ways four years ago and not under the best of circumstances. Leon has returned to his home town for the funeral of their good friend, Jon. They are both devastated by his death but now must work together to bring his dream to fruition. There is so much to be done but Jon left them nearly all of the tools they need to finish his pet project.
This story, like all of the Gwen Martin books I’ve read, had my emotions all over the place while I read it. There was sadness for the death of someone who died too young but there was also joy as his friends and sister worked to make Jon’s dream become a reality.
The Wonder Within is a standalone but I’m really intrigued and can’t wait to read the next book in The Collective series.
♥♥♥♥♥
O Factor: Scorcher
Available to borrow with Kindle Unlimited.
A $25 Amazon Gift Card
Gwen Martin is from Florida where the sun was always shining, and the humidity is always high. In 2020 she and her partner moved to Knoxville for a change of scenery with their five cats, and a whole lot of dreams.
Writing came to her at a young age, where she scribbled stories instead of paying attention to math lessons. She spent many years in fandom, exploring her writing opportunities before deciding to take the dive into self-publishing.
Gwen has a strong love affair with cold brew coffee, black cats, and nerding out in a variety of fandoms. When she’s not writing, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on, crocheting compulsively while listening horror gamer playthroughs,and vibing to spotify playlists for inspiration. And best of all, loving the best creatures on earth—her harem of gatos.
| Amazon | BookBub | Contact | Facebook Author Page | Facebook Group Page | Goodreads | Instagram | Newsletter | TikTok | Website |
Previous:
Audio Tour, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway: Confetti Hearts by Lily Morton, Performed by Joel Leslie
Next:
Release Blitz, Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: Next Season by Lane Hayes
You may also like
-
2.0
12 MarReview: Fireman in Unit C by Kris Cook
GLBTQ RomanceA serial arsonist sets fire to the unit next to Jackson’s apartment—the unit the sexy fireman Eli lives in. Things really heat up when Jackson offers Eli a place to stay. Jackson, being OCD, requires everything in his life to be neat and orderly, but Eli’s life is chaotic and messy, especially because of the man’s ex. Living with Eli turns out to be much more than he bargained for.
-
24 FebRelease Blitz / Giveaway: Love & Lies by Gina Danna
GiveawayTo take her would mean his death, but to leave her would mean hers – he must choose. Love or lies? In this deeply emotional, dark, and intensely sexy historical romance, Ganius is champion of the arena, desperate to be free, enslaved to a powerful Roman family. Beautiful and pampered Lady Aurelia is trapped in a betrothal she cannot escape, unless… Aurelia turns to her brother’s champion to save her.
-
5.0
17 AprRelease Day Review: His Faith As He Finds It by A. M. Arthur
GLBTQ RomanceCan a jaded porn star with a painful past and a shy nurse who’s been burned before learn to believe in themselves and find their happily ever after?
-
5.0
25 NovAudio Review: Mr. Frosty Pants by Leta Blake, Performed by John Solo
AudioMr. Frosty Pants is a stand-alone, Christmas gay romance by Leta Blake featuring a virgin hero, childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, and romantically steamy scenes.
