Ellis.I feel him.Before I even lay eyes on him, I sense him.The air in the room seems charged, my awareness of him heightened, but he is a stranger to me.Unfamiliar, yet familiar.Unknown, yet known.And something inside me says, “Hello, I’ve been waiting for you.”Macsen.I see him.I’ve seen him a hundred times before and I know this will not be the last, but each time I do, I feel it.That invisible … last, but each time I do, I feel it.
That invisible tether.
I remember everything.
I remember him.
His eyes lock with mine and then move away too quickly.
I am nothing more than a stranger, another face in the crowd.
While he is my favourite hello, and my hardest goodbye.
more
Macsen and Ellis have a love that stands the test of time. I knew before I even started this book I was going to be a weepy mess at some point and I was right. I couldn’t put this down, I could feel the love that these two had from the very beginning.
These two just made my heart happy. As Macs and Ellis were getting to know each other throughout the book, I was speechless at how these two just made perfect sense to be with each other. They just fit, they were soulmates from the beginning and nothing was going to change that. I loved taking their journey with them and I’ll remember this one for a long time to come.
Do you believe in destiny?
Do you believe in the existence of that invisible red thread that binds us to our soul mate? To the other half of us who makes us complete ??
After reading this story you can’t help but believe it, and you will feel the desire to find yours in order to live a love story like that of Macsen and Ellis.
A love capable of overcoming everything.
I won’t tell you much about the story, because I would deprive you of the magic of discovering every little detail of this story for yourself.
Just know this:
– Macsen is a successful man who has always relied on his “instinct”, and it has never been wrong. His instincts lead him to Lily Bay.
He takes him to Ellis.
– Ellis is a chef.
He’s not the relationship type and he has never really built an emotional connection with anyone, but he always missed something. He has no idea what, though, until he catches Macsen’s eye.
INTENSE
Trivial word and widely used, but it is the only one that comes to mind to describe this book.
The connection between Macsen and Ellis is powerful, and destabilizing.
From the first word, history wraps you in its coils and it is impossible to get out of it.
The author manages to reproduce every emotion of the protagonists so well, that you can not help but feel them crawl under your skin and make them yours.
A kind of frenzy accompanied my reading: I could not read fast enough, and at the same time I had the impression that there was not enough time and that everything was going too fast.
And in the end I understood the reason for those emotions ….
Ellis and Macsen break your heart, but they also give you hope in the power of love.
Forgive me if I was a bit cryptic but trust me when I tell you that “The most beautiful meeting. The most difficult goodbye” is one of the most beautiful MM I have read and is absolutely recommended !!
Ellis and Macsen’s story was beautiful, unique, heartwrenching, and epic. Two hearts and souls meant to be together. When apart there is a yearning and a longing. When Macsen goes to Lily Bay on his quest, he finds Ellis. And their connection is instant and their love story is passionate, soul-deep, and all-consuming. I adored both Macsen and Ellis and they were just perfect together. But their love story also has unique challenges.
They have seared themselves into my heart. I just do not know what else to say besides Book Hangover.
“I felt it. You called to me. You always do. That’s how I always find you.”
I’m lost for words, my thoughts are a complete jumbled mess and my emotions are all over the place. I love going blind into a book and it completely consumes me and I can’t wait to be back between its pages.
I don’t want to give anything away about Favourite Hello. Hardest Goodbye because everyone needs to read it spoiler free. All you really need to know is this story will hit your heart on the deepest most molecular level. The tiniest most hidden parts of your heart and soul will be overwhelmed by all the feelings Ellis and Macsen will draw from you.
“Ellis and Macsen. Two men bound by more than this moment. Two halves of a whole. Bilateral symmetry. My beginning and my end.”
These two men will become a part of you, you will want to hold them close and make sure everything is okay. When you go into this book I want you to be prepared. Gird yourself against the onslaught of feelings and emotions that you will feel because I promise you will feel so deeply for them. You just can’t help it and if you’re a crier then you better have a box of tissues handy.
Easily one of my top reads this years and I know this is going to be a reread for sure.
This author’s words always touch me in a way that leaves me bereft for days.
But this story…I’m so torn, I’m weeping with joy at how it’s left my heart so enriched.
Even writing this review I’m sobbing, unabashedly.
Macsen and Ellis are beautiful, soulful and devastatingly intriguing characters.
Their story is so unique, and it’s a story is as many have described, that’s best experienced blind.
There is a trust you need to place in this gifted author’s hands, as she holds your heart in a vice-like grip throughout this story, that will stay with you long after the last page, and indeed she then will tease you with a bonus chapter if you dare.
This is beyond a 5 star read for me, such is the emotion it has elicited, the joy it has brought and the faith it has restored in love, in all it’s forms across all it’s lifetimes.
How can I put it into words?
I thought that One ripped my heart out, but this? I can’t even explain it. It’s beautifully written with amazing characters and a setting I can see and smell. It’s got erotic scenes that are never just sex, not a single one of them. It’s got banter and laughter and tears. Oh, the tears!
There’s no fluff here. If you want a feel-good laugh go read Charlie Sunshine. But if you thrive on angst and love bawling over fictional characters, this is the perfect book for you. And that’s all I’m going to say because I can’t see the screen to type anything else.
“Time, space, galaxies, stars, divine order, none of those can erase the power of that love.”
Ellis and Macsen’s story starts out like anyone else’s, but with a twist. The way their story is written is bold, beautiful, and amazing. I could not have asked for more from E.S. Carter. Once again, she has delivered wonderful words. I need more!!
This heartbreakingly beautiful story has been written…. beautifully. I was warned by friends that I would need to have tissues to hand and they were correct. There was one point when I needed to step away from the story to pull myself together but knew that I would only have to come back to it so I continued reading and I’m so pleased that I did because I don’t think I would have survived reading that particular scene twice in succession.
Ellis and Macsen’s story is one that I will forever treasure. Even though a few hours have passed since finishing this book I’ve realised that I’m not going to be able to write this review without crying so I’ll keep it brief. Deep breath Ann! The message that I have taken away from this story is powerful and gives me so much hope. Ell and Macs are soulmates and as their story unfolds you’ll see the gift that the author has given us. This is a love story of epic proportions and it has been a pleasure to meet these two fabulous men and witness a part of their journey.
I’m not going to say anything else other than please read this incredible story. I found myself not only captivated by Ellis and Macs’ relationship but also the beautiful setting that this is story takes place in and the residents who live there added to this story perfectly. Favourite Hello. Hardest Goodbye. will most certainly be one of my top reads of the year. I know that you will adore this story just as much as I do and now I’m off to have another cry.
This is my favourite book so far in 2020. It left me crying feeling happy, heartbroken and hopeful.
The beauty of this story is beyond words and tells the story of the love and connection we’re all hoping to find for ourselves.
As for Macsen and Ellis they’re are masterfully created and I just wanted to run out the door to go and find them, because I want to get to know them.
ES Carter outdid herself AGAIN in her newest release, “Favourite Hello. Hardest Goodbye.”
“This first meeting can only happen once…although first is the wrong description for us. We’ve had so many firsts- so many, yet never enough.”
In this new release, we are immersed into the wonderful setting of a small beautiful Irish beach community, with such colorful characters to go with it. The reader meets Macsen and Ellis. Macsen is best described with “…I wasn’t running from something, but running towards everything.” The story starts with a deep sense of longing as well as with underlying fee!ing of mystery to how Macsen is searching for Ellis for so long, yet has actually never met him.
And Ellis, when he first meets Mac, “Macsen Evans took my breath away and replaced it with something I didn’t know was missing” even thou he continuously states he does not believe in love at first sight, or even has any feelings of wanting relationships.
“You see , we are all linked in this infinite circle of life.
It’s just that most of us never know it. ”
ES Carter creates such a love story that has the reader devouring her words and cheering for the moments that bring the characters together. Her words are so poetic that I know I have saved so many of her quotes because of the beauty and depth that they make the reader feel and dream of a love like Mac and Ellis.
“You see, that’s one thing we all have in common; we all become memories in the end. We should all love our lives with this at the forefront of our minds, so that we never forget not to waste a single moment.”
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ES Carter’s newest release, as well as ALL of her works. Her writing creates such deep images in the reader that I want to walk among the cliffs to see the water that Mac and Ell look upon, or to have some cooking from the pub,but especially to see Lily as she is transformed. This book is a m/m new adult romance. But do not turn away just because m/m might not be your interest bc the feelings created are more than just gay romance, it is about feeling a connection with someone that transcends the physical world.
” for infinite lifetimes I’ve loved you”
“But if loving Macsen has taught me anything, it’s that impossible is merely a word.”
E.S. Carter (Eli Carter) is a new-to-me author and I love discovering even though I have seen the name around social media. I read the blurb and of course, I love me some m/m, but the blurb is what captured me.
I know I will not do this review justice. You need to be in a good headspace to read this beautifully written book. If you are reading this a few years from now, myself and probably the rest of the world are under quarantine, the great Covid-19 Pandemic. I won’t bore you with the details, just Google it.
Anyway, as I was saying, when you start reading you know that it will be different from other contemporary romances. Macs, well he leaves everything behind to buy a property, site unseen, because he was meant to do so, to find the love of his life.
Els, is the wonderful pub owner who didn’t know he would so seamlessly fall in love with the somewhat “mysterious” Macs. But really, there isn’t much of a mystery.
If you want to read a beautiful love story, read this one but only if you can handle the tears because there will be plenty of them.
I am going to do my very best to try and get through this review without bursting into tears, but let’s be honest here, it ain’t going to happen *shrugs*. So it’s probably best I apologise in advance for any emotional outpouring.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
*deep breath in and (slowly) out*
I have two words to say about this book. Read. It.
Now don’t get me wrong, if, like me, you’re a ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ emotional reader then Ellis and Macsen’s story will take its toll on you. At the same time, there is such beauty there as well, and a feeling of serenity that I don’t have the words to properly articulate.
“I’ve found the things in life that are meant to be will always find their way.”
*hiccups*
*pinches nose*
*counts to 10*
*squeezes eyes closed*
Phew, that was a close call…
*dabs eyes*
I’ll admit to wailing, “I’m not emotionally equipped to deal with this right now.” as my mum caught me mid-meltdown whilst reading. In the interest of decorum, I shall not repeat what she said here, lol. Psychiatric help may or may not have been mentioned *snorts*.
*sigh*
I feel as if every word of this story has etched itself on my heart.
As such, I feel like I need to issue a word of warning. About me, not the book – go figure! I would not mention this story in my presence. *shakes head* Well, not unless you want to witness an almost 42-year-old spontaneously burst into tears *snorts*.
I have christened Ellis and Macsen’s story The Book That Shall Not Be Named, but for all the right reasons. It’s epically gut-wrenchingly beautiful. For their connection, honesty, and love, Ellis and Macsen have cemented themselves as two of my most favourite book characters ever.
Ultimately this is a story of love and hope. May you be blessed with both.
This review isn’t going to do this book justice, hence the reason that I’m not a writer!
This book is my top read of the year thus far. I loved the intensity of the relationship! The best parts had me holding my breath and my heart skip a beat.
This is a book that will break your heart and put it back together. 5 emotional rollercoaster stars!
I am probably not going to do this ridiculously powerful story justice with my review. I want to. I really do. I’ve been thinking on it for days. Taking notes. Looking back at all my highlights. It’s been a roller coaster for me and in all that time, I cannot form coherent thoughts to put on paper because there is so much. I knew when I read the synopsis that this book would be a lot. I was ready for it. I knew it would gut-punch me, but I was ready.
I wasn’t ready.
The journey/story of Ellis and Macsen is not even close to just a romance journey. To be honest, there is nothing just about anything in this story because everything is larger than the word just. Exponentially larger. Just as the love that they find within each other and for each other goes beyond love, so does this story. See, I told you, I don’t have words. I sound completely ridiculous.
The prose that E.S. Carter uses to convey this story is stunning. Her story telling skills are hypnotic. She is a wizard with her craft. She painted a picture I felt I was living. I was a prisoner to this story and their lives. I could not escape. I was addicted and every word fed my addiction and when it was done, I felt like I was floating.
This is an epic love story that touched my heart like no other has in an exceedingly long time. It is a love story we all aspire to. It is a love story worthy of the test of time. It is profoundly emotional in all the right ways.
My first book by ES Carter and I am so glad that I took a chance on a new author!
When the book starts, I immediately knew there was going to be a profound story coming to light. It pulled me in wanting to know more, and it wasn’t a turn off that sometimes that not knowing can be in books. Macsen and Ellis’s story was so beautiful, and it just consumes you. Don’t wait to read this story; start now!
As I read this beautifully penned novel, there were clues as to what was going on, and those were like puzzle pieces that fell into place as Macs and Ell spent more time together in Lily Bay. Even as I had rightly guessed at the onset how this would ultimately end, I didn’t care one bit because I still wanted–no, needed–how Macs and Ell’s story would play out. Only it doesn’t really “play out” if your definition of that term is how it ultimately ends. Yeah, I know that sounds confusing, and maybe you’ll get what I mean when you read the book–I’m imploring you to pick this book up as soon as humanly possibly and get to reading it already!–but maybe you won’t. Either way, suffice it to say that Favourite Hello. Hardest Goodbye. was, hands down, one of the most heartrending and inspiring books I’ve had the privilege of reading in a good, long while. You made me cry, E.S. Carter. Five-plus stars.
Another hit from ES Carter!! This is a wonderful, beautiful love story unlike most other romance books!
Macsen has been very successful in the world of business but thinks nothing of walking away from it all based on a gut feeling. His gut feelings have never steered him wrong and knows that if he’s right, everything he is searching for is in Lily Bay. Prior to arriving in Lily Bay, he bought an old run-down manor at auction that he plans to restore to its former glory.
Ellis has lived his whole life in Lily Bay and loves being the owner/chef of Safe Harbour, a local pub. He’s always felt like there’s a piece missing inside him and has never had a fulfilling personal life. He isn’t sure if the reason for that is because of his sexuality and living in a small village or if it’s something else.
When Macsen sees Ellis in Lily Bay, Macsen knows that he has found his home and what he has been looking for. Will he be able to convince Ellis that they are meant to be together forever?
I loved every part of this story!! Macsen and Ellis are amazing characters and their love story is nothing short of epic!! This story is full of the feels and has all of the elements of a fantastic romance. I was sucked in from the first page and couldn’t put this book down. ES Carter is such a talented storyteller and I love every book she writes. I highly recommend this book as well as all of her other works!!
Another hit from ES Carter!! This is a wonderful, beautiful love story unlike most other romance books!
Macsen has been very successful in the world of business but thinks nothing of walking away from it all based on a gut feeling. His gut feelings have never steered him wrong and knows that if he’s right, everything he is searching for is in Lily Bay. Prior to arriving in Lily Bay, he bought an old run-down manor at auction that he plans to restore to it’s former glory.
Ellis has lived his whole life in Lily Bay and loves being the owner/chef of Safe Harbour, a local pub. He’s always felt like there’s a piece missing inside him and has never had a fulfilling personal life. He isn’t sure if the reason for that is because of his sexuality and living in a small village or if it’s something else.
When Macsen sees Ellis in Lily Bay, Macsen knows that he has found his home and what he has been looking for. Will he be able to convince Ellis that they are meant to be together forever?
I loved every part of this story!! Macsen and Ellis are amazing characters and their love story is nothing short of epic!! This story is full of the feels and has all of the elements of a fantastic romance. I was sucked in from the first page and couldn’t put this book down. ES Carter is such a talented storyteller and I love every book she writes. I highly recommend this book as well as all of her other works!!
ES Carter has magic with words. She writes in this lyrical fashion that weaves around you and spins you somewhere else. And isn’t that what we want our fiction to do? Provide us those few precious moments to escape.
The story allows the reader to peer into a moment of time between Mac and Ell. We share in their discovery and connection. To appreciate this meeting of the souls, you may need to step back for a moment and allow the words to seep in. Ms Carter doesn’t just hand over the journey. She expects you to feel this voyage and appreciate the possibilities these two souls have.
As I read, I experienced a myriad of emotions ranging from joy to tears. Because that’s what true love brings. All the joy of the moment along with the painful parts. Life isn’t perfect. But couldn’t we all wish for what Masen and Ellis have.
I seriously hate spoilers. And this book is magic and needs to be experienced. So rather than get into the story you get into how this love story made me feel.
Yes, love story fiction not romance. If you are eager to find beautiful magic, buy this book.
Loved every minute of this book!
The story of Ellis and Macsen is beautifully written. It’s powerful, hopeful and heartbreaking.
This is my first book by this author, and definitely won’t be my last.
Do yourself a favour, and grab Favourite Hello, Hardest Goodbye…You won’t regret it!