Oliver and Samuel’s relationship is fairy-tale perfect. They share a gorgeous house in Antwerp, go out with their friends every weekend, and count down the days to their dream wedding. But their happy ending is shattered one late night, and just like that, Ollie is left bereft and alone.The months that follow are long and dark, but slowly Ollie emerges from his grief. He even braves the waters of … waters of online dating, though deep down he doesn’t believe he can find that connection again. He doesn’t think to look for love right in front of him: his bisexual friend Thomas, the gentle giant with a kind heart and sad eyes who’s wanted him all along.
When Thomas suddenly discovers he has a son who needs him, he’s ill prepared. Ollie opens up his house — Sam’s house — and lets them in. Ollie doesn’t know what scares him more: the responsibility of caring for a baby, or the way Thomas is steadily winning his heart. It will take all the courage he has to discover whether or not fairy tales can happen for real.
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Patchwork Paradise is a contemporary standalone romance that made me cry, laugh, and swoon. The agony Ollie feels when he loses his fiancé is so sharp and painful, but the healing process was a beautiful journey to go through with him. Thomas was such an interesting character and I really felt for him. There was a lot of drama within the plot, but the author never went over the top with it, which made it all feel very realistic and relatable. I felt for each and every character, and when they finally overcame their obstacles, I cheered them on. I loved this story and felt very touched by it.
THIS is how a book is supposed to be written! Patchwork Paradise is brilliant. This is a story of friendships, heart-wrenching tragedy, love lost and found, and second chances.
What makes it all work is the writing. I flew through the chapters because I became so invested in the characters that I NEEDED to be with Ollie, Thomas, Cleo, and Imran (think *Friends*) until the very end.
I’m in the mindset here of not even going into detail. Anyone can read the synopsis. But I will say that the storyline has everything—humor, heartbreak, love, sex—and I’m pointing out “sex” only because it’s written intelligently hot without the same ridiculous sounds and descriptive words that lately I’ve been yawning over.
I love how the characters live in Belgium and so does the author, Indra Vaughn. She vividly describes the historical surroundings mixed with the modern city in which they live.
I simply cannot rave about Patchwork Paradise enough. Five stars and beyond!
Oliver lives in a bubble of happiness with his fiancée Sam, a group of great friends, an amazing house, and a good job. He is very content with the life that he and Sam have. When that life is suddenly gone, Oliver is left floundering, trying to figure out his next step. When his friend Thomas is suddenly in need of help, Oliver is more than willing to be first in line.. after all Thomas has been there for him. When everything is suddenly feeling whole again, will Oliver have the strength and courage to take the next step? or is his heart meant for one person and one person only?
So I was not expecting what we got in this story, at all! I spent the first bit crying and a bit heartbroken for Oliver. I spent another bit frustrated and wanting to smack someone upside the head. All and all, this books makes you feel all of the feels, you go through the whole gambit, but by the end you are very satisfied with the outcome. I give this 4 stars.
3 out of 5 stars
Ollie has loved Sam what feels like his entire life. He’s so in love with Sam that he’s oblivious to the feelings that Thomas has for him. When tragedy strikes Sam, Ollie has to learn to live all over again.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the push and pull and the constant back and forth with Thomas and Ollie. It was obvious to me way early in the book that Thomas had feelings for Ollie and I found it really hard to believe that Ollie was that oblivious. I also found it hard to believe that Thomas would think he could turn those feelings off after years of trying to do just that and love someone else.
I enjoyed the story and thought it was well played out, but it just had a little too over-the-top, unnecessary angst in places for me. It was mostly well written and the pacing was okay, but something just didn’t click for me.
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***