When two broken men look to each other for help, an unexpected romance blooms. Stephen’s home, deep in the heart of the Welsh valleys, suits his reclusive nature. However, as he recovers from illness, he’s struggling to manage alone. As nature reclaims the land he’s poured his heart into cultivating, he becomes increasingly unhappy. His only outlet is his blog, where he documents the decline of … decline of the garden that had been his pride and joy.
Luke is more used to a concrete jungle. He was a high-flyer, living and working in London, until addiction sent him into free fall. Now on the road to recovery, he still wants to make some changes, but he’s unsure where to find the purpose and fulfilment he craves.
A mutual acquaintance suggests Luke visits Stephen to help him out for a while, and a seed of hope is planted. From prickly beginnings, shoots of friendship emerge, blossoming into a deeper connection when they act on their mutual attraction.
This was only ever supposed to be a temporary arrangement, and soon Stephen will be able to manage on his own again. But both men need each other in ways they’re afraid to admit. If their love is going to last for more than one season, they’ll need to find the courage to be honest.
This book is a standalone read with a satisfying happy ending.
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I read this book when it first came out and gave it 5 stars. The writing is so descriptive and invites me to live in the Welsh Valleys with the main characters, Stephen and Luke. The pain and depression that Stephen suffers with is realistic (I know!), and, while integral to the story, doesn’t overpower it. The same goes for Luke’s background history and where he is at the start of the book. Instead, it is nature that plays the bigger part and its role in healing the characters.
I have listened to all of the Rainbow Place series which Hamish Long also narrates, and enjoy his diversity of accents. Here his talent is pushed further with Welsh and London accents. I think I like his narration so much because he doesn’t overwhelm the stories he reads. He is so easy to listen to.
I think this might very well be the best book Jay Northcote has written so far. There’s just so much emotion in this story. And the writing… it’s simply incredible. Such a pleasure to read, especially the almost poetic, evocative descriptions of nature and some of the MC’s internal musings. A book to be savored and enjoyed, never rushed.
Luke and Stephen get off to a rough start, but I very much enjoyed the slow but sure way their friendship developed. Stephen is a tough nut to crack. His heart, health, pride and self-esteem have suffered countless blows. He’s lost so much: his parents, his health, a job he loved, … and he finds it nearly impossible to believe he can have happiness again. He’s super prickly and antagonistic as a result, but so vulnerable underneath his hard exterior. Luke, on the other hand, is very open about how he feels and tries his hardest to form a connection with Stephen. He’s such a sweetheart and has his own cross to bear unfortunately. Luke and Stephen both tugged on my heartstrings something fierce.
This book has an almost magical “Secret Garden” feel to it, with a prominent role going to Nature, with all its beauty and promise of growth and resilience. The garden slowly blossoming under Luke’s care wonderfully mirrors the progress both Luke and Stephen make as well.
A deeply moving story, beautifully written.
Recommend.
Jay has a knack for writing broken men who heal each other and this book – while angsty – weaves a wonderful tale of healing and love.
This was a standalone contemporary romance novel about two broken men who both found themselves stuck in a rut. Stephen is recovering at a slow pace from a genetic illness feeling bitter about the way his body has betrayed him. Luke is battling addiction and trying to find meaning in his life. When a mutual friend proposes a solution that would help both Stephen and Luke find a way to move forward in their lives, they take a chance that will completely change everything.
I really enjoyed this book. There were plenty of times where my heart ached for both Stephen and Luke, but Jay Northcote also had moments of sweetness and fluff to help balance out the angst. The author really did a great job with portraying the difficulties that come with recovering from injuries and illness. There are no quick fixes or magic solutions, and recovering can be grueling with its slow pace. I also liked how beautiful Stephen and Luke’s relationship was—even though there were many obstacles and hard moments, they overcame and built something real with each other.
Hamish Long narrates this audiobook and does a lovely job. His voice is smooth and has a wide range of different U.K. accents. All the characters felt real and were easy to distinguish from each other. I had no trouble following along with the audiobook, and really enjoyed listening to this story.
Audiobook Review
Just because your struggles aren’t the same as others, doesn’t mean you can’t find common ground. This is something Luke and Stephen are about to find out.
This is an opposites-attract, hurt/comfort kind of story that will pull at your heartstrings until you let these guys in. It’s touching, but not too heavy. It’s a beautiful story, really. There is nothing I enjoy more than a story involving a person’s journey toward personal growth. This story involves two. Perfect!
I felt the flow of the story was realistic and respectful. Both of those traits are things I’ve come to realize is at the core of Northcote’s storytelling, and writing capabilities. Nothing feels contrived or out of place. When I read his work, it feels as though I am part of the story. I really enjoy stories like this.
I liked Luke and Stephen. They’re both flawed, but it’s their flaws that make them most relatable. Their friend, Will, was right. They both could benefit from each other, but will they realize that before it’s too late? Can they set pride and fear aside when feelings start developing, or will they stay in the familiar comfort of the solitary life they have created for themselves?
As always, it was my pleasure to listen to this book. Hamish Long and Jay Northcote are a dream team in the land of audiobooks. Northcote writes brilliant stories and Long gives them voice. I could listen to his voice reciting just about anything. His ability to differentiate between the characters is always amazing and, from my end, appears to happen with such ease. His talents are great, and I can’t wait to hear more from him.
Stephen & Luke
I enjoyed the falling in love parts of this book and how Luke enjoys himself in ways he never would have if he hadn’t taken the opportunity presented to him.
Stephen I understand isn’t and hasn’t been himself since becoming ill. And I get the attitude I totally do but he snaps a lot at Luke. There are a few times in the book where I wish Luke had stood up for himself a little more.
The ending was my favorite. <3
Again Hamish does an amazing job giving these two their own voices.
Once again we are gifted with a wonderful well written book about two people who have more issues than most in their lives. Can Stephen help Luke and will Luke be able to help Stephen in return. Both hurt mentally and Stephen physical it’s a big ask.
Hamish once again brings the characters to life, perfect accents and a great clear voice that soothes me.
All of Jay’s books are about real people with real lives and problems we are all faced with.
Great read/listen. Would recommend highly.
4.5 stars-
I had a difficult time writing a review for Where Love Grows and I’m not entirely sure why beyond the fact that this book hit on so many emotions that I had a hard time harnessing the words to convey that. I have a big soft spot for hurt-comfort romances, especially when they let the reader in, exposing all the characters’ raw emotions and vulnerabilities. This book delivered in more ways than I expected, gifting readers with a sweet slow-burn story that let the characters meander, develop, and find their strength and happiness. And then there’s the garden. I loved how that aspect was used throughout the book to mirror the men’s transformations while also providing imagery that transported me to their countryside oasis. I know this is one I won’t soon forget.
I was immediately drawn to Luke and Stephen’s individual stories as they each tried to overcome the issues weighing them down and redefine their lives and futures. I loved how open the author was with both characters, putting it all on display and letting Luke and Stephen sort through their emotions. Where Love Grows had no shortage of angst, but it also felt quieter than many of my favorites in the genre, and that made its impact even stronger. Rather than big declarations of love and commitment, the book was filled with little moments where you could see how much the men cared and worried after one another. I thoroughly enjoyed the subdued love story that blossoms between Luke and Stephen and would definitely recommend Where Love Grows to anyone who is looking for a sweet, slow-build love story that packs in the emotions.
*reviewed for Alpha Book Club*
This book was much more emotionally charged than I usually read. Stephen is a character I didn’t relate to and found a hard time liking, even throughout the story. As you understand what Stephen has gone through, you empathize with him a bit, but it’s a bit difficult. But Luke is the character I liked from the very beginning. Despite his problems, Luke is willing to work on his issues while Stephen resists. But as the story goes and you see the two men together as they work through their issues, you can understand why their connection grew. This is what I would consider a difficult, emotional read, but worth it at the end.
A very touching love story.
Where Love Grows is the perfect title for this story and it’s a wonderful new book by Jay Northcote. His writing is so beautifully descriptive that I could see myself in the countryside with the two main characters, Stephen and Luke.
Both MC’s have recently faced very difficult times; one due to illness and the other to self-inflicted addiction. A mutual friend brings these two men together and they both begin to heal. Things fall of the rails when their insecurities rise to the top and keep them from forming a lasting relationship.
This story brought tears to my eyes more than once. Recovering from a serious illness has left Stephen weak and unable to take care of his yard and garden that were once his pride and joy. He’s leery of getting attached to Luke and yet there is this connection between them that he finally quits fighting.
Luke has always lived in the city and knows nothing about gardening but he’s a fast learner and Stephen is willing to teach him. Through his eyes I was able to experience working in nature without having to do it for real. I’m not much of a yard-work type of person but I loved reading about how being outside helped to turn Luke’s life around.
I really felt the connection between the two men and when things went awry, I cried along with them. Thank goodness they both came to their senses and ended up with a heartwarming HEA.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting on 10/4/2019)
Where Love Grows is a beautiful story between two men who have struggled with hard times, set in the gorgeous backdrop of Wales. Stephen has been seriously ill and is struggling to get his life back on track. It appears hopeless and he feels helpless. Luke is suffering from depression and has no idea on how to make his life better OR be able to move forward. Together, these two are amazing.
Oh my, I loved this story. I am not a gardener although my heart is in the right place. Unfortunately, my brown thumb doesn’t cooperate! So I was immediately sympathising with Luke as he struggled to understand the difference between a weed and a flower. Stephen is a prickly character that endears himself to you as you learn more about his story. Yes, I wanted to slap him upside the head a couple of times, but I want to do that to my husband at times too, so count it as a compliment
The writing is excellent, with clear descriptions of places, weather, emotions, you name it. The pacing is smooth, with the ending sneaking up on me. I was so engrossed in the story, I didn’t realise I was nearing the end. I could have carried on reading! There is only a small cast of characters but this works so well. The storyline is superbly simple, focusing on the important things between our two characters rather than unnecessary drama.
This is a book to enjoy all year long, no matter what the season, or what is growing in your garden. Absolutely fantastic, and highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
I love how the garden and the outdoors helped as the title says love to grow! Stephen and Luke both have issues to heal and resolve but as the garden grows so does their love and understanding of each other. This was a brilliant read by one of my fave authors!