The River Leith

Originally posted @ After Hours at Lilybloombooks .

I have read my fair share of romances, ranging in different sub-genres and content. And while i have read a few with m/m in it, I have yet to read a book that is solely about a male couple. I figured, why not?

I saw The River Leith and decided to request it, based on the trope of memory loss. I couldn't imagine waking up one day and not remembering parts of my life - let alone if my significant other did. Add in the fact that the couple is the same-sex, it's add a little bit more to it.

Leith lost his memory after an illegal hit in a boxing match, losing the last 3 years of his life. Why 3 years? I am not sure. I felt like there should have been more of a significance, other than this was from the time he moved to New York after prison, thus meeting Zach and starting their relationship.

I loved how the story was told. It's primary in Leith's voice (third person), but we get "vlog" entries from Zach's POV. We see his thoughts, his pain, about the situation. It was such a unique way to show both sides of the situation, and see how both characters are dealing with the tragedy.

My heart just ached for these characters. Like I said, I couldn't imagine waking up and forgetting a large chunk of time, not knowing the people around you. What you have been doing with your life. Everyone and everything is strange. Leith had almost this instant connection to Zach upon "meeting" him, but was scared and confused about those feelings. He has anger issues - who wouldn't? - and it was just difficult to witness.

Zach was another story. There were times when I thought it was being incredibly selfish. I can't say how i would feel, react or even think about the repercussions, had this happened to me, but man, this was difficult too. His love doesn't remember him. Their firsts - anything - they shared. Some of his comments were painful, harsh and just mean. Where Leith wants to know about their past, Zach doesn't want to share because it's too painful. Which I get. Not to mention, Zach does some thing unthinkable in the beginning that comes out, and the pain of that was horrible.

My emotions were all over the place witnessing these two together. Leta did an amazing job grasping the emotional aspect of these two. You want to hate some of the characters, but you can't. You think, "Oh, I would not say/do that." Yet, you don't know.

I also loved his doctor. In reality, I doubt their relationship would ever have been this way, since it was pretty personal at times. But his words of wisdom and his kindness really helps Leith on his journey.

Now, on to the sex. As I said, there have been other books that i have read that have m/m situations in it, but never this long/intense. Their chemistry was off the charts. I wasn't uncomfortable as I thought I would be, either. Leta really nailed it.

The gist is, I adored this book. If you are looking for a unique romance, The River Leith is it. I highly recommend.

I received this book for free from Author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*