Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Vespertine
AUTHORS: Leta Blake & Indra Vaughn
PUBLISHER: Ledra
LENGTH: 396 Pages
BLURB:
Can a priest and a rock star obey love’s call?
Seventeen years ago, Jasper Hendricks and Nicholas Blumfeld’s childhood friendship turned into a secret, blissful love affair. They spent several idyllic months together until Jasper’s calling to the Catholic priesthood became impossible to ignore. Left floundering, Nicky followed his own trajectory into rock stardom, but he never stopped looking back.
Today, Jasper pushes boundaries as an out, gay priest, working hard to help vulnerable LGBTQ youth. He’s determined to bring change to the church and the world. Respected, admired, and settled in his skin, Jasper has long ignored his loneliness.
As Nico Blue, guitarist and songwriter for the band Vespertine, Nicky owns the hearts of millions. He and his bandmates have toured the world, lighting their fans on fire with their music. Numbed by drugs and fueled by simmering anger, Nicky feels completely alone. When Vespertine is forced to get sober, Nicky returns home to where it all started.
Jasper and Nicky’s careers have ruled their lives since they parted as teens. When they come face to face again, they must choose between the past’s lingering ghosts or the promise of a new future.
REVIEW:
Going into this story I knew I loved Leta Blake as an author. Her books always get me emotionally so I knew I was going to be invested in the story and the characters. Before I started reading I remember getting really apprehensive just because I am not religious, whatsoever, so I got worried this would be overly preachy. I had nothing to worry about. I should’ve known. I’m new to Indra Vaughn’s writing but I know her and Leta Blake work absolute magic together that is for sure!!!
Nicky and Jasper met as children and formed an incredible bond which later developed into love as they became teenagers. They were each other’s first, everything. Unfortunately life happened and they both turned down drastically different paths. Jasper answered God’s call and became a devout Catholic Priest. Nicky, turned to drugs, joined a band and became incredibly successful and famous. He also became a drug addict, using the high to numb his past.
Knowing he needs to get clean or die he goes to rehab then to his parents house to continue his rehabilitation. Once in town Nicky seeks Father Jasper out and confronts him with his anger about their past. Father Jasper (Jazz) is very passive but he’s disconcerted by the emotions Nicky is still able to make him feel. He always thought these feelings were gone but he’s realizing they were just dormant.
Nicky has severe abandonment issues due to being adopted and being left for God by Jazz. He’s angry, in recovery, being harassed by paparazzi, fans, and his management company about making a new album so he knows things are going to come to a head and soon.
This book had me reeling basically from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down. The tension and true love between these men left me hurting and yearning for them. There pain and hurt but also peace and hope and love.
I just loved this book so much. Like I said these authors made magic with this story. It’s an absolute must read!!!
RATING: 
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