Reviewed by Anabela
TITLE: Where Love Grows
AUTHOR: Jay Northcote
PUBLISHER: Jaybird Press
RELEASE DATE: September 24, 2019
LENGTH: 259 pages
BLURB:
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 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.
REVIEW:
Stephen suffers from a debilitating disease, a painful condition that limits his movement and he chose to live as a recluse, alone in his big house in Wales. But he needs help with house chores and gardening, that’s why he begrudgingly agrees to having Luke, a stranger for all accounts, come live with him. For Luke is either leave London for Wales or continue on a downhill spiral of loneliness, drowning in depression and booze.
When Luke arrives at Stephen’s, he meets a grumpy and almost unwelcoming host. Honestly, to me Stephen seemed more like a defensive porcupine, keeping Luke at a distance. He’s resentful of his condition, of needing help. At times, in my opinion, he’s outright hateful, stubborn and bitter, and I often felt that Luke didn’t deserve all of his hurtful jabs.
Thankfully, though, a tentative friendship develops. I was amazed to see how much they have in common, both broken and carrying a huge load of emotional baggage. Their connection strengthens while working together on the garden, but it’s also somewhat cathartic for them, mending some past pains and giving them more hope for the future.
I admit I had my doubts about them lasting, even after they start a sexual relationship. They have this hurt/comfort thing between them, which seems more like they use each other as emotional crutches. Living in their bubble, happy with each other, with their cats and chickens. What if the bubble bursts? How would they end up? Together or miles apart?
Yes, I had doubts. But I also knew that Jay Northcote always wants happiness for his characters. Although 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀 is a bit different than his other books, in the sense that it lacks some of the usual lightness. Not surprisingly, considering what Stephen and Luke have had to overcome. But, like in every other story I’ve read by this author, I’ve found beautifully written characters and feelings, and an emotional journey toward happiness.
RATING: 
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