Reviewed by Sadonna and True

TITLE: The Art of Living

AUTHOR: Abrianna Denae

PUBLISHER: self-published

RELEASE DATE: June 10, 2021

LENGTH: 145 pages

BLURB: 

Robert Harper has spent the past seventeen years living for his son. He doesn’t know who he is if he’s not being a caregiver and protector all rolled into one.

Niall Ross is finally ready to make a life of his own. After years spent making sure his younger brother had everything he needed, it’s time for Niall to discover who he is.

All it takes is one glance across a crowded meeting room for the men to feel a connection, but Robert is terrified his life is too complicated for the other man. Luckily, Niall has patience in abundance. With a little help from Robert’s meddling family, the two begin a tentative relationship.

Just as they’re finding their footing, all of Robert’s worst fears come to life and he falters under the pressure. Niall takes the challenge to show Robert that he’s a safe place to lean on, but when his own life begins to unravel, he places his heart in Robert’s hands. When two independent men are forced to trust each other will the love win out, or will vulnerability and fear cause them to lose the best thing they didn’t even know they had.

SADONNA’S REVIEW: 

Robert Harper has dedicated his life to his only son Garrett.  He has had health issues since he was born and when his mother walked away, Robert knew that he would always be there for him.  And given his precarious illness, he’s been his number one priority.  He’s able to work from home because his employer has been understanding about his single parenthood of an at risk child.  He only goes in for important meetings.  And at one of these important meetings, he meets the new Art Director, Niall Ross, and there is a spark.  Of something 😉

Niall has worked hard his whole life – being both mother and father to his younger brother Ian.  His father abandoned his family because of his mother’s issues and then she sunk further into addiction and then was gone too.  His brother has decided to connect with their father – and Niall wants no part of it.  It’s now causing problems in their relationship.

Robert’s best friends, Sam and Jared, can tell that Robert has a thing for Niall and they are determined to get them together.  Their interference is the best thing to happen to both Robert and Niall since neither would have been willing to take the risk on their own.  There is a bit of a slow burn for them – what with Robert’s worry over Garrett and Niall’s conflict with Ian due to the pressing nature of their father.  But when Niall’s family issues come to a head, Robert is there for him.

Garrett has been doing well, but when Robert and Niall aren’t there and he has a crisis, Robert goes completely off the rails.  His friends and family have to talk him down and Niall continues to be there for him.  Niall has the patience of a saint.  He understands Robert’s misplaced guilt and anger at the lack of control of his situation.  Luckily for both men, Niall isn’t willing to just give up 🙂

I really enjoyed this story.  I’ve not read any books by this author before, so it was a good introduction I think.  Niall and Robert are both likable and believable characters.  Robert’s love for his son was so much a part of him and actually makes him MORE attractive to Niall given his past with his own father and mother.  He’s extremely impressed by Robert’s willingness to put his son first and understand that is the way it should be when a child is involved – let alone a sick child.  Robert’s fears of not being there for his son are clearly communicated and he’s honest and forthright about where his priorities lie – not that he doesn’t care for Niall, but that for him, Garrett will have to be first since he needs Robert so much.  Garrett is a mature kid for his age and I think when a person has grown up with that kind of illness it seems to contribute to a different perspective on life.  I also loved Sam and Jared, Robert’s best meddling friends 😉  They really want Robert to be happy and live a little.  I honestly can’t wait for their story – which I hope is coming soon 🙂  Recommended particularly for fans of stories featuring more mature characters who finally get their HEA.

RATING:

TRUE’S REVIEW: 

I freaking loved this story. This was one of the kindest and warmest stories I’ve ever read.
ALL the five stars for it.

Robert works, mostly from home, as a web designer, this way he has more time available to be with his son Garrett. His seventeen-year-old son is who he’s living for, he’s the most important person in his life. Garrett has health problems and Robert is at his side always. It’s them against the world.

Robert has a new art director Niall and when their eyes meet there’s something. Only Robert will not give in, there is no time and room for anything like this in his life.

Robert has a support team, his best friends Jared and Sam, and Garrett’s boyfriend Presley.
They all look out for Garrett, and not only for Garrett, but these awesome lively and noisy guys also look out and wish the best for Robert. After they understand Robert is smitten by Niall the guys include Niall in their very special circle and Niall is head over heels.

The unconditional love Robert feels for his son and what they’ve been through is heartbreaking.
I couldn’t keep my eyes dry. That boy who he loved from first sight, his precious baby, now already seventeen, is the best that ever happened to him.

Niall has his own tragedy in life and this all is wonderfully entwined with the other aspects of the story.

The beautiful person Robert is, he made me cry several times, so much warmth, so much love, my heart swelled reading about this man.

This story is so utterly pure and warm, with people who felt so real in the most beautiful way, I wanted to live with them. They took my breath away.
Two selfless young boys who grow wise by what life gave them, what a team!
Friends with the best intentions who intervene are the most precious ones!

It’s a beautifully balanced story, the development was also wonderfully done, the content made me speechless. The characters stole my heart immediately, everyone has a solid place in this story, read it, and be amazed about their lives, they have so much to tell. I was deeply moved and cried my eyes out. I will return to this story more than once, I know for sure!

Look at the title… if you can feel the art of living, gosh.
What a story. Be still my heart!!

RATING:

BUY LINK: 

Amazon