Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Under The Twilight Rainfall
SERIES: Love Abroad
AUTHOR: Rikki Leighton
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 239 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2023
BLURB:
Find Love Abroad under the twinkling twilight of the Philippines.
DEX
Life is good: I’ve got a thriving private photography business, gorgeous sights at my fingertips, and not a single desire to set down roots. Roots that once entangled me with a boy of dark eyes and a smart mouth who I never would have survived my time in the foster system without.
He was both my savior and my curse. I didn’t belong–I never do–so I left the Olaño family behind. I should have known fate would eventually draw me back into Valen Olaño’s orbit. This family is more than I deserve, but I want it. I want him.
Except I wasn’t built to be kept, and I’m not sure I know how to stay.
VALEN
Once upon a time, I fell in love with a broken boy. He didn’t want me to fix him, and one day, he disappeared. When Dex’s work brings him to my family’s home in the Philippines, that long buried spark kindles back to life and catches us both on fire.
Innocent touches become heated hands, and as I hold onto these stolen moments like a lifeline, I tell myself it will be enough. As much as I want him, I can’t hope to keep him. My family needs me.
If only Dex would accept that he’s my family too.
REVIEW:
You can lead a man to Eden but can’t make him stay.
After having everything ripped away from him, Dex has strong walls between himself, anything, and anyone who could hurt him again – fleeing at first sight of anything involving feelings. He’s kept his life full of the two things he loves – sex and freedom. Valentine has always cherished Dex and has followed the man’s erotic travel blog. Val understands Dex’s need for space but also knows how much Dex yearns for family and love – yet is afraid to succumb to it. To this end, he manipulates a friend, Dex’s travel agent, to put his childhood love in his path. He knows Dex won’t stay, but Val hopes their short time together will be enough. Then who knows what the future will bring?
Under The Twilight Rain is a second chance, standalone story amongst a series of Love Abroad novels. It was a tale where pieces almost brought me to tears, but my reading tastes couldn’t quite connect with some aspects.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Dex and Valentine. Worldbuilding showcased some beautiful Philippine scenery, significantly interlaced with sexual scenes.
When Dex was in the foster system, he stayed with Valen and his parents in Colorado, although Val hails from the Philippines. So, when Dex was with Val in his native land, I was a little surprised that Dex needed many translations. Anyhoo, as soon as Dex was of age, he went off on his own, vowing never to let anyone get close – it was something Dex never believed he deserved. He’s become an extremely successful travel blogger with a side of eroticism. His emotional battles are a form of denial-cum-protection, like I want it but can’t have it. Rather sad.
Val (aka, Valen, Valentine) is the one who almost put me in tears. He knows Dex’s playbook like the back of his hand. His compassion for Dex’s needs at the sacrifice of his own was ‘lump in the throat’ worthy. He is on a mission to show Dex he deserves to be loved.
This tale is a 65k low-angst romance with sex as an emotional expression. While the characters pulled at my heartstrings, the balance between sex and story contrasted my reading preferences. Whether it is happy news, sad, or something in between; any and every opportunity was used for sexual activity. After a while, the impact lessened, and I yearned for more story than sex. Having said that, I can see the appeal of this story which is why I have rated it four hearts.
RATING: 
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