Release Day Review: Ourselves and Immortality by Logan Sage Adams

Mal

Reviewed by Mal

 

TITLE: Ourselves and Immortality

AUTHOR: Logan Sage Adams

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH:  361 Pages

RELEASE DATE: March 13, 2025

BLURB:

John Hall, a shy man with a persistent stammer, has always had trouble connecting with people. Ashamed of both his eccentricities and his nearly lifelong fascination with mortality, John mostly keeps to himself. But when he lets his caring-yet-often-critical brother convince him to open his own funeral business, he finds himself overwhelmed by the more people-centric parts of funeral planning, and soon realizes that he needs to find someone personable to work with or else risk his business perishing.

Calvin Wright, a charming con man with a tragic past and mini-library of stolen books, is struggling to survive in the city of Philadelphia without resorting to work as a laborer. Desperate for money, Calvin tricks a woman into handing over her necklace, and by selling it, brings about a series of events that leads him to becoming John Hall’s business partner.

Once John and Calvin begin working together, they easily become friends. Captivated by each other’s opposing personalities, it isn’t long before the two men fall in love. But John’s struggles with navigating emotional intimacy cause Calvin’s insecurities to worsen, and soon, John’s brother’s continuous mistrust of Calvin threatens to break their still-tenuous bond. When Calvin’s trauma is fully unearthed, it leads him to make a mistake that could put his and John’s relationship in peril.

Ourselves and Immortality is a heartfelt MM historical romance set in 1902 that explores the importance of connection, the consequences of feeling othered, and the fragility of love.

REVIEW:

John and Calvin were completely endearing and I fell absolutely in love with them and their story. It is awe inspiring, the immense care that the author has taken to build this Edwardian world, weaving in the business of death which cannot be divorced from the emotions and rituals surrounding it, the love and hate of family which is a truth that endures and how you heal when you find understanding and acceptance and belonging. Every character: John, Calvin, Michael, Kathrine had depth and complexity and were far from perfect but I genuinely liked them, even Michael in the end.

This story moves at the pace of the times it’s set in asking you to slow down and savour the smaller gentler emotions, and the unfolding of a beautiful love story. Calvin could not have made a worst first impression, caught red handed to taking responsibility and then along the way letting his heart be vulnerable again, John learning to speak out but also learning that it’s ok not to. All of these stellar character journeys really moved me. John’s heart was truly a special thing, he was always so steadfast in his belief and affection for Calvin and Calvin needed John, accepted and loved every part of John. Honestly beautiful to watch.

The author is a master at weaving the progression of love, we see strangers meeting in less than ideal circumstances, see the first bloom of attraction and the strength of love, highly recommend reading this story.

Also I have to say, what John says in the end about the immortality of love was absolutely one of the most beautiful things I’ve read recently 🥹🥹

RATING:

BUY LINK:

Amazon

Written by 

Please take a minute to leave a comment it is so appreciated !