Reviewed by Lady Macbeth
TITLE: Skyewards
AUTHOR: C.L. Ambrose
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 187 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2025
BLURB:
UK – 1985
James MacKay seems to have everything one could wish for: a well-paying job as one of London’s ‘City Boys’, a fancy flat in Chelsea, a beautiful girlfriend. But his heart is aching for something else entirely – or rather someone.
Twelve years ago, he had to leave his home on the Isle of Skye, fleeing to London after being disowned by his homophobic father.
However, he didn’t only leave behind the breathtaking wilderness and solitude of Skye, but also his best friend, the boy he lost his heart to: Kieran Brodie.
Kieran is perfectly content with his life as a fisherman on Skye, with his large family, and the orange tabby cat he shares his little cottage with. He isn’t lacking anything, despite his Ma’s constant nagging to finally get married; or so he thinks.
Until Jamie, his childhood best friend, shows up again to attend his father’s funeral – and old feelings resurface.
All James ever wanted is to be with Kieran, but Kieran first has to figure out in what way he wants Jamie…
[Skyewards is a second chance slow burn sweet romance novella with ace representation, containing period-typical homophobic slurs and mentions of HIV/ AIDS]
REVIEW:
This was my first book from C.L. Ambrose and I loved it, a very romantic story set on the Isle of Skye (Scotland).
The author has a way to describe the surroundings that honestly made me want to jump on a plane and go there, the whole small town vibe was described perfectly.
The period is not one of the most accepting for queer people, on the contrary, without the internet resources and the spreading of AIDS, it was a very difficult time.
Kieran and James were childhood best friends, they had an instant connection in kindergarten and they were inseparable since then. During the years, James realised his feelings for Kieran went beyond friendship and, when he was about to turn 18 and move away for University, he wrote a letter to Kieran when he confessed his feelings. Sadly, the letter was found out by James’ father, a very homophobic man, who didn’t hesitate to kick his own son out of his home.
That event was the beginning of their 12 years of separation.
James will make a life for himself in London: a well paid job, an open relationship with a nice woman, and a best friend with benefits, David (who’s wonderful, by the way).
But despite him apparently having everything, James is lonely, his life is meaningless and he’s incapable of loving anyone, because his heart has always belonged to Kieran.
So, the journey back to Skye, through the feelings of nostalgia and wistfulness, will also be a journey back to Kieran, to their friendship and their connection.
Kieran has lived a simple life: he’s a fisherman like his father and his brothers, he renovated a little nice cottage that, for a while, he shared with his girlfriend, now turned best friend.
Kieran never felt like he would fit, he struggled with his lack of physical response around James and he always thought he would never be enough for anyone.
I adored how James and Kieran openly talked about their feelings, their fears, their emotions. I loved that they started a relationship slowly and that they were very understanding about each other: James truly accepted Kiernan’s sexuality and Kiernan respected James’ need to take his time to sort out his life in London.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I have conflicted feelings for James’ mom. While I understand that she couldn’t go against his husband, it’s also undeniable that she didn’t support her son like she should have. Her apologies to him seemed just shallow and late.
The author promised to write bonus scenes about James and Kiernan and I look forward to reading them.
I also strongly hope David will have his HEA soon, because he deserves all the love.
RATING: 
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