Review - All The Cuts and Scars We Hide by Garry Michael

This author might just be near the top for my favourite MM romances. This story of two traumitized souls, each bearing the burden of bad memories and flashbacks, is a wonderful tale of healing, self-forgiveness and finding love. It is also a cute love story with lots of wonderful supporting characters, centred around a whale-watching boat business and a coffee shop.

There is so much warmth and love here, but also concern as Wyatt tries to deal with his experiences as a Marine. Kai is holding onto guilt after a car accident, and has run from his home in Hawaii to start afresh in a small fishing town. Both men have to accept their ghosts are with them and not something they can hide from forever.

Their relationship is beautifully realised, with Mr. Grumpy Wyatt thawing towards the outwardly sunshine-y Kai. They make a very likeable pair and are very easy to care about. The POV's are clearly stated so there is no confusion, and although the book follows the time-honoured "find each other, love each other, angsty bit, you can guess the rest," pattern it is no worse for that. I'll definitely read more in the From The Ashes series. An elegant, warm-hearted romance.

BLURB

Ex United States Marine, Wyatt Miller, was living a low-key life keeping those around him at arm’s length. Fearing that the shadow that had been haunting him for four years would swallow everything and everyone he touched, he commits to living a solitary life. Until one night when a beautiful stranger came to his rescue during one of the darkest points in his life.

Caught between his guilt and his love for his family, architect Kai Lobo left Hawaii in search of a fresh start and a new place to call home. What he didn’t expect was to meet a mysterious stranger that will change the course of his quest for a new beginning.

What will Wyatt do when the only man that can save him is the same person who will drive him over the edge?

What will Kai do when the only man who can free him is the same person that reminds him of a ghost from his past?

Will Wyatt and Kai be able to see past their differences and rely on what they have in common to alter their futures?

All The Cuts and Scars We Hide is a story about healing, redemption and love.