redw18

I adore this story. It's fun, sweet, touching, hot, and passionate. The characters, including the supporting cast, are just well-written and lovable. They are flawed, but they are life and love. They did their best to be their best selves and lead their lives with love, understanding, and forgiveness. And I'm so happy that they succeeded in the end. I highly recommend this story, especially to anyone who is a fan of Nuno's writing. This story shouldn't be missed from the author's library

What a beautiful, fun, tender, and sweet final chapter! My favourite words of the chapter are "bunny rabbits". Neither bunny nor rabbit is enough to describe the passion of Elias and Rowan's relationship. So we need both of them together to express the intensity and double the effect. I like the words! 😄 I'm so happy to see everyone looks better and hotter after five years' time jump. The town and everything were improved, especially Elias and Rowan's talents in leaving traces, marks, and evidence of their problem-solving sessions. With that much tension, energy, and chemistry, I don't blame them for having zero control of their urges or ability to keep things discreet. 😆 I'm so happy that the resident's "golden retriever", Eddie, got the promotion he well deserved. Could happen to a better guy! 😊 It's a pleasant surprise that Rowan turned conflicts into friendships with Tyler, Kyle, and Sean I love the fact that the chapter's title is named after the gifts that Rowan received from the people who love him. The gifts were created firstly from the combined effort of the two people who love him the most, his partner and his mom, and then from the combined effort of his friends and colleagues. I think in terms of final chapters compared to Finding Liam and Gilded Things, Wrenhaven's final chapter is definitely my favourite. It is fun and surprisingly packed with hot and passionate actions I love this story! Thank you for sharing it, Nuno!

The banter between Elias and Rowan has always been a joy to read, and it is no exception in this chapter. The boat scene is definitely the highlight of this chapter. Both Elias and Rowan recognised their similarities, especially the legacies they inherited from their fathers, despite having two different personalities. And they are both better than those legacies. I'm really glad that conversation happened. Not just because it surely enhanced Elias and Rowan's relationship further, but also because the similarities are no longer just a text description reserved only researved for the readers, but a canon detail that the characters are aware of about themselves and each other. My favourite highlight is that Rowan finally dropped his armour (aka his hoodies), and can truly move forward. I'm really happy for him Also, I think I really like to live in a place like Wrenhaven when I'm retired and single. Because with the high observation and investigation skills the townfolks possess, if I were to pass away or become incapacitated, I could be assured that they would find out immediately and things could be taken care of. The only downside is I wouldn't have any privacy 😆. Sorry if this is a bad joke 😅. As always, an amazing chapter, Nuno!

A lovely chapter! And it is dedicated entirely to Rowan's POV. It's really enjoyable to read his steady journey to learn the new job and find his place as a part of Elias' crew, especially within a short period of time. Rowan is a fast learner. Normally, people need at least three months to pass their probation. He only needed three weeks. I'm also happy to see Rowan's relationship with his Camile improve significantly in this chapter. Their dynamic at the end is definitely the best highlight of this chapter. Also, I'm a bit "angry" at Elias now that I know more about Eddie. The guy is a golden retriever, and grumpy Elias at the beginning of the story "bullied" him and made Eddie question his career choices. Bad Elias! Bad Elias! Sign, but since I also like Elias, I can't be "angry" with him for too long. Anyway, great work as usual, Nuno! 😊

This chapter moved me deeply. It was so heartwarming, full of love and hope. I really liked how you handled the way Camile confronts Rowan and Elias, respectively, regarding what happened and the outcomes. Camile decided to start the confrontations, or rather the talks, especially in Rowan's case, not for the drama, but for understanding and because she loves them both. And the love is real and true. I really like Camile. She was a flawed mother, but she didn't try to find any excuses for her bad decisions and accepted the responsibilities. At the end of the chapter, she put Rowan's well-being and happiness above all else, including herself. That is the path of unconditional love and a good mother. It won't erase all the scars and the past, but this definitely will give her a chance for a better future and relationship with her son. I loved that you addressed all of these in the chapter. I think this chapter will be my favourite within this story, or at least the one that will leave a deep impression on me. Great work, Nuno! 😊

I can't move on from this chapter without posting this. I had a great time reading Rowan's journey to "intercept" Elias. Poor Elias! He just had no chance to escape the "net" 😄. The most entertaining part of this was Rowan's scheme. How he observed and carefully calculated. What won't people do when they are horny and needy? I had a great time imagining Rowan's inner thoughts. It was probably: "Target: Elias Voss. Male. Age: 33. Description: He looks intimidating and a little grumpy, but gentle at heart. He loves you, so even though his mouth said 'No', his heart said 'Yes'. So act cool but be as needy as you want; he won't refuse you". 😆 Anyway, this is my favourite part of the chapter. Very fun and entertaining to read!

I like the subtle humour in this chapter. Especially the way Elias kept saying "No" to Rowan, but his body kept saying otherwise. Or the fact that Elias was acting like he was the careful one, the one with reason, and then he left a love mark on Rowan's body for his mother to find out 😆. However, I guess their recklessness is proof of their deepening desire, bond, and love. Also, I think both Elias and Rowan underestimated Camil's ability to sense things or at least the things beneath. And she is the one they (especially Elias) wanted to hide their relationship from the most. This made me think that, deep down, none of them wanted to hide their relationship at all (by all means, this is not a bad thing in my opinion - and Camil deserve the truth, too). Or they both were simply too horny 😆, and a lot of people did reckless and unwise things when they are horny or yearning for their lovers. Camil is truly a sharp person. I feel bad for her. Another great chapter, Nuno! I really like it.

The build-up sexual tension between Elias and Rowan is really paid off in this chapter. It was hot, passionate, and pleasant to read. I like the fact that Elias was gentle and checked in with Rowan. Although Elias is way more experienced than Rowan, the power dynamic is really well-balanced: "Rowan giving trust", "Elias giving control". And because of that, their relationship was really natural, passionate, and sweet, as if there is no 14-year age gap between them. And Rowan and Elias are simply two men madly in love. For me, as a reader, this is one of the elements that made me fall in love with this story. Hot and amazing chapter, Nuno! Great work as always!

I like the way Elias' backstory was told through conversations, reminiscence and memory. He shares so many common backgrounds with Rowan in a very strange way. While he didn't come from a broken family, his dad eventually died when he was only 22, just a bit older than Rowan now. His mom moved away while he needed her to stay, and their relationship eventually became estranged. No wonder he felt sympathy and was drawn to Rowan. I always like the bond between Marcus and Elias. And this chapter just strengthens this feeling. Marcus and Jenny are not only close friends to Elias, but also his chosen family. And they felt like his real siblings, not just friends, especially Marcus, who always teases Elias like a little brother. I felt quite bad for Camile in this chapter; however, I'm also glad that she finally looked at the truth that she always knows but refused to acknowledge. It's also quite endearing that Elias and Rowan kept the rock and the Henley, respectively, to feel closer to each other. This also proved how similar they are, even though they have very distinct personalities Great work as usual, Nuno!

I like the metaphor and contrast used for Elias and Rowan in this chapter: "ocean" and "fire". Yin and yang - "When yin and yang combine, they create harmony and balance, representing the dynamic interaction of opposing yet complementary forces in the universe". I think they suit them really well, and make the pairing much more interesting and intense to read. Elias is a brooding and grumpy guy, but he kept surprising me and made me laugh a lot. He emits humour even when he was being cynical. Also, poor Eddie - Elias kept bullying the poor guy, and I felt a bit guilty, as the scenes were very entertaining and amusing to read. Well, the whole crew suffered, but it seems like Eddie was Elias's biggest "victim" 😆 The scene where Elias threw Rowan into the water was golden. It took me by surprise and made me laugh😂. Elias is quite a rare character. Attractive, brooding, grumpy and yet very funny to read. Not a combination I see so often in fiction Great work as usual, Nuno!

Ok, this chapter has established that Rowan is not only feisty but also a fighter - a feisty fighter - and I think it suited him well 😄. I also like the slow burn in this chapter. Just like before, through the slow burn, I was able to make good connections with your characters through the vivid details of your storytelling, while making me more eager to know more and for the next chapters. And I think this sets your type of slow burn apart from the other ones that I have read from the market. In fact, a lot of times, other stories with slow burn just provided unremarkable fillers to delay the event without offering anything significant (Well, at least, that was my opinion). That didn't happen with your stories, and in particular this chapter. You gave me a chance as a reader to be able to know Elias, Rowan, and Camile properly, and I really appreciate that. Great work as usual, Nuno!

The common trope I usually see in romance books is "grumpy and sunshine", but this one feels like a twisted version of that. The "sunshine" was given a lot of fire, and the setup is now like "grumpy and feisty". Nice! I like it! And it's rare, too 😄. Elias's grumpy and a bit cynical attitude is oddly entertaining and attractive to read. The car scene is my favourite in this chapter. It took me by surprise, truly, in a very good way Rowan is quite a feisty young man, and a damaged one. I feel for him. A broken family is normally a really hard environment to grow up in, let alone that he was living with a drunken father (who died eventually because of it) while feeling abandoned by his own mother. I also really like the general cast for this story, too. It's going to be a very good story to read. Great work, Nuno! I truly wish I got into this story sooner.

Of course, they will want to visit the birthplace of Fado, sit in a yellow tram, and stay in a yellow apartment/hotel 😊. Now you mention it, everything Devin loves all has the yellow colour in it, even Luka's eyes. Or maybe yellow is his favourite colour because of Luka's eye colour 😄

Oh, and I was so happy to see Theron make the right choice this time, and he and all the trapped souls were finally free

What a read with a fantastic ending! The topic of "hope" in this chapter oddly reminded me of the match between Morpheus/Dream and Lucifer Morningstar from season 1 of The Sandman. As Luka "Mezenga" is technically alive, I'm guessing the villa now belongs to Luka and Devin? But with the history of that place, I doubt they would want to live there even if my guess is true. Not to mention, they probably wouldn't want to meet Mister D again. I guess this is probably up to the reader's imagination, then. As a fan of Toni, I would love to see her interaction with Luka when Devin brings him back to the US. Well, I hope maybe someday you will have an inspiration to revisit this universe and write a short side story for them😊. Fantastic work, Causal! And congratulations on finishing this wonderful story!

This chapter reminded me a bit of the show Supernatural, particularly the show's author/creator/light/Chuck arc. In both cases, they were the narrators of the respective stories as well. I felt so sad for Theron in this chapter. He felt like a real human in this chapter, not an emotionless machine or monster that devours lights. I guess the message here is that immortality isn't for human life. In fact, Theron has to be dying so that he can truly feel and reconnect with his humanity. The things that were impossible for him being invincible and undying. A tragic price. The scene of Mister D's lair is really interesting. Eerie, painful, and oddly beautiful! It's really unique, too, just like your imagination. I'm so excited for the final chapter. Fantastic work as usual, Casual!

Or at least, 4G/5G was able to reach the villa 😄

I read chapters 15 and 16 back-to-back, so I thought I would combine the comments for them in this chapter. I like the way the table turned on Theron. In part 1, Theron chained Devin while letting Devin's life hang by a thin thread. This time, he was the one who was tied up and was at the dead door. When Theron was still Giancarlo Mezenga, he was so powerful, commanding, and seemingly invincible in the way he acted and conducted himself as an immortal with psychic powers. And then chapter 15 revealed the true core of Theron when it stripped him of all his gifts and powers, rendering them ineffective against Devin's mind. And eventually his invincible amour. And what remained underneath was just a human who was scared, powerless, and could still feel pain like all others. Moreover, he lived with safety and comfort for so long that he forgot his original life. In fact, he no longer has the instinct for a room that fears him. These contrasts made the chapter very interesting to read. I like the version of the relationship you created for Mister D and his creator through this story. The passive-aggressive conversation between the two was very entertaining to read. So many cuttings and hidden sharp objects. But the biggest highlight of that conversation was the subtle coldness and strain of the relationship that were cloaked as warmth and familiarity. The supposed warmth of Mister D's creator that Mister D could feel in the air and atmosphere, but never reached his innermost essence. So much warmth, yet it couldn't change the temperature of that winter night at all. Not to mention, the game they played at the expense of human lives, especially the trapped souls, and neither wants to lose. Another interesting thing was that the whole event was in italic text, just like some of the other monologues in previous chapters. I'm so happy to see the cunning side of Devin. I'm so glad and excited that he didn't fall for Mister D's lies. Which is quite ironic since he told Devin that he was the only one who told Devin the truth, since Devin came to Italy And this is just a joke, within the context of this story, I think if Mister D later has a change of heart and wants to pursue a different path, since he dislikes the title/name "Devil" or the "D" word in general, he could go by the name "Mister V" since Venus is the morning star. Sorry if it is a bad joke 😅 Amazing work as usual, Casual! I can't wait for the next chapter 😊

Hello Luka! It's so good to finally meet you again 😊. I also really like the slow burn in this chapter. It enhances my anticipation in a very good way. I hope the fog will be clear and Devin will be able to imagine himself and his life beyond the number 26. Great work as usual, Casual! I can't wait for the next chapter 😊

This is the kind of story I have been trying to find for so long, especially the kind of endings it offers. And I hope Nuno will make more of stories like this

The significant change of Victor's physical body in 10 years is strong evidence of how his own actions and grief did to him. Especially if we compare how he looked in his official artwork, which is also his portrait during the island/vacation event. I know the artwork is not available on this site, but still. I was quite surprised by his change, but I thought it was a fitting consequence for him. I'm so proud of Julian during his conversation with Victor, especially regarding Mark. He has become a beautiful and strong person, full of kindness. I like Julian's view on forgiveness. Indeed, sometimes forgiveness isn't truly about the person we forgave, but more for our own sake and mental health. It also gives us a chance to have our own closure as well. Good on Julian! I also agree with Julian's view about Victor being the poorest man. The guy had the best treasures, his family's genuine love, support and respect, anyone could ask for, but took them for granted and threw them away for nothing. He also could have had Mark as another loving son, but he decided to do those horrible things to Mark. Without the invaluable treasures, Victor's fortune and health diminished significantly within just 10 years. These details are also a highlight of the chapter for me, too. A reminder to always treasure and never take my family's love and support for granted I also love the fact that Mark was once again the bridge for Julian and Catherine's reconciliation. He's such a kind person and a great husband. Catherine was a complicit person and had a lot of flaws and faults. She could stop the whole mess even before it started. But in the end, she truly loves Julian, and was trying to be better and redeem herself and help Mark find Julian. I think her warmth towards Mark was genuine. And I suspect that was the reason why Mark still has a soft spot for her and wanted Julian to reconcile with her. Such a wonderful closure to a wonderful story! Definitely one of the best endings (if not the best) and the best closing chapter I have ever read so far from your library. This story is now my number one favourite 😊.

This is an emotional chapter, and yet it feels so satisfying. The highlight of the chapter is when it tells the event or the exact moment when Juilan and Mark were truly free at last. The pairing of the main character in this story was very interesting, now it was said out loud, "the one who had never been refused anything and the one who had never been given anything". I never paid attention to this detail, and when I read it, I was like, "Wow! Yes, it is so true, and it slipped my mind all this time?" Then this obvious yet surprising fact made me smile a bit. In this chapter, I'm glad that the guys are "equal at last, two beggars at the same door". Not because they are beggars, but because it is the first time they are the same. Simply just two men with nothing but their deep and beautiful love for each other. They both carried scars, but they also carried a new understanding for each other. And from that moment, they started to truly walk in the same path they paved for each other and toward a new and brighter future together. These details, "No part of him listened for cars, or doors, or footsteps" and "he had ever wanted asleep on his arm, owning nothing, owed nothing, owned by no one", made me so happy for Mark. A well-deserved peace, especially for a kind person like him. Oh, speaking about Mark, there has been a question in my mind for a while. What is his job/occupation in the current timeline? Julian is a renowned music composer and professor (and it's quite clear to me that he loves his jobs), but Mark is still quite a little mystery in that regard to me. In any case, whatever he is doing for a living, I hope it is something he is passionate about, and it has been bringing him joy every day Fabulous work as usual, Nuno!

Even though Julian's grandfather never physically appeared in the story, I can feel that he truly loved Julian, and not just because he never trusted Victor. And I think his final act of love gave Julian the freedom to choose, a possibility to decide his future without the interference from Victor. I guess the old man already saw who Victor truly was and never trusted him. If Catherine didn't fall in love with Victor and insisted on marrying him, her father would never accept Victor. Or he did give Victor a chance, but well, Victor was being Victor, never changed, only got worse. This chapter is so soulful, and the piano scene gave me goosebumps in a very good way. The way Julian used music to communicate and express his feelings without saying a single word is both heartfelt, heartbreaking, emotional, and so impactful. That scene is definitely one of your best works in my opinion, and one of my favourites even though it was so sad. I'm glad that Mark was the man on the bed from the previous chapter. I'm so happy he and Julian are still together, and their relationship is getting stronger despite all the past traumas. Admittedly, I had doubts about whether they were still together, especially while reading the piano scene where he was missing. I was so worried something bad had happened to him, and I was so happy my worry was unfounded, and I was just a little paranoid (sorry about that! 😅) A gorgeous chapter as usual, Nuno!

This chapter told the story of Julian 10 years after the heartwrenching event from the previous chapter, and I thought it was so interesting and effective. Instead of revealing the immediate aftermath, you gave us a look into Julian's future life. - It seems like Julian is already in a better place, so he must overcome the worst from that event. However, interestingly, the scars in him are still quite present. The event still exists strongly in him, and he is no longer in contact with Victor. His relationship with Catherine is a distance phone call every Sunday, and she has always been the one who calls. I think this is a very powerful way to show what a big and horrible impact the ugly secrets had on Julian. He may be in a much better place now, but the scars are still imprinted on him very clearly for at least 10 years now. - Having said that, I'm really happy to see how successful Julian is now. Not only that, he possesses a quiet confidence and yet he is still very humble at the same time. This is the very opposite of Victor, whose confidence was accompanied by demanding attentions from others, and Victor surely had no humility in him. - I also love Julian's teaching and guidance to his students. He was very thoughtful and kind. And what he gave his student was true knowledge transfer from real experience, not just reciting from a textbook. He truly wanted his students to learn and grow - Julian also builds a life with his own hands, not from his family's money, lives among a real community now, instead of a cage, and has real friends and colleagues who truly respect him. All in all, I'm so happy for him. I was so worried for him and his relationship with Mark when I first read the previous chapter - Once again, this chapter gave me the current state of his relationships with his parents. I truly feel bad for Catherine, but I believe it's probably necessary for her own redemption, too. Very sad consequences, but also a fair one at the same time. - Speaking about relationships. What a cliffhanger! Very effective! Good on you, Nuno, although it made me really nervous once I reached the end of this chapter 😅! - The best highlight in this chapter for me is this part - this part - "That knowledge was the bedrock under everything he now had, the thing nobody could ever take back or hold over him, because he had built it with his own two hands out of nothing, the slow way, the only way that was ever truly yours.". because I saw my own growing journey, especially in adulthood, through it. It's so true and relatable. 😊 Great work as usual, Nuno!

What an exciting chapter! 1. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Devin will be able to keep his promise and return and reunite with Toni, and He will introduce Luka to her too! I have a strong feeling she will love Luka just like she loves Devin. The girl deserves two beautiful and kind big brothers, and Devin and Luka deserve to have a sister like Toni, too. 😊 2. It seemed like Devin was gifted something other than his returned stolen light from part 1 of the story. I don't think he was this bright when he and Luka first met Theron/Mezenga. Yes, he was also a source, but his current light is on a different level; even Theron was surprised by it. So my theory is that when Theron returned his light from the tree, the act also opened a passage for the tree to give Devin something else, too, a gift, a combined light, or perhaps a manifestation of the heart of the tree. I don't know, but I'm so excited to find out in future chapters. 😄 3. Speaking of gifts, I feel like Devin is having a similar ability to Theron since everyone is volunteering to help him, and they don't even know why. It's probably not the same type of Theron's mind control, but his light is definitely special, as it could influence others to help Devin even though he didn't consciously use the ability. 4. Interestingly, Enzo's flower is connecting directly to the tree's new heart. Perhaps Enzo's love and light gave the tree a blueprint to create that hidden room that eventually housed the light of both Luka and Devin. Also, maybe Enzo's soul is lending his light to the guys in order to help them to overcome this and eventually free the trapped souls. Haha, maybe I'm thinking too much and getting ahead of myself. 😅 Again, this is an amazing chapter, Casual. I can't wait for the next chapter. 😊