Series: Why I...
Volume: 2/3Publisher: Self-Published
Genre/s: Contemporary gay romance
Length: -
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✮
When his parents died, Fin's world broke into small pieces. He was forced to grow up quickly to be able to take care of his eight-year-old sister and rebuild their lives. Working, studying and taking care of Olivia, Finn doesn't have time or desire to look for some amorous conquests in clubs. However, when the opportunity to add a bit of happiness into his sad everyday life and to be romantically involved with someone arises, the young man decides to give it a chance.
Noah has been hiding his sexuality for years from his homophobic family. However, everything changes during his father's birthday dinner, when he is forced to admit in front of everyone present that he is gay. As a consequence, he loses a roof over his head, his work and has to start his life from scratch. Despite everything that happened, he doesn't give up and decides to fight for his new tomorrow, the brightest element of which seems to be an accidentally met waiter – Fin.
Noah has been hiding his sexuality for years from his homophobic family. However, everything changes during his father's birthday dinner, when he is forced to admit in front of everyone present that he is gay. As a consequence, he loses a roof over his head, his work and has to start his life from scratch. Despite everything that happened, he doesn't give up and decides to fight for his new tomorrow, the brightest element of which seems to be an accidentally met waiter – Fin.
"Why I Need You" is the second part of the series, which from the first volume touches some extremely important and difficult topics that are an inseparable part of life and probably directly affect many readers. It is impossible not to notice that in this installment of "Why I..." the author focused on even greater number of problems than before, but managed to match them in such a way that they complement one another perfectly and there is no way the reader feels like it's too much. It makes this novel not only wise and interesting, but also filled with real depth that carries an important message for all of us.
"Why I Need You" concentrates on homophobia which is one of the mentioned topics. It is worth noting that Colette Davison presents various homophobic reactions, both more and less severe, resulting from dislike, conservatism, closed mind, and simply from lack of understanding. At the same time, however, she emphasizes the fact that both reactions are very painful for the person against whom they are directed. What's more, the author also focuses on the influence of homophobia on a homosexual person – their life, their mental condition, their emotions. Let's add that in this case a special emphasis has been placed on homophobic behavior within the closest family, which is why "Why I Need You" refers to this problem even more emotionally and with greater strength. In addition, the novel makes the reader ask questions about coming out, for example: why is it even necessary, if heterosexual people don't have to come out of the closet at all. Or, do our loved ones have the right to feel offended if we don't want to openly reveal our sexual orientation. There are many more similar questions and all of them are proof that "Why I Need You" really speaks to us.
The next significant topic raised in the novel, which is also another of its advantages, is the influence of upbringing on a human being. On the surface, it may seem that it is more important if concerns children or adolescents. However, the author draws reader's attention to the fact that we reap the fruits of our upbringing primarily during adulthood. In this context, Colette Davison also emphasizes how important it is to get to know the other person, to understand their behavior, and sometimes the causes of their actions. The external is only the tip of the iceberg and the change of behavior inculcated and perpetuated over the years doesn't take place within a moment. So I am extremely happy that in "Why I Need You" it was shown in a very vivid and clear manner, which even more closely outlines the characters' personality, as well as allows us to fully understand the problem that Noah is struggling with.
It is also really worth our recognition that "Why I Need You" refers to the topic of building a solid relationship based on feelings. It is something that in the case of many novels appears only in the background, giving way to sexual pleasures and lust. So I'm very pleased with the fact that the author put a strong emphasis on various emotions related to taking first steps in a new relationship – both positive and those seen as rather negative, as fear or uncertainty. Her characters need to deal with all of them if they want to create something that will last, and that's exactly what they care about. Equally important, or perhaps even the most important, seems to me the fact that Colette Davison has also focused to a large extent on the subject of building trust and trusting someone. It is really essential both in our everyday life and regarding this novel, taking into account that the main characters just get to know each other and have to learn each other, not only in a physical but also emotional context. This is a clear proof that the author, writing this story, wanted her characters to be believable and the readers to be able to get the most out of this novel for themselves. And I admit that she succeeded.
Finally, I would also like to mention grief that plays a very important role in "Why I Need You". I would say that the author has managed to quite accurately present the importance of this problem on many different planes. In this novel we can find an endless longing for late relatives, which hinders the final acceptance of the loss, an attempt to cope with everyday life in the face of great responsibility, as well as the obligation to take care of siblings and the consequences of such a task for private life. In "Why I Need You", in each of these cases, an emotional sphere and the feelings are very important. I'd like to add that Colette Davison in a really good way managed to combine the drama of losing someone with love and an attempt to rebuild one's life. I think it is really important that Fin and his sister don't give up but simply live and try to look into the future.
In summary, "Why I Need You" is an emotional, intelligent novel filled with unique charm, although full of drama. It's a story about family, sacrifice, willingness to change in the name of love and also about overcoming adversity, facing homophobia and being honest with oneself and with others. It's a really worthy book.
Headcanon: Over time, Noah
starts to feel so much like a real Dad that whenever Olivia mentions
a boy she likes, he immediately needs to have a detailed interview
with him to make sure he's the right person for her.
Fanfiction idea: Olivia is going to a summer holiday camp, thanks to which Fin and Noah have time for themselves. As a surprise gift, Martin books them unforgettable holiday trip, during which nothing goes as it should.
AU idea: Fantasy! AU, Noah is a necromancer and Fin is a tavern employee. They meet in said tavern when Noah goes there for a drink after dragon hunting in a nearby forest.
Here's some more about:
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Why I Left You
Why I Need You
Why I Trust You
Why I... Omnibus
Book Title: Why I Need You
Author: Colette Davison
Series: Why I...
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Other "Why I..." Books:
Why I Left You
Why I Trust You
They are a loosely linked series, but can all be read as standalones.
**These stories contain mature language and scenes, including descriptions of sex, depression and domestic abuse**
Blurb
Following the death of their parents, Fin put his life on hold to raise his little sister. He’s convinced her well-being is all that matters, even if it’s at the expense of his own. A chance meeting with Noah opens his eyes to the possibility of happiness. A happiness that could shatter the moment Noah discovers Fin has an eight-year-old in tow.
Noah has been living a lie for years. When he gets publicly outed, he gets kicked out of his parents’ home and business. Although he’s angry at being disowned, Noah knows it means he’s finally free to love whomever he wants. But in order to have a fulfilling and lasting relationship, Noah has to get past his repressed upbringing and inhibitions, before Fin walks out of his life.
In order to stay together, Fin and Noah have to be brave enough to be honest with themselves and each other.
Noah has been living a lie for years. When he gets publicly outed, he gets kicked out of his parents’ home and business. Although he’s angry at being disowned, Noah knows it means he’s finally free to love whomever he wants. But in order to have a fulfilling and lasting relationship, Noah has to get past his repressed upbringing and inhibitions, before Fin walks out of his life.
In order to stay together, Fin and Noah have to be brave enough to be honest with themselves and each other.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Why I Left You
Why I Need You
Why I Trust You
Why I... Omnibus
Excerpt
“I’m staying at a friend’s house for now,” Noah said, trying to inject lightness into his voice. “Martin. He’s cool. You should meet him sometime.”
“Just a friend?” Fin asked, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Was that curiosity playing across his face?
“Yes,” Noah said. “We went there once, in high school, but we’re really not into each other. What about you? Have you got a boyfriend?” It was a stupid question, really. They wouldn’t be out together if either of them was involved with someone else.
“No.”
“Really?” Noah acted surprised. “I can’t believe someone as cute as you is available.”
Fin let out a short laugh. “I’d have thought you’d have been snapped up quickly, too.”
Noah ran his finger around the rim of his pint glass. “I’ve been keeping a low profile. I had to keep up appearances for my parents and all that. Now, I’m free. What’s your excuse?” He was sure he saw panic flit through Fin’s eyes. They certainly darkened for a couple of seconds, his irises becoming almost indistinguishable from his pupils.
“I’ve been too busy, I guess. Too much work and study.”
“You know what they say,” Noah said. “All work and no play makes Fin a dull boy.”
“I’m dull, am I?”
“Not from what I’ve seen. Yet. But you’re in danger of it,” Noah said in a knowing tone. “You should definitely get out more.”
“Oh, yeah?” Fin asked, his voice lower than it had been moments before. He leaned towards Noah, resting both elbows on the table. “And who would I do that with?”
Noah leaned towards him as though there were some sort of invisible tug coming from Fin. He could tell by the way Fin’s eyelids were a little heavy and the lazy curve of his lips that he’d welcome a kiss in that moment. Noah found he wanted to. He wanted to feel the texture of Fin’s lips against his own, wanted to taste him. His hands became clammy. It felt like the few people in the bar were all staring at them. It didn’t matter whether it was true or not; he could already feel the blood pounding in his head. His stomach lurched at the thought of prying eyes watching what should have been an intimate moment. So, instead of doing what he knew they both wanted, he leaned back.
“I’m sure you can find someone,” he said in what was supposed to have come out as a cocky, laid-back tone but actually sounded really dumb.
About the Author
Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She lives in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children, a crazy dog and a lazy cat.
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