Erryn reviews ‘I Need You (Riverside Town Book #1)’ by Darla O’Malley. The ebook was published on January 21, 2020 and is 214 pages. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Wyatt Baker, released on April 28, 2022, and is 5 hrs and 2 mins long. A copy was provided for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I’m always up to try a new author.
Losing a loved one can change a person, their outlook on life, and their reason for being…
Dane and Noah go through those changes together. Neither of them encouraged or expected what their future would bring, but they don’t regret their new normal.
When Dane’s girlfriend, Maranda, became pregnant during their summer break before starting college, Dane did what he felt any man should do in that situation, he gained a respectable job as a firefighter to provide for his girlfriend and their daughter, Sydney; he became dependable, not needing to rely on his parents or anyone else for help. After disowning his parents for their choice of disowning his gay, older brother, Noah’s life was blissfully simple. He was the manager of a hotel, and engaged to his best friend, Sydney, Dane’s daughter. As long as he had a good book to read, he was happy.
Life for Dane and Noah was set in stone; they knew who they were, who they loved, and where their lives were going. However, when tragedy strikes, their lives are upended and they have no one left…except each other.
Author note: Male/male romance, gay for you, can be listened to as a stand-alone. Contains sexual acts between consenting adults, strong language, light daddy kink, light dubious consent.
Buy it here: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My review:
I’m always game to try new authors, and so I snagged this title and dove in. I adore Wyatt Baker, and I thought his narration was great. As always, he delivered a solid performance.
I’ll admit I didn’t read the blurb, and even if I had, I wouldn’t have been prepared for the depth of tragedy that Dane and Noah face. A person’s greatest fear. A person’s greatest regret. More so for Dane because part of it might’ve been predicted. Still the men are left mired in intense grief and there’s no one else who can understand the depth of pain – except each other.
That they turned to each other was foreseeable. What happened between them was not. I liked this unique take on gay for you. Even the daddy kink was cute. At times the villain felt a little overdone, but that’s a very small quibble. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I hope the next two come out on audio soon as well.
My rating:
Website | Twitter: @darla_omalley | Goodreads
Darla O’Malley had been writing male/male fiction and paranormal stories as a hobby for quite a few years, until encouragement from friends and family to become a published author had her finishing one of her many half-written novels. She’s extremely happy she heeded their advice as having others read her creations has become an exhilarating experience.
Rainbow Gold Reviews 