Book Review: Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall

Title: Waiting for the Flood
Author: Alexis Hall
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: February 23, 2015 by Riptide Publishing

People come as well as go.

Twelve years ago, Edwin Tully came to Oxford and fell in love with a boy named Marius. He was brilliant. An artist. It was going to be forever.

Two years ago, it ended.

Now Edwin lives alone in the house they used to share. He tends to damaged books and faded memories, trying to a build a future from the fragments of the past.

Then the weather turns, and the river spills into Edwin’s quiet world, bringing with it Adam Dacre from the Environment Agency. An unlikely knight, this stranger with roughened hands and worn wellingtons, but he offers Edwin the hope of something he thought he would never have again.

As the two men grow closer in their struggle against the rising waters, Edwin learns he can’t protect himself from everything—and sometimes he doesn't need to try.

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Reviewed by: Crissy

Why I Read This Book: I’m a sucker for a story of healing, no matter the struggle. I love to see a hero find happiness, if not a happily ever after.

In A Nutshell: This is a very good novella—it’s heartwarming and sweet, with a bit of sadness to ground it.

The Setup: Edwin’s boyfriend left nearly three years ago and he’s been living a sad, lonely life ever since. Then Edwin meets Adam—an environmental agency worker—preparing for an incoming flood. Broken and adrift, Edwin finds something in Adam he thought he’d never have again, hoping he’ll be able to hold on to it this time.

What I Liked: This story took me by surprise. Firstly, the author’s voice is what captivated me, I believe. While it’s a bit sad and lonely at first, I found it quite beautiful. It gave the story a real aspect, took me into the mind of Edwin and made me have hope for him and for his relationship with Adam. As the story progresses, so does the hope in the voice. It’s wonderful.

This story is about healing, in general it’s about Edwin’s reemergence from his own sadness and self-berating. I really enjoyed his inner monologue when it came to his stutter—how certain letters were taking their revenge on him. As if his stutter were merely the alphabet with a grudge. It’s cute. Edwin was broken when his lover walked away and blamed himself as much as Marius, to the point that Edwin thought himself unlovable. His journey, with the help of Adam is the beauty from ashes part of this story. Not only does he find love, he finds himself. And Adam is a wonderful part of this story—ever patient and supportive. He gives Edwin space to work through his issues at his own pace. He’s Edwin’s knight in shining armor, saving him from himself.

In My Opinion: Waiting for the Flood is a story I plan to read over and over again, to immerse myself in and love for all time. It’s lovely and sweet in all the right ways. And definitely perfect for a rainy day.

Memorable Moments:

“What you are, mate, is an arsehole whisperer.”

“Feelings only exist in your head. Thoughts only exist in your head. I’m not sure how you draw the line between thinking about feelings, and feeling about feelings, and just having feelings.” He shrugged. “Basically: if you think you’re happy, you’re happy. Problem was, you thought both of you were happy, and it turned out he thought he wasn’t.”

“Every time I had something to say I’d think, well, no, w-w-wait until you can s-say it properly. Except it’s never going away. It ebbs and flows, and goes away and comes b-back, and s-sometimes it’s hardly there at all, but it’s s-still there, and it’s always going to be there. And now I’m thirty, and I’ve been w-waiting my whole f-f-fu-fuck-fucking life for a chance to s-speak.”

Crissy’s Rating: