This book is gut wrenching, and sweet, and one that will absolutely stick with me. I love that there was heartbreak and depth to the story, but lots of love, hope, and light too. Absolutely beautiful, and I need to read more books by this author!!

A deep, dark (at times) and disturbing story filled with hope. Both have been the subject of hatred for who they are, by those who were meant to protect and love unconditionally. Years later, one has been able to move forward and become stronger, the other still suffers from the old wounds. Neither one looking for the other, but find they are drawn to one another like moths to a flame. In addition to battling the demons of their past, they are also fighting the attraction they have for one another, as their's is a 'forbidden' romance. This is a beautifully written story that has a lot of feels. More anger (on behalf of the characters) from what they had gone through, and the hatred they still come across. There are characters you'll love and several you will loathe. A couple of the characters bring some much needed comic relief. (Note to author: I LOVE Eddie!) It is a lengthy read and takes a little while to get through, but well worth it. It alternates between POVs. There is some sexual content, and this is a M/M romance. There are also some disturbing events that took place in the past, brought to the future via flashbacks and dreams, that make this suitable for mature readers.

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

Not my first Emma Scott book, nor my first LGBTQIA... though to be completely honest, I'm not an avid reader of that genre but would consider myself to be open minded and did not shy away from the "romance for everyone.... with all that said, I really enjoyed this book, the start was full on and forceful and I thought it really brought me into Max's world right from the beginning. Emma Scott has a way of drawing you in and I like how she paces this, I like her characters and their voices. There were a few moments where I felt things were tied up too neatly or some dialog was a bit much for me, but I only really dabble in romance, and typically chose different reading genres so I don't count that against this book at all and it didn't take away from my enjoyment. I think there are other characters that could have used a bit more depth, the kids were treated much younger than a typical kid that age would allow for, but I loved how well Silas's brother was portrayed and treated... it was a really nice way to explore that character's challenges and it was a bright spot in a rather dark tale. All in all I would recommend this story and I enjoy this Author, and while I may not be the audience for this particular book... I enjoyed it just the same. I hope to read more from this Author, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have read this story.

There was a lot going on, but I really enjoyed the characters.

Basic plot: Max meets a mysterious and attractive man (Silas) at an NA meeting. By a twist of fate he ends up working for the mysterious man's father. The father turns out to be a total nightmare. There is an immediate attraction between Max and Silas and a complicated, slow burn romance ensues.

I've started this review several times and for some reason it's been really hard for me to finish it. I enjoyed Max and Silas' relationship, but I can't say that anything about their relationship was super compelling. I think the best thing about this book were the characters, and especially the sub-characters. Max was really likable and turned his life around after dealing with some really difficult experiences. His parents really failed him, but Max still had a heart towards reconciliation. Silas has a really big heart, but he hides it behind a tough exterior due to his past. Seeing his struggle to open up and accept who his is was really rewarding.

Silas' brother Eddie and his fiance Faith contributed heavily to my enjoying the book. Faith is a fairly small character in the book, but she is funny and spunky and not the least bit shy. Eddie was like a breath of fresh air throughout the book. He was so perceptive and so genuine that there was no way to not like him.

I do think that the book ended a little too perfectly. I'm fine with a HEA, but it felt a little too neat for my cynical self.

Emma Scott is usually known for her romance novels with only heterosexual couples. It is certainly not a coincidence that Someday, Someday, of all people, did not appear at one of their main publishers.
Be that as it may, Scott hasn't compromised here and brought as much heartache and a little unrealistic kitsch to her story as I've heard of other novels, or I can just read her in her novel "The Light in Us."

I am personally split. Because on the one hand I really like the novel. It is a beautifully dramatic love story between two men, each finding their own path and inner strength.
Unfortunately, the events at stake are not drawn by the hair. There are still boys and men who make so-called conversion therapies out of their families or other social (sometimes religious) pressure because they believe that love and sexuality can be "reprogrammed" and that they have been taught that love is a decision.
People are still being kicked out of the house by their parents for outing themselves.

Not telling these truths would pretend that these stories would not give and represent a transfiguration of reality.

But, Emma Scott still writes from a perspective that already shows that she is writing from a hetero perspective. Especially the sex scenes show that clearly. (I think she has no idea about anal sex, let's face it * gg *)
She dramatizes her plot pretty well (which she always does) and I think she could have just written a completely different story that doesn't combine the normality of any kind of love with this kind of story. Not all homosexuals have such dramatic stories and by the way the story is told here, it ultimately cemented the narrative, a coming out is always dramatic and terrible.

As I said, the novel is not unrealistic in what it tells, but this abundance of drama on both sides, it makes it a certain way so overly dramatic again and I think that Scott then generates such a compassionate effect that simply is not appropriate.
There are reasons why it is so important to publish novels of "Own Voices" because they bring a voice into the discourse that tells how gay life, coming out, love are really experienced in the case.
That doesn't mean that authors like Emma Scott shouldn't position themselves. And it's completely ok that Scott wrote this novel. As I said, I already liked him. Only afterwards did it become clear to me again that it still makes a difference whether I have researched well or write myself from a position that I can understand myself differently because I experience it every day.
In my opinion, this should be kept in mind.

I would recommend the novel anyway, if, for example. Liked Scott's other novels too and the exuberant drama doesn't get on your nerves. ;)

Thanks to Emma Scott and Nettgalley for the opportunity to read this Novel!

I didn't find in this book what I was expecting, but it was a very pleasant surprise.

I could see some drama coming from what the blurb tells us about Max, but I did not expect—not in the least—all the trauma that Silas carries behind him. In the pages of this book we find a hard story that touches many sensitive and current issues; opiate abuse is the only one I saw coming because in the blurb we are told that Max is a recovering addict ... but the rest has surprised and overwhelmed me because I know that it is not just fiction, I know that they are things that even though they look like things from another era, they still happen today.

This story, therefore, is much more than a romance. I won't say too much about what topics are touched so as not to spoil anything; just saying that you won't feel indifferent, not only because they are really sensitive and current, but also becase through Emma's prose we get fully into Silas's mind, and into what he lived and how it affects him.

The romance is splendid. I fell in love with Silas and Max at the very beginning, but fortunatelly Emma does not rush to develop their relationship. I am thankful for that, not only because I love slowburn, but because it is what the story asked for. Both have experienced trauma difficult to overcome—Silas is still living some of them—and it would not make any sense for them to let themselves be carried away by the attraction at first chance. The good thing about slowburn is that when passion explodes, it does so with force.

The secondary characters are another of the great pros of <i> Someday, someday </i>; The good guys are a real delight (I don't think I'll ever get over how much I adore Eddie) and the bad guys are hateful, but at the same time they have their lights and their shadows. Life is not black and white, and like no one is 100% perfect, imperfect people also have their nuances. No, not everyone has the right to be redeemed, but that does not mean they are not without their nuances. I like that the author has finished all the threads and has left nothing in the air, it has given me the feeling that she has focused on all the details and that is nice.

Investigating Emma's other titles I have seen that "Forever right now" is starred by Darlene and Sawyer, two of the secondary characters in this book that, although they do not appear much, leave a pleasant impression. And yes, do not hesitate for a second that I already plan to get that title and devour its story. It promises to be a bit harsh, too, because Darlene and Max met under difficult circumstances, but if it resembles this book even a little bit, it will be worth reading.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
While looking through the list of books to read in the review group, this one from Emma Scott came up and I knew without reading the blurb that I wanted to read it.

This story is not for those who do not like m/m stories or heartbreaking stories. If you only want the sappy love stories without all the pain, heartache, and love it takes to make a great story, then you need to move along, this story is not for you. For those that love the stories with all the angst that makes a story great, then please read this one and I hope you love it too.

Max was kicked out of his home as a teen when his dad caught him with another boy. He spent years on the streets doing things you never want to imagine. Now, years later and with the help of someone who cared, he has made something of himself. He is now working as a nurse in the E.R. but seeing all that he sees is beginning to get to him. Then a job offer lands in his lap.

Silas is the son of a wealthy family. He has the scars to prove it. Trying to make daddy proud and live the life daddy wants, but at what cost? When Silas goes to an NA meeting, he sees Max and something stirs inside him. He just watches him and listens. When he leaves the meeting and swears he will never go back. But the next meeting, Silas (or Steve as he introduces himself) finds himself there and he opens up and talks. When he goes to leave, he and Max literally run into each other. The electric current running between them is sizzling.

Will Max take the new job offered to him? Can Silas trust Max to tell him about his past? Will there be a future for Max and Silas? And what about Eddie, Silas' brother? Will Max ever reconcile with his dad?

This story is one that will break your heart in so many ways but don't worry, Emma Scott will put it back together eventually. The rollercoaster ride of emotions is from the very first page and continues until the very end. If you haven't read anything from Emma Scott yet, pick one, it doesn't matter which one, you will have a new author to read, I promise.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This story is an explosion of emotion. It's basically the daytime soap opera version of m/m romance. The author throws absolutely every emotional issue possible at Max and Silas and then throws them together in increasingly untenable situations. Between addictions, prostitution, conversion therapy, wicked fathers, a family member with special needs, a fake fiancée, a crumbling family business dynasty, and more – there isn’t much room to breathe in this story. Somehow the book doesn’t go quite as badly wrong as it should, but this is definitely a story for readers who love over-the-top drama, angst, and sexual tension in their romance.

I think the unruly story is saved because Max is a very likeable character and we know from the start that Silas has the potential to be an absolutely fabulous character. The story works best in the intimate, personal moments. I had to roll my eyes at a couple of the exaggerated baddies but I enjoyed the more subtly crafted characters and relationships.

I didn’t love the writing style in this book but the characters grabbed me enough that I was able to ignore some of the overwriting and more bizarre descriptions. Readers who want grounded, realistic characters and plausible situations will not enjoy this story – but it will appeal to readers who want to read romance full of glamour and angst.

Scott crafted a layered romance between her protagonists, Sillas and Max. They do not have a conventional meet cute in a romance novel (a Narcotics Anonymous meeting), yet it ends up being quite informative about some of the bigger themes and challenges that the characters face. The issue of opioid addiction is something that has been a hot topic for many years and it is organically looked at through the lens of this relationship (Silas has family connections to the pharmaceutical industry). Each character has a fully fleshed-out backstory that shows why they are struggling with romance and questioning whether or not to get involved with the other. There are no major surprises or unexpected twists, yet it is an engaging journey to follow.

**FULL REVIEW**

"I wish I were like you. You're not a sellout. A fraud. You're real...made of flesh and bone." He barked a hateful laugh. "You're a real boy, Maximilian. Not a puppet. Someday, I hope to be a real boy, too. Someday..."

These words are so powerful and I would imagine how many might feel before truly embracing who they are. I fell for both Max and Silas in this story...and despite not realizing this was M/M (I totally wanted to read it, sight unseen because it was Emma Scott and her books are never short of amazing), I found Scott's words to be mesmerizing and enthralling. I was completely sucked into the darkness. I wanted to dwell there with both boys, hug them, love them...and await the day they stepped into their light.

In short, it was beautiful.

Seeing the struggle, the fight, the perseverance...it's a true testament of strength and love. Love for self, for life. Love for love.

"Why does my heart have to feel so full--no, saturated with you, Max? It's so full of you, I'm petrified it's going to spill over or shatter into a million different pieces."

Emma Scott has delivered a story with depth, darkness, growth, and just so much love...I don't know how she does it...but, it's flawless in this story. A tasteful yet devastating tale of redemption, strength, and embracing one's true self, no matter who may or may not accept it. And finding love in places one never expected it.

**4 A Servant's Heart, Stars**

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I have read from Emma Scott and I greatly enjoyed her writing style. The characters are likeable and it is easy to care about what happens, hoping that they each get their happy ever after. The romance is written in a realistic manner and feels naturally woven into the story. A very enjoyable read.

4.5 stars. It's not perfect, but it is close. Like every Emma Scott book I have ever read, this book put me through the emotional wringer. There is a lot of pain and darkness in this book but Emma is a great storyteller and she manages to bring us through the pain to a believable HEA. As someone who has spent their life working with and advocating for people with disabilities, I was a bit triggered by the way the father treated Eddie so I was glad he he seemed to get a happy ending as well.

Absolutely phenomenal! This was my first mm read. But the author handled the subject matter and the characters beautifully. I love this authors work and her words imprint on your heart! Beautiful read thank you netgalley for the review copy. Excited to see what the this author writes next

I'm regretting all the 5 stars I gave in the past 🙄
That's it I'm done reading. The search is over I've found my favorite book.
Why is this not viral? This book is soooo underrated that I want to punch a wall. There is one advantage to this, I've only just discovered author Emma Scott, so I'm gonna devour all of her novels while quarantined.
The story is about Max who was kicked out of his family home when he was a teenager after his father discovered he was gay. Silas' sexuality was not accepted either and he was sent to an inhuman and brutal conversion therapy that left him shattered, to say the least. Their path will cross and omg a lot of things are going to be revealed,

I feel overwhelmed by this book and its characters and I don't think I'm going to be able to recover. It made me feel all kind of emotions: I felt so angry every time Edward Marsh opened his mouth to speak, I cried a lot but especially for Silas, and I chuckled more than once to Max's jokes.
I'm beyond recommending this book in a polite manner, I want to shove in people's faces.
Many thanks to netgalley and the publishers for providing my copy, to read and give an honest review

This book was interesting. I have heard of this author before, but never read anything by her. I have to say, she has a way with words! This book intense. It was beautiful and raw. I really enjoyed it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Max has had a rough life of homelessness, addiction, and working hard to overcome it all. He is taking care of a wealthy patient when he meets the man's son Silas. Silas is the heir to the fortune but his father wants him to deny his nature to be the "perfect" son. Silas and Max have an attraction to each other but so many lies and secrets surround Silas' family. This is a heartbreaking story of addiction, second chances and being true to yourself. A great read.


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Wow! Wow! Wow!!!
I postponed writing this review to give my overactive heart some respite. Still, I am not sure how much coherent I could be. Telling that this had been an emotionally overwhelming read is an understatement. I laughed, wept (being both happy and sad), got angry . . . yes, I am practically an emotional mess now.
Emma Scott has dedicated this book to "everyone still fighting for the basic human right to love who you want to love without prejudice, censure, or torment". She says this is her small contribution to this end and in my eyes, her voice had been heard loud and clear. The story deals with a lot of issues: homophobia, drug addiction, conversion therapy and PTSD are to name quite a few. There is even one character with Asperger's.
Writing a novel addressing all these issues is quite a challenge but Scott has done it splendidly. Everything had its place and nothing felt unrealistic. The love story links all the details with precision, making the author's crafting skills shine throughout. Afterall a Cinderella story where both the protagonists are in benefit will melt even an iron core heart.
Max and Silas, our gorgeous Greek God level leading characters have gatecrashed into my heart from the very beginning; I don't think they are planning to leave anytime soon. The way they were helping each other, tackling their emotional baggage . . . makes one happy to know them. I couldn't leave Eddie from this either, the eldest Marsh boy living in the Dickensian ear. I say, my good man, you are the best big brother anyone can hope for.
Yup, that's it. I am going to read this again. So if you love m/m romance look no further; this, without a doubt, is one of the best.

I received an ARC through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5/5 stars

I loved this book. I had all the feelings while reading it... and even now when I remember it's awesomeness.

Summary: Max has turned his life around. From prostitution on street corners to get his next high, to now being a nurse in an ER. When Max was a teenager, his dad tossed him out because he was gay. Now back in his hometown of Seattle, Max hopes to rekindle a relationship with his parents.

Simon grew up uber-wealthy. At 17 Simon's dad discovers he is gay, and sends him away to be "reprogrammed." Simon's dad is a true villain; demanding his son deny himself and continue to prove himself a good, straight son.

This book is very heavy as it deals with homophobic families and also with addiction. It makes me so angry to realize that, though this book is fictional, the story itself is still common. Conversion therapy needs to be made illegal and result in criminal charges.

This is a gut-wrenching, heart-breaking read full of hard to read trigger warnings that include drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, homophobia, conversion therapy (shown on page in flash backs), PTSD, and verbal and emotional abuse. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you can stomach these TW’s, the end result is beautiful and soul healing.

This amazing story shows us that love is not a cure-all but it can give us the strength to save ourselves so that we can be the best versions of ourselves for us and those we love. Shining a positive light on therapy and rehab, and not just using drug abuse or relapse as plot devices, the author does an incredible job showing how very real these struggles are in the world today. It’s heart breaking, and incredibly thought provoking. With a strong focus on self love and forgiveness, we’re shown that sometimes the forgiveness you give others is more for yourself than it is for the recipient, and that’s ok because sometimes you need forgive in order to help yourself grow. People can change, but forgiveness does’t mean that everything is suddenly ok and forgotten, but it serves as the first stepping stone to moving forward.

I haven’t felt so deeply moved by story in a long time, and I will certainly never forget this one.

A modern fairy tale in which the main characters have to fight for their happiness and really get nothing for free. Which results in extremely credible character development and a plausible, well developed plot.
Max and Silas find each other in one of the most unromantic places - maybe ever: a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in downtown Seattle. Both are there for their own reasons and neither thinks of ever seeing the other again. They couldn't have been more wrong. When Max starts to work for Silas' father we get to know more and more about each of their horrific pasts which are far more than fictional sob stories than reality for many (LGBTQ+) youths even today. Nevertheless we are allowed to follow a wonderful and warm love story which is hard to put down again. Extra points for deep and well written dialogues and the amazing character of Eddie, Silas' brother.
Emma Scott manages to follow the common notion of a romance novel but without being too predictable and too dramatic. You always think you know what lingers around the next page but it happens in a completely different way. That's what makes this fairy tale really worth reading.

Book number 12 for the short month.

I had high expectations for Someday, Someday. I was excited that it was going to be a love story with grit. I love fluffy, soothing love stories….but sometimes I want more.

Welp, congratulations Amy…you got more!

Unfortunately, I was not Goldilocks with just right….It all felt like too much. Too,too much. Lots of issues in one little book.

I am going to talk some spoilers (you know I don’t like to do this, but to get my point across I need to).

If you want to go in blind to this book.....DO NOT KEEP READING!
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Max is a recovering drug addict who was kicked out of his family home in his teens. Running parallel is Silas’s story of being sent to a “Conversion Therapy” camp…in Alaska…in the Winter. Both of these outcomes stem from being gay. Appalling, yes. It started with a great premise. Max had moved back to his home town and is working as a RN. In walks Silas who is literally still suffering from PTSD from his father’s injustice as a teenager. I won’t say more. I will say….there is a lot to unpack here. There are the obvious obstacles to the outlaying…enter Silas’s brother diagnosed with Asperger’s. The opioid crisis and Silas’s family hand in the crisis. I was overwhelmed by the end of the novel to say the least. What really pulled me to a 3 ½ star review. The fact that at the end…it all ended neatly tied with a big ol' bow. Good thing Silas was rich for that to all work out that way. (rolling my eyes)

Am I cynical? Yes, yes I am. This novel had so much promise for me and I truly felt let down by the end. I loved the characters. Again, I loved the idea this brought to the table. I just did not enjoy every single issue being ticked off of a seemingly hidden list.

Sadly, that is where I am ending. I would read this author again. But I just can't recommend this book.