Mirrigold: Mutterings & Musings

His Compass by Con Riley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I alpha read for Con for this one, however all the amazing words are hers alone.

***

This is a beautifully written book which looks at the intimacy of not only a physical journey helming a yacht with only a single crew member, but also the personal one Tom goes on the nearer he reaches home.

Saucepot, aka Nicky, is one of my favourite characters ever. He’s a contradiction, with his outwardly distracting attitude of irresponsibility actually acting as camouflage.

He’s really full of bravery, living each day with the inner struggles he’s never been allowed to forget, and a constant sense that people’s lack of faith in him must be true.

I absolutely adored his dawning awareness that the responsibilities Tom gave him were more than his Captain just being a grumpy arse.

Their relationship grows as strong as the currents which carry them back to Blighty.

And I guarantee that when you find out the truth of Nicky’s background, your heart will fully ache with love for him.

There’s a bit of social commentary in this book which feels totally organic in the narrative. It’s not preachy, just an accurate reflection of some of the less pleasant incidents at sea which are sadly all too common at the present time.

It is, however, totally in keeping with the plot itself, it acts as a catalyst to one of the major changes in the development of Tom’s feelings for Nick, and highlights the growing intimacy between them.

There were times when I almost broke my Kindle in rage at Tom and his inability to see what was under his nose because of his determined stubbornness.

At other points, I was almost weeping, which is so rare for me that any book which gets me to that state goes into a special place in my heart.

And ultimately, it made me smile so much at all the different ways love is expressed and experienced throughout.

It’s as turbulent as the waters they sail, as calming as the harbour which shelters them and as steadying as the compass which guides them to each other, and to home.

With guest appearances from my favourite mardy chef Jude and his fabulous boyfriend Rob – see His Horizon – and a hint of who might be appearing in book three, there wasn’t a thing I didn’t adore about this story.

Also, how gorgeous is this cover from Natasha Snow! The absolutely perfect Tom 💕

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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