Beyond the Sea

* Re-read via a first time listen on 8/9/20 - 8/9/20*I read this when it first came out and I liked it very much. My thoughts haven't changed. I'm upping the rating because in the intervening 4 years I've read so much other nonsense that I appreciate [a:Kiera Andrews 19799064 Kiera Andrews https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]' knack for giving depth & plausibility to what otherwise could just be a fantasy scenario. Add to that [a:Greg Tremblay 8108759 Greg Tremblay https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1484561919p2/8108759.jpg] doing his usual fantastic job and I was delighted. ************First read 9/12/16 - 9/13/16** Thoughts: I liked it. Very much. Sue me. I liked that [a:Keira Andrews 1366040 Keira Andrews https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1409084048p2/1366040.jpg] actually tried to realistically detail the day to day interactions, feelings and experiences that would bond or break two people stranded on a deserted island. I liked that though fairly competent neither one of the MC was a Superman or MacGyver. Both characters get to spazz out at the situation, mourn what they believe is lost and come to depend on and appreciate the other.I liked that the story was romantic in the most basic way and hopeful even in the face of dire circumstances.I liked that Brian got to know the real Troy behind the pop star persona and that, refreshingly, Troy wasn't a stereotypical brat. Troy was able to see through Brian's protective shell and thaw the numbness that had consumed him.I liked how they looked out for each other in small ways like gathering food, or “Spa Day”, or when bad things happen. I liked how things played out after they were rescued. I love Troy, sweet, generous and loving and exactly who and what Brian needs.If their HEA is perhaps wishful thinking [a:Keira Andrews 1366040 Keira Andrews https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1409084048p2/1366040.jpg] sells it well and I'm buying, ‘cause isn't this why we read romance? Because we believe in the power of love and the overall notion that goodness and truth will rise above the fray of life? I do.