RETURN (Rewind Book 2) by Rowan Shaw – Review by Sarah Oakes

Return by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about opposites. Raphael is just looking for a flat in Paris. He finds one but the owner seems to be an arrogant young man with erotic pictures on his walls. With nowhere else to go, Raphael takes a risk and moves in despite their opposites. Can they get along and make it work?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Adrien sarcastic and arrogant but vulnerable underneath or Raphael cautious and shy but caring underneath. I really liked the contrasts between them done to perfection to make their dislike relatable. The only issue I would raise is that I felt that Daniel was unnecessary and jarred from the narrative.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the inside Ariens hous with the wide rooms and white floors and ornate tiles for a sense of luxuty.and contrasting wonderfully with the bold and bright colours of the paintings perfectly written. Or the college in the rain with the umbrella and waiting in the queue so vivd it’s as if you’re actually there.
Once again, a wonderful tale about sexuality with a wonderful representation of gay people and their struggles in society. The switch of perspectives worked well to display both sides of the story and different ways of life and was easy to follow with names in chapter titles. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

View all my reviews