Blog Tour and Review: The Wonder Within by Gwen Martin

28 October of 2023 by ButtonsMom2003

The Wonder Within By Gwen Martin

Genre: Contemporary Romance, GLBTQ, MM

Tropes: Second chance, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, grief, found family

Released: October 27, 2023

Publisher: Self Published

Series: The Collective, Book 0.5

Length: Prequel Novella

Cover Design: We Go You Covered Bok Design

Synopsis

Honoring their friend brought them back together. Will love and a common goal keep them there?

Four years ago, Leon fled Knoxville with a broken heart and swore he’d never come back. But when his best friend dies tragically, he finds himself face to face with a place he’d just as soon forget, and the man he left behind.

As a teacher, Toryn knows how much the community needs a facility like The Collective. But bringing his dead best friend’s legacy to life is complicated. Working with Leon makes it even harder. Toryn never thought he’d see the man who walked away from him again.

Together, Leon and Toryn have just three weeks to get The Collective ready to welcome the community. Building something from a clean slate should be easy. But rebuilding what is broken between them will be the hardest thing they’ve ever done.

CONTENT WARNING: This novella centers around the aftermath of a death by suicide, including his family and close friends’ grief. The suicide itself is mentioned briefly, though not in great detail.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the US, you can or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In a life-threatening situation, call 911 in life-threatening situations. In the UK, call the Samaritans at 116 123.
For international resources, visit the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide

Teaser Graphic

Review

Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003

So many feels!

The Wonder Within is a standalone prequel novella that introduces Gwen Martin’s upcoming series The Collective. It’s a story that is full of feels. It’s heartbreaking in places but ultimately something good comes out of something devastating. Please see the content warning in the blurb.

Toryn and Leon parted ways four years ago and not under the best of circumstances. Leon has returned to his home town for the funeral of their good friend, Jon. They are both devastated by his death but now must work together to bring his dream to fruition. There is so much to be done but Jon left them nearly all of the tools they need to finish his pet project.

This story, like all of the Gwen Martin books I’ve read, had my emotions all over the place while I read it. There was sadness for the death of someone who died too young but there was also joy as his friends and sister worked to make Jon’s dream become a reality.

The Wonder Within is a standalone but I’m really intrigued and can’t wait to read the next book in The Collective series.

♥♥♥♥♥

O Factor: Scorcher

The Collective Series

♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥

#CommissionsEarned

Teaser Graphic

Giveaway

A $25 Amazon Gift Card

Direct link to giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teaser Graphic

About Author

Gwen Martin is from Florida where the sun was always shining, and the humidity is always high. In 2020 she and her partner moved to Knoxville for a change of scenery with their five cats, and a whole lot of dreams.

Writing came to her at a young age, where she scribbled stories instead of paying attention to math lessons. She spent many years in fandom, exploring her writing opportunities before deciding to take the dive into self-publishing.

Gwen has a strong love affair with cold brew coffee, black cats, and nerding out in a variety of fandoms. When she’s not writing, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on, crocheting compulsively while listening horror gamer playthroughs,and vibing to spotify playlists for inspiration. And best of all, loving the best creatures on earth—her harem of gatos.

Author Links

Hosted by Foreword PR & Marketing