Lovely. Alexis Hall does a masterful job of presenting sympathetic characters who continuously teeter alarming close to the breaking point due to insecurity, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, while simultaneously telling an uplifting and genuinely joyous story of the triumph of love and kindness. This is not the first time I've experienced Hall bring about such a miracle, but Waiting for the Flood is a perfect example of such mastery. In this tale, (in which there are both literal and metaphoric floods), Edwin and Marius, both intelligent, gifted, and kind souls who once loved each other desperately, have now separated, and the aforementioned perturbations overwhelm them both. But this is a romance novel, and there is a hero waiting patiently in the wings for both men. The love stories are beautiful, the passion hot, and the affirmation that love can triumph and prevail makes coming to the end of the book both wonderful and sad.

Waiting for the Flood is actually two books in a compilation, the first being a book about Edwin and the second being about his ex-partner Marius.

Edwin’s book is a melancholy musing through Edwin’s recovery from the loss of his relationship with Marius a few years previous. The reader never understands why Marius left, and it is with some reposition Edwin meets an eligible man Adam during a flooding crisis in his local community. It’s a little instalovey but ever so sweet and endearing. It is a tad gentle, though so be prepared for the slower pace.

Marius book is quite different though narrated by the same narrator - so be prepared for that. I love him, I have to say, so I may not be objective.
Marius sprains his foot and literally stumbles upon Leo who loves on a boat and it’s full throttle attraction. Still, the loving is gentle and a delight, with absolutely hilarious cameos from Marius’ parents (overbearing much).

I think Marius book suffers a little from the dislike for him over hanging Edwin’s book so I tried to be mindful of this, as all becomes clear as to why he left Edwin when he did.

I’m a shameless lover of Alexis Hall’s work and this is another one/two I’ve loved that I’ll add to the list.

This was a cute story about love, loss, and finding yourself again. Really enjoyable to read in a duel narrative about a couple who is no longer together moving on and growing into themselves and into new relationships. Narrator was excellent as well!

Review for this new audiobook edition: Still 5 stars and if I could add stars I would because Will Watt's new narration for this edition is GLORIOUS (if you missed it, Alexis got the audio rights back to Waiting, so was able to have the new edition of Waiting, with Chasing and the recipes and Aftermath, re-recorded).

The first time Adam calls Edwin "Petal" on the audiobook...deceased, I am deceased, I am writing this from the afterlife.

(I never get approved for jack-squat on Netgalley but somehow I managed to get my paws on this so thanks Netgalley gods)

Original review of the previous audiobook edition: What a lovely gentle, sweet, and melancholy hug of a book. Just could not stop listening to Alexander Doddy's narration. Looking forward to reading the words with my eyeballs and the additional novella when it's released this fall.

Review of the new print edition: Still 5 stars, this is for the trad pub release of Waiting for the Flood which also contains a new novella, Chasing the Light, which gives us Marius as he is spiraling, working into a new reality (or not working) where he might be losing his sight and what that might do to a visual artist and then he randomly runs into a guy who lives on a houseboat and they might be right for each other. Very beautifully written.

I am an Alexis Hall fan but unfortunately I didn’t like this book.
I honestly couldn’t make it past the first half of the book. I found it very boring. It was just one gay guy complaining for the first 25% of the book.
It was just moving too slow for me unfortunately.

February 2024 re-read in audio: First of all, the narration is outstanding. Also some of those parallels and echoes between the two stories are even more evident on re-read so that it always fun. Also my eARC didn't have the bonus content but the audio ARC did. The aftermath story really wraps it up beautifully.



Original review: Well this was a lovely (if melancholy) duo. I have read Waiting for the Flood a couple of times so that part was more of a comforting re-read. I still found it remarkable how much of the story was about Marius, without Marius ever being on page. The writing is beautiful in a languid way and the structure adds a lot of depth to a short story with the brief glimpses of the past being very evocative.

Chasing the Light could totally stand alone and fits neatly into the Spires narrative aesthetic (I don't know if that's really a thing but hopefully you know what I mean!) It's got a damaged and pretentious yet charming protagonist in Marius and the signature dreamy and descriptive language.

While each story is great on its own, they are each elevated as companion stories. Together, they highlight just how unreliable each narrator is and there are many subtle yet striking parallels and contrasts between the two stories. And the ending of Chasing the Light brings a beautiful closure to both stories that changes how I experienced Waiting for the Flood, making it feel fresh.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I look forward to listening to the audio of this one when it comes out.

This new edition of Alexis Hall’s <b>Waiting for the Flood</b> includes a new novella,<b> Searching for the Light</b>, a companion piece along similar themes of heartbreak, loss and emotional recovery, together with a couple of recipes and the short story <b>Aftermath</b>

In <b>for the Flood</b>, Edwin Tully, a conservator at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, continues to struggle to come to terms with the ending of his ten-year relationship with Marius, an artist. That was more than two years ago, and he is still alone, still unable to move forward with his life.

A flood alert throughout the city throws civil engineer Adam Dacre into Edwin’s path, and he’s exactly the sort of man you’d want to have your back in a tight spot – kind, calm, dependable and confident. He’s clearly interested in Edwin, but Edwin is still so scared of being hurt that he is unable to see beyond his fears to realise that the future he’d always longed for is staring him in the face and that it’s up to him to reach out and take it.

Edwin’s ex, Marius Chankseliani, doesn’t appear in <b>Waiting for the Flood</b>, but has a strong presence in it nonetheless. <b>Chasing the Light</b>, which begins a few months or so after the events of <b>Waiting for the Flood</b>, brings him into sharper focus and reveals more about the complex, messed-up man who hurt Edwin so very deeply.

A mishap down by the river on Christmas Eve finds Marius alone, injured and unable to stand or walk. He doesn’t expect cursing loudly into the dark to be any use, but fortuantely for him, help does arrive in the form of Leo, who lives on one of the houseboats moored along the bank. He helps Marius aboard and proceeds to take care of him, wrapping Marius up in the kind of warm, tender care he normally hates – but which this time, he can’t bring himself to walk away from.

Both stories end in a very firm HFN, giving Edwin and Marius new starting points that offer the potential for future happiness. I liked the emphasis on love being nothing to do with worth; that everyone, no matter how messed up or how broken, deserves love, acceptance and to be seen by someone who gets them, and I also really appreciated the fact that Edwin and Marius finally get the opportunity to talk and achieve some closure.

The prose is beautiful and profound, the characters are endearing and their love stories are full of compassion and hope, and the narration, by Will Watt, is superb. Mr. Watt delivered an outstandingerformance in the author’s recent [book:10 Things That Never Happened|180148349], so I was delighted to see his name attached to this. He absolutely nails the emotional centre of these stories in his beautifully paced performance, finding perfectly nuanced voices for the characters – Edwin’s higher pitched, hesitant delivery a nice contrast to the good-natured kindness that emanates so strongly in Adam’s big, warm northern-accented tones. As a side note, he does a great job with Edwin’s stammer, articulating it well and never going over the top. His portrayal of Marius is spot on, perfectly conveying the vulnerability that lies behind his prickly, snarky exterior, and Leo’s rich, deeper notes work really well to depict him as a man who knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin. The handful of secondary characters are clearly delineated – the standouts are the redoubtable Mrs. P and Marius’ mother – and the whole performance is an absolute joy to listen to.

I love Alexis Hall and enjoyed Glitterland, but Waiting for the Flood was too depressing and disjointed for me. I didn’t realize going into this that this would be 2 novellas put together, which explains why they felt so rushed. Given the rough state each MMC was in, they just didn’t have enough interactions with the love interest for attraction and relationships to play out the way they did. At least not in a way that made sense to me.

Audio Review:
I requested the audio after I was struggling to get through the e ARC. I adore Will Watt and his narration is the only reason why I was able to finish this book. His voice was soothing, he enacted Edwin’s stutter flawlessly and there was sufficient distinction between character voices.

Alexis Hall is one of my go-to authors, so imagine my joy when I was approved for the audio ARC of Waiting for the Flood!
The author has a knack for loveable but flawed and damaged characters, and Edwin and Marcus are no exception. The story starts a few years after their 10 year relationship ends. Edwin still lives in the house they bought together and hasn't really moved on. But a big storm brings a flood threat to his neighborhood, and with it, civil engineer Adam. And, oh, Adam! There is not enough space for all the swoony heart-eye emojis that Adam deserves. He is safe and sexy and patient as Edwin learns to love and trust again. 
This audio book includes the companion novella Chasing the Light, which tells Marcus's story. The audio transitions to the novella without any fanfair... in fact, I didn't even realize it was two stories until I looked it up! Marcus is definitely the more prickish of the two (for, well... reasons). His story begins when he bolts from his family's christmas eve party after seeing Edwin and Adam happily together. He slips and falls near the icy riverbank, getting swoonishly rescued by bearded hunk Joe, who is living on a boat nearby. They spend the next 3 days together, marooned in by the weather and Marcus's injured ankle. And things get SPICY! Marcus must also learn to forgive himself and allow himself to love again.  
It was narrated beautifully by Will Watt, who captured Edwin's stutter with kindness and genuineness. 
I received this audioARC from @netgalley and publisher @Dreamscape_Media in exchange for an honest review.
Waiting for the Flood was released February 20, 2024.

The narrator was good. However, too much happened in the start of the book, and it was therefore DNF'ed.

I was privileged enough to receive both the eARC and the ALC from Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Audio and picked up the physical book as a birthday present to myself.

This story is told in two parts following Edwin and Marius four years after they break up as they figure out themselves and how to move on. Edwin is left with the house they purchased and is dealing with an imminent flood and the hot civil engineer helping the neighborhood. Marius is left reeling from the events of finding his ex and his new boyfriend at his family’s Christmas event and goes on a disastrous walk ending up with a sprained ankle on a narrow boat on the Thames with a guy who rescued him.

I thought these two disaster gays were fascinating characters and I genuinely cared for them while also wanting to bash their heads on occasion. The audiobook was absolutely fantastic, Will M Watt brought the characters to life and did an amazing job.

Highly recommend if you enjoyed Boyfriend Material and Glitterland. The first section has no spice per se, but the second section has several on page descriptive sex scenes.

I truly loved reading "Waiting for the Flood" by Alexis Hall! I had no idea this was a re-release of work for Hall and that it was two novellas in ONE book 🙌🏻 I personally enjoy going into some books not knowing the story's set up and discovering as I read on and uncover more about the characters. I have to say, this was the PERFECT book to go in blind to. It felt so refreshing to see how both Edwin & Marius open up to their respective partners and grow from their pasts. I was personally a huge fan of Marius & Leo's story but definitely hold a place there too for Edwin & Adam 🥰

Both novellas, "Waiting for the Flood" and "Chasing the Light," were great reads by themselves but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I listened to this as an audiobook and WOW was that the right move here. Will Watt, the narrator, did such a wonderful job bringing life to each unique character from the smallest of details in Edwin's hesitations, to Marius' vigor, to Marius' mother's light, flippant quips... It was perfect. I flew through this audiobook!

The story. The writing. The characters. The piroshki (!) Overall, a fantastic read that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. Also, I loved the bonus content and epilogue for the book! Especially (you guessed it) Marius' mother's piroshki recipe. Every detail felt intentional and purposeful to the story. I was absolutely left wanting more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review in exchange for an honest review!

In the beginning (as is typical for my experience reading Alexis Hall) it took me a little bit to get invested in the story and these characters, but I'm so glad that I did.

Hall has a such a beautifully poetic writing style that always allows me to empathize deeply with the characters, even if I've never experienced their type of hardship myself. The side characters in this book were so captivating and added not only some humour and lightness, but a level of depth to the main characters.

When writing reviews, I often reflect on character growth and relationship development, and I loved how this was executed in this story. Rather than just growth and growth together, we actually found healing between our two MCs as they found closure from one another and the ability to open up and become vulnerable with someone else after four years post break up from their decade long relationship. It was emotional, but heartwarming through their self actualization.

Will Watt's narration is the thing of dreams. I could listen to him read a grocery list - in fact, we basically do with the bonus content recipes at the end of this book lol. But seriously, he has this way of flawlessly executing the impact of every moment - whether its a soft tender moment, emotional moment, funny moment and even immense vulnerability. He makes me feel everything.

The bonus content in the rerelease of this book was perfect. I loved getting the recipe for pierogies from mom, but also seeing our two MCs happy in their respective new lifes and new relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of Waiting for the Flood!

This book has two vibes split into two books. The first book is the type you read on the windowsill in a book nook during the rain (yes, it has to be raining) with a cup of mint tea. So you can aesthetically look out the window every now and then, like a Pinterest photo. Book 1 follows Edwin as he learns and copes with the end of a ten-year relationship with a man he loved (and still loves) when he meets a civil engineer who just wants to comfort and make him happy.

For Book 2, I suggest reading this book while running or exercising if you enjoy those activities. I don't, but it may be fun for you. (It might be relevant to mention I listened to the audiobook). Book 2 follows Marquis, the man who left Edwin. Marquis falls into a puddle and is rescued by a stranger with a boat. Now, he "has to" stay on the boat with this literal angel so the ankle he sprained heals.

Thanks Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook from my favorite author!

ALC Review
Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall
Narrated by Will Watt

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.

This re-release includes two novellas and bonus content. The description on NetGalley wasn’t clear on this but I did figure it out through other avenues of searching.

Waiting for the Flood is the first part. This follows Edwin as he is still adjusting from his breakup of a 12 year relationship. He meets Adam (a civil engineer) while they are preparing for a flood. It’s a bit insta love but Adam is so very patient with Edwin, it is heartwarming.

Chasing the Light follows Marius (Edwin’s) ex. He finds himself on a boat with a stranger and there’s instant attraction. Marius is very much in his feels and he is going through a lot. He is a pretty big jerk to Leo, multiple times. Leo takes it in stride and is very understanding. I loved Marius’s parents and Leo’s neighbor!

The bonus content and epilogue was a fun touch to add to the story!

The narrator was great. I felt he did a good job with the different characters.

This is the most unique romance I've ever read. It is entirely Edwin's story, told from his perspective. There was less conversation and more remembering and living in that memory. What he'd lost crippled him in many way.

Adam wasn't the kind of guy Edwin would have gone for, supposing he could bring himself to do so. He was gruff and nothing like a fashion model. He was kind, patient, takes an interest in the things Edwin likes and really listens. Anyone would want a guy like him.

This story is a very slow burn. Be prepared for that. I thought the buildup was intense. for Edwin it couldn't have gone any other way. Fortunately there was Adam. I'd recommend greatly. Just don't expect the normal back and forth showing how both thought and felt throughout the story. You won't find it. Have some patience. The payoff is well worth it.

I just absolutely love Alexis Hall's writing. It's vivid and clever and truly heartbreaking at times. They manage to create such multidimensional characters, it feels like less like stepping into a book, and more like witnessing a moment in time.

Waiting for the Flood and Chasing the Light (they came together in this ALC) are novellas based on second changes. WFTF focuses on Edwin and Adam and how they manage to kindle a spark even during a multiday storm. Chasing the Light centers on Marius (Edwin's ex) and Leo, his unexpected ex-con knight in shining armor. All the characters are facing their own battles and I loved getting Marius' perspective after WFTF since he wasn't painted in the best light in Edwin's perspective.

I loved getting the closure I didn't know I even needed on Edwin and Marius' relationship. Tears may have been shed.

The narrator, William Watt, is amazing. He has a real talent for bringing each man to life and hits on the tone of the story just right.

I am usually a huge fan of their writing. This was a huge swing and a miss for me. Mostly incoherent, not much plot to speak of, lacking the heart and interesting storytelling I've come to expect from this author. For me, the highlight of the whole book was a sprained ankle as foreplay., and even that was meh. I spent most of the book wanting to put it down, and I should have.

Actual rating 4.75/5

I am not sure what I was expecting from this book, but I still surprised me.

I mean, I was expecting a lot of angst and we definitely get plenty of that, but there was so much more. My heart was hurting for a considerable part of the time. Both Edwin and Marius stories managed to shake my balance and bring out things that we don't often think about (others we think about way too much).

Edwin is a gentle and delicate soul, recovering from a broken heart years after the end of his relationship, still hold on a bit since he doesn't understand completely how the end happened. Marius, a delicate soul in different ways, who hides a lot of hurt, disappointment and loss, behind snappy comments, sarcasm, anger, and hurting other people even when he doesn't mean to, who thinks the best way to protect those he loves is to create distance and leave them.

This book shows the stories of these two men and how they rebuild themselves after impacting each other's lives for a very long time. There is pain, confusion and heartbreak, but also comfort, companionship, love and healing. Alexis Hall destroying my heart and putting it back together with another Spires story. I definitely recommend this book.

Also, Will Watt did a brilliant job with the narration of this book. I love audiobooks and this was beautifully done.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reading the audio-ARC, haven’t finished yet but here’s my release day review!

I was skeptical about the rerecord but Will Watt just knocks it out of the park. His portrayal of Edwin makes it that much more emotionally compelling and rereading with his narration was a revelation.

Chasing the Light, Marius’s story, is fascinating. This is not just a romance sequel with a character we happen to know; rather it is a direct mirror to Flood. Marius is processing their breakup just as much as Edwin is, and the fact that Marius was the instigator just means he is dealing with guilt and blame on top of it all. It’s easy to see Marius as the villain of the first book, so seeing the relationship through his eyes is revelatory. This story is also carefully centered around another home (this time a boat) and what it means to the person who belongs there, in a nice parallel to Flood.

This was an excellent follow up and i highly recommend getting the audio.