Waking Oisin

*I received the copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This relatively short book is happening in the same place, and with the same characters as Seven Minutes (by the same author, of course). I have realised that only after I have finished the book and added it on Goodreads. However, as it says in the synopsis, it can be read as a standalone.

The only problem I had with the book was that I was kind of thrown into it, with little introduction of characters, but that all became clear once I saw that it is the second book by the same author.

An acclaimed lawyer working for Oisin's father, Trenton Fisher, and Oisin get to 'know' each other not long after their respective relationships crash. Trenton's because of his preoccupation with job and Oisin's because his fiancee did not believe he would be faithful to her based on his sexuality.

Oisin is bisexual, Trenton is gay, and Devon (one of the main characters from the first book) is gender-fluid. At least that's the realisation he comes to after thinking about how to identify himself, one of the things a lot of people go through. He likes cross-dressing and going out in a drag is something Devon and Oisin did (and still do) together.

As the book is quite short, the relationship between Oisin and Trenton begins almost instantly, when Trenton meets Oisin in drag and introducing himself as Sin. After they meet again, Trenton does not recognise Oisin at first. They go through some strains in their relationship, which are dealt with in a good way despite the limitations.

Besides the relationship between Oisin and Trenton, the book deals with family issues, especially when it comes to Oisin's father, as well as with Oisin finally stop trying to please everyone around, while forgetting to care about himself.

As a cat-lover (and thus a fan of pretty much all animals), I loved how much emphasis there was on Oisin's dedication to his studies to become a vet and his love for Maggie, a stray dog he rescued. The author's appreciation for animals is also very obvious in Acknowledgements:

Oisin loves animals, and if you do too, please donate to your local shelter or volunteer. If you need financial aid for vet bills, visit Bestfriends.com* for a list of companies in your state. Oisin thanks you and so does his fur baby, Maggie.