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Neve Wilder
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Center of Gravity: Nook Island Book 1 (Nook Island Series) Kindle Edition

by Neve Wilder (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 728 ratings
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When life comes apart at the seams, love is the only thread that can mend it.

Accountant Rob Macomb has a stable job that he’s good at and… that’s about it. A year of nothing but heartache leaves him seeking refuge from loneliness and grief behind spreadsheets, punishing daily runs, and the occasional anonymous tryst. He wants only to bury the past and focus on his career, but he has one last task to complete: pack up his parent’s quaint beachside house and put it on the market.

Alex Andrews is a budding artist with a penchant for Converse, Cracker Jack, and piercings. Family turmoil sidelines his dreams of finishing art school and building a career in three-dimensional design, and now he’s doing whatever he can to keep everyone afloat.

When Alex shows up as a part of the moving crew hired to help Rob clean out the house, what should be a simple move becomes far more complex. Because it’s not the first time they’ve met, and their last encounter was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The attraction between them is undeniable and intense, but Rob’s hell-bent on pushing everyone away, and Alex is on the verge of spinning out of control.

Can a grumpy accountant and a bootstrapping artist find their center of gravity together, or are they on a collision course to heartbreak?

An emotionally-charged, slow burn m/m romance featuring an age gap, hurt/comfort themes, and a hard-won happily ever after. This is the standalone first in the Nook Island, Georgia series.
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  1. Book 1 of 1
    Nook Island Series
  2. Print length
    330 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 2, 2018
  5. File size
    2.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Once in a while, a book comes along and knocks you for six; this is one of those books. It was a joy to read and it had so much depth, that it reached another level for me." --OMGReads

"Slow burn, heavy on the angst....I loved every minute of it!" --WickedGoodReads

"Center Of Gravity is just what I hope for and rarely find when reading a new author and new contemporary romance. It's that marvelous, heartwarming story full of just about every element that grabs at you and compels you to read it!" --Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

*Nominated as a Best Contemporary/Mainstream Book of 2018 by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group.

About the Author

Neve Wilder lives in the southern U.S., reads promiscuously, and believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.

Subscribe to her newsletter for announcements, extras, and exclusive content: 
nevewilder.com/subscribe

Find her on social media:
FB Readers' Group: facebook.com/groups/WildersWildOnes 

FB Author Page: facebook.com/nevewilderwrites
Instagram: instagram.com/nevewilder
BookBub: bookbub.com/profile/neve-wilder

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07HYX3RBK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (October 2, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 2, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 330 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 728 ratings

About the author

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Neve Wilder

Neve Wilder

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Neve Wilder reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. And every flavor in between.

She believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.

For updates on new releases, giveaways, and other fun stuff, subscribe to her newsletter at:

nevewilder.com/subscribe

Facebook Readers' Group:

facebook.com/groups/WildersWildOnes

FB Page: facebook.com/nevewilderwrites

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
728 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's readability and emotional depth. They appreciated the writing style as wonderful and intelligent. The romance was described as sweet and nostalgic. The characters were portrayed as human with insecurities and flaws. Overall, customers found the story uplifting and full of hope.

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ReadabilityEmotion levelWriting styleRomanceCharacter developmentUpliftingBurn rateHumor
37 customers mention "Readability"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find the romance engaging and the storyline satisfying. The characters are complex and multidimensional, helping shape the narrative. The ending and epilogue are described as sweet and tender.

"...a carbon copy of Alexis Hall's book For Real, which is the better book and I highly recommend it. But I enjoyed this book as well...." Read more

"...All of Neve's characters are complex, multilayer and delectable! Her writing is picturesque and poignant...." Read more

"...I rounded up because of the ending and the epilogue, which was both sweet and tender and gave me faith for their HEA." Read more

"...This is a very worth read. P.S. Dear Neve, I REALLY want Tom's book. It is my fervent hope that he will speak to you soon." Read more

23 customers mention "Emotion level"20 positive3 negative

Customers find the book emotional and touching. They say it's poignant, heartbreaking, and uplifting. The story is described as tender, insightful, and comforting.

"...All of her books are have a different feel. Some fun and super steamy and some more on the angsty side...." Read more

"...Her writing is picturesque and poignant. Her stories take hold of you and they do not let go........" Read more

"...up because of the ending and the epilogue, which was both sweet and tender and gave me faith for their HEA." Read more

"...It is a must read that will have you laughing, crying, mad and then start your emotions all over again...." Read more

19 customers mention "Writing style"17 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the characters realistic and the language beautiful. The author writes romance with intelligence, addressing real-life issues and leaving them open-ended for readers to consider.

"...The book is well written; the characters are interesting and well rounded, the relationship is believable, passionate, humorous and yes, at times,..." Read more

"...But I enjoyed this book as well. It's well written and has depth, which is not always the case with romance novels...." Read more

"I am new to Neve Wilder and I'm obsessed. She writes romance with such intelligence that brings so much more to the table than your typical romance...." Read more

"...Her writing is picturesque and poignant. Her stories take hold of you and they do not let go........" Read more

18 customers mention "Romance"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the romantic story with its nostalgic feel and genuine characters. They find the romance sweet, with healthy steam and love. The book is described as a great, genuine love story set against a backdrop of grief.

"...are interesting and well rounded, the relationship is believable, passionate, humorous and yes, at times, painful. The HEA is very satisfying...." Read more

"...I rounded up because of the ending and the epilogue, which was both sweet and tender and gave me faith for their HEA." Read more

"...Its a slow burn that is both deeply fulfilling and devastatingly hot. This is a very worth read. P.S. Dear Neve, I REALLY want Tom's book...." Read more

"...the end -- and I was in tears -- but the whole book was a good combination of cuteness and tenderness and angst...." Read more

17 customers mention "Character development"15 positive2 negative

Customers find the characters human with insecurities and flaws. They appreciate the well-rounded heroes and personal growth. The book allows readers to feel the characters' pain.

"...The book is well written; the characters are interesting and well rounded, the relationship is believable, passionate, humorous and yes, at times,..." Read more

"...but the magic of her writing portrays his development into a great romantic character. I Highly recommend all of her books." Read more

"...All of Neve's characters are complex, multilayer and delectable! Her writing is picturesque and poignant...." Read more

"...story and a story done before but this author added wonderful depth to the characters. I even cared deeply about minor characters...." Read more

9 customers mention "Uplifting"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and hopeful. They appreciate the world-building, dialogue, plot, and emotional depth. The story provides hope for a happy ending and genuine personal growth.

"...“So this wasn’t a light fluffy read, but I aimed to make it hopeful. Hopeful and alive, messy and imperfect, sexy and tender—sometimes in the..." Read more

"...and the epilogue, which was both sweet and tender and gave me faith for their HEA." Read more

"...The characters were well-developed. The world-building, dialogue, plot.....it all worked. And the emotion!..." Read more

"...Neve has a turn of phrase about grieving that I found so insightful and true and comforting. Looking forward to reading more of her books." Read more

8 customers mention "Burn rate"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the slow-burn romance in the book. They like that it takes time to develop, giving the characters space and distance.

"...I like the time taken to develop this romance, giving the characters time and distance to learn and appreciate the similarities and differences in..." Read more

"...This book is a slow burn romance that is super angsty...." Read more

"...I was in tears several times. The slow burn romance was lovely, the intimate scenes hot! There were times I wanted to smack Rob, LOL...." Read more

"...A slow burn, May-December romance. Well written, fully fleshed out characters and intriguing secondary characters...." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor and steamy romance in the book. They find it enjoyable with good banter and steamy moments.

"...and well rounded, the relationship is believable, passionate, humorous and yes, at times, painful. The HEA is very satisfying...." Read more

"...All of her books are have a different feel. Some fun and super steamy and some more on the angsty side...." Read more

"...I'm glad I stuck with it, though. It's sweet and sexy, funny and sad, angsty and hopeful. Give it a good chance." Read more

"...A nice long slow burn with good banter, healthy steam and a whole lotta love." Read more

Great age gap ❤️
4 out of 5 stars
Great age gap ❤️
Age gap is my favorite, so I really enjoyed Rob and Alex. This was a slow burn and definitely had some sad notes, but I was really invested in their journey. I wish we would have had more time with Rob and Alex together because their fun banter and hot chemistry were a win, I would have loved more ❤️❤️
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Top reviews from the United States

  • avid reader 1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, painful and passionate.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars.
    I think I have found another author to be on my watch list. I would not have guessed that this is the first publication from this author.
    The book is well written; the characters are interesting and well rounded, the relationship is believable, passionate, humorous and yes, at times, painful. The HEA is very satisfying.
    I readily envisioned the environment with the author's descriptions. And the secondary characters are as in-depth as needed for their purposes in this book without appearing to be one dimensional.
    I like the time taken to develop this romance, giving the characters time and distance to learn and appreciate the similarities and differences in each other.
    As I made my way thru the ups and downs of these two characters, their underlying issues were never far from my mind. Logically, I knew they would have an HEA, but the author obscured my logic with the inner pain and fears felt by these two simple, yet complicated men, making me question whether or not they could end up together. The couple is so real in their everyday problems and pasts that it was sometimes hard to see them as fictional. Rob and Alex became my friends. There are no crazed villains and no victims wronged by over the top bad guys. Just ordinary people going about their normal lives and living with or fighting against the emotional pain heaped on by others just as human and flawed as themselves. The author addressed real-life issues and, as in life, left them open-ended, to be felt and dealt with in time and not wrapped in a bow for the reader. It is hard subject matter, but the author respects the reader's humanity and intelligence and allows them to see and feel these characters' pain.
    I had attempted to formulate a general summing up for the end of this review but decided to page thru the author's comments in the back of the book first. I found the author's Story Notes and in the last paragraph a description of the work that captured my thoughts perfectly, though more eloquently written than I could ever manage.
    Story Notes by Neve Wilder, last paragraph
    “So this wasn’t a light fluffy read, but I aimed to make it hopeful. Hopeful and alive, messy and imperfect, sexy and tender—sometimes in the strangest of moments. Just as life can be. If you’ve ever dealt with death, you probably know what I mean when I say that emotions surface in the most unusual ways and in the most unusual places. I hope I captured that in this book and I hope that reading through Alex and Rob’s rocky and imperfect road to happiness was as satisfying in the end as it was to write it.” Wilder, Neve. Center of Gravity: Nook Island Book 1 (Kindle Locations 4650-4654). Kindle Edition.

    The only problem I had in reading the book is the references to the art world, artists, etc. that left me a bit lost in the beginning. I don't know art and don't really want to educate myself on the different aspects of it so that I can have a reference point in a book. I want to enjoy the art, not learn about it. And that is the only reason this work would not get five stars.
    I will read more from this author.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • S
    4.0 out of 5 stars Has Depth
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is essentially a carbon copy of Alexis Hall's book For Real, which is the better book and I highly recommend it. But I enjoyed this book as well. It's well written and has depth, which is not always the case with romance novels. I related to Rob's struggle to break out of his emotional rut. Even when we recognize our own unhealthy patterns and want to change, it's a hard and slow process. So I don't mind that it took a long time for Rob and Alex to find their HEA. But I wish we got to see more of it. It would have been interesting if the author had left some room at the end to explore more about how Rob and Alex would navigate their relationship.
    Helpful
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  • teriwu
    5.0 out of 5 stars an amazing read by an amazing author
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I am new to Neve Wilder and I'm obsessed. She writes romance with such intelligence that brings so much more to the table than your typical romance. All of her books are have a different feel. Some fun and super steamy and some more on the angsty side. This book is a slow burn romance that is super angsty. For much of the story I didn't even like Rob but the magic of her writing portrays his development into a great romantic character. I Highly recommend all of her books.
    Helpful
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  • Dawn Nicole Costiera
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    After reading both of Neve Wilder's books, she has become a favorite author of mine. I will read whatever she writes. Center of Gravity and Dedicated are extremely different, but equally brilliant. All of Neve's characters are complex, multilayer and delectable! Her writing is picturesque and poignant. Her stories take hold of you and they do not let go.....

    I found Center of Gravity to be absolutely perfect! I fell ridiculously in love with this book and it's characters.
    What does an artsy college drop out and stuffy mature accoutant have in common? Not much at all. They are on two different pathes in life.... all of which lead to each other! The love story between these men will always have a special place in my heart.

    FYI: The sex scenes had me reaching for a nonexistent pack of cigarettes!!
    7 people found this helpful
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  • NicoleR.M.M.
    4.0 out of 5 stars A little disappointing, but still a book worth reading.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    3,5 stars rounded up to 4.
    I love Neve Wilder. I love her writing style, the way she unfolds a story, which draws me in rather quickly. That's why it surprised me that this book didn't do that for me. I still enjoyed the writing, but it took me a while to get invested in this story. I might not even have reached that point completely but I would still want to rate it higher than I probably would have if it wasn't a Neve Wilder book.
    There were moments that I did like where this was going, but that mainly was when I read Alex's pov. He was the one I could connect to. Unfortunately that didn't really happen with Rob. He was too closed off, too much pushing Alex away for me to really like him and understand his actions. I get that he was hurt, that he was still mourning the loss of his parents and protecting his heart, but still...There were times I really wanted to yell at him to take what Alex was offering and have some faith and take a chance at some real happiness.
    Having that said, how annoying Rob sometimes could be, in the end, I did enjoy most of this book, unfortunately not as much as I expected. I rounded up because of the ending and the epilogue, which was both sweet and tender and gave me faith for their HEA.
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  • NevinMoore
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is undoubtedly one of my favorite romances ever.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is the second time I have read Nook Island. I have myself a pretty good period of time between reads, but seriously, it is indeed THAT GOOD. The evolution of Rob is a stark reminder not to let the little things in life, both the joys and the tears, pass you by. Alex takes you on a journey through the eyes of a young man, with his carefree spirit, and into a stage of life that shapes him into a new level of maturity. Their relationship is not one of "instalove". Its a slow burn that is both deeply fulfilling and devastatingly hot. This is a very worth read.

    P.S. Dear Neve, I REALLY want Tom's book. It is my fervent hope that he will speak to you soon.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Brown One
    5.0 out of 5 stars Moving and Heartfelt
    Reviewed in Canada on August 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This story is surprising in many ways. If you’ve read Neve Wilder before you know she can crank up the heat in her stories. This book isn’t that, but the intimacy that develops and evolves in this story is just so real (and yes, Hot). The emotions are so real and messy and awkward and sexy. Anyone who has experienced grief will recognize the veracity of emotion expressed in this book. I was frustrated by both mc’s by turn, who both held back at different times for different reasons but this book felt like glimpses into someone’s actual life. The writing was wonderful. Scenes set, dialogue that flows, evocative vocabulary. So glad to have read this.
    Report
  • Julie🕊️Books.and.chocolat3📚
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning
    Reviewed in France on April 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    ✨𝓜𝔂 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
    𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙….: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 ……: 🌶🌶🌶
    𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘰𝘳 …..: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
    𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 .: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡…….: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    𝐸𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    ➡️MM Romance/HEA
    ➡️Dual POV and 1st person
    ➡️Age Gap (15 years)
    ⚠️TW : Grief , illness, death loves one .

    💬
    Whow ! What a painfully beautiful story ! It was stunning in every way. Full of emotions.

    The romance was beautiful, sexy and heart-wrenching. The grief is a third character that will be present throughout the book but without overshadowed the romance.

    Grumpy-Sunshine trope well written. The angst is well handle, some push and pull, but they are justified and make sens.

    The writing is compelling and suck you into the story from page one.

    The story is a slow-burn so the sex is hot, detailed and with emotions but does not have a very important place in the book.

    I loved this book , the characters and the story, I was hooked and invested in it. I highly recommend it.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good age gap M&M romance!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I was so pissed about Rob's attitude towards Alex. I get the mourning part, the disappointment of Sean's relationship, but still he wasn't fair with Alex. I was so happy for Alex when finally he stood up and forced Rob to rethink his own life. This is a great story full of sad parts, but how love conquer at the end.
    Report
  • Mrs. F. Mulligan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This author is new to me and was recommended by a friend on FB ( Thanks Dana)

    Wonderful Wonderful book and came across as so realistic.

    At turns funny, sad and heartbreaking lovingly written with stunning prose.

    Made me cry (not that many books do that these days).

    It is hard to explain to the hubby why your crying your eyes out and he asks whats wrong - you say just a sad book and you get the eye roll LOL

    Love Love Love Neve's writing and I think that she will be an auto 1-click for me in future.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    What can I say? This was a fantastic read. I loved Rob and Alex, cried too. Would give it ten stars if I could. Thanks Neve for writing such a great book.
    Report

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