Agents of Winter

A gentle, heartfelt sequel to [b:His Quiet Agent|35238838|His Quiet Agent (The Agency, #1)|Ada Maria Soto|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495953087l/35238838._SY75_.jpg|56588931] (which must be read first). Nothing really happens, other than the two MCs showing their love for each other in their own understated, unique way during the holiday season. Arthur is socially awkward; and Martin is asexual, possibly autistic, and dealing with PTSD from an event (still unexplained) that happened in the first book. It's one of those rare books in which holding hands, or sitting by someone's bedside when they're sick, are deeply intimate moments. Unlike the first Agency book, Soto uses dual POV. We learn more show more about Martin's unusual and tragic past but more importantly, we are privy to his thoughts about how miraculous he considers Arthur's presence in his life. Honestly, just writing about this book makes me want to go read it again. Highly recommended if you are looking for a book that will bring you comfort and joy. show less

An absolutely wonderful sequel to "His Quiet Agent" and "Merlin in the Library". I adored both the first novel and the short story, and devoured "Agents of Winter". The development of Arthur and Martin's relationship, the trips they take, everything they do, Carol, everything is just wonderful. It was funny and heart-wrenching and so fun, and I say that as someone who's not Christian and has been struggling with the proliferation of it in media these days. I will admit those parts were not really things I enjoyed or fully understood, but I did appreciate the way the narrative tackled both leads' complicated relationships with Christianity.

Also the visit to the Met was fun, even if I saw both Starry Nights at the Van Gogh exhibit in MoMA show more when I was there, along with the haystacks. I just imagined the room as it was in MoMA, and it's one of my few fond memories of New York. Standing in front of Starry Night - my then favorite painting, now second, since I found Starry Night Over the Rhone - without any barriers, and completely alone with it was a phenomenal experience, and to see it in the story this way was wonderful.

A phenomenal sequel, especially if you want more m/m books about ace characters. Loved it. show less

I struggled mostly because over 45% of this book has the characters apart, so it feels more like a disconnect long distance romance, and I don’t do as well with that genre. I just wish we saw them together more.

Always moved laterally because he is so low-key his bosses tend to forget he exists, Arthur Dram is advised to be more outgoing. He very slowly makes friends with Martin Grove, a coworker with a very austere lifestyle who keeps to a very strict routine. When that routine is interrupted by illness Arthur poses as Martin's boyfriend as he has nobody else. He makes some surprising discoveries about Martin's life outside the Agency. Could the lie become reality?

I thoroughly enjoyed this series as I raced through staying up way past my bedtime, eager to find out more about the characters' back stories as their relationship developed through the smallest touches and changes of expression.