I’ve been drowning for a long time. I never thought I’d find someone who knows what that’s like…Self-proclaimed playboy, Aiden Vale, has it all – good looks, successful career, plenty of cash in the bank and an endless supply of men who know the score… that one night is just that. So the last thing he wants, or needs, is to forge a connection that might mean revealing more of himself than … himself than he’s ready to. But when fate intervenes, putting Aiden in the path of someone who threatens to knock down his carefully constructed walls, he’s quick to realize the young man he’s become infatuated with is hiding a painful secret.
I finally have a shot at freedom. I’ll never let anyone take that from me ever again…
Ash Valentine is just looking for a way out, and the last thing he wants or needs is another man controlling every aspect of his life. Desperate for the cash that will help him flee his abusive boyfriend, Ash accepts what is supposed to be a temporary job at a local coffee shop. But nothing prepares him for the gorgeous and enigmatic Aiden Vale, and the small acts of kindness the charming coffee shop regular bestows on him or the new friends he begins to make along the way.
Terrified of once again becoming too reliant on someone else to take care of him, Ash refuses Aiden’s repeated offers of help in any form. But when it becomes clear that there’s something more behind Aiden’s need to save him, Ash begins to wonder if he’s found someone who needs saving just as badly.
I know he wants to save me, but what if he’s the one who needs saving…
As their tentative friendship turns into something more, long buried secrets begin to surface. When Aiden’s need to protect Ash clashes with the younger man’s desire for independence, memories of the one he couldn’t save begin to tear at the fragile cords of Aiden’s soul, and he’s forced to face a truth he’s been hiding from for a long time.
Threatened with losing what they’ve only just found, will Aiden and Ash find a way to accept their pasts or will they let the pain drag them below the surface for good?
No cliffhangers and can be read as a stand-alone.
*** TRIGGER WARNING – includes scenes of domestic violence. ***
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Holy Emotional Rollercoaster Batman!!
I absolutely loved this second book in the new series by authors Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox. It has everything a reader could want in a book. It is a well written, character driven story with two main characters that will embed themselves in your soul. Aiden and Ash are both damaged men with pasts that stunt their ability to connect with others. As the story progresses and we find out more and more about the two men the reader’s heart has to hurt for them both. Additionally, we get more of characters that were introduced in book one and it is made clear where book three is going.
I could not put the book down, resulting in reading until 4:00 am, and was emotionally spent but so satisfied when it ended.
I love both of these authors separately and they collaborate so well. I cannot recommend this book, this series, and these authors highly enough!
What can I say except this book will leave you a mess with a smile at the end. It wasn’t an easy read but it was a read worth reading! Both our men have tragedy and hurt in their lives and together they have to be each other’s strengths in ways not expected.
Hold those you love close and make sure they know you love them cause really it is sometimes all you can do!
Aiden and Ash’s love story took place in the heart of New York in a small coffee shop dedicated to the fans of Star Trek. It was another emotional ringer by these two amazing authors who seem to pump out the most gut wrenching stories only to build you back up with love and a happily ever after at the end.
Wish there was a higher rating than 5. This book was an amazing read. This book grabbed me and held on. The characters touched me. It broke my heart and gave me hope all in the pages of this touching story.
** 4.75 stars **
I enjoyed this book more than the first. It was definitely more emotional, a bit tougher to read due to Ash’s domestic situation. I loved the tentative friendship between Aiden and Ash that slowly grew into passionate relationship, how Aiden slowly gained Ash’s trust. Both men had issues to deal with – one of the big ones being guilt. Aiden still felt guilty that he could not save his brother from drowning, and Ash felt terrible for the life of a young person whose heart was beating in his chest.
I loved most of the book. I was a bit upset in the end because Billy walked away scot free. I hated the fact that he was out there and able to possibly hurt someone else. I wish he was arrested and prosecuted. That would have been the best outcome in my opinion.
I liked Aiden for his kindness, patience and understanding. He turned his life around for love. I admired Ash’s strength, his tenacity and will to live. Both men needed each other. Their meeting actually happened before both men knew each other – through powerful words that affected Aiden so deeply. That kinship was what started the road to healing, love and happiness.