Randall Morgan, youngest son of one of Seattle’s wealthiest families, rejected his family’s money to live free of their control and pursue his career as a photographer. To make ends meet, Randall does erotic photography and massage–a secret he keeps from his family so he can remain a part of his young niece’s life. But the price of that relationship is high, and Randall is once more slipping … under his family’s thumb.
Noah Carroll is the spokesperson for the Seattle Humane Society, and the city holds a special place in his heart. When fate intervenes during a pet adoption, Noah finds himself face-to-face with his first love–Randall.
While Noah and Randall are not the teenagers they once were, the flame of a first kiss long ago draws them together. Their romance is beginning to grow, but someone is out to destroy Randall and expose all he keeps hidden.
When secrets and rumors thrust Randall into the public eye, his relationship with Noah isn’t the only thing that comes under threat.
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2020 Edition
In typical Brandon Witt fashion, this book takes the reader on an emotional journey through the ups and downs of the characters’ lives. The characters, both main and secondary, have a depth that is often lacking in other contemporary romance. This story definitely has a lot of angst and drama, but I enjoyed the second chance romance, and the imagery brought to mind through the writer’s descriptive words was often fantastical.
Randall is the disinherited son of a family of wealth and privilege. This was by choice, although not for the reasons one might expect. It actually had nothing to do with his sexuality; just his overall happiness. He loves his job as a photographer, but he still has a massage business on the side for some extra cash. He’s playing life loose and free, and the only thing keeping him in Seattle is his niece, Bailey. And although Randall has cut financial ties with his controlling parents, the threat of losing Bailey keeps him neatly under their thumb.
Noah was the kid of the missionaries that returned on sabbatical every four years. When he and Randall were barely teenagers, they shared a kiss, but then Noah was gone. Flash forward about twenty years and a chance meeting, and the heat from so long ago sizzles once again. There are significant differences in both men’s lives, and Noah comes on a little strong. But when the secrets, or at least most of them, are brought to light, they find they have more in common than either had imagined.
Unfortunately, the past has a way of biting you in the behind, and even if it hasn’t bothered you before, having your private business aired in a different light can make life uncomfortable. But when the truth morphs into harmful, malicious rumors, one’s emotions and sense of self can become volatile and take your world in directions you never dreamed. Everything is on the line, and even though life rafts may surround you, you can’t see them for the storm.
But throughout the turmoil, there are constants ready to help with the fight. Enemies become allies, while the real monsters hide in plain sight. True love comes to the rescue in many forms; from the love of a hideous dog, a beautiful best friend, and the one who was meant to be. Clients who turn out to be friends end up being a wonderful connection between Randall and Noah’s story, and a beautiful book named The Shattered Door with the father’s (Sam’s) older brother as a main character. Overall, though full of angst and heartache, a new beginning with a beautiful relationship and a healthy family dynamic are what await Randall as he begins his happily ever after.
Happy reading!
Randall is an utterly lovable character. I love how he tries so hard to live his life free of the restraints of his controlling parents, and society’s moralistic views, being true to himself while trying desperately to be there for his loved ones. His devotion to his niece Bailey is inspiring. Noah, the one who got away, before they even truly had a chance, is an amazing character, steadfast and true, and so genuine. He’s not afraid to open himself up to Randall, and he stands by his man even when things get rough. And they do. I loved that Noah never played the blame game. We all need a Noah in our lives. Someone is out to destroy Randall’s life and reputation, and matters get really grim and hopeless at a certain point. Poor Randall, my heart ached for him, and even though I felt reasonably sure a HEA was coming I had a hard time seeing how it’d get there at some point. A secondary character that also absolutely deserves a mention is Kayla, Randall’s BFF and sister-in-law. I adored her and admired how she stood up for herself even if it took her awhile to do it. It takes bravery to decide to escape a gilded cage and trade it in for an uncertain future. Finding/becoming a family is a very important part of this book, and I loved every little thing the author did there. It wasn’t an easy process, but I loved how heartwarming it turned out. This is an expertly written story with a couple of very unexpected twists and great character development. Recommend.