Cole lives with his best friend and three other guys and they are all like family. Cole finds a guy very attractive, but he happens to be his best friends boss and his friend likes the boss, so he doesn't feel like he can act on it. When there is tragedy in the family, Cole finds himself grieving and turning to someone he didn't think he would end up turning to.

This book had some heartbreaking moments and a bit of dealing with grief, but I didn't find it overwhelming through the story, and there was quite a bit of happiness and hope despite the tragedy. I really enjoyed this story. ( )

Sometimes the people we are attracted to us seem all wrong – and in a few cases that first impression turns out to be totally inaccurate. Cole and Ian’s story is one that proves how incorrect preconceived ideas can be, and I loved accompanying both of them on their journey to a better understanding of themselves and each other. Both men are in a lot of pain, for very different reasons, but Cole broke my heart. And then what happens to one of the guys he considers his family makes it even worse… This is not a fun, fluffy read by any means but exploring these characters, what makes them tick, and how they figure each other out is a fascinating story and one that I think is well worth reading.

Cole is determined to put the past behind him, and since it is one filled with pain, I could totally understand him. The new family he builds with his four roommates may be unconventional, but it fulfills Cole’s emotional needs far better than his biological family ever has. The one thorn in Cole’s side is Ian – a man who is so totally not right for him that Cole can’t believe he feels attracted at all. Cole has a lot to learn, and when a tragedy helps Cole see Ian in a different light, Cole quickly realizes he may have done the sexy lawyer an injustice. It still takes them awhile to adjust – and that was a totally fascinating process!

Ian is a lawyer. He is dedicated to make his career a success, and any passion he feels is for his job. At least that’s the way it was before he meets Cole – and then everything changes. But Cole is a hard nut to crack, so to speak, and Ian isn’t exactly good at relationships, so the only things that keep him going are curiosity about the enigma that is Cole and Ian’s stubbornness to figure it all out. There is much to learn for Ian as well, and his journey toward a man who knows his heart as well as his brain is compelling and a good complement to Cole’s efforts of understanding Ian.

If you like character-driven stories with lots of character growth and emotional depth, if two men who need to figure out how to relate sound interesting, and if you’re looking for an emotionally intense read with a subtle romance woven in, then you will probably enjoy this novel. I am hoping for a sequel – some of the secondary characters sound like they’d have a story or two to tell as well!


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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