Like the other books in the Clear Water Chronicles series, this third volume does not shy away from tackling the (in this case ongoing) difficulties of its main characters. This volume returns to Finn and Brandon, from book 2, picking up about 6 months after the end of book 1. On the one hand the story id brutal, contains nail-biting levels of tension, and is definitely not for the fainthearted. On the other hand, it is about survival, hope, and one man's unwillingness to knuckle under in conditions that would make a weaker man give up.

Finn has come out of an abusive relationship that lasted ten years. is initial steps toward recovery are done, but, as I said in my last review, this sort of recovery isn't fast or easy. This story shows some of the ongoing difficulties Finn has - especially when Brandon discovers traces of Finn's ex's criminal activity. Finn's flashbacks are brutal, hide nothing, and are the reason for the 'excessive violence' warning in the blurb. That warning is definitely justified.

Brandon is as protective as ever, and is determined to help Finn not just by loving him, but by finding and apprehending the man who caused Finn so much pain. Brandon does get the job done, but it is a close call on several occasions.

This book is not a fun read, but I am glad Scarlet Blackwell gave us this glimpse into the 'after' of Finn and Brandon's discovery of love. She shows the effort it takes to keep a relationship going under very tough conditions, ones that definitely test Finn and Brandon to the limit. I loved the message of hope this gives, without glossing over the stark realities that abuse victims may have to face on their road to a new life.



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Like the other books in the Clear Water Chronicles series, this third volume does not shy away from tackling the (in this case ongoing) difficulties of its main characters. This volume returns to Finn and Brandon, from book two, picking up about 6 months after the end of book one. On the one hand the story is brutal, contains nail-biting levels of tension, and is definitely not for the fainthearted. On the other hand, it is about survival, hope, and one man's unwillingness to knuckle under in conditions that would make a weaker man give up.

Finn has come out of an abusive relationship that lasted ten years. His initial steps toward recovery are done, but, as I said in my last review, this sort of recovery isn't fast or easy. This story shows some of the ongoing difficulties Finn has - especially when Brandon discovers traces of Finn's ex's criminal activity. Finn's flashbacks are brutal, hide nothing, and are the reason for the 'excessive violence' warning in the blurb. That warning is definitely justified.

Brandon is as protective as ever, and is determined to help Finn not just by loving him, but by finding and apprehending the man who caused Finn so much pain. Brandon does get the job done, but it is a close call on several occasions.

This book is not a fun read, but I am glad Scarlet Blackwell gave us this glimpse into the 'after' of Finn and Brandon's discovery of love. She shows the effort it takes to keep a relationship going under very tough conditions, ones that definitely test Finn and Brandon to the limit. I loved the message of hope this gives, without glossing over the stark realities that abuse victims may have to face on their road to a new life. ( )

We return to Brandon and Finn. They seem to be working things out and getting it together when suddenly a case seems to become something even more than was thought. Brandon has to deal with the realization of just how much Finn suffered before he came into Brandon's life. I love how we can see Finn come into his own in this story and I just wanted to stand up and cheer. ( )