Review: A rating all the way!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 31, 2012
My Review:Okay, it's official...Mia Downing now holds the spot as my favorite author who writes emotional angst. This book broke my heart with the depth of feeling between these two guys. They've always been best friends, but that's been tested since Erik unexpectedly kissed Gavin a month ago. As far as Erik knows, Gavin is straight, but Gavin has spent his entire life hiding just about everything from Erik. Erik has no idea what the true reason was behind Gavin's reaction to the kiss.Gavin is a tough character...he has such deep emotional scars and he's well aware of it. As a result, he knows he's not good enough for Erik no matter how much he wants him. And he does want him, although he's never let on to Erik that he's gay. The closest he's ever come to that truth is through his art. Erik is his favorite model to paint.There are a lot of layers to the emotion in this book. First, there's the pain of the anniversary of Gavin's sister's death. This is what brings Erik back into Gavin's realm. He knows that Gavin is going to have an issue with the date, but there's so much more to the story than Erik knows. Then there is the simple secret that Gavin is gay and his true sexual orientation...Erik has no idea. But there's also Gavin's addiction which can be traced to a history that again, he's managed to keep hidden from Erik his entire life.Despite all that, Erik loves Gavin desperately, but he knows that unless Gavin can love himself, then there's no true hope for the two of them. I'm telling you, it's heart-breaking. There were moments in this book that I just wanted to sob for one or both of them. Their feelings are so true and pure, but there is so much standing in their way...mainly Gavin's mental state.It truly is an amazing read...so beautiful in the emotion of it. I fell in love with these two guys and their romantic story. I especially loved the moments between Gavin and Erik's mom...so sweet. He deserves so much love. *sigh*I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.