Review: Took my breath away; beautiful and emotional read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 11, 2014
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."Oh, what a beautiful punch to the guts! I was not expecting the emotional depth in this book. I haven't read all that many books that deal with chronic disease, so even though I could see it coming, the reveal, then all of the heart tearing and warming scenes following took my breath away.These characters, Roman and Derrick, are so goddamn brave, and that is what I'm going to remember most from this book. To deal with life-threatening disease, or any big change in your self-identity and life plan is an incredibly hard thing to do. I and my family have dealt with other major illnesses, and are right now, as my aunt has stage 4 cancer. And the mature, emotional, loving, and courageous way that these characters dealt with the illness in this book was priceless to read about and experience with them.This was a quick but very intense read, and it had me caught up right from the prologue, reading it every chance I got, and it will definitely stay on my mind. It dealt with such hard topics, yet the story was so full of life. The characters were vivacious and full of hope and determination once they got together, ready to fight not only the aforementioned issue, but a very scary lawsuit brought on by erroneous information and a personal vendetta. Yet it still had moments of humor and wonder sprinkled throughout, and I was never put in a completely dark place by reading it."'We shouldn't be doing this,' Roman murmured, kissing Derrick again. 'Someone might come.''I'm hoping it'll be us,' he said licking Roman's ear."And there were such intense sexual scenes that showcased their deep and hot chemistry. I loved that these men were not physically perfect either, but just fit, in that inexplicable and perfect way that shows where the other half of your soul is.It is just such an impactful read, different from most of what I have read before, and with Donovan's usual good-quality writing and story telling. It is mainly about fighting fear and determining to live fully and in the moment, following your dreams no matter your circumstances, and making life happen. I cannot wait to see more of Roman and Derrick in the upcoming books. I honestly love those two and this story. Highly recommended."...'the house didn't have a heart before, but today it's been filled with love. We'll never stop adding to it.'"