This is one of those books that is a complete joy to read. The M/M romance genre is full of different styles and K.D. Fisher is a great author! This book encompasses what I love about the genre: it’s fun, engaging and has a fair amount of angst. Nothing is certain in life… and the characters in this book come face to face with that repeatedly.

When David finds out that his father has suffered a stroke, he quits his job and moves home to take care of him. He’s worked hard his entire life for his job at the museum but doesn’t hesitate to return home because his father needs him. I loved the way Fisher captured the closeness between David and his father. It wasn’t written overtly, it was very subtle and warmed my heart.

Nick’s life has been very different. Although he’d been attracted to David when they were younger… his Greek father has no time of space in his life for anyone who is “gay”. Nick broke his best friend’s heart when he pushed him away after their relationship became physical. It’s a very stunning portrayal of someone trying to be “straight” to live up to his family’s wishes.

When David returns home… of course he runs into Nick again. Things have changed for both of them. I loved that their lives hadn’t simply halted after their friendship ended. Although they continued to care for one another in their own ways, their lives had moved forward. The coming-back-together wasn’t easy for either of them.

There are a few lovely themes running through this novel. There’s definitely a focus on found-family. The queer community quickly learns to find a family where it is… and this book is a perfect example of how a family can just creep up on someone. Nick has changed his entire life and has begun to surround himself with people who accept him for who he is without even really being aware that he’s doing it.

I really appreciated the way Nick struggled with his thoughts about being gay. He was raised in a homophobic household and his few experiences with the “queer community” were really limited and some were harmful. I may not be able to put this in the right words … so bear with me. As a character, it was wonderful to see Nick struggle with his preconceived ideas about “masculinity” and “queerness”. Some of his instincts are clouded by the way he was raised… the hesitancy to be “open” that was beat into him as he grew up in a family that didn’t accept his sexuality.

The two main characters still have feelings for each other when they come together…but that doesn’t mean things go smoothly. I thought that Fisher handled the beginnings of a tentative reunification with great skill. You can care so much about someone that even the most straight forward moments can be convoluted and misread. I thought David’s and Nick’s relationship was the right amount of roller coaster considering the time that had passed since they were friends… and the amount of hurt that had appeared in both of their lives.

Bonus! there is another wonderful queer f/f couple in this book… hopefully, we’ll get to read about them one day? I can wish, right? ( )