This is the MM romance I’ve been wanting to read for YEARS.
It’s serious, real, powerful, and heartbreakingly beautiful. The quality of the writing is top drawer, the characters are fully developed from word one, the story is original, and the emotional journey is profound. The narration is perfection and only enhances this wonderful novel.
A young Russian immigrant gets his luggage stolen on his first night in America and ends up as a temporary houseguest of a kindhearted American man. Maxim is gay, but Derek, an older and successful businessman is certain he is not gay. He has fought his feelings for men since puberty, and dreams of a wife and kids. With ruthless determination he squelches any impulses that lead him away from that goal. Maxim is young, but determined as well…he dreams of being a screenwriter and is willing to work incredibly hard to achieve that. He is independent, and wants no handouts from anyone, no matter how well-intentioned.
This is the story of Maxim’s and Derek’s journeys towards one another, both the inner and outer journeys they must each navigate. They both grow and change, especially Derek, they are impossible characters not to love, and the connection they share is powerful and real.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it’s the best romance of any genre I’ve read or listened to in a long while and I real hundreds of books a year. The authors have shed the typical romance formula, they have created a work that is unique and strong and one that is beautifully told. I cannot wait to read their next collaboration….more please!!!!