The book started out a bit slow for me, but by the end I was sold. Boone was quite mysterious, and I didn't understand a lot of his quirks, but as we got to know his story, and we get to hear about his past with Haru, my heart was breaking for him. I might have leaked a few tears, too. Scott was a perfect best friend for him. I'm glad they finally came out of their comfort zones and admitted their feelings for each other. ( )

Some people take their past with them wherever they go, and sometimes for a very long time and despite other options available to them. Boone faces the need to finally deal with his past in this story, and it isn't easy - mainly because he doesn't even want to admit that's what he needs to do. And when he finally does, it looks as though he is too late... If it weren't for Granny B's "magical" cookbook, I'm not sure he would have made it.

Boone has created a new life for himself after what was clearly a traumatic event in his past. The truth only comes out after a while, and not before he is ready for it. His friendship with Scott means everything to him, but the fear of losing what they have holds back Boone, and I only understood the significance of his hesitation once some of the reasons began to surface. It added so much credibility to his character, and increased the depth of my understanding of where he came from.

Scott seems to be the oblivious one for the longest time, but once he opens up, it becomes obvious that not all is as it seems. Scott is a very quirky character, just look at how he obsesses over his job as a chef and his restaurant, the ghost he lives with, and his need to be protected from himself. He's a great guy and definitely right for Boone. I loved how he insisted on doing what was right for both men - never mind what anyone else might think. Not that anyone in their right might would have an objection...

This is a wonderful story with a great mix between darkness, a bright ray of hope on the horizon, supportive friends, and a lesson about the need to let go and be open to new experiences. The supporting characters are as much fun and as interesting as the two leads, and some of the quirky details of what happened made me laugh.

If you like stories about men who don't have it easy before finding "the one" for them, if you believe everyone deserves a second chance, and if you’re looking for an emotional read that deals with loss, a newly recognized love, and hope, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review. ( )

3.5 ( )