In middle class suburbia, Arnaud Dechene learned the value of hard work, focus, and dedication to a dream. He was well on his way to achieving it, the role of Premier, when he catches Colin’s eye. Rich snobs didn’t usually do it for him, but there was something about Colin that made him impossible to resist.
Despite being opposites in every way, falling into a relationship was surprisingly—and deceptively—easy, but Arnaud never lost sight of his dream and Colin had trouble accepting that he was second place to anything. When a stupid argument leads to a reckless act, the repercussions leave Arnaud fighting for his life and Colin paying with his own.
With a little meddling from an aging schemer and intentions that are more well-meaning than realistic, their paths will cross again. However, Colin and Arnaud aren’t the same men who loved with abandon. They are older and wiser, with a history that might be too big to overcome.
Fans of the series know revenge is a double-edged sword, forgiveness doesn't always come easy, and forgetting is damn near impossible. But love...well, that may just conquer all.
However, he was also arrogant and selfish, and to me he only thought about himself and didn't even bother considering Arnauds feelings at all. I really wanted to reach into the book and hit him and knock some sense into him.... but fate intervened instead.
At this time, you realise that Colin is now taking a good long hard look at his life, and he doesn't seem to like what he is seeing. He totally blames himself for when fate intervened, but rather than try and protect himself, he just takes everything thrown at him without out fight at all.
Years later, Colin is now only a shell of a man. He still has deep feelings for Arnaud, but has had no contact with him since the fateful night. He still carries all the guilt for what happened, and he just doesn't seem able to forgive himself for making a mistake.
One night he is persuaded to go out with mother and grandmother, but has no idea of who it is he is being taken to see. When Colin realises that Arnaud is on the stage, he is stunned, but with this brings back all his feelings that he is dangerous to anyone who cares for him, and he bolts.
Arnaud is determined to speak to Colin, and finally gets to meet him through Colins lawyer. However, Arnaud soon realises that Colin is not the same man he feel in love with, Colin is quiet, withdrawn and generally the opposite of the Colin he loved. It is going to take a lot of talking and persuasion if Arnaud is going to get Colin back into his life..
By the time I had finished this book, my feelings for Colin had changed. Whilst reading, you just could not help but really feel for Colin. To me his family were the reason he was an arrogant person, but the Colin who we got to know in the book was totally different, and came across as a much better person. Arnaud really had his work cut out to try and break through the barrier that Colin has erected around himself, it was only the others in the house that he really let inside, although I don't think they all got to see the real Colin. I especially loved the part of the story with Colin when he went to Jacky, who was suffering with a flashback, to me this showed how special a person Colin was.
I really can't wait for the next book in the series, and I am really hoping (hint, hint) that Jacky gets his story soon.
Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I'd begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: To be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it's a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and counting, it's been amazing to have made this dream my reality.
I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.