Chubby geek Jimmy Zebulon’s heart broke the day his high school crush, Danny Parker, looked on as his teammates tormented Jimmy. Fifteen years later, Jimmy is long gone, and from his ashes has risen Graham Swann, a movie-star-handsome law firm owner. Graham thinks Jimmy and his past are long forgotten—until attorney Dan Parker shows up for his first day of work.
Getting injured playing college ball was the best thing that ever happened to Dan. It turned his future in a better direction and allowed him to emerge from the closet that trapped him.
Graham wants to believe his childhood dream can come true, but he can’t bring himself to tell Dan who he really is—and their pasts might ruin any chance for a happily ever after….
Listening Length: 5 hours and 20 minutes
Narrator: Peter B. Brooke
I am on a Dreamspun Desires tear as this is the 3rd book in a row that has pulled 4 plus hearts out of my grumpy ole gnarly self!
Not so much a vindictive revenge story this is more about overcoming past baggage, mistakes, and fears, and of course finding love amidst such personal growth.
Graham is proud of the fact that he’s triumphed and moved far beyond the timid, insecure, and bullied teen he once was. Now he’s a very successful lawyer, fit and fabulous, and in high demand in all aspects of his life. When he discovers the new hire Dan, is his old crush who stood by while he got bullied, Graham doesn't quite know what to do with his still present attraction to the man. He’s adamant in keeping things professional and has no plans to reveal that teeny tiny fact about his past.
Dan in turn, doesn’t recognize Graham as the beleaguered Jimmy Zebulon - he only sees a smart handsome guy that he’s willing to pursue after his own tragic circumstance, and Dan’s not going to let the fact that Graham’s his boss stand in his way.
So basically, this is all about Dan being the best guy ever in his infinite patience and gentle pursuing of Graham, slowly whittling down his defenses. Graham, understandably has encased himself in an impenetrable shield of self preservation. He’s cool, calm, and tough… except when it comes to the wonderful Dan and his irresistible daughter.
Narrated by Peter B. Brooke, I’m not so sure about this performance. He was like a lazy robot and I admit I increased the speed of this so as to not slowly lose my mind from impatience. Once I did that, it was a decent listen.
Overall, I admit there’s a good amount of assumption, a bit of miscommunication, and Graham’s secret of omission hangs ominously around for the majority of this book. Again, being a Dreamspun Desires book, thankfully the fallout and melodrama is kept to a minimum, as this quietly excels at a great slow burn with no preposterous insta-love, has plenty of UST, and contains a nice dose of sexy. Graham and Dan of course triumph and find their ultimate happiness with each other, and in the end, that’s what matters most!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for an honest review.
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