Andrew Fitzroy should be on top of the world. The cancer that’s haunted him is gone. He can finally get on with his life—except he doesn’t know what that life is anymore. Is he brave enough to come out as bisexual? Should he pursue architecture or stay in construction? Either way, Andrew knows happiness won’t be his until he has what his engaged friends have—love, joy, passion. So, he says those five little words to Brian—I’m in love with you.
Friends since childhood, Brian and Andrew have always been closer than brothers. Best mates. Nothing could ever tear them apart. Except for those five little words. Now, Brian’s not sure about so many things—their friendship, his own desires—and the foundation Andrew’s built his world on feels like its crumbling. But if they manage not to destroy everything they have together, Andrew and Brian might just find a new normal with each other.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t mighty curious as to what else Hayward could bring to the table, having immensely enjoyed and been impressed by what I’ve read so far of her Death and the Devil series.
This story starts with your typical friends to lovers trope. Andrew has been through an understandable rough two years which has turned his life upside down. Ever by his side has been Brian, who’s been his best friend since they were kids. Since Andrew’s mortality has been threatened, he’s no longer willing to let his feelings go unsaid anymore, and hence, confesses to Brian how he feels. What unfolds is the push pull of requisite doubt and worry, and ultimately, once they consummate things, if and how to make things officially official.
Be forewarned that there’s a lot of emphasis on defining and labeling one’s self here, which was thankfully mild on the angst meter. This felt very NA, and Andrew and Brian belong to a close knit group of friends that brings some entertainment value, but also lots of interconnected drama-lama. Admittedly, Brian was difficult to warm up to, his reactions at times insensitive, selfish, and rash. He’s still a great guy, especially in his loyal protectiveness towards Andrew, but I often flinched at how he dealt with his confused emotions. In turn, though Andrew had a huge tendency to not communicate well, he was quite dreamy boyfriend material in his infinite patience and unwavering feels.
Be reassured that Hayward’s talent is not diminished here. The writing is strong. The smex is spot on, and when these two besties start trying things out, it unravels quite nicely. Also, the promise of double virgins to MM goodness was capitalized on in explicit glory (reminiscent of Hart’s Crossroads) and one should equally enjoy witnessing Andrew and Brian learning together what it’s all about. *wink wink*
Overall, I will say that if you prefer these sorts of stories, be comforted by the fact that this is seriously straight forward contemporary romance, and good romance it is. It’s clear to me though, that where Hayward shines is romantic suspense but that’s just personal preference. Unlike Death and the Devil, there's no flash and bang, no double crosses, no high stakes shenanigans (and nor should there be) with nary a thing spectacularly blowing up in the background.
What I’m trying to say is that lately, I’ve been notorious for judging an author’s works amongst themselves, and Death and the Devil is original, engaging, smart as well as swoony, and there’s really no comparison. Again, if you don’t like that sort of thing, stay here with Hayward’s exceptional writing, and most likely one will equally, if not more, enjoy her first foray into this genre with absolutely no qualms. However, if you want more excitement then check out Where Death Meets the Devil if you haven’t already, and please proceed with the above information that’s only meant to be well-intentioned.
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