But with his mother in need of help, Summer has no choice but to return to his hometown, take up a teaching residency at the Albin Academy boarding school—and work directly under the man who made his teenage years miserable.
Professor Fox Iseya.
Forbidding, aloof, commanding: psychology instructor Iseya is a cipher who’s always fascinated and intimidated shy, anxious Summer. But that fascination turns into something more when the older man challenges Summer to be brave. What starts as a daily game to reward Summer with a kiss for every obstacle overcome turns passionate, and a professional relationship turns quickly personal.
Yet Iseya’s walls of grief may be too high for someone like Summer to climb…until Summer’s infectious warmth shows Fox everything he’s been missing in life.
Now both men must be brave enough to trust each other, to take that leap.
To find the love they’ve always needed…
Just like that.
Full disclosure. I’ve never read anything by Cole McCade or his other alter ego Xen., but that doesn’t mean I haven't seen him around GR with the multitudes of praise he’s gotten especially over his Criminal Intentions series. Hence, I’ve been intrigued, and when this came across the blog, I thought why not? The publisher states that this is a “highly romantic contemporary love story”, and if that’s what you’re seeking, then come on over!
As per the blurb, Summer returns home and to the very school he once attended, hired to be a teacher in training to the most intimidating man he has ever known. To say the least, his anxiety is ratcheted up several thousand notches but for some reason, when push comes to shove, Summer can overcome that base fear, setting a precedent that creates a challenge between himself and the professor he’s fascinated with. Summer only has to be brave daily and he’ll be rewarded with a kiss by the same man who unnerves him as much as turns him on.
Fox Iseya is not to be trifled with. He doesn’t quite know how he got wrangled into this situation with Summer, but he obviously can’t resist the enticing younger man either. Sadly, Fox has secluded himself in a fortress of grief for the last 20 or so years, and though Summer confounds him, though Summer captivates him, he’s determined to stay aloof and unattached. Fox is held by a prison of his own making, and as days and weeks go by, the push pull with Summer evolves into so much more than anticipated, causing a resigned and staunch belief that he could never be what Summer deserves.
Admittedly, I had certain expectations and knew that this wasn’t going to be some dark gritty drama. What I didn’t expect was how descriptive the imagery and how flowery the prose were going to be, especially regarding all the feelings, desires, and worries these two men have. Also, each kiss, each step towards a deeper intimacy, was detailed extensively lending a very emotional, weighted atmosphere. Some might appreciate this and some might not...
Overall, I’m not typically for over descriptive, drawn out explanations or details, for my ferret brain gets easily distracted and impatient. Regardless, this was a beautifully written age gap, second chance romance that surprised me. It’s lush and painful, hopeful and sad, and yes, so very romantic. McCade gives a very intricate and expressive look at Summer and Fox’s inner turmoil and growth. I could appreciate it for what it was, and if that’s the type of story you love, then dig in! I’m definitely intrigued by this author, and I definitely want to explore what else he has in his backlist as well as any future endeavors!
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