Zacary Trevor is the love of Anya Alexander’s life. Their sometimes tumultuous marriage has survived ups, downs, and all the in-betweens. With successful careers, a lovely home, and a beautiful child, domestic bliss is a hard-earned reality for two people whose hedonistic days are in the not-so-distant past. They’re happy. Enter Zac’s best friend, the deeply reserved Cal Keller.
Zac’s friendship with Cal is the foundation of his career and—until Anya and their son came along—the most important relationship of his life. Cal’s a cipher, someone Anya can’t help but gravitate to, even if they don’t always get along. Even more, she’s drawn to the Zac she sees when he’s with Cal—a careful, cautious version of her husband, someone with hidden thoughts and desires kept secret even from her. Inviting Cal into their home, deeper into their life, is a risk.
Zac should say no. He knows he should. But he doesn’t. From the first, the hint at the life the three of them could have together is exhilarating. And finding a new definition for family just might be worth the risk to every bond that exists between them.
"Everything will be okay in the end..."
"If it isn't okay, it isn't the end."
Sidney Bell has not lost her touch. I'm not sure if my becoming verklempt at times while reading This Is Not the End was due to my being invested in these characters or my appreciation for how well Bell can craft said characters. Probably both.
Regardless.
The point is I found myself verklempt at the emotions, trials and tribulations of these characters. More importantly, I believed and invested in their journey. Each of them has their own distinct voice, backstory, strengths and shortcomings which is absolutely what I liked best about them. Anya, Zac and Cal are flawed characters and that is precisely what made them and their story so riveting.
Anya and Zac are married and have a son. Cal and Zac have been friends and bandmates for years so the UST is up on legendary. Anya and Zac are cut from the same impetuous and passionate cloth. Cal, on the other hand, is deliberate and steadfast. Anya is the lodestar. Zac is the joie de vivre and life-force and despite Cal's being a bit of a square he balances the relationship. He grounds them.
I hesitate to explain too much about their relationship but I think this might be a make it or break it point for many. So, and this is my opinion/understanding only, I would say they have an open marriage and Zac has leanings towards cuckholding. They have sex with other men and Zac is aroused by Anya having sex with other men. They are a package deal and all the other men are guest stars, so to speak. Until Cal.
The foundation of this polyamorous relationship hinges upon intertwining them in not only a realistic but a believable way. One that's beyond the prurient and deeper, more integral. Something that will withstand the test of time. I was convinced at the end of This Is Not the End of their durability for a multitude of reasons but mostly because they care about not only each other but their relationship and that shows in how they interact.
Suffice to say I, like many others, have had a difficult time concentrating or even mustering up the desire to read this year but I've been looking forward to this book since it was announced and I'm delighted it held my attention and gave me that immersive reading experience I've missed recently.
Recommended to fans of hurt/comfort, polyamory or the author's work.
An ARC was provided by Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.
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