In search of the truth, Jacob travels to a small northern Wisconsin fishing resort. There he meets Ben Anderson, a brutally lonely man, who knocks him off his feet. Ben prompts Jacob to reevaluate his life. He’s a dozen years older than Jacob, still recovering from the death of his long time love, and doesn’t want to leave anyone a widower. But a jaded New Yorker on a soul-searching mission might be just the man to convince the grieving Ben that it's never too late to begin again.
There's something corrupt happening in Jacob's law office and he unwillingly has the beginning thread to unravel it. Before he can blow the whistle and expose the corruption, he's going to have to get his facts straight, and that means going to a remote fishing resort to track down an old colleague.
An old colleague that's notorious for cancelling.
Stuck in the middle of nowhere for the weekend, Jacob has never been more out of his element.
That awkwardness starts to ease when he meets Ben, the resort owner, who wears his loneliness and grief like a second skin. He's still reeling from the loss of his partner of 25 years who died two years before. When he meets Jacob, there's no denying they're both attracted to each other, but neither is looking for a relationship.
Surely, they can keep it casual, right?
Maybe not. Because there's a connection there that neither can deny, and a friendship develops that neither was expecting. And it remains just as strong, regardless of time passing or the distance between them.
Soon enough, Jacob has to hide the fact that he wants more. He's breaking all the rules when it comes to remaining unattached, but he doesn't know how to stop the feelings that keep growing for Ben. Ben is struggling as well, and trying to stick to his guns. After all, he's too old for Jacob, and he'll be dammed if he puts Jacob through what he went through. He's not going to let Jacob watch him eventually die.
There's this whole corruption plot to the story line that to be honest, didn't hold my attention. Mainly, because I'm a sucker for finding new love after the death of an old one. You know, that moment of hope, where they realize they can love again? Yeah, I'm all over that. Coupled with Jacob's realization that life is more than the hours you put in at work, and it's like I'm wearing blinders.
Everything else falls to the wayside - corrupt lawyers, a mystery to solve, and information to seek out - none of it could hold a candle to these two men. Ben and Jacob have a beautiful connection and fantastic chemistry. I seriously wanted more of these men.
But they're not without their baggage. Make sure you have tissues, because Ben will do some serious tugging on your heartstrings. He's in the final stages of grieving, and I'd be impressed if you can get through it without your eyes misting because of it. There's also the age gap that Ben just can't see past, even when it's a non issue for Jacob.
And Jacob is not immune either. He's struggling to make some changes in his life, and he's increasingly disillusioned with his career choice.
All in all, things got wrapped up rather neatly and quickly (too neatly, in fact) but this is still a lovely read. I would have loved an Epilogue, but I'm sure I'll have no problem imagining these two together in their future, with their HEA.
There's a slow burning romance at the heart of this story, and along with the author's fantastic writing, you'll find it an easy read.
Sometimes, when the dust clears, the path is a simple one.
I love you. It's as simple as that.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press!
