FanLit

Excellent juxtaposition of this timeline with the same in “I Hate This Town”, giving us what happened from River and Kenji’s side….River/Kenji fluff was most welcome. 😊 “He had a strong personality. So did I, but his was different. I’d never met anyone like him, and it was nice. He tempered my anxious energy. It was like a soothing calm.” These two strong wills with their different displays and defenses begs the age old debate: do opposites attract or does like attract like? Either way, River and Kenji are a good combination. Kenji’s previous heartbreak added a layer to his emotional fortress that River managed to scale….upon that realization, Kenji adjusted and acted upon it, freeing River to do the same. “Ji?” “Yes River?”…. “I think I’ll keep you.” I mumbled into his shoulder. Yet it is River who needs to be kept and Kenji who needs to keep; key meet lock 🔐.

LOVING trauma twins & mega boyfriending!!!! “Trauma Twin powers activate!!” LOL.

“I wrapped my arms around my waist, holding myself, “That a weird way of saying you caught feelings?” “River, I’ve not kissed anyone since my early twenties. I’m 34.” (Damn!!) Yes River, that’s Kenji’s way of saying he caught feelings, lol. “Crime family adjacent”….”business business”….is that like porn having no real definition but “you know it when you see it?” Huzzah for Kenji initiating a kiss for the first time Less huzzah for him being a little creepy Huzzah for Kenji showing River it’s okay to be vulnerable, kissing and creepy behavior included…. I think honesty dictates that matters of the heart opens one up to creepy behavior upon occasion….better to ask forgiveness than permission, indeed.

Morning sex = best 👍

“Today had been an amazing blend of impulsivity and wonderful discovery, what with the swimming in the lake and Megan simply including me into her thoughts and fears.” As a writer, there’s a part of Adam that is insatiably curious and adaptable, those traits will stand him in good stead while adjusting to a faster, more unpredictable pace of life, one he didn’t realize he wanted. CHAPTER 21 - Adam (WARNING - INTIMATE ACT) I found this so cute-you’d never warned about bow chicka wow wow before and this was just personal pleasure….wonder what prelude we’ll get when the real deal happens, lol. If Kai had heard Adam call out his name & came upon him (pun unintended) that scene would have gone from hot to nuclear. 🔥☢️

Physician heal thyself, lol.

Julie’s evolution is a beautiful thing, both for herself and for River 💝. It’s a real shame Mae couldn’t….maybe in another life?

I very much concur with this statement & to paraphrase @Gary L the learning curve Adam is on, not just with being shaken out of his “staid in his ways as a single man” but learning to interact (and clearly eventually be part) with a large, rambunctious family…. I think I was more offended than Adam to find out Callum and Megan sexed in his bed, lol. The engaging supporting characters has evolved this tale into a great family story, though I still hold the connection between Adam and Kai most dear.

Henry had the spine of a wet paper towel when Alec was growing up; granted he experienced his own kind of abuse from Mae which neutered any authority he may have had in their family.

I F’ing love bomb this chapter SOOOO much (but in a healthy way, lol) “R: It’s nothing you did. I’m just afraid that this relationship is one sided. If it’s not, I’m terrified you’re going to see inside and hate what’s there. I left and am back in my hometown with a friend. I just need some time to think about everything. It’s making me feel crazy. Someone making me feel at all is horrifying honestly.]” Isn’t this how most of us recovering from a traumatic childhood feel when meeting someone we like who dares to like us back? (without the hometown part. 🙂). Isn’t this how most people feel when they meet someone they like who dares to like them back? (Okay, some not most). I liked how you started connecting this story into “I Hate This Town” in the previous chapter, curious to see how certain exchanges looked from the other side….this convo showed me I wasn’t going to be disappointed: “I grinned, “You’d think that as the years would’ve passed, you’d have grown as a person. You’d have become more than the above average cheerleader who peaked in high school. Pining after a man who hasn’t wanted you since and bullying someone you don't know anymore. But you’re still here and you’re still her. Doll, it’s honestly sad, borderline pathetic. Surely you can do better.” Funky ass bitch got cursed out without the use of one four letter word….I’m a big fan of that, my own profanity in this comment notwithstanding, lol. “K: Is this because I mentioned moving away from the contract? Or possibly because I told you I cared about you? Regardless of your answer, I don’t apologize for either.]” This was another “other side” exchange that excited me-Kenji has feelings!! and he admitted them to River!! (in writing, no less) It seems Kenji’s persona maybe as much of a wall as River’s, though made of different material….it also seems Kenji’s willing to be more vulnerable than River, especially as those of us who’ve read “IHTT” knows what follows. River is a lot stronger than he gives himself credit for….the sheer weight of balancing his own sanity plus Alec’s for so long will take an expected toll, he needs help and now he has two sources-Kenji and his mother (Alec too, if he confided in him more) he deserves it….he could’ve always had it with his whole friend group had he opened up but these three are the closest to him. “This wasn’t his fault. Well, it kind of was. He did have the gall to be the only romantic partner I’d built a bond with. Then he added on the audacity of being attractive and having a personality that balanced mine.” They really are perfect for each other. 😊 You’ve mentioned in previous comments that you battle your own challenges, whether you’re like River or Alec, the way you share is very insightful and moving…. I wish you the best on your road to wellness everyday and a Finn or Kenji in your life. 🎁

“I’m sure at this point I was leaving plenty behind when I left the hotels. Sprinkling my fractured trauma in my wake for the unsuspecting housekeeper.” What a profound statement. How many unsuspecting things do housekeepers clean up in hotels, everyday, indeed. “ I leaned forward, resting my head against my knees and ignoring the liquid frustration that slid from my eyes.” River makes my eyes liquid with his self flagellating battle to be strong. He’s done an amazing job on his own but it’s an almost impossible task overcoming trauma alone. “River, this is an unusual relationship, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care. Quite the opposite. This has been a very different dynamic for me.” “I don’t think this was covered in the contract.” I mumbled. “Then don’t bring it up. Uncharted territory it is.” Kenji makes even letting his guard down guarded, lol. I think he may now be discovering contracted agreements in matters of the heart are pretty useless, lol. Yet I wonder, is this the first time he’s been emotionally affected in his sexual relationships?

These soulmates (and Arya) are ready to meet and make the rest of their lives the best of their lives.

“ I had enough energy to lean forward and then my lips were pressed to his. He stiffened and part of my brain was trying to crawl back to consciousness to remind me of something. I ignored it, though, when his fingers tangled in my hair and he kissed me back slowly, angling my head the way he wanted.“ YES!! YES!! YES!! It is more than sex to Kenji, (as those who’ve read IHTT knows) we’re just seeing it from River’s side (Kenji’s view would be illuminating af). Kenji is River’s safe space, his drug….can there be a healthy relationship when you’re addicted to someone? Without giving away spoilers, I hope there is some kind of resolution to that before this relationship’s progression.

River just had the best sex of his life (I dare say)….his response has been noted, what was this like for Kenji? How close was he to losing control? Why won’t he kiss? Will that change with River?

Oops!! My bad!! Well, Callum will be giving Megan a sequel in every way, if he has his way, lol!!

From Ch. 8: “She’s single. She’s got a daughter, though.” Which was usually when prospective dates withdrew, or so my sister had told me. Some even ran, according to her. “Good, she’s fertile. Get me her number, I like the fiery ones and I’m looking for a sequel.”

You hit it out of the park a-gain, lol.

Welp….put a fork in her, Meg’s done. LOL!! 🌭 Thank you for this; much as this story is about Adam and Kai, in one chapter you created extremely strong rooting value for Callum and Megan. They are made for each other….his easy acceptance of her being a single parent, instead of it being a deterrent (even before he met Nikki) was wonderful (but shouldn’t be unusual 🫤)….getting Nikki’s seal of approval was huge-she’s ready for her mom to have more in life beside work and raising her (not to mention the “sequels” to come, lol). Megan’s occupation (as well as being the sibling of a member of the military) lends her an understanding perspective of Dr. Kincaid’s experiences. Dr. Callum Kincaid, he of the eidetic and echoic memory, is an original in more ways than one….he was probably always outspoken but his wartime experiences likely confirmed for him that life is too short and you have to say what you mean, mean what you say and go after what you want….he clearly wants a life with Megan and Nikki; at least he knows he’ll definitely get along with one brother in law. 😊 If that “sequel” ain’t already in the works, it soon will be, LOL!!!!

So very well said.

This chapter was EVERYTHING❣️❣️❣️❣️ “You may have no idea what a letter feels like for a military man. And I’m not saying that to guilt you into continuing to write. It’s just - it’s a real, physical connection. Someone touched that paper, held that pen. Made an effort for you. And when we’re deployed? That connection is what makes it bearable…” *Sigh* 😍 This same feeling translates to anyone isolated, far from home, feeling alone. “Very,” he returned, humor in his voice. “I read that Capricorns are very well matched with Virgos.” “Who told you that?” “Your letters.” *Sigh* 😍 Historically Virgos are most romantically compatible with Capricorn, Taurus and Scorpio; more recent additions include Aries and Cancer. “Of course I’m sure. I don’t say things I don’t mean.” He chuckled softly. “I very recently heard someone claim that. Trust me when I say; I’ll never doubt it when someone says that, ever again.” 🤔 There are similarities between Adam and Dr. Kincaid….Adam’s a milder, kinder version, lol. “Thank you. Oh, I have so many questions now!” He laughed. “Ask away! I’m not going anywhere.” And we talked and laughed and talked, far into the evening…” *Sigh* 😍 True connections can talk anytime, anyplace, about anything….it wouldn’t matter if their last conversation was two hours or two years ago. “I know you”…. “I can’t stop thinking about you”…. Nothing physical will happen right away ( or maybe it will) but I think Adam and Kai both know this is more than a meeting of friends….this will be a homecoming, for the both of them (and Arya, too 😊)

This chapter was excellent. Introducing some supporting characters, amongst which the most inappropriate doctor you'll ever meet.➡️You didn’t lie, lol!! Seeing Kai within the sibling milieu was refreshing, he has healthy and close relationships with Kellan and Megan….it fleshed him out more to see him as brother, uncle and patient (to a doctor who apparently will be his brother in law, lol). Kai’s family life is the opposite of Adam’s, it will be be interesting to see the interactions between Adam and the most important people in Kai’s life, though “Just promise me you’ll score yourself a nice fat husband down the line and we’ll be square, aight? Two weeks in the Caribbean, his dime.” is a pretty good indication his family is ready to see him involved with someone and Kellan, Adam’s wallet is fat, hopefully that counts. 🙂 Which leads us to….the phone call. While being pen pals was absolutely enchanting, this feels like a natural next step.

Adam’s discipline is impressive, that probably goes hand in hand with being a stickler for routine….he clearly wants to deviate from said routine very much “He was beginning to become a bad influence.” yet still stays the course. Then again: “It was a force of wills and I barely won, but I did win. I’d probably lose, the next time.” lol. 🤷‍♀️ Kai’s blanket acceptance and defense of who Adam is was very touching; it’s one thing to feel it, another to share it, especially as you know it provides the kind of support Adam’s rarely or never received. These two are hooked (and I look forward to finding out Adam’s eye color as well). Yet another lovely link added to the chain of events that comprise this very engrossing story. Thank you. 🎁

From the way Kai describes himself as a partner, I think you are right. Kai’s nature and his career in the military were a perfect match….the shame is he had to pay such a high price for his service.