Cane23

I'm not so much surprised by Jeremy's eight months absence. This is sort of noninstitutionalized rehabilitation. He had to deal with his emotional pain @vanalas has mentioned at the beginning of chapter and everything that goes with it - depression, anger, violent outbursts etc. He had to do it not only for himself, but to protect people around him, his children at the first place. Laura's hysterical breakdowns are selfish and doesn't have anything with Jeremy's benefit. Any 'normal' mother would support her child in fight against his demons, no matter time necessary to win that battle. I'm surprised Carter has broken under the pressure to bring back Jeremy. He might think that it is enough of Jeremy's absence and that he is needed at home, but the real question is, how much time Jeremy needs to heal, not what others think. I can only hope that Carter's idea to bring back Jeremy is not something drastic (as @VBlew has mentioned), because both of them need a fresh, healthy start - not some dramatic event that will put Jeremy under stress!

Another adventure at sea and I'm already hooked! Orion seems like a great character, not only survivor but brave and intelligent guy. Due to his diving and other exciting jobs he does, I expect a lot of excitement in this story.

Sorry, his hobby! 🤪

Ditto. We can admire Todd's creativity, activism and art, but he can do it at his free time. On the job you have to be professional. He is paid for it. If you are principled, quit job and make a protest in front of shop! I suppose this is also part of Todd's maturing. Ha, if he wants to be speared at his job, he should work for his dad. I'm sure dad would forgive his activism, as long as Todd finds a nice young lady!

Seems that all the male characters are not so straight-ish as they say. Is Damien aware of dangers around him as Mr. Schofield - predator waiting to catch his prey; or jealous Karen, waiting to stab knife in his back? Then there is Bruce... Damian could only get a hint of real Bruce under the mask of strong, cocky jock! Bruce is trapped in a marriage of convenience with shallow, empty, good-looking woman. Obviously, they have nothing in common, there is no emotions - only business. Good looking couple to attract publicity and money. Oh, and possible cover for Bruce, but we don't know about that yet.

@CasualWanderer82 and a sea...well, this must have been good! I suppose any similarity with Kelce and Taylor is purely coincidental!

Mother knows, but I'm not sure she approves! Well, well...who is now 'a good man' @Summerabbacat?!

Bad timing...I'm so sorry, I can relate to both Todd and Barrett. Todd needed support and Barrett could be in middle of parents search or some emergency at his job. Barrett probably has good excuse but, on the other hand, we cannot choose moment we need somebody, you should be there for me when I need you... So complicated... We see another face of Damien, bullied in his youth, facing expectations from his grandfather...he turned out in somebody he hated the most. Being fired looks like an end, but it could be also a new beginning for Todd.

Familiar characters reappear. It is going to be interesting when Ralph and Nolan cross paths with Gordon, Brian, Russ and co. What a contrast, stiffen atmosphere and conversation at home, versus such an honest and relaxed conversation with Preston. What's more to say than: Parents are going to be a hell! Well, it's either deal with them or go back to your closet and miserable life. I think Ralph has decided...

Are we waiting two weeks for new chapter for Dylan to prepare?! 🤔

The one who discovers the secrets of good parenting will get the Nobel prize!

Barrett makes another step giving Todd a b.j. Well, it's good to see his progress in self-acceptance and that he enjoys it. It's just acknowledging the truth. Call it however you want but it is what it is. Especially now when you intend to introduce Todd to Andrea! Cynthia seems very enthusiastic about her discoveries. Doesn't look much but it is 'something' to start with. Although reluctant to idea of group therapy, it might be very useful for Barrett, especially with commitment issues he shows when thinking about boyfriend/no boyfriend matter. Very interesting observation, only it is not about 'caring' at all. It shows actually how poorly the father is coping with pain. He keeps it in himself, trying to be strong, stoic male, as it is expected from him by the society, church, surrounding. His burden might crush him - he might lose both of his sons and then he is going to lose health too. So sad that there are not words of wisdom he would listen!

Fire Barrett?! I don't think so. To do something like that, daddy would have to realize they are dating - but he is absolutely oblivious to everything happening around. He could say - Oh Barrett, so good you are 'boys' and 'friends' with Todd. Help him find some nice girl!

@vanalas brings the first Book of this magnificent series. The Book one introduces us to the main protagonists of the series - Jeremy, a wealth widower and Carter, disillusioned young man. Both guys wear the heavy burden of their pasts with deep scars that looks impossible to be healed. After many twists and turns, disappointments and fights, revelation of the secrets from the past - at the end of this Book, our heroes are at the beginning of healing process, making the peace between themselves. What is the future bringing for Jeremy and Carter? Book 2 will bring all answers to our questions. In a meantime, waiting for a sequel, enjoy the exciting ride of the Book 1.

I don't think it's about money either. Father is in such deep denial, which got only worse after his wife died. I don't know is there any help for him. Ha, I can imagine him as very old man, sitting in wheelchair in some Nursing home, telling nurse - I have son for you, he's name is Todd. His hobby is art... 🤪

Don't miss it. @Mikiesboy magnificently wraps scenes of violence under the vail and the most brutal moments are left to reader's imagination. So, there are no graphic exposing of torture and yet, just a knowledge what is happening behind the closed door cannot leave you indifferent. Nevertheless, as I've said in my Review, although dealing with very serious topic as human trafficking is, above all this is story of healing! Fantastic plot, amazing characters...story that keeps your attention from the start till the very end.

Navigating mother through a naked men exhibition and her comments - hilarious! I've been laughing half of the chapter. Remarkable writing @Robert Hugill - absolutely remarkable!

This is the worst bargain in history Todd! Really, your ass for a chat with daddy?!?! Barrett would have given it to you anyway!!!

In all this absurdity, looks like father is in closet and in deep denial. He is not listening at all, playing his own record round and round again (and it's not ABBA). As church member, at least he is not forcing Todd for a Conversion Therapy! The truth is father is the one who needs therapy, not to accept his son, but to accept reality. I wouldn't be surprised if father wants to talk with Todd again in few weeks, just to tell him there is 'nice young lady' attending his church!

He needs Jenny, trust me!

Just...give me some ABBA song to wash this picture out of my head! 😜

So many things have happened in single chapter... Amazing sex and first anal sex for Barrett, then Anthony finds out about Barret and Todd, then daddy dearest finds out about Barrett and, finally, Barrett agrees to mediate in father/Todd's relationship! 😁 I wasn't so much surprised with Anthony's reaction. Actually, I've expected something like - Oh, you've put Todd in bed to hide Sabrina. She must have been left this morning in secrecy! But ok, he is not that stupid! Jenny being older than Anthony might be exactly what he needs - not exactly milf but, serious lady who can be both girlfriend and 'mum' to childish Anthony. Woman who can handle his 'stupidity' and 'immatureness'.

Yes, end it here! We like depressive, sad ends... Now I'm going to drown myself in alcohol... BULLSHIT! Of course we want HEA! Continue this book or write another one, just deliver it to us!!! Please! 🙏

'Exchange students' from Norway - sure!!! They learned in self-defense course how to disarm bandits with guns... They live in luxurious house with Finish sauna and jacuzzi!!! They are here to improve English knowledge - of course they are!!! Well Mett, take care what comes in package with Oscar! 😉