I enjoyed this second book in the series every bit as much as I loved the first, but for completely different reasons. In this book, we learn Colin's story. Colin is Daniel's homophobic and deeply closeted brother, who has tormented and bullied Daniel since Daniel came out as a teenager. Like so many gay kids, Colin has spent his life filled with self-hatred and loathing and in constant fear of disappointing his father, so he closets himself, yet cannot hide from who he really is and what he wants his life to be.
I think the author did a marvelous job of portraying the internal chaos and turmoil that comes from denying and hiding our true self. The raging internal voice that belittles and torments self, and strikes out at those who have the courage to admit what we do not. The strain that hiding puts on relationships when one is out and the other is not. The author has elevated first person POV to an art form.
Rafe was the perfect counterpoint to Colin, but he is NOT perfect. He has issues of his own, but his insecurities have nothing to do with his sexuality. He was the ideal beacon to draw Colin out.
One of the things I like best about these books is that the characters are not perfect. Even the steady, confident guys have issues of their own and the most damaged and broken one in the relationship always has something to offer that makes the couple the OTP, so, in the end, you believe that they belong together.
I am so pumped that the next story is about Leo and Will. /