Returning to the world of the ‘Desires Entwined’ series is beginning to feel very comfortable and much like visiting with friends. After stories about James and Seth, Chase and Rhys, and Alex and Dal, I was excited not just to see these guys return in this fourth book of the series, but also to find out more about Simon and Adrian. Both men have had issues with previous lovers, both are great guys, and both are more than ready to meet Mr. Right. The gentle pace of their story added to my enjoyment, and while there were some stressful moments, the level of angst was minimal compared to previous books. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Simon and Adrian figuring out if and how they’d fit and work together!

Simon writes homoerotic romance and loves giving his couples a happy ending. Unfortunately he has experienced so much disappointment with lovers who only wanted his money, that he has lost faith not just in himself, but in his ability to ever find the right man. And with a super-rich family actively campaigning to “eradicate” anything gay, he would be completely alone if not for his loyal group of friends, led by Chase. In fact it is Chase who gets Simon into “trouble” with his attempt at matchmaking – Chase figures all his single friends deserve to find love too, so he sets up Simon and Adrian (a man he dated once and has since become friends with) – repeatedly. Simon is sure he will never be loved for himself, but he likes Adrian and is curious to find out more about the hot professor.

Adrian is almost as disillusioned about finding a partner as Simon. His attempts to date Hearing men have not led anywhere and his Deaf friends are worried that Simon will be another disappointment. But Adrian is interested enough to keep going, and when Simon begins to learn ASL and makes every attempt to include Adrian in his life, Adrian cannot help but fall for him. But that isn’t their only obstacle. Simon’s hesitancy about getting closer is baffling and frustrating, and more than once Adrian ends up asking Chase for advice. He is one determined professor – which didn’t surprise me since anyone as successful as he is in academia and in life, has got to be just a little bit stubborn.

Simon and Adrian’s relationship isn’t easy. Both men have to adjust to the other’s needs and quirks, and while Adrian being Deaf seems like an obvious barrier that might be difficult for Simon to overcome, it is both men’s internal resistance that is harder to overcome. Learning to sign is comparatively easy – understanding and overcoming years of disappointment and the protective walls around Simon’s emotions turns out to be much harder.

If you like stories about differently abled and emotionally damaged men, if you’re curious what life might be like for a Deaf professor who meets a shy writer, and if you’re looking for a read that is a slow-burn love story as much as it is a fascinating look at two men discovering they can heal each other, then you will probably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )