First published 2023
Ethan Blake has built his career around creating perfect desserts. At forty-three, he runs the pastry kitchen at Sapphire Cove, an exclusive Southern California resort. His path from homeless gay teenager to acclaimed chef required choices he prefers to forget. When twenty-five-year-old fitness influencer Roman Walker arrives to plan a celebrity wedding, Ethan recognizes him immediately. Twenty years ago, their lives collided on a New York street corner during a moment that left both men damaged. Roman has come seeking revenge, but his scheme collapses when his famous client traps him in a dangerous conspiracy. The young man who planned to destroy Ethan now needs his help. Ethan knows how wealthy clients operate and offers to protect Roman's career. Their alliance awakens a powerful attraction neither expected. As they work together, old wounds surface and new threats emerge from the resort's glamorous but ruthless guests.
Genres: romance, thriller, contemporary-romance, gay-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, second-chance
Setting: California, New York, Sapphire Cove
Period: 20 years ago, present day
375 pages · Paperback · Blue Box Press
Content warnings: abuse, mental-illness