It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good
As soon as I heard the title of Leo’s story, As the Dawn Breaks, the lyrics to Michael Buble’s “New Dawn” entered my head, and then when the lyrics were referenced in the text, I knew they were significant to the life Leo wanted for himself but never thought possible. In When the Sun Goes Down, readers witnessed Leo’s love and devotion to Katrina and the sacrifices he made to ensure she was allowed her happy ending. But in doing so, his actions led him into a life of exile – a punishment for the decisions he made. He returns to the states to watch the love of his life marry the love of hers, but in a twist of fate, he finds Trystan – the woman who shows him that every day is a gift and that love can erase mistakes of the past.
I loved this novella. Getting Leo’s point of view allows readers to truly understand the depths he’s willing to go to, to protect those he loves. His life was never easy, and living a life of solitude is definitely lonely, but he does it because he knows the alternative would have destroyed someone he loved. Despite the crime he committed, Leo deserves a life full of love and happiness, and Trystan can give him that…they can give that kind of life to each other.
Leo’s life begins again when he first spends time with Trystan, and it continues to blossom and be full of warmth and love when they see each other again, despite the time and distance. They light up each other’s lives and give them everything that they have been missing for some time. I’m so glad that Leo gets to experience each new dawn with Trystan because they both deserve the life that they’re now able to give to one another.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples
The mischievous glimmer in his eyes speaks volumes, and I—never being one to back down from a challenge—immediately slide the straps of my dress off my shoulders, studying his face as the fabric falls to the ground. Unsure of what to expect with him, since pretty much everything he’s said and done thus far contradicts what I consider to be the norm for guys, I wait for him to say something. However, instead of using words, he speaks with actions. Quirking his brow up as to ask for permission, I nod in response, knowing exactly what he wants to do. He closes the gap between us and lifts his large hands up, splaying them across my belly. Lightly, his thumbs stroke back and forth, caressing the stretched skin, our gazes locked on where our bodies meet.
“Fucking beautiful,” he hisses under his breath.
I tear my gaze from his hands, peer up at him through my lashes, and offer a faint smile. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Leo. And don’t curse around my baby,” I say, playfully slapping his chest, breaking us free from the heavy moment. Too many feels are happening, and I can’t afford to do feels. “Now it’s your turn. Strip for me, old man.”
His hands leave my body, accompanied by a scowl. “You are beautiful and I’m not old.” Then, he swiftly pulls his t-shirt over his head and tosses it on top of the blanket.
I laugh and roll my eyes, trying desperately not to gawk at his very toned and very tan torso, but as usual, I fail epically. The tattoo of a lion’s profile inked across his left pec catches my attention instantly, and without his permission, I reach up and trace it with my fingertip, closely studying the intricate design. Entwined into the tendrils of the mane, a quote is hidden: Courage without conscious is a wild beast.
“Now that is fucking beautiful,” I murmur softly. “Tell me what it means.”
Bringing his forefinger up under my chin, he tilts my head so I’m staring into his smiling eyes. “Maybe later, and don’t curse around the baby, young lady.”
“Touché,” I reply with a grin. Tou-fucking-ché.
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