Emotional and compelling.
Devante needed a change, so he moved from Atlanta to Laurel Springs when he found a job with the LSERT. As one of very few non-white residents, he's surprised that he feels so at home, and even welcome there, compared to the big city. He's found friends who will go to bat for him, people who actually feel like family.
Eden recently moved from Chicago, and opened a coffee shop that she just loves. Even if it has yet to turn a profit. She left the city when she found out that her boyfriend was not who she thought he was, having thoroughly fooled her into trusting him. Scared, she ran to Laurel Springs, and she feels like she's found a community that really embraces her.
Devante and Eden have been talking, as friends, for months, and slowly becoming more than friends. One day Devante walks into the coffee shop, expecting to find Eden behind the counter. Instead, he finds her sitting in the kitchen, doubled over in pain. In an instant, his world shifts. He realizes he wouldn't know what to do if something happened to her.
Devante takes care of Eden as she recovers from her health scare. Both of them learn to rely on their friends, because they're not used to having people who really care about them.
But when Eden's past catches up with her, will Devante be able to help her? Or will he be too late?
OMG I just could not stop reading! These books have been emotional, and Devante's story is no different. The prejudice he experienced in the past is in the back of his mind constantly. He keeps expecting someone to treat him differently because of his skin color, but he doesn't find that among his friends. There is an incident that happens outside of Laurel Springs, and it does a number on him. He has to work through his own demons before he can be the person he wants to be, for himself and for Eden.
This one packed a punch. It touched on the aspects of prejudice, and though it wasn't pervasive, it was just off the page at all times. There were so many times Devante did something, and had in the back of his mind what the consequences could be, and would have been in Atlanta. His past colors his present, and makes his future unsure.
As always, great characters that pull you into their world. Excellent storytelling, and interesting story, too.
Can't wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.