The story is based on a west coast island known as Piedras, which is pretty much a holiday resort with a small community.
We have Dany Peters aka Danylo Petyr, The son from a well-known crime gang on the mainland. He goes by the name of Dany Peters and has moved to the island try and escape from his crime family. Desperate to live a normal life, and not be shadowed by his family’s reputation He is the new chef at a vacation resort/ hotel.
Dany’s new world is turned upside down when comes face to face with Soren the guy he left in a hospital bed, in the hopes his family would not touch Soren.
Soren has taken a job as a sergeant at the island’s police station. Hoping to have a fresh start and to finally put to rest his memories and hurt of Dany’s disappearance. When an investigation of a fire at the hotel/resort puts them in the same room. So many emotions explode between the two.
I found the dynamics between the two characters interesting, whilst there was explosive sexual chemistry between them, there was so much hurt and anger between them too.
The hotel fire is just a start of a chain of events, which include a murder, and another fire. The investigation /mystery is well written and keeps you guessing as to what will happen next and who is behind the events, and as a true crime story there is one or two misleading events to keep the reader on their toes.
I connected and enjoyed both characters, but I must admit I have a soft spot for Dany who believes his is guilty of his family’s actions by association.
I liked that the guys had a lot of baggage to work through and though their attraction led them to bed a few times. Their relationship is not instantly healed. Far from it. But as the story progresses, they realise that they are meant for each other, if only they can work out their past.
The investigation into the incidents builds up nicely and is neither rushed or too slow. The secondary characters are a mixed bunch with colourful personalities. The island itself, I would live there if, the crimes had not happened. I am not so sure now lol.
An enjoyable and exciting read that you are drawn into the characters lives and can not help but root for them.
Whilst this book is the start of a new series, The two main characters first appeared in “When It Rains” from the “Accidental Roots” series. There is also a prequel to this book which is available free from Elle Keaton’s website. Whilst it is not necessary to read either, I think it would add to the reader experience to read at least the prequel, to get the full background of what happened between Danny and Soren a few years before this book starts.