G.A. Hauser gives a paranormal twist to her exciting books about gay men in this new novel. She gives us four excellent characters, two couples. It’s just that two of them happen to be dead.

I really like the way the author builds this story. Ryan is an artist whose work has gotten macabre with grief. His life seems to revolve around his painting and his friend Amy. All of the friendships of the past involved Victor and he can’t stand the reminders, the questions. His friendship with Amy is one of the only things he clings to. Their relationship is exceptionally well done.

When Evan comes into his life, erotic dreams start to take the place of the nightmares. The colors of his paintings brighten as he feels some hope. Ms. Hauser does an excellent job showing us what happens when Ryan tries to meet Paul. Instead of just focusing on Ryan she now shares the focus with the two men as they cope with what they are learning.

The interlude with Ryan’s family for Thanksgiving is funny, sad, enlightening. Such a typical kind of family gathering takes us a little away from the intensity of our ghosts and humans. But even here she uses a phone call to help pull Ryan and Paul together.

The superb writing of this author keeps bringing me back for more and more of her stories. They’re erotic. They’re fun. They bring freshness as well as depth to gay romance. I think readers will enjoy this book a lot.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
June 16, 2008