I was really curious about this book. Everett's troubles with his son didn't make sense to me. I was at first angry at three people: Everett, Reese and Elanor who is Everett's deceased wife. There was so much tip toeing around the issue, so much anguish that frankly it was painful to read about. When Everett suffered so did the men who loved him: Nash and Gage. This book explores different subjects besides having MMM pairing which Ms Kennedy wrote beautifully. Childhood trauma, PTSD, attempted suicide, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, homophobia, coming out of the closet, grief, guilt, physical trauma and subsequent recovery, cheating, betrayal - all of them are expertly woven together into story of three men struggling with loneliness and loss.
Everett is former President. One would think that when person has the world at his fingertips he is happy and content. But Everett suffers every day. His fallout with his son is an ongoing painful battle in his mind while the nightmares that plague him every night are even worse - his lover haunts his dreams, and his heart is heavy. Everett more than anyone needs love in his life. Meeting with Gage ignites the spark and wakes something inside him that Everett thought was long dead.
Jonathan Nash is a consummate professional. His recent job of protecting former President is nothing short of torture. Not only it's as far away from West Wing as humanly possible but the unwanted attraction to Everett threatens his principles and his sanity. When Everett meets Gage Nash's jealousy bubbles up to the surface but his insecurities stay his hand and keep his mouth shut.
Gage is a man who always wants to help people. His life has this quiet happiness in it. He has his daughter, his father and multitude of pets to keep him company. When two very closeted men enter his orbit he thinks he shouldn't get involved but when he sees those vulnerabilities that hide behind fake smiles and stoic facade of both men, he can't help it - he wants to fix that which is not right. It all starts with an offer to help mend the rift between father and son, and soon tension is high, and three men are fighting the mutual attraction.
I liked them together. They found the things that made them tick, that made them happy or sad. They got to know each other, shared their grief and sorrow. Everett's story is tragic, no doubt about it. He suffered loss and betrayal. He needs these two men who he trusts with his darkest secrets. Jonathan's childhood is sad and lonely that ends in deception and broken dreams. He learns to let people in, and that love is not weakness. Gage's loss of his mother was horrific. He exacted his revenge, and now when his life is somewhat happy he needs love and certainty for it to be complete.
When Reese discovers their relationship he feels betrayed but when the hard truth comes out he sees that what he thought as truth was a lie. That the person he adored betrayed him the most. That the father he thought hated him will always be there for him waiting with open arms and support he so desperately needs. It all made sense in the end, and I was so mad for Everett and Reese's sake. I am glad they finally figured it out. All in all this was angsty and passionate story. All three men deserved happiness and to finally be able to openly love each other. I loved it, and highly recommend it!