Foundation of Trust (Cost of Repairs, #5) by A.M. Arthur
M/M Contemporary Romance
E book, 239 pages
October 21, 2014
Samhain Publishing
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: Words only go so far in a relationship.
David Weller had it all four years ago. A loving partner, a great job, and a wonderful life, until he received a phone call that destroyed him and left him with nothing but a series of memories and a heart shattered into pieces. Now he engages in random hook ups that help him deal with the pain he still holds on to.
Owen Hart never meant to leave his lover with nothing more than a phone call but when danger from his past comes knocking on his door, he had to make a terrible decision to save himself and his son. Now that the danger is over, Owen has come back to explain what happened that night and hopefully get a second chance with the only man he has ever loved.
The explosive chemistry between them is still there but David’s pain goes far deeper than Owen anticipated and unless David can let go of his pain and anger, he and Owen don’t stand a chance.
Foundation of Trust is the fifth book in A.M Arthur’s bittersweet M/M romance contemporary series-Cost of Repairs. We met David in book four, Acts of Faith. He befriended Rey and they started a catering business together. Hints are given to David’s story being much more than a simple break up and this installment gives us the truth of the matter.
Second chance romances are a favorite of mine. I enjoy seeing how a couple’s relationship was derailed and the different situations that can destroy a seemingly indestructible love. I also enjoy seeing the extent to which they are willing to work to fix their issues. David and Owen’s relationship was doomed from the beginning as we are given the particulars of Owen’s defection. A relationship built on lies never works as this couple soon finds out but the circumstances are understandable. Owen hasn’t led an exemplary life and it comes back to haunt him. Unfortunately, this all happens around the same time David learns he carries the genetic markers for Huntington’s Disease. He feels Owen left because of the disease and that hurts him even more. Once David learns the truth of why Owen left, he understands but cannot seem to forgive and ends up punishing Owen over and over.
A.M. Arthur writes a compelling story about love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness. Emotionally plump with a steady pace and dynamic characterization that takes us back and forth between the past and present to help us understand what happened. A well plotted cast of secondary characters add their voices to help us see the devastation that was felt by both parties and the aftermath of their choices. Unlike the other books in this series, the small town setting is not as prevalent as the story maintains its focus on David and Owen. We do reconnect with Samuel and Rey whose story started the series but again, they are only guests who pop in and out as needed.
David and Owen reconnect slowly, reacquainting themselves with each other and the changes they have both gone through in their separation. There is also a teenager in the mix. A teenager who was hurt by everything that happened. Owen has to be extra careful because it would not only be him that would be devastated if he loses David again. Owen tells David everything about his past, choosing to lose him rather than lie again., while waiting impatiently for David to do the same. The relationship develops with plenty of emotional, physical, and sexual tension. Neither David nor Owen are perfect and there is a shadow of darkness and pain that exists in both of them.
The main conflict and subsequent plot lines are convoluted and wrap up nicely though there were some issues I didn’t feel were thoroughly resolved. David’s need for pain during sex is only handled in an offhand manner with us being told that with Owen back in his life, that aspect is no longer needed. I didn’t buy that. I also didn’t understand what was the reasons for adding the scene of Michael’s job and Owen’s response.
Regardless of my issues, I thoroughly enjoyed David and Owen’s story and look forward to reading more from A. M. Author in the future. You do not have to read the entire series to understand and connect this story but it helps as characters and events from previous books are mentioned in here.
Overall Rating: B
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