Having read "Dark Fire" first set me up for an idea of a plot - But I still couldn't have been more surprised! Lowell gets me time and again by turning your expectations upside down. This book gave me back what was not an exceptional experience for me. It didn't make me look back with regret, rather it helps me look at my current relationship and realize that I have found "it" too (you'll understand "it" after reading this book). This book exemplifies restraint and love and expectations. Of course, par the course for Lowell, the ending is twisting and turning until the couple end up together....Worth every minute it takes you to read, that's for sure!