Two very different men—both doctors, but with an almost diametrically opposed approach to medicine and their jobs— are at the heat of this amazing love story set in one of the most disease-ridden areas of the world. Their relationship begins as a purely professional encounter, and their common interest of healing people seems to be the only thing they have in common. Their methods, priorities, and ways of thinking may differ, but as the weeks pass, they begin to go beyond the surface and discover who they really are. I really liked how both men learn as much about themselves as about each other, and grow tremendously as a result. This is another emotionally intense story about the human spirit, understanding who we really are deep down, and above all hope.

Dillon is ambitious, excellent at what he does, and will push aside anyone who stands in the way of helping his patients. He has no understanding of or tolerance for the human niceties. Not a real surprise with the way he grew up and looking at how cold his parents are, but it was sad to see he hasn’t been able to overcome his emotional shortcomings even as an adult. Initially, he sees the opportunity to work in Liberia as a career move, a way to get ahead. His attitude felt cold and almost uncaring to me, but since he put his patient first, I could not really blame him. Once he goes to Liberia and meets not only Will but some of the patients there, especially the group of boys who invite him to play soccer with them, Dillon begins to change. The process s slow, but it is as if he begins to allow himself to feel.

Will had a good childhood, but his parents rejected him when he came out as gay. Will’s reaction was to close off his heart, but he manages to feel for his patients and colleagues and treats them as the human beings they are. As for his personal life and opening his heart to love, he is just as incapable as Dillon. But as he gets to know Dillon, he realizes that his life of going from assignment to assignment, a life many would see as adventurous, is really not as exciting as he used to think. While he believes he has found his home traveling from job to job, he is really adrift and has lost the ability to be at home anywhere specific. And when Dillon gets sick, Will begins to realize there may be a lot more to their relationship than he had been willing to admit.

These two men need each other desperately. Seeing their patients’ families deal with the awful losses Ebola and other diseases bring is the catalyst to them opening up their hearts and minds. Once they start realizing what they are missing, they can begin to heal and to find a way to change their future.

If you like characters who go through an intense emotional journey, if men who learn to see themselves and what they truly need for the first time in their lives, and if you’re looking for a read that will sweep you into a different world and culture, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. It’s a touching story about the human condition and touched me deeply.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
( )