“We're planning on meeting with Sarah and her parents next week. How would you like that?"

"That sounds...brilliant." Will plastered on a fake smile and tried to sound excited. It was difficult when he'd just discovered where his feelings truly lay. Not with a total stranger, but with someone he'd known for years. 

Life in Restoration England isn't easy for William Garnett, especially when he realizes he's falling in love with a boy—his best friend, Augustus.

After London's Great Plague claims Augustus's youngest sister, their parents turn to trusted friends. Augustus and his other sister are sent to safely live with Will's rich family in the English countryside. 

Will is anxious as he hides his feelings from the object of his affection and his domineering parents. But he lets go when their feelings become mutual. Will and Augustus brazenly defy society and Will's parents by secretly pursuing their romance. 

Will's strait-laced parents have already planned his future: an arranged courtship and marriage to Sarah, the daughter of another wealthy family. 

They're also pushing him into an accounting position in the family business. His gifted sister Lily would be perfect for the job, but her priority is to start looking for a husband—even at age thirteen. 

Yet there might be hope for Will and his sister! Their free-spirited uncle believes they should follow their own path.

But just when things seem to be looking up, everything goes wrong. Through a cruel twist of Fate, the boys are left to fend for themselves while in grave danger.

As the repercussions of deviating from their rigid society stare them down, they are faced with a daunting choice that could destroy their lives: Will they follow the rules, or follow their hearts?

Cover Art by Jordan Mislang Samera, 2021

Book 1: Burnt Bliss

But his mother's bony hands were still clenched around his neck. 


"You heartless scourge!" She shrieked in his ear, still choking him. 


"How could you!" she ranted, tussling with him at the foot of the stairs. 


He tugged at her hands, but they did nothing to pry her off. He was gasping and sputtering as she yelled on and on. His feet scrambled underneath him, trying to escape her. He couldn't even process what she was saying. 


Augustus quickly appeared after hearing the commotion. He rushed down the stairs so fast he almost slid. 


Margaret let Will go and he gasped, falling to the floor. 


"What is wrong with you?!" Augustus cried. 


"Me?!" she yelled, shoving him. "YOU are the problem here!" 


"And what exactly have I done?" he shot back. 


"You have corrupted him. Ruined my family!" she raged, pinning him against the wall. 


"Oh, really." he retorted. "And how do you propose to know I've done anything of the sort?" 


Chapter 26: Blood In the Water