“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 such happiness had grown scare at Will's home. Once he realised pretending to like Sarah had hurt Augustus, he wasn't sure what else to do. And he was getting sick of his parents renewed berating. He eventually went neutral. He wasn't defiant, but he wasn't exactly cooperating with them. 


Uncle Deus was visiting one afternoon, so just before dinner, Will was up in his room, grabbing another book about Ancient Greece to discuss later. But his excitement was quickly ruined. 


"You mother and I are once again disappointed with your refusals." 


Francis's familiar, lecturing tone cut into Will's concentration. 


Will stood motionless, staring into his mirror, book in hand. He refused to turn and face him. 


"You cannot," Francis lumbered forward as he spoke. "seriously still be humoring these childish fantasies of living any way you want." 


With each heavy footstep, Will's resolve to ignore him grew stronger. "Especially without regards to others." 


Chapter 29: Showdown