First of all, please read the warnings for this book. There are some very intense emotions and some descriptions that may be triggering for people. The author and publisher have included a warning page in the novel. That being said, please don’t let that put you off reading this wonderful novel.

I read a lot of books… and this one is truly unique. I can safely say that I’ve never read anything like this before. The main character, Justin, is a dancer and is married to Damon.. who is also Blake. Damon had an absolutely horrendous childhood. As a result of one of the most traumatic and shocking childhoods he has developed Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Damon was subjected to horrific things by his mother when he was a child… and Blake appeared to take over at times when Damon could no longer let his guard down. As adults, Damon is harsh and cold, controlling and fiercely possessive of his husband. Blake is gentle, loving, kind, and caring.

The relationship that Justin has with Damon borders on physically abusive. Except for the fact that their volatile interactions are consensual, the encounters leave Justine bruised and drained. It’s Blake that picks up the pieces and makes Justin feel loved and cared for.

The problem for Justin is that he loves both versions of his husband, perhaps even more importantly, he needs both of them. Each version of Damon provides something for Justin that he needs. It might be the control that Damon takes, the fierceness of his “want” but it’s also the sweet and constant love that Blake exudes.

When the characters begin working with a therapist (Julie) it becomes clear to Justin that he’s going to “lose” one of the men he loves if the integration is successful. Blake is the alter, he emerged when Damon’s life became so torturous and violent that he had to wall himself off to even continue to survive. The author does a wonderful job of balancing the therapy sessions within the plot of the novel. I’m quite impressed with the way the author managed to convey so much emotion and character development while still advancing the plot at a perfect pace.

Justin is a wonderful character in his own right. He is struggling to understand who he Is when he takes a leave from the dance academy he leads. He’s been so immersed in his relationship and dancing that he hasn’t made friends or discovered what else in life might be important to him. This story is as much about Justin’s self-exploration as it is about the attempted integration of Damon/Blake. He loves Damon and he loves Blake and even though Justin wants his husband to be whole and in a better place mentally, he can’t help but feel that he will “lose” someone.

There are definitely parts of this book that are difficult to read. I’m not going to detail it here because it’s all part of the slow unrolling of the plot of the book to discover it. Once more, I feel compelled to tell people to read the warnings for this story. I have added my own warnings here with my review. The events to occur in the book are such an integral part of Damon/Blake that I completely understand why the author included them.

I have to say that this is one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year. The idea was something completely unique and it’s very well-written.
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