Empty-Handed Heart [Suncoast Society]

Leaving Sarasota and moving to California is the biggest mistake Niall Renard's ever made. He felt there wasn't a choice. Crippling student loans left him in an never ending loop of debt. His biggest regret? Leaving Aden Lopez behind. Soul mates from the beginning, Aden had just begun to find stability for the first time. He's not willing to chance losing what he's worked so hard to build. Although it leaves a soul-deep fracture in their hearts, Niall releases Aden and walks out of his life. Fast forward five years. Niall's finally come to his senses. Yes, moving to California erased his student debt. But at what cost? There's an Aden-sized hole in his heart. When Niall agrees to teach erotic hypnosis at a fetish convention in Tampa, he could never know it would totally upend his life. Over the past five years, Aden's never stopped loving Niall. But he's moved on. Etsu Faulk has worked her way into his heart. There's no doubt he loves her. Their BDSM dynamic is unique, fulfills both. There's just one problem, Etsu's overprotective, judgmental family. They've destroyed every relationship Etsu's ever had. When Aden surprises Etsu with tickets to the fetish convention in Tampa, both will find their lives forever changed. As Niall, Aden, and Etsu cross paths, a life-threatening event terrorizes Etsu and Aden. It's Niall who saves her life. Aden's grateful, but he's also angry, resentful, and confused. He's never hidden his past from Etsu, nor has he kept his ongoing love for Niall a secret. But for Niall to show up and expect them to pick up where they left off? No! Unthinkable! As Aden's heart is torn in two, what can he do? He loves Etsu. To abandon her is unimaginable. But his love and devotion to Niall is as strong as ever. Conflicted? Oh, yes! When Niall comes up with a possible solution, it's beyond belief! Aden thinks Niall's lost his mind. But sometimes it takes a gigantic leap of faith, holding onto every shred of hope, and embracing the impossible to make dreams come true. When Etsu's life and happiness are threatened again, it's Niall who again saves her. The obstacles in their path seem insurmountable. Can Aden forgive Niall? Will he let him back into his life? What of Etsu? Aden can't abandon her especially when she needs him most. The answer is right in front of them. It's evident to everyone around them. Are they too blind to see it? Can they reach beyond the past, reach for the future? Or will all three lives be splintered into shards that can never be repaired? The heartache, broken trust, new beginnings, and the limitless possibilities in Empty-Handed Heart are riveting. Aden, Niall, and Etsu will pull you in and break your heart. Niall and Aden's past and present collide in explosive ways with Etsu caught squarely in the middle. The tension, devastation, and regrets radiate off the pages and hit me full force. Niall's focus on his goals and his apparent selfishness pull him and Aden apart in heartrending ways. Etsu is the glue that mends Aden's shattered soul. But these characters' willingness to embrace uncertainty, go after what they want, regardless of the odds against them, are truly inspiring! From the beginning, Niall puts his goals above everything else. Aden and Etsu demonstrate every aspect of the BDSM lifestyle: the infinite variety, nuances, and intrinsic beauty. But it's the compelling understanding of not just the BDSM world but of people, how events mold life choices, and the healing power of forgiveness that make this story so compelling. This story's intensity captivated me. Ms. Dalton always demonstrates an intuitive understanding of life. It's often cruel, mercilessness, and painful. But, as always, Ms. Dalton shows that love freely given allows people to rise above everything, forgive, transcend the pain. Congratulations, Ms. Dalton, on yet another absolutely stunning story. Empty-Handed Heart deserves nothing less than five stars! Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!