Essence of Time by Liz Crowe

Title: Essence of Time
Author: Liz Crowe
Genre: Romance
Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis: 

For years, Rob Frietag has resisted anything resembling a true emotional connection, preferring instead to explore life, and his own desires, without committing to anyone for very long. The reason remains known only to a few, among them Jack Gordon, his college cohort in female conquests, and life-long friend. At thirty-seven, while he is close to achieving his career goal, head chef at a five-star restaurant in Chicago, he is still very much alone.

After an intensely emotional relationship with Suzanne Baxter in Ann Arbor, Blake's heart is left shattered. Completely broken by what he believes was his one true love, he arrives at a Chicago food and beer festival, prepared to drink his sorrow away. When the two men meet, their lives change forever. But time is of the essence. When Rob acknowledges his true feelings, he will stop at nothing to keep them together, including finding a surrogate mother for the child Blake so desperately wants.

Lila Warren is recovering from a nasty divorce, needs cash and believes carrying their baby will fulfill her in ways marriage never did. None of them could suspect that the connection they share would provide the final emotional key to their life-long puzzle.

When Rob s secret is revealed, time becomes the one luxury they don't have, setting in motion a chain of events that destroys the fragile illusion of happiness for them, and everyone who loves them.


Donna's Thoughts:

This is the back story of Rob and Blake and I recommend you read the first three books of the Stewart Realty series before reading this one. That being said, I REALLY enjoyed this book. You might want to get a good pair of oven mitts to wear while reading it because it is HOT! Like set my IPad on fire hot. Rob is one sexy man and Blake is no schlep either, these men have bodies made for sin and boy do they know how to work it!! I’m not going to lie to you; it’s not all hot sex. This book is broken into four parts; Robs, Blake’s, Rob and Blake’s and Lila’s.  There is some heavy stuff dealt with and some tear jerking moments. Now if you know me you know I HATE tear jerkers but I survived this one and will even recommend it. Liz did what she had to do and like it or not it was needed in the story.

I thought I knew where this story was headed, but boy was I wrong! There is such a twist that I was blown away. The twist had me more emotional than what I thought was going to happen. A friend of mine told me not to try and guess where the book is headed because Liz doesn’t do what is expected and I will say, NO SHE DID NOT! Man oh man I WAS NOT expecting that.

 I give this book 4 stars and 5 hands down the pants!