One man's tortured past clashes with another man's fear of the future as they stumble through life's twists and turns.Mason Talbot is living the dream life in the City that Never Sleeps.But despite his newfound financial security and loving support system, he can't shake the ghosts that still haunt him. He always prided himself on being the sturdy foundation and strong protector for his twin brother. Underneath this mask hides a broken man without a clue about who he really is or what he wants from life. He flounders even more when surprising new feelings begin to take root whenever he thinks about his uptight assistant.Wickham Bennet is a man who thrives on routine.His carefully crafted regimen staves off his paralyzing dread over a future he doesn't want, but the scaffolding was destroyed when Mason came crashing into his life. He shouldn't want what he can't have, but his heart takes the wheel and sends them both careening into the unknown without a road map. And as much as he wants to steer things back on course, fate has other plans.One tragic incident after another drags them into a spiral of uncertainty.As Mason's past returns to haunt him, Wickham's desperation to maintain distance suffers, and they are left clinging to one another as the facades crumble. Stripped bare and cut raw, they must confront the old habits holding them back and rebuild their foundations or risk losing it all. And the only way to move toward the future is to let go of the past.STEPPING UP is the second book in the City Boys Never Sleep series, a trilogy of contemporary gay romance novels set in NYC that should be read in order of appearance. This novel follows the bi-awakening, friends-to-lovers story of Mason and Wickham. Intended for an adult audience, the narrative explores heavy topics, and reader discretion is advised. Please consult the author's website for a comprehensive reader advisory.
