“There’s no time. Remember, I love you.” It all started with a discovery. A cave beneath a waterfall that held a crystal. Two boys—best friends—embark on a journey they’re told will help all mankind. As the years go by, their friendship turns to love, and their adventure turns into a battle.

When I’m running on fumes while driving on what feels like the loneliest stretch of road in California, I worry I’m in trouble. Luckily, I happen upon Aqua Vista, a sleepy coastal town with the only pump for miles, and the grumpy owner who is more gorgeous than he has any right to be. When I’m told I’ll need more than fuel to disable the check engine light on my dash, I figure there are worse places to be stuck while my car gets needed repairs.

Aaron Taylor-Ladner: As the head of a billion-dollar family empire, being a nice guy isn't part of my job. The only person who doesn't run for cover when I walk into a room is my new chief of sales, Harrison Ducker. He's outspoken, snarky, and a total pain. I'd fire him in a heartbeat—if I had one—if he didn't have an ironclad contract thanks to my father's meddling ways.

Four years ago, we said goodbye. I’d always intended to come back for you, but life got in the way. All I have are cowardly excuses of being in school, fear of coming out, and thinking that too much time had passed. But fate? It’s a funny thing, because I’m now forced to spend the summer with you, working together. It’s my chance to make things right, but I know I have to prove myself to you. To show you I’m not afraid anymore. That I still burn hot and heavy for you. Can we work past our differences and try again?

Adrien Desfourneaux, professor of magic and disgraced ex-physician, has discovered a conspiracy. Someone is inflicting magical comas on the inhabitants of the massive city of Astrum, and no one knows how or why. Caught between a faction of scheming magical academics and an explosive schism in the ranks of Astrum's power-hungry military, Adrien is swallowed by the growing chaos. Alongside Gennady, an unruly, damaged young soldier, and Malise, a brilliant healer and Adrien's best friend, Adrien searches for a way to stop the spreading curse before the city implodes.