Smoke and Water - Le Tai Grice

‘Boys aren’t pretty and boys don’t like boys.’

These words have followed Eike Nylund his whole life, they are the resonating reminder of an older brother lost in a tragic fire which claimed his entire family and nearly claimed him.

‘Boys who like boys get into trouble.’

Once a competitive swimmer accepted into college on the sole merits of his ability, Eike has quit the pool and is struggling to begin a new life, in a new State and a new college, all while hiding a very personal secret.

Until, that is, he meets Damon King: Captain of the swim team and Eike’s link back to the water. Damon, son of a wealthy businessman, popular and spectacular, has an electrifying effect on Eike he has difficulty in hiding, and Damon appears not only to like him but to trust him as a confidante and friend.

Is it possible to wash away the scars of the past and trust in a new future? Does Damon know his secret? And if not, what happens if he finds out?