Show respect whether your belief is strong or non-existent. Growing up with archeologist parents practically guaranteed that Eric would study other cultures, how could he not when his first childhood memory is visiting the tombs at Giza. Doctor Eric Hoffman has held his beliefs in other cultures and religions as the cornerstone of his life and career. After losing Joel, his husband of ten years, to an attack while they were visiting in New Orleans, he’s hoping a year later that if he visits the Gates of Guinee and makes his offerings, he’ll see his dead husband again. Steven Mallery has two loves in his life—books and Eric Hoffman. Only one problem, there’s no room in Eric’s heart for him as more than just a friend. Steven had stood by and watched Eric fall for and marry Joel while they were all in college; Christ, he’d been their best man. For the past year, Steven has held a grieving Eric, tamping down his joy at maybe having a chance at the only man he’d ever love. Helping Eric research the Gates of Guinee might have been the stupidest thing Steven has ever done. Messing with loa Baron Samedi wasn’t the smartest thing but making Eric happy is Steven’s only goal. Can the power of the spirits guide Eric to closing his heart to Joel while opening it to Steven? Maybe Steven needed to make his own offerings.