I’m not going to beleaguer this re-read. This was the seventh time I’ve read this book since I started blogging. I picked it up this time as a quick palate cleaner between The Children of Men and what I thought was going to be my June book group book (Jess, Chunk, and the Infinite Road Trip), but instead because a MM Hockey romance series 😀
A magical charge didn’t generate between them, but their hands were well suited. Finch’s smaller one fit comfortably in Benedict’s wide, warm grasp. (7)
I did read this one slower this time and it’s definitely lost some of it’s charm, but it’s still a delightful read for me. The slow burn is real, like almost too real. They don’t kiss until 2/3 through and there’s never more than a few kisses and stares. Most reviewers don’t particularly like it, but it just scratches all the right spots in my brain so I’ll continue to revisit it over time. I did highlight a few new quotes this time and those are below.
Recommendation: Go read all the other responses: May 2020 | x2; February 2023; October 2024; March 2025; and September 2025.
Opening Line: “Finch turned into oncoming traffic, veered sharply back into the left lane, and waved an apology to the alarmed elderly couple in their little touring car.”
Closing Line: “Then he wanted to sneak them off to the conservatory and not return.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)
Additional Quotes from Two for Trust
“Because the new arrival to the tent defined each of those things—broad-chested with broader shoulders, honey-hazel eyes, and thick, dark hair—all packaged in fine tweeds and a caramel-colored sweater. He had big square hands, and the sweater hugged all the right places for Finch to get a sense of strength and innate physical confidence. Like an outsized Disney prince.” (4)
“Finch had said something right, but he wasn’t sure what. Benedict shifted nearer, the air between them charged, and Finch believed he was going to be kissed. He wanted to be, and not just because of attraction. He desperately wanted Benedict’s kiss, and proof Benedict like-liked him, rather than just as a port-in-the-storm friend.” (23)
“Benedict drew Finch closer by their still-clasped hands and leaned in and gave Finch a short and hard kiss. He pulled away enough to take Finch in and seemed almost disconcerted, and then his lips quirked in the half smile Finch found so endearing.” (137)
“Finch let go of the railing and returned to the stateroom. Gran had been unattended long enough, and he was on the clock, starting several minutes earlier. He couldn’t begin to process Benedict’s kiss. Had it been a whim because they were saying their final good-bye? Was it gratitude mixed up with relief that the whole situation had been so neatly resolved? Finch didn’t want to make the mistake—again—of taking it as a sign of true interest. Been there. Done that. Got it colossally wrong. No, better to leave it as an outlier on Benedict’s part and not examine it too closely.”
“They would arrive at Gran’s around three, and he would see her settled and then take Finch to his London home. He liked that too. It settled him in a way nothing else ever had, and he understood what it meant for their future—both his immediate need to make sure Finch had plenty to stay interested and occupied with while he recuperated and the long-term need to make sure Finch never left once recovered.” (182)
“Benedict’s gaze skidded down to Finch’s bare legs, then the bunch of jersey cotton at his groin, and shot up again. ‘I’m very glad to hear Finch is well on his way to recovery. Thank you, Doctor Kim.'” (195)
“Despite letting Benedict infiltrate his defenses and better sense, he wouldn’t abandon all reason and do something like snuggle into Benedict’s warmth or flutter his lashes because he had it on good authority they were long, or kiss Benedict first, for a change.” (201)
“He loosened his grip so he could haul Finch into his arms and kiss Finch senseless.” (225)
“Your ears are adorable. As are your freckles, and the light in your eyes when you talk about something dorky historical, and the bit of hair that sticks up in the back. You rescue animals and don’t mind their fur on your clothes. You treat Crestmoor with respect but not awe. You’re brave and practical, and I’ve decided Crestmoor is where you wound up despite everything, because it’s where you belong. And I’d be miserable forever if you left, so I’m glad you stayed until I could figure out how to never let you go.” (237)
