Redemption

Luis Pope is back on the street after a six-year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons. Paolo's temper makes it hard for him to keep staff, and he knows Luis's reputation all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn't the tough guy Paolo remembers.

Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can't fix the scar on Luis's skull, or keep his ghosts locked up. Luis is the best worker Paolo's ever had, and happier than he's ever been — but his old life doesn't want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can't refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.

Redemption is an angsty, standalone-feel MM romance built on second chances, found family, and friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort. It is the first book in the Darkest Skies series.