Soothing Your Heart...

Meet Andrew, a 38-year-old Clinical Psychology professor, and Kevin, a 34-year-old Finance lecturer with a harrowing past. Kevin's battle with PTSD takes an unexpected turn when he experiences a chilling flashback among his faculty colleagues. Andrew, overseeing graduate students at a Veterans Administration hospital, finds himself drawn to Kevin's struggle. As these two lives intertwine, a powerful narrative unfolds—a tale of ethical dilemmas, forbidden desire, and the pursuit of tranquility. Can they find solace amidst the chaos of their personal demons?

In the heart-wrenching aftermath of a deadly shootout in Afghanistan, Kevin's world crumbled as he lost his beloved. Left emotionally scarred and haunted by the cacophony of Manhattan, he retreated to the safety of his father's investment firm in New York, a hollow shell of his former self. A compassionate colleague proposed an escape—a journey that led him to the tranquil landscapes of rural Colorado and then to the academic corridors of the University of Minnesota, ultimately landing him in the serene embrace of a teaching position in rural Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Andrew, a guardian of hope in the form of supervising PTSD self-help clinics at the Veterans Health Administration hospital near the University of Massachusetts, crosses paths with Kevin at the Faculty Club. As Andrew extends a hand of friendship, he grapples with the ethical dilemma of maintaining professional distance, all the while wrestling with his undeniable attraction. In the midst of their unfolding connection, Kevin's harrowing tales from Afghanistan resurface, shedding light on the agony of officers who have to send some of their soldiers home in body bags. This revelation triggers Andrew's own painful memories of a former patient's suicide—a patient he hadn't fully comprehended was at risk. As their paths converge, both men confront the myriad traumas that have defined their lives, gradually discovering the ways they fill each other's unspoken needs. Their encounters with each other's families and friends further solidify their bond, leading them to the profound realization that they have found their soulmates. For Kevin, Andrew becomes one of the sturdy oak pilings that supported the walls of his trenches in Afghanistan, just as other pilings had held docks at a marina firm during his college sailing days on the Potomac. They find solace amidst the gentle waters of Lake George, then rolling on the very dock where Andrew's father had anchored their boat to the steadfast oak pilings there. In each other's arms, they finally find their long-sought safe harbor, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Soothing Your Heart… has unlocked mine is the first book in a six-book series exploring the personal growth of men past their mid-twenties who have various connections to a large rural university.

Zachary Greene's journey began as a college professor, and his writer's soul has forever carried an academic curiosity. He's delved deeply into the intricate web of human relationships, particularly among men past their mid-twenties and involving the dynamic landscape of university faculties. These multi-generational organizations not only shape careers but also foster personal growth, a facet that Zachary finds endlessly fascinating. Beyond the ivory towers, Zachary transitioned into a role as a Primary Care physician at the Veterans Health Administration, where he expanded his insights into the lives of men. From mentoring students to interacting with veterans, he gained a broader perspective on the struggles of individual men as well as the complex interpersonal dynamics that define their journeys. It's these rich experiences that form the very essence of Zachary Greene's compelling writing. Join him on a literary exploration of men's intricate lives, where academia meets the world of personal growth, and the profound stories of individuals unfold.