Far from the Hemlock Tree: A Coming-of-Age Story

By Aubrey DeLacette

Except from the chapter, TemptressVoice: LezaInstead of following instructions, Skyler walked to the chair and sat down.
"Can you tell me what's happening here?" he asked softly.
I couldn't help but laugh. "You're so innocent. Do I have to explain everything?" ...
"Must you spoil the mood? Where's your sense of adventure?
Do you always have to be in control? What happened to spontaneity?"
"This is all happening fast," he said, ...
"Skyler," I said softly, "try living in the moment." He sighed, clearly uncertain.
"If you must know, tomorrow morning, I'm making you pancakes," I added lightly.
"With real butter and warm, pure maple syrup." ...
"Should we... I mean, we're friends," he stammered, clearly trying to find his footing.
"We work together."
"Skyler," I said, leaning closer, "from day one, I've seen the way you watch me. ... Am I wrong?"

Skyler is drifting, 'Far from the Hemlock Tree' under which he held hands with his soulmate Chelsea, a sexual trauma survivor. While reconnecting with Megan, an unaffectedly open and lovely colleague, Skyler is captivated by Leza, the executive assistant, an aspiring, sensual, manipulative vixen. Each young women embodies Skyler's conflicting values, passions, and desires.

Does Chelsea reemerge from the dark shadows of grief and loss? Will Skyler choose his colleague Megan, the authentic, wholesome 'girl next door'. Or will Skyler continue to surrender to the domineering seductive Leza and spiral downward into self-destruction?

TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains themes and/or descriptions of ABUSE, CHILDHOOD TRAUMA, DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES & RELATIONSHIPS, MENTAL ILLNESS, NONTRADITIONAL GENDER RELATIONSHIPS, RELIGION, and SEXUAL VIOLENCE. If you are sensitive to this subject matter, please consider other content.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GRCYMHDC
• ISBN13: 9798250641593
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 178 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"