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daniellesalwaysreading's review
3.0
I liked this one more than I usually like contemporary romances.
wisecraic's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kaje_harper's review
4.0
This story begins with Hunter, who is an ex-security contractor trying to retire, playing white knight to a young gay rent-boy he sees being targeted. Hunter scoops Christian up out of harm's way and takes him along on a drive to his northern-BC cabin in the woods. Unfortunately, on arriving there, Christian informs Hunter that he's a heroin addict, and the next stretch of time is likely to be unpleasant, unless Hunter can pull off a miracle. One of the things I really liked about this book was that he didn't. He talked to a doctor friend, got all the supplies he could come by, and basically Christian had to go through what he went through. No miracles, just time and life and two strong men.
Christian's problems as a recovering addict were well done, and didn't disappear later in the book, which I really appreciated. Although there is insta-lust at the beginning, the love that Hunter comes to feel for the young man in his care happens slowly and believably, even for a man who previously identified as straight. And I was very impressed by the way the situation came to a head - a perfect gut-punch that was believable for both men. That first part was an easy 5 stars for me.
The story jumps ahead in time, and I had more issues with the next part. What had been mainly a contemporary book about two men facing life changes and the tough issues of addiction and their pasts, became a thriller. The relationship was still heart and center of it, but the pressures on that relationship became more melodramatic, and I missed the real-world intensity of the earlier low-key drama.
I also had a real problem with a critical plot point. The climax is exciting and emotional, and unlikely, but I did love the relationship parts of it. The action didn't work for me, but the guys definitely did. There was also a nice mix of female secondary characters, always a positive thing. So all round a 4-star book, but one that will be a reread.
Christian's problems as a recovering addict were well done, and didn't disappear later in the book, which I really appreciated. Although there is insta-lust at the beginning, the love that Hunter comes to feel for the young man in his care happens slowly and believably, even for a man who previously identified as straight. And I was very impressed by the way the situation came to a head - a perfect gut-punch that was believable for both men. That first part was an easy 5 stars for me.
The story jumps ahead in time, and I had more issues with the next part. What had been mainly a contemporary book about two men facing life changes and the tough issues of addiction and their pasts, became a thriller. The relationship was still heart and center of it, but the pressures on that relationship became more melodramatic, and I missed the real-world intensity of the earlier low-key drama.
I also had a real problem with a critical plot point.
Spoiler
I could see no real reason why the corporation would put Christian through training. They could have used him just as effectively by offering some more mundane post. He'd have been just as available, and easier to control. Why give those skills to a tool of that type? Why let him potentially make friends or allies, like Bob? It seemed done only to make the final drama seem possible.
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