A review by evethingiread
Aftermath by L.A. Witt

4.0

I just finished book 5 of the Vino & Veritas series by L.A. Witt, titled "Aftermath." The story revolves around Brent and Jon, who meet during a chance encounter at the Vino bar. Brent, a hockey player recovering from a car accident, is grappling with chronic pain and family expectations. Jon, a divorced bisexual man in his 40s, offers comfort and understanding as a massage therapist.

This book stands out in the series as it's longer and delves into heavier themes, focusing on disability, expectations, and insecurities. Witt's exploration of hurt and comfort is evident, but at times, it leans a bit heavily on the hurt, making the push and pull frustrating. The characters decide on a friends-with-benefits arrangement, but soon realize they are way more than that.

Despite feeling a bit on edge and missing a sense of safety, the poignant and beautiful narrative earns it a four-star rating. The depth of the story, especially the scenes involving dog adoption, adds a unique layer to the series. It's the heaviest and most profound story in Vino & Veritas so far, and though it felt intense, I found myself unable to put it down, spending the whole day immersed in the journey of these two men figuring out their lives individually and together.