This story has a very “real” feel to it, and an extremely “real” message behind it: do not take your life for granted, and never assume your lover will understand or accept your priorities and decisions. One of the things that fascinated me about this book was the difference between Evan’s point of view (not to mention his lack of readiness to change it even the tiniest bit) and Colin’s opposing opinion which, to most people, seemed the more rational of the two. Yet every time I got to see things from Evan’s point of view, he seemed as rational as Colin.

Evan is a photo journalist who is stubborn, tends to shy away from confrontation, and is loyal to a fault. He follows his nose until the story is written, but because he cannot give up, he also puts himself into danger professionally. He is so focused on his job that there is almost no time left for a personal life, and Colin is one of the few partners who accepts that. When Evan finally manages to officially break things off with his girlfriend (whom he hasn’t been close to in a long time – he just didn’t want to face her), the relief of being with Colin is palpable. They are truly right for each other. The description of Evan’s time in captivity during his kidnapping in Pakistan is awful, his recovery is long and painful – and then he goes back to another dangerous assignment? I was yelling at him not to be so stupid. He is one of those people who think they are invincible – even though the episode in Pakistan should have taught him better.

Colin is an amazing man who clearly loves Evan more than his own life (or sanity). The way he takes care of Evan and helps him recover marks him for sainthood, as far as I am concerned. At the same time, he also enables Evan to continue with his (sorry) idiotic pursuit of covering “just one more story”. Yes, he may have gone on this last assignment for the money and so he never has to go back – but to Colin (and a large part of me) those are all excuses.

This is a great book, with characters that have a lot of struggling to do before they can find a balance. Evan’s growth is significant, and, unfortunately, comes with a lot of pain. I liked the realism of the story, the depth of the emotions both Evan and Colin go through, and the fact that it wasn’t easy for them to figure out how to make it work. If you like struggling, flawed characters, men who know what they want but have to accept that their goals may need to change, and if you want to follow them as they battle it out both inside and outside the bedroom, you will probably like this novel.



NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )

I really wanted to love this book, but it just dragged on a bit too long for me, and I always think the character who gets burned forgives a bit too easily, and this story was no exception. ( )

I really wanted to love this book, but it just dragged on a bit too long for me, and I always think the character who gets burned forgives a bit too easily, and this story was no exception. ( )

Bloody Brillant. Highly recommend. ( )

Hm... I like the writing and the start was very strong.

But what I disliked right away: How the (ex-) girlfriend is the homophobic, mean bitch from hell.
And how the impending doom of the journey to Pakistan is so clearly outlined, it takes away all the suspense.
And then the real desaster seemed quite anticlimactic. Maybe it's only me, but the whole kidnapping part was - well, kind of boring. Not that I expected or wanted blood and gore, but it somehow was much milder than expected and it didn't touch me much. I was bored although this part was not very long.

What I also disliked was the near constant weeping, sobbing and crying. I am the last person to begrudge someone a good crying fit and I also think men have the same right to tears without loosing masculinity points, BUT, it was just too much. It felt as if the protag was constantly either just drying his tears, or starting to cry. That also diminished the impact of his supposed pain for me.

I think my main problem with the book was, that I didn't warm to the 1st person narrator. I felt detached and wasn't overly interested in him. I also felt that there a lot to be desired in the story and the plot (e.g. why not start a therapy instead of taking pills that ruin your life? Why is there no other journalist to do the second trip? Why so hesistant to break up with a girl that you don't love and who cheated on you? and so on...)

When he went to Jordan after what had happened the last time he travelled into a hostile, unstable country, I also lost any interest in a HEA with his boyfriend. My only feeling was "serves you right" when the protag was all miserable (including some heavy crying) because his boyfriend didn't accept his decision and left him.
And then an all-knowing elderly neighbour shared some wisdom with the clueless hero and voila HEA (I don't like this plot instrument much, as I find it quite unbelievable that people would discuss their most private feelings with strangers, but hey that's probably just me). And I would have liked the boyfriend better if he stuck with his decision to kick the egoistical and whiny protag to the curb. But so, the protag groveled a bit, offers marriage and all was great again in time for a sappy end.
( )