Review: Angsty, tense
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 18, 2013
Audible, by Dawn Kimberly Johnson, is a wonderfully angsty, intense short story which offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional American footballSuccessful quarterback Talbot Wojewódka is back in his hometown of Hawkestone, spinning out the remaining years of his career. What he wasn't expecting is to run into his ex lover Powell Perdue. Talbot and Powell split up years ago because Talbot wanted to remain in the closet, it was easier to pursue a career in professional football as a straight man. Talbot convinced himself it would only be until he was established and successful, that eventually the need for secrecy would be behind him, but he's still not there yet, just as deeply closeted now as he was back then.Powell tried to move on after Talbot broke his Heart, but after a failed relationship he is also back in Hawkestone, as a cameraman for the local news station, KJOC-TVWhat happens when the two men meet? Can they put the past behind them and risk their hearts on a second chance of happiness.I loved the start of this book, with the action packed and tense sinkhole scene, it immediately grabbed me and got the adrenalin rushing, creating a nice contrast to our first glimpse of Talbot, reflectively contemplating his move back to Hawkestone, realising he's not where the thought he would be by now, still closeted, hiding who he is, which is a bjt awkward as Millicent Hawkestone, daughter of the Raptors owner Gingham, has him directly in her sights.Seeing Talbot on the field stirs up all sorts of feelings for Powell and I liked the way the reason for their split unfolded, told in a very matter of fact manner when both Powell and Talbot, in separate scenes, relive the moments that led to Powell walking away. I really liked Powell, I don't often have a favourite character but I did in this book. Powell is funny, witty, intelligent and confident. Talbot, on the other hand was much more difficult to understand, conflicted, moody and demoralised, he wants his career, and Powell, who he never really go over, but he doesn't know how to have it all and he's not yet ready to choose. The residual animosity still simmering between both main characters comes over so well I was worried how the author would reconcile the two men, and while I won't go into specifics the ending is quietly satisfying.The story is told from alternate POVs which works really well and its also full of great richly detailed secondary characters, the Hawkestone heir twins Millicent, who has the hots for Talbot, and her brother Melvin, who immediately recognises Talbot's secret, one he shares himself. Their mother Etta Hawkestone, owner of the news station and ex wife of Gingham. Rancid, the other new Hawkestone player, who becomes a friend and supporter of Talbot, even down to Coco Cline, Powell's reporter at KJOC-TVAs a Brit I know nothing about American football so I found everything written about the game fascinating, and as a Brit it seemed very well researched. My only gripe with the story is that I do think it should have been longer. Talbot and Powell take a long time getting where they are on the sane page, but even saying that anyone who loves angsty, tense ridden second chance stories should really enjoy Audible.Review originally appears at Mrs Condit & Frends Read Books