Review: easily read Stand Alone - Loved Carter and Rock
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 26, 2014
I read this book without reading book 1 - 4 so no worries jump right in!Bonds of Denial tells the story of ex-miltary man Rockford “Rock” Fielding and Carter Montgomery, a male escort. Books about escorts don’t always work for me but this one did; I truly enjoyed Rock and Carter’s journey to happy!The first meeting between Rock and Carter instantly pulled me into this story. It is clear that Rock is not comfortable in his own skin and Carter’s desire to help with that kept me wanting more.  My heart broke for Rock and his inability to accept himself.I truly loved the author’s portrayal of Rock’s struggle early on in the book and I adored how Ms. Aicher emphasized to the reader how this developing relationship was different for Carter (and I love the very quick departure from client to dating).As things developed, I really did love Carter making it clear that this was different for him, as I said I don’t always love escort books and I think this piece was so critical.  When the reader is dealing with a character who has sex for money, I feel it is imperative that the author show how this relationship and then how this physical contact is deeper.  Ms. Aicher did that in spades, Carter says it, Carter shows it, sometimes Carter even regresses as he feels unworthy of Rock.  And the author also emphasizes this with the use of a secondary character Tyler, a former escort as well, who is a friend to both Rock and Carter. Tyler truly added to this story.Carter questioning himself was so well done, watching what at first appears to be a confident man, to one questioning himself, to one questioning his place in the world, to one questioning the connection he is building with Rock all felt so true to the character, and had me wanting Carter to embrace the happy before him.As a reader, I think it is easy to see that at some point Carter’s “profession” will affect the deepening and growing relationship these two men have; I have to say I loved how this was handled, it felt true to the men, and was truly powerful.The use of Carter’s “hobby” for the book's resolution and Rock’s acceptance of himself was beautiful! The reader is painted some mental images of Rock that are haunting and the use of them is something I hope bleeds into real life one day (it makes sense when you read the book).  And it made for an end that left me smiling from ear to ear.  I know these two men have found a happy that works for them, one that has them together and each with a career that completes them.