Review: I liked it despite myself
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 16, 2012
I didn't believe the author would be able to sell me this story, so I honestly read against it.Lincoln is released from jail after 6 months in for causing a mortal accident where a young woman died. He meets a fascinating guy, Jay, who seems to get and share his sadness, they have sex in an alley, but Jay is the widower.There are so many obstacles in their relationship: guilt, addiction, coming-out, threats, revenge. For me it was easier to sympathize with Jay. He is the one who lost his wife and the forgiveness was his to give, therefore I didn't question his decision. Grieving is such a personal experience that I don't want to judge a character or person for it. Jay is basically a very good, decent young man who tries to keep his wife alive living by her principles and her example. It was more difficult to connect with Lincoln, because honestly I don't know how he was able to be with Jay without being paralyzed by guilt. The sexual attraction he embraces seemed a convenient mask he wore. Nevertheless I feel the author did everything right in the way she developed the relationship between Lincoln and Jay, even in the progressing stages of their intimacy.I was not enthusiast of the mystery subplot of whom was sending threats to Lincoln and messing with his family. ***spoiler***Especially the very end with the double perpetrators and one of the family member going postal.***spoiler*** I also think that part of Jay's actions was not very logical, it seemed it served the plot. Some parts were also a bit repetitive.It is a story of forgiveness and second chances and I really liked the author's writing. My rating is 3.5* bumped up to 4* because I liked it despite not wanting too.I don't know if it was the formatting or a choice, but there was no space break marking where the point of view changed from Jay to Lincoln. It forced me to go back and re-read a few times.