Review: Next Installment in a Wonderful Series
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 20, 2013
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.I've enjoyed Tara Lain's writing since the first book came out on my Kindle, appreciating the gentle courage of her characters as they work their way through love's mysteries. And, yeah, I was jealous of the supportive families. The Balls to the Walls stories, set in lovely Laguna Beach, have been a bit grittier, increasingly addressing some of the dark side of LGBT lives. Prejudices, small minds, and personal fears make this series more relevant while retaining the fantasy element of being set in one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.For characters, we find Jerry taking center stage. Jerry is the quintessential California dude, surfer boy, model for Roman's wonderful paintings. Jerry skimmed through life, seeing his learning disabilities as him being stupid, especially in comparison to the brilliant, talented people around him. It's only when he discovers a passion for firefighting that he steps out of his comfort zone and challenges his own preconceptions.When I started this book, and it became apparent who was going to be the love interest I have to admit to yelling at my Kindle. Mick? Really? The raging homophobe who was willing to use violence to prove his superiority? Obviously having trouble dealing with his issues but it was going to take something extraordinary for me to accept him as good enough for Jerry.Oh. I see. THAT'S why he is the way he is. Wow, talk about facing prejudices head on and delving into the ugliness of narrow minds. Tara's taking this fight to the source and bringing a new level of reality to these wonderful stories, without losing the romance fantasy elements. How many seriously hot guys can actually live in Laguna Beach? Maybe I'll just have to go back for a visit and find out for myself. No calories in eye candy.