Review: HOT
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 23, 2012
When Eric Randall and Shane Connelly meet in a gay bar in Okinawa, they both know the other is military but they have no idea one is enlisted and one is an officer. They meet, it's explosive and they immediately fall in lust and in bed. OMG, these two will set your e-reader on fire! Once Eric finds out Shane is an officer he freaks, but Shane who has spent time in Okinawa before convinces him they can enjoy the island and each other if they are discreet. They both know it's a risk but their unbelievable chemistry keeps them reaching out to one another.Both of these characters just jumped off the page and grabbed me. Both had been married and both have children. Eric has a 16 year old daughter from a high school relationship. He's extremely close to her (and his ex-wife) and he's not happy being away from her for so long. Shane has 7 year old twins, a boy and a girl. His ex-wife cheated on him when he was in Afghanistan. They do not have a good relationship and he rarely sees his children. He only gets to talk with them when they are with his parents. There are so many aspects of this book that made me fall in love with these two men. They have a lot of shared interests with each other (and me); they enjoy history, photography, snorkeling, hiking, wine, and video games. Perfect men, IMHO unfortunately they only have eyes for each other! I cracked up at their Canon versus Nikon debate, laugh out loud funny! The fact that they explored this island was huge to me; so many times people go someplace and never really see it. They are just truly likeable characters. They work hard, play even harder, and are devoted to their careers, their children, and each other. When Eric's daughter, Marie, comes to visit she and Shane hit is off immediately. The three of them spend a lot of time together but when Marie basically tells her Dad she can see why he loves Shane, it throws Eric for a loop. Both men are invested in each other but neither is willing to admit the depth of their feelings.When Shane is involved with an altercation and Eric (who is an MP) is called into investigate, he knows it's going to be bad. What follows drove me to tears and such a feeling of helplessness. My heart hurt for these two men, yes this is such a well written story that I was emotionally invested in their lives. I have to admire Eric for the decision he made despite how hard it was. Both Eric and Shane struggle to make sense of their feelings towards each other and their impossible situation making this a remarkable story.L.A. Witt is an amazing author who writes characters with such depth and emotion that they feel real. Conduct Unbecoming left me with such hope, optimism, and faith that no matter how insurmountable the problem, love will conquer all!Review copy provided for an honest review.