Review: A touching story with compelling characters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
I greatly enjoyed this latest "Love Means..." story from Andrew Grey. There were two very interesting and intense characters in a unique situation. Cody is a PTSD-suffering ex-marine who has been in a delusional state for the past couple years after being dishonorably discharged from the Marines because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. When he tries to steal some food from Geoff and Eli's farm, he's injured, arrested, and brought to a hospital. It's then that Eli convinces their neighbor, Brick, to have a talk to Cody and try to bring him back to reality. You see, Brick was also previously discharged under DADT, and still fights PTSD. He doesn't believe for a second that he can help Cody, but agrees because he respects and admires Eli so much. It's then that the two men realize that they're the best medicine for each other.Brick is a tough, seasoned ex-Marine. He's supposed to still suffer from PTSD, and my only complaint would be that it isn't as apparent as it could be in this novel. But that's a minor quibbling as Cody suffers enough for the two of them. At a loud noise, he's prone to drop to the ground warning those around him to take shelter because they're under fire. If too many people are around, he's prone to flash back to being in a Baghdad market. Basically, he's a mess. It's from his desire to help Cody that Brick manages to not only open his heart to the feelings Cody generates in him, but find the patience to deal with the issues the man he is coming to love suffers from.It's an interesting story with well-written characters. The pacing is good, and the plot speeds along to a satisfying conclusion. I find it one of my more favorite Love Means... tales.