Review: True love ruled...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 2, 2014
I received a copy of this book via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love Program in exchange for an honest review.Set in 1984, this book recounts the travels and heartache of Alejo Sandoval and Bobby Gallegos, longtime friends and lovers as they hunt down Alejo's missing cousin, Martin. Like Alejo and Bobby, Martin is gay, but he's several years older, twenties, not 18 like the boys. Spurred on by Alejo's mother and aunt, Alejo and Bobby, scour Martin's small New Mexico hometown. It's clear their help is not welcome by Alejo's uncle, Sheriff Joe. Seems like Joe knew about his son's sexuality, and did the best he could to hurt him--without direct contact.  A few inquiries land the boys on the trail of a missing artist, Rafael. Upon questioning Rafael's family, they learn good old Sheriff Joe had a talk with Rafael's dad and brothers--a talk that ended with Rafael beaten senseless, and Martin driving them both from the tiny town.To not divulge the rest, I'll say that Alejo and Bobby track down Rafael, and Martin's long gone. There are really wack occurrences along this manhunt, but the one thing that stays constant is the boys' love for each other. Two homosexual Hispanic males in the early 80's? That's a freaking death sentence. And yet the boys out themselves--to disastrous results.In the end Martin is located, and there are very hard truths that both boys learn and accept. Bobby's family was always a train wreck, but Alejo's family crumbles just as he starts to get a handle on his love for Bobby. Can he make it through the guilt? And, what about his desire for a family? Will his love for Bobby sustain him through the constant daily battle for a modicum of acceptance?The book is a fantastic read, with whole heart emotion and just a fair smattering of smexytimes.