Review: More romantic than I was expecting
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 28, 2013
I was expecting hard rock and I got alternative rock instead. I like both. It's nice when an author can sound herself and different at the same time.First of all, the writing. It's less clipped, more narrating than the previous books I've read. It fits the story. The pacing wasn't always balanced, but everything is overall solid.The story is intense, but not as violent as I was expecting, even if these guys are pretty strong. But not in a general badass way. They're soldiers, military men, proud of their profession, but in a very normal way. The author was able to give us men who felt real, even when they were showing their more affectionate side. Col is the older one, closeted, divorced and recently demoted for drunk driving. Chris is the younger one, the recruit, openly gay and extremely gifted, a rising star. There is no instant declaraction of love, but the attraction is so so strong, and month after month it becomes something deeper. They are both afraid of losing each other: Col thinks Chris will realize he can find someone better; Chris thinks Col will get tired of a younger guy. The age gap gives their relationship a sort of father/son shine, that Col dreads, while maybe treating Chris in a paternalistic way. What is great is that in their differences and insecurities they push each other to be better, for themselves and for their lover.There are no fireworks or explosions. The action is left on the background. It's simply the story of two men who find and want each other. That is, Romance. Yes, capital R.