Review: A love story of two strong, sympathetic and sexy characters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2014
I purchased the book as my first read by this much-published author. Clare London’s Compulsion is a Male/Male romantic mystery/suspense that portrays two strong, sympathetic and sexy characters.After the wanton murder of a friend, Max Newman returns to his home in Brighton determined to leave behind his hedonistic past of self-indulgence, substance abuse, sexual indiscretion and criminal pursuits. Max encounters Severino Nunez, the flamboyant, gay son of the Medina family and the new manager of the nightclub, Compulsion.Max knows, firsthand; the family’s Medina Group owns a network of nightclubs that are involved in drugs and money laundering and knows the group’s responsibility for his friend’s death. Severino’s animalistic charisma draws Max into a torrid sexual relationship and one that places Max and Severino in grave danger from the corrupt elements within the Medina Group. The question is whether their love can withstand the powerful criminal organization.Max and Severino’s love story is a concerto that begins simply, gathering complexity as it progresses. The skillfully written story makes Max entirely believable and lovable, and leaves the reader believing Max is speaking only to the reader.Equally strong characters populate the novel:Jack Wallis, a forensic scientist, and his partner, Louis Barrington, a male dancer and aspiring  attorney are Max’s closest friends. They encourage Max’s goal of leaving behind his sordid past and caution against a relationship with Severino.Peck, a despicable individual, murders Stuart, Max’s friend. Peck and his cronies attack Max, to scare Max away from Severino to protect the Medina Group’s criminal activity.As a male/male book, it has sex scenes: four lengthy ones at various locales and many eluded ones. The longer scenes, although graphic, explore emotional responses and not animalistic rutting.Memorable Quotes:“To hide… that’s what it was you know... and I ran back here with my tail between my legs.”“He moved with the restrained energy of a wild cat, like something feral. Something predatory.”“I know you, Max. The way you act around him; it’s like you’ve dived straight in the deep end and to hell with the lifeguards.”With no major formatting or editorial problems, the story is a very captivating one and a very enjoyable read. I award the novel five stars and highly recommend it.