Review: mmmmhmmmm...judge this book by it's cover
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 20, 2012
Right up front, I'm going to tell you that the awesome cover of this book drew me in. I'm so glad I have a Kindle Fire now because I can look at it in color and boy, do I love looking at it! Then I read the synopsis and I knew it was something I had to read and I'm so glad I did. Mia Downing is a new to me author and I very much enjoyed Ripped.Erik Clarke and Gavin White have been friends since pre-school (yep, pre-school). Erik has been in love with Gavin for years but it's been one sided. While they've remained friends and Gavin has always been something of a protector for Erik that's all they've been until a month ago. That's when Erik kissed Gavin and Gavin sent him away.For such a short story I'm pretty amazed at how much we learn about Erik and Gavin and their past lives. Mia does a great job making sure that we fully understand where these men have come from and where they are going and for that I'm truly grateful.Erik is somewhat of a computer nerd. He's known he was gay for most of his life; he came out in high school, has had some relationships, and has a very supportive family. While he's been in love with Gavin for years, he knows it's one-sided and so he's decided to make some changes in his life.Gavin is one seriously messed up guy. He's a recovering addict (alcohol and drugs), he was abused by this father as a child, he's used sex as a coping mechanism, and he still blames himself for his sister's death.Gavin confesses to Erik that he's been leading a double life of sorts and while this shocks Erik, it also excites him. However, Gavin feels Erik is too good for him so it takes some heavy duty convincing on Erik's part to prove otherwise. They embark on a physical relationship with some BDSM elements much to Erik's surprise. While Erik is sure of what he wants, Gavin is still hesitant. A near death experience really makes Gavin sit back and realize what he needs to do.I was drawn to both of these characters from the start. Erik because of his maturity and how level headed he is. I also love that he just tells it like it is, he doesn't mince words or try to pretty things up. Gavin is one of those people I just want to bring home and take care of. He sees himself unworthy of love or people's time and that just saddens me. He doesn't see the protector that he's always been, the friend, the knight in shining armor. It was touching to read how they each saw the other and how their lives have been connected for so long.This is truly a story of best friends realizing they want more from each other and finding a way to make that happen. It's also a story about how verbal abuse can sometimes do more damage than physical abuse. Mostly though it's a story about hope and healing and the fact that through acceptance, love will find a way.Review copy provided for an honest review.