Review: A charming romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 27, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.I wasn't sure what to expect with "True Nature" by Jessica Freely, and I was pleased to discover that the book was a charming slow-building romance.  Ms. Freely uses a good deal of nature humor with her word choices, and astute readers will be able to guess the backgrounds of secondary characters based on their names.The two main characters are Lake Clearwater (a naiad) and Forrest Oakwood (a dryad).  They live a large portion of their daily lives as conservation officers for the Department of Natural Resources, but they each have a secret deeper connection with nature.  Both men are Guardians of Gem Pond with responsibilities to protect the natural habitat from destruction and harm.  One of the major twists in the story, however, is that each man is hesitant to tell the other that they are Guardians.  Another significant element of the story is that Lake and Forrest are both gay and attracted to each other, but they try to keep their feelings contained out of professional respect for one another.  I enjoyed the opportunity to see Lake and Forrest slowly reveal their strengths and get to know each other, which helped make their romance seem more true-to-life amidst the supernatural aspects to the story.The pressures of a past tragedy weighs on Lake, who wants this Guardianship to be more successful than one he held several years ago.  Forrest has lived at Gem Pond for his entire life, and he feels responsibility towards his neighbors and home.  As another DNR officer begins to threaten Gem Pond, Lake and Forrest rise to the challenge and work together to save their home, falling in love at the same time.I look forward to reading more by Jessica Freely.  I recommend "True Nature."