Review: Charm and angst
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 19, 2014
Please see my full 4.5 smooches review on the Smoocher's Voice Blog.In book three of the Lyon Vet series, Hazel Takes Over, readers meet Dan and Jesse. Evan and Peter, Jesse’s neighbors, are surprised to discover that Jesse has a boyfriend.Dan reveals that he and Jesse have been together for six years. However, because of Jesse’s top secret job, which involves a lot of traveling, the two men have spent about half of that time away from each other. Jesse’s cryptic job involves secret undercover work for an undisclosed government law enforcement agency. Jesse is not allowed to talk about his job. He never knows when leaves for an assignment, when he will be returning. And that creates a lot of stress and tension for both men.Dan has reached his breaking point at the beginning of Stormin’ Norman. He loves Jesse, but he cannot handle being abandoned again. He knows Jesse’s job comes first, but this time it is different because Jesse promised he would retire and not leave again. Dan uprooted his life to move closer to Jesse, but their relationship is at a standstill, and Jesse is leaving, again.The Lyon Vet series consists of four stories that explore the relationships of six men who are in various stages of their relationship. In this last book of the series, Sue Brown explores what appears to be the end of an established relationship. Despite the reader’s initial impressions of Jesse and Dan, these men really do love each other. It is the unconditional part of their relationship that they cannot reconcile though. Dan wants to settle down with Jesse, and Jesse, who loves Dan in his own way, cannot commit to settling down.Dan no longer trusts Jesse, and the men seem to have some serious communication issues. Although Dan and Jesse are both likeable characters, their actions are not very likeable. Both men are unsettled and in emotional pain. Although readers may take issue with both Dan’s and Jesse’s actions, Brown does a great job letting the reader see the motivation for those actions.Unfortunately it takes the two men going their different ways to understand how deep their feelings really run. When Jesse finally realizes what he has given up and wants another chance to fix things, Dan is out of patience and trust.Brown does a wonderful job developing these characters throughout the series. Dan and Jesse have many faults, and that touch of realism is why the Lyon Vet series, especially this fourth book, is so engaging. Stormin’ Norman is not filled with a lot of action, but it does explore another side of romance often not seen. Brown’s writing style is engaging and not overly dramatic or elaborate, which gives this story a dose of charm despite the angst. The ending of the story is perfect and the epilogue connects the final puzzle piece for the story.