Review: Fantastic Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2011
If you're looking for a heart-wrenching read that has you reaching for the Kleenex this story is for you.Author Amy Lane outdid herself with Talker's Redemption. This is the follow up to the first book in the series Talker, which takes place six months later. This story is told from Talker aka Tate's point of view.We learned from the first story that Talker is emotionally and physically scarred from a terrible past and this story picks up where the last story left off. Here we see what happens after the happy ever after. The story starts with Talker at a therapy session with his boyfriend, Brian. Talker was the victim up date rape six months prior and he is in denial over what happened to him. He can't even admit to himself that he was raped. Talker's like most rape victims, he believes it is his fault for what happened and feels he can't say he was raped because he choose to go out with his attacker.Talker is a hyperactive kind of guy always jumping from thought to thought and quick to react to situation in order to hide what he is feeling. When talking with Dr. Sutherland he will only refer to that night as the worst date ever and shrugs it off like it was no big deal. It's frustrating because as you read you get a look into the internal struggle Talker is going through and how damaged he is. He puts out this persona that everything is fine and he doesn't see the hurt and pain everyone around him is going through.Talker doesn't see the strain his denial is putting on his boyfriend Brian. Brian has been there for Talker in the aftermath of the rape and sees the hurt and pain he is going through. Brian is Talker's shoulder to lean on and protector. Brian's character is kind of dry in that he doesn't say a lot or show emotion often, but when he does its explosive.The vengeance Brian took against Talker's attacker six months ago comes back to haunt them both when Talker's attacker comes seeking retribution against Brian for the beating he gave him six months ago and Brian ends up in the hospital. This puts into motion Talker having to come to terms with what happened to him in order to protect Brian. Brian is Talker's only family so he will do anything to keep him safe. Until Brian came along Talker didn't know what it was like to be loved. You find yourself rooting for this couple to make it and overcome this terrible act of violence. This may sound corny but the way it's written you can feel the love these characters share for one another and you want them to have their happy ever after beyond this terrible time in their lives.The writing in this story was excellent. You get a glimpse into what a rape victim is feeling and goes through. This book does make reference to Talker's rape. It is not described in graphic detail but it is discussed. I felt myself getting angry for Talker. He's a sweet, kind and friendly soul who has been dealt a raw deal throughout his life. You can relate to him because like everyone else he is just looking to be accepted and find love.What I didn't like about this book is the jumping around with current and flashback scenes. It got a little confusing to me at times and I struggled to figure out what was going on. The story is a fast read so if you read it in one sitting you shouldn't have a problem following along.What I loved about this book is that you get to see a person pushed down by life over and over again overcome their demons and come out stronger in the end. I also like that in this book it wasn't plagued with unnecessary sex scenes. There was only one sex scene in the book between Talker and Brian. It was beautifully written and that was all that was needed; anymore would have taken away from the love story between these two characters. So if you're looking for a lot of hot, kinky sex you will not find it in this book. This a story of good overcoming the bad and the love and respect shared between the two main characters.Overall I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it. If you're looking for a heartwarming read this is the book for you. It is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone but if you want a better understanding of the characters and to see what led them to where they are now, you should check out Talker.Originally Posted at Whipped Cream Reviews