Title: Hearts & Bones
Series: Always, Book 2
Author: M.L. Rhodes
Genre: Romantic Suspense, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Published: 2008 by Amber Allure
For years Will McClaren and Ethan Gallagher hid their deepest desires from one another, each thinking the other was straight, both of them too afraid of shattering their friendship to admit their real feelings. Then, in a vulnerable moment, they discovered the truth and gave themselves over to an explosive passion that would forever alter their relationship. But after only one night together, Ethan’s secret life interfered and the two were torn apart for three long years. When at last Ethan returned, the two men had to overcome years of deceptions and tragic truths in order to heal their friendship and find the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.
But now, only a few weeks later, their hard-won peace and contentment is put to the test. Someone from Ethan’s dark and dangerous past has returned to settle a vindictive score, luring Will and Ethan into a deadly game. When Will’s caught in the crossfire and his very life is at stake, will Ethan be strong enough to overcome his debilitating fears and face down his old enemy? Or will this shadow from his past destroy the one man he’s ever loved?
Reviewed By: J9
In a Nutshell: This was not the book two I was hoping for after I enjoyed book one so very much.
The Set Up: Ethan and Will have been best friends for sixteen years and lovers for just four weeks. They’re starting to set up house together and are enjoying being a couple. But Ethan’s past returns to haunt the men when a fellow agent bent on revenge intrudes on them. Now Ethan and Will have to explore their fears, secrets and desires to make it out alive.
Why I Read this Book: I loved book one (my review).
What I Liked: I loved the first half of this read. Ethan and Will are moving in together and learning intimacies about each other. Ethan is learning to share some of himself with Will and Will is making room for Ethan in his house and heart. Will’s family have a lovely scene with the men as well. In between all this emotional stuff, readers are privy to some hot loving between the men involving curtain-less windows, hammocks and beer! Whew! Given that book one ended rather abruptly this part of book two was exactly the relationship closure I needed.
What I Didn’t Like: The second half of this long novella turned my stomach. I can’t say much or it’ll spoil the book but Will and Ethan engage in BDSM not quite of their own volition. True, I’m not a huge BDSM fan but what bothered me most was the men didn’t come to BDSM organically in their relationship. Instead, I felt like this was a form of rape. I think the author tried to maneuver this minefield by having Will and Ethan briefly discuss the incident after and have them both acknowledge they liked it but it wasn’t enough for me. I feel if the author wanted to include BDSM in Ethan and Will’s relationship it should have been about them as characters discovering it together and not it being forced on them externally.
Finally, Ethan worries greatly at the beginning that Will wouldn’t love him if he knew everything Ethan had done. I thought this was going to be the tension in the book but it’s then dropped in favor of the vengeful ex-agent plot. I would have much preferred to keep the tension on the relationship development than this danger plot.
IMO: If readers enjoyed book one as I did, they’ll have to read book two. Perhaps others won’t feel as I disappointed as I was in the second half of the book.
J9’s Rating:
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