A fine romance with a touch of political intent.
While exploring their forbidden sexual desires, two young men—Mormon missionaries—fall in love.
Adam Young, or Elder Young as he’s known within the Mormon Church, has always tried to light the fire of the Gospel within himself, but despite his best efforts, there’s always been something that’s made him feel out of place. Although it’s not initially clear why Elder Young is anxious about his mission, we soon learn that he's closeted—and worried he’ll find his live-in companion attractive. While he hasn’t acted on his feelings in the past, his dedication to the Mormon Church, and to chastity, is challenged when he meets his handsome mission companion: Elder Brandon Christensen, who certainly opens him up to a different kind of burning passion. Their forbidden romance is perfectly set to the hot, wild backdrop of Barcelona—a location that complements their desire for each other. Given the nature of their religion, even fairly innocuous things (such as when Elder Young’s thoughts drift to a shirtless Elder Christensen doing push-ups) seem absolutely sinful; during prayer, as they kneel bedside next to each other, the reader hopes their hands will brush and set off a passionate embrace. While there is much to praise here, some aspects of the novel (particularly the language) can be overwrought. In one scene, Christensen notes that his “loins are filled,” then presents his desire verbally to God. Still, it’s refreshing to see devotees of God who are struggling with their sexuality.
A fine romance with a touch of political intent.Pub Date: May 18, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-945053-15-3
Page Count: 220
Publisher: Interlude Press
Review Posted Online: April 3, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2017
These letters from some important executive Down Below, to one of the junior devils here on earth, whose job is to corrupt mortals, are witty and written in a breezy style seldom found in religious literature. The author quotes Luther, who said: "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn." This the author does most successfully, for by presenting some of our modern and not-so-modern beliefs as emanating from the devil's headquarters, he succeeds in making his reader feel like an ass for ever having believed in such ideas. This kind of presentation gives the author a tremendous advantage over the reader, however, for the more timid reader may feel a sense of guilt after putting down this book. It is a clever book, and for the clever reader, rather than the too-earnest soul.
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1942
ISBN: 0060652934
Page Count: 53
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 17, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1943
A thoughtful and pensive tale with intelligent characters and a satisfying romance.
A promise to his best friend leads an Army serviceman to a family in need and a chance at true love in this novel.
Beckett Gentry is surprised when his Army buddy Ryan MacKenzie gives him a letter from Ryan’s sister, Ella. Abandoned by his mother, Beckett grew up in a series of foster homes. He is wary of attachments until he reads Ella’s letter. A single mother, Ella lives with her twins, Maisie and Colt, at Solitude, the resort she operates in Telluride, Colorado. They begin a correspondence, although Beckett can only identify himself by his call sign, Chaos. After Ryan’s death during a mission, Beckett travels to Telluride as his friend had requested. He bonds with the twins while falling deeply in love with Ella. Reluctant to reveal details of Ryan’s death and risk causing her pain, Beckett declines to disclose to Ella that he is Chaos. Maisie needs treatment for neuroblastoma, and Beckett formally adopts the twins as a sign of his commitment to support Ella and her children. He and Ella pursue a romance, but when an insurance investigator questions the adoption, Beckett is faced with revealing the truth about the letters and Ryan’s death, risking losing the family he loves. Yarros’ (Wilder, 2016, etc.) novel is a deeply felt and emotionally nuanced contemporary romance bolstered by well-drawn characters and strong, confident storytelling. Beckett and Ella are sympathetic protagonists whose past experiences leave them cautious when it comes to love. Beckett never knew the security of a stable home life. Ella impulsively married her high school boyfriend, but the marriage ended when he discovered she was pregnant. The author is especially adept at developing the characters through subtle but significant details, like Beckett’s aversion to swearing. Beckett and Ella’s romance unfolds slowly in chapters that alternate between their first-person viewpoints. The letters they exchanged are pivotal to their connection, and almost every chapter opens with one. Yarros’ writing is crisp and sharp, with passages that are poetic without being florid. For example, in a letter to Beckett, Ella writes of motherhood: “But I’m not the center of their universe. I’m more like their gravity.” While the love story is the book’s focus, the subplot involving Maisie’s illness is equally well-developed, and the link between Beckett and the twins is heartfelt and sincere.
A thoughtful and pensive tale with intelligent characters and a satisfying romance.Pub Date: Feb. 26, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-64063-533-3
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Review Posted Online: Jan. 2, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2019
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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