Yes, some would judge you, but to the devil with them. Don’t ever hate yourself for loving.
Keira Andrews
Semper Fi
Format:
Audible. I grabbed the ebook when it was on sale a few weeks ago knowing the audio was coming. Depending on how much you’re paying for credits, it still may be less expensive to purchase the book and utilize whispersync discount pricing.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
The war is over. The battle for love has just begun.
As Marines, Cal and Jim depended on each other to survive bloodshed and despair in the Pacific. Relieved to put the horrors of war behind him, Jim went home to his apple orchard and a quiet life with his wife and children. Knowing Jim could never return his forbidden feelings, Cal hoped time and an ocean between them would dull the yearning for his best friend.
But when Jim’s wife dies, Cal returns to help. He doesn’t know a thing about apple farming—or children—but he’s determined to be there for Jim, even as the painful torch he carries blazes back to life. Jim is grateful for his friend’s support as he struggles with buried emotions and dark wartime memories. Then Jim begins to see Cal in a new light, and their relationship deepens in ways neither expected. Can they build a life together as a family and find happiness in a world that would condemn them?
This historical gay romance from Keira Andrews features friends to lovers, sexual awakening, found family, and of course a happy ending.
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating character POV by chapter.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
Wow! I’m already a fan of Keira Andrews’ work, but this is a whole new level of storytelling. This is ALL. THE. FEELS. What I love most is that Andrews uses historical events, laws, and attitudes of the time period in a realistic and relatable way. Jim and Cal are humans in their triumphs, faults, and love. I felt fully immersed in the war in a way seldom found in romance novels.
I’m not a fan of switching back and forth between time frames (alternates between active service in WWII and post-war life in Tivoli, New York), especially with the added alternating of character POV’s. However, I think the juxtaposition of Jim and Cal’s developing friendship with their later romantic relationship adds an interesting depth to the story that wouldn’t have been achieved otherwise.
As with all Keira Andrews stories, we get an HEA.
Narration:
John Solo does a spectacular job here. I’m not sure if it was intentional, but he has this almost “radio announcer” affect to his voice, without being an over the top caricature. It gives an added immersion into the time period I’m not sure any other narrator would have achieved. Cal & Jim each have their own definitive sound and you always know who is speaking. Even secondary characters have particular and consistent voices. Perfection.
Trigger Warnings (possible spoilers):
While she isn’t egregious, Andrews does detail war with necessary reality & historical accuracy including death, fear, mutilation, racism/ethnic slurs and what we now would label PTS. This book is set in a time when homosexual acts were a crime and people’s language, attitudes, & behavior reflect that.
About the author:
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal fiction and — although she loves delicious angst along the way — Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said:
“The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”
You can connect with Keira Andrews here:
My Favorite Quotes
Yes, some would judge you, but to the devil with them. Don’t ever hate yourself for loving. – Semper Fi @keiraandrews John Solo @falconsoundco narrates #audiobook #MM #Military #HistoricalRomance
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You’ve faced scores of bloodthirsty enemy soldiers happily willing to die if it meant killing you. You can handle one little girl. – Semper Fi @keiraandrews John Solo @falconsoundco narrates #audiobook #MM #Military #HistoricalRomance
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We’re never going back. It’s over. I promise. – Semper Fi @keiraandrews John Solo @falconsoundco narrates #audiobook #MM #Military #HistoricalRomance
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Rellim Reads 