G.A. Hauser takes on some of the darker aspects of gay relationships in this novel. An angry ex wife wanting more money tries to set his children against David. A man with nothing going for him tries to manipulate Lyle into a relationship. When other construction workers find out about the relationship they shun Lyle. One thing after another seems to threaten the relationship. Through it all David and Lyle seem to be able to shut the world away for a time, dealing with the problems as real friends and lovers.

With the darkness of some parts of the story, some characters, she gives us the contrast of the enlightened Jennifer and sort-of enlightened law partners. She gives us two men determined to live the best lives they can. They could fight the fires of ignorance with fires of their own but they choose not to. Lyle could easily succumb to David’s offer to make him a kept man, to let David fight his battles for him, but is much too strong to settle for a life he isn‘t proud of.

Again Ms. Hauser builds a love story brick by brick. Trust has to be learned and earned. Trials have to be lived with, dealt with, put aside. Over and over again she shows us that things worth having can be fought for and won.

As always with this author the dialogue and the depth she gives each character helps to build the book. Her attention to even minor details that complete the scenes and the story make this romantic novel exceptionally good.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
June 17, 2008