Bryan and Jase (Something About Him) Lily G’s Review

Title: Bryan & Jase (Something About Him)
Author: A.D. Ellis
Publisher: A.D. Ellis Publishing
Release Date: 28 April 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary 
Page Count: 364 pages
Reviewed by: Lily G Blunt
Heat Level:  2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Jase Rafferty grew up hiding his sexual curiosities—until he meets Bryan Keating. Bryan’s sexual preference is no secret, and being deployed overseas together allows the two men to forge a solid friendship. The sexual attraction is undeniable, but after one lust-filled week, they must go their separate ways.
A year later, a chance meeting gives them one more weekend together, even though they know Jase can’t risk his military career or his family obligations to be with Bryan.
Several years pass before Jase finally accepts the desperate longing in his heart and body. But when fear and hatred threaten to tear them apart, Jase must make a tough decision, one that he isn’t sure he and Bryan can overcome. Together, they must choose to weather the storm or say goodbye forever.

If you haven’t already, check out the free short novella——as an introduction to their story. It explains how the guys originally met and got together for the first time.

I ADORED this story and these guys. The writing style is lovely. It’s a heartwarming tale with plenty of emotion portrayed through the main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Jase’s gradual acceptance of his sexuality and Bryan and Jase’s relationship development over the many years as they go from friends to lovers, and then to partners. The story focuses on the emotional feelings they had rather than their physical connection, although not totally. Their intimate times together were beautifully, if rather briefly expressed, or often not at all, but this suited the story very well.

Bryan deserves a medal for his selfless support and love of Gray (Jase’s son) from the start. He’s so welcoming and accepting of them both into his home and life. I loved reading their times as a ‘family’ and how Bry and Jase interacted with Gray. They have some wonderful discussions about bigotry and what it means to be gay. Both men make fantastic parents and role-models. Gray is a star too. He’s a level-headed and mature five-six year old boy and such a great kid.

Braeton is a fabulous secondary character who acted as a true friend. Wow, pat on the back to him. I hope we get his story shortly. He deserves his own happy ending.

I liked the idea of fate and that these two men knew they’d meet again and would be together someday. It was heartbreaking when they thought they’d lost what they’d only recently gained.

One grumble—I wished Jase had shown a little more backbone and stood up to his father (and his wife for that matter). But considering he’d only recently come out as gay, he didn’t know where he stood with regard to custody of his son. I understand that Jase played it safe and put his son’s welfare first, as he did in all things. This infuriating episode, however, provided some lovely angst and thankfully wasn’t drawn out. In fact, I would have liked a little more detail as it was resolved a little rapidly.

Overall, a highly recommended read.

 

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