Driving into the Sun by Dev BenthamReview by A.B. GayleThis makes it two out of two for this author's books so far for me. The character's backgrounds form an important part of her stories. They have affected who the character is and the issues they are dealing with.
Perhaps an expert in the field may be able to find an error or two, but from the point of view of a novice in the subject, her dealing in this case with a Native American seemed respectful and informed.
The complexity and gradual, realism of forging a strong bond won't satisfy the readers who insist on insta-lurv and perfect characters, but boy does it make a welcome change because of that.
And the last scene on the ferry at Seattle was extra good as I did that on my long road trip there earlier this year. She got that part spot on. Right down to the clunking as cars rolled into place. Magic.
Now to see if she can make it three from three.
August Ice by Dev Bentham – four out of five starsAugust Ice by Dev Bentham takes place in the Antarctic. You don't find many books in this setting. I really enjoyed the descriptions of life in the harsh environment. I felt the story was well-written, with a mature feel to the prose. The story covers a closeted lifestyle and alcoholism. Focusing on why someone would be driven to either, and still find redemption on the other side.
Our hero, Max Conway is a former Navy Seal and the lead safety diver at McMurdo Station. He spends half his year as a commercial diver, drinking and hitting the gay bars. But he's really just making time until he can return to his one true love, the beauty and peace that lies under the Antarctic ice.
He wakes up his last day in Christchurch, New Zealand, in a gorgeous man's bed. Too bad he can't remember the night before and the hunk takes exception to this. But that doesn't really matter, because in less than 24 hours he will be where he really wants to be and nothing else matters.
At the bottom of the world, Max keeps a lid on his vices. He drinks, but has to keep a handle on it. And there's no way in hell he can indulge his interest in men. Not with the rest of the tough, hard-drinking, homophobic divers he calls friends. But that's a price he's willing to pay.
Too bad that nameless hunk shows up for his exclusive one-way flight to the icy continent. A glare and a snub later, Max is hoping the sanctimonious asshole is headed for one of the other Antarctic stations. Because no matter how hot the guy, someone somewhere is sick of his shit—and Max is that guy.
Professor Andre Dubois isn't only gorgeous, he's out and proud. Oh, and he doesn't touch a drop, looking down his nose every time Max does. But Max just can't seem to stay away from the man who is so dangerous for his job and his peace of mind.
Max has to fight himself and the deadly Antarctic ice sheets, if he wants more than just a piece of the hot French scientist.
This story was previously published with LooseId in 2012 and appears to have been extensively rewritten. So if you read it then, you may want to give it a second go.
