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Semper Fi
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. (It also contains wartime violence and depictions of post-traumatic stress.)
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. (It also contains wartime violence and depictions of post-traumatic stress.)
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2014
259 people are currently reading
2745 people want to read
About the author
Keira Andrews
65 books3,051 followersKeira aims for the perfect mix of character, plot, and heat in her M/M romances. She writes everything from swashbuckling pirates to heartwarming holiday escapism. Her fave tropes are enemies to lovers, age gaps, forced proximity, and passionate virgins. Although she loves delicious angst along the way, Keira guarantees happy endings!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
January 30, 2015
Beautiful, raw, REAL
This is a book about WAR, and this is a book about LOVE.
It's a tale of two men, Marines, best friends, lovers.
There is nothing easy about Cal and Jim's story. They bond in the trenches, watching their friends die in horrifying circumstances time and time again. They stay together, comfort each other, SAVE each other.
But Jim is married, eventually widowed, and tamps down any conscious awareness of his sexuality.
Keira Andrews amazes me. The depth of research in this book is astounding; the setting, be it a muddy ditch in Okinawa or an apple orchard in upstate New York, is evocative and detailed: the smells, sounds, everything comes alive.
The book moves between the men's time during WWII and their present in 1948, when Cal arrives to help Jim with the apple harvest.
Jim's shame is all consuming, and he pushes Cal away time and time again.
But Cal's love for Jim is pure, strong, selfless. We should all be so lucky to be loved like that.
The book was perfectly paced: slower, languid, when the men were at the orchard or waiting around to die; manic during the battle scenes; sharp and edgy during the explosive sex.
The secondary characters, sweet, skinny Sully who deserved to marry a beautiful girl; young Gambler, so proud of his nickname, so scared to die; the glorious, kind Mrs. O'Brien, who lost so much and wouldn't begrudge Jim his happiness; Jim's smart, slightly rebellious daughter Sophie who would live to see marriage equality and feel a bittersweet ache for her dads: they lived and laughed; they suffered and cried.
This book was completely out of my comfort zone, but it was one of the best, most powerful books I've read this year.
This is a book about WAR, and this is a book about LOVE.
It's a tale of two men, Marines, best friends, lovers.
There is nothing easy about Cal and Jim's story. They bond in the trenches, watching their friends die in horrifying circumstances time and time again. They stay together, comfort each other, SAVE each other.
But Jim is married, eventually widowed, and tamps down any conscious awareness of his sexuality.
Keira Andrews amazes me. The depth of research in this book is astounding; the setting, be it a muddy ditch in Okinawa or an apple orchard in upstate New York, is evocative and detailed: the smells, sounds, everything comes alive.
The book moves between the men's time during WWII and their present in 1948, when Cal arrives to help Jim with the apple harvest.
Jim's shame is all consuming, and he pushes Cal away time and time again.
"But I'm a sinner!"
"We're all sinners, Jim. Each in our own way . . . Why should anyone judge you for your thoughts? For your feelings? Feelings of love, not resentment or anger. Yes some would judge you, but to the devil with them. Don't ever hate yourself for loving."
But Cal's love for Jim is pure, strong, selfless. We should all be so lucky to be loved like that.
"You've always loved me for who I am, good and bad."
Cal took a shaky breath. "I always will."
"And I haven't loved you well enough at all."
The book was perfectly paced: slower, languid, when the men were at the orchard or waiting around to die; manic during the battle scenes; sharp and edgy during the explosive sex.
The secondary characters, sweet, skinny Sully who deserved to marry a beautiful girl; young Gambler, so proud of his nickname, so scared to die; the glorious, kind Mrs. O'Brien, who lost so much and wouldn't begrudge Jim his happiness; Jim's smart, slightly rebellious daughter Sophie who would live to see marriage equality and feel a bittersweet ache for her dads: they lived and laughed; they suffered and cried.
This book was completely out of my comfort zone, but it was one of the best, most powerful books I've read this year.
"I dreamed of you like this." Jim's eyes were bright, and his hair stuck up. Sweat beaded on his lip. "Out here in the orchard naked in the moonlight."
Cal drew him down for a deep kiss . . . "How did it end?"
"However we want."
April 16, 2019
I don't even know what superlative to use to start off this review.
-It was the best romance ever?
-The most touching story of two lives becoming one?
-One of the best rainbow family romances?
-Most ambitious setting ever?
It was all that and so much more.
I actually started it thinking it was a pretty straightforward feel-good romance that would take my mind away from another series I was reading, but the story caught me in its net so quickly, I felt like my life depended on its outcome and the well-deserved happiness of Jim and Cal...
There's only few books where you can feel the love between the characters like a living breathing thing that gives soul to the story....
I definitely felt it here.
Each chapter in this book consists of two timelines.
World War 2 in the Pacific: Apple farmer Jim meets Cal, a rich banker's son, after being drafted for the Marines. Both men become close friends while fighting the Japanese and enduring the unspeakable cruelties of war (1942 to 1945).
The second time line is 1948. After the war ended, both men return to their lives. Jim meets his wife and children again and returns to his apple orchard, while Cal returns to New York to work in his father's finance empire.
Cal has been secretly in love with Jim for years, knowing his feelings were futile as Jim was married and a god-fearing man. He tries to forget him, but in 1948, Jim's wife dies tragically and Cal rushes to Jim's side to help him with the farm, his loyalty and devotion to Jim running so much deeper than mere friendship.
Jim is broken. His war trauma won't give him rest and his children miss their mommy. It took time for Jim to reacquaint himself with his family and the many 'question marks' that waited for him at home after the years of being at war - and now his life falls apart again.
Just like during those dark years in the Pacific, Cal is there for Jim to help him through his tragedy and the kids grow to love their Uncle Cal.
But once he learns about Cal's secret feelings, Jim can't give Cal what he wants, even though deep inside himself, he feels the same. Ashamed of his own feelings and fearing a hostile society and the loss of his children if their sin comes out means that happiness isn't an option for Jim.
And Cal loves Jim so much, he'd even let him go, if that's what he will ask of him.
It's the most tragic love story and yet it resolves so beautifully and realistically it made my heart cry out in happiness.
Jim and Cal are such great characters.
This is a real historical, it stays true to the period.
I fell so hard for Jim who always tries to do the right thing, putting his kids first even if it means unhappiness for the rest of his life.
And Cal is a truly brilliant character. He is a proud gay man. Not openly gay at that era, of course, but he hooked up and was never ashamed of what he wanted. He isn't god-fearing or shy and doesn't give a shit confronting his homophobic tycoon father or his narrow-minded Alexis Carrington-Colby type of socialite mother.
Cal's tragedy is loving Jim, knowing they would never be together, first because he was married and later because Jim considered his own feelings a sin and a crime.
Still, Cal did not give up on Jim and when tragedy struck once again, Cal is by Jim's side for better and worse and proves that their 'sinful, unnatural' love runs as deep as any epic love that ever existed.
God, what a masterpiece. Some of my favorite books were written by Ms Andrews, but this one is clearly my favorite among them all. I can't really describe what I felt reading this, other than it made me feel complete in a way that few novels do.
Please, please, please, give this one a try!! Especially if you don't like historical settings!
5 Stars on top of a whole pile of stars!!
And another addition to my list of all time favorites!
-It was the best romance ever?
-The most touching story of two lives becoming one?
-One of the best rainbow family romances?
-Most ambitious setting ever?
It was all that and so much more.
I actually started it thinking it was a pretty straightforward feel-good romance that would take my mind away from another series I was reading, but the story caught me in its net so quickly, I felt like my life depended on its outcome and the well-deserved happiness of Jim and Cal...
There's only few books where you can feel the love between the characters like a living breathing thing that gives soul to the story....
I definitely felt it here.
Each chapter in this book consists of two timelines.
World War 2 in the Pacific: Apple farmer Jim meets Cal, a rich banker's son, after being drafted for the Marines. Both men become close friends while fighting the Japanese and enduring the unspeakable cruelties of war (1942 to 1945).
The second time line is 1948. After the war ended, both men return to their lives. Jim meets his wife and children again and returns to his apple orchard, while Cal returns to New York to work in his father's finance empire.
Cal has been secretly in love with Jim for years, knowing his feelings were futile as Jim was married and a god-fearing man. He tries to forget him, but in 1948, Jim's wife dies tragically and Cal rushes to Jim's side to help him with the farm, his loyalty and devotion to Jim running so much deeper than mere friendship.
Jim is broken. His war trauma won't give him rest and his children miss their mommy. It took time for Jim to reacquaint himself with his family and the many 'question marks' that waited for him at home after the years of being at war - and now his life falls apart again.
Just like during those dark years in the Pacific, Cal is there for Jim to help him through his tragedy and the kids grow to love their Uncle Cal.
But once he learns about Cal's secret feelings, Jim can't give Cal what he wants, even though deep inside himself, he feels the same. Ashamed of his own feelings and fearing a hostile society and the loss of his children if their sin comes out means that happiness isn't an option for Jim.
And Cal loves Jim so much, he'd even let him go, if that's what he will ask of him.
It's the most tragic love story and yet it resolves so beautifully and realistically it made my heart cry out in happiness.
Jim and Cal are such great characters.
This is a real historical, it stays true to the period.
I fell so hard for Jim who always tries to do the right thing, putting his kids first even if it means unhappiness for the rest of his life.
And Cal is a truly brilliant character. He is a proud gay man. Not openly gay at that era, of course, but he hooked up and was never ashamed of what he wanted. He isn't god-fearing or shy and doesn't give a shit confronting his homophobic tycoon father or his narrow-minded Alexis Carrington-Colby type of socialite mother.
"Excellent. Kiss, kiss."
Cal's tragedy is loving Jim, knowing they would never be together, first because he was married and later because Jim considered his own feelings a sin and a crime.
Still, Cal did not give up on Jim and when tragedy struck once again, Cal is by Jim's side for better and worse and proves that their 'sinful, unnatural' love runs as deep as any epic love that ever existed.
God, what a masterpiece. Some of my favorite books were written by Ms Andrews, but this one is clearly my favorite among them all. I can't really describe what I felt reading this, other than it made me feel complete in a way that few novels do.
Please, please, please, give this one a try!! Especially if you don't like historical settings!
5 Stars on top of a whole pile of stars!!
And another addition to my list of all time favorites!
December 29, 2019
*3.5 stars*
Guys, please don't let my 3.5 star rating deter you. If you are a fan of military M/M, especially GFY/OFY military books, you MUST give this a try!
This was my first Keira Andrews read but it certainly won't be my last. Really beautifully written and full of emotion, I was swept away by this story.
I'm a total whore for sexuality books. I actively collect them and savor them like candy. This was a particularly believable sexuality discovery story, fitting well with the time period. I loved every part of the book that was told in the present (aka, mostly 1948) time period. The post war stuff, when these two guys were trying to figure out what they meant to each other. I loved the interactions between Cal and Jim, and both of them and the children. The slow way that the two men came together and how they made a life for themselves was beautiful.
However...
I think I'm not cut out for military stories. For one, I find reading about suffering and violence to be both boring and disturbing. I don't enjoy it. The flashback scenes (taking place during the war) started out okay while the guys were in basic training. However, as they moved into the war zones and the fighting escalated, I sort of checked out.
The problem for me is that I simply didn't want to read those parts of the book. At all. I understand why they were there. They set the stage for everything that followed; the flashbacks, the dynamic between Jim and Cal, etc. However, I still just plain didn't like them! I started skimming and then ended up totally skipping a few scenes, just because I wanted to rush back to the post-war period. I don't have the interest or the stomach for those types of stories, I guess.
Also, though I enjoyed the post-war parts of the book a great deal, I wasn't as emotionally invested in these characters as I would have liked. Now, that could also be my fault for not paying close enough attention during the war scenes, but for whatever reason, I wasn't holding my breath while reading.
I feel almost guilty rating this book because I want all military fans to find this gem. It has a lot to offer. However, if I'm going to rate this one on how much I enjoyed it, it is no more than 3.5 stars.
I loved that epilogue, though. That was the one moment that almost brought me to tears.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Guys, please don't let my 3.5 star rating deter you. If you are a fan of military M/M, especially GFY/OFY military books, you MUST give this a try!
This was my first Keira Andrews read but it certainly won't be my last. Really beautifully written and full of emotion, I was swept away by this story.
I'm a total whore for sexuality books. I actively collect them and savor them like candy. This was a particularly believable sexuality discovery story, fitting well with the time period. I loved every part of the book that was told in the present (aka, mostly 1948) time period. The post war stuff, when these two guys were trying to figure out what they meant to each other. I loved the interactions between Cal and Jim, and both of them and the children. The slow way that the two men came together and how they made a life for themselves was beautiful.
However...
I think I'm not cut out for military stories. For one, I find reading about suffering and violence to be both boring and disturbing. I don't enjoy it. The flashback scenes (taking place during the war) started out okay while the guys were in basic training. However, as they moved into the war zones and the fighting escalated, I sort of checked out.
The problem for me is that I simply didn't want to read those parts of the book. At all. I understand why they were there. They set the stage for everything that followed; the flashbacks, the dynamic between Jim and Cal, etc. However, I still just plain didn't like them! I started skimming and then ended up totally skipping a few scenes, just because I wanted to rush back to the post-war period. I don't have the interest or the stomach for those types of stories, I guess.
Also, though I enjoyed the post-war parts of the book a great deal, I wasn't as emotionally invested in these characters as I would have liked. Now, that could also be my fault for not paying close enough attention during the war scenes, but for whatever reason, I wasn't holding my breath while reading.
I feel almost guilty rating this book because I want all military fans to find this gem. It has a lot to offer. However, if I'm going to rate this one on how much I enjoyed it, it is no more than 3.5 stars.
I loved that epilogue, though. That was the one moment that almost brought me to tears.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
November 14, 2014
(Happy early Veteran's Day! Release day is 11/11/14 but what a perfect date to be released.)
Thanks to all the troops for all that they do!
4.5 HEARTS--Semper Fi is a best friends to lovers novel when you break it down. It is moving. It is understated yet dramatic. It has action, it has feels. It is erotic. It has laughs. It made me smile in one moment then swoon in the next. I got angry at one point and my heart nearly beat out my chest in the next.
This story is love, the other half to your soul, covered in apples (once you read it you'll understand) kind-of-love.
Cal Cunningham met Jim Bennett on a train, heading to Marine training. He knew in an instant he had to get closer to the blonde haired, blue eyes apple orchard farm boy from upstate New York. He was charmed from the start. Cal joined the Marines to spite his rich family. Cal was also queer, a crime at the time. He hid his true self from others and denied himself. But there was something about Jim. The fact that Jim was married to a woman with a child (and has only been with one woman) did not stop his feelings for the younger man. And so begins the start of Semper Fi.
Semper Fi is told from alternating POV, alternating flashbacks [Cal and Jim 's start in the Marines - 1942] and [rekindling of their friendship when Jim needs help with his apple farm- the men haven't seen each other once the war ended -1948]. Semper Fi is set in post WWII New York and Pacific Islands during WWII. The story is also broken down in three parts, the pace slowly speeding up as it progresses. Nothing read extraneous, the way it was broken down lent credence to the story on a whole, in my opinion.
We're brought onto the magical apple farm that is Jim's livelihood. He recently lost his wife to a car accident and needs help with that year's harvest. Cal drops everything to help his best friend, who he hasn't seen in three years. This is juxtaposed with the start of the men's military careers. It goes from sweet and sexy, yearning and longing of unrequited love to the senselessness and horrors of war. The author weaved the strands pretty expertly.
Romance always needs two interesting main characters but it's not interesting if the secondary characters are flat. I loved the secondary characters just as much as the main in Semper Fi. Mrs. O'Brien, the kind grandmotherly figure - I wish I had her in my life right now. Sully - the redheaded still-wet-behind-the-ears soldier - little bugger. Adored him. Rebecca - the grieving fiance...I thought she was going to play into that evil female character stereotype but she didn't. She was good. The children, Sophie and Adam...get into my pocket please. They were age appropriate and intuitive. All of these character added to the Semper Fi experience.
The duality of the story actually works. There was angst but it was not added unnecessarily. Before I could get my hooks into worrying about how a certain scene played out, I'd get a flashback giving more depth to the character.
I felt like I knew Jim and Cal, their reactions to situations made sense and I was drawn in. Cal, the silver tongued talker, who always had the right word for the right situation. Jim, who suffered from PTSD, struggled with his feelings, his sense of religion and self...both men were interesting, well plotted characters.
And sexy. This is also a hot number. The forbidden aspect added a little extra to the sex scenes. And yummy intense, outdoor sex always wins in my book. *growls*
At the core of this story, it's rich boy meets farm boy, an out queer (well for that time period) who is in love with his straight, best friend. Those are always great themes done well.
And this was.
For "GFY" to work for me, I need to read the internal struggle of the straight character. I need to believe the angst and self doubt. I need examples of said struggle. This was given in Semper Fi. No one jumps into a relationship without examining their inner demons (and between Cal and Jim they have plenty).
Plus, the time period did not work against getting the romance across. It was stricter times back then but it was believable. You can tell the author researcher the time period thoroughly but it did NOT READ LIKE AN INFO DUMP. A pet peeve of mine is reading a story where you can tell the author used the search engine and included everything but the damn time stamp.
This story is about the lengths a true friend will go for you. It's about a love that doesn't come along every day, a love that the two people involved make sacrifices for. It's strong. This is definitely on of my favorite books of the year. I would say I'm claiming Cal (because I loved him) but he's for Jim. Jim's for him.
Minor niggle: I wish Jim stood up to his father-in-law. Something about those in-laws and Jim's relationship felt unsettled. That just might be my personal deal. Overall, excellent story.
I'll leave you with a favorite quote of mine:
"So why should anyone judge you for your thoughts? For your feelings? Feelings of love, not resentment and anger. Yes, some would judge you, but to the devil with them. Don't ever hate yourself for loving."
This story does a fine job answering this.
Recommended, especially for readers who enjoy the relationship building in a friends to lovers theme.
SRAL <3 C.C. + J.B.
A copy provided for an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Semper Fi tells the story of two Marines, Jim and Cal, who meet on the train to basic training for WWII. They become best friends and see each other safely through the war in the South Pacific.
Jim is married and Cal is gay but not out because of the times. After the war the two come together again under different circumstances and a romance develops.
I loved this book so much. It's told in alternating POVs AND alternating time periods, but don't let that discourage you. The time jumps work beautifully here and add a lot of depth to the love story.
This is a really beautiful, very romantic book. There are some very sexy scenes, of course, but the focus of the book is on how much these two fight to love each other through hard times.
I may never recover from the state of swoon I'm in, but I guess that wouldn't be so bad.
Thanks to Mishy, Alona, and Mark for an awesome BR!
Jim is married and Cal is gay but not out because of the times. After the war the two come together again under different circumstances and a romance develops.
I loved this book so much. It's told in alternating POVs AND alternating time periods, but don't let that discourage you. The time jumps work beautifully here and add a lot of depth to the love story.
This is a really beautiful, very romantic book. There are some very sexy scenes, of course, but the focus of the book is on how much these two fight to love each other through hard times.
I may never recover from the state of swoon I'm in, but I guess that wouldn't be so bad.
Thanks to Mishy, Alona, and Mark for an awesome BR!
October 29, 2014
I fell more and more in love with this book with each chapter. Which means, 1) it took awhile to get there but 2) when it got there, the journey felt SO worth it.
Semper Fi is full of da tropes...friends-to-lovers, military/wartime, gay-for-you (hints of out-for-you), widowed man w/ children finds love with a man, historical (battling not only the legal but societal views against homosexuality), rich-man-poor-man...but it didn't feel overdone and "kitchen sink"-like. All of these had a place and actually contributed to the powerful story.
Told in alternating flashbacks vs present-day chapters, the story tells of the deep friendship developed between two young marines, Cal & Jim and the their lives both in the military and after the war. It is a slooooow build. But their friendship and loyalty to one another is touching and when the attraction is revealed, an entirely new set of joys and pains is introduced. There are loads of ups and downs that these guys face apart and together, but that's what made it all feel...like a treat by the end.
I will admit that in the beginning, I was feeling impatient. And though I really liked reading about their friendship both in basic training and throughout the war, I wanted something to actually HAPPEN. And even while reading the following chapters in present-day time, again, I was anxious for their big "OMG, I SO LOVE YOU!" moment! My own impatience made me think that I might not have been enjoying the book. But, I kept reading...and I did so leisurely.
And as I progressed, this shift happened...I was invested. I'd spent too many days with these guys already not to see it through. I had to not only see them get there, I had to know HOW they did...I found myself, surprisingly, totally enchanted with the journey. And the icing on top was when they discovered their love.
I'm rambling.
But, the book...well, simply is lovely. It's sweet. It's brutal (the nightmarish war scenes). It's heartbreaking (having to hide your love). It's triumphant (love conquers all). And it worked for me.
Beautifully written and a powerful story. HIghly recommended.
December 13, 2014
5 Stunning Semper Fidelis “Always Faithful” stars
LOVED SO MUCH
Best friends
Marines
Lovers
Where to start... Beautifully written love story that spans 15 years. Epic love. Cal and Jim...*sigh* The power of their friendship. The power of their love. The things those two meant to each other. The things they sacrificed for each other. Oh, dear... I don’t have enough words...
And the heartbreak...
Semper Fi was possibly one of the sweetest and saddest love stories. Both of the main characters were two beautiful souls, two beautiful unassuming men and I think that is why I found so endearing.
This book is a historical love story, but it hardly felt like a historical for me. I loved how it alternates between telling the story of Jim and Cal’s friendship beginning in 1942 during WWII, and then back to present day 1948 when Cal moves to help Jim on the apple orchard.
I loved to watch how their love for each other is finally and fully revealed and consummated.
Overall loved so very much. Highly, highly, highly recommended. One of the best books I've read this year.
BR here
LOVED SO MUCH
Best friends
Marines
Lovers
Where to start... Beautifully written love story that spans 15 years. Epic love. Cal and Jim...*sigh* The power of their friendship. The power of their love. The things those two meant to each other. The things they sacrificed for each other. Oh, dear... I don’t have enough words...
And the heartbreak...
“He knew it was too late. Still, he whispered a plea. “Jim.”
Semper Fi was possibly one of the sweetest and saddest love stories. Both of the main characters were two beautiful souls, two beautiful unassuming men and I think that is why I found so endearing.
“You’ve always loved me for who I am, good and bad.” Cal took a shaky breath. “I always will.” "
This book is a historical love story, but it hardly felt like a historical for me. I loved how it alternates between telling the story of Jim and Cal’s friendship beginning in 1942 during WWII, and then back to present day 1948 when Cal moves to help Jim on the apple orchard.
I loved to watch how their love for each other is finally and fully revealed and consummated.
I dreamed of you like this." Jim's eyes were bright, and his hair stuck up. Sweat beaded on his lip. "Out here in the orchard naked in the moonlight."
Cal drew him down for a deep kiss . . . "How did it end?"
"However we want."
Overall loved so very much. Highly, highly, highly recommended. One of the best books I've read this year.
BR here
June 6, 2018
Another case of me and NOT the book.
My issue with this book was that EVERY chapter except the epilogue started with a flashback. I can understand the first few chapters starting that way. It gives the reader a history of MCs’ friendship when they enlisted in the Marines. Eventually, I started skimming because the flashbacks weren’t holding my interest.
Overall, this was an angsty story. Even with an HEA, it left me feeling sad because homosexuality was still illegal, and the MCs can’t openly express their feelings for one another. They can’t even share a bedroom because they don’t live alone.
Again, it’s all me. I can see a lot of readers loving this book.
My issue with this book was that EVERY chapter except the epilogue started with a flashback. I can understand the first few chapters starting that way. It gives the reader a history of MCs’ friendship when they enlisted in the Marines. Eventually, I started skimming because the flashbacks weren’t holding my interest.
Overall, this was an angsty story. Even with an HEA, it left me feeling sad because homosexuality was still illegal, and the MCs can’t openly express their feelings for one another. They can’t even share a bedroom because they don’t live alone.
Again, it’s all me. I can see a lot of readers loving this book.
November 28, 2015
Although this is my favorite time period to study, I avoid romance set in this timeframe. I know that even if it has a HEA it is bound to break my heart.
This one did too. I managed to get away with a few tears during the whole story but the ending did me in.
So many glowing reviews...I agree with all of them. There is nothing more I can add.
Simply brilliant, real and very true to the historical context.
Standing ovation, Ms. Andrews.
Ok, I could use some fluff now.
November 13, 2015
This is very touching.
But after all those reviews, all those warnings, the heavy plot... I expected a much more "angsty" tale and it wasn't like that. The relationship between these two was an addiction. Cal feels an attraction towards Jim since the very beginning but Jim is straight and worse, he is married and with a child. So, he's off-limits. But once you taste it you just can not stop.
When the first Europeans reached what we call today Chile they met some sort of messengers in those high mountains. These men were nothing alike they had ever seen before: they could run for miles and miles and needed almost no rest, so the information flowed at an extraordinary speed, a lightning almost. In fact, they could live without food and with no sleep if necessary but they could not live without those little leaves they chewed now and then. And you better not take those leaves from them, because they truly suffered then. They were their precious.
This story is a lot about the longing and the pain you have when you can't have something. But it's not as agonizing as I though it would be. It's a very beautiful novel, truth be said. They are mates and best friends before lovers. And you can feel that companionship and veiled love and not so hidden fear for each other. Cal knows it for sure but Jim is totally blind. When they meet again, Cal's longing awakes full force and he is not sure he will be able to keep a distance and little by little Jim has sinful thoughts he feels embarrassed about. But weirdly he can't control and erase them. And when he gives up the surrendering is so sweet and fulfilling he can't believe this is forbidden and bad.
When I read Kick at the Darkness I knew that I had been stupid. Again. Procrastinating when I should not have. But I'm that way. This is no excuse now, I have to go on with this author. Because she's worth it. At least that's what se has proven to me so far.
I must say I was a little disappointed the constant skips past-to-present in every chapter would frustrate me, but that wasn't the case. The anecdotes and episodes about the WWII are written in four pages and then we were in 1948 for a while longer. So in the end this was all very satisfying because KA never failed to give a good rhythm to the story.
However, there was always something lost for me, this book didn't exactly tickle my fancy. I was a little off when I didn't feel the same as with Kick at the Darkness. I don't find any imperfection per se, except that this romance didn't exactly grab me although I devoured the pages as if it was clear water after a day in the desert. I just can't put a finger on it, but something was amiss, IMHO.
And when you finally find out what happened in Okinawa (Jim's nightmares are related to it and it's a topic to be avoided in most conversations) it didn't feel right, but not because it wasn't awful, but because I couldn't feel the traumatic meaning that episode has for Jim, I couldn't feel his despair, his shock, his incredulity and his inability to accept it and live with himself. When the mystery was out I was like "Is that everything?". Maybe after lots of violence in movies I'm not impressed anymore, but I notice when an author manages to move me, there are just some who have that power, but I didn't feel as if KA measured up to it.
The aspect I liked the least was the mystery part, which is very weak. I don't like thrillers but even I myself could guess what happened to Ann and why did Eddie flee. Above all when Jim will fall in love with Cal and of course, to make him not seem a bad husband, then Ann will be demonstrated not to had been happy in their marriage because she needed more and that's why she . Not original at all.
But I loved the children. I don't know why some children are described in a very annoying way but here they were perfect. I loved Sophie and her mistrust and her mischief at first, it was something I would definitely do, so she is very cool. Then she begins to understand that Uncle Cal is not a bad person at all, and I liked her better. She was never a stupid kid although she didn't behave well part of the time. Because she has a head over her shoulders, she has character and personality.
And when the final chapter came, I just knew we would see some of Cal and Jim together, and I hoped for the best-case scenario: after the kids have grown up and flew the nest, so they would sleep together at night since at last. But the one chosen by the writer is a superb option, I really enjoyed it and think about it as a lovely closure.
But after all those reviews, all those warnings, the heavy plot... I expected a much more "angsty" tale and it wasn't like that. The relationship between these two was an addiction. Cal feels an attraction towards Jim since the very beginning but Jim is straight and worse, he is married and with a child. So, he's off-limits. But once you taste it you just can not stop.
When the first Europeans reached what we call today Chile they met some sort of messengers in those high mountains. These men were nothing alike they had ever seen before: they could run for miles and miles and needed almost no rest, so the information flowed at an extraordinary speed, a lightning almost. In fact, they could live without food and with no sleep if necessary but they could not live without those little leaves they chewed now and then. And you better not take those leaves from them, because they truly suffered then. They were their precious.
This story is a lot about the longing and the pain you have when you can't have something. But it's not as agonizing as I though it would be. It's a very beautiful novel, truth be said. They are mates and best friends before lovers. And you can feel that companionship and veiled love and not so hidden fear for each other. Cal knows it for sure but Jim is totally blind. When they meet again, Cal's longing awakes full force and he is not sure he will be able to keep a distance and little by little Jim has sinful thoughts he feels embarrassed about. But weirdly he can't control and erase them. And when he gives up the surrendering is so sweet and fulfilling he can't believe this is forbidden and bad.
When I read Kick at the Darkness I knew that I had been stupid. Again. Procrastinating when I should not have. But I'm that way. This is no excuse now, I have to go on with this author. Because she's worth it. At least that's what se has proven to me so far.
I must say I was a little disappointed the constant skips past-to-present in every chapter would frustrate me, but that wasn't the case. The anecdotes and episodes about the WWII are written in four pages and then we were in 1948 for a while longer. So in the end this was all very satisfying because KA never failed to give a good rhythm to the story.
However, there was always something lost for me, this book didn't exactly tickle my fancy. I was a little off when I didn't feel the same as with Kick at the Darkness. I don't find any imperfection per se, except that this romance didn't exactly grab me although I devoured the pages as if it was clear water after a day in the desert. I just can't put a finger on it, but something was amiss, IMHO.
And when you finally find out what happened in Okinawa (Jim's nightmares are related to it and it's a topic to be avoided in most conversations) it didn't feel right, but not because it wasn't awful, but because I couldn't feel the traumatic meaning that episode has for Jim, I couldn't feel his despair, his shock, his incredulity and his inability to accept it and live with himself. When the mystery was out I was like "Is that everything?". Maybe after lots of violence in movies I'm not impressed anymore, but I notice when an author manages to move me, there are just some who have that power, but I didn't feel as if KA measured up to it.
The aspect I liked the least was the mystery part, which is very weak. I don't like thrillers but even I myself could guess what happened to Ann and why did Eddie flee. Above all when Jim will fall in love with Cal and of course, to make him not seem a bad husband, then Ann will be demonstrated not to had been happy in their marriage because she needed more and that's why she . Not original at all.
But I loved the children. I don't know why some children are described in a very annoying way but here they were perfect. I loved Sophie and her mistrust and her mischief at first, it was something I would definitely do, so she is very cool. Then she begins to understand that Uncle Cal is not a bad person at all, and I liked her better. She was never a stupid kid although she didn't behave well part of the time. Because she has a head over her shoulders, she has character and personality.
And when the final chapter came, I just knew we would see some of Cal and Jim together, and I hoped for the best-case scenario: after the kids have grown up and flew the nest, so they would sleep together at night since at last. But the one chosen by the writer is a superb option, I really enjoyed it and think about it as a lovely closure.
May 31, 2016
This was such a beautiful story, and mainly because the two main characters where two amazing men!
This is the story of two men who meet on a train ride, Cal, a homosexual young man, and Jim.
Sounds like a good start for a great love story, right?
Well, it is 1942, homosexual acts are illegal, Jim is a married man, with a little girl waiting at home, and the train? the train is taking them to a marine training camp, and off to fight the Japanese, to what we know as WWII.
Cal, a charismatic young leader, from a very rich family of bankers, quickly falls in love with the strong and kind Jim.
they form an amazing friendship and look after each other during the almost three years of fighting in the South Pacific.
Cal of course, never says a word about his sexuality and feelings to Jim.
The story jumps from the war in 1942-1945, to 1948-present days, where, after not meeting for 3 years, Cal come to stay on Jim's farm, to help his friend after his wife's death.
Their love story is beautiful yet heartbreaking at times, due to the time they live in.
World War II is one of my favorite subjects (what a horrible sentence, but you know what I mean).
Combined with this wonderful couple, and the beautiful writing of Keira Andrews, it was an amazing journey to go through.
Like other reviewers said, the jumping from present time to the past didn't put me off like it usually does, it was very fitting, and cleverly done.
The epilogue? Dear god, what a wonderful way to end a book!
Thank you Mishy, Nick and Mark for BRing it with me.
This is the story of two men who meet on a train ride, Cal, a homosexual young man, and Jim.
Sounds like a good start for a great love story, right?
Well, it is 1942, homosexual acts are illegal, Jim is a married man, with a little girl waiting at home, and the train? the train is taking them to a marine training camp, and off to fight the Japanese, to what we know as WWII.
Cal, a charismatic young leader, from a very rich family of bankers, quickly falls in love with the strong and kind Jim.
they form an amazing friendship and look after each other during the almost three years of fighting in the South Pacific.
Cal of course, never says a word about his sexuality and feelings to Jim.
The story jumps from the war in 1942-1945, to 1948-present days, where, after not meeting for 3 years, Cal come to stay on Jim's farm, to help his friend after his wife's death.
Their love story is beautiful yet heartbreaking at times, due to the time they live in.
World War II is one of my favorite subjects (what a horrible sentence, but you know what I mean).
Combined with this wonderful couple, and the beautiful writing of Keira Andrews, it was an amazing journey to go through.
Like other reviewers said, the jumping from present time to the past didn't put me off like it usually does, it was very fitting, and cleverly done.
The epilogue? Dear god, what a wonderful way to end a book!
Thank you Mishy, Nick and Mark for BRing it with me.
December 1, 2014
BR HERE WITH MY FRIENDS! :D
5 STAR BOOK!!
Keira Andrews's Semper Fi blends everything I love about historical romance, the fear of discovery, the secret longing and passion, and the anguish that the future will never be the one they want!
This fantastic novel is at once heartbreaking and heartwarming. It tells the story of two men who become friends in the early days of the World War II, become Marines and support each other through the horrors of that war.
There are no embellishment in Semper Fi, just a beautiful love story that begins strong and comes to a sugared and credible finish, it’s a story of friendship that blossoms into so much more.
The friends-to-lovers theme was nicely done and a good epilogue was a welcome treat!!
5 STAR BOOK!!
Keira Andrews's Semper Fi blends everything I love about historical romance, the fear of discovery, the secret longing and passion, and the anguish that the future will never be the one they want!
This fantastic novel is at once heartbreaking and heartwarming. It tells the story of two men who become friends in the early days of the World War II, become Marines and support each other through the horrors of that war.
There are no embellishment in Semper Fi, just a beautiful love story that begins strong and comes to a sugared and credible finish, it’s a story of friendship that blossoms into so much more.
The friends-to-lovers theme was nicely done and a good epilogue was a welcome treat!!
November 12, 2014
Why is it that the best books are always the hardest to review? That’s exactly how I feel about Semper Fi! It’s been a few weeks now since I read it and I’m still not any closer to figuring out how to review it as I was then!
It’s like this:
Sometimes when you read a book and every single word just touches that perfect place inside you. And you can’t stop thinking about it..for days...even weeks after you read the last word… Yeah, it’s like that.
Go ahead and read the blurb; it does a wonderful job setting up the story.
Now, I’m just going to randomly list out a few thoughts because there is absolutely no way I can form coherent and gibberish-free paragraphs…
Yes, this is a 1940s historical love story, but honestly it hardly felt like a historical at all. Every bit of it is still relevant today: hardship, war, heartbreak, fear, religion, homophobia... I do think some of the verbiage was not 100% accurate to the time period, but I don’t care!! How it made me FEEL is the only thing that matters!!!
I loved how it alternates between telling the story of Jim and Cal’s friendship beginning in 1942 during WWII, and then back to present day 1948 when Cal moves to help Jim on the apple orchard...when their love for each other is finally revealed and consummated. My initial thought was “oh, please don’t let the entire book be like this!” But by the third chapter I understood that was EXACTLY how Cal and Jim’s story deserved to be told. Plus, the transitions were perfectly seamless.
Cal and Jim...gah! The power of their friendship. The reality of their love. The things those two meant to each other. The things they RISKED for each other. Gah! I don’t have the words… They are all spilt out in the pages of this book. Semper Fidelis. “Always Faithful” indeed.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
It’s like this:
Sometimes when you read a book and every single word just touches that perfect place inside you. And you can’t stop thinking about it..for days...even weeks after you read the last word… Yeah, it’s like that.
Go ahead and read the blurb; it does a wonderful job setting up the story.
Now, I’m just going to randomly list out a few thoughts because there is absolutely no way I can form coherent and gibberish-free paragraphs…
Yes, this is a 1940s historical love story, but honestly it hardly felt like a historical at all. Every bit of it is still relevant today: hardship, war, heartbreak, fear, religion, homophobia... I do think some of the verbiage was not 100% accurate to the time period, but I don’t care!! How it made me FEEL is the only thing that matters!!!
I loved how it alternates between telling the story of Jim and Cal’s friendship beginning in 1942 during WWII, and then back to present day 1948 when Cal moves to help Jim on the apple orchard...when their love for each other is finally revealed and consummated. My initial thought was “oh, please don’t let the entire book be like this!” But by the third chapter I understood that was EXACTLY how Cal and Jim’s story deserved to be told. Plus, the transitions were perfectly seamless.
Cal and Jim...gah! The power of their friendship. The reality of their love. The things those two meant to each other. The things they RISKED for each other. Gah! I don’t have the words… They are all spilt out in the pages of this book. Semper Fidelis. “Always Faithful” indeed.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Read
February 29, 2020It really is a dream come true to have my work in audio by such a talented performer as John Solo. This book is very dear to me since my late dad helped with the WWII research, and I hope you enjoy Jim and Cal's epic journey to their HEA. <3
Audible: https://adbl.co/2T8C0gT
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3chDixJ
Amz Universal: http://mybook.to/SemperFi_KeiraA
Apple: https://apple.co/389J69p
Audiobooks: http://bit.ly/2I2lhpl
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2Tn85k0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2TqP3cp
Audible: https://adbl.co/2T8C0gT
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3chDixJ
Amz Universal: http://mybook.to/SemperFi_KeiraA
Apple: https://apple.co/389J69p
Audiobooks: http://bit.ly/2I2lhpl
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2Tn85k0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2TqP3cp
October 23, 2015
Marines and kids?!?!?!?!
November 21, 2021
4 stars ⭐️ Keira Andrews has done it again! I totally love this story. This was an awesome romance between two best friends who lived in a time where being gay was considered a sin. The story was a slow burn, and then there were flashbacks which both Cal and Jim’s time in the Marines during the war. (but I found myself didn't like reading those flashbacks, and that is the only niggle I could think of in the story)
Cal and Jim were absolutely lovely and great as a couple. They had incredible chemistry between them. They were supportive of each other no matter what happened in their lives. They both got each other’s back. Their friendship was so strong and couldn't break.
❝You’ve always loved me for who I am, good and bad.”
Cal took a shaky breath. “I always will.”
“And I haven’t loved you well enough at all.” Jim raised his hand when Cal would have interrupted. “I hope you’ll let me make up for it. I hope you’ll stay. Because I love you and I don’t ever want you to leave again.❞
I absolutely love the epilogue because they deserved to be happy after going through so many.
Cal and Jim were absolutely lovely and great as a couple. They had incredible chemistry between them. They were supportive of each other no matter what happened in their lives. They both got each other’s back. Their friendship was so strong and couldn't break.
❝You’ve always loved me for who I am, good and bad.”
Cal took a shaky breath. “I always will.”
“And I haven’t loved you well enough at all.” Jim raised his hand when Cal would have interrupted. “I hope you’ll let me make up for it. I hope you’ll stay. Because I love you and I don’t ever want you to leave again.❞
I absolutely love the epilogue because they deserved to be happy after going through so many.
November 29, 2014
Five Fidelis Stars for an amazing book!
Cal and Jim joined the Marine Corps to fight on WWII and they became best friends! Cal is gay and Jim is married...
This is their story! It's written in a brilliant way, shifting POV's, shifting from the present (1948) to the past (1942)... it's written with love! Love that the MC's shared... Cal loved Jim since the day they met, he felt that attraction that kept them side by side during the war, but he also had to hide his feelings... Jim loved Cal since then too, but he thought it was true friendship, and it was... but it was also so much more! In those terrible years, they lost friends, they saw death, misery and illness, but they stayed together! They supported each other, and together they get to the end of the war... as best friends!
But they were destined to be together... Jim's wife died and Cal went to his farm, an apple orchard, to help him! And God, what begun with a beautiful, honest and true friendship, became the love that they were destined to live! There was suffering, fear, denial... there were tears and the ghost of the forbidden... but what could they do? They just couldn't stop the love that was always with them, and together they stayed forever... as friends... as lovers!
I will never forget this book! Cal and Jim will always stay with me...
This was another fantastic BR!
Cal and Jim joined the Marine Corps to fight on WWII and they became best friends! Cal is gay and Jim is married...
This is their story! It's written in a brilliant way, shifting POV's, shifting from the present (1948) to the past (1942)... it's written with love! Love that the MC's shared... Cal loved Jim since the day they met, he felt that attraction that kept them side by side during the war, but he also had to hide his feelings... Jim loved Cal since then too, but he thought it was true friendship, and it was... but it was also so much more! In those terrible years, they lost friends, they saw death, misery and illness, but they stayed together! They supported each other, and together they get to the end of the war... as best friends!
But they were destined to be together... Jim's wife died and Cal went to his farm, an apple orchard, to help him! And God, what begun with a beautiful, honest and true friendship, became the love that they were destined to live! There was suffering, fear, denial... there were tears and the ghost of the forbidden... but what could they do? They just couldn't stop the love that was always with them, and together they stayed forever... as friends... as lovers!
I will never forget this book! Cal and Jim will always stay with me...
This was another fantastic BR!
December 15, 2014
1.5* rounded up.
I'm sorry, but this fell rather flat for me within sight of the first page. Everything was telegraphing: the plot, the problems, the characters, the twists.
Maybe I've read too much m/m these past two years, maybe I expect too much, but when an author dumps a dozen clunky chekov's guns in my lap right at the beginning, and such that are not just m/m tropes, but also bad or tired clichés, and then garners it with "male animalistic lust", which I've really read too much of lately, then I'm unfortunately not even vaguely interested in finishing this.
It is clearly competently written, though--as mentioned--the prose is very m/m, and free of general SPaG issues, hence the round up. But I'm over this by now. I want a bit more than clichés, especially where it comes to war narratives.
I'm sorry, but this fell rather flat for me within sight of the first page. Everything was telegraphing: the plot, the problems, the characters, the twists.
Maybe I've read too much m/m these past two years, maybe I expect too much, but when an author dumps a dozen clunky chekov's guns in my lap right at the beginning, and such that are not just m/m tropes, but also bad or tired clichés, and then garners it with "male animalistic lust", which I've really read too much of lately, then I'm unfortunately not even vaguely interested in finishing this.
It is clearly competently written, though--as mentioned--the prose is very m/m, and free of general SPaG issues, hence the round up. But I'm over this by now. I want a bit more than clichés, especially where it comes to war narratives.
May 8, 2025
5.0 ⭐️
Re-read 05/2025
Loved it even more the second time around. Rounding up to 5 stars.
Amazing on audio.
************
"Never hate yourself for loving."
Another deeply moving, passionate and incredibly romantic romance by Keira Andrews.
It was heartbreaking how Jim was struggling with his confusing and „forbidden“ feelings for Cal. It seemed almost impossible for them to find a way to be happy together. But fortunately (yes, it’s Keira Andrews), they get their HEA. I listened to the epilogue with tears in my eyes (Sophie declaring her support is just wonderful!).
Wonderful female side characters.
Narration: John Solo is perfect for this story!
Re-read 05/2025
Loved it even more the second time around. Rounding up to 5 stars.
Amazing on audio.
************
"Never hate yourself for loving."
Another deeply moving, passionate and incredibly romantic romance by Keira Andrews.
It was heartbreaking how Jim was struggling with his confusing and „forbidden“ feelings for Cal. It seemed almost impossible for them to find a way to be happy together. But fortunately (yes, it’s Keira Andrews), they get their HEA. I listened to the epilogue with tears in my eyes (Sophie declaring her support is just wonderful!).
Wonderful female side characters.
Narration: John Solo is perfect for this story!
June 4, 2021
Timeless. I know I’m late to discover the beauty of this story but in all honesty, I think love like this is timeless. And yes, you read that correctly, this story is beautiful. There is war and the terrors and pain that accompany it but the strong heartbeat of their love carries us through the murky pages with tendrils of hope sprouting here and there. Andrews takes us through the paces of their time in combat and afterward when their deployment is over. As we jump from the early part of the decade to the latter, you can’t help but feel the power of their struggles. Active duty isn’t always pleasant or easy to read about, especially during combat. Yet in this case, it was critical to understanding the depth of their bond. I wasn’t merely curious, I was 100% vested in their lives. I was grateful we knew early on they both survived the war but losing one’s life wasn’t the only ill-fated destiny the soldiers faced. Their bodies may be whole but broken hearts and broken minds take their toll. The energy built as the pages flew by and before long I was rapt…grappling with the impressive and palpable emotions. Soon they discover, they truly can do anything together. If only the rest of the world could accept that their hearts belong to one another.
What's to like: It’s easy to fall for Cal and his charm. Born into wealth he had just about everything he wanted growing up. Except for the love and acceptance of his family. Joining the Marine Corp gave him a new family, one that would never let him down. Jim had the picture-perfect life at home but couldn’t face his own true desires. As he wrestled with shame and guilt over his affections, Cal was extraordinarily patient with him. As a religious country boy with a family, he had certain expectations, many from himself. He couldn’t be with a man. Could he? But once he has a taste of what life with your soulmate is like, he knew everything before was a lie. His internal battles after the war brought their own kind of agony. Keira not only nails the emotional pull but she exceeds at sharing them. I felt their highs and lows. I endured their misery and elated in their joys. I was anxious and scared and furious. But then I was overcome with happiness. Between their brothers in arms and their blood-born families, the secondary cast is hefty. And yet, I can easily tell you great details about all of them. I loved the farm. I loved the children. I loved how they selflessly loved each other. Ha! Guess I should move onto the next section…
What's to love: When I think of the love that Cal and Jim share, I can feel the waves wash over me. It was not an accident but inevitable. I believe Cal’s heart would know Jim’s heart anywhere and vice versa. I imagine Jim’s spirit would follow Cal’s beyond the ends of the earth. I can see them taking their last breaths, moments apart because one cannot exist without the other. And not that one would intentionally take their own life but their connection is everlasting and so strong if one goes, so does the other. That’s the type of love they have. These warriors love another with formidable force, one that you don’t often witness. I feel fortunate to know them and their story. And I can only hope the same for you.
Beware of: War…these marines (heroes) grant us an intimate glimpse into what they endured in WWII. Forbidden love…they shouldn’t have fallen in love, they couldn’t love freely but some love simply can’t be stopped. And prepare for a turbulent journey fueled with passion, self-discovery, and devotion…with an immensely rewarding conclusion.
This book is for: If you don’t mind slipping back in time, this love story is sure to sweep you off your feet. They take a chance on each other, why don’t you?
What's to like: It’s easy to fall for Cal and his charm. Born into wealth he had just about everything he wanted growing up. Except for the love and acceptance of his family. Joining the Marine Corp gave him a new family, one that would never let him down. Jim had the picture-perfect life at home but couldn’t face his own true desires. As he wrestled with shame and guilt over his affections, Cal was extraordinarily patient with him. As a religious country boy with a family, he had certain expectations, many from himself. He couldn’t be with a man. Could he? But once he has a taste of what life with your soulmate is like, he knew everything before was a lie. His internal battles after the war brought their own kind of agony. Keira not only nails the emotional pull but she exceeds at sharing them. I felt their highs and lows. I endured their misery and elated in their joys. I was anxious and scared and furious. But then I was overcome with happiness. Between their brothers in arms and their blood-born families, the secondary cast is hefty. And yet, I can easily tell you great details about all of them. I loved the farm. I loved the children. I loved how they selflessly loved each other. Ha! Guess I should move onto the next section…
What's to love: When I think of the love that Cal and Jim share, I can feel the waves wash over me. It was not an accident but inevitable. I believe Cal’s heart would know Jim’s heart anywhere and vice versa. I imagine Jim’s spirit would follow Cal’s beyond the ends of the earth. I can see them taking their last breaths, moments apart because one cannot exist without the other. And not that one would intentionally take their own life but their connection is everlasting and so strong if one goes, so does the other. That’s the type of love they have. These warriors love another with formidable force, one that you don’t often witness. I feel fortunate to know them and their story. And I can only hope the same for you.
Beware of: War…these marines (heroes) grant us an intimate glimpse into what they endured in WWII. Forbidden love…they shouldn’t have fallen in love, they couldn’t love freely but some love simply can’t be stopped. And prepare for a turbulent journey fueled with passion, self-discovery, and devotion…with an immensely rewarding conclusion.
This book is for: If you don’t mind slipping back in time, this love story is sure to sweep you off your feet. They take a chance on each other, why don’t you?
December 31, 2020
Who knew my last read of 2020 would be this incredibly romantic emotional romance? My heart. It’s so full. It broke so many times. What a beautifully told story. I’m so happy with the end, they deserved to be happy forever. ❤️
Cal and Jim were US Marines who met when they enrolled in 1942. Jim was married. Cal was gay and fell deeply in love with Jim. They were the best of friends and went through every horror of the war together. Always there for each other.
When Jim’s wife died, in 1948, Cal went to him. To be there and support his friend. The only man he ever loved.
Each chapter is divided in two parts: WWII and 1948. I didn’t think I would like the war parts. But it gripped me with all its horror and I couldn’t stop reading. I love the alternating timeline, the war parts were heavy and it was good to be brought back to 1948 after a few pages.
Jim soon realizes he also has feelings for Cal. But their love is considered a sin, and it’s illegal. They can’t be together. My heart broke for them and for so many couples who didn’t (and still don’t in many places) have the right to be happy together. Love is beautiful, how can anyone think it’s wrong?
This beautiful romance does have a happy ending and will leave you smiling through your tears. One of my favourite reads of the year.
Cal and Jim were US Marines who met when they enrolled in 1942. Jim was married. Cal was gay and fell deeply in love with Jim. They were the best of friends and went through every horror of the war together. Always there for each other.
When Jim’s wife died, in 1948, Cal went to him. To be there and support his friend. The only man he ever loved.
Each chapter is divided in two parts: WWII and 1948. I didn’t think I would like the war parts. But it gripped me with all its horror and I couldn’t stop reading. I love the alternating timeline, the war parts were heavy and it was good to be brought back to 1948 after a few pages.
Jim soon realizes he also has feelings for Cal. But their love is considered a sin, and it’s illegal. They can’t be together. My heart broke for them and for so many couples who didn’t (and still don’t in many places) have the right to be happy together. Love is beautiful, how can anyone think it’s wrong?
This beautiful romance does have a happy ending and will leave you smiling through your tears. One of my favourite reads of the year.
October 16, 2014
I won an early copy of Semper Fi, so had the distinct pleasure of reading it before it is published. Lucky me!
I recently read Keira Andrews’ last book – A Forbidden Rumspringa – and absolutely adored it. (Very much looking forward to the sequel.) So, I was excited to jump right into Semper Fi. And it sure lived up to my high expectations.
Semper Fi is a beautiful, and at times heart breaking, love story. But, it is also about friendship, loyalty, self-discovery, and family. I really enjoy Keira Andrews’ writing style. She is adept at describing scenes and action as well as portraying characters and their emotions. All of the characters are well drawn and I fell in love with both of the MCs – Cal and Jim – especially Cal. Sophie, Jim’s daughter, and their neighbor, Mrs. O’Brien, were two additional favorites. Many times supporting child characters can be one-sided or unrealistic. But, Sophie was complex and genuine. (I have a 10-year old daughter to compare. ☺)
The book is structured with each chapter having a section set in World War II with Cal and Jim in the Marines and a section set in 1948 with them back home. The chapters then alternate between each MC’s point of view. It might sound a bit confusing, but it wasn’t and it facilitated the story well for me. The time period and POV were always clear to me. I liked reading about how Jim and Cal met and developed their close friendship during the war alongside their reunion and romance in 1948. And, as an additional aid, there are great images of dog tags or apples to help differentiate the time period/setting.
Both storylines move along quickly and I had a hard time putting my Kindle down when regular life intervened. There are several sexy scenes, but they are not gratuitous. They are wonderfully emotional and serve to further the relationship and character development.
The book is also replete with details and descriptions that made me feel like I was there in that time and place. Keira Andrews must have done her homework! I learned things about World War II, apple farming and the 1940s, yet the narrative was not bogged down at all. I will mention that some of the war scenes are harrowing (hence the warning at the end of the book synopsis) and some of the language the soldiers use (especially about the Japanese) was difficult to read (but authentic).
The ending is worth all the hurt to get there! The last line of the main story is perfect: “Cal came to the crossroads and turned towards home.” Plus, there is a wonderful epilogue, understated yet so lovely. It made me adore Sophie even more.
If you’re a Keira Andrew’s fan, I highly recommend this book. And if you have never read anything by her yet, I still highly recommend it!
I recently read Keira Andrews’ last book – A Forbidden Rumspringa – and absolutely adored it. (Very much looking forward to the sequel.) So, I was excited to jump right into Semper Fi. And it sure lived up to my high expectations.
Semper Fi is a beautiful, and at times heart breaking, love story. But, it is also about friendship, loyalty, self-discovery, and family. I really enjoy Keira Andrews’ writing style. She is adept at describing scenes and action as well as portraying characters and their emotions. All of the characters are well drawn and I fell in love with both of the MCs – Cal and Jim – especially Cal. Sophie, Jim’s daughter, and their neighbor, Mrs. O’Brien, were two additional favorites. Many times supporting child characters can be one-sided or unrealistic. But, Sophie was complex and genuine. (I have a 10-year old daughter to compare. ☺)
The book is structured with each chapter having a section set in World War II with Cal and Jim in the Marines and a section set in 1948 with them back home. The chapters then alternate between each MC’s point of view. It might sound a bit confusing, but it wasn’t and it facilitated the story well for me. The time period and POV were always clear to me. I liked reading about how Jim and Cal met and developed their close friendship during the war alongside their reunion and romance in 1948. And, as an additional aid, there are great images of dog tags or apples to help differentiate the time period/setting.
Both storylines move along quickly and I had a hard time putting my Kindle down when regular life intervened. There are several sexy scenes, but they are not gratuitous. They are wonderfully emotional and serve to further the relationship and character development.
The book is also replete with details and descriptions that made me feel like I was there in that time and place. Keira Andrews must have done her homework! I learned things about World War II, apple farming and the 1940s, yet the narrative was not bogged down at all. I will mention that some of the war scenes are harrowing (hence the warning at the end of the book synopsis) and some of the language the soldiers use (especially about the Japanese) was difficult to read (but authentic).
The ending is worth all the hurt to get there! The last line of the main story is perfect: “Cal came to the crossroads and turned towards home.” Plus, there is a wonderful epilogue, understated yet so lovely. It made me adore Sophie even more.
If you’re a Keira Andrew’s fan, I highly recommend this book. And if you have never read anything by her yet, I still highly recommend it!
April 8, 2016
Superb!! Just superb!! I didn't skip anything in the story at all, I wanted to savour it and even read the gory bits when the guys were in the Far East during the war. A wonderfully romantic love story for Cal and Jim. 5 stars.
Thanks to Eva for making me push it up the queue. Big smooch!!
September 1, 2015
Reading this was like watching an old film through a movie reel. Not because of its historical essence but more so because we only got to see the story unfold in frames -- mere figments of the bigger picture. Make no mistake, Cal and Jim's story doesn't really come as a surprise even if you only see glimpses of their life during and post war. You'll be able to put two and two together even without much knowledge of their horrible past. But Keira Andrews writes the whole thing beautifully that having two separate stories unfold in each chapter holds a certain allure and grandeur; it makes the story all the more reminiscent and evocative.
With this in mind, I can't help but think that the book reminds me of The Notebook (although I think many Nicholas Sparks' fans would probably argue with this), maybe because of the way the story was told, or the wistful and nostalgic undercurrent that the book possesses. Either way, I think the author did a smart move in telling the story of two souls who went through a lot even long after the second world war was over.
Cal and Jim are characters who are different as can be and yet I can't help thinking of them as one -- Cal & Jim. The author did a fine job in adding depth to these characters. Although I'd like to think of Cal as the more solid of the two. He really did give off a charming and charismatic vibe; it was so believable and natural. At times, I really wanted to hate Jim for being weak but I can't fault him for that given the time frame of the story and the things they went through in the war. Smart move on the author's part, if I must say.
But alas, although the book deserves a lot of merits, I think it's far from being perfect. I think I just had very high expectations given the reviews and ratings made. I guess I had put this so high on the pedestal. Although very compelling, there were a lot of moments when I'd lose focus on the story and had to stop because the pace went painfully slow. I thought that the author also wasn't able to give justice in painting a concrete and horrible picture of the war. At times, it felt too PG-13 -- lacking in terms of rawness and pain. Post war, I thought the trauma was just mild and tamed. But I think the author wanted to focus more on the characters and their burgeoning story. So all in all, I'd still give this book 4 stars.
Read
November 12, 2017No sé si ponerle tres estrellas o cuatro. Dos hombres que se conocen en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, se enamoran y luego tienen que buscar cómo tener una vida juntos en la sociedad estadounidense de los años 50. Tenemos un poco de todo, negación de la sexualidad, mujeres, familias, niños, viudedad, religión. En principio un cocktail perfecto para hacer una historia muy entretenida, pero la estructura del libro no me ha terminado de convencer. Entiendo que la autora nos haya hecho testigos de los años de guerra y cómo ellos establecen ese lazo tan profundo. Pero, al dividir los capítulos en dos periodos distintos, la guerra y el actual, a mi me rompe mucho los momentos más emocionales de la pareja, cuando estoy en plena tensión el aire se aclara para mostrarme un periodo distinto, no me gusta, pero eso es algo totalmente personal. A eso hay que añadirle que tenía interés cero por el asunto militar, no soy nada fan y si de verdad me interesa lo leo en un libro de Historia.
Por otro lado, al final del libro algo ocurre que permite clarificar las cosas, la aparición de cierto personaje y lo que ocurre y lo que se habla me ha parecido un tanto impostado y muy poco natural.
Me ha gustado, pero con algunas reservas, al menos los niños no eran insoportables...
Por otro lado, al final del libro algo ocurre que permite clarificar las cosas, la aparición de cierto personaje y lo que ocurre y lo que se habla me ha parecido un tanto impostado y muy poco natural.
Me ha gustado, pero con algunas reservas, al menos los niños no eran insoportables...
December 23, 2014
5 Star read. I loved everything about it. It was sad in parts but not over the top. And the happy, sexy times more than made up for the sad times. And the ending was perfect! Going to start "The Forbidden Rumspringa" now. I bought it a while ago and never got around to reading it. Now I need to! Keira Andrews can really write!
Cal
Jim
If you loved Band of Brothers, you will love this book.
Cal
Jim
If you loved Band of Brothers, you will love this book.
March 5, 2020
I don't think that I can convey into words how much I loved Semper Fi by Keira Andrews.
Raw
Heartfelt
Achingly beautiful
From Cal and Jim's first meeting on the train, their time at war, working side by side at the orchard, and both finally admitting their feelings. The writing is exquisite.
So much swoon.
While I'm not one for flashbacks, they are poignant to the storytelling in Semper Fi. It enables us to be there with Jim and Cal during the war, and it adds depth to their love story.
I don't know why I waited years to read this book. If you're like me and haven't taken the plunge, what are you waiting for?
All the stars.
November 16, 2014
Im very impressed with the amount of research the author did. It made me feel like I was actually there watching the whole thing happen. The apple orchard backdrop of the story was really lovely and added a romantic appeal to the story. I am not a fan of frequent flashbacks but it really worked well here and I did not find it confusing at all. The reason why I did not give this 5 stars is because I was not really emotionally invested with the 2 MCs. I was excpecting tears and all that jazz from my end. I dont know, might be because I expected too much or Might just be one those days. This the 2nd book Ive read from this author, the 1st being Love Match which I liked, and will definitely check out her other books. Very well written and definitely a must read!
December 7, 2022
Oh my...this book was beautiful! It went straight up to my favorite books-shelf. Jim and Cal were such a sweet, wonderful couple together; Cal's patience, his understanding of Jim's troubles and doubts and feelings of guilt and sin...he was such a wonderful, strong character with his wit and ability to motivate his fellow soldiers while they were fighting in the war against the Japanese, yet so caring about them and specially about Jim. Jim was so sweet and vulnerable, but so much stronger than he thought he was.
I'm sure these men will stay with me just a little while longer.
Thank you, Keira Andrews, for another beautiful story and for sharing it with us. I loved it.
I'm sure these men will stay with me just a little while longer.
Thank you, Keira Andrews, for another beautiful story and for sharing it with us. I loved it.
June 11, 2025
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤.5/5
perfection. 10/10 no notes
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤.5/5
perfection. 10/10 no notes
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