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Desert Heat #1
Desert Heat
Their love is forbidden by rules, religion and risk. Yet still they can’t resist.
Captain Hugh Wilkes is on his last tour of duty in Afghanistan. The British Army is withdrawing, and Wilkes expects his posting to be event-free. That is, until he meets his Afghan interpreter, Rustam Balkhi, who awakens desires in Wilkes that he’d almost forgotten about, and that won’t be ignored.
Please note: this book was previously published as part of the Unconditional Surrender bundle.
Captain Hugh Wilkes is on his last tour of duty in Afghanistan. The British Army is withdrawing, and Wilkes expects his posting to be event-free. That is, until he meets his Afghan interpreter, Rustam Balkhi, who awakens desires in Wilkes that he’d almost forgotten about, and that won’t be ignored.
Please note: this book was previously published as part of the Unconditional Surrender bundle.
59 pages, ebook
First published January 29, 2015
7 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Felthouse
240 books799 followersLucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award), The Persecution of the Wolves, Hiding in Plain Sight, Curve Appeal, and The Heiress’s Harem and The Dreadnoughts series. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 175 publications to her name. Find out more about her and her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/linktree
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 2, 2015
I'm about to sound 16 different kinds of sexist. Apologies in advance for any butthurtedness I may cause.
This felt very m/f to me. Let me just clarify my position here. I've worked with soldiers. I have ex-military in my family. I've befriended active duty and veterans alike and the common denominator between them is they're all (to varying degrees) prickly hard-asses. They don't talk about their feelz unless there's some sort of dire consequence. In fact, let me tell you a story. A friend of mine's husband, a commissioned officer, had been on multiple tours to Iraq. At one point, the military made it "mandatory" that all returning service men and women have a psych eval. He didn't go. Ever. Neither did any of his friends/acquaintances/soldiers and that shit was MANDATORY.
So the fact that the first time Wilkes and Balkhi take the fuck truck to Pound Town one of them brings up The L Word didn't strike me as very authentic.
And the second time they're talking about their future? Together? After Wilkes has been mostly avoiding Balkhi since they got to the FOB? Maybe the falling into the love happened primarily off the page because it caught me off guard.
I'm not saying it couldn't happen I'm just saying I had a hard time believing a career soldier, a Captain no less, and a Muslim Afghani interpreter would be so forthcoming. I'm thinking their masking capabilities and stuffing their emotions would be highly attuned, so my suspend reality button didn't fully engage.
Anyway… the first 50% or so reads as a very dry account of military life on the FOB in contemporary Afghanistan in a fizzling war in a country still fraught with danger. Ms. Felthouse seems to have a firm grasp of military speak and the level of dexterity sometimes required interacting with a chain of command that showed but didn't make for an exciting read.
The dialogue felt stilted more often than not and there was an excess of superfluous information that didn't serve a purpose. Case in point:
I didn't hate it and I would likely read something else from this author. I'm guessing she's fairly new to the m/m genre and I like where her head's at with choosing military MCs. That shows promise.
Recommend to military fans and those interested in dipping their toes into the m/m pond.
This felt very m/f to me. Let me just clarify my position here. I've worked with soldiers. I have ex-military in my family. I've befriended active duty and veterans alike and the common denominator between them is they're all (to varying degrees) prickly hard-asses. They don't talk about their feelz unless there's some sort of dire consequence. In fact, let me tell you a story. A friend of mine's husband, a commissioned officer, had been on multiple tours to Iraq. At one point, the military made it "mandatory" that all returning service men and women have a psych eval. He didn't go. Ever. Neither did any of his friends/acquaintances/soldiers and that shit was MANDATORY.
So the fact that the first time Wilkes and Balkhi take the fuck truck to Pound Town one of them brings up The L Word didn't strike me as very authentic.
And the second time they're talking about their future? Together? After Wilkes has been mostly avoiding Balkhi since they got to the FOB? Maybe the falling into the love happened primarily off the page because it caught me off guard.
"I think I love you, Rustam Balkhi. Now please, make me come."
I'm not saying it couldn't happen I'm just saying I had a hard time believing a career soldier, a Captain no less, and a Muslim Afghani interpreter would be so forthcoming. I'm thinking their masking capabilities and stuffing their emotions would be highly attuned, so my suspend reality button didn't fully engage.
Anyway… the first 50% or so reads as a very dry account of military life on the FOB in contemporary Afghanistan in a fizzling war in a country still fraught with danger. Ms. Felthouse seems to have a firm grasp of military speak and the level of dexterity sometimes required interacting with a chain of command that showed but didn't make for an exciting read.
The dialogue felt stilted more often than not and there was an excess of superfluous information that didn't serve a purpose. Case in point:
Reaching down, he grasped the base of the condom, holding it as Balkhi clambered off. Casting around for the wrapper, he removed the rubber and carefully stuffed it inside, then placed it on the sideboard, out of the way.
I didn't hate it and I would likely read something else from this author. I'm guessing she's fairly new to the m/m genre and I like where her head's at with choosing military MCs. That shows promise.
Recommend to military fans and those interested in dipping their toes into the m/m pond.
November 11, 2016
Holy insta-love Batman. Give me a break.
February 11, 2015
This novella features a gay romance and serious social issues. Capt. Hugh Wilkes is serving a final tour for the Allied forces in Afghanistan. He is assigned a native interpreter, Rustam Balkhi, for help in missions in the remote villages they cover in their security detail. Hugh is a gay man, somewhat closeted, but Rustam is completely in the closet--though actually gay.
The men strike up a clandestine romance, both approve, but there is further danger than just existing in a war zone. Being a gay Afghani is a dangerous life, but being an interpreter for the 'infidels' is even more so. The British forces are pulling out, and more than one interpreter has been murdered in the wake of not getting a visa to the UK.
I really enjoyed the close interaction between Hugh and Rustam; they seemed to make a good pair. I also really liked the realistic aspect of the danger natives face when assisting an occupying force. This really rang true to me.
Of course, the sexytimes were d-lish, and there's a whole lot of story packed in this novella. I'd love to follow this couple further.
I read this in the Unconditional Surrender bundle.
The men strike up a clandestine romance, both approve, but there is further danger than just existing in a war zone. Being a gay Afghani is a dangerous life, but being an interpreter for the 'infidels' is even more so. The British forces are pulling out, and more than one interpreter has been murdered in the wake of not getting a visa to the UK.
I really enjoyed the close interaction between Hugh and Rustam; they seemed to make a good pair. I also really liked the realistic aspect of the danger natives face when assisting an occupying force. This really rang true to me.
Of course, the sexytimes were d-lish, and there's a whole lot of story packed in this novella. I'd love to follow this couple further.
I read this in the Unconditional Surrender bundle.
January 6, 2015
I really enjoyed Desert Heat. It was an unusual setting for a love story, particularly MM. There's battles and heat and dust and lots of danger, throw in some cultural issues and it all adds up to make a great read. If soldiers in love and lust is your thing go grab a copy.
January 10, 2015
3.5 Stars
A British soldier and an Afghan interpreter are a seemingly unlikely pair. Each of them has been fantasizing about the other for weeks, until one night it becomes more than just fantasy. This was a hot little story. We get an ok amount of character development, and the sex scenes are plenty steamy. And though they had been lusting after one another and getting to know each other for weeks when they have their first sexual encounter, they're making plans for the future more quickly than seemed right. That's a short story for you, I suppose. Still, I enjoyed it.
A British soldier and an Afghan interpreter are a seemingly unlikely pair. Each of them has been fantasizing about the other for weeks, until one night it becomes more than just fantasy. This was a hot little story. We get an ok amount of character development, and the sex scenes are plenty steamy. And though they had been lusting after one another and getting to know each other for weeks when they have their first sexual encounter, they're making plans for the future more quickly than seemed right. That's a short story for you, I suppose. Still, I enjoyed it.
February 8, 2015
I'd read snippets of this tale in Mid Week Tease posts on Ms. Felthouse's blog and really enjoyed the hints of love and restraint in this tale. Reading the whole thing brought more of the same and the first admission of desire between Wilkes and Balkhi is one of my favorites. Hot, erotic, and a very satisfying ending, worth the read.
June 10, 2015
OH Lucy Lucy Lucy What a great start to the story this was!
I received an ARC by the author in exchange of an honest review.
I absolutely enjoyed this story. The story begins at a good pace and we are quickly introduced to Captain Hugh Wilkes as he is preparing for his last Tour of Duty in Afghanistan. It should have been a very easy task as the army started their withdrawal from the area and he was looking to a "uncomplicated" tour. As part of the service he is allocated an interpreter and as soon as Hugh sets eyes on Rustam Balkhi "uncomplicated" goes out of the window.
Unfortunately Hugh is so in the closet he wouldn't know where the door is even if it will smack him in the face, he has kept his feelings always hidden for fear of the reaction his men will have, he has fought against his desires for so long the sudden attraction is an alien response. For Rustam the risks are even greater, he would not only be braking the rules but his religion, family etc would probably never understand.
So Hugh and Rustam would not only have to fight their true feelings but will need to protect themselves from each other and the elements surrounding them.It will be fighting battle in more ways than one!
One thing I loved about this book was the quality of the detail. The descriptive is brilliant and it allowed me to submerge in the place and the characters. Thank You Lucy for allowing to read this instalment.
Have read the sequel so see my review for that too!
4 HOT Isalovebooks Stars ****
I received an ARC by the author in exchange of an honest review.
I absolutely enjoyed this story. The story begins at a good pace and we are quickly introduced to Captain Hugh Wilkes as he is preparing for his last Tour of Duty in Afghanistan. It should have been a very easy task as the army started their withdrawal from the area and he was looking to a "uncomplicated" tour. As part of the service he is allocated an interpreter and as soon as Hugh sets eyes on Rustam Balkhi "uncomplicated" goes out of the window.
Unfortunately Hugh is so in the closet he wouldn't know where the door is even if it will smack him in the face, he has kept his feelings always hidden for fear of the reaction his men will have, he has fought against his desires for so long the sudden attraction is an alien response. For Rustam the risks are even greater, he would not only be braking the rules but his religion, family etc would probably never understand.
So Hugh and Rustam would not only have to fight their true feelings but will need to protect themselves from each other and the elements surrounding them.It will be fighting battle in more ways than one!
One thing I loved about this book was the quality of the detail. The descriptive is brilliant and it allowed me to submerge in the place and the characters. Thank You Lucy for allowing to read this instalment.
Have read the sequel so see my review for that too!
4 HOT Isalovebooks Stars ****
January 17, 2015
British Army captain Hugh Wilkes is embarking on a six month tour in the sandy heat of Afghanistan. It’s not something he is looking forward to, but he knows there are worse jobs for him to be assigned to. The fact that his Tajik interpreter is easy on the eyes helps him pass some of his time. It doesn’t take Wilkes long to start having some very hot fantasies about Balkhi, a man who is more unknown to Wilkes than many others at the FOB they have been sent to. Wilkes believes that Balkhi is most likely not even gay. Then to top off the unknown sexuality is the fact that their jobs and his religion will be even larger obstacles for them to potentially have to overcome.
Talk about falling in love way too fast. I didn’t understand how they got to that point by just working together for such a short amount of time. The forbidden aspect may have added some intrigue to them getting together, but their shared moments didn’t add up to falling in love. The happy for now ending made complete sense though. Wilkes and Balkhi have many things between them and a happily ever after. That would have made for a nice epilogue maybe.
*Desert Heat was originally published in the Unconditional Surrender M/M Military Romance Bundle. This story has not been expanded. It is the same without any additional material added.*
Talk about falling in love way too fast. I didn’t understand how they got to that point by just working together for such a short amount of time. The forbidden aspect may have added some intrigue to them getting together, but their shared moments didn’t add up to falling in love. The happy for now ending made complete sense though. Wilkes and Balkhi have many things between them and a happily ever after. That would have made for a nice epilogue maybe.
*Desert Heat was originally published in the Unconditional Surrender M/M Military Romance Bundle. This story has not been expanded. It is the same without any additional material added.*
January 30, 2015
I am in two minds about this book. The details of a British military unit operating in the desert of Afghanistan under hostile conditions, the way they deal with the local people, and the problems touched upon are extremely well done. So is the atmosphere and some f the tings running through the main character's mind.
However, this is also a book that I think is too short to deal with the complicated situation described in the blurb. It is an important topic to think and write about, but the way this story developed was not for me. One of the main reasons is the fact I was unable to connect to the narrator, one of the main characters. I couldn't understand why he did what he did, including some extremely risky activities in a tent in hearing distance from fellow soldiers. I am sure it was because I missed something, especially since others have enjoyed this story.
If you like stories about hot military men, and want to see how they might be dealing with the kind of attraction that could get their partners killed if they are caught, then you may this short novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review.
However, this is also a book that I think is too short to deal with the complicated situation described in the blurb. It is an important topic to think and write about, but the way this story developed was not for me. One of the main reasons is the fact I was unable to connect to the narrator, one of the main characters. I couldn't understand why he did what he did, including some extremely risky activities in a tent in hearing distance from fellow soldiers. I am sure it was because I missed something, especially since others have enjoyed this story.
If you like stories about hot military men, and want to see how they might be dealing with the kind of attraction that could get their partners killed if they are caught, then you may this short novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review.
May 25, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book for review. I haven't read this authors work before and was pleasantly surprised by this book.
The story centres around Wilkes a captain In the British army, his based in Afghanistan. He hides his sexuality from his fellow soldiers and has to put up with homophobic jokes. The language used and the banter shared felt real and was enjoyable to read.
Enter Balkhi, his the new translator supporting Wilkes and the troops, they hit it off straight away, but unfortunately for Wilkes he can't keep his mind off the hot Afghan translator, could Wilkes feelings be reciprocated?
A quick read which I enjoyed, I connected with Wilkes more than Balkhi, mainly because it's more about how he felt and what he wanted.
I'll definitely check out more of authors books.
3.5 stars
The story centres around Wilkes a captain In the British army, his based in Afghanistan. He hides his sexuality from his fellow soldiers and has to put up with homophobic jokes. The language used and the banter shared felt real and was enjoyable to read.
Enter Balkhi, his the new translator supporting Wilkes and the troops, they hit it off straight away, but unfortunately for Wilkes he can't keep his mind off the hot Afghan translator, could Wilkes feelings be reciprocated?
A quick read which I enjoyed, I connected with Wilkes more than Balkhi, mainly because it's more about how he felt and what he wanted.
I'll definitely check out more of authors books.
3.5 stars
June 19, 2015
Desert Heat by Lucy Felthouse
Now I can see why everyone was begging Lucy for more! Poor Hugh. All he wants is someone in his life but he is afraid for his career in the military because he is a gay man.
You just don’t know how your platoon is going to react so mum is the word. Well never in his life did he plan on meeting someone during an assignment. Rustam is his interpreter but that is not the only thing he will be to Hugh. Lucy gets me all excited about this little relationship and then the story ends! OMG how will they get along? Do they really like each other? So many questions… I’m so glad Native Tongue is out so I don’t have to wait. I am not a very patient person. LOL I received this book as a gift from the author in return for an honest review. If you can’t tell, Yes I did like the story!
Now I can see why everyone was begging Lucy for more! Poor Hugh. All he wants is someone in his life but he is afraid for his career in the military because he is a gay man.
You just don’t know how your platoon is going to react so mum is the word. Well never in his life did he plan on meeting someone during an assignment. Rustam is his interpreter but that is not the only thing he will be to Hugh. Lucy gets me all excited about this little relationship and then the story ends! OMG how will they get along? Do they really like each other? So many questions… I’m so glad Native Tongue is out so I don’t have to wait. I am not a very patient person. LOL I received this book as a gift from the author in return for an honest review. If you can’t tell, Yes I did like the story!
January 21, 2015
Was kindly gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Lucy never fails to amaze me. A short sweet, tender hot read.
Never having read a m/m love story (there is normally a woman thrown into the mix) I wasn't sure what to expect. I totally loved it. I was suprised by the setting of where the romance happens but the more i think about it, the i realise people do find love in the most strangest of places and under the most toughest circumstances. The book itself is very well written with relatable characters and i just couldn't help myself rooting for them. Due to the shortness of the book, there isn't that much sex in it but the bits that are there are very very hot but pleasant, not overly done and very tasteful. A must read.
Wow. Lucy never fails to amaze me. A short sweet, tender hot read.
Never having read a m/m love story (there is normally a woman thrown into the mix) I wasn't sure what to expect. I totally loved it. I was suprised by the setting of where the romance happens but the more i think about it, the i realise people do find love in the most strangest of places and under the most toughest circumstances. The book itself is very well written with relatable characters and i just couldn't help myself rooting for them. Due to the shortness of the book, there isn't that much sex in it but the bits that are there are very very hot but pleasant, not overly done and very tasteful. A must read.
January 7, 2015
Originally part of the Unconditional Surrender bundle this cracking wee story is being let loose on the world on it's own.
Wilkes, A British Army officer on his final tour of Afghan finds himself falling for his native interpreter, Balkhi.
Months of inappropriate thoughts on both sides lead into a stolen night of passion but can they continue seeing each other without alerting the other guys on camp to their love for each other?
A very well researched book and as per usual so beautifully written.
Wilkes, A British Army officer on his final tour of Afghan finds himself falling for his native interpreter, Balkhi.
Months of inappropriate thoughts on both sides lead into a stolen night of passion but can they continue seeing each other without alerting the other guys on camp to their love for each other?
A very well researched book and as per usual so beautifully written.
November 17, 2015
I was already a huge fan of Felthouse’s FF books, this was my first MM by her and I wasn’t disappointed. I really enjoyed the way she let the story slowly unfold. I love a good buildup and this one was superb. The sexual tension between Hugh and Rustam was delicious, months of naughty thoughts, glances at each other, slight touches. Finally our leading men meet and sparks fly. It’s obvious that the author did her homework on not only the military “lingo” but also the cultural atmosphere of their location. This is a very sweet, and steamy, love story.
July 4, 2015
This book was originally part of the Unconditional Surrender anthology, but I enjoyed it so much I wanted to read it again when it became available on its own. Captain Wilkes and his interpreter try to fight their attraction for each other, but in the end, they just can't do it! Lucy fills the scenes with some of the hottest MM erotica and doesn't take away from the storyline at all. You definitely don't want to miss this awesome MM read!
January 6, 2015
This is a fantastic short story. It is obviously well researched and intelligently written. It's an erotic romance told with the backdrop of life in the army in Afghanistan, highlighting the issues both of being gay in the military and cultural differences. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this talented writer's short story.
June 18, 2019
I received this book in return for an honest review
This book really opened my eyes to the people behind the soldiers who risk their lives to help them. The author brings the characters and location alive. I would have loved a little more or an epilogue but I know this can be hard to do with a short story.
This book really opened my eyes to the people behind the soldiers who risk their lives to help them. The author brings the characters and location alive. I would have loved a little more or an epilogue but I know this can be hard to do with a short story.
February 4, 2015
3.5 stars a really nice quick read. You can tell Lucy has done her research which makes this enjoyable, yes they fall in love fast but spending months together in the desert along with tense situations it's gonna happen fast.
Thanks for the arc Lucy, I will be checking out more of your books soon.
Thanks for the arc Lucy, I will be checking out more of your books soon.
May 27, 2017
I don't usually expect much more than a bit of shallow but hopefully sexy fun from anything this short, but this first story in a two-part series about a British soldier and the local interpreter assigned to him on his last tour in Afghanistan was a very positive surprise that somehow just managed to hit all the right buttons. Despite the short length, I felt it managed to built up the characters and their developing relationship sufficiently to not seem rushed, convey actual feelings as opposed to just instalove/-lust (although I am a bit allergic to declarations of love happening quite this soon, and during sex to boot), and, last but certainly not least, offer up a few hot as hell steamy scenes as well. Now, on to part two!
July 27, 2019
This forbidden relationship is hot as hell. I think the fact that it’s not the norm and also frowned upon makes it all that more enjoyable. Great characters with lots of chemistry. Joel is fantastic as usual, lots of accents that show off Joel’s talent.
November 7, 2016
I read this as part of an anthology. It was fine but I'm not going to read any more of this series.
January 1, 2018
well written but just not my style
February 23, 2015
3 star review by Amber
First things first….this book needs a sequel!! There HAS to be a sequel coming!! It’s not that this book ended on a cliffhanger because it absolutely did not but it did end in a really unsatisfying HFN kind of way. I don’t even know how to feel about this story without knowing that there is more on the way.
One of my most favorite genre’s is military m/m romance so I was all for this story. It sounded great and it was pretty good. I’d have loved more character development, I’d loved a lot more interaction and build up between Hugh and Rustam but given that this was such a short story, and a part of a bundle originally, I’m sure space really wasn’t allotted for that. I get it but I definitely need more.
Hugh Wilkins is a Captain in the British Army. He wants the military to be his career so he sees no reason to come out of the closet. In his mind he’s happy enough with the few and far between hookups he allows himself.
During his most recent deployment to Afghanistan he meets his unit’s new interpreter, Rustam Balkhi. He feels an immediate attraction to Rustam but pushes it deep down. He knows Rustam’s religion would kill him for homosexual acts, and being in hostile territory is no place to start a romance.
Forces outside their control push them together and they can’t deny or stop themselves from enjoying brief solace in each other’s arms.
There were only a few love scenes in this short story but they were good. Rustam and Hugh were comfortable in their skin as gay males and that comfort shined through when they were intimate.
This was a good story; great writing and I loved the military subculture that was interwoven throughout the chapters. I just really would have loved more but it was nice knowing these two found something good in all the bad.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
First things first….this book needs a sequel!! There HAS to be a sequel coming!! It’s not that this book ended on a cliffhanger because it absolutely did not but it did end in a really unsatisfying HFN kind of way. I don’t even know how to feel about this story without knowing that there is more on the way.
One of my most favorite genre’s is military m/m romance so I was all for this story. It sounded great and it was pretty good. I’d have loved more character development, I’d loved a lot more interaction and build up between Hugh and Rustam but given that this was such a short story, and a part of a bundle originally, I’m sure space really wasn’t allotted for that. I get it but I definitely need more.
Hugh Wilkins is a Captain in the British Army. He wants the military to be his career so he sees no reason to come out of the closet. In his mind he’s happy enough with the few and far between hookups he allows himself.
During his most recent deployment to Afghanistan he meets his unit’s new interpreter, Rustam Balkhi. He feels an immediate attraction to Rustam but pushes it deep down. He knows Rustam’s religion would kill him for homosexual acts, and being in hostile territory is no place to start a romance.
Forces outside their control push them together and they can’t deny or stop themselves from enjoying brief solace in each other’s arms.
There were only a few love scenes in this short story but they were good. Rustam and Hugh were comfortable in their skin as gay males and that comfort shined through when they were intimate.
This was a good story; great writing and I loved the military subculture that was interwoven throughout the chapters. I just really would have loved more but it was nice knowing these two found something good in all the bad.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
January 25, 2015
This was an interesting and original little story, well researched and very well written.
British Army officer Wilkes is on his last tour in Afghanistan, only six months of hellish heat and sandy nightmare before he gets to return home. Wilkes is gay and closeted and he’s determined to stay that way; but things get complicated when he meets his Afghan interpreter, Rustam. Rustam is good looking, and Wilkes finds himself extremely attracted to the young man.
After weeks of fantasies Wilkes has about Rustam, they finally give into their attraction. Their jobs and religions are some major hurdles they would have to overcome if they want to be together.
I’m not a fan of love when it’s happening too fast. I didn’t really believe in the feelings that both Rustam and Wilkes developed for each other; I honestly don’t see how they got to that point after only working together for a short amount of time and not having any interactions in their free time. I couldn’t even detect any chemistry between them at all. I get that their circumstances and the forbidden element made their attraction all the more intense, but I just didn’t get a feel for them as a couple.
The ending made sense, happy for now is all you can dream of when you’re in their situation. I would have liked an epilogue, anything to get an idea if they made it out of there safely; their story feels incomplete to me.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
British Army officer Wilkes is on his last tour in Afghanistan, only six months of hellish heat and sandy nightmare before he gets to return home. Wilkes is gay and closeted and he’s determined to stay that way; but things get complicated when he meets his Afghan interpreter, Rustam. Rustam is good looking, and Wilkes finds himself extremely attracted to the young man.
After weeks of fantasies Wilkes has about Rustam, they finally give into their attraction. Their jobs and religions are some major hurdles they would have to overcome if they want to be together.
I’m not a fan of love when it’s happening too fast. I didn’t really believe in the feelings that both Rustam and Wilkes developed for each other; I honestly don’t see how they got to that point after only working together for a short amount of time and not having any interactions in their free time. I couldn’t even detect any chemistry between them at all. I get that their circumstances and the forbidden element made their attraction all the more intense, but I just didn’t get a feel for them as a couple.
The ending made sense, happy for now is all you can dream of when you’re in their situation. I would have liked an epilogue, anything to get an idea if they made it out of there safely; their story feels incomplete to me.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
January 30, 2015
To me this story felt like two different stories combined even though it is very short. You have the romance side and then you have the military side. While the military side was fairly accurate, it was kind of cut and dry, even for someone with a military background. I didn't find much to keep me wanting to find out what happens, except for with the romance.
How could these two men have anything happen between them? That is what kept me reading. Then when it does happen, it was almost like a man and a woman, not two men together. My turn, then your turn. It wasn't like either actually enjoyed being on the receiving end, which made it awkward to read. There didn't seem to be a whole lot of emotions or feelings until there was the expression of love, which was completely an insta-love situation as they didn't even know each other outside of the military situations and the between the sheets action.
Altogether it wasn't terrible though, I just wish it'd felt smoother from the transition of military parts to romance and getting to know each other (or not had the love thrown in and just made it a way to relieve stress or something that route).
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
How could these two men have anything happen between them? That is what kept me reading. Then when it does happen, it was almost like a man and a woman, not two men together. My turn, then your turn. It wasn't like either actually enjoyed being on the receiving end, which made it awkward to read. There didn't seem to be a whole lot of emotions or feelings until there was the expression of love, which was completely an insta-love situation as they didn't even know each other outside of the military situations and the between the sheets action.
Altogether it wasn't terrible though, I just wish it'd felt smoother from the transition of military parts to romance and getting to know each other (or not had the love thrown in and just made it a way to relieve stress or something that route).
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
December 17, 2015
Read as part of Unconditional Surrender - An M/M Military Bundle.
I didn't buy too much the CO's willingness in the event of the risks that interpreters confront; the same with the implied easiness to move between countries for Balkhi.
I didn't buy too much the CO's willingness in the event of the risks that interpreters confront; the same with the implied easiness to move between countries for Balkhi.
November 20, 2015
Fine but too quick to develop the relationship. I won't be reading the sequel because I simply didn't care enough about these characters or their lightening quick romance.
April 22, 2015
3.25 stars
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