This Time Around

Gay Youth Chronicles Complete Chronology #36

by Mark A. Roeder

This Time Around follows Jordan and Ralph as they become involved in a struggle with Reverend Wellerson, a TV evangelist, over the fate of gay youth centers. Wellerson is willing to stop at nothing to crush gay rights and who better to halt his evil plans than the most famous rock star in the entire world? While battling Wellerson, Jordan seeks to come to terms with his own past and learn more about the father he never knew. The excitement builds when an assassin is hired and death becomes a real possibility for Jordan and those around him. Jordan is forced to face his own fears and doubts and the battle within becomes more dangerous than the battle without. Will Jordan be able to turn from the path of destruction, or is he doomed to follow in the footsteps of his father? This time around, things will be different.

Genres: M M Romance, Gay, Young Adult, LGBT, M M Young Adult

205 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Mark A. Roeder grew up in southern Indiana - near a small town similar to those that appear in his novels.

Reviews

[Kimberly-Dawn Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many issues including generations of the “pain/sins of father” effecting the son. Things have changed in past 15 years but have they changed enough?

I really became invested in the loving relationship of Jordon and Ralph. There is young love, fame/wealth, prejudices, family, forgiveness, politics and religion. A suicide over 18 years ago has this coming of age (not coming out) story ticking every box. There were moments I felt the story was crossing into melodramatic and “preachy” waters but they were “moments” that moved the story forward. I know these deep emotional issues are realistic. I highly recommend this book (turns out it’s a series) not only to youth in the LGBT community but their friends and all adults to begin to develop a deeper empathy and understanding.
I thought the Narrator did an excellent job transitioning between voices and ages of characters.


***I received a free copy of this book in lieu of an honest review***

[Dale Bay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading in middle/high school social studies programmes. It vividly illustrates the perils of the abuse of religious power and influence to evil ends.

[DeWanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am officially hooked on this series.