MyFictionNook

Sandra @ My Fiction Nook

I like romance and boys loving boys in my books. 

You can also find me on my main blog

 

 




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Currently reading

Secrets and Charms
Lou Harper
Progress: 100%
The Luckiest (Lucky Moon Book 2)
M.J. O'Shea, M.J. O'Shea
Progress: 100%
My Favorite Uncle
Marshall Thornton
Progress: 100%
The River Leith
Leta Blake
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ARC Review: Bended Knee by Rodney Ross

Bended Knee - Rodney Ross

2.5 rounded up.

 

The premise was intriguing - gay man makes a seemingly homophobic statement in his restaurant during a Valentine's Day proposal and is confronted with extreme backlash, while trying to rescue his livelihood and his relationship with his long-time partner.

 

Told in the 1st person POV, we get a first row seat as Hugh tells us about what he refers to as his personal "Valentine's Day Massacre". The author first establishes a bit of background for Hugh and his partner Dom, but then jumps headfirst into the scene at the restaurant and the ensuing mess.

 

Having to deal with the aftermath of a careless statement made not from homophobia, but a disdain of all things marriage, Hugh learns a lot about himself, and also his partner.

In effect, the backlash, lack of sales, and having to take a good look at his own personal love life, Hugh comes to see that he has made some errors and taken a lot for granted.

 

This is not a romance as much as it is a personal look at the life of a gay man in an established relationship, the expectations and cliches, the work it takes to keep a relationship going, and the self-discovery of a man who's veered off course. As far as that aspect is concerned, the author succeeded in portraying his character realistically and reasonably. Hugh's reactions and flabbergasted disbelief to what happens after he makes an admittedly stupid statement off the cuff, not out of homophobia, but out of a sense of propriety, made perfect sense. He needed that wake-up call, and we do get a happy ending, but I enjoyed reading about his struggle to get there. 

 

What stopped the book from getting more stars was the somewhat dry writing style. There is quite a bit of info-dumping, especially in regards to what came before the event in the restaurant, and there is very little romance. The partner, Dom, is reduced to almost a side character, instead of being front and center with his partner Hugh. Considering that the novella spans more than six months, it also feels rushed in some areas, and we don't really get to see the relationship between Hugh and Dom.

 

I think if I had gone into this book with different expectations, it would have fared better, so don't let my rating put you off giving this a chance.

 

I liked the premise. The execution was lacking for me, but your mileage may vary. 

 

 

** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **