Fields of Gold by Dev Bentham (Tarnished Souls #2)
Contemporary M/M
Released: September 11, 2012
LooseID
Reviewed by Mandi
I never know what to expect when I read a book by Dev Bentham. I first read Moving in Rhythm and adored it. Then I tried Learning From Isaac and found it boring and didn’t finish it. August Ice was okay, so I really didn’t know what to expect from Fields of Gold.
Avi Rosen is working on his dissertation involving history and politics. He has been writing and researching for years and years, and just can’t make the commitment to actually turn it in, defend it and move on with a career. A while ago he met Wisconsin politician Jack (who is married to a woman with kids) and has not only become the caretaker of his city apartment, but also his male mistress of sorts. Avi lives in the apartment, and when Jack comes into the city for business, he is there to take care of all of Jack’s sexual needs. While it used to be exciting when Jack would show up and demand Avi pleasure him, the excitement has worn off. Now Avi kind of likes his solitude at the apartment, and it is more of a chore when Jack makes an appearance.
Riding his bike in the city one day, he gets in an accident right in front of an organic vegetable stand. Pete works in this stand and on an organic farm. He helps Avi, as he has injured his ankle quite badly, and after awhile is bold and asks Avi if he is involved with anyone. This puts Avi in an awkward position. He doesn’t necessarily think him and Jack are monogamous, and he really is attracted to Pete, but it is tricky business being a mistress to a politician where one wrong step could put everything in the public’s eye. But he can’t get Pete out of his head. He decides while Jack is not in town, to pursue hanging out with Pete. And then he finds himself wanting Pete more and more each day.
Honestly, at first I didn’t think I would like Avi. How could I? He is having sex with a married family man. And when you meet Jack, he is such a dominant jerk who you know really cares nothing for Avi. Avi soon starts to realize this as well, especially while he has the injured ankle, Jack expects him to still perform sexually, while Pete always puts him first. But as I read, I really liked Avi. I didn’t necessarily feel sorry for him, but I did understand his situation. He is really just stuck in his life, not moving forward either with school or with any relationships of sort until he meets Pete. Pete is a really good guy. He doesn’t know at first exactly Avi’s situations, but he knows Avi has some sort of complicated open relationship with someone. Pete is really understanding, and shows Avi how a real relationship involves respect for both parties involved.
My concerns with this book though is that the conflict with Jack (and even Jack’s wife comes who comes in the picture) seemed too glossed over at the end. Too wrapped up perfectly. I wanted to dive deeper into the consequences of Avi’s relationship with Jack and I wanted to see deeper feelings between Avi and Pete. The relationship is there, but I wanted more. We basically only see the very beginning of Avi and Pete and I think there is more for them to work out between them then what we get.
Otherwise I liked both of these guys and found their romance sweet.
Rating: C+
Recent Reviews:
Joyfully Jay – 4.25/5
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I was disappointed that Avi never seemed to feel remorse or take responsibility for his affair with Jack. I also wanted to see Pete and Avi’s relationships explored a little more.
On the fence with this one. SO tired of the cheating trope.
As much as I loved Moving in Rhythm, I don’t think I could read this one. Cheating is a HUGE no-no for me. Especially if one partner is married!