The Farther He Runs by Lynda Aicher (Kicks #3)
Released: December 6, 2016
M/M Contemporary
Loveswept
Reviewed by Mandi
After years away from home, Tanner Dorsey is back and sorting through feelings that have him in a stranglehold. The hardened Marine will do anything for a fallen comrade, so when an accident leaves Finn Kelley fighting for his life, Tanner’s eager to be there for him. In fact, Tanner’s ready and willing to do anything Finn asks—especially if it means finally acting on the sexual tension that’s always kept him craving more.
Finn senses it too—when he brushes against Tanner’s stubbled jaw, when he inhales the scent of the T-shirt that clings to Tanner’s body like a second skin. Now that he’s more vulnerable than ever, Finn knows the time is right to take control, even if it means risking the heart and soul of their friendship. The bond they share goes beyond desire; it’s a bond of brotherhood, forged under conditions few could imagine. But once they cross that line, there will be no more secrets. No more boundaries. And no turning back.
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series (all can be stand alones) which follows an adventure company run by men who are gay and are into some kink. It’s a safe space for good friends to explore their fantasies and needs.
If you have read this series, one hero in this book is the man, Finn, who was in the white water accident and left in a coma. Tanner, our other hero is a marine and deployed for quite some time. Finn and Tanner have always been good friends, and their other bestie, Chris, died in that rafting accident. Finn has been focused on recovering from his coma and trying to live a new life. Tanner has been concentrating on not dying over in the middle east. So when Tanner finally gets a five-week leave, he returns straight to Finn’s house so they can mourn Chris’s death together.
Finn is not only physically recovering, but he has become a recluse. He doesn’t want to deal with the fact that his best friend is dead and doesn’t want pity from his other friends due to his weakened physical state. This book starts out really strong with a lot of angst. Such delicious angst I almost couldn’t stand it.
Eleven years of friendship forged under situations most couldn’t comprehend, let alone survive, had created a level of intimacy no absence could break.
He tightened his hold, pressed his lips to Tanner’s smooth jaw. His heart stuttered, clenched, and finally relaxed to allow air into his lungs. He sucked in a deep breath, gripped Tanner’s nape, and rested his temple on Tanner’s.
But you see – these guys are not sexually active with each other. They have only just been friends. Friends that has a love that runs deeper than most anything. So their touchy-feely, caressing of the jaw, holding on to one another – was really hot. They needed that physical touch, to remind one another they are still alive and to let their grief over their late friend come to the surface.
I don’t know if it was because there is such a build up of this intimacy at the beginning of the book which was a set-up for me to be let down later, or what – but after a while, the romance started to not work for me. They are in this deep mourning – they meet with their other friends and go to the cemetary and everything is deep and dark and intense. And then the next scene, Finn and Tanner decide to go for a run, and Finn is like – Tanner, you must run with a butt plug in.
*scratches head*
Look – if you want to run with a butt plug in, be my guest. It just didn’t fit in the story at that time. And shortly after that, there is mutual….release…and things progress from there. The kink and physical romance felt forced to me. Or just too – abrupt.
I like these guys though, and there are some really sexy scenes – and the angst in the beginning is terrific. The romance felt a little off.
Grade: C+
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