The Book High

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one. I ADORED the first book, and was a little disappointed by the second. Christian was a highlight from book 2 for me, though, and I'd really been looking forward to reading his and Kevin's story.

And I have to say I LOVED it! I wrote in my review of [b:Private Eye|12036861|Private Eye (Liaisons #1)|S.E. Culpepper|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328187255s/12036861.jpg|17003434] that Jeremy was one of my favorite m/m characters of all time, and I think Christian might get added to the list as well. Ms. Culpepper has the most remarkable ability to not only get inside a character's head, but to take the reader along with her. I feel like I know Christian and Kevin so well, and I felt like I was able to understand and at least sympathize with(if not cheer for) their decisions along the way.

I love how the book ends with such an emphasis on redemption, because that's honestly the heart of Christian and Kevin's story. Redemption and forgiveness and trust and allowing yourself to be open to someone. And the story itself was so beautifully told and perfectly paced that I found myself rooting for them--both to be happy individually and for their relationship to finally work out.

Getting to accompany these two as they navigate their way through anger and regret and fear and work toward learning to trust again was honestly just the most remarkable experience. Their reactions all seemed fully justified (to me, at least, but perhaps I just see the world similarly to how they do) and so completely honest it was heartbreaking at times. They were fantastically perfect for each other, and their HEA was satisfying on a level that not many others have been.

The secondary characters were also fantastic! Ris and Jack were beautiful, Este was hilarious, and the marines and the glimpses we got into Kevin's life were fascinating.

Just writing this makes me want to go re-read it so I can spend more time with all of these characters I feel like I got to know so well!