Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: TIME: Wounds All Heal 

SERIES:  The Teddy Bear Collection #4 

AUTHOR: Princess S.O. 

PUBLISHER: Self Published 

LENGTH: 220 pages 

RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2016 

BLURB: 

The Skeptic: “If all this had truly been staged, people would’ve figured it out and demanded the government come out about it.”

The Journalist: “It’s easy to fool a person— It’s quite another to convince them they’ve been fooled.”

Even with the blanket of tattoos that covered both his arms and most of his upper chest, or the face hidden under the hair that constantly fell over his eyes, Channing Maroussas was likely the most beautiful man Chris Sayer had ever met. He was thankful they were close friends as it excused him for any lingering glances. Channing was a bird of brightly lit feathers perched in a world of darkness. But his gift wasn’t just about being beautiful; it was what he could see. He could be in a room full of people, a field emptied of life, reading a newspaper, or overhearing a conversation on the bus— and what was unseen and unheard by others spoke volumes to him. Channing saw what the rest of the world never slowed down long enough to notice, though once pointed out, furies and passions flourished. It was voices like Channing’s that broke the silence of ignorance. His voice just happened to be recorded between the pages of TIME magazine.

Chris Sayer has known Channing for years. But not even that can broker some rules of silence. Chris’s government job is so secretive he can’t even tell his best friend who he works for, which doesn’t help his disagreement over Channing’s journalistic views on global current events. He likes it even less when he finds out Channing left for Syria to cover a story. After Channing accusing the leading presidential elective Nolan Prumpt of inciting hate mongering and fascism, a trip through the greatest hot zone on the planet was like wanting to wash a pill down with poison. But when news got out that Channing had gone missing, Chris knew better than to believe the accusations that his best friend may have changed sides and was now considered an enemy of the state. The one thing Chris did know was he needed to do everything in his power to find Channing before anyone else did. If for no other reason but to let him know how he feels about him.

Time— it’s not long enough — yet with enough of it, wounds all heal.

REVIEW:

Being a big fan of The Teddy Bear Collection, a group of stand-alone stories that explore the dynamics of men in unique circumstances and forbidden love, I couldn’t wait for this release. Then I read the blurb and…I was worried. I had finally removed myself and left the political arena and Washington DC. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to open back up that part of my past. But, boy oh boy, am I glad that I took the risk and read this story. But is story the right word??? You need to read it and draw your own conclusions.

“TIME: Wounds All Heal” is the intriguing story of a TIMES correspondent, Channing Maroussas, and his best friend, Chris Sayer, who holds some kind of ultra-secret government job. Not two people that you would ever think would become the best-of-friends in a town like Washington DC. Add in that Channing is “out and proud” while Chris is his straight, divorced and secretive friend. Also, Channing has this unique sixth sense-like ability to see beyond the obvious to what others don’t see. And he doesn’t back down from a challenge when he sees things others, especially those in power, don’t want him to see or probe around into. The kind of things that have made others in the past either disappear or die. When Channing lands in the middle of a political campaign and his wheels start turning he becomes a risk to the candidate, a candidate that doesn’t like to lose or be questioned. A very rich and powerful man that can make you disappear. This is the story of what Channing does with a news story/idea and how he runs with it.  It is also the story of two best friends, with one of them holding a huge secret of his attraction.

I have to say, I not only found both of these men to be believable and creditable, but was taken in by their code of honor. They go after the truth and don’t back down when the times get tough. Politics and international relations are two very difficult genres to write about. You really have to do your research or the story completely falls apart. Author Princess S.O. seems to have done a remarkable amount of research into the behind-the-scenes facts to make this story so credible. I also applaud the use of men that are not just breaking into the world on their own. Chris is 57 and Channing is 48. They are seasoned men in both their careers and personal lives. It was refreshing to see characters that have lived and are still reaching out for more. More of what they need and more of what they deserve. Both men have back stories that are shared to round out the book. Channing’s was personally gutting to read. I won’t share any more but it was beyond disturbing. Chris, being of the age he is, has what would seem to be a completely believable past. Being openly gay in the military or federal world in the 70’s just wasn’t happening. You had to play the heterosexual game or you were out of there…or worse.

Okay, now for the reason why this is a must-read. This is not a cutesy little romantic romp. This is a story that will challenge your thoughts and make you wonder. It will make you start to think and ask questions. It will push you. But it will push you in a really good way. You just have to go into this with an open mind. Yes, this book had intrigue and danger. Yes, this book will make you want to question lots of things in the past after you read it. Conspiracy theory stories do that. But it also has a heart-warming and compassionate love story. A story of how love does conquer all, against huge adversities. I cannot recommend enough how important a read this book is. Don’t let the subject matter stop you, this is a great book!

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

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