Reviewed by Tidal
TITLE: Drummer
AUTHOR: Dale Chase
PUBLISHER: Wilde City Press
LENGTH: 14,247 words
BLURB:
Down on his luck in Contention, Arizona, young Luke Jarrett is encouraged by Marshal Clay Callahan to take a job as a drummer at Miz Fuller’s place, even though what he’ll be selling is himself. Looking to make money so he can move on, Luke is soon the house’s most popular boy. Marshal Callahan is a regular customer, though his attentions are far more than quick satisfaction. As he and Luke develop an understanding, jealousies arise within the household, ultimately leading to violence that turns Luke from the life. But can he turn from Clay Callahan?
REVIEW:
Luke Jarrett is robbed of all his possessions just outside of Contention, Arizona. He ends up broke and destitute. Marshal Clay Callahan really likes the young man and he introduces him to Miz. Fuller, who runs a house just outside of town and her “boys” provide a service for the town’s men folk. Luke decides to work in her stable until he gets on his feet.
The young man meets a freaky assortment of characters from the town. Luke quickly becomes one of the most popular “drummers” there. As his popularity grows as a sex worker his attraction to the Marshal grows as well. Luke made it clear upfront this job is temporary, and that was just what he meant. When he is offered a life that includes Marshal Clay Callahan, Luke Jarrett makes it very clear if he does quit, it will be on his terms.
This is a fresh story of a young man who does not become a statistic and does not lose his identity to a life of “sin, shame, and degradation”. He is not a victim and he is not looking for a man on a white horse to come in and save him. Luke makes his own way; that is what makes this story interesting. Both Luke and Clay are whole people on an equal footing and neither sacrifices their autonomy to accommodate a potential life together. It is a story about hot sex, steamy characters, no victims, and people owning their own lives. The combinations of all those factors make this a great story!
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