Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Baby’s on Fire
AUTHOR: A.F. Henley
PUBLISHER: Less Than Three Press
LENGTH: 204 pages
BLURB:
In 1974 Gerry Faun gets the break of his life—an opportunity to meet gorgeous, openly bisexual, glam-rock idol Mark Devon. Mark’s world is new, exciting, and Gerry finally gets to explore the side of his sexuality that he’s kept hidden. But the press is everywhere, and when Gerry’s father gets wind of what’s going on behind his back, Gerry ends up on the street. Mark offers to let Gerry come along with the tour and Gerry jumps at the chance. The tour is a never-ending party—and the start of what seems to be a perfect relationship for him and Mark. Until Mark’s manager decides Gerry isn’t worth the trouble he’s stirring up.
In 1994 Gerry is finally coming out of some tough times—he has a job that pays the bills, a car that hasn’t quite broken down, and a small rental in Jersey City. After a decade of barely getting by, if life was as good as it was going to get, Gerry figures he’ll manage just fine. It would be easier if he wasn’t still haunted by the man the media won’t let him forget, the man who stole his heart and then broke it… the man that’s shown up pleading for a second chance.
REVIEW:
This was a little different for me. Usually I gravitate towards contemporary story lines. I just prefer everything in the here and now. So when I read the blurb and realized this would be told from the 70’s to present I was hesitant to pick it up. But my absolute adoration for this author compelled me to read it. I am very happy to relay that I was not disappointed with this latest A.F. Henley novel. There is something so profoundly beautiful in the way this author writes a story and like usual I was sucked in from the beginning. This was a wild, emotional roller coaster ride spanning through several decades that explored manipulation, drug and alcohol abuse, passion, first times, betrayal, jealousy, love, and loss.
Gerry Faun (Fawn) is awe and star struck when he goes to a concert and is invited to meet super star rocker, Maxx Starlight (Mark Devon.) Gerry is just coming into his sexuality and Mark ignites a flame inside Gerry. They embark on a passionate love affair that is emotionally exhausting for Gerry. While he loves Gerry deeply, Mark is at the height of his fame and doesn’t shy away from sexual partners. He also doesn’t shy away from partying or drugs. The crazy lifestyle is wearing Gerry down and he’s at a point where he can’t take it anymore, so he leaves and Mark lets him go…
Flash-forward 20 years, Gerry is an assistant to a wealthy executive. He’s happy and good at his job but he’s lonely and the scars of the failed relationship with Mark are still very much apparent.
Machinations involving his boss (there’s a twist here…oooh it’s good) and Mark end in a very angry bitter, Gerry. Gerry has to decide if he can forgive and move on, be that with Mark or without.
Like I said earlier this book is really good. Usually I’m not the biggest fan of books that flash back and forth but this one worked for me. Gerry and Mark’s chemistry and love was apparent throughout the story but you knew it was a case of the right people meeting at the wrong time.
A.F. Henley never ceases to amaze me. This is just another superb example of an unbelievable wordsmith.
This is without a doubt a recommended read! Get it!!
RATING: 
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