Reviewed by Lily
TITLE: Walking Wounded
SERIES: A Souls Reunited story
AUTHOR: Lee Rowan
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 204 pages
BLURB:
John Hanson joined the military because he wanted to serve his country. Lacking a home and family of his own, the idealistic young man longed to be a part of something bigger than himself. He didn’t expect to find love in officer’s training-so when an assignment took him away from Kevin Kendrick, the love of his life, he sacrificed personal happiness and did his duty. Kevin has made his own sacrifices. Career came first and the impressionable Army brat, tired of living in his father’s shadow, pledged his loyalty to his country and followed his ambition. Now seven years later, when the Army that Kevin so faithfully served has made him the scapegoat for their latest Middle East snafu, he can only think of one place to go, one man who can provide solace and heal his wounds-John. Reunited, the two war-torn lovers once again discover their passion for life, love, and one another. But Kevin’s past isn’t through with him yet, and when an old enemy surfaces, the two men realize that they must together face the nightmares of the past if they are to have the future they dream of.
REVIEW:
Idealistic John joins the army because he wants to “belong”. Kevin who was raised as an army brat joins the army to get out of his father’s shadow. So many things happened and hard decisions were made which separated the two men. Seven years later, they are reunited and both are emotionally wounded souls, matured and wiser but certainly there is still trouble ahead…
Whilst the writer touches on PTSD elements in the story which left me feeling very moved, it was the drama in the story that kept me absolutely engaged in the plot. I read it as a lover of emotional fiction rather than focusing on the hard facts, and as such it was an emotional story for me.
I loved how these two danced about each other regarding their sexuality and tentatively hinted and tested the waters;
It was the usual caution at first, hints about pubs and films, the little signs and countersigns of establishing their gay identity, until Kevin said, quite frankly “ Why don’t you just ask? I don’t have a girlfriend – have had, but probably won’t again. Don’t have a boyfriend either.”
The unapologetic challenge in those beautiful eyes captured John’s heart, there and then. He’d always been shy, never good at quick, clever signs, but he heard himself say, “Mind if I apply for the position?”
I found both the characters hauntingly beautiful and completely lovable, and I especially adored the story’s end.
Overall, it was easy to read but still an emotional journey. I read the whole story in one sitting. I added this writer’s name to my must read list and definitely recommend this book to other readers.
RATING: 
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