Reviewed by PizzyGirl
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ITLE: FAST Balls
SERIES: Balls to the Wall #4
AUTHOR: Tara Lain
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 153 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 12, 2017
BLURB:
2nd Edition
Sequel to Fire Balls
A Balls to the Wall Romance
Can two men with skewed self-images see their true reflections in each other’s eyes?
Jerry Wallender—firefighter, surfer, and occasional nude model—knows he’s no rocket scientist. So why does he keep choosing intellectual guys who make him feel dumber? He worked his buns off to overcome his reading disability and pass the firefighter’s test, and he loves everything about the job. Well, except for Mick Cassidy, the big, blond, hunky homophobe who harasses Jerry for being gay. But Jerry is smart enough to realize it’s not hate driving Mick, but the pain of a very unhappy upbringing.
Mick Cassidy, Firefighter Assist and Search Team, fights fires, but he can’t fight his attraction to the kindest, most generous—and sexiest—guy he’s ever met. Does that make him gay? If it does, he just might get himself killed by his gay-hating preacher father—and take Jerry down with him.
First Edition published by Etopia Press, 2013.
REVIEW:
I had forgotten how emotional this story made me the first time I read it. There were parts that were not for me, Andres and his stereotypical portrayal for one, but overall, this story was heartwarming and hopeful.
On the surface this story appears to be about Jerry since he is the only one left in the original group of friends, but as this story unfolds, Mick really took hold of my heart and stole the show. His struggles to escape his father and learn what the real world is all about were heartbreaking. To see how brainwashed he was and how confused and uncertain that left him was so sad! I was so happy his father finally got told off, though I have to admit he got off rather light.
I loved Jerry too because the poor guy had such a low opinion of himself based on his family and his past. It was really wonderful to see him emerge from his shell and learn that he is lovable.
I think that is why this book was so hopeful for me. It was full of broken characters who finally find themselves and are making their own way. Not only Jerry and Mick but Jezebel too! She was feisty and I liked her as a supporting character. I hope she gets all she deserves and more!
While this one dealt with some harsh topics, it was a pretty quick and easy read that left me feeling lighthearted and full of love. I am glad I got the chance to revisit these men and the Laguna area! Bring on book 5!!
RATING: 
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