Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Back Piece
AUTHOR: L.A. Witt
NARRATOR: Michael Farraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 10 hrs and 33 min
RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2019
BLURB:
Colin Spencer is a tattoo artist with a past he’d prefer to keep a secret. Actually, he has a few secrets that he’d rather people didn’t know about, which is why Colin doesn’t do commitment. But when a shy sailor approaches him at the gym, Colin finds this guy pushing all his buttons.
Growing up in a conservative family, then escaping with the Navy, Daniel Moore is an unsure virgin who feels like he can’t share his true self with anyone. Seeing Colin—and his tattoos—at the gym are the sign Daniel needs to finally get those tattoos he’s always wanted, and maybe try his hand at flirting.
As Colin and Daniel spend more time together, their awkward hesitations turn into a deep passion neither expected. But with both men harbouring secrets, will their relationship be able to survive their insecurities and become something beautiful?
REVIEW:
Colin is a tattoo artist. He’s moved to Virginia in order to make necessary changes in his life. His past is neither easy nor pretty. He’s found his calling opening his Tattoo shop and he really enjoys his work. He’s not really looking for a relationship – he figures with his track record, he’s maybe not the best at them.
Daniel is a kid who grew up in the closet due to his very religious and homophobic family. he left home at 18 to join the Navy and he’s just re-upped – making a career of his service. He’s had a few “moments” with other guys since he’s been in the Navy, but he’s never found anyone he really feels comfortable with sharing a full physical relationship with. But he’s very attracted to Colin. He also wants to get a tattoo.
Colin isn’t sure about Daniel’s orientation, but he’s will to be Daniel’s friend. When he finds out that Daniel is for sure interested, he is more than willing. Daniel is embarrassed by his lack of experience, but Colin volunteers to be his tutor, as it were. They start off as sort of a “friends with benefits” type of relationship, but neither of them feels like that’s really right either.
As they spend more time together, they get closer and each reveals some of his past. They are both a bit damaged by the things they have experienced and they are working towards being honest. Daniel hasn’t been completely open in his life given his family background, but with Colin he feels like he can be his true self which definitely leads to his feelings changing over time. Colin has extreme issues with self-esteem and some other health concerns that he really doesn’t want to share. Add that to the Daniel’s family issues and there are several minefields that these guys have to traverse if they want to have a real relationship.
I enjoyed a lot of this story. Colin’s brother and trainer are a great support system for him and as we learn about Colin’s past, it’s clear that he needs them. Daniel’s shipmates are actually really very supportive of him as well and try to get Colin and him together. When things aren’t going well, they have his back. There are a number of obstacles in their way that they have to overcome – mostly dealing with past relationships, past jobs and ongoing family dynamics. The majority of this story focuses on these guys really feeling their way along to a relationship that works for both of them where they can be themselves in full – ugly parts and all – with each other. I really cared about both characters and wanted them to get together and make it work. Communication communication communication 🙂 Michael Ferraiulolo is one of my all time favorite narrators. He does a great job with all the voices in this one – there is never a question as to which characters is speaking. He got quite the workout with all the smexy times with these guys in this story. Colin takes his job of tutoring Daniel VERY seriously 😉 They truly can’t keep their hands off each other. Make sure you have your headphones on if you are listening to this one in public! Hot hot hot!!
RATING: 
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