Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Flash Rip
AUTHOR: Keira Andrews
PUBLISHER: KA Books
LENGTH: 290 pages
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 19, 2019
BLURB:
The most dangerous current is between them.
Training to be a lifeguard at an Australian beach is tough work, but Cody Grant loves a challenge. He spends long days in the sun and surf rescuing swimmers from treacherous rip currents while trying not to lust after senior lifeguard Liam Fox—who is deeply, painfully closeted.
Liam was supposed to be a football legend. Now in his mid-thirties, it’s been over a decade since his dream shattered along with his knee. Fans still recognize him regularly, and he’s terrified his sexuality will be discovered and his conservative parents will reject him. He has strict rules to protect his secret and keeps everyone at arm’s length. Liam never acts on his need to surrender after being shamed for it years ago by the first and only man he trusted.
Out and proud Cody fascinates Liam—and tempts him to break all the rules.
Cody is practically half Liam’s size and age, but has the confidence and compassion to take charge and give Liam the release, affection, and acceptance he desperately craves. But how long can a secret affair satisfy their hearts? As if saving lives isn’t hard enough, Cody faces his greatest challenge yet convincing Liam to trust him and find the courage to live out loud.
REVIEW:
Sometimes, family expectations are just that, expectations. Parents and family know that what they want for another family member may or may not happen. And as a parent, sometimes we want something for our kids that is totally different from what they want for themselves. We can never allow them to not be themselves, it would be like robbing them of who they really are.
Liam is a deeply closeted ex-football player. He’d never be out if it was his own choice. He would not want to tarnish his reputation nor his family’s expectations and belief in him. His father is also homophobic.
Cody migrated to Australia when he was younger and opted to stay behind when his family decided to go back to Canada.
Being a lifeguard can be sexy and exciting but in this case, it is not a good thing. Usually when there is excitement, it means that there are people in danger from drowning. Their job is very dangerous. But what could these two individuals have in common other than lifeguarding?
The book depicts the reality of being closeted and the fear of being “outed” through their own actions. The fear can be crippling. It tells us homophobia is still present and a very real thing that a lot of LGBTQ+ personalities still experience. It means a feeling of never-ending loneliness because you will never be able to feel who you truly are. It also shows us how a person who is “out” can also feel lonely despite that fact.
So how could these two individuals find something to work with? In reality, people who are closeted sometimes stay there all their lives. But sometimes, if they are lucky, something or someone pushes them to be who they truly are. All it takes is someone who cares and will be patient enough to wait for that person to be comfortable to do it on his own terms. But sometimes, will that be enough? We always hope for our loved ones to accept us for who we truly are; sometimes we don’t get that but it should not be the end of the world. We should surround ourselves with people who accept us, blood-related or not blood-related, and they will be our family!
Ms. Keira Andrews was able to address these issues in this story. As readers we sometimes get frustrated learning about the characters and loving them, it is natural for us to wish for their happily-ever-after, but homophobia, doubts and insecurities are all too real. And sometimes what happens in real life reflects in the tales we read. For those who are into slow-burn and age gap love stories, you will surely love this one. And thank you Ms. Andrews for having the talent and courage to address all these!
RATING: 
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