Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Wood
SERIES: A True Lover’s Story #2
AUTHOR: A.E. Via
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: August 8, 2020
LENGTH: 362 pages
BLURB:
This isn’t a romance about billionaires, movie stars, or models. This is a story of two ordinary, working-class men, dealing with life’s real problems, and trying to find love along the way.
It’s been a long seventeen years but Herschel Wood Jr. is finally a free man and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with his old cellmate, Bishop Stockley, who promised him a place to stay and some help getting back on his feet. Wood had a good life once upon time when he’d owned one of the most successful tattoo shops on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront – until a fatal accident that was his fault cost him everything.
Now at forty-six years old, all Wood wants is to work in another shop on the beach and find a mature, easygoing man to settle down with. But when he gets to his new place and finds he has to share the small trailer with Bishop’s childhood friend, he wasn’t expecting a sexy, smart-mouthed brat that enjoys pushing a man to his limits.
Wood pressed in so tight until there was only air and misunderstanding between them, his mouth mere inches from Trent’s parted lips. “You wanted to get a reaction out of me you annoying, immature little shit… now you’ve got one.”
Trent Armstrong has never been considered a catch. He’s a twenty-nine year old laborer, an ex-con, and not the easiest person to get along with. Everyone he’s ever cared for has walked out of his life without a backward glance, so he’s used to the loneliness. His foul mouth and quick temper are a great defense mechanism and a good way to keep unwanted people away.
From the moment the tattooed, silver-haired man walked into the house there had been nothing but tension, side-eyeing, and sparks between them. Trent has always held back a side of himself that he’s nervous to explore, and without warning Wood’s voice, his maturity, that maddening scent, and even his damaged past all trigger feelings that Trent thought he’d buried long ago.
Trent went completely still when Wood dragged his nose over his forehead and down the side of his face. His voice was shaky, and his breaths were hot and swift along Wood’s throat. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m doing what you want me to do.” Wood whispered. “I’m playing your bullshit game, Trent.”
REVIEW:
We each have our own way of hiding our insecurities, inferiorities (we think they are) or anxieties. We can be a jokester outside, “the life of the party” sort of personality. Or we can be nonchalant about most things. But deep down, we hide how we truly feel about things, afraid that if we show it, people will take pity on us and maybe, just maybe stay with us because of it. We do not want that, we want them to stay because they want to, not because they have to.
Another true lover’s story is here, and this time it’s about Trent and Wood. We have read about Bishop and Edison in the first book. These are stories about regular people like you and me, people who after being dealt with badly by circumstance or by life try to start over again! It will show us how they deal or not deal with the aftermath. It is a story of how life can change drastically for someone who has been out of regular society for a long time and the changes/adjustments he has to go through to get on his feet again. It is a picture of reality. How life can sometimes put you at your lowest and still keep on kicking you down. It tells us that nothing is hopeless and impossible if we just our mind and heart to it.
Wood just got released from prison where he was incarcerated for seventeen years. He got out a few months ago but he had to stay at a boarding house for those who just got released for his gradual immersion back into society. But now he is sharing a trailer with his best friend’s other best friend, Trent. He met Bishop when they were made cellmates in prison. They got to know each other very well. He got Bishop’s back while they were in there, and Bishop promised to help him get back on his feet when he gets release.
Trent has always felt like the people he cared/loved always leave him behind. From his mother, Miles (the only boyfriend of his mother’s who really cared for him), Bishop and Mike. He feels like he is not worthy to be chosen and live a life with. He hides how he truly feels by being a joker, a loudmouthed guy who acts nonchalantly when things are happening. When Bishop decided to move in with his boyfriend, Edison, he felt abandoned, discarded for someone so much better. He doesn’t believe that they cared for him at all. Like when Bishop said that his friend, Wood, who was just released from prison would be staying with him in the trailer. He was not given a choice, or so he thinks.
What started out as competitive and sarcastic banter morphed into something else. Trent normally runs his mouth to cover up his insecurities, shyness and doubts. They kept at it until something happened that made them realized that there is more to each other than what they see outside. After which, change started happening. But there are still challenges to be faced before they realized that they are now more for each other than just roommates. And I guess deep down, what these two men are afraid of is “being alone,” with no one to call their own, there for them through thick or thin, good or bad. Someone who will love them for who they are, no matter their pasts. Both of them have been through horrors that can kill anyone who has weaker resolve and determination, but they forge on. They still face challenges on a daily basis but they will continue to do so.
A true lover’s story indeed! There are parts that made me cry deep from my heart. At times I just wanted to stop for a little while to breathe. There were times I stopped coz I was afraid of what will happened next. Ms. Adrienne, you are one of the most talented writers I have had the chance to know and I am deeply grateful for the stories that you write. Thank you and I literally cannot wait for the next book/s. Congratulations!
RATING: 
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