Reviewed by True

TITLE: Fire and Clay

AUTHOR: Noja Lina

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

LENGTH: 184 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 19, 2022

BLURB:

Who will end up getting burned when they collide?

Ian is a skilled but foulmouthed photographer with an aversion to meeting new people, a short fuse and a relatively short stature. One evening, he starts a squabble with Victor before knowing that Victor is the best friend of Ian’s current crush.

With them being in the same social circle and Victor being a model and theater actor, they keep meeting over the course of several months. Their interactions feature an array of jabs at the other’s height, mild aggression and attempts to mock or one-up the other.

But, through instances of Ian involuntarily showing his caring side and Victor showing what he’s made of, several sparks and serious talks, some denial and three successful photoshoots, their relationship gradually evolves.

Will they get past their initial animosity? Will they get burned by colliding with the other? Or will fire come in contact with clay to create something beautiful?
Reader advisory: This book contains bullying, mentions of eating disorders, violence and threats.

REVIEW:

Ian is defensive, don’t look at him for more than a few seconds or he’ll scratch your eyes out.
That’s what he wanted to do after meeting Victor. Only, Victor is Danny’s best friend, and Danny lives with Hayden who’s Ian’s best friend. Avoiding Victor seems impossible, being cranky, grumpy and insulting towards him, not so.

They are exceptionally strong with words and I loved it so much.
Ian’s insults are as loudly in his mind as coming out of his mouth. Dang his tong is sharp.

Funny fact, Ian is a photographer and Victor is a fashion model and also acts, their friends insist Ian should photograph Victor. Ian invites Victor over for a shoot.
Oh boy, this is Ian’s chance to humiliate Victor at his most vulnerable moments.
Surprise… Victor is a stunning model and professional.

They have another photoshoot, and nights out with their mutual friends.
Something is changing, subtle. There’s more behind Victor than a beautiful face, there’s more behind Ian than his cynical mouth.
That’s one aspect that made this an awesome story, there are layers, the scenery is absolutely original, and the emotions are raw and honest, the tension is killing. I was so thrilled by this story.

This is my second book from this author and you can count me officially as a fan!

This author has a brilliant mind, an eye for detail, putting emotions at the right places, and a great sense of humor, sharp, cynical, or just warm and adorable. I enjoyed this story immensely!

Highly recommended! A must-read!

RATING:

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