Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Under the Smoke and Thunder
SERIES: Love Abroad
AUTHOR: Morgan Mason
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 146 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 19, 2023
BLURB:
Untethered, Emile travels the world, moving from country to country and city to city, using his presence on social media to share LGBTQ-friendly locations with his followers. His bucket list of places to visit is never ending. When the next stop on his list has him visiting one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Emile knows he’s in for something extraordinary. Waterfalls, wildlife safaris, and world-class rafting, however, pale in comparison to the blushing smile of his captivating host.
Thato uses his talent for languages to help the guests at his small hostel. Travelers come from far and wide to see Victoria Falls, but the only places Thato has seen are the orphanage where he was raised and the tourist town he calls home. He longs for adventure and love, but neither will happen, stuck as he is by his circumstances. Charmed by a new guest and the formation of their quick friendship, Thato can’t help wondering if he’s finally found someone with whom he can be his true self.
But what will happen when Emile inevitably moves on?
Can a man on the move find a reason to stay? Can a man who’s been stuck find the motivation to leave?
REVIEW:
“Was a memory of having something he couldn’t keep better than not having it at all? Or was it better never to know what he was missing?”
Under the Smoke and Thunder is part of the multi-author Love Abroad series, authored by new-to-me author Morgan Mason. What makes this sweet novella unique is it’s setting in Zambia. It’s the location, the people, and their customs that make it an enjoyable read. At its heart, this book is about two diametrically different men who share the desire to see the world, but only one has the means and opportunity to do so. What these men do have in common is loneliness and a longing for touch and affection.
Emile lives my dream life, traveling from one country to the next to satisfy his wanderlust and document it on Instagram. However, he’s lonely, never staying in one place long enough to build close friendships and lasting relationships. He questions whether he wants to live the rest of his life like a nomad with no roots.
He meets Thato at his workplace, the hostel Emile stays at. Thato is a kind, gentle, selfless man who grew up in an orphanage in a very small village. He lives a Spartan life, working hard for what he has. He has never left the area but he longs to see the world and expand his experiences.
“Everything in the small dwelling, Emile knew, was precious— earned through hard work , grit, and a desire to be a better man. To make something of himself. To grow and expand beyond the circumstances he’d been born into.”
This is an insta-love romance, a trope I’m not fond of. After just a few days of friendship, Emile is calling Thato “his man”. Within four days of meeting, Emile is sure he wants to travel the world with Thato. It didn’t take long for an exchange of “I love you”. Some romance readers swoon over insta-love, some don’t so keep that in mind if choosing this book. For me, it took away from my rating.
On the upside, I actively seek out books set in foreign locations, eager to soak up foreign culture. I enjoyed being immersed in this East/Southern African nation. I particularly relished the trip to Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the impetus for the book title. It was fun going along with the men on their adventures.
I recommend this book for readers looking for a short and sweet, opposites attract, low angst, insta-love read. The characters are lovable, if not particularly well developed. It’s the location that should your desire to put Under the Smoke and Thunder on your TBR. Although it’s part of a broad series, it’s a standalone book.
RATING: 
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