Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Sunrise
SERIES: Down the Shore
AUTHOR: Evie McGlynn
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 360 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2024
BLURB:
Miguel
From the time I was in elementary school, it was clear I was never going to pass for straight. It took a long time and a lot of work for me to be my authentic, fabulous self. Not everyone accepts the eyeliner, eye shadow and lip gloss along with the corsets, especially not the masc guys I’m attracted to. Until I meet Zach Kelley. Tall, dark, handsome, and straight, he tells me my makeup looks nice and that he likes the way I dress. It doesn’t at all help my straight-boy crush that he’s also super nice and hella protective. But I’ve been there, done that and almost got my head bashed in for my trouble. I won’t be going for the straight guy ever again, even if he does give the best hugs.
Zach
From the age of sixteen I have lived my life in a narrow lane of work and service. First it was taking care of my younger sister, now it’s taking care of both her and my three-year-old nephew. I don’t have much time for friends or fun working two jobs and serving my country in the Army National Guard. Until I meet Miguel Ramirez. Miguel is a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds and he breaks me out of my self-imposed isolation. From the moment I see him, I’m drawn to him. My thoughts constantly turn to him, and I find myself watching him whenever he’s in the room. I think about him so much, I’m beginning to believe I’m not as straight as I thought I was.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the third book in this series and contains spoilers for the previous books.
OK folks. If you thought the previous two books in this series were intense, buckle up. Man there is a lot to unpack in this book.
First let’s start with Miguel and Zach’s growing up years. Miguel, being Hispanic and femme is a problem for his parents. He though he had his sister in his corner – and he did until her husband came on the scene. Then not so much. Zach was responsible for his younger sister from the age of 14 and has been working since age 16 to put food on the table since his alcoholic parents couldn’t be bothered to do so. When his sister gets pregnant and her boyfriend goes to prison, he’s the one who has been there for his sister and nephew Cody. He’s the babysitter when Allie needs help. He’s the one who takes care of them. Turns out not only are his parents completely neglectful, they are also homophobic which Zach suppresses in his memory of how bad things were when he was growing up.
Miguel is being mistreated by his sister’s husband, Carlos, when Zach gets involved. He’s been drawn to Miguel since he started working weekends as a bartender at the Moonlight inn to make ends meet. He thinks Miguel is very attractive. Huh. He’s never thought about other guys that way before. Or has he? He remembers his best friend growing up, Robbie, who when they were in middle school got beaten up and he scared off the bullies. But Robbie’s parents decided they needed to give him a fresh start and he moved away never to be heard from again despite promising to keep in touch.
Zach is a good listener for Miguel when things are going wonky with his family. They are friendly but Miguel does NOT want to be the cliche falling for the straight guy. But the more time they spend together, the more unclear their relationship becomes. Zach is questioning his sexuality, but he’s a little bit scared. He sees Miguel as this beautiful smart man and he’s just a mechanic and SS in the National Guard Army unit. Miguel doesn’t want to be anyone’s experiment. But when Miguel decides to start dating, well Zach is not liking that! He realizes that he does have feelings for Miguel and that he is bisexual after all 🙂 If only they can communicate honestly with each other.
Honestly this is a really well-written and beautifully tragic, heartbreaking and heartwarming hopeful story. I know that sounds like a lot – and it is. Zach has so many things to overcome – mostly seeing himself in a positive light and letting people in to help him. He’s so used to being alone and being the responsible party. He learns that family really does not have to be blood Miguel is a total sweetheart and would anything for Zach. He also learns to appreciate and stand up for himself. Their parallel growth leads to a very satisfying HEA. Highly recommended.
Take heed of the CW. There is angst and grief and other potentially triggering side events.
RATING: 
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