Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Gator
SERIES: Fire Lake Series #6
AUTHOR: M Tasia
PUBLISHER: Borough’s Publishing Group
LENGTH: 206 Pages
RELEASE DATE: November 16, 2023
BLURB:
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
In a life full of twists and turns, Gator never looked for or expected to find “the one.” Actually, he wasn’t sure he believed there was such a thing. After years of being a bar owner and hearing too many sad tales of love gone wrong, he knew he had no patience for the ups and downs of a long-term committed relationship.
Though, he had no trouble lending a helping hand to a person in need.
Which is how Jason wound up living in the apartment over Gator’s bar. Now there’s a guy who needs to disappear for a while.
When trouble finds him anyway, Jason’s life is on the line, and somehow Gator becomes the man he never thought he’d be: a life-long partner.
REVIEW:
While hiding from psycho parents, Jason makes wooden furniture for Gator’s bar. When a visitor turns events into a worst-case scenario, Jason ends up injured, in cuffs, in therapy, and in the care of the Lake Side men. Through it all, Gator has his back, but Jason believes that Gator is straight. Then, LH Investigations needs Jason’s skills.
Gator is a superb addition to a stellar series. It’s been a while since I read one of the Fire Lake adventures, so getting back into the who’s who stalled my enthusiasm but by the end, I was, once again, a pom-pom-wielding groupie.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Gator and Jason. The background has the military feeling that comes with the skills of the crew, who work together like a well-oiled machine. The Noah Project also forms part of the arc that spans the series.
Jason has endured something horrendous and went through hell to ensure his son was protected. As such, he has PTSD requiring therapy. Gunner came from the opposite side of the tracks to Jason but has a background that enables him to empathize. Together, they are stronger, and their voyage towards each other is lovely. Along with many doubts, Jason shows an inner strength that is beyond admirable.
There’s almost a collective help system and tale of two symbiotic parts. LH investigations need Jason’s skills, and he steps up, giving him confidence, alongside physical and emotional support from Gator. So, we have Jason’s journey towards happiness, which is aided by the Lake House men doing what they do best.
I loved the straight-talking and sarcastic banter between a range of characters. There’s a whole bunch of helpful people wrapped up in badass ex-military lethal efficiency and heart-warming introspective gratefulness. All this is pitched against dirty officials, a commune that isn’t what it seems, and the infamous Noah Project that throws a couple of surprises into the mix. Though I’ll admit that – this is book six, and there’s more to come, so I’m wondering if the Noah Project will ever be wrapped up. Also, a step forward in a more personal investigation adds a potential future twist.
All good fun eh! What’s not to like?
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: