Book Review: The Boatswain’s Mate (The Boatswain’s Mate Trilogy #1) by Andrew McQuinn

Reviewed by Cheryl K

TITLE: The Boatswain’s Mate

SERIES: The Boatswain’s Mate Trilogy #1

AUTHOR: Andrew McQuinn

PUBLISHER:

LENGTH: 308 Pages

RELEASE DATE: July 26, 2025

BLURB:

A M/M romantic fiction with heart, soul, and spice.

When Chad Randow enlisted in the Navy, he hoped that a six- to eight-month stint at sea would help him get his life in order. Until now, Chad has been able to get by on his good looks, charm, and wit. However, Chad’s disobedient and disrespectful behavior puts him in the crosshairs of Chief Petty Officer Daryl Jenkins, a man known for targeting enlistee sailors who fail to develop respect for their superiors and whipping them into shape.

In the sixteen years that Daryl has served in the military, nothing could have prepared him for his current command at sea. After spending most of a decade single due to a tumultuous breakup with his girlfriend, Daryl has focused solely on his career, establishing himself as a respected member of the armed forces.

Everything changes the day he meets Chad. What starts as late-night workout sessions and extra duties around the ship soon evolves into a romance neither of them anticipated. The two embark on a secret, tense, and erotic journey of self-discovery, love, and loss.

But at what cost?

REVIEW:

I always get excited when I get to read a new to me author.  Andrew McQuinn is one of these authors.  This story did not disappoint in any way shape or form.  I don’t have any real triggers, but this story does cover the death of parent – which hit me hard, as I lost my father just prior to getting my hands on this story.  But that is only a small part of the story, and this one should be read if you enjoy low angst, steamy romps in the fan room…

I found the world building to be thorough and informative – I grew up in the early 80’s and could relate to some of the events mentioned in the storyline. I learned even more about life aboard a naval ship, during the era priors to don’t ask, don’t tell.  Andrew takes us back to the mid 1980’s with this story and brought that time to life just as I remembered.

He created wonderfully in-depth characters, that showcase the struggle of being gay, not only in the 80’s but in the military as well.  I really enjoyed getting to know Chad and Darryl. Through some interesting adventures in discipline, we get to see these two develop a strong bond and possibly some hot sexy times.  But Andrew doesn’t skimp on the details of the side characters.  We get to meet some fun, insightful characters that help move Chad and Darryl’s story along.  I especially enjoyed Chad’s bunkmate, Conrad.

For my first adventure with Andrew, I found this story very well written.  There was great attention to details involving the workings of a naval vessel and how the crews interact with each other. I enjoyed that Andrew took us back in time to get a look at what life was like for the LGBTQI+ community in the 80’s.  It was a scary time to be sure.  I really appreciated the sensitivity used, as Andrew let us experience Chad’s reaction to his mother’s passing and the aftermath of a parent’s death.   What is the fan room? Will Chad and Darryl survive life aboard ship, while navigating their burgeoning relationship? How will Darryl’s family take it, when they meet Chad?  Hey people, I’m not going to tell you…

I recommend this story, especially if you like coming out stories.  I recommend this one so much that you need to get to your favorite eBook purchasing site and grab this story up.  Especially before the next story comes out. P.S.  This has a HFN ending….

Till next time…

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon