
By Lee Rowan
John Hanson joined the military because he wanted to serve his country. Lacking a home and family of his own, the idealistic young man longed to be a part of something bigger than himself. He didn’t expect to find love in officer’s training—so when an assignment took him away from Kevin Kendrick, the love of his life, he sacrificed personal happiness and did his duty.
Kevin has made his own sacrifices. Career came first and the impressionable Army brat, tired of living in his father’s shadow, pledged his loyalty to his country and followed his ambition.
Now seven years later when the Army that Kevin so faithfully served has made him the scapegoat for their latest Middle East snafu, he can only think of one place to go, one man who can provide solace and heal his wounds—John.
Reunited, the two war-torn lovers once again discover their passion for life, love, and one another. But Kevin’s past isn’t through with him yet, and when an old enemy surfaces the two men realize that they must together face the nightmares of the past if they are to have the future they dream of.
The title, Walking Wounded, is as appropriate a title as any I’ve seen. Your heart bleeds for these two men as they suffer for the choices they’ve made in pursuit of doing the right thing.
In doing the right thing, they both join the military but follow different paths. John decides he wants to be a peace keeper and ends up realizing that keeping the peace isn’t what he thought it would be. He ended up mentally scarred from watching people get mowed down in brutal displays of force by the enemy, and being powerless to intervene, help or take any kind of pro-active measures. That helplessness injured the heart of a man who wanted to DO something. He ended up a broken man, yet he found a way to mimic life in order to pull himself together. But you know he’s questioning if there shouldn’t be more to life.
Kevin joined the SAS with the intention of making a difference in going after the enemy in a forthright and effective manner. Well, as forthright as working undercover can be. He wanted to be a part of the good fight, to feel like he could make a difference and smash a dent in the network of terror gripping the world. He got more than he bargained for because he ended up being the fall guy for a good mission gone bad. Kevin came back second guessing himself, not trusting anyone around him while being forced to give up on his goals. His sense of self-worth floundered until he made a fateful decision – to call John.
When the two men come together, they are both at low points in life. Their relationship from before is the only untarnished memory they had and like a life preserver, both grab onto it with both hands and hold on tight.
The author truly got me involved with the psyche of these two men - their fears, their frustrations, their despair. When Lee Rowan introduces the resurgence of their love, it was like the dawn coming after a fire storm. Within the smoking ruins of their lives, they find that simple things heal, that the devastation in their hearts didn’t destroy their willingness to try to trust, to reach out. The strongest element, their love, survived and with that realization the roots of hope and growth began. I enjoyed how it started out; with the saving of two kittens. That moment propelled their healing and strengthened their connection by creating a common ground based on caring for the two little balls of fluff. Situations present themselves as time goes on and you meet two ladies with unexpected news for Kevin.
I think Kevin took it a lot better than I thought he would. The news left me quite bemused. But I have to admit, it was a shot in the arm for continued healing, if a bit unconventional.
The sex scenes were done with taste and reflected John and Kevin’s expressions of love and commitment. There was nothing gratuitous or overtly graphic about the scenes. Every moment was a celebration, every touch a joy. I think the shower scenes were intrinsic to their relationship. You think you know what I’m talking about when I say that, don’t you? Guess again. The tenderness, caring and considerations John gives to Kevin and visa versa are as romantic as it can get. This story, even though it is between two men, can appeal to even women who typically don’t read romantic M/M stories.
If you are a reader who likes a bit of military suspense, then this story can provide that too. Seems Kevin not only took the blame for a Middle East fiasco but is one of the few who escaped alive; and someone isn’t happy about that. The stress and helplessness, the unknown and the potential for violence thrust each man into facing his demons. It was interesting to read how the author handled its affect on their relationship.
This story flowed well, had fine editing, characters were well fleshed out and the conflicts, both internal and external, worked. Walking Wounded is a heart grabbing look at how men are affected during war time and its aftermath once they return as civilians. It showcases how love between people can bridge insurmountable odds and bring them to a place that true romance lovers all seek, the Happily Ever After.
Rating:

Reviewed by Xeranth