Rise and shine, pornies. How are you feeling today?
I just finished reading a book that left me speechless. It was a fictitious reality-slap-in-the-face, if that makes any sense for you. I’m speaking about Unraveling, by Rick R. Reed.
- Print Length: 277 pages
- Publisher: NineStar Press (January 7, 2020)
- Publishing Date: January 7, 2020
- ISBN-10: 195188017X
- ISBN-13: 978-1951880170
Randy has worn a mask for far too long, and he decides to give up on life, leave everything behind. Enter the story’s Wonder Woman, Violet, his first and only love so far, his wife and mother of his only son. Violet encourages Randy to be his true self and tells him he deserves to be happy, no matter if he is gay. After Randy listens to her, he meets John, who hasn’t had any luck with men, and that is not sure if he can deal with a married, closeted man with a son. And Randy is not sure, either.
I had to stop several times to read Unraveling. The reason is that this is a painful and beautiful book at the same. Told from Randy’s, John’s and Violet’s points of view, I discovered the story of a man who is both terrified and excited about being who he really is.
Rick R. Reed doesn’t skim on details, giving a full picture of what being gay meant in the 80s, when AIDS was claiming more lives each day and when LGBT people were not as free as we can be today. However, you also get a realistic portrait of what it means to discover your identity when you should have already done so.
As I said, I had to stop now and then to process everything I was reading. Although beautiful, Unraveling also presents the storms that of coming-out as an adult. It was intense to get into the skin of such a complex character as Randy but to have John and Violet tell part of the story made it all the more interesting.
Although this is my first book by Rick R. Reed, I will definitely read another one from him. He has a strong voice and, as his bio says, “doesn’t disappoint.” I’m eager to see if all of his stories are as powerful and charming as this one. Thanks to the publisher for the copy!
About Rick R. Reed:
Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
You can find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his husband and is forever at work on another novel. You can also like Rick on Facebook or on Twitter. Rick always enjoys hearing from readers and answers all e-mails personally. Send him a message at rickrreedbooks@gmail.com
Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!
Thank you so much for the thoughtful and insightful review. You made my day! So glad you enjoyed the book and hope you get the same results if you do read more of my work.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you for writing it! Indeed, I already have new books, IM among them. ^^ I know it will be just as good as this one!
Delete