Title: “Complexity (The Kinky Connect Chronicles #4)”
Author: Harper Miller
Genre: Gay Romance/Bisexual Romance (MM)
Release Date: July 8, 2016
5/5 Stars!
Defining Moments!
This quick read packs a powerful punch!
Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Acosta has come to terms with who he is and is sick of labels. Is he Hispanic or Latino? Does it matter? Is he bi or gay? He likes women and men…who cares? But Manny knows unfortunately, people do care, and he has come out only to a very few people closest to him. Considering his culture, neighborhood, and even his line of work, life could be very different for Manny if more people knew, and not in a good way.
But Manny is getting tired of quick, meaningless, nameless hookups. Well past thirty, most of his friends are busy ‘adulting’ with families. A personal trainer, Manny is working towards his dream of owning a gym. But he’s still alone. Although he doesn’t believe it’s in the cards for him, Manny is looking for his LEGO – that one person meant for him, to stick with him no matter what.
What begins as a simple internet hookup leads Manny to Chris, and drama he doesn’t want, a relationship he doesn’t think he can handle…and a man he wants more than anything. Manny pulls away after a misunderstanding. When Chris confronts him, the two men make up and admit their true feelings for each other. Manny is settling into what feels like happiness, when he’s gob smacked by one more admission from Chris. While Manny is ‘partially’ out, Chris isn’t out at all and doesn’t intend to change that. Having to choose between Manny and his career, Chris walks away, and Manny is devastated.
I loved, loved, loved Manny! He had such a gritty, honest feel. He didn’t mince words or pretty things up. He was honest to a fault, especially about himself and who he was. When he called himself an ‘emotional retard’ I LITERALLY laughed out loud and almost dropped my Kindle. Manny has several moments like that during the story. He’s deep in thought or in a conversation with someone else, and the things that come out of his mouth!!! LOL! Priceless! Manny’s pain and frustration are also more than evident, and as he hurts and tries to navigate through his anguish, I was right there with him, virtually patting him on the back saying, “Aye Papi! Va a estar bien!”
I had ‘some’ sympathy for Chris. I can’t imagine having to live as he did, but after a while, I was looking for the exit – his self-pity party was working every nerve I had. I was in total agreement with Manny that Chris’ concerns were for Chris…period. But there’s comeuppance for every cynic, and Chris gave me mine…and sat me in the corner…when he showed exactly what he was made of. I always try to stay away from spoilers, so let’s just say this story has the BEST GRAND ROMANTIC GESTURE I’ve read in ANY romance in YEARS! Kudos to the author for “bringing it!”
This is a definite must-read for anyone who loves the journey to love.
Enjoy!
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