Abstract Realism by Edward Kendrick

Title: Abstract Realism

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (82pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (31st March 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Tonio, an artist, is in self-imposed hiding after an attacker scars him both physically and emotionally. When the attacker reappears, Tonio seeks help from the handsome bodyguard Jonam. It falls on Jonam’s shoulders to keep Tonio safe, and in the process teach him to live, and perhaps love, again.

Tonio, an artist, is in seclusion after being viciously attacked by the lover of a casual acquaintance in an act of jealousy which scarred Tonio inside and out.

Tonio’s only contact with the world is his sister Jessie, who implores him to shed his self-imposed exile. When his paintings go on display at a gallery, Jessie convinces Tonio to attend the opening night and a party to be held in his honor.

Jonam, the handsome owner of a close protection service, offers to come to Tonio’s aid when Tonio’s attacker begins to make new threats. The question then becomes, will Jonam be able to keep Tonio safe, and in the process teach him to accept he is not defined by the scars he carries but by who he is inside? Only if he can, will Tonio be able to live, and love, again.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/825

Review: Tonio is terrified that the man who attacked him before will come back to finish the job.  But, as time passes and he starts to feel relaxed enough to begin to live his life the phone calls start. Jonam has his own security firm and offers his help to Tonio to put a stop to the man’s torment.

A well written novella that I found to be quite enjoyable. Tonio is still recovering from the psychological effects after he was brutally attacked by a jealous boyfriend of a casual acquaintance and just when he has started to live his life in the simplest ways he starts to receive phone calls from a blocked number. Tonio is scared in more than one way not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well, Jonam starts to show him that some scares are only skin deep.

I liked this story for the slight suspense feel to it, Tonio getting caught up in a drama of another man’s relationship and that man’s boyfriend making Tonio a target instead of looking to himself as to why his boyfriend wants out. Jonam shows Tonio that he has begun healing from all his wounds. There is one sex scene between them is quite emotional and touching. I must admit that I didn’t feel a connection between the two men; I really couldn’t tell if there was an attraction between them when they first met or during the subsequent meetings until they were in Tonio’s apartment the last time.

There really wasn’t that much interaction between Jonam and Tonio, so we don’t get a good feel for Jonam. The epilogue was very sweet and I was glad to read a bit about their future and that Tonio seemed to have recovered fully from his attack.

I will recommend this to those who want some slight suspense, some hot sex, an emotionally scarred man, some angst and a happy ever after.