Evac by Michael Murphy

EvacLGTitle: Evac
Series: N/A
Author: Michael Murphy
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (199 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 27th 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: While on a mission in northern Afghanistan, Benji’s helicopter is shot down. Benji went in with a band of brothers but comes out with a stack of body bags, including one for his partner, Blade.

After recovering physically in Germany, Benji is sent home to San Diego. He’s been a soldier so long he doesn’t know how to live as a civilian. The loss of his brothers and his partner weighs heavily on him. Benji’s body might be healed, but he is still a very broken man.

Unable to find work, Benji turns to drinking, bar fights, risky sex with anonymous men, and striking out at everything. As he spirals out of control, he even tries volunteering in a BDSM club as a sub for demonstrations and private scenes.

Despair drives Benji to action, and he meets Nick, a young man in desperate need of hope. With his options and his money running out, the only question is if Benji will find his way in time

ISBN: 978-1-63216-898-6

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6428

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I’m a sucker for war stories, especially romances that involve wounded soldiers (i.e. the ones left behind). This is a very real and very gritty look into what has to be reality for many veterans in this day and age. It is an intense read but if you like this type of book and you endure, it is worth reading every page.

The story follows Benji starting immediately in the horrors that is military action in Afghanistan. He has done tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan and along with his lover, Blade, had been planning for a life after the marines when they finished up together in six months. However, life does not always happen as we plan and this is especially true for Benji.

I will admit it was at times difficult following as Benji battled his inner demons as he tries to find some sense of balance and normalcy in civilian life. He suffers survivor’s guilt and has crippling flashbacks. This is someone who has PTSD but unfortunately he has slipped through the cracks of the system. This makes it more difficult, because his coping mechanisms are self-destructive and as a reader you know he needs help and you want him to seek it.

BDSM is mentioned in the blurb and from that one would assume that it is a major part in the story. However, this is far from the case, the BDSM aspect of Benji’s story last for no more than probably 2 or 3 chapters.

Throughout the story Benji meets a number of men. Until one life altering situation has Benji suddenly on the path to finding balance on his own.

I absolutely loved the seemingly real feeling of this story. It is a hard read at times but I cheered for Benji the whole way. He is the wounded soldier that everyone loves. If you like your heroes flawed and you love your marines, have a go at this book.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *