Title: Faded Star
Series: N/A
Author: Shawn Bailey
Genre: Contemporary/Interracial
Length: Novella (59 pages)
Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (October 26th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: A news report about his sexuality, followed by a car accident, leaves movie star Heath Evans helpless and bitter. Physical therapist Seiji Kichida has lived a lonely life till now, but the future looks brighter for both men as they find healing and hope in each other.
Drunk and distraught over a news report about his sexuality, movie star Heath Evans accidentally drives his truck into a freeway embankment. Expecting to be ostracized by family and fans alike, he welcomes death.
Physical therapist Seiji Kichida doesn’t let the often rude actor faze him with his insults and stereotypical comments. His job is to tend Heath’s injured body, not heal his injured soul, but lonely Seiji has idolized Heath since he first arrived in America. Can he help Heath face his future as an openly gay man? He’ll need to stand up to Heath’s rage, but will he succumb to the actor’s sensual glances and tender advances?
ISBN: 978-1-61124-690-2
Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2055-Faded-Star.aspx
Reviewer: Prime
Review: This is an enjoyable coming out story. Call me twisted, but I’m also partial to reading about someone having to overcome some physical injury, as in Heath’s car crash in this one.
To be honest, this story probably doesn’t cover all of Heath’s issues. He’s a closeted actor whose ex (also an actor) out him, so Heath gets drunk, then drives his car before nearly killing himself in the crash.
The issue that I don’t of Heath’s that isn’t touched on is alcohol. I don’t think he is an alcoholic but something needed to be addressed there. Particularly because Seiji, Heath’s new nurse, is instructed before he starts the job, to keep all alcohol and drugs locked up. However, all that aside, Heath is an interesting character. He’s about as unlikable as you can get for a main character, but it didn’t take long for me to come to an understanding about him.
Seiji is a wonderful character. I loved him from the start. He’s strong and more than competent at his job. I like that his background is of a poorer Japanese family that immigrated to the US or a new life – I like that it provides a different view of Japan we normally see with all its pretty lights, massive building, lots of money and businesses, karaoke and anime. I enjoyed his whole demeanour and just how understanding and protective he is when it comes to Heath. Really, as he is meant to, he makes Heath a better person.
A random side note: I also found it interesting how chapter one started out from the POV of Heath’s sister. It would have been cool to hear more of her, even though she is a minor character.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *