Title: Happy Independence Day
Series: N/A
Author: Michael Rupured
Genre: Contemporary/ Holiday
Length: Novel (256Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 20, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Blurb: Terrence Bottom wants to change the world. A prelaw student at Columbia University majoring in political science, his interests range from opposing the draft and the war in Vietnam, to civil rights for gays, to anything to do with Cameron McKenzie. Terrence notices the rugged blond hanging around the Stonewall Inn, but the handsome man—and rumored Mafia hustler—rebuffs his smiles and winks.
Cameron McKenzie dropped out of college and left tiny Paris, Kentucky after the death of the grandmother who raised him, dreaming of an acting career on Broadway. Although he claims to be straight, he becomes a prostitute to make ends meet. Now the Mafia is using him to entrap men for extortion schemes, he is in way over his head, and he can’t see a way out—at least not a way that doesn’t involve a swim to the bottom of the Hudson in a pair of cement flippers.
Cameron is left with a choice: endanger both their lives by telling Terrence everything or walk away from the only man he ever loved. The Mafia hustler and the student activist want to find a way to stay together, but first they need to find a way to stay alive.
ISBN: 978-1-63216-163-5
Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5310
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: I was a bit disappointed in this story. I had expected it to be more holiday and happiness considering the title and it is listed as a holiday story. However it comes off a bit dark in my opinion. It comes off as historical at times which is another setback for me.
I have only learned about Stonewall from a few others, so the history is a bit difficult to hear about. This is however the first book that I have read by this author, so I didn’t really know what I was getting into. The cover didn’t clue me in and neither did the title. I should admit though that I choose it without reading the blurb. So I was quite surprised by the story itself.
Terrence is a prelaw student who thinks he can change the world. He however has the hots for a man who has a dark secret if not several. He is about to find out just how true the rumors about Cameron are.
Cameron had left his home after the death of his grandmother, dropped out of college and pretended to be something he isn’t. Then he does something really stupid to survive, he becomes a prostitute.
On top of that he had caught the eye of the mob. They wanted to use him, to bring others down. He is in trouble, and the only way to keep Terrence safe is to tell him what he is getting into. That or run for his life. These two are in trouble big time, but damn they are hot together.
I was disappointed in the whole of the story. I don’t much care for the past or historical, and then I do the future. To top it off I wasn’t born when the true act happened, and have only heard about it once or twice from others. So I don’t have a clue what happened back then so it is lost on me. However to know how far we have come, compared to then is amazing. I just hope we keep growing.
The story itself is written with heart and soul, and is an amazing gift to many. I would definitely recommend reading it. It just wasn’t for me, but even though that is the case, I recognized a talent with this author and look forward to hearing more about Michael.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *