Title: The End of the Beginning
Series: Tales of Foster High 02
Author: John Goode
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (78pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7th December 2011)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Not too long ago, Brad Greymark outed himself to his high school and the rest of the town of Foster, Texas, with a fairly obvious public display of affection. Now what? Brad had thought being Foster’s favorite son wasn’t that important, but when it comes time to choose between high school fame and Kyle, the boy he might just be falling for? It’s not an easy decision, knowing his heart may break either way.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2659
Review: This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Brad wakes the next morning after outing himself in school and begins to wonder what he has done.
This story is from Brad’s POV so we can get the full effect of his inner turmoil as he begins to fully realize what he has done and the effect it will have on him. The interesting thing about this book is that Brad is far from perfect and that he fully admits his faults but just because he admits them doesn’t mean that it isn’t tempting to continue down that line. We see his inner struggle as he decides what to do now. Should he take a stand and stay outed? Or should he say that he only said it to support Kyle? These are just some of the questions that he struggles with as he begins to come to terms with his actions because as he questions himself he begins to wonder if he really is gay.
John Goode is a fantastic writer as we really do believe that we are in a 17/18yr olds head as he comes to terms with his home life, his school life and his social life. Kyle is again a very sweet young man who has every right to be angry and upset but also has a lot of forgiveness in him. Brad is a confused young man but he gets support from unexpected sources that give him confidence to do what is right for him. We also see a lot more of Brad’s background and it gives us a better understanding as to why he acts the way he does.
I have to recommend this one for those who like angst, only a little loving, soul-searching of sexuality and a promise of more great stories to come.