Hard Fall
So glad I finally got around to reading this book. I just fell in love with Joe and Kabe and can't wait to continue on with the series. Joe is a Sheriff's Deputy in Utah. A mormon and a member of the LDS church, he is strong in his faith, but has also come to terms with the fact that he is gay. While the church would not punish him for being gay, he will be punished for having sexual relationships. The requires Joe to stay in the closet and take occasional trips to Las Vegas to get what he needs.
Kabe is new in town, living with relatives while on probation after spending time in prison on a felony arrest. When his family is out of town, they ask Joe to keep an eye on him to make sure nobody bothers him. There is an instant attraction on Joe's part. When a tourist falls to her death on Kabe's land, Joe needs Kabe's help at the accident site. As the two work together, Joe finds that Kabe's obvious interest in him will make it difficult to resist. Any relationship will mean trouble with the church, but that is only the tip of the iceberg once rumors start to fly about Joe and Kabe.
I am not a religious person and I don't like books with overly religious stories, but found this one had just the right balance. Regardless of what the Church says, Joe's faith runs deep. He accepts who he is and the problems it will cause, but never loses his faith in his beliefs and doesn't use it as an excuse in the relationship. Kabe is a force of nature. While outwardly he is the polar opposite of Joe, they fit together in more ways then one.
The mystery really takes a backseat to the story of the two men coming together. There were some technical aspects of rock climbing that were a bit tough to get through since that is not something I have much interest in, but the author did a great job in setting out the thrill and beauty of it as well. The sex was scorching hot and the two have some kinks that complement each other nicely. There are so many obstacles ahead of these two, I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
