Never a Hero by Marie Sexton

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Date published: May 2013

ISBN: 978-1-937551-94-0

Genre: male/male contemporary romance

Book format: E-book

Obtained via: Publisher Gift

Reviewed by Keldon

This is another in the Tucker Springs series; all are set in the fictional Colorado town of Tucker Springs. This time Marie Sexton tackles the challenge of creating a pair in this setting.

Owen Meade is painfully introverted: between his congenitally amputated arm and his stress-induced stutter, he’s resigned himself to a life alone. He works at home, has his groceries delivered, and doesn’t go out. Besides, who would ever fall for a twenty-eight year old gay virgin?

Veterinarian Nick Reynolds has a life filled with career, three dogs, and his quirky sister June.  He’s been alone for the last five years, afraid of allowing himself to get involved with anyone.

Nick moves into the downstairs apartment of Owen’s duplex, and suddenly Owen finds himself face-to-face with a gorgeous man who doesn’t make Owen nervous, and isn’t put off by Owen’s amputation or his stutter, and seems to innately know what will put Owen at ease. Nick introduces Owen to his sister June, who also has a congenital amputation. She convinces Owen they should take piano lessons. As the Reynolds duo pulls Owen out of his shell, he’s more and more drawn to Nick, but doesn’t understand why Nick refuses to let go and act on their mutual attraction.

I’ve read all of the preceding stories in the Tucker Springs series. This installation blends seamlessly with the others, incorporating the same locations and references to the other characters without being obvious. Sexton has an endearing style that handles the topics of congenital amputation and stuttering in a sensitive manner without preaching. Owen and Nick are both well drawn, and the other characters add to the richness of the story. The pace was just right, and the ending satisfying.

I’m looking forward to more Tucker Springs stories.

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This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

Never a Hero