'Articles of Release' is the second heartbreaking story in this series. It’s about Eric, a man who was severely injured while serving in the Army, has been discharged for medical reasons, and is more than a little adrift and unsure what to do with the rest of his life. He has nowhere to go, his parents and sister having rejected him for being gay, so he contacts a former Army buddy – none other than Adam from book one. Adam is willing to help, as is his partner Sage, but it is not the help Eric needs. Troy, Sage’s trainer, might be able to support Eric in the right way – but their start is more than a little bumpy and Troy has issues of his own. As this story developed, I was less than sure about both men more than once. Stubborn to the bone, proud, and unwilling to admit they have emotions makes Eric and Troy not just two peas in a pod, but two men who need and deserve each other!

Eric is a wounded warrior in more than one sense. Physically it is his shattered leg that doesn’t make things easier. Pain, not being able to be as athletically active as he is used to, and the awkwardness of walking and getting stared at when he leaves the safety of the house are one side of the problem. But then there is the psychological damage of feeling useless and not knowing what to do now that he can’t be the career soldier he always saw himself at. He is so wrapped up in his misery that he doesn’t even recognize Troy’s issues until he has already put his foot in his mouth. But Eric is nothing if not courageous, so he mans up and apologizes. It is the beginning of friendship, and a tentative, obstacle-filled road toward more.

Troy is a complicated man. He has lost both legs in a motorcycle dare when he was a teenager, but fifteen years later, he has put his life back together. Troy is a physical therapist, and helping others regain control over their bodies is a calling as much as a job for him. But the underlying addiction to adrenaline, the need to “dare” fate at every opportunity has not gone away. Troy has got to learn to control his urges or he’ll never be able to be the partner Eric needs. As it turns out that is not an easy thing to do for Troy.

Another amazing story about pain, the need to overcome obstacles, friendship, love, and the unstoppable human spirit.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review. ( )