Semper Fi

3.5 stars

3.5 stars, rounded up. My Dad fought in WWII, so he would have been approximately the same age as the two MCs. As wonderful as he was, his views about homosexuality were very much typical of the time - while he never would have outwardly condemned it, he wouldn't have been comfortable with it either. And he never would have challenged the post-war ethos of marrying a nice girl and having 2.5 kids. So it felt especially poignant to me to read about Cal and Jim's difficult struggle to find a way to be happy together in the late 1940s because I knew what they were up against.

As always, Andrews weaves a strong story. The war scenes didn't feel particularly original but they did seem authentic and clearly demonstrated the strong bond Cal and Jim formed from their experiences. They also provided some suspense as to the source of Jim's PTSD and helped the HEA feel even more well deserved than in most romances. I do wish that Jim finally letting go of his shame about being queer wasn't at the expense of tarnishing another character (he learns that his wife had an affair with the hired hand, making him realize that you can't stop love when it happens). I would have preferred that he got to that point more organically.

Recommended with a cup of apple cider (hard or regular, your choice) by your side.