Wanting Him

Sarah Hurst is one of the few authors who can write a slow burn romance, serve it up on a plate with all the feels and raw emotions and have me reading it in one breath. I loved the first book, and I loved the second one even more, so I wonder how it is humanly possible to load so much longing, grief, love, fear, sadness and joy in such a skillful way that one can feel them all while reading. Carson and Roman have more than memories of childhood friendship. They share a special bond that has survived a 10-year separation, and when they unexpectedly run into each other, all feelings buried deep flare up once again. The story follows the challenges and obstacles surrounding two men in different military structures - Navy Seals and Army - who despite the odds and DADT decide they've had enough loneliness to last them a lifetime, so daring to try is the option for better future . My only regret is that the buildup of events and getting to know who Roman and Carson are as people took up so much of the story that I had very little window to enjoy the true closeness and romance at the end. But the plot was so beautifully written, so saturated with strong emotions, that it was totally worth the long wait. Watching Carson and Roman build their lives separately, fighting their battles along the way, reaching milestones and seeing their dreams come true while the true emptiness they felt inside them grew louder and more persistent, was really intense until it led to a sort of startling realization. Life will slip by - empty and devoid of warmth and companionship while the demands of their careers take more and more. Despite the bleak prognosis, I was thrilled to see the HEA at the end of the proverbial tunnel.