I had met Ariel Merman in my previous visit to Hamburger Mary’s and I was thrilled to see she was getting her own book. That excitement was dimmed during the first scene when there was a violent gay bashing. The violence was meant to shock and it did. Zachary was heading home, still wearing his make-up from the drag show when he gets viciously attacked. My heart broke.
Enter Teegan. Dr. Chau is Zach’s surgeon but he’s also drawn to the young man. The first full scene between the two of them was poignant and so it’s wasn’t a surprise they connected. Teegan has an interesting backstory. He has an ex-wife and daughter – both of whom he adores. Splitting with his wife was something really hard but it happened when he could no longer hide the fact he was gay. Connecting with Zach gives him the opportunity to explore that side of him. The chance to share his life with someone of the same sex. Watching that transformation was heartening.
The eventual blending of lives happened seamlessly. Teegan’s daughter Megan loves the Little Mermaid so she’s thrilled Daddy’s new boyfriend does such a great Ariel impersonation. Teegan’s ex-wife Kelly just wants him to be happy so she’s thrilled Zach brings joy to him. The crew at Hamburger Mary’s are accepting as well. It’s just a happy book but the underlying trauma is never far and Zach had to find courage to deal with it. And he did. So I got my happy ending.
Gerrod Larkyn narrates this series and I think he does a great job. I can’t wait for the last book.