Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Billy Miller never thought he’d be someone’s hero. Jack had saved him when he was seven, and Dianne had encouraged him to always be true to himself. But when Billy meets Sawyer Fredericks, the game changes. Simple is no longer simple, and one plus one doesn’t equal two.

Sawyer has spent the last few years working hard to get ahead, and now it seems like his life is on track. Then Billy walks in and Sawyer realizes that plans sometimes change. The chemistry is good, and the emotions out of this world, but more than just Jack and Andrew are working to keep them apart.

Once it seem like they have it all together, fate comes in to take everything away. Surviving takes more than just hanging tough, for Billy, it’s a life altering decision.

 

Book Review

“By your own soul, learn to live. And if men thwart you, take no heed. If men hate you, have no care. Sing your song, dream your dream. Hope your hope and pray your prayer.” — Parkenham Beatty

All Billy Miller wants to do was to be himself, but he knows from a young age that other people won't like it if he wears dresses and pretty barrettes in his hair. Fortunately, his mother understands and tries to protect him from harm; but even she can't ensure that other hateful, ignorant people won't take their hate out on her son. Billy has finally finished high school and is off to the big city to attend college. He will be out of the South, but wonders just how different it will be in New York.

Billy’s brother Jack and his husband Andrew welcome Billy with open arms. For the first time, Billy is able to experience two men who show true affection to each other. Billy has always known he was different; he likes to play baseball as well as dress in women's clothes, but doesn't want to be a woman. He also favors men, but has never had a chance to express his desire for male companionship. Billy is not interested in flings though; he has no desire to experiment. He's hoping that when he finds someone, they will treat him with respect and care like Jack and Andrew do. He's hoping that college will be different enough for him to experiment a bit; that, possibly, few will care if he wears pink pants and high heels; but before he does, Billy understands that it's more important to be safe. When he meets Sawyer Fredericks on campus, Billy realizes he needs to be cautious, but there's something about Sawyer he just can't resist. Billy feels as if he's known Sawyer forever and trusts him almost immediately. They begin an affair, even though it's against Sawyer's best judgment, because he knows he shouldn't be dragging Billy into his life at such an unstable time in his life. Things escalate between Sawyer and Billy very quickly. Billy keeps it a secret from his brother and husband which is a big mistake and makes matters even worse when the truth is discovered.

Sawyer is a complex person. He's not looking for a relationship when he meets Billy, but is like a moth drawn to a flame when he's near him. He knows it's awful timing, but even so, can't seem to stay away. Sawyer starts trying to juggle his work and time with Billy, doing neither well. He hates deceiving Billy about what he does, but it's imperative that no one knows, especially Billy who will surely misunderstand. When the worst case scenario happens and Billy sees Sawyer somewhere he shouldn't be, it almost breaks his heart. That's when Billy's brother finds out and threatens Sawyer about what will happen if he hurts Billy. Sawyer knows that he has to tell Billy the truth or lose him forever, so he explains as much as he can and swears Billy to silence. With not being able to tell anyone, Billy has to endure Jack and Andrew’s distain for Sawyer. When the need for deception has passed, Sawyer explains the situation to Jack and Andrew and to say they are relieved is an understatement. Years later, disaster strikes and ends Sawyer's career; but all is not lost. Fate has intervened and put him and Billy on another path which, on the surface seems unlikely, but in fact, is the best thing that could happen for them.

This is a powerful conclusion to an emotionally charged, but immeasurably needed series. Sara has shown us the good, bad, and ugly sides of being gay in the South; yet she's also found ways to turn all the negativity around and provide a happy ending for her men, which will give hope and encouragement to other gay men out there having similar issues. Sara also reminds us of the importance of being yourself if you ever expect to reach happiness. Fans of the series will love this story about Billy, who is undoubtedly one of the favorite characters in it. To those new to the series, it's  possible to read this book alone, but without knowing the background information, the book's impact will be seriously diminished. Thank you so much, Sara, for the tears, angst, smiles, and happy endings.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 75000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	26-November-2014
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Southern-Thing-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00Q7TUDTG