Book: Other Side of the Line
Author: Marguerite Labbe
Release Date: September 18, 2015
Pages: 318
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Buy The Book:
Blurb:
Caleb Hudson and Hal Zimmer became best friends the day they stood up against the schoolyard bully together. Life’s complicated enough with their friendship crossing racial lines in 1960s Charleston, South Carolina, but as time passes, they realize it’s more than their friendship that sets them apart from other kids. At first, Caleb denies his feelings for Hal could be more than companionship. He supports his friend when Hal admits he’s gay, but Caleb isn’t ready to face his own truth.
Hal becomes a staunch antiwar protester, and the divide between them widens after Caleb is drafted. But when Caleb returns from Vietnam, the time for denial is over. His homecoming sets off a series of events that force Caleb and Hal to confront their desires and what lines they’re willing to cross to get what they truly want out of life.
Categories: M/M Romance, Coming of Age, Historical
Tracy's Review:
5 Stars
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
*Please note the review was originally posted at Divine Magazine and is crossed posted at Bayou Book Junkie*
*Please note the review was originally posted at Divine Magazine and is crossed posted at Bayou Book Junkie*
I was shocked when I opened this book and saw the date. This story starts in the year 2023. Hal and Caleb are hosting a 60th family reunion. We sit a spell with them in the present, meet their kids, grandkids and some other extended family members. When I read a book I want a HEA, and I loved knowing from page one that I would get what I wanted, even if the characters did frustrate me while they were getting there! Through a series of stories they tell their story starting in 1963. The year they met. Caleb is in 4th grade and stands out as the only black kid in his class at the beginning of school desegregation, in Charleston SC. Fellow 4th grader and classmate, Hal stands out also, but not for his skin color, his accent sets him apart. Hal is a newly transferred student from a small town in New York. The two outsiders form a friendship, a friendship that is frowned upon. This doesn't deter them. They remain friends and the story slowly takes us from 1963 to 1977. It takes us through some of the major events in their lives.
This story is so well written. It is captivating and riveting. The author drew me in and wouldn't let go. I couldn't put this book down, and in the end, I wasn't ready for it to be over.
I loved that the author worked events in history such as, Kennedy's assassination, Caleb going off to Vietnam and Hal's attendance at his first gay pride parade into the story. We spend so much time with Caleb and Hal from the age of 10 to their early 20's, that they are extremely well developed characters. You feel the chemistry between them from the beginning of their friendship and this chemistry explodes when they become lovers. You can feel the emotions coming off the pages of this book. The happiness, sadness, frustration, fear, love, and passion. It slaps you in the face. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I smiled. I laughed. I cried. I awed. I wanted to scream and shake Hal and Caleb at times. The road to their happy ending is a very bumpy one, but the love they share is so worth it.
This is my first read by this author, but I'll definitely be looking at other works. This was an amazing read and I highly recommend it. Pick it up, you won't be sorry!
About The Author:
Marguerite has been accused of being eccentric and a shade neurotic, both of which she freely admits to, but her muse has OCD tendencies, so who can blame her? Her husband and son do an excellent job keeping her toeing the line, though. Together with her co-author Fae Sutherland, Marguerite has found a shared passion for beautiful men with smart mouths.
When she's not working hard on writing new material and editing completed work, she spends her time reading novels of all genres, enjoying role-playing games with her equally nutty friends, and trying to plot practical jokes against her son and husband. Her son is learning the tricks too quickly and likes to retaliate. You'd think she'd learn.
When she's not working hard on writing new material and editing completed work, she spends her time reading novels of all genres, enjoying role-playing games with her equally nutty friends, and trying to plot practical jokes against her son and husband. Her son is learning the tricks too quickly and likes to retaliate. You'd think she'd learn.
Sounds like a great book!
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