Solider of Fortune

Title: Solider of Fortune

Author:  S.J. Frost

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: http://www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0666

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Conrad is a mercenary and makes no bones about it.  He’s done jobs and worked for people that would make the average person cringe.  That does not mean that if the right person came along, he won’t be a softer gentler man. 

Soldier of Fortune is a great story for those that love at least one of their main characters to be a little on the dark side.  Conrad is a mercenary but, unlike those we normally see, he did not get his start through the military.  In fact, Conrad started training while still a teenager and when readers realize why, his actions become understandable.  Conrad has been doing his job for many years now and while he had an exit plan, he did not realize that he would be putting it into effect so early.

Lucas is the son of a wealthy man.  Since it has always been just the two of them, Lucas and his father are close.  When Mr. Hartman decides to run for public office, Lucas couldn’t be prouder until someone takes a shot at his father during a campaign stop.  When Mr. Hartman hires a bodyguard, Lucas is shocked by how drawn to the other man he is. 

There is an instant connection between Lucas and Conrad from the very beginning.  I loved their first meeting and had to laugh at Lucas’ reaction to Conrad.  The connection from Conrad’s side is just as strong but, where Lucas deals with worry that Conrad is straight, Conrad wonders about being good enough for the younger man.  Thankfully neither of these are issues that the author drags out. 

Woven through the story of Lucas’ and Conrad’s relationship is the mystery of who tried to kill Mr. Hartman and why.  This part of the story is a little predictable, but readers will still find themselves turning the pages to see how everything will play out.  This is also where Conrad’s dark side really shines.  I liked that this was something that Lucas could deal with and that he even worried about being so accepting of Conrad’s actions. 

I did think the story ended a little too soon and I hope the author will bring them back for more.  Fans of Ms. Frost’s are sure to enjoy Soldier of Fortune and those who have yet to give this author a try should do so.