Love in the Line of Fire

Title: Love in the Line of Fire

Author:  Michael Murphy

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-63533-207-0

Genre: {M/M}, Mystery

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Critter Nymph

Jonah Pratt is head of the First Husband’s detail.  He has worked hard to get where he is but has had to keep his sexual preferences to himself.  When someone tries to kill the First Husband, Jonah is shocked by what follows, especially the feelings he develops for the civilian that helps.

Love in the Line of Fire is a fast paced read that will keep you turning the pages.  Mr. Murphy introduces the readers to two characters that have strong alpha personalities, yet realize that there is something in the other that they need.  Jonah is in the Secret Service.  As head of the First Husband’s detail, he has a lot on his plate.  This leaves him with little time for a social life. However, since he is in the closet he has learned to deal.  Benji is former military and currently attending the same college where the First Husband teaches.  He happens to be in the right place at the right time when an assassin takes a shot at the First Husband.  The author does a great job writing such a serious scene.  The confusion, terror, and adrenalin that you would expect to occur, in a situation like this, comes through clearly. 

This situation brings the two men together and it is while they are dealing with the after-math, that they realize that they have something in common that few others do.   The connection the two are forming is fragile and when a misunderstanding occurs, the relationship that is starting to develop almost comes to an end. These two are really something when they come together but things happen that bring Benji’s secrets and insecurities to the forefront.  More than once, I wanted to cry for Benji.  The PTSD he suffers, due to his time in the military, has a strong hold on him.  His reactions to various situations is realistic, which the author portraits perfectly.     

There is a lot in this story to keep the reader turning the pages.  I was up late into the night wanting to know what would happen next and how things between Benji and Jonah would play out.  As a side note, the situation with the First Husband and the President was as intriguing as the main story and I wondered why the author wasn’t touching more on this.  It was not until later that I found out that Love in the Line of Fire could be considered a follow up to a previous book by this author.  If after reading this current story you want to find out more, I suggest picking up The President’s Husband, I know I plan to.