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Basic Training
Joining the Royal Marines is a challenge that only the toughest young men should take on. As one of the most prestigious regiments in the British Forces, becoming a Royal Marine Commando is achieved only by the best.
Platoon Sergeant Col Wilson, called Bulldog, knows all about achievements, and with the responsibility for the recruits at Lympstone, he is adamant that despite the highest drop-out rate in the Forces, his boys should pass basic training to the highest standards.
Yet Sgt Wilson’s world of work, gym, training and discipline is heaved out of its angles when the new platoon arrives with Chris Thompson amongst them. A promising, picture-perfect recruit: twenty-one, handsome, tall, a university graduate and a triathlete, and … openly gay in an environment of institutional homophobia.
Col finds himself thrown into turmoil that is nothing like any conflict he’d ever encountered, nor any operational theatre he’d ever fought in. When this particular battle becomes personal, he has to ask himself who is the enemy.
Platoon Sergeant Col Wilson, called Bulldog, knows all about achievements, and with the responsibility for the recruits at Lympstone, he is adamant that despite the highest drop-out rate in the Forces, his boys should pass basic training to the highest standards.
Yet Sgt Wilson’s world of work, gym, training and discipline is heaved out of its angles when the new platoon arrives with Chris Thompson amongst them. A promising, picture-perfect recruit: twenty-one, handsome, tall, a university graduate and a triathlete, and … openly gay in an environment of institutional homophobia.
Col finds himself thrown into turmoil that is nothing like any conflict he’d ever encountered, nor any operational theatre he’d ever fought in. When this particular battle becomes personal, he has to ask himself who is the enemy.
276 pages, ebook
First published October 20, 2011
About the author
Marquesate
18 books289 followersMarquesate is a British author living in Scotland. She has been associated with the British Forces for many years, and specialises in contemporary gay military fiction.
Using the insider knowledge of the 'bowels' of the military machinery and the insight into the soldiers' minds and modes of functioning, Marquesate creates realistic settings, situations and characters who are simultaneously down to earth and larger than life. Those men are strong, aggressive, tough and independent, and it is their determination and truthfulness to themselves and their comrades in arms, that becomes their saviour and their downfall.
These soldiers are grounded in their military context and thrown into a maelstrom of duty, comradeship, hostility and courage, to emerge scarred, battle-hardened and touched at the very core of their selves - by an enemy, a friend, a foe or an ally.
No-holds barred, often hard and brutal, Marquesate's fiction always carries a punch.
Using the insider knowledge of the 'bowels' of the military machinery and the insight into the soldiers' minds and modes of functioning, Marquesate creates realistic settings, situations and characters who are simultaneously down to earth and larger than life. Those men are strong, aggressive, tough and independent, and it is their determination and truthfulness to themselves and their comrades in arms, that becomes their saviour and their downfall.
These soldiers are grounded in their military context and thrown into a maelstrom of duty, comradeship, hostility and courage, to emerge scarred, battle-hardened and touched at the very core of their selves - by an enemy, a friend, a foe or an ally.
No-holds barred, often hard and brutal, Marquesate's fiction always carries a punch.
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June 5, 2016
Platoon Sergeant Col Wilson is everything you'd expect a drill sergeant who is working with new recruits to be: He's loud, butch, demanding obedience and makes you clean your rifle twice, even if the metal shines - because it builds character (he says).
At 35 years of age, he is also a frustrated divorced guy who got demoted after a case of drunk driving and is just doing his job, training the young recruits, trying not to reflect on his life and the reasons why he was unhappily married, hoping to be put back in his former rank if he just doesn't mess up again.
Before taking over the training of his latest platoon, all of them fresh faces who may or may not succeed to become Royal Marines, his superiors take him aside and make him aware that one of the new recruits is an openly gay man - and with the new regulations about equality of age, sexual orientation and religion making it possible for gay men to join, they want to make sure that this new guy doesn't get himself into trouble - which would shed a bad light on the Royal Marines. So Col is supposed to 'keep an eye' on him.
And that's just what he does.
Chris Thompson, 21 years old and highly motivated, turns out to be truly special. Both physically and intellectually at his peak, he is the best at everything he does - and he also doesn't shy away from defending his sexual orientation against his comrades, which soon gets him into serious trouble and even lands him in a hospital.
Col hates the heated stares he receives from the handsome recruit and does his best to put him in his place on every occasion, all the while ignoring how he secretly lusts after the young, strong body. But a drill sergeant and his recruit? Anything other than mere thoughts would be impossible - not to mention illegal, costing him his rank and career.
After the 32 weeks of basic training are over, Chris has successfully earned his sergeant's respect and Col is convinced that Chris is officer material and should proceed to higher ranks, even though it would then be him who'd have to address his recruit with 'Sir'.
During the 'passing out parade' celebration (when the former recruits are officially given soldier status), Col runs into Chris, who asks him to meet him later in a motel room he's booked.
Just like that, out of the blue.
Too flustered and shocked to say 'no' right away, he just stares at the boy. Chris disappears with a quiet 'Please, come.' and leaves Col shattered and once again battling with his own feelings.
Col torments himself over the offer, but he finally does meet Chris - and a wonderful military love story ensues that fascinated me immensely.
I admit, I first thought Col was just being mean. He kept bashing Chris in training for no other reason than because he had a problem with his own attraction to the younger guy. Only when Chris got seriously hurt by homophobic comrades, Col thawed up and visited him in the hospital, offering 'moral support' which he considered his duty as Chris' superior.
When the two actually become an item, Col finds himself in the awkward position of being the one staying behind when Chris goes on a mission to Afghanistan or some other dangerous place, always hoping that his lover would make it back in one piece. A role he usually attributed to 'soldiers' wives'.
I especially liked Col's struggle with the 14 years age difference. While that's not much in the world of gay men, Col sees himself as a 'cradle snatcher' who takes advantage of a subordinate. However, it's actually Chris' family (his uncle and aunt who took the boy in after his dad threw him out for being gay) who make Col see that he is actually the young man's *partner* and they tell him a few things that he didn't know about Chris - making him see the man behind the soldier with all his fears and insecurities that he successfully hides when being around Col - knowing what it took him to earn his sergeant's respect.
The realism of this romance completely swept me off my feet. Since this is the co-author of the Special Forces series, I was not surprised by the amount of graphic violence that we get to witness here, but what I didn't expect was this pure and honest love story between two men who stay loyal to each other despite all hardships - and manage the tightrope walk of pursuing an inherently homophobic military career while being a committed couple at the same time.
And they're not whining about how badly life treats them, because they want to be soldiers, they're good at what they do, and they're willing to adapt their relationship to their careers, which impressed me very much.
The book consists of two parts, the first being Chris' soldier training and the second part being Chris' officer training, the whole story spans over about 7 years.
This book is clearly a 5-star favorite and Col is one of the most likeable characters, with his insecurities about outing himself in the hostile military environment at such a late stage in his life.
I am so glad I read this! Don't miss out on this gem.
At 35 years of age, he is also a frustrated divorced guy who got demoted after a case of drunk driving and is just doing his job, training the young recruits, trying not to reflect on his life and the reasons why he was unhappily married, hoping to be put back in his former rank if he just doesn't mess up again.
Before taking over the training of his latest platoon, all of them fresh faces who may or may not succeed to become Royal Marines, his superiors take him aside and make him aware that one of the new recruits is an openly gay man - and with the new regulations about equality of age, sexual orientation and religion making it possible for gay men to join, they want to make sure that this new guy doesn't get himself into trouble - which would shed a bad light on the Royal Marines. So Col is supposed to 'keep an eye' on him.
And that's just what he does.
Chris Thompson, 21 years old and highly motivated, turns out to be truly special. Both physically and intellectually at his peak, he is the best at everything he does - and he also doesn't shy away from defending his sexual orientation against his comrades, which soon gets him into serious trouble and even lands him in a hospital.
Col hates the heated stares he receives from the handsome recruit and does his best to put him in his place on every occasion, all the while ignoring how he secretly lusts after the young, strong body. But a drill sergeant and his recruit? Anything other than mere thoughts would be impossible - not to mention illegal, costing him his rank and career.
After the 32 weeks of basic training are over, Chris has successfully earned his sergeant's respect and Col is convinced that Chris is officer material and should proceed to higher ranks, even though it would then be him who'd have to address his recruit with 'Sir'.
During the 'passing out parade' celebration (when the former recruits are officially given soldier status), Col runs into Chris, who asks him to meet him later in a motel room he's booked.
Just like that, out of the blue.
Too flustered and shocked to say 'no' right away, he just stares at the boy. Chris disappears with a quiet 'Please, come.' and leaves Col shattered and once again battling with his own feelings.
Col torments himself over the offer, but he finally does meet Chris - and a wonderful military love story ensues that fascinated me immensely.
I admit, I first thought Col was just being mean. He kept bashing Chris in training for no other reason than because he had a problem with his own attraction to the younger guy. Only when Chris got seriously hurt by homophobic comrades, Col thawed up and visited him in the hospital, offering 'moral support' which he considered his duty as Chris' superior.
When the two actually become an item, Col finds himself in the awkward position of being the one staying behind when Chris goes on a mission to Afghanistan or some other dangerous place, always hoping that his lover would make it back in one piece. A role he usually attributed to 'soldiers' wives'.
I especially liked Col's struggle with the 14 years age difference. While that's not much in the world of gay men, Col sees himself as a 'cradle snatcher' who takes advantage of a subordinate. However, it's actually Chris' family (his uncle and aunt who took the boy in after his dad threw him out for being gay) who make Col see that he is actually the young man's *partner* and they tell him a few things that he didn't know about Chris - making him see the man behind the soldier with all his fears and insecurities that he successfully hides when being around Col - knowing what it took him to earn his sergeant's respect.
The realism of this romance completely swept me off my feet. Since this is the co-author of the Special Forces series, I was not surprised by the amount of graphic violence that we get to witness here, but what I didn't expect was this pure and honest love story between two men who stay loyal to each other despite all hardships - and manage the tightrope walk of pursuing an inherently homophobic military career while being a committed couple at the same time.
And they're not whining about how badly life treats them, because they want to be soldiers, they're good at what they do, and they're willing to adapt their relationship to their careers, which impressed me very much.
The book consists of two parts, the first being Chris' soldier training and the second part being Chris' officer training, the whole story spans over about 7 years.
This book is clearly a 5-star favorite and Col is one of the most likeable characters, with his insecurities about outing himself in the hostile military environment at such a late stage in his life.
I am so glad I read this! Don't miss out on this gem.
October 10, 2012
Ok, here it goes, I'm actually going to have to thank Sims for encouraging me ( read= beat me over the head) to read this book.
It starts out slowly and since it's solely from Col's POV I wasn't always sure what was really going on with Chris and I wasn't sure there ever would be a relationship between these two. Be warned though the story is definitely very 'military' in nature and everything revolves around that.
The scene where Chris is caught in the bathroom was difficult, but nothing compared to the scene in Ravages thank goodness!
It could have been a very angsty and emotional book, but it wasn't it felt 'real' and I could really see it happening and developing like that, and I'm so glad the few issues they had were dealt with and there wasn't too much inner turmoil and musings...although I would have liked a few of Chris's thoughts too!
It wasn't all hearts and roses but it wasn't all angst and thorns..it was good and I'm really glad I read it!
It starts out slowly and since it's solely from Col's POV I wasn't always sure what was really going on with Chris and I wasn't sure there ever would be a relationship between these two. Be warned though the story is definitely very 'military' in nature and everything revolves around that.
The scene where Chris is caught in the bathroom was difficult, but nothing compared to the scene in Ravages thank goodness!
It could have been a very angsty and emotional book, but it wasn't it felt 'real' and I could really see it happening and developing like that, and I'm so glad the few issues they had were dealt with and there wasn't too much inner turmoil and musings...although I would have liked a few of Chris's thoughts too!
It wasn't all hearts and roses but it wasn't all angst and thorns..it was good and I'm really glad I read it!
December 5, 2015
Basic Training is a well-written military gay romance with very catching main characters. When Chris Thompson arrives as a new recruit in Col Wilson's platoon, the world of the well-known Sergeant going with the nickname of Bulldog is turned upside down.
Chris Thompson is ambitious, fit and has all the necessary talent to make it through the basic training in order to join the Royal Marines. But Thompson isn't only extra-ordinary talented, he is also gay - openly gay in an environment, where homophobia is still very widespread.
Col Wilson is ordered to keep an eye on Thompson to make sure that the Forces are following the law by banning every kind of discrimination due to sexual orientation. What nobody knows is that Col himself is gay, but that he has decided to keep it a secret to pursue his career. Keeping the young recruit save is thus very personal for Col, but he can't lie to himself. He's slowly falling for the sexy recruit with the beautiful green eyes.
Basic Training follows Chris and Col over a period of seven years. It was a great read about fighting his own fears, about loyelty, responsibility, hope and of course love. It shows us that it is forth fighting for a relationship even if the conditions are complex and difficult. It gave a great insight in the military setting and showed what it could be like to be gay in a world were gender roles are still having a very different impact.
4 stars!
Chris Thompson is ambitious, fit and has all the necessary talent to make it through the basic training in order to join the Royal Marines. But Thompson isn't only extra-ordinary talented, he is also gay - openly gay in an environment, where homophobia is still very widespread.
Col Wilson is ordered to keep an eye on Thompson to make sure that the Forces are following the law by banning every kind of discrimination due to sexual orientation. What nobody knows is that Col himself is gay, but that he has decided to keep it a secret to pursue his career. Keeping the young recruit save is thus very personal for Col, but he can't lie to himself. He's slowly falling for the sexy recruit with the beautiful green eyes.
Basic Training follows Chris and Col over a period of seven years. It was a great read about fighting his own fears, about loyelty, responsibility, hope and of course love. It shows us that it is forth fighting for a relationship even if the conditions are complex and difficult. It gave a great insight in the military setting and showed what it could be like to be gay in a world were gender roles are still having a very different impact.
4 stars!
November 21, 2011
Loved this book from the first to the last page!
May 12, 2013
I loved this story to pieces. One MC is a closeted, repressed divorced man, a drill sergeant who only has his pride to live for. The other is an out gay recruit, a beautiful man who excels in every way in basic training. The romantic arc is as far from insta-love as you can get. Not only does the drill sergeant fight his attraction for quite some time, but even once they get together he can't except that every time is not the last. But the love between the two characters slowly becomes more secure. I really admired the journey the closeted drill sergeant went through. Everything about him evolved -- from his perception of himself, gay men, relationships, the importance of his career and his partner. It's not easy to write an arc like that and it was very well-done. The story was constantly entertaining and hot as well as deeply satisfying emotionally. 5 stars from me.
October 24, 2011
Basic Training has been a while coming but it was definitely worth the wait. If you started reading Marquesate because of the Special Forces epic or of the novel Her Majesty's Men or of the short stories that have appeared here and there, Friendly Fire (in mostly dreadful company in a collection also called Special Forces for what reason heaven only knows), For Queen and Country or Code of Honour, in 'Basic Training' you will find what you have come to like about the author: strong, believable characters, gritty story lines, a military setting that rings entirely true and, above all where I am concerned, stories that are true to themselves; oh yes, and some rather hot sex too.
'Basic Training' is the story of Col, a sergeant in the Royal Marines and Chris a recruit who is determined to make it through the mud because he has a point to prove. Against the backdrop of the gruelling 31 week training a relationship develops against all odds and, after the most audacious of all the boneheaded things Chris does, the two, very much to Col's surprise, become a couple. Against the rough military background, this is a real love story and one that works. Col and Chris are in most ways unlikely lovers. There is the age difference, 14 years. There is the military environment; different ranks are not supposed to have relationships in the military and you certainly are more likely as a recruit in special forces training to want to stay out of your terrifying sergeant's sights than to want to get to know him more closely. There is the difference in their backgrounds and educations...But against the odds the relationship develops and here Marquesate pulls off a master stroke. It would be easy to hit the false tone when these alpha soldiers are out of their natural element and have to start interacting as lovers and then as a couple. Instead she gets it just right. Col is her voice here and his surprise and ironic view of his own feelings and actions provides the needed distance and prevents any false sentimentality. These men are suddenly dealing with emotions, with feelings for each other and it's completely uncharted territory for them for which their training has made them less fit perhaps than most. I defy anyone, male or female, to remember their first time in love and the heady, silly, clumsy and sometimes downright make-you-blush corny behaviour that went with it and not to share a rueful chuckle with Col. While the story has warm, touching and even funny moments there is, in true Marquesate style, plenty of grit too and homophobia as well as the deadly reality of soldiers' lives in the time of war in Afghanistan raise their heads and provide a realistic setting that has a direct impact on the two protagonists' happily ever after.
This is probably the sunniest of Marquesate's stories so far. A feel good story that has deceptive depth and characters that are well developed, even the lesser ones like Chris' aunt and uncle. Definitely worth the wait and definitely a novel that I want as a book on my shelves.
'Basic Training' is the story of Col, a sergeant in the Royal Marines and Chris a recruit who is determined to make it through the mud because he has a point to prove. Against the backdrop of the gruelling 31 week training a relationship develops against all odds and, after the most audacious of all the boneheaded things Chris does, the two, very much to Col's surprise, become a couple. Against the rough military background, this is a real love story and one that works. Col and Chris are in most ways unlikely lovers. There is the age difference, 14 years. There is the military environment; different ranks are not supposed to have relationships in the military and you certainly are more likely as a recruit in special forces training to want to stay out of your terrifying sergeant's sights than to want to get to know him more closely. There is the difference in their backgrounds and educations...But against the odds the relationship develops and here Marquesate pulls off a master stroke. It would be easy to hit the false tone when these alpha soldiers are out of their natural element and have to start interacting as lovers and then as a couple. Instead she gets it just right. Col is her voice here and his surprise and ironic view of his own feelings and actions provides the needed distance and prevents any false sentimentality. These men are suddenly dealing with emotions, with feelings for each other and it's completely uncharted territory for them for which their training has made them less fit perhaps than most. I defy anyone, male or female, to remember their first time in love and the heady, silly, clumsy and sometimes downright make-you-blush corny behaviour that went with it and not to share a rueful chuckle with Col. While the story has warm, touching and even funny moments there is, in true Marquesate style, plenty of grit too and homophobia as well as the deadly reality of soldiers' lives in the time of war in Afghanistan raise their heads and provide a realistic setting that has a direct impact on the two protagonists' happily ever after.
This is probably the sunniest of Marquesate's stories so far. A feel good story that has deceptive depth and characters that are well developed, even the lesser ones like Chris' aunt and uncle. Definitely worth the wait and definitely a novel that I want as a book on my shelves.
October 23, 2011
Bulldog and The Officer
The book consists of actually two distinct stories. The first part of the book is a realistic and well written journey into the military life of two soldiers, recruit Chris Thompson and his drill Sergeant Col "Bulldog" Wilson. The latter part of the book is a sweet and emotional romance story between the two main characters. It also covers a lot of ground in the area of gay rights, bad self-esteem, and prejudice.
I scooped the first part of the book in one go. It was hard and realistic, but you could still connect to the characters. I loved the characters, even though they were exaggerated, but they fitted the story very well.
I had some struggles with the latter part of the story, even though I guess a lot of people will love it. It is very emotional at times, even sentimental. There is also quite lot of self-pity, which I am seriously allergic to. Especially, Col's self-esteem-problems and self-pity gets fucking irritating. Fortunately, there is a healthy dose of self-irony along the way to smooth things out - "Since when had he turned into such a wuss?". Still, in my my point of view, some more editing would have made it better.
There are also great insights into the mind of a soldier. Like this one from the retired, former soldier - "He had lost his identity, had stopped to be part of a greater sum."
5 stars for the first part and 4 for the latter. With less sentimentality and self-pity it would have been a slam dunk.
BTW, there are some similarities between "Basic Training" and "I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier" by Crystal Rose, so if you liked that one, you probably are going to like this one as well.
The book consists of actually two distinct stories. The first part of the book is a realistic and well written journey into the military life of two soldiers, recruit Chris Thompson and his drill Sergeant Col "Bulldog" Wilson. The latter part of the book is a sweet and emotional romance story between the two main characters. It also covers a lot of ground in the area of gay rights, bad self-esteem, and prejudice.
I scooped the first part of the book in one go. It was hard and realistic, but you could still connect to the characters. I loved the characters, even though they were exaggerated, but they fitted the story very well.
I had some struggles with the latter part of the story, even though I guess a lot of people will love it. It is very emotional at times, even sentimental. There is also quite lot of self-pity, which I am seriously allergic to. Especially, Col's self-esteem-problems and self-pity gets fucking irritating. Fortunately, there is a healthy dose of self-irony along the way to smooth things out - "Since when had he turned into such a wuss?". Still, in my my point of view, some more editing would have made it better.
There are also great insights into the mind of a soldier. Like this one from the retired, former soldier - "He had lost his identity, had stopped to be part of a greater sum."
5 stars for the first part and 4 for the latter. With less sentimentality and self-pity it would have been a slam dunk.
BTW, there are some similarities between "Basic Training" and "I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier" by Crystal Rose, so if you liked that one, you probably are going to like this one as well.
February 20, 2013
I was expecting hard rock and I got alternative rock instead. I like both. It's nice when an author can sound herself and different at the same time.
First of all, the writing. It's less clipped, more narrating than the previous books I've read. It fits the story. The pacing wasn't always balanced, but everything is overall solid.
The story is intense, but not as violent as I was expecting, even if these guys are pretty strong. But not in a general badass way. They're soldiers, military men, proud of their profession, but in a very normal way. The author was able to give us men who felt real, even when they were showing their more affectionate side. Col is the older one, closeted, divorced and recently demoted for drunk driving. Chris is the younger one, the recruit, openly gay and extremely gifted, a rising star. There is no instant declaraction of love, but the attraction is so so strong, and month after month it becomes something deeper. They are both afraid of losing each other: Col thinks Chris will realize he can find someone better; Chris thinks Col will get tired of a younger guy. The age gap gives their relationship a sort of father/son shine, that Col dreads, while maybe treating Chris in a paternalistic way. What is great is that in their differences and insecurities they push each other to be better, for themselves and for their lover.
There are no fireworks or explosions. The action is left on the background. It's simply the story of two men who find and want each other. That is, Romance. Yes, capital R.
First of all, the writing. It's less clipped, more narrating than the previous books I've read. It fits the story. The pacing wasn't always balanced, but everything is overall solid.
The story is intense, but not as violent as I was expecting, even if these guys are pretty strong. But not in a general badass way. They're soldiers, military men, proud of their profession, but in a very normal way. The author was able to give us men who felt real, even when they were showing their more affectionate side. Col is the older one, closeted, divorced and recently demoted for drunk driving. Chris is the younger one, the recruit, openly gay and extremely gifted, a rising star. There is no instant declaraction of love, but the attraction is so so strong, and month after month it becomes something deeper. They are both afraid of losing each other: Col thinks Chris will realize he can find someone better; Chris thinks Col will get tired of a younger guy. The age gap gives their relationship a sort of father/son shine, that Col dreads, while maybe treating Chris in a paternalistic way. What is great is that in their differences and insecurities they push each other to be better, for themselves and for their lover.
There are no fireworks or explosions. The action is left on the background. It's simply the story of two men who find and want each other. That is, Romance. Yes, capital R.
July 8, 2014
This was a realistic story about two military men, that managed to avoid most of the clichés and obvious plots and delivered a hot, smooth and ultimately engaging story.
As the book opens, Platoon Sergeant Col Wilson meets his next group of recruits and among them is Chris Thompson, a young man who has already been noted on his paperwork for being overqualified, intelligent, educated, athletic, and oh yes, gay and out. What Col didn't realize was that Chris is also gorgeous and will test fifteen years of determination not to give in to his desire for other men.
The beginning of this feels a little superficial, as the daily life of the platoon in training is a backdrop for Chris's skills and Col's temptation, and some growing homophobia from other recruits. It was realistic, and Col's feelings and conflicts were clear, but I didn't feel emotionally involved in the story. But the longer it went on, the more I started to care about the characters and their lives. By the end, I was cheering for these two men.
The sex scenes are very well done; the issues Col has with both the age and power gap between them, and the career risks, were neither over nor under emphasized. Chris is a bit perfect, and I wish we had more than one brief statement from his uncle to help the reader feel a bit more of his uncertainties and concerns, but he began to feel more real as the story went on. I appreciated the lack of melodrama, and the slow, plausible development of the relationship. Well worth the read for anyone who enjoys two men finding each other in a realistic military setting.
As the book opens, Platoon Sergeant Col Wilson meets his next group of recruits and among them is Chris Thompson, a young man who has already been noted on his paperwork for being overqualified, intelligent, educated, athletic, and oh yes, gay and out. What Col didn't realize was that Chris is also gorgeous and will test fifteen years of determination not to give in to his desire for other men.
The beginning of this feels a little superficial, as the daily life of the platoon in training is a backdrop for Chris's skills and Col's temptation, and some growing homophobia from other recruits. It was realistic, and Col's feelings and conflicts were clear, but I didn't feel emotionally involved in the story. But the longer it went on, the more I started to care about the characters and their lives. By the end, I was cheering for these two men.
The sex scenes are very well done; the issues Col has with both the age and power gap between them, and the career risks, were neither over nor under emphasized. Chris is a bit perfect, and I wish we had more than one brief statement from his uncle to help the reader feel a bit more of his uncertainties and concerns, but he began to feel more real as the story went on. I appreciated the lack of melodrama, and the slow, plausible development of the relationship. Well worth the read for anyone who enjoys two men finding each other in a realistic military setting.
November 7, 2011
Marquesate has a way of writing that keeps me on the edge of my seat. I found my stomach clenching, waiting for the other shoe to drop through out this book, reading into comments and inner thoughts to the point I drove myself mad. Honestly, this book does not have a ton of conflict for what we have come to expect in military books of this caliber. I think in another author's hands, this book might have been a really 'meh' kind of story. I do not know how she does it, but because if her 'it' factor, I will continue to read all that she creates for us.
April 5, 2016
I liked this, quite a lot. There were parts I felt that needed to be a little tighter and near the end there was a couple of cheesy bits. But, it was cool, sexy and I love the almost military procedural tone of the text. Very entertaining.
Read October 2011
Re read April 2016.
Read October 2011
Re read April 2016.
June 19, 2012
4.5 stars
This was an amazing book. I'm always looking for books that deal with actual military life - boot camp, training, in the war zone - and I don't find many so reading this one was a lovely treat because it takes place over a five year span and deals with much more than just basic training.
This book has a bit of everything in it. A majority of the story is sweet but its also suspenseful, touching, heartbreaking, horrifying, sad and unbelievably sexy. I loved the connection between Chris and Col and how it starts as just sex but leads to a solid relationship. Both these boys are stubborn and at times bone-headed but they are a perfect fit for each other. Chris is young, fresh, openly gay and hot as hell while Col is older (by fourteen years), a bit bitter, sometimes angry and in the closet. The two clash at first but the attraction is always there and seeing them develop feelings for each other was amazing because of who these men really are.
The story, IMO, is about Col accepting who he really is. He's been in the closet forever and when Chris comes along it turns Col's life upside down but in the end, Col comes a long way to be with Chris. When thinking back to this book, these boys had sex a lot. Their relationship for a good part of the time is based on solely that even though they both develop feelings for each other. However, even though there was a lot of sex, most of it is kind of glossed over so I didn't have a problem with seeing these boys getting it on (I have a pretty low tolerance for smut :-/). That's not to say ALL of the sex is glossed over just a portion because these boys were definitely hot!. I mean, like scorching. I absolutely loved them.
The only problems I had with the story (which didn't really bother me that much but were still noticeable) was the fact that 32 weeks of basic training are very quickly went through. I was hoping for a bit more details on those weeks, what the soldiers had to do, how Col and Chris acted in some of those situations, etc. There was also a few times when the POV switched from Col to Chris, or vice versa, without any indication and for very brief periods of time before it was switched back to the original POV.
Even with those two things, I really loved this story. Col and Chris are definitely something special and their relationship is intense, sweet and touching. I'm hoping for a sequel, but then again, I'm just greedy because this story truly ended perfectly, IMO.
This was an amazing book. I'm always looking for books that deal with actual military life - boot camp, training, in the war zone - and I don't find many so reading this one was a lovely treat because it takes place over a five year span and deals with much more than just basic training.
This book has a bit of everything in it. A majority of the story is sweet but its also suspenseful, touching, heartbreaking, horrifying, sad and unbelievably sexy. I loved the connection between Chris and Col and how it starts as just sex but leads to a solid relationship. Both these boys are stubborn and at times bone-headed but they are a perfect fit for each other. Chris is young, fresh, openly gay and hot as hell while Col is older (by fourteen years), a bit bitter, sometimes angry and in the closet. The two clash at first but the attraction is always there and seeing them develop feelings for each other was amazing because of who these men really are.
The story, IMO, is about Col accepting who he really is. He's been in the closet forever and when Chris comes along it turns Col's life upside down but in the end, Col comes a long way to be with Chris. When thinking back to this book, these boys had sex a lot. Their relationship for a good part of the time is based on solely that even though they both develop feelings for each other. However, even though there was a lot of sex, most of it is kind of glossed over so I didn't have a problem with seeing these boys getting it on (I have a pretty low tolerance for smut :-/). That's not to say ALL of the sex is glossed over just a portion because these boys were definitely hot!. I mean, like scorching. I absolutely loved them.
The only problems I had with the story (which didn't really bother me that much but were still noticeable) was the fact that 32 weeks of basic training are very quickly went through. I was hoping for a bit more details on those weeks, what the soldiers had to do, how Col and Chris acted in some of those situations, etc. There was also a few times when the POV switched from Col to Chris, or vice versa, without any indication and for very brief periods of time before it was switched back to the original POV.
Even with those two things, I really loved this story. Col and Chris are definitely something special and their relationship is intense, sweet and touching. I'm hoping for a sequel, but then again, I'm just greedy because this story truly ended perfectly, IMO.
October 14, 2016
Col Wilson is a man in denial when we first meet him. As an SNCO responsible for training new recruits he is tasked by his "one pip wonder" officer to keep an eye on the Royal Marines first openly gay new recruit. Enter the confident young triathlete and new recruit Chris Thompson. However, a brutal incident changes everything and for both men things will never be the same again.
What follows over the next seven years is a paired down real and honest love story. Col is a 35 yr old man coming to terms with himself, his pending retirement and for the first time his feelings for another man. Chris is a young man growing up, learning to cope with his own issues, with the jealousy of his peers and with what it really means to be a gay man in the forces.
The story outside the military environment is mostly addressed in encounters between Col and Chris often in hotel rooms where they meet away from prying eyes. We therefore get little detail about their lives apart and I think that really works here. Do we need for instance to see Chris or Col with their friends, or go with Col house hunting? To be honest I don't think we do, and I certainly don't feel cheated by those exclusions. The focus is always on Col and Chris, two men who find each other, fall in love and stay that way.
****"No words, only feelings, and they were so deep and strong, they reached Col right at the core. This wasn't merely lust, and hell, yes, he was hard and wanting, but this was more. It was new and better and goddammit, everything under the sun and moon and some stars on top."****
Definitely worth a read.
*5 well deserved Stars*
What follows over the next seven years is a paired down real and honest love story. Col is a 35 yr old man coming to terms with himself, his pending retirement and for the first time his feelings for another man. Chris is a young man growing up, learning to cope with his own issues, with the jealousy of his peers and with what it really means to be a gay man in the forces.
The story outside the military environment is mostly addressed in encounters between Col and Chris often in hotel rooms where they meet away from prying eyes. We therefore get little detail about their lives apart and I think that really works here. Do we need for instance to see Chris or Col with their friends, or go with Col house hunting? To be honest I don't think we do, and I certainly don't feel cheated by those exclusions. The focus is always on Col and Chris, two men who find each other, fall in love and stay that way.
****"No words, only feelings, and they were so deep and strong, they reached Col right at the core. This wasn't merely lust, and hell, yes, he was hard and wanting, but this was more. It was new and better and goddammit, everything under the sun and moon and some stars on top."****
Definitely worth a read.
*5 well deserved Stars*
October 11, 2012
4.5 stars
Happy, really happy to have been shoved into reading this and so nicely too. Its odd how a military story and a realistic one, was this insanely good. I feel lucky, because I was able to immerse myself right into the story and feel the complexities Col and Chris were up against. Thank god the violence wasn't OTT, I was dreading it, these men are tough and strong, I loved how they wouldn't roll over and give up. The slow build up in their relationship is wonderfully real a fascinating time and learning experience. Col is much older and yep you guessed it still in the closet. Chris is young and fresh, out there and in your face and very clued in, he is going places. I loved how they dealt with the insecurities and doubts of pursuing this relationship. Pretty awesome book and Marquesate certainly has an absorbing writing style and it gets under your skin. Highly recommended.
Happy, really happy to have been shoved into reading this and so nicely too. Its odd how a military story and a realistic one, was this insanely good. I feel lucky, because I was able to immerse myself right into the story and feel the complexities Col and Chris were up against. Thank god the violence wasn't OTT, I was dreading it, these men are tough and strong, I loved how they wouldn't roll over and give up. The slow build up in their relationship is wonderfully real a fascinating time and learning experience. Col is much older and yep you guessed it still in the closet. Chris is young and fresh, out there and in your face and very clued in, he is going places. I loved how they dealt with the insecurities and doubts of pursuing this relationship. Pretty awesome book and Marquesate certainly has an absorbing writing style and it gets under your skin. Highly recommended.
October 21, 2016
4,5 stars.
I expected this book to be hot, and it definitely was. What I didn't not expect is for it to be so tender, and touching, and beautiful. I just loved everything about it. I loved Col and Chris - how different they were, and yet how similar in their core, how both of them had their own worries - and yet worked so hard to find their happiness together. I loved how fast-stepped the book was - not so long in pages but it covered years of the lives of the characters, and yet there was time for everything - for gentleness, for sex, for angst, for personal growth. I loved the "military" part of the book and how precise it was with the facts, descriptions and the timeline. A really wonderful book, and I enjoyed it very much.
I expected this book to be hot, and it definitely was. What I didn't not expect is for it to be so tender, and touching, and beautiful. I just loved everything about it. I loved Col and Chris - how different they were, and yet how similar in their core, how both of them had their own worries - and yet worked so hard to find their happiness together. I loved how fast-stepped the book was - not so long in pages but it covered years of the lives of the characters, and yet there was time for everything - for gentleness, for sex, for angst, for personal growth. I loved the "military" part of the book and how precise it was with the facts, descriptions and the timeline. A really wonderful book, and I enjoyed it very much.
July 14, 2014
Really enjoyed this one. 4 stars for this rec from John 'King of the North'.
Col, an older cynical, tough as old boot leather sergeant, who has been demoted after going on a bender following his divorce, and a raw recruit named Christian (Chris) who has bravely ticked the box on the application form admitting he's gay, and who falls 'in lust' with Col the minute he spots him. Col also notices Chris, but Col is having a really difficult time admitting to himself and accepting that he could possibly be gay... What happens between the two of them is for you to discover, but this is an 'ah bless' book, so that should give you a clue. Thanks John, Mwah!!
Col, an older cynical, tough as old boot leather sergeant, who has been demoted after going on a bender following his divorce, and a raw recruit named Christian (Chris) who has bravely ticked the box on the application form admitting he's gay, and who falls 'in lust' with Col the minute he spots him. Col also notices Chris, but Col is having a really difficult time admitting to himself and accepting that he could possibly be gay... What happens between the two of them is for you to discover, but this is an 'ah bless' book, so that should give you a clue. Thanks John, Mwah!!
April 17, 2014
Loved this! If you loved I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier and Latakia, then you will definitely enjoy this! 4.5 Stars!
March 1, 2020
The last few books I've read with the Military Fiction tag had disappointed me because they were mostly stories that were post-military rather than a story taking place during their active times inside. Therefore I was thrilled to find out that this story actually had the characters on active duty/training.
This is also the first time I'm reading an age gap romance of 14 years difference between a sergeant and his recruit. The start of the story was interesting, and I enjoyed reading about both Col's and Chris' time in the Marines. I thought a little more explanation could be given about certain abbreviations and military terms used here.
From the middle till the end of the book, it felt vapid to me and I thought the story could use a reduction in length. For some reason, I couldn't really get into the characters and I never really liked Chris' character much. He comes off as arrogant to me and I'm probably the minority who doesn't get his appeal.
Some of the sex scenes were good, but I just couldn't really accept that both Col and Chris Another detail which affected me was that
Overall, an average read for me.
3 Stars
This is also the first time I'm reading an age gap romance of 14 years difference between a sergeant and his recruit. The start of the story was interesting, and I enjoyed reading about both Col's and Chris' time in the Marines. I thought a little more explanation could be given about certain abbreviations and military terms used here.
From the middle till the end of the book, it felt vapid to me and I thought the story could use a reduction in length. For some reason, I couldn't really get into the characters and I never really liked Chris' character much. He comes off as arrogant to me and I'm probably the minority who doesn't get his appeal.
Some of the sex scenes were good, but I just couldn't really accept that both Col and Chris Another detail which affected me was that
Overall, an average read for me.
3 Stars
April 4, 2012
This is a wonderful, sweet story about, Chris, a young gay recruit (out from the beginning of his career) who falls for and brings an older (14 years) veteran (divorced, deep in the closet), Col, out of the closet. This takes place over a five-year span, so the buildup is wonderfully slow. Col knows he is gay, but has not acted upon it due to his military career. He certainly doesn't want to break all the rules and fall for a guy he holds rank over. But, Chris is deliciously persistent once he realizes Col may also be gay. The looks and comments between the two go on for the four years of Chris's basic training. The hesitation on Col's part remains throughout most of the story, but he let's himself go enough that it doesn't distract from the story.
There are moments of sadness, outrage, laughter and joy over the course of their relationship. This story pretty much has it all.
There are moments of sadness, outrage, laughter and joy over the course of their relationship. This story pretty much has it all.
January 15, 2014
2.5 Stars
This was ok but nothing special. I enjoyed the first 30% but the middle was boring. Basically, Col told us what Chris was up to during his training, he contemplated his relationship with Chris, then when Chris came home, they had sex. That was it. It picked up a little at the end but nothing gripped me. I liked the characters well enough and there were some touching parts but all and all this is one I'll probably forget by tomorrow.
This was ok but nothing special. I enjoyed the first 30% but the middle was boring. Basically, Col told us what Chris was up to during his training, he contemplated his relationship with Chris, then when Chris came home, they had sex. That was it. It picked up a little at the end but nothing gripped me. I liked the characters well enough and there were some touching parts but all and all this is one I'll probably forget by tomorrow.
December 2, 2011
3,75 stars rounded up to 4.
I liked Chris and Col, how they found each other, their growth, the very detailed military background setting and the overall tone of the story.
The narration though felt to me a little longwinded in places and I missed an overall tension that would drive it forward, such as a conflict in their relationship. The only actual conflict that threatened their relationship was solved within one chapter.
I liked Chris and Col, how they found each other, their growth, the very detailed military background setting and the overall tone of the story.
The narration though felt to me a little longwinded in places and I missed an overall tension that would drive it forward, such as a conflict in their relationship. The only actual conflict that threatened their relationship was solved within one chapter.
June 25, 2012
This was just so great...
This is a fantastic story about accepting what and who you are, about realizing what really counts in life and about being honest with yourself and others and abiding by yourself and the one you love. Wonderful, well-rounded characters and a sweet yet in no way saccharine love story. Encouraging, uplifting and engaging.
This is a fantastic story about accepting what and who you are, about realizing what really counts in life and about being honest with yourself and others and abiding by yourself and the one you love. Wonderful, well-rounded characters and a sweet yet in no way saccharine love story. Encouraging, uplifting and engaging.
December 7, 2014
Good read. Pretty lovable in a lot of parts.
Some things went down a little too smoothly, for me. Also the story could've been shorter, and it lacked some good secondary characters.
Overall, though, still enjoyable.
Some things went down a little too smoothly, for me. Also the story could've been shorter, and it lacked some good secondary characters.
Overall, though, still enjoyable.
July 13, 2015
A little slow in parts but I really liked the main characters as well as some of the side ones.
December 16, 2011
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.
I've always liked reading about soldiers, the difficulties such career entails and the necessary roughness all of them individually present. I suppose it's that ever-present infatuation we civilians have toward men who can take care of themselves and daily protect others. Mouthwatering muscles, a knack for weapons and the uniform don't hurt a bit, of course. When I got the chance to review BASIC TRAINING, I jumped right on it, expecting hard as nails soldiers, details about the hardship their training presents and a rough but everlasting romance. My expectations were met, but not all the way.
Col is a platoon Sergeant – Bulldog – who has made the military his life. His friends are there, so is his gym, and training others for the work he'd been doing for years couldn't very well be more rewarding. He thrives in the accomplishments of others when they exceed their capabilities and become the best of the best in the Royal Marines.
But no one's life is perfect, and no matter how much he deludes himself, Col is missing a home, a sense of connection and the most important thing of all, he's missing the acknowledgement of his own sexuality.
As always, that one person comes along who changes the rules from the ground up and doesn't look back. Chris is a new recruit, at first glance perfect material for an officer, with all the qualifications as well as enviable physical readiness, but for that one glaring marked box where instead of heterosexual, he declared himself as homosexual.
Chris is determined to succeed and be the best, something he achieves with natural grace and enough determination and stubbornness for three people. The road is not easy, but rewards are plenty, and eventually he gets the career, a promising future and the man who made the ground shake. He gets Bulldog.
Other than the collaboration with Aleksandr Voinov in Special Forces, this is the only book I've read so far by Marquesate. I would be lying if I didn't say it reminded me very much of the previously mentioned book. From the long absences caused by the military life, to the mention of cheating during those months without a warm body in the same bed, it followed the same concept I very much liked in Special Forces.
Even with the similarities, the books are very different, and anyone looking for the same read should take a step back, reevaluate and then return to this book with an open mind.
The guys are manly men, bone-headed and strong. While their road together wasn't easy, there wasn't much conflict to spice up the story. The sex was hot but not excessive and certainly not brutal. In fact, other than one scene with bloody details of an attack, the book never got any rougher and overall is a rather sweet. The progress of their relationship is very slow and stretches over a few years, where it's pretty easy to follow their personal growth and that road to the eventual happy ending.
My remarks revolve around the feeling of familiarity – I just couldn't shrug off similarities to Special Forces – and the fact that the story dragged at times. The time jumps were normal considering the year span of the book, but there were no shocking situations or heart stopping moments (well, except one) to make their lives more interesting. Don't get me wrong, I loved their story, loved the time gap as well as Col and Chris as main characters, but I could have done with a bit more bite and soldiers being soldiers. Political aspects of it aside, I would have loved to read more about the difficult training months, or Chris's tours in war zones with the direct effect it would have had on the other part of the couple.
While not amazing to the point of speechlessness, this book is still one of the best m/m soldier books out there and it should definitely be on the subject fans' reading list.
I've always liked reading about soldiers, the difficulties such career entails and the necessary roughness all of them individually present. I suppose it's that ever-present infatuation we civilians have toward men who can take care of themselves and daily protect others. Mouthwatering muscles, a knack for weapons and the uniform don't hurt a bit, of course. When I got the chance to review BASIC TRAINING, I jumped right on it, expecting hard as nails soldiers, details about the hardship their training presents and a rough but everlasting romance. My expectations were met, but not all the way.
Col is a platoon Sergeant – Bulldog – who has made the military his life. His friends are there, so is his gym, and training others for the work he'd been doing for years couldn't very well be more rewarding. He thrives in the accomplishments of others when they exceed their capabilities and become the best of the best in the Royal Marines.
But no one's life is perfect, and no matter how much he deludes himself, Col is missing a home, a sense of connection and the most important thing of all, he's missing the acknowledgement of his own sexuality.
As always, that one person comes along who changes the rules from the ground up and doesn't look back. Chris is a new recruit, at first glance perfect material for an officer, with all the qualifications as well as enviable physical readiness, but for that one glaring marked box where instead of heterosexual, he declared himself as homosexual.
Chris is determined to succeed and be the best, something he achieves with natural grace and enough determination and stubbornness for three people. The road is not easy, but rewards are plenty, and eventually he gets the career, a promising future and the man who made the ground shake. He gets Bulldog.
Other than the collaboration with Aleksandr Voinov in Special Forces, this is the only book I've read so far by Marquesate. I would be lying if I didn't say it reminded me very much of the previously mentioned book. From the long absences caused by the military life, to the mention of cheating during those months without a warm body in the same bed, it followed the same concept I very much liked in Special Forces.
Even with the similarities, the books are very different, and anyone looking for the same read should take a step back, reevaluate and then return to this book with an open mind.
The guys are manly men, bone-headed and strong. While their road together wasn't easy, there wasn't much conflict to spice up the story. The sex was hot but not excessive and certainly not brutal. In fact, other than one scene with bloody details of an attack, the book never got any rougher and overall is a rather sweet. The progress of their relationship is very slow and stretches over a few years, where it's pretty easy to follow their personal growth and that road to the eventual happy ending.
My remarks revolve around the feeling of familiarity – I just couldn't shrug off similarities to Special Forces – and the fact that the story dragged at times. The time jumps were normal considering the year span of the book, but there were no shocking situations or heart stopping moments (well, except one) to make their lives more interesting. Don't get me wrong, I loved their story, loved the time gap as well as Col and Chris as main characters, but I could have done with a bit more bite and soldiers being soldiers. Political aspects of it aside, I would have loved to read more about the difficult training months, or Chris's tours in war zones with the direct effect it would have had on the other part of the couple.
While not amazing to the point of speechlessness, this book is still one of the best m/m soldier books out there and it should definitely be on the subject fans' reading list.
September 6, 2012
This book as a gritty feel to it that makes it believable. The characters are strong capable men and from the start the military is at the forefront of the book rather than mere background. These men are soldiers and go on tours and deal with time apart and expectations. It's very clear that the author has knowledge of military life.
The story does take place a little in a bubble; few other than the main are named and we don't see much interaction, however it works for this story as their times together are largely where they've got away from others and are alone.
Both the characters learn to accept themselves in different ways, and learn to trust each other and the love between them.
Fully absorbing, I sat and read this until finished, good thing it was my day off!
The story does take place a little in a bubble; few other than the main are named and we don't see much interaction, however it works for this story as their times together are largely where they've got away from others and are alone.
Both the characters learn to accept themselves in different ways, and learn to trust each other and the love between them.
Fully absorbing, I sat and read this until finished, good thing it was my day off!
January 8, 2012
This book should fulfill your needs if you are looking for chemistry, character development, a little bit of tragedy, and happy ending love! Col and Chris from the beginning completely sizzle with chemistry that kept me actively engaged in reading this story. The situations that they are in give you glimpses into their beliefs and core values as people that kept me cheering for a happily ever after. Great read!
December 3, 2011
Realistic characters + a great story = Loved it!
February 2, 2013
Kudos to Marquesate for this really remarkable book. This is perhaps the most mature writing in this genre I've read in a very long time, if ever, so let me get into some details. There are some parallels with I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier, but "Basic Training" is much more mature in its thematic development and much less humorous.
While some reviewers seem to focus on the military aspects of this book, in my opinion, it is merely a backdrop for a story of long-developing maturation and deep-running love.
This book actually has structure: a beginning, middle and end, each with certain distinct styles and purposes. When I started the book I was a little turned off by the "distance" of the writing. While the story is written from Col's POV, there was a certain coldness to it, and Chris is but a shadow of a character. Looking back into this part of the story, the author shows a great deal of restraint. There was no sex and little if any emotion. This section climaxes with a horribly graphic incident that really forces Col to start his emotional journey. It is interesting that the names of the two perpetrators of this event are never mentioned again, as if to say: They are not worth their own existence.
The middle section opens with the full force of unbridled passion. There is, however little depth to either Col's or Chris' emotions. Intense need is sated by some very hot encounters tempered by long military absences. This section culminates with one of the best dialogs I've read where both unleash a flood of stored-up emotion.
While emotions seem to plateau over a few years, the third and final portion of the book begins with a catastrophic change to Col's life. At this point, both MCs are forced to evaluate their feelings for each other and Col is forced to deal with some hidden issues. Again, the lust portion fades and is replaced with a maturing love. Issues of death, age difference, role reversals, pride, health all come together to make this a story of many layers and many well thought-out themes.
Some reviewers find the last half of this story dull. I found just the opposite. It's in the last half, and perhaps the last third that the issues bubble to the surface. These are mainly explored through a very sweet relationship between Col and Chris' aunt.
Both MCs evolve significantly. Col most of all. While he is the more mature character, he has the most to change. Though Chris develops in his career he is, ironically, often more of the rock in the relationship.
My only criticism is that in the story line, issues are revealed and resolved in a linear fashion. You kind of know what issue is going to be resolved next because hints are revealed shortly before. Perhaps a little "stirring up" of those clues would have made the story a little less predictable.
Without revealing too much, this is a very HEA story. The ending couple of chapters are very warm and, for me, the eternal sentimentalist, a wonderfully tearful read. Can't say enough good about this book.
While some reviewers seem to focus on the military aspects of this book, in my opinion, it is merely a backdrop for a story of long-developing maturation and deep-running love.
This book actually has structure: a beginning, middle and end, each with certain distinct styles and purposes. When I started the book I was a little turned off by the "distance" of the writing. While the story is written from Col's POV, there was a certain coldness to it, and Chris is but a shadow of a character. Looking back into this part of the story, the author shows a great deal of restraint. There was no sex and little if any emotion. This section climaxes with a horribly graphic incident that really forces Col to start his emotional journey. It is interesting that the names of the two perpetrators of this event are never mentioned again, as if to say: They are not worth their own existence.
The middle section opens with the full force of unbridled passion. There is, however little depth to either Col's or Chris' emotions. Intense need is sated by some very hot encounters tempered by long military absences. This section culminates with one of the best dialogs I've read where both unleash a flood of stored-up emotion.
While emotions seem to plateau over a few years, the third and final portion of the book begins with a catastrophic change to Col's life. At this point, both MCs are forced to evaluate their feelings for each other and Col is forced to deal with some hidden issues. Again, the lust portion fades and is replaced with a maturing love. Issues of death, age difference, role reversals, pride, health all come together to make this a story of many layers and many well thought-out themes.
Some reviewers find the last half of this story dull. I found just the opposite. It's in the last half, and perhaps the last third that the issues bubble to the surface. These are mainly explored through a very sweet relationship between Col and Chris' aunt.
Both MCs evolve significantly. Col most of all. While he is the more mature character, he has the most to change. Though Chris develops in his career he is, ironically, often more of the rock in the relationship.
My only criticism is that in the story line, issues are revealed and resolved in a linear fashion. You kind of know what issue is going to be resolved next because hints are revealed shortly before. Perhaps a little "stirring up" of those clues would have made the story a little less predictable.
Without revealing too much, this is a very HEA story. The ending couple of chapters are very warm and, for me, the eternal sentimentalist, a wonderfully tearful read. Can't say enough good about this book.
Read
November 24, 2013The only regret I have upon finishing this one is that it took me so long to read it. Actually, I’m ashamed cause I really liked the previous military romance I read by Marquesate, so I knew this one was probably as good as well, but there are so many books out every month, that I tend to read new to me authors, and let the ones I have already read got behind. Well, don’t do my same mistake and if you haven’t the chance, read Basic Training.
The main strength of the novel is the balance between manliness and romance, military and love story: never once the author forgot these were soldiers she was writing about, but at the same time, the romance was “romantic” (sorry the double similar words but they fit).
Aside from the military theme, that already part of a romance tradition, the author also ventured in another classical romance theme, the May/December romance, or better the young/older lovers: Platoon Sergeant Col 'Bulldog' Wilson is 35 years old, while new recruits Chris Thompson is 21 years old. Of course the age difference is part of the plot, with Col wondering if Chris is not searching a substitute father in him, even considering the bad relationship Chris has with his own father, but the author managed to shorten it with a clever expedient: Chris never hid his sexuality, since he was a teenager, arriving even to tick of the “homosexual” square in his enlisting papers, and so at 21 he hasn’t maybe much sexual experience on the field, but he had plenty of time to be self-conscious about his sexuality and desires; Col instead has always repressed his feelings, and at 35 he has never been with a man before, and he still needs to arrive to pact with his own sexual needs, let alone feelings.
It will be a long path for Col and Chris, another thing I liked of the story, we followed them for years, not just during the heat of the passion, but a path with a very romantic happily ever after at the end.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608204618/?...
The main strength of the novel is the balance between manliness and romance, military and love story: never once the author forgot these were soldiers she was writing about, but at the same time, the romance was “romantic” (sorry the double similar words but they fit).
Aside from the military theme, that already part of a romance tradition, the author also ventured in another classical romance theme, the May/December romance, or better the young/older lovers: Platoon Sergeant Col 'Bulldog' Wilson is 35 years old, while new recruits Chris Thompson is 21 years old. Of course the age difference is part of the plot, with Col wondering if Chris is not searching a substitute father in him, even considering the bad relationship Chris has with his own father, but the author managed to shorten it with a clever expedient: Chris never hid his sexuality, since he was a teenager, arriving even to tick of the “homosexual” square in his enlisting papers, and so at 21 he hasn’t maybe much sexual experience on the field, but he had plenty of time to be self-conscious about his sexuality and desires; Col instead has always repressed his feelings, and at 35 he has never been with a man before, and he still needs to arrive to pact with his own sexual needs, let alone feelings.
It will be a long path for Col and Chris, another thing I liked of the story, we followed them for years, not just during the heat of the passion, but a path with a very romantic happily ever after at the end.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608204618/?...
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