Hot Rod [Paperback]

rating: 4.5 out of 5

G. A. Hauser is one of the more prolific authors that I am aware of. She has written what feels like dozens of novels, and she still manages to create fresh heroes and unique stories. She gives us sizzling m/m romance featuring pretty boys dealing with extraordinary circumstances, and her books rarely fail to entertain me. I always look forward to what she's going to give us next. Ms. Hauser's latest novel, "Hot Rod," is a story about love, the betrayal of trust, and justice. It incorporates romance, a mystery, and just a dash of government conspiracy to shake things up a bit.

The heroes in "Hot Rod" are perhaps a little more subdued that those of many of Ms. Hauser's other novels. I think that this is because Rod and Foley have each been through difficult times in the past, so life has developed them into slightly more somber, responsible adults. (Not to "dis" Ms. Hauser's pretty, flighty, sometimes bratty boys, though. I love those guys.) Of our two heroes, Rod is developed a little more thoroughly, but this is understandable given that he is the main character, the one with the issue. Ms. Hauser also gives us a very appealing secondary character in Rod's sister Serena. She is a concrete, positive presence in "Hot Rod" - a character that perhaps deserves a story of her own.

Many of Ms. Hauser's novels contain central issues that are extremely pertinent in today's society. The theme of this story revolves around workplace harassment, the danger of "keeping mum" for the sake of peace, and the importance of speaking up for your rights in spite of the troubles that may cause. Because not only is the instigator of the harassment guilty, but so are those parties who are aware of the situation but choose to ignore it. In Hot Rod, the harassment revolves around the sexuality of the main character, but the message in the narrative is pertinent whatever the reason might be. Rod learns that workplace harassment must be confronted head on, recorded, and reported in an official manner so it can be nipped in the bud.

For me, one of the most appealing aspects of "Hot Rod" is the fact that it contains a solid mystery in conjunction with the romance. We know that Rod was imprisoned wrongfully; the mystery revolves around why that happened. I found this to be very interesting. Ms. Hauser does an excellent job not only developing the mystery but also making the outcome mean something to the reader. We know that even though Rod has Foley in his life to care for, he will not recover his sense of self-esteem and pride until the truth is unveiled and his name cleared.

As a bonus, we have the opportunity to visit with characters from Ms. Hauser's other stories. Jack Larsen and Jennifer Bernstein are the prominent cameo appearances in Hot Rod, but if you look closely, you will find Mark Richfield and Steve Miller, Jack's partner Adam Lewis, and even Sonja Knight. I always enjoy the way Ms. Hauser has her characters wander in and out of each others' stories, watch each others' soap operas, and read each others' books. It makes her world feel almost...cozy.

I've given up trying to rate Ms. Hauser's novels against each other. Yes, I've enjoyed some stories more than others, but on the whole, whichever one that I'm reading is my favorite at the time. I know that when I pick up a novel by Ms. Hauser, I'll be entertained in style and will probably come away with a social issue to really think about. "Hot Rod" is certainly no exception. Rod and Foley's story was well worth my reading time, and I think that you may enjoy it as well.

Originally posted at: [...]

Rod Reynolds and Foley Russell try to silence the nightmares of their pasts as they attempt to live their dream of happily ever after.

After leaving prison, Rod Reynolds moves in with his sister, Serena, as he begins his life again. When Serena introduces him to Dr. Foley Russell, the attraction between the two men is instantaneous, and they dive headlong into a relationship. Rod is plagued with memories of what he did to survive prison and filled with bitterness at a legal system and co-workers that let him down. Foley is battling post traumatic stress disorder from his two years in Iraq. With Foley's support and encouragement, Rod begins the process of clearing his name and putting the past to rest.

As is often the case with G.A. Hauser's novels, characters from past novels make appearances in Hot Rod. I enjoy seeing the familiar faces, and Jack Larsen (from When Adam Met Jack) plays a major role in Rod's quest to overturn his manslaughter conviction.

Hot Rod is a fast paced novel. While it has a strong beginning, the plot falters about halfway through and never quite recovers. The reader is forced to suspend belief as Jack manages to investigate, appeal Rod's conviction, and more in less than two weeks. There are a few editing errors, and some confusion surrounding Rod's age.

Both Rod and Foley are engaging, likable characters. Rod's character is well-developed, and despite struggling with serious and weighty issues, Ms. Hauser deftly keeps him from descending into angst. Foley is not as well-developed, and his PTSD is left on the backburner as Rod's story takes center stage. Serena is a rock for Rod, and she never doubts his innocence. The sexual tension between Rod and Foley is high, and their sex scenes are passionate, emotional, and hot.

Hot Rod by G.A. Hauser is an enjoyable novel of redemption and righting past wrongs. Ms. Hauser is one of my favorite authors, and I am looking forward to her next book.

Rod is a former FBI undercover agent, released from prison after serving 10 years of a 20 year sentence for manslaughter. Foley is a doctor, two years out of the army as a field surgeon in the Iraqi War. Both men are damaged goods, fighting the nightmares that bleed over into their daytime lives, and neither believe they can love, or be loved, again.

I was so impressed by Ms. Hauser's treatment of the issues presented in this story. Both men are dealing with PTSD, and the weariness and hopelessness fairly radiates from both characters. Fortunately, they meet, and the physical attraction is immediate. Rod doesn't believe he can ever be fully present in a sexual way again, and Foley, all he sees are broken bodies. That they are able to click physically is a miracle, and move past that to a true emotional connection inspiring.

I like how this was not played for a quick emotional payoff. The challenges are there, and while it would have been easy to make this a cartoon with the big bad FBI the villain, the story actually explores this with a good deal of emotional depth.

One of Ms. Hauser's best. And that is saying something!!!

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  4.7 out of 5 stars