Holy fucking rollercoaster, Batman. What a ride. 

Full review when I'm no longer feeling sick to my stomach from the drops in this book, OMG. 

This was a good story with, I'm sorry to say, rather bad writing. The dialogue was stiff and inorganic, and the narrative felt dry and boring, and in some cases read like a glossy brochure advertising the city of Jacksonville, Florida.

Which is sad, because it's the location of the story that drew me to it initially (I'm very familiar with the city), plus the major plot point that's being hinted at in the blurb. But OMG, do your research. Nobody who just had a part of their colon and their rectum removed, and a colostomy bag attached is going to eat a freaking hamburger, even if it's from The Loop. That is major freaking surgery, and no hospital, not even a crappy military one, will allow that. Also, while we're talking about hospitals, St. Vincent is, if I'm not completely mistaken, the local Catholic hospital, and while I don't know this for a fact, I had to question the possibility of them hiring someone who's openly homosexual, as that might go against any morality clauses in their contract. I also questioned the validity of someone who's going to have to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of his life, serving as a surgical RN in a sterile OR.

While the author had pretty much all the landmarks down pat, I didn't need to be told (even if I hadn't lived there and knew all this already), that the Fuller Warren was once a draw bridge on an Interstate, and how the bridges are painted in different colors, and how all those special areas of Jacksonville are all so very special. Okay, so the anecdote about the Baptist Church being directly across from the Bathhouse was funny ironic, but that was about it. Leave the advertising for the city to the travel folks. It's one thing for an author to make a few points about a city you love (and where you possibly live), but driving that home again and again and again just makes your story boring and your writing stiff and annoying. 

And oh, the dialogue. I don't know anyone in their late thirties who talks like that.

I loved this. For the second installment, despite the heavy topic and the pain and the drama that ensued, this book was as close to perfection for me as possible. Loved how their relationship grew, loved how they weren't perfect but worked through their struggles, loved how they found common ground and compromise. Loved the supporting characters, especially Erin and Summer, and adored the kids.

Fusion - the title itself hints at what's to come inside the book - is the story of Hugo and Kevin melding their lives together, as best as they can. It's the story of crafting a family of your own, against conventions and against the odds. It's the story of coming to terms with pain and loss, and finding ways to cope and communicate. It's the story of finding friendship in unexpected places, and giving from your heart. It's the story of two men who've loved each other for a very long time and who have to fight to be together and stay together. It's the story of one very strong woman who recognizes love when she sees it and has the inner strength to foster it, support it and celebrate it. 

In short, it's a story about love and family and the fusion of their lives. 

Thoughts after reading:

Realistic, authentic voice of a teenage boy dealing with the loss of his father and fighting for the right to stay with the woman who's been like a mother to him, instead of being returned to his biological mother he doesn't want to know. 

Full review:

If I were allowed to use one word for this book and one word only, it would be AUTHENTIC.

Everything in this book felt authentic. Real. Organic. From the bond Michael has with his father to the bond he has with Maggie, his father's almost fiancee, to the grief and despair when Michael's father dies, to the impulsive, selfish and impetuous behavior of a young adult, to his confusion about his relationship with his girlfriend Rachel - everything in this book is authentic. Realistic. Organic.

This is a real teenage boy dealing with issues that life has not prepared him for. He struggles, does the best he can and clings to what he knows with a grip born from desperation.

OMFG!!! This is awesome. Some editing issues, but it's an ARC so I'll ignore. The plot though, the story - dayum!!! Love me a good mystery, especially one set in the horse world.