Title: Velocity by Amelia C. Gormley
Impulse Series Book Three
Publisher: Amelia C. Gormley
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, M/M, Romance, BDSM
Length: 59,041 words
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Author
Summary:
REACHING OPTIMUM SPEED
For Detroit handyman Derrick Chance and his lover, Gavin Hayes, the holiday season is filled with the promise of new beginnings. Gavin’s officially moving in, and after the New Year, they’ll begin house hunting. But they both know all the talk of gift exchange, whose holiday ornaments go where, and what repairs and remodels will be needed to put Derrick’s house on the market is only a smoke screen.
Before the month is over, Gavin will have the final verdict on whether or not his dangerously delusional ex, Lukas, infected him with HIV. No matter how good Gavin’s chances appear with the three-month hurdle already passed, neither he nor Derrick knows what the future holds for them.
The holidays have always been a time of loss and mourning for Derrick, but now he has to stay strong as Gavin’s own fears and doubts assail him relentlessly. And when Lukas returns, unexpectedly penitent amid troubling revelations, Gavin has to ask himself whether he can offer Derrick the future he deserves, or whether these first few months of happiness are the best they will ever get.
The Review:
Amelia C. Gormley has a few surprises up her sleeve in Velocity, the final installment of her wonderful Impulse series. While the first two books in the series focused mainly on Derrick and his issues, it is finally Gavin’s turn to come to terms with the various problems he is facing.
The biggest problem for Gavin is the unresolved issue of whether or not he is HIV positive. Although his first HIV test was negative, it is now time for the three month test which will reveal for sure whether or not he is infected. New information about Lukas raises questions for Gavin and he is finally ready to confront his abusive ex-lover.
In Velocity, Derrick is rock solid and steady. The results of Gavin’s HIV test really do not matter to him, because he is in this relationship for the long haul. Gavin, on the other hand, is a bundle of nerves, not just about the test results, but the far reaching implications a positive result could have on their relationship. Adding to his stress is a shocking revelation from Derrick about Lukas. When he demands answers from Lukas, Gavin is further manipulated by Lukas and Lukas insinuates himself back in Gavin’s life.
Argh, I was ready to strangle Gavin when he allows Lukas to doubt himself. Like many abuse victims, Gavin needed to know how and why he found himself in an abusive relationship. Like many abusers, Lukas knows Gavin’s vulnerabilities and he expertly exploits them. It is not until Lukas overplays his hand that Gavin finally stands up to him. The showdown between them makes all of the frustration with Gavin worthwhile and it is so incredibly gratifying to see Lukas get what he deserves.
There is much less emphasis on sex in Velocity. The sexual chemistry between Derrick and Gavin is still there, but their sex life definitely feels the impact of the external turmoil surrounding them. The BDSM element is more intense and the scenes they do have are incredibly hot and strengthen their emotional connection.
Of the three installments of the Impulse series, Velocity is the most angst-ridden, but it is also the most emotionally rewarding. Both characters continue to grow and step outside their comfort zones which has a positive effect on their overall relationship.
The Impulse series is one of the best I have read and I highly recommend it to fans of m/m contemporary romance. Amelia C. Gormley is an amazingly talented author and I cannot wait for her next novel.
Read my reviews of the other books in the series HERE.