Review: Sudden Love by April Kelley

“Sudden Love” by April Kelley is exactly what the title says.  It’s the story of Xander Newell, who works with his brothers in the security business.  He’s tired of one night stands and men who don’t want a commitment.  He’s lonely and wants to settle down with someone, but he just can’t seem to find the right man.

One day, while on duty protecting a young porn star, he gets a call from his brother telling him to come home.  Something big has come up that needs immediate attention.  I don’t want to give too much away, but it involves some missing gay men.  Just as Xander and his brother, Ryan, approach the location where the men are (possibly) being held, they almost literally run into Aaron Keller.  He’s one of the missing, and he’s just escaped.  It’s obvious that he’s been nearly starved to death, and he tells Xander and Ryan that there are others, and they must save them.  Right away, there is an attraction between Aaron and Xander.  Even Ryan notices and teases Xander a bit…saying that Aaron is just “his type”.

Their relationship really takes off.  Xander wants to protect Aaron, and poor Aaron is so damaged from his time in captivity, he latches onto Xander and doesn’t want to let go.  What follows is a very sweet interaction between the two.  Of course, it’s also sexy, but what really pulled me in was that sweetness.  That sort of tenderness is a weakness of mine.  I fell in love with those boys as they fell for each other.

Along with the wonderful romance, there is an excellent subplot.  They brothers are working against the clock to rescue the other men and bring down the group who is responsible.  This was very interesting.  I love a good crime story, and the detail that Ms. Kelley includes really brought it to light.  It’s not just any old plotting device to move the book along. It’s obvious that she’s put a lot of thought into it, and it’s not a one and done deal.  There are going to be sequels.  You just know it, so we’ll be able to learn a bit more as we go along.  I’m really happy to have gotten to read this.  I’m a new fan of April Kelley.  Her books are awesome, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for her and the Newell brothers.  Excellent.