Jason Huffman-Black has given us a resplendent sneak peek into the struggles, joys, love and hate ever present in the small-town South. Exceptionally written, Black shows us how a community one may think is set in its ways can transform people with the most basic elements of human nature – love, understanding, and acceptance.
In the God-fearing, small Georgia town of Hog Mountain, there’s a new neighbor moving in. Camden Sanders purchased the old gas station with the out-of-operations pumps. Cam is desperately trying to escape the past that threatens to rear its ugly head at any moment.
Enter Jackson Rhodes, Hog Mountain’s handsome police officer with strong ties to the community and church. But underneath that perfectly starched uniform lies some secrets of his own. And to top it off, Jackson is sure Cam is hiding something as well.
I dare not delve to deep into the story for fear of spoiling it, but I can say that what starts out as a tumultuous relationship turns out to be a life altering experience for both men. One finds the love and acceptance he has always missed: the other, the ability to be true to himself and move past the fear of rejection being gay in a community like Hog Mountain can entail.
Snakes Among Sweet Flowers is impeccably written and edited: not pretentious or overly written. The characters are well developed, yet there is room to grow: a chance for a second book perhaps? One can hope…
As this was my first M/M romance, I was pleased that the intimacy between Cam and Jackson wasn’t uncomfortable to read. I must warn readers of the recounting of non-consensual M/M sex. Again, as is indicated by the “M/M romance” label, if homosexual relations offend, perhaps you should pass on reading a phenomenal book.
I can honestly say that Snakes Among Sweet Flowers is at the top of my favorite books read this year. I feel honored to have been asked to read and review it and will eagerly await a second book by this amazing new author.