“It’s not how many friends you can count, it’s how many of those you can count on.” ― Anthony Liccione
Title: Wrestling Demons
Author: Xavier Mayne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages/Word Count: 276
Rating: 4 Stars
Blurb: A Brandt and Donnelly Caper: Case File Two
Jonah Fischer’s high school wrestling career has been stellar, but now he’s the unwilling star of a series of videos that have hit the web. The whole world may have seen the evidence that his best friend turns him on. Jonah’s conservative family wants him cured, and his conventional town and school want him normal. The only person who still wants him just the way he is is Casey Melville, the same best friend who turned him on for all the world to see. Meanwhile, Casey begins to wonder if there’s more to his feelings for Jonah than he thought.
Officers Brandt and Donnelly—lovers as well as partners on the job—have been assigned to find the culprit who posted the video. While investigating the case, they also help Jonah and Casey find their way through their feelings, and steer them toward refuge when Jonah’s family turns against him. But the mystery remains: who wants to hurt Jonah badly enough to post those videos, and why? Thank goodness Jonah and Casey have found friends—they’re going to need all the help and support they can get.
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Review: Oh man, when I saw this book come out on the DSP list I think people two counties over heard me squee. I adored Frat House Troopers, and I couldn’t wait to read this one. I was so happy to see Brandt and Donnelly again, along with all of the friends they made in the previous book.
The main characters of this book, however, are Jonah Fischer and his best friend Casey Melville. The two “Super Troopers” are called in to find out who has been posting locker room footage of Jonah on the internet. Wrestling is a sport that just reeks of testosterone, and these videos could definitely hurt Jonah’s chances for a scholarship.
Jonah has no idea why someone would want to hurt him this way, and the last video posted has the potential to ruin not only his scholarship chances but his friendship with Casey as well. Casey has been Jonah’s best friend for as long as they can both remember. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Jonah, even when what Jonah needs may push ALL of Casey’s boundaries.
It seemed to me that the investigation took a back seat to Jonah and Casey’s evolving relationship, and I think it made the book even better in the end. Casey and Jonah came to terms with who they are to one another, but that was just the beginning. They live in a very small, very traditional town that simply will not understand or accept their new relationship.
As Brandt and Donnelly move closer to finding the culprit, Jonah and Casey find out that no matter how bad things may look there is usually a silver lining to every dark cloud. The two boys realize that no matter how many people are against them, there will always be just as many supporters.
There are many subplots in this book, but I believe they all worked well together, and I believe that comes directly from the wonderful writing style of the author. Xavier Mayne has an unquestionable talent for making me fall in love with all of the characters in a book. I think this was a very entertaining and heart wrenching addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next book so I can check back in with the troopers and their large group of friends.
You can buy Wrestling Demons here:
Thanks for the lovely review, Jackie. It’s always a pleasure to get your perspective! The next installment in the series is in the publisher’s hands now–I hope to hear about it soon.
Oh wow, that is good news Xavier! I can’t wait to read it, I love these characters. :)
Just started reading Wrestling Demons. Really enjoying it! Great review Jackie!