Author: Edward Kendrick
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Length: 111 Pages
At a Glance: Even though this was a short story, it was well written, easy to follow and emotional.
Reviewed By: Maryann
Blurb: Opposites attract—but is that attraction enough to bring two strangers together?
Raphael Koenig is an assassin working for a covert outfit. He also uses alcohol to fend off terrifying nightmares. After completing one too many kills and dealing with one too many nightmares, he’s close to burning out. So, he takes a break—a two-week vacation in New Orleans.
Alden Durant lives and works in New Orleans. One afternoon he happens to see a sad, lonely looking man—Raphael. When they run into each other again, Alden offers to show him the city and they strike up a tentative friendship that leads to a casual sexual relationship that they are certain will end when Raphael’s vacation is over.
Raphael is called back early for another job, and both men believe they will never meet again. Then, fate steps in when Raphael is sent to New Orleans to take out a hired killer. He and Alden reconnect, but will they be able to handle the revelations that ensue? Or will those revelations drive them apart this time—permanently?
Reader Advisory: This book contains some scenes of graphic violence and scenes of murder.
Review: Raphael and Alden don’t hit it off right away. Raphael is very intimidating and rude to Alden. Nightmares and heavy drinking are how Raphael is spending his downtime, on vacation in New Orleans, from being a hitman. Alden and Raphael do meet again by chance, but this time Raphael catches himself enjoying the conversation between them. Both have different perspectives of each other. Alden offers to be tour guide for Raphael, and they spend time together and have a short-lived affair. When Raphael and Alden meet again, under very unusual circumstances, both are shocked to find out what their professions are.
Edward Kendrick brings us a tense and soul searching story about two “perfect strangers,” two men who have different points of view about what’s right. Can Alden accept that Raphael is a contract hit man? Can Raphael accept what Alden’s profession and beliefs are? If they truly care about each other and want a life together, can they come to a compromise?
Even though this was a short story, it was well written, easy to follow and emotional. I really enjoyed it and the New Orleans setting for this story, because I’ve been there and seen many of the mentioned places.
You can buy Perfect Strangers here:
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