Title: His Mossy Boy (A Being(s) in Love Story)
Author: R. Cooper
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: 350 Pages
Category: Urban Fantasy
At a Glance: Not an easy read but one well worth the effort.
Reviewed By: Jenn
Blurb: Years ago, a very intoxicated Martin nearly died in the woods outside Everlasting, and a beautiful creature saved him, although Martin’s done his best to forget it. He spends his time in a haze of weed as he avoids his emotionally abusive mother—and the way he feels about men. Martin is already a weirdo in his isolated small town; he doesn’t need a sexuality crisis too. He’s a mess, but someone—or something—always seems to take care of him, usually a tall, sarcastic deputy by the name of Ian Forrester.
No one knows much about Ian, which is how he and his family prefer it. Ian has resigned himself to a lonely life keeping his secrets and guarding his forest. It’s safe to dream of Martin, because Martin never remembers Ian helping him. Besides, Martin barely speaks to Ian, so nothing can ever grow between them. Right?
But with the dragons—and the magic—back in Everlasting, suddenly anything seems possible, even a happily ever after for two men who never expected one….
Review: I love the Being(s) in Love series, but there was something about this that seemed a tad drawn out, that I can’t put my finger on. I always adore different takes on the mythological beasts and people of our world’s rich history, and R. Cooper puts them all together beautifully. Even here, as we explore a non-traditional fantasy species, the buildup and characteristics are fantastic to see.
Yet, despite the deep characters and fantastic world building, there was something almost hard to read in this story. It does contain a slow pace, and the building of the relationship is a bit glacial, which in many ways adds to the realism of the story; it speaks to how relationships actually work. This isn’t just about coming out (to yourself and others) and acceptance, or about broadening your horizons and seeing that there is more in the world than your small corner, or even a commentary on the escapism that humanity falls to all too often. It’s about all of that in well written and understandable characters. I found parts of myself in so many of Everlasting’s population, good and bad.
It was wonderful to go back to the town of Everlasting and see the happy-ever-after of Joe and Zarrin, to see how the townsfolk are adapting to having a dragon back and overseeing their home. It added to the complexity of the world the author had built, not just of the last book, Treasure for Treasure, but of the world as a whole. To see humans who still didn’t trust the Beings, and their prejudices that translate into the world the reader is living in as so much hatred and negativity are more visible.
It was great to see how, with support and friendship, you can at least quieten and lessen those voices. To see Martin slowly emerge from the expectations and pressures of his mother and town, into the wonderful, caring man he is. To see him slowly cut back on his vices and realise that happiness is made and not given felt like a life lesson for all. Truly, this book was brought out at the right time in the world.
And, because of all of this, it was a difficult read, as your brain digests the intricacies of the world whilst enjoying the budding relationships and characters that come to life under the author’s talent. Not an easy read but one well worth the effort.
You can buy His Mossy Boy here:
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