Definitely not a light read. Lots of emotion, angst and pain. The story is hard to get through but not because it isn't well written, but because it is. I would probably classify it more as a mid-day read than a just before bed kind of thing.

Stirring story of violence, hatred, grief and the power of love👍👍

Once again a gripping Rick R. Reed novel that pulled me in and tugged at the heart strings. Mark's terror and Donald's grief are described so well and make for a really sad tale of homophobia gone to a fatal extreme and a new couple ripped apart by being in the wrong place when gaybashers are on the prowl. The question of whether their attackers would ever be caught to face justice kept suspense thrumming right to the dramatic and danger-filled climax. And I really liked the other-worldly visits dead Mark pays to his beloved Donald as he struggles to cope.

Reed's explanation in the Afterword of his personal connection to the story really made me reflect on how a random event can have profound consequences. At so many points in the story, choices are made that, had they been different, would have avoided a lot of pain and suffering. The virulent homophobia that erupts in this story is brutally violent and difficult to read about. But it's real, out there, and needs to be discussed. Bashed provides a thoughtful look at its consequences through a moving fictionalized account. I was happy to find that Reed instills a bit of hope for healing and recovery at the end.

Thanks to publisher NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Donald and his partner Mark were leaving a gay club one night - the Brig - when they were victims of a hate crime. A car follows them, some young me get out and they have a baseball bat. What happens is terrifying and the descriptions are visceral, authentic, and disturbing.

The next time Donald regains consciousness he's in pain, and his sister is the one who has to tell him that his partner is dead. When he returns to his apartment, he sees his dead lover. He's not sure if it's an apparition, his meds, or his conscience - why couldn't he save his partner? - but he's oddly comforted. At the same time as he longs for the appearance of Mark, Donald suffers greatly with flashes of the night that they were attacked.

One of the things that I always admire about Rick's writing style is that way that he manages to convey emotions. Grief is such a real presence in this book. When Donald is mourning his partner... the shock and the way he finds himself almost unable to feel or act is very realistic. The way that Donald finds himself moving through the days without really being able to tell if he is awake or asleep... if things are real or a dream.

The book switches POV to Justin... he's a teen with a troubled home life. It seems as though one of the only places that he is settled is at his Uncle's home. Even though he can't relate at all to his Uncle being gay... he seems to want to spend time there. It's home. It's someone who cares about him. Justin's Uncle Walter doesn't know that things are about to get very tangled up when he goes downstairs to borrow some bay leaves from his new neighbor.

In this story, the lives of Justin, Donald, and Walter are tangled together by chance and by choice. There's a surprising amount of tension built up in this short novel...I would recommend it if you're okay with the warnings.

This was a very hard book to read. It is very emotional - and violent - and just so very sad. That isn't to say there aren't light and sexy moments, but the overall flavor is the danger the men are in because of violent homophobia. Mark and Donald are attacked one night after leaving a leather bar and Mark is murdered. In the aftermath, Donald grieves deeply for his lost love and struggles to get back to semblance of a normal life. As he tries to recover, he encounters Walter - his new neighbor and Walter's nephew Justin. They have a connection - but Justin's prior actions have the potential to destroy anything that might be building between them.

In reading this book you really just want to hold Donald and help him make everything ok again. Seeing what happens to him and how horribly others treat him and Walter - is really just so hard.

The story is extremely well written - but it is just so overwhelmingly sad. It does end on a hopeful note - but the weight of it is hard. This is not a lightweight read.

Content warning: <spolier>Violence, Murder, open drug use, homophobia, death of a loved one. </spoiler> You should also be prepared for some very public non-romantic sex.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

This book really touched me. It focuses on homophobia and the hate crimes committed against people for being their true selves 💔
Mark and Donald have just stepped out of a leather establishment in Chicago on a cold night, when they are brutally attacked by a couple of gay bashers.
Donald is lost, the only man he has ever loved was brutally taken away from him and he is left with a void in his heart.
Walter, Donald's new neighbour is kind and patient with him, helping him open his heart and maybe learn to love again.

This book takes us on a journey of self acceptance, finding love again and taking second chances.
As ususal the author's writing flows beautifully and his vivid descriptions helps bring this story to life.
I loved how the story is told from different perspectives as it adds more depth to the characters and their lives.
This was a really heart breaking story but I absolutely loved it.
Truer words have never been spoken
'Love never dies'

I recommend this book for everyone!
It was extremely insightful and beautifully written. It will take you on an emotional heart wrenching journey and leave you wanting more.