This was a really sweet romance book. Now don't think I didn't like it because I only gave it 3 stars, but I don't like historical romance, but something about this one just pulled me in and I'm glad I read it. It really was beautiful and so very heartbreaking as well. The writing was wonderful and the author just pulled me in. I liked almost all the characters and I enjoyed that we got a great background on each of them, it was as if I knew them all. This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.Semper Fi is a story about love, friendship and family. Set in a time when it was considered abnormal or wrong to have feelings for the same sex and when it could get you arrested if found, two men fell in love. Jim Bennett and Cal Cunningham first met on the way to Parris Island for Marine Corp training at the start of World War II. Cal is the white collar professional and Jim is the son of an apple orchard owner. Despite the difference in their backgrounds, a solid friendship is formed. During the initial meeting we find out that Jim has a wife and young daughter, Sophie, and that Cal is gay (though he does not share this fact with anyone). The story then jumps ahead to a time after the war is over (1948). Cal is arriving at Jim's apple orchard to help out after Jim's wife dies and his long-time worker leaves. The story is written in this fashion, throughout, with a "flashback" portion showing Jim and Cal's friendship and camaraderie during their training and even during the tragedy of war. Each chapter also includes scenes from the present (1948) depicting Cal and Jim's interactions during a difficult time in Jim's life. At first it was jarring to read the story like this, because I just noted to know what was happening RIGHT NOW. However, I soon began to appreciate the insights into the characters that the past interactions showed. It was slow going, and the romance was simmered for w while. However, it was very believable for the time and also considering the fact that one of the characters never really thought he had feelings for the same sex. The novel is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended. The author clearly did a tremendous amount of research for this, and that is reflected in the descriptive accounts of various battles in the Pacific during WWII. These characters were in the thick of the fighting, and there are scenes that some might consider too graphic or gory. In addition, various slurs are used which are true to the time, though that would not be considered PC today.Overall, I loved this very beautifully written tale of friends to lovers. Highly recommended!
What do You think about Semper Fi (2014)?
One of the best reads this year in this genre. An awesome story, beautiful.
—Sydney
