Just out of boot camp, newly minted Seaman Alex Bender expects to encounter adventure on his military cruise to the Middle East. He just didn't expect it to come in the form of one Seaman Kurt Jackson. The chemistry between them is so strong that when Jackson makes his interest known, even the shy and slightly younger Bender can't deny how well they click. Shipboard romance isn't always smooth sailing, but when the two are granted shore leave in Kuwait City, they make the decision to spend it together... unaware that they may already be a committed couple in love.
Fresh from training Alex Bender (pun intended) is a novice aboard the Navy ship he’s been assigned to. Aside from acquainting himself with the ship and his duties, he struggles to find his footing as a young gay man amidst almost four hundred men at sea. With help from unexpected friends and a surprising sexual interest from a handsome older man, Alex manages to do his duty while finding love at sea and among exotic ports of call.
This is a classic John Simpson story, heavy on the realistic naval details with a large dose of masculine romance amongst the characters. This isn’t a flowery love story, even though there is a satisfying emotional connection mixed in with hot and heavy sex. Clearly from a male’s point of view, which is refreshing among romance novels and especially m/m romance stories, the relationship between Kurt and Alex is at times brusque and at times romantic.
The beauty of the story is solidly within the details. From the intimate knowledge of a working Navy ship to the exotic wonder of Kuwait, this story is absorbing and entertaining. Showing the minute details of Navy life could be boring yet Simpson keeps the story fresh and moving by intermixing relationship building with military life. This successful mix keeps the characters interesting and the pace even and quick.
Both Alex and Kurt were fun characters and Alex, especially, was well developed as the story was told in first person from his perspective. His change from emotional turmoil to eventual submission was easy to follow and relate as he struggled with relative inexperience in the face of open opportunity. His emotional attachment to Kurt was a nice change from the rampant easy sex that’s clearly available, if you know where to look. Although the ending seemed too fast for their relationship, the foreshadowing of a future together was a nice touch to the romance aspect as was the brief look at potential danger at sea.
Naval Maneuvers may not have been my favorite of Simpson’s books but I definitely appreciate his unique and authentic voice. Giving a refreshing and honest view of military life and the problems gay men may face is intriguing and enthralling. Be sure to read this newest offering, the lush and vivid description of the Middle East is not to be missed.
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