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Scar Tissue

G.L. Roberts (Goodreads Author)

3.94 · Rating details · 17 ratings · 5 reviews

It was 1976, the year of the .38 Special, the .45 Magnum, Cold War threats and Vietnam Vets returning state side looking for jobs. It was also a time when being gay could get you fired from your job, beat up or killed. This was especially true for Bob Elkins, third year DEA officer who finds himself deeply attracted to CIA newcomer Mike Wells. Although Mike returns Bob’s r ...more

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ebook, 152 pages

Published February 2012 by Seventh Window Publications (first published January 31st 2012)

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Feb 14, 2012 Feliz rated it really liked it

Shelves: cops-detectives-lawmen, historical, m-m

The need for secrecy is very much a part of both characters’ everyday life, particularly when it comes to their professional lives as an agent of the newly founded DEA or, respectively, as a CIA recruit. Both were in the military before, the experience honing their awareness for caution as well as their ability to hide. Their military time also issued them with some rather haunting memories, especially Bob; there’s one particularly heartbreaking flashback of him in Vietnam where he holds his dyi The need for secrecy is very much a part of both characters’ everyday life, particularly when it comes to their professional lives as an agent of the newly founded DEA or, respectively, as a CIA recruit. Both were in the military before, the experience honing their awareness for caution as well as their ability to hide. Their military time also issued them with some rather haunting memories, especially Bob; there’s one particularly heartbreaking flashback of him in Vietnam where he holds his dying lover in his arms, unable to give the man any further comfort because they are in company.
However, Bob has long ago made his peace with this aspect of his life. In private, among his roommate and friends, he’s out – he’s quite good at compartmentalizing, although the borders blur on occasion, namely with his friend Ray, who happens to be Mike’s instructor at Langley. Ray is surprisingly open-minded, even supportive of Bob’s and Mike’s budding relationship. Ray’s only worry is whether their relationship might jeopardize possible joint missions in the future, but he takes Bob’s negative reassurances at face value and goes with it. Mike is slow to trust, but once he does, he does so implicitly and doesn’t think twice about following Bob’s lead.

However, the necessity to keep their relationship a secret was not a source of angst between Bob and Mike, nor was it the reason why it took them almost a year to consummate their loving relationship. While both Bob and Mike were constantly aware of the need to be cautious and discreet in public, this was rather a fact of life to both of them. Something that just had to be heeded, like looking left and right before crossing a street. They built their relationship around it and despite of it, which I found endearingly realistic and totally appropriate for the spirit of the times this is set in.
The 70′s were not as liberal as the 60′s had been, but not as narrow-minded as the 80′s turned out to become; in many ways, this decade was a time of changes. Scar Tissue generally conveyed a keen sense of its time, not only through the main character’s mindsets, but also with its attention to detail. Clothes, cars, music, political events mentioned, everything added up to a harmonious scenery in front of which the story could unfold.

The actual conflict revolved around facts in Mike’s past, and it was beautiful to watch how they both worked at getting the old specters out of their way. I found that Bob’s patience amounted to that of a saint, with all the hot and cold and the mixed signals Mike put him through without ever giving a viable reason for this behavior. Then, once Mike summoned enough courage to come clear, Bob reacted in an all too human yet comprehensible way that in turn demanded trust and patience from Mike. Nicely done.
This was what I’d call a quiet story, no blowing-up of things, no action sequences, not even outstanding drama. It wasn’t overly emotional either, though poignant in a subdued, understated way. An enjoyable read, and warmly recommended.
Originally written for reviewsbyjessewave.com ...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Meggie rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, soldiers-military

Hm interesting story. Here we have a slow developing romance between two interesting characters, Bob, third year DEA officer, and Mike, a newcomer to CIA. The attraction between them, was instant and the way how they interact with each other was sweet and deep. I liked it. And for my piece of mind it was definitely to short. The end was to abrupt and unsatisfying for me.

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Apr 18, 2012 T.A. Webb rated it it was amazing

Bob Elkins is walking a very think line. In 1976, government DEA agents are scrutinized in all aspects of their lives. And it's not a good career move to be gay. Especially for a third year agent looking to move up the ranks. Former military, all man, willing to take the dirty jobs, he's exactly what the Powers That Be are looking for.

When he sees new recruit Mike Wells, he knows he's in trouble. Tall. Dark. Handsome. Former military, proud and sure of himself. Deadly for a man like Bob. And wha Bob Elkins is walking a very think line. In 1976, government DEA agents are scrutinized in all aspects of their lives. And it's not a good career move to be gay. Especially for a third year agent looking to move up the ranks. Former military, all man, willing to take the dirty jobs, he's exactly what the Powers That Be are looking for.

When he sees new recruit Mike Wells, he knows he's in trouble. Tall. Dark. Handsome. Former military, proud and sure of himself. Deadly for a man like Bob. And what's more, Mike seems to sense the attraction and returns it. They begin a slow dance of seduction.

The trouble comes in when it's time to become physical. Mike begs off, wanting to take it slow. Worst of all, he doesn't want Bob to see him naked. Blames it on tiredness, fear of being caught. Bob begins to doubt Mike is all that interested.

Will their attraction fizzle? Is Mike into Bob or playing some kind of game? Or is there something more about Mike than meets the eye?

I'm a big fan of GL Roberts, and she scores a knockout with the crisp, beautifully written story of love, fear and old pain. A child of the times, I remember the political climate and fear of being gay in 1976, and Ms. Roberts nails the underlying tones of the times just beginning to change.

Her characters, as always, are her strong suit. Bob is a wonderful man - masculine, sure of himself but with an underlying vulnerability that's so very attractive. He knows what he wants, and is willing to pay the price to have it.

Mike is really the one who sets the pace for this romance, however. He matches Bob strength for strength. Similar in background, the two men understand each other so well. But the shyness and pain that's just under the surface made me want to know this man. Shelter him even though he is so very strong.

When all the truth are revealed, it's a very touching tale, for all the trappings of honor and masculinity. As it very well should be. The best, truest men know how to show all their scars, mental and physical. Own them and heal and be healed.

Just a fantastic story. Read it and wonder.

Tom ...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Nicci rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, m-m-romance

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Feb 29, 2012 Reggie marked it as wishlist

Shelves: historical

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Apr 12, 2015 G.L. Roberts rated it really liked it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: gl-roberts

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About G.L. Roberts

G.L. Roberts

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GL lives in the Pacific Northwest near the rugged and beautiful Oregon Coast. When not tapping on the keyboard, GL is walking the beach in search of the next inspirational treasure.

GL is currently working on Voices of Resistance. Book One: Deception's Hand was released April 21, 2019. Book Two: A Cry in the Dark is expected June 2019 and Book Three: Legend of the Darien out in September 2019.

The S ...more