Review - No Fear by Nora Phoenix

Aaron had his life turned upside down when he came out. He lost his job and his parents disowned him. Then he got beat up in a bar by approaching the wrong person. Blake has given Aaron a room in his house, along with other victims of abuse, while the young man figures things out. Blake’s initial perception of Aaron is that he’s an entitled jerk, but he soon sees that the attitude is just a cover for someone who’s never had a chance to be himself. Once the “real” Aaron comes out, Blake finds him almost irresistible. Only, Blake doesn’t do relationships, does he?

This third book of the No Shame series puts the spotlight on a new couple, but the foursome from the first two books, Indy, Noah, Josh and Conner, play significant roles in this story. These books all have the over-arcing plot about Indy’s escape from a Boston mob, which has a contract out on him. You must read all the books in their published order to know what’s going on.

So, yes, there are six main characters in this book and we get bits of the story from each of them as plans unfold to make Indy safe, one way or another. The “polycule” of Josh, Indy, Noah, and Conner remains much as we’ve come to know them. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how well Conner knows his way around the Boston mob.

Blake appeared briefly in the first book of the series as Indy’s jiujitsu professor. He’s a man with a lot of self-discipline, which he would need to be a master of his sport. His treatment of Aaron takes a few twists and turns, but it’s clear he’s trying to do the right thing by the young man, which is a very admirable quality.

It’s easy to see why Blake likes Aaron. After a rocky start, we get to know him as a sweet young man who lacks self-confidence. His personal style and desires aren’t the most mainstream, and several incidents in the story highlight some of the internal prejudices in the gay community. Ultimately, the story of Blake and Aaron is one of triumph over other people’s narrow thinking.

“No Fear” is available from Smashwords or see BookBub for other online sites where you can get your copy.