Burden

This is another great book by KC Wells. I picked up this book because--well, it’s KC Wells, do I have to say more?—but I didn’t realize it’s the sequel to Debt. Burden picks up where Debt ended, and even though I haven’t read the first book, I could easily follow the story. From the first page, I was swept into the lives of Randy and Jesse and got a rather good insight into what’s happened in Debt. Randy has worked as an undercover in the place where Jesse earned his living as a hooker. Having completed his task and arrested the culprits, Randy meets Jesse again at the courthouse where the trial against the Black Lounge owners begins. What follows is a sweet, slow-burn love story between Randy and Jesse. Once again, KC Wells nailed the characterization of these men. Randy, the former undercover cop, who slowly begins to see Jesse as more than a friend, although he’s always thought he was straight. Thinking back on his time in the Black Lounge and with help from his neighbor, Owen, he comes to acknowledge his sexuality, without stumbling but in a natural way. Jesse has always been smitten by Randy, and he’s over the moon that Randy finally sees him in a different light. At the same time, he knows that they won’t ever work as long as he’s an escort. The chemistry between Randy and Jesse was tangible from the beginning. Even with them being “just” friends they had that unmistakable link. The slow dancing around each other was fun to watch, and you just knew that first kiss would happen. There is a bit of angst between the lovers, but it’s entirely appropriate to the story. I understand why Jesse did what he did. Jesse is a sweet guy who only wants the best for others above his own happiness. Thankfully, the author kept it to the bare minimum, so we have a very lovely happy ending. This book is the sequel to Debt and can be read as a stand-alone. You might want to read Debt first though as it will give you more understanding of the back story and get acquainted with the characters.

I love this cover. It really says Jesse to me. This is a book two or sequel in the Love Unexpected series and I feel you should read them in order. I had read Debt, but it had been a long time ago and wasn't fresh in my mind and at times I struggled just a bit, but that didn't hold me back. Burden picks up ten months or so after Debt and the events there, with Jesse and some of the other guys at Richard's trial waiting for the verdict. Jesse's life was changed more than he expected to testify in the trial. His parents disowned him when they found out how he was supplementing his income for the school and cut him off. He had to put his studies on hold and was back to hooking to survive. Things began getting slow with the commissioner having stings set up, causing some escort sites to close down and a lot of johns to quit hiring escorts with fear of being caught. Randy also found his life changed after the undercover job. He now kept thinking of Jesse and couldn't figure out why. He was straight or at least he thought so. This is a very good story of finding love in unexpected places or in the last person you would expect. I loved all of the characters, Both Randy and Jesse but I loved Randy's neighbor Owen even more. I do so hope we get his story soon. There is plenty of other characters mentioned throughout both old and newer that would have great stories. I can't wait. There is some very hot sex in this book ( of course there would be with the main character being a hooker) I have to admit I had some issues with a couple of them. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't wrap my head around the position it described in great detail. One I have to admit I even drew stick figures trying to figure it out to no avail...but it just slowed me down some. If you like gay for you or bi-curious stories, May-December, friends to lovers, escorts, hot detectives and an allover good romance you will like this one.