Imagines (Imago 2) by N.R. Walker at BlueHeart Press
Genre | Gay / Contemporary / Romance |
Reviewed by | Lena Grey on 24-April-2017 |
Genre | Gay / Contemporary / Romance |
Reviewed by | Lena Grey on 24-April-2017 |
Jack Brighton and Lawson Gale have been together for six months and are very much in love. Lawson’s work ensuring the survival of the Tillman Copper is as demanding as ever, and Jack’s work with the regeneration of the bushfire-ravaged national park is just as hectic.
When Jack suggests they take a short trip, Lawson agrees. But then he is offered a two-week research position in tropical Queensland to help determine why the Ulysses butterfly is on the decline. Figuring they could combine work and pleasure, Jack and Lawson go on their first vacation together.
Working alongside renowned professor Piers Bonfils isn’t easy. But personal and professional differences aside, Lawson is offered a more permanent role in Queensland. Torn between his new life in Tasmania with Jack and a dying species of butterfly he feels compelled to save, Lawson has to decide where his fate lies.
But fate changes the rules. On a research expedition into the depths of the rainforest, suddenly it's not only the butterflies’ existence that hangs in the balance.
A butterfly’s life cycle never changes. From larvae to imago, their course is plotted by design. Jack and Lawson need to determine where they stand, if they live through it. Because the only thing more incredible than one imago is two.
“You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships every day. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” ~ Epicurus
'Imagines', by N.R. Walker, begins six months after 'Imago' ends. Jack and Lawson's relationship continues to strengthen as they proceed in their lives together. As Jack and Lawson are in the process of planning some time away from their busy schedules, Lawson is offered a temporary position in Queensland to help preserve yet another endangered butterfly species, the Ulysses. He accepts and with Jack in tow, heads off for a working vacation.
The trip starts out well enough, with Jack and Lawson finding some time to be romantic. They are enjoying being in Queensland and seeing the sights. When Lawson meets Professor Piers Bonfils, he likes him at first because he is outspoken, intelligent, as well as open-minded. What they run into problems with is that Piers insists that his data is correct and that there have been no changes, particularly in the butterflies' diet, while Lawson insists that Piers is wrong; there has to have been a change. They just need to figure out what the butterflies are trying to tell them. Other than that, Piers respects Lawson and asks him to become a permanent member of his team. This gives Lawson a great deal to consider. It's a great opportunity, but he doesn't know that it would be worth leaving Jack in order to take advantage of it.
Jack notices Lawson's foul mood at once and encourages Lawson to talk it out. He not only listens, but asks for more detail. With his knowledge of flora and fauna he decides to look for an answer to Lawson's dilemma. While Lawson works, Jack entertains himself by going to the nearby park and making friends with the rangers there. During a trip with one of the officers into a restricted area of the park, Jack runs upon evidence of what he thinks may be causing the butterflies to die. Jack immediately calls Lawson and tells him about his discovery. Piers has refused to allow further testing until Lawson finds more evidence and this may just be what he needs to convince him. Collection of the evidence turns out to be more dangerous than they think and tragedy strikes. Once again, Jack springs into action to try to save the man he can't live without. If they get through this intact, there's to be no more holding back with their relationship.
This story is just as intense, exciting, informative, and endearing as the first. Lawson and Jack are so different, yet so similar in heart. They complete each other. They are always concerned with the other's welfare and are so respectful and nurturing. There's no obstacle they can't overcome because of their devotion to each other. I have even more respect for them than I did before. Thanks, N.R., for your continuing education about the science of butterflies and for reminding me of what a good relationship between two people can be like. I'd love to continue to follow the lives of these two wonderful, inspirational lovers.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.
Format | ebook |
Length | Novel, 147 pages |
Heat Level | |
Publication Date | 17-April-2017 |
Price | $3.62 ebook |
Buy Link | https://www.amazon.com/Imagines-Imago-Book-N-R-Walker-ebook/dp/B06Y599DJK |