cover image Change of Address

Change of Address

Jordan S. Brock. Riptide, $17.99 trade paper (312p) ISBN 978-1-62649-464-0

Brock combines heat and heart in this enjoyable contemporary. Michael, an Air Force veteran, is the son of a wealthy state governor who doesn’t know Michael is gay. On top of the constriction of the closet, he’s struggling with PTSD and aphasia after a career-ending head injury. He and his service dog move into his parents’ vacation home on Hartsbridge Island, somewhere on the east coast of the U.S. The first time Michael walks into the island’s bagel shop, he inspires a major crush in Josh, the shop’s owner. The two quickly become serious romantic partners, and everything is great until a photo of the two men kissing shows up in a local newspaper. Michael’s conservative Christian father is livid and pressures Michael to leave Josh—and the best relationship he’s ever had. Brock thoughtfully and unflinchingly covers many serious subjects, including adult illiteracy and the culture clash between Michael’s background and Josh’s liberal, working-class Jewish upbringing, adding gravitas to the romantic story. Sometimes playfully loving and other times intensely thought-provoking, this tale is a pleasure to read. (Oct.)