One for the Gods

Merrick's 2nd book in his Charlie and Peter trilogy is a fine centerpiece. It is transitional, bringing forward elements of the first book and introducing us to aspects that will be resolved in the final book (or chapter, if you will). We get introductions to new characters and begin to realize a new depth to Charlie and Peter's romance.Interestingly, One for the Gods also acts as a bit of psychotherapy for the Charlie character. We learn a great deal more about this beloved character and the layers are great and deep, and like an onion we get to peel them away.No, there is no clear resolution in this book as it is a transitional piece. However, and I mean a big "however"...a new development takes place in this book that got my blood boiling and made me angry as $#^% at Charlie. However I did tear immediately into the final book in the trilogy to discover how Merrick resolves the situation.I know that a story of two men in love with each other cannot be happy all the time, but !@#$%, I sure would love to see it happen a bit more easily than Merrick portrays it.... but then, I did read faster and faster to find out what happens next. So, grudgingly, I'll admit that rather than being critical, I have to say that the book delivers just what its author intended.Read and read some more. You'll love it. The story delivers and heaven knows that the love scenes read in context will more than have you happy while you turn the pages. I think I took a couple of cold showers reading this one!

Believe it or not, the other two books in this trilogy actually have strong supporting plots. This one I found lacking in plot, but you know what? I'm picky. Most people don't read Merrick for the plot. I do because it provides a nice build-up to the [love] scenes, which makes them pay off more. But if you want, skip ahead to the [love] because Merrick is in fine form as usual. Highlights include when Charlie and Peter "switch roles." The plot may be lacking but the [love] souped up so it's still worth the money.

Back in print after years of being unavailable to generations of Merrick fans comes the follow-up to the national best-seller The Lord Won't Mind. The saga concludes with Forth Into Light.

It was a novel that helped me to feel that I might be an ok person, even if I was gay. The thought of someone actually writing a novel on the subject was thrilling. The love scenes gave me a lot to look forward to.