Review: "Cost of Repairs" by A.M. Arthur


Cost of Repairs is the first book in the M/M romance series of the same title by author A.M. Arthur. It tells the tale of Samuel and Rey, two men trying to get on with their respective lives after enduring unbelievable hardships in their pasts. They're not interested in forever after but something just clicks between the two of them, possibly setting them on the very path they didn't plan for...unless the painful secrets they keep get in their way to happiness.

Samuel Briggs is a police officer who has recently moved from New Mexico to Stratton, Pennsylvania, a quaint but not-so-sleepy town. After suffering the loss of his life partner to a heinous crime, Samuel desperately needs to get away from the life he once had, if only for his own peace of mind. He's not looking for another relationship and would rather focus on remodeling his house.

Rey King has lived in Stratton for some time now, and while he holds down several jobs in order to pay off his debts, he's most known as the short order cook at Dixie's Cup, the local diner. He can't afford to be distracted by getting into a relationship he has no time for. He's not the type to stir up trouble but he's also very protective of those closest to him, putting himself on the line when necessary. 

When Sam and Rey meet, there really isn't much of a spark, or so you would think. They don't exchange too many words and their interactions are limited, but a chance meeting at an out of the way supermarket leads to an afternoon neither of them are bound to forget. Both are hesitant to acknowledge that they want more than just that one time and it takes Rey being badly hurt while protecting the young waitress he works with for Sam to recognize he cares more than he lets on.

As they try to maneuver their way through what appears to be the beginnings of a relationship, they find the need to adjust to one another. Rey has never really had anyone take care of him the way Sam wants to, so offers for him to live with Sam and work on the house so that he'll have a place to stay and some money in his pocket aren't all that easy for him to accept. Sam, on the other hand, is still refusing to truly acknowledge that he feels something for Rey, distancing himself time and again. 

As time passes, the secrets that they're carrying are darker than either of them can imagine. The ghosts of their pasts are still there, only Sam's is closer than he thinks, putting both their lives in danger. Will they be willing to fight for what they have together or only realize what they've missed out on if one of them loses their life in the process?

I've been on somewhat of an M/M kick the past few weeks and I'm happy to say that Cost of Repairs was a truly worthy read. It had a touching story, sometimes painful but always hopeful, and two lead characters that were so lost but seeming to wait to be found by the other without knowing it. The supporting characters were also great, introducing them in a way that will make you want to learn more about certain people if (WHEN!) they have their own installment in the series. ^.^

I'm really glad I discovered Cost of Repairs and I made sure I read all the available books in the series soon after finishing this first one. My reviews for those will be posted in the days to follow. ^.^ For now, let me end this particular review by giving Cost of Repairs 4.5 out of a possible five stars and noting that, after having read several of her books now, A.M. Arthur is one of my go-to M/M authors. ♥

Date read: 03 September 2014

Learn more about the compelling A.M. Arthur here.

Grab a copy of Cost of Repairs and Ms. Arthur's other books on Amazon | Barnes & Noble (first 13 and the 20th books shown only).

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