When David is attacked and mugged by a gang one night on his way home from work, he is rescued by a homeless man. Not only is David grateful to the man, Seth, but he is deeply attracted to him as well. Feeling as if he has finally found love and companionship, David brings Seth home with him, feeds him, clothes him, and takes him for a lover. Seth’s rescue leaves a gang member dead, however, and now that the gang is out for revenge, David needs Seth’s protection more than ever.

Seth has been living on the street for the last five years. Having David in his life seems like a beautiful dream come true. He knows that he is good in a fight and can physically protect David, but having David provide for him out of charity rubs against the grain for him. What Seth and David have together is both rare and beautiful. But Seth has dark secrets in his background – secrets that could turn David away from him should they come out, secrets that have scarred his soul as well as his body.

The story Scars by Jessica Freely is a story of a man coming to terms with his past so that he can look forward to his future. In David and Seth, we find a couple of likeable and well-drawn characters whose emotions are bouncing all over the place. Seth is pretty messed up from his past experiences and feels unworthy of David’s affection. Some of his behavior is a little irrational, but since he is still in survival mode, we can forgive him for being ruled by his emotions. David is sweet if maybe a little bit too trusting and gives the impression of a puppy dancing around Seth wanting his love and affection. Seth’s observation that David dressing him is like playing with a Barbie doll underscores just how lonely and needy David actually is. This is a somewhat dark tale, and it leaves a few issues unresolved in the end, but it is overall an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by: Whitney