Civil Liberties by J.J. Massa is a homoerotic contemporary romance.

Christian Parker has known he was gay for a long time, but he has never wanted to act upon his desires until recently. Christopher is a police detective, and while it isn’t against the rules, things could get pretty sticky if they found out at work. Christopher has seen this man four times at the same bar, but tonight is his lucky night. Denny, his love interest, introduces himself, and the sparks begin to fly. Christopher is a very tough cop, but he needs the exact opposite in a relationship which is exactly what Denny wants in a man. Denny in ensnared not only by Christopher’s looks, but by his shy nature. Things quickly heat up when they learn that they are very compatible in every way possible, and Christopher’s first time is everything that he ever dreamed it would be. While Christopher falls in love, Denny isn’t looking for anything permanent, even though he can’t forget the feelings he experienced with Christopher. Things become even more difficult when Christopher finds out that Denny is the Local DA when he gets called in over a police matter. Tragedy strikes, and Denny must make a choice between Christopher and maintaining the status quo. Will Denny and Christopher get a second chance or will they be forever apart?

Ms. Massa has created a fast paced and moving story about two strong men who learn that the only way to happiness is being true to ones self. Even today with all of the equal opportunity laws at work, sometimes gay individuals find difficulties in public service areas, such as police or elected officials, when their sexual preference becomes public knowledge, as it did for Christopher. Christopher maybe a very strong willed police officer, but he is willing to go for what he wants in spite of the possible consequences. Denny never thought of himself as a forever kind of guy, but Christopher may show him a whole new side to his personality. Together they have enough love for each other to last a life time. Thanks go to Ms. Massa for another incredible read.

Reviewed by: Teresa