Love Between the Sexes by EFC
Reviewed by AquariumJenn
Rating: M
Genre: Romance
Characters: Edward/Jasper
Summary: Edward & Jasper were roommates in University. They both have wives and new lives now, but a three day reunion will force them to examine the relationship they chose not to explore and left behind so many years ago. SLASH ExJ
I have to admit upfront that this is the first completed Slash fic I have read. I do, however, like to consider myself open minded about any story as long as there is an intriguing summary, well developed characters and a seamless narrative. By the time I finished reading Love Between The Sexes, I found that EFC’s writing had more than met my expectations.
The story was brought to my attention by this blog and I did have the opportunity to decline the review, but I found myself intrigued by the summary:
“Edward & Jasper were roommates in University. They both have wives and new lives now, but a three day reunion will force them to examine the relationship they chose not to explore and left behind so many years ago.”
As I ventured into the story, I was struck by how realistic the entire premise was. As a reader mostly unfamiliar with this genre of FF, I felt a great deal of empathy for Edward as he becomes aware of a truth that has always lied just below the surface. He is a man who has strived to be responsible in his career and marriage but constantly feels out of place no matter what the situation.
Edward’s reunion with his college roommate, Jasper, forces him to deal with unexplored feelings and desires. Emotions and passions that had boiled over on their final evening together at University have now been discarded and ignored for nearly a decade.
As Edward begins to understand his true feelings for Jasper he is introduced to Alec, a man who is open and honest about his sexuality. Even though I initially found Alec’s larger than life persona off-putting, I came to admire him more and more with each chapter. He is supportive, caring, humorous, and becomes a mentor to Edward as he navigates on his journey toward self-discovery. He is a true friend to Edward at a time when he desperately needs someone.
Edward’s path is not an easy one. He is forced to reevaluate every aspect of his existence – his marriage, his children, his parents, his friends, his career, his self-worth and his sexuality. The issues he must address and the conclusions he arrives at are not black and white. As an author, EFC effectively conveys to the reader how this realization does not drop down from the sky and is instantly accepted by the main character. Edward’s actions are at times hurtful and angry, confused and irrational, not only to himself but also to those who care for him.
And, while Edward is trying to accept this new truth and live his life as honestly as possible, Jasper finds himself at the opposite end of the spectrum, a plot point that provides incredible tension throughout the entire story. Initially, it is Jasper who appears brave and decisive regarding his feelings for Edward, but as Edward becomes more accepting of who he is and what he wants, Jasper loses confidence and becomes lost.
A debut FF from this author and winner of the TwiTastic Award for Best Slash, Love Between The Sexes is a piece that is emotional, tender, passionate and honest. I hope to be able to read more of EFC’s writing someday soon.
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