Shining in the Sun by Alex Beecroft
Samhain Publishing
Gay Contemporary
ISBN:  978-1-60928-050-5
Reviewed by Cassie




Once a year, for a few shining weeks, Alec escapes his stifling life for total freedom on his boat.  This year, things get off to a horrid start when his car breaks down.  While spending some time in town, Alec meets a sexy, appealing surfer and asks him to have a drink.  Alec doesn’t normally do such things, but he can’t help himself.  Before he knows it, he’s learning to surf and a whole lot more.  He’s suddenly happy, and keeps a few secrets in order to preserve that happiness.

After a terrifying experience at the hands of a rich man the year before, Darren is wary of anyone with money.  He wants to tell Alec to get lost, but there’s something about the guy—and he needs money.  His brother’s in some serious trouble, again, and Darren doesn’t know how else to make a quick buck.  Things don’t go the way he expected, though, and Alec’s more than Darren thought he was.

If Darren’s actions don’t ruin everything, Alec’s secrets just might…

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Shining in the Sun, given that Alex Beecroft is primarily a historical writer.  After reading it, I can only say I hope Ms. Beecroft decides to write another contemporary soon, because Shining in the Sun was excellent!  The storyline was pretty standard—a rich guy who’s unhappy with his life escapes it for a while and finds love.  Though I’d read the basic story before, it felt fresh and new here.  Alec is the kind of flawed character I love.  He’s kind, generous, and caring, and he tries to see the best in others.  He’s also terrified to be honest with his family about his true desires, and more content to live a lie than take a risk.  Normally that would drive me insane, as would one of the secrets he kept, but he was too likable, and real, for me to hate him.  Darren is also realistically flawed.  He’s sexy, fun, and sometimes sweet.  Other times, he’s manipulative and even outright dishonest.  His horrible past experience helps explain why he makes some of the choices he makes, as does his awful family, but nothing completely excuses either his poor choices or Alec’s.  Their initial attraction practically jumped off the page, and their scenes together were made all the hotter by Alec’s shy inexperience.  Of course, a lot stands between these two very different men and a future.  Together, they bumble their way through secrets, lies, and a lot of family issues.  There were many times when I wondered if they would make it through, or if their weaknesses would doom them.  Readers in the mood for a summer escape with love, family issues, great characters and setting, and a large dose of angst will be sure to enjoy Shining in the Sun.