My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Review:

Night Watch is a sequel to The Telling and takes place after the main characters, Jay and Michael, have been dating for a year. Michael is suffering from severe PTSD after serving in Iraq and the fireworks commemorating the Fourth of July promise to induce flashbacks. Jay wants to help Michael through the night but just getting home may be a problem.

Though this is a sequel, it’s easily read on its own since there is quite a bit of background information offered for any new readers. This is a good choice to read for those wanting just a taste of the author’s writing. The story has the author’s familiar writing style, which manages to be both absorbing yet slower paced. Winters builds the story with a bit of background, some dialogue, but mostly lets the characters and their thoughts tells the story. There is a lot of emotion conveyed in the short story, but it’s real and honest.

The best part of the story shows that love is wonderful but it doesn’t cure people overnight. Even a year later, Jay thinks about the heavy toll their relationship takes. It’s work and there is a lot of time, consideration, and care that goes into helping Michael and being there for him. I liked that Jay occasionally thinks that his life could be easier with someone less complicated but he also loves Michael deeply and knows whatever sacrifices are worth it.

The characters are undeniably romantic and their chemistry is hot. The one sex scene is rough, raw, and heady. This is a good introduction to the author and for those that enjoyed the Telling, you’ll want to check in on the characters. They’ve grown a little but each baby step feels authentic without losing the romance and happy ending. Definitely worth reading.