Genre: Lesfic
LGBTQ+ Category: Lesbian
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon | Publisher | Universal Buy Link
About The Book
Adrenaline addicted veteran, Vivian Chastain, confronts the man who has been following her for days, only to find he has a message of dire consequence for her. Spurred into action by his news, she barrels head on into a tumultuous and violent series of events. Stoic and stubborn as always, Vivian lands in the hospital, fighting for her life.
During Vivian’s lengthy recovery, her partner is released from jail and the two reconnect, stoking up the flames of their toxic union all while Vivian dives into a blossoming relationship with a new love interest who offers fulfillment and love, if only Vivian can figure out how to allow it all in.
Vivian learns that the coast is not clear as former threats return and continue to endanger her. While she cannot rest easy; friends, her work crew, and customers at the night club where she tends bar provide her with much needed fun, comradery, and support.
Vivian wrestles with her temper, her penchant for physical violence, and her overwhelming emotional baggage. Struggles from within and without threaten her existence, and in the moment when death is just a breath away, Vivian’s brother shows up and changes everything.
The Review
Vivian Chastain finally confronts the man whose been following her. He was sent by Jared, who has fallen into the grips of a controlling woman, Martina Reid. When Vivian gets the full story, she knows she has to come to her friend’s aid. She sends Jared’s messenger back to Morro Bay with the demand to get Jared a burner phone. Viv has to put a plan in motion to get Jared out of a very complicated situation.
Viv is still bartending at the lesbian nightclub that she’s worked at for some time. She really loves her job. She’s serving a customer when the woman has a seizure right in front of her, and she doesn’t escape without injury. Viv remembers another experience similar to this, and immediately helps the woman. She eventually meets her officially when Audre Williams returns to the nightclub to thank Viv for helping her. They make a connection that could lead to something more.
Viv is still in a poly relationship, with Ang and Kate. Ang is in jail, and Viv has hardly had time to connect with Kate or Ang, and she’s started having doubts about the relationship.
Finally getting in touch with Jared Ramirez, Viv puts her plan in motion to get Jared free of his predicament. Neither one have any idea just how vicious and deadly Martina is, and it doesn’t end there.
It just seems Vivian’s plate is full, with so much to deal with, right down to her session with her psychologist Alexia. Viv has made some progress with her anger, and this opens the door even more to events from her childhood. What more can she endure as she faces a life-threatening illness?
Liz Faraim brings more of Vivian Chastain’s life to the forefront with “Stitches and Sepsis”. The storyline is not without violence, thoughts of self harm, discussions of safe sex, relationship styles and flash backs into Viv’s life both military and as a child.
There’s a great group of characters who live in Viv’s world and bring their own color to the novel.
I only had a few things that left me wondering. Why Viv didn’t standup to Ang when she accused her of having affairs while she was in jail? When Viv had her chance to end their relationship, Viv didn’t take it. And why was Viv not concerned about Jared being uncomfortable at the Pride Event? It left me feeling that they needed some type of conversation.
I highly suggest reading “Canopy” first, as it will introduce Vivian Chastain and Jared Ramirez and give a really in-depth look at Viv’s life and her connection with Jared.
Faraim does an amazing job highlighting life in Sacramento, and there are so many places and areas that I am familiar with myself.
All-in-all, this is a very interesting story – another look into Viv’s life, with never a dull moment!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
