Review of Her Majesty’s Men by Marquesate

Her Majesty’s Men by Marquesate

4 stars

 Her Majesty's Men is the story of two soldiers in the British Forces and of a friendship taking unexpected turns. In the eyes of the Army they are just two mates who are close. But from the revelation of personal secrets, ensuing hatred and aggression, through terror and danger, to loyalty, triumphant strength and courage, grows their own realisation of what they are: comrades first and foremost, but something else too, something more significant. The two Royal Engineers, Sgt Tom Warren and SSgt Alex Turner, learn to understand the real meaning of loyalty and strength. Their fight for survival cuts through all the discipline and rules, to tie them together in a unique bond of companionship and trust.

This is a gritty read, and not an easy read of lust between military men.  We first meet Tom, a closeted gay man that is hiding his secret lust for his best friend and fellow soldier, Alex.  Alex is straight as they come and Tom struggles with being authentic and losing his best friend over coming out.  But in a drunken night he finally tells the truth to Alex who pushes him away in a shocking moment of homophobia. 

Marquesate tells the story from Tom and Alex’s point-of0-views, but instead of switching chapter to chapter, Tom’s story is the first half followed by Alex.  This is a story of love, but it isn’t sweet, or fun, it is intense ad sucks you in from the first moment.  While reading we wondered how Alex would make this work between these men, but we should have had faith.  Although their love-story isn’t typical, it is still there.  Alex comes to his senses and remembers that he loves Tom as his friend and even Tom being gay isn’t changing that. 

Although this is a military romance, it doesn’t really focus on the military part, yes there is reference, but we are so wrapped up in this gut wrenching, violent, sexual, heart-breaking story that we kind of forget about the military.  There is no sweet word, no flirty looks, no stolen moments, but throw downs, harsh words and hot hot hot sex.  Alex eventually softens around the edges, but their relationship will never be an easy one.

Okay, so there is so much to say about Her Majesty’s Men, we really enjoyed it, but it left us wanting more.  Instead of the 144 pages we could have ready so much more about these fantastic military men.