Review: Love is a Stranger by John Wiltshire

How do you love someone who exists entirely in the shadows? How do you love a man who describes himself as dead? How do you get that ghost to love you back? Ex-SAS soldier Ben Rider falls in love with his enigmatic married boss Sir Nikolas Mikkelsen, but Nikolas is living a lie. A lie so profound that when the shadows are lifted, Ben realises he's in love with a very dangerous stranger. Ben has to choose between Nikolas and safety, but sometimes danger comes in a very seductive package.

Well, this was different and refreshing! Twists, turns, lies, action. Just fun!

Right away we're thrust into the affair between Ben and Nikolas.  It's hot and heavy and 'just sex'. Pfft. Okay, I haven't heard that before. I know, I know, I just said that this is different, and it is.  Obviously, what Nik and Ben have is more than sex, we all know it even if they don't. But there's one little snag in their relationship (other than 'just sex'), Nik is married.

It's clear right away that Nik is not who or what he seems. As Ben is dragged further and further into Nik's web, he's finding out more and more about his lover and who he really is. Maybe. Kind of. Okay, not really. But regardless of who he is, as far as his identity goes, one thing was the the same throughout, he loved Ben. No matter how hard he tried to deny or pretend otherwise, he was.

"'So, I have not really changed all that much Benjamin. I believe I am very much what I once was.' He looked across the table. 'Totally obsessed with you.'"

Unf. If that doesn't make someone just swoon, I don't know what will. Nik is an excellent character. He's witty, funny and, even though we don't know much about his identity, his actions and feelings towards Ben are very real. And he knows he's a liar and secretive. He totally owns it and he owns it well.

"'I lied. I always lie, you know this.'"

Ben was great, too. He stuck by Nik, he knew there were secrets and danger, but he stayed, he was there and he was honest. He's not dumb though. Ben is very aware of the kind of person Nik is and I liked that he didn't let him get away with the lies.

This is different that your run-of-the-mill suspense. There isn't just one suspense storyline, solved and done. There's a couple of... erhm... missions, I guess you could say, that Ben and Nik have to deal with. They're full of action, fast-paced and we're even left with a mini-cliffy! *gasp*

Awesome characters and some awesome suspense, but there were a few dull moments in between. I did get a little bored a couple times, luckily the feeling didn't last long, but I was bored nonetheless.

If you need a break from the typical M/M tropes Love is a Stranger is a great choice. I'd definitely recommend it and I'll be on the lookout for more of Nik and Ben.

I need a solid HEA, dammit!

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.