Review: Exodus by CC Bridges

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Exodus (Heaven Corp. #2) by CC Bridges
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 200pgs
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Henry “Hank” Abraham’s privileged status in the floating city of Heaven lets him flout Morality Laws that control the lives of others. But when he wakes up in the arms of another stranger, only bodyguard Ian Caldwell’s quick thinking saves his life.

Though Ian’s from the low levels and the labor class, he’s used to dealing with the pampered society of Heaven. He’s assigned to protect Hank while angels, cybernetically modified humans who defend Heaven, investigate the assassination attempt. Doing his job means Ian must ignore his growing interest in Hank. Acting on their mutual attraction would certainly get Ian reprogrammed, something neither of them can afford.

When Hank follows Ian to a popular BDSM club in Downside and his ID chip is lost during a nearly fatal mugging, he finds himself locked out of Heaven. As Ian fights to get them home, rumors of impending war begin to circulate—along with more troubling news that Ian is wanted for Hank’s murder. While struggling to keep the man he has come to love safe, Ian must find out who’s behind the plot and if it’s a catalyst for war or just a convenient excuse.

Review
Hank Abraham has lived a life of so much privilege that he’s used to getting what he wants. He’s all about how he is perceived from his social peers and what’s shown on the news feeds. However, even though he’s been self-centered in his life, with the events that are happening, that is all about to change. He’s now been targeted for assassination and only one man can save him, Ian, his faithful bodyguard.

Now, Hank isn’t what you’d call the brightest thinker in the world. He’s so used to having lived his life a certain way and when that has to change, it was pleasant to see Hank really step up and grow. To see Hank become aware of another and to care what happened and as events grow bigger and bigger, to see this once foolish young man, grow into a stronger version of himself. He doesn’t always get it right, but his heart is in the right place.

Ian, is the wonderful character that is from the other side of the tracks, so to speak. He’s worked hard to get where he is in his career. He knows that no matter what, he’ll always be seen as “below” the ruling caste system of Heaven. He’s good enough to protect and die for them, but he’d never be good enough to love and be seen with in public. Another strike against him that no one knows about is that Ian is a Dom and he’s in love with Hank. Those things could very well get him in serious trouble.

It was fun watching these two characters have their misunderstandings and try to fight the attraction that they have for one another. To see both of the characters come into their own and deal with what they were feeling and especially what was happening around them. Again, I will say that I loved Hank’s transformation the most. That he’d do anything for Ian and did so. That he was no longer the spoiled young man that he had been in the beginning of the story was really nice to see.

It was nice to see that even though this story took place in a post-apocalyptic world, that there were still characters that had good hearts and others that will still use other people to get their own visions of what the world should be like. It wasn’t as horrific as some of the other post-apocalyptic dystopian society stories that I’ve read before. It was different with the use of Heaven and the 360 and Downside. The three different levels, the people, and demons.

I will say that it was a very intriguing story. I loved the romance between Hank and Ian. It was sweet with a bit of BDSM. I also liked the bit of mystery/suspense that was prevalent throughout the story. Who was behind the attempts on Hank’s life and why? What was going to happen between Hank and Ian? How were they going to live a life in the open as a couple?

Definitely worth taking the time to read this story and enjoy the love affair of Hank and Ian.

3.5 Pants Off