Kat's Reviews > Protection

God, this novella! On my favorites shelf this little gem goes.

I buddy-read Protection and it’s actually pretty rare for my partners in crime and I to be unanimously impressed. But the author with the misleading penname pulled it off once again! If it’s up to me, I’d say T. Baggins is probably one of the better writers in the M/M genre, and she really deserves to be on your radar. You don’t want to know how many times I’ve heard people mention that they’re surprised or blown-away by this author’s work, not having expected it because she’s so underrated.

And at first glance, this prison story is little more than a humble novella with a cheap-looking cover (no matter what version you pick). But, oh man, appearances – like pennames — can be deceiving! Rather than another horny fantasy about inmates that reads like themed porn, this is a beautifully written and touching story that managed to linger in my mind for days to come. The brilliant thing about Protection is that it packs a punch, but at the same time is neither very grim nor overly sweet. I think it’s one of those stories that could click with many readers for various reasons. There’s constant breath-holding tension, but no angst overkill. There’s heartbreak and sadness that may have turned me into a blubbering mess. But thanks to the undercurrent of sensuality and tenderness I was a blubbering mess with a smile on my face.

This author made me root for her characters, despite them not being perfectly sympathetic lads. No, the men in Wentworth prison are brutally violent (there is a rape scene that can be stomach-churning, so be forewarned), but they are also lonely and longing for affection. More than anything, they feel real. Protection is set in England’s 1930’s and the author did enough research to get the ambiance right as she tells the bittersweet story of a young doctor, Joey, who falls from grace when he is accused of the gross neglect and following death of a pregnant woman. Within the prison walls, the noble and attractive young man soon finds that he’s the weakest among the wolves. When he captures the interest of the leader of the pack, Gabriel, his immediate future looks bleak.

“They won’t help you,” Gabriel said softly. “You know I tell you true. I’ll help you. I’ll protect you. But I’ll have payment. Pick up the cigarette. Let me light it. Tell every man in Wentworth you’re my girl. I’ll go to my grave defending you and expect no more than a kiss before bed at night. Or thereabouts,” he added, grinning.
“I’m no girl,” Cooper said, lips curling back from even white teeth.
“My boy, then. Or just mine. But pick up the goddamn cigarette before the Lovelies decide to give it a go. Eight against one is hard odds, even for me.”

Protection kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Or rather, I arrived at the office with blue-purplish bags underneath my eyes because I read on when I should’ve gone to bed. It was impossible to put down. If I have to mention one thing that I liked less though, it’s probably that due to the novella-length, the big leap from trauma to something else entirely between the MCs felt a tad rushed. A somewhat slower progression would’ve been more plausible. Oh, and although I personally adored the subtle ending (an ending that isn’t at odds with the bittersweet story that comes before it for a change, outstanding!), if you’d rather have a dash of sap (or a huge splash of it), you’ll be pleased with the included Coda, that offers an alternative ending.


earlier ramblings
I just remembered how much I hate going to the dentist. Hate it.
Moving this one to my probably not shelf. But then again, who knew that prison life could be this fucking awesome?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKtdTJ...