4.5 stars. Acceleration is the second installment in Amelia C. Gormley’s absolutely fabulous Impulse series. Picking up right where Inertia leaves off, Gavin and Derrick are still in the early days of their romance. Both men bring more than their fair share of emotional baggage with them and sometimes their relationship is practically smothered by the weight of it. But as the title promises, there is forward motion as these two men work to overcome the residual damage and insecurities from their respective pasts. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE. ( )

Acceleration is book two in the Impulse series by Amelia C. Gormley. The novel, Acceleration, by Amelia C. Gormley was supplied for review by the author. While it should be obvious to say, this is a honest review and I was not influenced by any action of the author. Acceleration is the second novel in the Impulse series by Amelia C. Gormley in which I have read.

Basic Plot:

The romance between Derrick and Gavin continuous to unfold, as they deal with their relationship and how their pasts influence their future.

Thoughts:

As with the writing of book 1, I found the dialogue exciting and provoking. One of my litmus tests of a quality read is if I find memorable quotes. I found within Acceleration a strong theme that Gormley continues throughout the series. I especially enjoy how Derrick’s struggles are examined and evolve, just like in real life, simply falling in love does not solve all of your problems.

I also really enjoyed the BDSM aspect of their sexual relationship. It was pleasing to see the evolution, much like it would in any couple as they learn to trust each other. There were also a few humiliation play scenes that were very hot, which is not often seen in many romance books. Note that, I did not feel it was extreme and it felt like it advanced their relationship and was not just an excuse for kinky sex.

This is book two in a three book series and I found that it suffered from the same issues that the Star Wars Trilogy or Lord of the Rings faced. In a typical book, you have the initial exciting meeting, then the conflict (internal or external), the climax, and finally the resolution and conclusion of the storyline. But, when the centralized theme is carried throughout three books, the middle book has less action and the focus is on that internal conflict with no resolution. This middle act often focuses on internal turmoil and with no real action it becomes a slow read. Perhaps the author tried to make up for this lack of action by increasing the number of sex scenes. However, I found the amount of sex scenes a little overwhelming and skimmed those toward the end.

I know that the author had a good reason for breaking up these two books, but I rather think I would have preferred combining the two and cutting out about 1/3 of the sex scenes. Playing the devil’s advocate here, I also read many books in between the two, so I would recommend reading the first two books of this series back to back.

Conclusion:

Acceleration , book two in the Impulse series by Amelia C. Gormley is a well written book that explores the emotional journey of two emotionally injured men. The book delves into a budding sexual relationship exploring BDSM. I look forward to reading the final book in the series, Velocity to find the conclusion of this emotionally charged series.

Overall I enjoyed the book, although I could not help but like the first book better. I suspect that the last book of the series will give us back that "excitement" that the first book had as the conclusion of the story.
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Due to the fact that I’m reading Acceleration weeks after I read Inertia, I’m not really sure if my perception is completely right, but I had the feeling this book was all about Derrick. Gavin is there, and he is a strong character, but what we got this time is Derrick’s side of the story, his worries about falling in love with Gavin so much that, in the even the HIV positive status comes true, he will not be able to survive another loss.

In a way, the ghost of death is, for how much twisted it could sound, probably one of the reasons why Derrick let Gavin into his life; Derrick is a protector, someone who wants to care for everyone. A totally healthy and independent Gavin is not someone who Derrick would let behind his protective barriers; a faulty Gavin, someone who Derrick sees as in needs of being nurtured, that is someone Derrick will consider to include in his circle. Has Derrick a Florence Nightingale’s syndrome? Probably. But most of all, he is scared.

Reading book 1, I had this feeling of Derrick as a good guy, maybe even too good, sure a little strange, but nothing serious. Now instead I understand that, probably comparing the two, Gavin and Derrick, who is needing more help is Derrick; Gavin’s trouble is even too much clear, Derrick’s issues are deeper, and stronger to eradicate.

As for the other installment, while it seemed longer, it actually doesn’t span much in the life of this couple, and when we leave them, they are just preparing to spend their first Christmas together. Christmas means family, and while Gavin and Derrick have introduced us to their adopted family of friends, I wouldn’t mind to see Derrick interact with Gavin’s wealthy and conservative blood relatives.

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