Ally Blue has a gift for writing gay romances that revolve around healing. “Easy,” “Untamed Hearts,” and “Willow Bend” all had characters going through very difficult times who are hesitant to start relationships again. But, love wins out eventually! Forgotten Song is another successful novel in this vein.

This novel has a darker undercurrent than previous works. Eric Green has had a horrible life. So horrible in fact, that if I didn’t watch so many true crime shows I would’ve found it hard to believe that so much could happen to one person. But it can and does. His body has many visible scars, but his heart has even more. Eric survived a brutal assault and ran from his old life. Ben first encounters Eric outside a bar his band performs at. Eric is, surprisingly, winning a fist fight against a much larger opponent. But underneath that bravado, he’s panic-stricken. Ben convinces Eric to come home with him after seeing how bad off he is. There is an attraction between them, but Eric is damaged and afraid he can’t give Ben what he needs – and deserves.

What made this novel really special was that the author didn’t discount the horrors in Eric’s life with a trite “true love conquers all at first sight”. The two men struggle with Eric’s demons for most of the novel. Abuse cannot be overcome simply by a loving, patient partner. Professional help and time are also necessary. Eric slowly opens up to Ben, telling him more of what has made him so skittish. There is sex in the novel, but not as much as in some of Blue’s other books. But those scenes are very tender as readers finally understand how much it costs Eric to open up to another person. There is a subplot to the story about how Eric’s life truly is in danger from someone (I won’t spoil it here) and that provides a good counterpoint to their romance. And again, the author doesn’t shy away from a dark tone. Neither man escapes the trouble unscathed, making the story seem more realistic.

Overall, this was a very good novel which balances tears with laughter as only Ally Blue can. Sacrifices are necessary for the happily ever after, and it makes their love all the more poignant. Highly recommended. ( )