Book Review: A Clean Break (Gay Amish Romance #2) by Keira Andrews

In this sequel to A Forbidden Rumspringa, Isaac and David have fled the strict rules and oppression they felt in the Amish lifestyle in Zebulon, Minnesota and have now settled with Aaron, Isaac's brother, in San Francisco. Experiencing extreme culture shock, David and Isaac try to acclimate and rebuild their lives. They still feel a great deal of guilt for leaving their families, but there was no other way. Despite knowing he made the right decision, David finds it increasingly difficult to blend in as he becomes buried by his insecurities, jealousy and little understanding of the new world he lives in.

This book definitely caught and held my attention throughout. However, the constant bickering, miscommunication and overall lack of communication between David and Isaac was frustrating. I completely understand how difficult it was for David to get used to his new life, but he seemed to take ten step back from where he was in book one. In A Forbidden Rumspringa, David was confident and more aggressive in going after what he wanted, even if it wasn't at all accepted in the Amish community. Now the tables have turned and it's Isaac who is the go-getter and excited about what the future holds. David was so burdened by his guilt that he could barely enjoy anything. To me, there was a disconnect between Isaac and David. They had no problems sexually, but sex isn't everything in a relationship. I fully believed they loved each other tremendously, but the past and fears of the future built a wall between the two of them.

It would be completely unrealistic to think that these two men would move to San Francisco and everything would be perfect. I expected there to be apprehension and self-doubt; however, I soon started to feel closed in by David's inner monologues of worthlessness and knowing he was going to hell (per his family). It was very sad.

The lack of communication between the two MCs was probably my biggest problem with the book. David may have had good intentions in not trying to concern Isaac with his worries, but it potentially cost him his relationship and mental health. I also felt that San Francisco was made to be a gay utopia. Of course the city is more open than most, but there are always people who don't agree and I wish that had been explored.

Don't get me wrong, Keira Andrews wrote a great book that gave me better insight into the MCs, and made me really like the secondary characters like Jen and Aaron. I was surprised and somewhat disgusted by Clark's sudden turn in attitude out of nowhere. He seemed like a good guy for 80% of the book and then out of nowhere (I assume to help facilitate the inevitable "big misunderstanding" between Isaac and David) turned into a complete jerk.

Just as a warning to readers, the end of the book ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger, but the third installment has been released, so you don't have to wait long to see what happens. I, for one, look forward to seeing what's in store for the sweet Amish boys who broke convention and fell in love with each other.

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~ M