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Love Claire's books, and this didn't disappoint. Lots of suspense, danger, plot twists, and wonderful characters. Well-written and excellently plotted.

As the previous reviewed said, this book was a departure from what Clare usually writes, but the story and relationship between the characters, kept me rivoted through the entire book. I enjoyed it immensely. The characters were well crafted and the setting inventive. The plot is full and unexpected with interesting twists that fit with the story. HIghly recommended.

The best way not to be seen, sometimes, is to be in plain sight. Freeman, the main character from Clair London's book 'Freeman' knows this all too well. Trying to hide too much actually draws more attention to you, and Freeman doesn't want attention. He takes in the minutest detail, plotting, and planning, so he can be a step or two ahead of everyone else. This is what makes him the best. With enough time and money, Freeman can find anyone and anything. He normally separates work from his personal life, but in his latest endeavor, he finds the two inexplicably entwine when he falls in love with Kit, a seemingly odd match for the sophisticated detective; but as we all know, the heart wants what the heart wants, no matter how far-fetched it may seem. Before he knows it, having Kit has become one of the most important things in his life. At this point, Freeman has to figure out how to fulfill his assignment and keep Kit safe at the same time.

Freeman narrates the story, telling us only what we need to know at the time, in fact, what he tells us may or may not be the truth. He is an observer, taking in every detail of his environment and every move anyone makes, every word, and every facial expression. Freeman never stops calculating, just like a computer, and often, his very existence depends upon it. He can't afford to have feelings; they just get in the way. This gives everyone the impression that he's cold and unfeeling. This is why it's such a surprise to him when Kit affects him as strongly as he does. He marvels at how this young man gets past his defenses so quickly and thoroughly. Freeman fights it, partly because it is unsettling and partly because he should not mix work and pleasure. If there is any possible way, he will complete his assignment, justice will prevail, and he will have Kit as well, that is, if Kit still wants him once the truth comes to light.

Kit is inexplicably drawn to Freeman from the first time they meet, but he lets his stubbornness get in the way. He's cheeky and rebellious and confuses irresponsibility with freedom. Kit needs Freeman. He's his rock, the only stability in his otherwise out of control world. Kit instinctively knows this; he needs someone to care about him, somewhere to hang out without any expectations which gives him room to breathe. Being with Freeman provides this buffer for him. Kit doesn't really know Freeman but he senses that there are two people behind that mask, and the one he falls in love with is seldom revealed. More than anyone, Kit gets a glimpse of Freeman that no one else sees. He can sometimes worm his way past Freeman's barriers, but not for long. Kit is frustrated with Freeman because, as much as he may want to, Freeman won't make any decisions for Kit, especially since that's what everyone else in Kit's life tries to do. Kit's independence and growth are more important to Freeman than Kit's feelings about him, because he knows that without it, they will never be able to be together.

The use of an unreliable narrator gave this story an extra layer of mystery and suspense; it raised my curiosity and kept me on my toes wondering what was going to happen. I never knew for sure if I had the right information necessary to make assumptions about the characters so I wasn't able to clearly predict what was going to happen. I tried to apply what Freeman reveals, but it makes it much more difficult to predict future events. I found it fascinating! Clare London is one of the most versatile writers I know. I marvel at Clare taking on new challenges genre-wise: horror, comedy, supernatural, or mystery, as she's done in this intriguing tale.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, with an unusual love story mixed in, fascinating, complex characters, and provocative reveals. I hope I get to see more of Kit and Freeman in the future. Thank you, Clare, for the exceptional reading experience.

Originally reviewed at Rainbow Book Reviews.

I love narrated stories as you get to feel the story deeply and empathize with the characters, more so in the hands of an expressive writer. This is the case in Freeman, which is my second book from Clare. Freeman is one intense and gripping narration. Both plot and setting are highly original, its atmosphere tense, never overbearing and hold you captive right from the beginning till the end. I finished it in one sitting as I simply could not put it down. As for the characters of Freeman and Kit, they are fascinating.

Freeman the narrator is an intriguing personality, his past and present as mysterious as the man himself. What he does for a living is almost a secret. He seems cool to the outside world, tough and never reveals his emotions. Yet we know Freeman is capable of deep feelings when his controlled world starts to unravel as he falls for his ex-boss' boy-toy. Kit is the complete opposite, open with his feelings, even empathetic. There is a vulnerability within Kit and an intact innocence, traits which somehow calls to the protective instinct in Freeman who has built a wall around himself since his unhappy fallout with his ex-wife/ex-lover/ex-boss who were once his firm friends too. Yet Kit is far from a wimp with a strong will and instinct to survive in the near disastrous circumstances he found himself in.

I love the guys' chemistry and the deep emotions built-up between these 2 men, which Clare really excels. The supporting characters from Freeman's ex-lover to his ex-wife to the villain himself are all three dimensional, their interaction with Freeman just as intense. I enjoy the twists and turns in the plot especially the suspense towards the end. Like a cat and mouse game, we just hold our breath as the plot unfolds. I really appreciate this M/M romance thriller which is so distinct from the usual. Do not miss this one. Bravo Clare!

Freeman is a man on his own and his return to the city is a mystery to everyone-including friends he left behind years ago. As he benignly goes about his mysterious work, Freeman seems to have picked up the interest of his old friends, especially when he becomes involved with Kit. The more Freeman seems to remain on the fringe of life in the city, the more mysterious his presence becomes. Even in the face of Freeman's reluctant involvement with Kit, his fingers seem to be dipping into many of the pies that his old comrades are involved in. But when push comes to shove, what is Freeman really after? And what will become of Kit?

Freeman is a very complex and intricate tale that will keep you guessing well until the end - especially Freeman's motivations and motives for returning back to the city. Freeman is a mysterious character shrouded in emotional camouflage that hides his true feelings very well. Yet, his deviousness is incredible and his craftiness leads to a surprising end. Kit, on the other hand, is more of an open book on emotional terms, but his stubbornness lead him into more trouble than he can handle. As these two dance around each other, Claire. London creates a complicated web of drama and tension that will have you on the edge of your seat to see if Kit and Freeman will survive to see the end of the day and explore the feelings between them. Pick up Freeman a day you are looking for a gripping read that will have you reading well into the night!

Sabella
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed