Review: Lena @ Queer Magazine Online
Losing weight is one of the biggest challenges anyone ever has to face. If someone is overweight, chances are that they are painfully aware of it and the last thing they need is for someone to criticize them; that only makes matters worse! Motivation for losing weight, like any other lifestyle change, has to come from within. Unless your inward feelings about yourself reflect the outside changes, you'll always see what was there before, not as others presently see you. In 'Developing the Counsellor' by Serena Yates, Emilio Scarpino blames his inability to attract the right person on his weight, when in fact, it's his low self esteem. When he meets Ivan Macer, he's hesitant to believe that Ivan sees beyond Emilio's physical appearance and into his heart. Unless Emilio learns to see his true self, a relationship with Ivan won't be possible.
It was easy for me to identify with Emilio and his insecurities because I have some of the same ones. I know from personal experience how debilitating lack of self esteem can be. I also know that ignoring problems only make them worse. I cringed each time Emilio felt the pain of possible rejection and feelings whether real or imagined are valid at the time. I was definitely involved with Emilio and was rooting for him all the way and was very proud of him for him accomplishments.
I already admired Ivan from 'Saving the Bodyguard (New Horizons, #5)' when he insisted that his friend and business partner, Leo, attend anger management classes to control his temper which was ruining not only Leo's life, but threatening to destroy their business as well. In this story, as well as in the other, Ivan is supportive without being pushy or condescending. Even though he doesn't always understand Emilio's feelings, he shows great compassion and patience as he tries to accommodate and reassure him. This approach gives Emilio enough space to be able to come to terms with his own insecurities and begin to open up to Ivan allowing them to become closer.
I enjoyed 'Developing the Counsellor'. Serena tackled the issue of weight loss and body image in such a way that those who don't have a weight problem may gain a greater understanding of the problem and those who do will be right in there with Emilio cheering for him all the way; the hot men and steamy, sensual encounters are a delightful bonus as well. This is book #7 in the New Horizons series and can be read alone, but in order to obtain the full significance of the story, I'd recommend reading 'Saving the Body Guard' Book #5 and 'Noticing the Finance Manager' Book #6. For a great love story with an important message, I highly recommend this book. Thanks, Serena, for giving voice to an important issue which many of us have struggled with and for, once again, showing love a new direction.
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