Juggernaut

Erotic gay romance generally isn’t spoken of in the same breath as religious politics or postapocalyptic horror, yet Gormley manages to seamlessly blend all these elements in this impressive sequel to Strain. Nico Fernández prides himself on being a high-quality escort in a present-day world where work in the sex trade is legal—and can border on human trafficking. Zach Houtman is the son of a prominent religious politician, questioning his role in his father’s life and campaign. When Nico and Zach’s lives intersect, their mutual attraction overwhelms their professional and personal reasons for staying apart. Meanwhile, a weaponized disease mutates and turns people into revenants, and soon civilization collapses. Gormley’s straightforward style and seemingly intentional lack of subtlety work well to highlight current controversial issues. Unfortunately, the uncomfortable sexual intensity, borderline nonconsensual situations, and rushed cliffhanger ending detract from an otherwise well-constructed story. (Aug.)