“Michael Bagley and Chachi Spencer are back from “What if it Feels Good?” Again, I’m struck by this amazing story of desire and love between two men—Michael is now eighteen, Chachi is forty-something. “Metamorphosis” is about more and written with more heart than I’ve read in a very long time. D.J. McLaurin understands acceptance and, more importantly, infinite love. The novel is also about Michael’s extreme transformation. The author asks that you open your mind and heart in reading this wonderful story. It’s fiction, but the ordeals experienced by the characters happen in real life, albeit not your average life.
Michael and Chachi truly love each other—even when angry and confused. Conversely, they are not always true to their relationship. Michael experiences homelessness at fourteen, at eighteen, drug addiction trying to fight off his demons and near uncommon physical death. Chachi is a toff gadabout with celebrity status, deep pockets and don’t care who knows it. But he loves Michael.
The devil dogs Michael and Chachi in the person of Renee—Chachi’s ex-lover and mother of son Jasper. Chachi attempts to grant her maternal acknowledgment and visitation rights in an attempt to balance the child’s life, but Renee wants more and creates unspeakable horrors.
The families of Michael and Chachi support them throughout their life altering ordeals and rejections. Yet, there is still humor in the households.
D.J. McLaurin reached deep into research for information she weaves throughout this well crafted story. Each character, down to the Nannies, is clearly drawn. I enjoyed “Metamorphosis” as much as I did “What if it Feels Good? Now McLaurin has the unenviable task of surpassing in writing two novels!
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