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Falls Chance Ranch #3
Mustang Hill
300 pages, Free Online Fiction
Published December 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 2, 2013
Second Read - 5/22/13 - 5/24/13
Same rating as last time! In fact, I think I liked it better this time around :)
First Read - 7/22/12
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
This third installment in the Falls Chance Ranch series sees further exploration of the relationship and family of Dale, Paul, Flynn, Riley, and Jasper as well as the exploration of Dale's issues as he finally starts to get a grip on his new life on the ranch.
After a tumultuous summer of getting caught in mines, the discovery of Gam Saan, and a very celebratory commitment among friends and family at the ranch, fall has set in and winter is quickly approaching. Dale is given a work project, his first real project since his breakdown, which brings back a lot of the problems he's had trouble working through at the ranch. Combined with that stress, Dale continues seeing strange people and animals around the ranch. His analytical mind cannot leave an unsolved problem alone, and whether the origins are his own anxiety or a real mystical connection to the land doesn't seem to matter until Dale starts having extremely realistic dreams that uncover clues about a spiritual place on the ranch they call Mustang Hill, a spot where nothing grows and Dale finds strange markings. New friends from Three Traders, Luath and Darcy, return in this book as Dale starts to really believe in his place on the land and that his extraordinary mind for facts and figures also relates to seeing connections between people and places that the others don't.
This book is somewhat different than the previous ones, for several reasons. I've seen other readers have varying feelings about this book where most of them loved the previous ones for these reasons. For one, it is at least a third shorter. Where the second book, Three Traders moved beyond the internal and explored the whole of the ranch and the characters of the family, Mustang Hill is in many ways a retreat to the style of the first book. Without losing the connections made in the second book, this time the story is again a solitary journey for Dale. He's regressed in several ways that remind us of the first book. He is also dealing with a very private understanding of the land and why he can see certain things that only Jasper can see, and sometimes sees even more than Jasper.
The mysticism is something that I am always interested in, so I really ended up enjoying this book, even though it is a bit more subdued and certainly less exciting than TT. This is also Jasper's area of expertise. Having grown up Cherokee in the mountains of Virginia alone with his grandfather, learning the lore and essentially raised in isolation and of a lost period of time and Native American culture, he's connected with spirit and land more than anyone else. We have seen and gotten to know Jasper the least of the 5 main characters at the ranch, but he's one that I've always been really interested in. He's quiet, an observer and he has immense respect for everything around him. The discovery of the spiritual site atop Mustang Hill allows Dale and Jasper to connect in a way that they haven't before, and for us to see a side of Jasper up close that has always fascinated me. As a part of that, we get a lot more of his history and the history of the Shoshone area around this part of Wyoming.
I plowed through this book. It is the last of the completed books. The fourth book, Silver Bullet, isn't finished yet. I tried to slow myself reading this book because I really don't like to read WIP but this book was so much shorter that I found myself finished in a day. I'm really sad that I have to put this story down for a while. I have no idea of the schedule of releases, how fast these authors write, but I have a feeling that I'll be waiting quite a while to read the next book. No matter how much I'm trying to talk myself out of it…. I love these characters too much and I wouldn't be surprised if later today I can't stop myself from picking up the first chapter of Silver Bullet.
It will be a while before I'm able to review Silver Bullet, even if I do start reading it as it is being written. So I really hope that you all have enjoyed my reviews (more of a lengthy profile!) of this series. This series has become quite important to me. Of course it isn't without it's own problems, no matter how much I have gushed about it. Still, it's one of the best serials I've read. I have been really happy to see a lot of you pick these books up! It is such a good feeling to find a series that you love like this and then for them to be free. If you have the time and patience to read such long books, I couldn't recommend these more!
Same rating as last time! In fact, I think I liked it better this time around :)
First Read - 7/22/12
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
This third installment in the Falls Chance Ranch series sees further exploration of the relationship and family of Dale, Paul, Flynn, Riley, and Jasper as well as the exploration of Dale's issues as he finally starts to get a grip on his new life on the ranch.
After a tumultuous summer of getting caught in mines, the discovery of Gam Saan, and a very celebratory commitment among friends and family at the ranch, fall has set in and winter is quickly approaching. Dale is given a work project, his first real project since his breakdown, which brings back a lot of the problems he's had trouble working through at the ranch. Combined with that stress, Dale continues seeing strange people and animals around the ranch. His analytical mind cannot leave an unsolved problem alone, and whether the origins are his own anxiety or a real mystical connection to the land doesn't seem to matter until Dale starts having extremely realistic dreams that uncover clues about a spiritual place on the ranch they call Mustang Hill, a spot where nothing grows and Dale finds strange markings. New friends from Three Traders, Luath and Darcy, return in this book as Dale starts to really believe in his place on the land and that his extraordinary mind for facts and figures also relates to seeing connections between people and places that the others don't.
This book is somewhat different than the previous ones, for several reasons. I've seen other readers have varying feelings about this book where most of them loved the previous ones for these reasons. For one, it is at least a third shorter. Where the second book, Three Traders moved beyond the internal and explored the whole of the ranch and the characters of the family, Mustang Hill is in many ways a retreat to the style of the first book. Without losing the connections made in the second book, this time the story is again a solitary journey for Dale. He's regressed in several ways that remind us of the first book. He is also dealing with a very private understanding of the land and why he can see certain things that only Jasper can see, and sometimes sees even more than Jasper.
The mysticism is something that I am always interested in, so I really ended up enjoying this book, even though it is a bit more subdued and certainly less exciting than TT. This is also Jasper's area of expertise. Having grown up Cherokee in the mountains of Virginia alone with his grandfather, learning the lore and essentially raised in isolation and of a lost period of time and Native American culture, he's connected with spirit and land more than anyone else. We have seen and gotten to know Jasper the least of the 5 main characters at the ranch, but he's one that I've always been really interested in. He's quiet, an observer and he has immense respect for everything around him. The discovery of the spiritual site atop Mustang Hill allows Dale and Jasper to connect in a way that they haven't before, and for us to see a side of Jasper up close that has always fascinated me. As a part of that, we get a lot more of his history and the history of the Shoshone area around this part of Wyoming.
I plowed through this book. It is the last of the completed books. The fourth book, Silver Bullet, isn't finished yet. I tried to slow myself reading this book because I really don't like to read WIP but this book was so much shorter that I found myself finished in a day. I'm really sad that I have to put this story down for a while. I have no idea of the schedule of releases, how fast these authors write, but I have a feeling that I'll be waiting quite a while to read the next book. No matter how much I'm trying to talk myself out of it…. I love these characters too much and I wouldn't be surprised if later today I can't stop myself from picking up the first chapter of Silver Bullet.
It will be a while before I'm able to review Silver Bullet, even if I do start reading it as it is being written. So I really hope that you all have enjoyed my reviews (more of a lengthy profile!) of this series. This series has become quite important to me. Of course it isn't without it's own problems, no matter how much I have gushed about it. Still, it's one of the best serials I've read. I have been really happy to see a lot of you pick these books up! It is such a good feeling to find a series that you love like this and then for them to be free. If you have the time and patience to read such long books, I couldn't recommend these more!
June 10, 2018
I'm writing this review prior to writing my review for Book 2, which I read previously to this novel.
By far the most outstanding to date of the four novels in this series. The spanking continues (which I don't like, understand or want to read....but I do...read, where-as ordinarily I'd skip the passages). The spankings are not titillation, they are not in the slightest sexual, I just abhor corporeal punishment in any form. I'd rather be shouted at or privileges with-held personally.
So, the story continues and the plot is very much different to those of Book 1 and 2.
We learn more about Jasper than in the first two novels and Dale has a physical relationship with someone other than Flynn, which is neither here nor there if you're after the sex paragraphs, as there aren't any....these are all "fade to grey/black".
I must admit to being an emotional wreck by the end of the book. I cried. Always a good sign that the writing is first rate and the characters react properly to their plot/story.
Secondary characters come to the fore; Roger, working in the World Trade Centre on 11th September and the other characters that knew and loved him, is the focus of the novel, although the reader will not realise this until the very end.
Jasper's ancestry as a native American becomes more obvious, (the clues in earlier novels are there, but one can easily miss them).
Dale as the protagonist is still "getting it wrong" but his spiritualism is on a par with Jaspers' and their bond strengthens.
The use of language and the prose in this novel is outstanding. I defy anyone not to picture themselves within the landscape of the Ranch and its characters. Truly great writing and a magnificent read.
"Futue te ipsum et caballum tuum" translates to "Fuck you and the horse you rode in on".
Absolutely 5 stars.
By far the most outstanding to date of the four novels in this series. The spanking continues (which I don't like, understand or want to read....but I do...read, where-as ordinarily I'd skip the passages). The spankings are not titillation, they are not in the slightest sexual, I just abhor corporeal punishment in any form. I'd rather be shouted at or privileges with-held personally.
So, the story continues and the plot is very much different to those of Book 1 and 2.
We learn more about Jasper than in the first two novels and Dale has a physical relationship with someone other than Flynn, which is neither here nor there if you're after the sex paragraphs, as there aren't any....these are all "fade to grey/black".
I must admit to being an emotional wreck by the end of the book. I cried. Always a good sign that the writing is first rate and the characters react properly to their plot/story.
Secondary characters come to the fore; Roger, working in the World Trade Centre on 11th September and the other characters that knew and loved him, is the focus of the novel, although the reader will not realise this until the very end.
Jasper's ancestry as a native American becomes more obvious, (the clues in earlier novels are there, but one can easily miss them).
Dale as the protagonist is still "getting it wrong" but his spiritualism is on a par with Jaspers' and their bond strengthens.
The use of language and the prose in this novel is outstanding. I defy anyone not to picture themselves within the landscape of the Ranch and its characters. Truly great writing and a magnificent read.
"Futue te ipsum et caballum tuum" translates to "Fuck you and the horse you rode in on".
Absolutely 5 stars.
January 3, 2013
What on earth am I going to read now?
October 14, 2012
I deliberately took my time with this book and dipping into it each day was so warm and comfortable - like being wrapped in one of those Falls Chance quilts.... These characters (ranch and horses included) are familiar friends I do not want to part with just yet. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, this series is in a league of its own.
Now what on earth do I read next?
Or do I just cave in and start the next one...
Now what on earth do I read next?
Or do I just cave in and start the next one...
September 28, 2012
The tears! Holy Toledo, the tears!
I cried all the way through chapter 13. I cried for half an hour afterwards. And then I cried myself to sleep. And clearly my brain needed to process, as I woke up at 3am , 5am, and this morning, with my mind still running over Mustang Hill.
Utterly exhausting. Completely fabulous, but exhausting.
I cried all the way through chapter 13. I cried for half an hour afterwards. And then I cried myself to sleep. And clearly my brain needed to process, as I woke up at 3am , 5am, and this morning, with my mind still running over Mustang Hill.
Utterly exhausting. Completely fabulous, but exhausting.
November 9, 2012
Moved...for so very many reasons.
Ends perfectly.
Beautiful.
Ends perfectly.
Beautiful.
June 30, 2013
Mustang Hill is the third of the Falls Chance Ranch stories, following the main five characters throughout this series, of Flynn, Jasper, Paul, Riley and newest member Dale in their polyamorous relationship together at their Wyoming Ranch. In each book, as with this, the other extended family members play an important role. In this it's Luathe, his partner Roger, missing since the Twin Towers disaster, and their mutual friend Darcy who have an important role.
Three Tops, two brats, where domestic discipline is part of their daily and accepted lifestyle. On the face of it one might think...what, grown men being spanked or paddled...but this is a small yet integral part of the story and seems right within the context of their lives. Sexual relationships are there but more implicit than explicit in detail, loving, caring and right. Dale, from English origins, highly intelligent, an ex CEO trouble-shooter for a global corporation, and a recovering emotional mess and enigma is still learning how to deal with his emotions and share his problems or even ask his partners for help after a lifetime of independent emotional isolation but only with mixed success. He finds himself central to something I shall only say is very spiritual and emotive. I enjoyed how Jasper's heritage as a native Indian was included, and the visit and experience with Dale to speak with some elders, whose oral history, traditions and spiritual capabilities shed light on strange events experienced by Dale and to a lesser extent Jasper.
It relates to the Twin Towers disaster...9/11 a day when all of us old enough will recall with clarity, shock, horror and grief the events of this day and its aftermath. This reduced me to tears, yet the story has one of hope, not of a miracle, but of closure.
I love these stories, and thank Rolf and Ranger for them and the gift of reading them for free.
There may be occasional errors and typos but none detract from these powerful stories of people and relationships. This as the others I have rated as 5 star through and through, and can't wait to read the next in the series. Thanks Rolf, thanks Ranger.
Three Tops, two brats, where domestic discipline is part of their daily and accepted lifestyle. On the face of it one might think...what, grown men being spanked or paddled...but this is a small yet integral part of the story and seems right within the context of their lives. Sexual relationships are there but more implicit than explicit in detail, loving, caring and right. Dale, from English origins, highly intelligent, an ex CEO trouble-shooter for a global corporation, and a recovering emotional mess and enigma is still learning how to deal with his emotions and share his problems or even ask his partners for help after a lifetime of independent emotional isolation but only with mixed success. He finds himself central to something I shall only say is very spiritual and emotive. I enjoyed how Jasper's heritage as a native Indian was included, and the visit and experience with Dale to speak with some elders, whose oral history, traditions and spiritual capabilities shed light on strange events experienced by Dale and to a lesser extent Jasper.
It relates to the Twin Towers disaster...9/11 a day when all of us old enough will recall with clarity, shock, horror and grief the events of this day and its aftermath. This reduced me to tears, yet the story has one of hope, not of a miracle, but of closure.
I love these stories, and thank Rolf and Ranger for them and the gift of reading them for free.
There may be occasional errors and typos but none detract from these powerful stories of people and relationships. This as the others I have rated as 5 star through and through, and can't wait to read the next in the series. Thanks Rolf, thanks Ranger.
October 4, 2012
Another powerful addition to the story. The struggle of finding one's place is so poignant and calmly stated that the revelations come slowly and peacefully. Highly emotive without melodrama and well worth the time.
Favorite quote:
“The best natured animal can be turned vicious by bad handling.” he said eventually, very mildly. “Behaviour is a habit.” Ch. 11
Favorite quote:
“The best natured animal can be turned vicious by bad handling.” he said eventually, very mildly. “Behaviour is a habit.” Ch. 11
September 28, 2013
What is it about these books that has taken me in against my better judgement? They are my comfort read du juor. One more almost done book and some shorts to go..
June 23, 2018
couldn't put it down despite the niggles - 3.5*
In this third installment of the series I once again have same issues about language choices (British words Americans never say and the excessive cases of "wry"), the overabundance of spanking scenes, lack of editing. However just as before these pale against the enjoyment of reading about the ranch and the men.
Slightly more problematic was the native spiritualism. This was a major theme in the story and it felt a bit off. Nothing at all like the spirituality of my local nations but things could be different in Wyoming. I am no expert so I simply chose to feel cautious in taking any real ideas about first nations beliefs from this book.
Dale is settling in to the ranch and forming stronger relationships with the other 4 men and the extended family. He is also seeing David more often. He can not get a handle on a recurring nightmare and has a lot of stress. We get to know more about Jasper as him and Dale connect over their connection to the spirit world.
My heart broke for Luath who is still mourning the loss of his partner.
In this third installment of the series I once again have same issues about language choices (British words Americans never say and the excessive cases of "wry"), the overabundance of spanking scenes, lack of editing. However just as before these pale against the enjoyment of reading about the ranch and the men.
Slightly more problematic was the native spiritualism. This was a major theme in the story and it felt a bit off. Nothing at all like the spirituality of my local nations but things could be different in Wyoming. I am no expert so I simply chose to feel cautious in taking any real ideas about first nations beliefs from this book.
Dale is settling in to the ranch and forming stronger relationships with the other 4 men and the extended family. He is also seeing David more often. He can not get a handle on a recurring nightmare and has a lot of stress. We get to know more about Jasper as him and Dale connect over their connection to the spirit world.
My heart broke for Luath who is still mourning the loss of his partner.
August 13, 2024
Mustang Hill is the shortest book in the Falls Chance Ranch series as well as the most spiritual.
I also like to think of it as Jasper's book. Jasper has always been the most elusive and hard to grasp member of the main five, and even though he is very present in all of the books Mustang Hill is where he steps into the foreground for the first time.
Big topics of this books include grief and spirituality, Shoshone and Cherokee history and traditions, perfectionism and 9/11 - not on a political, but on a deeply personal level related to the families of those who were in the towers that day.
It's also incredibly emotional. It's raw and makes you ache, and I can't wrap my head around how masterfully it's implemented - how deeply the authors make you feel, even when having no personal stakes or any sort of interest in the topics. That counts for all books in this series, but this one especially - to make me care this much about a characters who don't even appear in the book & move me to tears regarding them??? I didn't think it was possible.
Highlights include:
- Riley saving a mustang mare
- a very cross Paul
- Paul and Dale having a silent but fierce battle over the colour of quilts and the order of the herb pots
- Dale starting his freelance work and it ending spectacularly
- Dale and Riley's first (and only) big fight which ends hilariously and Dale gets a 6 out of 10 in doorslamming (mostly for effort)
- a roll in the hay
- a spirit stallion
- introduction to the "Darcy - brat or no brat?" discussion
- "It's over, they've found Roger." (I cry ever time omg)
I also like to think of it as Jasper's book. Jasper has always been the most elusive and hard to grasp member of the main five, and even though he is very present in all of the books Mustang Hill is where he steps into the foreground for the first time.
Big topics of this books include grief and spirituality, Shoshone and Cherokee history and traditions, perfectionism and 9/11 - not on a political, but on a deeply personal level related to the families of those who were in the towers that day.
It's also incredibly emotional. It's raw and makes you ache, and I can't wrap my head around how masterfully it's implemented - how deeply the authors make you feel, even when having no personal stakes or any sort of interest in the topics. That counts for all books in this series, but this one especially - to make me care this much about a characters who don't even appear in the book & move me to tears regarding them??? I didn't think it was possible.
Highlights include:
- Riley saving a mustang mare
- a very cross Paul
- Paul and Dale having a silent but fierce battle over the colour of quilts and the order of the herb pots
- Dale starting his freelance work and it ending spectacularly
- Dale and Riley's first (and only) big fight which ends hilariously and Dale gets a 6 out of 10 in doorslamming (mostly for effort)
- a roll in the hay
- a spirit stallion
- introduction to the "Darcy - brat or no brat?" discussion
- "It's over, they've found Roger." (I cry ever time omg)
June 18, 2013
This is another winner. If you liked the first novel in the quartet you will appreciate the continuation in this third title in the continuing saga as well. Yes, the stories are all quite long. It is a polyamory story of M/M/M/M/M+ interactions with no detailed sex but a lot of caring and affection. The location and personal descriptions are generous; it made me feel like I was there. Although I liked all the guys, Jasper really appealed to me for his personality and different manner of closeness. I felt at home with them all.
August 7, 2012
This series runs way too long, too repetitive, some free handed editing could really pep it up. It's not always easy to be sure who is speaking or whose POV you are reading because characters who are supposed to be American or Canadian speak Brit-speak or Antipode-speak (?). Sure if you spend a lot of time with someone, you are going to pick up words and phrases, but it wouldn't change how you structure your sentences.
January 21, 2012
Again, I love these stories and the men in them. I found myself wanting to yell at Dale to do the right thank so he wouldn't get in trouble. I am so into their lives that I have read through all three parts of the series and going onto the 4th now. If you aren't reading them...you need to go stand in the corner :)
February 20, 2023
First read February 9 - 17, 2012
I still love the guys, but this part of the story was too repetitive and had way too many dreams for my liking.
EDA: Re-read from 04/26 till06/09
It took me quite some time to finish and I have to say: nothing to add to my first summing up:)
Re-read from 05/16 - 05/18, 2021
This time I liked it a lot more and even all the dreams weren't too disturbing.
I still love the guys, but this part of the story was too repetitive and had way too many dreams for my liking.
EDA: Re-read from 04/26 till06/09
It took me quite some time to finish and I have to say: nothing to add to my first summing up:)
Re-read from 05/16 - 05/18, 2021
This time I liked it a lot more and even all the dreams weren't too disturbing.
November 7, 2012
I prefered this one to the book 2 even though I do not understand how so brilliant Dale managed to forget the glasses and did not even remember them when he saw photos of Roger with his glasses on.
I will read the next one. :))
I will read the next one. :))
April 25, 2020
4.5 stars
I teared up several times with this one, and finally had to give in to a full-on cry at one point, all due to the 9/11 flashbacks. They are strikingly poignant and focus on the details of that tragedy that I have always found the hardest to think about. It's not overwhelming in any way, and it's just a small part of this story, but it's very effective.
I teared up several times with this one, and finally had to give in to a full-on cry at one point, all due to the 9/11 flashbacks. They are strikingly poignant and focus on the details of that tragedy that I have always found the hardest to think about. It's not overwhelming in any way, and it's just a small part of this story, but it's very effective.
May 14, 2018
I cannot say enough good things about this series. Near and dear to my heart.
August 26, 2018
I think this is my favorite so far even though I like all. It's almost like they've become your very own friends. OMG the ending to this one ... Super.
Finally figured how to download to my tablet.
Finally figured how to download to my tablet.
March 13, 2014
at the start of the book dale is away from the ranch for a month on his first real project since his breakdown, which brings back a lot of the stress and unfortunately derails his recovery. upon returning to the ranch so his family can help pick himself up again, he continues seeing strange and sometimes scary events around the ranch, and the vivid nightmares get worse and worse. not knowing whether the events he sees while awake are a product of his own anxiety or a mystical connection to the past, his analytical mind cannot leave this unsolved problem alone, and he keeps following the clues to a spiritual place on the ranch called "mustang hill", a clearing in the woods where nothing grows, petroglyphs are carved into rocks, and something intangible seems to haunt the place, ready to attack. of his partners, jasper is the only one who also senses some of the things dale experiences on mustang hill, and helps him explore their meaning.
unfortunately this book has 2 strikes against it for me right off the top -- domestic discipline, and sorta-native-american mysticism. i have complicated feelings around appropriation and this hits them right smack in the middle and i felt uncomfortable the entire time. not the discomfort of "you really ought to examine your own preconceptions here", like i feel about the domestic discipline, but discomfort with the myth of oppressed people being used by someone not of those people to elevate a character also not of those people. using 9-11 is alas another half strike. it's not the authors' fault, there's nothing wrong with the storytelling, the authors strike me as sensitive and tolerant and thoroughly well-meaning, and the story is potentially a very touching one for somebody not-me, but i am desensitised and allergic due to years of cold-blooded exploitation by american politicians, and the unrelenting erosion of civil rights in its wake. which reminds me: dear ranger & rolf; please do not use "politically correct" in your books unless you actually WANT to sound like american rightwing nitwits. people who use it over here usually have problems with empathy, and consider it a bleeding-heart liberal weakness. they would hate the people in your books for being deviants in every which way, and a little spanking would not reconcile them. eradicate the term from your vocabulary; you'll be better off.
all that said (just blurt it out, dale), i actually found dale's development very interesting even though it is partly headed in a direction i can't relate to, and i was glad to see jasper show more of himself (even though the character of jasper makes me uncomfortable (see appropriation)). i also don't quite grok how jasper got into DD; it seems to make absolutely no sense to me from looking at his beliefs.
it's quite a fascinating journey, and has a bit of a mystery feel to it, which really attracts me. and i am clearly too tired to do this review justice, so for now, this is it. it sounds more negative than i actually feel; i still love the series, i still love dale, i can't get enough of reading about him. the love and affection that runs through these books -- not just for people alive today, but for people of the past, their culture and history, and the land on which they lived -- is wonderful, heartwarming, and inspirational.
unfortunately this book has 2 strikes against it for me right off the top -- domestic discipline, and sorta-native-american mysticism. i have complicated feelings around appropriation and this hits them right smack in the middle and i felt uncomfortable the entire time. not the discomfort of "you really ought to examine your own preconceptions here", like i feel about the domestic discipline, but discomfort with the myth of oppressed people being used by someone not of those people to elevate a character also not of those people. using 9-11 is alas another half strike. it's not the authors' fault, there's nothing wrong with the storytelling, the authors strike me as sensitive and tolerant and thoroughly well-meaning, and the story is potentially a very touching one for somebody not-me, but i am desensitised and allergic due to years of cold-blooded exploitation by american politicians, and the unrelenting erosion of civil rights in its wake. which reminds me: dear ranger & rolf; please do not use "politically correct" in your books unless you actually WANT to sound like american rightwing nitwits. people who use it over here usually have problems with empathy, and consider it a bleeding-heart liberal weakness. they would hate the people in your books for being deviants in every which way, and a little spanking would not reconcile them. eradicate the term from your vocabulary; you'll be better off.
all that said (just blurt it out, dale), i actually found dale's development very interesting even though it is partly headed in a direction i can't relate to, and i was glad to see jasper show more of himself (even though the character of jasper makes me uncomfortable (see appropriation)). i also don't quite grok how jasper got into DD; it seems to make absolutely no sense to me from looking at his beliefs.
it's quite a fascinating journey, and has a bit of a mystery feel to it, which really attracts me. and i am clearly too tired to do this review justice, so for now, this is it. it sounds more negative than i actually feel; i still love the series, i still love dale, i can't get enough of reading about him. the love and affection that runs through these books -- not just for people alive today, but for people of the past, their culture and history, and the land on which they lived -- is wonderful, heartwarming, and inspirational.
July 15, 2019
Dale continues to settle in at Falls Chance Ranch, and also explores his spirituality and connection to the land.
That summary does not do this book justice, but never mind.
I really enjoyed the character development in this. Dale is starting to grow in leaps and bounds, but he is not magically over his problems. He still has a long way to go, even though this book does a lot to further that goal. It makes me happy that Dale is not just magically fixed by the power of love, and that he really has to work hard, and it is acknowledged that it is not going to be an easy road and then it actually isn't. This is so often not the case.
We also get to learn more about the other men on the ranch, Jasper especially. I am always open to learning more about Jasper.
But it isn't only the five main characters we get to learn more about. We're starting to learn even more about the extended ranch family. This time, the focus is on Luath, Darcy, and Roger. It doesn't matter that Roger was dead before Dale came into the family (that is often the case - e.g. Philip and David), his presence is strongly felt throughout the book.
I don't really have the words to describe how emotional this book made me. There is something about reliving events like that through a character that just hit you hard, especially if the events really happened. And then you think about the effect something like that would have on the surviving member of the relationship. I had to put the book down for a moment.
I also really love all the stuff with horses in these books. They really do a good job of showing what wonderful, personality-filled animals horses are. I'm not a horse person, and I'm actually really allergic, but these books made me buy a horse-themed counted cross stitch. Yeah. That's how obsessed I am with these books.
There's actually a lot more sex in this book than the previous two books, but none of it is explicit. To be honest, I'm really enjoying that aspect of the series (not that I'd mind if things got more explicit, it would just feel a little like an intrusion (maybe)).
This is free online fiction, so the little errors in formatting and stuff have actually stopped bothering me. There really is not enough of all that to interfere with the reading experience - this is no typo-ridden mess, that's for sure. :)
I'm pretty sure now I'm going to devour anything written about these men. I love finding series that suck me in like this. <3
That summary does not do this book justice, but never mind.
I really enjoyed the character development in this. Dale is starting to grow in leaps and bounds, but he is not magically over his problems. He still has a long way to go, even though this book does a lot to further that goal. It makes me happy that Dale is not just magically fixed by the power of love, and that he really has to work hard, and it is acknowledged that it is not going to be an easy road and then it actually isn't. This is so often not the case.
We also get to learn more about the other men on the ranch, Jasper especially. I am always open to learning more about Jasper.
But it isn't only the five main characters we get to learn more about. We're starting to learn even more about the extended ranch family. This time, the focus is on Luath, Darcy, and Roger. It doesn't matter that Roger was dead before Dale came into the family (that is often the case - e.g. Philip and David), his presence is strongly felt throughout the book.
I don't really have the words to describe how emotional this book made me. There is something about reliving events like that through a character that just hit you hard, especially if the events really happened. And then you think about the effect something like that would have on the surviving member of the relationship. I had to put the book down for a moment.
I also really love all the stuff with horses in these books. They really do a good job of showing what wonderful, personality-filled animals horses are. I'm not a horse person, and I'm actually really allergic, but these books made me buy a horse-themed counted cross stitch. Yeah. That's how obsessed I am with these books.
There's actually a lot more sex in this book than the previous two books, but none of it is explicit. To be honest, I'm really enjoying that aspect of the series (not that I'd mind if things got more explicit, it would just feel a little like an intrusion (maybe)).
This is free online fiction, so the little errors in formatting and stuff have actually stopped bothering me. There really is not enough of all that to interfere with the reading experience - this is no typo-ridden mess, that's for sure. :)
I'm pretty sure now I'm going to devour anything written about these men. I love finding series that suck me in like this. <3
April 7, 2013
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this one. It's extremely creative & deftly interweaves past with the present, dream & reality with a healthy dose of mysticism. I will say there are some parts that are somewhat difficult to discern especially dream from reality-there's oftentimes no real demarcation between them. That's really the only criticism though & as long as you're paying attention it's not that difficult to overcome.
Finally, we get to learn more about Jasper! His & Dale's relationship expands as Dale learns to trust the others. It's not without its growing pains though & Dale lands himself in some pretty hot water with the other 4 after a freelance project implodes. The discipline gets ratcheted up to the point where Dale's ass prolly looks something akin to leather after these few weeks & Dale & Riley have their first fight. Poor Dale. He's a hot mess. Adorable... but a hot mess nevertheless. He has another anxiety spin out/meltdown but thankfully it isn't as severe as the one that got him sent to Falls Chance to begin with. David makes several appearances mostly in Dale's dreams & it's clear he is trying to convey something of importance to him, it's just not clear what exactly, although it is somehow related to Mustang Hill (sacred site on the ranch). Dale has a couple of awful incidents on the hill & those get interwoven into his nightmares. Luath & Darcy return to the ranch & play in integral role in this installment.
I felt like it ended rather abruptly but overall I found I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first two. On to the last one...
I really enjoyed this one. It's extremely creative & deftly interweaves past with the present, dream & reality with a healthy dose of mysticism. I will say there are some parts that are somewhat difficult to discern especially dream from reality-there's oftentimes no real demarcation between them. That's really the only criticism though & as long as you're paying attention it's not that difficult to overcome.
Finally, we get to learn more about Jasper! His & Dale's relationship expands as Dale learns to trust the others. It's not without its growing pains though & Dale lands himself in some pretty hot water with the other 4 after a freelance project implodes. The discipline gets ratcheted up to the point where Dale's ass prolly looks something akin to leather after these few weeks & Dale & Riley have their first fight. Poor Dale. He's a hot mess. Adorable... but a hot mess nevertheless. He has another anxiety spin out/meltdown but thankfully it isn't as severe as the one that got him sent to Falls Chance to begin with. David makes several appearances mostly in Dale's dreams & it's clear he is trying to convey something of importance to him, it's just not clear what exactly, although it is somehow related to Mustang Hill (sacred site on the ranch). Dale has a couple of awful incidents on the hill & those get interwoven into his nightmares. Luath & Darcy return to the ranch & play in integral role in this installment.
I felt like it ended rather abruptly but overall I found I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first two. On to the last one...
September 24, 2023
Re-read: This is the shortest of the main stories, and it turns the series most directly towards the mystical. I absolutely love this series, even when this one pulls at some heartwrenching strings.
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Still loving this series.
This book was way more mystical than the other two, though the others did have that element a little with Dale seeing David. This book had the spooky/ mystical elements of Mustang Hill with the added component of the tragedy of Ralph. Dale started back working as a freelancer, and it definitely didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped it would. By the end of the book Dale was finally starting to really trust his men with his emotions, turning to them when he needed them.
This series is such a comfort read for me, and I know I'll re-read it in the future.
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Still loving this series.
This book was way more mystical than the other two, though the others did have that element a little with Dale seeing David. This book had the spooky/ mystical elements of Mustang Hill with the added component of the tragedy of Ralph. Dale started back working as a freelancer, and it definitely didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped it would. By the end of the book Dale was finally starting to really trust his men with his emotions, turning to them when he needed them.
This series is such a comfort read for me, and I know I'll re-read it in the future.
May 6, 2016
I love this series for the same reasons I love Merchant & Ivory films - beautiful scenery, slow burn, plenty of innocence, character development, and a feeling of warmth and homecoming while I'm reading or reflecting on the story. All of that plus polyamory and domestic discipline? Even more amazing. Lucky for me, I can get the peace and calm of being with this family without any of the spanking.
This third book was a bit less appealing to me because of the visions of the land, but more appealing in understanding the dynamics of the larger family of the ranch. Still 5 stars - clearly. But when I re-read, I'll probably re-read book 2 ... of course, I just started book 4, so I might change my mind on that.
This third book was a bit less appealing to me because of the visions of the land, but more appealing in understanding the dynamics of the larger family of the ranch. Still 5 stars - clearly. But when I re-read, I'll probably re-read book 2 ... of course, I just started book 4, so I might change my mind on that.
January 18, 2012
Other than an ongoing irritation on my part with phrases such as 'unpolitically correct' (because what was actually meant was 'politically incorrect') this is a solid continuation of the series and a usually very well written and structured piece of fiction. This book is a further insight into the men and their relationship(s) and a recommended read for anyone who is tired of the "insta-" style of books, here we have real relationships in all their messy, complicated, full glory and narry a quick fix in sight.
February 7, 2017
This series is truly one of my favourite. The characters just keep building and getting better. I love seeing the relationship between these men growing. And while it's a complicated relationship to say the very least, it's a beautiful one to feel part of.
And that's one of the things these authors definitely achieve. They make you a part of these men, A part of their world, their life. And it's why this is so firmly an absolute favourite of mine.
And that's one of the things these authors definitely achieve. They make you a part of these men, A part of their world, their life. And it's why this is so firmly an absolute favourite of mine.
June 22, 2013
I love this series! This one gets more into Dale's spirituality and there's much more insight into Jasper and his Native traditions. Also, some genuinely quite spooky and incredibly moving moments. I love the way the authors gradually introduce the wider family, and definitely felt closer to Luath at the end of this.
September 11, 2015
There's so many raw and gut wrenching emotion in this story. Every chapter is so riveting. The gorgeous, beautiful story of Luath, Roger and Darcy's love and friendship, to their sad tragedy. It broke my heart.
And my lovely lovely Dale. I adore him so much. Such a confused selfless man, but he loves hard. I can't wait to read his next journey.
And my lovely lovely Dale. I adore him so much. Such a confused selfless man, but he loves hard. I can't wait to read his next journey.
February 15, 2013
Beautiful story. Glad to see more of Jasper's relationship with Dale take hold along with a bit more intimacy with the rest of the family member's like Riley as well. I still feel like they are in a sexless marriage but it seems to be coming together as Dale get's more stable. Love these men!
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