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Hawkins Brothers/Quinten, Montana #7
Quick to the Hunt
Genre: LGBT Contemporary Western
Series: Hawkins Ranch
Previous Book: Becoming Three
War veteran Hunter Tennison returns home physically and emotionally scarred. Unable to bear feeling anything, Hunter uses pain to quiet the chaos and to keep his emotions from destroying him. Hunter dare not risk falling in love. He can't let anyone get close enough to see the violence inside him.
In business and relationships, Alexander Quick is practical and rational. The first time Alex looks into Hunter's eyes, he sees the damaged soul within, and adamantly tells himself not to get involved. Too many things could go haywire with a volatile man like Hunter, and Alex doesn't enter into relationships where he cannot predict the outcome.
Then Alex learns his mentor is ill. The news sends him reeling. Alex suddenly sees his life isn't as perfect as he thought. An ache for something meaningful stirs in Alex, and Hunter's broken soul draws him in like a beacon on the blackest night.
Two men, one running like hell from love and the other opening himself to the emotion for the first time, collide. Hunter and Alex begin a darkly sexual relationship bound to explode. In the aftermath, can Alex make Hunter believe their love is powerful enough to heal his scars?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, self-injury, spanking.
Series: Hawkins Ranch
Previous Book: Becoming Three
War veteran Hunter Tennison returns home physically and emotionally scarred. Unable to bear feeling anything, Hunter uses pain to quiet the chaos and to keep his emotions from destroying him. Hunter dare not risk falling in love. He can't let anyone get close enough to see the violence inside him.
In business and relationships, Alexander Quick is practical and rational. The first time Alex looks into Hunter's eyes, he sees the damaged soul within, and adamantly tells himself not to get involved. Too many things could go haywire with a volatile man like Hunter, and Alex doesn't enter into relationships where he cannot predict the outcome.
Then Alex learns his mentor is ill. The news sends him reeling. Alex suddenly sees his life isn't as perfect as he thought. An ache for something meaningful stirs in Alex, and Hunter's broken soul draws him in like a beacon on the blackest night.
Two men, one running like hell from love and the other opening himself to the emotion for the first time, collide. Hunter and Alex begin a darkly sexual relationship bound to explode. In the aftermath, can Alex make Hunter believe their love is powerful enough to heal his scars?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, self-injury, spanking.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2011
37 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Dane
31 books878 followersI am an air force brat and spent most of my growing up years living overseas in Italy and England, as well as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Virginia while we were stateside. I now live in Florida once again with my big, wonderfully pushy family and my three-legged cat, Harry. I have been reading romance novels since I was twelve years old, and twenty years later I still adore them. Currently, I have an unexplainable obsession with hockey goaltenders, and an unabashed affection for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 20, 2016
Spoilers below
I've had mixed experiences with Cameron Dane's work, but have generally liked her books. Knowing Caleb is one of my favourite MM paranormal reads. So I'm completely surprised that I had such a negative reaction to 'Quick to the Hunt'. And it all comes down to Hunter Tennison.
The start of Hunter and Alex's romance is what I usually like and enjoy from this author. Two lonely men finding each other, and realizing that not only do they find each other attractive, but also pluck at one another's heartstrings. But Cameron Dane changes it up here by making Hunter more broken than usual for her MCs.
After having served in the military and loosing a couple of fingers, Hunter is plagued by incredibly violent visions of him murdering his loved ones. Hunter's condition was just too much for me.
I absolutely hated the first sex scene, where Hunter basically attacks Alex, forcing himself into him, and then biting and clawing at him in a crazed frenzy. And Alex's response is to accept the way he's treated. This starts a pattern of abuse between Hunter and Alex, which culminates in Hunter beating the crap out of Alex later in the book. And once again, Alex accepts it and blames himself. It was vile.
I don't read many dark books, but I tend to enjoy the ones I do. What I can't stand is when physical and sexual abuse is written as romantic, and when the MC at the receiving end accepts the abuse as his due. If I'm going to read something twisted, I expect it be explicitly written as a twisted love story (like Chance Assassin), and not be passed off as a regular contemporary romance.
I'm also not okay with the reason given for Hunter's behaviour - PTSD. I'm no expert on PTSD, but from my understanding, it doesn't generally result in vivid thoughts of brutally murdering your loved ones. My guess is that in the real world, Hunter's condition would probably be diagnosed as something other than PTSD.
And it certainly can't be fixed with a few therapy sessions. I would think, at a minimum, Hunter's situation would require on-going check-ins and therapy, and medication.
I very rarely give 1 stars, and can usually find something to bump up my rating to 2. But in this case, I just couldn't get over how Hunter treated Alex, Alex's meek acceptance, and passing off Hunter's issues as PTSD.
I've had mixed experiences with Cameron Dane's work, but have generally liked her books. Knowing Caleb is one of my favourite MM paranormal reads. So I'm completely surprised that I had such a negative reaction to 'Quick to the Hunt'. And it all comes down to Hunter Tennison.
The start of Hunter and Alex's romance is what I usually like and enjoy from this author. Two lonely men finding each other, and realizing that not only do they find each other attractive, but also pluck at one another's heartstrings. But Cameron Dane changes it up here by making Hunter more broken than usual for her MCs.
After having served in the military and loosing a couple of fingers, Hunter is plagued by incredibly violent visions of him murdering his loved ones. Hunter's condition was just too much for me.
I absolutely hated the first sex scene, where Hunter basically attacks Alex, forcing himself into him, and then biting and clawing at him in a crazed frenzy. And Alex's response is to accept the way he's treated. This starts a pattern of abuse between Hunter and Alex, which culminates in Hunter beating the crap out of Alex later in the book. And once again, Alex accepts it and blames himself. It was vile.
I don't read many dark books, but I tend to enjoy the ones I do. What I can't stand is when physical and sexual abuse is written as romantic, and when the MC at the receiving end accepts the abuse as his due. If I'm going to read something twisted, I expect it be explicitly written as a twisted love story (like Chance Assassin), and not be passed off as a regular contemporary romance.
I'm also not okay with the reason given for Hunter's behaviour - PTSD. I'm no expert on PTSD, but from my understanding, it doesn't generally result in vivid thoughts of brutally murdering your loved ones. My guess is that in the real world, Hunter's condition would probably be diagnosed as something other than PTSD.
And it certainly can't be fixed with a few therapy sessions. I would think, at a minimum, Hunter's situation would require on-going check-ins and therapy, and medication.
I very rarely give 1 stars, and can usually find something to bump up my rating to 2. But in this case, I just couldn't get over how Hunter treated Alex, Alex's meek acceptance, and passing off Hunter's issues as PTSD.
December 31, 2015
This is the best book of the Quentin Montana/Hawkins Ranch series and that's saying something as, for me, they have all been a good read. It deserves every bit of the 5 star rating, it's terrific. I always knew there was a dark writer inside of Cameron Dane and Quick to the Hunt is proof positive of that.
First of all in order to get the most out of this book you need to like/be comfortable reading M/M, dark psychological content and some fierce/angry sex scenes. Over 80% of this book is not spent in a comfortable or happy place.
Hunter Tennison is Sarah's brother (she's an MC in Becoming Three), he has come back after several tours of Iraq/Afghanistan. He has been stateside for aprroximately a year and has hidden this fact from his sister. Hunter is a very disturbed man who is self harming to deal with the pain of loss and enduring what humans aren't meant to - the atrocities that go hand in hand with being in a war - killing, friends being killed and bodies permanently maimed. Hunter is a good man that has been through the emotional wringer. He is now trying to adjust to being in his home town, working and endeavouring to fit back into everday, civillian life, but he is not coping. You can't help but feel for him and his plight.
Alex Quick was also made familiar as a secondary character in Becoming Three. He is the head of a multi-million dollar empire of real estate and other business ventures, he's in Quentin to develop land into housing. Alex had a rough childhood, however a steady constant in his life has been Mack. Mack is ill during Alex's time in Quentin but he is a tough guy and slogs through his illness in his usual 'I'll be fine' manner. Alex goes back and forth between Mack and Quentin but eventually Mack dies, leaving Alex to deal with losing an important part of his life. I just want to say that I truly love Alex Quick, he is a wonderful character, he may not be your stereotypical alpha male, but he is all man. Someone who will stand by a partner in their darkest hour and love them unconditionally encapsulates a real man to me.
Alex and Hunter develop an attraction towards one another despite their best efforts not to act on it. Hunter, because he is not of sound mind and Alex, because he's not sure he wants the desolate man that he sees in Hunter. Basically, while they do get together sexually, I must say it is not pretty. Hunter cannot handle love or being loved, it triggers all sorts of self loathing and panicked reactions, whether that be Alex and himself or his sister and his best friend. Sarah and her partners, especially Jace, who has been Hunters' best friend, are worried about this 'new' Hunter. Alex develops feelings of love for Hunter which is reciprocated with angry, violent sexual and physical encounters. Hunter will not go and see therapists that Sarah and Jace have organised for him and now believes self harm is the best way to keep him from feeling, but all he is doing is pushing himself further into a dark mire.
I have to say, even though it is violent in nature, one of the hottest sex scenes I've ever read is in this book, in the farmhouse being renovated, bloody hell is all I can say. Cameron Dane surpasses herself in the writing of the erotic content in this book, it is desperate but it is scorching. I love Cameron Dane as a writer, she creates and develops her characters with such love and layers, and this shines bright in Quick to the Hunt. Lord she must have had some bleak times writing this but she shirks nothing and does the topic and characters justice. I love the fact that the book takes place over a year, that the chapters through to the epilogue are headed up by a month. It gives readers a timeline of how Hunter's mental health issues take time to be worked on, they just don't just suddenly go away.
One of the reasons I love M/M books is the writers have the ability to be sexier, grittier and more aggressive than standard romantica (if they so choose) and I for one do gravitate to that type of book. So if you are like me and enjoy M/M erotica with a sting then do yourself a favour and pick up Quick to the Hunt for a great, emotional read. I hope that this is not the last in this series because that would just be a shame.
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
First of all in order to get the most out of this book you need to like/be comfortable reading M/M, dark psychological content and some fierce/angry sex scenes. Over 80% of this book is not spent in a comfortable or happy place.
Hunter Tennison is Sarah's brother (she's an MC in Becoming Three), he has come back after several tours of Iraq/Afghanistan. He has been stateside for aprroximately a year and has hidden this fact from his sister. Hunter is a very disturbed man who is self harming to deal with the pain of loss and enduring what humans aren't meant to - the atrocities that go hand in hand with being in a war - killing, friends being killed and bodies permanently maimed. Hunter is a good man that has been through the emotional wringer. He is now trying to adjust to being in his home town, working and endeavouring to fit back into everday, civillian life, but he is not coping. You can't help but feel for him and his plight.
Alex Quick was also made familiar as a secondary character in Becoming Three. He is the head of a multi-million dollar empire of real estate and other business ventures, he's in Quentin to develop land into housing. Alex had a rough childhood, however a steady constant in his life has been Mack. Mack is ill during Alex's time in Quentin but he is a tough guy and slogs through his illness in his usual 'I'll be fine' manner. Alex goes back and forth between Mack and Quentin but eventually Mack dies, leaving Alex to deal with losing an important part of his life. I just want to say that I truly love Alex Quick, he is a wonderful character, he may not be your stereotypical alpha male, but he is all man. Someone who will stand by a partner in their darkest hour and love them unconditionally encapsulates a real man to me.
Alex and Hunter develop an attraction towards one another despite their best efforts not to act on it. Hunter, because he is not of sound mind and Alex, because he's not sure he wants the desolate man that he sees in Hunter. Basically, while they do get together sexually, I must say it is not pretty. Hunter cannot handle love or being loved, it triggers all sorts of self loathing and panicked reactions, whether that be Alex and himself or his sister and his best friend. Sarah and her partners, especially Jace, who has been Hunters' best friend, are worried about this 'new' Hunter. Alex develops feelings of love for Hunter which is reciprocated with angry, violent sexual and physical encounters. Hunter will not go and see therapists that Sarah and Jace have organised for him and now believes self harm is the best way to keep him from feeling, but all he is doing is pushing himself further into a dark mire.
I have to say, even though it is violent in nature, one of the hottest sex scenes I've ever read is in this book, in the farmhouse being renovated, bloody hell is all I can say. Cameron Dane surpasses herself in the writing of the erotic content in this book, it is desperate but it is scorching. I love Cameron Dane as a writer, she creates and develops her characters with such love and layers, and this shines bright in Quick to the Hunt. Lord she must have had some bleak times writing this but she shirks nothing and does the topic and characters justice. I love the fact that the book takes place over a year, that the chapters through to the epilogue are headed up by a month. It gives readers a timeline of how Hunter's mental health issues take time to be worked on, they just don't just suddenly go away.
One of the reasons I love M/M books is the writers have the ability to be sexier, grittier and more aggressive than standard romantica (if they so choose) and I for one do gravitate to that type of book. So if you are like me and enjoy M/M erotica with a sting then do yourself a favour and pick up Quick to the Hunt for a great, emotional read. I hope that this is not the last in this series because that would just be a shame.
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
August 3, 2011
Too much. Angst lover that I am could almost not handle it. Too much darkness, too much aggression, too much violence, too much despair, too many depressing flashbacks. The self harming angle to this extent was a first for me. I found that along with the PTSD engrossing for about half the book, then it began to feel like overload. I understand the subject matter is extremely difficult, but I couldn't bring myself to care. I also couldn't really get involved with the romance part because, really, there was so little of it. After the first sex scene I pretty much skimmed over the rest, typical Cameron Dane, only more violent and aggressive. Mostly what I enjoyed about this book was revisiting the folks of Quinten and Mack, I shed a couple of tears for him.
If Noah from Grey's Awakening ever gets his story, I might read that. Otherwise, I think I'm pretty much done with this author. Too many glaring descriptive similarities, even in the middle of an original story, overshadows everything else for me.
If Noah from Grey's Awakening ever gets his story, I might read that. Otherwise, I think I'm pretty much done with this author. Too many glaring descriptive similarities, even in the middle of an original story, overshadows everything else for me.
February 25, 2013
Cameron Dane!! She's done it again!
This time angsty, dark and troubled - a bubbling cesspool of hurt, pain and strife- oh, how I loved this story.
And then we still get a HEA.
Hunter is back from war, discharged and with a major chip on his shoulder, PTSD up the wazoo and a world of hurt he inflicts on his person. He's not fit to be around people. So are you wondering how in the hell is he the star of a romance?
That's why I applaud Cameron Dane because she really made it work. Alex Quick is dealing with his own issues- he's from a broken home, his mentor is on death's door and he's the new rich guy trying to bring change into the town of Quinten, Montana.
When these two men finally meet, the sexual tension was palpable. The way Hunter with his personal demons had to hurt himself just to deal with his feelings for Alex?
I really wasn't. But these two belong together, no matter if they were sucked into a pain ridden vortex and it at first felt as if there were just going to end up with Hunter probably committing a murder-suicide. Because he really couldn't deal with emotions.(Hey his demons did get mostly exorcised)
The scenes that were created? Lovely.
The agony that both men went through (Hunter more so than Alex)? Touching.
And let's talk about the sex! they had just the right amount and how it was pretty hot they could never make it to a bed until towards the end of the story. And here's the kicker It made for one ultra scorching scene.
And then I, like Alex, thought hey...maybe his penis and love can help Hunter relate to the land of the living. Then Hunter's fists burst that bubble for Alex and I. (There's some fighting but don't let it discourage you from reading, it is an awesome story)
See shit was pretty real from the start and then it really did. Like:
The road to recovery is a long one and depends on the person. And Hunter's was not an easy one. He fought for it on his own without a magical penis or love wand a la Alex.
This book was such a good one. It had some sad moments (the letter from Mack to Alex- I admit I got a little choked up), sweet moments (Hunter showing Alex the Hawkins ranch), hurtful moments (Hunter hurt himself over and over with any thing he could get his hands on) and happy ones - The HEA, of course.
July 23, 2011
I haven't written a review in awhile, after reading this one while still on the mend, I thought I'd give it a shot. This book prompted me too and it was deserving of a few words, so here it goes.
Excellent story, but not for those of you who have a history of PTSD, self-harming and survivor's guilt in which you find books with this type of content hard to swallow or read about.
I can admit to being one and admit that it took me days to get through this book for the angst and violent content alone. I'm not one to shudder much when a scene or scenes in a book get my skin crawling, but this one had on more than one occasion. I sucked it up, played 'I'm the adult' card and kept going just to see it through to the end and see how it ended.
Hunter is a very disturbed individual with a lot in his life he's had to swallow. To him loving someone meant losing them and it was a pill he couldn't take without wanting to mutilate his body to relieve the pain and give him that sense of comfort that only a cut or a burn to his body could give him. His body from his mental torment was like a map of scars that even I found it hard to wrap my head around.
Alex, he loved Hunter and the man didn't relent one iota. He was determined to make it work between them and would stand by Hunter no matter what it took. A few times he was shook by the rejection and I totally understood that scenario.
There were scenes I came to believing were exactly as the book portrays: Fiction. Other scenes I could see this as Real Life happenings. I won't get into which ones. It's a tough call and it's my own personal opinion so deal.
All in all, great story, strikes the heart chords. A two thumbs up!
Excellent story, but not for those of you who have a history of PTSD, self-harming and survivor's guilt in which you find books with this type of content hard to swallow or read about.
I can admit to being one and admit that it took me days to get through this book for the angst and violent content alone. I'm not one to shudder much when a scene or scenes in a book get my skin crawling, but this one had on more than one occasion. I sucked it up, played 'I'm the adult' card and kept going just to see it through to the end and see how it ended.
Hunter is a very disturbed individual with a lot in his life he's had to swallow. To him loving someone meant losing them and it was a pill he couldn't take without wanting to mutilate his body to relieve the pain and give him that sense of comfort that only a cut or a burn to his body could give him. His body from his mental torment was like a map of scars that even I found it hard to wrap my head around.
Alex, he loved Hunter and the man didn't relent one iota. He was determined to make it work between them and would stand by Hunter no matter what it took. A few times he was shook by the rejection and I totally understood that scenario.
There were scenes I came to believing were exactly as the book portrays: Fiction. Other scenes I could see this as Real Life happenings. I won't get into which ones. It's a tough call and it's my own personal opinion so deal.
All in all, great story, strikes the heart chords. A two thumbs up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2013
I read this book for an A-to-Z challenge because I needed a book that started with "Q" but did not read the previous books in the series. I wish I had. I felt I was missing a connection with previous characters such as Sarah, Jace, and Jasper. I wanted to know more about Alex's connection to Sarah.
The combustion of Alex and Hunter's meeting was great. I liked their attraction to each other. But once they finally hooked up, the book went downhill for me. I find I don't like when authors have too many "fantasy dream" sequences. When this happens, the book usually ends up having too many sex scenes. The sex scenes were too long and disturbingly not erotic, in my opinion.
I understand Hunter has PTSD but when he went half-cocked after overhearing a conversation about Alex being with Mack and hitting Alex after sex, that was just too much. All Alex and Hunter did was have sex. It would have been nice if they watched a few football games on tv, went out for dinner, dated for a bit.
The only character that I connected with was Mack. This story was just ok. I skimmed a lot to get to the end.
The combustion of Alex and Hunter's meeting was great. I liked their attraction to each other. But once they finally hooked up, the book went downhill for me. I find I don't like when authors have too many "fantasy dream" sequences. When this happens, the book usually ends up having too many sex scenes. The sex scenes were too long and disturbingly not erotic, in my opinion.
I understand Hunter has PTSD but when he went half-cocked after overhearing a conversation about Alex being with Mack and hitting Alex after sex, that was just too much. All Alex and Hunter did was have sex. It would have been nice if they watched a few football games on tv, went out for dinner, dated for a bit.
The only character that I connected with was Mack. This story was just ok. I skimmed a lot to get to the end.
June 26, 2012
Maybe I'll write a full review when I have more time but I do want to point out that there are some wildly inaccurate portrayals of military service in this book. Enough that it kept me awake after I finished it and even had me reading passages to my husband to cringe over with me so I wouldn't be the only person somewhat outraged at the portrayal.
While the PTSD issues may be realistic, (based on the shoddy research into the military aspects, I wouldn't bet on it) the back-story about how Hunter is hurt overseas and his subsequent discharge are far from what would and does realistically happen. I hope nobody walks away from this book thinking that it's a true and accurate depiction of IED's, the very well trained men and women that go up against them,(I should know, my husband and I work at the military school that trains them) and the way that PTSD/Traumatic Brain Injury is assessed before or as a reason for discharge.
So, it's an emotional book that actually did make me cry at places, but as with any book of fiction please don't think you are getting accurate facts from it.
While the PTSD issues may be realistic, (based on the shoddy research into the military aspects, I wouldn't bet on it) the back-story about how Hunter is hurt overseas and his subsequent discharge are far from what would and does realistically happen. I hope nobody walks away from this book thinking that it's a true and accurate depiction of IED's, the very well trained men and women that go up against them,(I should know, my husband and I work at the military school that trains them) and the way that PTSD/Traumatic Brain Injury is assessed before or as a reason for discharge.
So, it's an emotional book that actually did make me cry at places, but as with any book of fiction please don't think you are getting accurate facts from it.
July 30, 2011
4,5 stars
"Emotional rollercoaster" doesn`t do this book justice.
It`s more like "dancing on a volcano" - barefoot!
Cameron Dane`s often criticized flowery-power-prose perfectly fits to this dark,no, - pitch-black love story and the violent,incredibly hot sex-scenes (no escaping the "fluttering chute").The few gentle moments were like a lifeline - let me tell ya`!
And the ending...awwwwwwww!
In spite of a number of pet peeves it`s impossible for me to rate this book lower.
I really hated and loved this story with equal passion.
What a hell of a ride!
"Emotional rollercoaster" doesn`t do this book justice.
It`s more like "dancing on a volcano" - barefoot!
Cameron Dane`s often criticized flowery-power-prose perfectly fits to this dark,no, - pitch-black love story and the violent,incredibly hot sex-scenes (no escaping the "fluttering chute").The few gentle moments were like a lifeline - let me tell ya`!
And the ending...awwwwwwww!
In spite of a number of pet peeves it`s impossible for me to rate this book lower.
I really hated and loved this story with equal passion.
What a hell of a ride!
September 21, 2011
Pretty good m/m romance about a soldier returned from Afghanistan with severe PTSD and survivor's guilt who deals with things by self-harming. My major problem with this one was the overblown, often lurid prose, which made nearly everything seem completely over the top and just... too much, all the time.
April 11, 2019
MASOCHIST : a person who enjoys an activity that appears to be ...
... painful or tedious. And. I am. Not.
I really try to make it pass 31% as the subject matter caught my attention; hurt/comfort , aggressive consensual sexual relationship , no a BDSM , but I couldn't go any further.
Why you ask? Because it was boring , tedious, unbelievable and monotonous with a pace slow as molasses in January.
... painful or tedious. And. I am. Not.
I really try to make it pass 31% as the subject matter caught my attention; hurt/comfort , aggressive consensual sexual relationship , no a BDSM , but I couldn't go any further.
Why you ask? Because it was boring , tedious, unbelievable and monotonous with a pace slow as molasses in January.
April 8, 2013
3.5 Stars
Hunter is stateside after five tours of duty in the Middle East. He is battered and bruised, inside and out. He is having a difficult time adjusting to civilian life and uses self-inflicted pain to keep his demons at bay. Alex is a wealthy real estate mogul recently transplanted to Quinten where he is overseeing a housing development project. Alex has many business acquaintances but not many personal friends. He doesn't have much family to speak of except for Mack, his mentor. When , Alex turns to Hunter. There is no denying their attraction to each other but they are each broken and/or suffering in their own way and must heal in order to obtain their HEA.
Wow. This one was a doosie. Have your Kleenex handy! Cameron Dane takes on some serious issues: PTSD, self-harm, survivor's guilt to name a few. The effect was a heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster. I liked the story but Hunter's destructiveness was difficult to read at times, especially where it came to Alex. There was no easy fix (I like that) and Hunter had to scrape and crawl his way. I would've liked to see Hunter be more supportive of Alex in the end but ... oh well.
Bottom line: an emotionally draining but satisfying read. I love the Hawkins Brothers series and hopes it continues!
Hunter is stateside after five tours of duty in the Middle East. He is battered and bruised, inside and out. He is having a difficult time adjusting to civilian life and uses self-inflicted pain to keep his demons at bay. Alex is a wealthy real estate mogul recently transplanted to Quinten where he is overseeing a housing development project. Alex has many business acquaintances but not many personal friends. He doesn't have much family to speak of except for Mack, his mentor. When , Alex turns to Hunter. There is no denying their attraction to each other but they are each broken and/or suffering in their own way and must heal in order to obtain their HEA.
Wow. This one was a doosie. Have your Kleenex handy! Cameron Dane takes on some serious issues: PTSD, self-harm, survivor's guilt to name a few. The effect was a heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster. I liked the story but Hunter's destructiveness was difficult to read at times, especially where it came to Alex. There was no easy fix (I like that) and Hunter had to scrape and crawl his way. I would've liked to see Hunter be more supportive of Alex in the end but ... oh well.
Bottom line: an emotionally draining but satisfying read. I love the Hawkins Brothers series and hopes it continues!
April 1, 2012
3.5
I love Cameron Dane's stuff - okay I can admit it - I am a total Cameron Dane whore. It's one of my guiltiest pleasures on my kindle. In fact, my whole "so-hot-my-kindle-imploded shelf" was initially created because of her. This wasn't a favorite of hers for me but I did like it. There are some enjoyable aspects to the story. Hot sexual tension, building of a romance that seemed impossible at times. I did not like all the flashbacks (not unusual in her books) but there were a lot and they were loooong. I am usually a pretty generous rater. I give a lot of 4 stars because I am easily entertained - just felt like this one didn't measure up to a "really liked it" rating from me right now.
To discuss more of my issues with the story I would have to start on some serious spoilers so I will hold off on them. I think part of my three star rating is also due to the fact I spent a lot for this title and I am not sure I felt like it was worthy. I read something a day or two ago that was less than half the price and ten times more enjoyable. Hard to measure up after that I guess.
So bottom line - if you are a CD slut like me then go for it. Otherwise read a few more reviews and then buyer beware ;)
I love Cameron Dane's stuff - okay I can admit it - I am a total Cameron Dane whore. It's one of my guiltiest pleasures on my kindle. In fact, my whole "so-hot-my-kindle-imploded shelf" was initially created because of her. This wasn't a favorite of hers for me but I did like it. There are some enjoyable aspects to the story. Hot sexual tension, building of a romance that seemed impossible at times. I did not like all the flashbacks (not unusual in her books) but there were a lot and they were loooong. I am usually a pretty generous rater. I give a lot of 4 stars because I am easily entertained - just felt like this one didn't measure up to a "really liked it" rating from me right now.
To discuss more of my issues with the story I would have to start on some serious spoilers so I will hold off on them. I think part of my three star rating is also due to the fact I spent a lot for this title and I am not sure I felt like it was worthy. I read something a day or two ago that was less than half the price and ten times more enjoyable. Hard to measure up after that I guess.
So bottom line - if you are a CD slut like me then go for it. Otherwise read a few more reviews and then buyer beware ;)
July 19, 2016
DNF at 70%
This book had some of my favorite elements like a tortured hero with PTSD and scars, lots of drama, small town setting, and yet it sadly failed to deliver. I found hard to believe how someone who knew he had a problem and searched in the internet ways to try and help himself, would never think of going to a shrink or turn a deaf ear when his friend urged gim to do it, especially when it became obvious he could become a danger to others when he lost control. And so the drama dragged on and on, until I had to put it down, in order to pull myself from all this misery.
Otherwise, it was a simple story of lust at first sight, which very soon became a "he's special, I know it though we've barely talked", to "I think I love him" in no time at all. I'm afraid there wasn't enough dialogue for me to feel the connection those two supposedly had, and the sex scenes where the hero loses control and hurts the other MC covering him in bruises all over (which conveniently the other MC decided he liked all of a sudden) put me off completely. When their second and third time followed the same pattern, I just had to stop.
This book had some of my favorite elements like a tortured hero with PTSD and scars, lots of drama, small town setting, and yet it sadly failed to deliver. I found hard to believe how someone who knew he had a problem and searched in the internet ways to try and help himself, would never think of going to a shrink or turn a deaf ear when his friend urged gim to do it, especially when it became obvious he could become a danger to others when he lost control. And so the drama dragged on and on, until I had to put it down, in order to pull myself from all this misery.
Otherwise, it was a simple story of lust at first sight, which very soon became a "he's special, I know it though we've barely talked", to "I think I love him" in no time at all. I'm afraid there wasn't enough dialogue for me to feel the connection those two supposedly had, and the sex scenes where the hero loses control and hurts the other MC covering him in bruises all over (which conveniently the other MC decided he liked all of a sudden) put me off completely. When their second and third time followed the same pattern, I just had to stop.
October 23, 2011
I made it through this book! For a while there I thought it was too much...everything!
Quick to the Hunt is not in my opinion an easy, light-hearted read. It is a painful journey through one man's tormented mind. Heartbreaking doesn't begin to scratch the surface of this book.
I found it disturbing that in between all of the self-inflicted pain was a very sexy, very HOT story. Boy did these boys know how to fuck. It was during these scenes that I had hope these two would find love.
By the time I was nearing the end I found myself losing hope. The author really put these men to the test...she was unrelenting at times that I wanted to scream, "give that poor man a break already!"
When the HEA came I was like...yeessss, we made it and we are all alive and safe!
I am glad I read this book and recommend it to all who can handle a lot of bumps along the way....and maybe even a few bruises:)
Quick to the Hunt is not in my opinion an easy, light-hearted read. It is a painful journey through one man's tormented mind. Heartbreaking doesn't begin to scratch the surface of this book.
I found it disturbing that in between all of the self-inflicted pain was a very sexy, very HOT story. Boy did these boys know how to fuck. It was during these scenes that I had hope these two would find love.
By the time I was nearing the end I found myself losing hope. The author really put these men to the test...she was unrelenting at times that I wanted to scream, "give that poor man a break already!"
When the HEA came I was like...yeessss, we made it and we are all alive and safe!
I am glad I read this book and recommend it to all who can handle a lot of bumps along the way....and maybe even a few bruises:)
August 7, 2012
Ok...this is a MM romance. The sex is pretty explicit but well written. The story, however, is outstanding!
Hunter is home after several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's suffering with SEVERE PTSD and self-mutilates to deal with the images he saw, the men he lost, and the things he's done.
Alex is the complete opposite; suave, educated, rich...and falls in love with the damaged Hunter.
Their journey to HEA is full of nightmares and loss...there's also the horrible scene where Hunter literally beats the man he loves.
All I can say is...if what Hunter suffers in this book is what our troops go through when they come home, our country is NOT doing enough for them!
I went through a whole range of emotions with this book; anger, love, fear and so much sadness. I'll admit, I cried throughout most of it will definitely read it again.
Hunter is home after several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's suffering with SEVERE PTSD and self-mutilates to deal with the images he saw, the men he lost, and the things he's done.
Alex is the complete opposite; suave, educated, rich...and falls in love with the damaged Hunter.
Their journey to HEA is full of nightmares and loss...there's also the horrible scene where Hunter literally beats the man he loves.
All I can say is...if what Hunter suffers in this book is what our troops go through when they come home, our country is NOT doing enough for them!
I went through a whole range of emotions with this book; anger, love, fear and so much sadness. I'll admit, I cried throughout most of it will definitely read it again.
September 20, 2011
This is a darker story from one of my favorite author's usual fare, with Hunter a man tormented by his past. The effects of serving and surviving two wars had carved scars not only into his body, but into Hunter's psyche as well. The attraction that flares quick and hot between Alex and Hunter, when they accidentally meet, seems to undermine Hunter's fragile hold on stability, with results that are both ugly and deeply moving. This is not an easy read, though I guess not many books that deal with psychological trauma are easy, but the love and determination that Alex has to be there for Hunter is beautiful. I really didn't want to put this book down, and read far later than I really should have - but it was worth it!
August 25, 2011
sexy, raw, passionate, emotional-- everything I expect from a Cameron Dane novel. I can't get enough of her writing. Every time I think she can't beat the last book, she does it again. Her characters are so raw and real, the sex is scorching hot and the story is always heart-wrenching. I can't wait to see what else she has in store because every time I read one of her books, I've been through feelings of joy, sadness, frustration, desire, and ultimately satisfaction for a book well done. Bravo, Cameron Dane.
September 29, 2011
This book was chilling to me and so outside of what I am used to reading when I enjoy another of Dane's treasures. I have heard of cutting, the self hurt that is often exhibited in adolescents but to see what tragedy can bring forth in a man as strong as Hunter awed me. I loved the relationship between he and Alex. It was real. Alex had to step back. That is often not the case when one character loves another. But then, why would Dane provide the ordinary and the usual when she can give you a view into a much darker side of life and allow you to share the strength of Hunter as he is able to overcome it?
This book was different, powerful and I definitely think it is a worth read. The interweaving of the former characters in the book as well as a few new ones only encourage you to revisit your favorites and hope for more relationships to read in the future.
This book was different, powerful and I definitely think it is a worth read. The interweaving of the former characters in the book as well as a few new ones only encourage you to revisit your favorites and hope for more relationships to read in the future.
July 22, 2012
This was a well written story but for me it was hard to get through. Not because of the subject matter but because there seemed to be a lack of romance in the story. The problems that Hunter faced were realistically portrayed and he was certainly struggling to readjust to civilian life again. However, I just couldn't feel the emotional connection between him and Alex and they didn't seem to spend enough time together throughout the book for much growth in their relationship to take place.
September 30, 2011
I have to say Quick to the Hunt was a violent and difficult story. I'm glad that I persevered through the trauma and heartbreak because its also a very moving and powerful story. If you can get past the disturbing angst its worth it, but I totally understand this is not for everyone. No light and easy romance here, be prepared for emotional upheaval.
November 21, 2011
Intense. Emotional. One of Ms. Dane's best books in the Hawkins Ranch series.
June 22, 2018
3.8 Stars
Gah, this one was exhausting...I am emotionally wrung out right now.
Gah, this one was exhausting...I am emotionally wrung out right now.
January 9, 2019
Great
Cameron Dane has long since been a favorite of mine and didn't disappoint with Hunter and Alex. It had been a while since visiting this town, but still as great and fun as ever. I loved the rawness of their story and their fight to overcome tremendous damage and challenges. Great story.
Cameron Dane has long since been a favorite of mine and didn't disappoint with Hunter and Alex. It had been a while since visiting this town, but still as great and fun as ever. I loved the rawness of their story and their fight to overcome tremendous damage and challenges. Great story.
March 18, 2022
I'm torn about this book. I wanted these two to be happy, and yeah they ended up that way. But the intimate partner violence really disturbed me.
Also, gotta say - sometimes Dane's word choices for the erotic/pornographic scenes are So Ridiculously Funny that it takes me out of the moment.
Over all, enjoyed the heck out of it, with the exception of Hunter punching Alex.
Also, gotta say - sometimes Dane's word choices for the erotic/pornographic scenes are So Ridiculously Funny that it takes me out of the moment.
Over all, enjoyed the heck out of it, with the exception of Hunter punching Alex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
Wow!!
This was my first Cameron Dane book and it definitely won't be my last. This book was a heartbreaking love story. I absolutely loved Hunter and Alex and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!! Can't wait to read more from this author.
This was my first Cameron Dane book and it definitely won't be my last. This book was a heartbreaking love story. I absolutely loved Hunter and Alex and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!! Can't wait to read more from this author.
February 5, 2022
Hunter was… a lot. Too much for me. And he treated Alex terribly. Good for Hunter that Alex waited around for him to get better, but I didn’t necessarily feel it was the best thing for Alex. This didn’t feel like a romance -certainly not a healthy one- to me. I skimmed a lot towards the end. 2.75.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2018
Excellent
This book have so many emotions you couldn't help but root for Hunter to get through his ptsd. Alex just made you want to help him right for Hunter.
This book have so many emotions you couldn't help but root for Hunter to get through his ptsd. Alex just made you want to help him right for Hunter.
July 5, 2019
This was quite a difficult read and I found myself having to put it down several times since the subjects involved are very serious and dark. The smut was also very intense and absolutely dirty.
September 4, 2021
Meh - the initial sexual tension /awareness was hot but it got tedious quickly with all the drama
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