What do you think?
Rate this book
Clear Water
Meet Patrick Cleary; party boy, loser, and spaz. Patrick's been trying desperately to transform himself, and the results have been so spectacular, they've almost killed him. Meet Wes "Whiskey" Keenan; he's a field biologist wondering if it's time to settle down. When the worst day of Patrick's life ends with Whiskey saving it, Patrick and Whiskey find themselves sharing company and an impossibly small berth on the world's tackiest houseboat.
Patrick needs to get his life together and Whiskey wants to help but Patrick is not entirely convinced it's doable. He's pretty sure he's a freak of nature. But Whiskey, who works with real freaks of nature, thinks all Patrick needs is a little help to see the absolute beauty inside his spastic self, and Whiskey is all about volunteering. Between anomalous frogs, a homicidal ex-boyfriend, and Patrick's own hangups, Whiskey's going to need all of his patience and Patrick's going to need to find the best of himself before these two men ever see Clear Water.
Patrick needs to get his life together and Whiskey wants to help but Patrick is not entirely convinced it's doable. He's pretty sure he's a freak of nature. But Whiskey, who works with real freaks of nature, thinks all Patrick needs is a little help to see the absolute beauty inside his spastic self, and Whiskey is all about volunteering. Between anomalous frogs, a homicidal ex-boyfriend, and Patrick's own hangups, Whiskey's going to need all of his patience and Patrick's going to need to find the best of himself before these two men ever see Clear Water.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
46 people are currently reading
2615 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews
September 11, 2011
I love Patrick. Like completely truly love him. All his little tics, his stumbling of words, his freak outs, his repeated apolgies, everything about him. Very rarely have I ever come across a character that I'm actually jealous of the author for creating, thinking "I wish I could have written this." I'm jealous of Amy Lane because Patrick is epic.
Seriously, read this freaking book. Like now.
Seriously, read this freaking book. Like now.
August 17, 2016
Patrick *smushes cheeks*
Whiskey moved like he owned the air he breathed and earth beneath his feet. That was all he wanted, that was all he needed, and he would master it simply because it was his.
Patrick has been shunned and undervalued throughout his entire life, by his father, his mother, and his string of exes. Never accepting himself for who he really is. When his scum-bag boyfriend leaves him for dead, Whiskey rescues him and shows him what it's really like to live.
Whiskey was walking along the riverbank when he finds a man escaping and a limp, drugged up, Patrick, left for dead. He nurses him back to health and provides a job for him looking at frogs. When there is a large increase in anomalous frogs, they go searching for the cause, and it certainly wasn't what they were expecting.
Did I read the blurb? Nope! Do I regret it? Hell to the no! It's incredibly fun not knowing what's going to happen, there's a limited amount of angst that ever comes across. That's because you're not expecting them to get together- well you are, because it wouldn't be a romance otherwise. But you don't know when, and you don't know what the fillers are in it either! But, from this blurb, it tells you about frogs, his exes and his own self-doubt.
The narrator though? The. best. one. yet.
If I ever hear his voice in public, he's going to go straight into my dungeon and won't be let out until he narrates every book I own... heh heh heh...
I'm pretty sure that I heard his arousal... either that, or he's a very good actor!
I really connected to Patrick more than I remember connecting to any other characters in any other book. He was undervalued throughout his whole life, just like I used to be, and still am in some ways. I had been bullied for years before I really started to feel it, because not only was I being bullied, I felt that my family wasn't proud of me. I don't really like sharing, but I wanted to thoroughly explain why this book is 5 stars in my eyes. So, I'm going to tell you an incident when I was 10 or 11 (I'm not throwing a pity party, infact, I would rather nobody even mention it.)
My whole year had taken our SATs (a test to see how good you are in science, maths and English. It has since been scrapped because of the students becoming stressed.) and had received our results in the post a few days before. I tried really hard with them, and so did a lot of my year (These tests put you in sets in high school.) A lot of my fellow students were receiving gifts from their parents for doing so well in their tests. Such as a Nintendo DS, a game boy etc. I was beginning to get upset because my parents still hadn't told me that they were proud of me nor had they congratulated me in any way shape or form. So, to a few other students I mentioned that I did not get anything, and my teacher being a self righteous bitch assumed she knew every little detail about my life, told me that I should be happy not because I didn't get any presents but because my parents congratulations were enough. I then broke down crying. I don't remember either of my parents ever congratulating me on my results. They probably meant to, but neither of them did.
Because of the constant bullying I received (With regards to my two main bullies; one had a baby at 16 and the other creates fake boyfriends, In case you were wondering.), I started to lose self confidence. I then practically searched every thing my parents did, like when they forgot that I don't like cooked carrots, just silly little things. And some big things too. When they did congratulate me on things, I never really paid any attention because I was so hung up on the negative aspects. I did, though, eventually learn that acceptance from my parents isn't everything- but it still hurts. I never got over looking for the bad. I have a best friend who I tell everything to and she never judges me and supports me no matter what. Which is a definite confidence booster that she has faith in me.
What did the above have to do with Patrick? Everything. He just felt so undervalued and similar to myself (But had a much more severe reaction than I did.). And in situations where his dad never attended his college ceremony, I really felt for him. I just wanted to make him all better, but alas, he is not real. That is an extremely large reason for why this is a 5.
Now, back to my review.
I was not expecting the beginning, TBH I wasn't sure how they were going to meet, but I did really enjoy it...
“Okay, Patrick Cleary, who was your skeezy friend, why did he run, and what in the fuck are we going to do about your car? These are things I’d very much like to know.”
What does Abbie love?
Kissing scenes!
What did this have lots of?
Kissing scenes!
Whiskey kept kissing him, but he held his hand there, feeling Patrick’s throat throbbing up against his palm, thinking that Patrick felt just like Whiskey had imagined—wild and unpredictable and vulnerable and strong.
Whiskey deepened the kiss, and Patrick groaned again, leaning his head back against the rest and sucking a little on Whiskey’s tongue. Whiskey thrust in and pulled out a little with his tongue, and Patrick whimpered.
It was that whimper—that begging for more—that brought Whiskey to his senses. He stopped the kiss but kept his hands where they were, and leaned his forehead against Patrick’s, breathing hard.
I really enjoyed where Whiskey took care of Patrick while he was passed out, and even afterwards. It was just really sweet and adorable and I loved listening to it.
But, my favourite part was when they actually kissed! I'm not sure how far into it I was, but it was around 50%! I didn't mind the wait, it wasn't filled with angst, it was just sweet, and Patrick really needed to learn to love himself, which, naturally, takes time.
Their romance was adorable too! Whiskey is so caring and Patrick is really opening up to him! :3 *smushes cheeks*
“I’ll love you forever. You say the word, I’ll break my contract and chopper home. I’ll be listening. I love you.”
They rarely said it.
“I love you too.”
And then he was gone.
I also really enjoyed the frogs, mainly Cal and Catherine... but the research didn't really feel like a filler, it felt like the story and so did the romance. It was just a really great blend. There was, luckily, no jargon for the frog testing and none for the equipment.
The why?! It was still kinda realistic though.
I'm not sure what the clear water reference is on the blurb... any ideas? Is it because they are now free to be in a loving relationship?
I have never had a favourite quote from a book before, but I couldn't stop thinking about this one...
“I hate him,” Patrick said, his voice flat and dead.
“No you don’t,” Whiskey said, shaking his head.
“The hell I don’t!”
“I’m serious,” Whiskey said, patting his hand kindly. “You’d have to love him to hate him, and I don’t think you ever did.”
Patrick blinked. “I thought I did….”
I can't vouch for the written version but the audio-book was awesome!
5 “You’d have to love him to hate him, and I don’t think you ever did.” stars.(These look like twins... but yum.)
Whiskey moved like he owned the air he breathed and earth beneath his feet. That was all he wanted, that was all he needed, and he would master it simply because it was his.
Patrick has been shunned and undervalued throughout his entire life, by his father, his mother, and his string of exes. Never accepting himself for who he really is. When his scum-bag boyfriend leaves him for dead, Whiskey rescues him and shows him what it's really like to live.
Whiskey was walking along the riverbank when he finds a man escaping and a limp, drugged up, Patrick, left for dead. He nurses him back to health and provides a job for him looking at frogs. When there is a large increase in anomalous frogs, they go searching for the cause, and it certainly wasn't what they were expecting.
Did I read the blurb? Nope! Do I regret it? Hell to the no! It's incredibly fun not knowing what's going to happen, there's a limited amount of angst that ever comes across. That's because you're not expecting them to get together- well you are, because it wouldn't be a romance otherwise. But you don't know when, and you don't know what the fillers are in it either! But, from this blurb, it tells you about frogs, his exes and his own self-doubt.
The narrator though? The. best. one. yet.
If I ever hear his voice in public, he's going to go straight into my dungeon and won't be let out until he narrates every book I own... heh heh heh...
I'm pretty sure that I heard his arousal... either that, or he's a very good actor!
I really connected to Patrick more than I remember connecting to any other characters in any other book. He was undervalued throughout his whole life, just like I used to be, and still am in some ways. I had been bullied for years before I really started to feel it, because not only was I being bullied, I felt that my family wasn't proud of me. I don't really like sharing, but I wanted to thoroughly explain why this book is 5 stars in my eyes. So, I'm going to tell you an incident when I was 10 or 11 (I'm not throwing a pity party, infact, I would rather nobody even mention it.)
My whole year had taken our SATs (a test to see how good you are in science, maths and English. It has since been scrapped because of the students becoming stressed.) and had received our results in the post a few days before. I tried really hard with them, and so did a lot of my year (These tests put you in sets in high school.) A lot of my fellow students were receiving gifts from their parents for doing so well in their tests. Such as a Nintendo DS, a game boy etc. I was beginning to get upset because my parents still hadn't told me that they were proud of me nor had they congratulated me in any way shape or form. So, to a few other students I mentioned that I did not get anything, and my teacher being a self righteous bitch assumed she knew every little detail about my life, told me that I should be happy not because I didn't get any presents but because my parents congratulations were enough. I then broke down crying. I don't remember either of my parents ever congratulating me on my results. They probably meant to, but neither of them did.
Because of the constant bullying I received (With regards to my two main bullies; one had a baby at 16 and the other creates fake boyfriends, In case you were wondering.), I started to lose self confidence. I then practically searched every thing my parents did, like when they forgot that I don't like cooked carrots, just silly little things. And some big things too. When they did congratulate me on things, I never really paid any attention because I was so hung up on the negative aspects. I did, though, eventually learn that acceptance from my parents isn't everything- but it still hurts. I never got over looking for the bad. I have a best friend who I tell everything to and she never judges me and supports me no matter what. Which is a definite confidence booster that she has faith in me.
What did the above have to do with Patrick? Everything. He just felt so undervalued and similar to myself (But had a much more severe reaction than I did.). And in situations where his dad never attended his college ceremony, I really felt for him. I just wanted to make him all better, but alas, he is not real. That is an extremely large reason for why this is a 5.
Now, back to my review.
I was not expecting the beginning, TBH I wasn't sure how they were going to meet, but I did really enjoy it...
“Okay, Patrick Cleary, who was your skeezy friend, why did he run, and what in the fuck are we going to do about your car? These are things I’d very much like to know.”
What does Abbie love?
Kissing scenes!
What did this have lots of?
Kissing scenes!
Whiskey kept kissing him, but he held his hand there, feeling Patrick’s throat throbbing up against his palm, thinking that Patrick felt just like Whiskey had imagined—wild and unpredictable and vulnerable and strong.
Whiskey deepened the kiss, and Patrick groaned again, leaning his head back against the rest and sucking a little on Whiskey’s tongue. Whiskey thrust in and pulled out a little with his tongue, and Patrick whimpered.
It was that whimper—that begging for more—that brought Whiskey to his senses. He stopped the kiss but kept his hands where they were, and leaned his forehead against Patrick’s, breathing hard.
I really enjoyed where Whiskey took care of Patrick while he was passed out, and even afterwards. It was just really sweet and adorable and I loved listening to it.
But, my favourite part was when they actually kissed! I'm not sure how far into it I was, but it was around 50%! I didn't mind the wait, it wasn't filled with angst, it was just sweet, and Patrick really needed to learn to love himself, which, naturally, takes time.
Their romance was adorable too! Whiskey is so caring and Patrick is really opening up to him! :3 *smushes cheeks*
“I’ll love you forever. You say the word, I’ll break my contract and chopper home. I’ll be listening. I love you.”
They rarely said it.
“I love you too.”
And then he was gone.
I also really enjoyed the frogs, mainly Cal and Catherine... but the research didn't really feel like a filler, it felt like the story and so did the romance. It was just a really great blend. There was, luckily, no jargon for the frog testing and none for the equipment.
The why?! It was still kinda realistic though.
I'm not sure what the clear water reference is on the blurb... any ideas? Is it because they are now free to be in a loving relationship?
I have never had a favourite quote from a book before, but I couldn't stop thinking about this one...
“I hate him,” Patrick said, his voice flat and dead.
“No you don’t,” Whiskey said, shaking his head.
“The hell I don’t!”
“I’m serious,” Whiskey said, patting his hand kindly. “You’d have to love him to hate him, and I don’t think you ever did.”
Patrick blinked. “I thought I did….”
I can't vouch for the written version but the audio-book was awesome!
April 21, 2015
If I had one word to describe this book it would be quirky!
With names like Trix....Whiskey....and Fly Bait....things were often just...weird!
But good weird. Make me laugh weird. Make me smile weird.
I felt so bad for Patrick.....poor guy was just trying to get his life back on track! He was so beat down! I just wanted to give him a hug.
I loved the slow development of Patrick and Whiskey's relationship.
I loved the friendship between Whiskey and Fly Bait....and eventually Fly Bait and Patrick.
What I didn't love was the low steam factor.
What else are you going to do in between studying frog anomalies??
Still, it was a good Amy Lane cherry popping experience. I'd check out some of her other stuff!
With names like Trix....Whiskey....and Fly Bait....things were often just...weird!
But good weird. Make me laugh weird. Make me smile weird.
I felt so bad for Patrick.....poor guy was just trying to get his life back on track! He was so beat down! I just wanted to give him a hug.
I loved the slow development of Patrick and Whiskey's relationship.
I loved the friendship between Whiskey and Fly Bait....and eventually Fly Bait and Patrick.
What I didn't love was the low steam factor.
What else are you going to do in between studying frog anomalies??
Still, it was a good Amy Lane cherry popping experience. I'd check out some of her other stuff!
October 8, 2016
Well I have to say that Amy Lane sure knows how to write a hot sex scene! My third Amy Lane and I'm starting to know what to expect from her. I think that this book was a very solid read- sweet romance, great chemistry- until the end. The way it kind of decended into a strange action scene with bombs being deactived and stuff was a distraction for me. Still a solid book and I'll be reading more and more of Amy's books in the future!
September 30, 2023
AUDIOBOOK: September 2023 - It took me a little bit to get used to the narrator, but soon all I thought about were the characters—as I should! I think this will become a comfort listen! So happy I got the audiobook after loving this books years ago.
EBOOK: Jan 2018 - 4.3 Stars.........What a surprising treat! I truly loved this story...there was a bit of weirdness toward the end that made me go WTF? Other than that it was just about perfect! It was funny and seemed like an honest portrayal of an adult with ADHD. I particularly liked the science background the story used as well as the secondary characters.
Patrick is 23, has ADHD, and has been told all his life that he’s stupid and a f*ck-up. He fully believes this and thinks he deserves the horrible boyfriends he’s had who use him and treat him without kindness.
Wesley (Whiskey) is working on water samples for Fish and Game on the Sacramento River when he sees a car fly through the guardrail and into the water. They driver makes it out alive and takes off. Whiskey dives in to rescue the passenger who is passed out. Whiskey, meet Patrick.
Patrick ends up staying on as Whiskey and Fly Bait (Whiskey’s research partner) intern. He spends his days counting tadpoles, talking to two-headed frogs, and cleaning up the house boat.
The story truly takes off from here. I was captivated the whole time. Whiskey, trying to do the right thing, being 13 years older. Patrick, thinking he’s not good enough for Whiskey. There was great UST and great humor, specially with the addition of Fly Bait to the mix.
I could go on, but read the blurb, ignore the acid wash jeans on the cover (I mean, come on...acid wash, really?), and read this low angst, yet not sickeningly sweet lovely book by Amy Lane.
EBOOK: Jan 2018 - 4.3 Stars.........What a surprising treat! I truly loved this story...there was a bit of weirdness toward the end that made me go WTF? Other than that it was just about perfect! It was funny and seemed like an honest portrayal of an adult with ADHD. I particularly liked the science background the story used as well as the secondary characters.
Patrick is 23, has ADHD, and has been told all his life that he’s stupid and a f*ck-up. He fully believes this and thinks he deserves the horrible boyfriends he’s had who use him and treat him without kindness.
Wesley (Whiskey) is working on water samples for Fish and Game on the Sacramento River when he sees a car fly through the guardrail and into the water. They driver makes it out alive and takes off. Whiskey dives in to rescue the passenger who is passed out. Whiskey, meet Patrick.
Patrick ends up staying on as Whiskey and Fly Bait (Whiskey’s research partner) intern. He spends his days counting tadpoles, talking to two-headed frogs, and cleaning up the house boat.
The story truly takes off from here. I was captivated the whole time. Whiskey, trying to do the right thing, being 13 years older. Patrick, thinking he’s not good enough for Whiskey. There was great UST and great humor, specially with the addition of Fly Bait to the mix.
I could go on, but read the blurb, ignore the acid wash jeans on the cover (I mean, come on...acid wash, really?), and read this low angst, yet not sickeningly sweet lovely book by Amy Lane.
June 8, 2023
Re-read May 2023
I'm re-reading all my old favorites and I'm glad this one still holds up. Such a great summer book.
---------------------------
23 year old Patrick has heard his father telling him what a fuckup he is for years. Patrick might have made some bad choices, but it’s not like he can help his ADHD. He’s better with his meds, even though his father says they’re a crutch.
When he goes out with his boyfriend he didn’t expect said boyfriend to drug him and drive his car into the river, with Patrick passed out in it.
Luckily for him, he gets rescued by Wesley “Whiskey” Keenan. Whiskey is a biologist who works for Fish and Game and is investigating the cause of frog anomalies in the water. Together with his friend Freya(Fly Bait) Whiskey lives on a houseboat for the summer while investigating why there are two headed frogs being born in that area.
When he sees a car crashing into the river and the driver making a run for it, he knows he has to rescue the passenger.
Luckily the guy seems to have survived unscathed, so Whiskey takes him with him to the boat.
Patrick isn’t used to people being friendly to him for no reason. Whiskey and Fly Bait treat him like a human being and he kind of never wants to leave. So he stays a while and helps Whiskey and Fly Bait with their research.
But Patrick can’t help but feel attracted to Whiskey. But he’s sure he will screw things up if they throw sex in the mix, so he better keep his distance….
There was lots of hurt/comfort in this and I loved how patient Whiskey was with Patrick. Patrick was just the sweetest. And he needed so much loving. And cuddles. Lots and lots of cuddles. Luckily Whiskey didn’t mind cuddling him while they slept, even when they weren’t involved yet.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the action we got in the second half. It was all very exciting!
Overall I really loved this book and it’s perfect for lots of future re-reads.
I'm re-reading all my old favorites and I'm glad this one still holds up. Such a great summer book.
---------------------------
23 year old Patrick has heard his father telling him what a fuckup he is for years. Patrick might have made some bad choices, but it’s not like he can help his ADHD. He’s better with his meds, even though his father says they’re a crutch.
When he goes out with his boyfriend he didn’t expect said boyfriend to drug him and drive his car into the river, with Patrick passed out in it.
Luckily for him, he gets rescued by Wesley “Whiskey” Keenan. Whiskey is a biologist who works for Fish and Game and is investigating the cause of frog anomalies in the water. Together with his friend Freya(Fly Bait) Whiskey lives on a houseboat for the summer while investigating why there are two headed frogs being born in that area.
When he sees a car crashing into the river and the driver making a run for it, he knows he has to rescue the passenger.
Luckily the guy seems to have survived unscathed, so Whiskey takes him with him to the boat.
Patrick isn’t used to people being friendly to him for no reason. Whiskey and Fly Bait treat him like a human being and he kind of never wants to leave. So he stays a while and helps Whiskey and Fly Bait with their research.
But Patrick can’t help but feel attracted to Whiskey. But he’s sure he will screw things up if they throw sex in the mix, so he better keep his distance….
There was lots of hurt/comfort in this and I loved how patient Whiskey was with Patrick. Patrick was just the sweetest. And he needed so much loving. And cuddles. Lots and lots of cuddles. Luckily Whiskey didn’t mind cuddling him while they slept, even when they weren’t involved yet.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the action we got in the second half. It was all very exciting!
Overall I really loved this book and it’s perfect for lots of future re-reads.
August 14, 2012
Wonderful, Amazing, Beautiful, Excellent, Fabulous, Superb, Awsome, Outstanding.....Read it or Listen to it as I did.
This was an audio book, and the narration by Robert Neiman was so smooth and velvety, it felt like being wrapped in a soft down comforter, enhanced by the superb writing from Ms Lane. The chemistry and love between the two characters Whiskey and Patrick was captivating. I loved this book and could wax lyrical on how wonderful it was.....but I have more books to read!!
My first Amy Lane but I WILL be reading more.
This was an audio book, and the narration by Robert Neiman was so smooth and velvety, it felt like being wrapped in a soft down comforter, enhanced by the superb writing from Ms Lane. The chemistry and love between the two characters Whiskey and Patrick was captivating. I loved this book and could wax lyrical on how wonderful it was.....but I have more books to read!!
My first Amy Lane but I WILL be reading more.
March 31, 2015
Warning: there will be an overuse of gifs in this review
This book-
It hit a happy note for me. Patrick and Whiskey have become two of my favorite narrators. This story gave me so many feels. I felt it all, and because I can't write a review that will do it justice I'll leave you with some images of how this book made me feel.
and by the end:
Amy Lane:
I highly recommend this one. 5 Stars and going on my Best of 2015.
March 18, 2014
Well, I could kick myself for waiting so long to read this book. I mean, I shy away from angst...and Amy Lane kinda being known for it...I was, ok ok...I was a wuss. Turns out this is one of her feel-good-non-angsty-reads and I really, really enjoyed it.
The thing is, for me, ONE character can make or break a book...easily. And no matter what might have been something to love or hate about a story, if I have that connection to THE ONE, I'm swayed. In Clear Water, Whiskey made this book for me. I love him. He is...perfect. And I can overlook all else for him alone. Thankfully the rest was solid too.
Patrick, unfocused in life, unlucky in love...a self-proclaimed spaz...an over-apologizer...down on himself. Oh sweet Patrick. All you needed was someone to believe in you! And along comes Whiskey to the rescue. Whiskey, brilliant and earth-loving, kind, patient, supportive. Doesn't ask for much, doesn't need much. A brain w/ brawn and yummy all over. *sigh*...to have a friend and a lover like Whiskey!
The story is a slow build, relationship-developing, exploration of friendship and finding value in oneself. There were villains of varying degrees and a grouchy lesbian sidekick. And best of all...a houseboat. :) So what if the story kinda takes an over-the-top turn once we hit pinnacle of the "2-headed frog mystery" and so what if the father's coming-to-his-senses moment was a little abrupt and slightly unbelievable. The rest was really entertaining and won me over.
As far as quality contemporary reads go, I would definitely recommend Clear Water.
September 4, 2011
I have to admit that Amy Lane is not my auto-buy author (I know, SCANDAL!). I can't always find "chemistry" with her writing style. I prefer to stick to her contemporary titles. Even so, I don't read all of them and tend to wait for reviews before jumping in. So after I saw many positive reviews for this one, I decided to give it a grenn light.
AND HOLY, this is one GREAT book!!! The winning element is definitely the characters, Patrick and Whiskey. Patrick is a 23-year-old young man, who suffers from ADHD, and all his life, nobody really understands him or gives support to his wants and needs. Until Whiskey, come along. Whiskey, a 36-year-old field biologist, who saves Patrick's life (LITERALLY), when he rescues the young man from a drowning car, and ends up taking the young man into his boat and under his wings.
Patrick is just adorable! I think Amy Lane puts a lot of heart when writing his character. She doesn't make Patrick 'pathetic' or suffers in angst as he lives with his disorder. Patrick is still quirky, and loveable, and kind-hearted ... even when he doesn't think he's worth it. I just adore him and wants to squeeze him. It's so good for Whiskey to be the man for Patrick. From the first moment that Whiskey browsing the Internet to find out more about Ritalin (since that is the medicine that Patrick takes), he wins my heart. He understands Patrick like no other and OMG, he is just one of the best boyfriends EVER :)
I love Patrick's journey ... from a young man without confidence of his worth, to a young man who knows what he wants and grabs it with his own two hands. It's a delight to read.
The last part is dragging the story a bit too long, though. Not sure if we need to go through all that. However, there are so many AWWWW moments here (I can't count how many times I get my heart all fluttery with joy) which make me a happy camper.
AND HOLY, this is one GREAT book!!! The winning element is definitely the characters, Patrick and Whiskey. Patrick is a 23-year-old young man, who suffers from ADHD, and all his life, nobody really understands him or gives support to his wants and needs. Until Whiskey, come along. Whiskey, a 36-year-old field biologist, who saves Patrick's life (LITERALLY), when he rescues the young man from a drowning car, and ends up taking the young man into his boat and under his wings.
Patrick is just adorable! I think Amy Lane puts a lot of heart when writing his character. She doesn't make Patrick 'pathetic' or suffers in angst as he lives with his disorder. Patrick is still quirky, and loveable, and kind-hearted ... even when he doesn't think he's worth it. I just adore him and wants to squeeze him. It's so good for Whiskey to be the man for Patrick. From the first moment that Whiskey browsing the Internet to find out more about Ritalin (since that is the medicine that Patrick takes), he wins my heart. He understands Patrick like no other and OMG, he is just one of the best boyfriends EVER :)
I love Patrick's journey ... from a young man without confidence of his worth, to a young man who knows what he wants and grabs it with his own two hands. It's a delight to read.
The last part is dragging the story a bit too long, though. Not sure if we need to go through all that. However, there are so many AWWWW moments here (I can't count how many times I get my heart all fluttery with joy) which make me a happy camper.
October 12, 2013
What's not to like about this lovely unexpected story? I picked it up after a couple of disappointing reads and was engaged straight away... One of those books that restores your faith in the m/m genre.
Patrick is such a loveable and endearing character struggling to cope with his ADHD and an indifferent dad. He sees himself as a spaz and a freak until he ends up, because of his crappy and dangerous user boyfriend, on a house boat with field biologist and free spirit Whiskey, who is the stuff of dreams. He is so gorgeous in both looks and personality that I found myself crushing on him from the moment he appeared on page to the moment when I put the book down. There's also the fantastic Fly Bait and her crabby, snarky yet extremely likeable character, I loved her addition to the story and last but not least ...the two headed frogs!
Then you've got the storyline, which is a combination of sweet quirky romance that has some delicious and well paced sexual tension going on between Patrick and Whiskey, some sensual love scenes that suited the feel of the romance and a cool background mystery that starts as a slow and steady investigation into what pesticides in the water could be affecting the local wildlife but ends in a nail biting bang!
The ending was perfect and I just loved every minute of it. Definitely a future reread so its going onto my keepers shelf. Another Amy Lane winner.
Patrick is such a loveable and endearing character struggling to cope with his ADHD and an indifferent dad. He sees himself as a spaz and a freak until he ends up, because of his crappy and dangerous user boyfriend, on a house boat with field biologist and free spirit Whiskey, who is the stuff of dreams. He is so gorgeous in both looks and personality that I found myself crushing on him from the moment he appeared on page to the moment when I put the book down. There's also the fantastic Fly Bait and her crabby, snarky yet extremely likeable character, I loved her addition to the story and last but not least ...the two headed frogs!
Then you've got the storyline, which is a combination of sweet quirky romance that has some delicious and well paced sexual tension going on between Patrick and Whiskey, some sensual love scenes that suited the feel of the romance and a cool background mystery that starts as a slow and steady investigation into what pesticides in the water could be affecting the local wildlife but ends in a nail biting bang!
The ending was perfect and I just loved every minute of it. Definitely a future reread so its going onto my keepers shelf. Another Amy Lane winner.
March 15, 2016
"He's lost." Whiskey shrugged. "I found him. If he wanders off, he wanders off, but in the meantime, we can afford to feed him."
“Don't worry about being good enough, Patrick. Just worry about being happy. Whoever makes you happy, that's who's good enough for you.”
Well this was adorable. Patrick actually hurt my heart at times. The adult ADHD insight was really interesting and I adored Whiskey for how he was with Patrick when everyone else just hurt him.
The romance between them both is a slow build and it was super sweet and once things got under way it was smexy too.
The frog plot was a lot of fun and how Patrick responded to them was really special. They calmed him and it felt like Whiskey and Fly Bait gave him that gift. So sweet.
The discovery of where the pollution was coming from was utter madness and ridiculousness and I loved it. This was only my second Amy Lane and I devoured it. I'm going to have to pick up another one very soon. I'll say it again though, the women has the potential to be very addictive.
Patrick and Whiskey finding a home is worth reading.
“Yay! Somebody wants me!”
“Don't worry about being good enough, Patrick. Just worry about being happy. Whoever makes you happy, that's who's good enough for you.”
Well this was adorable. Patrick actually hurt my heart at times. The adult ADHD insight was really interesting and I adored Whiskey for how he was with Patrick when everyone else just hurt him.
The romance between them both is a slow build and it was super sweet and once things got under way it was smexy too.
The frog plot was a lot of fun and how Patrick responded to them was really special. They calmed him and it felt like Whiskey and Fly Bait gave him that gift. So sweet.
The discovery of where the pollution was coming from was utter madness and ridiculousness and I loved it. This was only my second Amy Lane and I devoured it. I'm going to have to pick up another one very soon. I'll say it again though, the women has the potential to be very addictive.
Patrick and Whiskey finding a home is worth reading.
“Yay! Somebody wants me!”
September 23, 2011
Amy Lane has the most amazing ability to make me fall in love with her characters. This book was no exception; Patrick and Whiskey are wonderful men with their own quirks overlying the bedrock of their integrity. This book was written with a slightly lighter emotional touch than some others of Lane's. The events in here were certainly sufficiently dramatic to lend themselves to emotional angst, but Lane chose not to go there to her usual extent. The result is a fun, sweet, enormously readable book.
As I often do with Lane's books, I found the relationship and the MC's a little idealized. Whiskey has the patience of a saint (15 minutes of repetitive babbling on Patrick's part draws only sympathy from him, never irritation.) Patrick has apparently never been treated right by anyone in his past, and yet he is never self-pitying or demanding. The love as it blooms is steadfast and unwavering. And the plot has a few thin spots. For example, I needed Whiskey to have a much stronger reason to avoid authority at the beginning of the story, if I wanted to believe he would neither take Patrick for medical attention (aspiration pneumonia??) or call the cops (attempted homicide??). But those quibbles don't matter. I loved the book, loved the characters, and put this one on my reread-often shelf as soon as I finished it.
As I often do with Lane's books, I found the relationship and the MC's a little idealized. Whiskey has the patience of a saint (15 minutes of repetitive babbling on Patrick's part draws only sympathy from him, never irritation.) Patrick has apparently never been treated right by anyone in his past, and yet he is never self-pitying or demanding. The love as it blooms is steadfast and unwavering. And the plot has a few thin spots. For example, I needed Whiskey to have a much stronger reason to avoid authority at the beginning of the story, if I wanted to believe he would neither take Patrick for medical attention (aspiration pneumonia??) or call the cops (attempted homicide??). But those quibbles don't matter. I loved the book, loved the characters, and put this one on my reread-often shelf as soon as I finished it.
June 30, 2014
Lovely, tender and funny love story
I absolutely adored Patrick in this story. He's so cute and spazzy and lovable, and all I wanted was for him to succeed and realize how awesome he is.
And Whiskey so protective and strong. They were absolutely perfect for each another. And the fact that the relationship took time to progress was sweet and beautiful. It made their first love scene incredibly dramatic and beautiful and oh so hot...
Unlike many of Amy Lane's novels, this one is very light on the angst. For the most part, it's a quirky, fun story full of wonderful emotions...
Loved. Recommended.
"Only an idiot would underestimate Patrick, all of him, from his rabbit-quick mind to the depths of his quick-beating heart."
"Whiskey kept kissing him, but he held his hand there, feeling Patrick’s throat throbbing up against his palm, thinking that Patrick felt just like Whiskey had imagined—wild and unpredictable and vulnerable and strong."
"And, most of all, Patrick, who made a home in Whiskey’s heart wherever they ended up together, as long as it really was them, together. Home."
I absolutely adored Patrick in this story. He's so cute and spazzy and lovable, and all I wanted was for him to succeed and realize how awesome he is.
And Whiskey so protective and strong. They were absolutely perfect for each another. And the fact that the relationship took time to progress was sweet and beautiful. It made their first love scene incredibly dramatic and beautiful and oh so hot...
Unlike many of Amy Lane's novels, this one is very light on the angst. For the most part, it's a quirky, fun story full of wonderful emotions...
Loved. Recommended.
October 6, 2014
Great book about a kid who thinks he's a huge fuck up and the man that rescues him and changes his life.
I loved Patrick and Whiskey! Patrick was adorable. I felt so bad with how his father and previous boyfriends had treated him. He was so down on himself and he really just needed someone GOOD to give him a chance. Enter Whiskey and Fly Bait. First off, those two were a riot. Not related by blood, but those two were a true definition of family. They loved each other even while they were telling each other to fuck off!
Whiskey takes Patrick under his wing and starts to fall for him. He is patient and kind and just what Patrick needs. Whiskey discovers that Patrick wants to help and be useful. Whiskey puts him to work and also works on making it so Patrick doesn't feel the need to be 'sorry' for everything.
This was a great story with not too much angst. I loved it!
Plus it was my first BR with my friend Jen, but we sort of started at different times lol. It was the thought that counts!
I loved Patrick and Whiskey! Patrick was adorable. I felt so bad with how his father and previous boyfriends had treated him. He was so down on himself and he really just needed someone GOOD to give him a chance. Enter Whiskey and Fly Bait. First off, those two were a riot. Not related by blood, but those two were a true definition of family. They loved each other even while they were telling each other to fuck off!
Whiskey takes Patrick under his wing and starts to fall for him. He is patient and kind and just what Patrick needs. Whiskey discovers that Patrick wants to help and be useful. Whiskey puts him to work and also works on making it so Patrick doesn't feel the need to be 'sorry' for everything.
This was a great story with not too much angst. I loved it!
Plus it was my first BR with my friend Jen, but we sort of started at different times lol. It was the thought that counts!
April 18, 2015
I am hugging my Nook as I write this. How the hell did I not read this before? How the hell was there no angst in an Amy Lane book?
I will keep this short.
I loved Patrick, even when he didn't think highly of himself. He wasn't a fuck up and he had nothing to be sorry for. Patrick was strong and that strength included his LBP's. He had the strength to know that he hated taken them but recognized the meds made him clearer and made him able to do the thing he needed to get his shit sorted. It takes strength to admit that you need the extra help of the meds, not everyone (including me) can come to that level. Sure, diet and exercise can do wonders, but they aren't a cure nor a fix for every mental disorder and there are times when more is needed. Patrick was strong to accept the more.
I adored Whiskey, how could I not? I mean the name, those warm eyes and that gravely voice? We would all be peeling off our chonies and throwing them after the biologist with letters after his name. His speeches and declarations to Patrick? Just slide the goo I was with those off my chair and clean up around me. Good lord.
Fly Bait was a kick ass woman and I loved Letty. Cal was a douchenugget and Shawn has redeemable qualities.
I believe there are CODA's out there of Whiskey and Patrick and I am going to hunt them down. I need a bit more of these two.
OH! But first, I really want to watch Patrick's morning yoga routine, because boys who practice yoga are strong and bendy and well, it's just hot.
I will keep this short.
I loved Patrick, even when he didn't think highly of himself. He wasn't a fuck up and he had nothing to be sorry for. Patrick was strong and that strength included his LBP's. He had the strength to know that he hated taken them but recognized the meds made him clearer and made him able to do the thing he needed to get his shit sorted. It takes strength to admit that you need the extra help of the meds, not everyone (including me) can come to that level. Sure, diet and exercise can do wonders, but they aren't a cure nor a fix for every mental disorder and there are times when more is needed. Patrick was strong to accept the more.
I adored Whiskey, how could I not? I mean the name, those warm eyes and that gravely voice? We would all be peeling off our chonies and throwing them after the biologist with letters after his name. His speeches and declarations to Patrick? Just slide the goo I was with those off my chair and clean up around me. Good lord.
Fly Bait was a kick ass woman and I loved Letty. Cal was a douchenugget and Shawn has redeemable qualities.
I believe there are CODA's out there of Whiskey and Patrick and I am going to hunt them down. I need a bit more of these two.
OH! But first, I really want to watch Patrick's morning yoga routine, because boys who practice yoga are strong and bendy and well, it's just hot.
June 20, 2015
This was my first Amy Lane book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's a perfect pick-me-up, low on the angst, funny and sugary sweet book.
Patrick suffers from ADHD, which has led to people underestimating him, including his dad and his scumbag ex-boyfriends. He might be a spaz at times, but Patrick is very smart, and his dream is to become a yoga teacher. He's quirky and adorable.
Whiskey obviously has the coolest nickname ever. He's doing research on frogs with anomalies. He saves Patrick and helps him nurse some self-confidence, while trying to keep his hands to himself. He finds his attraction towards Patrick unacceptable.
The romance is moving forward very slowly and it allows the MCs–especially Patrick–to figure themselves out before they jump into a relationship. But when they do... Sparks fly. They're very hot, and I loved how selfless Whiskey was in order to help Patrick feel how sex can be good.
Also, Fly Bait, Whiskey's science partner, deserves a big shout-out! She's an opinionated grumpy lesbian, who always has Whiskey's back. She warms up to Patrick, too, although she refuses to admit to caring about him.
The ending was beautiful, and Patrick & Whiskey finally found their place in the world, their home.
Patrick suffers from ADHD, which has led to people underestimating him, including his dad and his scumbag ex-boyfriends. He might be a spaz at times, but Patrick is very smart, and his dream is to become a yoga teacher. He's quirky and adorable.
Whiskey obviously has the coolest nickname ever. He's doing research on frogs with anomalies. He saves Patrick and helps him nurse some self-confidence, while trying to keep his hands to himself. He finds his attraction towards Patrick unacceptable.
The romance is moving forward very slowly and it allows the MCs–especially Patrick–to figure themselves out before they jump into a relationship. But when they do... Sparks fly. They're very hot, and I loved how selfless Whiskey was in order to help Patrick feel how sex can be good.
Also, Fly Bait, Whiskey's science partner, deserves a big shout-out! She's an opinionated grumpy lesbian, who always has Whiskey's back. She warms up to Patrick, too, although she refuses to admit to caring about him.
The ending was beautiful, and Patrick & Whiskey finally found their place in the world, their home.
September 2, 2011
4.5 stars
I absolutely adored Patrick in this story. He's so cute and spazzy and lovable, and all I wanted was for him to succeed and realize how awesome he is. And you can't help but love Whiskey for how he loves Patrick and takes care of him. Everyone should seriously have their very own Whiskey.
Unlike many of Amy Lane's novels, this one is very light on the angst. For the most part, it's a quirky, fun story sort of like If I Must. What angst there is isn't so much sad or drama, but instead it's Patrick's self-deprecating views of himself from having ADHD and the consequences of having a druggie ex-boyfriend.
Throughout his life no one's really understood Patrick or his disorder (including his father) so he's always been told that he's a fuckup and doesn't have his shit together and that he's nothing but a good lay so he begins to believe it all himself. It's not until Whiskey comes along that his view of himself begins to change. Whiskey is the first person to really see and understand Patrick. He's the one to show Patrick that he really had it together all along and that he's perfect as he is, even if he does occasionally hop from one thing to another or spaz out when he's nervous or embarrassed or throw things because he's upset.
I really fell in love with both Patrick and Whiskey, and I think you will, too. Go read this!! :D
I absolutely adored Patrick in this story. He's so cute and spazzy and lovable, and all I wanted was for him to succeed and realize how awesome he is. And you can't help but love Whiskey for how he loves Patrick and takes care of him. Everyone should seriously have their very own Whiskey.
Unlike many of Amy Lane's novels, this one is very light on the angst. For the most part, it's a quirky, fun story sort of like If I Must. What angst there is isn't so much sad or drama, but instead it's Patrick's self-deprecating views of himself from having ADHD and the consequences of having a druggie ex-boyfriend.
Throughout his life no one's really understood Patrick or his disorder (including his father) so he's always been told that he's a fuckup and doesn't have his shit together and that he's nothing but a good lay so he begins to believe it all himself. It's not until Whiskey comes along that his view of himself begins to change. Whiskey is the first person to really see and understand Patrick. He's the one to show Patrick that he really had it together all along and that he's perfect as he is, even if he does occasionally hop from one thing to another or spaz out when he's nervous or embarrassed or throw things because he's upset.
I really fell in love with both Patrick and Whiskey, and I think you will, too. Go read this!! :D
March 13, 2012
I've never wished I was really rich. But if I COULD be really rich, I'd only wanna be really rich so I could pay Amy Lane a fat paycheck to tell me love stories all day every day (and so I could buy a damned conjoined-twin-american-bullfrog-anomaly! I'm now thoroughly obsessed with the idea).
Patrick was unbelievably awesome. I relate alot because... well I have adult ADHD. Which makes me really envious that he has Whiskey! Ah Whiskey. Thank goodness you showed our boy secks is not always "squicky". Poor thing. And Fly Bait. I just can't think of anything I didn't like about this book. I even enjoyed the whole warehouse explosion bit. I mean it was the answer to the frog anomalies so it made sense with the story, IMHO. Eff the haters.
I reiterate: Amy Lane is a goddess!
Patrick was unbelievably awesome. I relate alot because... well I have adult ADHD. Which makes me really envious that he has Whiskey! Ah Whiskey. Thank goodness you showed our boy secks is not always "squicky". Poor thing. And Fly Bait. I just can't think of anything I didn't like about this book. I even enjoyed the whole warehouse explosion bit. I mean it was the answer to the frog anomalies so it made sense with the story, IMHO. Eff the haters.
I reiterate: Amy Lane is a goddess!
October 6, 2013
Wonderful, wonderful love story! I could not have loved Whiskey and Patrick more than I did by the end of this book. Patrick, so battered and innocent and Whiskey so protective and strong. They were absolutely perfect for each another. And the fact that the relationship took time to progress instead of the two of them falling into the dreaded M/M romance insta-love was a huge bonus! It made their first love scene incredibly dramatic and beautiful and so stinkin' HOT!!!!
Thank you to my lovely GR friend Sandra for recommending this book when I needed a pick-me-up. It was just perfect for a low-angst-romance read. It was soothing and comfortable and I know I'll be reading it again when I'm feeling blue.
Thank you to my lovely GR friend Sandra for recommending this book when I needed a pick-me-up. It was just perfect for a low-angst-romance read. It was soothing and comfortable and I know I'll be reading it again when I'm feeling blue.
Read
March 23, 2020Rating and review removed.
April 20, 2012
I ♥ Patrick and Whiskey!
I think this is my most favorite Amy Lane novel yet, of course, I really haven't read very many by her. But this story was just so sweet...with very little angst and no break-ups or cheating! I didn't want it to end and it actually took me hours to finish the last 10% or so. Patrick and Whiskey were just so perfect together.
I loved how Whiskey never got impatient with Patrick no matter how many fuckups he had when he forgot to take his 'little brown pill'. He was so gentle and patient with Patrick and loved him for the whole person he was...and not for his body or his father's money.
So many 'aww, how sweet' moments in this one...and not the sappy kind either.
I loved the sexual tension and how Patrick and Whiskey didn't jump right into having sex from the very beginning. It's the perfect amount of smexiness and didn't even happen until midway into the book (which I prefer). But once they were finally together, it was sweet and sexy and romantic. Just perfect!
Darnit, I even cried! And the sad thing is that it wasn't even sad. I'm not much of a crier, but when I do cry, it's usually at the oddest moments. One little thoughtful gesture turned me into a freakin' waterfall.
I can totally see that image in my head. So yeah, I even started liking the idiot dad in the end.
I really loved Fly Bait!!! She's like my most favorite lesbian character...ever!! I would really love to read a sweet story about her and Loretta...someday!
5+ Stars!!
I think this is my most favorite Amy Lane novel yet, of course, I really haven't read very many by her. But this story was just so sweet...with very little angst and no break-ups or cheating! I didn't want it to end and it actually took me hours to finish the last 10% or so. Patrick and Whiskey were just so perfect together.
I loved how Whiskey never got impatient with Patrick no matter how many fuckups he had when he forgot to take his 'little brown pill'. He was so gentle and patient with Patrick and loved him for the whole person he was...and not for his body or his father's money.
“Have I said the 'L' word yet?” he asked, and Patrick's lake-blue eyes got even bigger.
“No,” he whispered.
“Well, you let me know when the word won't make you jump off the boat, and I'll say it to you then.”
So many 'aww, how sweet' moments in this one...and not the sappy kind either.
I loved the sexual tension and how Patrick and Whiskey didn't jump right into having sex from the very beginning. It's the perfect amount of smexiness and didn't even happen until midway into the book (which I prefer). But once they were finally together, it was sweet and sexy and romantic. Just perfect!
Darnit, I even cried! And the sad thing is that it wasn't even sad. I'm not much of a crier, but when I do cry, it's usually at the oddest moments. One little thoughtful gesture turned me into a freakin' waterfall.
"Shawn had taken the picture--Patrick on a windy overlook above the levee, with the magnificent kite featuring a colorful frog in the center dancing overhead."
I can totally see that image in my head. So yeah, I even started liking the idiot dad in the end.
I really loved Fly Bait!!! She's like my most favorite lesbian character...ever!! I would really love to read a sweet story about her and Loretta...someday!
5+ Stars!!
February 10, 2022
I fell in love with Patrick from the start. He seems selfish but is too naïve to project that to anyone including to the man who rescues him from sure death, Wes "Whiskey" Keenan. As for Whiskey, I found that I, in equal measures, felt both frustrated and sorry for him. He is a man who is sweet, smart, and capable of love but fights every fiber in his being to prevent it from happening. You realize that he's not a total unsocial idiot so something terrible must have occurred in his life. Then we watch these two superlatively drawn characters inch toward each other during a summer on a houseboat on the steamy Sacramento River where Whiskey is engaged in an environmental project and where Patrick has become his ward. If we expect heat between them from the start...it isn't going to happen. These two guys...in spite of their mutual attraction, are separated in age by eight years, have a host of interferences to deal with that include Whiskey's research partner...and former girlfriend, a stalking criminal ex-boyfriend and Patrick's obnoxiously cold father. In spite of all that, this can be summed up as a lovely, tender and funny love story.
September 16, 2011
Two hot guys, incredible funny story, suspense, and.... FROGS!!!!
If you are like me an avid M/M (male/male) reader this writer is not an stranger for you. Yeah, it's an Amy Lane, so you must expect a perfect writing, funny characters, heartbreaking love story, so much angst you will want to bang your head in the wall
... NO WAIT! The last one NO!I read
&
and I think this one is the most romantic
and less "tragic" of her stories (Also Super Sock man, but it's a short story)So, I can't give less than 5 stars, and I must admit I like it, but Litha's Constant Whim is still my favorite of her books.
November 1, 2019
Sweet and quirky with great narration. This is an empowering story.
September 19, 2012
2.5 Stars
Eh-hem. Okay. Here goes: I didn't really care for Clear Water.
There. I said it. I know. I can hear the gasps and curses now. I'm sorry. It wasn't a bad book. It just didn't blow my dress up.
Here’s what I liked:
- Despite – or maybe because of – their flaws, the characters were real; I liked that.
- The plight of the frogs – boo to polluters!!!
- Whiskey – great name for a compassionate guy with infinite patience.
- Fly Bait's friendship with Whiskey (including their ill-fated attempt at one night of sexual bliss).
- Fly Bait and Loretta’s HEA.
- Shawn – although he royally f*cked up as a father, he eventually got his sh*t together and reestablished a loving relationship with his son. I dug that!
Here’s my gripes:
-At times, Patrick’s insecurity grated on my last nerve. I know. Patrick has ADHD. Join the club. Due to misinformation and ignorance, he has been ineffective in dealing with it. He’s been misunderstood, neglected, and used for most of his life. Totally not his fault. I get that. But Patrick, nonetheless, has got problems.
-Patrick is too child-like. Although Patrick is a few years past the age of majority, he’s not an “adult.” His father’s wealth has sheltered him and he has not had to fend for himself. He’s really immature and still finding his way to adulthood and independence. Maybe Lane intends Patrick’s childish mannerisms to be charming or endearing and they could be, if he had not been so immature. Instead, it just underscored that he had not yet transitioned from adolescence to adulthood.
-Whiskey is right and wrong for Patrick. Whiskey is a 36-year-old doctor who studies the environmental effects on different species, like the bull frogs of the Sacramento riverbed. He’s worldly and mature; confident and wise in his years. He’s experienced and knows who he is and what he wants. In this way, he is Patrick’s antithesis. He becomes his mentor, provider, and protector. Through Whiskey’s love and infinite patience, Patrick eventually comes into his own (although even that is arguable since Patrick never seems to wean himself off his father to become financially independent … but I digress). Both characters are likeable and I really root for them. The problem is the enmeshment of mentorship with romance when one of the characters is still so very young, damaged, and immature.
-May/December vs. Boy/Man romance. Herein lies the rub: Patrick is an immature, lost, and damaged soul who’s still trying to claw his way to adulthood. Whiskey is a 36-year-old doctor who is confident, self-assured, and in control of his destiny; he has a wealth of experiences that have molded him into the man that he is. Patrick and Whiskey complement each other in that way and that’s wonderful. And while I am a BIG fan of May/December romances, I am not a fan of boy/man romances. That is a bright do-not-cross, do-not-pass-go type line for me. And Lane blurs this boundary more than I am comfortable with. That just doesn’t appeal to me and is ultimately why I was disenchanted with this book. To that end, Patrick’s and Whiskey’s ages are immaterial. Patrick behaves like and is still treated like a boy; Whiskey still thinks of him as such. Even at the end, when they were reunited, Whiskey thought Patrick should be a “good boy” and go into work. Bleh!
-Feels like I’m kicking a puppy. Part of the problem is that I feel bad for disliking Patrick. Lane makes such a point of saying, “hey, Patrick has been through so much and life has been so unfair to him! You should feel sorry for him! You should want to save him! You should want to shelter and protect him! Patrick can do no wrong so he shouldn’t even apologize for anything!!!” Ugh. I don’t like to pity my heroes. I like watching them overcome adversity but I don’t like them coddled. Just not my cup of tea. I got tired of seeing Patrick as a victim.
-Patrick doesn’t really grow up. In the end, after everything is said and done, Patrick still doesn’t achieve his independence. He accepts the brand new truck from his dad. Okay, given the circumstances and Shawn’s explanation, I understood that. But then Patrick basically regresses back to his pre-Whiskey days where he’s living off his dad. Part of being an adult is being fiscally responsible. Patrick is okay with living off of Dad’s pocketbook as long as Dad doesn’t think he’s a “leech.” Uh, no.
I know I’m in a very small minority here but this book fell flat for me. I enjoyed the characters, including the secondary characters, but in the end too many things bugged and distracted me to the point of frustration. I know many of my GR friends are fans of Amy Lane and I want to give her a fair shake. I’ll give another of her books a go. But I need to take a much needed break first.
Eh-hem. Okay. Here goes: I didn't really care for Clear Water.
There. I said it. I know. I can hear the gasps and curses now. I'm sorry. It wasn't a bad book. It just didn't blow my dress up.
Here’s what I liked:
- Despite – or maybe because of – their flaws, the characters were real; I liked that.
- The plight of the frogs – boo to polluters!!!
- Whiskey – great name for a compassionate guy with infinite patience.
- Fly Bait's friendship with Whiskey (including their ill-fated attempt at one night of sexual bliss).
- Fly Bait and Loretta’s HEA.
- Shawn – although he royally f*cked up as a father, he eventually got his sh*t together and reestablished a loving relationship with his son. I dug that!
Here’s my gripes:
-At times, Patrick’s insecurity grated on my last nerve. I know. Patrick has ADHD. Join the club. Due to misinformation and ignorance, he has been ineffective in dealing with it. He’s been misunderstood, neglected, and used for most of his life. Totally not his fault. I get that. But Patrick, nonetheless, has got problems.
-Patrick is too child-like. Although Patrick is a few years past the age of majority, he’s not an “adult.” His father’s wealth has sheltered him and he has not had to fend for himself. He’s really immature and still finding his way to adulthood and independence. Maybe Lane intends Patrick’s childish mannerisms to be charming or endearing and they could be, if he had not been so immature. Instead, it just underscored that he had not yet transitioned from adolescence to adulthood.
-Whiskey is right and wrong for Patrick. Whiskey is a 36-year-old doctor who studies the environmental effects on different species, like the bull frogs of the Sacramento riverbed. He’s worldly and mature; confident and wise in his years. He’s experienced and knows who he is and what he wants. In this way, he is Patrick’s antithesis. He becomes his mentor, provider, and protector. Through Whiskey’s love and infinite patience, Patrick eventually comes into his own (although even that is arguable since Patrick never seems to wean himself off his father to become financially independent … but I digress). Both characters are likeable and I really root for them. The problem is the enmeshment of mentorship with romance when one of the characters is still so very young, damaged, and immature.
-May/December vs. Boy/Man romance. Herein lies the rub: Patrick is an immature, lost, and damaged soul who’s still trying to claw his way to adulthood. Whiskey is a 36-year-old doctor who is confident, self-assured, and in control of his destiny; he has a wealth of experiences that have molded him into the man that he is. Patrick and Whiskey complement each other in that way and that’s wonderful. And while I am a BIG fan of May/December romances, I am not a fan of boy/man romances. That is a bright do-not-cross, do-not-pass-go type line for me. And Lane blurs this boundary more than I am comfortable with. That just doesn’t appeal to me and is ultimately why I was disenchanted with this book. To that end, Patrick’s and Whiskey’s ages are immaterial. Patrick behaves like and is still treated like a boy; Whiskey still thinks of him as such. Even at the end, when they were reunited, Whiskey thought Patrick should be a “good boy” and go into work. Bleh!
-Feels like I’m kicking a puppy. Part of the problem is that I feel bad for disliking Patrick. Lane makes such a point of saying, “hey, Patrick has been through so much and life has been so unfair to him! You should feel sorry for him! You should want to save him! You should want to shelter and protect him! Patrick can do no wrong so he shouldn’t even apologize for anything!!!” Ugh. I don’t like to pity my heroes. I like watching them overcome adversity but I don’t like them coddled. Just not my cup of tea. I got tired of seeing Patrick as a victim.
-Patrick doesn’t really grow up. In the end, after everything is said and done, Patrick still doesn’t achieve his independence. He accepts the brand new truck from his dad. Okay, given the circumstances and Shawn’s explanation, I understood that. But then Patrick basically regresses back to his pre-Whiskey days where he’s living off his dad. Part of being an adult is being fiscally responsible. Patrick is okay with living off of Dad’s pocketbook as long as Dad doesn’t think he’s a “leech.” Uh, no.
I know I’m in a very small minority here but this book fell flat for me. I enjoyed the characters, including the secondary characters, but in the end too many things bugged and distracted me to the point of frustration. I know many of my GR friends are fans of Amy Lane and I want to give her a fair shake. I’ll give another of her books a go. But I need to take a much needed break first.
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Patrick keeps making one shit mistake after the other. However he has thegood bad fortune of almost drowning and being saved by Whiskey. Though he has low self esteem and his life choices so far have not been the best, he's determined to show others and himself that he can do better. He just needs a chance to do so.
Whiskey just so happens to be that second chance. With a heart of gold and infinite patience, he's drawn to Patrick and sees in him what others can't - intellect, goodness, and most of all, potential. Thus he offers him a safe haven for a much needed respite to get his ducks in a row.
This was kinda silly and absurd and surprisingly, so so sweet. A tender look at two guys who make an unlikely pair, but when together, make so much sense. Quite the enjoyable, sexy read.
Patrick keeps making one shit mistake after the other. However he has the
Whiskey just so happens to be that second chance. With a heart of gold and infinite patience, he's drawn to Patrick and sees in him what others can't - intellect, goodness, and most of all, potential. Thus he offers him a safe haven for a much needed respite to get his ducks in a row.
This was kinda silly and absurd and surprisingly, so so sweet. A tender look at two guys who make an unlikely pair, but when together, make so much sense. Quite the enjoyable, sexy read.
September 14, 2011
Patrick and Whiskey they had nice chemistry. Both of them saved in a different way, Patrick from drowning and Whiskey from a monotonous life. Patrick was vibrant and fun and added some spice and turmoil to the lives of Whiskey and Fly Bait. A dynamo, whirlwind that flew into their lives causing mischief and havoc! His insecurities and self confidence issues slowly get better with medication, support and LOVE. The environmental research into the frogs deformities, from pollution was interesting. Patrick and his quirky frogs were so cute. The plot twist near the end wasn't needed and dragged the story down. I would have preferred to have seen the relationship explored further. I still did enjoy this and Patrick yeah a total Spaz!
March 6, 2016
3 Stars
Sweet and kooky, this was a really different type of read for me - I mean that in a good way.
The characters were wholly original and the dialogue was erratic and caustic, making it all the more real, and often hilarious.
Sweet and kooky, this was a really different type of read for me - I mean that in a good way.
The characters were wholly original and the dialogue was erratic and caustic, making it all the more real, and often hilarious.
April 21, 2015
3.75 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews