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Mackenzie Country #2
The Mechanics of Lust
I broke the rules and fell in love with my best friend. Newsflash—he didn’t feel the same. I had to stand by and watch him fall for someone else. Moving on hasn’t been easy since we all live and work on the same high country sheep station, but I’m finally getting there.
I’m building a new life, a new set of dreams, planning a different future, just me and my dogs. The last thing I need is Luke Nichols, the sexy, enigmatic, ex-husband of my nemesis, filling my head with a laundry list of cravings. Talk about complicated.
Luke is only in Mackenzie Country for a few months and I’m not about to put my heart on the line again just for a little fun. But the more I’m around Luke, the harder it is to remember exactly why Luke and I are a bad idea, the worst idea.
Things between us are about to go nuclear.
Maybe I’m wrong.
Maybe we can keep it simple.
Maybe I can satisfy my cravings and hold on to my heart.
And maybe pigs can fly.
This story contains references to the past loss of a child .
I’m building a new life, a new set of dreams, planning a different future, just me and my dogs. The last thing I need is Luke Nichols, the sexy, enigmatic, ex-husband of my nemesis, filling my head with a laundry list of cravings. Talk about complicated.
Luke is only in Mackenzie Country for a few months and I’m not about to put my heart on the line again just for a little fun. But the more I’m around Luke, the harder it is to remember exactly why Luke and I are a bad idea, the worst idea.
Things between us are about to go nuclear.
Maybe I’m wrong.
Maybe we can keep it simple.
Maybe I can satisfy my cravings and hold on to my heart.
And maybe pigs can fly.
This story contains references to the past loss of a child .
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2023
174 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Jay Hogan
25 books922 followersHeart, humour and keeping it real.
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
January 15, 2024
*3.5 stars*
The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan is an incredibly hard book to rate, mainly because it's so long so I went through so many highs and lows while reading it.
My biggest issue with all Jay Hogan books is how looooooong they are. I mean, like nearly 400 dense, intense pages kinda long. Which is FINE, if the book is fire all the way through, but this one really wasn't.
If I'm being honest, I had a hard time getting through the first part of the story. Zach is so damn wishy-washy and unfair to Luke, who really didn't do anything wrong. Zach just hems and haws, and, frankly, I got sick of it. I just wanted him to through Luke a bone (heh). In addition, I kept mixing up the two characters and their names and the supporting characters, almost to the point where I was re-reading whole pages because I couldn't figure out what was happening. The first half is a SLOG.
But the second half... it almost got me, and almost made me tip my rating to 4-stars. It was emotional, and I LOVE a predicament-bonding situation. I was on the edge of my seat, and I got more feels and the intensity that I wanted. I still think that, even at the end, Zach could have done better with sharing his feelings, but it really, truly redeemed the story for me.
I think that if you like these characters and are willing to wade through 400 pages to read their story, you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed it in the end, but it won't rank up there with my favorites from this author.
goodreads|instagram
The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan is an incredibly hard book to rate, mainly because it's so long so I went through so many highs and lows while reading it.
My biggest issue with all Jay Hogan books is how looooooong they are. I mean, like nearly 400 dense, intense pages kinda long. Which is FINE, if the book is fire all the way through, but this one really wasn't.
If I'm being honest, I had a hard time getting through the first part of the story. Zach is so damn wishy-washy and unfair to Luke, who really didn't do anything wrong. Zach just hems and haws, and, frankly, I got sick of it. I just wanted him to through Luke a bone (heh). In addition, I kept mixing up the two characters and their names and the supporting characters, almost to the point where I was re-reading whole pages because I couldn't figure out what was happening. The first half is a SLOG.
But the second half... it almost got me, and almost made me tip my rating to 4-stars. It was emotional, and I LOVE a predicament-bonding situation. I was on the edge of my seat, and I got more feels and the intensity that I wanted. I still think that, even at the end, Zach could have done better with sharing his feelings, but it really, truly redeemed the story for me.
I think that if you like these characters and are willing to wade through 400 pages to read their story, you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed it in the end, but it won't rank up there with my favorites from this author.
goodreads|instagram
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December 28, 2023DNF @53%
Dear friends, I hereby ask you to resist the temptation to throw tomatoes at me.
I started this in November and put it on hold twice.
It's not a bad story, but let's face it, it's missing what it takes for me to continue.
I am happy and a bit jealous it was such a great read to all my friends. 🥰
Dear friends, I hereby ask you to resist the temptation to throw tomatoes at me.
I started this in November and put it on hold twice.
It's not a bad story, but let's face it, it's missing what it takes for me to continue.
I am happy and a bit jealous it was such a great read to all my friends. 🥰
October 21, 2023
4.5 - Things I loved about this - the beautiful NZ high country, the Station family, real characters, lovely descriptive writing, well researched setting, realistic and heart wrenching yet hopeful portrayal of grief after loss of a child. Interest piqued for book 3.
Things I didn’t love - the relationship between the MCs. There was a lot of push/pull and I was very tempted to tell Luke to just shack up with one of the other eligible bachelors in the town. I didn’t find myself loving Zach but I guess their up and down relationship is what the story was all about. They had a lot to get through. Gil and Holden were so loved up in this it was a bit cringey at times but also nice to see them happy.
Despite not loving the main couple I still really enjoyed reading this and I’m looking forward to more books in the series with lots of potential new mcs hanging about.
Bonus points for a few cute references to some couples from the Southern Lights series.
I definitely recommend reading book 1 before this, the stories are closely entwined.
Things I didn’t love - the relationship between the MCs. There was a lot of push/pull and I was very tempted to tell Luke to just shack up with one of the other eligible bachelors in the town. I didn’t find myself loving Zach but I guess their up and down relationship is what the story was all about. They had a lot to get through. Gil and Holden were so loved up in this it was a bit cringey at times but also nice to see them happy.
Despite not loving the main couple I still really enjoyed reading this and I’m looking forward to more books in the series with lots of potential new mcs hanging about.
Bonus points for a few cute references to some couples from the Southern Lights series.
I definitely recommend reading book 1 before this, the stories are closely entwined.
October 18, 2023
COMPLEX AND COMPELLING STORYTELLING FROM JAY
If you’ve read The Art of Husbandry then you already know both the characters who take centre stage in this one.
You’ll be aware that Luke has suffered the loss of his 10-year-old daughter in a car accident, along with the breakdown of his marriage to Callie’s other father Gil.
You’ll also know that Zach was once in love with his best friend Holden, who is now Gil’s partner and his soulmate, not that this new relationship belittles the one Luke and Gil had before Callie’s death.
It will come as no surprise, then, that this book is not a light and breezy, easy holiday beach type read. It’s a complex and complicated struggle to adapt to both a new direction and the possibility of a new love.
Zach and Luke’s initial meeting wasn’t so good, Zach immediately judging him for leaving Gil after Callie’s death and casting him as the villain of the piece – something which obviously wasn’t the case as Gil has taken the time, over the proceeding 12 months – to make clear.
He was also dealing with his own traumas of having come out and immediately been told he wasn’t welcome on his own family’s sheep station unless he gave up the gay by his father. Zach walked out and that’s still a weight around his neck.
What this book then gives you is a very real, very emotional demonstration of how two completely different men can actually be the perfect jigsaw piece to fit into the vulnerable hole each has in their heart.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again here, Jay Hogan is a master craftswoman when it comes to portraying and projecting the real physical and emotional turmoil of grief, of bone deep hurts and pain, of the cost of having to try pick yourself up and move on, step by painful step, into a new and uncertain future.
She does that again in spades here as both men face a few hard truths, deal with some unresolved mental wounds that are verging on the edge of going septic, and then take a leap of faith by placing their hearts in the hands of someone who’s capable of breaking them beyond repair.
That she also does that by tempering the story with some humour, ridiculously hot and chemically laden lust filled sexual encounters that very rapidly turn into something much more profound and beautifully gentle, is a mark of her skill with words.
As ever, the landscape and culture of New Zealand is as much a character as the humans and animals who centre the story, its vastness, its unforgiving harshness, the beauty of nature in its unspoilt glory and the grit of the people who work the land.
I am beyond intrigued as to who will be the subject of book three The Science of Attraction as there’s a couple of possibilities!
If you’ve read The Art of Husbandry then you already know both the characters who take centre stage in this one.
You’ll be aware that Luke has suffered the loss of his 10-year-old daughter in a car accident, along with the breakdown of his marriage to Callie’s other father Gil.
You’ll also know that Zach was once in love with his best friend Holden, who is now Gil’s partner and his soulmate, not that this new relationship belittles the one Luke and Gil had before Callie’s death.
It will come as no surprise, then, that this book is not a light and breezy, easy holiday beach type read. It’s a complex and complicated struggle to adapt to both a new direction and the possibility of a new love.
Zach and Luke’s initial meeting wasn’t so good, Zach immediately judging him for leaving Gil after Callie’s death and casting him as the villain of the piece – something which obviously wasn’t the case as Gil has taken the time, over the proceeding 12 months – to make clear.
He was also dealing with his own traumas of having come out and immediately been told he wasn’t welcome on his own family’s sheep station unless he gave up the gay by his father. Zach walked out and that’s still a weight around his neck.
What this book then gives you is a very real, very emotional demonstration of how two completely different men can actually be the perfect jigsaw piece to fit into the vulnerable hole each has in their heart.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again here, Jay Hogan is a master craftswoman when it comes to portraying and projecting the real physical and emotional turmoil of grief, of bone deep hurts and pain, of the cost of having to try pick yourself up and move on, step by painful step, into a new and uncertain future.
She does that again in spades here as both men face a few hard truths, deal with some unresolved mental wounds that are verging on the edge of going septic, and then take a leap of faith by placing their hearts in the hands of someone who’s capable of breaking them beyond repair.
That she also does that by tempering the story with some humour, ridiculously hot and chemically laden lust filled sexual encounters that very rapidly turn into something much more profound and beautifully gentle, is a mark of her skill with words.
As ever, the landscape and culture of New Zealand is as much a character as the humans and animals who centre the story, its vastness, its unforgiving harshness, the beauty of nature in its unspoilt glory and the grit of the people who work the land.
I am beyond intrigued as to who will be the subject of book three The Science of Attraction as there’s a couple of possibilities!
October 23, 2023
This book was beautifully written and incredibly sexy and would have earned all of the stars had I ever been able to truly believe that Zach deserved Luke. Luke was amazing. He had been through so much pain, yet he was patient and kind and loving towards Zach. He said the most swoon worthy things and constantly put himself out there just to be shot down by Zach over and over again. And Zach wasn't exactly letting him down easy. He wasn't careful with Luke's heart at all and some of the things he said and did left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm giving this book 4 stars because the writing was stellar, the descriptions of Mackenzie Country made me feel like I was there and Luke was a sweet, caring person who deserved the world. The epilogue was fantastic, too.
October 22, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
“Living in the closet for thirty years can make it damned hard to trust your heart to another person, especially when the first man you gave it to handed it back. Don’t give up, Zee.”
3.5 stars rounded up
This is another one of those books that are really difficult to rate and review, because I know that objectively it’s really good, it just wasn’t right for me personally. There is no doubt that Jay Hogan can write a good book and characters with a lot of depth, but the tropes in this and the constant push and pull/back and forth really frustrated me.
I’d watched the man I’d been in love with fall for another man and then watched my arsehole father turn his back on me. I wasn’t sure I could take another hit so soon.
I likely wouldn’t have picked it up if I realized what the tropes were, because I generally don’t enjoy them much, and that is in no way the author’s fault. In spite of all of this though, it *is* well written, and there were several side characters I really enjoyed getting to know, as well as the MCs. The book also made me very emotional at times. I had a pretty strong connection with Zach after what happened in book 1, and that definitely continued in this book.
Of course, he’d skedaddled. The man was harder to pin down than a stray cat.
I would have to be made of stone to not notice the scorching chemistry, though. I may have wondered why the hell the MCs were even trying to be together a couple times, but there was no denying that they set the sheets (and walls!) on fire with their combustible chemistry.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Hurt/comfort
Enemies to lovers
Dog trainer/shepherd
Pilot
Small town
Friends with benefits
Push and pull
Age gap
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Grief
Mentions of the death of MCs child (past)
Medical emergency (stroke, side character)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of excessive drinking (past)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Luke goes for a drink with someone else. Nothing happens. Before MCs get together.
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
This was Luke. Luke would find a way to top from the bottom if he was the bloody Titanic.
He was also beautiful in that way men had when they had no idea how truly lovely they were.
Crushing on the best mate of my ex-husband’s new man was way too fucking complicated even for me.
“Living in the closet for thirty years can make it damned hard to trust your heart to another person, especially when the first man you gave it to handed it back. Don’t give up, Zee.”
3.5 stars rounded up
This is another one of those books that are really difficult to rate and review, because I know that objectively it’s really good, it just wasn’t right for me personally. There is no doubt that Jay Hogan can write a good book and characters with a lot of depth, but the tropes in this and the constant push and pull/back and forth really frustrated me.
I’d watched the man I’d been in love with fall for another man and then watched my arsehole father turn his back on me. I wasn’t sure I could take another hit so soon.
I likely wouldn’t have picked it up if I realized what the tropes were, because I generally don’t enjoy them much, and that is in no way the author’s fault. In spite of all of this though, it *is* well written, and there were several side characters I really enjoyed getting to know, as well as the MCs. The book also made me very emotional at times. I had a pretty strong connection with Zach after what happened in book 1, and that definitely continued in this book.
Of course, he’d skedaddled. The man was harder to pin down than a stray cat.
I would have to be made of stone to not notice the scorching chemistry, though. I may have wondered why the hell the MCs were even trying to be together a couple times, but there was no denying that they set the sheets (and walls!) on fire with their combustible chemistry.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Hurt/comfort
Enemies to lovers
Dog trainer/shepherd
Pilot
Small town
Friends with benefits
Push and pull
Age gap
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Grief
Mentions of the death of MCs child (past)
Medical emergency (stroke, side character)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of excessive drinking (past)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Luke goes for a drink with someone else. Nothing happens. Before MCs get together.
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
This was Luke. Luke would find a way to top from the bottom if he was the bloody Titanic.
He was also beautiful in that way men had when they had no idea how truly lovely they were.
Crushing on the best mate of my ex-husband’s new man was way too fucking complicated even for me.
May 6, 2024
Loved both individually, but not as a couple.
You know those books, where you ask yourselves WHY on earth two people fall for each other? This is one of those.
It’s the story of Luke and Zach. Luke is Gil’s ex-husband (one of the guys from the first book), and while he’s in good terms with Gil himself, he’s still not over the death of this 10yo daughter. Because of course he isn’t - no parent who loves his children will ever NOT be devastated by such a loss. He moved from Wellington to the small town Oakwood in NZ, taking a job as a helicopter pilot.
There’s not much happening in Oakwood - it’s a town with a lot of sheep farms, and with tourists coming to visit.
Luke is a shepherd on the Miller farm, and while he’s over the fact that Holden, his best friend whom he’s been in love with, is happy with Gil, he’s still not ready for anything new - least of all for anything involving Luke.
The good thing about their romance (because ofc they end up together): the yearning. And Luke. Luke was perfect, despite the fact that I didn’t quite understand why he set his sight on Zach.
The thing I didn’t like about it: Zach and his push and pull and his reluctance to give their relationship a chance. Yes, I understand that it’s difficult being 30 ish years old and being new to the entire dating/relationship thing. But COME ON. He’s not 15, and having been rejected by one guy a year ago isn’t the end of the world 🙄 I know everyone is different, but especially when compared to the things Luke has had to deal with, Zach was… very young and immature, to put it mildly.
Still, for Luke’s sake, I’m happy they got their HEA.
As to the narration by Gary Furlong: The NZ accent was a bit tough for me in the beginning, but I got used to it pretty quickly and I loved all the emotion he put into his performance.
3.5 stars rounded up - it can be read as a standalone, and while it’s a bit long, I still enjoyed the character development and all the NZ/small town vibes.
You know those books, where you ask yourselves WHY on earth two people fall for each other? This is one of those.
It’s the story of Luke and Zach. Luke is Gil’s ex-husband (one of the guys from the first book), and while he’s in good terms with Gil himself, he’s still not over the death of this 10yo daughter. Because of course he isn’t - no parent who loves his children will ever NOT be devastated by such a loss. He moved from Wellington to the small town Oakwood in NZ, taking a job as a helicopter pilot.
There’s not much happening in Oakwood - it’s a town with a lot of sheep farms, and with tourists coming to visit.
Luke is a shepherd on the Miller farm, and while he’s over the fact that Holden, his best friend whom he’s been in love with, is happy with Gil, he’s still not ready for anything new - least of all for anything involving Luke.
The good thing about their romance (because ofc they end up together): the yearning. And Luke. Luke was perfect, despite the fact that I didn’t quite understand why he set his sight on Zach.
The thing I didn’t like about it: Zach and his push and pull and his reluctance to give their relationship a chance. Yes, I understand that it’s difficult being 30 ish years old and being new to the entire dating/relationship thing. But COME ON. He’s not 15, and having been rejected by one guy a year ago isn’t the end of the world 🙄 I know everyone is different, but especially when compared to the things Luke has had to deal with, Zach was… very young and immature, to put it mildly.
Still, for Luke’s sake, I’m happy they got their HEA.
As to the narration by Gary Furlong: The NZ accent was a bit tough for me in the beginning, but I got used to it pretty quickly and I loved all the emotion he put into his performance.
3.5 stars rounded up - it can be read as a standalone, and while it’s a bit long, I still enjoyed the character development and all the NZ/small town vibes.
March 3, 2024
This was...a conundrum for me.
I LOVED the first book...Gil and Holden blew me away with their thunderstruck love story.
And I think this was NECESSARY before continuing to book 3...which I also ADORED.
Buttttt, *cringe* I struggled with Zach and Luke.
Yes, I think it's strange that Luke follows Gil to the countryside.
Yes, I think it's an odd match-up between Gil's ex-husband and Holden's ex-lover.
Yes, I think they all deserve swoony romance but...it just felt forced at times.
And...I don't think the age difference was truly mentioned. Not that I have a problem with it. I just think it's strange that it wasn't noted.
All in all, I'm glad I read it because I believe I NEEDED this before joining Jules and Liam on their story.
I LOVED the first book...Gil and Holden blew me away with their thunderstruck love story.
And I think this was NECESSARY before continuing to book 3...which I also ADORED.
Buttttt, *cringe* I struggled with Zach and Luke.
Yes, I think it's strange that Luke follows Gil to the countryside.
Yes, I think it's an odd match-up between Gil's ex-husband and Holden's ex-lover.
Yes, I think they all deserve swoony romance but...it just felt forced at times.
And...I don't think the age difference was truly mentioned. Not that I have a problem with it. I just think it's strange that it wasn't noted.
All in all, I'm glad I read it because I believe I NEEDED this before joining Jules and Liam on their story.
November 24, 2024
Another great depiction of how grief can affect people in different ways and on different timelines, and that there are different types of grief you can experience - Luke with child loss, Zach with losing the potential future he saw with the man he'd been in love with for years.
Luke is the ex-husband of Gil from book 1 and they lost their daughter, as well as their relationship. I loved how they were able to repair and rebuild their amazing friendship and find ways to support each other through their grief, even though their relationship had transitioned to something different. I also really liked how the two couples were ex's of each other - Luke and Gil were married, Holden and Zach were long term friends with benefits - and somehow they made it work after they worked through the awkwardness of it all!
Zach just made me want to hug him so hard everytime he got those doubts and negative voices in his head. After the events with Holden in book one this guy was so cynical about love and was terrified his heart was going to get crushed again, and it felt really believable that this would be how he behaved, even though he's the most loving person.
Luke's heartbreak after losing Callie, Gil and then Zach made me cry so hard. His grief journey was so different to Gil's in that he went out and found distractions in other people and alcohol to make him feel something other than numbness and despair, but his heart to hearts were so full of emotion that it was impossible not to love this character.
I loved the journey these two went on, I loved how Luke's grief was different to Gil's and that he coped in different ways - it's a good representation of the fact that everyone grieves in their own way and I just wanted to hug everyone involved.
Loving Mackenzie Country so much!
Luke is the ex-husband of Gil from book 1 and they lost their daughter, as well as their relationship. I loved how they were able to repair and rebuild their amazing friendship and find ways to support each other through their grief, even though their relationship had transitioned to something different. I also really liked how the two couples were ex's of each other - Luke and Gil were married, Holden and Zach were long term friends with benefits - and somehow they made it work after they worked through the awkwardness of it all!
Zach just made me want to hug him so hard everytime he got those doubts and negative voices in his head. After the events with Holden in book one this guy was so cynical about love and was terrified his heart was going to get crushed again, and it felt really believable that this would be how he behaved, even though he's the most loving person.
Luke's heartbreak after losing Callie, Gil and then Zach made me cry so hard. His grief journey was so different to Gil's in that he went out and found distractions in other people and alcohol to make him feel something other than numbness and despair, but his heart to hearts were so full of emotion that it was impossible not to love this character.
I loved the journey these two went on, I loved how Luke's grief was different to Gil's and that he coped in different ways - it's a good representation of the fact that everyone grieves in their own way and I just wanted to hug everyone involved.
Loving Mackenzie Country so much!
January 7, 2024
✰5 stars✰
Well damn. Something about this one got me.
It was heartbreaking and healing all at once.
That painful clenching in you get in your chest when reading some books that just hurts so good was ever present in this one but god, was the payout worth it.
This was a hard fought happily ever after for these two, and watching them heal and come together was just beautiful.
I highly recommend!
Well damn. Something about this one got me.
It was heartbreaking and healing all at once.
That painful clenching in you get in your chest when reading some books that just hurts so good was ever present in this one but god, was the payout worth it.
< I wanted Luke to go. To not be a complication in my life. I wanted him to stay. I wanted this to be it between us. I wanted as much of him as I could get.
This was a hard fought happily ever after for these two, and watching them heal and come together was just beautiful.
I highly recommend!
October 9, 2023
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Small Town
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Opposites Attract
❤️ New Beginnings
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
After the first book, I was so intrigued by Zach and wanted his story so much! I'll admit I did not like Luke from the first book and I was worried I wasn't going to enjoy this one, but of course Jay absolutely nailed making me like him! I adored the first book so much, but this one I loved even more, it was utterly beautiful. There is the push and pull between them as well as the hurt/comfort that comes with dealing with grief, and the author handles it wonderfully. I love the setting with this series and how well-rounded the characters are, and I really cannot wait for the next book!
🔥 Spice Rating - 3/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Small Town
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Opposites Attract
❤️ New Beginnings
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
After the first book, I was so intrigued by Zach and wanted his story so much! I'll admit I did not like Luke from the first book and I was worried I wasn't going to enjoy this one, but of course Jay absolutely nailed making me like him! I adored the first book so much, but this one I loved even more, it was utterly beautiful. There is the push and pull between them as well as the hurt/comfort that comes with dealing with grief, and the author handles it wonderfully. I love the setting with this series and how well-rounded the characters are, and I really cannot wait for the next book!
November 29, 2023
I've given this an A at AAR.
This second book in Jay Hogan’s Mackenzie Country series features a sexy and emotional romance between two men who are grieving the loss of family and the life they’d envisaged for themselves while trying to find a new path forward into a different future. They also happen to be the exes of the principal characters in The Art of Husbandry , which adds another layer of complication to their relationship.
In that story, Holden Miller, the owner of Miller Station – a remote sheep station in New Zealand’s Southern Alps – fell in love with Gil Everton, who had taken a temporary job at the station in the hope that a complete change of scenery would help to kick-start him out of the rut he’d fallen into after the death of his daughter, Callie. Gil’s marriage – which had been on the rocks anyway – completely broke down after Callie’s death, and he’s now in the process of getting divorced from Luke Nichols, who, at the end of the book, appeared at the station unexpectedly, hoping to finally achieve some kind of closure with Gil and maybe help his own grieving process. Since then, and following a rapprochement which has seen both Gil and Luke accepting that they each bear responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage and become friends, Luke has been a regular and welcome visitor to the station.
The Mechanics of Lust opens about a year after the events of the previous book, on the evening of Gil’s fortieth birthday party. He’s become a popular and valued member of their small community and even Holden’s ex, Zach Lane, considers Gil a good man and a good friend. It took Zach a while to get there – falling in love with your best friend-with-benefits, finding out he didn’t feel the same and then watching him promptly fall in love with someone else didn’t exactly dispose Zach to friendly feelings towards Gil, but although he was hurt and upset at the time, he’s happy for Holden and even envious of what he and Gil have together. Zach isn’t completely surprised when Luke shows up at Gil’s party – he just wishes the man would go back to Wellington and stay there. Luke is well liked by everyone on the station and has found many friends there, but he presents too much of a danger to Zach’s peace of mind and needs to stay at arm’s length – preferably further – wherever possible. Zach has enough complications in his life as it is – he doesn’t need another one in the form of a gorgeous, sophisticated man with a wicked smile who makes his body light up like a Christmas tree every time he comes close. So Zach is dismayed to learn that Luke has just taken a job as a helicopter pilot for a local charter company and moved to the nearest town. It’s going to make avoiding him that much harder.
Luke noticed Zach on his very first visit to Miller Station, and had hoped that perhaps the extreme frostiness emanating from him might eventually start to thaw, but it never has. Over the past year, a thoroughly smitten Luke has watched, puzzled, as Zach has laughed and joked and conversed easily with everyone he meets – except him. The weird thing is that Luke senses his interest in Zach might actually be returned; he’s sure he’s not the only one feeling the sparks of attraction they strike off each other, but he’s not going to be an arsehole and push for anything Zach isn’t willing to give. The ball is firmly in Zach’s court – and sadly, in Luke’s opinion, looks set to stay there.
On the surface, The Mechanics of Lust seems to be one of those stories where there’s nothing really keeping the two protagonists apart other than stubbornness and the need for a good conversation. But nothing is ever that simple in a Jay Hogan book; Zach has good reasons for wanting to guard his heart, and both men are grieving for families they’ve lost in different ways, so there are complex, messy emotions at work that don’t always make sense or lead them to make the best decisions.
After Callie died, Luke seemed to have held things together better than Gil did and he was able to continue with life (mostly) as normal for the first year or so. But then, the grief really hit him, and he fell into a downward spiral of unhealthy coping mechanisms – too much booze and too many men – that he’s only now beginning to pull himself out of. Seeing how well Gil is doing, and listening to him talk about how the vastness and isolation of the landscape had forced him to ask difficult questions of himself has helped Luke realise he needs to stop running and that maybe a similar major life change could help him come to terms with the past and start to move forward.
Zach is grieving, too, having effectively lost both his home and his parents when he came out to his domineering, homophobic father and was told, in no uncertain terms, to get out. He’s still in contact with his brother, Julian, but his mother has never stood up to his dad, so it’s as though she’s disowned him as well – and it hurts. Following hot on the heels of Holden’s rejection, this was devastating for Zach, and he’s determined never to open himself up to the possibility of that kind of hurt ever again. Luke Nichols might be hot as hell and seriously enticing, but he’s flippant, annoying and unreliable – and Zach doesn’t have room in his life for any more uncertainty. What he needs now is to work out where he goes from here, to plan a future for himself now that living on Lane Station and working it alongside his brother is no longer an option.
The relationship between Zach and Luke is superbly developed as they go from wariness to a tentative friendship to more. Zach’s desire to keep Luke at a distance is understandable given how badly he’s been hurt by those who were supposed to love him, but he’s also a judgmental prick at the beginning, his determination to dislike Luke founded on something that is, frankly, inaccurate and none of his business. Luke quite rightly calls him on it – and then so does Gil, and after that, Zach has to admit that he’s been a dick and that he needs to do better. After this, the two of them start to talk more openly to each to other; Luke opens up about how lonely he’s been, about how he feels he failed Gil and Callie, and Luke is the first person Zach talks to about his ambitions to open up a dog training business. Zach finally realises that his fascination with Luke isn’t going away anytime soon, so he decides he can do the whole fucking without feelings thing; provided he’s in charge, he’ll be able to have Luke and walk away when he’s ready. Luke knows exactly what Zach is doing, knows he’s got one foot out the door each time they’re together, but he can’t resist what Zach is offering. He also knows that whatever is going on between them is not at all casual, and while he’d love to have a real relationship, Luke knows that asking for more than NSA sex will have Zach running for the hills.
The sex scenes are scorching and I loved that Zach gets to learn more about himself in the bedroom (Luke is absolutely on board with the pissy, toppy side Zach hasn’t really explored before), and how the time they spend together morphs slowly from booty calls to hanging out, lingering in bed and talking openly, Luke helping Zach to understand that he’s capable of doing and being whatever he wants, and Zach encouraging Luke to start thinking about making a new life and a way to carry good memories with him.
The author once again does a fantastic job of portraying the realities of life and work in such a remote location. Zach is a member of a volunteer rescue team, and I really liked the scenes set during a training exercise (and the later, very tense, real rescue) and seeing him working with his dogs. I liked catching up with Holden and Gil and the rest of the gang at the station, and we’re also introduced to some new characters, Roz, a recent arrival who has opened a restaurant in town, Spencer, the flirty vet, and Doug, a local wilderness guide, and I hope we’ll see more of them in future books.
The Mechanics of Lust is another fabulous read from Jay Hogan, a steamy, poignant and insightful romance that explores some complex themes with a light touch. Luke and Zach are flawed but likeable characters, their chemistry is incendiary and their HEA is well-deserved. I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.
This review originally appeareed at All About Romance .
This second book in Jay Hogan’s Mackenzie Country series features a sexy and emotional romance between two men who are grieving the loss of family and the life they’d envisaged for themselves while trying to find a new path forward into a different future. They also happen to be the exes of the principal characters in The Art of Husbandry , which adds another layer of complication to their relationship.
In that story, Holden Miller, the owner of Miller Station – a remote sheep station in New Zealand’s Southern Alps – fell in love with Gil Everton, who had taken a temporary job at the station in the hope that a complete change of scenery would help to kick-start him out of the rut he’d fallen into after the death of his daughter, Callie. Gil’s marriage – which had been on the rocks anyway – completely broke down after Callie’s death, and he’s now in the process of getting divorced from Luke Nichols, who, at the end of the book, appeared at the station unexpectedly, hoping to finally achieve some kind of closure with Gil and maybe help his own grieving process. Since then, and following a rapprochement which has seen both Gil and Luke accepting that they each bear responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage and become friends, Luke has been a regular and welcome visitor to the station.
The Mechanics of Lust opens about a year after the events of the previous book, on the evening of Gil’s fortieth birthday party. He’s become a popular and valued member of their small community and even Holden’s ex, Zach Lane, considers Gil a good man and a good friend. It took Zach a while to get there – falling in love with your best friend-with-benefits, finding out he didn’t feel the same and then watching him promptly fall in love with someone else didn’t exactly dispose Zach to friendly feelings towards Gil, but although he was hurt and upset at the time, he’s happy for Holden and even envious of what he and Gil have together. Zach isn’t completely surprised when Luke shows up at Gil’s party – he just wishes the man would go back to Wellington and stay there. Luke is well liked by everyone on the station and has found many friends there, but he presents too much of a danger to Zach’s peace of mind and needs to stay at arm’s length – preferably further – wherever possible. Zach has enough complications in his life as it is – he doesn’t need another one in the form of a gorgeous, sophisticated man with a wicked smile who makes his body light up like a Christmas tree every time he comes close. So Zach is dismayed to learn that Luke has just taken a job as a helicopter pilot for a local charter company and moved to the nearest town. It’s going to make avoiding him that much harder.
Luke noticed Zach on his very first visit to Miller Station, and had hoped that perhaps the extreme frostiness emanating from him might eventually start to thaw, but it never has. Over the past year, a thoroughly smitten Luke has watched, puzzled, as Zach has laughed and joked and conversed easily with everyone he meets – except him. The weird thing is that Luke senses his interest in Zach might actually be returned; he’s sure he’s not the only one feeling the sparks of attraction they strike off each other, but he’s not going to be an arsehole and push for anything Zach isn’t willing to give. The ball is firmly in Zach’s court – and sadly, in Luke’s opinion, looks set to stay there.
On the surface, The Mechanics of Lust seems to be one of those stories where there’s nothing really keeping the two protagonists apart other than stubbornness and the need for a good conversation. But nothing is ever that simple in a Jay Hogan book; Zach has good reasons for wanting to guard his heart, and both men are grieving for families they’ve lost in different ways, so there are complex, messy emotions at work that don’t always make sense or lead them to make the best decisions.
After Callie died, Luke seemed to have held things together better than Gil did and he was able to continue with life (mostly) as normal for the first year or so. But then, the grief really hit him, and he fell into a downward spiral of unhealthy coping mechanisms – too much booze and too many men – that he’s only now beginning to pull himself out of. Seeing how well Gil is doing, and listening to him talk about how the vastness and isolation of the landscape had forced him to ask difficult questions of himself has helped Luke realise he needs to stop running and that maybe a similar major life change could help him come to terms with the past and start to move forward.
Zach is grieving, too, having effectively lost both his home and his parents when he came out to his domineering, homophobic father and was told, in no uncertain terms, to get out. He’s still in contact with his brother, Julian, but his mother has never stood up to his dad, so it’s as though she’s disowned him as well – and it hurts. Following hot on the heels of Holden’s rejection, this was devastating for Zach, and he’s determined never to open himself up to the possibility of that kind of hurt ever again. Luke Nichols might be hot as hell and seriously enticing, but he’s flippant, annoying and unreliable – and Zach doesn’t have room in his life for any more uncertainty. What he needs now is to work out where he goes from here, to plan a future for himself now that living on Lane Station and working it alongside his brother is no longer an option.
The relationship between Zach and Luke is superbly developed as they go from wariness to a tentative friendship to more. Zach’s desire to keep Luke at a distance is understandable given how badly he’s been hurt by those who were supposed to love him, but he’s also a judgmental prick at the beginning, his determination to dislike Luke founded on something that is, frankly, inaccurate and none of his business. Luke quite rightly calls him on it – and then so does Gil, and after that, Zach has to admit that he’s been a dick and that he needs to do better. After this, the two of them start to talk more openly to each to other; Luke opens up about how lonely he’s been, about how he feels he failed Gil and Callie, and Luke is the first person Zach talks to about his ambitions to open up a dog training business. Zach finally realises that his fascination with Luke isn’t going away anytime soon, so he decides he can do the whole fucking without feelings thing; provided he’s in charge, he’ll be able to have Luke and walk away when he’s ready. Luke knows exactly what Zach is doing, knows he’s got one foot out the door each time they’re together, but he can’t resist what Zach is offering. He also knows that whatever is going on between them is not at all casual, and while he’d love to have a real relationship, Luke knows that asking for more than NSA sex will have Zach running for the hills.
The sex scenes are scorching and I loved that Zach gets to learn more about himself in the bedroom (Luke is absolutely on board with the pissy, toppy side Zach hasn’t really explored before), and how the time they spend together morphs slowly from booty calls to hanging out, lingering in bed and talking openly, Luke helping Zach to understand that he’s capable of doing and being whatever he wants, and Zach encouraging Luke to start thinking about making a new life and a way to carry good memories with him.
The author once again does a fantastic job of portraying the realities of life and work in such a remote location. Zach is a member of a volunteer rescue team, and I really liked the scenes set during a training exercise (and the later, very tense, real rescue) and seeing him working with his dogs. I liked catching up with Holden and Gil and the rest of the gang at the station, and we’re also introduced to some new characters, Roz, a recent arrival who has opened a restaurant in town, Spencer, the flirty vet, and Doug, a local wilderness guide, and I hope we’ll see more of them in future books.
The Mechanics of Lust is another fabulous read from Jay Hogan, a steamy, poignant and insightful romance that explores some complex themes with a light touch. Luke and Zach are flawed but likeable characters, their chemistry is incendiary and their HEA is well-deserved. I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.
This review originally appeareed at All About Romance .
March 20, 2024
Audio: 5 stars it’s Gary Furlong how could it not be 5 stars??
Book: 3-3.5 stars
Dear god Zach you are kind of a turd. I didn’t like how he treated Luke when they started their “friends with benefits”, I got it, you got your heart broken when he showed his true self, but omg Luke was a great partner so why did you do that to him?!
Ugh that was so frustrating, but I did love the atmosphere this small town and everything they do on their farms!
I hope book 3’s audio comes out soon!
Book: 3-3.5 stars
Dear god Zach you are kind of a turd. I didn’t like how he treated Luke when they started their “friends with benefits”, I got it, you got your heart broken when he showed his true self, but omg Luke was a great partner so why did you do that to him?!
Ugh that was so frustrating, but I did love the atmosphere this small town and everything they do on their farms!
I hope book 3’s audio comes out soon!
May 23, 2024
I've given this an A for narration and content at AudioGals.
Jay Hogan’s series of romances set in the remote sheep country of the (fictional) Mackenzie Basin continues with The Mechanics of Lust, a poignant, emotional story of two men who have been grieving, in different ways, the loss of family and struggling to make sense of changes in their lives. As with all this author’s books, the leads are likeable and well-characterised, and the situations they face and their reactions to them feel very real; there’s a great supporting cast of familiar faces and the author’s descriptions of the starkly beautiful scenery are enough to have you looking at the price of plane tickets.
Note: This review contains spoilers for the previous book in the series.
It’s been a year since shepherd and dog trainer Zach Lane came out and left behind his home, his family and the future he’d envisaged for himself because he wasn’t prepared to live a lie any longer. And it’s been a tough year; after Zach left Lane Station, his bestie and former friend-with-benefits Holden Miller offered him a home, but that proved to be its own kind of torture when Zach had to stand by and watch as Holden fell for Gil Everton, a grieving father and psychologist from Wellington who had taken a temporary job on the station. It was hard, but as time passed, Zach began to like Gil; he can see how happy Gil makes Holden and how right they are for each other, and lately, he’s found himself envying what they have rather than envying Gil for being Holden’s choice.
On the night of Gil’s fortieth birthday party, Zach isn’t completely surprised when Gil’s ex, Luke Nicholls, arrives at the bar to join the celebrations – Zach just wishes Luke would go back to Wellington and stay there. There’s something about the handsome, sophisticated older man with the wicked smile that spells trouble of the sort Zach most definitely doesn’t need – and his plan to keep Luke firmly at arm’s length is tested when he learns that Luke has re-located to Oakwood (the nearest town) where he’s taken a temporary job piloting helicopters for a local charter company.
Luke has been smitten with Zach from the first time he saw him a year earlier, and had hoped that the hostility he’d sensed coming off him would eventually dissipate – but it never has. For a year, he’s watched Zach laughing, joking, and chatting easily to everyone except him, and is at a loss to explain it – he’s never done anything to upset Zach as far as he knows. The weird thing is that he suspects his attraction to Zach is actually mutual; he can’t be the only one feeling the sizzling chemistry between them, but he’s not going to push for anything Zach isn’t willing to give. If any moves are to be made, they’ll have to come from Zach… which, sadly, looks unlikely.
On the surface, it seems as though there’s nothing really keeping these two men from being together apart from stubbornness and a good conversation, but both of them have good reason to be cautious about getting involved with someone long-term at this stage in their lives. They’re both grieving and trying to decide where they go from here, so there are lots of complicated, messy emotions involved which sometimes hinder their ability to make good decisions. Zach’s desire to keep Luke at a distance is understandable given how deeply he’s been hurt by those who were supposed to love him. He’s determined never to open himself up to that kind of hurt again and to focus on making a new future for himself – and he doesn’t have room in his life for the kind of uncertainty a certain gorgeous and annoying someone would bring to it.
Luke arrived at Miller Station unexpectedly at the end of The Art of Husbandry hoping to achieve some kind of closure with Gil after the tragic death of their daughter, Callie. He’d come to realise that although he had held himself together better than Gil had at first, the real depth of his grief hadn’t really hit him until around a year later, when he fell into a downward spiral of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Tracking Gil down and having several important conversations has helped both of them to realise that they each bear some responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage, and seeing how well Gil is doing, listening to him talk about how the relative isolation at the station helped him to start to get his life back on track helped Luke to realise that maybe he needs a fresh start, too.
The romance between Luke and Zach is not without its stumbling blocks and is superbly done, although it has to be said that Zach is a judgmental prick towards Luke to start with, his dislike founded on something that is completely inaccurate and, frankly, none of his business. Thankfully, Luke calls him on it fairly early on – and so does Gil – and Zach is able to admit he was wrong and needs to do better. After this, the two men begin a passionate affair, but Zach is determined that sex is all they can have – if he doesn’t catch feelings, he’ll be able to walk away without being hurt. Luke knows exactly what he’s doing but he also knows that whatever is happening between them, it went waaaaay past casual not long after their first time together. Their encounters morph slowly from hooking up to generally hanging out and talking openly, telling each other things they’ve not told anyone else. Luke is the first person Zach confides in about his ambitions to set up a dog-training business, and Luke talks about his grief, his loneliness and how he feels he failed Gil and Callie. I loved the way they’re so supportive of each other, Luke helping Zach to understand that he can do and be whatever he wants, and Zach encouraging Luke to start thinking about making a new life and to find a way to carry good memories into his future. There’s no doubt they’re good for each other, but Zach is so busy trying to protect himself he’s in danger of screwing up the best thing to happen to him in ages.
Once again, the author does a fantastic job with the setting and depicting the realities of life and work in such a remote location, and I really liked the scenes set during a training exercise for the mountain rescue team of which Zach is a member, and seeing him working with his dogs.
It was a very good day when Jay Hogan chose Gary Furlong to narrate her audiobooks. He’s done her and her characters proud over the last few years, and, if anything, is getting better and better. I’ve always been impressed with his talent as a vocal actor, with the way he finds the emotional heart of a scene and communicates it to the listener so that we’re fully immersed in the actions and feelings of the characters involved. Like The Art of Husbandry, The Mechanics of Lust is a deeply emotional story about coming to terms with grief and loss, and Mr. Furlong does a terrific job when it comes to fleshing out the inner lives of the two leads, expertly portraying Zach’s confusion and irritation over his feelings for Luke at the beginning of the book, his regret over the situation with his family and his insecurities as he struggles to believe he has any good options for his future. Mr. Furlong is similarly good as Luke, the lower-pitch and deliberate manner of speech he adopts clearly depicting a man who is confident in his own skin while he also injects an element of vulnerability into his portrayal when he’s around Zach. His delivery in the key scenes later in the book where Luke finally faces his grief head-on is pitch-perfect – the emotions are so raw and utterly heart-breaking, and I don’t mind admitting to shedding a few tears myself while listening.
I liked The Mechanics of Lust even more than the previous book – although both are incredibly good and testament to Jay Hogan’s skill in creating poignant, insightful romances that address complex themes and emotions in ways that are compelling and easy to relate to. Throw Gary Furlong’s stellar narration into the mix here, and you’re in for almost eleven hours of pure listening pleasure.
Jay Hogan’s series of romances set in the remote sheep country of the (fictional) Mackenzie Basin continues with The Mechanics of Lust, a poignant, emotional story of two men who have been grieving, in different ways, the loss of family and struggling to make sense of changes in their lives. As with all this author’s books, the leads are likeable and well-characterised, and the situations they face and their reactions to them feel very real; there’s a great supporting cast of familiar faces and the author’s descriptions of the starkly beautiful scenery are enough to have you looking at the price of plane tickets.
Note: This review contains spoilers for the previous book in the series.
It’s been a year since shepherd and dog trainer Zach Lane came out and left behind his home, his family and the future he’d envisaged for himself because he wasn’t prepared to live a lie any longer. And it’s been a tough year; after Zach left Lane Station, his bestie and former friend-with-benefits Holden Miller offered him a home, but that proved to be its own kind of torture when Zach had to stand by and watch as Holden fell for Gil Everton, a grieving father and psychologist from Wellington who had taken a temporary job on the station. It was hard, but as time passed, Zach began to like Gil; he can see how happy Gil makes Holden and how right they are for each other, and lately, he’s found himself envying what they have rather than envying Gil for being Holden’s choice.
On the night of Gil’s fortieth birthday party, Zach isn’t completely surprised when Gil’s ex, Luke Nicholls, arrives at the bar to join the celebrations – Zach just wishes Luke would go back to Wellington and stay there. There’s something about the handsome, sophisticated older man with the wicked smile that spells trouble of the sort Zach most definitely doesn’t need – and his plan to keep Luke firmly at arm’s length is tested when he learns that Luke has re-located to Oakwood (the nearest town) where he’s taken a temporary job piloting helicopters for a local charter company.
Luke has been smitten with Zach from the first time he saw him a year earlier, and had hoped that the hostility he’d sensed coming off him would eventually dissipate – but it never has. For a year, he’s watched Zach laughing, joking, and chatting easily to everyone except him, and is at a loss to explain it – he’s never done anything to upset Zach as far as he knows. The weird thing is that he suspects his attraction to Zach is actually mutual; he can’t be the only one feeling the sizzling chemistry between them, but he’s not going to push for anything Zach isn’t willing to give. If any moves are to be made, they’ll have to come from Zach… which, sadly, looks unlikely.
On the surface, it seems as though there’s nothing really keeping these two men from being together apart from stubbornness and a good conversation, but both of them have good reason to be cautious about getting involved with someone long-term at this stage in their lives. They’re both grieving and trying to decide where they go from here, so there are lots of complicated, messy emotions involved which sometimes hinder their ability to make good decisions. Zach’s desire to keep Luke at a distance is understandable given how deeply he’s been hurt by those who were supposed to love him. He’s determined never to open himself up to that kind of hurt again and to focus on making a new future for himself – and he doesn’t have room in his life for the kind of uncertainty a certain gorgeous and annoying someone would bring to it.
Luke arrived at Miller Station unexpectedly at the end of The Art of Husbandry hoping to achieve some kind of closure with Gil after the tragic death of their daughter, Callie. He’d come to realise that although he had held himself together better than Gil had at first, the real depth of his grief hadn’t really hit him until around a year later, when he fell into a downward spiral of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Tracking Gil down and having several important conversations has helped both of them to realise that they each bear some responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage, and seeing how well Gil is doing, listening to him talk about how the relative isolation at the station helped him to start to get his life back on track helped Luke to realise that maybe he needs a fresh start, too.
The romance between Luke and Zach is not without its stumbling blocks and is superbly done, although it has to be said that Zach is a judgmental prick towards Luke to start with, his dislike founded on something that is completely inaccurate and, frankly, none of his business. Thankfully, Luke calls him on it fairly early on – and so does Gil – and Zach is able to admit he was wrong and needs to do better. After this, the two men begin a passionate affair, but Zach is determined that sex is all they can have – if he doesn’t catch feelings, he’ll be able to walk away without being hurt. Luke knows exactly what he’s doing but he also knows that whatever is happening between them, it went waaaaay past casual not long after their first time together. Their encounters morph slowly from hooking up to generally hanging out and talking openly, telling each other things they’ve not told anyone else. Luke is the first person Zach confides in about his ambitions to set up a dog-training business, and Luke talks about his grief, his loneliness and how he feels he failed Gil and Callie. I loved the way they’re so supportive of each other, Luke helping Zach to understand that he can do and be whatever he wants, and Zach encouraging Luke to start thinking about making a new life and to find a way to carry good memories into his future. There’s no doubt they’re good for each other, but Zach is so busy trying to protect himself he’s in danger of screwing up the best thing to happen to him in ages.
Once again, the author does a fantastic job with the setting and depicting the realities of life and work in such a remote location, and I really liked the scenes set during a training exercise for the mountain rescue team of which Zach is a member, and seeing him working with his dogs.
It was a very good day when Jay Hogan chose Gary Furlong to narrate her audiobooks. He’s done her and her characters proud over the last few years, and, if anything, is getting better and better. I’ve always been impressed with his talent as a vocal actor, with the way he finds the emotional heart of a scene and communicates it to the listener so that we’re fully immersed in the actions and feelings of the characters involved. Like The Art of Husbandry, The Mechanics of Lust is a deeply emotional story about coming to terms with grief and loss, and Mr. Furlong does a terrific job when it comes to fleshing out the inner lives of the two leads, expertly portraying Zach’s confusion and irritation over his feelings for Luke at the beginning of the book, his regret over the situation with his family and his insecurities as he struggles to believe he has any good options for his future. Mr. Furlong is similarly good as Luke, the lower-pitch and deliberate manner of speech he adopts clearly depicting a man who is confident in his own skin while he also injects an element of vulnerability into his portrayal when he’s around Zach. His delivery in the key scenes later in the book where Luke finally faces his grief head-on is pitch-perfect – the emotions are so raw and utterly heart-breaking, and I don’t mind admitting to shedding a few tears myself while listening.
I liked The Mechanics of Lust even more than the previous book – although both are incredibly good and testament to Jay Hogan’s skill in creating poignant, insightful romances that address complex themes and emotions in ways that are compelling and easy to relate to. Throw Gary Furlong’s stellar narration into the mix here, and you’re in for almost eleven hours of pure listening pleasure.
October 23, 2023
A good addition to the series but I preferred the first book. This is mainly because Zach's behaviour got on my nerves. Honestly, just get over yourself and stop hurting the people who love you - Luke. I think Luke deserved better but can't deny the chemistry between them was really good. And needing foundation to cover ALL the bruises and bites, not sure how I feel about that one. Torn between feeling aroused or thinking OUCH ;)
December 22, 2023
4.5 Stars
Another fantastic, emotional story from Jay Hogan. I loved both characters, loved the plot, and honestly unlike some other readers, I did love Zack’s hot-and-cold behaviour. If Zack had done a better job groveling at the end, I would’ve considered this an easy 5 star read. Luke was amazing. This author sure can write.
Another fantastic, emotional story from Jay Hogan. I loved both characters, loved the plot, and honestly unlike some other readers, I did love Zack’s hot-and-cold behaviour. If Zack had done a better job groveling at the end, I would’ve considered this an easy 5 star read. Luke was amazing. This author sure can write.
October 29, 2023
After enjoying The Art of Husbandry so much, I thought this one had a really strong start. Zach is perfectly prickly and Luke likes him enough to keep poking the bear. It was infuriating and funny. A joy to read.
But at about halfway I got sick and tired of Zach’s issues, him pulling away and a huge lack of communication that lasted around 40% of the book.
I do like these two together but there were whole days where I put this down and didn’t want to pick it back up again. Still, I finished it. And the ending well deserved by both. But I was skimming.
But at about halfway I got sick and tired of Zach’s issues, him pulling away and a huge lack of communication that lasted around 40% of the book.
I do like these two together but there were whole days where I put this down and didn’t want to pick it back up again. Still, I finished it. And the ending well deserved by both. But I was skimming.
October 19, 2023
This will be an interesting review because while I did love so much of this book, I really struggled with Zach. However, Jay really writes such a beautifully descriptive story that weaves together the characters with the landscape. There are moments you feel like you are right there in the book!! Keep in mind that I’m going to lay into Zach pretty hard for a second but I really did enjoy this book!!!
Is Zach a bad guy? Overall I would say no but kinda. Here's why...the first 25% he treated Luke with such judgemental disdain. He was mean and argumentative. He took what little he knew of Luke and treated Luke as if he was less than dirt. Mind you, Luke was still grieving the loss of his and Gil's daughter. Also keep in mind that Gil and Luke were good friends and harbored no resentment regarding the dissolution of their marriage. It was never Zach's place to even have an opinion of Luke. Hell, even Holden liked Luke - a lot! So Zach's hatred had no basis.
And everything was going fine once Luke was able to share the truths of his devastating losses and Zach took his ego out of it and actually listened. And when I tell you the truths that Luke shared will have your heart shattering, I'm not being dramatic. Luke was completely vulnerable. So then you might think Zach turned a corner but you would be mistaken. Because at 71% Zach really shot it all to hell.
I have rarely been so angry at an MC before. Luke put his heart on the line and what does Zach do? He not only dismisses Luke's words but he is downright cruel. He essentially weaponized Luke's grief against him and it gave Zach a very convenient out. While I understand Zach was still coping with his father's homophobia, it didn't give him license to take it out on Luke or judge every decision Luke made. I get he may have lied to protect his heart, but he treated Luke as if his didn't matter.
Mind you, Luke wasn't perfect. He had been living his life as a ghost in many ways. He was very much still grieving his daughter but was scared to lose more of her by moving forward. He wasn't proud of how his relationship with Gil ended but they'd made peace and wanted the best for each other. I did wish that Luke would've really laid into Zach but I realized he wasn't interested in creating animosity so much as finding joy in his life again. He owned his truth, never backed down from it and handled himself with grace and dignity.
I'll tell you what though - when Luke and Zach were together, they made so much sense. When Zach would let his walls down, they were wonderful! They had wild and hot passion but they really got to know each other too. (which is part of what made Zach so frustrating) They complimented each other so well and really encouraged each other. They both deserved that kind of love and happiness.
The element of grief was handled so beautifully. It really felt like Jay was writing Luke's character and his growth as an ode to his and Gil's daughter. Luke had been so lost for years and was finally finding his way out of that darkness. He was using his memories and love for Callie as his inspiration for really living again. He was loving Zach in a way that any person would dream of being loved.
Zach was an ass but the book is worth the read! He does redeem himself and Luke gets his love returned!!
Is Zach a bad guy? Overall I would say no but kinda. Here's why...the first 25% he treated Luke with such judgemental disdain. He was mean and argumentative. He took what little he knew of Luke and treated Luke as if he was less than dirt. Mind you, Luke was still grieving the loss of his and Gil's daughter. Also keep in mind that Gil and Luke were good friends and harbored no resentment regarding the dissolution of their marriage. It was never Zach's place to even have an opinion of Luke. Hell, even Holden liked Luke - a lot! So Zach's hatred had no basis.
And everything was going fine once Luke was able to share the truths of his devastating losses and Zach took his ego out of it and actually listened. And when I tell you the truths that Luke shared will have your heart shattering, I'm not being dramatic. Luke was completely vulnerable. So then you might think Zach turned a corner but you would be mistaken. Because at 71% Zach really shot it all to hell.
I have rarely been so angry at an MC before. Luke put his heart on the line and what does Zach do? He not only dismisses Luke's words but he is downright cruel. He essentially weaponized Luke's grief against him and it gave Zach a very convenient out. While I understand Zach was still coping with his father's homophobia, it didn't give him license to take it out on Luke or judge every decision Luke made. I get he may have lied to protect his heart, but he treated Luke as if his didn't matter.
Mind you, Luke wasn't perfect. He had been living his life as a ghost in many ways. He was very much still grieving his daughter but was scared to lose more of her by moving forward. He wasn't proud of how his relationship with Gil ended but they'd made peace and wanted the best for each other. I did wish that Luke would've really laid into Zach but I realized he wasn't interested in creating animosity so much as finding joy in his life again. He owned his truth, never backed down from it and handled himself with grace and dignity.
I'll tell you what though - when Luke and Zach were together, they made so much sense. When Zach would let his walls down, they were wonderful! They had wild and hot passion but they really got to know each other too. (which is part of what made Zach so frustrating) They complimented each other so well and really encouraged each other. They both deserved that kind of love and happiness.
The element of grief was handled so beautifully. It really felt like Jay was writing Luke's character and his growth as an ode to his and Gil's daughter. Luke had been so lost for years and was finally finding his way out of that darkness. He was using his memories and love for Callie as his inspiration for really living again. He was loving Zach in a way that any person would dream of being loved.
Zach was an ass but the book is worth the read! He does redeem himself and Luke gets his love returned!!
November 23, 2024
Another fantastic character driven novel by Jay Hogan that also lets the beauty and grandeur of the mountains of New Zealand play a role front and center, just as The Art of Husbandry is.
Luke and Zach and full of hope, promise, and terrible heartache. They both need someone so badly to help them heal and give them purpose. The 2 have amazing chemistry – it’s off the charts – so it’s fulfilling to watch them come together (again and again) after Zach fights it for so long. But while I do recommend this book, I loved Holden and Gil’s story in The Art of Husbandry much more. Zach’s reluctance to give in to his attraction first, emotions second, to Luke actually became frustrating after a while. Around the 40% mark, I was tired of him pushing Luke away. It was getting old. So, while I did understand his pain and reluctance, I didn’t feel that Luke was ever really appreciated the way he should have been by Zach. I wanted a bigger moment of claiming by Zach so I was a bit let down by his continued holding of Luke at bay, and also that he didn’t end up chasing Luke as much as I’d hoped.
A beautiful HEA so we get there, but a bit repetitive in the middle for me. Some great spottings of Holden and Gil though and it’s a joy to see them again and so happy! I would definitely recommend reading book one of the series before jumping in here so you can completely understand the dynamic of Luke and Zach’s relationship.
3.5/5 stars
Luke and Zach and full of hope, promise, and terrible heartache. They both need someone so badly to help them heal and give them purpose. The 2 have amazing chemistry – it’s off the charts – so it’s fulfilling to watch them come together (again and again) after Zach fights it for so long. But while I do recommend this book, I loved Holden and Gil’s story in The Art of Husbandry much more. Zach’s reluctance to give in to his attraction first, emotions second, to Luke actually became frustrating after a while. Around the 40% mark, I was tired of him pushing Luke away. It was getting old. So, while I did understand his pain and reluctance, I didn’t feel that Luke was ever really appreciated the way he should have been by Zach. I wanted a bigger moment of claiming by Zach so I was a bit let down by his continued holding of Luke at bay, and also that he didn’t end up chasing Luke as much as I’d hoped.
A beautiful HEA so we get there, but a bit repetitive in the middle for me. Some great spottings of Holden and Gil though and it’s a joy to see them again and so happy! I would definitely recommend reading book one of the series before jumping in here so you can completely understand the dynamic of Luke and Zach’s relationship.
3.5/5 stars
April 21, 2024
I wholeheartedly agree with Heather K in review... that Jay Hogan's books are looooong. I know that I have to be in the right mood and the right headspace to read one. Especially nowadays, when my preference to romance books length tend to be on the shorter one.
So I kept this one for months!
Now that I did, Jay Hogan once again charmed me. Yes, I thought it was weird that Luke came to follow his husband. Yes, I also didn't understand Zach's reaction to Luke, considering that Luke was Gil's ex-husband, not Holden's (who is Zach's best friend). And yes, the whole "gay-love quadruple" with Luke being Gil's ex, and Zach being Holden's ex friend-with-benefits and they are still close to both Gil and Zach was bizarre...
BUT, I also found the story to be enjoyable. Especially when Luke and Zach really connected. When Luke opened up about his grief. When Zach pondering about Luke in his time of quietness. And that "action" near the end when they both had to save was exhilarating.
I know that Jules' book is now out. However, as this one, I will probably wait until the right time to read it.
So I kept this one for months!
Now that I did, Jay Hogan once again charmed me. Yes, I thought it was weird that Luke came to follow his husband. Yes, I also didn't understand Zach's reaction to Luke, considering that Luke was Gil's ex-husband, not Holden's (who is Zach's best friend). And yes, the whole "gay-love quadruple" with Luke being Gil's ex, and Zach being Holden's ex friend-with-benefits and they are still close to both Gil and Zach was bizarre...
BUT, I also found the story to be enjoyable. Especially when Luke and Zach really connected. When Luke opened up about his grief. When Zach pondering about Luke in his time of quietness. And that "action" near the end when they both had to save was exhilarating.
I know that Jules' book is now out. However, as this one, I will probably wait until the right time to read it.
May 17, 2025
I decided Jay Hogan is one of my new favourite authors. These books are the absolute best, especially because they’re so lengthy and keep being interesting. I loved Luke and understood his struggles so much better than I expected in the previous book. I liked Zack a lot too, and really felt for him. I know I always complain I don’t like homophobia in my books and I really don’t, but when it’s serving a purpose for the story like in this book, I won’t complain too much. Still think it could have been something else the author could have used to break the bond between Zack and his dad, but I’ll allow it for now because it explained a lot about Zack’s character.
Talking about that I did think the whole getting back together felt a tiny bit rushed. Zack broke up with Luke, turned him down again because of his fear of losing him, and then in one snap he’s applying to be his boyfriend? That felt a bit unrealistic.
Other than that: loved the book, loved Luke and Zack and can’t wait to read more from this author 😍
Talking about that I did think the whole getting back together felt a tiny bit rushed. Zack broke up with Luke, turned him down again because of his fear of losing him, and then in one snap he’s applying to be his boyfriend? That felt a bit unrealistic.
Other than that: loved the book, loved Luke and Zack and can’t wait to read more from this author 😍
October 18, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Mechanics of Lust is the second book in the Mackenzie County series. While this focuses on a small town and group of people, I think this one would hold up quite well as a standalone.
He and I had felt so fucking inevitable from the first time we'd met.
Luke is new to Mackenzie Country after following his ex-husband in order to confront the loss of their daughter and repair their relationship. Now friends, he sees the countryside as a place to heal his wounds and get his life back on track. Zach, after falling in love with his best friend who didn't return those feelings and his father's negative reaction to his coming out, he's not looking to put his heart on the line anytime soon. He has an attraction to Luke he can't ignore and decides what's the harm in a little casual hook up sine Luke is only there temporarily. It isn't long till feelings are involved, but while Luke doesn't hesitate, Zach is nowhere near ready to face them.
"Kiss me." Luke pushed against my hold, but I kept my grip solid and he stilled. "I've waited a year to taste you. I'm dying here."
I loved this book just as much as I knew I would. I was not prepared for the feelings that came with them, even though I should have been. Luke's grief over his daughter :( you think he's managing well, but then bam he hits you with the fact that he still listens to the last voicemail he received from Callie. :Cue the water works: I loved that no matter all the heartache he had been through, he didn't shy away from his growing feelings for Zach. He never gave up on their connection, even when Zach would shut himself off and make light of it.
"I'm all yours. Any which way you want to do this. Tell me what you want."
Zach was a bit of a mess, slightly immature for a man in his thirties, but I guess that comes with small town life. His reasons for being so hard and judgmental with Luke is frustrating. He's hurting from falling in love with his best friend and then having it not reciprocated, and them watching him fall for someone else so easily. To top it off, his father doesn't accept him when he comes out. He doesn't trust love or his own feelings. So when Luke , whose stay in town isn't permanent, start to want more from their hook-ups he can't help but expect the worst.
Zacharia Lane proceeded to take me apart, one kiss, one touch, one stroke of pleasure at a time - making me feel something more than loss, more than pain, numbing the guilt, and planting warm seeds of hope.
Luke and Zach's chemistry is explosive, when Zach gets his head out off his a**. Hot damn the intimate scenes in the book are on fire and plentiful. Zero complaints in that department. When they were going with their passion and acting on instinct, they were perfect together. Until Zach's pesky doubts and fears would trip them up.
The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan is an emotional romance between a shepherd and a pilot, both healing from their own losses. Filled with found family, friendships, complicated ex's, grief, healing, forgiveness, sheep dogs, explosive chemistry, love bites, star gazing and delicious steam.
The Mechanics of Lust is the second book in the Mackenzie County series. While this focuses on a small town and group of people, I think this one would hold up quite well as a standalone.
He and I had felt so fucking inevitable from the first time we'd met.
Luke is new to Mackenzie Country after following his ex-husband in order to confront the loss of their daughter and repair their relationship. Now friends, he sees the countryside as a place to heal his wounds and get his life back on track. Zach, after falling in love with his best friend who didn't return those feelings and his father's negative reaction to his coming out, he's not looking to put his heart on the line anytime soon. He has an attraction to Luke he can't ignore and decides what's the harm in a little casual hook up sine Luke is only there temporarily. It isn't long till feelings are involved, but while Luke doesn't hesitate, Zach is nowhere near ready to face them.
"Kiss me." Luke pushed against my hold, but I kept my grip solid and he stilled. "I've waited a year to taste you. I'm dying here."
I loved this book just as much as I knew I would. I was not prepared for the feelings that came with them, even though I should have been. Luke's grief over his daughter :( you think he's managing well, but then bam he hits you with the fact that he still listens to the last voicemail he received from Callie. :Cue the water works: I loved that no matter all the heartache he had been through, he didn't shy away from his growing feelings for Zach. He never gave up on their connection, even when Zach would shut himself off and make light of it.
"I'm all yours. Any which way you want to do this. Tell me what you want."
Zach was a bit of a mess, slightly immature for a man in his thirties, but I guess that comes with small town life. His reasons for being so hard and judgmental with Luke is frustrating. He's hurting from falling in love with his best friend and then having it not reciprocated, and them watching him fall for someone else so easily. To top it off, his father doesn't accept him when he comes out. He doesn't trust love or his own feelings. So when Luke , whose stay in town isn't permanent, start to want more from their hook-ups he can't help but expect the worst.
Zacharia Lane proceeded to take me apart, one kiss, one touch, one stroke of pleasure at a time - making me feel something more than loss, more than pain, numbing the guilt, and planting warm seeds of hope.
Luke and Zach's chemistry is explosive, when Zach gets his head out off his a**. Hot damn the intimate scenes in the book are on fire and plentiful. Zero complaints in that department. When they were going with their passion and acting on instinct, they were perfect together. Until Zach's pesky doubts and fears would trip them up.
The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan is an emotional romance between a shepherd and a pilot, both healing from their own losses. Filled with found family, friendships, complicated ex's, grief, healing, forgiveness, sheep dogs, explosive chemistry, love bites, star gazing and delicious steam.
October 21, 2023
This is the second book in the Mackenzie Country Series where Luke and Zach are the MCs. It was such a beautiful and emotional story to read. Jay Hogan certainly knows how to write romance.
Zach and Luke appeared in the first book and I was looking forward to reading their love story. Luke had suffered so much with the loss of his daughter. He had been trying to carry on with his life in the city but it didn't work, so he ended up in the high country as it seemed it'd helped Gil (his ex-husband). Then there is Zach, who had to deal with a homophobic father, having to leave his house and go to work for his best friend, Holden.
I really loved Luke. He was grieving and trying to find a way to have a life again. He was mature and responsible, he needed a change as he wasn't doing well dealing with his daughter's death. And he accepted he had fallen in love with Zach even though it wasn't something he hadn't planned. The friends with benefits deal was ok for him for a while, but eventually he realised he wanted more.
Zach, on the other hand, was so stuck and couldn't seem to get out of his head. He didn't know what to do with his life and was convinced he didn't need to get into a relationship with Luke. I found it hard to empathise with Zach as I couldn't understand his stubbornness. He wanted Luke, but didn't want to give him his heart. I mean, it's ok to be reluctant after getting your heart broken, but Luke never made him think Zach was just a fling.
The plot was nice to read with great descriptions and it was also good to see the MCs from the first book. The scenes of Luke and Zach together were hot as their chemistry was off charts and the little romance they did was lovely. But there was something at about 70% of the book that made me want to hit Zach hard on the head. Luckily, he came to his senses soon and understood he felt the same for Luke.
This was a very touching and emotional read, with great characters and a heartwarming love story. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.
Zach and Luke appeared in the first book and I was looking forward to reading their love story. Luke had suffered so much with the loss of his daughter. He had been trying to carry on with his life in the city but it didn't work, so he ended up in the high country as it seemed it'd helped Gil (his ex-husband). Then there is Zach, who had to deal with a homophobic father, having to leave his house and go to work for his best friend, Holden.
I really loved Luke. He was grieving and trying to find a way to have a life again. He was mature and responsible, he needed a change as he wasn't doing well dealing with his daughter's death. And he accepted he had fallen in love with Zach even though it wasn't something he hadn't planned. The friends with benefits deal was ok for him for a while, but eventually he realised he wanted more.
Zach, on the other hand, was so stuck and couldn't seem to get out of his head. He didn't know what to do with his life and was convinced he didn't need to get into a relationship with Luke. I found it hard to empathise with Zach as I couldn't understand his stubbornness. He wanted Luke, but didn't want to give him his heart. I mean, it's ok to be reluctant after getting your heart broken, but Luke never made him think Zach was just a fling.
The plot was nice to read with great descriptions and it was also good to see the MCs from the first book. The scenes of Luke and Zach together were hot as their chemistry was off charts and the little romance they did was lovely. But there was something at about 70% of the book that made me want to hit Zach hard on the head. Luckily, he came to his senses soon and understood he felt the same for Luke.
This was a very touching and emotional read, with great characters and a heartwarming love story. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.
May 10, 2024
🎧🎧🎧 Audio Review 🎧🎧🎧
Great narration from Gary Francis Furlong. Whether his own 'character', or anyone else in the story, he nailed it.
📚📚📚 Book Review 📚📚📚
Took me a while to warm up to Zach, but eventually did and loved it. Jay does feelings, and in this particular instance grief, SO well that you can't help but fall in love with her stories. Her 'tourist' guide to all things Southern Alps was amazing, and only serves to confirm that they breed them tough up there on them thar hills 😉. Also loved the mentions of Stef Hamilton and his jewellery AND Ethan and Tanner's holiday villa near to Queenstown, not to mention a certain Mr Gary Furlong as Luke's boss 😊.
Great narration from Gary Francis Furlong. Whether his own 'character', or anyone else in the story, he nailed it.
📚📚📚 Book Review 📚📚📚
Took me a while to warm up to Zach, but eventually did and loved it. Jay does feelings, and in this particular instance grief, SO well that you can't help but fall in love with her stories. Her 'tourist' guide to all things Southern Alps was amazing, and only serves to confirm that they breed them tough up there on them thar hills 😉. Also loved the mentions of Stef Hamilton and his jewellery AND Ethan and Tanner's holiday villa near to Queenstown, not to mention a certain Mr Gary Furlong as Luke's boss 😊.
October 27, 2023
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about either of these characters after reading about them in the previous book. I shouldn’t have worried, Jay knew exactly how to make me fall in love with them. Zach and Luke were perfect together. I laughed, cried and my heart was full after reading. Very excited about the next book.
November 9, 2023
*3.5 stars*
August 15, 2024
Tytuł mówi wszystko 🫤
Niestety, przez przynajmniej połowę książki - jak nie więcej - obracaliśmy się wokół pożądania. Zarówno w głowie, jak i w realu. To jedna z moich najmniej ulubionych wersji tkania historii - i nawet Jay Hogan nie sprawiła, że było interesująco - choć niewątpliwie w swoim stylu zrobiła, że było to zjadliwe. Ale jednak było nudno. Niewiele się nie działo. Nie znoszę tego 🫤
Po więcej niż połowie książki w końcu zaczęło się coś dziać. I być może nawet dałabym 3+ zaokrąglone do 4, gdyby nie Zach - jeden z głównych bohaterów. To, w jak niesprawiedliwy sposób traktował i oceniał Luke'a, to pałka siada. Bo był pod ręką, bo był wygodny pod tym względem, bo trzeba było w jakiś sposób zamaskować swoje pożądanie. Bo trzeba było z całej siły chronić siebie kosztem innej osoby. Pomimo tego, co przeżył - miał na kogo liczyć, nigdy nie został sam, wsparcie przychodziło niemalże z każdej strony. Ale nie - trzeba było inną osobę, która tak naprawdę przeżyła dużo więcej, która borykała się z żałobą po straceniu córki i z winą, że jego małżeństwo się rozpadło - przeciągnąć przez piekło. Po pierwszym tomie bardzo go lubiłam, ale tutaj? Wrrrr.... samolubny, arogancki, egocentryczny palant 🫤 Było tylko JA, JA, JA... Nieskończoną ilość razy przez całą historię swędziały mnie ręce, żeby Zacha trzepnąć w łeb, potrząsnąć nim, kopnąć w dupę lub udusić. Albo wszystko zrobić naraz 😁
Zatem jestem trochę rozczarowana tym tomem 🫤
Te 3 gwiazdki są CAŁE dla Luke'a - bo Zach nie zasługuje na ani jedną...
Ale lecę dalej 😁
Niestety, przez przynajmniej połowę książki - jak nie więcej - obracaliśmy się wokół pożądania. Zarówno w głowie, jak i w realu. To jedna z moich najmniej ulubionych wersji tkania historii - i nawet Jay Hogan nie sprawiła, że było interesująco - choć niewątpliwie w swoim stylu zrobiła, że było to zjadliwe. Ale jednak było nudno. Niewiele się nie działo. Nie znoszę tego 🫤
Po więcej niż połowie książki w końcu zaczęło się coś dziać. I być może nawet dałabym 3+ zaokrąglone do 4, gdyby nie Zach - jeden z głównych bohaterów. To, w jak niesprawiedliwy sposób traktował i oceniał Luke'a, to pałka siada. Bo był pod ręką, bo był wygodny pod tym względem, bo trzeba było w jakiś sposób zamaskować swoje pożądanie. Bo trzeba było z całej siły chronić siebie kosztem innej osoby. Pomimo tego, co przeżył - miał na kogo liczyć, nigdy nie został sam, wsparcie przychodziło niemalże z każdej strony. Ale nie - trzeba było inną osobę, która tak naprawdę przeżyła dużo więcej, która borykała się z żałobą po straceniu córki i z winą, że jego małżeństwo się rozpadło - przeciągnąć przez piekło. Po pierwszym tomie bardzo go lubiłam, ale tutaj? Wrrrr.... samolubny, arogancki, egocentryczny palant 🫤 Było tylko JA, JA, JA... Nieskończoną ilość razy przez całą historię swędziały mnie ręce, żeby Zacha trzepnąć w łeb, potrząsnąć nim, kopnąć w dupę lub udusić. Albo wszystko zrobić naraz 😁
Zatem jestem trochę rozczarowana tym tomem 🫤
Te 3 gwiazdki są CAŁE dla Luke'a - bo Zach nie zasługuje na ani jedną...
Ale lecę dalej 😁
April 29, 2024
Solid, slow, slow burn.
Usual third-act freakout.
Sweet, predictable.
Usual third-act freakout.
Sweet, predictable.
October 22, 2023
3.5 stars
Second book of Mackenzie Country, this is the story of Zach, Holden's best friend and ex friend with benefits, and Luke, Gil's ex husband.
In the first book (check my review of The Art Of Husbandry here), I liked them both and I wanted for them a happy ending too.
But honestly this book frustrated me: first, it was too long, Zach was constantly pushing and pulling Luke, while Luke was falling in love with him. It seemed that one day they were destined to be together and the next they didn't even look at each other.
Second, I didn't like Zach's behaviour.
I understand that he had literaly everything taking away from him: he caught feelings for his best friend, who rejected him and then went and fell in love with the hot stranger just arrived in town. At the same time he came out and his own father turned his back on him. Zach found himself without a boyfriend, a family and a home at the same time.
I totally get that he was scared to death to be involved with Luke and then being left alone again.
What I cannot understand was why he was never honest with Luke, why he didn't openly confide his fears. Not even when Luke told him he was in love with him. He treated him like he wasn't important, he acted like what they had was nothing more than a convenient sexual arrangement.
Instead Luke was in love, oh my god he was so in love! The chapters with his POV are so beautiful! There are all the feelings, all the emotions, the hope that Zach could be the man for him!
Luke lost the whole world when his daughter died. He was hurting so much that he was incapable to support his husband (who was going through hell because of guilt and PTSD).
He handled everything in the wrong way, he abandoned Gil and started another relationship, but the weight of the grief was suffocating him. He actually started his own healing process only when he finally confronted Gil and they had a difficult but honest conversation.
The scene where he goes to the river and talk to Callie ripped my heart into a million pieces.
Luke was very brave and also so amazing with Zach: he listened to him, he supported him and gave him advices for his dream job, he texted showed up for him, he never ghosted or avoided him.
Luke didn't have everything figuring out, but he was trying, and he was involving Zach in his life. Zach, instead, just checked out. How could he do that, after they night he spent drying Luke's tears, cuddling him and making love to him?
But after this heartbreak moment Luke is still determined to stay and build a new life, even without Zach at his side. I really really love him, he's an amazing man.
Of course then there's the event that put everything in the right place again and the MCs run into each other arms (way too soon, imho, Zach didn't have to grovel at all).
The epilogue is beautiful and the housewarming gift Zach gave Luke made me cry.
Still, I'm not sure Zach deserved Luke: I liked Zach, but for months he accused Luke to be the unreliable guy, the one who leaves when things get rough and then he did exactly what he accused Luke of. I don't feel like they were meant to be together like Gil and Holden.
Second book of Mackenzie Country, this is the story of Zach, Holden's best friend and ex friend with benefits, and Luke, Gil's ex husband.
In the first book (check my review of The Art Of Husbandry here), I liked them both and I wanted for them a happy ending too.
But honestly this book frustrated me: first, it was too long, Zach was constantly pushing and pulling Luke, while Luke was falling in love with him. It seemed that one day they were destined to be together and the next they didn't even look at each other.
Second, I didn't like Zach's behaviour.
I understand that he had literaly everything taking away from him: he caught feelings for his best friend, who rejected him and then went and fell in love with the hot stranger just arrived in town. At the same time he came out and his own father turned his back on him. Zach found himself without a boyfriend, a family and a home at the same time.
I totally get that he was scared to death to be involved with Luke and then being left alone again.
What I cannot understand was why he was never honest with Luke, why he didn't openly confide his fears. Not even when Luke told him he was in love with him. He treated him like he wasn't important, he acted like what they had was nothing more than a convenient sexual arrangement.
Instead Luke was in love, oh my god he was so in love! The chapters with his POV are so beautiful! There are all the feelings, all the emotions, the hope that Zach could be the man for him!
Luke lost the whole world when his daughter died. He was hurting so much that he was incapable to support his husband (who was going through hell because of guilt and PTSD).
He handled everything in the wrong way, he abandoned Gil and started another relationship, but the weight of the grief was suffocating him. He actually started his own healing process only when he finally confronted Gil and they had a difficult but honest conversation.
The scene where he goes to the river and talk to Callie ripped my heart into a million pieces.
Luke was very brave and also so amazing with Zach: he listened to him, he supported him and gave him advices for his dream job, he texted showed up for him, he never ghosted or avoided him.
Luke didn't have everything figuring out, but he was trying, and he was involving Zach in his life. Zach, instead, just checked out. How could he do that, after they night he spent drying Luke's tears, cuddling him and making love to him?
But after this heartbreak moment Luke is still determined to stay and build a new life, even without Zach at his side. I really really love him, he's an amazing man.
Of course then there's the event that put everything in the right place again and the MCs run into each other arms (way too soon, imho, Zach didn't have to grovel at all).
The epilogue is beautiful and the housewarming gift Zach gave Luke made me cry.
Still, I'm not sure Zach deserved Luke: I liked Zach, but for months he accused Luke to be the unreliable guy, the one who leaves when things get rough and then he did exactly what he accused Luke of. I don't feel like they were meant to be together like Gil and Holden.
October 13, 2023
In what could possibly be her best work yet, Jay Hogan continues her portrayal of New Zealand’s High Country through life at Miller Station. It picks up immediately following The Art of Husbandry, and while it’s not strictly necessary, I highly recommend reading them in order. You know, for maximum emotional devastation. 😏
Seriously though, this story grabs a few threads from the first book which are best appreciated with a knowledge and understanding of what’s already happened. It follows previously introduced characters Zach and Luke, two amazing guys working to find themselves and what they need from life. Through their journey, Hogan resumes an examination of grief, loss, hope, and love that builds a special connection between reader and story.
Overall, two things struck me about this book: its depth and emotional complexity and the sheer physicality throughout. I joke about emotional devastation, but despite knowing about the homophobia, grief, loss, and heartbreak this story would confront, I wasn’t prepared for the enormity of experiencing it. Hogan’s powerful writing conveys the raw, agonizing pain each guy suffers in excruciating detail. I shed a million tears over the heartbreaking way Luke experiences the loss of his daughter while fighting to understand how anyone moves on from that place. I shed a million more for Zach’s struggle to reconcile who he is with who he believes his family, friends, and neighbors expect him to be. Watching him bargain with himself just to have the tiniest bit of happiness is gut wrenching. It’s equally difficult to watch the push-pull between him and Luke driven mostly by fear and vulnerability.
Let’s talk about the physicality — it’s about sheep farming. Shepherding. Scaling tall mountains & working with your hands. Pouring your soul, blood, sweat & tears into everything you do. But that’s just one side of it — the other is every movie montage you’ve ever seen of two hot, sweaty bodies slamming together up against any solid surface they can find in an attempt to get as close as humanly possible. The physical awareness Luke & Zach have of one another could honestly be its own character, it has such a presence in this story. It makes everything burn hotter, and the sexual tension threatens to incinerate them. They’re rough, feisty, and definitely doing more than a little damage physically and emotionally in the process. 🔥
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Seriously though, this story grabs a few threads from the first book which are best appreciated with a knowledge and understanding of what’s already happened. It follows previously introduced characters Zach and Luke, two amazing guys working to find themselves and what they need from life. Through their journey, Hogan resumes an examination of grief, loss, hope, and love that builds a special connection between reader and story.
Overall, two things struck me about this book: its depth and emotional complexity and the sheer physicality throughout. I joke about emotional devastation, but despite knowing about the homophobia, grief, loss, and heartbreak this story would confront, I wasn’t prepared for the enormity of experiencing it. Hogan’s powerful writing conveys the raw, agonizing pain each guy suffers in excruciating detail. I shed a million tears over the heartbreaking way Luke experiences the loss of his daughter while fighting to understand how anyone moves on from that place. I shed a million more for Zach’s struggle to reconcile who he is with who he believes his family, friends, and neighbors expect him to be. Watching him bargain with himself just to have the tiniest bit of happiness is gut wrenching. It’s equally difficult to watch the push-pull between him and Luke driven mostly by fear and vulnerability.
Let’s talk about the physicality — it’s about sheep farming. Shepherding. Scaling tall mountains & working with your hands. Pouring your soul, blood, sweat & tears into everything you do. But that’s just one side of it — the other is every movie montage you’ve ever seen of two hot, sweaty bodies slamming together up against any solid surface they can find in an attempt to get as close as humanly possible. The physical awareness Luke & Zach have of one another could honestly be its own character, it has such a presence in this story. It makes everything burn hotter, and the sexual tension threatens to incinerate them. They’re rough, feisty, and definitely doing more than a little damage physically and emotionally in the process. 🔥
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
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