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Kansas #1
The Way Back
In freshman year, Riley Evans met the best friends he ever thought he'd have, Jason and Eric. But then his friendship with Eric turned into something much more. That relationship ended almost as soon as it began, and Riley hasn't let anyone near his heart since. Until now. When Riley needed him most, Jason helped pick up the pieces. Six years later, he's once again part of Riley's life. Riley is slowly letting Jason past his defenses and is starting to see how good they are together. They're even planning a romantic weekend getaway. Then, out of the blue, Eric calls, claiming he wants Riley back. Riley has been dreaming about Eric for six years, but suddenly he can't he stop thinking of Jason. Jason, who has always been there when Riley needs him-who puts Riley's happiness above his own, even if that means his own heart will suffer. Jason insists Riley face his old feelings for Eric to make sure they're really gone. But are they? If Riley can't learn from his mistakes, he may be destined to repeat them-and Jason won't wait forever.
188 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Carter Quinn
12 books191 followersCarter Quinn was born and raised in a very small Western Kansas town where cattle vastly outnumber humans. In the 90s he read enough depressing gay fiction to give up on it. He discovered M/M in 2010 and started writing again. Now he's told Corporate America to kiss his books. Carter recently left the Denver area, meaning he is entirely too far from his beloved Colorado Avalanche.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 24, 2013
**3.75 stars**
Readers, my advice to you is push yourself through the first chapter or two of this book. I really disliked this one when I started reading it. The style and word choices are very simplistic and almost amateurish feeling, which totally put me off in the beginning. Also, the set-up seemed like a bad soap opera. I kind of just wanted to put this one down. However, in the back of my mind I reminded myself that so so many of my friends loved this one, so I decided to persevere. I'm really happy that I did because this story nearly brought me to tears with all of the feelz.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be "genuine". It just felt so real to me. Though it isn't the most polished book that I have ever read, it felt really raw and honest. The further that I read in this book, the more I found myself unable to put it down. That is truly the best way to judge a successful story, in my opinion.
I did have a few pet peeves about Riley.
Sadly, I've been called many things in my life, but smart without the ass suffix was rarely one of them.
Yes, Riley, we know.
::sigh:: Honestly, Riley does one dumb, self-absorbed thing after another in this book. I liked him and I connected with him but I wanted him to get an f-ing clue most of the time. He walked around with his head up his butt for the majority of the story.
Jason was a fabulous character and I fell hard for him. I even didn't mind Eric and thought the whole triangle thing was handled as well as it could have been.
Well, I'll tell you one thing, this book makes me want to read more of this author. I'm excited to see how else he can twist my heart.
And bonus points for including the phrase "experiment in faggotry" in your story, Carter Quinn.
Readers, my advice to you is push yourself through the first chapter or two of this book. I really disliked this one when I started reading it. The style and word choices are very simplistic and almost amateurish feeling, which totally put me off in the beginning. Also, the set-up seemed like a bad soap opera. I kind of just wanted to put this one down. However, in the back of my mind I reminded myself that so so many of my friends loved this one, so I decided to persevere. I'm really happy that I did because this story nearly brought me to tears with all of the feelz.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be "genuine". It just felt so real to me. Though it isn't the most polished book that I have ever read, it felt really raw and honest. The further that I read in this book, the more I found myself unable to put it down. That is truly the best way to judge a successful story, in my opinion.
I did have a few pet peeves about Riley.
Sadly, I've been called many things in my life, but smart without the ass suffix was rarely one of them.
Yes, Riley, we know.
::sigh:: Honestly, Riley does one dumb, self-absorbed thing after another in this book. I liked him and I connected with him but I wanted him to get an f-ing clue most of the time. He walked around with his head up his butt for the majority of the story.
Jason was a fabulous character and I fell hard for him. I even didn't mind Eric and thought the whole triangle thing was handled as well as it could have been.
Well, I'll tell you one thing, this book makes me want to read more of this author. I'm excited to see how else he can twist my heart.
And bonus points for including the phrase "experiment in faggotry" in your story, Carter Quinn.
June 13, 2012
4.25 stars
Oh what a hornets nest this was, the MC's were frustrating, jealous idiots and deserved a kick or two. A complicated love triangle which was bound to cause misery, tears and misunderstandings. It did that and more definitely heart pumping, thoughts of violence and stressful *are you for real* moments. Eric was a snake in the grass and was up to no good, Jason soon fixed him up, finally. Riley was a fool what happened to using some common sense? I loved how it played out so beautifully in the end, a satisfying and fabulous HEA after much heartbreak. Really liked this tearful and angsty romance.
Oh what a hornets nest this was, the MC's were frustrating, jealous idiots and deserved a kick or two. A complicated love triangle which was bound to cause misery, tears and misunderstandings. It did that and more definitely heart pumping, thoughts of violence and stressful *are you for real* moments. Eric was a snake in the grass and was up to no good, Jason soon fixed him up, finally. Riley was a fool what happened to using some common sense? I loved how it played out so beautifully in the end, a satisfying and fabulous HEA after much heartbreak. Really liked this tearful and angsty romance.
August 4, 2012
This was almost a perfect read for me.
The characters were all I could hope for.
Jason I fell instantly in love with, Riley I loved but at times I wanted to shake him, and Eric who I still despise.
This story hit all my buttons with the love, jealousy and misunderstandings. The writing was well paced and I loved that there was no quick fix, but a realistic time period, although that was the only time I wanted to smack Jason.
If you’re a sap for true love then this is a must read, a tissue or two will be needed, as Jason in heartbreak mode is well heartbreaking LOL.
The characters were all I could hope for.
Jason I fell instantly in love with, Riley I loved but at times I wanted to shake him, and Eric who I still despise.
This story hit all my buttons with the love, jealousy and misunderstandings. The writing was well paced and I loved that there was no quick fix, but a realistic time period, although that was the only time I wanted to smack Jason.
If you’re a sap for true love then this is a must read, a tissue or two will be needed, as Jason in heartbreak mode is well heartbreaking LOL.
April 19, 2013
OMG! This book is all kinds of fucked up!
I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing either. This is one of those messed up love triangles: Riley who is currently involved in a relationship with Jason, but then Eric comes back into the picture. Eric is Riley's former lover and Jason's brother! Riley has been in love with and hung up on Eric for YEARS, so Jason's forces Riley to "date" Eric to clear all those unresolved feelings Riley has for Eric...and figure out who he really loves. Fucked up, right?
Ah, but after a lot of frustrations, mis-communications, and questionable infadelity...it all works out in the end. I even found myself liking Eric and hoping he someday gets his HEA, too.
I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing either. This is one of those messed up love triangles: Riley who is currently involved in a relationship with Jason, but then Eric comes back into the picture. Eric is Riley's former lover and Jason's brother! Riley has been in love with and hung up on Eric for YEARS, so Jason's forces Riley to "date" Eric to clear all those unresolved feelings Riley has for Eric...and figure out who he really loves. Fucked up, right?
Ah, but after a lot of frustrations, mis-communications, and questionable infadelity...it all works out in the end. I even found myself liking Eric and hoping he someday gets his HEA, too.
June 20, 2012
Excellent first book. I could not put this down. Fell in love with the main and supporting characters. I didn't even see the twist coming, and I am usually hard to fool. I hope Eric is talking inside Carter's head and doesn't shut up until Carter writes Eric's story!! Can't wait for more from this very promising author.
July 3, 2012
The story started quite good but went downhill fast, so unfortunately, I can't give it more than 2 stars. I simply didn't buy any of it. The characters behave like immature 15-year-olds, and the HEA comes out of nowhere and is absolutely not realistic or believable. If you want to read a story where the MC is a major asshole, this is the book for you.
What bugged me the most about the story wasn't even the purple prose in the last couple of chapters or the awkward first-person POV, but the MCs' total lack of motivation for their actions. The story just doesn't make sense. The MCs do what they need to do in order to move the story to the point the author wants it to reach. Their actions are illogical and don't make sense and are so far removed from anything realistic that it left me rolling my eyes and hoping for Jason to realize what assholes he's surrounding himself with and to get far, far away from them.
What bugged me the most about the story wasn't even the purple prose in the last couple of chapters or the awkward first-person POV, but the MCs' total lack of motivation for their actions. The story just doesn't make sense. The MCs do what they need to do in order to move the story to the point the author wants it to reach. Their actions are illogical and don't make sense and are so far removed from anything realistic that it left me rolling my eyes and hoping for Jason to realize what assholes he's surrounding himself with and to get far, far away from them.
June 13, 2012
Very good m/m romance about a guy hung up on the one who dumped him and got married to a woman. Years later, he's finally letting another guy in emotionally when guess who shows up, all repentant?
June 23, 2012
This was a really good story which was both sweet and angsty. After initially reading the blurb for this book, I wasn't really sure I wanted to read it, however, I am so glad I did. There were times that I was so frustrated with these characters that I wished I could just slap them upside the head for being stupid and other parts of the book that kept me on the edge, not wanting to read because of what I knew was coming, but unable to put the book down.
August 17, 2019
So much to hate about the actions of these three assholes, but the second half was great.
September 25, 2013
2.5 stars
This book showed promise, sadly by the end i didn't really give a fuck.
Eric was a shallow slut that didn't give a fuck about his brother happiness, he knew Jason loved Riley since forever and he knew they were dating when he called, and he still called, and when he told his poor sad story, like I fucked everything with a dick (all this while cheating on his wife)but I always loved you, yeah, riiight, and then when his pride his hurt by Riley calling Jason's name he takes all back and goes into slut mode again fucking another dude and when the dude's gone he actually fucks the dude's ex.
I liked Riley at first, then he turned into an asshole, and dumb to boot, it was almost like he wanted to fight with Jason to rage fuck with Eric, and then it was like Dang! I love your brother, I didn't give a fuck for him or Eric after this point, I almost wished Jason to go back with Shannon, sadly Shannon was a bigger asshole than Riley, and for the love of all what's holy, do you really want me to believe he never put two and two together and realized how Jason felt about him in college?
Jason seriously needed therapy so he could stop dating assholes and look for more healthy relationships.
This book showed promise, sadly by the end i didn't really give a fuck.
Eric was a shallow slut that didn't give a fuck about his brother happiness, he knew Jason loved Riley since forever and he knew they were dating when he called, and he still called, and when he told his poor sad story, like I fucked everything with a dick (all this while cheating on his wife)but I always loved you, yeah, riiight, and then when his pride his hurt by Riley calling Jason's name he takes all back and goes into slut mode again fucking another dude and when the dude's gone he actually fucks the dude's ex.
I liked Riley at first, then he turned into an asshole, and dumb to boot, it was almost like he wanted to fight with Jason to rage fuck with Eric, and then it was like Dang! I love your brother, I didn't give a fuck for him or Eric after this point, I almost wished Jason to go back with Shannon, sadly Shannon was a bigger asshole than Riley, and for the love of all what's holy, do you really want me to believe he never put two and two together and realized how Jason felt about him in college?
Jason seriously needed therapy so he could stop dating assholes and look for more healthy relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2012
Really a 4.5 stars but I'll round up because it made my chest ache and I shed a few tears. I loved everything about this book. The story was fabulous, I felt the emotions and the sex was hot as hell. What more could I ask for? The only downside was it got a bit wordy in areas but overall an excellent read. Highly recommend this one.
August 2, 2012
A few pages in, and I was worried. When I read "That night, the violence of the storm raging outside lost to the fierce passion we created", I thought I had found a book full of Cheetos. I fretted that the reviews I read had missed the mark. The language was kind of simple, and, well, I really wasn't all that vested in the characters. I knew where the story was going (it's an obvious theme). It was a slow start...
And then. I looked up from my book and realize somewhere along the line, I had gone all in. The vortex had drawn me in. I was biting my nails while yelling at the MC for his stupidity. But here's the thing. The author made me yell at him. I was invested in the characters lives enough that I wanted to commit violence upon them. (Grrrrr... Why did he DO/SAY that!!!!) and unlike less quality stories, it wasn't because it was so unbelievable- its because they were so realistic- with a tiny niggle here or there. The storyline, while a standard one, was well-written. The writing style was snappy (see comments). Best line:
So- this one won me over. Few books take my heart on a roller coaster like this one did. I really like it!!! I do!!!
General Note: A few reviews provide "cheaters" warnings. While there maybe kinda sorta is this in there, it's A) key, B) kinda sorta not really and C) well handled. If you hate/can't stand/detest this topic - okay - stay away. But I think (as is often the case) the labeling is deceiving. If you just don't like cheating and generally prefer to stay away (i.e. have less strong feelings on it, even if still negative) I would really encourage you to try this one.
And then. I looked up from my book and realize somewhere along the line, I had gone all in. The vortex had drawn me in. I was biting my nails while yelling at the MC for his stupidity. But here's the thing. The author made me yell at him. I was invested in the characters lives enough that I wanted to commit violence upon them. (Grrrrr... Why did he DO/SAY that!!!!) and unlike less quality stories, it wasn't because it was so unbelievable- its because they were so realistic- with a tiny niggle here or there. The storyline, while a standard one, was well-written. The writing style was snappy (see comments). Best line:
So- this one won me over. Few books take my heart on a roller coaster like this one did. I really like it!!! I do!!!
General Note: A few reviews provide "cheaters" warnings. While there maybe kinda sorta is this in there, it's A) key, B) kinda sorta not really and C) well handled. If you hate/can't stand/detest this topic - okay - stay away. But I think (as is often the case) the labeling is deceiving. If you just don't like cheating and generally prefer to stay away (i.e. have less strong feelings on it, even if still negative) I would really encourage you to try this one.
January 20, 2015
A very enjoyable read. This book could have veered off course and become a soap opera, but somehow the author kept it from going overboard. It had just the right amount of angst, humor and feels to keep me intrigued.
The blurb sets out the straightforward plot line. Riley at times appears to be completely oblivious to the fact that Eric treated him like dirt in college, and he insists that the man was the love of his life and has ruined him for future relationships. His new romance with his other college friend Jason is just starting but seemingly strong. When Eric suddenly makes contact again after 6 years of silence, it is Jason who pushes Riley to face his lingering feelings. When Eric lays out his sob story, Riley decides to give him a chance, but there are events that Riley doesn't know about that may have colored everything that happened from their first hookup back in school.
Although I wanted to hit Riley over the head at a number of points during this book, I appreciated his sincerity in trying to work things out. Eric is the villain you want to throw to the wolves and Jason is, for the most part the perfect guy. As the story unfolds, different sides of each man come out and you have to really wonder how things will work out in the end. I'm looking forward to reading more from Carter Quinn.
The blurb sets out the straightforward plot line. Riley at times appears to be completely oblivious to the fact that Eric treated him like dirt in college, and he insists that the man was the love of his life and has ruined him for future relationships. His new romance with his other college friend Jason is just starting but seemingly strong. When Eric suddenly makes contact again after 6 years of silence, it is Jason who pushes Riley to face his lingering feelings. When Eric lays out his sob story, Riley decides to give him a chance, but there are events that Riley doesn't know about that may have colored everything that happened from their first hookup back in school.
Although I wanted to hit Riley over the head at a number of points during this book, I appreciated his sincerity in trying to work things out. Eric is the villain you want to throw to the wolves and Jason is, for the most part the perfect guy. As the story unfolds, different sides of each man come out and you have to really wonder how things will work out in the end. I'm looking forward to reading more from Carter Quinn.
June 13, 2012
Is there anything sweeter than your first true love? Or anything more heart breaking than that first love not playing out as you'd hoped? The Way Back by Carter Quinn covers this beautifully. What could have been an overload of angst has been handled perfectly with an under current of sweet and really funny humour which balances out the angst perfectly.
Jason, Eric and Riley are college buddies. Best buddies. BUT Riley fancies Eric who is straight. Apparently. Then one night Eric takes things in a different direction. A direction that makes Riley a very happy man. His best friend is now his lover. Of course the relationship doesn't play out as Riley would have liked; and Jason - sweet, loving Jason is more than happy to step in later in and be with Riley.
Years later Eric wants a second chance, could Riley ever refuse the chance to see if they really were meant to be? No he couldn't, and Jason certainly had no problem stepping back. Fool or decent guy? Or a bit of both? At some stage every guy in the book needed a slap - I tried to reach into my kindle to do just that :-) Yet every one of them redeemed themselves pretty quickly in my mind.
Carter has also managed to handle 2 themes I normally cannot abide ; namely cheating and love triangles - again, his handling of the plot left me ok wth both. Clever writing. Climactic name calling always trumps talking in your sleep, right? :-D
I really enjoyed this story. A lot! 2012 has been a great year for new authors and Carter has kept up this high standard with his first book. I eagerly await more books by him. 5 stars all the way.
Jason, Eric and Riley are college buddies. Best buddies. BUT Riley fancies Eric who is straight. Apparently. Then one night Eric takes things in a different direction. A direction that makes Riley a very happy man. His best friend is now his lover. Of course the relationship doesn't play out as Riley would have liked; and Jason - sweet, loving Jason is more than happy to step in later in and be with Riley.
Years later Eric wants a second chance, could Riley ever refuse the chance to see if they really were meant to be? No he couldn't, and Jason certainly had no problem stepping back. Fool or decent guy? Or a bit of both? At some stage every guy in the book needed a slap - I tried to reach into my kindle to do just that :-) Yet every one of them redeemed themselves pretty quickly in my mind.
Carter has also managed to handle 2 themes I normally cannot abide ; namely cheating and love triangles - again, his handling of the plot left me ok wth both. Clever writing. Climactic name calling always trumps talking in your sleep, right? :-D
I really enjoyed this story. A lot! 2012 has been a great year for new authors and Carter has kept up this high standard with his first book. I eagerly await more books by him. 5 stars all the way.
January 29, 2015
4.5 stars from me. I wanted to smack them all really hard...what IS it with men and not communicating!! At different times in the story, I called each of them a douchebag....one of them more than once, and those of you that have read the story, you'll know who I mean....
My note on page 68 read 'Jase loves you, you douchebag, even at the cost of his own happiness'. On page 77, I made a couple of notes 'but it's OK for you to destroy Jase's feelings, you bastard' AND 'but Jase is in love with you, you Dick!!' and on page 83 I wrote 'I think Eric only wanted Riley in the first place all those years ago cos he knew how much Jase wanted him'. How prophetic was that!!
How on earth I'm going to get through the sequel Fire & Rain when I detested that selfish, self-centred, lying and cheating git Eric, I've no idea BUT everyone deserves a shot at redemption....don't they?? Maybe I'm just reading it to see that he gets his (thoroughly deserved) comeuppance.....
My note on page 68 read 'Jase loves you, you douchebag, even at the cost of his own happiness'. On page 77, I made a couple of notes 'but it's OK for you to destroy Jase's feelings, you bastard' AND 'but Jase is in love with you, you Dick!!' and on page 83 I wrote 'I think Eric only wanted Riley in the first place all those years ago cos he knew how much Jase wanted him'. How prophetic was that!!
How on earth I'm going to get through the sequel Fire & Rain when I detested that selfish, self-centred, lying and cheating git Eric, I've no idea BUT everyone deserves a shot at redemption....don't they?? Maybe I'm just reading it to see that he gets his (thoroughly deserved) comeuppance.....
January 27, 2013
I enjoyed this, but I have to say that Riley kind of got on my last nerve a little. I mean honestly! I wanted to slap some sense into him most of the time. I get that he was hurt before, but that didn't give him the right to hurt Jason as much as he did. but then Jason DID push him towards Eric, so I guess it was just one big ol' mess! I loved Jason from the start, so I screamed my head off at one particular point and refused to forgive Riley for several - maybe more - pages. But it was still well written and interesting and certainly held my attention. I don't usually like love-triangle themed stories - far too much drama for me. But still, this was an entertaining read for my four hour flight yesterday evening.
December 17, 2012
Good read, I really felt with Riley, poor guy. Somewhere in between I was sceptical that they would get back together, but in the end it worked out. After finishing it I just realized that I would have loved to read a bit more about Riley's and Jason's life outside of their relationship.
December 28, 2016
The book wasn't poorly written and I did feel compelled to finish it. Those are the reasons why I gave this 2 instead of 1 stars. I hated the MC Riley. I hated the brother Eric. I didn't like the best friend Melissa. I think what has me so wound up is that the characters in this book don't see themselves as awful people. They don't recognize their behavior as really wrong. Since I disliked them all so intensely, I really was hoping Jason would find some way to really screw them all over, but unfortunately that was not the case.
October 7, 2013
The story was not bad, but not good either. It felt amateurish at best. To top it off it was filled with a variety of unlikeable characters.
Eric is the biggest asshole ever, I hate that the author tried to force a reconciliation between them. They apparently loved each other, I totally disagree action speaks louder than words. Mind you Eric never did apolagise to Jason.
But what really made me hate the story was how Jason the one that gets cheated one gets blamed, and how Riley tries to justify his cheating (If he didn't cheat, it would have taken him weeks to realise his feelings for Jason).
I also disliked that Jason who was previously cheated on and says that it is the one thing that is unacceptable takes back Riley the cheating scum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2012
Loved it!! I swung from loving the MCs to wanting to smack them but they were beautifully flawed and the HEA was fantastic. I laughed, I cried, I cursed Eric to hell (because I knew exactly what he was up to in the nightclub back at college and I cheered when Jase beat his nose in), and I yelled at Riley to use his brain instead of his dick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2012
aaaaaawwwww..... (more to come when I get around to actually turning on my computer. But I will say this: I laughed, I cried, I railed, and I fell in love. Even, a little bit, with Eric. Please oh please, can he and Mitch maybe get a Happily? Even just a HFN? Maybe soon?)
September 8, 2012
Gotta think before i post my review
June 25, 2012
This was an enjoyable read full of interesting characters. I had read Carter’s short story, “In The Crease” and was looking forward to this, his first novel. The story begins by introducing the reader to Riley and Jason, who are in a fairly new relationship that is comfortable and progressing nicely – until a phone call to Riley from his ex from six years prior. The ex, Eric, had rather suddenly left Riley for a woman, and Riley had never quite gotten over his feelings for Eric. Eric is looking for a second chance with Riley.
Riley and Jason knew each other as good friends in college and have recently reconnected when Jason moved back from out of state. Jason is aware of Riley’s past with Eric. In a very interesting plot development – Jason ends up pretty much insisting that Riley see Eric, to find out if there is still something there for him: let the best man win and the chips fall where they may. This becomes a round robin of frustrations, laughs, and revelations (and the chance for readers to potentially want to choke some, or all, of the three guys.) I certainly didn’t dislike any of the guys, although I was at times confuzzled by their actions (I think they were too!). Never fear though, Carter’s writing gives them all plausibility.
I felt Eric had a lot of nerve blowing (ahem) back into Riley’s life – and, as it turns out, repeating history. Jason was really a stand-up guy throughout, both strong, yet vulnerable. Riley, Riley, Riley. Jeopardizing a solid relationship with a really great guy to re-connect with someone who left you at the curb years ago? Ack! Ah well, one can’t control matters of the heart, as Riley well finds out. There are many great plot twists in this story - which I love – and which really kept me wondering just exactly how these relationships were going to work out. Of course, I was ultimately very happy with how it all worked out! Riley’s friends, Melissa and Marc, were awesome secondary characters.
Looking forward to more writing from Carter Quinn – and would enjoy reading more about the characters from The Way Back.
Riley and Jason knew each other as good friends in college and have recently reconnected when Jason moved back from out of state. Jason is aware of Riley’s past with Eric. In a very interesting plot development – Jason ends up pretty much insisting that Riley see Eric, to find out if there is still something there for him: let the best man win and the chips fall where they may. This becomes a round robin of frustrations, laughs, and revelations (and the chance for readers to potentially want to choke some, or all, of the three guys.) I certainly didn’t dislike any of the guys, although I was at times confuzzled by their actions (I think they were too!). Never fear though, Carter’s writing gives them all plausibility.
I felt Eric had a lot of nerve blowing (ahem) back into Riley’s life – and, as it turns out, repeating history. Jason was really a stand-up guy throughout, both strong, yet vulnerable. Riley, Riley, Riley. Jeopardizing a solid relationship with a really great guy to re-connect with someone who left you at the curb years ago? Ack! Ah well, one can’t control matters of the heart, as Riley well finds out. There are many great plot twists in this story - which I love – and which really kept me wondering just exactly how these relationships were going to work out. Of course, I was ultimately very happy with how it all worked out! Riley’s friends, Melissa and Marc, were awesome secondary characters.
Looking forward to more writing from Carter Quinn – and would enjoy reading more about the characters from The Way Back.
June 30, 2012
Honestly, I wasn't entirely certain how I felt about this book. There was Eric, Riley, Jason and the crazy-assed dysfunctional love triangle, or love...well I don't know what the hell you would call it really. Riley loves Eric, Jason loves Riley, Eric, well Eric loves himself, the douche, and Jason and Eric are brothers. You see? Boggles the mind a bit! By the time Eric makes his lolly-gagging way back to Riley (Years after leaving him for a woman! Yes, a woman! Gasps! Bastard. :) Riley and Jason are together, happy and content. Yes, excellent timing, Eric. Thus, in order for Riley to get on with his life with Jason he must first make sure there's nothing holding him back with Eric. I'm sure you can imagine how much my picky ass enjoyed that part! I wanted to throw Eric right out of my lovely mm book! Having said that, I couldn't put this book down and thought about the characters long after I had finished it. I may have never loved Eric, ok, I didn't even like him, but Riley and Jason were delightful. I've never read anything from this author before, but I would definately like to read more from him in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2014
My second book by Mr. Quinn and I am impressed. This story is a 180 from the first, but just as good. I am going to find it very hard to wait for more of his stories.
Riley Evans is caught between the Walker brothers, Jason and Eric. The three became steadfast friends, but when Riley falls for Eric, everything changes. It changes more when Eric dumps Riley and marries a girl from their high school. Riley is devastated. He was hurt so badly that for the next 6 years, he has let no one near his heart.
Lately, Jason the older Walker brother has been making inroads into Riley's defenses. Just when things are bright for Riley and Jason, Eric arrives back on the scene, divorced, voicing his undying love for Riley. Unfortunately, for Riley, he is the filling in the Walker brothers sandwich.
This story is crammed with angst. It made me wonder what would I do if I were in Riley's shoes. For me, it is one of the best I've read this year. I found it comforting that the characters could find themselves by the end. I give it a Kansas sky full of stars.
Riley Evans is caught between the Walker brothers, Jason and Eric. The three became steadfast friends, but when Riley falls for Eric, everything changes. It changes more when Eric dumps Riley and marries a girl from their high school. Riley is devastated. He was hurt so badly that for the next 6 years, he has let no one near his heart.
Lately, Jason the older Walker brother has been making inroads into Riley's defenses. Just when things are bright for Riley and Jason, Eric arrives back on the scene, divorced, voicing his undying love for Riley. Unfortunately, for Riley, he is the filling in the Walker brothers sandwich.
This story is crammed with angst. It made me wonder what would I do if I were in Riley's shoes. For me, it is one of the best I've read this year. I found it comforting that the characters could find themselves by the end. I give it a Kansas sky full of stars.
July 4, 2012
This book will not be for everyone, but I was sure in the mood for something like this :D
As I started to read this, I was really pleased with how well the author captured the daily intimacies between Jason and Riley. As a reader, this drew me to them as a couple and I just really wanted good things for them. The washing the dog scene just made me all warm and fuzzy.
Then the story moved into the drama, secrets, and indiscretions - this is where some readers may be turned off by the story. I sucked it up like a fish and got into the angst and drama, while repeatedly screaming in my head "Riley why can't you see this, why are you doing this". Things were becoming emotionally supercharged, but then I could breath a sigh of relief with a HEA. Looking forward to other books by this author.
As I started to read this, I was really pleased with how well the author captured the daily intimacies between Jason and Riley. As a reader, this drew me to them as a couple and I just really wanted good things for them. The washing the dog scene just made me all warm and fuzzy.
Then the story moved into the drama, secrets, and indiscretions - this is where some readers may be turned off by the story. I sucked it up like a fish and got into the angst and drama, while repeatedly screaming in my head "Riley why can't you see this, why are you doing this". Things were becoming emotionally supercharged, but then I could breath a sigh of relief with a HEA. Looking forward to other books by this author.
June 11, 2012
I had read Carter Quinn's short stories and really liked them so I was really looking forward to this novel. I was not disappointed. The story of Riley and Jason and Eric was a bit of a roller-coaster ride and even involved some throwing up! As the story begins, Riley and Jason are dating - six years after they had last seen each other in college. When all three had been friends in college, Eric and Riley ended up having an affair that Eric then ran out on and broke Riley's heart. Just as Riley and Jason are getting close - closer than Riley has let anyone else get in the years since Eric - Eric calls out of the blue and wants Riley back. Talk about your bad timing!
But there are more secrets than even meet the eye. And they will come back to bite somebody in the ass on this one. But I'm not going to say anything else. You have to read it for yourself. You won't be sorry.
But there are more secrets than even meet the eye. And they will come back to bite somebody in the ass on this one. But I'm not going to say anything else. You have to read it for yourself. You won't be sorry.
August 26, 2012
This book and its author have certainly impressed me. The themes tackled are among my least favourite ones and difficult to satisfyingly develop in general. By the end, I was happy with how the triangle had been resolved, as I wanted so much a truly happy ending for Jason who greatly deserved it, and Riley who had somewhat atoned for his hurtful actions.
The emphasis on 'somewhat' related to my belief that the story needed to show a bit more how their relationship consolidated post-reconciliation, particularly how Riley made it up to Jason after many intentional or unintentional mistakes. Eric became one of my most heavily disliked characters of all time due to his incredible selfishness - . Definitely recommended!
The emphasis on 'somewhat' related to my belief that the story needed to show a bit more how their relationship consolidated post-reconciliation, particularly how Riley made it up to Jason after many intentional or unintentional mistakes. Eric became one of my most heavily disliked characters of all time due to his incredible selfishness - . Definitely recommended!
June 22, 2012
Could be 4 stars but this book made me nervous and frustrated. Meanwhile I hope that Riley is a good teacher at school because in matters of the heart does not understand a lot and it seems that even as maturity has stopped in college. And it is certain paradoxes in the story that I was not convinced. Even Jason, who is the better character, mature, loving, funny and hot advises to attend Eric to Riley without asking him the times or manners. I am not convinced that Eric has matured, I disliked him and the fact of going back to knowing who is with Jason Riley says a lot ... and then back to Riley. I want to believe the moral of this story, that love can do everything. Congratulations to the writer because the plot intrigues and invites you to read the book all in one breath
June 12, 2012
4.25 stars
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