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Love's Value #1
Worth the Coming Home (1)
For Josh Brooks, it's a summer of wishes come true. First he gets his dream horse from a rival trainer. Then his brother's Army Ranger buddy, Dane Keller, comes to work on the ranch and Josh meets his dream lover too. Dane is hot, competent, and fresh out of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Everything would be perfect-except nobody knows Josh and Dane are gay.
All Dane wants is a quiet life in a less claustrophobic closet and a ranch job where he can earn a living. But when his best friend's little brother, the one who wrote the letters that kept their spirits up in Afghanistan, turns out to have grown up in all the right ways, Dane can't help wanting more despite his fear of commitment.
While Dane and Josh are busy trying-and failing-to keep their hands to themselves, someone else is watching, biding his time. Then he strikes, first at Josh and then at the prized horse. When all of their secrets and fears are exposed, Dane is determined to protect Josh, even if it means leaving him behind.
All Dane wants is a quiet life in a less claustrophobic closet and a ranch job where he can earn a living. But when his best friend's little brother, the one who wrote the letters that kept their spirits up in Afghanistan, turns out to have grown up in all the right ways, Dane can't help wanting more despite his fear of commitment.
While Dane and Josh are busy trying-and failing-to keep their hands to themselves, someone else is watching, biding his time. Then he strikes, first at Josh and then at the prized horse. When all of their secrets and fears are exposed, Dane is determined to protect Josh, even if it means leaving him behind.
244 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2012
10 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Lisa M. Owens
7 books20 followersRaised in the Midwest, Lisa M. Owens now lives in Josh Brooks’ beloved Paradise Valley in southwest Montana. Her husband, two dogs and The One and Only Cat run the place so she can concentrate on writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 11, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, but no, just no. I get why Josh doesn't like to be mad at people, but at some point you just have enough. I wanted to like Dane. He's a Ranger, a hero, and also a major asshole. Sorry PTSD doesn't cut it. I have PTSD myself, that doesn't give me a free card to be a jerk without people calling me on it. But every time he was an ass it was waved away with the whole "he served his country, he has PTSD". No.
The sex. If I recall correctly, two of the times they have sex Josh asks him to stop and he refuses. That is rape. Dane goes right on over into D/s, BDSM territory and never checks to make sure it is okay with Josh, who doesn't like it at first. But of course it is all okay because eventually Josh enjoys it and Dane NEEDS it to deal with his PTSD. The reaction of his family members to his coming out, if I were him I'd find new family. Because of course they have the right to be mad at him for not telling them he was gay. WTF? Did Jesse need to announce that he was straight? The whole "We were waiting for you to come to us" thing was bullsh*t. He'd had the crap beaten out of him and could barely move and they all just leave him alone for weeks because THEY WERE WAITING FOR HIM TO COME TO THEM????? There were just so many things about this that peeved me. What kind of best friend is Sarah that she so easily forgives Jesse and how about we not even get into what a twit Guy is. Did I even like anyone in this story?
Oh, yes, I liked the horse, he was great, too bad he wasn't a shifter and then Josh could have gotten together with a good man. Dane gets better at then end but he was pretty much given a free pass when he should have had to freaking grovel for months, on his knees, in a muddy cow pen.
Last thought, it might possibly have helped if this book wasn't written in first person (I rarely like first person) and if we had gotten to see Dane's thoughts things would have looked different, like when they were having sex him picking up cues that Josh really wants him to keep going or something, I just have a really hard time getting past Josh asking him to stop and being scared and Dane pushing him and hurting him. Oh, and what the hell happened to Dane's PTSD, it was miraculously cured after he got stabbed or maybe it was after he had Josh top him so he could feel forgiven. AAARRGH *tears out hair*
I feel sort of bad that this turned into a rant. I would mention that I don't remember there being anything bad about the writing other than I just didn't care for the characters or the storyline, but that's personal taste, so take it as such.
The sex. If I recall correctly, two of the times they have sex Josh asks him to stop and he refuses. That is rape. Dane goes right on over into D/s, BDSM territory and never checks to make sure it is okay with Josh, who doesn't like it at first. But of course it is all okay because eventually Josh enjoys it and Dane NEEDS it to deal with his PTSD. The reaction of his family members to his coming out, if I were him I'd find new family. Because of course they have the right to be mad at him for not telling them he was gay. WTF? Did Jesse need to announce that he was straight? The whole "We were waiting for you to come to us" thing was bullsh*t. He'd had the crap beaten out of him and could barely move and they all just leave him alone for weeks because THEY WERE WAITING FOR HIM TO COME TO THEM????? There were just so many things about this that peeved me. What kind of best friend is Sarah that she so easily forgives Jesse and how about we not even get into what a twit Guy is. Did I even like anyone in this story?
Oh, yes, I liked the horse, he was great, too bad he wasn't a shifter and then Josh could have gotten together with a good man. Dane gets better at then end but he was pretty much given a free pass when he should have had to freaking grovel for months, on his knees, in a muddy cow pen.
Last thought, it might possibly have helped if this book wasn't written in first person (I rarely like first person) and if we had gotten to see Dane's thoughts things would have looked different, like when they were having sex him picking up cues that Josh really wants him to keep going or something, I just have a really hard time getting past Josh asking him to stop and being scared and Dane pushing him and hurting him. Oh, and what the hell happened to Dane's PTSD, it was miraculously cured after he got stabbed or maybe it was after he had Josh top him so he could feel forgiven. AAARRGH *tears out hair*
I feel sort of bad that this turned into a rant. I would mention that I don't remember there being anything bad about the writing other than I just didn't care for the characters or the storyline, but that's personal taste, so take it as such.
dnf-or-hated
September 4, 2015DNF
I don't like the characters and there's on page sex between the M.C. and another character. That just tips the scales for me. It might get better, but, for now, I'm out.
ETA: So I started to feel badly and decided I'd listen some more...and got to hear a rape scene.
After Josh sleeps with his friend they go out to dinner where Dane sees them. The following day Dane corners Josh in the barn and forces him to have sex without any prep or more conversation than, "Less than 24 hours after fucking me you're already fucking someone else?"
When Josh tells Dane he's hurting him, Dane replies, "Reprimanding might be a better word."
When Josh tries "to crawl away from the hurt" Dane pushes more forcefully and slaps his ass. I stopped listening not long after this scene. Because no matter what else happens? That right there was non-consensual sex. Rape.
It doesn't matter to me if, after getting the apology he feels he deserves, Dane starts to gentle his thrusting and Josh eventually has an orgasm in the end. To me, that's still rape.
Fuck this, I'm definitely out.
Consent, folks - it's real for girls and boys.
I don't like the characters and there's on page sex between the M.C. and another character. That just tips the scales for me. It might get better, but, for now, I'm out.
ETA: So I started to feel badly and decided I'd listen some more...and got to hear a rape scene.
After Josh sleeps with his friend they go out to dinner where Dane sees them. The following day Dane corners Josh in the barn and forces him to have sex without any prep or more conversation than, "Less than 24 hours after fucking me you're already fucking someone else?"
When Josh tells Dane he's hurting him, Dane replies, "Reprimanding might be a better word."
When Josh tries "to crawl away from the hurt" Dane pushes more forcefully and slaps his ass. I stopped listening not long after this scene. Because no matter what else happens? That right there was non-consensual sex. Rape.
It doesn't matter to me if, after getting the apology he feels he deserves, Dane starts to gentle his thrusting and Josh eventually has an orgasm in the end. To me, that's still rape.
Fuck this, I'm definitely out.
Consent, folks - it's real for girls and boys.
December 16, 2012
OMG, I HATED THIS BOOK.
Let me say that the writing was very good. And I can understand how a lot of people would like this book.
HOWEVER, the love interest was a COMPLETE DICK. I kept thinking, maybe it will get better. Maybe he'll redeem himself. And I kept reading -- HOPING -- that at some point he'd get his head out of his ass. But nope, it was so far up there, he folded in on himself.
This book sucked donkey balls.
Let me say that the writing was very good. And I can understand how a lot of people would like this book.
HOWEVER, the love interest was a COMPLETE DICK. I kept thinking, maybe it will get better. Maybe he'll redeem himself. And I kept reading -- HOPING -- that at some point he'd get his head out of his ass. But nope, it was so far up there, he folded in on himself.
This book sucked donkey balls.
July 30, 2014
4.5 stars
This is an extraordinary book. Simple but it won’t be for everyone because it deals with some discouraging (some would say) elements. In fact, it won’t be for a lot of people. It deals with the after affects of going into the war and spending a few tours there, coming home damaged emotionally and physically.
This story starts out with Josh Brooks training his newly acquired horse, Hurricane. Then Dane Keller, his brother, Jesse’s Ranger buddy, walks onto his family’s ranch looking for a place to stay. The attraction between Dane and Josh is obvious from the start but they’re both in the closet. Josh is so far in the closet he has the whole town thinking he’s going to marry his best friend, Sarah. Because of this, Dane gets mixed signals from Josh. It’s not long before Dane finally makes his moves on Josh. To Josh’s surprise, Dane is more forceful then he thought. Dane’s extremely dominant, controlling and has Josh both in fear and arousal. Josh likes it but he’s scared at the same time. Dane gives Josh everything he’s wanted but he threatens the very life he’s made for himself.
The morning after, things become too intense when Dane suffers a bout of hallucinations and ends up hurting Josh physically. What follows is both hot and cold moments from Dane. Dane will ignore Josh for days then show up at his house looking for control and sex. Dane makes it clear it’s just sex but Josh soon develops feelings for Dane even with all the problems Dane has especially when a simple injury triggers Dane’s episodes. Their life starts to unravel when they realize someone is spying on their ranch. With that spying, this mysterious person sees Dane and Josh together. From there it’s one thing after another. First Josh gets outed in a bar and gay bashed. His brother turns on him with disgust and no one will talk to him. To add insult to injury, someone is trying to either kill him or his horse and they can’t pin it on anyway. Things get even worse for Josh when Dane decides to end things, leaving Josh devastated. Josh soon realizes who his real friends are and who exactly he can count on while trying to mend his broken heart and the yearning he still has for the emotionally distant and dangerous Dane.
This might possibly be one of my favorite books this year. It has angsty elements but the way it’s handled, I wouldn’t exactly classify it as angsty. It’s intense, harsh at times but captivating. I was sucked into the story and the extreme passion Dane and Josh have for each other. Their own brand of love was so different from the sweet and light things I’ve been reading lately that I was drawn to it. Dane is very, very controlling to the point of almost being cruel. In fact, he is cruel and asks almost impossible things of Josh to endure. It’s torturous in a way because Dane is also possessive. While he doesn’t want to have a real relationship with Josh, he won’t put up with Josh being with anyone else, which Josh finds out quite fast.
I loved these characters, though. Dane is raw and the way he battles the episodes caused by PTSD is heart-wrenching. The way Josh handles it all is commendable, though. He sticks through the worst of it but still ends up loving Dane during it all. This is told in first person from Josh’s POV, which allows us to get to know Josh rather well. He’s a very well developed character. Dane is also a well developed character but he’s mysterious, too. We know things about him that made me really like him but we don’t know everything. When Dane leaves, he not only devastated Josh, he devastated me too. It ripped my heart out.
The plot has more suspense than I was expecting. A lot of little conflicts happen that all are aimed at ruining Josh’s life. It’s sad what he has to go through all because someone was jealous of his abilities. We get to see a lot of things within this story, though. Teenage crushes, trespassing, injuries, possible abuse depending on your perception of it, bigotry, heartbreak, unrequited love and more. There’s so much going on but it all comes together nicely to make a really good story. Actually, it didn’t even feel like there was a lot until I analyzed it all in the end. The only issue I had with it was the sex. While extremely hot, it was just too much for my liking. It’s all about control for Dane which is why I labeled it as a little bit of BDSM. He also makes Josh go through some few slightly kinky things. It’s, well, scorching.
All in all, this was a very well written story. It touches on topics that are intriguing and not often written correctly. It’s intense and passionate and sometimes harsh. It won’t be for everyone but I encourage those brave enough to try it. It’s a phenomenal story and most likely one I will re-read one day.
This is an extraordinary book. Simple but it won’t be for everyone because it deals with some discouraging (some would say) elements. In fact, it won’t be for a lot of people. It deals with the after affects of going into the war and spending a few tours there, coming home damaged emotionally and physically.
This story starts out with Josh Brooks training his newly acquired horse, Hurricane. Then Dane Keller, his brother, Jesse’s Ranger buddy, walks onto his family’s ranch looking for a place to stay. The attraction between Dane and Josh is obvious from the start but they’re both in the closet. Josh is so far in the closet he has the whole town thinking he’s going to marry his best friend, Sarah. Because of this, Dane gets mixed signals from Josh. It’s not long before Dane finally makes his moves on Josh. To Josh’s surprise, Dane is more forceful then he thought. Dane’s extremely dominant, controlling and has Josh both in fear and arousal. Josh likes it but he’s scared at the same time. Dane gives Josh everything he’s wanted but he threatens the very life he’s made for himself.
The morning after, things become too intense when Dane suffers a bout of hallucinations and ends up hurting Josh physically. What follows is both hot and cold moments from Dane. Dane will ignore Josh for days then show up at his house looking for control and sex. Dane makes it clear it’s just sex but Josh soon develops feelings for Dane even with all the problems Dane has especially when a simple injury triggers Dane’s episodes. Their life starts to unravel when they realize someone is spying on their ranch. With that spying, this mysterious person sees Dane and Josh together. From there it’s one thing after another. First Josh gets outed in a bar and gay bashed. His brother turns on him with disgust and no one will talk to him. To add insult to injury, someone is trying to either kill him or his horse and they can’t pin it on anyway. Things get even worse for Josh when Dane decides to end things, leaving Josh devastated. Josh soon realizes who his real friends are and who exactly he can count on while trying to mend his broken heart and the yearning he still has for the emotionally distant and dangerous Dane.
This might possibly be one of my favorite books this year. It has angsty elements but the way it’s handled, I wouldn’t exactly classify it as angsty. It’s intense, harsh at times but captivating. I was sucked into the story and the extreme passion Dane and Josh have for each other. Their own brand of love was so different from the sweet and light things I’ve been reading lately that I was drawn to it. Dane is very, very controlling to the point of almost being cruel. In fact, he is cruel and asks almost impossible things of Josh to endure. It’s torturous in a way because Dane is also possessive. While he doesn’t want to have a real relationship with Josh, he won’t put up with Josh being with anyone else, which Josh finds out quite fast.
I loved these characters, though. Dane is raw and the way he battles the episodes caused by PTSD is heart-wrenching. The way Josh handles it all is commendable, though. He sticks through the worst of it but still ends up loving Dane during it all. This is told in first person from Josh’s POV, which allows us to get to know Josh rather well. He’s a very well developed character. Dane is also a well developed character but he’s mysterious, too. We know things about him that made me really like him but we don’t know everything. When Dane leaves, he not only devastated Josh, he devastated me too. It ripped my heart out.
The plot has more suspense than I was expecting. A lot of little conflicts happen that all are aimed at ruining Josh’s life. It’s sad what he has to go through all because someone was jealous of his abilities. We get to see a lot of things within this story, though. Teenage crushes, trespassing, injuries, possible abuse depending on your perception of it, bigotry, heartbreak, unrequited love and more. There’s so much going on but it all comes together nicely to make a really good story. Actually, it didn’t even feel like there was a lot until I analyzed it all in the end. The only issue I had with it was the sex. While extremely hot, it was just too much for my liking. It’s all about control for Dane which is why I labeled it as a little bit of BDSM. He also makes Josh go through some few slightly kinky things. It’s, well, scorching.
All in all, this was a very well written story. It touches on topics that are intriguing and not often written correctly. It’s intense and passionate and sometimes harsh. It won’t be for everyone but I encourage those brave enough to try it. It’s a phenomenal story and most likely one I will re-read one day.
January 24, 2013
If a book can bring out strong emotions, whatever they be then that indicates a great writer and Lisa M Owens brought out a lot of emotion in me with her roller coaster novel. This story starts out as a deceptively easy read then slowly starts to hook you in until wham! All hell let's loose and you're so emotionally wrapped up in the story that its practically impossible to put down. I'm used to getting emotionally involved in my books but its not often that they evoke anger - not at Josh, Dane or Jesse as such although there are many moments of frustration and exasperation evoked by their actions, but at the injustice of having to lie about your sexual orientation because of the fear of reprocussion affecting all aspects of your life, and in this case Josh not only has the worry of how his family will take to his coming out but he also faces violence from homophobic rednecks and bigoted small town mentality - aswell as falling for a man like Dane who is damaged from PTSD and also closeted. It's a recipe of hurt, anger and betrayal for all involved but for all its angst this book never becomes gloomy nor miserable and we get to see the good side of people too. The love scenes are hot and heavy and feature domination ( NOT BDSM) but it fits the situations and mindset of the story perfectly and never overwhelms or feel gratuitous. Thankfully having (cleverly) wound up the tension to a peak , Ms Owen then gave it such a wonderful ending ,full of love, redemption and hope for the future, that all the pent up emotion wooshed out and I was left feeling wholly satisfied and at peace. All in all a wonderful story that will definitely take you on an emotional ride, wring you out and leave you wanting more from this excellent author. Bring on book 2 and hopefully Guy will get his HEA, just don't take to long please!
January 10, 2013
~WASN'T WORTH THE READ!~ IMO
I was so looking forward to reading this book. Was looking forward to the intensity and just by the blurb it all sounded very compelling; but sadly, it just fell flat for me. So yes, I am very disappointed Worth the Coming Home.
The books start with Josh Brooks who recently just purchased a prize horse from a bad trainer. Josh knows he can do better; all he has to do is prove it. While working on the horse and chatting with his brother, a stranger appears. Seems it’s an old army ranger buddy of his brother Jesse. Dane is everything that Josh is attracted to but his family doesn't know he's gay and he can't risk it no matter how tempting Dane is. Until Dane makes it clear as the sky is blue that he's interested, and a night of hot loving leaves Josh in Heaven (well...until the next morning).
Dane suffers from PTSD, so touching him during a nightmare or something is a mistake. Josh knows the effects of PTSD, seeing as how is brother suffered from it but Dane seems more troubled. His mood runs hot/cold but Josh can't help falling for the man. When Josh is outed in a bar, and is assaulted it seems like he might lose his family and most definitely Dane.
Well... there are so many things that didn't work for me in this book. First, I made no connection to any of the characters. I was not sympathetic to any of them (not freaking one! I couldn't even muster up anything for Dane and his PTSD, which just makes me, feel all kinds of evil). Second, Josh's whole family sucked! They lost me when they didn't go check on him when he was beaten up. Even though they turned out to be supportive, I wasn't buying it. Third, the relationship between Josh and Dane didn't feel believable. The whole D/s thing during sex just felt "meh" and all kinds of unsafe (like what if he had a trigger and it was shown that he could get violent). Last, I was reading to finish not reading to enjoy and when it feels like work, it’s a goner.
Wanted to like it, but it just didn't work in the end. I just felt like all the strong elements weren’t explored properly. I don't even know what happened with Dane's PTSD (like did he just forget about it cus I don't remember reading about what happened with it). Also, who shot the freaking horse? Like it's obvious who it is, but isn't anyone going to arrest and prosecute his ass. Things just got lost in the wind.
Should You Read It? I don't want to say no because there is a lot of positive reviews out there for this one. Maybe I am the odd girl out but I didn't enjoy it. I liked the horse, and the horse riding with the kids (only saving face).
I was so looking forward to reading this book. Was looking forward to the intensity and just by the blurb it all sounded very compelling; but sadly, it just fell flat for me. So yes, I am very disappointed Worth the Coming Home.
The books start with Josh Brooks who recently just purchased a prize horse from a bad trainer. Josh knows he can do better; all he has to do is prove it. While working on the horse and chatting with his brother, a stranger appears. Seems it’s an old army ranger buddy of his brother Jesse. Dane is everything that Josh is attracted to but his family doesn't know he's gay and he can't risk it no matter how tempting Dane is. Until Dane makes it clear as the sky is blue that he's interested, and a night of hot loving leaves Josh in Heaven (well...until the next morning).
Dane suffers from PTSD, so touching him during a nightmare or something is a mistake. Josh knows the effects of PTSD, seeing as how is brother suffered from it but Dane seems more troubled. His mood runs hot/cold but Josh can't help falling for the man. When Josh is outed in a bar, and is assaulted it seems like he might lose his family and most definitely Dane.
Well... there are so many things that didn't work for me in this book. First, I made no connection to any of the characters. I was not sympathetic to any of them (not freaking one! I couldn't even muster up anything for Dane and his PTSD, which just makes me, feel all kinds of evil). Second, Josh's whole family sucked! They lost me when they didn't go check on him when he was beaten up. Even though they turned out to be supportive, I wasn't buying it. Third, the relationship between Josh and Dane didn't feel believable. The whole D/s thing during sex just felt "meh" and all kinds of unsafe (like what if he had a trigger and it was shown that he could get violent). Last, I was reading to finish not reading to enjoy and when it feels like work, it’s a goner.
Wanted to like it, but it just didn't work in the end. I just felt like all the strong elements weren’t explored properly. I don't even know what happened with Dane's PTSD (like did he just forget about it cus I don't remember reading about what happened with it). Also, who shot the freaking horse? Like it's obvious who it is, but isn't anyone going to arrest and prosecute his ass. Things just got lost in the wind.
Should You Read It? I don't want to say no because there is a lot of positive reviews out there for this one. Maybe I am the odd girl out but I didn't enjoy it. I liked the horse, and the horse riding with the kids (only saving face).
June 2, 2013
2.5 stars rounded up!
So after my first review I realised I wanted to do better. It was originally 4 stars rounded up, but it didn't feel right. So I re-read most of this and took some notes. Looking back I was wrong to be as kind as I was. It was an okay read, we all have different tastes. But for me this book was not what I wanted or was expecting.
The blurb describes part of the story fairly well. Josh never met Dane, but he knew of him from his brother. It's a simple enough thing and kind of cliche I guess. That part was good, it was nice that they knew of each other before everything. Then they meet and there is an attraction. I could sort of feel it, but I was not into it. One issue is Josh's fuck buddy. It doesn't appear to be one, but eventually it does become one.
The relationship between Dante and Josh was not healthy. In the beginning it was bordering on abusive. Of course it was BDSM, so maybe that contributed to my feelings. I didn't like the MC's, which is a huge issue for me. The only characters I did like were the aunt and uncle. Let's face it, when you have 6 characters and the two you like are not the MC's there is a problem somewhere.
One of my main irritations. I also feel like PTSD should be done with a bit less violence. Not everyone is violent like this with it, fair enough not everyone is the same. But it would be nice to see someone less violent with it. Especially when they are awake.
I loved the epilogue. Take out all the chapters and leave the epilogue and you have a nice, maybe even funny scene. But with the rest of the story it does not work well. Of course I'm not like most people and maybe others will hate it.
Can't really recommend it, but give it a go if you want!
So after my first review I realised I wanted to do better. It was originally 4 stars rounded up, but it didn't feel right. So I re-read most of this and took some notes. Looking back I was wrong to be as kind as I was. It was an okay read, we all have different tastes. But for me this book was not what I wanted or was expecting.
The blurb describes part of the story fairly well. Josh never met Dane, but he knew of him from his brother. It's a simple enough thing and kind of cliche I guess. That part was good, it was nice that they knew of each other before everything. Then they meet and there is an attraction. I could sort of feel it, but I was not into it. One issue is Josh's fuck buddy. It doesn't appear to be one, but eventually it does become one.
The relationship between Dante and Josh was not healthy. In the beginning it was bordering on abusive. Of course it was BDSM, so maybe that contributed to my feelings. I didn't like the MC's, which is a huge issue for me. The only characters I did like were the aunt and uncle. Let's face it, when you have 6 characters and the two you like are not the MC's there is a problem somewhere.
One of my main irritations. I also feel like PTSD should be done with a bit less violence. Not everyone is violent like this with it, fair enough not everyone is the same. But it would be nice to see someone less violent with it. Especially when they are awake.
I loved the epilogue. Take out all the chapters and leave the epilogue and you have a nice, maybe even funny scene. But with the rest of the story it does not work well. Of course I'm not like most people and maybe others will hate it.
Can't really recommend it, but give it a go if you want!
dnf
September 30, 2014That's it. I'm done. I made it up to 48% but this is not working for me. Nope. I'm getting more and more aggravated with every page I'm reading. It started very, very good and I already thought - wow, the next 5*read. Then Josh and Dane had their first rough sex and then nothing. No chemistry, no hint what each of them saw in the other. No talking about stuff, just 'don't talk, be quiet or I won't...' And then the storyline with the other horse trainer and the fabricated competition. Another part that didn't work for me.
Sorry, I'm done.
Sorry, I'm done.
January 20, 2015
No.
No, rape isn't sexy, and Dane does rape Josh. Apparently, according to this book, rape is okay because Josh really wanted it, so the 'no' can be ignored. And since Dane has PTSD, he's got free rein to be a complete dick the entire book.
No, domestic violence isn't okay. Dane beats Josh after Josh has the nerve to wake him for breakfast. After punching Josh repeatedly in the stomach, Dane just 'breaks up' with him and walks out. Later there's a weak ass apology, and that's it.
Josh never calls him on his behavior. Not once. This isn't romance! Josh being in love does not excuse this shitty behavior. And Dane's PTSD is not an excuse to be one of the shittiest people on the planet.
BDSM does not work that way. Real BDSM sex only takes place after a lot of communication and rules are in place because it can be both physically and emotionally damaging without those rules. A sub needs to know they're safe, and all Dane does is confuse and hurt him, over and over.
This is not sexy. This makes what might be a good sex scene completely repulsive.
Josh is a doormat of epic proportions. For the most part, I liked his character, and I can understand why he has this desperate need to to not leave people in anger, but a little assertiveness is necessary here. Stop giving Dane free passes to be a shit to you. Don't immediately forgive your brother who did nothing to help you after you were beaten half to death, called you hateful names, and ignored you for weeks at a time.
There is so little to like about Dane. Every time Dane walked away from the relationship, which was often, I kept hoping it was permanent. The first time Dane did that I was hoping there would be some sort of redemptive moment for him, that the two would work out, but the more time we spent with Dane being an utter shit, the more I wished his character would just go away. It's a terrible romance when I hope the end will be Josh letting Dane go so that Josh can live his life with integrity and ride off into the sunset with Hurricane. The redemptive moment for Dane was too little, too late at the end of the novel.
Also, WTF with Josh's family? This guy gets the shit beaten out of him and shot at, and where is his family?
Brother: you're a fag and I hate you because you're interfering with my love interest.
Uncle: I was waiting for you to come to me. Next time you've got broken ribs and have had the town turn it's back on you, don't convalesces or feel hurt. That's the time, when you're completely wounded on the inside and out, to come to me to possibly face another rejection. You're a fag, and I'm disappointed, but animals can be fags, so I guess that's okay.
Aunt: ... no show. After weeks go by, she takes him into town and is understanding, but she's not around when she's needed.
Oh, and Dane the wonder jerk? He shows up once for sex--in the dark of night because heaven forfend anyone knows he's gay. Not like this would be the perfect opportunity to show a little backbone and stand by Josh thereby having a legit redeeming moment where I might start to like him just a little. And certainly he isn't there to see if Josh is okay. Nope. Dane has a boner. And his boner needs to be called 'Sir'. (And how the hell does Josh get his legs up over Dane's shoulders when he has broken ribs? The dude has been thoroughly beat but is still capable of sexual gymnastics? wtf?)
So why is this not a one star rating? It's close. The writing technique is good, and I do like Josh's character for the most part. Sad to say, but the best romance in the book was between Josh and Hurricane. I'm not giving up on Owens yet. I'm hoping this book is a fluke because her writing has the potential to be really good, but this book is a fail for me.
No, rape isn't sexy, and Dane does rape Josh. Apparently, according to this book, rape is okay because Josh really wanted it, so the 'no' can be ignored. And since Dane has PTSD, he's got free rein to be a complete dick the entire book.
No, domestic violence isn't okay. Dane beats Josh after Josh has the nerve to wake him for breakfast. After punching Josh repeatedly in the stomach, Dane just 'breaks up' with him and walks out. Later there's a weak ass apology, and that's it.
Josh never calls him on his behavior. Not once. This isn't romance! Josh being in love does not excuse this shitty behavior. And Dane's PTSD is not an excuse to be one of the shittiest people on the planet.
BDSM does not work that way. Real BDSM sex only takes place after a lot of communication and rules are in place because it can be both physically and emotionally damaging without those rules. A sub needs to know they're safe, and all Dane does is confuse and hurt him, over and over.
This is not sexy. This makes what might be a good sex scene completely repulsive.
Josh is a doormat of epic proportions. For the most part, I liked his character, and I can understand why he has this desperate need to to not leave people in anger, but a little assertiveness is necessary here. Stop giving Dane free passes to be a shit to you. Don't immediately forgive your brother who did nothing to help you after you were beaten half to death, called you hateful names, and ignored you for weeks at a time.
There is so little to like about Dane. Every time Dane walked away from the relationship, which was often, I kept hoping it was permanent. The first time Dane did that I was hoping there would be some sort of redemptive moment for him, that the two would work out, but the more time we spent with Dane being an utter shit, the more I wished his character would just go away. It's a terrible romance when I hope the end will be Josh letting Dane go so that Josh can live his life with integrity and ride off into the sunset with Hurricane. The redemptive moment for Dane was too little, too late at the end of the novel.
Also, WTF with Josh's family? This guy gets the shit beaten out of him and shot at, and where is his family?
Brother: you're a fag and I hate you because you're interfering with my love interest.
Uncle: I was waiting for you to come to me. Next time you've got broken ribs and have had the town turn it's back on you, don't convalesces or feel hurt. That's the time, when you're completely wounded on the inside and out, to come to me to possibly face another rejection. You're a fag, and I'm disappointed, but animals can be fags, so I guess that's okay.
Aunt: ... no show. After weeks go by, she takes him into town and is understanding, but she's not around when she's needed.
Oh, and Dane the wonder jerk? He shows up once for sex--in the dark of night because heaven forfend anyone knows he's gay. Not like this would be the perfect opportunity to show a little backbone and stand by Josh thereby having a legit redeeming moment where I might start to like him just a little. And certainly he isn't there to see if Josh is okay. Nope. Dane has a boner. And his boner needs to be called 'Sir'. (And how the hell does Josh get his legs up over Dane's shoulders when he has broken ribs? The dude has been thoroughly beat but is still capable of sexual gymnastics? wtf?)
So why is this not a one star rating? It's close. The writing technique is good, and I do like Josh's character for the most part. Sad to say, but the best romance in the book was between Josh and Hurricane. I'm not giving up on Owens yet. I'm hoping this book is a fluke because her writing has the potential to be really good, but this book is a fail for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2012
Hmm...
I think overall I liked this. There were a few things I had issues with.
First, the span of time the novel takes place in. I'm assuming it's the beginning of august/end of July when it starts/when Dane shows up. Then days almost weeks would go by without Dane and Josh talking to each other. But then it would say only a couple days passed. Then all of a sudden is was fall/winter? I was confused.
Second, the scene in the barn. (Trigger Warning) It was practically rape with Josh saying no and stop several times. He was in pain and Dane should've stopped. In general, I wasn't really a fan of the D/s aspect of their sex scenes (though, I won't deny that they were hot). The sex scene at the end and how/why it came about wasn't really appropriate either.
I wish that Dane's PTSD was explored more. I was hoping that Dane's POV would be explored. You have a soldier fresh out of DADT struggling with being out/outed. He has very violent and harmful reactions with his PTSD and nothing's really dealt with in that regard. After his latest mission, he's bound to have a flare-up and how are he and Josh going to deal with that? PTSD doesn't just go away with the power of love and understanding.
I never really got the rivalry between Hanson and Josh. I know it was all in Hanson's head really, but it didn't make sense to me. I also hate that he wasn't brought to justice, legally or illegally.
Ultimately, I didn't really know how Josh could love Dane when all they really did was have a lot of sex. I don't know how any relationship could develop when the two MCs spend more time apart than together and when they were they had to be discrete. Josh also wasn't an active participant in his own life; he just waited for things to happen to/for him. Like waiting for his family or Dane to approach him and being completely okay with Dane's hot and cold routine. I would've been done with Dane after the barn, but that's me I guess. We accept the love we think we deserve and all that.
Though it seems I didn't have a nice thing to say about this work, it was a pretty solid read. For once there were female characters that weren't complete abhorrent. But if you're triggered by or just don't like dubious consent, then I'd stay away from this. I hope Guy get his own story because waiting for someone only to have them pick someone else is completely relatable to me and he deserves someone a lot better than Josh.
3 stars out of 5
I think overall I liked this. There were a few things I had issues with.
First, the span of time the novel takes place in. I'm assuming it's the beginning of august/end of July when it starts/when Dane shows up. Then days almost weeks would go by without Dane and Josh talking to each other. But then it would say only a couple days passed. Then all of a sudden is was fall/winter? I was confused.
Second, the scene in the barn. (Trigger Warning) It was practically rape with Josh saying no and stop several times. He was in pain and Dane should've stopped. In general, I wasn't really a fan of the D/s aspect of their sex scenes (though, I won't deny that they were hot). The sex scene at the end and how/why it came about wasn't really appropriate either.
I wish that Dane's PTSD was explored more. I was hoping that Dane's POV would be explored. You have a soldier fresh out of DADT struggling with being out/outed. He has very violent and harmful reactions with his PTSD and nothing's really dealt with in that regard. After his latest mission, he's bound to have a flare-up and how are he and Josh going to deal with that? PTSD doesn't just go away with the power of love and understanding.
I never really got the rivalry between Hanson and Josh. I know it was all in Hanson's head really, but it didn't make sense to me. I also hate that he wasn't brought to justice, legally or illegally.
Ultimately, I didn't really know how Josh could love Dane when all they really did was have a lot of sex. I don't know how any relationship could develop when the two MCs spend more time apart than together and when they were they had to be discrete. Josh also wasn't an active participant in his own life; he just waited for things to happen to/for him. Like waiting for his family or Dane to approach him and being completely okay with Dane's hot and cold routine. I would've been done with Dane after the barn, but that's me I guess. We accept the love we think we deserve and all that.
Though it seems I didn't have a nice thing to say about this work, it was a pretty solid read. For once there were female characters that weren't complete abhorrent. But if you're triggered by or just don't like dubious consent, then I'd stay away from this. I hope Guy get his own story because waiting for someone only to have them pick someone else is completely relatable to me and he deserves someone a lot better than Josh.
3 stars out of 5
November 3, 2012
This story is one of those that prove that it often gets a lot worse before it gets better. Fear of bigots keeps cowboy Josh in he closet, and the ingrained habits of DADT ensure that ex-Army Ranger Dane doesn’t even think about opening the closet door. Both of them are deeply in love with the other, yet the external and internal obstacles they face are powerful reminders that love is often not enough. At least, not at first. What made this book so powerful for me was its message about the strength of love. It may not be enough – at first – but if it's strong, in the end, there is nothing any man can do to stop it from going after what he really wants: that one guy who makes life worth living for him.
Josh is a very dedicated horse trainer, and based on his success rate could almost be called a horse whisperer. While his elder brother runs the ranch, all Josh wants to do is train horses. Josh is dedicated and loyal, and wants nothing more than for Dane to notice and love him back. Unfortunately neither of them is out, and the pain Josh has to go through over denying himself as well as dealing with the fact that Dane will never come out for him is excruciating. Add the hostility he faces from the ex-owner of the horse he's currently working with and Josh is in for a very rough ride.
Dane is an ex-Army Ranger with a lot of issues. A serious case of PTSD is one of them, a fear of being honest about being gay the other, and to top it all off, he also thinks he shouldn't be interested in his best friend's younger brother. Oh, and he doesn't do commitment either and thinks he isn’t worth anyone's efforts anyway. But try as he might to have the quiet life he wants, he cannot resist Josh's charms. Learning to accept his own needs as well as the fact that Josh might very well be it for him is hard for Dane, and he makes more mistakes than I felt comfortable with. Luckily, Josh was more forgiving.
If you like stories where the heroes have to battle not just others but their inner demons as well, if you're interested in a very emotional read that will likely have you yelling at one or the other of the heroes more than once, and if you're ready for a tough, realistic account of what it can be like to come to terms with the fact that you’re gay then deal with the consequences when you come out, you will probably like this book.
Josh is a very dedicated horse trainer, and based on his success rate could almost be called a horse whisperer. While his elder brother runs the ranch, all Josh wants to do is train horses. Josh is dedicated and loyal, and wants nothing more than for Dane to notice and love him back. Unfortunately neither of them is out, and the pain Josh has to go through over denying himself as well as dealing with the fact that Dane will never come out for him is excruciating. Add the hostility he faces from the ex-owner of the horse he's currently working with and Josh is in for a very rough ride.
Dane is an ex-Army Ranger with a lot of issues. A serious case of PTSD is one of them, a fear of being honest about being gay the other, and to top it all off, he also thinks he shouldn't be interested in his best friend's younger brother. Oh, and he doesn't do commitment either and thinks he isn’t worth anyone's efforts anyway. But try as he might to have the quiet life he wants, he cannot resist Josh's charms. Learning to accept his own needs as well as the fact that Josh might very well be it for him is hard for Dane, and he makes more mistakes than I felt comfortable with. Luckily, Josh was more forgiving.
If you like stories where the heroes have to battle not just others but their inner demons as well, if you're interested in a very emotional read that will likely have you yelling at one or the other of the heroes more than once, and if you're ready for a tough, realistic account of what it can be like to come to terms with the fact that you’re gay then deal with the consequences when you come out, you will probably like this book.
April 23, 2017
I'm in two minds about this book, tbh. There was a lot that concerned and, frankly, appalled me about it, and other things that I felt were dealt with fairly well.
Pros:
* I think PTSD was well portrayed. My heart ached for Dane at times.
* I liked that reaction to Josh's outing was varied. Often everyone is either accepting or OTT homophobic so it was good to see that friend and family reactions seemed more realistic.
* Two decent portrayals of women (although I had issues with Kate - see Cons list).
* The plot was interesting, if a little overly dramatic in places.
Cons:
*I almost stopped reading at the sex in the barn scene. Look, there's rough sex, there's D/s dynamic, and then there is rape. What happened in the barn was rape or, at the very least, dubious consent. Josh was in pain - non-consensual pain - and Dane didn't stop when he told him. Rough play needs a safe word and it wasn't at all sexy or hot to read that scene and have the consent issues dismissed entirely.
* I didn't actually like any of the characters. Josh was weak and spineless, Jesse and Dane were bullies, Sarah and Karl weren't too bad but they treated Josh like an incompetent infant. Kate made an effort but she was controlling and treated Josh like a cause to fight after he came out, rather than a loved one.
*Too much sex, too much rough sex that edged into dub-con too often. No safe words. Sudden decision to toss away condoms.
*Dane's first time bottoming was an attempt to get Josh to forgive him. No. Just no.
I can't say I liked this but I didn't dislike it. I probably won't read it again because I can't get past the sexual dynamic between the MCs.
Pros:
* I think PTSD was well portrayed. My heart ached for Dane at times.
* I liked that reaction to Josh's outing was varied. Often everyone is either accepting or OTT homophobic so it was good to see that friend and family reactions seemed more realistic.
* Two decent portrayals of women (although I had issues with Kate - see Cons list).
* The plot was interesting, if a little overly dramatic in places.
Cons:
*I almost stopped reading at the sex in the barn scene. Look, there's rough sex, there's D/s dynamic, and then there is rape. What happened in the barn was rape or, at the very least, dubious consent. Josh was in pain - non-consensual pain - and Dane didn't stop when he told him. Rough play needs a safe word and it wasn't at all sexy or hot to read that scene and have the consent issues dismissed entirely.
* I didn't actually like any of the characters. Josh was weak and spineless, Jesse and Dane were bullies, Sarah and Karl weren't too bad but they treated Josh like an incompetent infant. Kate made an effort but she was controlling and treated Josh like a cause to fight after he came out, rather than a loved one.
*Too much sex, too much rough sex that edged into dub-con too often. No safe words. Sudden decision to toss away condoms.
*Dane's first time bottoming was an attempt to get Josh to forgive him. No. Just no.
I can't say I liked this but I didn't dislike it. I probably won't read it again because I can't get past the sexual dynamic between the MCs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2015
Bei dem Buch stand ich ein paar Mal kurz davor es in die Ecke zu pfeffern, so furchtbar das auch klingt. Aber Josh ist eine Heulsuse vor dem Herrn und er trifft Entscheidungen bzw. lässt sich von anderen bei Dingen unterbuttern, wo ich mir beim Lesen dachte: Mein Gott, Kerl, hast du dein Rückgrat im Klo runtergespült?
Dabei ist die Geschichte im Grunde echt gut und sie hat verdammt tolle Ansätze drin, wenn es um die Vergangenheit von Dane geht, der seit dem Krieg an PTBS leidet. Er hat z.B. in einer Szene einen Flashback, da lief mir beim Lesen die Gänsehaut den Rücken runter, so intensiv fand ich sie.
Allerdings geht die Autorin leider nicht weiter auf das Thema ein, was wirklich schade ist, und kurz darauf versaut Josh es ohnehin wieder, weil er einfach nicht der Lage ist sich bei irgendetwas durchzusetzen.
Andere sagen/befehlen, er springt, obwohl es ihm gegen den Strich geht. Und dieses für mich unglaublich nervige Verhalten zieht sich durch das gesamte Buch. Erst am Ende erlebt man zum allerersten Mal, dass Josh seine Meinung endlich lautstark kundgibt. Leider macht er das in meinen Augen viel zu spät.
Daher auch nur 2 Sterne und eine Empfehlung gibt es dieses Mal nicht.
Dabei ist die Geschichte im Grunde echt gut und sie hat verdammt tolle Ansätze drin, wenn es um die Vergangenheit von Dane geht, der seit dem Krieg an PTBS leidet. Er hat z.B. in einer Szene einen Flashback, da lief mir beim Lesen die Gänsehaut den Rücken runter, so intensiv fand ich sie.
Allerdings geht die Autorin leider nicht weiter auf das Thema ein, was wirklich schade ist, und kurz darauf versaut Josh es ohnehin wieder, weil er einfach nicht der Lage ist sich bei irgendetwas durchzusetzen.
Andere sagen/befehlen, er springt, obwohl es ihm gegen den Strich geht. Und dieses für mich unglaublich nervige Verhalten zieht sich durch das gesamte Buch. Erst am Ende erlebt man zum allerersten Mal, dass Josh seine Meinung endlich lautstark kundgibt. Leider macht er das in meinen Augen viel zu spät.
Daher auch nur 2 Sterne und eine Empfehlung gibt es dieses Mal nicht.
November 23, 2012
How come every guy by the name of Dane is always the alpha male you fall in love with? So, Dane gets out of Afghanistan and goes to his best friend's ranch. No one knows he's gay. He meets his best friend's brother, Josh, who had written to his brother while he was serving with Dane. Those letters made him fall in love with the ranch. He and Josh were outed, things get tough and the tough get going.
Coming out stories usually are a bit emotional and this one makes you fall in love with the two MCs. This was a sweet love story with a bit of heat to boot.
Coming out stories usually are a bit emotional and this one makes you fall in love with the two MCs. This was a sweet love story with a bit of heat to boot.
November 23, 2012
Honestly, I don´t see what Josh sees in Dane. There is a dynamic there I just don´t get. I understand that some people like rough sex, but how you can love someone who is treating you badly, I don´t understand. Sure, Dane suffers from PTSD, but it doesn´t feel like the reason he is acting like an asshole.
Because of that I had a hard time enjoying this book.
Because of that I had a hard time enjoying this book.
May 24, 2013
I didn't feel the connection between Josh and Dane. The rough sex without any other sort of emotional connection must have thrown me off. Oh, and has the author never heard of ballistics? I call bullshit.
November 28, 2012
Maybe 2.5 stars. I didn't love it. Unbelievable characters and silly situations. I didn't buy the chemistry between the main characters. Meh.
Read
June 9, 2016Qui la mia recensione completa:
http://mmedintorni.blogspot.it/2016/0...
http://mmedintorni.blogspot.it/2016/0...
November 19, 2020
Living in the closet can be costly, and exhausting. Two lessons that both Josh and Dane learn as they come to grips with their feelings for each other. Josh is only out to one person, his best friend, Sarah. Josh has maintained his secret for years out of fear of rejection from his family and friends. Dane has just left the military, and maintained the same secret because of DADT. When Dane arrives on the ranch to visit with his buddy and Josh's older brother Jesse, sparks fly between them. Dane is hoping to find some work and a quiet life where hopefully his PTSD will settle down. Josh is the main competition to another local horse trainer, and has recently purchased a wild mustang from his competitor. Unfortunately the competitor is less than honourable. When he sees more than he should about Josh he becomes dangerous and secrets come out. Secrets that now come at a cost and the only way out for both men is to own them. A very compelling read.
Read
September 5, 2018DNF @ 40%
I really did my best but it's very difficult to read a book if you don't like one of the MC's. This just did not work for me at all!!!
I really did my best but it's very difficult to read a book if you don't like one of the MC's. This just did not work for me at all!!!
April 19, 2018
Oggi vi parlo di un libro che credevo leggero, senza pretese, se vogliamo anche scanzonato… credevo.
Mi sono trovata davanti, invece, un libro che mi ha fatto riflettere pagina dopo pagina, più che mai nel finale, che cresce piano piano, così come lentamente vengono fuori i caratteri dei nostri personaggi.
Ma chi sono Josh e Dane?
Josh è un allevatore di cavalli di venticinque anni, biondo, atletico e attraente, ha un fratello maggiore che continua a trattarlo da ragazzino e due zii che hanno accolto i due ragazzi molti anni prima, dopo la prematura morte dei genitori. Gay, assolutamente non dichiarato (fatto impensabile nel bigotto Montana) con una migliore amica che sa di lui dall’infanzia e che gli fa un po’ da copertura.
Dane è tenebroso, non parla mai del suo passato, di lui le cose s’intravedono, si percepiscono, ma non sono mai molto chiare o nette. Lo conosciamo attraverso gli occhi di Josh: bello, bellissimo, dominante, prevaricatore e provocatore. Un giorno Dane arriva al ranch Brooks e il mondo di Josh si ribalta letteralmente.
In appena un giorno si prendono le misure, si guardano con passione e la notte porta Josh a scoprire il lato nettamente dominante di Dane.
Dane non chiede, ordina.
Dane pretende, non scende a compromessi; lui ama così e questo spiazza Josh perché non è abituato ad essere una marionetta in mano d’altri; presto, impaurito e allo stesso tempo eccitato dalla novità, si lancia nell’esplorazione del piacere assieme a Dane.
Citazione:
“Vuoi qualcosa da bere o da mangiare?”
“No, grazie. Sto bene.”
Il cuore mi batteva così forte che ero certo che Dane potesse sentirlo. “Vuoi…”
Mi afferrò al collo senza preavviso con una mano enorme e mi gettò contro la porta d’ingresso. Il mio cappello ruzzolò a terra. Avevo problemi a respirare e lui mi stava solo premendo il pollice sotto la mascella. Mi afferrò l’inguine con l’altra mano e mi sbatté anche il culo contro la porta.
Mi costrinsi a rimanere perfettamente immobile. Non lasciò trapelare nulla, ma riuscii a capire che lo aveva notato e ne sembrava compiaciuto.
“Ora, cowboy,” disse lentamente, “dimmi qual è il tuo gioco. Flirti con me nella stalla e nel furgoncino, ma balli con Sarah come se lei significasse qualcosa per te.”
Mosse un poco il pollice così potei respirare quel che bastava per rispondergli.
“Brutto cretino…”
La pressione tornò di botto.
Tutto di nascosto però, estremamente segreto, perché Dane mette le cose in chiaro fin dal mattino successivo: lui non è tipo da relazioni, non uscirà mai alla luce del sole, sarà sempre la parte attiva della coppia (forse XD).
Noi viviamo tutta la storia dal punto di vista di Josh; un Josh lasciato e ripreso da quest’uomo tenebroso, un ragazzo che quando passa le sue giornate con i suoi cavalli, principalmente Hurricane (oggetto del contendere di un concorrente privo di scrupoli) s’illumina, e quando leggiamo della loro connessione ci sentiamo quasi degli intrusi.
Dane, dal canto suo, combatte contro i fantasmi del passato; anni in missioni estreme tra Afghanistan e Iraq lo hanno segnato e il DPTS non gli lascia tregua… tranne quando è con Josh, il ragazzino che con le sue lettere l’aveva fatto innamorare dei luoghi che descriveva.
Fin qui il testo è scorrevole, ma non mi aveva trascinata nella storia. Eventi carini, personaggi ben caratterizzati, un fratello un po’ prepotente innamorato dell’amica di Josh, Sarah, e degli zii presenti e affettuosi, anche se con polso fermo. Senza infamia né lode, ma anche senza pathos, una catena di eventi, più che sensazioni vissute e trasmesse.
Poi arriva la scena che non avrei voluto leggere (e che non descriverò), che mi ha lasciata a bocca aperta, addolorata e quasi con le lacrime agli occhi. Un personaggio negativo a qualcosa serve sempre, lo si individua subito e quello rimane, ma il dolore che provoca al dolce ragazzo dai capelli biondi lo sente anche il lettore. Ogni insulto, ogni pugno.
Da qui in poi sono entrata in empatia con Josh, perché ogni paura si concretizzerà, ogni reazione sarà quella che si è sempre aspettato e ne sono uscita quasi a pezzi quanto lui, avevo perso la speranza; fino ad arrivare ad un altro evento tragico che farà credere che davvero tutto sia perduto… e quanto ho odiato Dane in quel momento!
Non racconterò oltre, perché credo che sia un romanzo da gustare, da capire e magari, come me, apprezzare.
Vivere, attraverso gli occhi di Josh, l’impotenza di fronte a un outing non voluto, il rifiuto e l’abbandono dei tuoi affetti, mi ha lasciata atterrita e profondamente triste.
Cosa non ho apprezzato è il dichiararsi frettolosamente amore. L’attrazione è palpabile sin dai primi istanti, il bisogno di esplorare i propri limiti, la necessità della persona che ti ha fatto perdere il senno… ma l’amore? In questo l’autrice, a parer mio ovviamente, è stata frettolosa e mi ha tolto il gusto di una vera dichiarazione sentita, di quelle che aspetti mentre leggi, perché in fondo non c’è nulla, prima, che lasci intendere QUEL tipo di sentimento.
Sarah, l’amica di Josh, è una componente importante nel racconto, creerà tensione tra i fratelli, come in una commedia degli equivoci, quindi avrei preferito leggere qualcosa in più del sentimento tra lei e Jesse, fratello di Josh e migliore amico di Dane, così come spero in un approfondimento nei libri successivi del personaggio di Guy, dolce e solare scopamico di Josh.
Tutto sommato, comunque, mi è piaciuto molto; sesso duro in abbondanza, non proprio nei miei canoni, ma l’amore ha mille sfumature e colori, chi sono io per giudicare?
Consiglio il libro perché alla fine la speranza non muore mai completamente, perché anche persone diverse e quasi in antitesi possono trovarsi e riconoscersi. Forse volevo qualcosa in più, ma sono sicura che non ne rimarrete deluse esattamente come me.
Mi sono trovata davanti, invece, un libro che mi ha fatto riflettere pagina dopo pagina, più che mai nel finale, che cresce piano piano, così come lentamente vengono fuori i caratteri dei nostri personaggi.
Ma chi sono Josh e Dane?
Josh è un allevatore di cavalli di venticinque anni, biondo, atletico e attraente, ha un fratello maggiore che continua a trattarlo da ragazzino e due zii che hanno accolto i due ragazzi molti anni prima, dopo la prematura morte dei genitori. Gay, assolutamente non dichiarato (fatto impensabile nel bigotto Montana) con una migliore amica che sa di lui dall’infanzia e che gli fa un po’ da copertura.
Dane è tenebroso, non parla mai del suo passato, di lui le cose s’intravedono, si percepiscono, ma non sono mai molto chiare o nette. Lo conosciamo attraverso gli occhi di Josh: bello, bellissimo, dominante, prevaricatore e provocatore. Un giorno Dane arriva al ranch Brooks e il mondo di Josh si ribalta letteralmente.
In appena un giorno si prendono le misure, si guardano con passione e la notte porta Josh a scoprire il lato nettamente dominante di Dane.
Dane non chiede, ordina.
Dane pretende, non scende a compromessi; lui ama così e questo spiazza Josh perché non è abituato ad essere una marionetta in mano d’altri; presto, impaurito e allo stesso tempo eccitato dalla novità, si lancia nell’esplorazione del piacere assieme a Dane.
Citazione:
“Vuoi qualcosa da bere o da mangiare?”
“No, grazie. Sto bene.”
Il cuore mi batteva così forte che ero certo che Dane potesse sentirlo. “Vuoi…”
Mi afferrò al collo senza preavviso con una mano enorme e mi gettò contro la porta d’ingresso. Il mio cappello ruzzolò a terra. Avevo problemi a respirare e lui mi stava solo premendo il pollice sotto la mascella. Mi afferrò l’inguine con l’altra mano e mi sbatté anche il culo contro la porta.
Mi costrinsi a rimanere perfettamente immobile. Non lasciò trapelare nulla, ma riuscii a capire che lo aveva notato e ne sembrava compiaciuto.
“Ora, cowboy,” disse lentamente, “dimmi qual è il tuo gioco. Flirti con me nella stalla e nel furgoncino, ma balli con Sarah come se lei significasse qualcosa per te.”
Mosse un poco il pollice così potei respirare quel che bastava per rispondergli.
“Brutto cretino…”
La pressione tornò di botto.
Tutto di nascosto però, estremamente segreto, perché Dane mette le cose in chiaro fin dal mattino successivo: lui non è tipo da relazioni, non uscirà mai alla luce del sole, sarà sempre la parte attiva della coppia (forse XD).
Noi viviamo tutta la storia dal punto di vista di Josh; un Josh lasciato e ripreso da quest’uomo tenebroso, un ragazzo che quando passa le sue giornate con i suoi cavalli, principalmente Hurricane (oggetto del contendere di un concorrente privo di scrupoli) s’illumina, e quando leggiamo della loro connessione ci sentiamo quasi degli intrusi.
Dane, dal canto suo, combatte contro i fantasmi del passato; anni in missioni estreme tra Afghanistan e Iraq lo hanno segnato e il DPTS non gli lascia tregua… tranne quando è con Josh, il ragazzino che con le sue lettere l’aveva fatto innamorare dei luoghi che descriveva.
Fin qui il testo è scorrevole, ma non mi aveva trascinata nella storia. Eventi carini, personaggi ben caratterizzati, un fratello un po’ prepotente innamorato dell’amica di Josh, Sarah, e degli zii presenti e affettuosi, anche se con polso fermo. Senza infamia né lode, ma anche senza pathos, una catena di eventi, più che sensazioni vissute e trasmesse.
Poi arriva la scena che non avrei voluto leggere (e che non descriverò), che mi ha lasciata a bocca aperta, addolorata e quasi con le lacrime agli occhi. Un personaggio negativo a qualcosa serve sempre, lo si individua subito e quello rimane, ma il dolore che provoca al dolce ragazzo dai capelli biondi lo sente anche il lettore. Ogni insulto, ogni pugno.
Da qui in poi sono entrata in empatia con Josh, perché ogni paura si concretizzerà, ogni reazione sarà quella che si è sempre aspettato e ne sono uscita quasi a pezzi quanto lui, avevo perso la speranza; fino ad arrivare ad un altro evento tragico che farà credere che davvero tutto sia perduto… e quanto ho odiato Dane in quel momento!
Non racconterò oltre, perché credo che sia un romanzo da gustare, da capire e magari, come me, apprezzare.
Vivere, attraverso gli occhi di Josh, l’impotenza di fronte a un outing non voluto, il rifiuto e l’abbandono dei tuoi affetti, mi ha lasciata atterrita e profondamente triste.
Cosa non ho apprezzato è il dichiararsi frettolosamente amore. L’attrazione è palpabile sin dai primi istanti, il bisogno di esplorare i propri limiti, la necessità della persona che ti ha fatto perdere il senno… ma l’amore? In questo l’autrice, a parer mio ovviamente, è stata frettolosa e mi ha tolto il gusto di una vera dichiarazione sentita, di quelle che aspetti mentre leggi, perché in fondo non c’è nulla, prima, che lasci intendere QUEL tipo di sentimento.
Sarah, l’amica di Josh, è una componente importante nel racconto, creerà tensione tra i fratelli, come in una commedia degli equivoci, quindi avrei preferito leggere qualcosa in più del sentimento tra lei e Jesse, fratello di Josh e migliore amico di Dane, così come spero in un approfondimento nei libri successivi del personaggio di Guy, dolce e solare scopamico di Josh.
Tutto sommato, comunque, mi è piaciuto molto; sesso duro in abbondanza, non proprio nei miei canoni, ma l’amore ha mille sfumature e colori, chi sono io per giudicare?
Consiglio il libro perché alla fine la speranza non muore mai completamente, perché anche persone diverse e quasi in antitesi possono trovarsi e riconoscersi. Forse volevo qualcosa in più, ma sono sicura che non ne rimarrete deluse esattamente come me.
April 20, 2016
Worth the Coming Home was totally worth the reading. I wasn't sure at first. The dynamics between Dane and Josh bothered me. But as the book progressed things fell into place and I became a fan of these two men and held my breath as their story continued to unfold. I went from being frustrated and angry with Dane's behaviour to praying for a happily ever after for him. In the end I cried, this book is a reminder of the challenges faced by real people in the LGBT community and how much we all need to support their right to live, love and be who they are. Our world will be so much richer for it when that truly happens.
February 1, 2015
Something about this book didn't really work for me. I can't pinpoint what it was though. We have Dane who is just out of the military with PTSD (we only really see it twice) and Josh who is Dane's best friend's brother. Dane is staying at Josh's family's ranch and they start this weird relationship. I didn't really see it as a relationship so much as a kind of brutal booty call. It's supposed to be angsty but the only angst I felt was regarding Josh's horse. And the bully of the story was never really dealt with at all. It all just fell kind of flat for me.
November 16, 2012
As with a lot of other ratings for this book, I had a hard time deciding WHAT to rate it. There were elements I enjoyed, places where I liked the MC's and places where I didn't, especially Dane. The ending leaves you feeling nice but I don't feel like I connected with Dane as much as I would have liked. I will read more from this author, but I do hope she would consider writing 3rd person POV for both MC's instead of 1st person POV for only one.
May 27, 2013
3.5
Dane absolutely pissed me off in this story, but I love Josh so much. I could see how they temper each other, it just took me some time to get past Dane. I enjoyed seeing the way Josh dealt with all the situations that arose and how his personality kept focus on love and kindness. I did enjoy this story :D
Dane absolutely pissed me off in this story, but I love Josh so much. I could see how they temper each other, it just took me some time to get past Dane. I enjoyed seeing the way Josh dealt with all the situations that arose and how his personality kept focus on love and kindness. I did enjoy this story :D
January 28, 2013
What an asshole Dane was. The only part I liked was the ending where he became more human. He was a jerk the rest of the time which is a shame because this book really had promise. If it wasn't for him being such a jerk, it would have been a good book. The sex scenes were just too forceful and one sided.
And what happened to Dane's PTSD? It doesn't just go away and it was not addressed.
And what happened to Dane's PTSD? It doesn't just go away and it was not addressed.
August 6, 2020
Listened to the audiobook.
July 19, 2017
This was a tricky book to rate for me, because there were parts I loved beyond belief, mixed in with parts that I simply hated. This inconsistency left me wanting to love it but completely unsure.
Josh has worked on his family's ranch his entire life. He has always been good with horses and has turned that into being the best horse handler in his county. His work life is happy, but his love life is a secret; he is gay but in closet, terrified of what family and friends would do if he came out.
Dane is an Army Ranger that was posted in Afghanistan for the past several years. He worked in a unit with Josh's brother Jesse, and now that he's chosen not to re-enlist he has come to the ranch to look for a job. He is gay but closeted after year's in the military and DADT. Him and Josh immediately spark and start.....something.
Josh is easy to love, but you wish he could stand up for himself a bit more. He lost his p[parents when he was younger after an accident. That morning he had spoken to his mother in anger and so he resolved never to let his anger out on others, never to speak words in anger to those he loved, for fear that it would be the last thing ever said. While that is commendable it makes it so that he never expresses himself to those he loves around him. He is afraid of rejection and afraid of loss so he never lets out the hurt that is inside of him, even just to talk to them. He is easygoing and loving, but lets the world get him down through this.
Dane is a bit of an asshole in this book. He was a hard one to really like, especially since he is an MC and the major love interest. Dane has PTSD, but seems to use that as a license to be a jerk at the beginning. He attacks Josh but doesn't apologize, sleeps with Josh, says never again, then gets angry at him for moving on, and generally is hot and cold and ignoring Josh throughout the book. When Josh brings up getting help for his PTSD Dane snaps at him and is entirely unwilling, even though he has violent flashbacks. Dane has taken a liking to controlling and rough sex, and he often does this is such ways that are almost forcing it upon Josh. There were times when Josh said to stop because it hurt, or that he was scared, and Dane would simply tell him that he would get used to it. All of this combined made it really hard to like Dane, even though Josh was fast falling in love.
The part that made me love the book was actually the hardest part. Because of certain instances, Josh gets outed to the entire town in about the worst way possible. I couldn't believe it but he was essentially abandoned by family, friends, really the entire town after that. He was beat outside the bar and nobody even tried to stop it. After being beat he was found by Dane and Jesse, and Jesse gets angry at Josh rather than defending him, while Dane just walks away. Even his aunt and uncle stay away. It was a hard read, but it was worth it. It showed what it can be like for someone coming out of the closet, without getting the full support and love of those around you, but instead being shunned and avoided. There was then the work to bridge being back with his family. It broke my heart and was an excellent, if very difficult read.
I don't think I want to read the next book. There were too many issues I had with this one and reading the next blurb and reviews, there were only further issues as the story went along. This book has some things that you may like, but there are plenty of draw backs. If they don't bother you then you may really enjoy this book, otherwise it is going to be a major source of contention.
Josh has worked on his family's ranch his entire life. He has always been good with horses and has turned that into being the best horse handler in his county. His work life is happy, but his love life is a secret; he is gay but in closet, terrified of what family and friends would do if he came out.
Dane is an Army Ranger that was posted in Afghanistan for the past several years. He worked in a unit with Josh's brother Jesse, and now that he's chosen not to re-enlist he has come to the ranch to look for a job. He is gay but closeted after year's in the military and DADT. Him and Josh immediately spark and start.....something.
Josh is easy to love, but you wish he could stand up for himself a bit more. He lost his p[parents when he was younger after an accident. That morning he had spoken to his mother in anger and so he resolved never to let his anger out on others, never to speak words in anger to those he loved, for fear that it would be the last thing ever said. While that is commendable it makes it so that he never expresses himself to those he loves around him. He is afraid of rejection and afraid of loss so he never lets out the hurt that is inside of him, even just to talk to them. He is easygoing and loving, but lets the world get him down through this.
Dane is a bit of an asshole in this book. He was a hard one to really like, especially since he is an MC and the major love interest. Dane has PTSD, but seems to use that as a license to be a jerk at the beginning. He attacks Josh but doesn't apologize, sleeps with Josh, says never again, then gets angry at him for moving on, and generally is hot and cold and ignoring Josh throughout the book. When Josh brings up getting help for his PTSD Dane snaps at him and is entirely unwilling, even though he has violent flashbacks. Dane has taken a liking to controlling and rough sex, and he often does this is such ways that are almost forcing it upon Josh. There were times when Josh said to stop because it hurt, or that he was scared, and Dane would simply tell him that he would get used to it. All of this combined made it really hard to like Dane, even though Josh was fast falling in love.
The part that made me love the book was actually the hardest part. Because of certain instances, Josh gets outed to the entire town in about the worst way possible. I couldn't believe it but he was essentially abandoned by family, friends, really the entire town after that. He was beat outside the bar and nobody even tried to stop it. After being beat he was found by Dane and Jesse, and Jesse gets angry at Josh rather than defending him, while Dane just walks away. Even his aunt and uncle stay away. It was a hard read, but it was worth it. It showed what it can be like for someone coming out of the closet, without getting the full support and love of those around you, but instead being shunned and avoided. There was then the work to bridge being back with his family. It broke my heart and was an excellent, if very difficult read.
I don't think I want to read the next book. There were too many issues I had with this one and reading the next blurb and reviews, there were only further issues as the story went along. This book has some things that you may like, but there are plenty of draw backs. If they don't bother you then you may really enjoy this book, otherwise it is going to be a major source of contention.
March 31, 2018
A book about a horse trainer that falls in love with his brother's best friend. Josh is amazing with horses and I really loved how he worked with Hurricane. Dane, his new lover, was a different story. PTSD from his time in the army, very closed off and demanding. I could really feel the real feeling in the relationship, but I really resented Dane at some times, because he was too domineering and Josh just let him do it even though he didn't like it some times. That made me mad, because I thought Josh would be stronger and it just made him seem like a pansy. I mean, you can be a submissive and love it, but he wasn't and you could feel his conflicted feelings about it and I didn't like it.
When Josh's secret about being gay is revealed, I was just so mad at Jesse. His whole family and Sarah stood behind him (that part was amazing by the way - you can just feel how much a family can help in these situations), but Jesse had to be a big baby about it and had to make it just about himself... I didn't like Jesse before that either, because he just kept belittling Josh and dealing with him like he was a kid, and I hated that because Josh was a great person. Luckily, Jesse put his head out of his a** (with the help of Sarah) and it was all good.
Then I was mad all over again when Dane came back and started apologizing and Josh was just too easy. I think Dane should have groveled more. All the things he said were beautiful and yes, I'd take him back too, but I think Josh should have been more angry.
Anyway - I love it when books really make me feel things, and this one has done its job. I will have to look into more books about horses now because this was really cool. And the writing just made it flow nicely, I just enjoyed the ride.
When Josh's secret about being gay is revealed, I was just so mad at Jesse. His whole family and Sarah stood behind him (that part was amazing by the way - you can just feel how much a family can help in these situations), but Jesse had to be a big baby about it and had to make it just about himself... I didn't like Jesse before that either, because he just kept belittling Josh and dealing with him like he was a kid, and I hated that because Josh was a great person. Luckily, Jesse put his head out of his a** (with the help of Sarah) and it was all good.
Then I was mad all over again when Dane came back and started apologizing and Josh was just too easy. I think Dane should have groveled more. All the things he said were beautiful and yes, I'd take him back too, but I think Josh should have been more angry.
Anyway - I love it when books really make me feel things, and this one has done its job. I will have to look into more books about horses now because this was really cool. And the writing just made it flow nicely, I just enjoyed the ride.
April 14, 2018
This book started out so promisisng. I liked Josh, he was shy and quiet and sweet, but wonderful with animals. I wanted him to be happy.
Then Dane arrived.
Oh boy.
This book NEEDS a rape warning. its not a case of consensual BDSM in the barn, it's rape. Josh repeatedly states he wants Dane to stop. he's in pain, he literally tries to crawl away, but Dane keeps going, insisting that Josh likes it.
That is rape.
but its all put as 'Dane has PTSD and Josh liked it in the end even though he didn't really.'
Then it basically happens again.
Dane is really into rough sex. that's fine. but Josh doesn't seem to be 95% of the time, instead putting up wtih it, because he loves Dane though I honestly don't know why. other than dane having PTSD, liking it rough (and ignoring a partner that wants him to stop) and hiding his sexuality, dane has little to no character. everything shitty he does is hand waved away that he's ill. Fair enough, PTSD is serious. but rather than encourage him to get help or tell him that his behaviour is inappropriate or unacceptable, even when it is literally harming people physically and mentally, everyone just lets it go.
halfway through the book Josh's character changes and he's suddenly a compete doormat rather than just shy. his brother is an ass, though for no apparent reason. the single main female character seems utterly uninterested in jesse until suddenly she finds him super romantic and loves him.
this book is a straight up mess.
rape is not romantic. it is not the basis for a relationship. it is not acceptable.
Then Dane arrived.
Oh boy.
This book NEEDS a rape warning. its not a case of consensual BDSM in the barn, it's rape. Josh repeatedly states he wants Dane to stop. he's in pain, he literally tries to crawl away, but Dane keeps going, insisting that Josh likes it.
That is rape.
but its all put as 'Dane has PTSD and Josh liked it in the end even though he didn't really.'
Then it basically happens again.
Dane is really into rough sex. that's fine. but Josh doesn't seem to be 95% of the time, instead putting up wtih it, because he loves Dane though I honestly don't know why. other than dane having PTSD, liking it rough (and ignoring a partner that wants him to stop) and hiding his sexuality, dane has little to no character. everything shitty he does is hand waved away that he's ill. Fair enough, PTSD is serious. but rather than encourage him to get help or tell him that his behaviour is inappropriate or unacceptable, even when it is literally harming people physically and mentally, everyone just lets it go.
halfway through the book Josh's character changes and he's suddenly a compete doormat rather than just shy. his brother is an ass, though for no apparent reason. the single main female character seems utterly uninterested in jesse until suddenly she finds him super romantic and loves him.
this book is a straight up mess.
rape is not romantic. it is not the basis for a relationship. it is not acceptable.
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