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Farm #5
Love Means... Family
Four months ago Robert Edward “Arie” Hawkins lost his sister and the rest of her family in a plane crash. Now his parents have decided it’s time for him to marry and carry on the family name. Arie knows it’s most likely the grief talking—especially from his mother, who’s taken to putting more than ice in her iced tea—so to escape Mississippi, Arie calls his best friend, Robbie, and arranges for a visit.Life is always changing at the Michigan farm where Robbie lives. Owner Geoff Laughton and his partner, Eli, have started a therapeutic riding program and adopted a little boy, creating a family. It’s while feeding Jakey that Arie meets Officer Hunky.Officer Hunky’s real name is Deputy Duane Keenan, and he has troubles of his own, but not enough to stop him from pursuing Arie. But Duane’s and Arie’s families are pulling them in opposite directions. Trying to build a connection to support their mutual attraction may prove to be more than difficult… it may be impossible.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2011
11 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 28, 2011
I liked it. It was a straight forward romance between two characters who hadn't found someone yet. I think by #7 (Farm series) we needed to see loose-ends tied up. Arie and Officer Duane hadn't found their perfect "someone" so it was good they got together! It was also nice to see Geoff and Eli raising a little one!
I enjoy Andrew's books. I think his style is simplistic in presentation and he keeps enough mystery about the story to make you wonder what happens next. I guess the only down-side is that this group of people felt "played out" to me. Where Duane and Arie needed to get together (because they were really the only ones left) it felt somewhat blah to me. I didn't feel as much chemistry between them as I have with other characters in the same series.
Still, I'm glad I read it, and I know I will read it again.
I enjoy Andrew's books. I think his style is simplistic in presentation and he keeps enough mystery about the story to make you wonder what happens next. I guess the only down-side is that this group of people felt "played out" to me. Where Duane and Arie needed to get together (because they were really the only ones left) it felt somewhat blah to me. I didn't feel as much chemistry between them as I have with other characters in the same series.
Still, I'm glad I read it, and I know I will read it again.
January 10, 2012
Robert Edward Hawkins, know as "Arie" to his family and friends, is at a serious crossroads. His beloved sister has died in a terrible accident, which took his niece and brother in law's lives too. His parents want him to marry and have another heir. Forget the fact that he is gay. And his music career is in limbo at the moment.
So he takes some time to get away and visit his friend Robbie and all the wonderful folks at Geoff and Eli's farm in Michigan. Being away from the stresses at home gives him time to think and make some choices about his life.
Office Duane Keenan is just doing his job when he pulls over Arie for a moving violation. And promptly gets nicknamed Officer Hunky for his troubles. Of course, that just makes him chase after the hottest guy he has seen in a long while even harder. And Officer Hunky has Mom problems of his own too. As in her denying he is gay.
But closer the two do get, in spite of the fact that Arie is only visiting for a couple of months. Both men are fighting hard to protect their hearts. And failing. And fighting. And making up. And then there is the little matter of the bullets that keep finding themselves WAY too near Arie for Duane's comfort.
Will Duane manage to keep Arie safe until he discovers who is behind the attempts on his life? Can the two manage to protect their hearts? Does their love have a future?
Andrew Grey has given us a warm, inviting, comfortable and comforting tale. His characters always are well rounded, emotionally available both to the reader and to each other, and very genuine. His books are sweet without being saccharine, gentle without being maudlin, and altogether comforting.
Once again, Mr. Grey delivers a home run with two men who are made for each other, who take risks and are willing to put their hearts on the line. There is a sub plot of slight danger, and it adds the the nice romantic feel of the book.
And best of all, we get to re-visit old friends from the "Love Means..." series. Geoff and Eli get to welcome new addition Jakey. And I got to spend some time with characters as comfortable as my favorite flannel shirt on a cool winter's day.
Good job.
Tom
So he takes some time to get away and visit his friend Robbie and all the wonderful folks at Geoff and Eli's farm in Michigan. Being away from the stresses at home gives him time to think and make some choices about his life.
Office Duane Keenan is just doing his job when he pulls over Arie for a moving violation. And promptly gets nicknamed Officer Hunky for his troubles. Of course, that just makes him chase after the hottest guy he has seen in a long while even harder. And Officer Hunky has Mom problems of his own too. As in her denying he is gay.
But closer the two do get, in spite of the fact that Arie is only visiting for a couple of months. Both men are fighting hard to protect their hearts. And failing. And fighting. And making up. And then there is the little matter of the bullets that keep finding themselves WAY too near Arie for Duane's comfort.
Will Duane manage to keep Arie safe until he discovers who is behind the attempts on his life? Can the two manage to protect their hearts? Does their love have a future?
Andrew Grey has given us a warm, inviting, comfortable and comforting tale. His characters always are well rounded, emotionally available both to the reader and to each other, and very genuine. His books are sweet without being saccharine, gentle without being maudlin, and altogether comforting.
Once again, Mr. Grey delivers a home run with two men who are made for each other, who take risks and are willing to put their hearts on the line. There is a sub plot of slight danger, and it adds the the nice romantic feel of the book.
And best of all, we get to re-visit old friends from the "Love Means..." series. Geoff and Eli get to welcome new addition Jakey. And I got to spend some time with characters as comfortable as my favorite flannel shirt on a cool winter's day.
Good job.
Tom
December 29, 2011
Another sweet story from the Farm. It was nice to catch up with everyone and see officer Hunky get his man lol.
May 1, 2013
I liked it; ok, it might be a tad too sweet, but it was nice that not everything was solved like a fairy tale. Charlotte remained lost without closure for the family. Arie and Duane were able to compromise, not one of them giving up his life for the love of the other. It felt more like real life. Yes, I liked it very much. And I'm looking forward to reading the next book, thankfully it's already on my kindle:)
January 4, 2012
I think this one may be my favorite in the series. Arie and Duane are so good together and so level headed and mature about everything.
Arie has suffered a loss at home. His sister and family were in a boating accident. The family is in despair. To get away, he goes to visit his best friend Robbie. There Arie finds himself again and also finds love, happiness and healing.
The side story of the farm and shooter is actually not needed. There was so much about the relationships and people, that I could have done without that piece of it.
Arie has suffered a loss at home. His sister and family were in a boating accident. The family is in despair. To get away, he goes to visit his best friend Robbie. There Arie finds himself again and also finds love, happiness and healing.
The side story of the farm and shooter is actually not needed. There was so much about the relationships and people, that I could have done without that piece of it.
May 15, 2019
*Kurzmeinung*
Auf die Geschichte hatte ich ehrlich gesagt nicht so Lust, ich mochte Ari in dem Band von Robbie und Joey nicht so sehr. Aber hier war er mir gleich sympathisch. Officer Duane hingegen mochte ich schon aus den anderen Bänden. Er ist ein toller Typ und ich fand es schön, wie er sich Ari gegenüber verhält bzw. ihm dabei hilft sich selbst anders zu sehen.
Ich fand es schön zu lesen, wie die beiden zusammen kommen. Was die Spannugselemente angingen, sie waren ok. Ich denke, man darf es auch hier wieder nicht zu genau nehmen, was den Realismus angeht. Also wenn man so die Summe der Dinge bedenkt, die schon auf der Farm passiert sind, um zusätzliche Spannung aufkommen zu lassen.
Leichte Kost und sympathische Protas, hab es gerne gelesen. Schreibstil war wie immer einfach zu lesen.
Auf die Geschichte hatte ich ehrlich gesagt nicht so Lust, ich mochte Ari in dem Band von Robbie und Joey nicht so sehr. Aber hier war er mir gleich sympathisch. Officer Duane hingegen mochte ich schon aus den anderen Bänden. Er ist ein toller Typ und ich fand es schön, wie er sich Ari gegenüber verhält bzw. ihm dabei hilft sich selbst anders zu sehen.
Ich fand es schön zu lesen, wie die beiden zusammen kommen. Was die Spannugselemente angingen, sie waren ok. Ich denke, man darf es auch hier wieder nicht zu genau nehmen, was den Realismus angeht. Also wenn man so die Summe der Dinge bedenkt, die schon auf der Farm passiert sind, um zusätzliche Spannung aufkommen zu lassen.
Leichte Kost und sympathische Protas, hab es gerne gelesen. Schreibstil war wie immer einfach zu lesen.
February 5, 2012
Love Means … Family
(Love Means #7)
Andrew Grey
In this installment of Mr. Grey’s Love Means series, he takes back to Mississippi, to the home of Robert Edward Hawkins, Arie; a home in mourning, a home clinging to the last remaining child and their old southern legacy of almost two hundred years.
Charlotte, Arie’s older sister, her husband and two small children died in plane crash and the whole household seemed to go into hold waiting for the bodies to be found, when they weren’t his parents couldn’t seem to move on. His mother especially, she started drinking heavily and didn’t want to let him go anyplace out of her site almost compulsively. The last straw for Arie was when they told him that he needed to get married and have kids. The family line needed an heir with his sister’s kids gone it fell to him. Arie called Robbie his best friend, who now lived in Michigan on the Laughton farm with his partner Joey and arranged to come up for a couple weeks to help him start to move on.
Once there, he met Deputy Sherriff Duane Keenan, Office Hunky as he began to think of him. They begin to fall in love, everyone cautions them, reminding them how hard it was for Joey and Robbie when they first got together; also reminding Arie that he was just there for a visit. His mother was getting worse and worse about calling and demanding that he come back home, someone kept shooting at him, which sent Officer Hunky into protection mode, and Geoff and Eli’s son, Jakey, wormed his way deep into Arie’s heart. This book warps you back up in the feeling of family and unconditional love and support that you always get at the Laughton farm, that feeling that keeps me buying these books by Mr. Grey since my first one Love Means … No Shame. It is place that I felt safe at, and have gone back to many times, eagerly buying and reading the new ones, and rereading the old ones when I need a warm hug. It is another hit for Mr. Grey. The sentence that sent the warmth spiraling through me as it and said, ‘Yes, you are with family,’ was Arie’s first night there, after dinner, Jakey and Arie were playing blocks and it was time for Jakey’s bath. “Geoff blew Raspberries on Jakey’s tummy, to Jakey’s giggly delight, as he carried him upstairs.” I do think that Mr. Grey created a new phrase, giggly delight, and I loved it, the sound of the child’s merriment came off the page with in stereo.
You must pick up this book if you like Mr. Grey’s work, you should pick up this book if you like a well written, feel good romance that involves family of both the blooded kind and the ones we make ourselves. Five solid stars for this book.
(Love Means #7)
Andrew Grey
In this installment of Mr. Grey’s Love Means series, he takes back to Mississippi, to the home of Robert Edward Hawkins, Arie; a home in mourning, a home clinging to the last remaining child and their old southern legacy of almost two hundred years.
Charlotte, Arie’s older sister, her husband and two small children died in plane crash and the whole household seemed to go into hold waiting for the bodies to be found, when they weren’t his parents couldn’t seem to move on. His mother especially, she started drinking heavily and didn’t want to let him go anyplace out of her site almost compulsively. The last straw for Arie was when they told him that he needed to get married and have kids. The family line needed an heir with his sister’s kids gone it fell to him. Arie called Robbie his best friend, who now lived in Michigan on the Laughton farm with his partner Joey and arranged to come up for a couple weeks to help him start to move on.
Once there, he met Deputy Sherriff Duane Keenan, Office Hunky as he began to think of him. They begin to fall in love, everyone cautions them, reminding them how hard it was for Joey and Robbie when they first got together; also reminding Arie that he was just there for a visit. His mother was getting worse and worse about calling and demanding that he come back home, someone kept shooting at him, which sent Officer Hunky into protection mode, and Geoff and Eli’s son, Jakey, wormed his way deep into Arie’s heart. This book warps you back up in the feeling of family and unconditional love and support that you always get at the Laughton farm, that feeling that keeps me buying these books by Mr. Grey since my first one Love Means … No Shame. It is place that I felt safe at, and have gone back to many times, eagerly buying and reading the new ones, and rereading the old ones when I need a warm hug. It is another hit for Mr. Grey. The sentence that sent the warmth spiraling through me as it and said, ‘Yes, you are with family,’ was Arie’s first night there, after dinner, Jakey and Arie were playing blocks and it was time for Jakey’s bath. “Geoff blew Raspberries on Jakey’s tummy, to Jakey’s giggly delight, as he carried him upstairs.” I do think that Mr. Grey created a new phrase, giggly delight, and I loved it, the sound of the child’s merriment came off the page with in stereo.
You must pick up this book if you like Mr. Grey’s work, you should pick up this book if you like a well written, feel good romance that involves family of both the blooded kind and the ones we make ourselves. Five solid stars for this book.
February 27, 2012
Arie lives in Mississippi and is a gifted violinist. He's devastated when he loses his sister and her family in a plane crash. Arie's parents pressure him to find a girlfriend and get married. They are grieving the loss of their daughter and want more than anything to have grandchildren to carry on the family name.
The situation at home is so intense, that Arie takes a vacation. He flies up to Michigan to visit his friends on their ranch. This is where he meets the sheriff deputy Duane. Arie and Duane hit it off, and a romance ensues, yet Arie has a lot to sort out. He's still grieving the loss of his sister. He is about to embark on a career as a professional violinist with the symphony in Mississippi. And his overbearing mother is pressuring him to return home.
I've read four books within this series so far, and this one is by far my favorite. I do have to admit that I think every one of them is my favorite right after finishing them, though. I just absolutely love these stories.
My favorite thing about Andrew Grey's writing is that he never presents the cynical side of his characters. When he gets into their thoughts he does not include all of that depressing, sarcastic, meanness that so many authors like to talk about. I love Andrew Grey's optimism. It is refreshing to read a book that makes me feel so good about humanity. Not all gay men are self-centered, snarky, and shallow, and these stories depict a community of people who live a life that most of us only dream of.
These books probably won't be the first choice for the many readers who go around bitching about stories that are too "sugary". As for me, pour on the sugar. I love it. It's a beautiful story, and I highly recommend it.
The situation at home is so intense, that Arie takes a vacation. He flies up to Michigan to visit his friends on their ranch. This is where he meets the sheriff deputy Duane. Arie and Duane hit it off, and a romance ensues, yet Arie has a lot to sort out. He's still grieving the loss of his sister. He is about to embark on a career as a professional violinist with the symphony in Mississippi. And his overbearing mother is pressuring him to return home.
I've read four books within this series so far, and this one is by far my favorite. I do have to admit that I think every one of them is my favorite right after finishing them, though. I just absolutely love these stories.
My favorite thing about Andrew Grey's writing is that he never presents the cynical side of his characters. When he gets into their thoughts he does not include all of that depressing, sarcastic, meanness that so many authors like to talk about. I love Andrew Grey's optimism. It is refreshing to read a book that makes me feel so good about humanity. Not all gay men are self-centered, snarky, and shallow, and these stories depict a community of people who live a life that most of us only dream of.
These books probably won't be the first choice for the many readers who go around bitching about stories that are too "sugary". As for me, pour on the sugar. I love it. It's a beautiful story, and I highly recommend it.
August 2, 2016
This was a real feel good story about really nice people. This is the first one of this series I have read but that didn't take anything away from this one. I am so going to have to read the rest of this series because I love all the people I met in this one and I want to know their history. The writing invites you in to the peoples lives and lets you fall in love with them.
This one is all about learning to be who you are and not what people think you should be, it is also about learning to live your life after loss. The emotions this story evokes are every deep and reading the story hurt a little but that was OK because it made me remember someone I lost. It is a credit to the author and his writing skill that he was able to do that and do it in a positive way. My only complaint would be that he is so good that I have to buy all these book now and that makes a dent in my wallet ;)
This one is all about learning to be who you are and not what people think you should be, it is also about learning to live your life after loss. The emotions this story evokes are every deep and reading the story hurt a little but that was OK because it made me remember someone I lost. It is a credit to the author and his writing skill that he was able to do that and do it in a positive way. My only complaint would be that he is so good that I have to buy all these book now and that makes a dent in my wallet ;)
March 23, 2012
I have read this entire series in a matter of days........I couldn't stop reading it! It is easy to get caught up in the books and what is happening in them. It's like you're there, a part of this wonderful family. Needless to say I loved every one of these books and can't wait to see what Mr. Grey writes next.
February 6, 2012
This is another one of those books that had me crying in the first couple pages. I swear reading has turned me in to a cry baby. Very good book!
January 7, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
Book nine in the gay cowboy romance marathon.
I could sum up this entire review with one line: Why the fuck is there a cop drama in my gay cowboy romance series?
Ok, real review now. The book is weak. There is a random plot about someone shooting at Arie. There is no reason behind the violence. There is no resolution for the violence. It solely exists as a way to keep the cop character around. The same cop who had hit on another character in a previous book, but then says he hasn’t been out or really put himself out there lately? Um, I’m sorry, no. Just all around no on the plot.
But wait, there’s more. The plot just gets worse. The ending was yet another cancer plot (I say another, because one of the characters early on dies of cancer and I know there is another cancer plot later in the series). Then there is a YA level hi-jinks to get the ending. There really is no mystery to these books any more. Grey follows a formula. It is as predictable as an episode of Touched by an Angel. I can tell when there will be a sex scene, how many there will be, and when the big gap of distance will happen. I am just getting annoyed. I have been holding every other gay cowboy romance to the standards that the first three books in this series set, yet the rest of the series is just not as good by far.
There is some weird levels of racism in this book that were a bit more hidden in the last books. The black maid-turned-farm mother called one of the characters Master. What the fuck? Like it was already wonderful how the only house keepers were all black, but let’s go a step further. Remember this book takes place in 2006-ish. So this is not a time period drama where calling someone Master would be appropriate. It is not a BDSM novel where Master is a title used. It DOESN’T MAKE SENSE.
Tons of slut shaming just randomly. There was no need for it. It doesn’t fit the characters. It doesn’t git the plot. The one character being promiscuous also doesn’t make sense. So either his character was misrepresented in previous books or the author just totally forgot what the character said and did. Neither of which is really that great.
I just don’t get why this book exists in the series. It does not fit. I am starting to lose hope that I will find magic again in these books.
Book nine in the gay cowboy romance marathon.
I could sum up this entire review with one line: Why the fuck is there a cop drama in my gay cowboy romance series?
Ok, real review now. The book is weak. There is a random plot about someone shooting at Arie. There is no reason behind the violence. There is no resolution for the violence. It solely exists as a way to keep the cop character around. The same cop who had hit on another character in a previous book, but then says he hasn’t been out or really put himself out there lately? Um, I’m sorry, no. Just all around no on the plot.
But wait, there’s more. The plot just gets worse. The ending was yet another cancer plot (I say another, because one of the characters early on dies of cancer and I know there is another cancer plot later in the series). Then there is a YA level hi-jinks to get the ending. There really is no mystery to these books any more. Grey follows a formula. It is as predictable as an episode of Touched by an Angel. I can tell when there will be a sex scene, how many there will be, and when the big gap of distance will happen. I am just getting annoyed. I have been holding every other gay cowboy romance to the standards that the first three books in this series set, yet the rest of the series is just not as good by far.
There is some weird levels of racism in this book that were a bit more hidden in the last books. The black maid-turned-farm mother called one of the characters Master. What the fuck? Like it was already wonderful how the only house keepers were all black, but let’s go a step further. Remember this book takes place in 2006-ish. So this is not a time period drama where calling someone Master would be appropriate. It is not a BDSM novel where Master is a title used. It DOESN’T MAKE SENSE.
Tons of slut shaming just randomly. There was no need for it. It doesn’t fit the characters. It doesn’t git the plot. The one character being promiscuous also doesn’t make sense. So either his character was misrepresented in previous books or the author just totally forgot what the character said and did. Neither of which is really that great.
I just don’t get why this book exists in the series. It does not fit. I am starting to lose hope that I will find magic again in these books.
March 27, 2025
Arie needs time away from home after losing his sister and her family. He and hos parents aren't really going on with life especially his mom who terrified losing him too. He needs a vacation and calls his best friend Robbie and ends up going to Geoff and Eli's for a while.
He meets Duane who's a sheriff's deputy his first day there. They become friends and start a relationship together. I really loved this book. They are great for each other that's for sure.
We also get to see Eli and Geoff's son Jakey who Duane helped them adopted months back. He's 9 months old and adorable as can be. There is some drama with a farm that Geoff's trying to buy and previous owners son.
Trigger warning for death of animal and a parent also mention of cancer and death of sibling. Was so happy with the ending and glad didn't have the usual with one the guys leaving then discovering how much needed other. This series is awesome.
He meets Duane who's a sheriff's deputy his first day there. They become friends and start a relationship together. I really loved this book. They are great for each other that's for sure.
We also get to see Eli and Geoff's son Jakey who Duane helped them adopted months back. He's 9 months old and adorable as can be. There is some drama with a farm that Geoff's trying to buy and previous owners son.
Trigger warning for death of animal and a parent also mention of cancer and death of sibling. Was so happy with the ending and glad didn't have the usual with one the guys leaving then discovering how much needed other. This series is awesome.
January 23, 2021
I read this in the fall of 2020 when the audible escape package was wrapping up. I enjoyed the book and narrator(s). I am just catching up on my reviews, but I will say that I did read several of this authors works all in a row. I think for this series alone I listened to about 7 of them!! Some quicker readers than others, some better than others. All of them between 3.5-5 stars, but to ease the reviews for them all I will say an average of 4.5 Thanks!!
October 16, 2017
Arie is dealing with the loss of his sister and he's found a good spot to relax. But even Arie is surprised by how well he fits. Duane finally has a chance but he understands time is limited. I appreciate that they have to work to find a solution that will work for each of them individually and as a couple.
May 28, 2018
I share the opinion of another reader - this book is not equal to the other two "Love Means..." books I've read. The character development was not a thorough, and the tensions feel a bit forced. The resolution with the shooter left me cold. I think it failed to answer any why question, it only served to mark the end.
January 13, 2019
This was a sweet story. The mysterious attacks add a level of suspense. The story deals a lot with some serious grief and the battle between being who others want you to be and being who you are meant to be.
January 19, 2019
Man merkt, dass diese Geschichte Bestandteil einer Reihe ist und mit dem 7. Buch routiniert wirkt und vor sich hin plaetschert.
Familie wird immer groesser,
Emotionen und Gefuehle gibt es genug, aber mir fehlte das gewisse etwas
mal sehen wie die restlichen 4 Buecher sind
Familie wird immer groesser,
Emotionen und Gefuehle gibt es genug, aber mir fehlte das gewisse etwas
mal sehen wie die restlichen 4 Buecher sind
July 9, 2025
Oh, this was good, just like Love Means... No Boundaries, the second book. I liked the family part, I loved how Duane did explain to Arie why he wanted to let him go, not just "for his own good" shit and lies, he really talked to him, I loved how Robbie talked to both of them and did not let them break up and how he put Arie's mother in her place.
March 24, 2017
I liked Arie in Robbie and Joey's book and I was glad he got some happy in this one. His house was so grief stricken, it made you want to cry.
May 15, 2017
4.5.⭐️.
January 28, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/01/26/...
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I’m a total sucker for a good romance that tugs non-stop at my heartstrings. A grieving brother who is struggling with his depressed parents and escapes into Office Hunky’s waiting arms? YES PLEASE!
Arie is trying to deal with the loss of his sister and her family in the only way he knows how, but his parents are moping and depressed and putting pressure on him that is driving him crazy. A trip to visit his best friend at a Michigan farm is his idea of a relaxing vacation.
Duane enjoys being a small town Sheriff. After meeting Arie he wants to pursue a relationship, despite the fact that Arie wont be around forever. The two immediately hit it off and things get hot and heavy and series quickly. But with Arie’s parents in an emotional tornado and Duane’s mom with a crushing secret of her own, will these two be able to come together and support each other?
I was looking forward to trying a new m/m author and thought the story was better than others I’ve read in the genre. I liked that both Duane and Arie were completely confident in who they were, especially in the face of bigotry and grief. For Arie to stand up to his parents when they requested he get married and have children was heartbreaking for so many reasons. I wanted to alternate between hugging and punching his parents and then comfort and encourage Arie to strike out on his own. Once he got to Michigan, I was glad to see him come more out of his shell, see him live more for himself instead of drowning his sorrows in music and sleep.
I also really enjoyed the dynamics between Arie and Duane and their families. With Duane finally getting the chance to become closer to his mother and forge a relationship was well done. The way that Arie stepped up and really helped Duane accept his mother’s revelation and presence in his life. Then for Duane to turn around and provide the same comfort to Arie with his parents was so wonderful to read.
I also liked the group of guys at the farm. They provided a great support system and cast of secondary characters. It did seem a little odd to me that SO many couples in such a small town would all be gay, but that’s just the way some stories go. I would have liked to see a little more diversity amongst their friends, but understood why there wasn’t.
All in all my first Gray read was a promising one. I loved the characters and really enjoyed their development throughout the story, especially when interacting with their friends and family. The mini-suspense plot didn’t come across to me as anything special and would have liked to see that page time devoted to more time developing the relationship between Arie and Duane. I thought that the story could have been a bit longer with more time to see these two fall in love since it seemed to happen somewhat quickly.
I give Love Means… Family a C
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I’m a total sucker for a good romance that tugs non-stop at my heartstrings. A grieving brother who is struggling with his depressed parents and escapes into Office Hunky’s waiting arms? YES PLEASE!
Arie is trying to deal with the loss of his sister and her family in the only way he knows how, but his parents are moping and depressed and putting pressure on him that is driving him crazy. A trip to visit his best friend at a Michigan farm is his idea of a relaxing vacation.
Duane enjoys being a small town Sheriff. After meeting Arie he wants to pursue a relationship, despite the fact that Arie wont be around forever. The two immediately hit it off and things get hot and heavy and series quickly. But with Arie’s parents in an emotional tornado and Duane’s mom with a crushing secret of her own, will these two be able to come together and support each other?
I was looking forward to trying a new m/m author and thought the story was better than others I’ve read in the genre. I liked that both Duane and Arie were completely confident in who they were, especially in the face of bigotry and grief. For Arie to stand up to his parents when they requested he get married and have children was heartbreaking for so many reasons. I wanted to alternate between hugging and punching his parents and then comfort and encourage Arie to strike out on his own. Once he got to Michigan, I was glad to see him come more out of his shell, see him live more for himself instead of drowning his sorrows in music and sleep.
I also really enjoyed the dynamics between Arie and Duane and their families. With Duane finally getting the chance to become closer to his mother and forge a relationship was well done. The way that Arie stepped up and really helped Duane accept his mother’s revelation and presence in his life. Then for Duane to turn around and provide the same comfort to Arie with his parents was so wonderful to read.
I also liked the group of guys at the farm. They provided a great support system and cast of secondary characters. It did seem a little odd to me that SO many couples in such a small town would all be gay, but that’s just the way some stories go. I would have liked to see a little more diversity amongst their friends, but understood why there wasn’t.
All in all my first Gray read was a promising one. I loved the characters and really enjoyed their development throughout the story, especially when interacting with their friends and family. The mini-suspense plot didn’t come across to me as anything special and would have liked to see that page time devoted to more time developing the relationship between Arie and Duane. I thought that the story could have been a bit longer with more time to see these two fall in love since it seemed to happen somewhat quickly.
I give Love Means… Family a C
April 21, 2016
Der Tod seiner Schwester stürzt Arie und seine Eltern in tiefe Trauer, aus der sie weder als Person, noch als Familie herauskommen. Während Arie sich in seine Musik flüchtet und der Vater schweigt, entwickelt Mutter Suzanne ein ernsthaftes Alkoholproblem. Ausserdem engt sie Arie immer weiter ein und stellt Forderungen, die der junge Musiker nicht erfüllen kann. Denn Arie ist schwul und weigert sich den Erwartungen seiner Eltern - Heirat und ein Erbe, der den Familiennamen weiterträgt - nachzugeben. Um endlich wieder atmen zu können und den Kopf freizubekommen, entschließt er sich seinen Freund Robbie zu besuchen. Dort wird er herzlich aufgenommen und lernt den attraktiven Polizisten Duane kennen.
Dieser ist mit seinem Leben an sich zufrieden, wenn auch einsam. Seinen Vater hat er vor einer Weile verloren und der Umgang mit seiner Mutter ist schwierig. Diese kann sich mit Duanes Neigungen nicht abfinden und Duane hält es für klüger den Kontakt so vage wie möglich zu halten. Der Musiker Arie kann sofort sein Interesse wecken und Duane beginnt ihn zu umwerben; auch wenn er weiß, dass Arie nur einigen Wochen auf der Laughton Farm verbringen wird.
Liebe schafft Familie ist ein typischer Liebe-Roman und punktet mit sympathischen Protagonisten, einem romantischen Plot und viel Familie. Kleine Aufregungen gibt es in einem dezenten Krimiplot, der für meinen Geschmack jetzt nicht nötig war. Aber wenn es der Dramaturgie dient, dann soll es mir auch recht sein. Duane und Arie treffen sich zu einem sehr ungünstigen Zeitpunkt. Während Arie noch immer um seine Schwester trauert, sich mit den Wünschen seiner Mutter und den eigenen Bedürfnissen auseinandersetzen muss, findet Duane keinen Weg Arie an seiner Seite zu halten. Zudem bekommt Duane Besuch von seiner Mutter, die ihm schlechte Nachrichten überbringt.
Der Titel ist für dieses Buch sehr gut gewählt, denn die Geschichte erzählt von Familien mit all ihren Problemen, Freuden und Tragödien. Unsere Helden lernen, dass Familie mehr als nur das Teilen von Genen bedeutet und sich Familien immer wieder und unterschiedlich entwickeln. Natürlich kommt auch die Romantik nicht zu kurz und Arie lernt in seiner Auszeit nicht nur die richtige Liebe kennen, sondern auch sich selbst. Wunderschön romantisch zu lesen; ein Wohlfühlbuch.
Dieser ist mit seinem Leben an sich zufrieden, wenn auch einsam. Seinen Vater hat er vor einer Weile verloren und der Umgang mit seiner Mutter ist schwierig. Diese kann sich mit Duanes Neigungen nicht abfinden und Duane hält es für klüger den Kontakt so vage wie möglich zu halten. Der Musiker Arie kann sofort sein Interesse wecken und Duane beginnt ihn zu umwerben; auch wenn er weiß, dass Arie nur einigen Wochen auf der Laughton Farm verbringen wird.
Liebe schafft Familie ist ein typischer Liebe-Roman und punktet mit sympathischen Protagonisten, einem romantischen Plot und viel Familie. Kleine Aufregungen gibt es in einem dezenten Krimiplot, der für meinen Geschmack jetzt nicht nötig war. Aber wenn es der Dramaturgie dient, dann soll es mir auch recht sein. Duane und Arie treffen sich zu einem sehr ungünstigen Zeitpunkt. Während Arie noch immer um seine Schwester trauert, sich mit den Wünschen seiner Mutter und den eigenen Bedürfnissen auseinandersetzen muss, findet Duane keinen Weg Arie an seiner Seite zu halten. Zudem bekommt Duane Besuch von seiner Mutter, die ihm schlechte Nachrichten überbringt.
Der Titel ist für dieses Buch sehr gut gewählt, denn die Geschichte erzählt von Familien mit all ihren Problemen, Freuden und Tragödien. Unsere Helden lernen, dass Familie mehr als nur das Teilen von Genen bedeutet und sich Familien immer wieder und unterschiedlich entwickeln. Natürlich kommt auch die Romantik nicht zu kurz und Arie lernt in seiner Auszeit nicht nur die richtige Liebe kennen, sondern auch sich selbst. Wunderschön romantisch zu lesen; ein Wohlfühlbuch.
January 27, 2012
Not my favorite of the series, but a good addition to it for sure. Arie is Robbie's best friend, whom we met in Robbie and Joey's story, Love Means... No Boundaries. We catch up with him and his family a few months after the death of his older sister and her family, which has had a devastating effect on his mother. His parents are pushing him for an heir to the family, and he just wants to get away. So he calls Robbie and heads to the farm for a visit.
He meets Duane, a sheriff's deputy whom readers met previously in either book 4 (Freedom) or 5 (No Fear). I think it was book 5. Anyway, they don't hit it off immediately so much as get throw together a few times, first when Duane pulls Arie over to give him a warning about driving too fast around dangerous curves in the road and second when someone shoots through the windshield of the car Arie's driving and Duane rushes in to make sure he's okay.
At first Arie starts to jump into things to quickly, and when he backs away, he thinks that's the last he'll see of Duane. But Duane's not like the guys Arie's dated before, and as they get to know each other, their feelings are more deeply rooted than they've ever been before. Which is a problem since Arie's only visiting for a few weeks. Because if he doesn't go home, his mother is going to have a break-down thinking her son is leaving her after her daughter's already gone. And though Arie wants to give the relationship a try, he also wants to live his musical dreams, which don't exactly go with farm life in a small, rural county. Then you throw in Duane's mother (who refuses to acknowledge he's gay), and the mystery of someone taking potshots at Arie, and you have quite a few things going on that Duane and Arie have to figure out how to deal with before they can move forward.
It's sweet and fairly low angst, like the rest of the stories in the series. But it didn't pull at my heart as much as some of the other stories in the series did. This one probably falls at 3.5 stars for me.
He meets Duane, a sheriff's deputy whom readers met previously in either book 4 (Freedom) or 5 (No Fear). I think it was book 5. Anyway, they don't hit it off immediately so much as get throw together a few times, first when Duane pulls Arie over to give him a warning about driving too fast around dangerous curves in the road and second when someone shoots through the windshield of the car Arie's driving and Duane rushes in to make sure he's okay.
At first Arie starts to jump into things to quickly, and when he backs away, he thinks that's the last he'll see of Duane. But Duane's not like the guys Arie's dated before, and as they get to know each other, their feelings are more deeply rooted than they've ever been before. Which is a problem since Arie's only visiting for a few weeks. Because if he doesn't go home, his mother is going to have a break-down thinking her son is leaving her after her daughter's already gone. And though Arie wants to give the relationship a try, he also wants to live his musical dreams, which don't exactly go with farm life in a small, rural county. Then you throw in Duane's mother (who refuses to acknowledge he's gay), and the mystery of someone taking potshots at Arie, and you have quite a few things going on that Duane and Arie have to figure out how to deal with before they can move forward.
It's sweet and fairly low angst, like the rest of the stories in the series. But it didn't pull at my heart as much as some of the other stories in the series did. This one probably falls at 3.5 stars for me.
September 16, 2013
Arie and his family are having a rough time trying to get over the loss of his sister and her children. His parents begin to really pressure him about getting married and having children. He has already told them that he is gay and isn't sure if he will have children, anyways. He decides to go visit his best friend, Robbie, back at the farm where he lives now with his partner, Joey. Arie can't wait to get to the farm and do some manual labor while getting some space from his parents at the same time.
Officer Duane, or Officer Hunky as Arie calls him, is a pleasant surprise at the farm and they begin seeing each other after Duane is called out to the farm for a shooting. They think the shooting is an accident, but later it seems someone is actually after Arie, although he has no idea who or why. As Duane investigates who is after Arie and stays at the farm to protect him, he and Arie become very close. Unfortunately, the attitudes of Arie's family and Duane's mom make it difficult for them to see a future together. When Arie gets his dream job in the symphony back home, it seems that it is an impossible dream for them.
When Duane's mother comes to visit and the investigation is coming to an end, they have to determine for themselves what is important in their lives and how they can make it work. With a little help from their friends at the farm, Arie's parents also come visit and add to the situation.
Andrew Grey has hit the nail on the head again with a truly enchanting story that has you feeling like you are back on the farm with the characters and a part of their lives. The farm is this huge utopia of acceptance that is what everyone would like their own families to be like and strive for.
To date, I have found Andrew Grey's books to be stellar from page one. He is the kind of writer that just draws you into the storyline and the characters until you feel their pains and their joys. I have become vested into the characters lives and really enjoy the interplay of all of these characters that are so different from each other, yet all care about each other like a true family.
Officer Duane, or Officer Hunky as Arie calls him, is a pleasant surprise at the farm and they begin seeing each other after Duane is called out to the farm for a shooting. They think the shooting is an accident, but later it seems someone is actually after Arie, although he has no idea who or why. As Duane investigates who is after Arie and stays at the farm to protect him, he and Arie become very close. Unfortunately, the attitudes of Arie's family and Duane's mom make it difficult for them to see a future together. When Arie gets his dream job in the symphony back home, it seems that it is an impossible dream for them.
When Duane's mother comes to visit and the investigation is coming to an end, they have to determine for themselves what is important in their lives and how they can make it work. With a little help from their friends at the farm, Arie's parents also come visit and add to the situation.
Andrew Grey has hit the nail on the head again with a truly enchanting story that has you feeling like you are back on the farm with the characters and a part of their lives. The farm is this huge utopia of acceptance that is what everyone would like their own families to be like and strive for.
To date, I have found Andrew Grey's books to be stellar from page one. He is the kind of writer that just draws you into the storyline and the characters until you feel their pains and their joys. I have become vested into the characters lives and really enjoy the interplay of all of these characters that are so different from each other, yet all care about each other like a true family.
May 15, 2014
This one got an extra star for healthier behaviours. Seriously.
So, this was a quick read and overall pretty much what you'd expect. As always, Grey writes engagingly. There really isn't anything super surprising in the story itself, but I liked how grief and the grieving process was treated. Very nice. Normally this would be a solid three star entry from me. But...
I think it's fair to say that I read a lot. I read a lot of romance. So I see a lot of the same tropes over and over. The whole whirlwind romance thing, it's been done, I prefer slower builds but can still enjoy a story like that. Lately though, they've been...bothering me. Now, not the trope itself, but things within the trope in many of the stories have been not to my liking. Which brings us to this one. Spoilers to follow I guess...
Well done, Mr. Grey, well done.
So, this was a quick read and overall pretty much what you'd expect. As always, Grey writes engagingly. There really isn't anything super surprising in the story itself, but I liked how grief and the grieving process was treated. Very nice. Normally this would be a solid three star entry from me. But...
I think it's fair to say that I read a lot. I read a lot of romance. So I see a lot of the same tropes over and over. The whole whirlwind romance thing, it's been done, I prefer slower builds but can still enjoy a story like that. Lately though, they've been...bothering me. Now, not the trope itself, but things within the trope in many of the stories have been not to my liking. Which brings us to this one. Spoilers to follow I guess...
Well done, Mr. Grey, well done.
March 8, 2012
Andrew Grey delivers an emotional story of families, love, loss and forgiveness in LOVE MEANS…FAMILY, his latest Love Means story. I adore this series. The characters are well rounded individuals, who have vulnerabilities, lots of love to give and the same issues we all deal with in everyday life. The writing was tight, story flowed nicely and the sex scenes were very well written which enhanced the growing closeness between Robert and Duane. Andrew Grey has a way about his writing that you always feel like you are coming home from being away a long time. There is a sense of family within the characters in each of the Love Means stories and that in itself was the one key thing that makes this series so delightful. The reader gets that glimpse into a family that encompasses not just blood relatives but friends as well. The deep connection that is felt between the characters is magical and makes me yearn to visit this fictional farm just to experience it for myself.
Andrew Grey has a rare gift in creating emotional, character rich stories that steal the heart of his readers far and wide. In LOVE MEANS…FAMILY, we get to see how the beloved characters are doing after the ending of Love Means…Healing. This time, a new addition is in the mix, Robbie’s best friend stays a spell and finally Officer Hunky…or Officer Kennan, finally gets his own Love Means…story, which thrilled me to the soul. You will laugh, sniffle and smile throughout the book as well as wonder if a sub-plot that threads its way through this latest story will end up with a happy ending or not.
LOVE MEANS…FAMILY will thrill you till the very end. I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait to see if this author will continue with one more beloved farm story. If you are looking for a sweet, emotional story that will heat you up on a cold winter’s day, and then grab LOVE MEANS…FAMILY and settle in for a few hours of reading pleasure. Andrew Grey is one of my favorite authors and I am eager to see what else he has in store for his readers in the future.
Andrew Grey has a rare gift in creating emotional, character rich stories that steal the heart of his readers far and wide. In LOVE MEANS…FAMILY, we get to see how the beloved characters are doing after the ending of Love Means…Healing. This time, a new addition is in the mix, Robbie’s best friend stays a spell and finally Officer Hunky…or Officer Kennan, finally gets his own Love Means…story, which thrilled me to the soul. You will laugh, sniffle and smile throughout the book as well as wonder if a sub-plot that threads its way through this latest story will end up with a happy ending or not.
LOVE MEANS…FAMILY will thrill you till the very end. I enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait to see if this author will continue with one more beloved farm story. If you are looking for a sweet, emotional story that will heat you up on a cold winter’s day, and then grab LOVE MEANS…FAMILY and settle in for a few hours of reading pleasure. Andrew Grey is one of my favorite authors and I am eager to see what else he has in store for his readers in the future.
January 24, 2012
We met Arie in Love Means... No Boundaries as the friend of our beloved Robbie. Arie is also a talented violinist and finds his life at a cross-roads after the death of sister and her family. Fearful of losing another child, Arie's mother is smothering and unreasonable. Arie decides to spend a few weeks with his friend Robbie on the farm in order to think about his future.
Arie meets Deputy Duane Keenan, who was introduced to us in Jonah and Raine's book when he was investigating Raine's gay-bashing incident. I loved Deputy Keenan - he's my perfect gorgeous alpha male. Uniformed no less! I didn't love Arie as much. In Robbie's book, Arie was a little overbearing and while he did loosen up towards the end, I didn't love him the way I loved Joey and Robbie. In this book, I couldn't quite warm up to him again. Although it did make me laugh when he inadvertently called Duane "Officer Hunky" out loud. I'm glad that he wasn't a formulaic innocent like Jonah, Eli, Stone, and Robbie so I appreciated that he broke out of that mold. But then the whole attempt at holding off on sex with Duane seemed a little contrived.
I think also that because this was called Love Means... Family, that I was expecting it to be more about Jakey, Eli, and Geoff. Yes, we did get to see them in action, and I enjoyed that very much, but I think I wanted more of the characters I loved and less of the characters I didn't love so much.
Still this was a pretty good read and once again I appreciate that it brought back all the characters that I loved from previous books.
Arie meets Deputy Duane Keenan, who was introduced to us in Jonah and Raine's book when he was investigating Raine's gay-bashing incident. I loved Deputy Keenan - he's my perfect gorgeous alpha male. Uniformed no less! I didn't love Arie as much. In Robbie's book, Arie was a little overbearing and while he did loosen up towards the end, I didn't love him the way I loved Joey and Robbie. In this book, I couldn't quite warm up to him again. Although it did make me laugh when he inadvertently called Duane "Officer Hunky" out loud. I'm glad that he wasn't a formulaic innocent like Jonah, Eli, Stone, and Robbie so I appreciated that he broke out of that mold. But then the whole attempt at holding off on sex with Duane seemed a little contrived.
I think also that because this was called Love Means... Family, that I was expecting it to be more about Jakey, Eli, and Geoff. Yes, we did get to see them in action, and I enjoyed that very much, but I think I wanted more of the characters I loved and less of the characters I didn't love so much.
Still this was a pretty good read and once again I appreciate that it brought back all the characters that I loved from previous books.
Read
January 24, 2023 The Farm Series books are sweet stories of men finding love and having to make decisions for their future. This is another gentle story as Robbie's friend Arie comes to stay for a few weeks on the farm. His love interest is Duane, the local Deputy.
The story deals with grief as Arie and his parents deal with the death of his sister and her family. Common with other books in the series, making the most of time with loved ones, is a strong theme. In this book it relates to making the most of relationships because you never know when someone might be taken away from you and also putting your heart on the line, even if love may not be permanent. "There's one thing I've learned being a police officer: you have to take each day as it comes.............I've learned to make the most of each and every day, and you crossing my path is the answer to my dreams. Yes, I know you'll eventually leave, but if I only get a few weeks with you, I'll take that over nothing at all."
Not my favourite in the series as I was waiting for the 'big moment' which didn't really seem to come. It was just a gentle acceptance by Arie that he wants to move to the farm permanently.
3.5 stars
One thing I found a bit strange in this book was the dog's name. He was called Buster which was The same name as Stone's horse in Love Means... Freedom. Not sure why but this kept niggling at me.
The story deals with grief as Arie and his parents deal with the death of his sister and her family. Common with other books in the series, making the most of time with loved ones, is a strong theme. In this book it relates to making the most of relationships because you never know when someone might be taken away from you and also putting your heart on the line, even if love may not be permanent. "There's one thing I've learned being a police officer: you have to take each day as it comes.............I've learned to make the most of each and every day, and you crossing my path is the answer to my dreams. Yes, I know you'll eventually leave, but if I only get a few weeks with you, I'll take that over nothing at all."
Not my favourite in the series as I was waiting for the 'big moment' which didn't really seem to come. It was just a gentle acceptance by Arie that he wants to move to the farm permanently.
3.5 stars
One thing I found a bit strange in this book was the dog's name. He was called Buster which was The same name as Stone's horse in Love Means... Freedom. Not sure why but this kept niggling at me.
March 3, 2013
It seems that I have a soft spot for this series. Unfortunately, I think that initial books were more enjoyable than the latest. Maybe it's me and my expectations, but I can't say for sure.
This is a simple story about two men, who find each other in the most appropriate time. Arie lost his sister and her family in plane crash. Now his family demands that he should settle down and have children. He decide to visit his friends to get some distance and time to think. He meets Duane, who has his own problems.
Like someone has already mentioned, this book is about family. About parents and relationships with them, about those people who are no longer alive, but live in memories. Finally, about family, which can be created by choice.
It was a safe and quite pleasant read. Nothing exceptional or original. Some people might even say, that's it rather boring. Well, everybody has right to express their opinion.
There was one thing, because of which, this book can't be reccomend as a perfect comfort read. The mystery in the background, even if it's very obvious and plain, adds some anxiety to the whole story. For me it doesn't matter, but maybe someone might find it significant. Just saying.
3 stars, almost, I think.
This is a simple story about two men, who find each other in the most appropriate time. Arie lost his sister and her family in plane crash. Now his family demands that he should settle down and have children. He decide to visit his friends to get some distance and time to think. He meets Duane, who has his own problems.
Like someone has already mentioned, this book is about family. About parents and relationships with them, about those people who are no longer alive, but live in memories. Finally, about family, which can be created by choice.
It was a safe and quite pleasant read. Nothing exceptional or original. Some people might even say, that's it rather boring. Well, everybody has right to express their opinion.
There was one thing, because of which, this book can't be reccomend as a perfect comfort read. The mystery in the background, even if it's very obvious and plain, adds some anxiety to the whole story. For me it doesn't matter, but maybe someone might find it significant. Just saying.
3 stars, almost, I think.
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