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Englishmen Stories #3
Released
Dominic Holland leaves behind in London the shattered remains of a dishonest relationship and sets about rediscovering himself across the pond, exploring New York City and two widely different possible futures. Through a series of increasingly public encounters with a mysterious silver-haired man, Dominic gets a tantalizing taste of a new kind of freedom. But it's fellow journalist Alex Everton who attracts Dominic, making him yearn for a real and honest love. But Alex is working on a story that is linked to his past, leaving Dominic unsure of whether he will be the one to heal his heart.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2013
1 person is currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 17, 2013
Review to come later - RL is interrupting yet again. Loving the continuation of this story and very impatient for the full length wrap up!
RL let me take a break from it for a few :)
I really like this series. It’s unique in how it is written and I appreciate the subtleness of the connections and how they are really coming together in this installment. It’s like the author is giving us more credit for seeing how things are tied without just telling every detail about what we are supposed to see.
Thoughts on the Series:
I think as long as you keep in mind that, while you can read each individual story as a stand alone, they are really part of a much bigger picture. The timeline progression is a different kind of connection for a series and as the time increases so does the connection between characters and stories. It’s more of a, “wow, what a small world” than “hey, we all happen to live in the same town so our stories connect” connection. Each novella also touches on social issues that have affected each of the MC’s and their families. So, there really is a lot more going on than just a romance and each one doesn’t necessarily wrap up with the HEA. It really is one big story leading to the HEA’s that are coming in book 4 rather than slightly connected shorter stories.
Thoughts on this Book:
How much do I love Dominic? Dominic is a recent transplant from England now writing for a newspaper in New York. He’s a regular guy with a good heart who’s been through a rough time lately. He’s funny, he’s sweet and he’s slightly damaged. But, he loves New York, the new scenery, the refreshing change and he’s totally taking advantage of offered opportunities. He left England after a bad breakup with a cheating ex, Richard, heretofore to be known as The Dick.
Anyone who has ever been cheated on knows how much it can mess with your self-esteem, your outlook and your interactions with others. The author did a great job of capturing all of those feelings in Dominic. It was really sad actually to see him second guess himself meeting men because of all that he had been through with The Dick. He’s forgotten how to flirt but it’s really fun to watch him try. He recognizes this in himself readily and it was heartening to watch him come to terms with the whole relationship he had with The Dick. It felt truthful and real.
The first half of the book is basically Dominic’s life and new job in New York. We get our first visit from a previous character Very early on Dominic is riding the subway and “meets” the silver-haired man. This is where Dominic’s fun begins. The two begin a strangers with benefits sort of relationship. Relationship is totally the wrong word here, it’s not even that, but the encounters are just so good between the two. The entire hotel scene was classic. The silver haired man is not Mr. Right. He’s more than Mr. Right Now. He’s Mr. Right, Right Now and a perfect match for Dominic. Dominic finally gets to come out and play. He is WAY overdue for some fun and their get-togethers are hot, edgy and dangerous in comparison to what Dominic is used to. He knows how these encounters can all go horribly wrong and for once doesn’t care. Of course, he is a good guy so he leaves every encounter with a little of the post-coital walk of shame, but at the same time he finally gets to see himself as attractive and worthy again.
He also meets Alex, his co-worker. He is entirely too attracted to Alex and he both hopes and fears Alex is attracted to him. The two get to know each other and Dominic thinks there could be something there, but because his radar is so messed up from years with The Dick he’s not sure. He also knows he’s really not in the right place to start anything new. Especially with someone he is so attracted to and with whom he works. The two do get to become friends and Dominic learns that Alex is dealing with his own loss and anger. The tattoo he has is just about the sweetest, saddest thing ever, once you know its meaning. He can’t let go of the anger so he can’t move on from the loss. The two come to an understanding about where they both are in life and forge a good friendship.
I can’t say a lot about the last half without giving away massive spoilers and that’s no fun. I’m a serious spoiler button clicker especially when I shouldn’t, so I’m not even going to put detail here. The last half has Dominic and Alex building a friendship, reintroduction of characters, reveals of how they tie together and massive drama at the newspaper. It’s a great lead to the 4th book and wrap up of loose ends so far.
There is no HEA so to speak and that’s really ok. That is not something I normally say, because I love me a dreamy HEA as much as the next reader, but it’s honestly best for now. I know that will drive some people crazy and sure, a couple of characters could have gotten together, but it wouldn’t have been right. I’d rather impatiently wait for the next book and get a real HEA than get one tacked on to the end just to say the story has one. THAT drives me crazy.
The epilogue, I really like the epilogue. It’s uniquely done and worked well. For one, it introduced us to a character we thought we already knew and for me, it created a lot more options about possible HEA’s in book 4 that I would have originally dismissed.
I’m going to end with how I started. I really like this series. I like the fresh way it’s presented and am now feeling incredibly impatient for #4, Jackie’s Boys which is supposed to be all kinds of fun and funny. I can’t wait to see how it all resolves, get my HEA’s and see all these characters together.
RL let me take a break from it for a few :)
I really like this series. It’s unique in how it is written and I appreciate the subtleness of the connections and how they are really coming together in this installment. It’s like the author is giving us more credit for seeing how things are tied without just telling every detail about what we are supposed to see.
Thoughts on the Series:
I think as long as you keep in mind that, while you can read each individual story as a stand alone, they are really part of a much bigger picture. The timeline progression is a different kind of connection for a series and as the time increases so does the connection between characters and stories. It’s more of a, “wow, what a small world” than “hey, we all happen to live in the same town so our stories connect” connection. Each novella also touches on social issues that have affected each of the MC’s and their families. So, there really is a lot more going on than just a romance and each one doesn’t necessarily wrap up with the HEA. It really is one big story leading to the HEA’s that are coming in book 4 rather than slightly connected shorter stories.
Thoughts on this Book:
How much do I love Dominic? Dominic is a recent transplant from England now writing for a newspaper in New York. He’s a regular guy with a good heart who’s been through a rough time lately. He’s funny, he’s sweet and he’s slightly damaged. But, he loves New York, the new scenery, the refreshing change and he’s totally taking advantage of offered opportunities. He left England after a bad breakup with a cheating ex, Richard, heretofore to be known as The Dick.
Anyone who has ever been cheated on knows how much it can mess with your self-esteem, your outlook and your interactions with others. The author did a great job of capturing all of those feelings in Dominic. It was really sad actually to see him second guess himself meeting men because of all that he had been through with The Dick. He’s forgotten how to flirt but it’s really fun to watch him try. He recognizes this in himself readily and it was heartening to watch him come to terms with the whole relationship he had with The Dick. It felt truthful and real.
The first half of the book is basically Dominic’s life and new job in New York. We get our first visit from a previous character Very early on Dominic is riding the subway and “meets” the silver-haired man. This is where Dominic’s fun begins. The two begin a strangers with benefits sort of relationship. Relationship is totally the wrong word here, it’s not even that, but the encounters are just so good between the two. The entire hotel scene was classic. The silver haired man is not Mr. Right. He’s more than Mr. Right Now. He’s Mr. Right, Right Now and a perfect match for Dominic. Dominic finally gets to come out and play. He is WAY overdue for some fun and their get-togethers are hot, edgy and dangerous in comparison to what Dominic is used to. He knows how these encounters can all go horribly wrong and for once doesn’t care. Of course, he is a good guy so he leaves every encounter with a little of the post-coital walk of shame, but at the same time he finally gets to see himself as attractive and worthy again.
He also meets Alex, his co-worker. He is entirely too attracted to Alex and he both hopes and fears Alex is attracted to him. The two get to know each other and Dominic thinks there could be something there, but because his radar is so messed up from years with The Dick he’s not sure. He also knows he’s really not in the right place to start anything new. Especially with someone he is so attracted to and with whom he works. The two do get to become friends and Dominic learns that Alex is dealing with his own loss and anger. The tattoo he has is just about the sweetest, saddest thing ever, once you know its meaning. He can’t let go of the anger so he can’t move on from the loss. The two come to an understanding about where they both are in life and forge a good friendship.
I can’t say a lot about the last half without giving away massive spoilers and that’s no fun. I’m a serious spoiler button clicker especially when I shouldn’t, so I’m not even going to put detail here. The last half has Dominic and Alex building a friendship, reintroduction of characters, reveals of how they tie together and massive drama at the newspaper. It’s a great lead to the 4th book and wrap up of loose ends so far.
There is no HEA so to speak and that’s really ok. That is not something I normally say, because I love me a dreamy HEA as much as the next reader, but it’s honestly best for now. I know that will drive some people crazy and sure, a couple of characters could have gotten together, but it wouldn’t have been right. I’d rather impatiently wait for the next book and get a real HEA than get one tacked on to the end just to say the story has one. THAT drives me crazy.
The epilogue, I really like the epilogue. It’s uniquely done and worked well. For one, it introduced us to a character we thought we already knew and for me, it created a lot more options about possible HEA’s in book 4 that I would have originally dismissed.
I’m going to end with how I started. I really like this series. I like the fresh way it’s presented and am now feeling incredibly impatient for #4, Jackie’s Boys which is supposed to be all kinds of fun and funny. I can’t wait to see how it all resolves, get my HEA’s and see all these characters together.
August 17, 2013
I am enjoying the unpredictable nature of this series. I am never sure where the author is going with his narrative, and his tone - it's inconsistent and misleading at times.
I find the ambiguous endings frustrating and simultaneously satisfying. How weird is that?
And when this turned into a serious investigative page turner there for a while, I started to sort a few patterns out in my head, and most definitely expect more.
Strange but I'm hooked.
I find the ambiguous endings frustrating and simultaneously satisfying. How weird is that?
And when this turned into a serious investigative page turner there for a while, I started to sort a few patterns out in my head, and most definitely expect more.
Strange but I'm hooked.
August 17, 2013
Eh... Wow. I am left wondering what I should say about this. I loved Noah, the first book in the series, the second book... ugh... yeah, that wasn't great. This one was better to a certain degree, but saying that, I feel as though the first one was normal and memorable in a good way, but the other two are memorable, but not in a good way.
If you take the romance out of this one, it was a pretty decent story. But the romance between the actual couple... Firs, what romance? This was not really romantic. I had a hard time reading after a while a while, if I'm honest it was kind of ridiculous. Although, if you like public sex, groping, etc.. this would be more your thing than mine. Not that I have a major issue with it, but this book took it to an extreme that I would rather not talk about at this moment in time.
If there's anything I can really say for this book it's that I finally made the connection. The previous MC's were in this. Nothing major, but enough that I was finally able to say the book were connected and not just one-shots. That was probably the best part of this for me because this was really not what I had been expecting.
I guess if people want to give this a go, they can. I'm just not sure the cheating ex, the grieving friend, and the strange relationship is really what I look for in a book. But then again it wasn't the worst book ever.
If you take the romance out of this one, it was a pretty decent story. But the romance between the actual couple... Firs, what romance? This was not really romantic. I had a hard time reading after a while a while, if I'm honest it was kind of ridiculous. Although, if you like public sex, groping, etc.. this would be more your thing than mine. Not that I have a major issue with it, but this book took it to an extreme that I would rather not talk about at this moment in time.
If there's anything I can really say for this book it's that I finally made the connection. The previous MC's were in this. Nothing major, but enough that I was finally able to say the book were connected and not just one-shots. That was probably the best part of this for me because this was really not what I had been expecting.
I guess if people want to give this a go, they can. I'm just not sure the cheating ex, the grieving friend, and the strange relationship is really what I look for in a book. But then again it wasn't the worst book ever.
August 14, 2013
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Dominic Holland is starting over. He recently moved from London to Manhattan, leaving behind a dishonest jerk of a boyfriend and the house that he had worked so hard to make a home. He has only been in New York for two weeks and is sorting through hastily packed boxes and coming to terms with how his life has changed. Four trash bags later, and an afternoon of making his new apartment feel like home, he is excited to start his new life.
While biking to work one morning, his chain breaks and he is forced to use the subway. Once on the train, he notices an attractive man with silvery gray hair making casual glances in his direction. He chooses to take a chance and flirt back. The train is crowded and with a distraction caused by two men arguing, their flirting turns much more hands on. As the train slows and they begin to exit, they both pretend as if nothing has occurred and Dominic makes his way out of the station. He is grinning about the exchange and the risk he had just taken when his phone rings. It is his best friend, Callum, calling to tell him he will be coming to New York for a few days and would like to get together. He has important news to share with Dominic. As they chat, he feels a tap on his shoulder; it’s the silver-haired man from the train. He hands Dominic a note asking to meet later that night.
Dominic had met his new employer, Clive, in London once when Dominic was working for the London Herald. When Clive offers him a job in New York the timing is perfect. As the new entertainment writer his desk sits across from travel writer, Jackie. She and Dominic hit it off right away. Jackie is also British and helps alleviate some of Dominic’s homesickness. I loved the banter between Dominic and Jackie. There is also another person in the office that has taken an interest in Dominic. Alex is the deputy editor and a political writer. He welcomes Dominic and lets him know that he is also gay hoping to put Dominic at ease. This, it turns out, is not the case as Dominic finds Alex very attractive.
This main character may be Dominic, but it is the story of three men and, to a lesser extent, the friends and family surrounding them. Dominic has left a long-term relationship that ended badly. His ex, Richard, was dishonest, a coward and a cheater. Dominic is looking to rebuild his life and his self-esteem. Alex comes across as friendly, outgoing and honest. A particular political story he has been pursuing has become the focus of his life and it is not until later in the story that we understand why. Dominic finds Alex attractive, especially his honesty, but is not ready to get back into another committed relationship. The “Silver-haired” man is an unknown for most of the book. He appears to enjoy random hookups that involve risk, yet Dominic seems drawn to him. After one particularly risky rendezvous, something happens that has both men laughing and some real emotions leak through the anonymous sex. I admit I was a little concerned about the use of recreational drugs and risky sexual behavior between Dominic and the Silver-haired man but the author addresses one of those early on in the story and the other is just part of the risk taking that seems to be a turn on for both men.
Jackie tries to play matchmaker and orchestrates a trip that has Alex and Dominic working together on a story. We learn more about Alex’s past and why he is so focused on the story he is working on after an accident lands Dominic in the hospital. As the plot progresses I think I know the characters and where the story is going, then events occur and my opinion changes. I was intrigued. The story is not solely a romance but also contains political and social issues and I found myself wondering how I would react if placed in the same situation.
This is the first book I have read by Ben Ryder. I loved the vivid descriptions. They pulled me into the scenes and I was able to feel connected to the characters. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Dominic Holland is starting over. He recently moved from London to Manhattan, leaving behind a dishonest jerk of a boyfriend and the house that he had worked so hard to make a home. He has only been in New York for two weeks and is sorting through hastily packed boxes and coming to terms with how his life has changed. Four trash bags later, and an afternoon of making his new apartment feel like home, he is excited to start his new life.
While biking to work one morning, his chain breaks and he is forced to use the subway. Once on the train, he notices an attractive man with silvery gray hair making casual glances in his direction. He chooses to take a chance and flirt back. The train is crowded and with a distraction caused by two men arguing, their flirting turns much more hands on. As the train slows and they begin to exit, they both pretend as if nothing has occurred and Dominic makes his way out of the station. He is grinning about the exchange and the risk he had just taken when his phone rings. It is his best friend, Callum, calling to tell him he will be coming to New York for a few days and would like to get together. He has important news to share with Dominic. As they chat, he feels a tap on his shoulder; it’s the silver-haired man from the train. He hands Dominic a note asking to meet later that night.
Dominic had met his new employer, Clive, in London once when Dominic was working for the London Herald. When Clive offers him a job in New York the timing is perfect. As the new entertainment writer his desk sits across from travel writer, Jackie. She and Dominic hit it off right away. Jackie is also British and helps alleviate some of Dominic’s homesickness. I loved the banter between Dominic and Jackie. There is also another person in the office that has taken an interest in Dominic. Alex is the deputy editor and a political writer. He welcomes Dominic and lets him know that he is also gay hoping to put Dominic at ease. This, it turns out, is not the case as Dominic finds Alex very attractive.
This main character may be Dominic, but it is the story of three men and, to a lesser extent, the friends and family surrounding them. Dominic has left a long-term relationship that ended badly. His ex, Richard, was dishonest, a coward and a cheater. Dominic is looking to rebuild his life and his self-esteem. Alex comes across as friendly, outgoing and honest. A particular political story he has been pursuing has become the focus of his life and it is not until later in the story that we understand why. Dominic finds Alex attractive, especially his honesty, but is not ready to get back into another committed relationship. The “Silver-haired” man is an unknown for most of the book. He appears to enjoy random hookups that involve risk, yet Dominic seems drawn to him. After one particularly risky rendezvous, something happens that has both men laughing and some real emotions leak through the anonymous sex. I admit I was a little concerned about the use of recreational drugs and risky sexual behavior between Dominic and the Silver-haired man but the author addresses one of those early on in the story and the other is just part of the risk taking that seems to be a turn on for both men.
Jackie tries to play matchmaker and orchestrates a trip that has Alex and Dominic working together on a story. We learn more about Alex’s past and why he is so focused on the story he is working on after an accident lands Dominic in the hospital. As the plot progresses I think I know the characters and where the story is going, then events occur and my opinion changes. I was intrigued. The story is not solely a romance but also contains political and social issues and I found myself wondering how I would react if placed in the same situation.
This is the first book I have read by Ben Ryder. I loved the vivid descriptions. They pulled me into the scenes and I was able to feel connected to the characters. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.
August 15, 2013
3.5 Hearts
Review written for Mm Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Wow, such a weird story this one, it kept surprising me with its turns and twists. I don’t think I knew at any time what was going to come next or how the story would end, that by the way took me completely by surprise too.
Dominic has just ended his relationship of five years after a long time in misery with his ex culminated at finding out he’d been cheated for over two years. Insecurity and trust in his self effectively shot down.
He was fortunate enough to have found a job in Manhattan, New York and now is trying to make a new life for himself. A chance encounter in the subway leads to a number of some extremely risky and utterly hot sex with a man Dominic doesn’t even know the name of. The stranger, while quite hot, is a dangerous player and Dominic doesn’t think he’ll be able to follow through anymore.
At this point in the book I was left flabbergasted. You see every encounter Dominic had with the silver haired man (whom I’ll be calling silver fox from now on) was the epitome of risqué as they never once used a damn condom. The encounter in the woods at Central Park, the one in the Hotel’s outdoor staircase, and the last one on the rooftop, all of them did not include protection. Keep in mind they were complete stranger that didn’t even know each other’s names for crying out loud. So anyway, this was something that had me frowning at.
Moving on in the story Dominic is also drawn to a fellow colleague at the newspaper he’s working. Alex is such a nice guy Dominic can’t help but feel that they could be good together. Yes, the idea of a relationship leaves him quite cold as he still isn’t over his ex’s betrayal, but he doesn’t resist when Alex invites him to go on a rafting weekend together.
And here I am, thinking that I’ve finally found the thread of this story and have everything figured out, the plot, the romance and the end. Silly me, I was thrown on my bud literally the way this story turned again and evolved. It was quite interesting and hooking I admit. I loved the story. I loved the suspense. I came to think Alex was a complete idiot at one point and I absolutely adored how my favorite Silver Fox turned out in the end. But then I was left aghast that it ended. It’s a happily for now read and I didn’t like that. I felt as if many things were left hanging. The question “What happens next” is going on and on in my head and not leaving me in peace. I seriously hope there is a sequel to Dominic’s story, but I wonder how it would be since this book is part of a series. And if there isn’t a sequel to Dominic and the Silver Fox, or even Alex, well then I’m quite disappointed and not liking the feeling at all.
And before I go and work myself up, I will recommend this book to you. It’s totally readable as a standalone, funny and fun, hot and sexy, and written in a wonderful pace and style.
I only had one big question though that baffled me a bit. Why was this story placed in the year 2017?
Thommie
Addition the the original review:
So yes, I'm an utter moron sometimes. I can't believe that the fact this story is indeed set in near future when the HIV vaccine is finalized and Dominic has already been vaccinated hadn't sunk in and the true meaning of that fact was lost in me. Meh, I would have avoided a ton of angst on the character's behalf when they went bareback if my brain had registered that properly.
Other good news on this front, another novel is coming "Jackie's Boys" and it will include all the characters of the English Men Stories, and yes (a fact I'm jumping all over the place) my beloved Silver Fox is going to feature in it too.
Review written for Mm Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Wow, such a weird story this one, it kept surprising me with its turns and twists. I don’t think I knew at any time what was going to come next or how the story would end, that by the way took me completely by surprise too.
Dominic has just ended his relationship of five years after a long time in misery with his ex culminated at finding out he’d been cheated for over two years. Insecurity and trust in his self effectively shot down.
He was fortunate enough to have found a job in Manhattan, New York and now is trying to make a new life for himself. A chance encounter in the subway leads to a number of some extremely risky and utterly hot sex with a man Dominic doesn’t even know the name of. The stranger, while quite hot, is a dangerous player and Dominic doesn’t think he’ll be able to follow through anymore.
At this point in the book I was left flabbergasted. You see every encounter Dominic had with the silver haired man (whom I’ll be calling silver fox from now on) was the epitome of risqué as they never once used a damn condom. The encounter in the woods at Central Park, the one in the Hotel’s outdoor staircase, and the last one on the rooftop, all of them did not include protection. Keep in mind they were complete stranger that didn’t even know each other’s names for crying out loud. So anyway, this was something that had me frowning at.
Moving on in the story Dominic is also drawn to a fellow colleague at the newspaper he’s working. Alex is such a nice guy Dominic can’t help but feel that they could be good together. Yes, the idea of a relationship leaves him quite cold as he still isn’t over his ex’s betrayal, but he doesn’t resist when Alex invites him to go on a rafting weekend together.
And here I am, thinking that I’ve finally found the thread of this story and have everything figured out, the plot, the romance and the end. Silly me, I was thrown on my bud literally the way this story turned again and evolved. It was quite interesting and hooking I admit. I loved the story. I loved the suspense. I came to think Alex was a complete idiot at one point and I absolutely adored how my favorite Silver Fox turned out in the end. But then I was left aghast that it ended. It’s a happily for now read and I didn’t like that. I felt as if many things were left hanging. The question “What happens next” is going on and on in my head and not leaving me in peace. I seriously hope there is a sequel to Dominic’s story, but I wonder how it would be since this book is part of a series. And if there isn’t a sequel to Dominic and the Silver Fox, or even Alex, well then I’m quite disappointed and not liking the feeling at all.
And before I go and work myself up, I will recommend this book to you. It’s totally readable as a standalone, funny and fun, hot and sexy, and written in a wonderful pace and style.
I only had one big question though that baffled me a bit. Why was this story placed in the year 2017?
Thommie
Addition the the original review:
So yes, I'm an utter moron sometimes. I can't believe that the fact this story is indeed set in near future when the HIV vaccine is finalized and Dominic has already been vaccinated hadn't sunk in and the true meaning of that fact was lost in me. Meh, I would have avoided a ton of angst on the character's behalf when they went bareback if my brain had registered that properly.
Other good news on this front, another novel is coming "Jackie's Boys" and it will include all the characters of the English Men Stories, and yes (a fact I'm jumping all over the place) my beloved Silver Fox is going to feature in it too.
January 28, 2018
Perfect Finale!
Series reading should be an Olympic sport. If it was, I'd medal in it all the way. I love series reading, especially when it's a long, long, long series with no end in sight. I usually get a little anxious when I realize a read is a trilogy instead of a long series only because I find trilogies have a certain rhythm to them I've come to expect to be disappointing.
Book One will be fabulous! I definitely loved Noah enough to have the trend continue with the Englishmen Stories.
Book Two will be walking somewhere! Everyone is walking somewhere and no one gets anywhere until the very end and then it's over! It's The Two Towers curse from Tolkien. Seriously. I really believe this is true for almost all trilogies I read and Side Line was a let down from the first book only serving to tie together book one and book three.
Book Three will---win or lose.
That's the tricky part of a trilogy for me: the final book.
Sometimes I get the bad ending where things come together yet nothing quite adds up to a full flush which leaves me feeling as if the potential a story has had was never reached. I hate that feeling more than I hate knowing one of my favorite series has come to an end.
I can tolerate the end of an era in fiction if it's good because it's nice to know sometimes? The story may be over, but it's over in the best way it can possibly be for everyone involved. I can honestly say I couldn't have dreamed up a better finale for The Englishman Stories than Released.
Callum's friend he lost touch with? It turns out he's the journalist Dominic who has finally broken things off with his partner who was so atrocious.
Jay's assistant Jackie who I loved so very much? She's married to a millionaire real estate mogul and living in New York where she works for The New York Ledger doing the Travel section. What could be more perfect for her?
Callum and Noah are together, happy, and things have worked out phenomenally for them both. I was angry over the new owner's words against Noah as a gay player, but it worked out for the best when we finally get to the big reveal on who Dominic's Mystery Man has been all along and wow was that a surprise!
Released had enough kinky public sex acts for an entire trilogy. There was such fun involved in the sex I couldn't help laughing along with Dominic and cackling with Jackie as she got regaled with his antics. I kept thinking "I never knew English guys were that into public indecency!" I know that sounds ridiculous, but I kept picturing the James Bond type guy with the mysterious smile who disappears without a trace instead of the guy who nearly gets caught on the subway, in a stairwell, and on a rooftop. Hell, he did get caught in Central Park! Dominic and his Mystery Man were fearless!
I loved the way Released wrapped everyone's story up. I love knowing these guys have a good future for them with their friends who really are like an extended family. I just loved this final book to this trilogy. I couldn't recommend it more highly if I tried.
Series reading should be an Olympic sport. If it was, I'd medal in it all the way. I love series reading, especially when it's a long, long, long series with no end in sight. I usually get a little anxious when I realize a read is a trilogy instead of a long series only because I find trilogies have a certain rhythm to them I've come to expect to be disappointing.
Book One will be fabulous! I definitely loved Noah enough to have the trend continue with the Englishmen Stories.
Book Two will be walking somewhere! Everyone is walking somewhere and no one gets anywhere until the very end and then it's over! It's The Two Towers curse from Tolkien. Seriously. I really believe this is true for almost all trilogies I read and Side Line was a let down from the first book only serving to tie together book one and book three.
Book Three will---win or lose.
That's the tricky part of a trilogy for me: the final book.
Sometimes I get the bad ending where things come together yet nothing quite adds up to a full flush which leaves me feeling as if the potential a story has had was never reached. I hate that feeling more than I hate knowing one of my favorite series has come to an end.
I can tolerate the end of an era in fiction if it's good because it's nice to know sometimes? The story may be over, but it's over in the best way it can possibly be for everyone involved. I can honestly say I couldn't have dreamed up a better finale for The Englishman Stories than Released.
Callum's friend he lost touch with? It turns out he's the journalist Dominic who has finally broken things off with his partner who was so atrocious.
Jay's assistant Jackie who I loved so very much? She's married to a millionaire real estate mogul and living in New York where she works for The New York Ledger doing the Travel section. What could be more perfect for her?
Callum and Noah are together, happy, and things have worked out phenomenally for them both. I was angry over the new owner's words against Noah as a gay player, but it worked out for the best when we finally get to the big reveal on who Dominic's Mystery Man has been all along and wow was that a surprise!
Released had enough kinky public sex acts for an entire trilogy. There was such fun involved in the sex I couldn't help laughing along with Dominic and cackling with Jackie as she got regaled with his antics. I kept thinking "I never knew English guys were that into public indecency!" I know that sounds ridiculous, but I kept picturing the James Bond type guy with the mysterious smile who disappears without a trace instead of the guy who nearly gets caught on the subway, in a stairwell, and on a rooftop. Hell, he did get caught in Central Park! Dominic and his Mystery Man were fearless!
I loved the way Released wrapped everyone's story up. I love knowing these guys have a good future for them with their friends who really are like an extended family. I just loved this final book to this trilogy. I couldn't recommend it more highly if I tried.
February 22, 2014
Having read all three of the books in Ben Ryder’s English Men Stories series so far, I must say that this one is my favorite. The writing is tighter, it seems to flow more smoothly. The plot is more even and things unravel at an even pace without random events seeming to come from nowhere. Not to say I didn’t like the first two books. I gave Noah four stars and Side Line three.
One of the great things about Released is that it brings back the characters from the first two books. It wraps up the loose ends for Noah & Callum and Damon & Jay. Also, Jackie, who I felt was the strongest character in Side Line is a more central character in Released. Confused? If you are, you’ll have to read all three books. And book number four which I have to assume is coming because Mr. Ryder did not end this one to my satisfaction! Can’t say more without giving away important details.
Dominic has just moved to New York City from London. He has gotten a new job, but also fled from his emotionally abusive cheating dog of a boyfriend of five years. All that remains of their relationship is to sell the house they co-own and split the proceeds.
Dominic’s new job is at a small New York daily paper. He works with Jackie and they become fast friends. He is attracted to Alex, another gay man working at the paper, but it has only been two weeks since he left Richard and he’s not ready to date. Alex has been working for almost a year on a story regarding the alleged illegal activities of Howard Johannson, the CEO of one of the largest companies in the world. Johannson is publicly and loudly anti LGBT rights.
Not long after arriving in New York, Dominic meets a handsome stranger on the subway. They hook up several times for illicit, risky sexual encounters. They never even exchange names, just anonymous e-mail accounts.
When Alex and Dominic go to a white water rafting business about five hours outside of the city to review it for the paper, they share a lot of personal information. Alex tells Dominic about his lover, Ted, who died in an accident while picking up their wedding rings. He also explains why he holds Johannson personally responsible for Ted’s death. Dominic tells Alex about Richard and how his control of Dominic and later, his cheating, drove Dominic to move to New York.
Everything comes together at the retirement party for Noah (from book one) which is sponsored by Side Line Beer (from book two) and attended by Jay & Damon, Noah & Callum, Alex & Dominic and Jackie. Also in attendance is the new owner of the hockey team from which Noah is retiring, Howard Johannson and his son, Reed. I know, it’s a lot of people and it’s hard to remember them all. Just read the books, problem solved.
The characters introduced in Released are more accessible than in the first two books in the series. It was awesome to get to know Jackie a little better, as her role in Side Line was small. I can only hope she has an even larger role in book four, because she is great. She’s the glue that holds all these guys together. Well, I just did a little checking and it turns out that the title of book four is: Jackie's Boys - A Tale of Two Weddings. I guess it’s safe to assume her role will be bigger. In a blog post Ryder says that in the upcoming release, Jackie plans two weddings. But whose weddings?
I really enjoyed this book. The previously introduced guys seemed like old friends. Dominic and Alex seemed like instant friends. I have noticed growth and improvement (IMHO) in Ryder’s work as this series has progressed. If these books just keep getting better, I can’t imagine what he has planned for number four. Yes, I am looking forward to number four! Have you picked up on that? Strongly recommended.
One of the great things about Released is that it brings back the characters from the first two books. It wraps up the loose ends for Noah & Callum and Damon & Jay. Also, Jackie, who I felt was the strongest character in Side Line is a more central character in Released. Confused? If you are, you’ll have to read all three books. And book number four which I have to assume is coming because Mr. Ryder did not end this one to my satisfaction! Can’t say more without giving away important details.
Dominic has just moved to New York City from London. He has gotten a new job, but also fled from his emotionally abusive cheating dog of a boyfriend of five years. All that remains of their relationship is to sell the house they co-own and split the proceeds.
Dominic’s new job is at a small New York daily paper. He works with Jackie and they become fast friends. He is attracted to Alex, another gay man working at the paper, but it has only been two weeks since he left Richard and he’s not ready to date. Alex has been working for almost a year on a story regarding the alleged illegal activities of Howard Johannson, the CEO of one of the largest companies in the world. Johannson is publicly and loudly anti LGBT rights.
Not long after arriving in New York, Dominic meets a handsome stranger on the subway. They hook up several times for illicit, risky sexual encounters. They never even exchange names, just anonymous e-mail accounts.
When Alex and Dominic go to a white water rafting business about five hours outside of the city to review it for the paper, they share a lot of personal information. Alex tells Dominic about his lover, Ted, who died in an accident while picking up their wedding rings. He also explains why he holds Johannson personally responsible for Ted’s death. Dominic tells Alex about Richard and how his control of Dominic and later, his cheating, drove Dominic to move to New York.
Everything comes together at the retirement party for Noah (from book one) which is sponsored by Side Line Beer (from book two) and attended by Jay & Damon, Noah & Callum, Alex & Dominic and Jackie. Also in attendance is the new owner of the hockey team from which Noah is retiring, Howard Johannson and his son, Reed. I know, it’s a lot of people and it’s hard to remember them all. Just read the books, problem solved.
The characters introduced in Released are more accessible than in the first two books in the series. It was awesome to get to know Jackie a little better, as her role in Side Line was small. I can only hope she has an even larger role in book four, because she is great. She’s the glue that holds all these guys together. Well, I just did a little checking and it turns out that the title of book four is: Jackie's Boys - A Tale of Two Weddings. I guess it’s safe to assume her role will be bigger. In a blog post Ryder says that in the upcoming release, Jackie plans two weddings. But whose weddings?
I really enjoyed this book. The previously introduced guys seemed like old friends. Dominic and Alex seemed like instant friends. I have noticed growth and improvement (IMHO) in Ryder’s work as this series has progressed. If these books just keep getting better, I can’t imagine what he has planned for number four. Yes, I am looking forward to number four! Have you picked up on that? Strongly recommended.
August 21, 2013
Ben Ryder is my new author crush. All three of these Englishmen stories hit me right in the feels. Released is probably the most plot-heavy of them all, and it's a wonderfully intricate one at that; it ends up in places I never would have expected from the opening pages. Released also reintroduces all of the main characters from the two previous stories (Noah and Side Line) in touching ways, ways which are setting up the forthcoming full-length novel from Ryder nicely.
I also continue to be impressed by the ways Ryder uses social issues in his stories to raise questions about contemporary society and the LGBT community: coming out in professional sports, physical abuse, being gay in the military, and now, in Released, marriage equality, self-hate and media conservativism. These are not your typical M/M romances, and I love that about them.
I also continue to be impressed by the ways Ryder uses social issues in his stories to raise questions about contemporary society and the LGBT community: coming out in professional sports, physical abuse, being gay in the military, and now, in Released, marriage equality, self-hate and media conservativism. These are not your typical M/M romances, and I love that about them.
September 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The previously introduced guys seemed like old friends. Dominic and Alex seemed like instant friends. I have noticed growth and improvement (IMHO) in Ryder’s work as this series has progressed. If these books just keep getting better, I can’t imagine what he has planned for number four. Yes, I am looking forward to number four! Have you picked up on that? Strongly recommended.
You can read the rest of Tina's review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of Tina's review at The Novel Approach
August 15, 2013
Jackie is back! Hooray! Great story that briefly includes characters from the Noah and Side Line. I wondered where the author was going with the books as they didn't seem connected at all, but it's beginning to make sense now. I hope there is another story, but Ben Ryder's listing on Goodreads ends with Released. Anyone know if there's another on the horizon?
August 27, 2013
NOW I WISH I READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS OF BEN RYDER!!! I knew they're like spin-off novels because of their covers! I wish I trusted my gut.
Ok... Lets get back with Released. I, personally proud with this book.
I love that its not focused on romance, though I wish Dom and Reed will end up together.
Im really going to get my copy of the first two books and read them!!!
@gleekidMC
Ok... Lets get back with Released. I, personally proud with this book.
I love that its not focused on romance, though I wish Dom and Reed will end up together.
Im really going to get my copy of the first two books and read them!!!
@gleekidMC
October 5, 2020
Such a realistic portrayal of ordinary everyday gay people. Not a typical m/m romance, but there's a hint of HEA. Loved it.
August 13, 2016
I like that the author brought back all of the main characters from Side Line and Noah. I was especially happy to see Jackie back for round 2. That said, I felt that this book was entirely too short.
I wanted to see more development of Dominic as well as Ryder. The story felt hurried and compressed when I was hoping for more of a novel. Tell me what's going on with these characters, make us relate to them, and give us a full story. I like that Dominic wasn't perfect and that things weren't exactly rosy, but come on .. give us a bone.
Also, what the heck happened to Peter?
I enjoy the author's tone, solid editing, and writing style. I just don't like how things seem to rush and then end quickly. Maybe I just need a bit more foreplay ;-) before getting down to business.
I wanted to see more development of Dominic as well as Ryder. The story felt hurried and compressed when I was hoping for more of a novel. Tell me what's going on with these characters, make us relate to them, and give us a full story. I like that Dominic wasn't perfect and that things weren't exactly rosy, but come on .. give us a bone.
Also, what the heck happened to Peter?
I enjoy the author's tone, solid editing, and writing style. I just don't like how things seem to rush and then end quickly. Maybe I just need a bit more foreplay ;-) before getting down to business.
August 15, 2013
Dominic Holland is starting over. He recently moved from London to Manhattan, leaving behind a dishonest jerk of a boyfriend and the house that he had worked so hard to make a home. He has only been in New York for two weeks and is sorting through hastily packed boxes and coming to terms with how his life has changed. Four trash bags later, and an afternoon of making his new apartment feel like home, he is excited to start his new life.
To see the full review please go to:
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To see the full review please go to:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
August 24, 2013
The best of the 3 novellas, with richer plot than the 2 previous installments. A bit too short for my taste, I would have loved to read more about all those characters.
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