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Running Deer and Hidden Badger
Dear Author,
I didn’t want this at first. I don’t want to be vulnerable. I don’t want to be weak. I don’t want to lose myself.
But I’m here with him now, and I just feel so… safe.
I know it’s not on the picture (I couldn’t find one that fit what’s in my head) but if you give the boyfriend/love interest/whatever we call him long hair I’ll be ever so happy. If you make him Native American I’ll send millions of virtual kisses your way :)
Photo Description:
Two young men in white T-shirts snuggle contentedly, asleep together in a narrow bed. Both are fit and tanned, as if they work outside a great deal.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
I didn’t want this at first. I don’t want to be vulnerable. I don’t want to be weak. I don’t want to lose myself.
But I’m here with him now, and I just feel so… safe.
I know it’s not on the picture (I couldn’t find one that fit what’s in my head) but if you give the boyfriend/love interest/whatever we call him long hair I’ll be ever so happy. If you make him Native American I’ll send millions of virtual kisses your way :)
Photo Description:
Two young men in white T-shirts snuggle contentedly, asleep together in a narrow bed. Both are fit and tanned, as if they work outside a great deal.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
141 pages, ebook
First published September 8, 2013
3 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
K.D. Sarge
20 books121 followersKD Sarge writes for joy and hope, and works for a living. She has tried her hand at many endeavors, including Governess of the Children, Grand Director of the Drive-Through, and Dispatcher of the Tow Trucks. Currently KD labors appreciated but underpaid in the public school system.
Past accomplishments include surviving eight one-year-olds for eight hours alone (she lasted about ten months), driving a twenty-foot truck from Ohio to Arizona by way of *shudder* Oklahoma, and making a six-pack of tacos in twenty-three seconds.
Writing achievements include the Weightiest First Draft Ever (this title is in contention), as well as nine other, much lighter, completed novels. She has five universes under construction, writes science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, smut (in many genres), and means to one day undertake a cosy mystery. She is an active participant on two writing forums. KD has won NaNoWriMo five times and NaNoEdMo once. A widow, KD lives in Arizona with three children, two of them furred and all of them demanding.
Past accomplishments include surviving eight one-year-olds for eight hours alone (she lasted about ten months), driving a twenty-foot truck from Ohio to Arizona by way of *shudder* Oklahoma, and making a six-pack of tacos in twenty-three seconds.
Writing achievements include the Weightiest First Draft Ever (this title is in contention), as well as nine other, much lighter, completed novels. She has five universes under construction, writes science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, smut (in many genres), and means to one day undertake a cosy mystery. She is an active participant on two writing forums. KD has won NaNoWriMo five times and NaNoEdMo once. A widow, KD lives in Arizona with three children, two of them furred and all of them demanding.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 13, 2016
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries Anthology: Volume 10. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
3.5 stars The first half was a full-on 4 star. I like both guys, I liked learning about the farm and then people who worked on it and lived there. But I'll admit it started dragging a little and I would have liked a little earlier/more physical progression to their relationship. At page 107 out of 110 I said out-loud, "this can't be right, there's no way this is ending it 3 pages." But it did. So after all the stress Cal was under with the ranch, the solution was a little too simple, or at least too quick and I think it could have continued further , given how much time we invested in the boys and the ranch.
Little things that were left out that would have made the story feel more complete:
1) Cal mentioned that Jonathan looked of Native American decent but Jon never confirmed it until way later and I feel like something should have been said about it. Is he 100%, is that his absentee father's heritage or the mom, she called him something that was not Jonathan and it seemed like he had Americanized his name?
2) Jonathan's past. WTF? Some dead best friend was mentioned and alluded to but never explained. I feel like a chapter got cut somewhere.
3) Preston. This was just never really wrapped up. He sent flowers, tried to email but Cal ignored them, so he just went away? So what was the point of his existence at all?
September 8, 2013
Not surprisingly, KD has written another wonderful story for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's annual DRitC event. This is a warm, touching story as the two men discover what is really important in their lives - the love of their partner and family. It is being able to help create a book such as this that makes all the event's hard work seem worthwhile. Thanks KD!
December 17, 2020
3.5 stars
I really liked this and could have easily rounded up to four stars. And probably would have if it had been longer. I have discovered I have a thing for ranch-life romances, the more ranch details the better, and the slow-burn development between these two was lovely.
This is my second book by this author, and each time I've finished thinking I need to read more of hers. I won't wait so long next time.
I really liked this and could have easily rounded up to four stars. And probably would have if it had been longer. I have discovered I have a thing for ranch-life romances, the more ranch details the better, and the slow-burn development between these two was lovely.
This is my second book by this author, and each time I've finished thinking I need to read more of hers. I won't wait so long next time.
September 8, 2013
5+ stars
Loved this! Just the sweetest writing that makes me want to weep for it.
The sensuality and gentle humor is amazing. And the imagery... (reminds me a little of Cormac McCarthy, yes, I said that). I felt like I was actually on a horse riding the Texas prairie or staring up at the broad, star-lit night sky, or running from a double twister, or dust-covered and sweaty, walking down to the swimming hole. Gorgeous stuff.
Sarge’s Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells remains one of my favorites from last year’s event and this one looks destined to be as well. I think it's even better.
AND there’s an Animorphs reference, how geeky-cool is that!
January 11, 2018
Finished with a whimper I thought, just kind of petered out, didn't really get to see how he saved the ranch. Very sweet and very little sex.
September 9, 2013
Completely wonderful sweet m/m cowboy romance. <3
Thank you elizabetta, for the rec, this book made my day.
Thank you elizabetta, for the rec, this book made my day.
November 25, 2013
Well now I’m pissed! It’s over! ☹ This book is fantastic! This was such a realistic tale of ranch life and family it may have just moved to my favorite ranch story yet. There wasn’t any sort of glamorizing of the life or making things too easy. I loved the slow build of this novel. Soooooooo good!
Cal wanted to go away to school, to prove he could do it, be away from the ranch that he loves. But hearing that his mother is struggling after getting injured changes his plans for the summer in an instant. No Europe, he’s headed home to help out. Being back in Texas and on the family ranch though changes everything. Things aren’t working very smoothly anymore and having been away makes Cal realize he really doesn’t want to be anywhere else. He’s staying and he’s going to get things back on track. Lusting after the new greenhorn ranch hand his mother hired isn’t going to help.
Joseph left LA after some rough times, he’s always thought the idea of being a cowboy and working on a ranch was romantic and just like the movies. Unfortunately he’s found it’s more just a lot of hard work. But it’s beautiful out there and when the boss’ son comes home and is willing to take the time to explain things to him, it’s fast becoming work he enjoys. Cal even indulges him in his love of photography, never complaining if he takes a quick break to shoot off a couple of shots. Now if only he could ignore the rather desperate crush he’s developing on his assumed to be straight boss.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this story! The ranch, the people, the dust, it was all so real. This story may have been light on the romance and heavy on the plot, but it was so brilliantly written and I fell in love with the struggles. Plus I so enjoyed the quiet getting to know each other that Cal and Joseph were doing working side by side every day. The time they spent together mattered and they grew closer because of it. It’s not easy being gay in a place like Texas and I liked how even when it came to light how they both were feeling it didn’t become a big to do with everyone else yet. They’re still trying to figure it all out.
As first kisses go though, this one’s a doozy! Hello dark cellar, crowded in with horses (which was a little difficult to figure out because getting a horse into a place like that would realistically nigh on impossible, especially in those conditions. But I’ll forgive this one cause it made for interesting story.), while a tornado rips overhead. Yet, in the writing, and for these two, everything narrowed to just the two of them and it was beautiful.
If I had one big complaint it’s that this story is over too soon. I would love to see how this relationship really develops and exists in the world they live in. Here it’s just the hint of what could possibly be. I wanted to see home of Joseph’s relationship with his mom, and real answers to how everything will come together to save the ranch. I want to know more about Joseph’s life and what all happened to get him to leave LA. I want to see boys dealing with Cal’s niece on the ranch and how it goes when the rest of the hands find out about them. I want to see Cal’s mom come home from the hospital and be ok with the help she’s getting. I want to see them succeed at everything, most especially their relationship with each other. It’s all there in my head, the potential for amazing for the two and I want to read it. I’m happy with where things are, but I’M GREEDY ! I WANT MORE!
This story was beautifully poetic and so real I couldn’t ask for anything more in a cowboy story. The people were human and the work hard. This story was amazingly touching and really shows the love of family. It cares about the history of things and their importance in our world today. It doesn’t get much better in my book unless it was about 100+ pages longer. :D
Cal wanted to go away to school, to prove he could do it, be away from the ranch that he loves. But hearing that his mother is struggling after getting injured changes his plans for the summer in an instant. No Europe, he’s headed home to help out. Being back in Texas and on the family ranch though changes everything. Things aren’t working very smoothly anymore and having been away makes Cal realize he really doesn’t want to be anywhere else. He’s staying and he’s going to get things back on track. Lusting after the new greenhorn ranch hand his mother hired isn’t going to help.
Joseph left LA after some rough times, he’s always thought the idea of being a cowboy and working on a ranch was romantic and just like the movies. Unfortunately he’s found it’s more just a lot of hard work. But it’s beautiful out there and when the boss’ son comes home and is willing to take the time to explain things to him, it’s fast becoming work he enjoys. Cal even indulges him in his love of photography, never complaining if he takes a quick break to shoot off a couple of shots. Now if only he could ignore the rather desperate crush he’s developing on his assumed to be straight boss.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this story! The ranch, the people, the dust, it was all so real. This story may have been light on the romance and heavy on the plot, but it was so brilliantly written and I fell in love with the struggles. Plus I so enjoyed the quiet getting to know each other that Cal and Joseph were doing working side by side every day. The time they spent together mattered and they grew closer because of it. It’s not easy being gay in a place like Texas and I liked how even when it came to light how they both were feeling it didn’t become a big to do with everyone else yet. They’re still trying to figure it all out.
As first kisses go though, this one’s a doozy! Hello dark cellar, crowded in with horses (which was a little difficult to figure out because getting a horse into a place like that would realistically nigh on impossible, especially in those conditions. But I’ll forgive this one cause it made for interesting story.), while a tornado rips overhead. Yet, in the writing, and for these two, everything narrowed to just the two of them and it was beautiful.
If I had one big complaint it’s that this story is over too soon. I would love to see how this relationship really develops and exists in the world they live in. Here it’s just the hint of what could possibly be. I wanted to see home of Joseph’s relationship with his mom, and real answers to how everything will come together to save the ranch. I want to know more about Joseph’s life and what all happened to get him to leave LA. I want to see boys dealing with Cal’s niece on the ranch and how it goes when the rest of the hands find out about them. I want to see Cal’s mom come home from the hospital and be ok with the help she’s getting. I want to see them succeed at everything, most especially their relationship with each other. It’s all there in my head, the potential for amazing for the two and I want to read it. I’m happy with where things are, but I’M GREEDY ! I WANT MORE!
This story was beautifully poetic and so real I couldn’t ask for anything more in a cowboy story. The people were human and the work hard. This story was amazingly touching and really shows the love of family. It cares about the history of things and their importance in our world today. It doesn’t get much better in my book unless it was about 100+ pages longer. :D
November 16, 2013
Short, sweet, and incomplete. 3.5 stars.
In this cowboy romance, Cal comes home to Texas after going away to college for a year, and when he realizes that the family ranch will fall apart if he doesn't stay and hold it together, he decides that he isn't going back. So he breaks up with his college boyfriend, rolls up his sleeves, and starts working to save the ranch. There is a pleasant distraction, though -- Joseph. He is a brand new hand who works hard, but is clueless about ranching, and the two men grow close as Cal shows him how to survive in his new job. Predictable things happen -- we see galloping rides across the prairie, a close encounter with a tarantula, and a near-death brush with twin tornadoes, complete with an escape into a cellar and a hot kiss, given solely because, "I thought we were going to die!" (Sure, it's cliched, but this is genre romance -- what do you want?) Cal and Joseph are falling in love.
There were a few problems with the story. First, I didn't like Cal's use of dialect. Even though the author makes it pretty clear that Cal can slip in and out of it when he wishes, it seemed like his insistence on using it was intended to make a point about his loyalty to the ranch. I found that frustrating because one need not sound uneducated in order to maintain fidelity to one's heritage. Reading it took me out of the story too many times. Second, I felt the emotion coming in waves from Joseph, but I didn't really feel it coming from Cal, so the romance was a bit unsatisfying. Third, they didn't even kiss until very far into the story, which would have been okay if the love story had ultimately felt complete. Most of this novel, however, was a story about holding onto a ranch in the face of potentially insurmountable bills; very little was a satisfying romance.
Nonetheless, the story was good enough that I want more. I hope that K.D. Sarge will either expand it or write a sequel -- I want to see where this relationship goes.
In this cowboy romance, Cal comes home to Texas after going away to college for a year, and when he realizes that the family ranch will fall apart if he doesn't stay and hold it together, he decides that he isn't going back. So he breaks up with his college boyfriend, rolls up his sleeves, and starts working to save the ranch. There is a pleasant distraction, though -- Joseph. He is a brand new hand who works hard, but is clueless about ranching, and the two men grow close as Cal shows him how to survive in his new job. Predictable things happen -- we see galloping rides across the prairie, a close encounter with a tarantula, and a near-death brush with twin tornadoes, complete with an escape into a cellar and a hot kiss, given solely because, "I thought we were going to die!" (Sure, it's cliched, but this is genre romance -- what do you want?) Cal and Joseph are falling in love.
There were a few problems with the story. First, I didn't like Cal's use of dialect. Even though the author makes it pretty clear that Cal can slip in and out of it when he wishes, it seemed like his insistence on using it was intended to make a point about his loyalty to the ranch. I found that frustrating because one need not sound uneducated in order to maintain fidelity to one's heritage. Reading it took me out of the story too many times. Second, I felt the emotion coming in waves from Joseph, but I didn't really feel it coming from Cal, so the romance was a bit unsatisfying. Third, they didn't even kiss until very far into the story, which would have been okay if the love story had ultimately felt complete. Most of this novel, however, was a story about holding onto a ranch in the face of potentially insurmountable bills; very little was a satisfying romance.
Nonetheless, the story was good enough that I want more. I hope that K.D. Sarge will either expand it or write a sequel -- I want to see where this relationship goes.
February 3, 2018
This is really good, the author either knows ranches or did her research. Working the ranch, side characters who added colour while staying in the background, family drama, history, elements at play, slow build of attraction. Got drawn in and enjoyed the story, but then it ended as if she ran out of time. It felt unfinished and there were things tucked in there that weren't developed.
Jonathan's past is never explored, what made him come to the ranch; what the story with his friend was, why guns drew his attention, his heritage, what his name is even - his mother calls him something else.
Preston - he didn't seem a bad person, simply unsuited I felt for him but then there was an attempt to make him something else as if him having money meant he couldn't be a decent guy. Then he was forgotten, despite the big gestures that ultimately meant nothing.
Brother Lyle, not sure if he's meant to be unscrupulous or a realist, he was being practical though the news was bad and in his way looking out for his family - until suddenly he turned up with his icey-wife, glossy chocolate-box family and there's a nasty vibe.
And was everything saved? Did the insurance pay out? What did they sell? A solution was voiced but we don't see them working to save things. The relationship had barely been introduced and gets no time to develop.
It's strong through but ends meh! such a shame, would love to see this further developed into a book so we get the complete story.
Jonathan's past is never explored, what made him come to the ranch; what the story with his friend was, why guns drew his attention, his heritage, what his name is even - his mother calls him something else.
Preston - he didn't seem a bad person, simply unsuited I felt for him but then there was an attempt to make him something else as if him having money meant he couldn't be a decent guy. Then he was forgotten, despite the big gestures that ultimately meant nothing.
Brother Lyle, not sure if he's meant to be unscrupulous or a realist, he was being practical though the news was bad and in his way looking out for his family - until suddenly he turned up with his icey-wife, glossy chocolate-box family and there's a nasty vibe.
And was everything saved? Did the insurance pay out? What did they sell? A solution was voiced but we don't see them working to save things. The relationship had barely been introduced and gets no time to develop.
It's strong through but ends meh! such a shame, would love to see this further developed into a book so we get the complete story.
November 7, 2014
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 because it's free. A sweet story between two very likeable guys. I really liked that Joseph (the tenderfoot) was very willing to work and to learn everything about being a cowboy. I liked the slowly unfolding romance between him and Cal, and my only real complaint is the same as other reviewers--I would have loved it to go on further.
I would pay to read a sequel to this story that continues on with the guys exploring their relationshp, . But, really, for a free story this one is very full, detailed, and has great characters.
I would pay to read a sequel to this story that continues on with the guys exploring their relationshp, . But, really, for a free story this one is very full, detailed, and has great characters.
June 16, 2015
I don't usually like slow-burn with out a payout at the end and sweet-no-sex stories must make sense (no fade to black please) or it's not worth reading for me (call me what you will, I like me some sexy times). That being said, I really enjoyed this story, even though I saw the solution to their problems early on. I like how they got to know each other, I like that each one had something to bring to the table. I would have liked to know more about Joseph and what brought him to Texas - there were hints but nothing concrete. Their, relationship was a logical progression. The sweet-no-sex made sense. Had the story continued further into their relationship, that would be a different thing :D
March 2, 2014
A beautiful story where we got to know the characters really well and be part of their lives, making ends meet on a ranch.
The story was so sweet and rich that I completely didn't notice there was no sex in it. I felt like we were just peeking into their lives for just a brief moment. But what a moment it was.
The story was so sweet and rich that I completely didn't notice there was no sex in it. I felt like we were just peeking into their lives for just a brief moment. But what a moment it was.
September 22, 2016
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story. I wish, one day, it will be expanded into a full length book.
I really enjoyed this story. I wish, one day, it will be expanded into a full length book.
May 13, 2014
Don't get me wrong, I love K.D. Sarge's science fiction, but why oh why doesn't she write more contemporary? I want more of her cowboys. Especially, I want more of these cowboys.
June 11, 2020
4.5 stars
Cal returns home from his first year of school because his brother tells him that things aren't going well at the ranch after his mother has an operation. His mother has hired a new hand, Joseph, a tenderfoot. Cal is instantly attracted, but knows that he can't be out in Texas, so hides his attraction.
Joseph, for his part, thought it would be romantic to be a cowboy. He has no idea how hard people work on a ranch, although he is willing to do everything that is asked of him. Although Joseph isn't in the closet, he is cautious, as this is rural Texas, rather than L.A. where he grew up, and finds himself wishing that Cal was gay.
This was very sweet, with the ranching aspect of things portrayed realistically. It is hard work from morning to night, something always needs to be repaired or looked after, and animals don't run on a 9-5 schedule. Ranching can be a 24-7 job, and is definitely 7 days a week. I also found the ranch hands realistic, in that they will help you if asked once they show you how to do a thing once, but will not check on you unless you mention something. Basically, if someone wants to learn something, they either have to follow the hands around, or ask if they can learn something, because everyone is too busy to think of offering to teach something.
The interactions between the brothers was also believable, especially since Lyle didn't like the ranch, so that was all that he could see. He couldn't see that Cal and his mother lived for the ranch.
I think my only issue with this was the fact that there didn't seem to be a resolution to Joseph and Cal being together. It was just kind of "yeah, we're going to be together forever, and we'll keep it secret".
Cal returns home from his first year of school because his brother tells him that things aren't going well at the ranch after his mother has an operation. His mother has hired a new hand, Joseph, a tenderfoot. Cal is instantly attracted, but knows that he can't be out in Texas, so hides his attraction.
Joseph, for his part, thought it would be romantic to be a cowboy. He has no idea how hard people work on a ranch, although he is willing to do everything that is asked of him. Although Joseph isn't in the closet, he is cautious, as this is rural Texas, rather than L.A. where he grew up, and finds himself wishing that Cal was gay.
This was very sweet, with the ranching aspect of things portrayed realistically. It is hard work from morning to night, something always needs to be repaired or looked after, and animals don't run on a 9-5 schedule. Ranching can be a 24-7 job, and is definitely 7 days a week. I also found the ranch hands realistic, in that they will help you if asked once they show you how to do a thing once, but will not check on you unless you mention something. Basically, if someone wants to learn something, they either have to follow the hands around, or ask if they can learn something, because everyone is too busy to think of offering to teach something.
The interactions between the brothers was also believable, especially since Lyle didn't like the ranch, so that was all that he could see. He couldn't see that Cal and his mother lived for the ranch.
I think my only issue with this was the fact that there didn't seem to be a resolution to Joseph and Cal being together. It was just kind of "yeah, we're going to be together forever, and we'll keep it secret".
March 17, 2018
On one hand, I really enjoyed this story. There were elements of it that were very sweet and the two MCs very endearing. It also provided a glimse of how difficult it still is to be one’s true self in many parts of the country.
But, on the other hand, there were too many little things adding up my dislikes. The story just seemed to end just as it was really getting good. Cal and Joseph are finally starting to get their budding relationship moving, there’s promise of saving the ranch, and Cal’s wonderful mom was on the mend; then....nothing. Just a quick unsatifying HFN. This ending would be ok if there was a sequel; but, there is none. Also, why was there no discussion about Joseph’s heritige? This was supposed to be about white cowboy and Native American ranch hand falling for eachother. We had scene after scene discribing the history of the MacGreggor’s and Cal’s heritige, but nothing about Joseph’s. Wasn’t Joseph even the least put off with Cal throwing around the word “Injun?” And it also seemed to me that Cal’s speech was regressing more and more to stereotypical cowboy-speak as the story progressed.
For the length of this novella, there shouldn’t be so many loose ends.
But, on the other hand, there were too many little things adding up my dislikes. The story just seemed to end just as it was really getting good. Cal and Joseph are finally starting to get their budding relationship moving, there’s promise of saving the ranch, and Cal’s wonderful mom was on the mend; then....nothing. Just a quick unsatifying HFN. This ending would be ok if there was a sequel; but, there is none. Also, why was there no discussion about Joseph’s heritige? This was supposed to be about white cowboy and Native American ranch hand falling for eachother. We had scene after scene discribing the history of the MacGreggor’s and Cal’s heritige, but nothing about Joseph’s. Wasn’t Joseph even the least put off with Cal throwing around the word “Injun?” And it also seemed to me that Cal’s speech was regressing more and more to stereotypical cowboy-speak as the story progressed.
For the length of this novella, there shouldn’t be so many loose ends.
April 20, 2018
It was going great, but right at the end the last page kind of got me by surprise. I was ready for another chapter, when The End come up. I'm still deciding if that was a good or bad thing.
About Cal, I couldn't quite imagine him as a 20 year old cowboy. If he were older by 5-7 years I could see him running a ranch but definitely not so young.
About Joseph, he is a mystery. One that never really gets solved, though. I get that he came from California, and there were some clues as to what made him move to Texas, but nothing conclusive. I got that someone died, but I don't know if it was friend or lover. Nor the circumstances of it. I mean, for a gay Californian to move to Texas, to a secluded ranch in the middle of nowhere, it must have been pretty bad.
About Cal, I couldn't quite imagine him as a 20 year old cowboy. If he were older by 5-7 years I could see him running a ranch but definitely not so young.
About Joseph, he is a mystery. One that never really gets solved, though. I get that he came from California, and there were some clues as to what made him move to Texas, but nothing conclusive. I got that someone died, but I don't know if it was friend or lover. Nor the circumstances of it. I mean, for a gay Californian to move to Texas, to a secluded ranch in the middle of nowhere, it must have been pretty bad.
November 9, 2017
This was a real-life look at a ranch in Texas. Cal is the son of the owner, coming back from college to help out, when he meets the new ranch hand, Joseph. Cal wants nothing more than to save his ranch and Joseph wants Cal. For a book where there was no sex, this was very sexy and very sweet. I would love a sequel to know how things end up with Cal and Joseph and the ranch.
June 25, 2017
4 Stars
December 27, 2014
When Cal comes home from his first year at university, he discovers his family's Texan ranch is in dire straits and that his mother has hired a handsome city boy called Joseph to help out. Like Amy Rae Durreson's The Court of Lightning, this novella was written for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's annual challenge. It is a sweet romance with no sexually explicit content.
There was a lot to like about Running Deer and Hidden Badger. Joseph's character is of Native American descent but is out of touch with his heritage. Instead of playing on the stereotype of the wise Indian deeply connected to Nature, Joseph is from Los Angeles and knows nothing about the expansive Texan landscape. He can barely ride a horse and Cal has to teach him the business of ranching from the ground up. Although it seems a bit of a stretch that Joseph doesn't even know what a scorpion looks like, I was pleased that the story didn't fall into the trap of racist typecasting.
Sarge also makes sure her Texas is firmly in the modern era. The ranch hands all have mobile phones for emergencies, Joseph has an interest in digital photography and Cal speaks to his (soon ex-) boyfriend via Skype. The ranch remains fairly isolated but it is nice to see there was no pretense that these technologies don't exist.
The story itself is a lot of fun but has a few flaws that make me suspect there was a shortage of time and word count. The focus is very much on Cal and his family. While there are some strong hints about Joseph's backstory, they are never followed up. This vagueness and the lack of stage time to Joseph's past leaves the novella feeling somewhat unbalanced.
Similarly, there are a lot of threads that are dropped as the story progresses. The opening suggests that racism might be a key issue and a particular threat to Joseph. However, after the opening that threat disappears entirely. Likewise, Cal's boyfriend disappears with hardly a whimper, making it difficult to see why he was included in the first place. Instead of adding to the story, these shadow threats only serve to weaken it. The final confrontation needed more building up and I found the conclusion very abrupt.
Despite these flaws, I still enjoyed Running Deer and Hidden Badger. The characters were endearing and Sarge did a wonderful job of bringing the Texan landscape to life. I also very much appreciated the way she wears her fandom on her sleeve, with references scattered throughout the story. There's a horse named Rincewind (after the wizard from Terry Pratchett's Discworld series), a property called Nine Tails (a reference to the Naruto anime) and Joseph uses the tenth Doctor as a reference point for describing Cal to his mother. Overall, I found it to be a nice, light romance that made my inner geek chuckle.
You can read more reviews on my blog.
There was a lot to like about Running Deer and Hidden Badger. Joseph's character is of Native American descent but is out of touch with his heritage. Instead of playing on the stereotype of the wise Indian deeply connected to Nature, Joseph is from Los Angeles and knows nothing about the expansive Texan landscape. He can barely ride a horse and Cal has to teach him the business of ranching from the ground up. Although it seems a bit of a stretch that Joseph doesn't even know what a scorpion looks like, I was pleased that the story didn't fall into the trap of racist typecasting.
Sarge also makes sure her Texas is firmly in the modern era. The ranch hands all have mobile phones for emergencies, Joseph has an interest in digital photography and Cal speaks to his (soon ex-) boyfriend via Skype. The ranch remains fairly isolated but it is nice to see there was no pretense that these technologies don't exist.
The story itself is a lot of fun but has a few flaws that make me suspect there was a shortage of time and word count. The focus is very much on Cal and his family. While there are some strong hints about Joseph's backstory, they are never followed up. This vagueness and the lack of stage time to Joseph's past leaves the novella feeling somewhat unbalanced.
Similarly, there are a lot of threads that are dropped as the story progresses. The opening suggests that racism might be a key issue and a particular threat to Joseph. However, after the opening that threat disappears entirely. Likewise, Cal's boyfriend disappears with hardly a whimper, making it difficult to see why he was included in the first place. Instead of adding to the story, these shadow threats only serve to weaken it. The final confrontation needed more building up and I found the conclusion very abrupt.
Despite these flaws, I still enjoyed Running Deer and Hidden Badger. The characters were endearing and Sarge did a wonderful job of bringing the Texan landscape to life. I also very much appreciated the way she wears her fandom on her sleeve, with references scattered throughout the story. There's a horse named Rincewind (after the wizard from Terry Pratchett's Discworld series), a property called Nine Tails (a reference to the Naruto anime) and Joseph uses the tenth Doctor as a reference point for describing Cal to his mother. Overall, I found it to be a nice, light romance that made my inner geek chuckle.
You can read more reviews on my blog.
December 21, 2016
A nice surprise. I really enjoyed that shirt story.
January 7, 2014
Main Characters: Callan Stonewall MacGregor & Joseph (aka Ki)
Key Themes: Friends to Lovers, In the Closet, Non-explicit, UST, Interracial
Location: Texas
Tame romance between a Texan cowboy (Cal aka Hidden Badger) and a Native American boy from California (Joseph aka Running Deer).
Although the story is told from both POVs, by the end I felt I knew Cal a lot better than I knew Joseph. Firstly, Joseph is not particularly assertive and he doesn't say much. Secondly, we aren't told a lot about his background. "Mom said Joseph wanted to learn ranching…." is all we are told as to why he is in Texas. He doesn't even have a last name!
Much to my disappointment, the couple does not get together until the end of the book….
But I won't complain too loudly, cos it’s FREE...and I now know what the "tenth doctor" looks like!
Key Themes: Friends to Lovers, In the Closet, Non-explicit, UST, Interracial
Location: Texas
Tame romance between a Texan cowboy (Cal aka Hidden Badger) and a Native American boy from California (Joseph aka Running Deer).
Although the story is told from both POVs, by the end I felt I knew Cal a lot better than I knew Joseph. Firstly, Joseph is not particularly assertive and he doesn't say much. Secondly, we aren't told a lot about his background. "Mom said Joseph wanted to learn ranching…." is all we are told as to why he is in Texas. He doesn't even have a last name!
Much to my disappointment, the couple does not get together until the end of the book….
But I won't complain too loudly, cos it’s FREE...and I now know what the "tenth doctor" looks like!
December 20, 2013
2.5 stelle, arrotondate verso il basso perché non viene approfondito un certo argomento (ossia il motivo per il quale Joseph è scappato da LA). Oltre al fatto che il libro ha una fine alla carlona...
La storia conta circa 140 pagine, e parla di due ragazzi in età da college: Cal, il figlio e co-proprietario del ranch Y Otra Cosa, e Joseph, ragazzino di città scappato da un brutto ricordo. Cal torna a casa per le vacanze estive e per aiutare sua madre che si è fatta male all'anca. Joseph lavora come manodopera per l'estate (ecco, non sono sicura se sia questo il caso perché il libro è molto vago). All'improvviso Cal decide di non tornare a scuola, e Joseph... boh? C'è anche un fratello che sembra promettere bene, ma ancora una volta il tema non viene sfruttato e approfondito.
Tutto sommato una lettura caruccia, ma non da perderci il sonno.
La storia conta circa 140 pagine, e parla di due ragazzi in età da college: Cal, il figlio e co-proprietario del ranch Y Otra Cosa, e Joseph, ragazzino di città scappato da un brutto ricordo. Cal torna a casa per le vacanze estive e per aiutare sua madre che si è fatta male all'anca. Joseph lavora come manodopera per l'estate (ecco, non sono sicura se sia questo il caso perché il libro è molto vago). All'improvviso Cal decide di non tornare a scuola, e Joseph... boh? C'è anche un fratello che sembra promettere bene, ma ancora una volta il tema non viene sfruttato e approfondito.
Tutto sommato una lettura caruccia, ma non da perderci il sonno.
September 9, 2013
LHNB Story released 8.9.13
20 year old Cal returns from college to his family's Texas ranch when his brother hints that something is wrong with their mother. There he meets Joseph, the new ranch hand, nicknamed Running Deer by the other hands. The pair are attracted to each other from the start, but this is Texas and being openly gay is not something Cal believes is an option. The story is very much a family drama, with his mother's failing health, his brother's determination to sell the ranch, dealing with day to day events and then thrown in a tornado. The relationship between the two MC's barely gets started before the story ends but it was a nice build up that leave the reader to draw their own conclusions about a HEA.
20 year old Cal returns from college to his family's Texas ranch when his brother hints that something is wrong with their mother. There he meets Joseph, the new ranch hand, nicknamed Running Deer by the other hands. The pair are attracted to each other from the start, but this is Texas and being openly gay is not something Cal believes is an option. The story is very much a family drama, with his mother's failing health, his brother's determination to sell the ranch, dealing with day to day events and then thrown in a tornado. The relationship between the two MC's barely gets started before the story ends but it was a nice build up that leave the reader to draw their own conclusions about a HEA.
September 12, 2013
Overall, this is a fine story, but truthfully it ends in the middle. This definitely didn't satisfy me, because it was damn to rushed. The main character in this story is Cal, the younger son, who comes back from college to help his Mother on their family ranch. There he meets a newly hired ranch hand Jonathan. Both MC liked working beside each other, but truly this isn't a romance. More it's a typical Cowboys story about a family ranch which is financially nearly broken and needs fixing. So the way it ended, with nothing really solved, just didn't feel real. The story is written from Cal's and Jonathan's POV.
I wish for a sequel!
I wish for a sequel!
October 16, 2013
4.5 stars rounded up because it was part of LHNB.
Cal comes home from college to help run his family's ranch. His mother has some physical ailments and he finds things have slipped. He meets Joseph, a new tenderfoot hand hired in his absence. While Cal starts off sort of childish and he stays stubborn, he also shows his determination and grit and I was really rooting for him and Joseph. We only get hints of Joseph's history and I think it ended too quickly but mostly because I wanted to spend more time with these two characters!
Cal comes home from college to help run his family's ranch. His mother has some physical ailments and he finds things have slipped. He meets Joseph, a new tenderfoot hand hired in his absence. While Cal starts off sort of childish and he stays stubborn, he also shows his determination and grit and I was really rooting for him and Joseph. We only get hints of Joseph's history and I think it ended too quickly but mostly because I wanted to spend more time with these two characters!
September 12, 2013
Wow! I have some negative personal history with a few Texas cowboys, so I was a little nervous about this book, but I really shouldn't have been! As usual, KD Sarge writes a story that is easy to fall into completely, with great characters I would love to meet. The romance is just lovely.
My only complaint is my perpetual one with books I love: I wish it was longer. I want a sequel!
My only complaint is my perpetual one with books I love: I wish it was longer. I want a sequel!
September 9, 2016
So sweet with real life issues complicating the start of the relationship. The issues that the MCs faced on the ranch were originally different to most cowboy stories and I take my hat off to the author for that. I loved that different perspective.
I just wished we could have traveled a little further along to see the MCs working as a couple.
I just wished we could have traveled a little further along to see the MCs working as a couple.
December 23, 2014
Loved it!
Except for the abrupt ending. It wasn't even an ending really, it felt more like half a story. So much is left unfinished: there is an idea for the problem of the ranch but we don't know if it gets solved, Joseph's past remains a mystery, how mom is doing, will they be out on the ranch...
Please tell me there is more to come. I need to know what happens next!
Except for the abrupt ending. It wasn't even an ending really, it felt more like half a story. So much is left unfinished: there is an idea for the problem of the ranch but we don't know if it gets solved, Joseph's past remains a mystery, how mom is doing, will they be out on the ranch...
Please tell me there is more to come. I need to know what happens next!
September 3, 2016
One of my favorite LHNB stories, this is the story of Cal and Joseph. It amazes me that KD Sarge and the other authors who contributed to this event have given us such a wonderful gift at no charge.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This one is terrific!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This one is terrific!
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