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My Only Sunshine
Tanner Wallis is nearly at the end of his rope the night Mason Seidel finds him lying next to the mangled body of a cow on the back pastures of the Seidel family's Wyoming ranch. Recently out of the hospital after he and his boyfriend were brutally beaten, Tanner is jobless, homeless, and almost penniless. His desperate hope is that Mason will believe he’s innocent of the senseless crime and give him a place to heal, both physically and emotionally, until he can get on his feet again. But Mason already has enough on his plate. He's only been back on the ranch a few months, ten years after his father kicked him out for being gay, and only because his sister begged him to come help after the man's disabling stroke. With all his responsibilities—running the struggling ranch and keeping his sister and father off his back—Mason can't really afford the distraction Tanner represents. But he can't just abandon the attractive young man either. There’s trouble in spades on the ranch, but if they face it together, Mason and Tanner might find a future with a little sunshine.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2013
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398 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 19, 2020
Story: ***3 Stars***
I liked it, but didn't love it. That's pretty much all I have to say. The author raised the suspense level a few times, only to let it fizzle out and Mason and Tanner are definitely better persons than I am for forgiving this kind of homophobia thrown at them from people who should have got their back.
Audiobook: ***3.5 Stars
I guess this was Michael Lesley's first narration and I loved that he gave the characters so many different voices. Well, except for the main characters and that's a bit of a letdown for me. Oh, and Mason's sister sounded like she would need cough drops. Badly. ;-)
Overall it was an okay listen. *shrugs*
I liked it, but didn't love it. That's pretty much all I have to say. The author raised the suspense level a few times, only to let it fizzle out and Mason and Tanner are definitely better persons than I am for forgiving this kind of homophobia thrown at them from people who should have got their back.
Audiobook: ***3.5 Stars
I guess this was Michael Lesley's first narration and I loved that he gave the characters so many different voices. Well, except for the main characters and that's a bit of a letdown for me. Oh, and Mason's sister sounded like she would need cough drops. Badly. ;-)
Overall it was an okay listen. *shrugs*
October 2, 2013
It’s true. I play favorites. I will always be a sucker for a book with cowboys or cops. This is no secret.
Cowboy books are always good for a 3-star read…you’d have to really f*ck it up for me to score lower or do something pretty special to score any higher. “My Only Sunshine” does neither.
The book is fine.
The characters, Mason and Tanner, are hot and likable and fine.
The sex is sweet, sometimes repetitive, and not entirely descriptive, but fine.
The plot is typical yet entertaining and fine.
The angst level sets itself up to be high, but never even gets close and is bearable…yup, it’s fine.
I’ll admit to being bored at times.
I’ll also admit to really getting into the connection between Mason and Tanner at times.
I wanted to punch a number of characters at times.
I also took a liking to some other character at times.
So, you know…it didn’t rock my world, but I liked it enough. I think it had potential and hinted to a deeper story…but it didn’t completely play out on page.
I do love me some cowboys though.
If you’re a fan of the cowboy M/M book, it’s worth a read. If you’re looking for something different, this isn’t the book for you…
OH…and I really like this cover. It’s not terrible original, but it actually suits the book & the characters perfectly.
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September 10, 2013Attempting a buddy read with Mandy
and it didnt happen as a certain speed reader decided to read it while I slept:P
and it didnt happen as a certain speed reader decided to read it while I slept:P
May 10, 2016
I have nothing against personal growth. I have nothing against being the bigger person. I have nothing against forgiveness, BUT forgiving emotional abuse and bitchy-ness just 'because', gives me the freaking heebie-jeebies!!
In this book Mason's father and sister is the effing 'anti-christ'. Mason puts his life on hold (but Mason of course thinks that his own life somewhere else was no life at all) to come back and help out on the farm after the father's stroke. The sister Diana is either the dumbest person ever or she is a spiteful, vengeful, horrible person (I'm thinking the latter). She ignores that the father kicked Mason out -according to her, Mason just moved out, and when she
Again this is a book where the 'bad' guys are given, exactly what they want! Mason works his ass off for an ungrateful father (again the freaking anti-christ) and a nasty, horrible sister. And not once does Mason say: F*** you all, figure this shit out for yourselves.
Fine if Mason wants to turn the other cheek, and fine that he wants to be the 'bigger person', BUT continuing to work the farm for them, taking care of the a-hole dad, and hoping for a better relationship, giving them what they want, even though they have already proved to be terrible human-beings, is just annoying AF...
I am sick and tired of the self-sacrificing MC's, especially because we -as the audience- are emotionally invested in the MC's (if the book is well-written.) For once it would be awesome if the MC told the abuser(s) to F off, cut off contact and started appreciating this amazing gallery of characters that are already around him.
I switched from F/M to M/M because I was sick and tired of female MC's acting cool in the beginning, and as soon an 'Alpha'-male came on the scene the female MC's lost all credibility and just rolled over.
I have now found the equivalent in the M/M-genre and that is this ridiculous tendency to 'let the bad guys win'! UGH...
I am so tired of authors making forgiveness the highest order of being, or how you want to put it. It's fine to forgive and it shows great strength of character, but sometimes, JUST sometimes, it would be awesome if the 'bad' guys didn't get to walk all over the MC and walk away from the situations without consequenses. Sometimes it's fine to forgive, but sometimes you need to stand up for yourself and not let the 'bad' guys get whatever they want.
The family you're born into, is NOT the be-all, end-all. Sometimes you choose your own family, and I thought Mason had an opportunity with Tanner, but now they're stuck on Diana's farm!
Once again a story fell flat for me, from now on when I see the word: 'forgiveness' in a blurp or in a review from a fellow GR I will steer clear of the book, my blood pressure cannot take any more!
In this book Mason's father and sister is the effing 'anti-christ'. Mason puts his life on hold (but Mason of course thinks that his own life somewhere else was no life at all) to come back and help out on the farm after the father's stroke. The sister Diana is either the dumbest person ever or she is a spiteful, vengeful, horrible person (I'm thinking the latter). She ignores that the father kicked Mason out -according to her, Mason just moved out, and when she
Again this is a book where the 'bad' guys are given, exactly what they want! Mason works his ass off for an ungrateful father (again the freaking anti-christ) and a nasty, horrible sister. And not once does Mason say: F*** you all, figure this shit out for yourselves.
Fine if Mason wants to turn the other cheek, and fine that he wants to be the 'bigger person', BUT continuing to work the farm for them, taking care of the a-hole dad, and hoping for a better relationship, giving them what they want, even though they have already proved to be terrible human-beings, is just annoying AF...
I am sick and tired of the self-sacrificing MC's, especially because we -as the audience- are emotionally invested in the MC's (if the book is well-written.) For once it would be awesome if the MC told the abuser(s) to F off, cut off contact and started appreciating this amazing gallery of characters that are already around him.
I switched from F/M to M/M because I was sick and tired of female MC's acting cool in the beginning, and as soon an 'Alpha'-male came on the scene the female MC's lost all credibility and just rolled over.
I have now found the equivalent in the M/M-genre and that is this ridiculous tendency to 'let the bad guys win'! UGH...
I am so tired of authors making forgiveness the highest order of being, or how you want to put it. It's fine to forgive and it shows great strength of character, but sometimes, JUST sometimes, it would be awesome if the 'bad' guys didn't get to walk all over the MC and walk away from the situations without consequenses. Sometimes it's fine to forgive, but sometimes you need to stand up for yourself and not let the 'bad' guys get whatever they want.
The family you're born into, is NOT the be-all, end-all. Sometimes you choose your own family, and I thought Mason had an opportunity with Tanner, but now they're stuck on Diana's farm!
Once again a story fell flat for me, from now on when I see the word: 'forgiveness' in a blurp or in a review from a fellow GR I will steer clear of the book, my blood pressure cannot take any more!
October 5, 2013
I was supposed to BR this with Vio, but I have a feeling she is gonna leave me hanging. :(
Don't listen to Vio, she totally left me hanging with this BR! *sigh*
3.5*
This book starts pretty dramatically, Tanner is hurt and alone and lost. He stumbles upon a horrible scene and is found there by Mason.
Poor Mason, talk about drawing the short stick. His dad hates him, really hates him and kicked him out for being gay a decade ago, but his sister asks him to come back to help with the ranch and their dad, so he does.
I have to say, the dad had no redeeming qualities, we are told numerous times that he does, since his daughter and a very sympathetic older couple on the ranch care for him, but I never never saw any. None.
Also the sister, sorry, despite whatever she managed to turn around at the end, didn't like her. At all.
Now, despite its start the story is actually pretty 'quiet' no real conflict or drama. There were possibilities, like Mason needing to keep their relationship secret, or Tanner's past catching up with him, I thought Tanner's nightmares and PTSD and insecurities interesting and wished they had been explored more, but none of it really pans out as a conflict or angst.
I liked both of these guys, they are good, normal men doing the best they can with what they have been dealt.
It was an easy read and interesting enough that I read it straight through.
Don't listen to Vio, she totally left me hanging with this BR! *sigh*
3.5*
This book starts pretty dramatically, Tanner is hurt and alone and lost. He stumbles upon a horrible scene and is found there by Mason.
Poor Mason, talk about drawing the short stick. His dad hates him, really hates him and kicked him out for being gay a decade ago, but his sister asks him to come back to help with the ranch and their dad, so he does.
I have to say, the dad had no redeeming qualities, we are told numerous times that he does, since his daughter and a very sympathetic older couple on the ranch care for him, but I never never saw any. None.
Also the sister, sorry, despite whatever she managed to turn around at the end, didn't like her. At all.
Now, despite its start the story is actually pretty 'quiet' no real conflict or drama. There were possibilities, like Mason needing to keep their relationship secret, or Tanner's past catching up with him, I thought Tanner's nightmares and PTSD and insecurities interesting and wished they had been explored more, but none of it really pans out as a conflict or angst.
I liked both of these guys, they are good, normal men doing the best they can with what they have been dealt.
It was an easy read and interesting enough that I read it straight through.
October 14, 2013
I have a thing for cowboys, so when I saw the blurb for this, I was hooked. I'm pleased to say it didn't really disappoint. My only real complaint is I would have liked it to have been longer. Maybe there's a sequel coming or something... I don't know. But, personally, I felt like I could have read more of these two characters.
Mason and Tanner are opposites in some ways. Tanner has pretty boy looks, while Mason is more a rough, rugged cowboy. Neither believes he is worthy of the other, yet there is an attraction there. There was some nice tension between the two in the beginning. I also liked the way they started. The kiss was amazing, them as a couple was sweet. Maybe even cute. And I liked that even though they were hiding it, there was never any major drama between them as a couple. It's very unusual for the type of book.
As far as the secondary character went, I loved Lucy and Ed. I kind wish those two had been Mason's parents, or at least Mason's mom had been alive. His father, well, let's just say I wasn't his or Diana's (his sister) biggest fan.
I know this won't be for everyone. The title is really fitting for the story, so you can guess the endearment Mason used for Tanner. There was little to no actual angst, though it could have gotten very angsty. The couple were so sweet and cute (yes, I'm calling them cute) together. I was literally smiling when they had a nice scene together. Both were like blushing virgins, yet it never caused any major issue between the two.
I am really glad I read this book. It was an easy read (which I like) and it had enough sweetness to satisfy my craving. I'd highly recommend it for people who are looking for an easy, low angst read.
Mason and Tanner are opposites in some ways. Tanner has pretty boy looks, while Mason is more a rough, rugged cowboy. Neither believes he is worthy of the other, yet there is an attraction there. There was some nice tension between the two in the beginning. I also liked the way they started. The kiss was amazing, them as a couple was sweet. Maybe even cute. And I liked that even though they were hiding it, there was never any major drama between them as a couple. It's very unusual for the type of book.
As far as the secondary character went, I loved Lucy and Ed. I kind wish those two had been Mason's parents, or at least Mason's mom had been alive. His father, well, let's just say I wasn't his or Diana's (his sister) biggest fan.
I know this won't be for everyone. The title is really fitting for the story, so you can guess the endearment Mason used for Tanner. There was little to no actual angst, though it could have gotten very angsty. The couple were so sweet and cute (yes, I'm calling them cute) together. I was literally smiling when they had a nice scene together. Both were like blushing virgins, yet it never caused any major issue between the two.
I am really glad I read this book. It was an easy read (which I like) and it had enough sweetness to satisfy my craving. I'd highly recommend it for people who are looking for an easy, low angst read.
May 12, 2015
3.5 stars
While the story started pretty dramatically -- with Tanner all worn out and hurt as he stumbled into Mason's family ranch, and later saw a horrific event of cow's killing -- but what followed was pretty straightforward (and may I say, rather low-key) romance. Yes, we had drama in form of Mason's bigoted father, but he also suffered from stroke and in a wheelchair, so we didn't have him shouting his disagreements. It was more of reading Mason's frustration due to that situation rather than facing with arguments and hatred.
Tanner and Mason connected nicely -- I was happy that Mason didn't get all work up over his age gap with Tanner, or the fact that Tanner was technically one of his employees. He only called Tanner "kid" a couple of times and Tanner corrected him on it (haha!).
The story did feel dragging in the middle though. Also, the 'mystery' regarding the perpetrators behind the animal killing was forgotten in the middle and only appeared a couple of more times in the last 1/3rd or so. Which was a slight disappointment since I thought the mystery could inject some excitement/thriller towards the lackluster feel.
However, in overall, it was a nice hurt/comfort story.
While the story started pretty dramatically -- with Tanner all worn out and hurt as he stumbled into Mason's family ranch, and later saw a horrific event of cow's killing -- but what followed was pretty straightforward (and may I say, rather low-key) romance. Yes, we had drama in form of Mason's bigoted father, but he also suffered from stroke and in a wheelchair, so we didn't have him shouting his disagreements. It was more of reading Mason's frustration due to that situation rather than facing with arguments and hatred.
Tanner and Mason connected nicely -- I was happy that Mason didn't get all work up over his age gap with Tanner, or the fact that Tanner was technically one of his employees. He only called Tanner "kid" a couple of times and Tanner corrected him on it (haha!).
The story did feel dragging in the middle though. Also, the 'mystery' regarding the perpetrators behind the animal killing was forgotten in the middle and only appeared a couple of more times in the last 1/3rd or so. Which was a slight disappointment since I thought the mystery could inject some excitement/thriller towards the lackluster feel.
However, in overall, it was a nice hurt/comfort story.
July 4, 2015
3,5 stars
Sweet cowboy story!!! No angst so it worked perfectly fine for me at this very hot day!!
July 7, 2015
(Audiobook review) My first read by Rowan McAllister and I really enjoyed it! Damaged pretty boy + sexy cowboy with family issues. Not to mention it was narrated by one of my faves (even though it's under a different name, I would recognize Michael Lesley's voice anywhere). 4 stars!!
November 18, 2013
3.75 stars
This was a pretty straight forward, easy read without too much over the top drama. Two guys who both have had their share each of past trauma, Mason from his homophobic father and Tanner from his past boyfriend who caused him to be hurt. They both fight the attraction they feel, partly because of their age difference, but they learned that they needed each other to heal and to be happy. There was plenty of opportunity for a bunch of angst and I kept waiting for it, but never occurred. I absolutely didn't like the sister, I don't care her reasons, but I felt she was no better than the father. This turned out to be a really good story with a happy ending.
This was a pretty straight forward, easy read without too much over the top drama. Two guys who both have had their share each of past trauma, Mason from his homophobic father and Tanner from his past boyfriend who caused him to be hurt. They both fight the attraction they feel, partly because of their age difference, but they learned that they needed each other to heal and to be happy. There was plenty of opportunity for a bunch of angst and I kept waiting for it, but never occurred. I absolutely didn't like the sister, I don't care her reasons, but I felt she was no better than the father. This turned out to be a really good story with a happy ending.
October 4, 2013
This joint review can be found at The Blog of Sid Love, along with Sid's review of the same book.
3.5 stars
I have a weakness for cowboy stories. Throw in the fact that one of the characters is not only injured physically but is damaged emotionally and you have a story I just had to read.
This is about Tanner Wallis, who life has not been kind to the last few weeks. Forced to endure one hellish situation after another, he unintentionally wanders onto Mason’s property. Seeing that Tanner is not in the best of shape, Mason allows him to heal and rest on the ranch until he’s healthy again. Unfortunately, Mason might be out but he has his own set of problems with his homophobic and disabled father and having Tanner on the ranch can cause way more issues than he wants. However, the feelings between the two develop quickly and intense, leaving both of them unwilling to leave the other no matter what. But what will happen when Mason’s daddy finds out about Tanner? Will Tanner and Mason be able to get through the inevitable trouble that’s bound to happen?
I must say, I simply adored Tanner. He’s so fragile but he’s also very strong. His worst enemy is himself and it was sad to see him have second thoughts about Mason. He doesn’t believe he’s worthy enough to have someone love him for who he is instead of what his face looks like. Very heartbreaking. I also loved Mason because of what he has to put up with. I loved that he was so willing to take care of a father who hated him but at the same time I wanted to shake Mason and tell him to stick up for himself when it came to his family! I found it frustrating that he would bite his lip and just let things get worse instead of getting the courage to tell things the way they really happened, especially when it came to his sister.
The plot of the story mostly revolves around the developing relationship between Tanner and Mason with a side mystery. IMO, the mystery was too weak. It really only showed up or was mentioned when it would add more conflict to the story. However, the relationship between Tanner and Mason was very strong. I liked the almost physical pull the two had for each other. It was cute, sweet but sometimes intense. One thing I probably adored the MOST was the fact that these loved to hug each other simply to be held. I couldn’t get enough of that and really loved that there was nothing sexual attached to the hugs. They were for comfort, love and to give each other strength. It might have been the highlight of the story for me.
I enjoyed the story but I had a few issues with it. My main issue was that for a while in the middle, it started to drag. It was nice seeing Tanner and Mason get to know each other but at the same time, nothing else happened so it didn’t hold my interest for long when I tried to read. On top of that, I had an issue with the foreshadowing at the end of some of the chapters, which felt awkward and unnecessary. The ending was too nicely tied up for my liking so by the end, it left me with a lot of questions. My biggest one being how Mason and Tanner could afford to do most of the things they ended up changing.
Overall, this was a sweet story. I enjoyed it for the most part but I did have my issues. It’s main draw for me was the numerous hugs, as I said. It’s just not something you see in abundance in m/m when there’s not a sexual undertone to it and the hugs between Tanner and Mason were just sweet and adorable, filled with love. So CUTE! It definitely ends on a happy note and I was glad that these two found the happiness they both deserve.
3.5 stars
I have a weakness for cowboy stories. Throw in the fact that one of the characters is not only injured physically but is damaged emotionally and you have a story I just had to read.
This is about Tanner Wallis, who life has not been kind to the last few weeks. Forced to endure one hellish situation after another, he unintentionally wanders onto Mason’s property. Seeing that Tanner is not in the best of shape, Mason allows him to heal and rest on the ranch until he’s healthy again. Unfortunately, Mason might be out but he has his own set of problems with his homophobic and disabled father and having Tanner on the ranch can cause way more issues than he wants. However, the feelings between the two develop quickly and intense, leaving both of them unwilling to leave the other no matter what. But what will happen when Mason’s daddy finds out about Tanner? Will Tanner and Mason be able to get through the inevitable trouble that’s bound to happen?
I must say, I simply adored Tanner. He’s so fragile but he’s also very strong. His worst enemy is himself and it was sad to see him have second thoughts about Mason. He doesn’t believe he’s worthy enough to have someone love him for who he is instead of what his face looks like. Very heartbreaking. I also loved Mason because of what he has to put up with. I loved that he was so willing to take care of a father who hated him but at the same time I wanted to shake Mason and tell him to stick up for himself when it came to his family! I found it frustrating that he would bite his lip and just let things get worse instead of getting the courage to tell things the way they really happened, especially when it came to his sister.
The plot of the story mostly revolves around the developing relationship between Tanner and Mason with a side mystery. IMO, the mystery was too weak. It really only showed up or was mentioned when it would add more conflict to the story. However, the relationship between Tanner and Mason was very strong. I liked the almost physical pull the two had for each other. It was cute, sweet but sometimes intense. One thing I probably adored the MOST was the fact that these loved to hug each other simply to be held. I couldn’t get enough of that and really loved that there was nothing sexual attached to the hugs. They were for comfort, love and to give each other strength. It might have been the highlight of the story for me.
I enjoyed the story but I had a few issues with it. My main issue was that for a while in the middle, it started to drag. It was nice seeing Tanner and Mason get to know each other but at the same time, nothing else happened so it didn’t hold my interest for long when I tried to read. On top of that, I had an issue with the foreshadowing at the end of some of the chapters, which felt awkward and unnecessary. The ending was too nicely tied up for my liking so by the end, it left me with a lot of questions. My biggest one being how Mason and Tanner could afford to do most of the things they ended up changing.
Overall, this was a sweet story. I enjoyed it for the most part but I did have my issues. It’s main draw for me was the numerous hugs, as I said. It’s just not something you see in abundance in m/m when there’s not a sexual undertone to it and the hugs between Tanner and Mason were just sweet and adorable, filled with love. So CUTE! It definitely ends on a happy note and I was glad that these two found the happiness they both deserve.
October 6, 2013
I woke up this morning and searched my shelves for something to read and decided on this one because the cover really caught my eye - it has a sort of dreamy quality with two gorgeous men. It was hard to look past the sexy cowboy profile but it was the pensive expression on the other man that really drew me in.
I was looking for a story that would bring together two troubled men and give them their happy ending and liked the idea of the cowboy setting.
The story had the right elements. Troubled Tanner, homeless and running from a violent beating is found by Mason and given shelter. Mason has his own issues, returning to his father's ranch ten years after being kicked out for being gay. His father's illness means he has little choice but to accept Mason's help in keeping the place going.
Mason and Tanner are drawn to each other and finally give in to the attraction they feel to one another but their relationship needs to be kept hidden. The story deals with Tanner's emotional healing and Mason's struggle to deal with his angry father and keep the ranch running. The secondary characters - the other ranch hands, neighbours, Mason's sister - provide some additional interest and there is some drama as someone is killing stock all over the county.
I really liked the writing style and the development of the characters. I particularly liked the story Mason related about why he wears his cowboy hat. It is so easy to imagine how different his life may have been if his mother had still been around. Instead he had to deal with a homophobic father and a life away from the ranch that he loved. Although Tanner has more obviously been hurt, Mason still bears emotional scars.
It was gorgeous to see Tanner's response to Mason "Sexy, gruff, cowboy -wet-dream Mason. Tall and lean, with dark eyes and hair under a fancy black felt cowboy hat. Every little gay farm boy's fantasy.." but also Mason acknowledging Tanner's beauty despite his scars.
So I liked the characters, I liked the story and the sex was pretty intense, but something was slightly missing. I think it was most likely the sense that I had read similar before.The story is not particularly unique which is why I am rating is slightly lower, but is still a very enjoyable book.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I was looking for a story that would bring together two troubled men and give them their happy ending and liked the idea of the cowboy setting.
The story had the right elements. Troubled Tanner, homeless and running from a violent beating is found by Mason and given shelter. Mason has his own issues, returning to his father's ranch ten years after being kicked out for being gay. His father's illness means he has little choice but to accept Mason's help in keeping the place going.
Mason and Tanner are drawn to each other and finally give in to the attraction they feel to one another but their relationship needs to be kept hidden. The story deals with Tanner's emotional healing and Mason's struggle to deal with his angry father and keep the ranch running. The secondary characters - the other ranch hands, neighbours, Mason's sister - provide some additional interest and there is some drama as someone is killing stock all over the county.
I really liked the writing style and the development of the characters. I particularly liked the story Mason related about why he wears his cowboy hat. It is so easy to imagine how different his life may have been if his mother had still been around. Instead he had to deal with a homophobic father and a life away from the ranch that he loved. Although Tanner has more obviously been hurt, Mason still bears emotional scars.
It was gorgeous to see Tanner's response to Mason "Sexy, gruff, cowboy -wet-dream Mason. Tall and lean, with dark eyes and hair under a fancy black felt cowboy hat. Every little gay farm boy's fantasy.." but also Mason acknowledging Tanner's beauty despite his scars.
So I liked the characters, I liked the story and the sex was pretty intense, but something was slightly missing. I think it was most likely the sense that I had read similar before.The story is not particularly unique which is why I am rating is slightly lower, but is still a very enjoyable book.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
January 8, 2015
Started out very strong but the second half just kind of faltered.
If those two things had been handled differently this would have been four stars easy, because I liked Tanner and Mason a lot and watching their relationship build was beautiful.
If those two things had been handled differently this would have been four stars easy, because I liked Tanner and Mason a lot and watching their relationship build was beautiful.
August 11, 2018
'My Only Sunshine' is the first book by Rowan McCallister that I have had the pleasure of reading. When I saw the description, and the fact it has cowboys, I jumped at the opportunity to try someone new.
Tanner hasn't had the best of times these past eighteen months, but the past two weeks have taken the cake. Tanner and his best friend, sometime lover, got beaten up in Portland. When Tanner was released from the hospital, turns out his best friend took the van and all of his stuff and disappeared. Tanner made it to his cousin's home in Riverton, Wyoming only to discover they'd moved and no one knew where they went. So he starts hitchhiking east and the first person to pick him up robs him at gunpoint, takes his backpack, his wallet, and leaves him on the side of the road. Oh, wait, it's not over yet. Stumbling onto someone's ranch property, Tanner witnesses two men on quads beat the life out of a cow, and while Tanner is kneeling by the dead animal, the owner rides up and puts a rifle in Tanner's face. I think that qualifies as a "pretty crappy" two weeks!
Mason has been home on the ranch for three months and is already desperate for time alone. Between his father glaring his hatred at him from his wheelchair, and his little sister's constant nagging, Mason is nearing the end of his patience. No matter how much he loves the ranch, his dad threw him out ten years ago for being gay, and if it wasn't for his sister begging, and the fact his father had a stroke, Mason would not have returned. Now, he's got a cow beaten to death, and a young man not looking much better, and they're all outside in a massive thunder and lightning storm. Could life get any better?
Mason allows Tanner to stay on at the ranch doing work in exchange for room and board. This is heaven for Tanner being able to wake up in the same place every morning. And, certainly, after a few weeks, his ribs are healing up and after having gotten enough sleep and decent food in him, Tanner is feeling one hundred percent better. And, slowly, a friendship begins between Mason and Tanner. For Mason, it's an opportunity to talk about things with someone who isn't part of the family and/or has worked there for years. Mason can get his anger and frustration out without getting into a fight with his dad and setting off his blood pressure. For Tanner, it's nice to feel appreciated and needed again, and he wants to be a part of the ranch.
As is to be expected, their friendship is the beginning of a relationship which, while Mason wished it were different, has to be kept secret. Mainly because of his father and not wanting to stir up any more trouble as his dad is mean, hateful, and angry enough. And while Tanner understands this, he has moments of serious insecurity that creep up on him out of the blue and really knocks him around. It was, actually, hard to watch a young man literally feel like he had nothing of any value to offer this relationship.
I enjoyed this romance very much. Tanner and Mason were easy to care about, and I was glad they got their happy ever after. I thought the author did a good job with the story and she certainly portrayed the anger and hate from Mason's dad in a very realistic way. This is a sexy romance with drama and angst, but nothing that weighed me down. I definitely recommend it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinnrer Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Tanner hasn't had the best of times these past eighteen months, but the past two weeks have taken the cake. Tanner and his best friend, sometime lover, got beaten up in Portland. When Tanner was released from the hospital, turns out his best friend took the van and all of his stuff and disappeared. Tanner made it to his cousin's home in Riverton, Wyoming only to discover they'd moved and no one knew where they went. So he starts hitchhiking east and the first person to pick him up robs him at gunpoint, takes his backpack, his wallet, and leaves him on the side of the road. Oh, wait, it's not over yet. Stumbling onto someone's ranch property, Tanner witnesses two men on quads beat the life out of a cow, and while Tanner is kneeling by the dead animal, the owner rides up and puts a rifle in Tanner's face. I think that qualifies as a "pretty crappy" two weeks!
Mason has been home on the ranch for three months and is already desperate for time alone. Between his father glaring his hatred at him from his wheelchair, and his little sister's constant nagging, Mason is nearing the end of his patience. No matter how much he loves the ranch, his dad threw him out ten years ago for being gay, and if it wasn't for his sister begging, and the fact his father had a stroke, Mason would not have returned. Now, he's got a cow beaten to death, and a young man not looking much better, and they're all outside in a massive thunder and lightning storm. Could life get any better?
Mason allows Tanner to stay on at the ranch doing work in exchange for room and board. This is heaven for Tanner being able to wake up in the same place every morning. And, certainly, after a few weeks, his ribs are healing up and after having gotten enough sleep and decent food in him, Tanner is feeling one hundred percent better. And, slowly, a friendship begins between Mason and Tanner. For Mason, it's an opportunity to talk about things with someone who isn't part of the family and/or has worked there for years. Mason can get his anger and frustration out without getting into a fight with his dad and setting off his blood pressure. For Tanner, it's nice to feel appreciated and needed again, and he wants to be a part of the ranch.
As is to be expected, their friendship is the beginning of a relationship which, while Mason wished it were different, has to be kept secret. Mainly because of his father and not wanting to stir up any more trouble as his dad is mean, hateful, and angry enough. And while Tanner understands this, he has moments of serious insecurity that creep up on him out of the blue and really knocks him around. It was, actually, hard to watch a young man literally feel like he had nothing of any value to offer this relationship.
I enjoyed this romance very much. Tanner and Mason were easy to care about, and I was glad they got their happy ever after. I thought the author did a good job with the story and she certainly portrayed the anger and hate from Mason's dad in a very realistic way. This is a sexy romance with drama and angst, but nothing that weighed me down. I definitely recommend it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinnrer Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 4, 2014
I listened to the audio version of this book and I’m glad I did. The narrator did a great job of making this book bearable to listen to. This was an extremely frustrating story. The relationship between Tanner and Mason is very sweet and great, I really like it on its own. But Mason’s family is vile. His father is a waste of skin and I was offended that the other characters kept saying “he is a good man at heart.” I don’t think any man that exuded that much hate can’t be a “good man” in any way, shape or form. Also, even though the author tried to redeem the sister, I still thought she was just as bad as her father. She “used” her brother and was perfectly happy denying him any happiness; she was a selfish b**ch. And I was even extremely frustrated at Mason for allowing himself to be used like he did. Overall, it just left a bad taste in my mouth.
do-not-buy
May 22, 2014Bored to tears. Really depressing. Narrator completely monotone. DNF
October 3, 2013
My Only Sunshine by Rowan McAllister 4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Tanner is twenty-two and the last few weeks have really worn him down. His luck is abysmal, one thing after another going wrong until he is walking on what he thinks is a dusty road, jobless, homeless and penniless and still injured with no hope in sight. Stumbling across the senseless attack on a cow might be his only glimpse of hope, if he can convince Mason he is innocent and to give him a chance to get back on his feet. Mason is thirty-one and has only been back on the ranch for a few months, dealing with his father's disapproval and his sister's nagging has him making up an excuse to get away for a night of peace and quite, but he is interrupted when one of the cows is slaughtered. Mason can't help but help Tanner out, but he has enough on his plate and his attraction to Tanner helps to ease some of the tension. But there is more trouble heading their way and they can only hope that together they can weather want is to come.
This is a well written story that touches on anxiety, homophobia and a fathers disapproval. Tanner is a young man who is really struggling to keep putting one foot in-front of the other, when he meets Mason he begins to hope that things will get better and indeed it does as they first become friends and then lovers with a burgeoning hope for the future. It isn't easy for Tanner though as he struggles with his anxiety and doubts as he fits into ranch life and becomes accustom to being Mason's lover. Mason is struggling with his life as well but for different reasons, his father seems to hate him and nothing he does seems to please his sister, the pressure of keeping the ranch going and looking after his father is getting to him and Tanner is his only source of solace.
Tanner and Mason are great characters who seamlessly fall into a relationship that must remain hidden, but is in no way detrimental to either of them. You fully understand why it must be kept a secret, although you do wish that others could be different in their attitudes. Both Mason and Tanner have their own hard stories and both of them pull at your emotions, Tanner's because he has had really awful time of it and Mason because of the way his family treat him. Their relationship is sweet, comforting, hot and easy, there's no real angst between them other than what Tanner makes up in his mind and they are a great comfort to each other when needed.
The secondary characters in this story are well written and are very varied, we have Diana, Mason's sister, who comes across as overwrought and high-strung and blind to her father's nastiness, then we have Robert, Mason's father, who after a stroke is mean and nasty. There's also Lucy and Ed who are like a second set of parents to Mason and are a wonderful couple, there are other characters but none that really impact the story as much as the previously mentioned characters.
I recommend this to those who love a struggling ranchers life, fraught emotions, a slow developing relationship, sweet loving and sweaty sex, a great storyline with it's surprising twists and a sweet happy ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Tanner is twenty-two and the last few weeks have really worn him down. His luck is abysmal, one thing after another going wrong until he is walking on what he thinks is a dusty road, jobless, homeless and penniless and still injured with no hope in sight. Stumbling across the senseless attack on a cow might be his only glimpse of hope, if he can convince Mason he is innocent and to give him a chance to get back on his feet. Mason is thirty-one and has only been back on the ranch for a few months, dealing with his father's disapproval and his sister's nagging has him making up an excuse to get away for a night of peace and quite, but he is interrupted when one of the cows is slaughtered. Mason can't help but help Tanner out, but he has enough on his plate and his attraction to Tanner helps to ease some of the tension. But there is more trouble heading their way and they can only hope that together they can weather want is to come.
This is a well written story that touches on anxiety, homophobia and a fathers disapproval. Tanner is a young man who is really struggling to keep putting one foot in-front of the other, when he meets Mason he begins to hope that things will get better and indeed it does as they first become friends and then lovers with a burgeoning hope for the future. It isn't easy for Tanner though as he struggles with his anxiety and doubts as he fits into ranch life and becomes accustom to being Mason's lover. Mason is struggling with his life as well but for different reasons, his father seems to hate him and nothing he does seems to please his sister, the pressure of keeping the ranch going and looking after his father is getting to him and Tanner is his only source of solace.
Tanner and Mason are great characters who seamlessly fall into a relationship that must remain hidden, but is in no way detrimental to either of them. You fully understand why it must be kept a secret, although you do wish that others could be different in their attitudes. Both Mason and Tanner have their own hard stories and both of them pull at your emotions, Tanner's because he has had really awful time of it and Mason because of the way his family treat him. Their relationship is sweet, comforting, hot and easy, there's no real angst between them other than what Tanner makes up in his mind and they are a great comfort to each other when needed.
The secondary characters in this story are well written and are very varied, we have Diana, Mason's sister, who comes across as overwrought and high-strung and blind to her father's nastiness, then we have Robert, Mason's father, who after a stroke is mean and nasty. There's also Lucy and Ed who are like a second set of parents to Mason and are a wonderful couple, there are other characters but none that really impact the story as much as the previously mentioned characters.
I recommend this to those who love a struggling ranchers life, fraught emotions, a slow developing relationship, sweet loving and sweaty sex, a great storyline with it's surprising twists and a sweet happy ending.
October 5, 2013
A joint review was posted on The Blog of Sid Love for this book. Click the link to read Nikyta's review and more...
3.25 stars
Nikyta and I have quite a similar taste so when she suggested that we should buddy read on this one, I went to check out the blurb and said an immediate yes! The premise was so promising that I couldn’t say no and that’s how we ended up reading this together.
Believe me when I say – I never had an urge to read a book with hotshot Cowboys – sure, I lust for those hotties like any other gay men out there but this book was one of those exceptions where nothing else mattered but my reader’s soul inside me that craved to have a peek into this book and oh what a journey it was!
The beginning hooked me in an instant and I was more than excited to see how fate brings the two main characters together - like no one could imagine, yet it was believable enough to amaze me. The writing was outstanding and every character stood out in their roles – Tanner’s innocence and his pain or Mason’s desperation for a life in which he mattered made me connect with them. You just have to read this story just so you could live the moments they share as their relationship grows. How beautiful each of those stolen moments are, when they sneak kisses or – yes, those cute hugs Nikyta mentioned of course. It didn’t even bother me that the development was kind of slow because I know it was how it was supposed to be.
Secondary characters did well just by supporting these two (or even standing as a barrier to their relationship) – Ed and Lucy’s love for the boys or Brian’s protective demeanor over his friend Tanner when someone speaks ill of him or even Robert Seidel’s hatred to that extent where I hated him from the bottom of my heart.
However, that doesn’t mean I approve of how the author decided to just “get rid of him” so that the boys could finally live together. It was disappointing, considering how high I had my expectations built for this book and they just came crashing down bit by bit in the second half of the book. For the most part after the main characters make love to each other, there is nothing exciting happening at all. Words just seem to run for pages after pages describing how and what they did each day. Much of unneeded information is given to the reader – if this had been edited well, a shorter version (still a novel, though) with some best scenes would have been a final product. A couple of grammatical errors made the perfectionist in me cringe but one could overlook it easily, I guess.
The mystery lacked its essence in this story and the climax was just not good enough. The ending of it all seemed rushed. The reader gets a bigger picture of it all at the end to show their happily ever after, however the little details – which actually made me fall in love with the story right in the beginning – remained missing right till end.
However, I would still recommend this book because Mason and Tanner do have a special story of their love to tell. It was a change for me – refreshing (even with the angst and all) and I found to be taken by Rowan McAllister’s talents.
For this romantic, cowboy tale, I give a rating of 3.25 stars.
3.25 stars
Nikyta and I have quite a similar taste so when she suggested that we should buddy read on this one, I went to check out the blurb and said an immediate yes! The premise was so promising that I couldn’t say no and that’s how we ended up reading this together.
Believe me when I say – I never had an urge to read a book with hotshot Cowboys – sure, I lust for those hotties like any other gay men out there but this book was one of those exceptions where nothing else mattered but my reader’s soul inside me that craved to have a peek into this book and oh what a journey it was!
The beginning hooked me in an instant and I was more than excited to see how fate brings the two main characters together - like no one could imagine, yet it was believable enough to amaze me. The writing was outstanding and every character stood out in their roles – Tanner’s innocence and his pain or Mason’s desperation for a life in which he mattered made me connect with them. You just have to read this story just so you could live the moments they share as their relationship grows. How beautiful each of those stolen moments are, when they sneak kisses or – yes, those cute hugs Nikyta mentioned of course. It didn’t even bother me that the development was kind of slow because I know it was how it was supposed to be.
Secondary characters did well just by supporting these two (or even standing as a barrier to their relationship) – Ed and Lucy’s love for the boys or Brian’s protective demeanor over his friend Tanner when someone speaks ill of him or even Robert Seidel’s hatred to that extent where I hated him from the bottom of my heart.
However, that doesn’t mean I approve of how the author decided to just “get rid of him” so that the boys could finally live together. It was disappointing, considering how high I had my expectations built for this book and they just came crashing down bit by bit in the second half of the book. For the most part after the main characters make love to each other, there is nothing exciting happening at all. Words just seem to run for pages after pages describing how and what they did each day. Much of unneeded information is given to the reader – if this had been edited well, a shorter version (still a novel, though) with some best scenes would have been a final product. A couple of grammatical errors made the perfectionist in me cringe but one could overlook it easily, I guess.
The mystery lacked its essence in this story and the climax was just not good enough. The ending of it all seemed rushed. The reader gets a bigger picture of it all at the end to show their happily ever after, however the little details – which actually made me fall in love with the story right in the beginning – remained missing right till end.
However, I would still recommend this book because Mason and Tanner do have a special story of their love to tell. It was a change for me – refreshing (even with the angst and all) and I found to be taken by Rowan McAllister’s talents.
For this romantic, cowboy tale, I give a rating of 3.25 stars.
January 23, 2019
Poignant and Sweet
Everyone can use a sweet story once in a while; Rowan McAllister creates a poignant love story between broken lost boy Tanner Wallis and reluctant family hero Mason Seidel which has a sweetness only the best contemporary writer can manage. The premise had me worried I'd have to suspend disbelief in order to manage to fall into the story, but the characters are so well realized it required little from me in order to fall in love with them both.
All, really.
McAllister created a beautiful world on the Seidel ranch where everyone introduced had a purpose alongside a fully developed characterization. The bigoted old Mr. Robert Seidel cuts a pathetic figure who alternately inspires fear and pity. Ed and Lucy are the domestic parental figures who inspire natural warmth in the reader and provide a nurturing element for everyone involved in the story. Diana showcases the loved sister while also showing some prejudices can be learned regardless of one's own wishes to be different from their parents. All the ranch hands are indicative of traditional cowboy archetypes which help with the atmosphere of the ranch while also propelling the storyline forward at a reasonable pace.
Tanner is designed to inspire pity and affection in the reader; he's a sweet fellow who I enjoyed seeing develop back into a confident, capable man. His panic attacks were realistic when considered against the trauma he'd experienced. His interest in Mason starts out as a crush and I loved seeing his crush become reciprocated as well as evolve into a devoted love. There's a bit of a loose end left hanging in regards to his original assault, but we do get a full story from Tanner whose life goes full circle over the course of the book.
Mason breaks my heart a lot because I know what it feels like to believe one is a disappointment to their father. No one wants their parents to be disappointed with them. There's an innate desire in people to want to make their parents proud. It hurt my heart to see his father's bigoted ideals shown all the way through the piece and then echoed by his sister Diana. I loved seeing Mason find peace with himself regardless of his father's disapproval.
I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a bit of hurt-comfort, sweet love story, and a Happy Ever After which is believable and fantastic at once. It's a four star read for me; I would definitely read another Rowan McAllister book in the future.
Everyone can use a sweet story once in a while; Rowan McAllister creates a poignant love story between broken lost boy Tanner Wallis and reluctant family hero Mason Seidel which has a sweetness only the best contemporary writer can manage. The premise had me worried I'd have to suspend disbelief in order to manage to fall into the story, but the characters are so well realized it required little from me in order to fall in love with them both.
All, really.
McAllister created a beautiful world on the Seidel ranch where everyone introduced had a purpose alongside a fully developed characterization. The bigoted old Mr. Robert Seidel cuts a pathetic figure who alternately inspires fear and pity. Ed and Lucy are the domestic parental figures who inspire natural warmth in the reader and provide a nurturing element for everyone involved in the story. Diana showcases the loved sister while also showing some prejudices can be learned regardless of one's own wishes to be different from their parents. All the ranch hands are indicative of traditional cowboy archetypes which help with the atmosphere of the ranch while also propelling the storyline forward at a reasonable pace.
Tanner is designed to inspire pity and affection in the reader; he's a sweet fellow who I enjoyed seeing develop back into a confident, capable man. His panic attacks were realistic when considered against the trauma he'd experienced. His interest in Mason starts out as a crush and I loved seeing his crush become reciprocated as well as evolve into a devoted love. There's a bit of a loose end left hanging in regards to his original assault, but we do get a full story from Tanner whose life goes full circle over the course of the book.
Mason breaks my heart a lot because I know what it feels like to believe one is a disappointment to their father. No one wants their parents to be disappointed with them. There's an innate desire in people to want to make their parents proud. It hurt my heart to see his father's bigoted ideals shown all the way through the piece and then echoed by his sister Diana. I loved seeing Mason find peace with himself regardless of his father's disapproval.
I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a bit of hurt-comfort, sweet love story, and a Happy Ever After which is believable and fantastic at once. It's a four star read for me; I would definitely read another Rowan McAllister book in the future.
July 19, 2015
*** Note: I received a copy of this audiobook for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
Thirty-something Mason Seidel has returned to temporarily run his family ranch ten years after being kicked out for being gay. His aging father has had a stroke and someone needs to run the place and help with the old man's recovery but his sister can't with her obligations to her husband and their kids.
Mason has decided that being the better man and doing the right thing means he needs to try forgive and help when needed. But then young, homeless Tanner Wallis is found on his property homeless and still recovering from a violent beating and Mason discovers that he's needed by more than just his family... and just maybe he has needs too.
They say that only family can best pull your strings because they're the ones that tied them there. This story deals with two young men struggling to deal with bigoted unforgiving parents and striving to rise above. The story is set in the lonely state of Wyoming and the lonely echos of Matthew Shepard's ordeal are heard in this story as well.
There are a plethora of stories about parents who don't take their children's coming out well. But this is somewhat unique. In this scenario it's now ten years later and the parent need the child. How will that play out? Can the disowned child be a more humane person than their parents have proven to be?
The writing is skillful and evocative and soon the reader is spending time on a cattle ranch in the high prairie with a couple of damaged but likable guys who are trying to navigate the family drama while they define what a cowboy life together might be. The family issues and questions of acceptance here are complex and it's clear that there is no easy solution but you soon find yourself rooting for these guys to find a way.
I listened to the Audio-book version of this narrated by Jason Clearfield and he does a great job of giving voice to the characters and does a credible job even with the women's voices. There ARE a few "verbal typos" that I wish had been fixed... One's GAYDAR "pings" (rhymes with rings) not "pinges" (rhymes with hinges) and rangy should rhyme with mangy, not tangy. But these are minor problems. Overall the characterization and the narration were better than many I've heard and it suited the story very well.
Thirty-something Mason Seidel has returned to temporarily run his family ranch ten years after being kicked out for being gay. His aging father has had a stroke and someone needs to run the place and help with the old man's recovery but his sister can't with her obligations to her husband and their kids.
Mason has decided that being the better man and doing the right thing means he needs to try forgive and help when needed. But then young, homeless Tanner Wallis is found on his property homeless and still recovering from a violent beating and Mason discovers that he's needed by more than just his family... and just maybe he has needs too.
They say that only family can best pull your strings because they're the ones that tied them there. This story deals with two young men struggling to deal with bigoted unforgiving parents and striving to rise above. The story is set in the lonely state of Wyoming and the lonely echos of Matthew Shepard's ordeal are heard in this story as well.
There are a plethora of stories about parents who don't take their children's coming out well. But this is somewhat unique. In this scenario it's now ten years later and the parent need the child. How will that play out? Can the disowned child be a more humane person than their parents have proven to be?
The writing is skillful and evocative and soon the reader is spending time on a cattle ranch in the high prairie with a couple of damaged but likable guys who are trying to navigate the family drama while they define what a cowboy life together might be. The family issues and questions of acceptance here are complex and it's clear that there is no easy solution but you soon find yourself rooting for these guys to find a way.
I listened to the Audio-book version of this narrated by Jason Clearfield and he does a great job of giving voice to the characters and does a credible job even with the women's voices. There ARE a few "verbal typos" that I wish had been fixed... One's GAYDAR "pings" (rhymes with rings) not "pinges" (rhymes with hinges) and rangy should rhyme with mangy, not tangy. But these are minor problems. Overall the characterization and the narration were better than many I've heard and it suited the story very well.
November 7, 2013
I wasn't a fan. I found myself skipping over whole sections of the story just to get past the boring bits, then found myself inexplicably stuck in another boring bit. Ugh. I hate feeling that way about a book, especially about a book about cowboys, but damn. There was just no zing, no zap, no pizzaz.
And don't even get me started on characterization and/or plot development. It was all just flat. The dad and the daughter both were overkill in the one dimensional department. And the supposed plot? I had it figured out pretty much from the get-go, which would have been ok if I liked the characters more. But the MC's were too whiny, the secondary characters too cartoonish. I think the only guy I really enjoyed was the sheriff, and I think he had a whole two scenes.
Overall, I'm actually surprised I even finished it.
And don't even get me started on characterization and/or plot development. It was all just flat. The dad and the daughter both were overkill in the one dimensional department. And the supposed plot? I had it figured out pretty much from the get-go, which would have been ok if I liked the characters more. But the MC's were too whiny, the secondary characters too cartoonish. I think the only guy I really enjoyed was the sheriff, and I think he had a whole two scenes.
Overall, I'm actually surprised I even finished it.
October 9, 2013
There will be a lot of things to overcome for these two men. Will their love for one another be enough to carry them through, or will they fail to make it work? This book was difficult to read at some parts because of the hate that Mason had to live with daily from his father. He felt duty bound to stay and help out, but how long can he handle all the hate? I was very impressed he didn’t suffocate the man with a pillow; I don’t think I could have resisted the temptation. It was a testament to the love he had for Tanner that he was able to hold on so long.
Read Jackie's full review at The Novel Approach
Read Jackie's full review at The Novel Approach
October 8, 2013
3.5* I enjoyed the relationship between the two mc's but I so wanted Mason to stand up for himself with his family. I know he was a really good guy but just once, just a few harsh words back would have made me feel so much better! The substory of the animal killings was strange and I wish it had been left out and they had met in a different way. I'm going to check out this authors other works cause I really enjoyed her writing style.
October 19, 2013
3.5 stars - Very nice read. Loved the chemistry and beautiful relationship that blossomed between Tanner and Mason. Mason was Tanner's hero in so many ways, and Tanner became Mason's ray of sunshine and hope. *sighs happily* (And the cover's just perfect.)
abandoned
October 8, 2013Nope. This book is not for me. An animal being hurt like that and I am gone. Unnecessary. Very unhappy!! I will not read a book where animals are hurt. DNF at 7%
July 21, 2024
Tanner is on his last legs when he wanders onto the Seidel ranch in the middle of the night and witnesses the brutal killing of one of the cattle. Mason is close by when he hears the cries of the dying animal. When he gets to the scene he finds Tanner. Realising That Tanner is injured and needs help and protection. Mason has a lot on his plate already looking after his homophobic father and the ranch. Tanner becomes a welcome distraction and they become a support system for each other. A great simmering romance.
July 9, 2021
I only read it because the narrator is one of my favorites... even though this is under a different name and isn't his best work. But it's a little older and thankfully toward the end he stopped trying so hard to make his voice deeper. He has come a long way since then! The story was ok, nothing special. Not bad.
January 28, 2018
2.5 stars
I was in the mood for a cowboy romance, so I picked up this book.
It didn't work for me, it was too sappy and too much soap opera, not my cup of tea.
it's a insta love - HEA kind of story and usually I like that but not this time.
I was in the mood for a cowboy romance, so I picked up this book.
It didn't work for me, it was too sappy and too much soap opera, not my cup of tea.
it's a insta love - HEA kind of story and usually I like that but not this time.
May 23, 2018
Mostly sweet, though there is a little angst. Definitely character centred. It’s good then, that I liked the characters. Mason and Tanner worked so well together. I liked Ed and Lucy as well as the hands. Masons family needed some work though.
July 7, 2017
I was a good book. I love a good cowboy. I felt that it dragged a little in the middle. Mason relationship with his dad was getting old after a bit. Love the ending.
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