What do you think?
Rate this book
Ride the Wind
Alex Durant lives in a room behind the motorcycle repair shop where he works as an underpaid mechanic, bullied by his boss. There’s a truth he’s ignored most of his twenty-three years: men on their bikes turn him on, not women on the pin-up calendars that line the shop walls. It’s during a well-earned vacation to Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend the motorcycle rally where he comes face to face with his truth. He meets the confident and outgoing Jordon Baker, who races motorcycles as a career. Alex is overwhelmed by Jordon’s incredible smile and kind eyes and his need to live life to the fullest. In the week they spend together, it’s Jordon who shows Alex things he’s never experienced: concerts, races, and the stars. It’s Jordon who shows him that two male bodies can ignite in pleasure when they come together. By the end of the week, Alex sees in Jordon’s eyes what he feels in his heart, and the truth of that scares him to the core. But Sturgis week has ended, and Alex is back to the grind. He’s now stuck with making a difficult choice: continue to live his sad life alone and in hiding, or live his truth with the man who has big eyes for the world.
246 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Anne Dudley
15 books2 followersAnne Dudley has always had a dream of writing and having her work published. What got her dream off the ground was meeting two men who tried to make their love work despite all odds. The love between them lit a fire in her and prompted her to pursue her dream of writing so she could capture the beauty of two men together. To her, there is nothing more beautiful than two men in love and watching two men express that love, physically and emotionally.
Anne lives in Texas and works in the medical field. Her favorite form of relaxation is going on cruises and then heading off to Glacier Park, Montana, to stare at the mountains. Preferably with a glass of red wine in hand. Good food, good company, and a Friday night reading and writing about men are the best ways to start the weekend. There's nothing better than typing away on a new story with twenty pounds of purring orange cat in your lap.
Visit Anne's blog at http://anne_dudley.livejournal.com.
Anne lives in Texas and works in the medical field. Her favorite form of relaxation is going on cruises and then heading off to Glacier Park, Montana, to stare at the mountains. Preferably with a glass of red wine in hand. Good food, good company, and a Friday night reading and writing about men are the best ways to start the weekend. There's nothing better than typing away on a new story with twenty pounds of purring orange cat in your lap.
Visit Anne's blog at http://anne_dudley.livejournal.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 13, 2016
After reading the premise for the book, I somehow worked it into my head "Ride the Wind" was going to end up being something like this:
Hot right? Two leather daddies going at it after dark, kind of action. But no, it wasn't meant to be in this book.
A former runaway, turned mechanic who is so deep in the closet, he'd need a map, GPS and prayers to find his way out, Alex Durant, is on vacation for a week in Sturgis, South Dakota with his tent and motorcycle. He's not looking for much, he's sort of a Cinderfella, who is unappreciated by his mean boss, Augie and Alex also does not appreciate himself nor does he recognize his self worth.
Alex has never been with a man, has only slept with one woman (a 21st birthday present) that he'd like to forget and has never left the mechanic's shop since his boss took him in. Fate steps in and delivers fun in the form of Jordon, a motocross racer.
Jordon is a type of character I always take get pleasure in reading. You know the one that is a helluva good time. No matter what this type gets you involved with, even if it's being handcuffed in the back of a police car, you know you'd had a great time. He sees insecure Alex and takes him under his wing. As friends at first.
So now I'm hoping the story would take a turn like this:
Alas no hunky beefy leather daddies waiting to pop Alex's butt cherry in sight.
This is a slow build kind of romance with a lot of frottage mixed in. These guys are in the outdoors, young and free, so why not? When I say there is a lot of sex don't write this off as a PWP. There's a plot. The story is really New Adult set in August 1999. Alex needed this vacation to discover himself and thankfully Jordon was there to help him along his journey.
Just picture being twenty-two years old and all you've ever eaten was stale crackers your entire life. You never even heard of fructose syrup. (A shame) And then someone gives you your first piece of candy at 22. You're going to eat and suck and slobber and devour that candy any chance you can. You're going to gorge yourself on all that has been denied because you finally get a taste of the good stuff. That's Alex and Jordon for a little over the first half of the story. Except candy is gay sex and it is awesome.
Don't get me wrong, some parts are slow, the first third especially. The last third I zipped through because things finally come together for Alex because he decides to finally stop being a participant in his life and fucking DRIVE. Alex does some growing up, gets a taste of the real world, has to let what he wants the most go, so he can value what he had.
And all in all, he had a solid thing, he came into adulthood with some speed bumps but that's life huh? I liked Alex. I loved Jordon.
And Zeke, the best friend-Yoda-father figure to Alex, he was a phenomenal secondary character. Loved him.
3.75 STARS
P.S. I don't think everyone would love this story. I think those who don't mind a lot of sex mixed with a new adult trying to find himself and not fully come out of the closet but slowly inch his way out might appreciate this book. Nothing super kinky either though that one bathroom stall scene...*fans self*
Hot right? Two leather daddies going at it after dark, kind of action. But no, it wasn't meant to be in this book.
A former runaway, turned mechanic who is so deep in the closet, he'd need a map, GPS and prayers to find his way out, Alex Durant, is on vacation for a week in Sturgis, South Dakota with his tent and motorcycle. He's not looking for much, he's sort of a Cinderfella, who is unappreciated by his mean boss, Augie and Alex also does not appreciate himself nor does he recognize his self worth.
Alex has never been with a man, has only slept with one woman (a 21st birthday present) that he'd like to forget and has never left the mechanic's shop since his boss took him in. Fate steps in and delivers fun in the form of Jordon, a motocross racer.
Jordon is a type of character I always take get pleasure in reading. You know the one that is a helluva good time. No matter what this type gets you involved with, even if it's being handcuffed in the back of a police car, you know you'd had a great time. He sees insecure Alex and takes him under his wing. As friends at first.
So now I'm hoping the story would take a turn like this:
Alas no hunky beefy leather daddies waiting to pop Alex's butt cherry in sight.
This is a slow build kind of romance with a lot of frottage mixed in. These guys are in the outdoors, young and free, so why not? When I say there is a lot of sex don't write this off as a PWP. There's a plot. The story is really New Adult set in August 1999. Alex needed this vacation to discover himself and thankfully Jordon was there to help him along his journey.
Just picture being twenty-two years old and all you've ever eaten was stale crackers your entire life. You never even heard of fructose syrup. (A shame) And then someone gives you your first piece of candy at 22. You're going to eat and suck and slobber and devour that candy any chance you can. You're going to gorge yourself on all that has been denied because you finally get a taste of the good stuff. That's Alex and Jordon for a little over the first half of the story. Except candy is gay sex and it is awesome.
Don't get me wrong, some parts are slow, the first third especially. The last third I zipped through because things finally come together for Alex because he decides to finally stop being a participant in his life and fucking DRIVE. Alex does some growing up, gets a taste of the real world, has to let what he wants the most go, so he can value what he had.
And all in all, he had a solid thing, he came into adulthood with some speed bumps but that's life huh? I liked Alex. I loved Jordon.
And Zeke, the best friend-Yoda-father figure to Alex, he was a phenomenal secondary character. Loved him.
3.75 STARS
P.S. I don't think everyone would love this story. I think those who don't mind a lot of sex mixed with a new adult trying to find himself and not fully come out of the closet but slowly inch his way out might appreciate this book. Nothing super kinky either though that one bathroom stall scene...*fans self*
August 28, 2013
2.5 Stars
A "Live your Life, Buy the Book" review
Alex’s story starts off in August 1999 when he’s headed to Sturgis, South Dakota for the famous motorcycle rally that gets held there once a year. On his way he stops off at Mount Rushmore National Memorial to have a look around. Alex hasn’t traveled anywhere before and after the guys at the motorcycle shop where he works talks him into going, he sets off for his first adventure. While checking out Mount Rushmore he meets Jordon Baker. (I really liked Jordon. He was so sweet, so caring. Yeah, I loved him instantly.) They chat for a bit and then make plans to meet up for a beer the next day. Alex can feel the pull to Jordon but knows nothing but trouble can come of him liking another man. But Jordon doesn’t see it that way, he feels the pull just as much as Alex does but he’s not afraid to see where things could go. Jordon just wants Alex to give things a chance. After the best night of his life Alex acts like the biggest dip stick. He starts throwing a fit like a child saying he’s going to leave, he’s going to go home. By this point I was getting very aggravated. He’s acting like a whiny baby and Jordon, sweetheart that he is, is practically begging him not to leave, not to end things before they can ever begin. Alex takes off on his bike to go for a ride to clear his head and when he returns to camp Jordon is there and he convinces him to stay the week and see how things go.
The first half of the book had a lot of sex. Take a ride-have sex. Go eat dinner-have sex. For me it was just a bit too much and Alex was so paranoid about getting caught that just reading about his paranoia was making me twitchy.
By the time the week was over Jordon is trying to convince Alex to come with him instead of going back to the shop where he works. There’s nothing holding him there. He only has one good friend Zeke, who I absolutely adored.
Jordon is a free spirit, always having fun and living in the moment, where Alex is a stick in the mud. Well, more like he has a stick up his — You fill in the blank. Alex thinks he needs to head back home and take care of some things first. He wants to get his life together and then he’ll call Jordon and hopefully they can pick up where they left off.
It’s probably really wrong of me to voice this, but why in the world did the author make Alex so unlikable?? He was way too insecure, way to whiny and for crying out loud he snapped at people for no other reason then he was just being an ass. Honestly I thought Jordon was better off without him.
For me the story was okay. I didn’t really get into it and I spent a lot of time being ticked off at Alex. I really believe that if the author would have had multiple points of view, the story would have flowed much smoother because I really got tired of being in Alex’s head.
I’m no writer, I’m just someone who read this book and didn’t care for it. That doesn’t mean someone else will see it the same way I did.
A "Live your Life, Buy the Book" review
Alex’s story starts off in August 1999 when he’s headed to Sturgis, South Dakota for the famous motorcycle rally that gets held there once a year. On his way he stops off at Mount Rushmore National Memorial to have a look around. Alex hasn’t traveled anywhere before and after the guys at the motorcycle shop where he works talks him into going, he sets off for his first adventure. While checking out Mount Rushmore he meets Jordon Baker. (I really liked Jordon. He was so sweet, so caring. Yeah, I loved him instantly.) They chat for a bit and then make plans to meet up for a beer the next day. Alex can feel the pull to Jordon but knows nothing but trouble can come of him liking another man. But Jordon doesn’t see it that way, he feels the pull just as much as Alex does but he’s not afraid to see where things could go. Jordon just wants Alex to give things a chance. After the best night of his life Alex acts like the biggest dip stick. He starts throwing a fit like a child saying he’s going to leave, he’s going to go home. By this point I was getting very aggravated. He’s acting like a whiny baby and Jordon, sweetheart that he is, is practically begging him not to leave, not to end things before they can ever begin. Alex takes off on his bike to go for a ride to clear his head and when he returns to camp Jordon is there and he convinces him to stay the week and see how things go.
The first half of the book had a lot of sex. Take a ride-have sex. Go eat dinner-have sex. For me it was just a bit too much and Alex was so paranoid about getting caught that just reading about his paranoia was making me twitchy.
By the time the week was over Jordon is trying to convince Alex to come with him instead of going back to the shop where he works. There’s nothing holding him there. He only has one good friend Zeke, who I absolutely adored.
Jordon is a free spirit, always having fun and living in the moment, where Alex is a stick in the mud. Well, more like he has a stick up his — You fill in the blank. Alex thinks he needs to head back home and take care of some things first. He wants to get his life together and then he’ll call Jordon and hopefully they can pick up where they left off.
It’s probably really wrong of me to voice this, but why in the world did the author make Alex so unlikable?? He was way too insecure, way to whiny and for crying out loud he snapped at people for no other reason then he was just being an ass. Honestly I thought Jordon was better off without him.
For me the story was okay. I didn’t really get into it and I spent a lot of time being ticked off at Alex. I really believe that if the author would have had multiple points of view, the story would have flowed much smoother because I really got tired of being in Alex’s head.
I’m no writer, I’m just someone who read this book and didn’t care for it. That doesn’t mean someone else will see it the same way I did.
October 7, 2013
I am kicking myself now. When I saw the blurb I had a bad feeling about this book, but at the same time it sounded so good. And damn, I really wanted to read the book. I'm into the bad boy/biker vibes in a book. There's just something about them for me... I get drawn in and then I fall in love with the characters and the books. And that did happen here. I was really in love with Alex and Jordan as a couple, and I adored Jordan as a character. I invested a lot of hope in this book because that bad feeling never left.
Alex and Jordan met at a motorcycle rally. They started off as friends, for a very, very short time, and then eventually they moved on to more. There was a nice bit of sex too. I liked that. It gave me hope that something good would happen. Another bonussort of was the fact neither were a virgin. But Alex had only been with one woman, a prostitute. Still, I allowed myself to hope that my gut feeling was wrong. I allowed myself to fall in love with the couple. I enjoyed the bike talk and the way the story was built around them.
About 50% in, I got annoyed. Alex wasn't exactly acting the way I wanted him to. I should have been smarter and clued myself in. Really, I should have. Then they went their separate ways... The revelationwhich did not shock me from Zeke. I had an even worse feeling, but after we hit 80% I had hope... Nothing really bad happened. I was accepting that this book would be a 4 star read, docked one for Alex annoying me.
Then, unfortunately, we had the thing... Maybe I should have DNF'd like most would. But I never do that. Never. So I read on and waited for him to confess to Jordan once they had reunited. Jordan even told Alex there was no one else. I would have been happy to add this as a no HEA and it could have been a three star read because I did love Jordan. But Alex lied and this did have a happy ending. And now I am wondering why I read this... I feel more than a little sick right now.
I don't want people to look at my review and say they hate cheating so they won't read it. Chances are some won't see it as cheating. But I did. And I can recommend this book to those who don't mind cheating. They might love it. But right now I am just trying not to cry, and yes, I am very close to crying right now.
Alex and Jordan met at a motorcycle rally. They started off as friends, for a very, very short time, and then eventually they moved on to more. There was a nice bit of sex too. I liked that. It gave me hope that something good would happen. Another bonus
About 50% in, I got annoyed. Alex wasn't exactly acting the way I wanted him to. I should have been smarter and clued myself in. Really, I should have. Then they went their separate ways... The revelation
Then, unfortunately, we had the thing... Maybe I should have DNF'd like most would. But I never do that. Never. So I read on and waited for him to confess to Jordan once they had reunited. Jordan even told Alex there was no one else. I would have been happy to add this as a no HEA and it could have been a three star read because I did love Jordan. But Alex lied and this did have a happy ending. And now I am wondering why I read this... I feel more than a little sick right now.
I don't want people to look at my review and say they hate cheating so they won't read it. Chances are some won't see it as cheating. But I did. And I can recommend this book to those who don't mind cheating. They might love it. But right now I am just trying not to cry, and yes, I am very close to crying right now.
September 8, 2013
I can’t say how much I liked this book. It reminded me of a YA story, but with hot smexy sex scenes. Alex may have been twenty-three years old, but he had a lot of growing up to do. This book basically tells the story of Alex finding out exactly who he is and watching him become the man he wants to be. I respected the fact that he didn’t just jump into a serious relationship with Jordan. It takes a strong person to realize they have to take care of themselves before they can add someone else to the mix.
You can read the rest of Jackie's review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of Jackie's review at The Novel Approach
September 3, 2013
I thought Bikers and Sturgis and men loving men, How could I go wrong?? to read more and to find out that I wasn't wrong read more http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
January 26, 2014
3.5 stars
March 5, 2017
I am going to call this a "love it or hate it" book and I didn't love it! :(
I am sure other readers will see past the things that annoyed me to the actual really good story (which I did like) but the little things that didn't work for me far outweighed the things that did work for me. But don't be discouraged... it might actually be the book for you, so give it a try! :D
I will pursue other books by this author in the future... I always give a new to me author a second chance! *grin*
I am sure other readers will see past the things that annoyed me to the actual really good story (which I did like) but the little things that didn't work for me far outweighed the things that did work for me. But don't be discouraged... it might actually be the book for you, so give it a try! :D
I will pursue other books by this author in the future... I always give a new to me author a second chance! *grin*
October 7, 2013
I enjoyed this "ride on the wild side” coming out story immensely. It was sweet without being saccharine and covered a difficult subject matter: how do you handle yourself when your fears overwhelm you, with a graceful realism that tugged at my heart. Written in rich, warm tones, I found that the physical adventure of touring cross-country on a motorcycle balanced splendidly with the emotional building of trust and love between the two leads.
Alex Durant is on a bike trip to a motorcycle rally in Sturgis. For the first time, he’s away from his gruff, increasingly hard to please boss and the rough crew of mechanics that he works with, in the only home he’s ever really known, a motorcycle repair shop. It’s his first real taste of freedom and he intends to make the most of it. But a chance meeting with another young biker sends him into a torment of the best and worst kind.
When motocrosser Jordon Baker meets Alex, he likes what he sees and carefully checks for signs of interest from the other male. He thinks he senses attraction, but the signals are strange; there then gone, then back. Used to going after what he wants, Jordan carefully coaxes Alex to meet up with him and slowly the two men become acquainted.
The love story between these two young men unfolds beautifully as light is shed gently on their backgrounds through a profound study of their deeds and attitudes. Opposites attract and Alex and Jordan are opposites in how they approach choices and decision-making. I found both leads highly charismatic and lovable. Alex is like a beautiful young lion, shy as a kitten and unaware of his own strength and beauty…he has no idea that he is a lion.
Jordan is like an exquisite young bobcat, fast, brave, agile, and daring; he’s ready to take on the world. He knows he has limits, but feels more alive pushing at his boundaries. Motocross helps him do this, but there is his other yearning as well: the need to balance out his wildness with the quiet of a steady home and someone to share it with. Jordan believes he’s found the man he wants to build a life with, but will Alex face his fears and find his inner strength and the courage that Jordan sees in him? And will Jordan give him the time to do so?
All of the above and more makes for a fast-paced and entertaining story, full of genuine emotional turmoil, the joys of achieving and overcoming self-imposed obstacles, and captivating scenes of the initial fumblings of passion between first time lovers.
Thank you, Anne Dudley, for this enchanting coming of age story; I look forward to reading your other works. “Sweet, Titillating, Powerful”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Alex Durant is on a bike trip to a motorcycle rally in Sturgis. For the first time, he’s away from his gruff, increasingly hard to please boss and the rough crew of mechanics that he works with, in the only home he’s ever really known, a motorcycle repair shop. It’s his first real taste of freedom and he intends to make the most of it. But a chance meeting with another young biker sends him into a torment of the best and worst kind.
When motocrosser Jordon Baker meets Alex, he likes what he sees and carefully checks for signs of interest from the other male. He thinks he senses attraction, but the signals are strange; there then gone, then back. Used to going after what he wants, Jordan carefully coaxes Alex to meet up with him and slowly the two men become acquainted.
The love story between these two young men unfolds beautifully as light is shed gently on their backgrounds through a profound study of their deeds and attitudes. Opposites attract and Alex and Jordan are opposites in how they approach choices and decision-making. I found both leads highly charismatic and lovable. Alex is like a beautiful young lion, shy as a kitten and unaware of his own strength and beauty…he has no idea that he is a lion.
Jordan is like an exquisite young bobcat, fast, brave, agile, and daring; he’s ready to take on the world. He knows he has limits, but feels more alive pushing at his boundaries. Motocross helps him do this, but there is his other yearning as well: the need to balance out his wildness with the quiet of a steady home and someone to share it with. Jordan believes he’s found the man he wants to build a life with, but will Alex face his fears and find his inner strength and the courage that Jordan sees in him? And will Jordan give him the time to do so?
All of the above and more makes for a fast-paced and entertaining story, full of genuine emotional turmoil, the joys of achieving and overcoming self-imposed obstacles, and captivating scenes of the initial fumblings of passion between first time lovers.
Thank you, Anne Dudley, for this enchanting coming of age story; I look forward to reading your other works. “Sweet, Titillating, Powerful”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 13, 2013
Swoon, swoon, swoon my heart went Zoom! I really liked this book, as a Brit I really enjoyed the dialogue it was fun and well written, giving me a real feel for the characters and their environment. The buffoonery between Alex and Jordon made me laugh and their emotions tore at my heart. These guys are hot together and for each other.
Alex is a diffident young man, who is cautious of his feelings and his social surroundings. Knowing what he wants scares him, causing him to have splenetic outbursts, then he tries to play it cool when his emotions run high to hide his disconcertment. Alex prefers to be left alone to deal with his emotions and work through issues his own way, but doesn't rule out any advice given to him by those he trusts. This I feel shows Alex's strengths, despite his heart telling him to jump right in, he follows his head. Alex's attitude kept me on the edge, I really liked him and was captivated by him the more I got to know and understand him.
Jordon is naturally outgoing and experienced, he is sure of his feelings and resourceful. He has determination and lives life to the full, challenging whatever is thrown in his way. I easily liked Jordon with his easy going friendly approach dealing with any challenge with a wink and a smile. For me he is a fun daredevil character who I would have liked to have known more about.
Although Alex and Jordon appear to have conflicting and differing perceptions about how their relationship should run, there is a strong pull between them. Jordon carries very positive connotations for their future together, but can he pursuade Alex to make the necessary steps take charge of his life.
Good secondary characters with Augie being the condescending and controlling boss and Zeke being the father figure and best friend giving Alex focus and support.
I recommend this fun rock-on romance novel with two 'hard up, hard on' biker guys!
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Alex is a diffident young man, who is cautious of his feelings and his social surroundings. Knowing what he wants scares him, causing him to have splenetic outbursts, then he tries to play it cool when his emotions run high to hide his disconcertment. Alex prefers to be left alone to deal with his emotions and work through issues his own way, but doesn't rule out any advice given to him by those he trusts. This I feel shows Alex's strengths, despite his heart telling him to jump right in, he follows his head. Alex's attitude kept me on the edge, I really liked him and was captivated by him the more I got to know and understand him.
Jordon is naturally outgoing and experienced, he is sure of his feelings and resourceful. He has determination and lives life to the full, challenging whatever is thrown in his way. I easily liked Jordon with his easy going friendly approach dealing with any challenge with a wink and a smile. For me he is a fun daredevil character who I would have liked to have known more about.
Although Alex and Jordon appear to have conflicting and differing perceptions about how their relationship should run, there is a strong pull between them. Jordon carries very positive connotations for their future together, but can he pursuade Alex to make the necessary steps take charge of his life.
Good secondary characters with Augie being the condescending and controlling boss and Zeke being the father figure and best friend giving Alex focus and support.
I recommend this fun rock-on romance novel with two 'hard up, hard on' biker guys!
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
September 26, 2013
Please leave comments on KymD's 4 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
"Their lives seemed so different, yet so much the same too. They'd both come from poor, unaccepting families, but one had a need to hide, and the other had to be on top of the world for all to see."
Ride the Wind by Anne Dudley is the beautiful story of one man's struggle to overcome years of hiding from the world, and break through the walls of self doubt he's built around himself. Ever since Alex's familly rejected and threw him out because he was gay, he's been coasting through life accepting whatever comes his way-a crappy boss who harasses him, coworkers who treat him like dirt. The blurb lays out the basic details of this emotional tale, but you neeed to read it to really enjoy the journey.
This is a character driven book, told in a skillful blend of flasbacks and present day. The plot smoothly takes you from the beginning to the end with no confusing plot holes or jarring jumps. The backstory is fills in any gaps and lays a great foundation for the storyline. The characters are complex, very believable, and three dimensional, and the difficult journey that Alex goes through from fear to freedom makes this a very satisfying read. The sex is emotional, passionate, and tender as the two men explore their attraction to each other.
The author's writing style is crisp, clean, and eloquently emotional, with an unique and original twist on a unfortunately all too common problem that affects so many lifes. The story does have a HEA ending, and I really like how Alex finds the courage to overcome his doubts and fears to seize the opportunity to change his life for the better. If you're looking for an emotionally satisfying way to spend a few hours, then this is a book you should definitely check out.
"Their lives seemed so different, yet so much the same too. They'd both come from poor, unaccepting families, but one had a need to hide, and the other had to be on top of the world for all to see."
Ride the Wind by Anne Dudley is the beautiful story of one man's struggle to overcome years of hiding from the world, and break through the walls of self doubt he's built around himself. Ever since Alex's familly rejected and threw him out because he was gay, he's been coasting through life accepting whatever comes his way-a crappy boss who harasses him, coworkers who treat him like dirt. The blurb lays out the basic details of this emotional tale, but you neeed to read it to really enjoy the journey.
This is a character driven book, told in a skillful blend of flasbacks and present day. The plot smoothly takes you from the beginning to the end with no confusing plot holes or jarring jumps. The backstory is fills in any gaps and lays a great foundation for the storyline. The characters are complex, very believable, and three dimensional, and the difficult journey that Alex goes through from fear to freedom makes this a very satisfying read. The sex is emotional, passionate, and tender as the two men explore their attraction to each other.
The author's writing style is crisp, clean, and eloquently emotional, with an unique and original twist on a unfortunately all too common problem that affects so many lifes. The story does have a HEA ending, and I really like how Alex finds the courage to overcome his doubts and fears to seize the opportunity to change his life for the better. If you're looking for an emotionally satisfying way to spend a few hours, then this is a book you should definitely check out.
September 1, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 2 1/2 hearts
One of the major things that make a book enjoyable for me is my connection to the main characters in the story. While Jordan was a very likeable and charming character, I felt as if I was on a scavenger hunt trying in vain to scrounge for some obscure trait that would help me to like Alex – only to come up empty handed.
I believe the author was trying to create a setting in which the year (1999) and the inexperienced character (Alex) set the stage for angst by making it not only socially less acceptable to be out and gay, but also frightening (with no experience) to navigate through those uncharted waters. Unfortunately, instead of feeling empathetic towards Alex for the challenges he faced, I just really kind of wanted Jordan to move on and find someone else less… paranoid? snippy? annoying? Even the sex didn’t really do it for me. There was too much (can’t believe I just said that) and it felt very one-sided in terms of who was trying to please whom.
On the plus side, I enjoyed the virtual visit to Mt. Rushmore and Sturgis which I thought were portrayed very realistically. I also really enjoyed Alex’s friend and work partner Zeke. Zeke was a great mentor and positive influence on Alex. It was Zeke’s introduction and intervention in the end that gave the story an extra ½ heart boost for me.
One of the major things that make a book enjoyable for me is my connection to the main characters in the story. While Jordan was a very likeable and charming character, I felt as if I was on a scavenger hunt trying in vain to scrounge for some obscure trait that would help me to like Alex – only to come up empty handed.
I believe the author was trying to create a setting in which the year (1999) and the inexperienced character (Alex) set the stage for angst by making it not only socially less acceptable to be out and gay, but also frightening (with no experience) to navigate through those uncharted waters. Unfortunately, instead of feeling empathetic towards Alex for the challenges he faced, I just really kind of wanted Jordan to move on and find someone else less… paranoid? snippy? annoying? Even the sex didn’t really do it for me. There was too much (can’t believe I just said that) and it felt very one-sided in terms of who was trying to please whom.
On the plus side, I enjoyed the virtual visit to Mt. Rushmore and Sturgis which I thought were portrayed very realistically. I also really enjoyed Alex’s friend and work partner Zeke. Zeke was a great mentor and positive influence on Alex. It was Zeke’s introduction and intervention in the end that gave the story an extra ½ heart boost for me.
April 27, 2015
Honestly i found this book boring. The beginning dragged on and on. The sex was not hot. I can't even remember the MC's name *pause*oh yeah, its Alex (had to look it up). The second half of the book dragged on while Alex tries to become an adult, which I guess includes hooking up with a stranger. And that's all I got to say about that.
September 27, 2013
A very loving story. I really liked Zeke was like a surrogate father to Alex and helped to guide him in life. And it was destiny that Alex and Jordan met in Sturgis on his trip and just automatically bonded as one. Really loving story.
September 7, 2013
Really enjoyed book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews