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The Gallows Tree
alternate cover edition of ASIN B00D8DDOIG
Originally Published 2012
Cody Garret is only just finding his way after an abusive relationship ended with his ex in prison. Coming to England to restore Mill Cottage is his way of running so he has time to heal. His goal is simple-hire a company to help make the mill cottage saleable then go back to the States.
What he doesn't count on is meeting Sebastian Toulson-Brown, the brother of his contractor and the man who may be able to show him he can stop running.
But first Cody and Sebastian must deal with the ghosts of lost loves and the destinies that are woven into the story of the mill and the sycamore trees that stand on its land, one of which might be the gallows tree.
Originally Published 2012
Cody Garret is only just finding his way after an abusive relationship ended with his ex in prison. Coming to England to restore Mill Cottage is his way of running so he has time to heal. His goal is simple-hire a company to help make the mill cottage saleable then go back to the States.
What he doesn't count on is meeting Sebastian Toulson-Brown, the brother of his contractor and the man who may be able to show him he can stop running.
But first Cody and Sebastian must deal with the ghosts of lost loves and the destinies that are woven into the story of the mill and the sycamore trees that stand on its land, one of which might be the gallows tree.
324 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2011
22 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
306 books2,707 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 8, 2012
3.5 stars
Despite the smiling man on the cover, this story is nowhere THAT cheerful. Cody Garrett has a huge chip on his shoulder, being a survivor of an abusive relationship. It makes him keeping people at arms length. Luckily, Sebastian Toulson-Brown, the brother of Cody's contractor, is quite determined (and he's sweet and adorable) to get Cody out of his shell. I enjoy the scenes of Cody and the Toulson-Brown's brothers the most.
I'm a bit surprised with the paranormal element of this story too. Yes, I do read the blurb of Cody "being haunted by the ghosts of a highwayman", but it apparently has a bigger role than that. In fact, the ghosts factor sort of pushing Cody and Seb to work together and to make Cody finally able to sort out his life, as he is looking into the past and find out what had happened to the ghosts.
It's a good contemporary story, combined with paranormal element.
Despite the smiling man on the cover, this story is nowhere THAT cheerful. Cody Garrett has a huge chip on his shoulder, being a survivor of an abusive relationship. It makes him keeping people at arms length. Luckily, Sebastian Toulson-Brown, the brother of Cody's contractor, is quite determined (and he's sweet and adorable) to get Cody out of his shell. I enjoy the scenes of Cody and the Toulson-Brown's brothers the most.
I'm a bit surprised with the paranormal element of this story too. Yes, I do read the blurb of Cody "being haunted by the ghosts of a highwayman", but it apparently has a bigger role than that. In fact, the ghosts factor sort of pushing Cody and Seb to work together and to make Cody finally able to sort out his life, as he is looking into the past and find out what had happened to the ghosts.
It's a good contemporary story, combined with paranormal element.
February 1, 2012
This book was plain old awesome. RJ Scott has become known for her HEA stories but this was one of her best yet. Cody Garret was almost killed by his abusive partner who was subsequently sent to prison. Cody couldn't pull it together home in Baltimore with his ex now out of jail. The Garrets own property over in England so Cody decides to get away from everything and fix the house in England up for sale. While staying at an inn next to his property, Cody begins to get feelings and see things in his dreams about the death of a young woman who died over a hundred years ago. He also meets the gorgeous Sebastian and his unconventional family. Cody and Seb look into the family records and go over the legends surrounding the village and find evidence of a tragic affair and find feelings for each other. There are several plot lines to follow in this story which keeps it interesting and keeps the pages turning. The wounded Cody and the patient Sebastian are perfect together as the explore the past only to find their future. The supporting characters were both interesting and likeable in a homey kind of way. This is a long book for Ms Scott but I never lost interest. The paranormal aspect was written well as it was in her book Oracle. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy yet interesting read.
October 28, 2021
2.5
It's a ghost story for a romantic Halloween but it somehow missed its mark. At it's core it's a healing after a terrible abusive relationship and the ghost story is more a means to an end. The attraction between Cody and Seb comes a bit too fast, too easy for the kind of abuse Cody suffered. It's one of those stories I enjoyed while reading but couldn't believe in. May I call it guilty pleasure because I was okay with the lack of drama and conflict a story about that topic needs? But what it really needs: another ending or at least more time for that end because it felt rushed and too convenient.
It's a ghost story for a romantic Halloween but it somehow missed its mark. At it's core it's a healing after a terrible abusive relationship and the ghost story is more a means to an end. The attraction between Cody and Seb comes a bit too fast, too easy for the kind of abuse Cody suffered. It's one of those stories I enjoyed while reading but couldn't believe in. May I call it guilty pleasure because I was okay with the lack of drama and conflict a story about that topic needs? But what it really needs: another ending or at least more time for that end because it felt rushed and too convenient.
December 19, 2013
A sweet, and satisfying love story. I love the honest handling of domestic violence, and the problems male victims face. It's refreshing to read a story where abuse is treated like abuse, and not like love. I really enjoyed the ghost story aspects and how they wove into the story. I really liked the characters, and the secondary characters really stood out to me. I really loved the brothers and their bond. The ending was well done, and fit the tone of the story.
January 23, 2012
Cody Garrett is a man on the run. After almost being killed by Vince, the man he thought he could trust to guide him and love him as a newly out gay man, he is again stalked and threatened by him.
After months and years of dodging, moving and running around the country only to be found time and time again, he decides to visit his family's home in England and look into remodeling the Mill cottage. The work will allow him to fight the panic attacks that grip him, and give him space to heal his bruised soul.
What he didn't count on is meeting the Toulson-Brown brothers. One a cleric. One the man he chooses to remodel the cottage And then there's Sebastian.
As he begins to feel emotions and stirrings he thought buried, he also finds himself experiencing visions. Hearing voices. And discovering that he may hold the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding two long dead lovers who died tragically.
Will Cody allow Seb into his life and heart? Will he be able to lay the spirits of the lovers to rest? And will be survive it when Vince re-enters his life?
This book is fantastic. Flat out great. RJ Scott has interwoven the story of an abused guy looking for peace in his soul with the mystery surrounding two young people tragically separated in the past who are looking for that same peace. And it works so well.
Cody is wonderful - broken, scared off his ass, but so much stronger than he thinks. And Seb - bubbly, caring, sexy and just what Cody needs. When the two are together, there is a sweetness and a heat that is fun and exciting.
Ms. Scott was very crafty here. She introduced the ghost story but allowed the more powerful story of Cody and his healing to guide and dominate the canvas. We never lose sight of the really important issues at hand - love, healing, peace.
Even the background characters echo that theme. The ghostly lovers get their resolution, as does Vince.
Just so nicely, nicely done.
Tom
After months and years of dodging, moving and running around the country only to be found time and time again, he decides to visit his family's home in England and look into remodeling the Mill cottage. The work will allow him to fight the panic attacks that grip him, and give him space to heal his bruised soul.
What he didn't count on is meeting the Toulson-Brown brothers. One a cleric. One the man he chooses to remodel the cottage And then there's Sebastian.
As he begins to feel emotions and stirrings he thought buried, he also finds himself experiencing visions. Hearing voices. And discovering that he may hold the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding two long dead lovers who died tragically.
Will Cody allow Seb into his life and heart? Will he be able to lay the spirits of the lovers to rest? And will be survive it when Vince re-enters his life?
This book is fantastic. Flat out great. RJ Scott has interwoven the story of an abused guy looking for peace in his soul with the mystery surrounding two young people tragically separated in the past who are looking for that same peace. And it works so well.
Cody is wonderful - broken, scared off his ass, but so much stronger than he thinks. And Seb - bubbly, caring, sexy and just what Cody needs. When the two are together, there is a sweetness and a heat that is fun and exciting.
Ms. Scott was very crafty here. She introduced the ghost story but allowed the more powerful story of Cody and his healing to guide and dominate the canvas. We never lose sight of the really important issues at hand - love, healing, peace.
Even the background characters echo that theme. The ghostly lovers get their resolution, as does Vince.
Just so nicely, nicely done.
Tom
January 11, 2012
Very good paranormal m/m romance about a guy who hasn't stayed anywhere very long since his abusive ex got out of prison. When he goes to England to oversee the renovation of an old cottage, he realizes he's hearing and seeing things and starts to wonder if he's finally snapped. I liked this one despite there being a stalker. :)
November 7, 2021
I had in my head that RJ Scott's writing didn't work for me but I've not marked any read and liked the blurb for this so dove in. The writing is fine, but unfortunately for me the book didn't work.
Cody is a mess. Severe confidence problems and panic attacks steming from abuse. The panic attack at the start was well written beyond that it was too much for a romance novel. If you consider his interactions with the handsome young Seb then what was Seb attracted to? Seb is pretty and friendly and supportive but nothing goes deeper. Cody was standoffish, outright rude and falling apart with intense migraines, at one point sitting cross legged on his [Seb's] drive not speaking. He needed therapy big time, not a candidate for a fresh romance. Add in the paranormal aspect and there was a strong impression that their relationship was all being directed from beyond, as opposed to attraction.
The location is strangely colourless, they're renovating a cottage but I've no visual of it, the Manor House is unimpressive. But I am impressed by the village scaffolding which is apparently capable of holding up a crumbling foundation wall, instead of simply being a platform for workmen.
I thought there'd be more to the historical/paranormal story, think the lack there is what made the story meh. What did they solve? The story was sad, extreme, but was it an injustice? By the end it felt after thought and plot device.
Ex Vince, is it that easy to catch a long flight out of the country after being released from jail? How that ended was rushed and a let down. Cody didn't get to be strong, didn't face his demons, his problems were taken away.
I liked the three brothers and their interactions but there was too much going on with Cody, the storylines competed, I thought they might turn out to have a relevance to each other, but no. If there'd been more to the ghosts and a sense of peace there, more resolution and strength from Cody regarding his ex and life, then it may have got more stars, but I finished the book feeling nothing was solved or faced and unable to champion the relationship.
Cody is a mess. Severe confidence problems and panic attacks steming from abuse. The panic attack at the start was well written beyond that it was too much for a romance novel. If you consider his interactions with the handsome young Seb then what was Seb attracted to? Seb is pretty and friendly and supportive but nothing goes deeper. Cody was standoffish, outright rude and falling apart with intense migraines, at one point sitting cross legged on his [Seb's] drive not speaking. He needed therapy big time, not a candidate for a fresh romance. Add in the paranormal aspect and there was a strong impression that their relationship was all being directed from beyond, as opposed to attraction.
The location is strangely colourless, they're renovating a cottage but I've no visual of it, the Manor House is unimpressive. But I am impressed by the village scaffolding which is apparently capable of holding up a crumbling foundation wall, instead of simply being a platform for workmen.
I thought there'd be more to the historical/paranormal story, think the lack there is what made the story meh. What did they solve? The story was sad, extreme, but was it an injustice? By the end it felt after thought and plot device.
Ex Vince, is it that easy to catch a long flight out of the country after being released from jail? How that ended was rushed and a let down. Cody didn't get to be strong, didn't face his demons, his problems were taken away.
I liked the three brothers and their interactions but there was too much going on with Cody, the storylines competed, I thought they might turn out to have a relevance to each other, but no. If there'd been more to the ghosts and a sense of peace there, more resolution and strength from Cody regarding his ex and life, then it may have got more stars, but I finished the book feeling nothing was solved or faced and unable to champion the relationship.
April 8, 2015
***3.5 Rounded Up
I was scrolling down my kindle and saw this and thought "Fuck it, gonna read this now". :).
This was a nice story, it was shorter than I expected, but I don't think that affected the story-telling at all.
Cody leaves for England in a desperate move to run away from an ex. He'd been in an abusive relationship with Vincent, and when the man completed his sentence in jail he started tracking Cody down until he felt that the only option he had left was to put an ocean between them.
Cody meets Seb one moring while he was walking around the inn where he's staying in Lower Ferrers.
The story has a slow build up, the kind of slow that in the beginning you don't feel a maddening attraction between the MCs, but you see it bloom...Kind of. I don't know if I make sense. Ha!. It's sweet to read. Seb is understanding of Cody's past, he doesn't pressure him. I liked that Cody opened up to Seb. I was surprised to see that Cody fell in a comfort zone with Seb so quickly. I would have expected him to fight it more (because he did have his reservations).. Seb was a sweetheart, tho.
I liked Seb and his brothers. It's always nice when a book presents us a nice siblings dynamic.
There is a paranormal element here that makes the reading more enjoyable. The ghost story IS a bit cliché, but then again, is a cliché I enjoy a lot. :P
I was scrolling down my kindle and saw this and thought "Fuck it, gonna read this now". :).
This was a nice story, it was shorter than I expected, but I don't think that affected the story-telling at all.
Cody leaves for England in a desperate move to run away from an ex. He'd been in an abusive relationship with Vincent, and when the man completed his sentence in jail he started tracking Cody down until he felt that the only option he had left was to put an ocean between them.
Cody meets Seb one moring while he was walking around the inn where he's staying in Lower Ferrers.
The story has a slow build up, the kind of slow that in the beginning you don't feel a maddening attraction between the MCs, but you see it bloom...Kind of. I don't know if I make sense. Ha!. It's sweet to read. Seb is understanding of Cody's past, he doesn't pressure him. I liked that Cody opened up to Seb. I was surprised to see that Cody fell in a comfort zone with Seb so quickly. I would have expected him to fight it more (because he did have his reservations).. Seb was a sweetheart, tho.
I liked Seb and his brothers. It's always nice when a book presents us a nice siblings dynamic.
There is a paranormal element here that makes the reading more enjoyable. The ghost story IS a bit cliché, but then again, is a cliché I enjoy a lot. :P
March 26, 2012
Cody has headed for England to get out of a circle of fear and restlessness and self-doubt. His abusive ex-boyfriend is out of jail, and Cody needs to get a continent between them to feel safe. In England he meets a wonderful trio of brothers, one of whom is gorgeous and gay. He also becomes the target for a pair of ghosts looking for peace at last.
I enjoyed the story. I liked Cody a lot and the banter between the brothers was great. I have mixed feelings about the ending - I liked the device used to lay the ghosts and in a way I even liked the resolution of the stalking (that it wasn't Seb to the rescue), until it tipped over the edge just a bit for me. All in all, a well-written read with an engaging protagonist.
I enjoyed the story. I liked Cody a lot and the banter between the brothers was great. I have mixed feelings about the ending - I liked the device used to lay the ghosts and in a way I even liked the resolution of the stalking (that it wasn't Seb to the rescue), until it tipped over the edge just a bit for me. All in all, a well-written read with an engaging protagonist.
November 27, 2021
I love this author and decided to but this book at Halloween when it was on offer. In this book we have Cody and Sebastian. Cody is from Baltimore and has come to America to oversea renovations at the home his family own in England called Mill Cottage. It was his grandmother's and had been in the family a very long time.
Cody was in a very a abusive relationship 6 years a go with a guy called Vincent, he met him at 18. He stayed till he was 20, he was nearly killed by him, so Vincent went to prison for 4 years. He got out 2 years ago and has been harassing him, so he moves from town to town, he hopes to stay one step ahead of him. His mother suggests that he oversea the renovations at Mill Cottage, in England. It is your typical small English village, but we find out that the place is very haunted. Cody sees things, like a horse rider that shouldn't be, and then he hears one phrase repeated. He suffers from headaches and suffers from what happened to him at the hands of Vincent. Your heart Hurst for him and you want to hug him when he starts to panic. The abuse left many lasting effects on him and he really struggles at times. He panics, he doesn't feel safe with Vincent out of prison. He is so strong though and I jumped for joy when he let's people in.
Seb is a sweet and caring man that he meets while exploring the Village. His dog runs into him and Cody has a bad first impression. He lives in the Manor in the village and has two amazing brothers. Tristan is the Vicar and Justin is the builder contracted to do the renovations on Cody's Cottage. As they get to know each other, Cody sees what a kind and loving person he is. He sees how different he is compared to his ex, it helps him to then see the good points in Seb when he does compare them. He feels safe with Seb and for the first time in a long time he is happy.
They have both experienced the weird siting of ghosts in the village and team up to learn about the village. They learn a very sad story about their 1600's ancestors. They are very distantly related and they learn that a member of each of their families were in a relationship. It ended with both ending up dead, one from being hung and one committed suicide. The ghosts want to be found and the truth of their deaths learned. A horrible surprise in found buried under Cody's House and that leads them to want to know the truth more of their distant ancestors. It was fun watching them play detective to find the truth. It was a sad tale that needed to be told.
The romance is a slow burn, but I'm glad of that. When you learn what Cody really went through, it will break your heart. He is so strong and I loved how Seb was always there for him. Cody deserves happiness more than anyone and I'm glad Seb understood that Cody needed time. They gelled together so well and when things get physical, well it goes off with a bang. They both have been wanting each other, but Seb put Cody first. He helped to calm him when he needed it and helped him through his nightmares. He is a proper English Gentlemen.
The ending really brought everything full circle. The two family members are not forgotten and I was so happy to see them get the ending they should have. They deserved to rest in peace together and it was fitting that it was their descends who ended things. Vincent so got what he deserved in the end, his ending was very fitting. We also got some great secondary characters in their families, especially Seb's two brothers. They took Cody under their wing, it was so sweet to see. I'm glad there are no loose ends and that they get their HEA!
Cody was in a very a abusive relationship 6 years a go with a guy called Vincent, he met him at 18. He stayed till he was 20, he was nearly killed by him, so Vincent went to prison for 4 years. He got out 2 years ago and has been harassing him, so he moves from town to town, he hopes to stay one step ahead of him. His mother suggests that he oversea the renovations at Mill Cottage, in England. It is your typical small English village, but we find out that the place is very haunted. Cody sees things, like a horse rider that shouldn't be, and then he hears one phrase repeated. He suffers from headaches and suffers from what happened to him at the hands of Vincent. Your heart Hurst for him and you want to hug him when he starts to panic. The abuse left many lasting effects on him and he really struggles at times. He panics, he doesn't feel safe with Vincent out of prison. He is so strong though and I jumped for joy when he let's people in.
Seb is a sweet and caring man that he meets while exploring the Village. His dog runs into him and Cody has a bad first impression. He lives in the Manor in the village and has two amazing brothers. Tristan is the Vicar and Justin is the builder contracted to do the renovations on Cody's Cottage. As they get to know each other, Cody sees what a kind and loving person he is. He sees how different he is compared to his ex, it helps him to then see the good points in Seb when he does compare them. He feels safe with Seb and for the first time in a long time he is happy.
They have both experienced the weird siting of ghosts in the village and team up to learn about the village. They learn a very sad story about their 1600's ancestors. They are very distantly related and they learn that a member of each of their families were in a relationship. It ended with both ending up dead, one from being hung and one committed suicide. The ghosts want to be found and the truth of their deaths learned. A horrible surprise in found buried under Cody's House and that leads them to want to know the truth more of their distant ancestors. It was fun watching them play detective to find the truth. It was a sad tale that needed to be told.
The romance is a slow burn, but I'm glad of that. When you learn what Cody really went through, it will break your heart. He is so strong and I loved how Seb was always there for him. Cody deserves happiness more than anyone and I'm glad Seb understood that Cody needed time. They gelled together so well and when things get physical, well it goes off with a bang. They both have been wanting each other, but Seb put Cody first. He helped to calm him when he needed it and helped him through his nightmares. He is a proper English Gentlemen.
The ending really brought everything full circle. The two family members are not forgotten and I was so happy to see them get the ending they should have. They deserved to rest in peace together and it was fitting that it was their descends who ended things. Vincent so got what he deserved in the end, his ending was very fitting. We also got some great secondary characters in their families, especially Seb's two brothers. They took Cody under their wing, it was so sweet to see. I'm glad there are no loose ends and that they get their HEA!
January 8, 2012
I always enjoy RJ Scott's books and this one was certainly no exception. The story had layers of depth without being over complicated. Cody was trapped in a classic domestic abuse situation that ended with him in the hospital and his ex in prison. The book starts with him running from his released ex while he struggles to heal, mentally and emotionally from his past. Almost as soon as he arrives in the small village, he becomes involved in a terrific ghost story that the author embellishes with a good deal of history and family trees. I loved it. And of course there is Sebastian. Seb slowly coaxes Cody out of his shell and their romance unfolds as the mystery of the ghosts rolls along. I liked Seb's brothers and the humor she incorporated into the brotherly squables. The entire book was really good. RJ Scott is on my buy on release day list for a reason.
March 14, 2016
This book was such a huge surprise for me. I enjoy R.J. Scott and have read most of her works, but The Gallows Tree for me was such a wonderfully amazing story. I loved Cody and everything he went through broke my heart. No one should every have their love betrayed the way his was. Thankfully he found Sebastian, someone whose heart was gentle enough and strong enough to help him begin to truly heal. Cody and Sebastian have found a place in my heart and left me hoping very strongly that one day they will share more of their story with us.
August 15, 2020
Oh boy, sadly this story didn't work for me. It wasn't at all what I was expecting and I struggled to finish it. For the most part I found it really depressing. This was one of those "wrong time, wrong book" and "it's probably me and not the book" reads.
TAGS
-- paranormal/haunting -- past physical abuse -- full of angst -- made me really sad -- likeable MCs... Cody & Sebastian -- struggled to read -- found myself skimming parts -- didn't work for me -- liked the premise
February 3, 2013
Healing from a bad relationship can be a long and difficult road, it can almost make a person want to stop letting new people into their lives. This is a story set in England where an American man goes to fix and sell his grandmother's Mill Cottage while dealing with the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Cody Garret gets into two panic attacks in the first chapter so you get the idea that he is in bad shape after all the abuse, but he is trying to move on in a new country.
I totally laughed when Cody complains about the road round-abouts in England and the traffic around London, it is like hell when I lived there for two years, I'm so glad to be back on the continent!
Back to the story, so we have the fish-out-of-water aspect to Cody's crazy adaptation into the small town where there are people called Tristan Toulson-Brown, but it is his brother Sebastian Toulson-Brown that you need to keep an eye on in this story, because there is lots of chemistry between Seb and Cody although very little sexy time, there is one hotel bedroom scene, otherwise I would call this a typical vanilla romance and find for anyone 16+. There is the past that touches the present in several ghostly episodes which wasn't so scary that I had to stop reading, because I a total wimp when it comes to ghosts and haunting!
Another great bad break-up story is Bad Boyfriend or Shy.
303 pages in a large size format, it felt more like 200 normal paperback sized pages. I still prefer reading with real pages so I still buy these great stories in paper whenever available.
3 and half stars for sweet sensitive M/M romance
I totally laughed when Cody complains about the road round-abouts in England and the traffic around London, it is like hell when I lived there for two years, I'm so glad to be back on the continent!
Back to the story, so we have the fish-out-of-water aspect to Cody's crazy adaptation into the small town where there are people called Tristan Toulson-Brown, but it is his brother Sebastian Toulson-Brown that you need to keep an eye on in this story, because there is lots of chemistry between Seb and Cody although very little sexy time, there is one hotel bedroom scene, otherwise I would call this a typical vanilla romance and find for anyone 16+. There is the past that touches the present in several ghostly episodes which wasn't so scary that I had to stop reading, because I a total wimp when it comes to ghosts and haunting!
Another great bad break-up story is Bad Boyfriend or Shy.
303 pages in a large size format, it felt more like 200 normal paperback sized pages. I still prefer reading with real pages so I still buy these great stories in paper whenever available.
3 and half stars for sweet sensitive M/M romance
March 13, 2012
This book was a super easy and really good read. Cody is running from his tragic past, an abusive ex-boyfriend who is out of prison and looking for him and has a hard time with it all.
He runs all the way to England where his family has a cottage that needs to be renovated so that it can be sold. Once he gets there, he meets a family of brothers that he immediately befriends. One is a clergyman, the middle one is the gay boy, and the youngest is the man he hires to do the work on his place.
Sebastian, the middle brother, has a dog named Jack who is very energetic and knocks Cody down one morning while he was walking through the fields behind the church which is how the two meet and Cody is instantly attracted to Seb even though he doesn't know he's gay right away.
There's a sub plot that deals with ghosts that end up being ancestors to both Cody and Seb. They do some research on how they can help and Cody eventually begins to feel confortable with Seb in the little village in England. He thinks that maybe he finally has control of his life and has gotten away from his abusive ex until one day out of the blue, Vince shows up and confronts Cody.
This story was all about overcoming his past and dealing with almost dying at the hands of his ex and learning to trust again. Seb is a the one person who can save Cody from his demons by treating Cody with respect and not pity. In the end, the book gives you the warm fuzzies...
I can't wait to read more from this author who has completley caught my interest!
He runs all the way to England where his family has a cottage that needs to be renovated so that it can be sold. Once he gets there, he meets a family of brothers that he immediately befriends. One is a clergyman, the middle one is the gay boy, and the youngest is the man he hires to do the work on his place.
Sebastian, the middle brother, has a dog named Jack who is very energetic and knocks Cody down one morning while he was walking through the fields behind the church which is how the two meet and Cody is instantly attracted to Seb even though he doesn't know he's gay right away.
There's a sub plot that deals with ghosts that end up being ancestors to both Cody and Seb. They do some research on how they can help and Cody eventually begins to feel confortable with Seb in the little village in England. He thinks that maybe he finally has control of his life and has gotten away from his abusive ex until one day out of the blue, Vince shows up and confronts Cody.
This story was all about overcoming his past and dealing with almost dying at the hands of his ex and learning to trust again. Seb is a the one person who can save Cody from his demons by treating Cody with respect and not pity. In the end, the book gives you the warm fuzzies...
I can't wait to read more from this author who has completley caught my interest!
January 19, 2012
Cody almost died at the hands of his ex. The ex has been out two years following his four year sentence. Cody hasn't stayed in one place very long because of that. He's more or less a basket case.
Cody's mother asks him to go to England. She wants him to restore the Mill cottage that had belonged to great gran before she moved to the states. He agrees and the first night he's there he sees two lovers meeting in the middle of the night.
Cody was walking around the church's graveyard when he's attacked by a black lab. The owner is Sebastian, brother to the Vicar and brother to Justin the owner of the construction company, who wants to work on the cottage. Seb is cute and gay.
Cody finds out the village is full of ghosts. He also finds out that his family and Seb's family are related.
It's a great story full of interesting things and it really holds your attention. The sex is tasteful and not over bearing on the storyline.
Cody's mother asks him to go to England. She wants him to restore the Mill cottage that had belonged to great gran before she moved to the states. He agrees and the first night he's there he sees two lovers meeting in the middle of the night.
Cody was walking around the church's graveyard when he's attacked by a black lab. The owner is Sebastian, brother to the Vicar and brother to Justin the owner of the construction company, who wants to work on the cottage. Seb is cute and gay.
Cody finds out the village is full of ghosts. He also finds out that his family and Seb's family are related.
It's a great story full of interesting things and it really holds your attention. The sex is tasteful and not over bearing on the storyline.
March 7, 2012
Poorly written. The main character was way too whiney. IT seemed like half the time he was almost drugged out or something. I wouldn't have wanted to be in a relationship with him and I couldn't understand why the Sebastian guy would want to. Maybe pickin's were really really slim.... The climax was hardly a triumph because the main character didn't really manage it on his own. The relationship is hard to believe and the book doesn't focus on it enough. The book was reallt just way way too short. It felt like everything was too quick and was glossed over. No details. I didn't enjoy this book. And I can put up with some shitty writing for gay romance. This was just too much.
January 17, 2012
Another hit from R.J. tackling a subject which is not talked about enough if ever and that is partner abuse. The state of mind of Cody was realistic and the relationship between Cod and Seb was very well done. The way Seb, dealt with all of Cody's insecurities was amazing. The ghost story was a plus for me lol.
March 24, 2012
3.5 stars - This was a nice little read, although not my favourite by R.J. Scott. I'm usually a big fan of her work, but I don't think this was her best. Still, I enjoyed it and did kinda fall in love with Cody and Seb. I'm not sure how I felt about the ending. The whole thing with Vince was just so... eurgh. I don't want to spoil it though, so I wont say any more ;)
February 1, 2012
4.5 stars
This story was an interesting mix of a contemporary romance, where one MC (Cody) is struggling to put an abusive relationship behind once the man who hurt him gets out of jail, with a touch of paranormal, since the ghosts end up playing a significant role in the story.
Overall an enjoyable read and what I've come to expect from RJ Scott's works.
This story was an interesting mix of a contemporary romance, where one MC (Cody) is struggling to put an abusive relationship behind once the man who hurt him gets out of jail, with a touch of paranormal, since the ghosts end up playing a significant role in the story.
Overall an enjoyable read and what I've come to expect from RJ Scott's works.
January 24, 2015
This was a lovely, succinct story ... I wasn't left with any unanswered questions or a feeling that there should have been more ... it was a perfect blend of triumph over adversity; love conquering all; and laying the proverbial ghosts to rest ... my only niggle was the too-perfect demise of Vincent ... there should have been much more agony for the little snot.
January 13, 2012
I adored this book. RJ knows how to write the most exquisite stories and this one is one of her best. It's a wonderful ghost story and a love story all rolled into one spanning 300 years and two star stuck couples, Katherine and Stephen and Cody and Seb. Just perfect.
January 10, 2012
RJ Scott does it again. The Gallows Tree was a great story. A love story with just the right amount of angst and mystery added in. This one like many others of this authors works will be going on my favorites list.
January 25, 2012
The plotted story was tragic and very good. I really liked how all the character acted around each other. How did Cody found himself in company with Toulson-Brown brothers. The story was warm, and realistic. The feelings were true. This story was pulling and good.
February 22, 2015
Fantastic story! I loved Cody and Seb. Cody is so broken and lost; I loved how he grew in this story. The supporting cast was excellent as well.
January 15, 2012
I like that book. Main character keeps you with himself from start till the end. You got everything angst, fear, doubts, and even love and passion. RJ Scott done really good work with that story.
September 6, 2016
This was a good length book. It was long enough to get wrapped up in it. I really enjoyed it. Loved it.
February 5, 2012
As usual RJ gives us another great book.
October 26, 2015
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 11, 2012
Good writing as usual, but I just wasn't feeling the romance between the MC's.
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