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Bronco's Boys #1
Inside Out
Former mercenary Bull Krebbs now heads up security at his nightclub in Harrisburg, PA. Working the door night after night, he's seen it all. Though tough on the outside, he's a little hurt that people find him unapproachable. Then he pulls a cute twink out of line to perform a random search, and he's surprised when the guy giggles and squirms.
Zach Spencer, graphic artist, twink, and seriously ticklish, isn't intimidated by Bull. He's in awe, and when Bull saves Zach from being trampled on the dance floor, Zach finds his inspiration for the superhero in his graphic novel.
Soon Zach wants more and makes his move by asking Bull on a date. Though small, he has a backbone of steel. He'll need it—their happily ever after is thwarted at every turn, including by Bull's interloping mother showing up unannounced and enemies from Bull's past threatening to pull him to the other side of the world.
Zach Spencer, graphic artist, twink, and seriously ticklish, isn't intimidated by Bull. He's in awe, and when Bull saves Zach from being trampled on the dance floor, Zach finds his inspiration for the superhero in his graphic novel.
Soon Zach wants more and makes his move by asking Bull on a date. Though small, he has a backbone of steel. He'll need it—their happily ever after is thwarted at every turn, including by Bull's interloping mother showing up unannounced and enemies from Bull's past threatening to pull him to the other side of the world.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2013
82 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
May 25, 2014
Dreary. Zach and Bull did nothing for me. Nothing. Clearly this has appeal for other readers.
Too much detail in some places, then it skips over plot in others e.g.
"Zach hurried back to his closet and hunted down a pair of dress slacks. They were a few years old, but thankfully they still fit. He found a shirt to go with them and changed clothes in a hurry. Then he rushed into the bathroom and brushed his teeth, wanting to have clean breath. He also splashed on a little cologne. When he was done, he checked his reflection in the mirror and left the bedroom as a knock sounded on his door."
But then at 53% Bull's Mom, who is staying with him, goes out to dinner and never comes home again. She does call him at 81%, so I guess at some point she drove back to her place okay.
A potpourri of plot points scattered into the story once Zach and Bull get together, none of which are developed enough that I give a damn.
I'd call this a good first draft needing a hell of a lot of work. I'm a disappointed reader :(
1.5 stars rounded up.
Too much detail in some places, then it skips over plot in others e.g.
"Zach hurried back to his closet and hunted down a pair of dress slacks. They were a few years old, but thankfully they still fit. He found a shirt to go with them and changed clothes in a hurry. Then he rushed into the bathroom and brushed his teeth, wanting to have clean breath. He also splashed on a little cologne. When he was done, he checked his reflection in the mirror and left the bedroom as a knock sounded on his door."
But then at 53% Bull's Mom, who is staying with him, goes out to dinner and never comes home again. She does call him at 81%, so I guess at some point she drove back to her place okay.
A potpourri of plot points scattered into the story once Zach and Bull get together, none of which are developed enough that I give a damn.
I'd call this a good first draft needing a hell of a lot of work. I'm a disappointed reader :(
1.5 stars rounded up.
November 26, 2013
I'm a fan of Andrew Grey. When I read his books I know what I'm going to get.
Two nice guys, both with some drama or troubles in the last, finding each other and finding a way to make it work.
It's sweet, happy, feel-good and romantic and always a perfect happy end.
This was exactly that. The cover was what got me first, cause really, how can you not look at that and drool?
Then there is the young, sweet upbeat despite his sad history Zach and the grumpy lonely hardened Bull.
Add in a mother with no boundaries, nice but intervening friends, comic book characters, bad guys and more bad guys, a softening of a grump and *sigh* I've had my dose of happy for the day.
Two nice guys, both with some drama or troubles in the last, finding each other and finding a way to make it work.
It's sweet, happy, feel-good and romantic and always a perfect happy end.
This was exactly that. The cover was what got me first, cause really, how can you not look at that and drool?
Then there is the young, sweet upbeat despite his sad history Zach and the grumpy lonely hardened Bull.
Add in a mother with no boundaries, nice but intervening friends, comic book characters, bad guys and more bad guys, a softening of a grump and *sigh* I've had my dose of happy for the day.
December 11, 2013
3.5 stars
This turned out to be a light, cute story about two seemingly opposite men falling in love, in this case twink Zach and bearish, ex-merc Bull. I loved Zach's outlook. He had a tough time after he came out, but he has an inner strength and knows what he wants and deserves. He wants love and won't be someone's one night stand.
By all outward appearances Bull is intimidating and gruff, keeping people away with a growl and glare. Bull meets Zach when he is working the door of his club and Zach dissolves into giggles as Bull pats him down. Bull finds himself looking out for Zach the rest of the night. As the two men progress from friends to lovers Bull finds himself opening up to Zach and is soon in a relationship he didn't know he wanted.
I loved the interactions between Zach and Bull. My only real complaint about the story was the quick turnaround by both Bull's mom and . Otherwise it was a quick, romantic read.
This turned out to be a light, cute story about two seemingly opposite men falling in love, in this case twink Zach and bearish, ex-merc Bull. I loved Zach's outlook. He had a tough time after he came out, but he has an inner strength and knows what he wants and deserves. He wants love and won't be someone's one night stand.
By all outward appearances Bull is intimidating and gruff, keeping people away with a growl and glare. Bull meets Zach when he is working the door of his club and Zach dissolves into giggles as Bull pats him down. Bull finds himself looking out for Zach the rest of the night. As the two men progress from friends to lovers Bull finds himself opening up to Zach and is soon in a relationship he didn't know he wanted.
I loved the interactions between Zach and Bull. My only real complaint about the story was the quick turnaround by both Bull's mom and . Otherwise it was a quick, romantic read.
November 22, 2013
4.5 stars Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews.
I really enjoyed this story about big, tuff, ex-mercenary, turned club owner, Bull, who has pretty much kept his relationships to one night stands he finds at other clubs. In addition to being part owner of the club, he is also in charge of security, which is how he meets Zach, a sweet twink he ends up frisking at the door.
Bull has quite a few issues and had a few crappy hands dealt since he was young. This appears to be the biggest connection he and Zach share, as Zach has many similar issues or experiences. Zach sees through Bull’s tough-guy façade and doesn’t let that scare him off. He is such a sweet guy, who takes crap from his co-worker on a daily basis. Thankfully, he also has some great friends who encourage him to put more effort into his comic drawings. Zach has decided to make Bull the hero in his comic and returns to the club to ask questions in the name of research.
These guys seem like such an unlikely couple, and I believe this is what I had the hardest time with. Figuring out how they were compatible was very difficult in the beginning, as they really just seemed to be on two different planes. But, their relationship really grows on you as the story goes on, and by the end, I was cheering them on. They take their time getting to know each other, and when they do get together, it was great to see they didn’t follow the typical stereotypes.
I had the added fun element of knowing where this story takes place, and while I had a difficult time picturing some of the events surrounding Bull’s past ever taking place there, it was still quite interesting. This picks up speed a bit when Bull’s past tries to come back and haunt him, but I enjoyed how everything worked itself out in the end. Bull’s mother was horrible for the most part, but I loved the way both Bull and Zach handled her. I had the same feelings for Zach’s uncle, though he was awful the entire time. Zach and Bull each become the other’s superhero, and it was really sweet to watch it happen.
This story had a really nice flow and was a quick and easy read with elements of sweet, sadness, sexy and exciting. I knew I had to read this as soon as I saw the cover, and I was not disappointed. The cover is hot, and Jesse Jackman was the perfect Bull.
December 5, 2013
I really, really, really wanted to love this book. For me, anyway, the blurb sounded amazing and I knew this would have to be a book I would read. And, I don't regret reading. I actually liked parts of the book. But this just wasn't what I was expecting...
Bull and Zach were cute together. I liked their beginning and sometimes they could be just adorable together.Yes, adorable. And I thought things would be really good for them. They started out slowly and it took a while for them to get together. Great! I even liked the fact Bull tried to stay away from Zach. After a while, though, I was left with a less than amazed feel.
Most people will know I try to avoid books with dead lovers. Not saying anything else, but there is one in this. Then we had the mother. I found it kind of hard to understand her most of the time. But that happens sometimes. Then we had the hot/cold between the MC's for a while. It just started to get tiring after a while. I got it some some extent... Then there was just the lack of connection for me. Which was probably the biggest issue I had. Nothing I can fault the author for. It would be a great book for some. I'm just not one of those people.
Overall, the book is good. Just not really my thing. I had issues with it. But I don't regret buying it because I enjoyed some parts of the story.
Bull and Zach were cute together. I liked their beginning and sometimes they could be just adorable together.
Most people will know I try to avoid books with dead lovers. Not saying anything else, but there is one in this. Then we had the mother. I found it kind of hard to understand her most of the time. But that happens sometimes. Then we had the hot/cold between the MC's for a while. It just started to get tiring after a while. I got it some some extent... Then there was just the lack of connection for me. Which was probably the biggest issue I had. Nothing I can fault the author for. It would be a great book for some. I'm just not one of those people.
Overall, the book is good. Just not really my thing. I had issues with it. But I don't regret buying it because I enjoyed some parts of the story.
August 13, 2016
What a jumbled up mess!
The first 40% is good. Nice simple plot; Zack a cute happy type falls for Bull (if he has another name I've forgotten it) a big older growly type, with some cartoon sketches along the way. If it had been left a novella I'd be cooing and rec'ing it to people as fluffy-brain-candy. As it is I'd say read the first 40% then skip to the cute little epilogue.
Because after 40% everything and nothing started to happen. A bunch of potentially angst filled arcs delivered one after the other, none that seemed to lead anywhere or have impact. They seem to be introduced, forgotten about, then referred back to later having all been resolved.
There is among others; ex-angst, cult-angst, mercenary-angst, mother-angst, uncle-angst, family-angst, grief-angst, past-angst, new-angst, work-angst, and angst with butter and jam on top.
But it's not an angsty book - If Grey had settled for one arc and followed it through he'd have been onto something good. Instead of any this distant drama bringing the characters closer, Zack becomes peripheral for much of it. Bull's character moves from growly to talky and it didn't feel like development.
They manage to talk around more circles than the average pre-schoolers;
'you' 'no you' 'you' 'no you'
Bull's mother has a sudden unprovoked life changing epiphany goes out for the evening and doesn't come back. I kept waiting for her to walk in on them, but no she phones a few chapters later.
Another arc; lurking threat, a bad man in the kitchen dum-dum-dum, Oh! seems it's dealt with now. There was a deal? Zack slept through this? Did I?
I'd have given this at least one extra star if at the end if Zack had been less '...I'll kick his arse' and 'I know what you did...' and just declared:
'My name is Zack Something-or-other, you kill my parents. Prepare to die.'
Come on, one person tell me it wouldn't have made everything better? I wont believe you! [image error]
See; even my review is a 100 heaping times better just for that gif!
Though I did like that Zack rescued himself, Bull just there to look tough.
Hmm. Coulda been cute, coulda been good - wasn't.
The first 40% is good. Nice simple plot; Zack a cute happy type falls for Bull (if he has another name I've forgotten it) a big older growly type, with some cartoon sketches along the way. If it had been left a novella I'd be cooing and rec'ing it to people as fluffy-brain-candy. As it is I'd say read the first 40% then skip to the cute little epilogue.
Because after 40% everything and nothing started to happen. A bunch of potentially angst filled arcs delivered one after the other, none that seemed to lead anywhere or have impact. They seem to be introduced, forgotten about, then referred back to later having all been resolved.
There is among others; ex-angst, cult-angst, mercenary-angst, mother-angst, uncle-angst, family-angst, grief-angst, past-angst, new-angst, work-angst, and angst with butter and jam on top.
But it's not an angsty book - If Grey had settled for one arc and followed it through he'd have been onto something good. Instead of any this distant drama bringing the characters closer, Zack becomes peripheral for much of it. Bull's character moves from growly to talky and it didn't feel like development.
They manage to talk around more circles than the average pre-schoolers;
'you' 'no you' 'you' 'no you'
Bull's mother has a sudden unprovoked life changing epiphany goes out for the evening and doesn't come back. I kept waiting for her to walk in on them, but no she phones a few chapters later.
Another arc; lurking threat, a bad man in the kitchen dum-dum-dum, Oh! seems it's dealt with now. There was a deal? Zack slept through this? Did I?
I'd have given this at least one extra star if at the end if Zack had been less '...I'll kick his arse' and 'I know what you did...' and just declared:
'My name is Zack Something-or-other, you kill my parents. Prepare to die.'
Come on, one person tell me it wouldn't have made everything better? I wont believe you! [image error]
See; even my review is a 100 heaping times better just for that gif!
Though I did like that Zack rescued himself, Bull just there to look tough.
Hmm. Coulda been cute, coulda been good - wasn't.
March 26, 2022
Liked the characters of Bull and Zach. Both were able to see past what others saw. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and watching their relationship unfold. Andrew writes it in a way that almost includes the reader,
I have loved all of Andrews books and this one is no different, loved it, and recommend it.
I have loved all of Andrews books and this one is no different, loved it, and recommend it.
March 28, 2016
Still not an Andrew Grey fan but I can't seem to stop trying! He always writes about my favorite type of MCs so I can't stay away. But so far none of the actual stories live up to the synopsis :(
December 6, 2021
The story had a little too much drama issues thrown in for an effect that really went nowhere. Bull's mother is a typical homophobe, but her "turn around" was too fast to seem realistic. An ex-client of Bull's that's not taking no for an answer shows up in his kitchen and it also goes nowhere. Another mercenary comes to convince Bull to take a job and goes away when he was told no, He then returns to try to get Bull to pay him when the client won't, and Zach takes the matter into his own hands. What we had previously learned about Zak...also made that a bit unrealistic. Not that it couldn’t have happened...we just had had no real explanation...not before or after. Zach gets some closure in his own life learning the truth about his parent's death and coming to terms with some of his family and the community banishing him some time ago. Zack’s uncle is just a mean, self-rigorous, hard-nosed, spiteful character, and his treatment of Zach was horrendous...to put it mildly...but again mild-mannered Zach. comes out on top. All the “going nowhere” drama didn't bother me very much or take away anything important from the story. I’ve read a lot of Andrew Grey’s books and they are always very good, and his characters always get their "happy ever after"...not to mention that I really liked the slow romance between Bull and Zach.
January 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this story which had an interesting plot and great characters. I was actually the characters which made it a stand-out.
Bull, he may be growly but he really is such a good guy. Big, strong and a bouncer at a club, his inside is very different to his outward appearance. "He's like, hard as rock on the outside, but like melty chocolate on the inside." Bull has had his heart broken and has a hidden past.
Zach, he is young but goes for what he wants and he isn't afraid of Bull's intimidating exterior. Zach brings out the best in Bull with his passionate outlook on life. "I love how you throw yourself into whatever you like. Whether it's dancing, your drawings, your food, you immerse yourself in what you do. That's attractive." Zach is also dealing with the pain of losing his parents and being rejected from his community for being gay.
I loved the relationship development between the two men and seeing Bull fall for Zach but found some of the other elements of the story slightly distracting. Dare I say, but maybe some of the plot complexities weren't really needed. There was enough drama with Zach's uncle coming back. I found Bull's past life as a mercenary, coming back to haunt him, and the broken relationship with the Sheik's son, a bit over the top. However I love the opportunity this gave Zach to play hero so it's still a winner in my book!
4.5 stars
I 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!
Bull, he may be growly but he really is such a good guy. Big, strong and a bouncer at a club, his inside is very different to his outward appearance. "He's like, hard as rock on the outside, but like melty chocolate on the inside." Bull has had his heart broken and has a hidden past.
Zach, he is young but goes for what he wants and he isn't afraid of Bull's intimidating exterior. Zach brings out the best in Bull with his passionate outlook on life. "I love how you throw yourself into whatever you like. Whether it's dancing, your drawings, your food, you immerse yourself in what you do. That's attractive." Zach is also dealing with the pain of losing his parents and being rejected from his community for being gay.
I loved the relationship development between the two men and seeing Bull fall for Zach but found some of the other elements of the story slightly distracting. Dare I say, but maybe some of the plot complexities weren't really needed. There was enough drama with Zach's uncle coming back. I found Bull's past life as a mercenary, coming back to haunt him, and the broken relationship with the Sheik's son, a bit over the top. However I love the opportunity this gave Zach to play hero so it's still a winner in my book!
4.5 stars
I 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!
December 4, 2013
Ready, Set, Go……..Mr. Grey did it again! What a story! I completely absolutely loved it.
The blurb is quite accurate on the content of this story, but what it doesn’t show is the emotion that is behind it. The intense feelings that come with both main characters growing together.
Bull is a big man who uses his size to keep people away. His "if they don't get close they can't hurt me" attitude has kept him safe but lonely. He keeps sex impersonal but doesn't find it satisfying. Right from the start Mr Grey has you dying to find out what it is that makes Bull feel like being alone is his only option.
Zach is sweet and open, despite a painful background and when he meets Bull, he's more fascinated than intimidated. He is a lot stronger than he gives himself credit for upfront.
The chemistry between the two is instant and hot. As a reader you can't help but want to push them along a little faster towards one another and the obstacles that are thrown in their way frustrate you in the best way possible.
It is interesting as a reader to find out more about both main characters, the little moments Bull has inside himself when he is worried about Zach. The strength Zach is showing in unexpected moments.
An example of that is the part where Zach stands up to Bull’s mother. It’s fantastic! You can find a lot of information about all the characters in that scene and it is surprising how the relationship evolves from that point on.
This story is sweet, comfortable read and a true Andrew Grey story if that makes sense. I loved it but I am struggling to get the right words on paper for this review. It is one you should read for yourself and enjoy.
Get swept away by Bull, Zach and their friends and “family”
There are times you would like to rate a book 5 + and well I would if I could for this one. I just hope that there will be more. More Bull and Zach but also more of Zach’s friends for example, I mean they do deserve their happily ever after too ;)
Review posted at
http://sidlove.com/2013/11/24/pre-rel...
The blurb is quite accurate on the content of this story, but what it doesn’t show is the emotion that is behind it. The intense feelings that come with both main characters growing together.
Bull is a big man who uses his size to keep people away. His "if they don't get close they can't hurt me" attitude has kept him safe but lonely. He keeps sex impersonal but doesn't find it satisfying. Right from the start Mr Grey has you dying to find out what it is that makes Bull feel like being alone is his only option.
Zach is sweet and open, despite a painful background and when he meets Bull, he's more fascinated than intimidated. He is a lot stronger than he gives himself credit for upfront.
The chemistry between the two is instant and hot. As a reader you can't help but want to push them along a little faster towards one another and the obstacles that are thrown in their way frustrate you in the best way possible.
It is interesting as a reader to find out more about both main characters, the little moments Bull has inside himself when he is worried about Zach. The strength Zach is showing in unexpected moments.
An example of that is the part where Zach stands up to Bull’s mother. It’s fantastic! You can find a lot of information about all the characters in that scene and it is surprising how the relationship evolves from that point on.
This story is sweet, comfortable read and a true Andrew Grey story if that makes sense. I loved it but I am struggling to get the right words on paper for this review. It is one you should read for yourself and enjoy.
Get swept away by Bull, Zach and their friends and “family”
There are times you would like to rate a book 5 + and well I would if I could for this one. I just hope that there will be more. More Bull and Zach but also more of Zach’s friends for example, I mean they do deserve their happily ever after too ;)
Review posted at
http://sidlove.com/2013/11/24/pre-rel...
November 26, 2013
This is such a nice story about how Bull and Zach get together. Bull is big, strong and menacing like his name. He owns a night club and is a bouncer. He meets Zach at the night club. Zach is kind of nerdy and a clever graphic designer. Bull rescues Zach from a couple of incidents at the club and both are attracted to each other. Zach decides to feature Bull as the hero in a comic he is designing and encouraged by friends he reaches out to Bull for realistic stories to feature in the comic. Bull challenged by his own friend realises this is an opportunity to have a meaningful relationship with someone instead of quick one night stands.
Both men have hurts of the past to deal with: loss of family, rejection, loneliness but they are both strong in themselves. This is a lovely story of two men who are attracted to each other and how their relationship overcomes hurts from the past and demands from obnoxious relatives to develop a safe haven and love for each other.
I really enjoyed this because it is a very realistic depiction of a romance slowly building into something strong and deep. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and the ways in which each man stood his ground, drawing strength from friends to deal with the people in their life who drained them or threatened their freedom.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was Zachs imaginary sex scene at the beginning of the book. Sometime authors and publishers think readers need piles of sex scenes and maybe some readers do but I prefer a good plot and sex where it enhances the story. If I had my way I would have cut that out or shortened it. Nevertheless it didn't detract from the story and i just skipped over it.
I also loved the way the two men developed trust in each other and the way they were so different from each other, not opposite but just very different physically, totally compatible emotionally. This is one of those books where you keep cheering for the couple as they go down the higgledy piggledy journey to love, negotiating all kinds of obstacles to win true love in the end.
Very nice!! Very enjoyable!!
Both men have hurts of the past to deal with: loss of family, rejection, loneliness but they are both strong in themselves. This is a lovely story of two men who are attracted to each other and how their relationship overcomes hurts from the past and demands from obnoxious relatives to develop a safe haven and love for each other.
I really enjoyed this because it is a very realistic depiction of a romance slowly building into something strong and deep. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and the ways in which each man stood his ground, drawing strength from friends to deal with the people in their life who drained them or threatened their freedom.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was Zachs imaginary sex scene at the beginning of the book. Sometime authors and publishers think readers need piles of sex scenes and maybe some readers do but I prefer a good plot and sex where it enhances the story. If I had my way I would have cut that out or shortened it. Nevertheless it didn't detract from the story and i just skipped over it.
I also loved the way the two men developed trust in each other and the way they were so different from each other, not opposite but just very different physically, totally compatible emotionally. This is one of those books where you keep cheering for the couple as they go down the higgledy piggledy journey to love, negotiating all kinds of obstacles to win true love in the end.
Very nice!! Very enjoyable!!
December 4, 2013
3.75*!
Want to read
July 29, 2016@dreamspinners: Inside Out by @andrewgreybooks is FREE for one hour ONLY in today's #tweetaway! http://t.co/7dqncYS64g/s/QWkl
Ends 3pm EST 11/20/14
Ends 3pm EST 11/20/14
April 10, 2019
I knew from the moment I read the blurb for this book that I had to read it. I mean, come on, a former mercenary, a hardass who owns a nightclub and works the door paired with a cute, young, giggling twink with a heart of gold and a backbone of steel. Andrew Grey reached inside my mind and pulled out my idea of the most fun types of characters and then he wrote me 'Inside Out'.
Bull keeps his professional life and his personal life completely separate. He never picks up a one-night stand at his club, he always goes somewhere else. He doesn't want anyone who comes into his club knowing where he lives or anything about his personal life, because that can lead to ugly confrontations and he doesn't do emotions. He doesn't do relationships, either. So on the night that he meets Zach, who couldn't stop giggling as Bull searched him, and then saved him when he got knocked over on the dance floor, and saved Zach again when two guys started fighting over him and Zach got punched, well, Bull knew this kid was trouble. Didn't keep him from looking at him all night long, though.
Zach is a graphic designer and artist with the typically boring day job and the dream of creating a graphic novel. Meeting Bull gives him his superhero to draw fighting crime and overall ridding the city of bad guys. When his friend tells him to finish his comic and that he might know some people in the industry to look at it, well research is needed to get a better handle on Bull. Zach knows Bull isn't interested in him, but he can't help thinking about the guy, even though Zach has absolutely no experience to bring to the table of seduction. Zach is thrilled when Bull agrees to meet him for lunch so he can get some research. What begins is a very sweet romance, coming as a surprise to both of them.
Honestly? Bull is a sweet guy who hides behind his toughness and his growling so no one will try to get close to him. He was raised by a very un-maternal mother, and yeah, she's a real piece of work, let me tell you. Bull has feelings, even though he doesn't really want to explore them and definitely doesn't want to talk about them. It's a surprise to him when he opens up to Zach in a way he never has with anyone before. Zach is adorable and a whole lot tougher than the outside package would suggest. He grew up in a very insulated and religious community, not Amish, but close, and when the family patriarch learned he was gay, Zach was whipped and told to leave as soon as possible. He went to college and never returned home again, and shortly after he left, his parents' home, with them inside, burned to the ground. Zach made a new life for himself and he works hard to let the past go and live for today.
This was a wonderful love story. Bull and Zach were both lonely and needed each other so much. I liked the extras including Zach's psychotic uncle coming after him and people from Bull's past trying to recruit him again. They made the story just a little more. This was a fun, sexy, and very sweet story with some seriously hot scenes. Go, Andrew!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Bull keeps his professional life and his personal life completely separate. He never picks up a one-night stand at his club, he always goes somewhere else. He doesn't want anyone who comes into his club knowing where he lives or anything about his personal life, because that can lead to ugly confrontations and he doesn't do emotions. He doesn't do relationships, either. So on the night that he meets Zach, who couldn't stop giggling as Bull searched him, and then saved him when he got knocked over on the dance floor, and saved Zach again when two guys started fighting over him and Zach got punched, well, Bull knew this kid was trouble. Didn't keep him from looking at him all night long, though.
Zach is a graphic designer and artist with the typically boring day job and the dream of creating a graphic novel. Meeting Bull gives him his superhero to draw fighting crime and overall ridding the city of bad guys. When his friend tells him to finish his comic and that he might know some people in the industry to look at it, well research is needed to get a better handle on Bull. Zach knows Bull isn't interested in him, but he can't help thinking about the guy, even though Zach has absolutely no experience to bring to the table of seduction. Zach is thrilled when Bull agrees to meet him for lunch so he can get some research. What begins is a very sweet romance, coming as a surprise to both of them.
Honestly? Bull is a sweet guy who hides behind his toughness and his growling so no one will try to get close to him. He was raised by a very un-maternal mother, and yeah, she's a real piece of work, let me tell you. Bull has feelings, even though he doesn't really want to explore them and definitely doesn't want to talk about them. It's a surprise to him when he opens up to Zach in a way he never has with anyone before. Zach is adorable and a whole lot tougher than the outside package would suggest. He grew up in a very insulated and religious community, not Amish, but close, and when the family patriarch learned he was gay, Zach was whipped and told to leave as soon as possible. He went to college and never returned home again, and shortly after he left, his parents' home, with them inside, burned to the ground. Zach made a new life for himself and he works hard to let the past go and live for today.
This was a wonderful love story. Bull and Zach were both lonely and needed each other so much. I liked the extras including Zach's psychotic uncle coming after him and people from Bull's past trying to recruit him again. They made the story just a little more. This was a fun, sexy, and very sweet story with some seriously hot scenes. Go, Andrew!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 26, 2014
It's been a while since I read this but I really enjoyed it. This is my first story by this writer and I like his style. Fleshed out characters, great dialogue flow, and while some of the storyline was more than a bit over the top that didn't stop me from having a lot of fun with this one.
I thought both Zach and Bull were adorable together and I liked the progression of their romance. The secondary characters worked for me as well, so much so, that I'd love to read stories about Zach's friends. They all deserve their own HEAs.
If you like stories with a gruff older guy falling for a cute and artistically talented younger man then this is a read for you.
I thought both Zach and Bull were adorable together and I liked the progression of their romance. The secondary characters worked for me as well, so much so, that I'd love to read stories about Zach's friends. They all deserve their own HEAs.
If you like stories with a gruff older guy falling for a cute and artistically talented younger man then this is a read for you.
November 26, 2013
If you like big, badass guys with smaller guys, this is a romance for you. Zach (the little guy) is a graphic artist and virgin when he meets Bull (the big guy), having escaped from a sort of conservative religious cult in Lancaster PA. Bull is an ex-merc hard-ass who uses his tough guy persona to keep people at bay. This is a sweet/cutesy romance but there's also a lot of sex (even a bit repetitively). All in all, a fun, quick read from the excellent Andrew Grey.
December 31, 2013
3.0 Stars
This one was ho-hum. It was entertaining enough, although the emo in me was a little dissatisfied. The characters were likeable and each had their own issues and baggage but not much (read: none) drama between them. I don't like too much drama but I find without some, I'm bored.
Bottom line: cute, sweet, but forgettable.
This one was ho-hum. It was entertaining enough, although the emo in me was a little dissatisfied. The characters were likeable and each had their own issues and baggage but not much (read: none) drama between them. I don't like too much drama but I find without some, I'm bored.
Bottom line: cute, sweet, but forgettable.
November 29, 2013
3.5 stars - This was a really nice story and hot cover ;) I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I saw this one and was like "hot damnnn" and then downloaded it straight away LOL. It's a really sweet and easy read with nice characters and a good solid story too.
February 7, 2015
Great story that matches a lonely (but doesn't realize it) bear with a lonely (and does realize it) twink. Bull is a club owner/bouncer with a seriously dangerous past that's about to catch up with him. Zach is a cartoon artist and would-be comic book author who is much stronger than he looks or thinks he is.
When Zach's friends take him to a club for his birthday he is rescued by Bull from a fight. It's only later that we find out he didn't really need rescuing, but the stage is set for a romance, whether either man realizes it or not.
Zach begins writing a comic book with Bull as the superhero. His friends insist he needs to let Bull know about it and then it's game on.
When Bull's sketchy past begins to catch up with him he tries to protect Zach from knowing too much but by then it's too late. Zach has a past, too, and when Bull looks into what happened to Zach he is able to bring closure, if not happiness about it, to Zach.
A great story with lots of twists, turns, and underground characters who you wouldn't want to meet in a bright sunlit alley, let alone a dark one. A great beginning to a new series. It will be exciting to see what happens next and to whom.
When Zach's friends take him to a club for his birthday he is rescued by Bull from a fight. It's only later that we find out he didn't really need rescuing, but the stage is set for a romance, whether either man realizes it or not.
Zach begins writing a comic book with Bull as the superhero. His friends insist he needs to let Bull know about it and then it's game on.
When Bull's sketchy past begins to catch up with him he tries to protect Zach from knowing too much but by then it's too late. Zach has a past, too, and when Bull looks into what happened to Zach he is able to bring closure, if not happiness about it, to Zach.
A great story with lots of twists, turns, and underground characters who you wouldn't want to meet in a bright sunlit alley, let alone a dark one. A great beginning to a new series. It will be exciting to see what happens next and to whom.
February 15, 2014
The first half was normal, too bad the second half jumped the shark several times!
April 17, 2019
I have enjoyed Andrew Grey's farm series books and a few others. This title appeared in my Audible Romance package and since I generally like the author and the narrator's voice was likeable I added it to my library.
I thought the story was good, but not anything great. I liked the age and size difference between the MC's and their back stories were good. I thought the intrigue of the story line was the weak part. Mr. Grey is good with the love portion of his stories but the military for hire aspect did not have a realism that authors that specialize in that have.
The narration was great.
I thought the story was good, but not anything great. I liked the age and size difference between the MC's and their back stories were good. I thought the intrigue of the story line was the weak part. Mr. Grey is good with the love portion of his stories but the military for hire aspect did not have a realism that authors that specialize in that have.
The narration was great.
July 8, 2014
Hot, cute, young, virgin twink meets hot, sexy, tough, bar owner and bouncer and the chemistry is ignited. That pretty much sums up the beginning of the story when Zach, the young guy, accompanies some of his friends to the gay club owned by Bull and his partner in celebration of his birthday weekend. As Bull is searching him for contraband at the door, Zach starts giggling, declaring that he’s ticklish. At first, Bull thinks this is a ploy to distract him, but eventually realizes that this sweet, innocent guy is exactly as he seems.
Bull saves Zach from being trampled that night, and Zach is totally impressed by Bull’s strength when he picks Zach up and carries him through the crowd. Then, a chance meeting after Zach has been mugged seals the deal on Zach’s hero worship. Zach is employed as a graphic artist but is also a talented artist who is putting together a comic book in his free time. Bull becomes his principal character and when he asks Bull to lunch to discuss Bull’s job as inspiration for possible storylines, the two begin to learn a little more about each other. There’s no doubt about an attraction, but Zach wants more. He doesn’t want to be some guy’s one-night-stand. And Bull doesn’t do relationships. At least, he didn’t until Zach entered his life.
Complications to their budding romance arise in the form of Bull’s mother and Zach’s bigoted uncle. In addition, one of Bull’s clients from the time he was employed as a mercenary shows up and puts pressure on him to take on a new contract. The two manage to build a relationship and survive all of the outside pressures, each helping the other in unexpected ways.
Good things happen to good people, at least, in Andrew Grey’s books they do. So the couple does get their HEA. The story is sweet and sappy but this is one of those audiobooks that’s not hard to listen to while walking, driving, or working around the house. It’s not complex, but it does have moments of intensity, and the narrator did a great job of providing multiple voices so that it was easy to identify the characters. I recommend this to Andrew Grey fans and to those who enjoy an age gap or alpha/twink romance that’s got some action, adventure, and a sweet HEA.
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Bull saves Zach from being trampled that night, and Zach is totally impressed by Bull’s strength when he picks Zach up and carries him through the crowd. Then, a chance meeting after Zach has been mugged seals the deal on Zach’s hero worship. Zach is employed as a graphic artist but is also a talented artist who is putting together a comic book in his free time. Bull becomes his principal character and when he asks Bull to lunch to discuss Bull’s job as inspiration for possible storylines, the two begin to learn a little more about each other. There’s no doubt about an attraction, but Zach wants more. He doesn’t want to be some guy’s one-night-stand. And Bull doesn’t do relationships. At least, he didn’t until Zach entered his life.
Complications to their budding romance arise in the form of Bull’s mother and Zach’s bigoted uncle. In addition, one of Bull’s clients from the time he was employed as a mercenary shows up and puts pressure on him to take on a new contract. The two manage to build a relationship and survive all of the outside pressures, each helping the other in unexpected ways.
Good things happen to good people, at least, in Andrew Grey’s books they do. So the couple does get their HEA. The story is sweet and sappy but this is one of those audiobooks that’s not hard to listen to while walking, driving, or working around the house. It’s not complex, but it does have moments of intensity, and the narrator did a great job of providing multiple voices so that it was easy to identify the characters. I recommend this to Andrew Grey fans and to those who enjoy an age gap or alpha/twink romance that’s got some action, adventure, and a sweet HEA.
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
January 13, 2014
Here is another quaint tale eloquently delivered by Mr. Andrew Grey. I rather enjoy his almost nonchalant method of introducing the major players; just enough background to inspire interest before he starts building the elaborate platform on which they will mature, working their way ever so stealthily into our hearts.
Another satisfying aspect within his stories is that his secondary characters are not tailored as being inferior or unnecessary. They are like a fine spice in a savory dish; they add just enough of a presence to accent the main characters without overpowering their objective, but without them the story would seem incomplete.
Before I get so verbose that you become nauseous and quit reading...all of that and so much more is right here in this wonderful story of a piece of the life of Bull & Zach. A piece that sees them introduced, falling in love and learning how to communicate in order to keep that avenue of love focused and unblocked.
Another satisfying aspect within his stories is that his secondary characters are not tailored as being inferior or unnecessary. They are like a fine spice in a savory dish; they add just enough of a presence to accent the main characters without overpowering their objective, but without them the story would seem incomplete.
Before I get so verbose that you become nauseous and quit reading...all of that and so much more is right here in this wonderful story of a piece of the life of Bull & Zach. A piece that sees them introduced, falling in love and learning how to communicate in order to keep that avenue of love focused and unblocked.
December 19, 2013
Great story! I think it's my favorite from Andrew Grey so far!
Bull's like my ideal MC - inside and out <3 I liked Zach too, he's nice and brave. The supportive charactres weren't intrusive, I even ended up liking Bull's mom too - she definitely improved at the end. The whole ex-merc story was very good and even though the Rashad plot was kinda fairy-taily, still it was nice and touching.
Loved this book soooo much! <3
Bull's like my ideal MC - inside and out <3 I liked Zach too, he's nice and brave. The supportive charactres weren't intrusive, I even ended up liking Bull's mom too - she definitely improved at the end. The whole ex-merc story was very good and even though the Rashad plot was kinda fairy-taily, still it was nice and touching.
Loved this book soooo much! <3
December 25, 2013
This is a great sweet story about rough guy Bull falling for sweet twink Zach. What I really enjoyed about this story is that despite his crummy past Zach is no helpless and defeated guy who needs saving. He is plugging along and he can defend himself. And even though he sees Bull as his superhero he ends up being Bull's superhero.
December 16, 2013
This book was a cute piece of fluff. All of the conflicts resolved quickly and easily so there wasn't really anything to get your blood moving. There isn't anything bad about the book. It was just a very expected and simple love story.
January 15, 2016
Didn't enjoy the rudimentary writing style.
February 28, 2017
3.0 Stars
Why are so many of AG's books just hit & miss for me? This was another Meh story with a side of crazy OTT.
Why are so many of AG's books just hit & miss for me? This was another Meh story with a side of crazy OTT.
September 3, 2023
Nice story ... had fun reading it
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