The Wounded

The Telling #2.5

by Eden Winters, Parker Williams

The Telling by Eden Winters meets 500 Miles by Parker Williams – a story of four men caught up in the aftermath of war.

War has left both Jase and Michael with scars, physical and mental. At times all they’ve suffered weighs heavily, and it’s easy to feel that no one understands what they’ve been through. It’s up to Jay and Mark to show them they’re not alone.

And for one of the couples, Veteran’s Day will bring a new beginning…

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, M M Contemporary, LGBT, Short Stories

21 pages, ebook

First published November 14, 2013

About the author

You will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!

Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.

She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.

When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.

Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.

Reviews

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both these couples are wonderful. They've got so much in their pasts and it's lovely to see them getting a little moment of some healing. Each couple sees something that can be gained from the friendship with these other wounded vets and their partners. Just lovely.

[Marge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prior to reading this I re-read The Telling and Night Watch and was happy to revisit these characters. I also purchased and enjoyed 500 Miles. It was great to see all the characters again in this sequel. Things aren't perfect with any of them, but the wounded warriors are making progress. The feelings between each couple was shown as powerful and loving. I really liked the story.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read The Telling twice and read 500 Miles not that long ago.
That helped me keep the characters and their issues straight. Although it could probably be read as a standalone I appreciated the story more for having read the other ones first, I think.
Jay and Michael and Mark and Jase are great couples and it was nice to see them again and see more progress for them.
It's both touching and heartwarming and a real tribute to all service members and their families.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing the boys from 500 miles back! Great story! but most importantly, thank you for writing a story about our troops and how they try to cope and survive. our guys and gals go through a lot to keep this country safe and going and it's great that you all honor them in your work

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little propagand-y for my taste. But I liked the healing in it. And the love and camaraderie.

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice update on both 500 Miles and The Telling, though it probably only makes sense if you have read these stories, both very good. 3.5*

it is more about Jay and Michael from The Telling, showing how even after three years and lots of progress, that something as 'simple' as going to a gathering for others affected by war & PTSD can have such a debilitating effect. And issues can not be simply gotten over.
Jase and Mark also get their little update, but much more in a supporting role - would have liked to eavesdrop on Jase and Michael's cpnversation.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a combined series story. I have enjoyed the Telling series, but not 500 Miles- yet. Both authors did a wonderful job of portraying the reality of PTSD and vets with disabilities who have reintegration issues when coming home and taking up civilian life. It was also a lovely chance to check back in with Jay and Michael along w/ meeting Jase and Mark. Plot, character development and relationship development were well done. I would love more of these guys.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved 500 Miles so I was eager to read a follow-up of Mark and Jase. And it does help connect with the story if you read Telling. This was a short, point-in-time story and showed how Michael (from Telling) was progressing in his recovery. I'm glad the two sets of characters got to meet. I think both the two former soldiers and their partners benefited from each other.

I just wished I can read more about Mark and Jase. They really touched my heart in 500 Miles.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Nik · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars Just a meh read for me. I liked following up with the characters but nothing really happened. This was more a slice of life than anything else...

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet look into this world that I love. Definitely will have to look at Parker William's book! Well worth a read!