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Clyde's Corner #1
A Prairie Dog's Love Song
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar collection Heartwarming.
Ben Rivers always was a showman. He won awards in 4-H and rodeo competitions from the time he could walk, and he’s happiest in the spotlight. So when he got the chance to be a star—in porn—he took it. He still loves Montana and everything about being a cowboy, but when news of his alternate identity leaks out, he figures he’s lost the town’s goodwill forever. Clyde’s Corner would never accept an openly gay cowboy, even a hometown boy born and bred.
Joshua Braintree always had the notion that he and his best friend’s kid brother, Ben, would end up together. Ben’s always been a diehard cowboy, just like him: they need the land and its freedom as much as they need air. So when Joshua learns Ben moved away from their small Montana town to be a porn star in Vegas, he can hardly believe it. He’s determined to finally declare himself and bring Ben home.
Despite his longtime crush on Joshua, Ben won’t be as easy to tame as Joshua’s “lost cause” horses. It will take a lot of heart and holiday spirit for Joshua to convince Ben that even old prairie dogs can learn new tricks in the name of love.
Ben Rivers always was a showman. He won awards in 4-H and rodeo competitions from the time he could walk, and he’s happiest in the spotlight. So when he got the chance to be a star—in porn—he took it. He still loves Montana and everything about being a cowboy, but when news of his alternate identity leaks out, he figures he’s lost the town’s goodwill forever. Clyde’s Corner would never accept an openly gay cowboy, even a hometown boy born and bred.
Joshua Braintree always had the notion that he and his best friend’s kid brother, Ben, would end up together. Ben’s always been a diehard cowboy, just like him: they need the land and its freedom as much as they need air. So when Joshua learns Ben moved away from their small Montana town to be a porn star in Vegas, he can hardly believe it. He’s determined to finally declare himself and bring Ben home.
Despite his longtime crush on Joshua, Ben won’t be as easy to tame as Joshua’s “lost cause” horses. It will take a lot of heart and holiday spirit for Joshua to convince Ben that even old prairie dogs can learn new tricks in the name of love.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2013
63 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
83 books2,806 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
December 6, 2018
Now if this wasn’t the cutest cowboy novella!!
I absolutely adored this and yet I try to understand why the overall rating isn’t the highest. I think it might be the fact we have something really rare in romance here: A one man show.
This is the story of Joshua Braintree. He’s a cowboy through and through, a man of few words, but a good guy who is loved in the small town community of Clyde’s Corner. He runs a horse ranch and teaches kids to ride.
One of his assistants is his best friend's brother, Ben. Ben is 6 years or so younger than Joshua and funny enough, the book revolves around him, even though we follow Joshua almost exclusively through the story.
Joshua would be a boring character, living his cowboy life, if it wasn’t for a certain event that shakes things up for everyone in Clyde’s Corner:
People find out that their dear young Ben is a rising gay porn star in Las Vegas!
Joshua knew that Ben traveled to Vegas regularly, earning some cash on the side for what he made everyone believe to be modeling gigs. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, Ben flees from Clyde’s Corner, ashamed and afraid that the people he grew up with would hate him.
Joshua misses the boy and helps Ben’s father cope with things, the cowboys of Clyde’s Corner being totally out of their depth with the series of events that Ben caused in the city.
Sure, Joshua might not know a lot about big city life, but he knows he doesn’t want to see Ben’s family suffer. And if he listens closely to his own heart, it tells him that the hole that Ben left behind in Joshua’s life can only be filled by doing something he feared for so long.
So he travels to Las Vegas to bring the boy home where he belongs.
It’s a perfect clash of cultures! I have hardly ever read anything like it. The sweetest thing is, Joshua works through so many of his own issues to become what Ben needs, it’s fascinating to watch his thoughts run wild until he comes up with the most courageous conclusions that not many cowboys would dare draw.
I absolutely LOVED the moment in the town hall in front of the entire population of Clyde’s Corner. This was so unexpected and brave that it simply took my breath away:
It’s safe to say, I LOVED Joshua!
The only flaw I saw in the whole story was Ben’s POV being extremely underrepresented. We do get to see things through his eyes for a bit, but why a country boy like him would dive into porn was not fully explained. And I think it would have been important (not to mention fascinating) to see his reasoning behind this.
Still, the entire plot was totally unique and made for a wonderful romance, I could hardly ask for more in a novella.
And by the way, who were all these gay couples at the end?? It seemed like they might be MCs from other stories, but I’m not sure. Is this novella a stand-alone or does it share a romance universe with other books?
In any case, a true 5 star favorite for me!
I absolutely adored this and yet I try to understand why the overall rating isn’t the highest. I think it might be the fact we have something really rare in romance here: A one man show.
This is the story of Joshua Braintree. He’s a cowboy through and through, a man of few words, but a good guy who is loved in the small town community of Clyde’s Corner. He runs a horse ranch and teaches kids to ride.
One of his assistants is his best friend's brother, Ben. Ben is 6 years or so younger than Joshua and funny enough, the book revolves around him, even though we follow Joshua almost exclusively through the story.
Joshua would be a boring character, living his cowboy life, if it wasn’t for a certain event that shakes things up for everyone in Clyde’s Corner:
People find out that their dear young Ben is a rising gay porn star in Las Vegas!
Joshua knew that Ben traveled to Vegas regularly, earning some cash on the side for what he made everyone believe to be modeling gigs. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, Ben flees from Clyde’s Corner, ashamed and afraid that the people he grew up with would hate him.
Joshua misses the boy and helps Ben’s father cope with things, the cowboys of Clyde’s Corner being totally out of their depth with the series of events that Ben caused in the city.
Sure, Joshua might not know a lot about big city life, but he knows he doesn’t want to see Ben’s family suffer. And if he listens closely to his own heart, it tells him that the hole that Ben left behind in Joshua’s life can only be filled by doing something he feared for so long.
So he travels to Las Vegas to bring the boy home where he belongs.
It’s a perfect clash of cultures! I have hardly ever read anything like it. The sweetest thing is, Joshua works through so many of his own issues to become what Ben needs, it’s fascinating to watch his thoughts run wild until he comes up with the most courageous conclusions that not many cowboys would dare draw.
I absolutely LOVED the moment in the town hall in front of the entire population of Clyde’s Corner. This was so unexpected and brave that it simply took my breath away:
It’s safe to say, I LOVED Joshua!
The only flaw I saw in the whole story was Ben’s POV being extremely underrepresented. We do get to see things through his eyes for a bit, but why a country boy like him would dive into porn was not fully explained. And I think it would have been important (not to mention fascinating) to see his reasoning behind this.
Still, the entire plot was totally unique and made for a wonderful romance, I could hardly ask for more in a novella.
And by the way, who were all these gay couples at the end?? It seemed like they might be MCs from other stories, but I’m not sure. Is this novella a stand-alone or does it share a romance universe with other books?
In any case, a true 5 star favorite for me!
September 1, 2016
Maybe 2.5 stars for the story, 3.5 stars for the narration, averaging to 3 stars overall.
Gah! I'm so bummed. My first Eli Easton story that I haven't gone gaga for. I guess it was bound to happen eventually.
*pouts*
I honestly think that this story tried to do too much in too short a span of time. Imagine a story successfully blending cowboys, friends-to-lovers theme, porn stars element, and coming out all in 95 pages. It's hard, right? And picture that story with minimal sex content and a holiday backdrop to boot. My head was spinning trying to keep up.
I think my main problem is that though the story was fine, I didn't actually care about any of the characters. I though that the switch from friends to lovers was way too fast with too little buildup. I didn't get to know these guys as people and I didn't care much about them as a couple. I like more slow build, more character development. I feel like I got just bits and pieces of that instead of something more complete.
As far as the narration goes, I think that Michael Stellman did a nice job. He didn't have a large range of voices but I liked his expressiveness and how he sounded age appropriate. I enjoyed listening to him and I would get another audiobook by him.
Overall, an easy listen but not what I expected from this author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
December 16, 2014
My favorite Eli Easton story to date. Joshua Braintree is a quintessential cowboy, slow and steady and quiet. So much so that the boy he loved and was waiting to make a move on... someday... had no clue Joshua was interested and ran off to the big city and started working in gay porn. Joshua missed that boat, but with every fiber of his being, he wants Ben back on the ranch. Except that to reclaim Ben, he's going to have to re-route the slow, sweet river of the rest of his life and maybe come out. And he'll have to convince Ben to come home. Sometimes it looks easier to just ride and rope and teach beginners and be solitary. But loneliness gets harder, not easier, with time.
It can be difficult to write an archetype without turning him into a caricature, but I loved Joshua and I thought the author caught him perfectly. This story had more emotion, while keeping some humor and sweetness. The HEA was a big neat bow but this one felt plausible and not forced, and just made me smile. A comfort reread for sure, and one of the best holiday stories this year.
It can be difficult to write an archetype without turning him into a caricature, but I loved Joshua and I thought the author caught him perfectly. This story had more emotion, while keeping some humor and sweetness. The HEA was a big neat bow but this one felt plausible and not forced, and just made me smile. A comfort reread for sure, and one of the best holiday stories this year.
November 29, 2014
3.75 stars rounded up
Every single time I see Eli Easton announcing that she has a new story coming out, I get a flutter of happiness in my belly. Because yes, I will state this again, she is one of my favorite new author of the year 2013. If she has a new story, you betcha I'm going to read it.
This story has a cowboy and a porn star... and what a heartwarming story indeed.
I am not one for cowboy characters (I know, SHOCKING!) -- but I know that this one will easily satisfy all cowboy lovers. What Joshua did to ensure Ben coming home, without having to worry about his porn career or the fact that Ben was gay, was romantic, and totally befitting his character *siiigh ... hearts on hand*.
I loved the distinct characters of these two. The solid Joshua, who liked his privacy, who wasn't happy about changes, but still wanted to have Ben in his life nonetheless (even if he needed help from others to make him see that). The younger Ben, who had had a crush for Joshua for years, who was determined to live free as he was, even if he couldn't get home again. Both were wonderful characters to be around with. And I also loved the secondary characters of the small town -- it had all the recipe of small town love story :)
If I had something to fuss about, it would be that I sort of wanted more 'evidence' of the past to see how Ben crushing on Joshua and when Joshua started to see Ben in a new light. It said that Joshua felt he supposed to make his moves way before Ben left town, but I guess I didn't have enough back-story of that. There was a flashback of sort, but it was incorporated into a story without some sort of 'pointer', which threw me off a little bit.
But all and all, just another story that made me happy...
Every single time I see Eli Easton announcing that she has a new story coming out, I get a flutter of happiness in my belly. Because yes, I will state this again, she is one of my favorite new author of the year 2013. If she has a new story, you betcha I'm going to read it.
This story has a cowboy and a porn star... and what a heartwarming story indeed.
I am not one for cowboy characters (I know, SHOCKING!) -- but I know that this one will easily satisfy all cowboy lovers. What Joshua did to ensure Ben coming home, without having to worry about his porn career or the fact that Ben was gay, was romantic, and totally befitting his character *siiigh ... hearts on hand*.
I loved the distinct characters of these two. The solid Joshua, who liked his privacy, who wasn't happy about changes, but still wanted to have Ben in his life nonetheless (even if he needed help from others to make him see that). The younger Ben, who had had a crush for Joshua for years, who was determined to live free as he was, even if he couldn't get home again. Both were wonderful characters to be around with. And I also loved the secondary characters of the small town -- it had all the recipe of small town love story :)
If I had something to fuss about, it would be that I sort of wanted more 'evidence' of the past to see how Ben crushing on Joshua and when Joshua started to see Ben in a new light. It said that Joshua felt he supposed to make his moves way before Ben left town, but I guess I didn't have enough back-story of that. There was a flashback of sort, but it was incorporated into a story without some sort of 'pointer', which threw me off a little bit.
But all and all, just another story that made me happy...
November 17, 2019
Does Everyone love a cowboy? Well I'm pretty damn sure they will after reading Eli Easton's wonderful addition to Dreamspinners 2013 advent calendar set, because I know I've just fallen ' stetsoned head over spurred heels' for Joshua Ellen Braintree and the guy who stole his heart and mine, Ben Rivers.
All I can say is that once again the anticipation I always get when I know there's another Eli book on the horizon hasn't ended in disappointment. I absolutely adored this delicious story, from the moment Joshua realises that Ben is doing porn causing Ben to run, through Joshua's attempt to bring him home, to the moment when everything that stops them getting together over the course of the story finally culminates in one of the loveliest endings I've had the pleasure of reading all year. I found it gorgeously romantic with lots of emotional satisfaction from all areas because not only is it tender and sweet but it's gently funny and full of extremely likeable and loveable supporting characters who help make the book the delight that it is. Is it the Christmas story you might be expecting? Perhaps not but the magic of Christmas shows in its delightful HEA and I'm tingling nicely now and just want to go back to read it all over again.
A novella that's worked its way into my favourite reads of 2013 and high in my most favourite Eli Easton books up to now. Go on and treat yourself to some sweet cowboy lovin' and be prepared to lose your heart too.
Edit: 17th Nov 2019
Re read a few times as a fave seasonal story but this rating is for First listen of Audible Version. Story ⭐️4.5 ⭐️
Narration ⭐️4 ⭐️
All I can say is that once again the anticipation I always get when I know there's another Eli book on the horizon hasn't ended in disappointment. I absolutely adored this delicious story, from the moment Joshua realises that Ben is doing porn causing Ben to run, through Joshua's attempt to bring him home, to the moment when everything that stops them getting together over the course of the story finally culminates in one of the loveliest endings I've had the pleasure of reading all year. I found it gorgeously romantic with lots of emotional satisfaction from all areas because not only is it tender and sweet but it's gently funny and full of extremely likeable and loveable supporting characters who help make the book the delight that it is. Is it the Christmas story you might be expecting? Perhaps not but the magic of Christmas shows in its delightful HEA and I'm tingling nicely now and just want to go back to read it all over again.
A novella that's worked its way into my favourite reads of 2013 and high in my most favourite Eli Easton books up to now. Go on and treat yourself to some sweet cowboy lovin' and be prepared to lose your heart too.
Edit: 17th Nov 2019
Re read a few times as a fave seasonal story but this rating is for First listen of Audible Version. Story ⭐️4.5 ⭐️
Narration ⭐️4 ⭐️
December 11, 2013
Finally! I have been waiting for this one to be in my inbox from the DSP Adventscalender.
4.5*
I admit I am always on the look-out for stories by Eli Easton, she won me over with Superhero and hasn't disappointed me yet.
I pre-ordered the DSP set and eagerly awaited this release. Now, I'll admit I'm not a huge cowboy fan, but I do have a thing for porn stars.
This short was so full of sweetness and emotions, but in a calm and understated way. I really don't know how to describe it, there is a lot of feeling, but no drama. Joshua and Ben aren't even together on page very much, but I never doubted how much they meant to one another.
In short, I loved it, and seriously if Joshua isn't the most romantic and sweetest cowboy ever, I don't know who is.
This is how I see them under the unending sky of Montana.
4.5*
I admit I am always on the look-out for stories by Eli Easton, she won me over with Superhero and hasn't disappointed me yet.
I pre-ordered the DSP set and eagerly awaited this release. Now, I'll admit I'm not a huge cowboy fan, but I do have a thing for porn stars.
This short was so full of sweetness and emotions, but in a calm and understated way. I really don't know how to describe it, there is a lot of feeling, but no drama. Joshua and Ben aren't even together on page very much, but I never doubted how much they meant to one another.
In short, I loved it, and seriously if Joshua isn't the most romantic and sweetest cowboy ever, I don't know who is.
This is how I see them under the unending sky of Montana.
October 26, 2014
2.5 stars
Sweet as all get go, but utterly unbelievable. Major, momentous decisions were made nearly overnight. I didn't truly feel the two MCs, and I didn't buy either Ben or Joshua's change of heart. It was a painless read, a bit of fluff; didn't love the porn theme, but that was mostly glossed over. Cute but forgettable.
Sweet as all get go, but utterly unbelievable. Major, momentous decisions were made nearly overnight. I didn't truly feel the two MCs, and I didn't buy either Ben or Joshua's change of heart. It was a painless read, a bit of fluff; didn't love the porn theme, but that was mostly glossed over. Cute but forgettable.
March 28, 2023
Well that wasn’t good at all. No attachment to the story or characters. They also started fucking too early 🥱 There’s no in depth backstory whatsoever they just get into the fucking immediately. So off putting.
August 7, 2021
3 Stars
I picked this one up because I’m attempting to catch up on the backlog of books from authors I love, and Easton is definitely one of my favourites in the M/M genre.
Unfortunately, this particular story didn’t do much for me. It felt a little underdeveloped to me and the relationship between MCs Joshua and Ben moved way too fast for my liking. I wanted more on page interactions between the two, but instead I felt like I was just meant to believe in their new relationship simply because we’d been told they’d grown up together and had been harboring secret feelings for one another for so long. As it was, Ben and Joshua barely even shared page time here, which didn’t work for me. I needed to see them together and feel their connection for myself, but I didn’t.
I’d previously met Joshua and Ben and the other residents of the small Montana cowboy town of Clyde’s Corner when I read Easton’s first Dreamspun Desires offering, The Stolen Suitor, so I had already formed opinions on the people and the place. Much like my experience with that story, this one left a lot to be desired. (Note: this story was released first but both can be read as standalones).
There is also a porn star aspect, too, with the story beginning with Ben being outed to the town for having been secretly doing gay porn for the past two years. It was an interesting catalyst to get the story started, as cowboy Joshua had been hiding his own sexuality from everyone, while also pining for Ben for years, who just happened to be his best friend’s younger brother. I found that I wasn’t bothered by Ben’s porn background; it wasn’t a very heavy theme and it was barely touched on throughout the story. Plus, neither character had sex with other people once they’d connected in a physical way, so this helped to ease any worries I had going in.
As I mentioned, there is a falling for your best friend’s brother theme in use here, which is always a welcomed element in my M/M reading. Pair that with the whole lonely cowboy’s in love thing and this story really had some good tropes working for it. On top of this, Easton’s writing is of the highest quality, as always.
This was a nice little story, for certain, but I simply wanted more.
I picked this one up because I’m attempting to catch up on the backlog of books from authors I love, and Easton is definitely one of my favourites in the M/M genre.
Unfortunately, this particular story didn’t do much for me. It felt a little underdeveloped to me and the relationship between MCs Joshua and Ben moved way too fast for my liking. I wanted more on page interactions between the two, but instead I felt like I was just meant to believe in their new relationship simply because we’d been told they’d grown up together and had been harboring secret feelings for one another for so long. As it was, Ben and Joshua barely even shared page time here, which didn’t work for me. I needed to see them together and feel their connection for myself, but I didn’t.
I’d previously met Joshua and Ben and the other residents of the small Montana cowboy town of Clyde’s Corner when I read Easton’s first Dreamspun Desires offering, The Stolen Suitor, so I had already formed opinions on the people and the place. Much like my experience with that story, this one left a lot to be desired. (Note: this story was released first but both can be read as standalones).
There is also a porn star aspect, too, with the story beginning with Ben being outed to the town for having been secretly doing gay porn for the past two years. It was an interesting catalyst to get the story started, as cowboy Joshua had been hiding his own sexuality from everyone, while also pining for Ben for years, who just happened to be his best friend’s younger brother. I found that I wasn’t bothered by Ben’s porn background; it wasn’t a very heavy theme and it was barely touched on throughout the story. Plus, neither character had sex with other people once they’d connected in a physical way, so this helped to ease any worries I had going in.
As I mentioned, there is a falling for your best friend’s brother theme in use here, which is always a welcomed element in my M/M reading. Pair that with the whole lonely cowboy’s in love thing and this story really had some good tropes working for it. On top of this, Easton’s writing is of the highest quality, as always.
This was a nice little story, for certain, but I simply wanted more.
November 30, 2014
4,5 all-I-want-for-Christmas-is-you stars!!!
Have you been ever thinking about this well known phrase...
And what if it could be that easy
and almost impossible at once?
Why it is still so difficult to be yourself and live out loud? To be proud of what you done and who you are?
It was snowing today, the scent of crisp apples, cinnamon and vanilla filled my home and I was in the mood for a beautiful Christmas story with a candy HEA. Sweet and spicy at the same time.
This small novella was...just perfect.
It was exactly what my turbulent soul needed.
It has only 70 pages. It's why I don't want to tell a lot.
Let yourself be surprised and inspired by the beautiful warmhearted and tenderly funny story
about
* the courage to stay true to yourself,
* about seeking and finding your own truth,
* your own path,
* your soul mate,
* your predestination
*despite everything
*in spite of all obstacles.
It is about acceptance and hope
It is about love...
about all-conquering
all-triumphant power of love...
SIMPLE
AND
AMAZINGLY
BEAUTIFUL...
...
I'll for sure re-read it someday, maybe next Christmas.
Because it is how we wish the life to be
...because we all hope that the love will always win and not only on Christmas...
...because it did something magical to my heart...
and because it is not just delightful romantic and emotional
but
simply beautiful...
October 24, 2015
Hmm..yeah, this one wasn't a winner.
I think the main issue, which many other reviewers have noted, was that there was just too much going on in such a short book. Cowboys, friends-to-lovers, coming out, porn stars, family drama, homophobic small town. It was a bit much.
But what I really didn't like was Joshua's belief that he was somehow entitled to Ben, and anything sexual that Ben had to offer. No Joshua, you weren't owed Ben's virginity. And really, now that I think about it, Joshua was a bit of a controlling douchebag.
On the plus side, at least the audiobook was good. It was well-paced, and the narrator differentiated between the characters well enough.
So, 2 stars. This novella was just too short for the story it was trying to tell. Though it says on Eli Easton's website that she has a sequel planned for sometime this December, so I'll be interested to see where she goes with that.
I think the main issue, which many other reviewers have noted, was that there was just too much going on in such a short book. Cowboys, friends-to-lovers, coming out, porn stars, family drama, homophobic small town. It was a bit much.
But what I really didn't like was Joshua's belief that he was somehow entitled to Ben, and anything sexual that Ben had to offer. No Joshua, you weren't owed Ben's virginity. And really, now that I think about it, Joshua was a bit of a controlling douchebag.
On the plus side, at least the audiobook was good. It was well-paced, and the narrator differentiated between the characters well enough.
So, 2 stars. This novella was just too short for the story it was trying to tell. Though it says on Eli Easton's website that she has a sequel planned for sometime this December, so I'll be interested to see where she goes with that.
December 23, 2013
3.5 stars
I love cowboy books.
I don’t love porn star books.
I love holiday books.
I don’t love rushed-story books.
I love Eli Easton.
YAY…the loves outweigh the don’t loves!
This was actually a really sweet story (shocker, Eli Easton writes a sweet story? *gasp* :) ) about a cowboy, his best friend’s younger brother who heads off to film high class gay porn, a small-town with small minds, and a Christmas miracle…of sorts.
Joshua is my dream cowboy (as everyone needs themselves a dream cowboy…though I have many…Zane being my #1 dream cowboy/FBI agent…but Joshua ranks up there). And Ben…well, Ben is adorable enough…a little on the bratty side…but *shrugs*…he’s ok.
I know it’s hard to tell a full, robust story in these holiday shorts…but some actually manage to do it. For some reason, this one was just little too rushed for me and maybe tried to bite off more than it could chew. Still, the story was heartwarming and a quick/fun read.
If you really want a GREAT holiday book from Easton, I’d highly recommend “Blame it on the Mistletoe”. Firmly in place on my Favorite Holiday Books list! ”A Prairie Dog’s Love Song” will do for a short, make-ya-feel-good, pick-me-up.
December 11, 2013
More like 4.5 stars
This story was really Heartwarming! Beautiful writing - Just a few words and you were right there, with Joshua and his hopelessness, poor guy. You not only read, but you could feel the loneliness and longing. And then Joshua speaking up at the town meeting - priceless!
This would have been a 5* read for me, but I found the ending way over the top and I would have enjoyed a toned down one much more.
This story was really Heartwarming! Beautiful writing - Just a few words and you were right there, with Joshua and his hopelessness, poor guy. You not only read, but you could feel the loneliness and longing. And then Joshua speaking up at the town meeting - priceless!
This would have been a 5* read for me, but I found the ending way over the top and I would have enjoyed a toned down one much more.
December 31, 2013
This little story sure does pack a punch! I wanted to read a heartwarming story to clear out all the angst from prior reads so, after hearing about how sweet this one was supposed to be I decided to give it a try. I’ve never read a book by Eli Easton before. I have no idea why I waited so long.
Joshua and Ben grew up together in Clyde’s Corner, a small town in Montana. Well, more accurately, Joshua grew up with Ben’s big brother Chet and watched Ben grow up behind him. Both have carried a secret love for each other around for many, many years. Ben thought his love was unrequited and Joshua was waiting for Ben to grow up. They almost missed their chance at love. Almost.
Ben, in a bid to “find himself”, decides to try out gay porn. He has been in the industry for two years now and no one was the wiser. Until now. After an altercation at the diner wherein he was outed to the entire town he flees to the safety of his porn persona in Vegas.
Joshua finally realizes that Ben is all grown up now and decides to hunt Ben down and make him come home. He reveals his attraction for Ben to him which culminates into one afternoon of joyous lovemaking. But is it enough? Will Ben come home? Will Joshua have the love he’s always wanted at last?
This book was one I enjoyed very much. I loved the MC’s as well as the secondary characters. I especially loved the “hick” talk. There were quite a few one liners and descriptive sentences that were laugh-out-loud funny. And the story kept me entertained throughout.
And even though parts of this story broke my heart it did end up being quite heartwarming. I would recommend this book and I will certainly be reading more of Eli Easton in the near future.
July 30, 2014
Reminded me of the old alpha-male Harlequins that I never liked.
Written as a cute little fic, but the characters don't spend much of the book in the same town let alone together, there's no connection between them and they're not in any sense believable.
There's a contradiction the books starts with Joshua discovering something online but then it's said Ben stays away becuase Henry had told everyone. So the shock and revelation doesn't make sense.
Joshua gets angry/upset because Ben's first moments should have been his nice sense of entitlement there Josh boy!
How to win an argument (when meeting with your friend's kid brother after xyears) - throw em' over your shoulder, find a bedroom and start stripping, even if they scramble away purely panicked it's important to prove the person is gay. More important than finding out if they're alright... Oh but then when they say ok but they want to live openly - well then dress and walk away, because..
There's a big dramatic announcement, with no input/choice from Ben. Then suddenly there's a horse with bells on and a main street lined with gay couples that have appeared from the abyss. Even though I love a bit of fluff this was a step too far into cutsey-movie-land, I gave up at 88%.
And there's a cowboy so ya can expect lots of yups
Basically there's a tough cowboy and a sweet little porn star - I should have known this wouldn't be for me.
Written as a cute little fic, but the characters don't spend much of the book in the same town let alone together, there's no connection between them and they're not in any sense believable.
There's a contradiction the books starts with Joshua discovering something online but then it's said Ben stays away becuase Henry had told everyone. So the shock and revelation doesn't make sense.
Joshua gets angry/upset because Ben's first moments should have been his nice sense of entitlement there Josh boy!
How to win an argument (when meeting with your friend's kid brother after xyears) - throw em' over your shoulder, find a bedroom and start stripping, even if they scramble away purely panicked it's important to prove the person is gay. More important than finding out if they're alright... Oh but then when they say ok but they want to live openly - well then dress and walk away, because..
There's a big dramatic announcement, with no input/choice from Ben. Then suddenly there's a horse with bells on and a main street lined with gay couples that have appeared from the abyss. Even though I love a bit of fluff this was a step too far into cutsey-movie-land, I gave up at 88%.
And there's a cowboy so ya can expect lots of yups
Basically there's a tough cowboy and a sweet little porn star - I should have known this wouldn't be for me.
November 21, 2014
4.5 stars!! A closeted cowboy, a “gay for pay” porn star, and a heartwarming holiday story? Yes, please!! Eli Easton has become an auto-buy author for me. I love everything she writes and this is no different. I can only say I wish it had been longer and I wish there had been more cowboy sex :) But, all in all, a very charming holiday read!
December 21, 2022
A nice story, but I was bothered by the gaps in time, and I didn't really feel a true connection between the main characters. Eli Easton does a lovely job in her descriptions though. The ranch, the town, the Vegas scenes - all well done.
The audio version of A Prairie Dog's Love Song is performed by Michael Stellman.
The audio version of A Prairie Dog's Love Song is performed by Michael Stellman.
April 1, 2016
I'll be honest. I only picked this one up because it is mentioned right at the beginning of The Stolen Suitor, and well, series or not, I had to read this first.
I liked everything about this except for the porn. I am just not a girl who likes porn stars or whatever in my book.
Aside from that it was super sweet.
Cowboys and all that :)
I liked everything about this except for the porn. I am just not a girl who likes porn stars or whatever in my book.
Aside from that it was super sweet.
Cowboys and all that :)
December 17, 2023
Hot cowboy does what he has to do to get his man. Favourite MC's. One of EE's best if you ask me.
Love this one 💜
Love this one 💜
February 12, 2022
This is very short and sexy and fun. Recommended.
September 27, 2014
This'll be a shorty for a shorty but don't let the brief nature of this review get your briefs in a bunch! It's worth it. ;)
Joshua and Ben, Ben & Joshua... they've known each other since they were kids, wee ones, and Ben is even Joshua's best friend's little bro. Usually a sticky sitcheayshun, right? Well, in this case, it appears yes, but not for the reasons you may think. Both of these guys are good people, and that right there made me want to pull for them. They deserve each other.
It takes them nearly the entire story to get to the point of realizing maybe they can make it work, but not before several things get in the way, including themselves. The cool part is that, along with some help from a friend and an unexpected source of support, they themselves make the decision when it comes down to it. The first step in this actually made me say "Hell Yeah!" when I read it.
These two have chemistry and history and desire and heart, and you'll get to see it all. ;)
The supporting characters are fun, honest and all serve a purpose. The one thing I'll say is, for all of the time's Ben's bro (Chet) is mentioned, we, in the end, don't really get to hear from him when it comes to 'Ben & Joshua'. That was my only little 'hmmm' within the story. Otherwise, Fred, Old Man Jenks, Lily and Nora all fit the bill.
I wouldn't classify this as either insta-love (you'll see) nor a gay-for-you (you'll seeeee) story... you'll see. ;)
This was another fab holiday treat. And if you haven't read her Blame It On The Mistletoe yet, add that one to the list, as well. It's a mite sweet, just like this one. ;)
Joshua and Ben, Ben & Joshua... they've known each other since they were kids, wee ones, and Ben is even Joshua's best friend's little bro. Usually a sticky sitcheayshun, right? Well, in this case, it appears yes, but not for the reasons you may think. Both of these guys are good people, and that right there made me want to pull for them. They deserve each other.
It takes them nearly the entire story to get to the point of realizing maybe they can make it work, but not before several things get in the way, including themselves. The cool part is that, along with some help from a friend and an unexpected source of support, they themselves make the decision when it comes down to it. The first step in this actually made me say "Hell Yeah!" when I read it.
These two have chemistry and history and desire and heart, and you'll get to see it all. ;)
The supporting characters are fun, honest and all serve a purpose. The one thing I'll say is, for all of the time's Ben's bro (Chet) is mentioned, we, in the end, don't really get to hear from him when it comes to 'Ben & Joshua'. That was my only little 'hmmm' within the story. Otherwise, Fred, Old Man Jenks, Lily and Nora all fit the bill.
I wouldn't classify this as either insta-love (you'll see) nor a gay-for-you (you'll seeeee) story... you'll see. ;)
This was another fab holiday treat. And if you haven't read her Blame It On The Mistletoe yet, add that one to the list, as well. It's a mite sweet, just like this one. ;)
February 18, 2015
Cowboy M/Ms…Hmm, not sure what to say. To be fair, I’ve not read a lot of them, so maybe it is too early to say it’s not my thing. But I will say it anyway.
When I hear that southern drawl (or whatever dialect all cowboys have) whining in my head, the only man who pops into my head is The Stranger…
And he is really not my kind of sexy.
So, kudos to this novella. Through a very sweet, romantic plot and just the right amount of drama with well described characters, that I rooted for, it managed to turn the Stranger into a somewhat more attractive cowboy talking in my head:
Jamie boy, ain’t nothin' like those sweet pea eyes of yours, sugar.
As much as I enjoyed The Redemption of the Cowboy, I did find the story being a teeeeny, tiny bit high on sugar, but that’s what toothpaste is for after all. And maybe also a wee bit too few steamy moments for my taste, but I’m a perv.
All in all, it made me feel very good inside. I’m also amazed that some authors can make 100 pages feel much longer (in a good way, that is!)
So I guess I love this author even more now.
I better hope she never writes a story with Mpreg in it…*shivers with reluctant anticipation*
When I hear that southern drawl (or whatever dialect all cowboys have) whining in my head, the only man who pops into my head is The Stranger…
And he is really not my kind of sexy.
So, kudos to this novella. Through a very sweet, romantic plot and just the right amount of drama with well described characters, that I rooted for, it managed to turn the Stranger into a somewhat more attractive cowboy talking in my head:
Jamie boy, ain’t nothin' like those sweet pea eyes of yours, sugar.
As much as I enjoyed The Redemption of the Cowboy, I did find the story being a teeeeny, tiny bit high on sugar, but that’s what toothpaste is for after all. And maybe also a wee bit too few steamy moments for my taste, but I’m a perv.
All in all, it made me feel very good inside. I’m also amazed that some authors can make 100 pages feel much longer (in a good way, that is!)
So I guess I love this author even more now.
I better hope she never writes a story with Mpreg in it…*shivers with reluctant anticipation*
January 4, 2018
Damn, I'm a sucker for a cowboy or two. Well, especially for two. What's ridiculous is, it drives me nuts when miscommunication (or lack of communication) causes the bulk of the problem in a story, yet cowboys always seem to be the worst at communicating. Can't stay away though. What sounds like should be a rough around the edges story about a porn star and an emotionally repressed cowboy, turned into an incredibly sweet and romantic Christmas tale in the hands of Eli Easton. I loved it and just wanted it to be longer to see more of the HEA. Not that anything was missing at all, I just selfishly wanted more.
December 2, 2013
3.75
This is my first read in the 2013 Dreamspinner Press Heartwarming holiday books and what a great start. The whole story was just wonderful from start to finish. Joshua just grabbed my heart, a man of few words, but with such a determination to return Ben to where he belonged, by his side. My only complaint was this was too short, I wanted to see so much more of Joshua and Ben.
This is my first read in the 2013 Dreamspinner Press Heartwarming holiday books and what a great start. The whole story was just wonderful from start to finish. Joshua just grabbed my heart, a man of few words, but with such a determination to return Ben to where he belonged, by his side. My only complaint was this was too short, I wanted to see so much more of Joshua and Ben.
January 1, 2020
Well, shoot .... that sure was a purdy story, all kinds of sweet. Loved Eli Easton's writing:
“I swear to God, Boss,” he said one day. “Ya ain’t never been a talker, but lately, if ya’d a had to rub two words together to make a fire, you’d a done froze to death.”
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
“I swear to God, Boss,” he said one day. “Ya ain’t never been a talker, but lately, if ya’d a had to rub two words together to make a fire, you’d a done froze to death.”
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 14, 2013
2.5 Stars
I L-O-V-E, love Eli Easton's stories. She has fast become one of my favorite authors and an auto-buy. Period.
Having said that, I didn't care for this one. Why? I didn't like Ben Rivers.
Here's my gripe:
Ben comes from a small Montana town in the middle of cowboy country. And he decides, for whatever reason, to secretly become a gay porn star. Fine. But when the town jerk outs him and reveals his secret, Ben is surprised. Um, huh? Dude, you're a freaking porn star! You make videos that are sold on the web! Anonymity was no where in those cards! That's just plain dumb. But I could roll with it if that was his most grievous fault. Sadly, no.
Ben is a chicken sh*t! Rather than face his father and explain his decision to do porn (which could be nothing more than "I wanted to" or "I enjoy it"), he bails on his Dad (who's been loving, caring, and supportive) and brother, leaving nothing but a freaking note. His friends didn't even warrant that. Um, WTF!?! What. A.Pussy Pansy.
Lastly, although I liked Joshua, I didn't like that he and - it seemed to me - the entire town had to kowtow to Ben to get him to come home. Ben assumed that when his secret was revealed, he had lost the town's good will. But no one except the asshole who berated and outed had done jack to Ben! Ugh. Whatever. I was pissed because in my estimation Ben shortchanged his family and friends (i.e., the people that mattered). They deserved so much better.
Bottom line: Ben wasn't all that and a bag of chips. End rant.
I L-O-V-E, love Eli Easton's stories. She has fast become one of my favorite authors and an auto-buy. Period.
Having said that, I didn't care for this one. Why? I didn't like Ben Rivers.
Here's my gripe:
Ben comes from a small Montana town in the middle of cowboy country. And he decides, for whatever reason, to secretly become a gay porn star. Fine. But when the town jerk outs him and reveals his secret, Ben is surprised. Um, huh? Dude, you're a freaking porn star! You make videos that are sold on the web! Anonymity was no where in those cards! That's just plain dumb. But I could roll with it if that was his most grievous fault. Sadly, no.
Ben is a chicken sh*t! Rather than face his father and explain his decision to do porn (which could be nothing more than "I wanted to" or "I enjoy it"), he bails on his Dad (who's been loving, caring, and supportive) and brother, leaving nothing but a freaking note. His friends didn't even warrant that. Um, WTF!?! What. A.
Lastly, although I liked Joshua, I didn't like that he and - it seemed to me - the entire town had to kowtow to Ben to get him to come home. Ben assumed that when his secret was revealed, he had lost the town's good will. But no one except the asshole who berated and outed had done jack to Ben! Ugh. Whatever. I was pissed because in my estimation Ben shortchanged his family and friends (i.e., the people that mattered). They deserved so much better.
Bottom line: Ben wasn't all that and a bag of chips. End rant.
November 14, 2020
I expected more from Eli Easton. The narrator didn’t do this Christmas story any favors, either. 2.75 stars
Age gap
Cowboys
Porn star
Small-town Montana
Cute ending.
Short.
One frotting scene.
My rec? Read it (if you can find it); skip the audiobook.
Age gap
Cowboys
Porn star
Small-town Montana
Cute ending.
Short.
One frotting scene.
My rec? Read it (if you can find it); skip the audiobook.
December 6, 2013
3.75 stars
Very sweet and adorable holiday short by Eli Easton, who is now an auto buy for me.
Recommended.
Very sweet and adorable holiday short by Eli Easton, who is now an auto buy for me.
Recommended.
December 15, 2017
AUDIO REVIEW
3.7 Stars
Michael Stellman does a good job with this audio; his voice is perfect for NA and younger characters and I think that made a little bit of a difference with my rating.
ORIGINAL RATING
3.5 Stars
Sweet and fun. Romantic for certain. I would have liked to know Ben a little better...his POV chapters didn't really flesh him out as much as the one's from Joshua's POV. I think I got a really good handle on Joshua; who he was, what he wanted, why he hurt and felt that his life was his business and no one else's to weigh in on. But OMG that "speech" Joshua made. That right there made me understand him perfectly. Didn't get that same feeling from Ben. All I got was "perpetually horny" and "wanted to be out" with a side of "sometimes a cowboy."
Still, two things I liked: 1) How Joshua didn't judge or blame or ridicule Ben's actions. He didn't want the boy doing porn (Joshua wanted all those first he watched on video for Ben to be firsts with him) but since he couldn't/wouldn't fess up to his feelings he realize he lost that chance to make a go of things until he COULD claim that attraction and want for himself. But he never spoke to or treated Ben like he was "used" or "soiled" like it would be in a lot of stories. Props for the progressive thinking. 2) I liked the town and the way it seemed to rally around them (with a few folks still stuck in their ways and unwelcoming, which is realistic)...and the ridiculously romantic horseback ride to the town dance.
HEA and nice, loving story.
3.7 Stars
Michael Stellman does a good job with this audio; his voice is perfect for NA and younger characters and I think that made a little bit of a difference with my rating.
ORIGINAL RATING
3.5 Stars
Sweet and fun. Romantic for certain. I would have liked to know Ben a little better...his POV chapters didn't really flesh him out as much as the one's from Joshua's POV. I think I got a really good handle on Joshua; who he was, what he wanted, why he hurt and felt that his life was his business and no one else's to weigh in on. But OMG that "speech" Joshua made. That right there made me understand him perfectly. Didn't get that same feeling from Ben. All I got was "perpetually horny" and "wanted to be out" with a side of "sometimes a cowboy."
Still, two things I liked: 1) How Joshua didn't judge or blame or ridicule Ben's actions. He didn't want the boy doing porn (Joshua wanted all those first he watched on video for Ben to be firsts with him) but since he couldn't/wouldn't fess up to his feelings he realize he lost that chance to make a go of things until he COULD claim that attraction and want for himself. But he never spoke to or treated Ben like he was "used" or "soiled" like it would be in a lot of stories. Props for the progressive thinking. 2) I liked the town and the way it seemed to rally around them (with a few folks still stuck in their ways and unwelcoming, which is realistic)...and the ridiculously romantic horseback ride to the town dance.
HEA and nice, loving story.
December 15, 2018
A good fast romance story.
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