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The Mountains #5
Return to the Mountain
"The Book Five"
Caddy Gary Richardson hungers for the lush life of the wealthy golfers he escorts around the course at Wapiti Creek. The contrast between his tiny trailer at the edge of a mountain town and the luxurious ski and golf resort is something he's learned to live with but not like. Gary wants the fancy condo and late-model car not just for himself but for his childhood friend turned lover, Seth Morgan. He'd settle for security for the two of them, but even that seems out of reach.
Seth is content with Gary and enough spare cash for greens fees at municipal golf courses. Going pro is beyond his means, even if he plays well enough to win on the championship resort courses. Gary would do anything to fulfill Seth's dreams, even things he'd rather keep to himself. When an unheard of opportunity knocks, Gary can answer or resign himself to living on tips from affluent tourists.
But Seth can't live with that answer when it means his trust has been betrayed. He has to let go and hope the man he loves will find his way home.
Caddy Gary Richardson hungers for the lush life of the wealthy golfers he escorts around the course at Wapiti Creek. The contrast between his tiny trailer at the edge of a mountain town and the luxurious ski and golf resort is something he's learned to live with but not like. Gary wants the fancy condo and late-model car not just for himself but for his childhood friend turned lover, Seth Morgan. He'd settle for security for the two of them, but even that seems out of reach.
Seth is content with Gary and enough spare cash for greens fees at municipal golf courses. Going pro is beyond his means, even if he plays well enough to win on the championship resort courses. Gary would do anything to fulfill Seth's dreams, even things he'd rather keep to himself. When an unheard of opportunity knocks, Gary can answer or resign himself to living on tips from affluent tourists.
But Seth can't live with that answer when it means his trust has been betrayed. He has to let go and hope the man he loves will find his way home.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2013
2 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
P.D. Singer
59 books172 followersP.D. Singer lived in Colorado with her slightly bemused husband, one young adult, and seventy-nine pounds of pets. She was a big believer in research, first-hand if possible, so the reader can be quite certain PD skied down a mountain face-first, had been stepped on by rodeo horses, acquired a potato burn or two, and rethought a novel that included sky-diving.
When not writing, playing her fiddle, or walking the sheddiest member of the family, she could be found with a book in hand.
When not writing, playing her fiddle, or walking the sheddiest member of the family, she could be found with a book in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 25, 2013
This book is quite different from the others in the series, tougher, less sweet, with the plot more one of internal growth without the adventure aspect. Although familiar characters show up momentarily, here and there, it could easily be read as a stand-alone.
Gary and Seth came together as teenagers, first as friends and golf-team members, and then as lovers. Seth is the better golfer - good enough to potentially make a living at it if he could get a fair start, but he's a bit slower on the uptake, more naive and socially inept. Gary is protective of him and much more ambitious for both of them.
Gary grew up with an abusive father, and left as soon as he was able, but his childhood gave him a drive to have a comfortable life, and a poor sense of his own real worth. He's willing to offer sex-for-pay when it's convenient - the first time to get Seth out of a tight spot, the second time to cover the cost of medications, the third time... Gary has his eyes fixed on moving up, on getting himself and Seth the good life, but in scheming and dealing to get there, he forgets to pay attention to Seth and what really matters to the man he loves.
Gary is sometimes hard to like - his choices seem very self-centered, and his love for Seth feels patronizing rather than equal. His need for money and security drives him into doing things that are clearly bad choices. His failure to see Seth's true needs is a train-wreck waiting to happen. But over the course of book he eventually comes to redeem himself and by the ending I was rooting for both MCs.
Gary and Seth came together as teenagers, first as friends and golf-team members, and then as lovers. Seth is the better golfer - good enough to potentially make a living at it if he could get a fair start, but he's a bit slower on the uptake, more naive and socially inept. Gary is protective of him and much more ambitious for both of them.
Gary grew up with an abusive father, and left as soon as he was able, but his childhood gave him a drive to have a comfortable life, and a poor sense of his own real worth. He's willing to offer sex-for-pay when it's convenient - the first time to get Seth out of a tight spot, the second time to cover the cost of medications, the third time... Gary has his eyes fixed on moving up, on getting himself and Seth the good life, but in scheming and dealing to get there, he forgets to pay attention to Seth and what really matters to the man he loves.
Gary is sometimes hard to like - his choices seem very self-centered, and his love for Seth feels patronizing rather than equal. His need for money and security drives him into doing things that are clearly bad choices. His failure to see Seth's true needs is a train-wreck waiting to happen. But over the course of book he eventually comes to redeem himself and by the ending I was rooting for both MCs.
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January 24, 2023I found this book very different to the earlier books in the series. The formula was slightly different and not what I was expecting. This story didn't have the same sweetness as the other books with a tougher storyline. This marked difference impacted my enjoyment slightly.
There is a strong storyline about the true value of love and the potential evils of material wealth as Gary learns some strong lessons when things go horribly wrong for him.
Gary and Seth have loved each since high school. Seth is a relatively simple man who only needs love to keep him happy. As long as he has Gary and a home, he doesn't need anything else. Gary has had a tough upbringing and wants to give Seth the finer things in life and this leads him astray.
"I want you to have the good stuff, not just see others enjoy it. So we need to get rich."
"You love me. That makes me feel pretty rich." Pulling Gary forward let Seth press his lips against Gary's forehead, a touch Gary'd been afraid was a thing of the past.
The story is set partly in the mountains and partly in New York in the finance world. Gary and Seth spend a significant amount of time apart. This time in NY and the time apart are what let down the book for me. I wanted the two main characters to be together and for
3.5 stars
There is a strong storyline about the true value of love and the potential evils of material wealth as Gary learns some strong lessons when things go horribly wrong for him.
Gary and Seth have loved each since high school. Seth is a relatively simple man who only needs love to keep him happy. As long as he has Gary and a home, he doesn't need anything else. Gary has had a tough upbringing and wants to give Seth the finer things in life and this leads him astray.
"I want you to have the good stuff, not just see others enjoy it. So we need to get rich."
"You love me. That makes me feel pretty rich." Pulling Gary forward let Seth press his lips against Gary's forehead, a touch Gary'd been afraid was a thing of the past.
The story is set partly in the mountains and partly in New York in the finance world. Gary and Seth spend a significant amount of time apart. This time in NY and the time apart are what let down the book for me. I wanted the two main characters to be together and for
3.5 stars
May 25, 2013
4 Stars
Gary and Seth grew up near Wapiti Creek, and are best friends turned lovers. Gary’s Dad was an abusive despicable man who also stole money from Gary. As soon as Gary was of age he left and went to live with Seth and his Mom, who welcomed him like another son. Seth and Gary work hard as caddies and at various restaurant jobs in the resort town to make ends meet, but money is always very tight. Seth is content in this simple life with Gary. Gary has dreams of never having to want for anything, of being able to afford to give Seth the finer things in life that he sees others around him enjoying every day, such as custom made golf clubs, luxury condos and fancy restaurant meals. It’s more than the finer things though. It isn’t just the finer things. Gary would love to not sweat simply making the rent and paying for gas. One day when Seth becomes ill and they have emergency medical bills and medications to pay for, and zero to pay it with, Gary remembers an incident that happened to himself and Seth in the past and decides to get on his knees to make some quick money.... Nooooo ....
Read Dianne's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
Gary and Seth grew up near Wapiti Creek, and are best friends turned lovers. Gary’s Dad was an abusive despicable man who also stole money from Gary. As soon as Gary was of age he left and went to live with Seth and his Mom, who welcomed him like another son. Seth and Gary work hard as caddies and at various restaurant jobs in the resort town to make ends meet, but money is always very tight. Seth is content in this simple life with Gary. Gary has dreams of never having to want for anything, of being able to afford to give Seth the finer things in life that he sees others around him enjoying every day, such as custom made golf clubs, luxury condos and fancy restaurant meals. It’s more than the finer things though. It isn’t just the finer things. Gary would love to not sweat simply making the rent and paying for gas. One day when Seth becomes ill and they have emergency medical bills and medications to pay for, and zero to pay it with, Gary remembers an incident that happened to himself and Seth in the past and decides to get on his knees to make some quick money.... Nooooo ....
Read Dianne's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
June 19, 2013
This is one of the hardest books I’ve ever had to rate. Why? It deals with a subject I don’t enjoy reading and actively avoid. In this book, though, I had a very hard time not understanding it.
Gary wants to give Seth everything. He loves him and has gone to the wall for him more than once. In the beginning, Seth tells a man something that the man takes as an ‘offer’, but Gary is the one who makes good on it. You know there is love and you can tell that Gary will always have Seth’s back.
So where is the problem? Oh where to start. First off, Gary comes from a broken home. A drunk and abusive father who has no problems taking what belongs to Gary. It’s a pretty crap situation. Gary wants to get out and he wants to take Seth with him. But Gary also wants to give Seth more than what he has, even if Seth is content.
Throughout the book, Gary constantly does things that he deems okay because he’s doing it for Seth. When Gary’s actions finally come to light it ends things between the two men. Will Gary be able to make Seth forgive him? Will Seth come to understand why Gary did what he thought was best?
Will Gary ever be able to Return to the Mountain?
Lucky's complete review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Gary wants to give Seth everything. He loves him and has gone to the wall for him more than once. In the beginning, Seth tells a man something that the man takes as an ‘offer’, but Gary is the one who makes good on it. You know there is love and you can tell that Gary will always have Seth’s back.
So where is the problem? Oh where to start. First off, Gary comes from a broken home. A drunk and abusive father who has no problems taking what belongs to Gary. It’s a pretty crap situation. Gary wants to get out and he wants to take Seth with him. But Gary also wants to give Seth more than what he has, even if Seth is content.
Throughout the book, Gary constantly does things that he deems okay because he’s doing it for Seth. When Gary’s actions finally come to light it ends things between the two men. Will Gary be able to make Seth forgive him? Will Seth come to understand why Gary did what he thought was best?
Will Gary ever be able to Return to the Mountain?
Lucky's complete review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
April 12, 2013
3.65 stars. I admire P.D. Singer's talent in tackling convincingly and engagingly themes which I would either find difficult to tolerate or quite boring (trading stocks). She already proved this to me with 'The Rare Event', hence my confidence to give this book a try. I found the story interesting and thought-provoking, although An unusual book which turned into a worthwhile reading experience.
July 14, 2018
Sometimes you can go back home
Gary and Seth are childhood friends that have been through it all together. Gary's homelife is chaotic and abusive while Seth has a calmer existence and a mother that loves him dearly. Gary falls in love with Seth as soon as he's old enough to know the meaning of the word, Seth takes a little longer. As the years pass they grow closer and though they are barely scraping by, as long as they're together, Seth couldn't be happier. Gary has big dreams and hopes and makes a terrible choice to ensure those dreams, a decision that costs him everything but the job making all the money he's always wanted. But what's riches without the love of your life?
What I've enjoyed about this series is how each book is different. It's a series, all books set at a Mountain resort Wapiti Creek, but each story has a different feel to it and stands on its own well. This particular book explored the consequences for ones actions, no matter the intent. Gary wants the best of everything for Seth, feeling like his friend turned lover deserves the very best in life. But the steps he takes to ensure that future are misguided and irrevocable. Seth could care less if he and Gary have to move back home to his mother and spend the rest of their lives sleeping on his tiny, twin bed. They need to be on the same page or the life each of them envision will be nothing more than a dream.
Finn Sterling has really done an amazing job with this series from book to book. While there is a variety of characters, some moving through several books, Sterling always manages to give each their own voice. He packs a punch with tones, inflections and nuances as well that bring the emotions Singer wrote out for Gary and Seth to life. There's a particular part in this book where Gary and Seth are talking on the phone and Gary has to face the consequences for his actions. I truly felt the desperation Gary felt and the pain Seth felt in that moment. Great job Sterling!
My only hiccup was there were times when the story didn't flow well from one part to the next and a particular relationship between Gary and a despicable asshole went in to far too much detail for my liking. Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I would recommend this series to listeners that like flawed, three dimensional characters where the struggle is real, but leads to right path, eventually. I would also recommend starting with book one simply because it's like listening to one long story broken into five parts.
Gary and Seth are childhood friends that have been through it all together. Gary's homelife is chaotic and abusive while Seth has a calmer existence and a mother that loves him dearly. Gary falls in love with Seth as soon as he's old enough to know the meaning of the word, Seth takes a little longer. As the years pass they grow closer and though they are barely scraping by, as long as they're together, Seth couldn't be happier. Gary has big dreams and hopes and makes a terrible choice to ensure those dreams, a decision that costs him everything but the job making all the money he's always wanted. But what's riches without the love of your life?
What I've enjoyed about this series is how each book is different. It's a series, all books set at a Mountain resort Wapiti Creek, but each story has a different feel to it and stands on its own well. This particular book explored the consequences for ones actions, no matter the intent. Gary wants the best of everything for Seth, feeling like his friend turned lover deserves the very best in life. But the steps he takes to ensure that future are misguided and irrevocable. Seth could care less if he and Gary have to move back home to his mother and spend the rest of their lives sleeping on his tiny, twin bed. They need to be on the same page or the life each of them envision will be nothing more than a dream.
Finn Sterling has really done an amazing job with this series from book to book. While there is a variety of characters, some moving through several books, Sterling always manages to give each their own voice. He packs a punch with tones, inflections and nuances as well that bring the emotions Singer wrote out for Gary and Seth to life. There's a particular part in this book where Gary and Seth are talking on the phone and Gary has to face the consequences for his actions. I truly felt the desperation Gary felt and the pain Seth felt in that moment. Great job Sterling!
My only hiccup was there were times when the story didn't flow well from one part to the next and a particular relationship between Gary and a despicable asshole went in to far too much detail for my liking. Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I would recommend this series to listeners that like flawed, three dimensional characters where the struggle is real, but leads to right path, eventually. I would also recommend starting with book one simply because it's like listening to one long story broken into five parts.
April 2, 2013
Originally reviewed for: http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
When I started this book I quickly found myself unable to stop turning pages and becoming quite invested in how everything was ultimately going to work out for the main pair in this story. All that, despite the fact that I found one of them, Gary, to be woefully misguided, and someone I was quite challenged to feel sympathetic towards (and wanted to slap a few times!). It worked for me due to the author’s excellent and captivating writing skill. Be aware before you read this one that PD Singer tends to throw complex situations at her guys!
While this book could be read as a stand- alone, it is part of a series set around the Colorado resort of Wapiti Creek and the town of Phippsburg, and the people who live and work there. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. The main characters here, Gary and Seth, are new to the series. We are treated, however, to cameos by Allan and Mark (“Snow on the Mountain”, “Fall Down the Mountain” & “Cross The Mountain”). I was pleasantly surprised to see the character of Ricky Santeramo from PD’s sublime work “The Rare Event” playing a sizeable role here (“Return” takes place mostly before the timeline in TRE), and not so pleasantly surprised to see the presence of Edgar Wolfe from that same story.
Gary and Seth grew up near Wapiti Creek, and are best friends turned lovers. Gary’s Dad was an abusive despicable man who also stole money from Gary. As soon as Gary was of age he left and went to live with Seth and his Mom, who welcomed him like another son. Seth and Gary work hard as caddies and at various restaurant jobs in the resort town to make ends meet, but money is always very tight. Seth is content in this simple life with Gary. Gary has dreams of never having to want for anything, of being able to afford to give Seth the finer things in life that he sees others around him enjoying every day, such as custom made golf clubs, luxury condos and fancy restaurant meals. It’s more than the finer things though. It isn’t just the finer things. Gary would love to not sweat simply making the rent and paying for gas. One day when Seth becomes ill and they have emergency medical bills and medications to pay for, and zero to pay it with, Gary remembers an incident that happened to himself and Seth in the past and decides to get on his knees to make some quick money (Nooooo! ). It’s easy in a town where wealthy, thrill seeking men, who appreciate Gary’s angelic blond good looks, abound. Gary does end up telling the truth about this to Seth, who says he understands Gary reasons for doing it, but he implores Gary to promise never to do it again. Gary tells Seth he can’t promise he’ll never feel desperate enough not to do it again (slap!) Yeah, this play on words is something Gary interprets one way and Seth takes a whole nother!! o.O
One day on the golf course, Gary ends up caddying for Ricky and Edgar and overhears talk about the stock market, and how these men are brokers from New York. Actually, Ricky is not yet a broker, he is there as Edgar’s boy toy, and is acting in that capacity in exchange for an internship at Edgar’s firm. Uh, yeah, smarmy indeed. Ricky befriends Gary, and starts paying big for Gary to take his place entertaining Edgar. Gary figures he’s done this before, sort of, it’s easy money, and he’s doing it to benefit himself and Seth – right? (slap!). One thing leads to another…Gary gets a crash pillow talk course in how much money can be made as a stockbroker and soon Edgar is offering to take him back to New York as his “personal project”, with a promise to give him the opportunity to learn. He even says he’ll fix it so that Gary can sit for brokerage licensing exams later that year. Seth agrees to Gary leaving for New York since Gary was so excited by the opportunity for financial stability (mmm, no, Seth did NOT know the terms…slap!).
I would have loved to have known more of exactly what was going in Seth’s head throughout this story. He is happy, sweet and a whiz with golf clubs although not with a textbook. He also appears to be clueless and a bit dense about what’s going on around him in general……or, is he??! I was cheering for Seth and his strength when he eventually confronted Gary, and then never backed down when he rejected Gary based on the deceit – not the on- the- job sex.
I felt the set up that would explain Gary’s behavior was a case well presented, but I was never quite on board with it, with his choice of what he did for money and why. I kept thinking the guys never asked friends for help, they could have lived with Seth’s mom again if needed, etc., but then, we wouldn’t have this story! In his pursuit of finding a way to make money, and in his eyes to provide for Seth, Gary lost sight of “them”, of the entity of Gary + Seth. More importantly, Gary was not treating Seth as an equal and an individual while blindly pursuing what he thought best for Seth.
The author does a fabulous job of showing full on how Gary redeems himself. He never strays down a general path of moral decadence simply because he achieves some financial success. Gary was always totally and genuinely in love with Seth, and doing what he saw as ultimately a good thing, completely with Seth’s best interest in mind. From that end he never strays. Is it enough for Seth to take him back?
Note – the only on page sex is between Gary and Seth . PD obviously used research about the financial field she accumulated for “The Rare Event” to help tell an engaging story here as well. Kudos! I’m looking forward to what happens on the mountain next!
What kept this from a higher rating is that I felt a need for more of Seth’s thoughts on everything.
When I started this book I quickly found myself unable to stop turning pages and becoming quite invested in how everything was ultimately going to work out for the main pair in this story. All that, despite the fact that I found one of them, Gary, to be woefully misguided, and someone I was quite challenged to feel sympathetic towards (and wanted to slap a few times!). It worked for me due to the author’s excellent and captivating writing skill. Be aware before you read this one that PD Singer tends to throw complex situations at her guys!
While this book could be read as a stand- alone, it is part of a series set around the Colorado resort of Wapiti Creek and the town of Phippsburg, and the people who live and work there. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. The main characters here, Gary and Seth, are new to the series. We are treated, however, to cameos by Allan and Mark (“Snow on the Mountain”, “Fall Down the Mountain” & “Cross The Mountain”). I was pleasantly surprised to see the character of Ricky Santeramo from PD’s sublime work “The Rare Event” playing a sizeable role here (“Return” takes place mostly before the timeline in TRE), and not so pleasantly surprised to see the presence of Edgar Wolfe from that same story.
Gary and Seth grew up near Wapiti Creek, and are best friends turned lovers. Gary’s Dad was an abusive despicable man who also stole money from Gary. As soon as Gary was of age he left and went to live with Seth and his Mom, who welcomed him like another son. Seth and Gary work hard as caddies and at various restaurant jobs in the resort town to make ends meet, but money is always very tight. Seth is content in this simple life with Gary. Gary has dreams of never having to want for anything, of being able to afford to give Seth the finer things in life that he sees others around him enjoying every day, such as custom made golf clubs, luxury condos and fancy restaurant meals. It’s more than the finer things though. It isn’t just the finer things. Gary would love to not sweat simply making the rent and paying for gas. One day when Seth becomes ill and they have emergency medical bills and medications to pay for, and zero to pay it with, Gary remembers an incident that happened to himself and Seth in the past and decides to get on his knees to make some quick money (Nooooo! ). It’s easy in a town where wealthy, thrill seeking men, who appreciate Gary’s angelic blond good looks, abound. Gary does end up telling the truth about this to Seth, who says he understands Gary reasons for doing it, but he implores Gary to promise never to do it again. Gary tells Seth he can’t promise he’ll never feel desperate enough not to do it again (slap!) Yeah, this play on words is something Gary interprets one way and Seth takes a whole nother!! o.O
One day on the golf course, Gary ends up caddying for Ricky and Edgar and overhears talk about the stock market, and how these men are brokers from New York. Actually, Ricky is not yet a broker, he is there as Edgar’s boy toy, and is acting in that capacity in exchange for an internship at Edgar’s firm. Uh, yeah, smarmy indeed. Ricky befriends Gary, and starts paying big for Gary to take his place entertaining Edgar. Gary figures he’s done this before, sort of, it’s easy money, and he’s doing it to benefit himself and Seth – right? (slap!). One thing leads to another…Gary gets a crash pillow talk course in how much money can be made as a stockbroker and soon Edgar is offering to take him back to New York as his “personal project”, with a promise to give him the opportunity to learn. He even says he’ll fix it so that Gary can sit for brokerage licensing exams later that year. Seth agrees to Gary leaving for New York since Gary was so excited by the opportunity for financial stability (mmm, no, Seth did NOT know the terms…slap!).
I would have loved to have known more of exactly what was going in Seth’s head throughout this story. He is happy, sweet and a whiz with golf clubs although not with a textbook. He also appears to be clueless and a bit dense about what’s going on around him in general……or, is he??! I was cheering for Seth and his strength when he eventually confronted Gary, and then never backed down when he rejected Gary based on the deceit – not the on- the- job sex.
I felt the set up that would explain Gary’s behavior was a case well presented, but I was never quite on board with it, with his choice of what he did for money and why. I kept thinking the guys never asked friends for help, they could have lived with Seth’s mom again if needed, etc., but then, we wouldn’t have this story! In his pursuit of finding a way to make money, and in his eyes to provide for Seth, Gary lost sight of “them”, of the entity of Gary + Seth. More importantly, Gary was not treating Seth as an equal and an individual while blindly pursuing what he thought best for Seth.
The author does a fabulous job of showing full on how Gary redeems himself. He never strays down a general path of moral decadence simply because he achieves some financial success. Gary was always totally and genuinely in love with Seth, and doing what he saw as ultimately a good thing, completely with Seth’s best interest in mind. From that end he never strays. Is it enough for Seth to take him back?
Note – the only on page sex is between Gary and Seth . PD obviously used research about the financial field she accumulated for “The Rare Event” to help tell an engaging story here as well. Kudos! I’m looking forward to what happens on the mountain next!
What kept this from a higher rating is that I felt a need for more of Seth’s thoughts on everything.
May 4, 2013
4.25 stars
Review originally written for Joyfully Jay
Growing up poor and from a broken home, Gary Richardson longs for the wealth of the rich businessmen he caddies for at the Wapiti Creek Golf Club. But the one thing he wants more than that is his best friend, Seth Morgan – the most talented golfer Gary knows, the boy Gary has protected and looked out for as long as they’ve known each other. After his father tries to steal his savings, Gary moves in with Seth and his mother until they complete high school.
Falling in love with Seth was meant to be and four years later Gary is frustrated that they are still living hand to mouth, wanting more for Seth and himself than working two jobs each and having nothing to show for it. Seth has had no aspirations of turning into a pro golfer, although he is good enough. He is content to play the public golf courses as long as Gary is by his side, happy with their life and the things they have. But after Seth gets sick and their savings slowly depletes to nothing, Gary is determined to find a way, any way, to make their lives and bank account better.
Now living in Wapiti Creek amidst the rich tourists, working as a waiter and caddy, Gary meets a hedge fund analyst while working on the golf course. After a brief lunch, where Gary learns as much as he can about the finance world from Ricky, the analyst offers to introduce Gary to his boss. But there’s a catch, one that Seth would not like, yet one Gary is willing to compromise himself for in order to be rich and to be able to provide for both he and Seth.
Leaving Colorado for the financial mecca of Wall Street with hopes of a wealthy future may be the one thing that will ruin him if Seth ever discovers the details of how he actually got the deal of his lifetime. So Gary is determined to keep Seth in the dark, it will only be three months anyway. Will Gary’s dream of wealth be able to keep Seth happy when all he ever really wanted was Gary?
Return to the Mountain is the fifth book in PD Singer’s The Mountain series. I have been a fan of this series since book one, and I’m still a fan, but this book riddles the reviewer in me. My head says one thing, while my heart says another. There are parts of the story that I really liked. For one, I really liked the plot. It’s a struggle for a better life, to make dreams come true, but at what cost? Gary’s journey of greed to loss is a frustrating, infuriating, yet entertaining pager turner. It’s quick paced, engrossing, and very well written.
I think Gary is where the battle inside the reviewer lies. Technically, Gary is a great character. Singer is a master of characterization. But personally, I have mixed feelings about Gary. He is selfish and greedy and manipulative throughout most of the story. He treats the man he loves like an idiot, like a child who is unable to help make decisions that affect their future. He frustrated me. I wanted to smack him in the back of the head and tell him to grow up and stop thinking about himself. I think he really meant well, but his idiocy and greed blinded him. In the very end, I really did like him, but it took a lot to turn him around in my eyes.
And Seth, I really loved Seth. He’s not the quickest runner on the track…slow and steady, and all that. But he’s not an idiot. He thinks things through, reasons them out in his head. His common sense and knowledge serve him well when it comes to his partner’s secrets. He’s really a great character – compassionate, loving, content, forgiving, trusting, and smarter than anyone gives him any credit for. I love his heart. Seth is what makes this story so great.
The cheating issue had me in a constant “what the hell” state. The morality in me says that there is no way that it’s okay. But this story is written so well that I could feel Gary’s desperation, his need that led to his indiscretions. It is not something that I can personally understand, but to experience it through this author’s words, through Gary’s eyes is completely different and almost understandable…almost, at least with Gary’s reasoning.
So, I really did like Return to the Mountain. The story was very well written along, including such wonderful characterizations. It’s a story I couldn’t put down. It was frustrating and sad and sweet. What I like most about this author is that she can take a subject that may be frustrating or taboo and make me like it or at least kind of understand. She puts it into a real life setting where it is believable. There were times that I really wanted to dislike this story and Gary, in particular, but I couldn’t. It’s a wonderful, heart-wrenching, hope filled story, and now I’m crossing my fingers that I hopefully will get to read Ricky and Jon’s story soon.
Review originally written for Joyfully Jay
Growing up poor and from a broken home, Gary Richardson longs for the wealth of the rich businessmen he caddies for at the Wapiti Creek Golf Club. But the one thing he wants more than that is his best friend, Seth Morgan – the most talented golfer Gary knows, the boy Gary has protected and looked out for as long as they’ve known each other. After his father tries to steal his savings, Gary moves in with Seth and his mother until they complete high school.
Falling in love with Seth was meant to be and four years later Gary is frustrated that they are still living hand to mouth, wanting more for Seth and himself than working two jobs each and having nothing to show for it. Seth has had no aspirations of turning into a pro golfer, although he is good enough. He is content to play the public golf courses as long as Gary is by his side, happy with their life and the things they have. But after Seth gets sick and their savings slowly depletes to nothing, Gary is determined to find a way, any way, to make their lives and bank account better.
Now living in Wapiti Creek amidst the rich tourists, working as a waiter and caddy, Gary meets a hedge fund analyst while working on the golf course. After a brief lunch, where Gary learns as much as he can about the finance world from Ricky, the analyst offers to introduce Gary to his boss. But there’s a catch, one that Seth would not like, yet one Gary is willing to compromise himself for in order to be rich and to be able to provide for both he and Seth.
Leaving Colorado for the financial mecca of Wall Street with hopes of a wealthy future may be the one thing that will ruin him if Seth ever discovers the details of how he actually got the deal of his lifetime. So Gary is determined to keep Seth in the dark, it will only be three months anyway. Will Gary’s dream of wealth be able to keep Seth happy when all he ever really wanted was Gary?
Return to the Mountain is the fifth book in PD Singer’s The Mountain series. I have been a fan of this series since book one, and I’m still a fan, but this book riddles the reviewer in me. My head says one thing, while my heart says another. There are parts of the story that I really liked. For one, I really liked the plot. It’s a struggle for a better life, to make dreams come true, but at what cost? Gary’s journey of greed to loss is a frustrating, infuriating, yet entertaining pager turner. It’s quick paced, engrossing, and very well written.
I think Gary is where the battle inside the reviewer lies. Technically, Gary is a great character. Singer is a master of characterization. But personally, I have mixed feelings about Gary. He is selfish and greedy and manipulative throughout most of the story. He treats the man he loves like an idiot, like a child who is unable to help make decisions that affect their future. He frustrated me. I wanted to smack him in the back of the head and tell him to grow up and stop thinking about himself. I think he really meant well, but his idiocy and greed blinded him. In the very end, I really did like him, but it took a lot to turn him around in my eyes.
And Seth, I really loved Seth. He’s not the quickest runner on the track…slow and steady, and all that. But he’s not an idiot. He thinks things through, reasons them out in his head. His common sense and knowledge serve him well when it comes to his partner’s secrets. He’s really a great character – compassionate, loving, content, forgiving, trusting, and smarter than anyone gives him any credit for. I love his heart. Seth is what makes this story so great.
The cheating issue had me in a constant “what the hell” state. The morality in me says that there is no way that it’s okay. But this story is written so well that I could feel Gary’s desperation, his need that led to his indiscretions. It is not something that I can personally understand, but to experience it through this author’s words, through Gary’s eyes is completely different and almost understandable…almost, at least with Gary’s reasoning.
So, I really did like Return to the Mountain. The story was very well written along, including such wonderful characterizations. It’s a story I couldn’t put down. It was frustrating and sad and sweet. What I like most about this author is that she can take a subject that may be frustrating or taboo and make me like it or at least kind of understand. She puts it into a real life setting where it is believable. There were times that I really wanted to dislike this story and Gary, in particular, but I couldn’t. It’s a wonderful, heart-wrenching, hope filled story, and now I’m crossing my fingers that I hopefully will get to read Ricky and Jon’s story soon.
March 15, 2015
Gary and Seth are high school friends turned lovers. Gary had an exceptionally sucky childhood with an abusive father. Seth’s mom is wonderful but Seth is a bit “slow” and though he has a lot of natural golf talent he doesn’t quite have what it takes to go pro.
Gary sees the world and wants to experience all it has to offer in terms of luxuries and things he never had as a kid. He wants that for him AND Seth. Sometimes he’s even willing to do morally ambiguous things for opportunities to make things better for him and Seth.
Seth only ever wants to love Gary.
After high school Seth and Gary do various jobs (caddy, waiter, etc.) but Gary has those dreams of riches driving him. When some New Yorkers come to the mountain to golf and Gary overhears them talking business, he wants in.
The business “project” involves some more moral ambiguity, and moving to New York for a bit, but Gary classifies it all as getting a foot in the door and a leg up in business and since all he has ever wanted is to take care of himself and Seth, it feels “okay”, if not “good”.
Things do manage to take off for Gary (briefly) but the financial success is countered with romantic failure when Seth learns of what Gary has been doing to “help” things along.
Eventually Gary learns that money isn’t the answer to everything, that honesty and love are more important than financial success and that Seth is the most important thing of all.
**
This is quite different from the previous books in the series. There is still the attention to detail (Golf and Finance) that PD is so good at providing. There is still Wapiti Creek, the small mountain community we’ve seen before. There is still two boys in love.
However… in terms of “feels” this diverges from the path. In my opinion, Gary is really, really hard to like. I never felt good about how he handled his relationship with Seth. He was sorta like a big brother/parent at times and then sometimes like an adoring fan/boyfriend. I really, really didn’t like his justifications for cheating and the fact that all he could focus on was money. I think I understand WHY he felt that way and it was explained well, but I just never LIKED him as a result of his choices.
I really liked Seth and since I had a hard time with Gary I had a hard time rooting for them as a couple. Part of me hoped a new character would be introduced who was worthy of Seth.
Since the relationship between Seth and Gary is established early on, the slow burn is gone from the story.
Though Gary “redeems” himself by the end of the book, I still didn’t feel comfortable with his “turnaround” and so didn’t feel great about the longevity of them as a couple.
Overall, I would have to say this is a book in the series I’d skip, especially if infidelity is a trigger for you.
Audio
Finn Sterling did another great job with the narration, giving us a New York accent and growly old businessmen. My only complaint was that Gary’s voice seemed consistently pre-teen and that didn’t fit with his personality of a “do anything to move forward” kind of guy. I get that he’s got an “angelic” face, but his voice and tone could reflect the hard edges he earned at the hands of his dad and in the business world.
Writing/Editing 5
Romance 2
Sex/Heat 2.5
Storyline 2
World Building/Characterizations 5
Audio 4
Overall 3.4 of 5 hearts
Gary sees the world and wants to experience all it has to offer in terms of luxuries and things he never had as a kid. He wants that for him AND Seth. Sometimes he’s even willing to do morally ambiguous things for opportunities to make things better for him and Seth.
Seth only ever wants to love Gary.
After high school Seth and Gary do various jobs (caddy, waiter, etc.) but Gary has those dreams of riches driving him. When some New Yorkers come to the mountain to golf and Gary overhears them talking business, he wants in.
The business “project” involves some more moral ambiguity, and moving to New York for a bit, but Gary classifies it all as getting a foot in the door and a leg up in business and since all he has ever wanted is to take care of himself and Seth, it feels “okay”, if not “good”.
Things do manage to take off for Gary (briefly) but the financial success is countered with romantic failure when Seth learns of what Gary has been doing to “help” things along.
Eventually Gary learns that money isn’t the answer to everything, that honesty and love are more important than financial success and that Seth is the most important thing of all.
**
This is quite different from the previous books in the series. There is still the attention to detail (Golf and Finance) that PD is so good at providing. There is still Wapiti Creek, the small mountain community we’ve seen before. There is still two boys in love.
However… in terms of “feels” this diverges from the path. In my opinion, Gary is really, really hard to like. I never felt good about how he handled his relationship with Seth. He was sorta like a big brother/parent at times and then sometimes like an adoring fan/boyfriend. I really, really didn’t like his justifications for cheating and the fact that all he could focus on was money. I think I understand WHY he felt that way and it was explained well, but I just never LIKED him as a result of his choices.
I really liked Seth and since I had a hard time with Gary I had a hard time rooting for them as a couple. Part of me hoped a new character would be introduced who was worthy of Seth.
Since the relationship between Seth and Gary is established early on, the slow burn is gone from the story.
Though Gary “redeems” himself by the end of the book, I still didn’t feel comfortable with his “turnaround” and so didn’t feel great about the longevity of them as a couple.
Overall, I would have to say this is a book in the series I’d skip, especially if infidelity is a trigger for you.
Audio
Finn Sterling did another great job with the narration, giving us a New York accent and growly old businessmen. My only complaint was that Gary’s voice seemed consistently pre-teen and that didn’t fit with his personality of a “do anything to move forward” kind of guy. I get that he’s got an “angelic” face, but his voice and tone could reflect the hard edges he earned at the hands of his dad and in the business world.
Writing/Editing 5
Romance 2
Sex/Heat 2.5
Storyline 2
World Building/Characterizations 5
Audio 4
Overall 3.4 of 5 hearts
May 5, 2013
Review Summary: A difficult-to-like hero makes a lot of poor choices but redeems himself at the end, making this a good book for those who love imperfect heroes and redemption stories.
Review: This was my least favorite book in the series, but considering how much I loved the others, this is still a darn good book. Right up until the end, I wasn’t sure if I liked Gary at all. But thanks to P.D. Singer’s writing talent, I stayed engaged and eagerly turning pages, almost despite myself. Certainly despite Gary.
Some of his actions were pretty horrible, no matter what excuses he gave for them. For most of the book I was wondering how this could be a romance novel when we were in Gary’s POV and I was rooting for Seth to find someone else. Seth was consistently a fascinating and sympathetic character, and I wanted better for him.
Thankfully, Gary redeemed himself at the end and I could truly root for and appreciate his HEA with Seth. I love a character who can learn from his mistakes and become a better person. So the story was ultimately satisfying.
A couple of intriguing characters put in an appearance and then disappeared, which seemed odd because I kept having the impression they would return any time. I’m wondering if the intention is a sequel focusing on them. I hope so, as I’d love to read it.
I happily recommend this book for readers who like imperfect heroes and redemption stories. However, I’d advise staying away if you prefer heroes who don’t cheat or make other idiotic mistakes.
This review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave, where I received the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review: This was my least favorite book in the series, but considering how much I loved the others, this is still a darn good book. Right up until the end, I wasn’t sure if I liked Gary at all. But thanks to P.D. Singer’s writing talent, I stayed engaged and eagerly turning pages, almost despite myself. Certainly despite Gary.
Some of his actions were pretty horrible, no matter what excuses he gave for them. For most of the book I was wondering how this could be a romance novel when we were in Gary’s POV and I was rooting for Seth to find someone else. Seth was consistently a fascinating and sympathetic character, and I wanted better for him.
Thankfully, Gary redeemed himself at the end and I could truly root for and appreciate his HEA with Seth. I love a character who can learn from his mistakes and become a better person. So the story was ultimately satisfying.
A couple of intriguing characters put in an appearance and then disappeared, which seemed odd because I kept having the impression they would return any time. I’m wondering if the intention is a sequel focusing on them. I hope so, as I’d love to read it.
I happily recommend this book for readers who like imperfect heroes and redemption stories. However, I’d advise staying away if you prefer heroes who don’t cheat or make other idiotic mistakes.
This review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave, where I received the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2013
This is the story of Gary and Seth, two hard-working guys who live and work around Wapati Creek. They make just enough money to get by, until Seth gets sick and all of their nest egg cushion is spent on doctors and medicine. Gary sells the only thing that he has (his body) in order to earn fast money for Seth's medical care.
Well, Gary's actions are forgiven by Seth, but he makes Gary promise not to do it again -- and that's where the conflict in this book begins.
As the book develops, the question becomes whether the author can write a convincing rationalization for Gary's second foray into sex-for-money.
I don't know if I could ever forgive my partner from becoming involved in a sexual relationship to "make our lives better", but the author does a good job at making the conclusion seem less far-fetched than it sounds. Notably, it probably works in this book since there are no detailed sex scenes (other than when the two main characters are together).
The author should be commended at making a far-fetched plot seem believable. It was quite a page turner.
Well, Gary's actions are forgiven by Seth, but he makes Gary promise not to do it again -- and that's where the conflict in this book begins.
As the book develops, the question becomes whether the author can write a convincing rationalization for Gary's second foray into sex-for-money.
I don't know if I could ever forgive my partner from becoming involved in a sexual relationship to "make our lives better", but the author does a good job at making the conclusion seem less far-fetched than it sounds. Notably, it probably works in this book since there are no detailed sex scenes (other than when the two main characters are together).
The author should be commended at making a far-fetched plot seem believable. It was quite a page turner.
December 27, 2016
Golfing and stock brokerage while on the mountain in this M/M romance.
Stand alone, although we get cameos from the other wapiti ski station stories.
Caddy Gary Richardson wants the good life because he has been abused and neglected as a child, he does have the best bestfriend in Seth Morgan. Things get even better for Gary when he becomes lovers with Seth, but then he messes everything up by cheating and then moving to New York to become a stock broker. Gary is smart, but naive and gets taken into a Ponzi scheme.
There is a HEA, but Gary makes a lot of terrible choices, and is lucky to still have Seth in his life by he end of the story.
The atmosphere is very dark in this story, very different from the other stories in this 'series'.
I didn't like it as much as Fire on the Mountain which is the only story in the series that I would re-read.
200 pages
2 stars
Stand alone, although we get cameos from the other wapiti ski station stories.
Caddy Gary Richardson wants the good life because he has been abused and neglected as a child, he does have the best bestfriend in Seth Morgan. Things get even better for Gary when he becomes lovers with Seth, but then he messes everything up by cheating and then moving to New York to become a stock broker. Gary is smart, but naive and gets taken into a Ponzi scheme.
There is a HEA, but Gary makes a lot of terrible choices, and is lucky to still have Seth in his life by he end of the story.
The atmosphere is very dark in this story, very different from the other stories in this 'series'.
I didn't like it as much as Fire on the Mountain which is the only story in the series that I would re-read.
200 pages
2 stars
January 24, 2017
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Finn Sterling narrated this third person title, and he did a fabulous job. He was easy to listen to. I can safely say that his narration helped keep me in the story.
February 23, 2016
I got to about 46% and had to give up.
January 11, 2016
2.5 stars
Read as part of Someplace in this World Anthology.
Read as part of Someplace in this World Anthology.
March 23, 2013
I really loved the book, but I never really warmed to Gary, I did end up not hating him though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2017
4.25 stars
This book doesn't follow the main couple of the series. It's probably better to call this a spin-off.
Gary and Seth lived just on the edge of financial disaster and I could understand how Gary would panic and did what he did. Even though they worked hard and saved as much as they could, accident and illness wiped their savings away. I felt Gary's panic and worry, so although what he did was shitty and violated Seth's trust, I couldn't hate him.
There were parts of this book that was hard to read because of how it hurt. This is not light and fluffy concoction although I didn't doubt that Seth and Gary loved each other very much. Living with the consequences of your bad decision is hard, and this one reminded me of that. But the ending is super sweet, which helped assuage the hurt to reach it.
This book doesn't follow the main couple of the series. It's probably better to call this a spin-off.
Gary and Seth lived just on the edge of financial disaster and I could understand how Gary would panic and did what he did. Even though they worked hard and saved as much as they could, accident and illness wiped their savings away. I felt Gary's panic and worry, so although what he did was shitty and violated Seth's trust, I couldn't hate him.
There were parts of this book that was hard to read because of how it hurt. This is not light and fluffy concoction although I didn't doubt that Seth and Gary loved each other very much. Living with the consequences of your bad decision is hard, and this one reminded me of that. But the ending is super sweet, which helped assuage the hurt to reach it.
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