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Texas Ranches #2
The Broken H
A rocky past that sent Shane fleeing his home and seeking refuge on The Broken H has kept him from the one thing that has always been dear to him.Grayson.
Sheriff Grayson Hunter hasn't felt like he belonged for a long time. Once he loved The Broken H, his ancestral home, and Shane Cortez with all that he was. Now he tries to stay as far away from the ranch and the man as possible until an accident brings them together.
Gray didn't count on Shane's decision to let go of the past...and get a hold of Gray.
Publisher's Note: This book is a male/male love story and contains homoerotic sex acts that may be offensive to some readers.
Sheriff Grayson Hunter hasn't felt like he belonged for a long time. Once he loved The Broken H, his ancestral home, and Shane Cortez with all that he was. Now he tries to stay as far away from the ranch and the man as possible until an accident brings them together.
Gray didn't count on Shane's decision to let go of the past...and get a hold of Gray.
Publisher's Note: This book is a male/male love story and contains homoerotic sex acts that may be offensive to some readers.
209 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
28 people are currently reading
1255 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Langley
31 books1,868 followersJL has been talking since she was about seven months old. To those who know her it comes as no surprise, in fact, most will tell you she hasn’t shut up since. At eighteen months, she was speaking in full sentences. Imagine if you will the surprise of her admirers when they complimented her mother on “what a cute little boy” she had and received a fierce glare from said little boy and a very loud correction of “I’m a girl!” Oddly enough, JL still finds herself saying that exact phrase thirty-some-odd years later.
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
December 1, 2008
The Broken H is the second book in the Ranch Series. I loved the Tin Star, and enjoyed The Broken H as much as the first book!
Sheriff Grayson Hunter has been avoiding coming home for any length of time, to the Broken H for years. Although he loves his parents, his unrequited love for the foreman Shane Cortez has kept him away.
When Grayson's father has a heart attack, Grayson returns home and immediately knows that his feelings for the sexy Shane has not changed throughout the years. Surprisingly, he suspects that Shane has feelings and is attracted to him too.
Shane has loved Grayson forever. Since being on the Broken H, he has helped turn the much younger Grayson into the wonderful man he is. As Grayson became older, Shane's feelings and attraction for Grayson was harder for him to deny, but he never acted on them...and when a misunderstanding happens between them, Grayson practically takes himself out of Shane's life.
When Grayson returns to the Broken H, Shane decides to let his feelings and attraction for Grayson be known.
The attraction and chemistry that Grayson and Shane have for one another burns up the pages in this book!
I loved the way Grayson and Shane communicate with one another. The rapport they have with one another was very funny at times...and there were some laugh out loud moments in this book for me.
What I loved is once they started openly communicating their thoughts and feelings, nothing held them back from one another. They truly fought to be together through good times and bad.
Although, this is the second book (and hopefully not the last) in this series...the Broken H can be read as a stand alone book.
If you are offended by a beautifully written love story, explicit M/M sex and a well developed storyline and a fast past read...this story is not for you.
Sheriff Grayson Hunter has been avoiding coming home for any length of time, to the Broken H for years. Although he loves his parents, his unrequited love for the foreman Shane Cortez has kept him away.
When Grayson's father has a heart attack, Grayson returns home and immediately knows that his feelings for the sexy Shane has not changed throughout the years. Surprisingly, he suspects that Shane has feelings and is attracted to him too.
Shane has loved Grayson forever. Since being on the Broken H, he has helped turn the much younger Grayson into the wonderful man he is. As Grayson became older, Shane's feelings and attraction for Grayson was harder for him to deny, but he never acted on them...and when a misunderstanding happens between them, Grayson practically takes himself out of Shane's life.
When Grayson returns to the Broken H, Shane decides to let his feelings and attraction for Grayson be known.
The attraction and chemistry that Grayson and Shane have for one another burns up the pages in this book!
I loved the way Grayson and Shane communicate with one another. The rapport they have with one another was very funny at times...and there were some laugh out loud moments in this book for me.
What I loved is once they started openly communicating their thoughts and feelings, nothing held them back from one another. They truly fought to be together through good times and bad.
Although, this is the second book (and hopefully not the last) in this series...the Broken H can be read as a stand alone book.
If you are offended by a beautifully written love story, explicit M/M sex and a well developed storyline and a fast past read...this story is not for you.
September 8, 2020
3 Stars
Native American Shane Cortez has worked on The Broken H ranch since he was a sixteen-year-old runaway. There he’s learned to thrive, becoming head foreman and part of the Hunter family like a second son.
Gray Hunter—the actual son of the Hunters—grew up idolising Shane. Regardless of the thirteen years between them, the two always shared a special bond. But once Gray was a teenager, he realised his love for Shane was more than friendly/fraternal. After what he perceived as an embarrassing rejection, Gray left—first for college, then for the police academy, eventually landing back in his hometown (at the age of 29) in the role of Sheriff.
When Mr Hunter falls ill, Shane and Gray are thrust together for the first real time in almost a decade, and this time, with Gray older and more experienced, Shane isn’t going to let his feelings slide anymore. Gray is shocked by Shane’s advances, but oh-so willing to dive headfirst into a new relationship with the older man he’s always adored.
Up against a bit of small-town adversity and small-mindedness, and working up the courage to come out to their folks, Shane and Gray learn to face these roadblocks together, overcoming personal issues of their pasts in order to find a way to be truly happy together.
I didn’t mind Shane and Gray’s story. For me, the relationship moved a bit fast (regardless of the lifetime of pining) but it was sweet and sexy and I appreciated that the majority of the conflict was external to them as a new couple. I could have done without a few of the countless sex scenes too, which isn’t something I say often or willingly.
The plot line with the pregnant teen and her mental father was a bit extreme for my tastes and I didn’t particularly like the way Shane handled himself there, but these are minor complaints compared to some.
What I did like were the parents (the Hunters) and their unconditional love and support, not only for Gray as their biological son, but also for Shane who they considered just as much one of their own. I also appreciated the small glimpses we got of the previous book’s couple, Ethan and Jamie. It’s always welcoming in series to get to revisit/touch base with past book couples like this.
Overall, this was an okay sequel, but in the long run I doubt it will be all that memorable. I definitely preferred book one.
Native American Shane Cortez has worked on The Broken H ranch since he was a sixteen-year-old runaway. There he’s learned to thrive, becoming head foreman and part of the Hunter family like a second son.
Gray Hunter—the actual son of the Hunters—grew up idolising Shane. Regardless of the thirteen years between them, the two always shared a special bond. But once Gray was a teenager, he realised his love for Shane was more than friendly/fraternal. After what he perceived as an embarrassing rejection, Gray left—first for college, then for the police academy, eventually landing back in his hometown (at the age of 29) in the role of Sheriff.
When Mr Hunter falls ill, Shane and Gray are thrust together for the first real time in almost a decade, and this time, with Gray older and more experienced, Shane isn’t going to let his feelings slide anymore. Gray is shocked by Shane’s advances, but oh-so willing to dive headfirst into a new relationship with the older man he’s always adored.
Up against a bit of small-town adversity and small-mindedness, and working up the courage to come out to their folks, Shane and Gray learn to face these roadblocks together, overcoming personal issues of their pasts in order to find a way to be truly happy together.
I didn’t mind Shane and Gray’s story. For me, the relationship moved a bit fast (regardless of the lifetime of pining) but it was sweet and sexy and I appreciated that the majority of the conflict was external to them as a new couple. I could have done without a few of the countless sex scenes too, which isn’t something I say often or willingly.
The plot line with the pregnant teen and her mental father was a bit extreme for my tastes and I didn’t particularly like the way Shane handled himself there, but these are minor complaints compared to some.
What I did like were the parents (the Hunters) and their unconditional love and support, not only for Gray as their biological son, but also for Shane who they considered just as much one of their own. I also appreciated the small glimpses we got of the previous book’s couple, Ethan and Jamie. It’s always welcoming in series to get to revisit/touch base with past book couples like this.
Overall, this was an okay sequel, but in the long run I doubt it will be all that memorable. I definitely preferred book one.
January 20, 2016
***2 Stars***
This was a hard one to get through. Awkward writing, awkward dialogue, one dimensional characters, underdeveloped plot...and the list goes on and on.
Shane came to the ranch as a 16 year old runaway after his parents cast him out for announcing he's gay. When Shane came to the ranch, Grayson was a curious and rambunctious 3 year old. The two formed an instant bond, but once Grayson hit puberty and those hormones came rolling in, he started to see Shane in a whole new light. When Gray is 17, he makes a move on a then 30 year old Shane. Shane rebuffs him and with hurt feelings, Gray pursues a life away from the ranch when he graduates high school. Fast forward about a dozen years later, and Shane and Grayson are barely on speaking terms. Grayson doesn't visit the ranch often, but with his father suffering a sudden heart attack he's forced to come face to face with the one man that holds his heart.
And BOOM about 2.5 seconds later they're having sex and everything is squared away. I didn't even get a chance to connect to Shane and Grayson's history or characters before they were all over each other.
Nothing about them as a couple felt authentic. I felt no connection, no chemistry, no bond....nothing. And don't even get me started on Grayson's annoying nickname of "chief" for Shane (he's Native American). And for serious don't get me started on Gray's lust of wrapping Shane's hair around his dick....or his obsessive need to come all over Shane's glasses.
Throw in a weak subplot of some attention seeking 16 year old girl claiming Shane got her pregnant, blink-and-you-missed-it issues with Grayson's re-election as the town sheriff, and a rushed "oh crap, forgot about that loose end" telling of Shane's history of how he got to the ranch when he was 16.....and there's the whole awkward mess. Oh, and let me mention that both Grayson and Shane sound, act and think like a couple of teenagers.
Unfortunately, I just don't think this author is for me.
February 4, 2012
As the sequel to The Tin Star, The Broken H features Sheriff Grayson Hunter, who played a secondary character in the previous book, and Shane Cortez, the man he's loved all his life.
Shane has been part of Gray's life since Shane was sixteen and Gray was three, when Gray's parents took an almost starving and battered Shane off the street and offered him a home to live. Despite the big age difference between them, the two boys became inseparable friends almost immediately. That changed when Gray turned eighteen, realized that his feelings for Shane went beyond mere friendship and tried to tell the older man how he felt. Shane's reaction (and apparent rejection) sent Gray running away from his parents' ranch, the Broken H, and he's stayed away from Shane since then. Fate has a way to bring lovers back together, though. When Gray's father suffers a heart attack, he's called home and there's no denying his feelings for Shane anymore. Surprisingly, it looks like Shane has something to say in the matter too...
Here's the deal: I loved Shane and Gray individually, but their relationship was a bit uncomfortable to me. The flashbacks from their past, when Shane was still a young man and Gray was a child, were filled with brotherly affection, so I had a hard time adjusting to the change in their relationship. In itself, the age gap between them wasn't the issue - Ethan and Jamie, from The Tin Star, had eleven years between them and I didn't have a problem with it - but the fact that Shane and Gray had basically grown up like "brothers". Heck, Gray's parents even treated Shane like a son!
Besides that, there were just too many editing errors in this book. I'm not the best person to point them out, since English isn't my mother language, but they were too bizarre and obvious. Sadly, they got in the way of my enjoying this read, because I found myself having to reread entire sentences to understand their meaning. That didn't happen once or twice, but several times - especially in the second half of the book.
Overall, this ended up being just an OK read to me, with likable characters, sweet and funny love scenes - I especially liked Gray's fetishes - and a bit of tension to keep the story going. It would have been a 4-star read to me if it weren't for the things I mentioned above.
Shane has been part of Gray's life since Shane was sixteen and Gray was three, when Gray's parents took an almost starving and battered Shane off the street and offered him a home to live. Despite the big age difference between them, the two boys became inseparable friends almost immediately. That changed when Gray turned eighteen, realized that his feelings for Shane went beyond mere friendship and tried to tell the older man how he felt. Shane's reaction (and apparent rejection) sent Gray running away from his parents' ranch, the Broken H, and he's stayed away from Shane since then. Fate has a way to bring lovers back together, though. When Gray's father suffers a heart attack, he's called home and there's no denying his feelings for Shane anymore. Surprisingly, it looks like Shane has something to say in the matter too...
Here's the deal: I loved Shane and Gray individually, but their relationship was a bit uncomfortable to me. The flashbacks from their past, when Shane was still a young man and Gray was a child, were filled with brotherly affection, so I had a hard time adjusting to the change in their relationship. In itself, the age gap between them wasn't the issue - Ethan and Jamie, from The Tin Star, had eleven years between them and I didn't have a problem with it - but the fact that Shane and Gray had basically grown up like "brothers". Heck, Gray's parents even treated Shane like a son!
Besides that, there were just too many editing errors in this book. I'm not the best person to point them out, since English isn't my mother language, but they were too bizarre and obvious. Sadly, they got in the way of my enjoying this read, because I found myself having to reread entire sentences to understand their meaning. That didn't happen once or twice, but several times - especially in the second half of the book.
Overall, this ended up being just an OK read to me, with likable characters, sweet and funny love scenes - I especially liked Gray's fetishes - and a bit of tension to keep the story going. It would have been a 4-star read to me if it weren't for the things I mentioned above.
March 20, 2014
2.5 stars
Some steam, some drama, but more typos and awkward dialogue. While I didn't love the plot points regarding the pregnancy and Gray's re-election (both were resolved way too easily), I could have overlooked them if the book had been better written. But the writing really got in the way of the story; there was so much telling and internal monologuing in the third person that pulled me out of the book over and over.
Sexy Native American ranch foreman, Shane, is reunited with his childhood "shadow," Grayson, who's now a local sheriff. There's a 13-year age difference between the men, something that always scared the older Shane away from Gray, but now they're adults and have a second chance.
I liked the age difference and the idea of two friends reuniting, but it wasn't enough. Even Shane's past, revealed at the end, barely registered on my interest scale. The MCs were immature, randomly storming off instead of talking. The sex was good, which is always a plus, but the book itself is forgettable.
Some steam, some drama, but more typos and awkward dialogue. While I didn't love the plot points regarding the pregnancy and Gray's re-election (both were resolved way too easily), I could have overlooked them if the book had been better written. But the writing really got in the way of the story; there was so much telling and internal monologuing in the third person that pulled me out of the book over and over.
Sexy Native American ranch foreman, Shane, is reunited with his childhood "shadow," Grayson, who's now a local sheriff. There's a 13-year age difference between the men, something that always scared the older Shane away from Gray, but now they're adults and have a second chance.
I liked the age difference and the idea of two friends reuniting, but it wasn't enough. Even Shane's past, revealed at the end, barely registered on my interest scale. The MCs were immature, randomly storming off instead of talking. The sex was good, which is always a plus, but the book itself is forgettable.
January 11, 2013
This was a quick, hot little read, but I am afraid I found it a little lacking. I loved The Tin Star so I jumped straight to this one.
This book was a really quick read, which is good, but nothing really seemed to happen. The drama that happened didn't really get off the ground.
I don't regret reading this, as I liked both of the main characters, but I am glad I read The Tin Star first, as I am not sure if this one was first if I would have read any more of this author.
This book was a really quick read, which is good, but nothing really seemed to happen. The drama that happened didn't really get off the ground.
I don't regret reading this, as I liked both of the main characters, but I am glad I read The Tin Star first, as I am not sure if this one was first if I would have read any more of this author.
May 22, 2024
Re-read May 22,2024
Re-read June 14, 2022
My favorite book in the series. Partly because I loved Shane so much. Smart, handsome and sexy, Shane is one of my favorite heroes. I love him and Grayson together. Even after several rereads, this book still is one of my go-to favorite comfort reads.
Btw...It ticks me off that John will never get his book. 😣
January 26, 2019
Sheriff Grayson Hunter hasn’t felt like he belonged for a long time. Once he loved The Broken H, his ancestral home, and Shane Cortez. Gray has known Shane all his life Shane had been rescued by Gray's father from a life on the streets when Gray was just three years old. Shane is full blooded Apache forced away from home by his parents after they discovered he is gay he was taken in by Gray's parents he matured and become foreman of the ranch. Gray left the ranch at first to become a rodeo star and then to join the police force. He also believed that it was because Shane had turned him down, but Shane thought that he was too young for a long term relationship. These two quickly become lovers and people are ok with it Gray even gets re-elected as sheriff. This book was hot with less drama as the first book although a girl becomes obsessed with Shane and she even lies to her father about him. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
March 10, 2012
2.5 Stars! Not quite as good as the first one in the series. While The Tin Star focused on the relationship with an awesome steam factor, this one seemed to be all about the sex. I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Grayson and Shane. I liked them both as individuals, but not as a couple and I can’t quite place my finger on why that was. It might have something to do with the fact the Shane helped raise Gray. They came into each other’s lives when Shane was 17 and Gray was 4. The 13 year age difference didn’t bother me, it’s like I couldn’t get Shane’s big brother image out of my head, even though they are were not related. Plus, Gray kept calling Shane “old man”. It was meant as a term of endearment, but Shane was only 42, hardly an old man, and certainly not his father. Then there was a side story, an accusation of a pregnancy that never evolved, it just seemed to hang around in the background and was used to advance the story here and there. Gray also had an obsession with Shane’s hair and eyeglasses. I’m okay with fetishes, but this one was a major ick factor for me. Shane was a Native American and wore his hair very long and for some reason the author had to reiterate that point through Shane’s constant losing and breaking of rubber bands. I got it, Shane had long hair and Gray was sexually obsessed with it, again ICK! Even the ending, which was the revealing of Shane’s past supposed tragic past, was…meh!
This one just didn’t flow as well as the first one, but I would certainly give this author another try.
This one just didn’t flow as well as the first one, but I would certainly give this author another try.
February 3, 2011
OMG!!!! I loved this story!!! it was So GOOD!!!!
May 15, 2011
1.5 stars maybe...but rounded to one because of all the editing mistakes, way too many to ignore, especially when the story is not good
too much boring sex notany enough plot
too much boring sex not
October 24, 2012
My Rating: 3.5 of 5
Grayson Hunter has stayed away from his parents’ home as much as he could since he left it years before - not because he has a problem with his parents, but because he’s been in love with the ranch’s foreman, Shane Cortez since he was a teenager. When Gray’s father suffers a heart attack, Gray and Shane are thrown together again when Gray comes home to help with the ranch.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first in series The Tin Star. The plot wasn’t quite as engaging to me - there isn’t as much conflict or suspense. However, the characters were just as well-developed and the same caring and humor is present in the writing. If you like your cops and cowboys to mix it up, then this might be the story for you.
ETA in 2012: I have re-read the two books in this series more than once and I have to say they have become old friend type faves. There are not many m/m books that I can say that about. They were recommended to me as an intro to the m/m sub-genre and were among the very first m/m books I ever bought. If I were to ever make a list of my own faves to recommend to someone just starting to read m/m romances, this series would top the list.
Grayson Hunter has stayed away from his parents’ home as much as he could since he left it years before - not because he has a problem with his parents, but because he’s been in love with the ranch’s foreman, Shane Cortez since he was a teenager. When Gray’s father suffers a heart attack, Gray and Shane are thrown together again when Gray comes home to help with the ranch.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first in series The Tin Star. The plot wasn’t quite as engaging to me - there isn’t as much conflict or suspense. However, the characters were just as well-developed and the same caring and humor is present in the writing. If you like your cops and cowboys to mix it up, then this might be the story for you.
ETA in 2012: I have re-read the two books in this series more than once and I have to say they have become old friend type faves. There are not many m/m books that I can say that about. They were recommended to me as an intro to the m/m sub-genre and were among the very first m/m books I ever bought. If I were to ever make a list of my own faves to recommend to someone just starting to read m/m romances, this series would top the list.
February 12, 2015
OMG how much did I love this book, it had it all, a man in uniform and a dark handsome man and red hot love with a damn good story to top it off. I read this because it was on the reading list of one of my favourite authors, Andrew Grey, and I have to say I was not disappointed. I loved book 1, also on the same authors reading list, and found this one just as compelling. Watching Shane claim Grayson was really something, to see all the misunderstandings come crashing down was beautiful and it is a story that will stay with me for a long time, here is hoping for a book 3 in this really touching series.
This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm
This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm
April 2, 2008
This is a really nice domestic fluffy gay romance novel. Not much happens, they met again after many years estrange, they fall into bed, they live their lives. The end. It's lovely fluff. If you liked Tin Star you'll like this one probably more since neither of the guys are acting like Jaimie who was more like I am gay hear me roar or something. Nothing like that here. Shane and Gray are just two people in love, living their lives and trying to make each other happy. Sounds boring but it's not.
November 27, 2008
Very light reading, more of a gay Harlequin than anything else. I would have preferred less sex and more plot development - Gray's election, Shane's family problems - and more suspense but I think that in the end, the book was exactly what I expected it to be so I'm quite content with it.
February 3, 2012
Loved this book every bit as much as the first one! Sweet and cute story, peppered with a little angsty moments and very hot sex scenes! :) The characters were sweet and adorable and I want a sequel about John and McCabe!!! I think they'd be great couple :)
February 18, 2015
Same formula. Enjoyable but Still a little unrealistic.
Is there a Royal and John story? More gay Cowboys please!!!
3.5 STARS
Is there a Royal and John story? More gay Cowboys please!!!
3.5 STARS
July 28, 2012
Second book in the Ranch series did nothing really for me...the story felt tame and thin, nothing really happened except that they had lots and lots of sex which felt too similar to the first book (except there were few kinks added in this one). There was the whole pregnancy deal and coming out but that was a very little part of this book and not really exciting at all.
There were too many things that bothered me in the book...here are few of them:
- Shane was worried that if people found out that Gray was gay they would not re-elect him for sheriff again...so he did not want Gary to tell his parents he was gay...huh? How does telling only the parents make everyone in town know? Especially since the parents have known Shane was gay for a long time, they never said anything to anyone and were totally fine with him being gay and on top of that they looked at him as if he were their own son....so why the heck would they not accept Gray being gay too?
- Way too many things in this book were so similar to the first book or they were the exact opposite...it's like the author had a list of stuff she had to have in the books...
Like in the first book the older guy gets to be the top...well guess what so does the older guy in this one, the younger one is the cute one and has amazing eyes...in the first book Jamie had very very veeeery Blue eyes and in this one Gray had very very veeeery Green eyes...lol
Then there was the part that the younger guy is the one who loves giving head...he is the one who moans all the time and the older guy is the one who has to take care of the younger one. Same thing over and over....then there is the Cowboy nick name of the older guy in the first book and Chief (Indian) nickname of the older guy in this one...lol
Oh and...the younger guy gets to top only once in these books...and only after something has happened...lol
- They had tears in their eyes way to many times.
- Gray was said to think too much...umm many of those times I actually wanted to know the answer to the questions he was thinking about.....and the older guy brushing it all away just so simply every time Gray was thinking or analyzing stuff made no sense, especially since their relationship did not feel real...they got together way to fast and and it felt fake and forced from the beginning especially considering how they had parted ways long ago.
- It bothered me also how Shane would dismiss Gray's advice or opinions...Gray was the damn sheriff..he was once part of Swat and has the damn experience with people yet Shane apparently knew better...and thought that he had to protect Gray against everything including himself..huh?!
There was also the whole thing with Shane feeling guilty and responsible for people finding out Gray was gay...well hell, the reason they found out was because the 2 of them were kissing in a car on a parking lot of a grocery store and the old hag saw them...so it's not Shane's fault only...and despite Gary telling him he did not care Shane still just dismissed it and went all overprotective on Gray's ass.
At no point did I feel that these two guy's were equals...the younger one was treated like a child all the time except when they were having sex...apparently that is the only time he was allowed to be a grown up and do the grown up stuff.
Anyways...I didn't really enjoy this book much...it just sounded way to similar to the first one and to many things bugged me from the beginning to the end.
I hope though there is third one and that it would be different then these two first books..and a bit more exciting please.
There were too many things that bothered me in the book...here are few of them:
- Shane was worried that if people found out that Gray was gay they would not re-elect him for sheriff again...so he did not want Gary to tell his parents he was gay...huh? How does telling only the parents make everyone in town know? Especially since the parents have known Shane was gay for a long time, they never said anything to anyone and were totally fine with him being gay and on top of that they looked at him as if he were their own son....so why the heck would they not accept Gray being gay too?
- Way too many things in this book were so similar to the first book or they were the exact opposite...it's like the author had a list of stuff she had to have in the books...
Like in the first book the older guy gets to be the top...well guess what so does the older guy in this one, the younger one is the cute one and has amazing eyes...in the first book Jamie had very very veeeery Blue eyes and in this one Gray had very very veeeery Green eyes...lol
Then there was the part that the younger guy is the one who loves giving head...he is the one who moans all the time and the older guy is the one who has to take care of the younger one. Same thing over and over....then there is the Cowboy nick name of the older guy in the first book and Chief (Indian) nickname of the older guy in this one...lol
Oh and...the younger guy gets to top only once in these books...and only after something has happened...lol
- They had tears in their eyes way to many times.
- Gray was said to think too much...umm many of those times I actually wanted to know the answer to the questions he was thinking about.....and the older guy brushing it all away just so simply every time Gray was thinking or analyzing stuff made no sense, especially since their relationship did not feel real...they got together way to fast and and it felt fake and forced from the beginning especially considering how they had parted ways long ago.
- It bothered me also how Shane would dismiss Gray's advice or opinions...Gray was the damn sheriff..he was once part of Swat and has the damn experience with people yet Shane apparently knew better...and thought that he had to protect Gray against everything including himself..huh?!
There was also the whole thing with Shane feeling guilty and responsible for people finding out Gray was gay...well hell, the reason they found out was because the 2 of them were kissing in a car on a parking lot of a grocery store and the old hag saw them...so it's not Shane's fault only...and despite Gary telling him he did not care Shane still just dismissed it and went all overprotective on Gray's ass.
At no point did I feel that these two guy's were equals...the younger one was treated like a child all the time except when they were having sex...apparently that is the only time he was allowed to be a grown up and do the grown up stuff.
Anyways...I didn't really enjoy this book much...it just sounded way to similar to the first one and to many things bugged me from the beginning to the end.
I hope though there is third one and that it would be different then these two first books..and a bit more exciting please.
April 18, 2013
3.0 Stars
Sheriff Grayson Hunter (yum) is the only son and heir and to The Broken H ranch. Shane Cortez is The Broken H’s foreman and the object of Gray’s desires. Shane was a runaway teen abandoned by his biological Apache family when the Hunters took him in; Shane is 13 years Grays’ senior, gay, and in the closet. Gray has had an unrequited crush on Shane since he was 17-years-old. He has avoided his ancestral home for the past 12 years because it hurts too much to see Shane. When Gray’s dad suffers a heart attack, Gray is forced to confront his life-long love interest. Sparks fly and Gray and Shane must navigate coming out, re-election, and a spiteful teen to reach their HEA.
I liked this book. It wasn’t as good as the first in the series (The Tin Star) but enjoyable nonetheless. I love this small town and all its inhabitants (well, except the bigoted bastards). Gray and Shane were likeable enough. Their reunion was quick and steamy but I would have liked a more developed reconciliation before the MCs hopped in the sack. This book lacked the excitement of the attempted-murder mystery and related shenanigans present in the first book. Although there was some drama surrounding Sherry Ann’s pregnancy, it was meh at best and (IMHO) really only served as a plot device to orchestrate the final, climactic encounter.
Bottom line: an okay sequel to the Ranch series.
Sheriff Grayson Hunter (yum) is the only son and heir and to The Broken H ranch. Shane Cortez is The Broken H’s foreman and the object of Gray’s desires. Shane was a runaway teen abandoned by his biological Apache family when the Hunters took him in; Shane is 13 years Grays’ senior, gay, and in the closet. Gray has had an unrequited crush on Shane since he was 17-years-old. He has avoided his ancestral home for the past 12 years because it hurts too much to see Shane. When Gray’s dad suffers a heart attack, Gray is forced to confront his life-long love interest. Sparks fly and Gray and Shane must navigate coming out, re-election, and a spiteful teen to reach their HEA.
I liked this book. It wasn’t as good as the first in the series (The Tin Star) but enjoyable nonetheless. I love this small town and all its inhabitants (well, except the bigoted bastards). Gray and Shane were likeable enough. Their reunion was quick and steamy but I would have liked a more developed reconciliation before the MCs hopped in the sack. This book lacked the excitement of the attempted-murder mystery and related shenanigans present in the first book. Although there was some drama surrounding Sherry Ann’s pregnancy, it was meh at best and (IMHO) really only served as a plot device to orchestrate the final, climactic encounter.
Bottom line: an okay sequel to the Ranch series.
March 3, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
I’m gonna be really honest here for a sec—it was really hard for me to do this review without dissolving into a puddle of fan-girl goo. J.L. Langley is one of my favorite authors and I read The Broken H years ago and it remains one of my favorite m/m romances of all time. As such, I really wanted to do this book justice with a coherent and compelling review, but as I was re-reading this my brain was registering nothing more than squeals of delight and “ohmigod, yessss…” I’m going to give it a good go, but if this review is little more than a rambling deluge of love for this author and this book all I can say is that I tried. Really hard, I swear.
This book starts out with a really strong foundation—great characters, a fantastic premise, and skilled writing—and builds on that foundation by adding lots of little details to really take it to the next level. Langley has a way of writing very raw, visceral scenes that stick with the reader. Even before rereading this I could have told you what Shane was wearing the first time he and Gray have sex because the image was so powerful it stayed with me after many years and countless other books. There are so many individual scenes in this book that are among my favorites and rereading them was a real joy.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
5 stars
I’m gonna be really honest here for a sec—it was really hard for me to do this review without dissolving into a puddle of fan-girl goo. J.L. Langley is one of my favorite authors and I read The Broken H years ago and it remains one of my favorite m/m romances of all time. As such, I really wanted to do this book justice with a coherent and compelling review, but as I was re-reading this my brain was registering nothing more than squeals of delight and “ohmigod, yessss…” I’m going to give it a good go, but if this review is little more than a rambling deluge of love for this author and this book all I can say is that I tried. Really hard, I swear.
This book starts out with a really strong foundation—great characters, a fantastic premise, and skilled writing—and builds on that foundation by adding lots of little details to really take it to the next level. Langley has a way of writing very raw, visceral scenes that stick with the reader. Even before rereading this I could have told you what Shane was wearing the first time he and Gray have sex because the image was so powerful it stayed with me after many years and countless other books. There are so many individual scenes in this book that are among my favorites and rereading them was a real joy.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
November 28, 2010
As a self-proclaimed homoerotic novel—“one-handed reads,” as I refer to them—The Broken H, by J.L. Langley [Loose Id LLC 2007] is better than some. Oh, there are plenty of sex scenes (15 in all, give or take one or two), but journalistically speaking the writing is quite solid, and the author has made an attempt to build a plot between the romps in the sack. Admittedly the plot is a bit short on originality, but the point is that there is one.
Shane Cortez is a runaway with a mysterious past—although we don’t find out what that is until quite late in the story. Nevertheless, he now seems well adjusted as foreman of The Broken H Ranch. The Hunters, a remarkably liberal family—including their gay son, Grayson—have unofficially adopted Shane as a son, and Grayson has fallen lustfully in love with him. It is nonetheless a rocky romance, made more difficult by a teenage bimbo who accuses Shane of knocking her up. Her father, a somewhat stereotypical loudmouthed redneck, then sets out to demand that Shane make an ‘honest woman’ of her.
Meanwhile, he and Grayson are filling page-after-page with “homoerotic sex” at the drop of an elastic band [see the story for an explanation].
If a nice light read without too many challenging plot twists is your forte, then this story is bound to fill the bill.
Shane Cortez is a runaway with a mysterious past—although we don’t find out what that is until quite late in the story. Nevertheless, he now seems well adjusted as foreman of The Broken H Ranch. The Hunters, a remarkably liberal family—including their gay son, Grayson—have unofficially adopted Shane as a son, and Grayson has fallen lustfully in love with him. It is nonetheless a rocky romance, made more difficult by a teenage bimbo who accuses Shane of knocking her up. Her father, a somewhat stereotypical loudmouthed redneck, then sets out to demand that Shane make an ‘honest woman’ of her.
Meanwhile, he and Grayson are filling page-after-page with “homoerotic sex” at the drop of an elastic band [see the story for an explanation].
If a nice light read without too many challenging plot twists is your forte, then this story is bound to fill the bill.
June 28, 2009
I must admit, I was a little disappointed in this book. I loved The Tin Star so much!
This story was still good - it had a lot of J.L.'s personality and was a fun read, but it was just kind of lacking.
I chalk it up to two things:
1. I didn't like the characters as well. Gray was alright, but he didn't jump off the page the way Jamie and Ethan did. And I never was able to connect with Shane. He just didn't do anything for me. Maybe I'm just a little prejudiced, but I prefer reading about the under 30 set. And super long hair has never been a turn on for me.
2. Many people may not think this possible, but there was just too much sex and not enough story. The Tin Star had a perfect balance, but with this one I actually started getting bored and skimming through the sex scenes. And the fact that I never connected with the characters sucked out a lot of the zip.
We did get to see Jamie and Ethan briefly, but I wish they would have had a stronger presence. And there was the teeniest litte glimpse of John, Jamie's brother, who is a really great character. I like him a lot. There was a tiny hint that we may see John again in the future, which made me happy, and I wish that would have been explored just a bit further in this book.
This story was still good - it had a lot of J.L.'s personality and was a fun read, but it was just kind of lacking.
I chalk it up to two things:
1. I didn't like the characters as well. Gray was alright, but he didn't jump off the page the way Jamie and Ethan did. And I never was able to connect with Shane. He just didn't do anything for me. Maybe I'm just a little prejudiced, but I prefer reading about the under 30 set. And super long hair has never been a turn on for me.
2. Many people may not think this possible, but there was just too much sex and not enough story. The Tin Star had a perfect balance, but with this one I actually started getting bored and skimming through the sex scenes. And the fact that I never connected with the characters sucked out a lot of the zip.
We did get to see Jamie and Ethan briefly, but I wish they would have had a stronger presence. And there was the teeniest litte glimpse of John, Jamie's brother, who is a really great character. I like him a lot. There was a tiny hint that we may see John again in the future, which made me happy, and I wish that would have been explored just a bit further in this book.
April 25, 2012
It was a cute and entertaining story, but it didn't have much substance in my opinion. First of all, the two protagonists have suddenly sex after 11 years during which they weren't close. There is a stressful event - Gray's father has had a heart attach - but it's not depicted in a way that makes you think Shane and Gray need sexual healing to overcome it. At the beginning the conflict seems to come from the age gap between Gray and Shane and Gray's doubts about Shane's sexuality, but they're reason so flimsy that they seemed preposterous. After the first half of the book the real problems emerge: Gray's parents have rescued Shane and Shane is afraid of how they'll react once they find out he's involved with Gray. Gray is running for re-election as sheriff and his being gay might cause him problems. The external source of trouble involving Shane seems just a plot device to add some angst, but it didn't really complicate the situation. As I said before, the story is cute, but I was expecting more from Grayson's story. Everything seemed just blown out of proportion for drama's sake, so I felt the story lacked intensity.
January 28, 2022
I've been going through my old book listings and adding reviews I've placed elsewhere here, so they are all in one spot. I had completely forgotten about this book but my review made me smile -
This is the second JL Langley book I've bought, and it will be the last.
I have just read one excellent and one good m/m romance set on ranches, so I know it can be done, but the writing here was sloppy and careless, and the pacing was all wrong. Things happen too quickly and then bog down, it took me ages to figure out the age difference between Shane and Gray (not that that's essential to know, but it shows how confusing the writing is) and it just felt too cliched for words.
I didn't believe that after years of quiet longing, Shane just one day decided to make a pass at Gray. It just felt odd and out of context. I didn't especially like their relationship or care about either of them. I felt detached from the characters and vaguely annoyed at the various plot points and didn't even find the sex hot.
I've already swapped this one on.
This is the second JL Langley book I've bought, and it will be the last.
I have just read one excellent and one good m/m romance set on ranches, so I know it can be done, but the writing here was sloppy and careless, and the pacing was all wrong. Things happen too quickly and then bog down, it took me ages to figure out the age difference between Shane and Gray (not that that's essential to know, but it shows how confusing the writing is) and it just felt too cliched for words.
I didn't believe that after years of quiet longing, Shane just one day decided to make a pass at Gray. It just felt odd and out of context. I didn't especially like their relationship or care about either of them. I felt detached from the characters and vaguely annoyed at the various plot points and didn't even find the sex hot.
I've already swapped this one on.
December 27, 2014
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I was surprised when I started reading this book because I didn't expect a sequel to focus so intently on a secondary character from 'The Tin Star'. This book is the story of Grayson (the sheriff) & a new character, Shane.
This was a relatively angst-free romance. There were a couple of WTF?! moments but overall it was a sweet, undemanding read. This book could easily be read as a stand-alone title & if you want to read more about Jamie & Ethan you will probably find this book disappointing as they play very minor rolls. I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. I've read it twice now & probably will skip it next time I read the series. I think this book needed more of a purpose to give it a wow factor.
I was surprised when I started reading this book because I didn't expect a sequel to focus so intently on a secondary character from 'The Tin Star'. This book is the story of Grayson (the sheriff) & a new character, Shane.
This was a relatively angst-free romance. There were a couple of WTF?! moments but overall it was a sweet, undemanding read. This book could easily be read as a stand-alone title & if you want to read more about Jamie & Ethan you will probably find this book disappointing as they play very minor rolls. I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. I've read it twice now & probably will skip it next time I read the series. I think this book needed more of a purpose to give it a wow factor.
September 18, 2009
Where to start.
1. J.L. Langley needs an editor. The mistakes were obvious, profuse, and very distracting.
2. Plot - sickeningly and grossly over sweet with no depth.
3. I can't stand switching first person singular mid-paragraph. It drives me CRAZY figuring out who said/did/felt what...
4. Overall, it was just boring.
I was dissappointed.
1. J.L. Langley needs an editor. The mistakes were obvious, profuse, and very distracting.
2. Plot - sickeningly and grossly over sweet with no depth.
3. I can't stand switching first person singular mid-paragraph. It drives me CRAZY figuring out who said/did/felt what...
4. Overall, it was just boring.
I was dissappointed.
October 12, 2013
This series is definitely not for me. I love a good cowboy story, but the particular author's style is not agreeing with me for some reason. I just found it really boring and predictable.
August 19, 2021
Band 1 war deutlich besser
Nach Tin Star war ich schon gespannt auf die nächste Story. Leider konnte Broken H meine Erwartungen nicht erfüllen. Das Paar Grayson und Shane ist zwar sympathisch, doch die Geschichte ist nicht sonderlich spannend geschrieben. Außerdem gibt es für meinen Geschmack zu wenig Handlung, dafür zu viele Sexszenen.
Nach Tin Star war ich schon gespannt auf die nächste Story. Leider konnte Broken H meine Erwartungen nicht erfüllen. Das Paar Grayson und Shane ist zwar sympathisch, doch die Geschichte ist nicht sonderlich spannend geschrieben. Außerdem gibt es für meinen Geschmack zu wenig Handlung, dafür zu viele Sexszenen.
May 15, 2009
I don't know if anyone on my f-list has noticed, but I'm sort of a fan of male/male romance.
Mmm...okay, that's kind of an understatement. I'm a huge fan of male/male romance. A friend and I were talking about this the other day (she's similarly inclined), and we were trying to to figure out what makes man/man so much hotter than het, at least for us. We couldn't decide whether it's our sheer relief at not having a main character obsessed with marriage and babies (which I just don't want in what's purely escapist literature), or if it's just wicked hot to think of two beautiful, naked, sweaty men writhing with pleasure.
Are we all on the same page now, so to speak?
Also, is it hot in here, or is it just me?
So yeah, I read a lot of hot manlove. And I'm gonna talk about it.
The Broken H by J L Langley:
Shane's the foreman of the Broken H, and he's been denying his attraction to Sheriff Grayson Hunter since forever, seeing how he's way older than Grayson, and damn near raised him. Too bad for Shane fate has other plans...
Okay the sex in this book? Smokin' hot. Smokin'. Five hot flashes out of five. And for once, both main characters are amazingly appealing. You love them both from the beginning, and you root for them to get it together the whole time. Seriously. I've rarely encountered two characters so perfect for each other, who you root for as much as I rooted for these two.
There's a plot, and there's this wee town beyond the boundaries of the Broken H, but for the most part, all the action takes place on the ranch, these two bouncing off and rubbing up against each other. Usually, one of my major complaints about m/m is that the author depends too much on dialogue and sex between the two main characters to carry the story at the expense of setting and general storytelling. But with this one, I couldn't get enough of Shane and Grayson, not just having sex but trying to figure out what they're gonna do with each other. Talking about the weather, cows, whatever. It's hot.
I think my only complaint is that right at the end--seriously, like 10 pages from the end--Shane's backstory is revealed (you know, the very tragic one hinted at through the whole story) and it seems very forced.
Other than that? Haaaaawt. Hot hot hot. V. ridiculously hot.
Mmm...okay, that's kind of an understatement. I'm a huge fan of male/male romance. A friend and I were talking about this the other day (she's similarly inclined), and we were trying to to figure out what makes man/man so much hotter than het, at least for us. We couldn't decide whether it's our sheer relief at not having a main character obsessed with marriage and babies (which I just don't want in what's purely escapist literature), or if it's just wicked hot to think of two beautiful, naked, sweaty men writhing with pleasure.
Are we all on the same page now, so to speak?
Also, is it hot in here, or is it just me?
So yeah, I read a lot of hot manlove. And I'm gonna talk about it.
The Broken H by J L Langley:
Shane's the foreman of the Broken H, and he's been denying his attraction to Sheriff Grayson Hunter since forever, seeing how he's way older than Grayson, and damn near raised him. Too bad for Shane fate has other plans...
Okay the sex in this book? Smokin' hot. Smokin'. Five hot flashes out of five. And for once, both main characters are amazingly appealing. You love them both from the beginning, and you root for them to get it together the whole time. Seriously. I've rarely encountered two characters so perfect for each other, who you root for as much as I rooted for these two.
There's a plot, and there's this wee town beyond the boundaries of the Broken H, but for the most part, all the action takes place on the ranch, these two bouncing off and rubbing up against each other. Usually, one of my major complaints about m/m is that the author depends too much on dialogue and sex between the two main characters to carry the story at the expense of setting and general storytelling. But with this one, I couldn't get enough of Shane and Grayson, not just having sex but trying to figure out what they're gonna do with each other. Talking about the weather, cows, whatever. It's hot.
I think my only complaint is that right at the end--seriously, like 10 pages from the end--Shane's backstory is revealed (you know, the very tragic one hinted at through the whole story) and it seems very forced.
Other than that? Haaaaawt. Hot hot hot. V. ridiculously hot.
October 25, 2011
3.5 stars.
This story wasn't too bad. In Tin Star, Jamie and Ethan were the subjects of some hate crimes which were investigated by the local Sheriff, Grayson Hunter. This is Grayson's story. Over a decade ago Grayson left his ranch, The Broken H, after kissing the foreman and not receiving a reaction. Embarrassed that his long-time crush is unrequited, he goes on the rodeo circuit, goes to college, and then goes into law enforcement. Eventually fate brings him back to his hometown where he is elected Sheriff. Shane is the foreman of the Broken H and has lived there for 20 years. He is 13 years older than Gray and was his mentor and then friend. The age difference and his love for Gray's parents kept him from acting on his attraction to Gray all those years ago. Has time finally brought these two men together at a place in their lives when they can finally move forward in their relationship? Either as friends or more?
I thought the romance was a little bit abrupt in this story. They've been apart for a really long time, and I just didn't feel that the flow made sense. I think something as simple as having Grayson gone for a few years would be enough for them to realize they are better together than apart, but the time lapse just seemed too long for me to understand how they could start up so quickly. Especially with the way they left things all those years ago.
The conflict that develops in this book is a little weaker than the conflict we saw in Tin Star. It just didn't grab me at all.
I think my favorite part of this book was the little nugget we get at the end with McCabe and John. I would be interested in seeing if anything develops for them in the future.
Also the closing scene
This story wasn't too bad. In Tin Star, Jamie and Ethan were the subjects of some hate crimes which were investigated by the local Sheriff, Grayson Hunter. This is Grayson's story. Over a decade ago Grayson left his ranch, The Broken H, after kissing the foreman and not receiving a reaction. Embarrassed that his long-time crush is unrequited, he goes on the rodeo circuit, goes to college, and then goes into law enforcement. Eventually fate brings him back to his hometown where he is elected Sheriff. Shane is the foreman of the Broken H and has lived there for 20 years. He is 13 years older than Gray and was his mentor and then friend. The age difference and his love for Gray's parents kept him from acting on his attraction to Gray all those years ago. Has time finally brought these two men together at a place in their lives when they can finally move forward in their relationship? Either as friends or more?
I thought the romance was a little bit abrupt in this story. They've been apart for a really long time, and I just didn't feel that the flow made sense. I think something as simple as having Grayson gone for a few years would be enough for them to realize they are better together than apart, but the time lapse just seemed too long for me to understand how they could start up so quickly. Especially with the way they left things all those years ago.
The conflict that develops in this book is a little weaker than the conflict we saw in Tin Star. It just didn't grab me at all.
I think my favorite part of this book was the little nugget we get at the end with McCabe and John. I would be interested in seeing if anything develops for them in the future.
Also the closing scene
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