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Mirage
When forty-six-year-old washed-up country musician Jasper “Red” Blue looks at the past, all he sees is a series of failures. His one treasured success is six years battling alcoholism without the help of AA. To secure his children’s future, Jasper desperately wants to produce a new album, but he can’t write alone. And he won’t work with just anyone.
Jasper's record company manages to secure the writer one of the biggest country music songs in recent history to help write the album. Cade Wallace is a long-haired former soul surfer, devastatingly handsome, talented, and willing to take a chance on the rugged musician. Jasper, on the other hand, is deep in the closet.
With Jasper's career hanging in the balance, he can't promise Cade anything, and Cade eventually heads back to his full-time job as a truck driver, taking Jasper’s hopes of a relationship with him. If Jasper’s dream of a life together is ever to come true, he will have to take some big risks, putting both his career and his children’s security on the line.
Jasper's record company manages to secure the writer one of the biggest country music songs in recent history to help write the album. Cade Wallace is a long-haired former soul surfer, devastatingly handsome, talented, and willing to take a chance on the rugged musician. Jasper, on the other hand, is deep in the closet.
With Jasper's career hanging in the balance, he can't promise Cade anything, and Cade eventually heads back to his full-time job as a truck driver, taking Jasper’s hopes of a relationship with him. If Jasper’s dream of a life together is ever to come true, he will have to take some big risks, putting both his career and his children’s security on the line.
200 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2014
11 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Tia Fielding
68 books231 followersTia Fielding is a Finnish author who loves witty people, words, peppermint, sarcasm, autumn, and the tiny beautiful things in life.
Tia identifies as genderqueer but isn’t strict about pronouns. Why? Because luckily, in her native language there aren’t gender-specific pronouns.
These days, preferring to live in the middle of nowhere with her fur babies is as big of a part of her psyche as writing. Tia likes to recharge in nature and tends to watch where she’s going through her cell phone’s camera.
In 2013 Tia’s novel Falling Into Place was recognized by the industry’s Rainbow Awards in the Best LGBT Erotic Romance (Bobby Michaels Award) category.
In 2019, her novel Four (Love by Numbers #2) won a Rainbow Award in the Best Transgender Contemporary category.
Facebook Reader Group: facebook.com/groups/spoondrawer/
Twitter: @tiafielding
Email: tiafielding@gmail.com
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/tiafielding
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 11, 2016
Well, that was awkward.
This book seemed like all kinds of up my alley: cowboys! washed-up country singers! last-chance romance!
Hell, yeah, and a side of ice cream.
But this wasn't awesome. *sad face*
Instead of feels and hot, sweaty man sex we get: divorced, maybe-gay, bi, in-the-closet, possibly gay-for-you, threesome-at-times complications; lots of ex something or others (wives, girlfriends, boyfriends) in the picture; meddlesome friends and family coming and going; mostly off-page sex; mostly off-page relationship.
There was telling, though, SO MUCH telling.
The ending should have made me giddy, but it all felt forced and flat.
This may well turn out to be a case of "everyone loved it but me."
I feel kind of bereft. And now I'm getting the hell off this pony.
This book seemed like all kinds of up my alley: cowboys! washed-up country singers! last-chance romance!
Hell, yeah, and a side of ice cream.
But this wasn't awesome. *sad face*
Instead of feels and hot, sweaty man sex we get: divorced, maybe-gay, bi, in-the-closet, possibly gay-for-you, threesome-at-times complications; lots of ex something or others (wives, girlfriends, boyfriends) in the picture; meddlesome friends and family coming and going; mostly off-page sex; mostly off-page relationship.
There was telling, though, SO MUCH telling.
The ending should have made me giddy, but it all felt forced and flat.
This may well turn out to be a case of "everyone loved it but me."
I feel kind of bereft. And now I'm getting the hell off this pony.
March 14, 2016
This one's been kicking around on my e-reader for a while now and for some reason it caught my eye the other day and I decided it was time. So here's the thing. I can't say I loved it...although I really wish I could and I don't feel like being redundant about the things that bothered me because honestly my friend Dani here on GR summed it up nicely so because I'm feeling lazy here's the link to her review...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm just going to expound for a moment here on one of the things that Dani covered in her review and that was the ending. To me it was over the top, throw in all the sappy sentiment and moments we can find and add a sprinkling of flowery gushiness...sorry, sometimes less is more and I think if the ending of this had been toned down a bit and put into a more believable context that alone would have improved this story significantly for me. Well that and a reasonable explanation of why anyone would go by the name Red Blue, hell I'm still trying to figure out why Ottawa wants a hockey team called 'The Red Blacks' I mean really? Just think with any luck maybe my parents could have named me Red Green because I like...oh damn, never mind, that names taken. I squirreled again, didn't I? Sorry. Ok let's wrap this up...
As for what I liked because there were things that I liked. I liked the overall idea behind this story to me it was about second chances, finding love, learning to forgive yourself for the mistakes of the past. Those are all things that appeal to me very much. I liked that Jasper was older that he was *gasp* 46 years old. Also coming from a small town environment and a large family I totally related to all the meddling but well meaning family and friends and found them to be rather amusing for the most part and I really liked the dogs. Yes there are dogs in this story and to be honest, they're around a lot. I like dogs so it only stands to reason that I like their presence in this story. There were horses too, although they weren't as present as the dogs and I'm going to end this torture with a quick nod to the cover. I do like that cover it's very reflective of the story and it incorporates some important story elements very nicely and they all lived HEA.
THE END!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm just going to expound for a moment here on one of the things that Dani covered in her review and that was the ending. To me it was over the top, throw in all the sappy sentiment and moments we can find and add a sprinkling of flowery gushiness...sorry, sometimes less is more and I think if the ending of this had been toned down a bit and put into a more believable context that alone would have improved this story significantly for me. Well that and a reasonable explanation of why anyone would go by the name Red Blue, hell I'm still trying to figure out why Ottawa wants a hockey team called 'The Red Blacks' I mean really? Just think with any luck maybe my parents could have named me Red Green because I like...oh damn, never mind, that names taken. I squirreled again, didn't I? Sorry. Ok let's wrap this up...
As for what I liked because there were things that I liked. I liked the overall idea behind this story to me it was about second chances, finding love, learning to forgive yourself for the mistakes of the past. Those are all things that appeal to me very much. I liked that Jasper was older that he was *gasp* 46 years old. Also coming from a small town environment and a large family I totally related to all the meddling but well meaning family and friends and found them to be rather amusing for the most part and I really liked the dogs. Yes there are dogs in this story and to be honest, they're around a lot. I like dogs so it only stands to reason that I like their presence in this story. There were horses too, although they weren't as present as the dogs and I'm going to end this torture with a quick nod to the cover. I do like that cover it's very reflective of the story and it incorporates some important story elements very nicely and they all lived HEA.
THE END!
April 12, 2014
Okay, I’ll admit to being a “woman of a certain age”. For those of you who aren’t one, that means around fifty years old. As someone who has earned every single damned gray hair and wrinkle and C-section scar, can I just say Hallef**kinglujah to Tia Fielding for writing a book, a LOVE story, with a main character who is forty-six years old. I have no idea when “they” decided that only the under 35 crowd got to fall in love, but “they” should piss off because love is there for everyone to trip over at whatever age it finds you. My mom, who is a serial monogamist, found her latest love at 62. They live happily and in relatively good health at the Jersey shore, because really, is there a more romantic place on Earth?
Mirage is the story of Jasper “Red” Blue, a washed up alcoholic country music star. In the six years since he dried out, he has been white-knuckling it on his property in Texas in virtual isolation. He has focused on his relationships with his kids and ex-wife. She has always know he’s gay, but the kids don’t. And he’s definitely not out to the public. His career hasn’t felt important as long as he had enough money to support his family and himself. But now he feels ready to make a new album. He unfortunately seems to have lost the ability to write a good song.
The brain-trust at his record label is able to hire an amazingly successful song-writer to come to the ranch and work with him to get enough songs together for an album. Cade Wallace is a full-time truck driver, part-time song writer who happens to be devastatingly hot and talented. He also wrote the most popular country music song to come along in many years. He arrives at Jasper’s home and sparks fly immediately. Cade makes it clear that he is gay but it takes a little longer for Jasper to admit the same to Cade.
Their song writing becomes a reflection of the development of their relationship. The songs are great, but their chemistry is incendiary. They spend months working on the album (that’s old-timey talk for a bunch of songs recorded at the same time by a band or artist). And in that time, Cade meets Jasper’s friends and his family and just carves out a place in Jasper’s heart and life. Jasper just isn’t willing to make any plans past the end of their collaboration, so Cade is forced to take a trucking job when they finish writing. He leaves Texas and doesn’t look back.
The connection between Jasper and Cade was great. It was lovely to see Jasper coming out as a gay man one toe at a time until he got a much needed shove. But it was a good thing. Being a woman of a certain age also enables me to recognize how impossible it can seem to make a big life change at that age. To switch up everything you know, and that people think they know about you. Jasper may never have stepped out of the closet if it hadn’t been for that shove. It’s hard to undo 46 years of thinking and behavior.
While Cade is on the road not looking back, Jasper is figuring how he can get Cade to come back to him. Jasper’s ex-wife and kids are awesome supporting characters through the whole book, but especially here. They fall in line behind Jasper and have his back in a way that is only possible if they really believe in him and trust his sobriety and dedication to them. If Cade won’t take his phone calls, he’s gonna have to do it up right.
One big, public gesture coming right up. I’m not going to spoil it for you. Just know that I was shaking in my boots for Jasper. I was crying with him as he did it up right. With his ex by his side. It was so sweet and romantic and brave. I jumped out of my chair, I was so excited. That was before I really got in to the meat of the scene and started crying. So good. The way a love story is meant to be told.
Tia Fielding, Tia Fielding, how did you do it up right with Mirage? Let me count the ways: your main character is 46 years old, he is a GINGER!!!!!, he’s a triple threat (he writes, plays and sings), and he is a country singer. We have read enough closeted rock stars to fill an arena, and I will still read them, because there’s just something about a rock star, but there aren’t a lot of gay country music stars. In fiction, I mean. That’s four ways that Tia Fielding did it up right with this book. Just so happens to coincide with the number of stars in my rating. Go figure.
Mirage is the story of Jasper “Red” Blue, a washed up alcoholic country music star. In the six years since he dried out, he has been white-knuckling it on his property in Texas in virtual isolation. He has focused on his relationships with his kids and ex-wife. She has always know he’s gay, but the kids don’t. And he’s definitely not out to the public. His career hasn’t felt important as long as he had enough money to support his family and himself. But now he feels ready to make a new album. He unfortunately seems to have lost the ability to write a good song.
The brain-trust at his record label is able to hire an amazingly successful song-writer to come to the ranch and work with him to get enough songs together for an album. Cade Wallace is a full-time truck driver, part-time song writer who happens to be devastatingly hot and talented. He also wrote the most popular country music song to come along in many years. He arrives at Jasper’s home and sparks fly immediately. Cade makes it clear that he is gay but it takes a little longer for Jasper to admit the same to Cade.
Their song writing becomes a reflection of the development of their relationship. The songs are great, but their chemistry is incendiary. They spend months working on the album (that’s old-timey talk for a bunch of songs recorded at the same time by a band or artist). And in that time, Cade meets Jasper’s friends and his family and just carves out a place in Jasper’s heart and life. Jasper just isn’t willing to make any plans past the end of their collaboration, so Cade is forced to take a trucking job when they finish writing. He leaves Texas and doesn’t look back.
The connection between Jasper and Cade was great. It was lovely to see Jasper coming out as a gay man one toe at a time until he got a much needed shove. But it was a good thing. Being a woman of a certain age also enables me to recognize how impossible it can seem to make a big life change at that age. To switch up everything you know, and that people think they know about you. Jasper may never have stepped out of the closet if it hadn’t been for that shove. It’s hard to undo 46 years of thinking and behavior.
While Cade is on the road not looking back, Jasper is figuring how he can get Cade to come back to him. Jasper’s ex-wife and kids are awesome supporting characters through the whole book, but especially here. They fall in line behind Jasper and have his back in a way that is only possible if they really believe in him and trust his sobriety and dedication to them. If Cade won’t take his phone calls, he’s gonna have to do it up right.
One big, public gesture coming right up. I’m not going to spoil it for you. Just know that I was shaking in my boots for Jasper. I was crying with him as he did it up right. With his ex by his side. It was so sweet and romantic and brave. I jumped out of my chair, I was so excited. That was before I really got in to the meat of the scene and started crying. So good. The way a love story is meant to be told.
Tia Fielding, Tia Fielding, how did you do it up right with Mirage? Let me count the ways: your main character is 46 years old, he is a GINGER!!!!!, he’s a triple threat (he writes, plays and sings), and he is a country singer. We have read enough closeted rock stars to fill an arena, and I will still read them, because there’s just something about a rock star, but there aren’t a lot of gay country music stars. In fiction, I mean. That’s four ways that Tia Fielding did it up right with this book. Just so happens to coincide with the number of stars in my rating. Go figure.
June 19, 2014
4,5 stars
Tia Fielding is a new author to me and when I came across the blurb of Mirage I immediately new this story would be the perfect opportunity to get to know her writing.
The age of Jasper Blue aka ‘Red’ was the first thing that fascinated me. If you read M/M romances you will be used to heroes of a ‘certain' age, it seems unusual for MC’s older than 25 or 30 to fall in love. So it was refreshingly different that Jasper is forty-six and still has the ‘right’ to hope for the love of his life.
When Jasper starts talking about his life you feel the sadness and the loneliness behind his words. He’s a forty-six years old washed-up alcoholic, a country music star who lives in self-imposed isolation with his horses and his dogs Smith and Wesson (the ‘Munitions’, how a certain guy calls them later), somewhere on a ranch in Texas. Even so he’s been clean and sober for a few years now the possibility of falling off the wagon is still his daily reality. His ex-wife, who knows that he is gay, still loves him dearly and supports him as best she can. Jasper’s career, though, never gave him the opportunity to step out of the closet. Being a country star and openly gay? Keep on dreaming!
Anyway, after six years without any new music Jasper is determined to make a new album and is looking for a song-writer to help him with the lyrics. Cade Wallace is the name of the truck driver and song writer who shows up at Jasper’s ranch and starts working with him. Hot, talented, with beautiful long dark hair, a movie-star smile, and ten years younger, he is Jasper’s dream guy, the sparks immediately fly and soon Jasper has to decide if Cade is only a mirage that is going to vanish into thin air or if they can build something together.
Tia's relationship development of Jasper and Cade is so emotional, her writing, remarkable. I loved the chemistry between them, the tension was building nicely and I couldn’t wait to see them getting to the point when all the intensity between them just exploded! And when that happened… after some heart breaking moments of embarrassment… wow, it was so brilliant, emotionally written…. I was in heaven!
Those two are just a perfect fit and I loved that the story is more focused on the relationship between Cade and Jasper and not always the sex. Mirage touches some areas of sexuality that aren't usually included in the average M/M romance and makes it very real. Those two men have tasted the bitterness of life, have both gone through so many ups and downs, they are marvellously imperfect with their insecurities and inadequacies, wonderfully damaged and lovable with their different backgrounds.
The story has a really nice and solid pace and it’s so easy to fall for both of the guys. You love with them, you suffer with them…. and you want to kick their asses, when their insecurities, their stubbornness and their fear seem to destroy their love.
Mirage is one of those stories where you fall as easily for the secondary character as you do for the MCs. They are so realistically done, so lovable and engaging, a strong support system to Jasper and Cade. They love these two men and would do anything to help them finding their HEA. I only want to mention one of those incredible friends, Mia, a trans character, a cheerful girl.
Mirage is brilliantly written, it made me smile, it made me sad, it made me feel for the guys, I just wanted to hug them and make it all better! Recommended to those who like a character driven story with lots of heart, dogs, kids, horses, country music and a sentimental, sappy ending, the epilogue just blew me away. Highly recommended!
March 19, 2014
This was a great book. A couple of the plot choices irritated the ever-loving hell out of me, but they're standard M/M plot devices (i.e. cliche) that are starting to piss me off in all books so I won't make an example of this book for 2 moments where I clenched my teeth. This was really a fabulous story. I love that they were older. I LOVE how true and imperfect and insecure Jasper/Red was. His flaws made him so real and so perfect. Aside from the whole Reina thing that gave me a twitch and the fact there was no one in the man's life he HADNT had sex with, I really liked Cade as a character, maybe not so much as a person... Regardless. This books had me all tense during the separation and happy for the reunion. I loved the inclusion of Mia. What an unexpectedly powerful, yet very subtle inclusion of a trans* character and letting it be as it should: not worth more than the passing "oh she's trans*" moment. Kudos on that. I also like that this one didn't go down the path typical musician stories do where the guy comes out, becomes even more desired, wins a grammy and becomes a bigger superstar. While the sentiment behind writing that stuff is precious, letting it just be...legit...was refreshing. Not that he failed and people hated him and life sucked or anything, it was just realistic. So this is why, despite those twitchy cliche moments, I had to love this book. There were way more happy surprises about this book. Great work.
Solid story. I'd recommend.
Solid story. I'd recommend.
dnf
September 20, 2024DNF 31% – This isn’t working for me on any level. The characters feel one dimensional, the writing is dry, and parts have felt like either a PSA for pit bulls or a lesson on different sexualities. So many J names!! Jasper, Jolene, JJ, Janelle, Jet, heck there was even a horse named Jupiter!! 🙄 Don’t even get me started on the MC’s name…Red Blue. Seriously?? Give the guy a different last name.
No thanks. Moving on. Glad it was free when I picked it up.
No thanks. Moving on. Glad it was free when I picked it up.
June 13, 2014
I was expecting more from this title. The blurb pulled me in, but the execution left a lot to be desired. And those are the same problems I’ve had with other Tia Fielding books.
Too much happened off-page. I would’ve loved to actually see Jasper and Cade’s relationship develop instead of being told about it. And I would’ve liked for their sexual tension to last a bit longer than Cade’s first couple days of being there. When Cade came on to Jasper it felt like it was coming out of left field and I was really wondering if I had missed something. After shacking up and doing it like rabbits (which we don’t get to see, either), weeks go by and characters pop in and out giggling and teasing up a storm. If you’re going to deny the reader sex scenes, at the very least make their out-of-bedroom relationship interesting and perhaps give me some delayed gratification.
Information was needlessly repeated, like Cade’s racial/ethnic background. Side note: Jasper’s son is white and he needs to get over it. And caucasian does not mean you’re white.
As soon as the nosy mother-figure came into play, I should’ve known I was headed down the “meddling friends and family members” road. I’m all for secondary characters chiming in to tell the MC(s) they need to take their head out their asses (how many times have you wanted to do that to a character?), but I can not stand when they play the go-betweens and romance advisors when the MCs need to talk to each other directly. I can put up with a lot of horrible writing cliches but I refuse to put up with that one.
I liked Jasper and Cade as a couple for what little on-page time we get to see them together. But there were too many other characters that, though likable, detracted from the story the MCs could’ve had.
2.5 Stars.
Too much happened off-page. I would’ve loved to actually see Jasper and Cade’s relationship develop instead of being told about it. And I would’ve liked for their sexual tension to last a bit longer than Cade’s first couple days of being there. When Cade came on to Jasper it felt like it was coming out of left field and I was really wondering if I had missed something. After shacking up and doing it like rabbits (which we don’t get to see, either), weeks go by and characters pop in and out giggling and teasing up a storm. If you’re going to deny the reader sex scenes, at the very least make their out-of-bedroom relationship interesting and perhaps give me some delayed gratification.
Information was needlessly repeated, like Cade’s racial/ethnic background. Side note: Jasper’s son is white and he needs to get over it. And caucasian does not mean you’re white.
As soon as the nosy mother-figure came into play, I should’ve known I was headed down the “meddling friends and family members” road. I’m all for secondary characters chiming in to tell the MC(s) they need to take their head out their asses (how many times have you wanted to do that to a character?), but I can not stand when they play the go-betweens and romance advisors when the MCs need to talk to each other directly. I can put up with a lot of horrible writing cliches but I refuse to put up with that one.
I liked Jasper and Cade as a couple for what little on-page time we get to see them together. But there were too many other characters that, though likable, detracted from the story the MCs could’ve had.
2.5 Stars.
April 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. Tia Fielding is quickly becoming one of my favorite ‘romance” writers. She can get down and dirty with the best, but at the core of all of her stories is a sweet love story.
At the beginning of Mirage, Jasper is a hot mess. Literally, from the first page, you can feel his insecurities peeking through. And based on his family’s reactions, he has good reasons. He’s been clean and sober for a while, but the possibility of falling off the wagon is his daily reality. Cade isn’t as obviously broken, but as the story progresses, you realize that he ain’t as together as you might think.
This story had a really nice pace. I was a bit concerned at how fast they came out to each other, but that was the only thing fast about this relationship. Both men want forever, but neither knows how to ask for it.
And this is one of those stories, where you love the secondary characters as much as you do the leads. If Tia Fielding decides to turn this into a series, she has already introduced us to a few characters that are strong enough to carry a full novel. Hell, I even liked the ex-wife and ex-friend with benefits.
All in all, a solid story that kept me clickin’ my Kindle. Realistic characters who have to work for their happily ever after.
Highly recommend.
At the beginning of Mirage, Jasper is a hot mess. Literally, from the first page, you can feel his insecurities peeking through. And based on his family’s reactions, he has good reasons. He’s been clean and sober for a while, but the possibility of falling off the wagon is his daily reality. Cade isn’t as obviously broken, but as the story progresses, you realize that he ain’t as together as you might think.
This story had a really nice pace. I was a bit concerned at how fast they came out to each other, but that was the only thing fast about this relationship. Both men want forever, but neither knows how to ask for it.
And this is one of those stories, where you love the secondary characters as much as you do the leads. If Tia Fielding decides to turn this into a series, she has already introduced us to a few characters that are strong enough to carry a full novel. Hell, I even liked the ex-wife and ex-friend with benefits.
All in all, a solid story that kept me clickin’ my Kindle. Realistic characters who have to work for their happily ever after.
Highly recommend.
May 30, 2014
I think I'm in the minority here in that I didn't love this book. I barely liked it. I didn't feel the story, I just read it. I don't know if that makes sense but it's like each part of the book worked up to something and then we were told about it after it happened. We didn't experience them as they occurred. Gah, it's hard to explain but it just didn't work for me. The 3 stars is for the parts of the book, and there were a few, that really did work. Not bad just not my favorite.
March 17, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.25 Stars
Tia Fielding delivers once again.
Jasper Blue aka ‘Red’ is a Country singer who has reaped the rewards of his success but now lives with his demons and finds himself unable to find the words and lyrics for his latest album. Six years ago he found the strength to deal with his alcoholism but there is not a day that goes by when he doesn’t live with the temptation or relive his imagined failures. Just because he no longer drinks does not mean he is cured.
Long time friend and producer Kenny suggests they bring in a songwriter and when they manage to hire the very talented and popular Cade Wallace things begin to look up. Cade arrives at Reds house and for the next couple of months the two men find the lyrics within themselves for the next album but also so much more. Never has Red felt so ‘safe’ as he does when he is with Cade.
Red lives in the closet and in his own words he is so far in there that he would probably need a torch to find his way out. You will grow to love this strong, needy and very loving man who has so little faith in himself. He lives almost in seclusion but has a very strong group of friends and family who provide a support system when required.
Cade is a trucker and never stays in one place too long. Like Red he has a strong support system in his friends but he is looking for someone and not somewhere that he can call home. It hurts him to think he may have found this with Red but with circumstances out of his control he may lose it just as quickly.
The first time these two men ended up in bed together my heart broke a little. With the after affects of his alcoholism causing Red shame and embarrassment Cade was so gentle with him. I think this was where the relationship changed and although neither men knew at the time there was no going back from this point.
With the album finished and Red terrified for his career if his adoring public find out he is gay Cade leaves and returns to his trucking. This is devastating for both men. In the past Red would have turned to the bottle to help deal with his feelings and loss but if he is to keep his promises to his family and have any chance of getting back the man he loves he has to fight more than his fear of drinking.
There are some amazing secondary characters in this book who love these two men and would do anything to help them including showing a beaten up country singer that bravery and honesty can reap spectacular rewards both on stage and off.
4.25 Stars
Tia Fielding delivers once again.
Jasper Blue aka ‘Red’ is a Country singer who has reaped the rewards of his success but now lives with his demons and finds himself unable to find the words and lyrics for his latest album. Six years ago he found the strength to deal with his alcoholism but there is not a day that goes by when he doesn’t live with the temptation or relive his imagined failures. Just because he no longer drinks does not mean he is cured.
Long time friend and producer Kenny suggests they bring in a songwriter and when they manage to hire the very talented and popular Cade Wallace things begin to look up. Cade arrives at Reds house and for the next couple of months the two men find the lyrics within themselves for the next album but also so much more. Never has Red felt so ‘safe’ as he does when he is with Cade.
Red lives in the closet and in his own words he is so far in there that he would probably need a torch to find his way out. You will grow to love this strong, needy and very loving man who has so little faith in himself. He lives almost in seclusion but has a very strong group of friends and family who provide a support system when required.
Cade is a trucker and never stays in one place too long. Like Red he has a strong support system in his friends but he is looking for someone and not somewhere that he can call home. It hurts him to think he may have found this with Red but with circumstances out of his control he may lose it just as quickly.
The first time these two men ended up in bed together my heart broke a little. With the after affects of his alcoholism causing Red shame and embarrassment Cade was so gentle with him. I think this was where the relationship changed and although neither men knew at the time there was no going back from this point.
With the album finished and Red terrified for his career if his adoring public find out he is gay Cade leaves and returns to his trucking. This is devastating for both men. In the past Red would have turned to the bottle to help deal with his feelings and loss but if he is to keep his promises to his family and have any chance of getting back the man he loves he has to fight more than his fear of drinking.
There are some amazing secondary characters in this book who love these two men and would do anything to help them including showing a beaten up country singer that bravery and honesty can reap spectacular rewards both on stage and off.
back-burner-for-now
March 17, 2014Has anyone started this? Mirage looks REALLY good and Tia Fielding is a personal favorite, but I'd love to hear how this one is going before I dive in.
April 19, 2020
Good
This is the second book I've read by Tia Fielding and I must say the author writes a cracking story. The storyline is written beautifully and the characters have enough depth to make you feel they're actually real people. The chemistry between the two main characters is instant but nothing feels rushed about their relationship. There is lots going on in book to keep you turning those pages quickly. I would definitely recommend.
This is the second book I've read by Tia Fielding and I must say the author writes a cracking story. The storyline is written beautifully and the characters have enough depth to make you feel they're actually real people. The chemistry between the two main characters is instant but nothing feels rushed about their relationship. There is lots going on in book to keep you turning those pages quickly. I would definitely recommend.
January 13, 2020
Awesome, realistic
I really enjoyed this book...emotions all over the place with this one....fear, homophobia in country music...the ongoing battle for a recovering alcoholic...the power of love...
I really enjoyed this book...emotions all over the place with this one....fear, homophobia in country music...the ongoing battle for a recovering alcoholic...the power of love...
January 29, 2020
This was a solid 3 stars until the epilogue. That epilogue was the worst thing since the Deathly Hallows one. It ruined everything for me. It took me almost one day to finish that last chapter it was SO bad. So my rec to you, dear reader: skip the epilogue. Nothing good really happens there.
June 4, 2023
This one wasn't a good fit for me.
I failed to really feel much for either Jasper or Cade.
Story wise I was bored and disconnected from any real feelings, even the dogs could not help as they were way too perfect for me to believe in.
I failed to really feel much for either Jasper or Cade.
Story wise I was bored and disconnected from any real feelings, even the dogs could not help as they were way too perfect for me to believe in.
May 19, 2018
3-3.5/5
It was fine, a bit mellow imo.
It was fine, a bit mellow imo.
January 20, 2020
“Life is like a camera; focus on what's important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if it goes wrong...take another shot.” ~ Unknown
Jasper (Red) Blue, of 'Mirage' by Tia Fielding, has made some bad decisions in his life, such as, becoming an alcoholic and marrying a woman knowing he is attracted to men; but for each mistake he's made, he's come back stronger. He's licked alcohol and in the process of turning his life around; he's also managed, despite the divorce, to keep a good relationship with his ex-wife and children. It's hard for Jasper to see what he's accomplished because of all that's gone wrong, but Jasper is working hard to do so. In the past, Jasper has never asked for help; he's always tried to manage on his own, but this time, it's clear that what he needs most can't be achieved by himself. He needs someone to motivate him and share his successes.
All of his life, Jasper has done what's best for everyone except himself. He's gay, but terrified to come out of the closet because of what it would do to his career. Being in country music makes it even harder; because country and gay don't mix well. His manager, Kenny, has advised him to keep his feelings hidden, creating, yet another, obstacle to his happiness. There's still a lot of good in Jasper's life and he's grateful for it. He's surrounded by a group of loyal, nurturing friends, which include his ex-wife and his children. Jasper wants to prove to them, even more than to himself, that he can succeed. When his manager sends Cade Wallace, successful country song writer, to help with Jasper's comeback album, they click right away. When he and Cade become lovers, it feels more right than anything has in Jasper’s life; but when his ex-wife alludes to their affair, closeted Jasper is terrified and becomes very angry. Unfortunately this outburst leads to him having to come out to his children. Even though they take it in stride, he tries to downplay it , and, in the process, hurts Cade a great deal and puts a seemingly unsurmountable wall between them. So close before, so attuned to each other’s needs, the denial puts them at odds. Feeling unsure about their places in each other's lives, leads to a separation which neither of them truly want and breaks both of their hearts. Jasper realizes too late that Cade is his soul mate and that he's pushed him away. After months of being apart, he comes up with a plan which he hopes will win him back.
Cade Wallace has an interesting background, being Maori, Caucasian, and Hawaiian. He's lived a nomadic life, first as a beach bum and surfer, then as a big rig driver and part-time song writer. Cade doesn't have many friends, but those he does have are very close. His best friend is his dog, who goes almost everywhere with him. When Cade is commissioned to help write lyrics for Red (Jasper) Blue he's not sure what to expect, but he's encouraged by their amicable online communications. When they meet face-to-face, their personalities click right away, both musically and personally. Cade has always guarded his heart, not really believing in love, but, almost before he knows it, he's fallen for Jasper. Cade is certain that Jasper feels the same way until he betrays him by diminishing their relationship instead of affirming it. With one of Cade's greatest fears realized, all he can do is leave, protecting what little dignity he has left. Cade goes about his life, trying to forget Jasper and get his perspective back, but the pain is so intense, he doesn't know if he will be able to do so. Fortunately, when Jasper makes a huge, romantic, yet risky gesture, Cade returns to the man he loves.
'Mirage' is written with a slow, steady pace, spending enough time on each issue to make it clear instead of rushing it or generalizing it too much. Tia has invented some wonderfully damaged, likable, and different characters with diverse backgrounds, i.e., a ménage between Cade, a lover, and his wife, an ex-lover who is still his best friend and confidant, and a transgender male to female teen. I commend Tina for incorporating these unique, intriguing characters into her story. I recommend this book to those who like a character driven story with lots of heart, including country music, horses, dogs, kids, and a ranch where anyone who loves good people and lots of music could live most happily. Thank you, Tia, for letting us follow Jasper and Cade to their happily ever after.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jasper (Red) Blue, of 'Mirage' by Tia Fielding, has made some bad decisions in his life, such as, becoming an alcoholic and marrying a woman knowing he is attracted to men; but for each mistake he's made, he's come back stronger. He's licked alcohol and in the process of turning his life around; he's also managed, despite the divorce, to keep a good relationship with his ex-wife and children. It's hard for Jasper to see what he's accomplished because of all that's gone wrong, but Jasper is working hard to do so. In the past, Jasper has never asked for help; he's always tried to manage on his own, but this time, it's clear that what he needs most can't be achieved by himself. He needs someone to motivate him and share his successes.
All of his life, Jasper has done what's best for everyone except himself. He's gay, but terrified to come out of the closet because of what it would do to his career. Being in country music makes it even harder; because country and gay don't mix well. His manager, Kenny, has advised him to keep his feelings hidden, creating, yet another, obstacle to his happiness. There's still a lot of good in Jasper's life and he's grateful for it. He's surrounded by a group of loyal, nurturing friends, which include his ex-wife and his children. Jasper wants to prove to them, even more than to himself, that he can succeed. When his manager sends Cade Wallace, successful country song writer, to help with Jasper's comeback album, they click right away. When he and Cade become lovers, it feels more right than anything has in Jasper’s life; but when his ex-wife alludes to their affair, closeted Jasper is terrified and becomes very angry. Unfortunately this outburst leads to him having to come out to his children. Even though they take it in stride, he tries to downplay it , and, in the process, hurts Cade a great deal and puts a seemingly unsurmountable wall between them. So close before, so attuned to each other’s needs, the denial puts them at odds. Feeling unsure about their places in each other's lives, leads to a separation which neither of them truly want and breaks both of their hearts. Jasper realizes too late that Cade is his soul mate and that he's pushed him away. After months of being apart, he comes up with a plan which he hopes will win him back.
Cade Wallace has an interesting background, being Maori, Caucasian, and Hawaiian. He's lived a nomadic life, first as a beach bum and surfer, then as a big rig driver and part-time song writer. Cade doesn't have many friends, but those he does have are very close. His best friend is his dog, who goes almost everywhere with him. When Cade is commissioned to help write lyrics for Red (Jasper) Blue he's not sure what to expect, but he's encouraged by their amicable online communications. When they meet face-to-face, their personalities click right away, both musically and personally. Cade has always guarded his heart, not really believing in love, but, almost before he knows it, he's fallen for Jasper. Cade is certain that Jasper feels the same way until he betrays him by diminishing their relationship instead of affirming it. With one of Cade's greatest fears realized, all he can do is leave, protecting what little dignity he has left. Cade goes about his life, trying to forget Jasper and get his perspective back, but the pain is so intense, he doesn't know if he will be able to do so. Fortunately, when Jasper makes a huge, romantic, yet risky gesture, Cade returns to the man he loves.
'Mirage' is written with a slow, steady pace, spending enough time on each issue to make it clear instead of rushing it or generalizing it too much. Tia has invented some wonderfully damaged, likable, and different characters with diverse backgrounds, i.e., a ménage between Cade, a lover, and his wife, an ex-lover who is still his best friend and confidant, and a transgender male to female teen. I commend Tina for incorporating these unique, intriguing characters into her story. I recommend this book to those who like a character driven story with lots of heart, including country music, horses, dogs, kids, and a ranch where anyone who loves good people and lots of music could live most happily. Thank you, Tia, for letting us follow Jasper and Cade to their happily ever after.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 27, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Mirage is about country star Jasper "Red" Blue. A recovering addict, a washout, a father. Try as he might, his songs cannot get out. He has the tunes but there are no lyrics to make them come alive.
Cade Wallace is a song writer in secret, a truck driver by day. He has several hits to his credit and after meeting Jasper, he is willing to take the chance and make the silent tunes come to life.
When Jasper meets Cade, there is an attraction that brews between them. Hopefully, this does not distract them from their main goal of songwriting. Should they both pass the tests thrown their way, this may just be a relationship they had been searching for all their lives.
Although the plot of Mirage would best be described by some as formulaic, it really is not. This is the story of two older men who finally get to realize what all those young hunky and twinky men do in the usual MM HEA plots. These two men have tasted the bitterness of life, have both gone through so many ups and downs, successes, failures and more. They are older, they are wiser. The way this story unfolded, it was definitely not formulaic.
What I really loved about this book was the men's imperfections. The author did not hold back on the men's feelings of insecurities, feelings of inadequacies. She did not hold back on their secret fears of probably failing their loved ones, especially Red whose drive for giving his children the best he could was tempered only with his drive to hope that Cade feels loved and is loved.
This was a beautiful read, imperfections, cliches, formulaicness and all. It made me smile, it made me think, it made me feel.
Mirage is about country star Jasper "Red" Blue. A recovering addict, a washout, a father. Try as he might, his songs cannot get out. He has the tunes but there are no lyrics to make them come alive.
Cade Wallace is a song writer in secret, a truck driver by day. He has several hits to his credit and after meeting Jasper, he is willing to take the chance and make the silent tunes come to life.
When Jasper meets Cade, there is an attraction that brews between them. Hopefully, this does not distract them from their main goal of songwriting. Should they both pass the tests thrown their way, this may just be a relationship they had been searching for all their lives.
Although the plot of Mirage would best be described by some as formulaic, it really is not. This is the story of two older men who finally get to realize what all those young hunky and twinky men do in the usual MM HEA plots. These two men have tasted the bitterness of life, have both gone through so many ups and downs, successes, failures and more. They are older, they are wiser. The way this story unfolded, it was definitely not formulaic.
What I really loved about this book was the men's imperfections. The author did not hold back on the men's feelings of insecurities, feelings of inadequacies. She did not hold back on their secret fears of probably failing their loved ones, especially Red whose drive for giving his children the best he could was tempered only with his drive to hope that Cade feels loved and is loved.
This was a beautiful read, imperfections, cliches, formulaicness and all. It made me smile, it made me think, it made me feel.
April 26, 2014
Hearts on Fire Review
****4 1/2 stars****
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25991
Jasper “Red” Blue is a forty six year old country musician who has seen better days professionally and personally. The one thing he is going right is successfully battle his illness with alcoholism for six years. Jasper wants to put out a new album but he needs help writing it. Jasper is a gay man so firmly in the closet that his children did not know. Jasper works hard to make changes to his life. Sometimes battling ourselves is the hardest thing.
Cade Wallace works as a trucker and as a musical writer. Cade is a thirty six year old man who is always on the move. Cade and Jasper have many similar interests. Cade does not have a permanent home and seems to be always on the move.
Jasper’s record company pairs them up and sparks fly. I loved that Cade helped Jasper come to grips with who he is and when he might have lost the man. I also enjoyed that Jasper also helped Cade as well. They were a perfect fit. I also loved that this book was more focused on the relationship between Cade and Jasper and not sex.
I found this book to be well written. The main and secondary characters were interesting and engaging. I loved how realistic Cade and Jasper fall in love with each other. Overall, this was a great story.
****4 1/2 stars****
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25991
Jasper “Red” Blue is a forty six year old country musician who has seen better days professionally and personally. The one thing he is going right is successfully battle his illness with alcoholism for six years. Jasper wants to put out a new album but he needs help writing it. Jasper is a gay man so firmly in the closet that his children did not know. Jasper works hard to make changes to his life. Sometimes battling ourselves is the hardest thing.
Cade Wallace works as a trucker and as a musical writer. Cade is a thirty six year old man who is always on the move. Cade and Jasper have many similar interests. Cade does not have a permanent home and seems to be always on the move.
Jasper’s record company pairs them up and sparks fly. I loved that Cade helped Jasper come to grips with who he is and when he might have lost the man. I also enjoyed that Jasper also helped Cade as well. They were a perfect fit. I also loved that this book was more focused on the relationship between Cade and Jasper and not sex.
I found this book to be well written. The main and secondary characters were interesting and engaging. I loved how realistic Cade and Jasper fall in love with each other. Overall, this was a great story.
November 29, 2019
Re-read: Nov/19 - 4.5 stars
Jasper is a country singer who hasn't had a hit in several years. He is also a recovering alcoholic. He wants to make sure that his children have a secure future, so he starts writing songs for a new album. His record label finds a songwriter for him, and Jasper likes the work that he has done, so he agrees to work with him.
Cade is a trucker who also writes country songs. He hasn't really ever had a home, choosing to keep some things at a friend's place, but not having much in the way of belongings. When he first meets Jasper, he is attracted, but doesn't seriously believe that anything will come of it because Jasper belongs in the country world, and because Cade doesn't form long-lasting relationships. Friendships, yes. Relationships, not so much.
As Cade and Jasper write together, they stop fighting their attraction. But Jasper isn't out to anyone, except his ex-wife and a couple of friends, and Cade has never really been in.
I enjoyed this. Cade and Jasper felt very real, with real foibles and attitudes. They were both living mixed up lives, had their support people and friends. Jasper in particular, with his determination to not drink, felt especially vulnerable.
4 stars
Jasper is a country singer who hasn't had a hit in several years. He is also a recovering alcoholic. He wants to make sure that his children have a secure future, so he starts writing songs for a new album. His record label finds a songwriter for him, and Jasper likes the work that he has done, so he agrees to work with him.
Cade is a trucker who also writes country songs. He hasn't really ever had a home, choosing to keep some things at a friend's place, but not having much in the way of belongings. When he first meets Jasper, he is attracted, but doesn't seriously believe that anything will come of it because Jasper belongs in the country world, and because Cade doesn't form long-lasting relationships. Friendships, yes. Relationships, not so much.
As Cade and Jasper write together, they stop fighting their attraction. But Jasper isn't out to anyone, except his ex-wife and a couple of friends, and Cade has never really been in.
I enjoyed this. Cade and Jasper felt very real, with real foibles and attitudes. They were both living mixed up lives, had their support people and friends. Jasper in particular, with his determination to not drink, felt especially vulnerable.
4 stars
June 3, 2014
I really liked this story. Red and Cade are both afraid of different things. They are both insecure in their own ways. The risks are great, but so are is the love if they can get past the fear and really go for it. They might indeed lose some things or feel some discomfort, but is that worth possibly missing out on the greatest love of a lifetime?
I particularly thought the description of the physical discomforts that Red felt as he's trying to get on with things and move forward with his life were really well written - his emotional and gut reactions to his circumstances really made me understand him and care for him even more. Well done!
I loved that these guys weren't "kids" and that they were serious about understanding what they wanted and what they were asking of the other. Neither was perfect and both had some damage from the past for various reasons (just like everybody in the real world). That made them much better characters in my opinion and better for each other.
I particularly thought the description of the physical discomforts that Red felt as he's trying to get on with things and move forward with his life were really well written - his emotional and gut reactions to his circumstances really made me understand him and care for him even more. Well done!
I loved that these guys weren't "kids" and that they were serious about understanding what they wanted and what they were asking of the other. Neither was perfect and both had some damage from the past for various reasons (just like everybody in the real world). That made them much better characters in my opinion and better for each other.
September 25, 2015
In a lot of ways this book doesn't go off the beaten path for this type of story line. Closeted gay musician meets the love of his life and has to come out to keep the guy. There aren't any twists and turns and there isn't a lot of surprises. But one thing this book does do that many of them don't is it keeps the angst level down and character development up. There isn't over the top paparazzi, jealous exs, evil record producers, or epic misunderstandings. Everyone around the couple wants them to be together and supports them. They have the problem segment where they step back from each other but it isn't done is hysterics or TSTL moments. For that alone this book is well worth the 4 star rating.
May 8, 2014
Very well written, great story and 2 main characters who are very different but mesh perfectly. In a way, the blurb doesn't do the story justice. Their professions are a minor part; the main story is the character growth of both MCs, the barriers they overcome and their HEA. Also, it touches on some areas of sexuality that aren't usually included in the average M/M romance and made it very real.
September 8, 2016
3.5 stars
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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