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Irons and Works #4
Bio-Mechanical
Figlio di un predicatore battista del Sud, James Gossett doveva diventare una sola cosa: un uomo cristiano, eterosessuale e timorato di Dio. Non ha aiutato che fin dalla giovane età, James abbia saputo di essere diverso. Ha nascosto la verità a se stesso e alla propria famiglia, finché un terribile incidente durante una simulazione di routine, subito dopo l’addestramento di base, gli è costato entrambe le gambe e per poco anche la vita. Con la consapevolezza di ciò che aveva già perso, James ha deciso di fare coming out e con quello ha perso anche il resto della sua famiglia.
Sistemandosi a Fairfield, James ha riscoperto cosa volesse dire fare parte di una famiglia che lo ama per ciò che è, ma ha ancora un grosso segreto che conserva gelosamente. Nonostante la sua reputazione promiscua, James è vergine in ogni senso della parola, e non sa se questo cambierà mai.
Rowan Balk si è dedicato a un’unica missione: assicurarsi che nessun bambino soffra ciò che ha sofferto lui a causa di un sistema pieno di pregiudizi. Dopo esser stato strappato alla madre adottiva disabile, poco tempo dopo che le era stata diagnosticata la sclerosi multipla, Rowan è cresciuto con la missione di fare in modo che nessuno provi il suo dolore. La sua determinazione, però, è a scapito della sua possibilità di trovare l’amore e finché non mette piede a Fairfield quello gli è sempre andato bene. Poi ha posato gli occhi sul tranquillo tatuatore del Sud con occhi pieni di segreti e una bocca su cui morire per giorni. Ma Rowan non è il tipo di persona da mettere la propria vita sottosopra per un uomo, anche se dentro di sé sa che James Gossett è probabilmente quello giusto. Quando è ovvio che James lo voglia, almeno quanto lo vuole lui, Rowan si rende conto che non può dire di no. Quindi gli fa una proposta: lo aiuterà a scoprire se stesso in camera da letto, senza legami, finché Rowan non lascerà lo Stato.
Sarà abbastanza per entrambi gli uomini solitari? O troveranno un modo di stare insieme, nonostante la distanza tra di loro?
Sistemandosi a Fairfield, James ha riscoperto cosa volesse dire fare parte di una famiglia che lo ama per ciò che è, ma ha ancora un grosso segreto che conserva gelosamente. Nonostante la sua reputazione promiscua, James è vergine in ogni senso della parola, e non sa se questo cambierà mai.
Rowan Balk si è dedicato a un’unica missione: assicurarsi che nessun bambino soffra ciò che ha sofferto lui a causa di un sistema pieno di pregiudizi. Dopo esser stato strappato alla madre adottiva disabile, poco tempo dopo che le era stata diagnosticata la sclerosi multipla, Rowan è cresciuto con la missione di fare in modo che nessuno provi il suo dolore. La sua determinazione, però, è a scapito della sua possibilità di trovare l’amore e finché non mette piede a Fairfield quello gli è sempre andato bene. Poi ha posato gli occhi sul tranquillo tatuatore del Sud con occhi pieni di segreti e una bocca su cui morire per giorni. Ma Rowan non è il tipo di persona da mettere la propria vita sottosopra per un uomo, anche se dentro di sé sa che James Gossett è probabilmente quello giusto. Quando è ovvio che James lo voglia, almeno quanto lo vuole lui, Rowan si rende conto che non può dire di no. Quindi gli fa una proposta: lo aiuterà a scoprire se stesso in camera da letto, senza legami, finché Rowan non lascerà lo Stato.
Sarà abbastanza per entrambi gli uomini solitari? O troveranno un modo di stare insieme, nonostante la distanza tra di loro?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
381 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
142 books1,395 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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December 2, 2019I think I have to call it on this one. I've been pushing to finish it, but I'm still only at 53% - and getting nowhere fast with it. I haven't been very engaged the last several books. The elements are there, but it's almost like I'm reading a summary of the plot because it's not bringing the feels that it should.
DNF and probably the end of the series for me.
DNF and probably the end of the series for me.
October 4, 2019
I have LOVED this series, but this one did not work for me. I could not feel the chemistry, I did not fall in love with these guys, nor did I really understand why they fell in love with each other. There were serious things happening and they were sweet, good guys of course, but I just wasn't ...invested. I am looking forward to the next one. I have and still do love all the characters of this series.
February 22, 2021
This is perhaps my favorite of a very good series. James was just a young boy when his fundamentalist preacher father thought the kid looked a bit queer. So he made it his mission to banish any thought of becoming homosexual from young James's mind. His emotional and physical abuse was effective enough that decades later, James has come out - in a moment of pain and truth after an accident that that cost him his legs, and then his father in the truthful aftermath. But although out in theory, and pretending to date, he's never really touched another man.
Rowan is a lawyer whose experience with Child Protective Services and the foster system has led him to a passion for family rights for parents with disabilities. He likes a good time with the right guy, but he's got no time for romance, and a plan to move on soon. When the spark of attraction with James leads him to find out just how inexperienced and scared inside James is, Rowan's heart goes out to him. Surely he can help James slowly discover his own desires, without getting too involved.
I liked these two together, and really appreciated that although it begins with a bit of a savior theme, as Rowan helps James find himself, there comes a time when James can be there for Rowan. There is a bit of miscommunication, and stubbornness, but it fits with the characters. I also really liked that James's disability was there, and sometimes played a minor role, but it was in no way the major focus of the story. It was a part of the complex man James is, and handled in a realistic and non-angsty way, that felt very balanced.
Rowan is a lawyer whose experience with Child Protective Services and the foster system has led him to a passion for family rights for parents with disabilities. He likes a good time with the right guy, but he's got no time for romance, and a plan to move on soon. When the spark of attraction with James leads him to find out just how inexperienced and scared inside James is, Rowan's heart goes out to him. Surely he can help James slowly discover his own desires, without getting too involved.
I liked these two together, and really appreciated that although it begins with a bit of a savior theme, as Rowan helps James find himself, there comes a time when James can be there for Rowan. There is a bit of miscommunication, and stubbornness, but it fits with the characters. I also really liked that James's disability was there, and sometimes played a minor role, but it was in no way the major focus of the story. It was a part of the complex man James is, and handled in a realistic and non-angsty way, that felt very balanced.
August 16, 2019
*3.5 stars*
I liked it better than the previous books and the overlapping wasn't a big deal here. It was also unexpectedly filthy. Rowan is just so hot! If only he tried to communicate his feeling better...
Rounding down because the self-loathing got too much for my tastes after a while...
I liked it better than the previous books and the overlapping wasn't a big deal here. It was also unexpectedly filthy. Rowan is just so hot! If only he tried to communicate his feeling better...
Rounding down because the self-loathing got too much for my tastes after a while...
August 10, 2025
I'm still really enjoying this series.
These books are touching and sweet.
Straight onto book 5.
These books are touching and sweet.
Straight onto book 5.
August 1, 2019
This was the best book of this series so far, in my humble opinion. Maybe it’s because I could identify somewhat with James, remembering my own time in the Southern Baptist church. I already loved Rowan from Sam’s story. This is also the *hottest* book of the series, as Rowan takes James on a journey of sexual discovery so that James can move past the religious repression inflicted by his dad, the preacher. It’s paced to fit, coinciding with their developing feelings without becoming sex-heavy. My heart ached for them when they reach a crossroads of what feels like impossible decisions. The author adds such realism to the character’s actions along the way, staying true to characterizations begun in the previous stories with the addition of dual perspectives. James need for prosthetics is presented in a matter of fact fashion, none of the overblown angst over his appearance often seen in books with disabled protagonists. There is some angst, not too intense but the level of feels and emotional resonance was high. I’m super-excited to see how Mat and Wyatt’s story will play out, since Mat is the “straight” guy of the group. I do recommend reading the series in order. Parts of each book run concurrently and there is lots of crossover. Well worth it!
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
August 4, 2019
I’m really enjoying this series ... this was a lovely leap of faith for James who was traumatized by his childhood and Rowan who lacked direction. The slow, romantic acceptance of each other was beautiful. James disability had limited impact in the story and that was great !
October 4, 2019
This is definitely the weakest of the series thus far. I really liked the characters but their relationship was pretty flat and honestly I got pretty bored about halfway through this.
Bummer. But I will continue. Looking forward to Wyatt and Mat.
Bummer. But I will continue. Looking forward to Wyatt and Mat.
March 1, 2023
This was between a 3 & a 4 for me. I'm struggling a little with this series so I'm a little nervous and I've already committed to the next two books for a challenge...sigh
My biggest issue was Rowen. I really liked him in Sam's book. But he came across almost weak in this one. He wasn't the strong, confident person he was in book 2. He was wishy-washy, and he ghosted James a couple of times...it made me sad really.
James, I'm not sure what I expected. He wasn't to bad, but I felt like the extreme reaction still to the religious aspect to an almost 40-year-old that has been away from it for almost 20 years was a bit much. I mean we get it already. Let's allow him to move forward and stop living in the past.
My biggest issue with this book is that Rowen is a lawyer and was doing Sam's case and we see NOTHING about that here. It's like the author has no clue how a lawyer would conduct business, or how things would happen in a court case because everything is behind closed doors. There is so much focus on these characters' weaknesses and not giving them strength. I would've loved to see Rowen fight in court for Sam. Get some closure to that story, because I'm still waiting. And now that I think about it, I feel like none of these couples are getting full closure to their story.
My biggest issue was Rowen. I really liked him in Sam's book. But he came across almost weak in this one. He wasn't the strong, confident person he was in book 2. He was wishy-washy, and he ghosted James a couple of times...it made me sad really.
James, I'm not sure what I expected. He wasn't to bad, but I felt like the extreme reaction still to the religious aspect to an almost 40-year-old that has been away from it for almost 20 years was a bit much. I mean we get it already. Let's allow him to move forward and stop living in the past.
My biggest issue with this book is that Rowen is a lawyer and was doing Sam's case and we see NOTHING about that here. It's like the author has no clue how a lawyer would conduct business, or how things would happen in a court case because everything is behind closed doors. There is so much focus on these characters' weaknesses and not giving them strength. I would've loved to see Rowen fight in court for Sam. Get some closure to that story, because I'm still waiting. And now that I think about it, I feel like none of these couples are getting full closure to their story.
June 13, 2024
Nayeli - per RFS
.
Continua con questo quarto volume della serie “Irons and Works” il viaggio alla ricerca dell’amore per uomini con disabilità.
Protagonista è James, doppio amputato, che a discapito della fama di grande conquistatore è ancora vergine nonostante sia ormai un uomo maturo. La sua storia familiare ultrareligiosa e omofoba ha lasciato cicatrici profonde in lui, tanto che il solo pensare al sesso e al piacere (perfino da solo) attiva un senso di colpa per il peccato sul punto di commettere. Eppure è una cosa che decide di superare, e lo fa scegliendo un uomo attraente, disponibile per un incontro occasionale, e che lo faccia sentire a proprio agio durante la scoperta della sua prima volta. Il suo interesse cade su Rowan, l’avvocato attivista contro la discriminazione di persone disabili da parte dei servizi sociali, che sta seguendo l’amico Sam nella causa per riottenere la custodia della figlia.
Rowan è un ragazzo dolcissimo, dotato di una grande sensibilità, intuito, empatia. Ha fatto dell’aiutare gli altri, specie se hanno subito ingiustizie, la propria missione di vita. Lo caratterizza la sua umanità e la capacità di vedere la persona prima dei difetti fisici e le menomazioni. Affascinato da James, non è intimorito dalla sua inesperienza quanto intenerito. È disposto a prendere le cose con calma senza forzarlo a fare nulla per cui non sia pronto, mettendo a disposizione la sua esperienza come amante per un periodo di qualche mese, giusto il tempo della sua permanenza in città. Ma può offrire solo sesso senza romanticismo. La scusa è quella dell’impegno lavorativo nel quale dedica tutto se stesso, ma il motivo vero è che è rimasto scottato dalle esperienze infantili di continui abbandoni.
James sentì il viso bruciare per l’umiliazione. «Dovresti andare.» Rowan non si tirò indietro, non si alzò, non sembrò nemmeno arrabbiato. «È questo che vuoi?» «Mi stai dicendo che sei disposto ad avere a che fare con questo casino?» chiese, agitando una mano su e giù per il suo corpo. Con una risatina, Rowan allungò di nuovo la mano. I movimenti dell’uomo erano lenti, e James odiava quanto fosse necessario. Il palmo era morbido quando si posò sulla sua guancia, la punta delle dita che gli sfiorava i corti peli della barba. Poi Rowan sollevò l’altra mano e gli inclinò la testa verso di sé. «Hai mai baciato qualcuno prima d’ora?»
Nonostante il modo in cui è stato caratterizzato, James appare ben presto un uomo fantastico con pochi difetti: capace di attendere, di ascoltare, di relazionarsi con tatto, dominante quanto basta e, una volta superata la fobia di compiere peccato, diventa la roccia a cui l’altro può appoggiarsi. È piuttosto Rowan, che si rivela in seguito il più bisognoso tra i due dal punto di vista affettivo, perché la sua storia di vita l’ha preparato a non essere mai stato amato senza poi essere abbandonato.
«Tutto quello che vuoi. Faremo un passo alla volta finché non sentirai di avere ottenuto da me tutto ciò di cui hai bisogno.» E pronunciare quell’ultima frase fu straziante, perché una parte di lui non voleva che James avesse mai finito con lui. Meno di ventiquattr’ore ed era già dipendente.
A mio avviso è un po’ debole la fase iniziale, quella dell’avvicinamento in cui i due uomini si scelgono e decidono di fidarsi uno dell’altro. I loro primi incontri sono teneri, impacciati e dolci, ma dopo anni di verginità mi sarei aspettata maggiori conflitti interiori prima di mettersi del tutto a nudo (non solo fisicamente) di fronte a uno sconosciuto.
Molto bella invece tutta la fase immediatamente successiva alla scintilla: la graduale esplorazione sessuale ed emotiva, i piccoli passi verso la scoperta di se stesso e i primi approcci con un altro corpo, ma anche il modo di fare accogliente e di sostegno che Rowan riesce a fornire per fronteggiare il disturbo da stress post traumatico di James, quasi fosse un esperto sessuologo.
Si tratta di un romanzo con tutti gli elementi giusti che vengono trattati fino a comporre un delizioso puzzle con il giusto grado di complessità e di spessore, ma allo stesso tempo ho avuto la sensazione che si sarebbe potuto fare di più per esplorarne fino in fondo la drammaticità. La trama romantica, ad esempio, subisce qualche oscillazione, ma non è mai davvero messo a rischio il lieto fine. Così accade anche per altre varie difficoltà (l’amputazione, il trauma sessuale, il passato irrisolto…), che pur non essendo banalizzate vengono superate con un po’ di sforzo ma senza raggiungere un livello di pathos e intensità così forti da farci piangere, dolere il petto, lasciare ferite aperte prima di un climax travolgente.
Certo, James era stato vergine a letto, ma lui era vergine dell’essere amato, e dell’amare in cambio.
Tra i temi trattati, uno dei più importanti è quello religioso, che viene esplorato partendo dall’estremo fanatico e bigotto che si fonda su concetti di punizione, peccato e colpa, fino alla corrente più accogliente, disponibile ad aprirsi alle diversità per coloro che desiderano riabbracciare la fede e far parte di una comunità e un senso di speranza che si ritiene fonte di conforto.
Un altro tema profondo è la questione del fine vita di una persona cara che richiede l’accudimento da parte di un caregiver. Il racconto mostra quanto chi si dona in questo gesto generoso di cura maturi dentro di sé una varietà di emozioni contrastanti, tra cui anche senso di colpa, frustrazione, solitudine. È un ruolo che isola e allontana dal mondo, sfibrante per il modo in cui ci si fa carico del dolore della persona cara giorno dopo giorno, malinconico per il costante rimuginare sull’imminente senso di perdita, frustrante per la percezione di star perdendo il proprio futuro e le proprie opportunità, mentre si tenta di mantenere vivo quello del malato.
.
Continua con questo quarto volume della serie “Irons and Works” il viaggio alla ricerca dell’amore per uomini con disabilità.
Protagonista è James, doppio amputato, che a discapito della fama di grande conquistatore è ancora vergine nonostante sia ormai un uomo maturo. La sua storia familiare ultrareligiosa e omofoba ha lasciato cicatrici profonde in lui, tanto che il solo pensare al sesso e al piacere (perfino da solo) attiva un senso di colpa per il peccato sul punto di commettere. Eppure è una cosa che decide di superare, e lo fa scegliendo un uomo attraente, disponibile per un incontro occasionale, e che lo faccia sentire a proprio agio durante la scoperta della sua prima volta. Il suo interesse cade su Rowan, l’avvocato attivista contro la discriminazione di persone disabili da parte dei servizi sociali, che sta seguendo l’amico Sam nella causa per riottenere la custodia della figlia.
Rowan è un ragazzo dolcissimo, dotato di una grande sensibilità, intuito, empatia. Ha fatto dell’aiutare gli altri, specie se hanno subito ingiustizie, la propria missione di vita. Lo caratterizza la sua umanità e la capacità di vedere la persona prima dei difetti fisici e le menomazioni. Affascinato da James, non è intimorito dalla sua inesperienza quanto intenerito. È disposto a prendere le cose con calma senza forzarlo a fare nulla per cui non sia pronto, mettendo a disposizione la sua esperienza come amante per un periodo di qualche mese, giusto il tempo della sua permanenza in città. Ma può offrire solo sesso senza romanticismo. La scusa è quella dell’impegno lavorativo nel quale dedica tutto se stesso, ma il motivo vero è che è rimasto scottato dalle esperienze infantili di continui abbandoni.
James sentì il viso bruciare per l’umiliazione. «Dovresti andare.» Rowan non si tirò indietro, non si alzò, non sembrò nemmeno arrabbiato. «È questo che vuoi?» «Mi stai dicendo che sei disposto ad avere a che fare con questo casino?» chiese, agitando una mano su e giù per il suo corpo. Con una risatina, Rowan allungò di nuovo la mano. I movimenti dell’uomo erano lenti, e James odiava quanto fosse necessario. Il palmo era morbido quando si posò sulla sua guancia, la punta delle dita che gli sfiorava i corti peli della barba. Poi Rowan sollevò l’altra mano e gli inclinò la testa verso di sé. «Hai mai baciato qualcuno prima d’ora?»
Nonostante il modo in cui è stato caratterizzato, James appare ben presto un uomo fantastico con pochi difetti: capace di attendere, di ascoltare, di relazionarsi con tatto, dominante quanto basta e, una volta superata la fobia di compiere peccato, diventa la roccia a cui l’altro può appoggiarsi. È piuttosto Rowan, che si rivela in seguito il più bisognoso tra i due dal punto di vista affettivo, perché la sua storia di vita l’ha preparato a non essere mai stato amato senza poi essere abbandonato.
«Tutto quello che vuoi. Faremo un passo alla volta finché non sentirai di avere ottenuto da me tutto ciò di cui hai bisogno.» E pronunciare quell’ultima frase fu straziante, perché una parte di lui non voleva che James avesse mai finito con lui. Meno di ventiquattr’ore ed era già dipendente.
A mio avviso è un po’ debole la fase iniziale, quella dell’avvicinamento in cui i due uomini si scelgono e decidono di fidarsi uno dell’altro. I loro primi incontri sono teneri, impacciati e dolci, ma dopo anni di verginità mi sarei aspettata maggiori conflitti interiori prima di mettersi del tutto a nudo (non solo fisicamente) di fronte a uno sconosciuto.
Molto bella invece tutta la fase immediatamente successiva alla scintilla: la graduale esplorazione sessuale ed emotiva, i piccoli passi verso la scoperta di se stesso e i primi approcci con un altro corpo, ma anche il modo di fare accogliente e di sostegno che Rowan riesce a fornire per fronteggiare il disturbo da stress post traumatico di James, quasi fosse un esperto sessuologo.
Si tratta di un romanzo con tutti gli elementi giusti che vengono trattati fino a comporre un delizioso puzzle con il giusto grado di complessità e di spessore, ma allo stesso tempo ho avuto la sensazione che si sarebbe potuto fare di più per esplorarne fino in fondo la drammaticità. La trama romantica, ad esempio, subisce qualche oscillazione, ma non è mai davvero messo a rischio il lieto fine. Così accade anche per altre varie difficoltà (l’amputazione, il trauma sessuale, il passato irrisolto…), che pur non essendo banalizzate vengono superate con un po’ di sforzo ma senza raggiungere un livello di pathos e intensità così forti da farci piangere, dolere il petto, lasciare ferite aperte prima di un climax travolgente.
Certo, James era stato vergine a letto, ma lui era vergine dell’essere amato, e dell’amare in cambio.
Tra i temi trattati, uno dei più importanti è quello religioso, che viene esplorato partendo dall’estremo fanatico e bigotto che si fonda su concetti di punizione, peccato e colpa, fino alla corrente più accogliente, disponibile ad aprirsi alle diversità per coloro che desiderano riabbracciare la fede e far parte di una comunità e un senso di speranza che si ritiene fonte di conforto.
Un altro tema profondo è la questione del fine vita di una persona cara che richiede l’accudimento da parte di un caregiver. Il racconto mostra quanto chi si dona in questo gesto generoso di cura maturi dentro di sé una varietà di emozioni contrastanti, tra cui anche senso di colpa, frustrazione, solitudine. È un ruolo che isola e allontana dal mondo, sfibrante per il modo in cui ci si fa carico del dolore della persona cara giorno dopo giorno, malinconico per il costante rimuginare sull’imminente senso di perdita, frustrante per la percezione di star perdendo il proprio futuro e le proprie opportunità, mentre si tenta di mantenere vivo quello del malato.
September 4, 2019
Another amazing story
4.5 stars. I am literally blow away by how great this series is and continues to be. The way the stories overlap yet continue on has got to mean some wicked planning for the author. James and Rowan were wonderful characters, flawed when we meet them, but each with the help of the other rises to new heights of life and love. My only drawbrack was there were A LOT of tiny errors throughout this book which didn't occur in the others.
4.5 stars. I am literally blow away by how great this series is and continues to be. The way the stories overlap yet continue on has got to mean some wicked planning for the author. James and Rowan were wonderful characters, flawed when we meet them, but each with the help of the other rises to new heights of life and love. My only drawbrack was there were A LOT of tiny errors throughout this book which didn't occur in the others.
September 1, 2019
This book is one more awesome addition to this series that a freaking LOVE!!!
James and Rowan are so damn sweet and hot!!!
This one is my favorite in the series SO FAR, but next will be Mat and Wyatt, do all bets are off.. lol
James and Rowan are so damn sweet and hot!!!
This one is my favorite in the series SO FAR, but next will be Mat and Wyatt, do all bets are off.. lol
March 30, 2020
Love the series as a whole, and intend to keep reading it, but this one was largely a miss for me.
April 17, 2024
Anche in questo quarto capitolo della serie Iron and Works c'è la disabilità, ma qui è un semplice dato di fatto. Non è lei uno degli argomenti principi, lo sono invece le ferite profonde negli animi di James e Rowan.
La famiglia, ecco l'origine di traumi, paure e muri sollevati. La famiglia disfunzionale, manipolatrice e matrigna, così come quella carica di amore, che però soccombe ai colpi di autorità esterne, cieche ai veri bisogni e piene di pregiudizi.
La storia narrata tra queste pagine mette a nudo due uomini forti e coraggiosi, che nonostante tutto hanno trovato il loro scopo e il loro equilibrio, ma che hanno ancora bisogno di evolversi, di voltare definitivamente le spalle ad un passato difficile, prendendone il bene e lasciandosi dietro il male.
È un cammino lungo, fatto in parte di fermate e passi indietro, ma è anche emozionante , coinvolgente, avvolgente.
James e Rowan emergono dalle pagine vivi e veri, meravigliosamente umani, dolorosamente imperfetti, splendidamente compatibili.
Il cuore di questo romanzo è tenero e palpitante, delicato e travolgente insieme.
Il solito gruppo di amici è più sullo sfondo, ma la loro presenza si fa sentire quando serve.
Impossibile leggere questo volume senza aver prima letto gli altri. Nonostante ogni libro sia autoconclusivo, l'autorə non si ripete mai, e i richiami a eventi precedenti non sono sufficienti per comprendere pienamente la portata e la valenza di ciò che avviene.
La resa italiana è ottima, il ritmo placido e quotidiano, come piace a me.
In questo romanzo, più che negli altri, E. M. LINDSEY prepara il terreno per il futuro capitolo su Matt e io non vedo l'ora di leggerlo.
4 stelle e mezzo
Hugs&kisses
La famiglia, ecco l'origine di traumi, paure e muri sollevati. La famiglia disfunzionale, manipolatrice e matrigna, così come quella carica di amore, che però soccombe ai colpi di autorità esterne, cieche ai veri bisogni e piene di pregiudizi.
La storia narrata tra queste pagine mette a nudo due uomini forti e coraggiosi, che nonostante tutto hanno trovato il loro scopo e il loro equilibrio, ma che hanno ancora bisogno di evolversi, di voltare definitivamente le spalle ad un passato difficile, prendendone il bene e lasciandosi dietro il male.
È un cammino lungo, fatto in parte di fermate e passi indietro, ma è anche emozionante , coinvolgente, avvolgente.
James e Rowan emergono dalle pagine vivi e veri, meravigliosamente umani, dolorosamente imperfetti, splendidamente compatibili.
Il cuore di questo romanzo è tenero e palpitante, delicato e travolgente insieme.
Il solito gruppo di amici è più sullo sfondo, ma la loro presenza si fa sentire quando serve.
Impossibile leggere questo volume senza aver prima letto gli altri. Nonostante ogni libro sia autoconclusivo, l'autorə non si ripete mai, e i richiami a eventi precedenti non sono sufficienti per comprendere pienamente la portata e la valenza di ciò che avviene.
La resa italiana è ottima, il ritmo placido e quotidiano, come piace a me.
In questo romanzo, più che negli altri, E. M. LINDSEY prepara il terreno per il futuro capitolo su Matt e io non vedo l'ora di leggerlo.
4 stelle e mezzo
Hugs&kisses
August 15, 2024
Unexpectedly spicy consider James was a virgin before he met Rowan (Sam’s lawyer)
This whole series is very disability and chronic illness rep and I’m enjoying it a lot! Rowan was so kind about James’ disability and never made him feel less than.
James’ past is very religious so he had a hard time coming to terms with beyond gay - he head his southern preacher daddy’s voice in his head saying all these things he wanted were a sin and he was doomed.
Rowan was so patient helping him get over that mental barrier, without judgement, and with so much patience. He had his own things going on with a terminally sick mother at home.
This whole series is very disability and chronic illness rep and I’m enjoying it a lot! Rowan was so kind about James’ disability and never made him feel less than.
James’ past is very religious so he had a hard time coming to terms with beyond gay - he head his southern preacher daddy’s voice in his head saying all these things he wanted were a sin and he was doomed.
Rowan was so patient helping him get over that mental barrier, without judgement, and with so much patience. He had his own things going on with a terminally sick mother at home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2020
This has been my least favourite book of the series so far.
I think part of it for me, was that the first chapter is like right after Rowan tried to pick up Niko, but then he swoops in to save James, drives James home, they do their little dance and James i like I would totally hook up with you but FYI I'm a virgin.
I also didn't really think I would like this due to the religious subject, and I was right there. But I also found that for someone who was so fearful of what acting upon his sexuality would mean for his soul, he got over it kind of easy. One freak out and then he was good to go. After that, the struggle felt more superficial.
In the end, I never really connected with these two individually, and I didn't really feel any chemistry between them as a couple.
On the bright side, this book didn't rehash as much of the same information as the previous books did.
I think part of it for me, was that the first chapter is like right after Rowan tried to pick up Niko, but then he swoops in to save James, drives James home, they do their little dance and James i like I would totally hook up with you but FYI I'm a virgin.
I also didn't really think I would like this due to the religious subject, and I was right there. But I also found that for someone who was so fearful of what acting upon his sexuality would mean for his soul, he got over it kind of easy. One freak out and then he was good to go. After that, the struggle felt more superficial.
In the end, I never really connected with these two individually, and I didn't really feel any chemistry between them as a couple.
On the bright side, this book didn't rehash as much of the same information as the previous books did.
August 22, 2020
Please note: I am fairly certain that US English is NOT this author's first language. Perhaps UK or AUS English... certain words are used that are not typically used in the US everyday language that *may* throw a reader off for a moment.
So far, the books in this series have all had a similar, overlapping timeline. Even so, I feel it would be best to read this series in order for deeper comprehension and smoother continuity.
I was not sold on this "love story". They felt less connected to one another, less depth of emotion.
Hoping Mat's story is stronger. I've been looking forward to his back story and HEA.
3.75
So far, the books in this series have all had a similar, overlapping timeline. Even so, I feel it would be best to read this series in order for deeper comprehension and smoother continuity.
I was not sold on this "love story". They felt less connected to one another, less depth of emotion.
Hoping Mat's story is stronger. I've been looking forward to his back story and HEA.
3.75
November 17, 2019
I hoped this would be better but again, no development! James started out with such deep rooted issues and suddenly got over them and never thought of them again.
They speak of their pasts with anyone just like that. Again I felt no connection between the characters.
I'll forget them tomorrow.
They speak of their pasts with anyone just like that. Again I felt no connection between the characters.
I'll forget them tomorrow.
July 30, 2021
4.5 von 5 *
Der Anwalt Rowan kämpft unermüdlich für Familien und Kinder. Dabei bleibt sein Privatleben auf der Strecke und seine Vergangenheit und Familiengeschichte ist schmerzlich. Die gemachten Erfahrungen in seiner Kindheit und Jugend sind der Motor seiner Bemühungen. Für einen Partner scheint es keinen Platz zu geben. Auch nicht, als er den Tätowierer James kennenlernt. Der Mann hat bei einer Militärübung seine Beine verloren und wurde nach seinem Outing von seiner Familie verstoßen. Doch James ist nicht alleine. Seine Kollegen und Freunde aus dem Tattostudio Irons and Works sind seine Familie geworden.
James hat auch eine Reputation, die jedoch nicht korrigiert. Jeder denkt, dass er von einem Bett ins nächste klettert. Doch die Wahrheit liegt weit davon entfernt und in Rowan glaubt er jemanden gefunden zu haben, dem er in dieser Hinsicht vertrauen und sich hingeben kann. Doch James begreift schnell, dass Rowans Zeit in der Stadt limitiert ist und dass es den Anwalt weiterzieht.
Teil 4 der Irons and Works Reihe ist bittersüss und wunderschön zu lesen. Die Übersetzung von Jutta Grohleben ist wieder sehr gut gelungen und lässt sehr tief in die Seelen von Rowan und James blicken. Zwei Männer, die irgendwie verloren erscheinen und doch durchaus ihren Weg gemacht haben. Doch sie sind trotz allen Erfolgs alleine und irgendwie auch einsam. James wäre nun endlich bereit jemanden zu vertrauen, doch die Zeit ist begrenzt und Rowan braucht diese Zeit auch, um sich selbst klar zu werden, was er eigentlich will und dass er endlich seine Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen muss um selbst Glück zu finden.
James war in dieser Geschichte mein Hero, während Rowan mir phasenweise ein wenig fremd blieb. Aber das lag eben auch an seiner distanzierten Art die Menschen von sich fern zu halten. Und er hat James wirklich ziemlich lange zappeln lassen. Doch dabei hat mir wiederum James' Konsequenz imponiert, auch wenn er durch die Trennung und der Findungsphase wirklich sehr gelitten hat. Sein Versuch das Leben neu aufzugreifen und neue Pfade einzuschlagen; neue Menschen kennenzulernen und ihnen einen Chance zu geben, war durchaus nachvollziehbar.
Insgesamt ein sehr schöner Teil; deutlich besser und liebenswerter als die Vorgängergeschichte.
Der Anwalt Rowan kämpft unermüdlich für Familien und Kinder. Dabei bleibt sein Privatleben auf der Strecke und seine Vergangenheit und Familiengeschichte ist schmerzlich. Die gemachten Erfahrungen in seiner Kindheit und Jugend sind der Motor seiner Bemühungen. Für einen Partner scheint es keinen Platz zu geben. Auch nicht, als er den Tätowierer James kennenlernt. Der Mann hat bei einer Militärübung seine Beine verloren und wurde nach seinem Outing von seiner Familie verstoßen. Doch James ist nicht alleine. Seine Kollegen und Freunde aus dem Tattostudio Irons and Works sind seine Familie geworden.
James hat auch eine Reputation, die jedoch nicht korrigiert. Jeder denkt, dass er von einem Bett ins nächste klettert. Doch die Wahrheit liegt weit davon entfernt und in Rowan glaubt er jemanden gefunden zu haben, dem er in dieser Hinsicht vertrauen und sich hingeben kann. Doch James begreift schnell, dass Rowans Zeit in der Stadt limitiert ist und dass es den Anwalt weiterzieht.
Teil 4 der Irons and Works Reihe ist bittersüss und wunderschön zu lesen. Die Übersetzung von Jutta Grohleben ist wieder sehr gut gelungen und lässt sehr tief in die Seelen von Rowan und James blicken. Zwei Männer, die irgendwie verloren erscheinen und doch durchaus ihren Weg gemacht haben. Doch sie sind trotz allen Erfolgs alleine und irgendwie auch einsam. James wäre nun endlich bereit jemanden zu vertrauen, doch die Zeit ist begrenzt und Rowan braucht diese Zeit auch, um sich selbst klar zu werden, was er eigentlich will und dass er endlich seine Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen muss um selbst Glück zu finden.
James war in dieser Geschichte mein Hero, während Rowan mir phasenweise ein wenig fremd blieb. Aber das lag eben auch an seiner distanzierten Art die Menschen von sich fern zu halten. Und er hat James wirklich ziemlich lange zappeln lassen. Doch dabei hat mir wiederum James' Konsequenz imponiert, auch wenn er durch die Trennung und der Findungsphase wirklich sehr gelitten hat. Sein Versuch das Leben neu aufzugreifen und neue Pfade einzuschlagen; neue Menschen kennenzulernen und ihnen einen Chance zu geben, war durchaus nachvollziehbar.
Insgesamt ein sehr schöner Teil; deutlich besser und liebenswerter als die Vorgängergeschichte.
March 15, 2023
Although the pacing at the beginning seemed a bit off to me (too insta-everything), I did enjoy the fourth book in the Irons and Works series.
Rowan is a lawyer that specializes in child protective services cases, after he was himself the victim of a broken system full of prejudice. One night he meets James, a double-amputee who struggles to reconcile his faith and his sexuality after a tumultuous childhood with his abusive preacher father. James immediately feels at ease with Rowan, enough that he shares a secret his closest friends don't even know: he's a virgin.
One of the things I liked in Bio-Mechanical was Rowan's kind and caring attitude towards James, even though they initially only agreed to a physical relationship. James has some hang ups because of his upbringing, but Rowan patiently breaks down his walls one after another.
There was some angst, and there was a period of separation between the MCs, but I thought it was necessary to the story and overall well done.
I also have to mention that the overlap between the books (they all kind of happen at the same time so far) didn't bother me this time. Bio-Mechanical didn't follow the events of the previous books as closely, so it was refreshing.
I'm looking forward to book #5, although I'm a bit wary of the French parts since there was already some mistakes in book #4 and we only got a few sentences... We'll see how it goes!
Previous books
#1 Free Hand 3⭐️
#2 Blank Canvas 5⭐️
#3 American Traditional 3⭐️
Rowan is a lawyer that specializes in child protective services cases, after he was himself the victim of a broken system full of prejudice. One night he meets James, a double-amputee who struggles to reconcile his faith and his sexuality after a tumultuous childhood with his abusive preacher father. James immediately feels at ease with Rowan, enough that he shares a secret his closest friends don't even know: he's a virgin.
One of the things I liked in Bio-Mechanical was Rowan's kind and caring attitude towards James, even though they initially only agreed to a physical relationship. James has some hang ups because of his upbringing, but Rowan patiently breaks down his walls one after another.
There was some angst, and there was a period of separation between the MCs, but I thought it was necessary to the story and overall well done.
I also have to mention that the overlap between the books (they all kind of happen at the same time so far) didn't bother me this time. Bio-Mechanical didn't follow the events of the previous books as closely, so it was refreshing.
I'm looking forward to book #5, although I'm a bit wary of the French parts since there was already some mistakes in book #4 and we only got a few sentences... We'll see how it goes!
Previous books
#1 Free Hand 3⭐️
#2 Blank Canvas 5⭐️
#3 American Traditional 3⭐️
September 26, 2023
Ok so I am finally continuing this series after almost a whole year (I read Book 3 back in November 2022 but I got distracted with new releases/other series and just never got around to finishing this). I remember one thing I really enjoyed about this series is that there is no shortage of disability rep both physical and mental, and specifically rep of less common disabilities that I don't see a lot in works of fiction but especially romance.
Bio-Mechanical is about James who is a double leg amputee and is working to start living his life fully without the whispers of his father who was a preacher who spent most of James' childhood telling him he would be going to hell for being gay. James meets Rowan who we originally meet in Sam's book as Sam's lawyer. Rowan agrees to help James out in losing his virginity and getting to experience hooking up. They arrange a friends with benefits situation with an expiration date as Rowan does not plan on staying in town as he has to leave to take care of his mother who is very sick.
Overall, I thought James and Rowan were very sweet together. I thought the patience Rowan had while James battled in his head to ignore his fathers words was very telling of the kind of guy Rowan is. I liked how James tried so hard to be there for Rowan even when he didn't know Rowan's entire situation. I also loved how James called Rowan "darlin'" all the time <3 I did, however, feel like there were almost too many subplots and it sort of made the romance between the two feel like an afterthought.
I'm intrigued to continue on with this series, though, and hopefully it won't take me a whole year to get to the next book lol
Bio-Mechanical is about James who is a double leg amputee and is working to start living his life fully without the whispers of his father who was a preacher who spent most of James' childhood telling him he would be going to hell for being gay. James meets Rowan who we originally meet in Sam's book as Sam's lawyer. Rowan agrees to help James out in losing his virginity and getting to experience hooking up. They arrange a friends with benefits situation with an expiration date as Rowan does not plan on staying in town as he has to leave to take care of his mother who is very sick.
Overall, I thought James and Rowan were very sweet together. I thought the patience Rowan had while James battled in his head to ignore his fathers words was very telling of the kind of guy Rowan is. I liked how James tried so hard to be there for Rowan even when he didn't know Rowan's entire situation. I also loved how James called Rowan "darlin'" all the time <3 I did, however, feel like there were almost too many subplots and it sort of made the romance between the two feel like an afterthought.
I'm intrigued to continue on with this series, though, and hopefully it won't take me a whole year to get to the next book lol
August 29, 2022
James was raised in a super abusive religious household and he has lots of trauma from that. The book opens with his dad being homophobic towards James as a 5 year old, it’s rough. James also was injured and lost both legs from knees down in an accident as an adult and as a result both legs have prosthetics. This series does not shy away from the problem is disabled people face and I really appreciate that.
Rowan is Sam's lawyer for his adoption of his daughter. He and James meet the night Sam says he and Niko are “just friends” from the last book. Rowan’s mother has MS and when she tried to adopt him she didn’t have an amazing lawyer in her corner to prevent CPS from unjustly removing him from the home.
Neither one is looking for anything serious but they just can’t stop thinking about each other. I still like hanging out at the tattoo parlor and getting to know everyone or seeing what's going on with the characters from the previous books.
I'm loving the way this book series deals with Deaf people and ASL, rarely do you find any media that’s supportive or knowledgeable about ASL.
Mat and Wyatt’s story is next and I’ve already grabbed it.
Rowan is Sam's lawyer for his adoption of his daughter. He and James meet the night Sam says he and Niko are “just friends” from the last book. Rowan’s mother has MS and when she tried to adopt him she didn’t have an amazing lawyer in her corner to prevent CPS from unjustly removing him from the home.
Neither one is looking for anything serious but they just can’t stop thinking about each other. I still like hanging out at the tattoo parlor and getting to know everyone or seeing what's going on with the characters from the previous books.
I'm loving the way this book series deals with Deaf people and ASL, rarely do you find any media that’s supportive or knowledgeable about ASL.
Mat and Wyatt’s story is next and I’ve already grabbed it.
February 12, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Bio-Mechanical is book four in E.M. Lindsey’s excellent Irons and Works series. I have been reading this series somewhat out of order, as well as skipping some books, and the stories stand alone well enough that it is working just fine. The books are designed as standalones, though there is a large cast of characters that make up a lovely found family and who appear in each other’s books. So the more you read, the more developed the stories are, but you can jump in at any point. In this case, Bio-Mechanical actually connects really well to the last book I read, Blank Canvas, as that is Sam’s story and we meet Rowan there as his attorney. The timelines for the books overlap significantly, so the stories fit together well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Bio-Mechanical is book four in E.M. Lindsey’s excellent Irons and Works series. I have been reading this series somewhat out of order, as well as skipping some books, and the stories stand alone well enough that it is working just fine. The books are designed as standalones, though there is a large cast of characters that make up a lovely found family and who appear in each other’s books. So the more you read, the more developed the stories are, but you can jump in at any point. In this case, Bio-Mechanical actually connects really well to the last book I read, Blank Canvas, as that is Sam’s story and we meet Rowan there as his attorney. The timelines for the books overlap significantly, so the stories fit together well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 24, 2021
Ich weiß echt nicht, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, denn die bisherigen drei Bände haben mir richtig gut gefallen, darum war ich natürlich ziemlich neugierig auf Rowans und James' Geschichte.
Allerdings habe ich vier Tage zum Lesen gebraucht, das Buch dabei ständig weggelegt, weil es mich nicht gepackt hat, und weiß jetzt schon nicht mehr, was am Anfang war. Die ganze Story ist der Funke einfach nicht übergesprungen, das einzige, was mir wirklich im Gedächtnis geblieben ist, sind die ständigen Bettszenen, die mich am Ende schon gestört haben, weil beide Männer eigentlich interessante Charaktere sind. Nur leider dümpelt ihre Geschichte für mich belanglos vor sich hin und weder Rowan noch James kamen wirklich bei mir an.
Fazit: Kann man lesen, man kann es aber auch sein lassen. Von den bisherigen Geschichten der »Irons & Works«-Reihe ist das für mich die Schwächste. Hoffentlich werden die nächsten Bände wieder besser.
Allerdings habe ich vier Tage zum Lesen gebraucht, das Buch dabei ständig weggelegt, weil es mich nicht gepackt hat, und weiß jetzt schon nicht mehr, was am Anfang war. Die ganze Story ist der Funke einfach nicht übergesprungen, das einzige, was mir wirklich im Gedächtnis geblieben ist, sind die ständigen Bettszenen, die mich am Ende schon gestört haben, weil beide Männer eigentlich interessante Charaktere sind. Nur leider dümpelt ihre Geschichte für mich belanglos vor sich hin und weder Rowan noch James kamen wirklich bei mir an.
Fazit: Kann man lesen, man kann es aber auch sein lassen. Von den bisherigen Geschichten der »Irons & Works«-Reihe ist das für mich die Schwächste. Hoffentlich werden die nächsten Bände wieder besser.
March 19, 2021
This entire series needs to be talked about more. There is so much diversity and focus on disability and their little community is the cutest! I am loving the series for making me re-think my own latent able-ism. Gah! This is why I love Romance as a genre. It has some serious hot takes on contemporary societal issues.
James is possibly one of my favourite Iron&Works characters. I love his Southernisms. In my head, his Southern drawl is the sweetest. Rowan was just a silly douchebag who was being unnecessarily mean to James. Their story just worked so well though.
Man! I am loving this entire series. Thank you, r/romancebooks. You never cease to amaze me with the kind of recommendations of romance books that are out there!
James is possibly one of my favourite Iron&Works characters. I love his Southernisms. In my head, his Southern drawl is the sweetest. Rowan was just a silly douchebag who was being unnecessarily mean to James. Their story just worked so well though.
Man! I am loving this entire series. Thank you, r/romancebooks. You never cease to amaze me with the kind of recommendations of romance books that are out there!
November 11, 2021
3 stars
This is the 4th book in the Iron and Works series. I love how many characters have physical and/or psychological challenges to face and overcome.
Daniel and Rowan make a very sweet couple, but the latter part of their story was a bit more believable than the beginning.
Lindsey is a talented author and knows how to evoke emotion when writing her characters. However, I really felt like she rushed these two together. Both MCs had so many things going on in their pasts that were affecting them and their abilities to have meaningful relationships with anyone. However, for James and Rowan, it came too easily. I can understand attraction. But the emotional connection and I-Love-Yous were too quickly obtained. I needed more struggle in the beginning. Otherwise, a good story.
This is the 4th book in the Iron and Works series. I love how many characters have physical and/or psychological challenges to face and overcome.
Daniel and Rowan make a very sweet couple, but the latter part of their story was a bit more believable than the beginning.
Lindsey is a talented author and knows how to evoke emotion when writing her characters. However, I really felt like she rushed these two together. Both MCs had so many things going on in their pasts that were affecting them and their abilities to have meaningful relationships with anyone. However, for James and Rowan, it came too easily. I can understand attraction. But the emotional connection and I-Love-Yous were too quickly obtained. I needed more struggle in the beginning. Otherwise, a good story.
July 7, 2020
Auf die Story von James und Rowan habe ich mich unheimlich gefreut ... und bin ziemlich enttäuscht.
Irgendwie ist der Funke nicht übergesprungen. Ich habe weder gefühlt noch verstanden, was die beiden Männer antreibt. Eigentlich gibt es in der Serie eher wenige, dafür aber ziemlich heiße explizite Szenen. Das ist ausgerechnet in diesem Buch anders. Es gibt ziemlich viel Sex, aber der berührt nicht - zumindest mich nicht - weil ich James und Rowan nicht nahe gekommen bin.
Diese Story werde ich ganz sicher nicht noch einmal lesen, allerdings sollte sie niemanden davon abhalten die Reihe zu lesen. Die beiden nächsten Bücher sind nämlich wieder wirklich gut.
Irgendwie ist der Funke nicht übergesprungen. Ich habe weder gefühlt noch verstanden, was die beiden Männer antreibt. Eigentlich gibt es in der Serie eher wenige, dafür aber ziemlich heiße explizite Szenen. Das ist ausgerechnet in diesem Buch anders. Es gibt ziemlich viel Sex, aber der berührt nicht - zumindest mich nicht - weil ich James und Rowan nicht nahe gekommen bin.
Diese Story werde ich ganz sicher nicht noch einmal lesen, allerdings sollte sie niemanden davon abhalten die Reihe zu lesen. Die beiden nächsten Bücher sind nämlich wieder wirklich gut.
August 26, 2021
Im 4. Band erzählt James seine Geschichte. Ihm wird nachgesagt, durch alle Betten zu springen. Doch das ist nur ein Gerücht, denn James wurde von einem Baptistenpastor erzogen. Das hat zu Selbsthass und Verleugnung geführt. Erst als er den Anwalt Rowan kennenlernt, ändert sich das und er erkennt, dass seine Gefühle nichts Schlechtes sind. Doch auch Rowan hat keine einfache Vergangenheit, die ihn dazu veranlasst, auf Beziehungen zu verzichten.
Ich mochte Rowan und James als Paar, besonders James ist liebenswert. Mir hat gefallen, wie sie ihr Glück finden und ihre Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen konnten.
Ich mochte Rowan und James als Paar, besonders James ist liebenswert. Mir hat gefallen, wie sie ihr Glück finden und ihre Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen konnten.
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