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Granby Knitting #4
Blackbird Knitting in a Bunny's Lair
Sequel to Knitter in His Natural Habitat
A Granby Knitting Novel
After three years of waiting for “rabbit” Jeremy to commit to a life in Granby—and a life together—Aiden Rhodes was appalled when Jeremy sustained a nearly fatal beating to keep a friend out of harm's way. How could Aiden’s bunny put himself in danger like that?
Aiden needs to get over himself, because Jeremy has a long road to recovery, and he's going to need Aiden's promise of love every step of the way. Jeremy has new scars on his face and body to deal with, and his heart can’t afford any more wounds.
When their friend’s baby needs some special care, the two men find common ground to firm up their shaky union. With Aiden’s support and his boss’s inspiration, Jeremy comes up with a plan to make sure Ariadne's little blackbird comes into this world with everything she needs. While Jeremy grows into his new role as protector, Aiden needs to ease back on his protectiveness over his once-timid lover. Aiden may be a wolf in student's clothing and Jeremy may be a rabbit of a man, but that doesn’t mean they can’t walk the wilds of Granby together.
A Granby Knitting Novel
After three years of waiting for “rabbit” Jeremy to commit to a life in Granby—and a life together—Aiden Rhodes was appalled when Jeremy sustained a nearly fatal beating to keep a friend out of harm's way. How could Aiden’s bunny put himself in danger like that?
Aiden needs to get over himself, because Jeremy has a long road to recovery, and he's going to need Aiden's promise of love every step of the way. Jeremy has new scars on his face and body to deal with, and his heart can’t afford any more wounds.
When their friend’s baby needs some special care, the two men find common ground to firm up their shaky union. With Aiden’s support and his boss’s inspiration, Jeremy comes up with a plan to make sure Ariadne's little blackbird comes into this world with everything she needs. While Jeremy grows into his new role as protector, Aiden needs to ease back on his protectiveness over his once-timid lover. Aiden may be a wolf in student's clothing and Jeremy may be a rabbit of a man, but that doesn’t mean they can’t walk the wilds of Granby together.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2014
27 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 14, 2015
I wish I liked this one more.
The latest book in the Granby Knitting series is by far the most angsty and emotional (I knew Amy Lane couldn't stay fluffy for long!). I loved the level of intensity. I mean, what can I say- I'm a sucker for Amy Lane's gut-punch books. However, this book is also the most unfocused of the series and I didn't love it nearly as much as I was anticipating.
While the other books sort of have interweaving plot lines and time frames, this one takes place right after Knitter in His Natural Habitat. It again follows Jeremy and Aiden, two of my favorite characters from the series, but it also includes a lot of details about the lives of the other guys from Granby, which I adored.
While the intentions of this book were good, I found it to be kind of... gimmicky. The comparison of Jeremy to a rabbit was used over and over and over, and I got a little tired of some of the other repetitiveness seen throughout the book. Also, was I the only one a bit put off by Jeremy calling Aiden "boy" all the time? I kept saying it out loud, trying to make it feel right to me, but it felt awkward.
I also struggled with the pacing. I felt my attention wavering at times, and I just wasn't as interested in the storyline as I have been in past books.
My last issue is that I didn't feel like this book covered much new ground. I felt like Aiden and Jeremy's relationship didn't evolve that much from their previous book and I almost felt like this story was superfluous.
Wait, one more thing. Feel free to ignore this part (I didn't hold it against the author) but there are some factual dental errors in this book that perhaps only a dentist would spot (raises hand!). I'll spoiler it for those that aren't interested.
After all that complaining, I have to say that the story was very likable at times. It felt like a warm blanket, getting to visit with all of my Granby friends, and I felt affectionate towards all the characters. I liked getting a bit more back story about Aiden and spending more time in Amy Lane's world.
Though I enjoyed this book overall, I don't know if I would have liked it so much if I wasn't already thoroughly invested in these Granby people. I would have liked to see more Johnny and Stanley (maybe in the next?).
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
The latest book in the Granby Knitting series is by far the most angsty and emotional (I knew Amy Lane couldn't stay fluffy for long!). I loved the level of intensity. I mean, what can I say- I'm a sucker for Amy Lane's gut-punch books. However, this book is also the most unfocused of the series and I didn't love it nearly as much as I was anticipating.
While the other books sort of have interweaving plot lines and time frames, this one takes place right after Knitter in His Natural Habitat. It again follows Jeremy and Aiden, two of my favorite characters from the series, but it also includes a lot of details about the lives of the other guys from Granby, which I adored.
While the intentions of this book were good, I found it to be kind of... gimmicky. The comparison of Jeremy to a rabbit was used over and over and over, and I got a little tired of some of the other repetitiveness seen throughout the book. Also, was I the only one a bit put off by Jeremy calling Aiden "boy" all the time? I kept saying it out loud, trying to make it feel right to me, but it felt awkward.
I also struggled with the pacing. I felt my attention wavering at times, and I just wasn't as interested in the storyline as I have been in past books.
My last issue is that I didn't feel like this book covered much new ground. I felt like Aiden and Jeremy's relationship didn't evolve that much from their previous book and I almost felt like this story was superfluous.
Wait, one more thing. Feel free to ignore this part (I didn't hold it against the author) but there are some factual dental errors in this book that perhaps only a dentist would spot (raises hand!). I'll spoiler it for those that aren't interested.
After all that complaining, I have to say that the story was very likable at times. It felt like a warm blanket, getting to visit with all of my Granby friends, and I felt affectionate towards all the characters. I liked getting a bit more back story about Aiden and spending more time in Amy Lane's world.
Though I enjoyed this book overall, I don't know if I would have liked it so much if I wasn't already thoroughly invested in these Granby people. I would have liked to see more Johnny and Stanley (maybe in the next?).
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 14, 2018
4.5 wolf-and-bunny stars
Put on the Beatles' Blackbird while reading this book. And keep the tissues handy.
Because there will be tears.
Hint: They're home.
This fourth book in Amy Lane's Knitting series (book 2 doesn't count, as it's not part of Granby and has no cute fluffy things dressed in wool on the cover) is all about Jeremy's recovery from Jeremy and Aiden's perspective.
This time we get both of their POVs, and I loved seeing the world (and Jeremy) through Aiden's eyes. That boy is fierce and dominant. He may be younger than Jeremy in years, but he is older in spirit. He growls and snarls, and always puts his man first.
And Jeremy, sweet Jeremy: seeing him struggle with feelings of worthlessness, thinking he deserved all he got, about stopped my heart. Thank god he has Aiden, good friends, the critters, and a puppy (a puppy!).
Even as Jeremy is healing following his surgery and long hospital stay, he's thinking about ways to help Ariadne, Rory, and the new baby, who has some health issues. He decides to do a fundraiser, with all money raised going to the new baby and all leftover funds going to charity. But Jeremy frets that he's not honest enough, no longer pretty enough, to face the town.
This may be a good time to mention that this is not a stand-alone book; you must have read at least the third and fourth books to make sense of anything in here, and that's no hardship, because this entire series is wonderful.
What I loved most is the trust between Aiden and Jeremy. You are never in doubt that they adore each other and have a forever. They believe in one another. They snap and roll their eyes, and they kiss and make up. There's no relationship drama here, only healing and love. Oh, and did I mention the sexy, tender moments? We get more here than in the other books. (And you will not hear me complain.)
We see a bit more of Craw and Ben in this book. Ben is really charming, and I liked getting to know him better. Craw is ... well, as verbose as ever. Surprisingly, we don't see as much of Stanley and Johnny, but I'm hoping we get a follow-up to their story.
The (at times) snarky dialogue was superb. I laughed many, many times, sometimes through tears. This is beautifully written and, despite the at times angsty storyline, we get puppies, sweaters, true love, friendship, small-town camaraderie, and Ariadne comparing her milk-producing breasts to blue balls as the guys stand by in horror.
I loved this one and hope we get more from Granby, Colorado. A wedding (or three), perhaps?
Put on the Beatles' Blackbird while reading this book. And keep the tissues handy.
Because there will be tears.
Hint: They're home.
This fourth book in Amy Lane's Knitting series (book 2 doesn't count, as it's not part of Granby and has no cute fluffy things dressed in wool on the cover) is all about Jeremy's recovery from Jeremy and Aiden's perspective.
This time we get both of their POVs, and I loved seeing the world (and Jeremy) through Aiden's eyes. That boy is fierce and dominant. He may be younger than Jeremy in years, but he is older in spirit. He growls and snarls, and always puts his man first.
And Jeremy, sweet Jeremy: seeing him struggle with feelings of worthlessness, thinking he deserved all he got, about stopped my heart. Thank god he has Aiden, good friends, the critters, and a puppy (a puppy!).
Even as Jeremy is healing following his surgery and long hospital stay, he's thinking about ways to help Ariadne, Rory, and the new baby, who has some health issues. He decides to do a fundraiser, with all money raised going to the new baby and all leftover funds going to charity. But Jeremy frets that he's not honest enough, no longer pretty enough, to face the town.
This may be a good time to mention that this is not a stand-alone book; you must have read at least the third and fourth books to make sense of anything in here, and that's no hardship, because this entire series is wonderful.
What I loved most is the trust between Aiden and Jeremy. You are never in doubt that they adore each other and have a forever. They believe in one another. They snap and roll their eyes, and they kiss and make up. There's no relationship drama here, only healing and love. Oh, and did I mention the sexy, tender moments? We get more here than in the other books. (And you will not hear me complain.)
We see a bit more of Craw and Ben in this book. Ben is really charming, and I liked getting to know him better. Craw is ... well, as verbose as ever. Surprisingly, we don't see as much of Stanley and Johnny, but I'm hoping we get a follow-up to their story.
The (at times) snarky dialogue was superb. I laughed many, many times, sometimes through tears. This is beautifully written and, despite the at times angsty storyline, we get puppies, sweaters, true love, friendship, small-town camaraderie, and Ariadne comparing her milk-producing breasts to blue balls as the guys stand by in horror.
I loved this one and hope we get more from Granby, Colorado. A wedding (or three), perhaps?
May 4, 2014
This whole series has a lovely, sweet warmth to it, even in books 2 and 3, when Jeremy is occasionally tugging your heart out of your chest. This book gives closure to Jeremy and Aiden, and healing after the events at the end of book 3. I needed to see this, because of all the men in this series, Jeremy was the most fragile, and the one who needed to be brought safely home.
I enjoyed seeing more of Aiden in this book (and in fact, I wish there had been even more of his POV - when a character is injured, often the emotional place to be is in his lover's head, and I'm an angst junkie.) The storyline was a simple, forward progression through pain and fear and loss, to healing and certainty. It was a smooth, comforting ride.
I didn't sink all the way into this but I think that was due to distraction, as this book came up against one of my pet social peeves (not writing peeves). NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO HOLD A RAFFLE TO PAY FOR THEIR BABY'S SURGERY. The way the US apportions health-care dollars is seriously whacked. When I took my kid to the skating rink this week there was a flier up - a local church is having a spaghetti dinner for a 16-year-old hockey player with cancer. His family is on their second mortgage, and he needs more treatment they can't afford. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO SELL PLATES OF SPAGHETTI TO PAY FOR THEIR CHILD'S CANCER TREATMENT. Yes, one-payer systems in other countries have their flaws, and I don't mean to get into that debate here. I'm just saying, we need to care for each other more. We need to worry less about being cheated by our fellow citizens and government than by big corporations whose job it is to get health-insurance money from us and into the pockets of their investors. Right? *rant over*
Anyway, this book gives some warm glimpses of characters I care about, like Craw and Ben. It has strong, positive female characters. It has humor (think family dinners) and puppies, and moments of bravery in ordinary life situations. And it brings our Jeremy-bunny safely to a place he won't run from. It doesn't stand alone, but is a sweet addition to a series I've really enjoyed.
I enjoyed seeing more of Aiden in this book (and in fact, I wish there had been even more of his POV - when a character is injured, often the emotional place to be is in his lover's head, and I'm an angst junkie.) The storyline was a simple, forward progression through pain and fear and loss, to healing and certainty. It was a smooth, comforting ride.
I didn't sink all the way into this but I think that was due to distraction, as this book came up against one of my pet social peeves (not writing peeves). NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO HOLD A RAFFLE TO PAY FOR THEIR BABY'S SURGERY. The way the US apportions health-care dollars is seriously whacked. When I took my kid to the skating rink this week there was a flier up - a local church is having a spaghetti dinner for a 16-year-old hockey player with cancer. His family is on their second mortgage, and he needs more treatment they can't afford. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO SELL PLATES OF SPAGHETTI TO PAY FOR THEIR CHILD'S CANCER TREATMENT. Yes, one-payer systems in other countries have their flaws, and I don't mean to get into that debate here. I'm just saying, we need to care for each other more. We need to worry less about being cheated by our fellow citizens and government than by big corporations whose job it is to get health-insurance money from us and into the pockets of their investors. Right? *rant over*
Anyway, this book gives some warm glimpses of characters I care about, like Craw and Ben. It has strong, positive female characters. It has humor (think family dinners) and puppies, and moments of bravery in ordinary life situations. And it brings our Jeremy-bunny safely to a place he won't run from. It doesn't stand alone, but is a sweet addition to a series I've really enjoyed.
March 30, 2024
Reread Mar. 26, 2024
*** Touching.*** Profound. *** Magnificent.
Book #4 in the Granby Knitting series, by Amy Lane.
This is a tremendous tale of love, renewed life, and finding where you belong and why.
We open with the gangster, who has beaten Jeremy within an inch of his life, and has a gun to his head. Boom! A shotgun blast stops the gangster.
Aiden is holding the shotgun.
Jeremy is in the hospital bruised, broken and barely alive,
with multitudes of stitches, surgeries, and big scars.
Aiden was the hero, and Jeremy kept Stanley safe.
We get to see the inner battles as al of the guys struggle to figure out things, and make peace within themselves. There is SO much to love about these men's relationships.
Plus we have Ariadne's pending birth of her and Rory's daughter.
She'll be born with a cleft palate (harelip).
After Jeremy makes it home, he plans, with everyone's help, a fund raiser for the surgeries sweet Persephone will need. She is the little bird with a broken beak. I loved the reference to the song "Blackbird." <"https://video.search.yahoo.com/search...
This fantastic series of stories wraps us up in a warm knitted blanket and we are happy. We laugh and cry, and figure out how yarn weaves life.
I loved this book. I totally understood the way Jeremy felt, and Aiden, too.
Their sexy times were both fierce and gentle. The older and younger, kind of had reverse roles.
Beautifully written. I highly recommend this one.
ENJOY !
=========
The series should be read in order. You will want to know Craw and Ben, and Aiden and Jeremy.
==========
*** Touching.*** Profound. *** Magnificent.
Book #4 in the Granby Knitting series, by Amy Lane.
This is a tremendous tale of love, renewed life, and finding where you belong and why.
We open with the gangster, who has beaten Jeremy within an inch of his life, and has a gun to his head. Boom! A shotgun blast stops the gangster.
Aiden is holding the shotgun.
Jeremy is in the hospital bruised, broken and barely alive,
with multitudes of stitches, surgeries, and big scars.
Aiden was the hero, and Jeremy kept Stanley safe.
We get to see the inner battles as al of the guys struggle to figure out things, and make peace within themselves. There is SO much to love about these men's relationships.
Plus we have Ariadne's pending birth of her and Rory's daughter.
She'll be born with a cleft palate (harelip).
After Jeremy makes it home, he plans, with everyone's help, a fund raiser for the surgeries sweet Persephone will need. She is the little bird with a broken beak. I loved the reference to the song "Blackbird." <"https://video.search.yahoo.com/search...
This fantastic series of stories wraps us up in a warm knitted blanket and we are happy. We laugh and cry, and figure out how yarn weaves life.
I loved this book. I totally understood the way Jeremy felt, and Aiden, too.
Their sexy times were both fierce and gentle. The older and younger, kind of had reverse roles.
Beautifully written. I highly recommend this one.
ENJOY !
=========
The series should be read in order. You will want to know Craw and Ben, and Aiden and Jeremy.
==========
November 17, 2016
3.5 stars
I love this alpaca farm with gay men who knit.
This was a nice addition, albeit a bit unnecessary since I was very happy with Jeremy and Aiden’s previous book. But after Jeremy was beaten up in the third book, I could understand the need for a bit of closure.
If you’re a fan of the series you will probably love this. But I have to warn you, not much happens in it. I read it mostly for the warm fuzzies.
I love this alpaca farm with gay men who knit.
This was a nice addition, albeit a bit unnecessary since I was very happy with Jeremy and Aiden’s previous book. But after Jeremy was beaten up in the third book, I could understand the need for a bit of closure.
If you’re a fan of the series you will probably love this. But I have to warn you, not much happens in it. I read it mostly for the warm fuzzies.
January 15, 2022
Very sweet. I love how all the townsfolk got togther in this one... it's really a nice conclusion to the series. (At least I think it's the conclusion...?)
Absolutely adore Philip Alces in this series. His voice is so warm and soothing, and it fits the tone of these books perfectly.
Absolutely adore Philip Alces in this series. His voice is so warm and soothing, and it fits the tone of these books perfectly.
owned-tbr
December 15, 2014That ARe Groupon means BOOKS FOR DAYS! *evil laugh*
January 2, 2016
This is book #4 in the Granby Knitting series and all about healing, love, and friendship. Once again, Philip Alces narrates with sublime ease and as smooth as good caramel (and as sweetly). The narration is seamless and I listened while driving on the turnpike for hours, which helped with the whole trance-like state.
At the start we find ourselves with Jeremy in the hospital, crying out, and needing, his boy. There’s the long recovery period, Jeremy’s struggle with his rabbiting ways, and Aiden’s frustration and need for Jeremy to recuperate.
NOTE: This is not a stand-alone – make sure to sure to read The Winter Courtship Rituals of Fur-Bearing Critters (Granby Knitting, #1), How to Raise an Honest Rabbit (Granby Knitting, #2), and (especially) Knitter in His Natural Habitat (Granby Knitting, #3) BEFORE starting this one.
What I loved:
The story is told from both Jeremy and Aiden's POV. I loved getting Aiden’s perspective.
“Don’t save it for later. Wear the scarf now. Craw’ll knit for you. He’ll knit until his fingers shrivel, and when he can’t knit, I’ll knit, and Ariadne’s baby’ll knit. But don’t save love because it’s ‘too special’ to wear. You wear love every day, and it’ll never wear out.” Oh, he believed that. With every touch of his father’s hand to his mother’s face, he believed that about love. With everything in him yearning for Jeremy to come home, to just be there to argue with, Aiden believed that about love.
Catching up with some of the cast of characters. Though, I would have liked to have gotten more time with Stanley and Johnny.
Sweet, broken, damaged Jeremy being the one to think up ways to help Ariadne, Rory, and Persephone even while struggling with his self-worth now that his face (his money-maker) is damaged and subsequently dealing with the fear that he might not be honest enough for the town.
I adored seeing the love, passion and trust between Jeremy and Aiden. Getting a real perspective of their relationship growing from its initial stages into the (hopefully) lifelong bond they’ll share.
What I could have lived without:
I loved a lot about the story, but there were some things that dulled the polish for me a bit. This installment in the series didn't hold my attention as much as the others did. It was overlong and I struggled with the pacing. Also, the thing I hated most about Jeremy and Aiden’s relationship (Jeremy referring to Aiden as “Boy”) was CONSTANT.
Neither thing is a deal breaker, it just made me put it down twice before resuming. It doesn't overshadow the loveliness of the story and this (final?) installment rounds out the series nicely.
Recommended.
One of the things in the book is the reference to the Beatles “Blackbird” - Thanks to Amy Lane I had Sarah McLachlan’s version stuck in my head, so I’ll leave you here with a link to that wonderful version of the song.
Review Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 15, 2014
I never know how to review Amy Lane's books. Although I greatly prefer her sweet, low-drama novellas to her angst-a-thon novels (she's not called the Weep-Reaper for nothin'), even those novella's have a tight grip on my heart. I end up spending whole hours with a giant lump in my throat, fully prepared to start crying any minute over the sheer adoration her character's are so good at expressing.
I can't even pick out a single quote; all the words seem to bleed into each other and if I start with just one sentence I feel I have to quote the sentence before that and the paragraph before that.
So I'll just say I love Aiden & Jeremy. I love them as a couple. I'm so glad Lane completed their story and I hope we can see Stanley and Johnny in another novel as well.
Also, I really enjoy Lane's sexy times. That part where Aiden comes on Jeremy's face was just awesome.
I can't even pick out a single quote; all the words seem to bleed into each other and if I start with just one sentence I feel I have to quote the sentence before that and the paragraph before that.
So I'll just say I love Aiden & Jeremy. I love them as a couple. I'm so glad Lane completed their story and I hope we can see Stanley and Johnny in another novel as well.
Also, I really enjoy Lane's sexy times. That part where Aiden comes on Jeremy's face was just awesome.
May 20, 2015
*4.5 stars*
We have a winner! This is my favourite book of the series. I already loved Jeremy and Aidan in the second book but I adored them here. I'm glad we had Aidan's POV, I trully connected to his character. I finally got how strong willed he was despite his young age and how invested and comitted he was to his relationship with Jeremy.
But Jeremy is still my favourite person in Granby:) I'm so glad I read this series, I highly recommend it!
P.S And thanks for the new "hot men knitting" fetish Amy Lane...
We have a winner! This is my favourite book of the series. I already loved Jeremy and Aidan in the second book but I adored them here. I'm glad we had Aidan's POV, I trully connected to his character. I finally got how strong willed he was despite his young age and how invested and comitted he was to his relationship with Jeremy.
But Jeremy is still my favourite person in Granby:) I'm so glad I read this series, I highly recommend it!
P.S And thanks for the new "hot men knitting" fetish Amy Lane...
May 3, 2014
A happy ever after for Jeremy and Aiden. <3 Really enjoyed it. I probably won't write a full review because what I'd have to say might be a little spoilery, so I'll just say it was lovely, and the whole series is recommended. :)
May 4, 2014
All together now: Awwwww!
This book was like a tight hug from an old friend that you haven't talked to in awhile. It made me smile even while making me just a bit melancholy. I enjoyed this second glimpse into Jeremy and Aiden's life, even if, to me, it seemed to ramble on a bit too long for my taste. There was a lot of repeating of phrases that were unnecessary. The pacing was also slow in places, and there was a heck of a lot of growling, grunting and other man-noises, which only made me laugh after having read the sample for A Gay Romance.
However, "Blackbird" was nice and cuddly and low on angst, like a warm blanket on a cold day. You know what was also nice? Getting to check in on my other favorite people from Granby. The only thing I could've asked for was more Stanley and Gianni/Johnny. There was a marked lack of their presence in this book, which seems odd in relation to what happened in the previous installment.
If you liked Amy Lane's other Granby books, or if you like Amy Lane's style of writing in general, I'm sure you'll love this one.
This book was like a tight hug from an old friend that you haven't talked to in awhile. It made me smile even while making me just a bit melancholy. I enjoyed this second glimpse into Jeremy and Aiden's life, even if, to me, it seemed to ramble on a bit too long for my taste. There was a lot of repeating of phrases that were unnecessary. The pacing was also slow in places, and there was a heck of a lot of growling, grunting and other man-noises, which only made me laugh after having read the sample for A Gay Romance.
However, "Blackbird" was nice and cuddly and low on angst, like a warm blanket on a cold day. You know what was also nice? Getting to check in on my other favorite people from Granby. The only thing I could've asked for was more Stanley and Gianni/Johnny. There was a marked lack of their presence in this book, which seems odd in relation to what happened in the previous installment.
If you liked Amy Lane's other Granby books, or if you like Amy Lane's style of writing in general, I'm sure you'll love this one.
January 26, 2025
I don't know why I'm surprised any more when I read another beautiful book by Amy Lane. I'll admit to holding onto this for quite awhile before reading it. Oh, not because I didn't want to, I guess I was channeling a little of my own Jeremy Bunny, and not thinking I deserved to take the time to read something purely, selfishly, for me. Luckily, my husband helped me see the error of my ways. Yes, he wrote the date down. *giggle*
Jeremy and Aiden brought an "oh, wow" to my heart and soul in 'How to Raise an Honest Rabbit', and they've done it again, here. I got to watch Jeremy find more of his inner strength, and that was just as miraculous as watching Stanley mature. I'm always going to want to protect Jeremy. I guess I'm more like Aiden, in that respect. But, now, Aiden and I both know, that Jeremy can be a wolf, too.
I loved getting back to Granby, and I'm hoping to get more of it, someday. Craw, Ben, Aiden, Jeremy, Stanley, Johnny, Ariadne, Rory, and Persephone, are my family, too. I don't like to go too long without checking in on them. Thank you, Amy. It's beautiful and lovely.
Jeremy and Aiden brought an "oh, wow" to my heart and soul in 'How to Raise an Honest Rabbit', and they've done it again, here. I got to watch Jeremy find more of his inner strength, and that was just as miraculous as watching Stanley mature. I'm always going to want to protect Jeremy. I guess I'm more like Aiden, in that respect. But, now, Aiden and I both know, that Jeremy can be a wolf, too.
I loved getting back to Granby, and I'm hoping to get more of it, someday. Craw, Ben, Aiden, Jeremy, Stanley, Johnny, Ariadne, Rory, and Persephone, are my family, too. I don't like to go too long without checking in on them. Thank you, Amy. It's beautiful and lovely.
January 17, 2015
*** 2.5 Stars ***
Amy Lane is an undeniably talented author, but this book just wasn't my cuppa tea.
I love these characters, but sadly, I did not love this book. I won't get into a detailed review, but I have to say that I found Blackbird Knitting in a Bunny's Lair to be a bit boring in parts, a little preachy, and borderline saccharine near the end. However, I think the thing that irritated me the most about this book - the thing that I absolutely could not get past - was the fact that Jeremy's voice didn't feel the same to me in this one as it did in How to Raise an Honest Rabbit. Now, I know the poor guy had been through some heavy shit and was in the midst of healing/adjusting his world view, but his voice in this book just didn't feel nearly as authentic as it had in the previous two books in this series. Add to that the overabundance of the term "boy" and I was toast. Toast.
That said, you should feel free to take my above rating and review with a grain of salt. My reactions to this series have swung wildly from 2 stars (Book 1) to 5 stars (Book 3) and everything in between, and I am definitely in the minority among my friends (who pretty much universally love this entire series from start to finish). *shrugs* To each their own, I say.
Amy Lane is an undeniably talented author, but this book just wasn't my cuppa tea.
I love these characters, but sadly, I did not love this book. I won't get into a detailed review, but I have to say that I found Blackbird Knitting in a Bunny's Lair to be a bit boring in parts, a little preachy, and borderline saccharine near the end. However, I think the thing that irritated me the most about this book - the thing that I absolutely could not get past - was the fact that Jeremy's voice didn't feel the same to me in this one as it did in How to Raise an Honest Rabbit. Now, I know the poor guy had been through some heavy shit and was in the midst of healing/adjusting his world view, but his voice in this book just didn't feel nearly as authentic as it had in the previous two books in this series. Add to that the overabundance of the term "boy" and I was toast. Toast.
That said, you should feel free to take my above rating and review with a grain of salt. My reactions to this series have swung wildly from 2 stars (Book 1) to 5 stars (Book 3) and everything in between, and I am definitely in the minority among my friends (who pretty much universally love this entire series from start to finish). *shrugs* To each their own, I say.
August 7, 2021
Blackbird Knitting in a Bunny's Lair is the culmination of the intersecting lives in the Granby Knitting series with Jeremy and Aiden overcoming a horrific event, and everyone working together to support their coworker Ariadne through a difficult pregnancy and beyond. If Jeremy didn’t break your heart the first time around, this story and its angst will do it. I would have liked to have a bit more about Stanley and Johnny, and of all the stories, the pace of “Blackbird Knitting” felt slow.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review..
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review..
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
October 20, 2017
I think this one is a much better story than their first book.
Maybe it's Jeremy's healing progress or the family or Aiden's determination to heal him and raised Jeremy's self confidence after that horrible night.
Lots of tears of course, this is an Amy Lane's classic, torturing your heart along with a heartwarming special.
Maybe it's Jeremy's healing progress or the family or Aiden's determination to heal him and raised Jeremy's self confidence after that horrible night.
Lots of tears of course, this is an Amy Lane's classic, torturing your heart along with a heartwarming special.
May 5, 2015
Loved it! Yay! Now I can get back to writing. Whew!
December 1, 2015
Wonderful ending to a truly beautifully soothing, pleasing series.
September 28, 2015
Granby, the setting for this amazing series, is a wonderful place. I have longed to get back to reading what looks to be the final instalment (for now) for a while, and yet I have dreaded it at the same time. The ending of the last book, while great for Stanley and Johnny, left me emotionally drained. With Jeremy sacrificing himself to protect his friends, and thinking he deserved being beaten half to death, I knew his story was going to be harrowing – and after reading this book, I have to say I was right. I still loved the novel to pieces, but this happy ending was one of the most hard-won I have ever come across. Bravo, Amy, for making me suffer and work for it this hard. There are very few writers I trust to take me the places you do and know I will survive at the end of it – barely!
Jeremy has been around Granby for a while. His and Aiden’s story began in ‘How to Raise an Honest Rabbit’, and they were secondary characters in the previous book. After how he sacrificed himself to save Stanley at the end, I needed this to be another part of his story. He paid an awful price for saving Stanley, was almost beaten to death, and his body took months to heal – and those were just the physical wounds. His emotional scars are much worse. Jeremy is one of those few people who truly change their lives. He went from being dishonest and a con man (since that was how he was raised) to being brutally honest. Not an easy transition, especially because Jeremy is his own worst enemy. He has turned his life around, but still doesn’t think he deserves another chance, never mind Aiden’s love. Jeremy is so ready to be punished for his sins, he would accept anything being done to him if he could only be forgiven. It is a long, hard road for him to accept that he deserves a happy ever after, and I was with him (sometimes crying) the whole way.
Aiden was determined to make Jeremy see how much he loved him and that they belong together when they first met, and in this story, Aiden’s resolve grows stronger. Yeah, I didn’t think it was possible, but Amy Lane proved me wrong. Aiden knows what he wants, he understands how Jeremy’s mind works, and he pulls out all the stops to make sure Jeremy doesn’t run - or if he does, Aiden is going after him. It isn’t easy financially, emotions run high, and there is more than one crisis. But in the end, all that counts as far as Aiden is concerned is that they belong together, no matter what.
The healing power of wool and knitting has been weaving through all the stories in this series, but its strongest show is in what looks to be the final volume. With all the characters now connected as a family in and around Granby and the yarn store, the picture that emerges is beautiful. Yes, there was pain and heartache along the way, and I am sure there will be more in these characters’ lives, but now that they are together, and have made peace with their pasts, they are much better equipped to deal with anything fate throws at them. A beautiful endpoint for an amazing series. Thank you, Amy, for writing these books. I know I was late reading this last one, and I know trying to “avoid” the end by not acknowledging it is stupid, but these stories are so beautiful, I really, really did not want them to end.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jeremy has been around Granby for a while. His and Aiden’s story began in ‘How to Raise an Honest Rabbit’, and they were secondary characters in the previous book. After how he sacrificed himself to save Stanley at the end, I needed this to be another part of his story. He paid an awful price for saving Stanley, was almost beaten to death, and his body took months to heal – and those were just the physical wounds. His emotional scars are much worse. Jeremy is one of those few people who truly change their lives. He went from being dishonest and a con man (since that was how he was raised) to being brutally honest. Not an easy transition, especially because Jeremy is his own worst enemy. He has turned his life around, but still doesn’t think he deserves another chance, never mind Aiden’s love. Jeremy is so ready to be punished for his sins, he would accept anything being done to him if he could only be forgiven. It is a long, hard road for him to accept that he deserves a happy ever after, and I was with him (sometimes crying) the whole way.
Aiden was determined to make Jeremy see how much he loved him and that they belong together when they first met, and in this story, Aiden’s resolve grows stronger. Yeah, I didn’t think it was possible, but Amy Lane proved me wrong. Aiden knows what he wants, he understands how Jeremy’s mind works, and he pulls out all the stops to make sure Jeremy doesn’t run - or if he does, Aiden is going after him. It isn’t easy financially, emotions run high, and there is more than one crisis. But in the end, all that counts as far as Aiden is concerned is that they belong together, no matter what.
The healing power of wool and knitting has been weaving through all the stories in this series, but its strongest show is in what looks to be the final volume. With all the characters now connected as a family in and around Granby and the yarn store, the picture that emerges is beautiful. Yes, there was pain and heartache along the way, and I am sure there will be more in these characters’ lives, but now that they are together, and have made peace with their pasts, they are much better equipped to deal with anything fate throws at them. A beautiful endpoint for an amazing series. Thank you, Amy, for writing these books. I know I was late reading this last one, and I know trying to “avoid” the end by not acknowledging it is stupid, but these stories are so beautiful, I really, really did not want them to end.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 6, 2014
Jeremy No-Last-Name, I love you and I love your story.
This is not standalone. Read all the Granby Knitting stories first before this one or you'll be completely lost here. This should be called #4 because #2 in this series, Super Sock Man is a part of the author's Johnnies series so don't look to read that as a part of this story. Skip it and go directly from book #1 to book #3.
Jeremy is recovering from his bout of heroism in the last book but it's long hard journey back to health. Aiden, his boyfriend, is trying to come to terms with almost losing his lover and dealing with this anger both at the incident and with Jeremy's actions.
I did find this one jumped around quite a bit but it's still a heavy emotional read that was very family-that-you-make based. I adored how the men all rallied around Ariadne as she had continued health issues with her pregnancy. They all love her very much and that shines from every page.
This is a wonderful cap to Aiden and Jeremy's story but I hope not the end of the Granby tales. Fingers crossed we'll see more because I love them.
This is not standalone. Read all the Granby Knitting stories first before this one or you'll be completely lost here. This should be called #4 because #2 in this series, Super Sock Man is a part of the author's Johnnies series so don't look to read that as a part of this story. Skip it and go directly from book #1 to book #3.
Jeremy is recovering from his bout of heroism in the last book but it's long hard journey back to health. Aiden, his boyfriend, is trying to come to terms with almost losing his lover and dealing with this anger both at the incident and with Jeremy's actions.
I did find this one jumped around quite a bit but it's still a heavy emotional read that was very family-that-you-make based. I adored how the men all rallied around Ariadne as she had continued health issues with her pregnancy. They all love her very much and that shines from every page.
This is a wonderful cap to Aiden and Jeremy's story but I hope not the end of the Granby tales. Fingers crossed we'll see more because I love them.
May 29, 2017
Probably not my favorite of the series, but one that I enjoyed nonetheless. I am glad that we got to see how Jeremy copes with what happened to him at the end of the last book, but it was so hard to see him all banged up when he has done so much to make his life better. But of course the rest of the gang was there to help him out, and in this book Jer really does start to come to life. He has learned the value (and cost) of not running, but there is still a lot he has to learn. Like how much Aiden will do (and has done) to keep him safe and loved. And how much his family means to him. While I've never been a knitter, I fully enjoy these books, and the quirky and sometime downright grumpy characters that fill them.
And I will also now have this fucking song stuck in my head for eternity...
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly...
And I will also now have this fucking song stuck in my head for eternity...
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly...
March 13, 2015
This is a sweet 'lil follow up on the Granby knitting series, where we get to revisit Jeremy and Aiden. It was nice to catch up with our guys, and how they deal with new bumps in the road. It was a little slow going, I think just because I knew these guys and was in no rush (since there's no will-they/wont-they?). But I enjoy being able to take my time with an audio book, so it was no skin off my back. If you like the series then I think you'll like this, although I can't imagine it would be anyone's favorite compared to the books in which the couples meet. Definitely not a stand alone though!
The narration was consistent with what has been in this series, and overall, I like this series in audio format since it's light and easy to come and go with over the course of a few days.
Plan on receiving audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The narration was consistent with what has been in this series, and overall, I like this series in audio format since it's light and easy to come and go with over the course of a few days.
Plan on receiving audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
August 16, 2014
Ah, Amy, you never fail me. You always make me smile and you always make knitting sexy.
May 5, 2014
4.5 stars, rounded up
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
July 9, 2014
Oy, that was a tough one for me to get through. It's hard to pull off angst when the reader doesn't care about the main characters. I know I used to like Jeremy and Aiden. I think I lost whatever affection I had for them in the 18 months which have passed since I read the last book.
The constant reference to Jeremy being like a bunny was way too much. It was annoying after page 5.
The only thing which saved this book from the DNF pile were the supporting characters. I cared about them and their lives and that's why I kept reading.
The constant reference to Jeremy being like a bunny was way too much. It was annoying after page 5.
The only thing which saved this book from the DNF pile were the supporting characters. I cared about them and their lives and that's why I kept reading.
March 22, 2017
4.5 Stars
I'm not a knitter so all the references to stitches and yarn and needles went completely over my head...but I imagine those of you that are patient enough to do that kind of thing probably would love it. Everything else? That's the stuff I loved. Especially the long, torturous, winding journey that Jeremy endured - not to get his happy ending, but for him to feel like he finally deserved it , too.
And if there really are towns like Granby, I wish to hell I lived there.
I'm not a knitter so all the references to stitches and yarn and needles went completely over my head...but I imagine those of you that are patient enough to do that kind of thing probably would love it. Everything else? That's the stuff I loved. Especially the long, torturous, winding journey that Jeremy endured - not to get his happy ending, but for him to feel like he finally deserved it , too.
And if there really are towns like Granby, I wish to hell I lived there.
February 14, 2015
I really liked the Granby Knitting books until this one. I am unsure why it was novel length, unlike the other books in the series, if the repetitive bits were edited out it would have lost about 1/3rd.
Sure it was nice to see Jeremy get his redemption and to see all the others again, but for me the actual story just never hooked me in at all.
Sure it was nice to see Jeremy get his redemption and to see all the others again, but for me the actual story just never hooked me in at all.
May 4, 2014
Loved, loved, loved it. Can't get enough of these boys (ok, well, except Stanley's story because I think it would be really sad).
Maybe Eli is next??
ps I am not sure how this is number 5.
pps I will def read about Stanley. Some point.
Maybe Eli is next??
ps I am not sure how this is number 5.
pps I will def read about Stanley. Some point.
November 14, 2021
What a great conclusion and so happy Aiden and Jeremy made it through in one piece. It was hard to heal alongside of Jeremy, but it was worth it in the long run. So many beautiful moments for me to relive in my mind's eye.
March 10, 2016
I listened to the audiobook it just took far too long to listen to. I'm not sure if I was just not in the mood, or what. This book didn't grab me and suck me in like the others did.
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