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Golden Nettle #1
The Wind Your Voice, The Rain Your Tears
Small town mechanic Vinny Shields doesn't have much going for him. He has a girlfriend that seems to chase every man that crosses her path. His father and mother are consistently unimpressed with his lifestyle. And his younger brother just dropped a bombshell that will change the dynamic of his family.
Vinny then meets the flamboyant gas station attendant, Tristan May, and learns more about what it means to love and be loved.
Vinny then meets the flamboyant gas station attendant, Tristan May, and learns more about what it means to love and be loved.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2014
147 people want to read
About the author
M.E. Sanford
4 books16 followersA lifelong writer and storyteller, M.E. Sanford has always pursued creative careers. One of his passions is writing novels and other short stories.
Just recently he made a major move cross country to pursue a dream that includes publishing his stories that he's been working on the past several years. An entertainer at heart, M.E. follows the pull of his ambitions and turns his experiences into touching works of literature.
If just one person is touched by his stories he can consider himself a success.
Just recently he made a major move cross country to pursue a dream that includes publishing his stories that he's been working on the past several years. An entertainer at heart, M.E. follows the pull of his ambitions and turns his experiences into touching works of literature.
If just one person is touched by his stories he can consider himself a success.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 23, 2014
THIS RANT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHARACTERS AND IS IN NO WAY INTENDED AS AN OFFENCE TOWARDS THE AUTHOR!
Before I get to actually reviewing the book, I’d like to put up my middle finger for all the bigoted jerks in this story (a whole town of them) and say FUCK YOU!!!!!
Ohh, where to start….. this book was a challenge for me. It was depressing from the first chapter and it never really got any better. At the beginning of the book we meet Vinny, an auto mechanic who’s one of the biggest duche bags I’ve ever “met”. It’s hard to review this book without any spoilers, but I’ll try my best. My first impression of Vinny wasn’t a good one. His brother Danny came out to him and all he could think was “I raised a hand but found myself unable to touch my brother. Somehow, he was different now. Sick. Contagious. Wrong.”
So you see, Vinny’s not only an idiot but he’s a heartless bastard as well. He severed all contact with his brother for 2 years and, when his brother needed him most, this is what Vinny the dick said…
"What? No...No I'm not coming over. Because you know why?" I smiled and laughed when I hit my head against the metal bin.
"Why?" Danny took a shuddering breath.
"Because I'm not gay. And I don't know how to talk to you anymore."
"I understand."
"So you can be gay all you want. But until you can be a straight--a straight--a straight dude, I have to stay away. Can't catch the gay!" *shudders*
And then we meet Tristan. Sweet Tristan who used to be a dancer and an actor and a model…awesome, right? But an injury brought his career to an end. It happens, I know. But I’ve never in my life heard of a more ridiculous and dramatic accident like Tristan had…..HE WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING!!! Say what???
"You were struck by lightning?" I asked. My voice sounded distant, it was strange.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry. That's what ended your career?"
"It was a much more injuring strike than what was usual. “
That’s a little over the top, but taking into consideration that this book is full of over the top events…well I’ll take that over the rest. But Tristan’s bad luck doesn’t end there. Because he met Vinny and that’s even worse than the accident in my opinion. Or maybe not…because than Tristan meets Vinny’s bigoted assholish parents. It’s sad to think that parents like those two do indeed exist, but it’s a fact. Tristan’s family was pretty awesome, but those are the only nice people in the whole town!!! Tristan now works at a gas station, and on top of being called a faggot on a daily basis, this is how the fucked up people of this stupid little town behave…
Three employees were there. Tristan was messing with his register, adding coins to his machine and then stopping to help a customer. Coffee in hand, customers were getting impatient and began throwing money at the workers or cursing at them.
“Oh, customers get really pissed off when they have to wait in line. Sometimes they throw things at us,” Tristan shook his head and wiped his eyes.
I am not ashamed to say that I’ve had nasty thoughts cross my mind while reading all this. Thoughts like the people of this stupid town need to be exterminated like the rats they are. But honestly, I got sick to my stomach reading this.
Vinny starts feeling attracted to Tristan and they end up going away together to Alaska…. a trip that was planned a year before for Vinny and his brother Danny to go together (I guess the author forgot the Vinny and Danny haven’t been keeping in touch for the past two years), but now that Danny is dead, Tristan agrees to go. And under the magic show of the northern lights they…..cry. A fuck-ton of crying. And drama… a fuck-ton of that too (especially when Tristan shows Vinny his scar). Here’s an example, I swear I’m not making it up.
But I saw the tears reflect light on Tristan's handsome face and felt the truth of his embarrassment.
Tears were running down Tristan's cheeks.
He fell to his knees and sobbed. Good God, what was happening? (that’s exactly what I thought)
Tears streaming down his cheeks, bright blue eyes found mine.
"Listen to me. That was a very poor choice of words, I'm sorry. But I thought what I'd see would be horrible and ugly. I never thought a scar could be so beautiful. It was a surprise." I stroked his cheek. (*SNORT*)
Tristan choked back emotions, his lip quivered.
As embarrassing as it is to admit, I cried. It was pitiful though. I kept trying to hold back the tears and would make an odd choking sound….I began to cry again later in the evening.
AAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!! If I rolled my eyes one more time, I would have gotten a muscle strain.
And if this wasn’t bad enough so far, all the good people in the book die. All except for Tristan (who died for a few minutes) and his brother Daniel (who died like 5 times), but neither of them died permanently. *rolls eyes again* (I think I need to get my eyes checked for that muscle strain and I’m billing the author for my eye exam :P)
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a lot of drama, people who cry a lot, parents who get real heart attacks when their kids tell them they’re gay, and a town full of bigoted jerks. If you like all that, then this book is for you!
Before I get to actually reviewing the book, I’d like to put up my middle finger for all the bigoted jerks in this story (a whole town of them) and say FUCK YOU!!!!!
Ohh, where to start….. this book was a challenge for me. It was depressing from the first chapter and it never really got any better. At the beginning of the book we meet Vinny, an auto mechanic who’s one of the biggest duche bags I’ve ever “met”. It’s hard to review this book without any spoilers, but I’ll try my best. My first impression of Vinny wasn’t a good one. His brother Danny came out to him and all he could think was “I raised a hand but found myself unable to touch my brother. Somehow, he was different now. Sick. Contagious. Wrong.”
So you see, Vinny’s not only an idiot but he’s a heartless bastard as well. He severed all contact with his brother for 2 years and, when his brother needed him most, this is what Vinny the dick said…
"What? No...No I'm not coming over. Because you know why?" I smiled and laughed when I hit my head against the metal bin.
"Why?" Danny took a shuddering breath.
"Because I'm not gay. And I don't know how to talk to you anymore."
"I understand."
"So you can be gay all you want. But until you can be a straight--a straight--a straight dude, I have to stay away. Can't catch the gay!" *shudders*
And then we meet Tristan. Sweet Tristan who used to be a dancer and an actor and a model…awesome, right? But an injury brought his career to an end. It happens, I know. But I’ve never in my life heard of a more ridiculous and dramatic accident like Tristan had…..HE WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING!!! Say what???
"You were struck by lightning?" I asked. My voice sounded distant, it was strange.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry. That's what ended your career?"
"It was a much more injuring strike than what was usual. “
That’s a little over the top, but taking into consideration that this book is full of over the top events…well I’ll take that over the rest. But Tristan’s bad luck doesn’t end there. Because he met Vinny and that’s even worse than the accident in my opinion. Or maybe not…because than Tristan meets Vinny’s bigoted assholish parents. It’s sad to think that parents like those two do indeed exist, but it’s a fact. Tristan’s family was pretty awesome, but those are the only nice people in the whole town!!! Tristan now works at a gas station, and on top of being called a faggot on a daily basis, this is how the fucked up people of this stupid little town behave…
Three employees were there. Tristan was messing with his register, adding coins to his machine and then stopping to help a customer. Coffee in hand, customers were getting impatient and began throwing money at the workers or cursing at them.
“Oh, customers get really pissed off when they have to wait in line. Sometimes they throw things at us,” Tristan shook his head and wiped his eyes.
I am not ashamed to say that I’ve had nasty thoughts cross my mind while reading all this. Thoughts like the people of this stupid town need to be exterminated like the rats they are. But honestly, I got sick to my stomach reading this.
Vinny starts feeling attracted to Tristan and they end up going away together to Alaska…. a trip that was planned a year before for Vinny and his brother Danny to go together (I guess the author forgot the Vinny and Danny haven’t been keeping in touch for the past two years), but now that Danny is dead, Tristan agrees to go. And under the magic show of the northern lights they…..cry. A fuck-ton of crying. And drama… a fuck-ton of that too (especially when Tristan shows Vinny his scar). Here’s an example, I swear I’m not making it up.
But I saw the tears reflect light on Tristan's handsome face and felt the truth of his embarrassment.
Tears were running down Tristan's cheeks.
He fell to his knees and sobbed. Good God, what was happening? (that’s exactly what I thought)
Tears streaming down his cheeks, bright blue eyes found mine.
"Listen to me. That was a very poor choice of words, I'm sorry. But I thought what I'd see would be horrible and ugly. I never thought a scar could be so beautiful. It was a surprise." I stroked his cheek. (*SNORT*)
Tristan choked back emotions, his lip quivered.
As embarrassing as it is to admit, I cried. It was pitiful though. I kept trying to hold back the tears and would make an odd choking sound….I began to cry again later in the evening.
AAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!! If I rolled my eyes one more time, I would have gotten a muscle strain.
And if this wasn’t bad enough so far, all the good people in the book die. All except for Tristan (who died for a few minutes) and his brother Daniel (who died like 5 times), but neither of them died permanently. *rolls eyes again* (I think I need to get my eyes checked for that muscle strain and I’m billing the author for my eye exam :P)
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a lot of drama, people who cry a lot, parents who get real heart attacks when their kids tell them they’re gay, and a town full of bigoted jerks. If you like all that, then this book is for you!
August 3, 2016
I don't even know where to start...This book was so emotionally charged. This is the story of a man, Vinny, who was raised to believe homosexuality is a sin but is forced to re-evaluate his beliefs and choices he's made after a tragic event.
It's during his journey to self forgiveness, that he meets Tristan. A gay young man who is struggling to help his family.
This is a story of family, loss, acceptance, forgiveness, and love. I thought the gay for you aspect of the story was written realistically. The story flowed well and it is hard to put down. I actually read it in one sitting- I stayed up until almost 5 this morning to finish it. Don't read this next bit if you plan on reading it:
Overall, I felt that it was well written. I think the story is relevant to today. It's a great story of hope and new beginnings.
I'd definitely recommend it. 4.5 stars ♥
Yes J there's nookie in the book ;)
March 12, 2016
The first few chapters are decent enough. The MC is sort of a redneck and clearly not the sharpest tool in the shed. I liked that premise because after reading the blurb it seemed to lead to some interesting character development. He is not a very likeable character but I was okay with that. The story in the beginning is rather depressing and I didn’t really want to be in the MC’s head because quite frankly, he is a jerk. But still, the book had some promise.
It was clear from the start that the book would need some heavy editing but I thought I could deal with that. I could not as it turned out because in the end I wanted to edit it with an axe. The writing is really sloppy – and I mean REALLY sloppy (laid instead of lay – to name just one of many word usage errors, adverbs instead of adjectives, missing words and so on), which is always a huge turn-off for me but, yeah, well, I could have probably lived with that as well because the underlying message is a good one. What I couldn’t live with was that at some point the plot could give every self-respecting soap opera a run for its money. I’m going to be really spoilerish, so beware.
I had to roll my eyes a little when it turned out that the love interest is A bit over the top maybe but okay.
But then this happens in the last quarter of the book:
I’m really disappointed because I think there might actually a good book in there. It deals with homophobia and the importance of love and acceptance and I applaud that but IMO it needs a lot of tough-love editing.
It was clear from the start that the book would need some heavy editing but I thought I could deal with that. I could not as it turned out because in the end I wanted to edit it with an axe. The writing is really sloppy – and I mean REALLY sloppy (laid instead of lay – to name just one of many word usage errors, adverbs instead of adjectives, missing words and so on), which is always a huge turn-off for me but, yeah, well, I could have probably lived with that as well because the underlying message is a good one. What I couldn’t live with was that at some point the plot could give every self-respecting soap opera a run for its money. I’m going to be really spoilerish, so beware.
I had to roll my eyes a little when it turned out that the love interest is A bit over the top maybe but okay.
But then this happens in the last quarter of the book:
I’m really disappointed because I think there might actually a good book in there. It deals with homophobia and the importance of love and acceptance and I applaud that but IMO it needs a lot of tough-love editing.
December 12, 2014
I am going to get all my thoughts out and then I am going to throw some stars up there for a rating and make them stick.
You see, I bought this book back in June or July but I never got around to reading it. Now, I am kind of glad I didn't read it in the bright sunny summer. This book was so depressing. Although, I didn't cry. Nope. Not one tear. Coming from me that's HUGE! I cry at the drop of a hat. I cry when babies laugh. I cry when someone pets an animal for the first time. I am a crier. Period. End of story. In this depressing story, I guess you can say it did nothing for me because I was too pissed off. I was so mad at Vincent. I was mad at his parents. I was mad at Tristan. I was mad.
When Vincent's brother comes to him to tell him he's gay, Vincent's reaction (to himself, but probably showed outward) was that his brother was "contagious. Sick. Wrong." He calls gay people faggot queers. He hates that one works at the station because he buys his booze and cigarettes there. His friend, Paul, won't even buy his cigarettes if "the fag" is working. It made me sick. Vincent is so homophobic it's disturbing. I hated him. His posse were no better. How can a town have so many bigots and they all seem to stick together? UGH!
So you see, after all that talk about fags and being disgusted by Tristan and Danny (Vincent's brother), fuck what he said to him on the phone was worse, I couldn't buy the love story between Tristan and Vincent. I just didn't believe it. I really truly felt that Vincent only befriended Tristan because of his brother. I think if it weren't for Danny there would be no Tristan and Vincent and somehow that felt wrong to me. I would like to think that people are together because they want to be not because they have to be and that's how I felt with these two. I felt that Vincent used Tristan to feel better about himself because of Danny.
I did like Tristan's family though. They were cute.
Let's talk about the big conflict at the end. Major spoiler, don't read it you don't it ruined for you:
Overall, too much drama. Too many bigots, MC included.
I do see this is a trilogy, but I probably won't be reading on in this series :(
You see, I bought this book back in June or July but I never got around to reading it. Now, I am kind of glad I didn't read it in the bright sunny summer. This book was so depressing. Although, I didn't cry. Nope. Not one tear. Coming from me that's HUGE! I cry at the drop of a hat. I cry when babies laugh. I cry when someone pets an animal for the first time. I am a crier. Period. End of story. In this depressing story, I guess you can say it did nothing for me because I was too pissed off. I was so mad at Vincent. I was mad at his parents. I was mad at Tristan. I was mad.
When Vincent's brother comes to him to tell him he's gay, Vincent's reaction (to himself, but probably showed outward) was that his brother was "contagious. Sick. Wrong." He calls gay people faggot queers. He hates that one works at the station because he buys his booze and cigarettes there. His friend, Paul, won't even buy his cigarettes if "the fag" is working. It made me sick. Vincent is so homophobic it's disturbing. I hated him. His posse were no better. How can a town have so many bigots and they all seem to stick together? UGH!
So you see, after all that talk about fags and being disgusted by Tristan and Danny (Vincent's brother), fuck what he said to him on the phone was worse, I couldn't buy the love story between Tristan and Vincent. I just didn't believe it. I really truly felt that Vincent only befriended Tristan because of his brother. I think if it weren't for Danny there would be no Tristan and Vincent and somehow that felt wrong to me. I would like to think that people are together because they want to be not because they have to be and that's how I felt with these two. I felt that Vincent used Tristan to feel better about himself because of Danny.
I did like Tristan's family though. They were cute.
Let's talk about the big conflict at the end. Major spoiler, don't read it you don't it ruined for you:
Overall, too much drama. Too many bigots, MC included.
I do see this is a trilogy, but I probably won't be reading on in this series :(
June 27, 2014
OMG… I don’t even know where to start. First of all I love the cover, it’s beautifully done and an eye catcher, making it stand out favourably from others in this genre. The story itself is one of the hardest I’ve read in a while and I have to admit, at first I hated Vinny the main character. I hated his prejudice, his weakness, his superficialness and his fearfulness. It took me a while… strictly speaking half of the book, to even bear him… but paradoxically there was something about him that drew me to him. I just couldn’t put the book down, it caught me from the very first chapter and kept me reading to the end.
Vinny… yeah, how to describe Vinny. He is straight (or thinks he his…), a guy with a steady job as a mechanic, he has a few friends and an on-off girlfriend aka fuck-buddy who turns out to be evil incarnate. Just thinking about that bitch makes my blood boil. No, I won’t go there…
Anyway, when Vinny’s brother Danny comes out to him and his family, a terrible roller coaster ride begins that leads into an indescribable drama. At that particular time Vinny meets Tristan, a former dancer and model, who is struggling to help his family. A lovable, cute, flamboyant, vulnerable and simultaneously strong guy, who doesn’t hide who he is and little by little Vinny starts to question his own sexuality and prejudice.
'The Wind Your Voice, The Rain Your Tears' moves fast, it’s a page turner, a powerful book, full of angst, realistic in nature, a book about families who discard their children for being gay and hide behind a ridiculous, mendacious ideology.
It’s a melodramatic story, a story about emotional torture and the will to survive, about discovering what love really means and it's profoundly moving. There are so many misconceptions, and the effects of preconceived opinions on the lives of others that are truly devastating. The story shows the reader quite plainly the close-mindedness and ignorance of small town people, the alarming significance of social acceptance, which seems to be much more important than a few lives.
But it’s more…the writing is emotionally charged, and takes the reader on a tumultuous ride of: Loss, grief, acceptance, forgiveness and true love. It’s a story of tragedy, hope and triumph, it follows the blossoming love between two young men, and if the readers open their hearts they might discover the raw emotions behind the characters and that true love knows no boundaries. It’s so sweet, it’s a true journey of forgiveness and it points out the importance of family and loyalty.
Recommended to those who love to read character driven books. This one will break your heart but at the same time will make you love the people you first start out hating. It’s a truly touching book, full of character growth, twists and turns, life lessons and new beginnings. It’s an eye opener in so many ways. 'The Wind Your Voice, The Rain Your Tears' is M.E.Sanford’s debut novel and I think it’s an excellent start. Definitely worth reading.
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Note: 'The Wind Your Voice, The Rain Your Tears' is the first book in the Golden Nettle series.
August 11, 2016
3.5
I think no matter what I do this review is going to be rambling and/or disjointed. A roller coaster of “I liked it”, “No, I didn’t”, “Yes, I did”, because that is exactly how I felt while reading this book. There is so much angst, so much sadness, so much hatred on one side set against the other side, of family, loyalty and sweetness. Where to even start.
Vinny is a twenty-something mechanic. He loves his job but he realizes he won’t be anything more than a basic mechanic. He has a girlfriend, of sorts, in Vicky. When his younger brother, Danny, drops the bomb that he’s gay, well, so many things change. Actually, they don’t really change, they just bring forward that Vinny and his parents are homophobic bigoted asshats. The pain Danny went through because of his family was just so hard to read.
When a tragedy forces a terrible reaction from Vinny towards the effeminate gas station attendant, Tristan, he actually feels guilty enough to want to apologize. The fact that he is faced with Tristan while out to eat with Vicky, where she shows her bigoted hatred, gives him a chance to be a man, to stand up for what is right, something he never did for Danny. But does he? Of course not. I admit right here, I found Vinny to be weak, undeserving of what he gets because I never felt like he changed his thinking. Instead, his situation just got easier.
But I digress, it is the whole episode with Danny and the slur thrown at Tristan by Vinny that sets off a change of sorts in Vinny. Tristan has been through so much in his life, it’s incredible that he has any hope at all. And yet, as his family understands, he appreciates the good things even while knowing they can’t last. Oh, Tristan, he is a character to care about.
Told in the first person point of view of Vinny, the story focuses on his emotions and feelings. To be honest, he’s selfish quite a lot. He tends to go the easy route, regardless of how much it might hurt someone else. Things tend to be all about him, although that may appear this way because we don’t get anyone else’s POV. I have to say I did love his best friend, Paul. Homophobic appearing (nearly everyone throws out the word fag at some point), Paul is actually much more accepting of everything than Vinny is. Paul gets it – you HURT people like that.
There is so much homophobia in this small town you wonder how the people even function, they are so narrow. At times it seemed too much – the homeless man who first says Tristan is kind and then slurs him, I wanted to smack him.
For her part, Vicky is a nightmare. She is Vinny’s “girlfriend”, although he himself categorizes her as more of a fuck buddy and she hits on people with Vinny right there. Besides that, she is a bigot to the nth degree and is hateful and horrible. She’s awful, but not quite as awful as Vinny and Danny’s parents, particularly their mother. She may come across as a bit better than Dad in spots, but I found her revolting all the way through. Mom is a raging ‘phobe who hides behind the Bible, gah but I hated her.
Be warned, there is one scene of m/f sex involving Vinny and Vicky. It’s very short, but it’s there. There are also some whamming sad things happening throughout. I do wish we had gotten more of Tristan’s POV because I keep wondering if he is just that lonely or if there was something more redeeming about Vinny.
The story is a difficult one to read at times because there is such a sad feeling to it, even beyond the intolerance demonstrated throughout. The high point is Tristan and by extension, his family. Daniel, so young and jumping to his brother’s defense; Tabby, the little sister demanding “pick me up”; Sara Lee, the mom keeping her family going. They are what family should be.
I think no matter what I do this review is going to be rambling and/or disjointed. A roller coaster of “I liked it”, “No, I didn’t”, “Yes, I did”, because that is exactly how I felt while reading this book. There is so much angst, so much sadness, so much hatred on one side set against the other side, of family, loyalty and sweetness. Where to even start.
Vinny is a twenty-something mechanic. He loves his job but he realizes he won’t be anything more than a basic mechanic. He has a girlfriend, of sorts, in Vicky. When his younger brother, Danny, drops the bomb that he’s gay, well, so many things change. Actually, they don’t really change, they just bring forward that Vinny and his parents are homophobic bigoted asshats. The pain Danny went through because of his family was just so hard to read.
When a tragedy forces a terrible reaction from Vinny towards the effeminate gas station attendant, Tristan, he actually feels guilty enough to want to apologize. The fact that he is faced with Tristan while out to eat with Vicky, where she shows her bigoted hatred, gives him a chance to be a man, to stand up for what is right, something he never did for Danny. But does he? Of course not. I admit right here, I found Vinny to be weak, undeserving of what he gets because I never felt like he changed his thinking. Instead, his situation just got easier.
But I digress, it is the whole episode with Danny and the slur thrown at Tristan by Vinny that sets off a change of sorts in Vinny. Tristan has been through so much in his life, it’s incredible that he has any hope at all. And yet, as his family understands, he appreciates the good things even while knowing they can’t last. Oh, Tristan, he is a character to care about.
Told in the first person point of view of Vinny, the story focuses on his emotions and feelings. To be honest, he’s selfish quite a lot. He tends to go the easy route, regardless of how much it might hurt someone else. Things tend to be all about him, although that may appear this way because we don’t get anyone else’s POV. I have to say I did love his best friend, Paul. Homophobic appearing (nearly everyone throws out the word fag at some point), Paul is actually much more accepting of everything than Vinny is. Paul gets it – you HURT people like that.
There is so much homophobia in this small town you wonder how the people even function, they are so narrow. At times it seemed too much – the homeless man who first says Tristan is kind and then slurs him, I wanted to smack him.
For her part, Vicky is a nightmare. She is Vinny’s “girlfriend”, although he himself categorizes her as more of a fuck buddy and she hits on people with Vinny right there. Besides that, she is a bigot to the nth degree and is hateful and horrible. She’s awful, but not quite as awful as Vinny and Danny’s parents, particularly their mother. She may come across as a bit better than Dad in spots, but I found her revolting all the way through. Mom is a raging ‘phobe who hides behind the Bible, gah but I hated her.
Be warned, there is one scene of m/f sex involving Vinny and Vicky. It’s very short, but it’s there. There are also some whamming sad things happening throughout. I do wish we had gotten more of Tristan’s POV because I keep wondering if he is just that lonely or if there was something more redeeming about Vinny.
The story is a difficult one to read at times because there is such a sad feeling to it, even beyond the intolerance demonstrated throughout. The high point is Tristan and by extension, his family. Daniel, so young and jumping to his brother’s defense; Tabby, the little sister demanding “pick me up”; Sara Lee, the mom keeping her family going. They are what family should be.
November 22, 2017
***5 heart breaking - tear jerking - stars!***
I don't remember crying so much in my history of M/M reading so far.
This is not the kind of book I usually savor and enjoy. I hate angst, I hate crying, I prefer some light, angst free read for my M/M reading.
So here I am, trying not to like this book, but ended given 5 stars.
Vinny's family is a typical homophobic one, everything about homosexuality is SIN. And when Danny, Vinny's brother came out to them. You can guess their reaction. They disowned him. That was including Vinny, who's not man enough to stand behind his baby brother.
Danny had been abandoned after that , and living miserable and lonely life.
And even Danny's death can't gather them together to think about mercy, and love everyone including their gay son.
Until Vinny met Tristan
And everything what he believed tore him, between sin and what he really is. He tried hard to deny his feeling for Tristan, but Tristan had become his muse and Vinny can't live without him anymore since their first kiss. And after he met his family, and loved them.
The make out session was definitely sexiest ever! and I loved hw Tristan made Vinny feel. The heat, the wanting...and everything..!
The twist, twisted my heart and I cried so much. This book will obviously stay in my heart for a very long time.
Tristan deserves his HEA. The bitch got her punishment, but still couldn't satisfied me much. I want her rot in hell for another 10 times forever!
Can't wait for Daniel's story and I hope Paul and Tim will get their own story as well.
Well done, M.E. Sanford
I don't remember crying so much in my history of M/M reading so far.
This is not the kind of book I usually savor and enjoy. I hate angst, I hate crying, I prefer some light, angst free read for my M/M reading.
So here I am, trying not to like this book, but ended given 5 stars.
Vinny's family is a typical homophobic one, everything about homosexuality is SIN. And when Danny, Vinny's brother came out to them. You can guess their reaction. They disowned him. That was including Vinny, who's not man enough to stand behind his baby brother.
Danny had been abandoned after that , and living miserable and lonely life.
And even Danny's death can't gather them together to think about mercy, and love everyone including their gay son.
Until Vinny met Tristan
And everything what he believed tore him, between sin and what he really is. He tried hard to deny his feeling for Tristan, but Tristan had become his muse and Vinny can't live without him anymore since their first kiss. And after he met his family, and loved them.
The make out session was definitely sexiest ever! and I loved hw Tristan made Vinny feel. The heat, the wanting...and everything..!
The twist, twisted my heart and I cried so much. This book will obviously stay in my heart for a very long time.
Tristan deserves his HEA. The bitch got her punishment, but still couldn't satisfied me much. I want her rot in hell for another 10 times forever!
Can't wait for Daniel's story and I hope Paul and Tim will get their own story as well.
Well done, M.E. Sanford
July 16, 2014
Vinny and Tristan drew me in from the beginning and stuck with me for days afterward. Vinny let down his gay brother Danny and is now questioning his homophobia and the strictures of his upbringing and his religion. When he sees Tristan's reaction to his slurs and actions, Vinny starts to doubt himself and starts to change, a slow process that tears at Vinny's somewhat basic view of life.
What I liked about the book:
1) Vinny is a terrific character who doesn't accept who he's become after he loses the person closest to him. A big, somewhat bumbling mechanic, Vinny works at becoming more tolerant changing fundamental beliefs in his life. The changes, however, don't come easily which is exactly how fundamental life changes occur.
2) Tristan, for all his soft-looking exterior, is much stronger and resilient than Vinny, which is a wonderful twist for gay romance. His loyalty and devotion to his family is a nice juxtaposition to Vinny and his family.
3) Tristan's family's interactions with both men ring true as do Vinny's interactions with his family. The dynamics aren't easy but are pure.
4) The story never feels overly cloying or angst-for-angst sake. The transformations of the characters are believable and interesting.
What I didn't like about the book:
1) Some of the events in the last few chapters seem a bit too dramatic and rushed, but they didn't bother me enough to downgrade the book.
The bottom line: I really enjoyed this book and think you might too.
What I liked about the book:
1) Vinny is a terrific character who doesn't accept who he's become after he loses the person closest to him. A big, somewhat bumbling mechanic, Vinny works at becoming more tolerant changing fundamental beliefs in his life. The changes, however, don't come easily which is exactly how fundamental life changes occur.
2) Tristan, for all his soft-looking exterior, is much stronger and resilient than Vinny, which is a wonderful twist for gay romance. His loyalty and devotion to his family is a nice juxtaposition to Vinny and his family.
3) Tristan's family's interactions with both men ring true as do Vinny's interactions with his family. The dynamics aren't easy but are pure.
4) The story never feels overly cloying or angst-for-angst sake. The transformations of the characters are believable and interesting.
What I didn't like about the book:
1) Some of the events in the last few chapters seem a bit too dramatic and rushed, but they didn't bother me enough to downgrade the book.
The bottom line: I really enjoyed this book and think you might too.
June 20, 2014
*** 4 broken-heart-stars ***
What a beautiful heart wrenching story about a straight guy who haunted by his guilt due to the tragic loss of his beloved younger gay brother and found his redemption through another gay guy that made him realize about new life he didn't expect before....
The author has the ability to stir up readers feels from the very beginning until the last chapter.
I cried....smiled then cried again, and again....
What had happened to Tristan's really broke my heart....
And what I like the most with GFY theme is.....I love "the process".
When a stright guys start to questioning what they feel and start to explore their new curiosity and finally...found the truth about themself.
In this book, we'll see the "process" through Vinny's character, and I found that "interesting", the denying.....the curiosity.....and the acceptance....are the part I "enjoying" the most....
But, even I do really like the whole story and plot, still I felt there something "missing" at some part.
At some part I feel the author seem lil' bit to "rush" and it made me felt like there'really some "leap" or "jumping" moments that quite "annoyed" me.
But overall, I still LOVE this story....
TRISTAN and VINNY are well perfect couple of indeed.
Highly RECOMMEND !!!!
February 1, 2015
Oh boy. When I started this book I thought this one would be a 5 star read for sure. I mean I couldn't even fall asleep thinking of the first part of the book. I kept getting teary then I'd have to get up and blow my nose. It was driving me nuts...in a good way. Yeah, then I kept reading. Wait, what just happened? Oh hell, again?! You have got to be freaking kidding me! That was my inner dialogue....fascinating, huh? This was like some crazy soap opera exploded and left all the crazy in the pages of my book! So much potential and I'll definitely be reading the next book by this author but I'm really, really hoping there's an editor involved in the next one.
July 11, 2014
I came at this story with the intention of wanting a good cry. And what I came out with was, "well, that was melodramatic." I mean, the story is heartbreaking and effing dark from the get go, but did every plot twist need to be that extreme and violent? It seemed like emotional manipulation by the end. Even the bursts of hysterics by the characters seemed ridiculous after a while.
Also, this has serious editing issues. The prose seemed very disjointed and out of sync with the emotional tenor of the plot. Similarly, the dialogue was very amateurish and sparse. Just off-putting to read.
Also, this has serious editing issues. The prose seemed very disjointed and out of sync with the emotional tenor of the plot. Similarly, the dialogue was very amateurish and sparse. Just off-putting to read.
December 31, 2014
I feel this book had promise, but too much was squeezed into the final few pages, the last piece of drama took away from the rest of the story.
July 17, 2014
At first I thought The Wind Your Voice, The Rain Your Tears seemed decent enough. I was intrigued by the blurb enough to try reading a new author. Taking a chance on a new author who is also a self-published author can be double pleasure or double trouble. In the case of M.E. Sanford, it was a mixed bag.
Vinny is sort of a redneck. He is a twenty-something mechanic who doesn’t seem to have much going for him; he comes across as not being all that bright. He loves his job but is fully aware he won’t ever be more than a mechanic. He has a girlfriend, Vicky, who is kind of a slut. Vinny’s brother Danny drops a bomb on the family that he’s gay, and everything changes. There aren’t changes so much as it is made clear that his parents, and to a certain degree Vinny himself, are homophobic bigots. It was so hard for me to read about Danny’s suffering and pain caused by his family.
Vinny isn’t all that likeable, but I don’t have to like an MC to want him to find love and have an HEA, and I thought there was promise for some interesting character development. Initially, the plot was a little depressing. Being inside Vinny’s head wasn’t a great experience, but I still thought it had some promise. It would have been nice to see some things from other characters’ POVs.
Vinny has a terrible and unprovoked reaction toward Tristan, an effeminate gas station attendant. The homophobic slur sets off kind of a transformation in Vinny. This is the part I like best in the GFY theme, the process: the questioning what the character has always believed to be true of himself, then starting to explore the building curiosity to get to where he finally figures out the truth about himself.
The way Vinny initially lashes out at Tristan is what Tristan has been through so much in his life; I can’t believe he has any hope left in him. But he appreciates the good things as long as he can, even while his experience has taught him they never last. Tristan is a character who stirs a lot of feelings in the reader. It is so easy to care about him. I would have liked to read his POV.
When Vinny comes out to his parents, his father has a heart attack and winds up in a coma for three months. Vinny’s family is more important to him than anything, including the love of his life. When his father comes out of the coma, during which he must have had an epiphany, he is completely okay with both of his sons’ homosexuality. Now he wants Vinny to go find his boyfriend. Tristan has disappeared after the loss of most of his family.
Suddenly Tristan shows up at Vinnie’s apartment. Now Tristan’s brother is in a coma. What happens next really defies description. There are families who change their long-held religious beliefs. Someone is held at gunpoint. Someone gets shot in the chest. An ultra-straight homophobic prick gets together with another guy. It comes out that a car involved in a life changing crash was tampered with. I really tried to enjoy this book. I had to roll my eyes so much, though. This plot would make even a career soap-opera writer cringe. There was so much going on that it was completely over the top.
I saw from the first page that this book would benefit immensely from some heavy editing. There were words missing, words used in wrong contexts, punctuation errors… I needn’t go on. The lack of quality editing was enough that it drew me out of the story. I found the writing to be sloppy and seemingly careless. I was disappointed. I think this might actually have been a good book; the subject matter, dealing with homophobia and the importance of love and acceptance was a good premise, and that’s why the three star rating instead of the lower one I initially thought to give it. It had potential, it contained serious themes which I can totally get behind, but it was just poorly executed. I hope M.E. Sanford doesn’t give up. This is a first book, and there is a lot of room for improvement, but I believe there is also a lot of talent.
Vinny is sort of a redneck. He is a twenty-something mechanic who doesn’t seem to have much going for him; he comes across as not being all that bright. He loves his job but is fully aware he won’t ever be more than a mechanic. He has a girlfriend, Vicky, who is kind of a slut. Vinny’s brother Danny drops a bomb on the family that he’s gay, and everything changes. There aren’t changes so much as it is made clear that his parents, and to a certain degree Vinny himself, are homophobic bigots. It was so hard for me to read about Danny’s suffering and pain caused by his family.
Vinny isn’t all that likeable, but I don’t have to like an MC to want him to find love and have an HEA, and I thought there was promise for some interesting character development. Initially, the plot was a little depressing. Being inside Vinny’s head wasn’t a great experience, but I still thought it had some promise. It would have been nice to see some things from other characters’ POVs.
Vinny has a terrible and unprovoked reaction toward Tristan, an effeminate gas station attendant. The homophobic slur sets off kind of a transformation in Vinny. This is the part I like best in the GFY theme, the process: the questioning what the character has always believed to be true of himself, then starting to explore the building curiosity to get to where he finally figures out the truth about himself.
The way Vinny initially lashes out at Tristan is what Tristan has been through so much in his life; I can’t believe he has any hope left in him. But he appreciates the good things as long as he can, even while his experience has taught him they never last. Tristan is a character who stirs a lot of feelings in the reader. It is so easy to care about him. I would have liked to read his POV.
When Vinny comes out to his parents, his father has a heart attack and winds up in a coma for three months. Vinny’s family is more important to him than anything, including the love of his life. When his father comes out of the coma, during which he must have had an epiphany, he is completely okay with both of his sons’ homosexuality. Now he wants Vinny to go find his boyfriend. Tristan has disappeared after the loss of most of his family.
Suddenly Tristan shows up at Vinnie’s apartment. Now Tristan’s brother is in a coma. What happens next really defies description. There are families who change their long-held religious beliefs. Someone is held at gunpoint. Someone gets shot in the chest. An ultra-straight homophobic prick gets together with another guy. It comes out that a car involved in a life changing crash was tampered with. I really tried to enjoy this book. I had to roll my eyes so much, though. This plot would make even a career soap-opera writer cringe. There was so much going on that it was completely over the top.
I saw from the first page that this book would benefit immensely from some heavy editing. There were words missing, words used in wrong contexts, punctuation errors… I needn’t go on. The lack of quality editing was enough that it drew me out of the story. I found the writing to be sloppy and seemingly careless. I was disappointed. I think this might actually have been a good book; the subject matter, dealing with homophobia and the importance of love and acceptance was a good premise, and that’s why the three star rating instead of the lower one I initially thought to give it. It had potential, it contained serious themes which I can totally get behind, but it was just poorly executed. I hope M.E. Sanford doesn’t give up. This is a first book, and there is a lot of room for improvement, but I believe there is also a lot of talent.
August 8, 2014
At first I thought The Wind Your Voice, The Rain Your Tears seemed decent enough. I was intrigued by the blurb enough to try reading a new author. Taking a chance on a new author who is also a self-published author can be double pleasure or double trouble. In the case of M.E. Sanford, it was a mixed bag.
Vinny is sort of a redneck. He is a twenty-something mechanic who doesn't seem to have much going for him; he comes across as not being all that bright. He loves his job but is fully aware he won’t ever be more than mechanic. He has a girlfriend, Vicky, who is kind of a slut. Vinny's brother Danny drops a bomb on the family that he’s gay, and everything changes. There aren't changes so much it is made clear that his parents, and to a certain degree Vinny himself are homophobic bigots. It was so hard for me to read about Danny's suffering and pain caused by his family.
Vinny isn't all that likeable, but I don't have to like a MC to want him to find love and have an HEA. I thought there was promise for some interesting character development. Initially the plot was a little depressing. Being inside Vinny's head wasn't a great experience, but I still thought it had some promise. It would have been nice to see some things from other characters' POV.
He has a terrible and unprovoked reaction toward Tristan, an effeminate gas station attendant. The homophobic slur sets off kind of a transformation in Vinny. This is the part I like best in the GFY theme: the process. The questioning what the character has always believed to be true of himself. Then starting to explore the building curiosity to get to where he finally figures out the truth about himself.
The way Vinny initially lashes out at Tristan is what Tristan has been through so much in his life; I can't believe he has any hope left in him. But he appreciates the good things as long as he can, even while his experience has taught him they never last. Tristan is a character that stirs a lot of feelings in the reader. It is so easy to care about him. I would have liked to read his POV.
When Vinny comes out to his parents, his father has a heart attack and winds up in a coma for three months. Vinny's family is more important to him than anything, including the love of his life. When his father comes out of the coma, during which he must have had an epiphany, he is completely okay with both of his sons’ homosexuality. Now he wants Vinny to go find his boyfriend. Tristan has disappeared after the loss of most of his family
Suddenly Tristan shows up at Vinnie’s apartment. Now Tristan’s brother is in a coma. What happens next really defies description. There are families who change their long-held religious beliefs. Someone is held at gunpoint. Someone gets shot in the chest. An ultra-straight homophobic prick gets together with another guy. It comes out that a car involved in a life changing crash was tampered with. I really tried to enjoy this book. I had to roll my eyes so much, though. This plot would make even a career soap-opera writer cringe. There was so much going on that it was completely over the top.
I saw from the first page that this book would benefit immensely from some heavy editing. There were words missing, words used in wrong contexts, punctuation errors... I needn't go on. The lack of quality editing was enough that it drew me out of the story. I found the writing to be sloppy, seemingly careless. I was disappointed; I think this might actually have been a good book. The subject matter, dealing with homophobia and the importance of love and acceptance was a good premise. That's why the three star rating instead of the lower one I initially thought to give it. Because it had potential. It was just poorly executed. And it contained serious themes which I can totally get behind. I hope M.E. Sanford doesn't give up. This is a first book. There is a lot of room for improvement, but I believe there is also a lot of talent.
Vinny is sort of a redneck. He is a twenty-something mechanic who doesn't seem to have much going for him; he comes across as not being all that bright. He loves his job but is fully aware he won’t ever be more than mechanic. He has a girlfriend, Vicky, who is kind of a slut. Vinny's brother Danny drops a bomb on the family that he’s gay, and everything changes. There aren't changes so much it is made clear that his parents, and to a certain degree Vinny himself are homophobic bigots. It was so hard for me to read about Danny's suffering and pain caused by his family.
Vinny isn't all that likeable, but I don't have to like a MC to want him to find love and have an HEA. I thought there was promise for some interesting character development. Initially the plot was a little depressing. Being inside Vinny's head wasn't a great experience, but I still thought it had some promise. It would have been nice to see some things from other characters' POV.
He has a terrible and unprovoked reaction toward Tristan, an effeminate gas station attendant. The homophobic slur sets off kind of a transformation in Vinny. This is the part I like best in the GFY theme: the process. The questioning what the character has always believed to be true of himself. Then starting to explore the building curiosity to get to where he finally figures out the truth about himself.
The way Vinny initially lashes out at Tristan is what Tristan has been through so much in his life; I can't believe he has any hope left in him. But he appreciates the good things as long as he can, even while his experience has taught him they never last. Tristan is a character that stirs a lot of feelings in the reader. It is so easy to care about him. I would have liked to read his POV.
When Vinny comes out to his parents, his father has a heart attack and winds up in a coma for three months. Vinny's family is more important to him than anything, including the love of his life. When his father comes out of the coma, during which he must have had an epiphany, he is completely okay with both of his sons’ homosexuality. Now he wants Vinny to go find his boyfriend. Tristan has disappeared after the loss of most of his family
Suddenly Tristan shows up at Vinnie’s apartment. Now Tristan’s brother is in a coma. What happens next really defies description. There are families who change their long-held religious beliefs. Someone is held at gunpoint. Someone gets shot in the chest. An ultra-straight homophobic prick gets together with another guy. It comes out that a car involved in a life changing crash was tampered with. I really tried to enjoy this book. I had to roll my eyes so much, though. This plot would make even a career soap-opera writer cringe. There was so much going on that it was completely over the top.
I saw from the first page that this book would benefit immensely from some heavy editing. There were words missing, words used in wrong contexts, punctuation errors... I needn't go on. The lack of quality editing was enough that it drew me out of the story. I found the writing to be sloppy, seemingly careless. I was disappointed; I think this might actually have been a good book. The subject matter, dealing with homophobia and the importance of love and acceptance was a good premise. That's why the three star rating instead of the lower one I initially thought to give it. Because it had potential. It was just poorly executed. And it contained serious themes which I can totally get behind. I hope M.E. Sanford doesn't give up. This is a first book. There is a lot of room for improvement, but I believe there is also a lot of talent.
August 31, 2015
Vinny Shields, of M.E. Sanford's 'The Wind Your Voice...The Rain Your Tears', has been drifting through life, satisfied with just getting by, not giving much thought to anything, until a tragedy happens and Vinny is forced to see that everything isn't as black and white as he thought. Vinny realizes that there are so many things he has merely accepted as true, which are, in fact, deceptions. Vinny has been living a lie which, until now, even he has wholeheartedly accepted.
Vinny is just an ordinary guy with a small-town mentality and he doesn't like to rock the boat. Vinny does all the things that are expected and accepted by his conservative, Christian upbringing. He helps his family; he works hard at his job; he goes to church, and he has a girlfriend. Like a lot of people, Vinny does these things because that's what he's supposed to do, yet none of it is making him happy. There's a stirring of discontent which is causing problems in his heart and mind. When his brother, Danny, causes him to question how he feels, Vinny is lost, suddenly unsure of everything as his neat little world threatens to come crashing down around him. He begins to realize that he's not really living at all. His new awareness causes lots of conflict as he tries to sort out his situation. The problem escalates when he becomes attracted to a man, Tristan, who is obviously gay. The realization that Tristan is nothing like he'd expect a gay man to be necessitates a reevaluation of his whole belief system. In order to be with Tristan, Vinny needs to be true to his own feelings, despite what his family or other townspeople think. Vinny can no longer hide behind a mask of ignorance and indifference. If he's ever to be happy, he has to make a stand, regardless of the consequences.
Tristan has experienced a lot of pain and disappointment in his life. His career as an actor and model is cut short by a debilitating accident; this turn of events causes him to lose not only his profession, but his boyfriend, and everyone associated with him. With nowhere else to go, Tristan comes home to his loving mother and siblings whom he dearly loves, but finds little solace there. Tristan's father has deserted his family, leaving him to help support them. Tristan has to work two jobs to help make ends meet. Tristan is exhausted, but he doesn't complain. Even though the jobs are far from the glamorous ones he has had before, he's not below doing what is necessary to pay the bills, even when it means subjecting himself to the judgmental insults he endures. Tristan is a good man; he knows who he is and what he wants; but he fears that he will never find it. With his eyeliner, foundation, and color-streaked hair, Tristan stands out like a sore thumb in this small, conservative town, but he's refuses to hide who he is because it makes them uncomfortable.
It's odd when Tristan and Vinny become friends, but they make it work, while their feelings grow stronger. As Vinny changes, so does their relationship. Tristan and Vinny discover that there's a lot more to their relationship than either could ever have imagined, but it's not an easy path. There are many unforeseen obstacles with which they have to deal, but in the end, truth and love triumphs.
This a tale of triumph and tragedy, but above all, it's one of hope. This is M.E.’s first published work and I think it is an excellent start. I believe his work will continue to grow with more time and experience. I, for one, will be following his career with a close eye. I recommend this book to those of you who like an emotional, meaningful story, with lots of character growth, twists and turns, and important life lessons. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series. Thanks, M.E., for letting me be part of Vinny and Tristan's journey.
Vinny is just an ordinary guy with a small-town mentality and he doesn't like to rock the boat. Vinny does all the things that are expected and accepted by his conservative, Christian upbringing. He helps his family; he works hard at his job; he goes to church, and he has a girlfriend. Like a lot of people, Vinny does these things because that's what he's supposed to do, yet none of it is making him happy. There's a stirring of discontent which is causing problems in his heart and mind. When his brother, Danny, causes him to question how he feels, Vinny is lost, suddenly unsure of everything as his neat little world threatens to come crashing down around him. He begins to realize that he's not really living at all. His new awareness causes lots of conflict as he tries to sort out his situation. The problem escalates when he becomes attracted to a man, Tristan, who is obviously gay. The realization that Tristan is nothing like he'd expect a gay man to be necessitates a reevaluation of his whole belief system. In order to be with Tristan, Vinny needs to be true to his own feelings, despite what his family or other townspeople think. Vinny can no longer hide behind a mask of ignorance and indifference. If he's ever to be happy, he has to make a stand, regardless of the consequences.
Tristan has experienced a lot of pain and disappointment in his life. His career as an actor and model is cut short by a debilitating accident; this turn of events causes him to lose not only his profession, but his boyfriend, and everyone associated with him. With nowhere else to go, Tristan comes home to his loving mother and siblings whom he dearly loves, but finds little solace there. Tristan's father has deserted his family, leaving him to help support them. Tristan has to work two jobs to help make ends meet. Tristan is exhausted, but he doesn't complain. Even though the jobs are far from the glamorous ones he has had before, he's not below doing what is necessary to pay the bills, even when it means subjecting himself to the judgmental insults he endures. Tristan is a good man; he knows who he is and what he wants; but he fears that he will never find it. With his eyeliner, foundation, and color-streaked hair, Tristan stands out like a sore thumb in this small, conservative town, but he's refuses to hide who he is because it makes them uncomfortable.
It's odd when Tristan and Vinny become friends, but they make it work, while their feelings grow stronger. As Vinny changes, so does their relationship. Tristan and Vinny discover that there's a lot more to their relationship than either could ever have imagined, but it's not an easy path. There are many unforeseen obstacles with which they have to deal, but in the end, truth and love triumphs.
This a tale of triumph and tragedy, but above all, it's one of hope. This is M.E.’s first published work and I think it is an excellent start. I believe his work will continue to grow with more time and experience. I, for one, will be following his career with a close eye. I recommend this book to those of you who like an emotional, meaningful story, with lots of character growth, twists and turns, and important life lessons. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series. Thanks, M.E., for letting me be part of Vinny and Tristan's journey.
July 14, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The Wind your Voice, The Rain your Tears is like a roller coaster ride, a short trip up the first hill, sending us plummeting, and then lulling us into complacency before hitting us with a triple loop at the end.
Let’s start with Vinny, I have no doubt in my mind that Vinny is bisexual which made it easier for him to toe the “straight” line, and honestly I also thought he was an ass from the get-go. Self absorbed and always worrying about what others think, Vinny needs to take responsibility for his actions. Since the story is told from Vinny’s POV, it was refreshing to see honesty in his character, which did not show him as a good or a bad guy, but rather, just a (closeted) small town man. The fact that Vinny goes to work and outs Danny to his co-workers was ignorant to say the least, and that along with his mercurial behaviour certainly didn’t endear me to Vinny. I did wonder, though if this was a litmus test for him.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The Wind your Voice, The Rain your Tears is like a roller coaster ride, a short trip up the first hill, sending us plummeting, and then lulling us into complacency before hitting us with a triple loop at the end.
Let’s start with Vinny, I have no doubt in my mind that Vinny is bisexual which made it easier for him to toe the “straight” line, and honestly I also thought he was an ass from the get-go. Self absorbed and always worrying about what others think, Vinny needs to take responsibility for his actions. Since the story is told from Vinny’s POV, it was refreshing to see honesty in his character, which did not show him as a good or a bad guy, but rather, just a (closeted) small town man. The fact that Vinny goes to work and outs Danny to his co-workers was ignorant to say the least, and that along with his mercurial behaviour certainly didn’t endear me to Vinny. I did wonder, though if this was a litmus test for him.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
April 15, 2015
I liked the premise of this book and I love the cover but I just never really felt connected to the characters or the story.
Vinny is the MC whose pov we follow, and he does start as a small town, small vision bigot. After his brother's announcement divides the family, Vinny doesn't really change until Danny's death.
His burgeoning friendship with Tristan realigns his thoughts, but even to the end he has difficulty articulating that he is gay. All the developments between them, within their families, Tristan's family, and Vicky should have been major angsty - especially Vicky, she is one messed up woman. But I just wasn't so deeply connected to them to feel it which is a shame. I think a lot of this was because Vinny and Tristan felt like YA characters in their late teens to me whereas in the story they were actually in their late 20's so I was a bit out of kilter with them.
So probably 2.5/3* read for me.
Vinny is the MC whose pov we follow, and he does start as a small town, small vision bigot. After his brother's announcement divides the family, Vinny doesn't really change until Danny's death.
His burgeoning friendship with Tristan realigns his thoughts, but even to the end he has difficulty articulating that he is gay. All the developments between them, within their families, Tristan's family, and Vicky should have been major angsty - especially Vicky, she is one messed up woman. But I just wasn't so deeply connected to them to feel it which is a shame. I think a lot of this was because Vinny and Tristan felt like YA characters in their late teens to me whereas in the story they were actually in their late 20's so I was a bit out of kilter with them.
So probably 2.5/3* read for me.
January 23, 2016
This is one of the greatest and most touching books I have ever read. The story line was so great. It makes you look at things more to see how some people are actually treated by the ones they love. It was amazing how Ginny turned his life around but it was a shame his parents were like that to his brother in the beginning. I recommend anyone to read this book. This book will have you crying and smiling
November 28, 2014
I was going to start this off by saying that this book started off normal but then it took turned for WTF. This kind of book was so unbelievably but it keep my attention till the end. You will need to willing don your suspension of disbelief cape to read it. But it was so worth. I love it and I can't wait to read what is coming next. (4 stars)
April 27, 2016
This story is a mess.
Okay I can party accept the weirdly developed storyline if I don't over think it, but still..., something was so wrong here it can't be accepted as fine.
Sure we get HEA and remorse at the end, still that twist with Tristan's family wasn't right. Personally, just a weird part of this whole story.
Okay I can party accept the weirdly developed storyline if I don't over think it, but still..., something was so wrong here it can't be accepted as fine.
Sure we get HEA and remorse at the end, still that twist with Tristan's family wasn't right. Personally, just a weird part of this whole story.
Did not finish
October 11, 2014Too much angst for the MCs. An unrealistic amount. Gonna pass.
January 18, 2015
I did like the characters, but it was just too much live changing events crammed together in such a short story.
Want to read
October 9, 2015I will like to know what was the author thinking when he wrote this book, IDK I really didn't like it at all
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