Open Endings

by Megan Linden

A man walks into a recruitment office… and nothing goes according to plan.

Matt Holston, soon-to-be college graduate, tries to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. One of his ideas? US Marine Corps. But when he goes to the recruitment office to learn more about a possible military career, he meets a guy who is a complete opposite of what Matt imagined a recruitment officer should be.
Cole Perry had suffered PTSD after his second tour overseas and now he just wants to get to the end of his contract. Transferred from his old unit, he’s a glorified office clerk, as he calls himself, but what he’s definitely not is a guy who would help anybody make the same mistake he did.
So what makes Matt come back to see Cole again if not the spiel about serving his country?

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Romance, M M Contemporary, Short Stories

54 pages, ebook

First published July 3, 2014

Reviews

[Anke · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 4.5 stars

First, I think the cover is horrible, but that's just me. The blurb got me to buy the book and I'm so glad I did. This was a wonderful story. Great way of telling and way too short, although on the other hand, perfect length - every important step was told. I just want more!
Yes, give me stories like this anytime!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was a very sweet MM romance story. I fell in love with both Matt and Cole right away.

The synopsis sums up the book well. Matt is about to graduate college and hasn’t a clue what to do with his life. His father was in the military and he decides to check out the Marine Corps. When he gets there, he meets Cole. Cole has recently received a transfer from his previous unit. His new job is desk duty, but with his PTSD he is unable to stay in his unit and he only has a few months left before he can get out of the Marine Corps all together.

Cole is not what Matt expected when he entered the recruitment office. Instead of trying to get Matt to sign up, Cole encourages Matt to walk away. Matt takes Cole’s advice, but he finds himself coming back to the recruitment office just to see Cole again. There the story develops into Matt and Cole’s budding relationship and their individual desires for the future.

The story was extremely well written and carried a great pace through the entire book. The characters were very likeable and as a reader I was invested in their happiness. My only objection to the story itself was the length. It has a lot of potential to be a great full length book. The 71 pages don’t do it enough justice. There were a lot of parts to the story that could have been expanded and more developed. I felt a little cheated in the end because of this.

Overall, a highly enjoyable read. I did notice that the current price is $3.99. I am very stingy when buying books. I want the full bang for my buck. Do I feel this book is worth $3.99, no. Not because the story isn’t good enough, but solely due to the length. The story is solid, but if it was a full length book, I would be happy to pay $3.99 or possibly a little more.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Taya:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Open Endings,

I writing this letter to tell you were cute but I'm leaving you and shall never visit you again. I shamelessly admit what attracted me was the cover, that sword was worth four points in scavenger hunt. But what really made me say yes to you is the possible antic Cole (military guy) will use to sway Matt away from the military. The possible angst I could read with Cole suffering from PTSD and naive Matt trying to help his possible love of life. You finally showed up in my inbox and I giggle like school girl , we took a trip to wonderful place called Kindle. While we were visiting Kindle,reading you, I felt nothing real for you. Don't get me wrong thing just didn't click for me the way I thought they would. I'm very certain that other will appreciate you way more than I could. I mean you had no unnecessary drama and sweet romance to boot. My favorite parts about time we spent together is Matt's transition from man boy to a man. I just wish their was more resolution on Cole's past or that simply was more develop more than it was.

Bye,
Taya





This is my first story Megan Linden and was good start but I think if she had higher word count this would have work better for me. She is definitely on my radar and hope to read more work written by her in the future.

[Chris, the Dalek King · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the cusp of graduation, Matt Holston doesn’t know what to do with his life. He lives with his mom, he works for his mom, and he can’t help but shake the feeling that after he gets out of university that he should be doing something. Trouble is, he has no idea what. So he walks into a US Marine Corps recruiting center…and hopes maybe inspiration will strike.

On the cusp of getting the hell out of the Marines, Cole Perry isn’t the ideal guy to be working in a recruiting office. Which is made pretty obvious when Matthew walks in the door and Cole does everything short of hiring a sky-writer to convince Matthew that the Marines are a horrible idea, and to go find his something anywhere the hell else.

And that should have been it for the two guys. Cole tries to talk Matthew out of it, Matt takes him at his word-–there shouldn’t be a next anything for them. Except Matt can’t get Cole out of his mind…and he doesn’t even want to try, really. But Cole is not just a disgruntled almost ex-Marine…he has issues that could break them up before they ever get a chance to get themselves together. Maybe it is a good thing that Matt’s something might just be a someone, and he has no intention of letting this pass him by.

Well…you don’t see stories like this every day, and I admit that that is why I picked it up. Usually when you get soldiers in books they are all for signing up and signing over their lives for the good ol’ US of A. Well…that or they are already out of the military. I liked the idea of Cole, who just wants the hell out of the Marines, trying to talk someone out of joining up. Things that don’t happen all that often, are sure to make me pick up a book. And while I fucking admire the shit out of anyone who is willing to risk their lives in the military, I have to say the idea of soldiers trained for fighting and killing and dying, is not something I enjoy having in the real world.

Except for the uniforms. If they could kick all that other stuff, but keep the uniforms, I would be much pleased.

I enjoyed this story, and liked how Cole felt free enough to actually get the help he needed for his PTSD. And while he may have issues he is trying to not let them destabilize his entire life, and I liked that. Matt was a bit of a harder nut to crack, for me. I totally get that ‘oh god I’m graduating what the hell am I supposed to do now?!’ feeling that Matt is rocking in this book. I have lived that feeling. I have breathed that feeling. I have had fucking panic attacks at 3am with only that feeling to keep me company. But Matt also seems to have a pretty good life going for him, and I guess I was a little perplexed how he didn’t see it. Yes living with mom after graduation sucks, and trying to figure out how to cross the line from kid to adult in a parent’s eyes is tricky–-but the dude has it pretty good. He has a family that loves him, he has a job that he loves…so I was unsure where all the angst was coming from. Everyone is entitled to their own growing up angst, but I would kill to have his life, so I kinda just wanted to slap him a bit (just a little….just a tap) and tell him to see how fucking green his grass is.

Overall this was a very good, quick story, and I enjoyed reading it. It felt sorta unfinished, in that I wanted to know more about Cole’s past and his deal with friends…but I was pretty much happy to leave it where it ended. Maybe we will get a sequel and I’ll find out then.

3.5 stars


This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Penumbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received Open Endings from the author through the M/M Romance Group’s Don’t Buy My Love program for an honest review. The story is told in third person through the eyes of Matt Holston, a soon-to-be college graduate, and Cole Perry, a Marine back from the war and working in the recruiting office. He suffers from PTSD.



This story was OK. It was about how Cole and Matt meet, then develop their relationship. The blurb makes it sound like there’s conflict in this story, but there really isn’t. Cole’s PTSD isn’t all that bad and Matt’s issue is his mother treating him like a kid and Matt not knowing what he wants to do when he graduates. I had trouble getting into the characters because the book was telling rather than showing so I couldn’t feel anything for Matt or Cole. Also the conflict in the story really wasn’t there. I think the best interaction between Matt and Cole came at the very beginning when Cole convinces Matt not to join the Marines. After that the story was flat.

Most of the editing seemed OK, but the start of chapter thirteen had a major hiccup. The chapter starts with Matthew lying on the sofa in the living room as he’s contemplating Cole’s PTSD.

“Matt stretched lazily on Cole’s couch.”

But in this paragraph implies they are still in bed:

“As much as he loved waking up surrounded by Cole, who was spooning him from behind, Matt knew that at some point something was bound to happen. He just hoped he wouldn’t do anything wrong when it did.”

But then we are told Cole is in the bathroom taking a shower.

"He heard the shower starting in the bathroom and smiled. Cole always took forever shaving…”

There were a couple things I think would have worked better if switched around. In the beginning I though Matt was in high school because I thought most guys decide to enlist after high school rather than college. Around three-quarters through the book we are told what Matt’s major is at college and how old he is. That would have been better off near the beginning of the story because since the readers aren’t told, I thought he was in high school. We also learn Matt has to write a thesis in order to graduate. The only people I know who had to write a thesis were students in grad programs. But for all I know maybe some undergraduate majors require it, but I haven’t heard of any.

Open Endings was an OK read. It was very fast and easy read since it’s almost error free. It just read flat because of the telling instead of showing and I couldn’t identify with Cole and Matt or why they fell for each other. The book however is a simple, romantic story without a lot of angst if you're looking for that. I give this story 3 Stars

[Pati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a free copy of this e-book by the author through the GoodReads M/M Romance Group's Don't Buy Me Love program in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really enjoyed this sweet romance between Matthew & Cole, who are both very likable and believable characters. Both young men are at turning points in their lives. Matt is just finishing up college and trying to decide what's next for himself. While Cole,a Marine, suffering from PTSD is just biding his time at a recruitment center until his contract is up. From their meeting onward these two were just so in tune with eachother without instalove or any unbelievably fast moves.

As far as the subject matter goes, Ms. Linden really impressed me with the fact that she managed to get the story told without going into politics or of anti-war talk.

As someone who has suffered from PTSD for going on 30 years, I did take great exception to implication that it is something that goes away. While yes over time it does get better and episodes become much less frequent, it never goes away completely.

On the whole this short, 71 page story is well written with only a few grammatical errors and no typos that I noticed. I did however find it irritating enough that I have to mention, how often the author chose to replace the word 'his' or a name with the less personal word 'the'. A couple examples .."the wrist" and "the whole posture tense and awkward." That less personal word just pulls me right out of the scene every time.

However, despite those complaints I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters and hope that the author might someday soon let us revisit Matt & Cole and see how their lives unfold.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a sweet and enjoyable read which left me wanting to read more about these two.

Matt Holston will be graduating from college soon and has decided to consider the Marines, following in the footsteps of both his father and stepfather. But when Cole Perry, the Marine he encounters when he goes into the recruiting office, tells him he should completely rethink that choice, he finds himself more intrigued by the man than by the possibility of a military career. And by unraveling the mystery tht is Cole, Matt just might begin to figure out who he wants to be come, as well.

It's easy to be taken with these two guys. Because this isn't a lengthy book, the relationships develop quickly, but none of them seem forced; it has a very natural pace. While this wasn't set up as a series, I could see myself reading one if the author felt inspired to write it.

(eBook copy provided by the author via the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's 'Don't Buy My Love' program in exchange for an honest review.)

[Tsubaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
-

I think this was the first M/M romance novel I've ever read that involved the military and made no mention of DADT. I'd have to say, I liked the story quite a bit more for it.

Matt(hew) met Cole for the first time at the Marine's recruitment office where Cole convinces him to pick another road to walk down. Emphasis on the fact that whatever Matt was looking to get out of his time there, it wasn't worth it. And Cole had spoken out of personal experience. Not that Matt was truly set in his decision, having gone to check out the possibility since his father had served and he had admired the man.

Cole and Matt were absolutely adorable and wickedly awesome characters. Considering the length of the story, I was really glad to see that they took their time easing into their relationship. Yes, there's an instant attraction, but they also took their time to get to know one another before acting on rash instincts.

Despite the mention of Cole's dark past with the Corps, the story starts from when he was already on his way to recovering from the trauma. The book wasn't really dark and emotional, there was some hurt/comfort, but minimal. While lacking in drama and action, the book made up for it with heartwarming sweetness. It served as a simple glimpse into the lives of two individuals who are tied to the military in some way as they come to accept their present situation. All said, it was a nice, light read.

There were a few minor grammatical errors, mostly to do with verb tense, but not too bad. Aside from those, the book was well written and well paced.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This book was received free via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.)

I'm always a sucker for military personnel stories, but this was certainly a twist. Cole is months away from being discharged. He suffers from PTSD episodes, that I felt were portrayed honestly and effectively. He is currently working off the rest of his term in a military recruitment office.

Matt, a 22 year old college student, enters Cole's workplace and asks for his honest opinion about whether or not he should join up. Cole is quick to shoot the idea down and his honesty draws Matt to him. Matt contrives to meet with Cole again and again, a little romance in bloom.

Both main characters are well-developed, although, Matt's character seemed to act a little older than someone his age would. However, I also think it's necessary to the story to have him act "older and wiser than his years." The characters played nicely off each other, filling in the gaps that each needs in their lives.

The addition of secondary characters, in the guise of a helpful ex-military buddy, was a little rushed, and I kept waiting for a bit of fallout (PTSD episode) to follow, which didn't occur and was probably the only fault I had with the story.

I would have enjoyed a longer version to really explore the MC's dynamics, but overall a very good read.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Linden's previous story and the blurb of this one was pretty intriguing. I mean, not often I read about a Marine who basically told potential recruited officer to think twice about joining.

Overall, it was a nice story but there were still unresolved things that I wish was further explored. Most 'glaring' for me was with Cole's past and his PTSD situation. What the heck have happened between him and his fellow marine buddies? I got that Cole still felt guilty but I couldn't understand his anger and curtness towards his friend (who only called to ask him to attend a wedding).

I also didn't really understand why Matt felt that he needed to explore his option for joining the Marine. Don't get me wrong, it's not about the idea of 'joining' -- but to me I felt that Matt has a good life going for him. Sure, his mother was still babying him but it was not a very bad situation (Matt could told her to stop acting like it ANYTIME he wanted). Matt's stepfather was a good man. He had NO problem with his sexuality with his parents. SO??

I didn't dislike it, again it was an okay story. It could've been further developed and I wish it had.

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.

Matt is a college senior with no career plans. He bakes pastries for his family's cafe, but thinks he should do more. His father was killed in the military, and his step-father was a career soldier, so Matt thinks he should enlist. Maybe. Then he meets Cole at the recruitment office. Cole is a Marine with a few months left on his enlistment. He was traumatized after two tours in Iraq, and still suffers debilitating panic attacks and night terrors.

Their conversation quickly turns Matt away from enlistment, but it doesn't turn Matt away from Cole.

This is a sweet, straightforward, gay romance. There are few conflicts which are resolved by direct communication. I liked the story a lot, and thought the characters were well-described for the short format. This is a couple I'd like to read more about.

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this story of Matthew and Cole who meet when Matthew tries to get information about the Marine Corps. He's about to graduate college and it trying to figure out his next step. Cole is suffering from PTSD and he is less than 5 months from his discharge. He tells Matt it's definitely not worth it and to find another option.

Matt comes from a military family - father and step-father both Marines. But he loves his job at the family diner. He loves to bake but he's feeling claustrophobic with his mother still treating him like a child. He's trying to grow up, but he's feeling a bit stifled. With Cole he feels like he can be himself.

I really liked the characters and the way the story unfolded. This is my first story from this author, but I hope to read more.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

Matt, thinking about enlisting in the Marine Corps, walks into his local recruiting office aand meets Cole, who is serving out the remaining 4 months of his contract before he leaves the Corps.
Cole is the opposite of what Matt expects and gives him a lot of reasons not to enlist.
Matt goes back a few times and eventually the two of them go on a date.

This is a sweet, short story that could easily be expanded into a longer length novel as som much was left unexplored. Matts experioences which led to his PRSD are hinted at but not fully developed.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

[Didi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and I chose the story without any recommendations because of the blurb. Turns out, while I love the story; the chemistry and the build-up of Matt and Cole's relationship, how it's told from both MCs POV; I still feel like it's unfinished and should be explored more. There's unsolved problem one of the MCs had. I don't know if the author plans to have sequel or there'll be other story about Terry in which our heroes'd turn up. But it's a pity that Cole didn't have closure with his past.

[Gaa-chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of... open endings. Great potential, but lots of unresolved issues.

[blub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Matt walks into recruitment office for info but instead finds a guy who let's him know everyone's out at lunch and that he shouldnt bother enlisting cause it's not worth it. From that one interaction Matt is drawn to the guy. As a thank you, he buys the guy lunch and learns his name is Cole. There's just something about Cole that has Matt chasing after him and the attraction isn't excatly onesided.

I love reading about how relationships develop and blossom into something more in RL and in books. For me this book was a real treat and I absolutely loved it. My thought process while reading this was that I could have really been sitting there as a friend seeing Cole and Matthew meet for the first time, seeing the awkward little lunch dates they had and just watching it all become more. Both characters were very likeable and the relationship development had my heart pitter pattering. I loved that both were mature enough to not interfer in each others or other people's lives. They handled the situations that popped up really well and I loved that they never lost their cool even when provoked. I hope the author plans to revisit them in the future because I would love to see how much more growth the two caused in each other.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Open Endings was a quick, sweet, low angst read. I liked it and thought it had a great premise. What was there was great, but I felt that there were some undeveloped points that left the story feeling a bit lacking.

Matt, like a lot of people his age, has no idea what he wants to do with his future. He feels like he needs to do something important, to make something of himself, and so finds himself unsettled. Which is why he visits the Marine recruitment office in the first place. I thought the author did a great job showing us how Matt was feeling and I understood completely where he was coming from. I liked the way he sorted out that working for the family business wasn’t something that he had to do, but was instead, something he truly enjoyed. Matt showed a lot of growth throughout this story and it was great to see. He was one of my favorite parts of this book. One minute he had a lot of confidence, the next he’d be insecure. Rather than making it feel like he was wishy washy, Matt read true to his age.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[SraeLiz Ess · Rating 4 out of 5]

.This author is new to me and I received this book as the result of a contest. I had no idea what to expect when I read it but based on the book blurb, I did expect an angsty story. Instead, I got a delightful love story of courage, support and love as Cole and Matthew meet, become friends, face challenges of their past and overcome them. A light, short, feel good read!

[Adrianamae · Rating 3 out of 5]

See Penumbra's Review.

What a wasted opportunity -short story or not, this premise could have developed into quite a story, but...it didn't.

[Love Bytes Reviews]

This book was read and reviewed by Love Bytes Reviews.