What do you think?
Rate this book
Lyon Road Vets #4
Stormin' Norman
Dan had been Jesse’s partner for many years, and always there for Jesse on his return from difficult assignments. However, after breaking his promise not to leave again, Jesse learns to his cost that Dan can be pushed too far. When he returns home, broken in body and spirit, Jesse finds his house empty and Dan in the arms of someone else.
To fill his life, Jesse decides to get a dog. His friends and neighbours take him to choose a puppy. What he doesn’t expect is for Norman to choose him. As Jesse takes on a new job, with Norman’s assistance, he realises that Dan isn’t far away, and he still loves him. Dan has moved on with his life. Can Jesse do the same?
To fill his life, Jesse decides to get a dog. His friends and neighbours take him to choose a puppy. What he doesn’t expect is for Norman to choose him. As Jesse takes on a new job, with Norman’s assistance, he realises that Dan isn’t far away, and he still loves him. Dan has moved on with his life. Can Jesse do the same?
ebook
First published June 8, 2014
42 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Sue Brown
140 books838 followersHot guys, big hearts, Sue's world.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 10, 2014
Partially open relationship, MC's much older than cover photos show (early and late 40's), too many friends in each other's business, didn't care for the ending, which left every up-in-the-air.
Might be for you, but it was not for me.
Might be for you, but it was not for me.
January 6, 2017
1.25 stars
Jesse was... what, secret agent? spy? worked for something like MI6, perhaps? Those who assumed the "insurance" line of work with license to kill. Only, I didn't really get that aura of danger and highly-skilled operative from his character (sorry, Jess, you're too cupu an agent for me).
I don't get this installment; whether it tried to stick to fluffiness or for more "darker" tone with the "ex operative" neighbor approach. That scene of Jesse during one of his mission was certainly MEH, suspense-wise. And his relationship with Dan... *blew raspberries* Both of them men in their forties; but the way they danced around each other and interacted with their friends/neighbors felt like they were twenty something year old guys.
And don't get me started on Evan meddling on almost every issues. I initially found him amusing, but perhaps I finally got to the stage that I'm tired of his judgmental attitudes and nosiness.
Bottom-line, I just didn't find this story believable enough, except for the puppy. Shame, really. I thought this installment had so much potential...
Jesse was... what, secret agent? spy? worked for something like MI6, perhaps? Those who assumed the "insurance" line of work with license to kill. Only, I didn't really get that aura of danger and highly-skilled operative from his character (sorry, Jess, you're too cupu an agent for me).
I don't get this installment; whether it tried to stick to fluffiness or for more "darker" tone with the "ex operative" neighbor approach. That scene of Jesse during one of his mission was certainly MEH, suspense-wise. And his relationship with Dan... *blew raspberries* Both of them men in their forties; but the way they danced around each other and interacted with their friends/neighbors felt like they were twenty something year old guys.
And don't get me started on Evan meddling on almost every issues. I initially found him amusing, but perhaps I finally got to the stage that I'm tired of his judgmental attitudes and nosiness.
Bottom-line, I just didn't find this story believable enough, except for the puppy. Shame, really. I thought this installment had so much potential...
September 7, 2022
I loved all of these books. I’m going to miss all the characters. When I read something I enjoyed this much it’s a let down to finish.
April 16, 2016
And now comes the rage!
'Stormin' Norman' is the last book in this series to date and ironically it is the one that has me raging. If you've read the series or even my reviews than you know that these stories began with Hairy Harry's Carseat. That was when Pete and Evan met and started their relationship. Book 2 Bob, Destroyer of Leads brought us, Will & Lawrence and they're still around. Book 3 we got to revisit Pete & Evan and a bit of an introduction to Jesse & Dan so now...
In the last book we get more Jesse & Dan. So far we know that they've been partners for 7 years, unfortunately that partnership has been sorely tested because Jesse has a job that takes him away from Dan for undetermined amounts of time, to who knows where, to do who knows what and sometimes with who knows who. All things considered I think Dan's either really amazing to have stuck it out in this relationship for as long as he has or he's just a glutton for punishment. But let's go with really amazing because he does genuinely love Jesse and wants to be with him, so yes, I like Dan...sorta...kinda...almost and this is all I'm going to say on Dan because explaining why I'm not over the moon about him would mean revealing to much of this book.
Ok so here's where the rage starts. Jesse gets called away because of his mysterious job again. Dan told him the last time that 'it was the last time' and he wasn't willing to wait, so if Jesse goes Dan won't be keeping the home fires burning. It's a tough decision and I honestly don't blame Dan. Jesse might only be gone a week or two but past history has shown it could be a month or more...maybe a year or more. This is why whenever Jesse has gone in the past he's ended things with Dan, he didn't think it was fair and wanted Dan to be able to move on if he chose to which he didn't but finally Dan's reached his breaking point. Again I can understand this.
What I can't understand is...who the hell does Evan think he is. Yeah, I know that one came out of no where. Evan as I have discovered is a meddler and that's ok, let's face it we all have friends or family who meddle to some degree. Evan goes way over the line on this one.
I understand being loyal to your friends and wanting to protect them emotionally but there are limits and blaming someone else for the irresponsible actions of your friend or sending other friends to get that same person you're blaming rip, roaring drunk so they can tell him he needs to move on with his life, or manipulating that person at every turn is wrong. I give kudos to Pete because he at least tried to make Evan back the f'-off.
I think the main reason that Evan's behaviour was totally reprehensible at times was because Jesse was their neighbour and friend before he left, he was the reason that Evan and Pete ever got to meet Dan. Jesse was also very much in love with Dan, which is obvious to everyone but apparently the fact that he might be hurting too is of no consequence to people especially Evan. Plus frequently interaction between Dan and Jesse was initiated by Dan not Jesse and yet, Evan blames Jesse. Evan was so blinded by his own opinions and his personal experience that he couldn't see what an ass he was being.
So have you figured out that this book made me more than a little bit angry? It's a book a work of fiction, I get that truly I do. But I have to admit I admire an author who can make me so angry that I no longer like one of the MC's in this series. A character, whom I had honestly thought was quite adorable before and nearly 12 hours after finishing the book I am still more than a little annoyed with this character and really, really wish he was a real person so I could tell him what I think of him and it isn't anything nice.
Strangely enough this also ended up being one of the better books in this series. I don't know if there's more whether or not I'll continue to read them and I think I'm just not going to worry about making that decision until, if and when the time comes that it needs to be made. I will still read Sue Brown though because...Damn! No ones ever made me so mad at an MC I liked, that I quit liking them. As annoying as it was, it was also pretty impressive.
3.5 stars rounded up with a touch of rage.
'Stormin' Norman' is the last book in this series to date and ironically it is the one that has me raging. If you've read the series or even my reviews than you know that these stories began with Hairy Harry's Carseat. That was when Pete and Evan met and started their relationship. Book 2 Bob, Destroyer of Leads brought us, Will & Lawrence and they're still around. Book 3 we got to revisit Pete & Evan and a bit of an introduction to Jesse & Dan so now...
In the last book we get more Jesse & Dan. So far we know that they've been partners for 7 years, unfortunately that partnership has been sorely tested because Jesse has a job that takes him away from Dan for undetermined amounts of time, to who knows where, to do who knows what and sometimes with who knows who. All things considered I think Dan's either really amazing to have stuck it out in this relationship for as long as he has or he's just a glutton for punishment. But let's go with really amazing because he does genuinely love Jesse and wants to be with him, so yes, I like Dan...sorta...kinda...almost and this is all I'm going to say on Dan because explaining why I'm not over the moon about him would mean revealing to much of this book.
Ok so here's where the rage starts. Jesse gets called away because of his mysterious job again. Dan told him the last time that 'it was the last time' and he wasn't willing to wait, so if Jesse goes Dan won't be keeping the home fires burning. It's a tough decision and I honestly don't blame Dan. Jesse might only be gone a week or two but past history has shown it could be a month or more...maybe a year or more. This is why whenever Jesse has gone in the past he's ended things with Dan, he didn't think it was fair and wanted Dan to be able to move on if he chose to which he didn't but finally Dan's reached his breaking point. Again I can understand this.
What I can't understand is...who the hell does Evan think he is. Yeah, I know that one came out of no where. Evan as I have discovered is a meddler and that's ok, let's face it we all have friends or family who meddle to some degree. Evan goes way over the line on this one.
I understand being loyal to your friends and wanting to protect them emotionally but there are limits and blaming someone else for the irresponsible actions of your friend or sending other friends to get that same person you're blaming rip, roaring drunk so they can tell him he needs to move on with his life, or manipulating that person at every turn is wrong. I give kudos to Pete because he at least tried to make Evan back the f'-off.
I think the main reason that Evan's behaviour was totally reprehensible at times was because Jesse was their neighbour and friend before he left, he was the reason that Evan and Pete ever got to meet Dan. Jesse was also very much in love with Dan, which is obvious to everyone but apparently the fact that he might be hurting too is of no consequence to people especially Evan. Plus frequently interaction between Dan and Jesse was initiated by Dan not Jesse and yet, Evan blames Jesse. Evan was so blinded by his own opinions and his personal experience that he couldn't see what an ass he was being.
So have you figured out that this book made me more than a little bit angry? It's a book a work of fiction, I get that truly I do. But I have to admit I admire an author who can make me so angry that I no longer like one of the MC's in this series. A character, whom I had honestly thought was quite adorable before and nearly 12 hours after finishing the book I am still more than a little annoyed with this character and really, really wish he was a real person so I could tell him what I think of him and it isn't anything nice.
Strangely enough this also ended up being one of the better books in this series. I don't know if there's more whether or not I'll continue to read them and I think I'm just not going to worry about making that decision until, if and when the time comes that it needs to be made. I will still read Sue Brown though because...Damn! No ones ever made me so mad at an MC I liked, that I quit liking them. As annoying as it was, it was also pretty impressive.
3.5 stars rounded up with a touch of rage.
August 3, 2017
*** Our opening reminiscence is of the way our men met.
They'd been together seven years now, with Jesse, 35, leaving often for a work trip, undercover, never knowing how long he'll be gone or where he went. These guys are middle aged and each full well knew what they were getting into. Dan, 42, financial adviser, has reached his limit, when Jesse springs another mission for the next week.
Jesse broke his promise - no more missions he may or may not come back from.
Jesse leaves, then comes home in bad shape after one year+ later, he finds Dan has been dating Mickey for 6 months. His friends all agreed that he wasn't treating Dan right. He goes to his buddies veterinary business and adopts Norman, a black collie with attitude. When he sees Dan, each knows their love is still there. Jesse was such an ass to Dan all through the years, but did love him, and loved his job, helping people. Jesse stays away, but Dan shows up at his door one night. (There is no cheating.) Dan hasn't been happy with Mickey like he was with Dan.
This is a smooth flowing novella with our feelings on a rollercoaster ride. There's hot lovin' and anger and questions.
It holds our attention and does leaves us happy.
ENJOY !
========
They'd been together seven years now, with Jesse, 35, leaving often for a work trip, undercover, never knowing how long he'll be gone or where he went. These guys are middle aged and each full well knew what they were getting into. Dan, 42, financial adviser, has reached his limit, when Jesse springs another mission for the next week.
Jesse broke his promise - no more missions he may or may not come back from.
Jesse leaves, then comes home in bad shape after one year+ later, he finds Dan has been dating Mickey for 6 months. His friends all agreed that he wasn't treating Dan right. He goes to his buddies veterinary business and adopts Norman, a black collie with attitude. When he sees Dan, each knows their love is still there. Jesse was such an ass to Dan all through the years, but did love him, and loved his job, helping people. Jesse stays away, but Dan shows up at his door one night. (There is no cheating.) Dan hasn't been happy with Mickey like he was with Dan.
This is a smooth flowing novella with our feelings on a rollercoaster ride. There's hot lovin' and anger and questions.
It holds our attention and does leaves us happy.
ENJOY !
========
February 28, 2020
The Lyon Road’s Vet series by Sue Brown. This is not a perfect series by no means but the stories are enjoyable, the characters are likeable and the pups are on point. Oh and these are not twinks, these are adult men in their 30s & 40s, Yahoooo!
Book #4
In my opinion this book was a hot mess and I unapologetically sucked it down. Evan was a nosy git but we knew that. My biggest complaint was it had a horrible sense of time. There was a line ‘It’s been a year.’ and I was shocked. Norman was fun and I wanted more puppy time.
Book #4
In my opinion this book was a hot mess and I unapologetically sucked it down. Evan was a nosy git but we knew that. My biggest complaint was it had a horrible sense of time. There was a line ‘It’s been a year.’ and I was shocked. Norman was fun and I wanted more puppy time.
May 25, 2014
°•○★5 Stars ~ KAPOW!★○•°
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Note : We were given an ARC of Stormin' Norman in exhange for an honest review - and honestly? We loved it!! Go. Buy the Book! (as soon as you can.)
Just before I sat down to read Stormin' Norman, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to re-read the previous book. It had been some time since I had read it and I wanted to make sure I remembered each character, but just as I was about to start, my fingers flew to my archives and pulled out the first two books as well. I guess I really wanted to do a complete re-read and I will say I don't regret that decision one bit. The first three books were just as amazing to me the second time around as they were the first. I even forgot how much I cried like a baby in the first three chapters of Hairy Harry's Car Seat, because I did it all over again. If you haven't done so, you should definitely read the first 3 books.
We first meet Jesse and Dan in book 3 - Hazel Takes Over. At the end of the third book, we know that Jesse is about to leave for another job and his boyfriend Dan of seven years has decided he cannot take the waiting this time and that he's not going to wait for Jesse anymore. Being gone for six months to a year is a long time for someone to wait when they feel like their life is stuck on hold. When Stormin' Norman starts, it begins by showing us how these two met each other. Jump seven years and you get to see Jesse telling Dan he's leaving again and the heartbreak of Dan walking away. Hey, Jesse promised he would resign and they would finally be together but he didn't keep his promise. Fastforward a little over a year later and Jesse is back. He has finally decided to resign for good and be done with his job. No more assignments, no more leaving Dan. Yep, insert sad face here...
....because Dan has a boyfriend now and is no longer available. Jesse is devastated. He took Dan for granted and he lost the only person who ever truly meant anything to him.
Jesse really needs a night out and Evan and Peter have volunteered to watch his new puppy Norman while he's gone, but just as he's walking next door he runs into Dan and his boyfriend Mickey for the first time. Even my heart broke a little at that moment. As the months go by Jesse tries hard to be friends with Dan but being around him and Mickey is killing him. He really needs to move on with his life but he's so confused, and all he really wants is to get Dan back. He may even get his chance if he can convince Dan that he loves him and that he's more important than any job. When the ending came, I must have read it over three different times before I convinced myself that yes, it was over and I was bummed. I wanted more. Isn't that how it always goes with good books? The ending always comes way to soon.
I wanted Jesse and Dan's story so badly after Hazel Takes Over. (Book 3) I wasn't sure when or if it would happen but when I saw their story was coming out, I jumped at the chance to get it and yeah, no disappointment here. It was fantastic. I was so happy that she didn't just have them jump right back into their relationship when Jesse came home. Having them wait and work through everything made the story so much more realistic and so much better for it.
So, you want to hear what I thought? I loved it! It was my favorite one in the series. Sue Brown truly is one talented author. There hasn't been a story by her that I haven't enjoyed yet and I doubt there ever will be. She did such an amazing job with Jesse and Dan's story and I cannot wait for her to write more. I mean Jesse's friend Leo could really use someone all for himself.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Note : We were given an ARC of Stormin' Norman in exhange for an honest review - and honestly? We loved it!! Go. Buy the Book! (as soon as you can.)
Just before I sat down to read Stormin' Norman, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to re-read the previous book. It had been some time since I had read it and I wanted to make sure I remembered each character, but just as I was about to start, my fingers flew to my archives and pulled out the first two books as well. I guess I really wanted to do a complete re-read and I will say I don't regret that decision one bit. The first three books were just as amazing to me the second time around as they were the first. I even forgot how much I cried like a baby in the first three chapters of Hairy Harry's Car Seat, because I did it all over again. If you haven't done so, you should definitely read the first 3 books.
We first meet Jesse and Dan in book 3 - Hazel Takes Over. At the end of the third book, we know that Jesse is about to leave for another job and his boyfriend Dan of seven years has decided he cannot take the waiting this time and that he's not going to wait for Jesse anymore. Being gone for six months to a year is a long time for someone to wait when they feel like their life is stuck on hold. When Stormin' Norman starts, it begins by showing us how these two met each other. Jump seven years and you get to see Jesse telling Dan he's leaving again and the heartbreak of Dan walking away. Hey, Jesse promised he would resign and they would finally be together but he didn't keep his promise. Fastforward a little over a year later and Jesse is back. He has finally decided to resign for good and be done with his job. No more assignments, no more leaving Dan. Yep, insert sad face here...
....because Dan has a boyfriend now and is no longer available. Jesse is devastated. He took Dan for granted and he lost the only person who ever truly meant anything to him.
Jesse really needs a night out and Evan and Peter have volunteered to watch his new puppy Norman while he's gone, but just as he's walking next door he runs into Dan and his boyfriend Mickey for the first time. Even my heart broke a little at that moment. As the months go by Jesse tries hard to be friends with Dan but being around him and Mickey is killing him. He really needs to move on with his life but he's so confused, and all he really wants is to get Dan back. He may even get his chance if he can convince Dan that he loves him and that he's more important than any job. When the ending came, I must have read it over three different times before I convinced myself that yes, it was over and I was bummed. I wanted more. Isn't that how it always goes with good books? The ending always comes way to soon.
I wanted Jesse and Dan's story so badly after Hazel Takes Over. (Book 3) I wasn't sure when or if it would happen but when I saw their story was coming out, I jumped at the chance to get it and yeah, no disappointment here. It was fantastic. I was so happy that she didn't just have them jump right back into their relationship when Jesse came home. Having them wait and work through everything made the story so much more realistic and so much better for it.
So, you want to hear what I thought? I loved it! It was my favorite one in the series. Sue Brown truly is one talented author. There hasn't been a story by her that I haven't enjoyed yet and I doubt there ever will be. She did such an amazing job with Jesse and Dan's story and I cannot wait for her to write more. I mean Jesse's friend Leo could really use someone all for himself.
July 23, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a weird one: The MCs spend the whole book apart, as one of them is in a relationship with another man from the first chapters, till the end. That said, the other MC spends the book pining after him, which is a favorite troppe of mine, hence the 4 stars.
If one is OK with that (and the utter lack of realism as everyone apparently knows that Jesse was a spy), the writing is good, the story emotional enough without going into severe angst, and very engaging. I read it in one day and look forward to more books in the series.
This was a weird one: The MCs spend the whole book apart, as one of them is in a relationship with another man from the first chapters, till the end. That said, the other MC spends the book pining after him, which is a favorite troppe of mine, hence the 4 stars.
If one is OK with that (and the utter lack of realism as everyone apparently knows that Jesse was a spy), the writing is good, the story emotional enough without going into severe angst, and very engaging. I read it in one day and look forward to more books in the series.
August 7, 2014
“Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows.” ~ anonymous
When Jesse comes back from a secret mission gone bad, he's looking forward to having Dan waiting for him. He craves his love and attention and can't wait to be back in his arms. Unfortunately, Dan is not there. After years of disappointment, Dan has had enough and has left. Jesse, so stubborn, determined, and selfish simply can't believe Dan is gone and his heart is broken. He comes to realize though, as much as he hates it, he understands and tries, not too successfully, to deal with being alone. When that doesn't work, Norman comes into Jesse’s life and saves him from total despair, but his heart still aches for Dan.
Dan and Jesse were introduced in book three of the ‘Lyon Road Vet’ series, Jesse as Peter and Evan's neighbor and Dan as his partner. After promising Dan he wouldn't go on assignment again, Jesse breaks his word and goes anyway. Even though Dan told him he was serious, Jesse just didn't listen. He's taken Dan for granted so long, that he assumed Dan couldn't live without him and would always be there when he came home. When he finds out that Dan is seeing someone named Mickey, Jesse is even more depressed, yet, somewhere in his heart, he hopes that, since he couldn't give Dan what he needed, maybe Mickey can. At least that's what he tries to tell himself, but when he sees them together, it's all he can do to contain himself. Because Jesse is still friends with his neighbors, they run into each other more than Jesse can stand. At least he has his dog, Norman, to love him; he's not entirely alone. Jesse tries to tell himself it's all for the best, but he doesn't believe it. He wants Dan, but won't jeopardize Dan's possible happiness by trying to get him back. When Jesse learns that Mickey and Dan have split, he still hems and haws, not sure about what to do. He gets a lecture from Evan, who we all know is very outspoken, telling him that if he wants Dan, he'd better go get him, because he won't have another chance.
Dan is seriously conflicted. He promised himself that he would move on, but seeing Jesse again brings back overwhelming feelings of lust and longing. Mickey is a good guy, but compared to Jesse, is kind of boring. Mickey is really insecure too, not that I can blame him. He's terrified that Dan will leave him and go back to Jesse. He's nervous around Jesse and his friends, knowing that he doesn't fit in. Mickey isn't used to the normal teasing and bantering that goes on when the group is together and he's not sure who is serious or not about what they say. Dan starts having serious doubts about being with Mickey, but still doesn't trust Jesse when he says he's not leaving again. After he breaks up with Mickey, Dan decides to get away from all the confusion and go back home to his smothering, religious family, rather than stay there and be in pain.
Although there are some humorous parts and warm, fuzzy ones with the dogs especially, this is, by far, the most serious story in the series so far. Sue eloquently reminds us that it is unwise to assume anything and that we should never take anyone or anything for granted, particularly when involves the person you love. A lot of times, you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone, but by then, it may be too late to get it back. Thank you, Sue, for your important reminders and for giving Jesse and Dan their second chance.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When Jesse comes back from a secret mission gone bad, he's looking forward to having Dan waiting for him. He craves his love and attention and can't wait to be back in his arms. Unfortunately, Dan is not there. After years of disappointment, Dan has had enough and has left. Jesse, so stubborn, determined, and selfish simply can't believe Dan is gone and his heart is broken. He comes to realize though, as much as he hates it, he understands and tries, not too successfully, to deal with being alone. When that doesn't work, Norman comes into Jesse’s life and saves him from total despair, but his heart still aches for Dan.
Dan and Jesse were introduced in book three of the ‘Lyon Road Vet’ series, Jesse as Peter and Evan's neighbor and Dan as his partner. After promising Dan he wouldn't go on assignment again, Jesse breaks his word and goes anyway. Even though Dan told him he was serious, Jesse just didn't listen. He's taken Dan for granted so long, that he assumed Dan couldn't live without him and would always be there when he came home. When he finds out that Dan is seeing someone named Mickey, Jesse is even more depressed, yet, somewhere in his heart, he hopes that, since he couldn't give Dan what he needed, maybe Mickey can. At least that's what he tries to tell himself, but when he sees them together, it's all he can do to contain himself. Because Jesse is still friends with his neighbors, they run into each other more than Jesse can stand. At least he has his dog, Norman, to love him; he's not entirely alone. Jesse tries to tell himself it's all for the best, but he doesn't believe it. He wants Dan, but won't jeopardize Dan's possible happiness by trying to get him back. When Jesse learns that Mickey and Dan have split, he still hems and haws, not sure about what to do. He gets a lecture from Evan, who we all know is very outspoken, telling him that if he wants Dan, he'd better go get him, because he won't have another chance.
Dan is seriously conflicted. He promised himself that he would move on, but seeing Jesse again brings back overwhelming feelings of lust and longing. Mickey is a good guy, but compared to Jesse, is kind of boring. Mickey is really insecure too, not that I can blame him. He's terrified that Dan will leave him and go back to Jesse. He's nervous around Jesse and his friends, knowing that he doesn't fit in. Mickey isn't used to the normal teasing and bantering that goes on when the group is together and he's not sure who is serious or not about what they say. Dan starts having serious doubts about being with Mickey, but still doesn't trust Jesse when he says he's not leaving again. After he breaks up with Mickey, Dan decides to get away from all the confusion and go back home to his smothering, religious family, rather than stay there and be in pain.
Although there are some humorous parts and warm, fuzzy ones with the dogs especially, this is, by far, the most serious story in the series so far. Sue eloquently reminds us that it is unwise to assume anything and that we should never take anyone or anything for granted, particularly when involves the person you love. A lot of times, you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone, but by then, it may be too late to get it back. Thank you, Sue, for your important reminders and for giving Jesse and Dan their second chance.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 8, 2019
Not my favorite of the series. I just didn't like the whole secret agent thing. However once again the pets were the highlight of the story.
May 20, 2017
Well, reading the blurb it seemed an interesting plot but actually the real thing was not this much. There are these two "old dudes" they have been together for seven years, they truly love each other but... one doesn't give a shit about the other's feelings and future (but this was to be expected if they were on they early twenties, not at the end of their forties) and goes away for a year, abandoning his lover without even a thought, then he comes back and suffers because his ex-lover is moving on and living a new love story? And to prove his ex-partner he is now a good chum, he takes in a nice dog. The title should give hint that the MC is Norman, the dog, but really it is not the case. The dog is a comprimary character as of the others, the family friends that should protect the lover who has rebuilt his life despite the one who abandoned him. But no, they keep on setting dinners and hang outs with both of them (and the new, jealous boyfriend) and however warning the prodigal son to beware and not bother the fragile (and we're still talking about very much grown up men, in their late forties or early fifties, not some weeping teen-agers) and confused newly coupled, they keep on throwing both of them to one another. And finally the love wins. WTF?
I can see the reasoning but not the correct developing of a plot that is kind of irrealistic. To my thinking obviously.
The plot is poor, characterization is poorer.
Two stars. Sorry.
I can see the reasoning but not the correct developing of a plot that is kind of irrealistic. To my thinking obviously.
The plot is poor, characterization is poorer.
Two stars. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2014
I don't usually like reunion stories but I did like this one. I LOVE books with pets in them.
I liked that Dan supported Jesse's job in the beginning and I also liked that Dan did not let Jesse get away with putting him second to his job thru the whole book.
In the reunion books I have read the lover who walks away usually pines for the other one. Dan did pine for Jesse but he did not wait around for him. He got on with his life and got a new boyfriend and did not stay celibate.
They do get back together in the end but it was not an easy reunion nor should it of been.
All in all I do not regret reading this book.
I liked that Dan supported Jesse's job in the beginning and I also liked that Dan did not let Jesse get away with putting him second to his job thru the whole book.
In the reunion books I have read the lover who walks away usually pines for the other one. Dan did pine for Jesse but he did not wait around for him. He got on with his life and got a new boyfriend and did not stay celibate.
They do get back together in the end but it was not an easy reunion nor should it of been.
All in all I do not regret reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2018
★★★☆☆ ~ 3 Stars
After 10 years of Jesse leaving for undercover assignments of indeterminate length of time, Dan finally has enough when Jesse leaves again after promising not to.
When Jesse returns, he finds that Dan has moved on. Now what's he to do?
This is book 4 and I haven't read the rest of the series so there's a lot of friends who are all up in each other's business but you could read this as a stand-alone. I do have book one, don't know if I'm interested enough to read it.
After 10 years of Jesse leaving for undercover assignments of indeterminate length of time, Dan finally has enough when Jesse leaves again after promising not to.
When Jesse returns, he finds that Dan has moved on. Now what's he to do?
This is book 4 and I haven't read the rest of the series so there's a lot of friends who are all up in each other's business but you could read this as a stand-alone. I do have book one, don't know if I'm interested enough to read it.
March 28, 2016
Final book in the Lyons Road Vets series and this time it's Jessie and his very patient partner Dan's story. Only it kind of isn't as for about 90% of the book the pair are apart and Dan is with someone else after Jessie goes away on assignment for his job. On his return he quits his job and gets a dog (the Norman of the title) and then finds what he wants most is Dan back.
January 31, 2024
I liked the book. The way they loved each other and how deep their feelings went, I loved that. Dan had had enough and wanted to a priority to Jesse, which it's totally reasonable. And Jesse finally understood what was really important in life and changed things. The ending was just nonsense, too abrupt
January 8, 2018
Enjoyed reading this. A piece of light entertainment with dogs who act like dogs - the humans - well, read for yourself. Can be read stand alone but helps to understand relationships if read in order.
4 stars
4 stars
June 1, 2017
3.5* rounded up
Essentially this was feel-good fluff, with a couple of cute dogs, several intriguing suits, heads doing a lot of talking, and a more or less big misunderstanding. I loved the hint of Dame Judi Dench's M in the woodwork. A nice way to while away an hour or so.
July 2, 2017
Kudos to the author for featuring two middle-aged men.
Apart from this, this novella has not much going on for it. Rhythm is a bit slack, but the main problem are the two leads who are neither very likeable nor relatable.
Apart from this, this novella has not much going on for it. Rhythm is a bit slack, but the main problem are the two leads who are neither very likeable nor relatable.
October 13, 2017
3.5/5
A bit too much back and forth in term of angst, (it actually kind of reminded me of Nothing Ever Happened by her.) Still it was nice, and the book end before it become tedious.
A bit too much back and forth in term of angst, (it actually kind of reminded me of Nothing Ever Happened by her.) Still it was nice, and the book end before it become tedious.
October 11, 2022
Dan and Jesse were together for many years even though Jesse kept disappearing to do difficult assignments, but after breaking his promise to leave his job and not leave him alone again on Jesse's latest return Dan had moved on and was in someone else's arms. Jesse decides to get himself a dog and his friends and neighbours help him get a puppy although the choice was actually made by Norman. Jessie tries to take on a new job with Norman's assistance and while Dan lives nearby he still loves Jesse but has moved on with his life - Can Jesse do the same?
In some ways, I loved this story - especially the ending, but in others, I did not as it was too drawn out, there was too much interfering, and it was a bit too complicated. It was easy to read, easy to understand, and contained some very mature content. In others, it was very heartbreaking or romantic.
In some ways, I loved this story - especially the ending, but in others, I did not as it was too drawn out, there was too much interfering, and it was a bit too complicated. It was easy to read, easy to understand, and contained some very mature content. In others, it was very heartbreaking or romantic.
June 7, 2021
Short novel, last of a 4-book series. Jesse, an undercover agent, meets an older Dan, a financial planner, at a bar. Over a long period, their relationship persists despite Jesse's multiple assignments. Finally pushed to his limits by one last job, Dan leaves and attempts to move on, entering into a new relationship. Returning from the field, Jesse resigns, to a circle of mutual friends. Norman, a puppy, comes on the scene.
Set in greater London, Brown gives the flats, parks and bars able descriptions. While the cast is broad, the idiosyncrasies and foibles drive an interesting plot. Passion fits into the narrative, but at a lower degree of heat, with little memorable. A good read nonetheless.
Set in greater London, Brown gives the flats, parks and bars able descriptions. While the cast is broad, the idiosyncrasies and foibles drive an interesting plot. Passion fits into the narrative, but at a lower degree of heat, with little memorable. A good read nonetheless.
April 19, 2020
This last book in the series just felt off. I thought Jesse was an undercover cop, but it turns out he’s some sort of non-government secret agent. This did not go with the other books in the series and just felt outrageous. I’m not sure what else to say except there’s a happy ending and happy dogs.
August 13, 2022
The last in this series and it was a tough one, more gritty. The four usual men were here but also Peter and Evan's next door neighbour and his boyfriend. Their story is a sad read where Jesse's job puts a huge strain on his relationship with Dan. A good story but tough and sad
Read
September 19, 2019DNF'd after the first couple of chapters. I could not get into it.
September 27, 2019
3.5 stars
I find myself enjoying this series.
I find myself enjoying this series.
April 18, 2016
Stormin’ Norman is the fourth book in the Lyon Road Vets series. This story deals with Jesse and Dan who we met briefly in book three. This is told in first person through Jesse’s pov.
2.5 Stars
2.5 Stars
August 14, 2020
Just before I sat down to read Stormin' Norman, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to re-read the previous book. It had been some time since I had read it and I wanted to make sure I remembered each character, but just as I was about to start, my fingers flew to my archives and pulled out the first two books as well. I guess I really wanted to do a complete re-read and I will say I don't regret that decision one bit. The first three books were just as amazing to me the second time around as they were the first. I even forgot how much I cried like a baby in the first three chapters of Hairy Harry's Car Seat, because I did it all over again. If you haven't done so, you should definitely read the first 3 books.
We first meet Jesse and Dan in book 3 - Hazel Takes Over. At the end of the third book, we know that Jesse is about to leave for another job and his boyfriend Dan of seven years has decided he cannot take the waiting this time and that he's not going to wait for Jesse anymore. Being gone for six months to a year is a long time for someone to wait when they feel like their life is stuck on hold. When Stormin' Norman starts, it begins by showing us how these two met each other. Jump seven years and you get to see Jesse telling Dan he's leaving again and the heartbreak of Dan walking away. Hey, Jesse promised he would resign and they would finally be together but he didn't keep his promise. Fastforward a little over a year later and Jesse is back. He has finally decided to resign for good and be done with his job. No more assignments, no more leaving Dan. Yep, insert sad face here...
....because Dan has a boyfriend now and is no longer available. Jesse is devastated. He took Dan for granted and he lost the only person who ever truly meant anything to him.
Jesse really needs a night out and Evan and Peter have volunteered to watch his new puppy Norman while he's gone, but just as he's walking next door he runs into Dan and his boyfriend Mickey for the first time. Even my heart broke a little at that moment. As the months go by Jesse tries hard to be friends with Dan but being around him and Mickey is killing him. He really needs to move on with his life but he's so confused, and all he really wants is to get Dan back. He may even get his chance if he can convince Dan that he loves him and that he's more important than any job. When the ending came, I must have read it over three different times before I convinced myself that yes, it was over and I was bummed. I wanted more. Isn't that how it always goes with good books? The ending always comes way to soon.
I wanted Jesse and Dan's story so badly after Hazel Takes Over. (Book 3) I wasn't sure when or if it would happen but when I saw their story was coming out, I jumped at the chance to get it and yeah, no disappointment here. It was fantastic. I was so happy that she didn't just have them jump right back into their relationship when Jesse came home. Having them wait and work through everything made the story so much more realistic and so much better for it.
So, you want to hear what I thought? I loved it! It was my favorite one in the series. Sue Brown truly is one talented author. There hasn't been a story by her that I haven't enjoyed yet and I doubt there ever will be. She did such an amazing job with Jesse and Dan's story and I cannot wait for her to write more. I mean Jesse's friend Leo could really use someone all for himself.
We first meet Jesse and Dan in book 3 - Hazel Takes Over. At the end of the third book, we know that Jesse is about to leave for another job and his boyfriend Dan of seven years has decided he cannot take the waiting this time and that he's not going to wait for Jesse anymore. Being gone for six months to a year is a long time for someone to wait when they feel like their life is stuck on hold. When Stormin' Norman starts, it begins by showing us how these two met each other. Jump seven years and you get to see Jesse telling Dan he's leaving again and the heartbreak of Dan walking away. Hey, Jesse promised he would resign and they would finally be together but he didn't keep his promise. Fastforward a little over a year later and Jesse is back. He has finally decided to resign for good and be done with his job. No more assignments, no more leaving Dan. Yep, insert sad face here...
....because Dan has a boyfriend now and is no longer available. Jesse is devastated. He took Dan for granted and he lost the only person who ever truly meant anything to him.
Jesse really needs a night out and Evan and Peter have volunteered to watch his new puppy Norman while he's gone, but just as he's walking next door he runs into Dan and his boyfriend Mickey for the first time. Even my heart broke a little at that moment. As the months go by Jesse tries hard to be friends with Dan but being around him and Mickey is killing him. He really needs to move on with his life but he's so confused, and all he really wants is to get Dan back. He may even get his chance if he can convince Dan that he loves him and that he's more important than any job. When the ending came, I must have read it over three different times before I convinced myself that yes, it was over and I was bummed. I wanted more. Isn't that how it always goes with good books? The ending always comes way to soon.
I wanted Jesse and Dan's story so badly after Hazel Takes Over. (Book 3) I wasn't sure when or if it would happen but when I saw their story was coming out, I jumped at the chance to get it and yeah, no disappointment here. It was fantastic. I was so happy that she didn't just have them jump right back into their relationship when Jesse came home. Having them wait and work through everything made the story so much more realistic and so much better for it.
So, you want to hear what I thought? I loved it! It was my favorite one in the series. Sue Brown truly is one talented author. There hasn't been a story by her that I haven't enjoyed yet and I doubt there ever will be. She did such an amazing job with Jesse and Dan's story and I cannot wait for her to write more. I mean Jesse's friend Leo could really use someone all for himself.
July 1, 2014
I have to say up front that one of my favorite types of stories is a second chance love story. I think what I like most about them is the underlying message of forgiveness, the fact that there has to be so much love there in the first place to give someone one more chance to hold your heart.
Sue Brown’s Stormin’ Norman begins with Dan and Jesse’s first meeting, and then we move forward to years later in their relationship. Unfortunately, the two men have come to a crossroads. Dan is tired of Jesse leaving for months at a time and just expecting him to be there waiting for him. Jesse’s job is dangerous, but it is very important. One of the only things to get him through his undercover missions is knowing that Dan is going to be waiting for him when he gets home.
When Dan gives Jesse an ultimatum, Jesse can hardly believe it is real. After all these years, he won’t have Dan to come home to if he leaves on another job. Thinking Dan will change his mind, Jesse leaves but not for the usual few months. When he returns a year later, he finds out that Dan wasn’t throwing around empty threats. He’s gone.
Knowing he can’t keep doing the job that cost him the love of his life, Jesse quits the company and tries to find something else to do now that he is alone. It will come as no surprise to anyone who has read the books to see Jesse go out and adopt a dog. He ends up tying together the training of his new puppy with a job opportunity, and it seems to be going well, but he doesn’t know if it can be his forever job.
When Jesse keeps running into Dan and his new boyfriend, his emotions are all over the place. He doesn’t blame Dan for moving on and finding someone new, but on the other hand, he wants Dan back. He has not stopped loving him, and he doesn’t know how to handle that. After hearing the same advice over and over from his friends, he tries to move on. When Dan sees Jesse moving on he begins to realize that he may not be quite as over Jesse as he thought.
Sue Brown has a very real talent with words, and I simply adore this entire series, but I have to say this is my favorite so far. I loved the fact that Dan grew himself a backbone and started taking what he needed instead of settling for what Jesse would give him. I also enjoyed how Jesse realized the wrongs he had done, and did his best to rectify his mistakes.
By the end of the story I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen with these two men. The story unfolded slowly and just flowed right to the ending. As with the other books in this series, there is a very cute dog, two very confused men, and a fabulous love story. I would highly recommend this book and all of the other books in the series.
Sue Brown’s Stormin’ Norman begins with Dan and Jesse’s first meeting, and then we move forward to years later in their relationship. Unfortunately, the two men have come to a crossroads. Dan is tired of Jesse leaving for months at a time and just expecting him to be there waiting for him. Jesse’s job is dangerous, but it is very important. One of the only things to get him through his undercover missions is knowing that Dan is going to be waiting for him when he gets home.
When Dan gives Jesse an ultimatum, Jesse can hardly believe it is real. After all these years, he won’t have Dan to come home to if he leaves on another job. Thinking Dan will change his mind, Jesse leaves but not for the usual few months. When he returns a year later, he finds out that Dan wasn’t throwing around empty threats. He’s gone.
Knowing he can’t keep doing the job that cost him the love of his life, Jesse quits the company and tries to find something else to do now that he is alone. It will come as no surprise to anyone who has read the books to see Jesse go out and adopt a dog. He ends up tying together the training of his new puppy with a job opportunity, and it seems to be going well, but he doesn’t know if it can be his forever job.
When Jesse keeps running into Dan and his new boyfriend, his emotions are all over the place. He doesn’t blame Dan for moving on and finding someone new, but on the other hand, he wants Dan back. He has not stopped loving him, and he doesn’t know how to handle that. After hearing the same advice over and over from his friends, he tries to move on. When Dan sees Jesse moving on he begins to realize that he may not be quite as over Jesse as he thought.
Sue Brown has a very real talent with words, and I simply adore this entire series, but I have to say this is my favorite so far. I loved the fact that Dan grew himself a backbone and started taking what he needed instead of settling for what Jesse would give him. I also enjoyed how Jesse realized the wrongs he had done, and did his best to rectify his mistakes.
By the end of the story I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen with these two men. The story unfolded slowly and just flowed right to the ending. As with the other books in this series, there is a very cute dog, two very confused men, and a fabulous love story. I would highly recommend this book and all of the other books in the series.
June 19, 2014
Please see my full 4.5 smooches review on the Smoocher's Voice Blog: http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/06...
In book three of the Lyon Vet series, Hazel Takes Over, readers meet Dan and Jesse. Evan and Peter, Jesse’s neighbors, are surprised to discover that Jesse has a boyfriend.
Dan reveals that he and Jesse have been together for six years. However, because of Jesse’s top secret job, which involves a lot of traveling, the two men have spent about half of that time away from each other. Jesse’s cryptic job involves secret undercover work for an undisclosed government law enforcement agency. Jesse is not allowed to talk about his job. He never knows when leaves for an assignment, when he will be returning. And that creates a lot of stress and tension for both men.
Dan has reached his breaking point at the beginning of Stormin’ Norman. He loves Jesse, but he cannot handle being abandoned again. He knows Jesse’s job comes first, but this time it is different because Jesse promised he would retire and not leave again. Dan uprooted his life to move closer to Jesse, but their relationship is at a standstill, and Jesse is leaving, again.
The Lyon Vet series consists of four stories that explore the relationships of six men who are in various stages of their relationship. In this last book of the series, Sue Brown explores what appears to be the end of an established relationship. Despite the reader’s initial impressions of Jesse and Dan, these men really do love each other. It is the unconditional part of their relationship that they cannot reconcile though. Dan wants to settle down with Jesse, and Jesse, who loves Dan in his own way, cannot commit to settling down.
Dan no longer trusts Jesse, and the men seem to have some serious communication issues. Although Dan and Jesse are both likeable characters, their actions are not very likeable. Both men are unsettled and in emotional pain. Although readers may take issue with both Dan’s and Jesse’s actions, Brown does a great job letting the reader see the motivation for those actions.
Unfortunately it takes the two men going their different ways to understand how deep their feelings really run. When Jesse finally realizes what he has given up and wants another chance to fix things, Dan is out of patience and trust.
Brown does a wonderful job developing these characters throughout the series. Dan and Jesse have many faults, and that touch of realism is why the Lyon Vet series, especially this fourth book, is so engaging. Stormin’ Norman is not filled with a lot of action, but it does explore another side of romance often not seen. Brown’s writing style is engaging and not overly dramatic or elaborate, which gives this story a dose of charm despite the angst. The ending of the story is perfect and the epilogue connects the final puzzle piece for the story.
In book three of the Lyon Vet series, Hazel Takes Over, readers meet Dan and Jesse. Evan and Peter, Jesse’s neighbors, are surprised to discover that Jesse has a boyfriend.
Dan reveals that he and Jesse have been together for six years. However, because of Jesse’s top secret job, which involves a lot of traveling, the two men have spent about half of that time away from each other. Jesse’s cryptic job involves secret undercover work for an undisclosed government law enforcement agency. Jesse is not allowed to talk about his job. He never knows when leaves for an assignment, when he will be returning. And that creates a lot of stress and tension for both men.
Dan has reached his breaking point at the beginning of Stormin’ Norman. He loves Jesse, but he cannot handle being abandoned again. He knows Jesse’s job comes first, but this time it is different because Jesse promised he would retire and not leave again. Dan uprooted his life to move closer to Jesse, but their relationship is at a standstill, and Jesse is leaving, again.
The Lyon Vet series consists of four stories that explore the relationships of six men who are in various stages of their relationship. In this last book of the series, Sue Brown explores what appears to be the end of an established relationship. Despite the reader’s initial impressions of Jesse and Dan, these men really do love each other. It is the unconditional part of their relationship that they cannot reconcile though. Dan wants to settle down with Jesse, and Jesse, who loves Dan in his own way, cannot commit to settling down.
Dan no longer trusts Jesse, and the men seem to have some serious communication issues. Although Dan and Jesse are both likeable characters, their actions are not very likeable. Both men are unsettled and in emotional pain. Although readers may take issue with both Dan’s and Jesse’s actions, Brown does a great job letting the reader see the motivation for those actions.
Unfortunately it takes the two men going their different ways to understand how deep their feelings really run. When Jesse finally realizes what he has given up and wants another chance to fix things, Dan is out of patience and trust.
Brown does a wonderful job developing these characters throughout the series. Dan and Jesse have many faults, and that touch of realism is why the Lyon Vet series, especially this fourth book, is so engaging. Stormin’ Norman is not filled with a lot of action, but it does explore another side of romance often not seen. Brown’s writing style is engaging and not overly dramatic or elaborate, which gives this story a dose of charm despite the angst. The ending of the story is perfect and the epilogue connects the final puzzle piece for the story.
June 10, 2014
Really really liked this story of Jesse and Dan. We get to see how Dan and Jesse met and also how they fall apart. When Jesse takes one more assignment, Dan leaves him for good. He's waited for 7 years for Jesse to leave his undercover job and when he takes another assignment without telling Dan he pushes too far. It kills Jesse to know that Dan won't be there this time when he comes home, but he feels like he needs to do this job.
When he returns home after a dangerous mission that include him being shot, Dan has moved on with Mickey. Evan and Peter are still good friends with Dan and because they live next door to Jesse, it's inevitable that he run into Dan and his new boyfriend Mickey. Evan has been furious with Jesse for his treatment of Dan and makes no secret of it. Honestly he got on my nerves a bit in this book because he is projecting his own painful past onto the situation He knows he's doing it, but he can't seem to stop himself.
Jesse gets a new puppy and names him Norman. He also begins to help Lawrence with his dog training business as something to do while he decides what do do next after finally leaving his job. We get to see Peter's family and Will and Lawrence - and even Bob in this episode which I think is the strongest yet in this series.
No spoilers here, but this story is really well done. I thought the portrayal of the sense of loss and betrayal and self-preservation were really believable - for everyone involved. Not sure if this is the last of this series, but I wouldn't be opposed to reading more - maybe Alfie? Or someone to tame Leo?
When he returns home after a dangerous mission that include him being shot, Dan has moved on with Mickey. Evan and Peter are still good friends with Dan and because they live next door to Jesse, it's inevitable that he run into Dan and his new boyfriend Mickey. Evan has been furious with Jesse for his treatment of Dan and makes no secret of it. Honestly he got on my nerves a bit in this book because he is projecting his own painful past onto the situation He knows he's doing it, but he can't seem to stop himself.
Jesse gets a new puppy and names him Norman. He also begins to help Lawrence with his dog training business as something to do while he decides what do do next after finally leaving his job. We get to see Peter's family and Will and Lawrence - and even Bob in this episode which I think is the strongest yet in this series.
No spoilers here, but this story is really well done. I thought the portrayal of the sense of loss and betrayal and self-preservation were really believable - for everyone involved. Not sure if this is the last of this series, but I wouldn't be opposed to reading more - maybe Alfie? Or someone to tame Leo?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews