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Uncharted Terrain
A disabled G.I. and an accountant walk into a bar...
Except, well, that's not really how it went: it isn’t a bar, but rather a furniture listing on Marketplace that brings them together. And there is nothing all that amusing about their serendipitous meeting. After all, Tanner Casey has just returned to the US after spending three years as a prisoner of war in the sandbox, and not much is left of the decorated Army pilot, other than debilitating injuries and a boatload of trauma. By all accounts, it's the train wreck version of Tanner whom Lance Kingsley meets that day. One he should have run far away from, and yet their friendship takes off like wildfire. How could it not, when both their lives have, more or less, gone off the rails: war injuries, haunting trauma, and enough family drama to create their own reality show. The very last thing they expected was to add falling-for-a-man to their to-do lists. Yet—loving each other just might be the easiest—and no doubt the best—part of all this.
While the uncharted road ahead might be chock full of potholes and speed bumps, who could stay the course better than a heart-of-gold, traumatized G.I., and an optimistic, white knight accountant?
Except, well, that's not really how it went: it isn’t a bar, but rather a furniture listing on Marketplace that brings them together. And there is nothing all that amusing about their serendipitous meeting. After all, Tanner Casey has just returned to the US after spending three years as a prisoner of war in the sandbox, and not much is left of the decorated Army pilot, other than debilitating injuries and a boatload of trauma. By all accounts, it's the train wreck version of Tanner whom Lance Kingsley meets that day. One he should have run far away from, and yet their friendship takes off like wildfire. How could it not, when both their lives have, more or less, gone off the rails: war injuries, haunting trauma, and enough family drama to create their own reality show. The very last thing they expected was to add falling-for-a-man to their to-do lists. Yet—loving each other just might be the easiest—and no doubt the best—part of all this.
While the uncharted road ahead might be chock full of potholes and speed bumps, who could stay the course better than a heart-of-gold, traumatized G.I., and an optimistic, white knight accountant?
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2025
61 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 24, 2025
DNF at 56%
I really liked the first half of this book, there’s something about the characters and their dynamic that felt real and fresh and the writing flows well, it was a very pleasant reading experience. Tanner and Lance are both well-fleshed-out characters and I liked how easy it was for their relationship to develop, how smoothly they became friends and
It all went so well that I find myself wondering why I should keep reading, because they’re in a good place, so much so that I can’t imagine what the second half of the book could add to make me believe in their happy ending that I don’t already know, so I’ve pretty much lost interest because their story feels complete to me and I found myself starting to skim. Also, I’ve started to notice a lot of winking and their banter is not so entertaining by itself…I guess that’s what lack of conflict/tension will do for you.
I could probably finish the book anyway, but I know that pushing through will only result in my lowering my rating the more I force myself to read, and it would ruin the good memory of what came before.
So, long story short: this is not a DNF due to the book being bad, just me having already gotten everything I needed out of it.
I really liked the first half of this book, there’s something about the characters and their dynamic that felt real and fresh and the writing flows well, it was a very pleasant reading experience. Tanner and Lance are both well-fleshed-out characters and I liked how easy it was for their relationship to develop, how smoothly they became friends and
It all went so well that I find myself wondering why I should keep reading, because they’re in a good place, so much so that I can’t imagine what the second half of the book could add to make me believe in their happy ending that I don’t already know, so I’ve pretty much lost interest because their story feels complete to me and I found myself starting to skim. Also, I’ve started to notice a lot of winking and their banter is not so entertaining by itself…I guess that’s what lack of conflict/tension will do for you.
I could probably finish the book anyway, but I know that pushing through will only result in my lowering my rating the more I force myself to read, and it would ruin the good memory of what came before.
So, long story short: this is not a DNF due to the book being bad, just me having already gotten everything I needed out of it.
April 12, 2025
There are my 5-star reads, then there are the books that make me want to demote them all because this is that much better.
Tanner's storyline is one of the most realistic and moving representations of a character with PTSD and life-changing injuries from military duty I've read. We are first introduced to Tanner in his weekly therapy appointment, where they discuss the fact that he's alive but isn't 'living'. His therapist challenges him to break out of the monotony of his daily life and try something new.
He then meets Lance, a retired semi-pro quarterback turned accountant. Though both men are straight, they feel an instant bond and start a great friendship that slowly develops into more.
To me, it's a perfect story and one I would recommend to all MM readers.
Tanner's storyline is one of the most realistic and moving representations of a character with PTSD and life-changing injuries from military duty I've read. We are first introduced to Tanner in his weekly therapy appointment, where they discuss the fact that he's alive but isn't 'living'. His therapist challenges him to break out of the monotony of his daily life and try something new.
He then meets Lance, a retired semi-pro quarterback turned accountant. Though both men are straight, they feel an instant bond and start a great friendship that slowly develops into more.
To me, it's a perfect story and one I would recommend to all MM readers.
March 1, 2025
What an incredibly well-developed story and relatable characters. Lance and Tanner make such an unlikely couple at first. But as they get to know each other, it's clear they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. It was so much fun to get to know them. Their interactions with each other and their family members are as close to reality as you can get and still call this book fiction. The reader gets a front row seat to scenes that are emotionally challenging and rewarding in equal measure. In addition, the secondary characters provide a special depth and complexity throughout this book, helping to build the tension and maintain the reader's interest in how the characters can, and will, find a way to be together. Marvelous read, from start to finish. M.W. Gold is an exceptionally talented writer. This book showcases those talents to perfection.
January 3, 2026
oookay… I’m a bit scared since I just noticed this doesn’t have that many reviews, but let’s go in!
I went into this completely blind—I was caught by the cover. I enjoyed this story—I do think it had much more potential, because even if a lot was happening in terms of feelings, I feel like much more could’ve been done for the reader to not feel on a constant straight line…. by the end, when we finally have an exciting event not revolving tanner’s ptsd, it feels rushed. as in—everything happens all at once with lance’s family, then suddenly leg, suddenly chopper, then suddenly all fine. it felt rushed. especially when thorough the book we truly don’t get to see inside of lance’s head that much. we don’t really get that push into his own problems, they’re absorbed by tanner’s, only shown at the crazy attitude his mother has on the 4th party, and then when all goes to shit with his father.
that, the not bad, not good, just there, vibe the book had, the switch up in POVs and the fact that I was always confused as to who was taller or not, who was standing or how they were even positioned jashajsj were my only struggles with the book.
besides that, I loved tanners (hate the name) and lance’s banter, their easy to come by friendship and comfort (it would’ve been so good if that part of them had been exploited and if the why tanner felt so comfortable so fast would’ve been exploited or even if their pinning would’ve been longer) but even then I’m not entirely mad at the insta love. It was kind of funny that they went into every interaction hesitant and refusing to come out just to end up doing it anyways but yeah—
this book felt very contradicting in many ways, but it’s a good story, heartfelt and heartwarming, even if not too exciting.
I’m not quite sure what to rate it. 3 is a good spot, but it did kind of lost me for a moment… Okay, I would give this 3 stars but I’ll say 2.75 because there were a few lines I enjoyed, lines that snapped me back into the book!
(2 it’s good for me) 3 it’s just my standard had a GREAT time, so if you read this don’t let it keep u from the book. I truly want to make that disclaimer lmaoo I suck rating
I went into this completely blind—I was caught by the cover. I enjoyed this story—I do think it had much more potential, because even if a lot was happening in terms of feelings, I feel like much more could’ve been done for the reader to not feel on a constant straight line…. by the end, when we finally have an exciting event not revolving tanner’s ptsd, it feels rushed. as in—everything happens all at once with lance’s family, then suddenly leg, suddenly chopper, then suddenly all fine. it felt rushed. especially when thorough the book we truly don’t get to see inside of lance’s head that much. we don’t really get that push into his own problems, they’re absorbed by tanner’s, only shown at the crazy attitude his mother has on the 4th party, and then when all goes to shit with his father.
that, the not bad, not good, just there, vibe the book had, the switch up in POVs and the fact that I was always confused as to who was taller or not, who was standing or how they were even positioned jashajsj were my only struggles with the book.
besides that, I loved tanners (hate the name) and lance’s banter, their easy to come by friendship and comfort (it would’ve been so good if that part of them had been exploited and if the why tanner felt so comfortable so fast would’ve been exploited or even if their pinning would’ve been longer) but even then I’m not entirely mad at the insta love. It was kind of funny that they went into every interaction hesitant and refusing to come out just to end up doing it anyways but yeah—
this book felt very contradicting in many ways, but it’s a good story, heartfelt and heartwarming, even if not too exciting.
I’m not quite sure what to rate it. 3 is a good spot, but it did kind of lost me for a moment… Okay, I would give this 3 stars but I’ll say 2.75 because there were a few lines I enjoyed, lines that snapped me back into the book!
(2 it’s good for me) 3 it’s just my standard had a GREAT time, so if you read this don’t let it keep u from the book. I truly want to make that disclaimer lmaoo I suck rating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
so many emotions
If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with beautiful characters and a love that feels both tender and intense, Uncharted Territory is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, and believe in love.
If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with beautiful characters and a love that feels both tender and intense, Uncharted Territory is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, and believe in love.
March 7, 2025
Oh this book! It was refreshing to read such a realistic representation of PTSD. I loved seeing how both of them were able to help each other through different situations without judgement. Absolutely adored this book! Good job!!!
May 23, 2025
2.5 stars, that low because it's overly wordy, so in order to finish, I skimmed much of the last half. Not terrible, but it could've been much better.
I particularly dislike the sister, and the author telling me feelings rather than, or in addition to, showing them.
PTSD rep was good as far as I know, and so were the various abuses illustrated directly or indirectly. Trauma sucks, and yep, the effects last forever, even when they change. (The sister has an excuse, but she's still terrible.)
The guys getting to the oh we're gay thing so quickly was odd, but I didn't care enough to... care. It's a m/m romance, of course it would happen. It's as realistic as it needed to be, for me.
I particularly dislike the sister, and the author telling me feelings rather than, or in addition to, showing them.
PTSD rep was good as far as I know, and so were the various abuses illustrated directly or indirectly. Trauma sucks, and yep, the effects last forever, even when they change. (The sister has an excuse, but she's still terrible.)
The guys getting to the oh we're gay thing so quickly was odd, but I didn't care enough to... care. It's a m/m romance, of course it would happen. It's as realistic as it needed to be, for me.
May 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this story of two men in need of a friend, slowly figuring out that what they have found with each other is more than friendship. Tanner is an ex-military helicopter pilot who survived captivity and a crash overseas, but not with either his body or his mind intact. He's coping with disability and PTSD, and although he has supportive family, especially his sister, he resents their worry as much as he is grateful for their care. When he meets Lance, over the sale of a piece of furniture, he begins a new friendship that doesn't carry the weight of the past in it.
Lance's ex-girlfriend recently moved out, leaving behind a mass of furniture she hoarded and now doesn't want. His home feels at once stuffed and empty. He wants to get rid of the remnants of their failed relationship and make his house his own, and the first step is selling the furniture. When Tanner expresses an interest, he invites him to come have a look, and they hit it off. Lance effectively raised his younger brothers, he has a complicated relationship with his mother and her new husband, and few close friends. Tanner both hits his caretaker instincts and yet is someone who feels like his equal. So he pursues the friendship, until they both gradually realize it is becoming something more.
One of the things I liked most about this book is that there isn't a lot of internalized-homophobia recoil from the relationship on either man's part, despite same-sex attraction being new to both of them.. They have some moments of being startled and confused. But mostly, they are happy to move forward into a relationship with someone they deeply like and are surprisingly attracted to. As a whole, the book is less angsty than it might be for the character backgrounds, but in particular, it really rides the "love is love" vibe for both men, a glimpse of how things should be and a warmth that carries the story.
Lance's ex-girlfriend recently moved out, leaving behind a mass of furniture she hoarded and now doesn't want. His home feels at once stuffed and empty. He wants to get rid of the remnants of their failed relationship and make his house his own, and the first step is selling the furniture. When Tanner expresses an interest, he invites him to come have a look, and they hit it off. Lance effectively raised his younger brothers, he has a complicated relationship with his mother and her new husband, and few close friends. Tanner both hits his caretaker instincts and yet is someone who feels like his equal. So he pursues the friendship, until they both gradually realize it is becoming something more.
One of the things I liked most about this book is that there isn't a lot of internalized-homophobia recoil from the relationship on either man's part, despite same-sex attraction being new to both of them.. They have some moments of being startled and confused. But mostly, they are happy to move forward into a relationship with someone they deeply like and are surprisingly attracted to. As a whole, the book is less angsty than it might be for the character backgrounds, but in particular, it really rides the "love is love" vibe for both men, a glimpse of how things should be and a warmth that carries the story.
September 2, 2025
Good Book
Uncharted Terrain was such a heartwarming yet heartbreaking story at times because of Tanner and Lance’s backgrounds. It was warm, smile-inducing, and sometimes sad—all of it kept me hooked from the very first chapter. Tanner’s story really touched me; his time in the army and everything he went through afterward was difficult to read about, but it made his journey of trying to build a new normal in his hometown so moving.
What started as a simple meetup with Lance for a desk quickly grew into friendship, with shared dinners and DIY projects in Lance’s fixer-upper house. That friendship slowly shifted into something more, with little moments and emotions sneaking in until it finally became undeniable with their first kiss. Even though it was the first time for both of them with another man, their love felt so real and truthful.
I loved how Lance was a steady rock for Tanner as he battled his demons, and in turn, Tanner was always there to protect and support Lance with his own. There was no judgment—only care, understanding, and love. Their relationship showed what it means to build a safe space with someone you can fully trust.
This story was adorable, tender, and emotional, and I absolutely loved reading it. ❤️
Uncharted Terrain was such a heartwarming yet heartbreaking story at times because of Tanner and Lance’s backgrounds. It was warm, smile-inducing, and sometimes sad—all of it kept me hooked from the very first chapter. Tanner’s story really touched me; his time in the army and everything he went through afterward was difficult to read about, but it made his journey of trying to build a new normal in his hometown so moving.
What started as a simple meetup with Lance for a desk quickly grew into friendship, with shared dinners and DIY projects in Lance’s fixer-upper house. That friendship slowly shifted into something more, with little moments and emotions sneaking in until it finally became undeniable with their first kiss. Even though it was the first time for both of them with another man, their love felt so real and truthful.
I loved how Lance was a steady rock for Tanner as he battled his demons, and in turn, Tanner was always there to protect and support Lance with his own. There was no judgment—only care, understanding, and love. Their relationship showed what it means to build a safe space with someone you can fully trust.
This story was adorable, tender, and emotional, and I absolutely loved reading it. ❤️
May 29, 2025
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. Tanner was dealing with physical injuries and PTSD from his time as a POW. I loved how Lance instinctively dealt with Tanner, getting him to accept Lance's help so that Tanner could get the rest he needed. Their banter during this part was organic and funny. I loved how they handled things like mature adults, especially their growing relationship.
But, unfortunately, my enjoyment waned in the 2nd half of the book. Things felt forced and their banter suffered. I felt the conflict in the last 1/4 of the book could have been set up better through Lance's internal thoughts about his family and it wouldn't have come across as conflict for conflict sake. At times, Lance acted like an entirely different person, reacting in ways that seemed antithetical to his nature in the first half. It impacted my enjoyment of the book.
4 stars for the first half. 2 stars for the 2nd, for an average of 3 stars.
But, unfortunately, my enjoyment waned in the 2nd half of the book. Things felt forced and their banter suffered. I felt the conflict in the last 1/4 of the book could have been set up better through Lance's internal thoughts about his family and it wouldn't have come across as conflict for conflict sake. At times, Lance acted like an entirely different person, reacting in ways that seemed antithetical to his nature in the first half. It impacted my enjoyment of the book.
4 stars for the first half. 2 stars for the 2nd, for an average of 3 stars.
June 11, 2025
DNF @ 21%
I thought it was weird how quickly Tanner had become comfortable letting Lance make jokes about his history and conditions considering how much trauma he held about his time in the army. They definitely got way too close far too quickly. Like, they'd only met up like twice and yet Lance was already giving the "You're not doing as bad as you think you are about your PTSD" spiel over the phone. The amount of time they'd spent together prior to that heat justified that level of sincerity or emotion imo.
DNFing primarily because of that. I couldn't get a proper grip on why the heck Tanner was fine with letting Lance act so familiar and casual with him when they'd barely interacted (feeling confortable enough to sleep at Lance's place when he was practically a stranger?) I understand Tanner knew a little about Lance from his time in college, but it's not like they were old best friends or anything.
I thought it was weird how quickly Tanner had become comfortable letting Lance make jokes about his history and conditions considering how much trauma he held about his time in the army. They definitely got way too close far too quickly. Like, they'd only met up like twice and yet Lance was already giving the "You're not doing as bad as you think you are about your PTSD" spiel over the phone. The amount of time they'd spent together prior to that heat justified that level of sincerity or emotion imo.
DNFing primarily because of that. I couldn't get a proper grip on why the heck Tanner was fine with letting Lance act so familiar and casual with him when they'd barely interacted (feeling confortable enough to sleep at Lance's place when he was practically a stranger?) I understand Tanner knew a little about Lance from his time in college, but it's not like they were old best friends or anything.
June 14, 2025
Excellent book!
First book I've read by this author and found it really good. I liked both characters, and the way in which they grew close to each other, no rushing, just a slow fall towards each other. Seems as if would be something people would like to happen to them!
Loved the way they cared and supported each other, establishing trust and respect in sometimes very trying circumstances, which incidentally also seemed excruciatingly true to life, as far as anyone can judge without actually having to struggle with such trauma themselves.
Kudos to the author for the empathetic way in which this book was written, I really enjoyed it.
First book I've read by this author and found it really good. I liked both characters, and the way in which they grew close to each other, no rushing, just a slow fall towards each other. Seems as if would be something people would like to happen to them!
Loved the way they cared and supported each other, establishing trust and respect in sometimes very trying circumstances, which incidentally also seemed excruciatingly true to life, as far as anyone can judge without actually having to struggle with such trauma themselves.
Kudos to the author for the empathetic way in which this book was written, I really enjoyed it.
August 28, 2025
Not being a gay-for-you fan - I was prepared for much eye-rolling etc. However, despite best intentions, I ended up being invested in the outcome for the two MCs (even with some OTT extreme events happening to both nearing the end). The PTSD aspects were realistic (if not slightly underplayed in the first half) and I did find the
February 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It explored some great themes and the main characters were likeable.
It did go a bit overboard later in the book. Lance’s family situation was a bit much - not super believable. The resolution to Tanner’s medical issues was really unsatisfying .
It did go a bit overboard later in the book. Lance’s family situation was a bit much - not super believable. The resolution to Tanner’s medical issues was really unsatisfying .
May 19, 2025
this was an amazing novel!!
I’m going to get the PB. I loved Lance and his ability to care for others, yet be so vulnerable to pain himself. Sweet Tanner wore is pain daily, yet he never lost hope that he could achieve his dreams. The slow burn was just right, and the secondary characters were wonderful!!
I’m going to get the PB. I loved Lance and his ability to care for others, yet be so vulnerable to pain himself. Sweet Tanner wore is pain daily, yet he never lost hope that he could achieve his dreams. The slow burn was just right, and the secondary characters were wonderful!!
July 26, 2025
Dnf at 10% I just couldn’t get past the really bad therapy talk, first chapter I could tell the author didn’t have any experience in therapy. A therapist for a PTSD patient would never try to make the patient try to go back to who they were before their trauma that gave them PTSD. The bad therapy takes just kept coming after that so I had to dnf
September 24, 2025
the dialogues were superficial, it had too many exclamation marks for no reason, you are thinking the conversations are cut off but that is a full sentence?
the biggest problem is misogynistic undertone of the book. thank god the two male mcs found each other and 'went gay' because they have no problem calling a woman bitch even that woman is their mother
the biggest problem is misogynistic undertone of the book. thank god the two male mcs found each other and 'went gay' because they have no problem calling a woman bitch even that woman is their mother
May 1, 2025
It was okay. Very sweet. However I gave up because it started having a misogynistic aspect or slight toxic masculinity to the way the men spoke. Like Lance calling his ex a bitch, and calling lattes gay, and the way everyone was winking was pissing me off. The realization that Tanner liked Lance wasn’t done very well to me. But this is the first book I’ve read since I finished my exams so I’m being generous with the stars 🙂↕️
May 12, 2025
Soooo good, and hard to put down. I stayed up late to finish the same day I started it. Mutual bi-awakening. Dealing with trauma. Learning to accept help and rely on each other. I’ll definitely be rereading this one.
June 3, 2025
This book was another kindle suggested and oddly enough one of the highest ratings in a while LOL.
I enjoyed this book and that while the romance was a huge plot point, it became a little secondary once we started to explore Tanner's (MMC) trauma more.
It wasn't super spicy, I think there was at most 3/4 SCENES, not chapters, if that. Which I really enjoyed because a lot of times authors will dedicate chapters on chapters to spicy and it is just wayyy too much but this one had a nice balance between plot and smut, where it was there but it wasn't the WHOLE story.
I enjoyed this book and that while the romance was a huge plot point, it became a little secondary once we started to explore Tanner's (MMC) trauma more.
It wasn't super spicy, I think there was at most 3/4 SCENES, not chapters, if that. Which I really enjoyed because a lot of times authors will dedicate chapters on chapters to spicy and it is just wayyy too much but this one had a nice balance between plot and smut, where it was there but it wasn't the WHOLE story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
So many issues with character second-person POV, sometimes switching every other paragraph. Give each character a chapter and keep it static for that chapter. It’s a sign of poor writing and poor editing. Huge turn off for me. And it got worse as it reached the end. DNF @ 86%.
Read
December 10, 2025DNF at 52%. One of the biggest problems for me was the inconsistency with the mc’s ages. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention, but they seem to go from 30 to 28 to 23. Very hard to keep track and I didn’t care for the therapist or the extended family of either lead. Disappointing.
March 23, 2025
A wholesome mm book with the perfect amount of hurt n comfort! Has good ptsd representation❤️🤧
March 28, 2025
Realistic depiction of PTSD, great writing and a believable chemistry between Lance and Tanner. Loved it
April 1, 2025
This story was an amazing romance with well developed storyline. I enjoyed the realistic story.
May 3, 2025
Legitimately the best book I’ve read in so long. I need about a million more pages of Lance and Tanner please and thank you!
May 3, 2025
might be my new favourite author. Love the characters and the story!
May 9, 2025
wonderful story. enjoyed this very much
May 24, 2025
„The thing was, Lance had met his fair share of bros, jocks, and nerds, so he was surprised that he couldn’t get a read on this guy.“ Like a high schooler wrote this book.
June 3, 2025
An incredible novel that shines light on a social issue gone ignored.
I have never finished a book as fast as I finished this one. The authors take on the different characters issues was incredible and I felt every. possible. emotion. while reading. This was the first book I’ve read from this author and her first 3 are now officially next on my list
Rarely do authors cover sensitive topics like mental health. So props to this author for doing just that in such an empathetic way.
I have never finished a book as fast as I finished this one. The authors take on the different characters issues was incredible and I felt every. possible. emotion. while reading. This was the first book I’ve read from this author and her first 3 are now officially next on my list
Rarely do authors cover sensitive topics like mental health. So props to this author for doing just that in such an empathetic way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews