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Beneath the Stain #1C
Beneath the Stain - Part Three
Mackey Sanders doesn't do anything easy—rehab is no exception. Never one to follow orders for the sake of being orderly, Mackey needs a reason, something real, to make him agree to Trav's terms of getting clean. Trav knows he can't be Mackey's only reason to rehabilitate, but before he can convince Mackey of that, he needs to get to the heart of what’s been eating Mackey alive from the moment the band left Tyson.
Can Mackey’s family—can Mackey’s band—survive the fallout of Mackey telling the truth? More importantly, can Mackey?
Can Mackey’s family—can Mackey’s band—survive the fallout of Mackey telling the truth? More importantly, can Mackey?
125 pages, ebook
First published September 12, 2014
111 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,488 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 19, 2019
4,5 stars
With each book this series gets better and better. This third book broke my heart! So many emotions!!! All over the place! And I loved it!
I love Trav more and more. But Mackey is so broken! And I'm so sorry about Blake...
I really wish there was no Grant anymore. Even his ghost is pissing me off!
With each book this series gets better and better. This third book broke my heart! So many emotions!!! All over the place! And I loved it!
"God. This kid. This man. Trav could hardly speak. “The things in your heart, Mackey. They’re beautiful.” He was undone. All Mackey’s words about being friends, and this was about the most poetic thing Trav had ever seen. It wasn’t platonic. It was the song of lovers who hadn’t touched."
I love Trav more and more. But Mackey is so broken! And I'm so sorry about Blake...
“The name meant nothing to him. Nothing. There would be a day when Trav would yearn for Grant Adams not to mean a goddamned thing."
I really wish there was no Grant anymore. Even his ghost is pissing me off!
June 11, 2019
3.25 stars**
February 1, 2015
Wow! A lot happened in a little amount of pages. I'm pretty much still blaming Grant for everything bad that is happening to Mackey. On the flip side, I'm really starting to really like Travis and think he's so much better for Mackey than Grant would ever be...but I guess that remains to be seen.
I really liked that Mackey starts to try harder to form a friendship with Blake. The letters that Mackey wrote tugged at my heart.
I absolutely loved it when Kell told Trav that he was like the dad Mackey never had lolol. To which Sheila responded, 'You're not very bright' and then told him to read a book. :) They really are a big family and I'm loving reading all of the ups and downs.
Unfortunately, I'm reading this as a big BR with my fabulous Goodreads friends, but they are torturing me and only allowing us to read one part every week. You know who you are! I can't wait for part 4!
I really liked that Mackey starts to try harder to form a friendship with Blake. The letters that Mackey wrote tugged at my heart.
I absolutely loved it when Kell told Trav that he was like the dad Mackey never had lolol. To which Sheila responded, 'You're not very bright' and then told him to read a book. :) They really are a big family and I'm loving reading all of the ups and downs.
Unfortunately, I'm reading this as a big BR with my fabulous Goodreads friends, but they are torturing me and only allowing us to read one part every week. You know who you are! I can't wait for part 4!
February 2, 2015
Amy Lane - 3
Catherine - 0 (or, more correctly, -1 box of tissue)
This series is awesome. Seriously awesome. Every last character is awesome. Amy Lane's storytelling abilities are awesome. The depth of emotion that she's able to drag out of me over the course of a handful of pages is awesome. Trav's devotion to Mackey is squishy and lovely and awesome. It's just... awesome. And painful (but awesome).
I already have a sinking feeling that I'm never going to want this series to end. Why are there only four more parts? Whyyyyyy!?
Catherine - 0 (or, more correctly, -1 box of tissue)
This series is awesome. Seriously awesome. Every last character is awesome. Amy Lane's storytelling abilities are awesome. The depth of emotion that she's able to drag out of me over the course of a handful of pages is awesome. Trav's devotion to Mackey is squishy and lovely and awesome. It's just... awesome. And painful (but awesome).
I already have a sinking feeling that I'm never going to want this series to end. Why are there only four more parts? Whyyyyyy!?
April 17, 2017
Second read and I am still just as heartbroken and in love with these guys
5 Freaking amazing stars
I don't know what to say... I am so emotional right now - complete review at the end of book 7
I just need to get started on the next book☺
5 Freaking amazing stars
I don't know what to say... I am so emotional right now - complete review at the end of book 7
I just need to get started on the next book☺
February 1, 2015
This series is so amazingly good. Amy Lane captures you into every single page, shit every single word! I can't wait to get to the next book. Trav, I love you, you are exactly what Mackey needs. Grant your a douche! Stay away PLEASE!
January 4, 2019
This one was tough to read.
December 5, 2015
I'm in love with this series! I can't stop reading! Amy Lane's writing style is great and I feel attached to every single character she creates! The character building is really well done; with every part of the series some secrets are revealed, while new questions arise.
In this part of the series, we see Mackey fighting through rehab. He is finally facing his past and starts to talk about it. I loved the letters, they were so emotional and they really got to me. The reactions of everybody involved were heartwarming.
I enjoyed the attraction evolving between Mackey and Travis! I can't wait to read more about them!
And once again ... OMG - the bonus scene! It was fantastic and we finally got to know more about Mackey's mom! It was heartbreaking!
I have to rate this book with 5 awesome stars!
In this part of the series, we see Mackey fighting through rehab. He is finally facing his past and starts to talk about it. I loved the letters, they were so emotional and they really got to me. The reactions of everybody involved were heartwarming.
I enjoyed the attraction evolving between Mackey and Travis! I can't wait to read more about them!
And once again ... OMG - the bonus scene! It was fantastic and we finally got to know more about Mackey's mom! It was heartbreaking!
I have to rate this book with 5 awesome stars!
November 6, 2014
There was a lot revealed in this part and everyone seems to have grown a little with Trav as a guiding force. While Mackey is getting stronger and dealing with his long repressed anger and hurt, the rest of the group is also forced to do some dealing of their own. Emotions and angst peak here in the way Amy Lane does so well.
I am glad I'm reading the installments since this has the gut-wrenching potential of The Locker Room and Chase in Shadow. Almost at the halfway point and I am fully expecting the next part of the story to be where Amy Lane plunges the knife in my gut and twists.
Review to follow on completion of story. here
I am glad I'm reading the installments since this has the gut-wrenching potential of The Locker Room and Chase in Shadow. Almost at the halfway point and I am fully expecting the next part of the story to be where Amy Lane plunges the knife in my gut and twists.
Review to follow on completion of story. here
September 26, 2014
The last episode cut us off…right where it hurts the most.
I could NOT believe the moment of suspense we were left in.
Things pick up from the last word and the breath that was caught in my throat remained stuck in place.
The first few chapters had me gasping.
Oh Mackey! It’s awful. It’s ugly. It’s an up close and personal view at abuse. Mackey didn’t want this. Mackey was trying to do right. He wanted to do right for Trav. But a mickey in his drink, a successful assailant, and a knock on death’s door was not on Mackey’s radar.
THIS IS ONLY IN THE FIRST FEW PAGES!
Full review to come...
I could NOT believe the moment of suspense we were left in.
Things pick up from the last word and the breath that was caught in my throat remained stuck in place.
The first few chapters had me gasping.
Oh Mackey! It’s awful. It’s ugly. It’s an up close and personal view at abuse. Mackey didn’t want this. Mackey was trying to do right. He wanted to do right for Trav. But a mickey in his drink, a successful assailant, and a knock on death’s door was not on Mackey’s radar.
THIS IS ONLY IN THE FIRST FEW PAGES!
Full review to come...
September 21, 2014
So many feels...I'm loving this series.
The Rolling Stones-Wild Horses
The Sundays-Wild Horses Just because I love this cover.
Review of complete series here
September 16, 2014
Part Three
Review of the whole series here
Review of the whole series here
September 19, 2014
Will review the series when finished but this is AWESOME!!!
Next please!!
Next please!!
September 21, 2014
....Oh my, what a messed up bunch we have here, but they all connect, all work together somehow especially Trav and Mackey. Their relationship, texts, interaction is killing me, they're making me ache deep inside. So many questions, I freakin' love this.
September 18, 2014
Cannot wait for this book to come out. 5 stars
October 24, 2017
Well this is good, to see them start to get their lives straightened out...
June 4, 2015
Loved the Bonus Scenes in the Novella - Link to our 5 Star Review for Beneath the Stain full novel Review
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✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
✦✦✦ Come say Hi TB on TSU
September 15, 2014
Part Three
I want a hug too!!! I can't say enough how much I'm loving this series! #4 please!
My full review will be posted here at the end of this series!
I want a hug too!!! I can't say enough how much I'm loving this series! #4 please!
My full review will be posted here at the end of this series!
July 30, 2019
Oh, Mackey. You're tearing me up inside. You're breaking down all of my walls, and all I want to do is protect you from ever being hurt again. Trav is pretty much feeling the same way, especially after some revolting fan manages to roofie Mackey at a bigwig party, takes him out back, and rapes him. Trav gets him to the hospital, but the damage is done and Trav can't stop kicking himself. Mackey isn't very happy when Trav insists he return to rehab, because in Mackey's eyes, he didn't do anything wrong.
"But you took the damned beer from a stranger, and that left you open. And your body was stripped thin from detoxing two weeks ago, and that made it worse. And if you and me hadn't made eye contact about five seconds before that guy got to you, you would have laid in an alleyway, choking on your own goddamned vomit, for an hour, because your band would have thought you went somewhere to get high and get laid. You need it, Mackey."
So Mackey goes to rehab, along with Blake, which neither of them is happy about. But Blake has a sobriety clause in his contract and he's stuck. Go, Trav! And, god love a duck, Mackey is his normal, irrepressible self with the doctors, which doesn't always go over very well. This time, Mackey lasts for four days at rehab before appearing at the house they've all moved into. The confrontation with Trav doesn't go well, but, hey, what d'ya expect? Mackey's mouth can drive anyone bonkers. I so love him.
"Jesus.” Trav couldn't stop staring. “I don't hit people. I don't hit people - I don't. Jesus Christ Mackey - I don't fucking hit people. Man, just –“
Mackey grinned at him, working his jaw gingerly. “That was fucking awesome. I haven't been hit that hard in ages! And I had it coming - I mean, you gotta admit I had it coming.”
When Trav hits the wall in his frustration and anger at himself, he breaks three bones in his wrist, sending him to the ER. It's there, with Mackey, that Trav discovers so much of Mackey's pain this past year is due to a broken heart over Grant. With Mackey in his arms, sobbing out his pain and grief, and his fear of telling anyone, that Trav (via Amy Lane) has the most beautiful thought I've ever heard:
"Oh, baby boy - did no one teach you how to have your heart broken? How long has this been a secret sorrow, held close to your heart until you were consumed?"
These two men are killing me. Both of them. Trav is crumpling because no one has ever taken care of Mackey James Sanders, and there may be a fourteen year age difference, but Trav is determined to take care of him. And, when Mackey gets his crap together, then it'll be up to Mackey, as an adult, to decide what to do about it. That is, if Trav can make it through the minefield whose name is Grant.
A lot of things are coming out in rehab, things that need to be purged, and I'm so damn grateful that Mackey has people who love him, and who support him. He and Trav are working on being friends, but it's so very obvious that there's more, and there's going to be more. I'm just not sure if I'm going to live through the next weeks while all of this is revealed. Amy, I still love it.
"But you took the damned beer from a stranger, and that left you open. And your body was stripped thin from detoxing two weeks ago, and that made it worse. And if you and me hadn't made eye contact about five seconds before that guy got to you, you would have laid in an alleyway, choking on your own goddamned vomit, for an hour, because your band would have thought you went somewhere to get high and get laid. You need it, Mackey."
So Mackey goes to rehab, along with Blake, which neither of them is happy about. But Blake has a sobriety clause in his contract and he's stuck. Go, Trav! And, god love a duck, Mackey is his normal, irrepressible self with the doctors, which doesn't always go over very well. This time, Mackey lasts for four days at rehab before appearing at the house they've all moved into. The confrontation with Trav doesn't go well, but, hey, what d'ya expect? Mackey's mouth can drive anyone bonkers. I so love him.
"Jesus.” Trav couldn't stop staring. “I don't hit people. I don't hit people - I don't. Jesus Christ Mackey - I don't fucking hit people. Man, just –“
Mackey grinned at him, working his jaw gingerly. “That was fucking awesome. I haven't been hit that hard in ages! And I had it coming - I mean, you gotta admit I had it coming.”
When Trav hits the wall in his frustration and anger at himself, he breaks three bones in his wrist, sending him to the ER. It's there, with Mackey, that Trav discovers so much of Mackey's pain this past year is due to a broken heart over Grant. With Mackey in his arms, sobbing out his pain and grief, and his fear of telling anyone, that Trav (via Amy Lane) has the most beautiful thought I've ever heard:
"Oh, baby boy - did no one teach you how to have your heart broken? How long has this been a secret sorrow, held close to your heart until you were consumed?"
These two men are killing me. Both of them. Trav is crumpling because no one has ever taken care of Mackey James Sanders, and there may be a fourteen year age difference, but Trav is determined to take care of him. And, when Mackey gets his crap together, then it'll be up to Mackey, as an adult, to decide what to do about it. That is, if Trav can make it through the minefield whose name is Grant.
A lot of things are coming out in rehab, things that need to be purged, and I'm so damn grateful that Mackey has people who love him, and who support him. He and Trav are working on being friends, but it's so very obvious that there's more, and there's going to be more. I'm just not sure if I'm going to live through the next weeks while all of this is revealed. Amy, I still love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2014
Full Review http://kimnsarah.co.uk/beneath-stain-...
Mackey and Blake end up doing rehab together after Mackey gets roofied and attacked at a bar and almost dies.
Travis is struck by his feelings for Mackey and Mackey begins to realize the depth of his feelings for Travis.
The most important part of this segment is rehab itself. Dr. Cambridge (with the help of Travis as motivation) finally breaks through to Mackey and forces him to admit that he’s gay. Forces him to discuss Grant. Forces him to admit his fears. And finally forces him to talk about it with his family.
What we’re left with is a raw open wound. Mackey is bare and tender like new skin after a bad sunburn. The band and Mackey’s mom are left ripped wide open, forced to face their individual roles in Mackey’s collapse.
Travis will have his hands full in managing this bunch now that the truth is out, and everyone’s on pins and needles wondering what’s going to happen when Mackey returns.
**
WOW. This segment was gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and another reason to be grateful for a Family-sized box of Kleenex. Damn.
Mackey can’t get any deeper under your skin. He’s so, so broken. He has such a simple set of expectations for life (love and music) and yet he cannot get those met. The only thing that works for him is his music and it’s his music that tears him from his love, which makes him self-medicate to the point of self-destruction. Fortunately, Travis frickin’ gets it and gets him and finally, with his help, Mackey can have love and music at the same time. I hope. Amy Lane – you hear me? He better get both!
I am nervous about Grant and what role he’s going to play in the upcoming segments… I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of him, and I have a feeling he isn’t going to be “a good thing” when he does return.
Of course this segment is as wonderful as parts one and two – maybe even the best so far, simply because I just love seeing the love between Travis and Mackey in its infant stages here. I also love seeing the personalities of the brothers blossom and become full, rich, and complex characters.
Keep ‘em coming Amy- I’m ready for part four!
Mackey and Blake end up doing rehab together after Mackey gets roofied and attacked at a bar and almost dies.
Travis is struck by his feelings for Mackey and Mackey begins to realize the depth of his feelings for Travis.
The most important part of this segment is rehab itself. Dr. Cambridge (with the help of Travis as motivation) finally breaks through to Mackey and forces him to admit that he’s gay. Forces him to discuss Grant. Forces him to admit his fears. And finally forces him to talk about it with his family.
What we’re left with is a raw open wound. Mackey is bare and tender like new skin after a bad sunburn. The band and Mackey’s mom are left ripped wide open, forced to face their individual roles in Mackey’s collapse.
Travis will have his hands full in managing this bunch now that the truth is out, and everyone’s on pins and needles wondering what’s going to happen when Mackey returns.
**
WOW. This segment was gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and another reason to be grateful for a Family-sized box of Kleenex. Damn.
Mackey can’t get any deeper under your skin. He’s so, so broken. He has such a simple set of expectations for life (love and music) and yet he cannot get those met. The only thing that works for him is his music and it’s his music that tears him from his love, which makes him self-medicate to the point of self-destruction. Fortunately, Travis frickin’ gets it and gets him and finally, with his help, Mackey can have love and music at the same time. I hope. Amy Lane – you hear me? He better get both!
I am nervous about Grant and what role he’s going to play in the upcoming segments… I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of him, and I have a feeling he isn’t going to be “a good thing” when he does return.
Of course this segment is as wonderful as parts one and two – maybe even the best so far, simply because I just love seeing the love between Travis and Mackey in its infant stages here. I also love seeing the personalities of the brothers blossom and become full, rich, and complex characters.
Keep ‘em coming Amy- I’m ready for part four!
September 25, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
This episode will have your heart breaking for Mackey. It begins with the worst possible event and things don’t improve much for the majority of the book.
Rehab is not a good fit for Mackey and it takes a few false starts before he finally starts to see any benefits. All the while Trav is there for him, standing solid and encouraging him. When that doesn’t work he bribes, begs and cries until finally Mackey agrees to try and get better. He isn’t on his own as Blake is going along for the ride.
Grant is still hovering in Mackey’s mind like a bad penny and is truly Mackey’s biggest stumbling block. He affects nearly everything Mackey thinks and feels but it looks as though his long therapy sessions are going to tackle this and allow him to move on.
This book is all about the angst! Mackey has to look inward and let everything out if he is to ever stand a chance and that will require bravery and honesty on his behalf. He starts by being honest with Blake and mending that relationship and then goes all out with letters to his brothers and mum. It is finally time to let his family know who he really is and he clings to the hope that they will still love him.
Trav has closed all the doors on his old relationship and is confused and scared by the attraction he feels to Mackey. Grant has been sending the odd unemotional text message and I feel like I want to slap him round the head for not quite letting Mackey go!
Amy Lane has given this young lad no reprieve as yet and I honestly don’t see too much coming in his future. She is a cruel cruel author who is making angst ridden addicts out of all us!!
This episode will have your heart breaking for Mackey. It begins with the worst possible event and things don’t improve much for the majority of the book.
Rehab is not a good fit for Mackey and it takes a few false starts before he finally starts to see any benefits. All the while Trav is there for him, standing solid and encouraging him. When that doesn’t work he bribes, begs and cries until finally Mackey agrees to try and get better. He isn’t on his own as Blake is going along for the ride.
Grant is still hovering in Mackey’s mind like a bad penny and is truly Mackey’s biggest stumbling block. He affects nearly everything Mackey thinks and feels but it looks as though his long therapy sessions are going to tackle this and allow him to move on.
This book is all about the angst! Mackey has to look inward and let everything out if he is to ever stand a chance and that will require bravery and honesty on his behalf. He starts by being honest with Blake and mending that relationship and then goes all out with letters to his brothers and mum. It is finally time to let his family know who he really is and he clings to the hope that they will still love him.
Trav has closed all the doors on his old relationship and is confused and scared by the attraction he feels to Mackey. Grant has been sending the odd unemotional text message and I feel like I want to slap him round the head for not quite letting Mackey go!
Amy Lane has given this young lad no reprieve as yet and I honestly don’t see too much coming in his future. She is a cruel cruel author who is making angst ridden addicts out of all us!!
October 3, 2014
This instalment... Wow... If you are going to pick this one up grab a box of tissues - or two - before sitting down. I cried so hard that I ended up with a stuffy nose and a headache. But damn, I loved every minute. Amy Lane is a genius.
June 20, 2015
Addiction is never pretty ... the journey to sobriety never easy ...
Mackey's trek with the help and encouragement of Trav not only helps himself but also every member of their family and band.
Very touching.
Mackey's trek with the help and encouragement of Trav not only helps himself but also every member of their family and band.
Very touching.
March 14, 2016
I have no words so I'm just going to read book 4.
May 9, 2017
4.5 *****
September 19, 2014
At a promotional event for the band, Mackey is violated by a supposed fan that spiked his beer. Thankfully, Trav and Jefferson get to him first and are able to conceal what happened, for now. But Mackey’s already fragile body reacts violently to the drugs slipped to him and he winds up in the hospital for several days. Trav never leaves his side, and in the end, convinces Mackey to give rehab another try.
It’s a special kind of hell for the guy who has been living a life of secrets and lies for over six years. Mackey truly wants to kick his addiction, but he wants to do it without rehab. He doesn’t want to have to face just how fucked up he is, and that is what the good doctor wants him to do. Talk about his feelings, about the things he wants to keep hidden, about being gay and addicted and about Grant.
Trav is in a sort of purgatory as well, slowly falling in love with the troubled young man who is just barely no longer a kid, one miserable day at a time. Mackey has a way of bringing out the best and the worst in people with his bleach streaked hair, haunted eyes and need to be accepted. The two have settled into an unspoken relationship of sorts, with Trav being the only person Mackey will confide in, the only person he really feels safe with. When Trav hurts himself and has his own stint at the ER, Mackey is right by his side, finally opening up to him about Grant. But if Mackey is going to beat his disease of addiction, he is going to have to deal with the demons of his past once and for all, and that includes telling his family.
While this installment starts out in a dark place, from there the content takes on a different feel. While Mackey is in rehab, trying to hide from himself, he and Trav open up to each other via text messages. By the end neither of them has out right admitted how they feel, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious they are falling in love. Trav tries so hard not to feel anything above friendship for Mackey, but that is a lost cause, you can almost see his heart being led on a string that Mackey holds fast to. And Trav becomes a lifeline for Mackey while he’s in rehab. Young Mackey has spent the last year drowning the voice in his head that tells him right from wrong, and he’d just as soon rather die than hash out the tangled up mess inside him.
With each installment of this serial, the story delves deeper into the soul of Mackey and his demons. As dark as the content is, I’m thoroughly enthralled in this story. I find myself anticipating the next installment, anxious to see where it takes Mackey and his band of misfits and his hopefully, fingers crossed, soon to be lover Trav. But I know, I know Amy Lane and I know she’s going to bring Grant back into the forefront sooner or later. Probably right about the time Mackey and Trav get comfortable with each other Grant will have some earth shattering epiphany about his sexuality. Me, I’m rooting for Mackey and Trav!
Grab your copies of this story and sit back and wait for each week’s next part, much like your favorite TV shows. It is a graphic, violent, and dark depiction of the price of fame, the ghost of addiction and how it affects not just the addict, but also the people that surround them. And I’m loving every minute of it!
It’s a special kind of hell for the guy who has been living a life of secrets and lies for over six years. Mackey truly wants to kick his addiction, but he wants to do it without rehab. He doesn’t want to have to face just how fucked up he is, and that is what the good doctor wants him to do. Talk about his feelings, about the things he wants to keep hidden, about being gay and addicted and about Grant.
Trav is in a sort of purgatory as well, slowly falling in love with the troubled young man who is just barely no longer a kid, one miserable day at a time. Mackey has a way of bringing out the best and the worst in people with his bleach streaked hair, haunted eyes and need to be accepted. The two have settled into an unspoken relationship of sorts, with Trav being the only person Mackey will confide in, the only person he really feels safe with. When Trav hurts himself and has his own stint at the ER, Mackey is right by his side, finally opening up to him about Grant. But if Mackey is going to beat his disease of addiction, he is going to have to deal with the demons of his past once and for all, and that includes telling his family.
While this installment starts out in a dark place, from there the content takes on a different feel. While Mackey is in rehab, trying to hide from himself, he and Trav open up to each other via text messages. By the end neither of them has out right admitted how they feel, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious they are falling in love. Trav tries so hard not to feel anything above friendship for Mackey, but that is a lost cause, you can almost see his heart being led on a string that Mackey holds fast to. And Trav becomes a lifeline for Mackey while he’s in rehab. Young Mackey has spent the last year drowning the voice in his head that tells him right from wrong, and he’d just as soon rather die than hash out the tangled up mess inside him.
With each installment of this serial, the story delves deeper into the soul of Mackey and his demons. As dark as the content is, I’m thoroughly enthralled in this story. I find myself anticipating the next installment, anxious to see where it takes Mackey and his band of misfits and his hopefully, fingers crossed, soon to be lover Trav. But I know, I know Amy Lane and I know she’s going to bring Grant back into the forefront sooner or later. Probably right about the time Mackey and Trav get comfortable with each other Grant will have some earth shattering epiphany about his sexuality. Me, I’m rooting for Mackey and Trav!
Grab your copies of this story and sit back and wait for each week’s next part, much like your favorite TV shows. It is a graphic, violent, and dark depiction of the price of fame, the ghost of addiction and how it affects not just the addict, but also the people that surround them. And I’m loving every minute of it!
October 1, 2014
5 star review by Vicki
The continuing saga of Mackey…. Geez. This one has a rough start to it!
When we left off at the end of part two, Mackey and Trav were trying to build some trust and work through Mackey’s drama. Unfortunately Mackey wasn’t ready yet, and wasn’t seeing the need for help. He thought he could just stop taking drugs and stop drinking and not have to deal with the underlaying cause. This is not the case. It truly does take hitting rock bottom for him to see it. Both for himself and for Trav, who finally loses his shit with Mackey. It becomes very clear that Mackey needs help, not only for himself, but for the good of the band and any potential relationship he’ll have with Trav. Off to rehab, and Dr. Cunningham he goes, for the third time I think! This time Blake goes with him.
So this part is about trust and healing. We assume anyway, who knows what will come next for these boys. Mackey has to learn to trust himself, Trav, and his brothers. Oh, and Blake too. They have some issues to work out between them, when they do, it made me a bit weepy. Mackey can be such a little shit, when he finally breaks it is awesome. He’s got to go there to heal and he does. He works so hard, both at the clinic and with the others, it’s just amazing. I wanted to hug him, feed him, wipe his tears. Pretty much what Trav wants to do too, but maybe he wants a bit more?
Not sure what I can say about Amy’s writing that I haven’t already said. This one will rip your heart out, as she does, but it’s so necessary. She’s got the emotional part of it, obviously, but the technical side of healing and rehab feels so real. I can see someone like Mackey actually going through the emotional mess of healing. I don’t know how Amy does it, there is such realism in her books.
I’m having mixed feelings about the serial release plan of this story, I think I’m feeling less emotional about the story with it in parts than I would if I was reading it all the way through. I read a part, but then I get distanced by reading five other books in the week in between before I get the next part. It’s not that I’m not connecting with the characters or the story, I totally am, but it’s not as overwhelming somehow. I am certainly anxious for the next part, but I’m not as weepy as I think I could be. But damn… This is an incredible story. Love the characters, the story, the writing, all of it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
The continuing saga of Mackey…. Geez. This one has a rough start to it!
When we left off at the end of part two, Mackey and Trav were trying to build some trust and work through Mackey’s drama. Unfortunately Mackey wasn’t ready yet, and wasn’t seeing the need for help. He thought he could just stop taking drugs and stop drinking and not have to deal with the underlaying cause. This is not the case. It truly does take hitting rock bottom for him to see it. Both for himself and for Trav, who finally loses his shit with Mackey. It becomes very clear that Mackey needs help, not only for himself, but for the good of the band and any potential relationship he’ll have with Trav. Off to rehab, and Dr. Cunningham he goes, for the third time I think! This time Blake goes with him.
So this part is about trust and healing. We assume anyway, who knows what will come next for these boys. Mackey has to learn to trust himself, Trav, and his brothers. Oh, and Blake too. They have some issues to work out between them, when they do, it made me a bit weepy. Mackey can be such a little shit, when he finally breaks it is awesome. He’s got to go there to heal and he does. He works so hard, both at the clinic and with the others, it’s just amazing. I wanted to hug him, feed him, wipe his tears. Pretty much what Trav wants to do too, but maybe he wants a bit more?
Not sure what I can say about Amy’s writing that I haven’t already said. This one will rip your heart out, as she does, but it’s so necessary. She’s got the emotional part of it, obviously, but the technical side of healing and rehab feels so real. I can see someone like Mackey actually going through the emotional mess of healing. I don’t know how Amy does it, there is such realism in her books.
I’m having mixed feelings about the serial release plan of this story, I think I’m feeling less emotional about the story with it in parts than I would if I was reading it all the way through. I read a part, but then I get distanced by reading five other books in the week in between before I get the next part. It’s not that I’m not connecting with the characters or the story, I totally am, but it’s not as overwhelming somehow. I am certainly anxious for the next part, but I’m not as weepy as I think I could be. But damn… This is an incredible story. Love the characters, the story, the writing, all of it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
This book starts off pretty awful as we learn the result of the drugging at the end of book 2. Nothing is on page but the impact hits you right in the gut. I think Travis’s reaction to it all was worse than Mackey’s. Mackey obviously wants to pretend it didn’t happen and make sure as few people find out as possible. Travis is angry but his concern is with taking care of Mackey and making sure it doesn’t set his recovery back more. Easier said than done and things get heated. They decide he will go back to rehab and actually give his therapy sessions a try if Travis promises to stick by him and the band.
This is about the point I start to see the light where Travis and Mackey are concerned. I’m letting go of Grant along with Mackey and realizing what he could potentially have with Travis. I love when authors pull me in so strongly like that. I honestly didn’t think I’d switch teams after reading part 2. Grant makes some appearances in this one and I think his concern pisses me off more than anything. Right along with Mackey.
Mackey also learns if he’s ever going to be happy and start to heal he has to admit who he is. That means tell his homophobic brother he’s gay. His mom and band mates. Next he’ll have to face the world and that keeping secret all these years means. I’m looking forward to that and Travis and Mackey getting closer. I want it! :) At this point I’m officially team Travis.
4.5 stars
This book starts off pretty awful as we learn the result of the drugging at the end of book 2. Nothing is on page but the impact hits you right in the gut. I think Travis’s reaction to it all was worse than Mackey’s. Mackey obviously wants to pretend it didn’t happen and make sure as few people find out as possible. Travis is angry but his concern is with taking care of Mackey and making sure it doesn’t set his recovery back more. Easier said than done and things get heated. They decide he will go back to rehab and actually give his therapy sessions a try if Travis promises to stick by him and the band.
This is about the point I start to see the light where Travis and Mackey are concerned. I’m letting go of Grant along with Mackey and realizing what he could potentially have with Travis. I love when authors pull me in so strongly like that. I honestly didn’t think I’d switch teams after reading part 2. Grant makes some appearances in this one and I think his concern pisses me off more than anything. Right along with Mackey.
Mackey also learns if he’s ever going to be happy and start to heal he has to admit who he is. That means tell his homophobic brother he’s gay. His mom and band mates. Next he’ll have to face the world and that keeping secret all these years means. I’m looking forward to that and Travis and Mackey getting closer. I want it! :) At this point I’m officially team Travis.
June 4, 2015
Loved the Bonus Scenes in the Novella - Link to our 5 Star Review for Beneath the Stain full novel Review
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October 5, 2014
Mackey goes in an out of rehab a couple of times, and he and Trav strike up a deal to go along with their fragile bond. Both realize they're attracted to each other, but Trav thinks of Mackey as too much of a kid sometimes and not enough of a kid at others.
Mackey finally sticks with rehab and tells his doctor he's gay, which leads to telling his family he's gay, and the fallout from that.
The extra (for those who purchased the extras at release) in the story is about their mother and how she came to have 4 boys by 4 different fathers, and how she felt after all of them left her to pursue their own dreams.
Mackey finally sticks with rehab and tells his doctor he's gay, which leads to telling his family he's gay, and the fallout from that.
The extra (for those who purchased the extras at release) in the story is about their mother and how she came to have 4 boys by 4 different fathers, and how she felt after all of them left her to pursue their own dreams.
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