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Tales from Kansas #3
Trapped in Oz
Tales from Kansas
Martin Long has plans and dreams, but they are derailed when his parents move and must sell their house. In need of a place to stay, fast, he answers an ad for a roommate, and even though the house needs work, the owner seems nice so Martin agrees to move in.
Gary Hunter is barely making ends meet, with mysteriously disappearing tips at work and tuition to pay. Disowned by his family and left with a house in need of repair, Gary desperately needs the extra set of hands along with the money.
When Gary confesses that his family disowned him for being gay, Martin makes his own confession that opens a world of possibilities. But Gary has paid a heavy price for being who he is, and Martin’s unwillingness to open up to his family puts strain on the fledgling relationship.
Martin Long has plans and dreams, but they are derailed when his parents move and must sell their house. In need of a place to stay, fast, he answers an ad for a roommate, and even though the house needs work, the owner seems nice so Martin agrees to move in.
Gary Hunter is barely making ends meet, with mysteriously disappearing tips at work and tuition to pay. Disowned by his family and left with a house in need of repair, Gary desperately needs the extra set of hands along with the money.
When Gary confesses that his family disowned him for being gay, Martin makes his own confession that opens a world of possibilities. But Gary has paid a heavy price for being who he is, and Martin’s unwillingness to open up to his family puts strain on the fledgling relationship.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2014
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151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 21, 2017
3 stars!
Just like the other installments in this series, Trapped in Oz is a sweet and entertaining read. When Martin is forced to look for a place to stay the moment his parents decide to move out of town, he meets Gary, a sweet young man struggling through life after his family disowned him for being gay. The growing attracting between them is putting Martin in a difficult position - will he be willing to come out of the closet for his lover or will he decide to keep their relationship a dirty little secret?
Once again, Andrew Grey managed to write an entertaining and sweet love story that is mostly free of angst. I definitly enjoyed this series and I liked the little glimpses that were offered on the two couples from the previous books.
Just like the other installments in this series, Trapped in Oz is a sweet and entertaining read. When Martin is forced to look for a place to stay the moment his parents decide to move out of town, he meets Gary, a sweet young man struggling through life after his family disowned him for being gay. The growing attracting between them is putting Martin in a difficult position - will he be willing to come out of the closet for his lover or will he decide to keep their relationship a dirty little secret?
Once again, Andrew Grey managed to write an entertaining and sweet love story that is mostly free of angst. I definitly enjoyed this series and I liked the little glimpses that were offered on the two couples from the previous books.
September 12, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
There's no place like home...there's no place like...
'Trapped In Oz' is the third book in Andrew Grey's 'Kansas' series and at the heart of the story is 'home'. Martin Long has a good job and a good home. At least he did until his dad got offered a promotion that's a huge career opportunity for him...to bad it means moving. Suddenly Martin needs to find a new place to live.
Gary Hunter has a house that was left to him by his grandmother and he has a roommate who's less than ideal and needless to say Gary's more than a little relived when said roommate has to move back home.
When Martin calls in response to Gary's ad both men feel like maybe prayers do get answered. It's not love at first sight for these two but they like each other. Martin needs a home someplace where he's comfortable. He's not looking for a palace just someplace nice to call home and when he sees Gary's house he sees potential and offers to help Gary fix things up turning the house the Gary loves into a home where both men can find love and be safe.
Gary knows what it's like to be rejected his family essentially disowned him when he came out as gay and it turned out that the man he thought he was in a relationship with, only thought of Gary as a booty call. While Martin's never had a boyfriend he lives in fear of his parents learning he's gay.
As Martin begins to move his things into Gary's house and both men begin working together to fix things up, with more than a little help from Martin's awesome mom, feelings begin to grow, get explored and tested.
Along with Martin, Gary, their friends and family we get a chance to see a bit of Lyle and Roger the MCs from 'Dumped in Oz' as they befriend Martin and Gary helping Martin come to terms with his sexuality and sharing stories with Gary about his grandmother.
Once again Rusty Topsfield is the narrator for this audio book and his performance was solid, consistent, expressive and added life to the story creating an enjoyable listening experience for what is probably my favorite story in this series.
'Trapped in Oz' is a fairly short but sweet story about finding love, coming to terms with your sexuality, coming out and learning that home really is where the heart is.
********************
An audio book of 'Trapped In Oz' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest return.
There's no place like home...there's no place like...
'Trapped In Oz' is the third book in Andrew Grey's 'Kansas' series and at the heart of the story is 'home'. Martin Long has a good job and a good home. At least he did until his dad got offered a promotion that's a huge career opportunity for him...to bad it means moving. Suddenly Martin needs to find a new place to live.
Gary Hunter has a house that was left to him by his grandmother and he has a roommate who's less than ideal and needless to say Gary's more than a little relived when said roommate has to move back home.
When Martin calls in response to Gary's ad both men feel like maybe prayers do get answered. It's not love at first sight for these two but they like each other. Martin needs a home someplace where he's comfortable. He's not looking for a palace just someplace nice to call home and when he sees Gary's house he sees potential and offers to help Gary fix things up turning the house the Gary loves into a home where both men can find love and be safe.
Gary knows what it's like to be rejected his family essentially disowned him when he came out as gay and it turned out that the man he thought he was in a relationship with, only thought of Gary as a booty call. While Martin's never had a boyfriend he lives in fear of his parents learning he's gay.
As Martin begins to move his things into Gary's house and both men begin working together to fix things up, with more than a little help from Martin's awesome mom, feelings begin to grow, get explored and tested.
Along with Martin, Gary, their friends and family we get a chance to see a bit of Lyle and Roger the MCs from 'Dumped in Oz' as they befriend Martin and Gary helping Martin come to terms with his sexuality and sharing stories with Gary about his grandmother.
Once again Rusty Topsfield is the narrator for this audio book and his performance was solid, consistent, expressive and added life to the story creating an enjoyable listening experience for what is probably my favorite story in this series.
'Trapped in Oz' is a fairly short but sweet story about finding love, coming to terms with your sexuality, coming out and learning that home really is where the heart is.
********************
An audio book of 'Trapped In Oz' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest return.
October 16, 2014
Another enjoyable novel by Andrew Grey. As with most of his books that I have read, Trapped in Oz is a sweet love story that is light on the angst. Martin and Gary are both young and trying to find their way. And, apparently, in this small sown in Kansas, being gay isn't as uncommon as either of them really think. It's good to have a support system, yeah?
October 8, 2014
The tradition of stories about men who are somehow “trapped” in who they think they should be, and where they live, continues in this third book of the ‘Tales from Kansas’ series. It was good to return to this small town that makes the story of The Wizard of Oz come alive via a few tourist attractions. I had fun getting to know Martin and Gary, and followed their developing relationship with interest. This volume contains a little more angst than the previous two, but it’s a soft kind of angst and the story’s focus is mostly on Martin’s gradual growth into being honest about who he is and Gary’s learning to trust himself – and, to some degree, Martin.
Martin has a pretty good life. He has a job that allows him to set aside some money to do the traveling he wants to do one day, he has a few friends, and he gets along well with his parents. But then everything changes when his dad is promoted, his parents have to sell the house so they can move to Houston, and Martin needs to find a new place to live. All his dreams of traveling fly out the window, and he suddenly feels trapped in Oz, with nowhere to go. In his frantic search for someone looking for a roommate he finds Gary, and they hit it off.
Gary is such a great guy, and yet life has treated him so badly. His family rejects him when he comes out, the man he thought he loved ultimately rejects him, and someone at work is stealing his tips, making Gary’s tight budget even tighter. He is an art student, and quite talented, but has to work as a waiter so he can pay his tuition and buy food. The roommate he took into the house he inherited from his grandmother is an a**, but luckily the guy flunks out of school and has to leave. I could totally see why Gary might be scared to take someone else into his home, but he has no choice. He needs the money.
Neither of the men want or expect anything more than friendship, but it appears Fate (or rather, Andrew Grey) has other plans. Martin doesn’t even admit to himself that he is gay, never mind anyone else, and the thought of coming out to his parents and losing their love and support petrifies him. Gary has already been disowned, but he is scared of falling for a man who will make Gary his dirty secret. Both men have a lot to learn, make quite a few mistakes along the way, but, luckily, they are both ready to help each other through the tough times.
If you like stories about men who have to learn to stand up for who they are, if you want to find out what it’s like to deal with the fear of being who you are, and if you’re looking for a slightly angsty read with sweet characters who truly deserve a happy ending, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Martin has a pretty good life. He has a job that allows him to set aside some money to do the traveling he wants to do one day, he has a few friends, and he gets along well with his parents. But then everything changes when his dad is promoted, his parents have to sell the house so they can move to Houston, and Martin needs to find a new place to live. All his dreams of traveling fly out the window, and he suddenly feels trapped in Oz, with nowhere to go. In his frantic search for someone looking for a roommate he finds Gary, and they hit it off.
Gary is such a great guy, and yet life has treated him so badly. His family rejects him when he comes out, the man he thought he loved ultimately rejects him, and someone at work is stealing his tips, making Gary’s tight budget even tighter. He is an art student, and quite talented, but has to work as a waiter so he can pay his tuition and buy food. The roommate he took into the house he inherited from his grandmother is an a**, but luckily the guy flunks out of school and has to leave. I could totally see why Gary might be scared to take someone else into his home, but he has no choice. He needs the money.
Neither of the men want or expect anything more than friendship, but it appears Fate (or rather, Andrew Grey) has other plans. Martin doesn’t even admit to himself that he is gay, never mind anyone else, and the thought of coming out to his parents and losing their love and support petrifies him. Gary has already been disowned, but he is scared of falling for a man who will make Gary his dirty secret. Both men have a lot to learn, make quite a few mistakes along the way, but, luckily, they are both ready to help each other through the tough times.
If you like stories about men who have to learn to stand up for who they are, if you want to find out what it’s like to deal with the fear of being who you are, and if you’re looking for a slightly angsty read with sweet characters who truly deserve a happy ending, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 6, 2014
Martin Long aspires to attend college, but right now he’s just happy to have a job at the local factory and a home with his parents. He’s been saving to be able to get his own place, and that time is about to come a lot sooner than Martin expected. His dad just got a job out of state, so his parents are moving and selling the house. So Martin has to find a roommate, and fast.
Gary Hunter is barely scraping by. He is a full time art student, part time waiter at a local restaurant and now he just lost his roommate. To make matters worse, someone he works with is stealing his tip money, making putting food on the table even harder for the starving student. When Martin answers his ad for a roommate, Gary is ecstatic to be getting a roomie that doesn’t party all the time and doesn’t mind helping out with the repairs on the house.
While Gary is very open about his sexuality, having lost his family because of it, Martin hides the fact that he is gay. And now getting to know Gary only makes Martin even more confused about things. He truly cares for his new roommate and hates it when he hurts his feelings by denying they are dating, but on the other hand he sees how badly it has damaged Gary having lost his family when he came out. The last thing Martin wants is to be shunned by his friends and neighbours or have his parents disown him when they learn he is gay. Now the only question is, can these two find a compromise that will allow them to be together? Or will Martins fears of being true to himself and to Gary cause a rift between them that cannot be repaired?
This was just a fun, fast, fantasticly romantic read. I literally devoured it in one sitting before bed, the perfect bedtime snack. There was doubt and insecurity, but there was also that first time love and understanding. Gary has been hurt by just about everyone he has trusted in his life, so he has a hard time at first thinking that Martin will be any different. And Martin is just barely coming out, so he has to weigh the risks with the benefits and he struggles with what he wants in life. Then they bring out something in each other, when they are together, that you don’t see in them as individuals. It just takes them a little while to realize it.
If you are one of those sappy, hopeless romantics like me that just love a good love story that makes you sigh, and smile, and giggle, then this is the perfect book for you. And while it’s part of a series, you could actually not be lost if you haven’t read the other books. Grab a copy and take a journey through Oz with Martin and Gary and the always fabulous words of Andrew Grey.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Gary Hunter is barely scraping by. He is a full time art student, part time waiter at a local restaurant and now he just lost his roommate. To make matters worse, someone he works with is stealing his tip money, making putting food on the table even harder for the starving student. When Martin answers his ad for a roommate, Gary is ecstatic to be getting a roomie that doesn’t party all the time and doesn’t mind helping out with the repairs on the house.
While Gary is very open about his sexuality, having lost his family because of it, Martin hides the fact that he is gay. And now getting to know Gary only makes Martin even more confused about things. He truly cares for his new roommate and hates it when he hurts his feelings by denying they are dating, but on the other hand he sees how badly it has damaged Gary having lost his family when he came out. The last thing Martin wants is to be shunned by his friends and neighbours or have his parents disown him when they learn he is gay. Now the only question is, can these two find a compromise that will allow them to be together? Or will Martins fears of being true to himself and to Gary cause a rift between them that cannot be repaired?
This was just a fun, fast, fantasticly romantic read. I literally devoured it in one sitting before bed, the perfect bedtime snack. There was doubt and insecurity, but there was also that first time love and understanding. Gary has been hurt by just about everyone he has trusted in his life, so he has a hard time at first thinking that Martin will be any different. And Martin is just barely coming out, so he has to weigh the risks with the benefits and he struggles with what he wants in life. Then they bring out something in each other, when they are together, that you don’t see in them as individuals. It just takes them a little while to realize it.
If you are one of those sappy, hopeless romantics like me that just love a good love story that makes you sigh, and smile, and giggle, then this is the perfect book for you. And while it’s part of a series, you could actually not be lost if you haven’t read the other books. Grab a copy and take a journey through Oz with Martin and Gary and the always fabulous words of Andrew Grey.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
August 29, 2016
The third and final book in this series about small town Kansas. Again the mc's are very young gay men who find love very quickly thanks to circumstances that bring them together.
while I like this author's work the 2nd and 3rd books in this series really didn't work for me. They felt formulaic, didn't have any real story development and the characters were bland and all very similar.
while I like this author's work the 2nd and 3rd books in this series really didn't work for me. They felt formulaic, didn't have any real story development and the characters were bland and all very similar.
December 1, 2018
Both of these guys are working hard to get their lives together for different reasons. I love how Martin figures out how to support Gary without taking over his life. They both learn to be courageous in their own ways.
May 25, 2016
Trapped in Oz is the third book in the ‘Tale from Kansas’ series. It’s the story of Martin Long and Gary Hunter, both twenty years old. The blurb does an excellent job of giving the background of the book so I won’t repeat it in this review. This story is told in third person through both Martin’s and Gary’s pov.
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
February 23, 2015
This may be my favorite book in the series only because I just loved Gary's character and really feel for him dearly. The characters are very well developed although Martin who keeps on repeating himself about not wanting to come out fearing his parent reaction did get on my nerves a bit but with that beautiful ending, I decided to let go of it. One of Gary's friend was named Larry and I thought he's the same bully from the second book - it would have been nice if he was able to turn his life around yeah? I'd love for this story to be much longer because I feel that the ending was rush to stay with the series' 7 chapters policy. I loved that we get to see Roger and Lyle here and the timeline was like years here. I was hoping that we'd get to see Nate and Jeremy as well but perhaps, the author will revisit them in the next book in the series. I decided that I liked this series after all. It's not overly dramatic, a bit predictable but very easy and fun to read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
May 20, 2018
I enjoyed the first two in this series but this one had a higher sort of meh factor. Maybe it's the length, but I could not really get into either character and it just seemed to go by quickly. Not sure why Martin was freaked out about his parents knowing he was gay - all the signs were they would be supportive. It felt like no closure on Gary's family either but in the epilogue it is mentioned they are not going to be a part of his life - it just felt like I wanted to hear from Gary how he moved forward. The earlier talk of being so depressed as to contemplate suicide felt a bit off to me - not that it could not happen but that it is sort of glossed over.
I really think this needed to be about 100 more pages - because this author does really well at that page count and it needed more to propel a deeper level of engagement. I still liked the story - I just liked the first two better in the series. Loved the concept - and this one was the most weakly attached to the town of the three.
I really think this needed to be about 100 more pages - because this author does really well at that page count and it needed more to propel a deeper level of engagement. I still liked the story - I just liked the first two better in the series. Loved the concept - and this one was the most weakly attached to the town of the three.
October 16, 2014
*MC’s Corner*
• I think Andrew Grey got married. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Grey!!!
• Trapped in Oz is a coming out story.
It’s not boring… but it’s not as good as the previous Oz books. But I still liked it.
• It’s not as good as the previous Oz books because it doesn’t have a… powerful scene. A scene that when I think of this book it’ll make me want to read it again.
• I really thought Jeremy’s Uncle Milt (Stuck in Oz) will have a book. *sigh*
@gleekidMC
• I think Andrew Grey got married. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Grey!!!
• Trapped in Oz is a coming out story.
It’s not boring… but it’s not as good as the previous Oz books. But I still liked it.
• It’s not as good as the previous Oz books because it doesn’t have a… powerful scene. A scene that when I think of this book it’ll make me want to read it again.
• I really thought Jeremy’s Uncle Milt (Stuck in Oz) will have a book. *sigh*
@gleekidMC
October 23, 2014
"Nice", but I probably won't remember much about it by the time I finish my next book.
The first 2 in the Oz series were definitely more entertaining.
The first 2 in the Oz series were definitely more entertaining.
November 15, 2017
This is a typical Andrew Grey sweet man meets and falls in love with other sweet man story. There’s not a lot of drama to this one and it wasn’t very long, but Martin struggles with when, if, or how to come out to his parents, who are moving away from Oz as his dad takes a promotion.
He finds a room in a home owned by Gary, a young man who is out but has struggled on his own and is barely able to make ends meet. He inherited his grandmother’s home when she passed away so at least he has a roof over his head but he’s had to eject his former housemate and is hoping he won’t have trouble with Martin.
When Martin’s mother hears where he’s found a room, she recalls Gary’s grandmother fondly and offers to donate some of their furniture and other items as she sells her own house in preparation for her move. Though greatly appreciated by Gary, it makes the situation more awkward for Martin who continues to struggle nearly to the end of the story—even when he and Gary develop feelings for one another.
As I said, it’s a sweet Andrew Grey story and with the voice of Rusty Topsfield, one of my favorite narrators, it was a pleasure to listen to this one. I highly recommend the audio version of this book to all lovers of a sweet MM romance.
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
He finds a room in a home owned by Gary, a young man who is out but has struggled on his own and is barely able to make ends meet. He inherited his grandmother’s home when she passed away so at least he has a roof over his head but he’s had to eject his former housemate and is hoping he won’t have trouble with Martin.
When Martin’s mother hears where he’s found a room, she recalls Gary’s grandmother fondly and offers to donate some of their furniture and other items as she sells her own house in preparation for her move. Though greatly appreciated by Gary, it makes the situation more awkward for Martin who continues to struggle nearly to the end of the story—even when he and Gary develop feelings for one another.
As I said, it’s a sweet Andrew Grey story and with the voice of Rusty Topsfield, one of my favorite narrators, it was a pleasure to listen to this one. I highly recommend the audio version of this book to all lovers of a sweet MM romance.
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
September 24, 2017
Stuck in Oz is a sweet story. It is book three Tales from Kansas series but each stand on their own. We do see Roger and Jerry for a few minutes in this one which is a sweet treat too.
Martin's mom and dad are moving to Texas but insist Martin stay in Oz where he has a good job and may go to college. Gary's roommate is moving out which is both a blessing and curse since he does need the money to help with utilities and taxes and of course food. His tips are running dry and he thinks he is being stolen from but he isn't the type to raise a stink.
I love Martin and Gary. They are both so sweet and this story is a perfect short read that you can listen to in an afternoon, making those cores less boring.
If you like new adult, college students, sweet, fast-paced stories and a feelgood story with a little sensual man-sex you will love this.
Martin's mom and dad are moving to Texas but insist Martin stay in Oz where he has a good job and may go to college. Gary's roommate is moving out which is both a blessing and curse since he does need the money to help with utilities and taxes and of course food. His tips are running dry and he thinks he is being stolen from but he isn't the type to raise a stink.
I love Martin and Gary. They are both so sweet and this story is a perfect short read that you can listen to in an afternoon, making those cores less boring.
If you like new adult, college students, sweet, fast-paced stories and a feelgood story with a little sensual man-sex you will love this.
January 23, 2015
This is the first book I’ve read by Andrew Grey and I will say right now, it won’t be the last. There are good and bad things about this book. Let me start with the good. This is the story of two young men, both with fears of being gay.
Gary has reason for his fears and depression: He came out to his family and they dropped him. His parents won’t even call and his sister only calls when she has to. They won’t let him come home and he’s never even met a pair of nieces. He ‘lucked’ into a home his grandmother left him when she died and is trying to make ends meet by taking on renters to help him pay the taxes on the place.
Martin is two years out of high school and about all he knows is that he’s gay and he wants to leave this tiny town and see the world. Nobody except for one really good friend knows he’s gay and he plans on keeping it that way. But when his folks have an incredible opportunity given to them and they have to move, he finds himself having to move. Meeting Gary is a bit of a relief as they get along, but he knows there’s something different about him.
Let me say that one of my favorite things about this story is how the author had Martin show his doubts. Worried as he was about his parents finding out he was gay, it made sense to me that he wasn’t sure what to do when Gary blurted out that he was. That Martin still persevered to be Gary’s roommate said a lot about his personality.
Mr. Grey (Oh, I don’t know if I can write that without giggling – Maybe I’ll just call him Andrew) has written an incredibly moving story of two men who are trying to find themselves in this conservative little town while at the same time, falling in love. I loved the addition of the story of Gary’s grandmother and how she knew her grandson was gay. Finding out how of all the family she believed in him truly helped him overcome many of his doubts.
The epilogue (which I won’t reveal because it will give the whole thing away) was a wonderful, uplifting end to the book and made the angst I felt while reading totally worth it. I’m not a fan of lots of angst.
The only thing about the book that truly bothered me was that they fell in love so fast. Too fast. I understand it was a short book, but I wish Andrew had put in a few time jumps, it would have made me feel better about their falling in love. With as fast as it happened, it almost felt like they were clinging to each other, rather than truly creating long-lasting feelings. But, like I said – the epilogue made everything a-okay.
The last thing I want to share is a quote from the book – one that I think sums up what so many people don’t understand about homosexuality.
“What you’re saying is that being gay isn’t about fucking guys but about falling in love with them.”
I couldn’t have said it better, Andrew Grey. Brava!
And now, I need to get my hands on the rest of the Tales From Kansas series.
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
Gary has reason for his fears and depression: He came out to his family and they dropped him. His parents won’t even call and his sister only calls when she has to. They won’t let him come home and he’s never even met a pair of nieces. He ‘lucked’ into a home his grandmother left him when she died and is trying to make ends meet by taking on renters to help him pay the taxes on the place.
Martin is two years out of high school and about all he knows is that he’s gay and he wants to leave this tiny town and see the world. Nobody except for one really good friend knows he’s gay and he plans on keeping it that way. But when his folks have an incredible opportunity given to them and they have to move, he finds himself having to move. Meeting Gary is a bit of a relief as they get along, but he knows there’s something different about him.
Let me say that one of my favorite things about this story is how the author had Martin show his doubts. Worried as he was about his parents finding out he was gay, it made sense to me that he wasn’t sure what to do when Gary blurted out that he was. That Martin still persevered to be Gary’s roommate said a lot about his personality.
Mr. Grey (Oh, I don’t know if I can write that without giggling – Maybe I’ll just call him Andrew) has written an incredibly moving story of two men who are trying to find themselves in this conservative little town while at the same time, falling in love. I loved the addition of the story of Gary’s grandmother and how she knew her grandson was gay. Finding out how of all the family she believed in him truly helped him overcome many of his doubts.
The epilogue (which I won’t reveal because it will give the whole thing away) was a wonderful, uplifting end to the book and made the angst I felt while reading totally worth it. I’m not a fan of lots of angst.
The only thing about the book that truly bothered me was that they fell in love so fast. Too fast. I understand it was a short book, but I wish Andrew had put in a few time jumps, it would have made me feel better about their falling in love. With as fast as it happened, it almost felt like they were clinging to each other, rather than truly creating long-lasting feelings. But, like I said – the epilogue made everything a-okay.
The last thing I want to share is a quote from the book – one that I think sums up what so many people don’t understand about homosexuality.
“What you’re saying is that being gay isn’t about fucking guys but about falling in love with them.”
I couldn’t have said it better, Andrew Grey. Brava!
And now, I need to get my hands on the rest of the Tales From Kansas series.
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
November 25, 2014
Mr. Grey has been on my to-read list for about a year now and sadly I haven’t had the chance to pick up one of his books. So when the opportunity came up to review Trapped in Oz, I jumped at it. Although it is the third book in the series, it is written as a standalone and seems to be connected to the previous books in the series by the town and the people who live there.
Even though Martin and Gary are both 20 years-old, they have had entirely different life experiences. Gary’s parents disowned him when he came out to them. Fortunately he was already set to start college, so while he had to deal with the emotional upheaval of his family’s bigotry, he at least had a plan in place and his grandmother’s death provided more stability as she left him her house. Gary had to learn the hard way that life isn’t fair and that the very people who should love you unconditionally don’t always live up to your expectations. Gary is a sweet guy, one who keeps getting back up each time life kicks him in the teeth. He wears his heart on his sleeve despite having had it abused before because when he cares for someone he does it with everything he is, which is why his family’s rejection was so painful for him.
Unlike Gary, Martin has only just begun to realize that he’s gay and has only come out to one person; he hasn’t told his parents for fear of rejection. But when his parents have to move for his father to take a promotion, Martin must find a new place to live. Fate and the classifieds lead him to Gary and they quickly discover that being roommates may be just what they need as Martin is quite skilled with household maintenance and willing to help Gary fix up the house in exchange for a reduction on the rent. Once Martin moves in and they get to know each other, they find that they are able to help each other emotionally as well.
I enjoyed watching Gary grow more confident as the book progressed. As much as I hated how he was hurt in the scene when Martin dumped him off his lap to keep his mother from seeing them together, I was happy to see him stick up for himself with Martin. Rather than portraying characters with perfect responses to situations, Mr. Grey creates characters who are real and have real responses. Gary knew that Martin was still coming to terms with his sexuality and needed time to tell his family, but that didn’t make the aforementioned scene hurt any less. There is just the right mix of angst and emotion that make the characters and their reactions authentic. Trapped in Oz was a really good read and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Grey’s writing.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Even though Martin and Gary are both 20 years-old, they have had entirely different life experiences. Gary’s parents disowned him when he came out to them. Fortunately he was already set to start college, so while he had to deal with the emotional upheaval of his family’s bigotry, he at least had a plan in place and his grandmother’s death provided more stability as she left him her house. Gary had to learn the hard way that life isn’t fair and that the very people who should love you unconditionally don’t always live up to your expectations. Gary is a sweet guy, one who keeps getting back up each time life kicks him in the teeth. He wears his heart on his sleeve despite having had it abused before because when he cares for someone he does it with everything he is, which is why his family’s rejection was so painful for him.
Unlike Gary, Martin has only just begun to realize that he’s gay and has only come out to one person; he hasn’t told his parents for fear of rejection. But when his parents have to move for his father to take a promotion, Martin must find a new place to live. Fate and the classifieds lead him to Gary and they quickly discover that being roommates may be just what they need as Martin is quite skilled with household maintenance and willing to help Gary fix up the house in exchange for a reduction on the rent. Once Martin moves in and they get to know each other, they find that they are able to help each other emotionally as well.
I enjoyed watching Gary grow more confident as the book progressed. As much as I hated how he was hurt in the scene when Martin dumped him off his lap to keep his mother from seeing them together, I was happy to see him stick up for himself with Martin. Rather than portraying characters with perfect responses to situations, Mr. Grey creates characters who are real and have real responses. Gary knew that Martin was still coming to terms with his sexuality and needed time to tell his family, but that didn’t make the aforementioned scene hurt any less. There is just the right mix of angst and emotion that make the characters and their reactions authentic. Trapped in Oz was a really good read and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Grey’s writing.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
October 26, 2014
4.5 star review by Dan
Although this book in the third in the “Tales from Kansas” series, it is a standalone story and requires no background. It is billed as a Novella and is a quick read. I buzzed through easily in one evening. One warning…I wanted to stop reading and go to sleep, but the story kept me in its clutches and wouldn’t let me go until I had finished it!
I really enjoyed meeting Martin and Gary. Martin is the typical, couple years out of high school American kid, living at home, saving to do some traveling and working at his job. He makes enough money to be autonomous, but it is easier to live with Mom & Dad for now, especially since he has the second floor to himself. Then he gets the startling news that his Dad has gotten a promotion which will require the Dad and Mom to move to Houston, and his parents don’t want him to come with them. Not for any bad reason, but because he has a good job, with an education assistance program that will help pay for college.
Once Martin burns through his list of friends and finds no one looking for a roommate, his Mom suggests the newspaper, and the last call he makes reaches Gary. Gary is a kind of shy, quiet, withdrawn guy who has been beaten down by his past history. Questionable choices, including coming out to his parents who then disowned him, have caused him to have a fairly low self-worth. He is also in financial straits trying to keep up with owning his own home since his current roommate has just moved out.
Enter Martin. What ensues is a sweet story of two young men, getting to know each other, dealing with “the closet”, and dealing with their increasing feelings for each other.
I very much enjoyed this story. I recommend this book and will definitely be reading more of Andrew Grey’s books in the future!
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!
Although this book in the third in the “Tales from Kansas” series, it is a standalone story and requires no background. It is billed as a Novella and is a quick read. I buzzed through easily in one evening. One warning…I wanted to stop reading and go to sleep, but the story kept me in its clutches and wouldn’t let me go until I had finished it!
I really enjoyed meeting Martin and Gary. Martin is the typical, couple years out of high school American kid, living at home, saving to do some traveling and working at his job. He makes enough money to be autonomous, but it is easier to live with Mom & Dad for now, especially since he has the second floor to himself. Then he gets the startling news that his Dad has gotten a promotion which will require the Dad and Mom to move to Houston, and his parents don’t want him to come with them. Not for any bad reason, but because he has a good job, with an education assistance program that will help pay for college.
Once Martin burns through his list of friends and finds no one looking for a roommate, his Mom suggests the newspaper, and the last call he makes reaches Gary. Gary is a kind of shy, quiet, withdrawn guy who has been beaten down by his past history. Questionable choices, including coming out to his parents who then disowned him, have caused him to have a fairly low self-worth. He is also in financial straits trying to keep up with owning his own home since his current roommate has just moved out.
Enter Martin. What ensues is a sweet story of two young men, getting to know each other, dealing with “the closet”, and dealing with their increasing feelings for each other.
I very much enjoyed this story. I recommend this book and will definitely be reading more of Andrew Grey’s books in the future!
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!
October 7, 2014
Trapped in Oz is possibly my favorite Tales from Kansas story. I say “possibly” because I love all of the books in this series. The MCs are so likeable and the story compelling you can’t help but want that HEA for both of them.
Gary is having to skip meals and let his house fall into disrepair because he is barely making ends meet in his job as a waiter, plus he has tuition to pay. He advertises for a roommate when his previous (unwanted) tenant moves out. I felt so sorry for Gary though the first part of this book. It seemed like he couldn’t catch a break. Then he meets Martin.
Martin’s parents are moving and need to sell their house where Martin lives with them so they can buy a new home in Houston. Martin has opportunities at the company where he works in Wamego so he decides to stay and answers Gary’s ad for a roommate. Martin discovers that Gary’s parents disowned him when he came out to them. This adds to Martin’s own concerns about coming out to his parents.
This is a sweet building love story, not insta-love, and we get to see these two young men go from being roommates to an attraction for each other to something more. They help each other overcome personal obstacles to happiness. In Gary’s case he is losing the tips he needs to buy groceries due to someone stealing from the tables at the restaurant. In Martin’s case he is afraid to tell his parents that he is gay.
There is gentle angst as Gary’s decision to confront the thief and the restaurant’s owner may lead to him losing his job. What happens is part of Gary’s growth as a man and his love for Martin. When Gary graduates from college who shows up for the commencement ceremonies shows how far both men have come, in their relationship and personally. Trapped in Oz has a great HEA ending. Love is love. Nothing is more important.
Gary is having to skip meals and let his house fall into disrepair because he is barely making ends meet in his job as a waiter, plus he has tuition to pay. He advertises for a roommate when his previous (unwanted) tenant moves out. I felt so sorry for Gary though the first part of this book. It seemed like he couldn’t catch a break. Then he meets Martin.
Martin’s parents are moving and need to sell their house where Martin lives with them so they can buy a new home in Houston. Martin has opportunities at the company where he works in Wamego so he decides to stay and answers Gary’s ad for a roommate. Martin discovers that Gary’s parents disowned him when he came out to them. This adds to Martin’s own concerns about coming out to his parents.
This is a sweet building love story, not insta-love, and we get to see these two young men go from being roommates to an attraction for each other to something more. They help each other overcome personal obstacles to happiness. In Gary’s case he is losing the tips he needs to buy groceries due to someone stealing from the tables at the restaurant. In Martin’s case he is afraid to tell his parents that he is gay.
There is gentle angst as Gary’s decision to confront the thief and the restaurant’s owner may lead to him losing his job. What happens is part of Gary’s growth as a man and his love for Martin. When Gary graduates from college who shows up for the commencement ceremonies shows how far both men have come, in their relationship and personally. Trapped in Oz has a great HEA ending. Love is love. Nothing is more important.
October 29, 2014
The Blogger Girls
Martin and Gary are two very young men struggling and coming to terms with life as gay men. One has all the family drama a person could handle with the added stress of learning to live on his own sans enough money to properly survive. The other has loving, but extremely religious parents, so he chooses to maintain his secret and stay safely inside the closet. Watching your new friend and roommate suffer from family rejection was enough to convince Martin that his closet was his best choice, for now.
Martin and Gary are really cute together, and watching their coming of age story was extremely sweet, minus the family issues. Seeing them learn to come to terms with their lives and finding love and acceptance along the way made for a really heartfelt and enjoyable read. I would almost consider this a YA story because the sex was minimal and more sweet than erotic.
The characters are really well fleshed out, including the main secondary characters, like Martin’s mother. Andrew Grey has a talent for life building, and he painted a picture of these young men’s lives which allowed the reader to really understand their issues and learn to love them. Even though the story is fast paced and relatively short, you get the full picture of what life can be like for young men accepting their sexual reality and how that reality can bring hurt and pain, but also love and a new family.
Martin and Gary are two very young men struggling and coming to terms with life as gay men. One has all the family drama a person could handle with the added stress of learning to live on his own sans enough money to properly survive. The other has loving, but extremely religious parents, so he chooses to maintain his secret and stay safely inside the closet. Watching your new friend and roommate suffer from family rejection was enough to convince Martin that his closet was his best choice, for now.
Martin and Gary are really cute together, and watching their coming of age story was extremely sweet, minus the family issues. Seeing them learn to come to terms with their lives and finding love and acceptance along the way made for a really heartfelt and enjoyable read. I would almost consider this a YA story because the sex was minimal and more sweet than erotic.
The characters are really well fleshed out, including the main secondary characters, like Martin’s mother. Andrew Grey has a talent for life building, and he painted a picture of these young men’s lives which allowed the reader to really understand their issues and learn to love them. Even though the story is fast paced and relatively short, you get the full picture of what life can be like for young men accepting their sexual reality and how that reality can bring hurt and pain, but also love and a new family.
October 8, 2014
The Tales from Kansas novella series has another entry in Trapped in Oz. I’m not sure I can say it’s my favourite, at I’ve loved each of these stories, but it’s the one I can relate to the best. The gentle angst, the fear of coming out and subsequently loosing the only family you have, to the not wanting the rock the boat at work, all works together to form a wonderful story of two very compelling men.
Martin’s parents are moving not just away, but across the country and he only gets a two week notice. Since he lives in the upstairs portion of their home that’s been converted to a mini apartment, that’s a major issue for him. None of his friends need a roommate either! Then enters Gary. He’s in college, works as much as he can around his classes, and is in desperate need of a reliable roommate to help him in his home.
This is a sweet story of a love that builds as these two men move from meeting, to roommates, to lovers, to partners. We get to travel along with them as they overcome many obstacles, both eternal and internal. Trapped in Oz is a wonderful read and I love the ending! It’s a must read for any that enjoy love and HEAs. Thank you Mr. Grey for another story of hope, love, and yummy men.
Martin’s parents are moving not just away, but across the country and he only gets a two week notice. Since he lives in the upstairs portion of their home that’s been converted to a mini apartment, that’s a major issue for him. None of his friends need a roommate either! Then enters Gary. He’s in college, works as much as he can around his classes, and is in desperate need of a reliable roommate to help him in his home.
This is a sweet story of a love that builds as these two men move from meeting, to roommates, to lovers, to partners. We get to travel along with them as they overcome many obstacles, both eternal and internal. Trapped in Oz is a wonderful read and I love the ending! It’s a must read for any that enjoy love and HEAs. Thank you Mr. Grey for another story of hope, love, and yummy men.
October 9, 2014
absolutely love Andrew Grey's men. We revisit Wamego Kansas a sweet midwestern small town that has fully embraced The Wizard of Oz. Martin has lived in this town his entire life. And Gary a student studying art at Kansas State. He inherited his grandma's house and needs a roommate. Martin's parents are moving to Texas and he needs to find a new place to live so Martin and Gary become roommates. There is an easiness between them. Gary and Martin both have a secret that they are unsure of sharing with each other. Martin is very kind to Gary something that has been lacking in his life. They confess they are each gay. Gary came out to his parents they disowned him and were horrible to their son. This causes Martin to be afraid his parents will do the same thing to him. Gary has more experience than Martin .Andrew Grey writes such tender lovely new love stories. I am hooked on this series as well as his Senses series and On the Range Series. PS. Andrew's dedication to his husband Dominic brought a smile to my face. Thank you for warming my heart with this story.
October 19, 2014
I absolutely loved this story. Martin was so uncomfortable in his own skin , until he met Gary. Gary had been hurt both by an ex and his family and yet he was open to a relationship with Martin. I loved how this story unfolded. The soul searching, the coming to terms with his sexuality and realizing that what he had found with Gary was the real thing and worth everything. Their love grew and flourished in a small town named Oz. :)
Excellent addition to the Tales from Kansas series. I can only hope there will be more .
Excellent addition to the Tales from Kansas series. I can only hope there will be more .
October 20, 2014
Another great story of the series.
Gary and Martin's story is one of self discovery and acceptance.
Gary went through a difficult time when he was rejected by his parents ...
Martin needs to make the decision of telling his parents who he is ...
Both of them help each other and make things better with love and desires of a better future.
Gary and Martin's story is one of self discovery and acceptance.
Gary went through a difficult time when he was rejected by his parents ...
Martin needs to make the decision of telling his parents who he is ...
Both of them help each other and make things better with love and desires of a better future.
November 4, 2014
So sweet
Again Andrew has made me fall in love with him. He just makes my heart swell. I loved Martin and Gary. This is a great coming out story. Gary has been turned out by his family and he finds comfort from his friends. Martin is afraid to talk to his family, that is until he falls in love with Gary. Beautifully written. Andrews books are
always a winner.
Again Andrew has made me fall in love with him. He just makes my heart swell. I loved Martin and Gary. This is a great coming out story. Gary has been turned out by his family and he finds comfort from his friends. Martin is afraid to talk to his family, that is until he falls in love with Gary. Beautifully written. Andrews books are
always a winner.
December 19, 2014
4.25 stars. I read this in one sitting today, after a very hard and heart-breaking book. It's a nice, short comfort read about finding the courage to be true to oneself. It was nice to visit Oz again ;)
March 3, 2015
3.5 stars. A nice read but I didn't really connect with the characters and I want exactly enthralled with the story. I don't know why. Maybe because I had a headache or maybe because it was just a bland story.
October 20, 2014
Another Stellar series from Mr Grey. I haven't read one I haven't loved.
October 10, 2014
2.5 stars
October 8, 2015
This was an entertaining story and part of a very fun series to read. They could be stand-alone novels but I recommend them all.
Andrew Grey is great and I always enjoy his stories.
Andrew Grey is great and I always enjoy his stories.
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