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Cutting Out
A twenty-year veteran of the shearing shed, Aussie Shane Cooper loves his job, and the home he’s made for himself in New Zealand. If he’s a little lonely, he’s got good mates to keep his spirits up. When a hot, cocky young shearer named Lachlan Moore catches his eye at a competition, he’s content to look but not touch, knowing the young man is out of his league.
Lachie wouldn’t mind a piece of Shane, but the gorgeous gun shearer from Australia is soon forgotten when the Christchurch earthquake hits, and tragedy strikes Lachie’s family. Lachie deals with it the best he can, cutting himself off from all he knows. A year later and he’s back in the shearing shed, out of practice and lacking confidence. That Shane’s there to watch him flounder doesn’t help his nerves.
As Lachlan struggles to re-acclimatise, Shane can’t resist giving him a hand to get back on his feet. As they move from friends to something more, Shane finds himself wanting to know everything he can about Lachie. But Lachie’s got secrets he desperately wants to keep, and when things come to a head, those secrets might just mean the end of them before they’ve truly begun.
Lachie wouldn’t mind a piece of Shane, but the gorgeous gun shearer from Australia is soon forgotten when the Christchurch earthquake hits, and tragedy strikes Lachie’s family. Lachie deals with it the best he can, cutting himself off from all he knows. A year later and he’s back in the shearing shed, out of practice and lacking confidence. That Shane’s there to watch him flounder doesn’t help his nerves.
As Lachlan struggles to re-acclimatise, Shane can’t resist giving him a hand to get back on his feet. As they move from friends to something more, Shane finds himself wanting to know everything he can about Lachie. But Lachie’s got secrets he desperately wants to keep, and when things come to a head, those secrets might just mean the end of them before they’ve truly begun.
200 pages, ebook
First published October 11, 2014
About the author
Meredith Shayne
13 books54 followersA scientist in a past life, these days Meredith Shayne mainly uses her scientific training to poke holes in television pseudoscience. Originally from Australia, she moved to New Zealand a few years ago and hasn't regretted it for one minute, even if she frequently wishes that the New Zealand weather was a little better. Meredith travels a lot, so much so that she has developed a shameful love of airplane food and knows her passport number off by heart. When she is at home she enjoys baking, horrible music from the 1980s, and reality television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 18, 2014
3.5
This is a melancholy read. So very sad and I couldn't help but feel the constant underlying pull of that sadness throughout this read.
Shane is an older shearer. He's in his late thirties, he's an Australian living in New Zealand working for different farms and hitting a few competitions for practice and extra cash. It's at one of these competitions where he meets Lachlan, who is in his early twenties, also a shearer. The men are attracted to each other but things never go further than looking at this point.
On a visit home to visit his family Christchurch the 2011 earthquake happens and Lachlan's father is killed throwing his family into chaos. His mother, in her grief, falls into a depression and Lachie has to give up his dreams of shearing by staying close to home to take care of her and his younger siblings Ngaire and Kenny.
It was hard reading about his struggles to find ways to keep his family together through both their money troubles and their mother's deepening illness.
After a year's break from shearing Lachie is convinced by a family friend to take things up again heads back to in it. He meets up again with Shane who is on the same team and the men strike up a friendship and soon something more follows.
On each shearing run the men share a bunk house and get together. I loved these men together. There's such a wonderful chemistry between them but unfortunately this is also where the failure to communicate clearly starts to happen as well. Shane feels insecure because he's older and doesn't understand what the hotter, younger shearer sees in him and thinks that Lachie is seeing someone else. Lachie is feeling insecure because he thinks he's into the relationship more than Shane and that he may only be a convenience.
It does take a while for things to straighten out but it does in a pretty wonderful way. This is a light and dark read though. So be prepared to wade through the sadness that surround it, not sadness between the relationship although they have their issues. It's more the struggles that Lachie faces that make this a hard read. Worth it though.
This is a melancholy read. So very sad and I couldn't help but feel the constant underlying pull of that sadness throughout this read.
Shane is an older shearer. He's in his late thirties, he's an Australian living in New Zealand working for different farms and hitting a few competitions for practice and extra cash. It's at one of these competitions where he meets Lachlan, who is in his early twenties, also a shearer. The men are attracted to each other but things never go further than looking at this point.
On a visit home to visit his family Christchurch the 2011 earthquake happens and Lachlan's father is killed throwing his family into chaos. His mother, in her grief, falls into a depression and Lachie has to give up his dreams of shearing by staying close to home to take care of her and his younger siblings Ngaire and Kenny.
It was hard reading about his struggles to find ways to keep his family together through both their money troubles and their mother's deepening illness.
After a year's break from shearing Lachie is convinced by a family friend to take things up again heads back to in it. He meets up again with Shane who is on the same team and the men strike up a friendship and soon something more follows.
On each shearing run the men share a bunk house and get together. I loved these men together. There's such a wonderful chemistry between them but unfortunately this is also where the failure to communicate clearly starts to happen as well. Shane feels insecure because he's older and doesn't understand what the hotter, younger shearer sees in him and thinks that Lachie is seeing someone else. Lachie is feeling insecure because he thinks he's into the relationship more than Shane and that he may only be a convenience.
It does take a while for things to straighten out but it does in a pretty wonderful way. This is a light and dark read though. So be prepared to wade through the sadness that surround it, not sadness between the relationship although they have their issues. It's more the struggles that Lachie faces that make this a hard read. Worth it though.
February 12, 2015
This was really, really good. Cutting Out was quite a sober, and at times, sad tale and we first meet Shane and Lachlan at a sheep shearing contest. Each notices the other and before anything further can be done about it, tragedy strikes the younger Lachlan and they don't reconnect until a year later.
This was a slow burn. A smoldering slow burn mind you, but still a snail's pace at the romantic progression. So if you don't like that kind of build up, then this story isn't for you. It also had a lot of angst as you can imagine - and I typically like this kind where there was so much longing. Longing to be loved and to love. Longing to want more but afraid to push too hard. Longing for a past that will never be again. There was also fear of further loss, insecurity, and the misinterpretations from not communicating.
So yes, the angst was palpable. Not only was it between these two men but also about Lachlan's own unfortunate situation. He definitely carries the burden of taking care of his family and there was a lot of guilt, personal grief and resignation concerning the weight of his responsibilities.
Overall the chemistry between Lachlan and Shane was seriously high. It starts off with UST that was off the charts. Then the sweet, frantic coming together was oh so lovely, and your heart continually gets twisted watching the push/pull of them handling or not handling each other and their feelings. Despite the oft painful journey, their love story was beautiful and I whole heartedly believe so very worth it.
This was a slow burn. A smoldering slow burn mind you, but still a snail's pace at the romantic progression. So if you don't like that kind of build up, then this story isn't for you. It also had a lot of angst as you can imagine - and I typically like this kind where there was so much longing. Longing to be loved and to love. Longing to want more but afraid to push too hard. Longing for a past that will never be again. There was also fear of further loss, insecurity, and the misinterpretations from not communicating.
So yes, the angst was palpable. Not only was it between these two men but also about Lachlan's own unfortunate situation. He definitely carries the burden of taking care of his family and there was a lot of guilt, personal grief and resignation concerning the weight of his responsibilities.
Overall the chemistry between Lachlan and Shane was seriously high. It starts off with UST that was off the charts. Then the sweet, frantic coming together was oh so lovely, and your heart continually gets twisted watching the push/pull of them handling or not handling each other and their feelings. Despite the oft painful journey, their love story was beautiful and I whole heartedly believe so very worth it.
Did Not Finish
October 7, 2014So - this is the first DNF of 2015. I tried again but I can't take it anymore. It's just totally depressing and I don't care for any of the people in this book. And I don't think I'll try it again later.
November 24, 2014
4 star review by Lily
What a beautiful story of love, loss, grief and healing.
Australian Shane Cooper who is in his early forties has been working as a shearer in New Zealand for some years. He made NZ his home for the reasons the readers will find out later. He is a successful shearer and is well known in his field. During a competition, Shane sees younger Larrikin Lachie and feels emotions that he did not feel for some time and the feeling is mutual. Sadly before these two men actually meet, tragedy strikes with a huge earthquake in Christchurch where Lachie’s family live and sometime later Lachie and Shane meet again and this time they work together as shearers.
There are many things I loved in this story; the descriptions of the areas to the point I now want to see NZ. I also learned a little about the life of a shearer and felt I was among them when they were working….I think I even felt the twinge in my back from the repetitive position to hold sheep to shear. The way the writer described the earthquake so eloquently, I found myself in tears. The trauma of Lachie’s family felt like my own trauma and my heart went out to them. The grief process and symptoms of depression were described and explained in a very empathic and insightful manner.
Insecurities of older Shane left me feeling very protective of him. I felt his joy, hopes, and his sadness as well as his passion. He was a very lovable man that anyone would be proud to call “my man”.
Both characters were well established, complementing the plot and Kiwi culture.
Whilst sex was sensuous, it did not play a huge part in the story and did not defocus me as a reader, from the actual story.
Lachie’s emotional struggle felt very realistic. The story was so engaging to the point, I found myself in Lachie’s family home among the mess with two young teens trying to survive a very difficult time as well as Lachie’s own grief and quitting his Larrikin ways as he had to assume the head of the family role. His mother’s trauma was described appropriately for the event and made me very emotional.
The dialogue between the characters were appropriate to their sex, age and experience and I enjoyed noticing those fine qualities.
What made this story extra special that any adult can understands how the Christchurch earthquake was, and its impact on the individual, family and the community. Those pages were written so articulately as well as with empathy.
The only thing I noticed in the story is at times it was more focused on the events than the emotions. I respected that because the earthquake in Christchurch happened recently and is still fresh in our minds. The delicate balance between the fiction and the reality part in this story must have been very hard for the writer. I personally applaud the writer for the way the writer picked this topic.
Whilst there were minor misconnections in the story because it is a complex plot, I think the writer did a fabulous job of showing me the lives of shearers, the trauma a community experienced, two men falling in love with each other in very difficult circumstances, grief , loss, emotional struggle of teens and a grieving mother/wife.
This story will be a reread for me in the near future because I was captivated with the plot and characters.
I really enjoy this one. I was on holiday in New Zealand for two weeks and really love this beautiful and peaceful country. So the setting of the story in NZ with the wonderful descriptions is such a pleasure to read. I especially enjoy the camaraderie among the sheep shearers and the writer has certainly done her research, including the slangs. I like both the MCs and their slow burning romance. Sex only starts about 60%+ into the story which is just fine by me! Some maybe frustrated with the ending.
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!
What a beautiful story of love, loss, grief and healing.
Australian Shane Cooper who is in his early forties has been working as a shearer in New Zealand for some years. He made NZ his home for the reasons the readers will find out later. He is a successful shearer and is well known in his field. During a competition, Shane sees younger Larrikin Lachie and feels emotions that he did not feel for some time and the feeling is mutual. Sadly before these two men actually meet, tragedy strikes with a huge earthquake in Christchurch where Lachie’s family live and sometime later Lachie and Shane meet again and this time they work together as shearers.
There are many things I loved in this story; the descriptions of the areas to the point I now want to see NZ. I also learned a little about the life of a shearer and felt I was among them when they were working….I think I even felt the twinge in my back from the repetitive position to hold sheep to shear. The way the writer described the earthquake so eloquently, I found myself in tears. The trauma of Lachie’s family felt like my own trauma and my heart went out to them. The grief process and symptoms of depression were described and explained in a very empathic and insightful manner.
Insecurities of older Shane left me feeling very protective of him. I felt his joy, hopes, and his sadness as well as his passion. He was a very lovable man that anyone would be proud to call “my man”.
Both characters were well established, complementing the plot and Kiwi culture.
Whilst sex was sensuous, it did not play a huge part in the story and did not defocus me as a reader, from the actual story.
Lachie’s emotional struggle felt very realistic. The story was so engaging to the point, I found myself in Lachie’s family home among the mess with two young teens trying to survive a very difficult time as well as Lachie’s own grief and quitting his Larrikin ways as he had to assume the head of the family role. His mother’s trauma was described appropriately for the event and made me very emotional.
The dialogue between the characters were appropriate to their sex, age and experience and I enjoyed noticing those fine qualities.
What made this story extra special that any adult can understands how the Christchurch earthquake was, and its impact on the individual, family and the community. Those pages were written so articulately as well as with empathy.
The only thing I noticed in the story is at times it was more focused on the events than the emotions. I respected that because the earthquake in Christchurch happened recently and is still fresh in our minds. The delicate balance between the fiction and the reality part in this story must have been very hard for the writer. I personally applaud the writer for the way the writer picked this topic.
Whilst there were minor misconnections in the story because it is a complex plot, I think the writer did a fabulous job of showing me the lives of shearers, the trauma a community experienced, two men falling in love with each other in very difficult circumstances, grief , loss, emotional struggle of teens and a grieving mother/wife.
This story will be a reread for me in the near future because I was captivated with the plot and characters.
I really enjoy this one. I was on holiday in New Zealand for two weeks and really love this beautiful and peaceful country. So the setting of the story in NZ with the wonderful descriptions is such a pleasure to read. I especially enjoy the camaraderie among the sheep shearers and the writer has certainly done her research, including the slangs. I like both the MCs and their slow burning romance. Sex only starts about 60%+ into the story which is just fine by me! Some maybe frustrated with the ending.
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 15, 2014
http://thebloggergirls.com/2014/10/27...
The book starts with Lachlan “Lachie” and Shane at a sheep shearing competition where both win in their respective categories, Lachie a junior and Shane a senior. Both are a bit intrigued by the other, but have reason to believe nothing will come of it.
That night, Lachie’s life changes dramatically when his dad dies in an earthquake, leaving Lachie in charge of his family and his depressed mother.
A year goes by where Lachie is out of the shearing world, taking care of the family. When things seem to be settled, he re-joins the circuit and is pleasantly surprised by the helpful hand Shane offers to get him back in the swing of things.
Many months go by with Shane and Lachie forming a solid friendship, even though both know the other is gay. Neither thinks the other would be interested, so they leave it be. Until one night, the stars are aligned, and Lachie is brave enough to make a pass at Shane.
The next several months fly by as Shane and Lachie hook up repeatedly at various jobs, but they never connect outside of work, despite Shane’s yearning to do so. Lachie keeps himself aloof, too worried about his family to do more than a casual thing.
When things get rough at home and Shane begins to ask for more, Lachie has to make a decision. Does he want to bring Shane into the mess that is his life or risk losing him forever?
Fortunately, he makes the right choice and we have a lovely epilogue to show their HEA.
**
This is a new author for me. After having read another sheep shearing love story, I was quite intrigued by this one. This story is nothing like the other, in that it spends a lot of time dealing with Lachie’s personal issues and a lot of time looking at the Maori culture and life in New Zealand. In fact, we get mostly glimpses of the relationship between Shane and Lachie as they spend so much time apart.
When the two are together it is clear they are a match made in heaven, but it takes a lot for them to get to that point.
On the whole I really enjoyed their story. I liked them both as characters, I was particularly impressed with Shane. He was a solid, confident, caring man and definitely good for Lachie. I learned a bit about shearing and life in New Zealand, so that was interesting too.
Lachie’s mother’s depression was hard to read about, but touching as well.
I would have liked to spend more time with the couple as a couple, we spent so much time with them apart. I think some of the waffling and the battles with the family could have been shortened and the time the couple spent together broadened, rather than telling us that they met “again and again and again”.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in sheep, shearing, New Zealand, or if you are looking for a book low on sex, but full of family and eventually, love.
Overall Impression:
4 stars – I really liked it
The book starts with Lachlan “Lachie” and Shane at a sheep shearing competition where both win in their respective categories, Lachie a junior and Shane a senior. Both are a bit intrigued by the other, but have reason to believe nothing will come of it.
That night, Lachie’s life changes dramatically when his dad dies in an earthquake, leaving Lachie in charge of his family and his depressed mother.
A year goes by where Lachie is out of the shearing world, taking care of the family. When things seem to be settled, he re-joins the circuit and is pleasantly surprised by the helpful hand Shane offers to get him back in the swing of things.
Many months go by with Shane and Lachie forming a solid friendship, even though both know the other is gay. Neither thinks the other would be interested, so they leave it be. Until one night, the stars are aligned, and Lachie is brave enough to make a pass at Shane.
The next several months fly by as Shane and Lachie hook up repeatedly at various jobs, but they never connect outside of work, despite Shane’s yearning to do so. Lachie keeps himself aloof, too worried about his family to do more than a casual thing.
When things get rough at home and Shane begins to ask for more, Lachie has to make a decision. Does he want to bring Shane into the mess that is his life or risk losing him forever?
Fortunately, he makes the right choice and we have a lovely epilogue to show their HEA.
**
This is a new author for me. After having read another sheep shearing love story, I was quite intrigued by this one. This story is nothing like the other, in that it spends a lot of time dealing with Lachie’s personal issues and a lot of time looking at the Maori culture and life in New Zealand. In fact, we get mostly glimpses of the relationship between Shane and Lachie as they spend so much time apart.
When the two are together it is clear they are a match made in heaven, but it takes a lot for them to get to that point.
On the whole I really enjoyed their story. I liked them both as characters, I was particularly impressed with Shane. He was a solid, confident, caring man and definitely good for Lachie. I learned a bit about shearing and life in New Zealand, so that was interesting too.
Lachie’s mother’s depression was hard to read about, but touching as well.
I would have liked to spend more time with the couple as a couple, we spent so much time with them apart. I think some of the waffling and the battles with the family could have been shortened and the time the couple spent together broadened, rather than telling us that they met “again and again and again”.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in sheep, shearing, New Zealand, or if you are looking for a book low on sex, but full of family and eventually, love.
Overall Impression:
4 stars – I really liked it
October 12, 2014
Loved the short version in the free Blokes in Love anthology, but the full version is even better.
We now have the story of how Lachie and Shane met and the events that led up to the segment that appeared in the anthology. Parts of the last section have also been extended or tweaked to tie in with the new material, so it makes it a much more complete story. Now we get a much better idea of the problems Lachie has been dealing with at home. This makes the conflict that stops them getting together much more understandable.
More good mad on man action and a lovely look at New Zealand and shearing.
We now have the story of how Lachie and Shane met and the events that led up to the segment that appeared in the anthology. Parts of the last section have also been extended or tweaked to tie in with the new material, so it makes it a much more complete story. Now we get a much better idea of the problems Lachie has been dealing with at home. This makes the conflict that stops them getting together much more understandable.
More good mad on man action and a lovely look at New Zealand and shearing.
November 12, 2014
I'm finished with Cutting Out: It was alright. 2.5-->3.0 stars but I hate unreciprocated i <3 yous.
November 9, 2014
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, eARC Review & #Giveaway: Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne
Lachie had to deal with a tragedy that no only struck his family but his whole community. As a direct result of said tragedy, he had no choice but to give up on his dream to be a shearing gun and be a handyman, a construction worker and every other job he could get to keep food on the table. With a mother going into depression and siblings who think they can sit their butts out from responsibility, Lachie dreams of going back to shearing and maybe, just maybe, find someone he could share his life with.
Shane Cooper has had twenty years of shearing and has the medals to show just how good he is. Once, he chanced seeing a young man who had the potential to beat his record but that young man disappeared. When he next sees him, Shane was curious why Lachie was not performing at his best. In fact, if Shane could assume the worst, it was as if the young shearer not only lost his time, but his confidence in his ability. Attraction aside, Shane had to help and be the mentor to get the young man back on his shearing feet. Soon, their relationship becomes more than mere mentoring and soon crosses over to a full blown affair.
Unfortunately, it is just this thing that Shane could not accept. He wanted more than an affair and yet it seemed that Lachie's walls were too thick and his secrets too deep. How Shane could break down those walls and get Lachie to lighten up and be open about their love for each other is a journey that was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Set in New Zealand, this is a beautiful story about shearers who love their trade. Meredith Shayne takes her readers with her to take a peek into the shearing men's lives and maybe dream that amidst all the wool and lanolin, maybe there can be love too.
Lachie had to deal with a tragedy that no only struck his family but his whole community. As a direct result of said tragedy, he had no choice but to give up on his dream to be a shearing gun and be a handyman, a construction worker and every other job he could get to keep food on the table. With a mother going into depression and siblings who think they can sit their butts out from responsibility, Lachie dreams of going back to shearing and maybe, just maybe, find someone he could share his life with.
Shane Cooper has had twenty years of shearing and has the medals to show just how good he is. Once, he chanced seeing a young man who had the potential to beat his record but that young man disappeared. When he next sees him, Shane was curious why Lachie was not performing at his best. In fact, if Shane could assume the worst, it was as if the young shearer not only lost his time, but his confidence in his ability. Attraction aside, Shane had to help and be the mentor to get the young man back on his shearing feet. Soon, their relationship becomes more than mere mentoring and soon crosses over to a full blown affair.
Unfortunately, it is just this thing that Shane could not accept. He wanted more than an affair and yet it seemed that Lachie's walls were too thick and his secrets too deep. How Shane could break down those walls and get Lachie to lighten up and be open about their love for each other is a journey that was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Set in New Zealand, this is a beautiful story about shearers who love their trade. Meredith Shayne takes her readers with her to take a peek into the shearing men's lives and maybe dream that amidst all the wool and lanolin, maybe there can be love too.
October 22, 2014
I really enjoy this one. I was on holiday in New Zealand for two weeks and really love this beautiful and peaceful country. So the setting of the story in NZ with the wonderful descriptions is such a pleasure to read. I especially enjoy the camaraderie among the sheep shearers and the writer has certainly done her research, including the slangs. I like both the MCs and their slow burning romance. Sex only starts about 60%+ into the story which is just fine by me! Some maybe frustrated with the guys not having a heart-to-heart talk to sort out their problems but given the time they knew each other I thought it was realistic. Also there was a 15 years difference between Shane and Lachie. This is not a May-December romance but I could understand Shane's hesitation and the impression Lachie gave, before the earthquake forced him to man up, was really of a carefree bloke. Also these are real men with a blue collar job so sitting down and chat about their emotions is probably hard to do.
What made this story special was the Christchurch earthquake and its impact, which I thought the writer has done a great job weaving it into her story. Those pages were such touching scenes. However I do have a few niggles. The brief epilogue is rather disappointing, as if it was just an after though. It sort of created a gap in the story line. It would not "kill" the writer to give us more details on what had transpired to lead to that point which was obviously years later. It is also a pity the writer did not give us more emotional connection between the guys once the major misunderstanding was cleared. The leapt straight to the brief epilogue after they understood each other was such a let down, as if something missing in the flow of the story.
What made this story special was the Christchurch earthquake and its impact, which I thought the writer has done a great job weaving it into her story. Those pages were such touching scenes. However I do have a few niggles. The brief epilogue is rather disappointing, as if it was just an after though. It sort of created a gap in the story line. It would not "kill" the writer to give us more details on what had transpired to lead to that point which was obviously years later. It is also a pity the writer did not give us more emotional connection between the guys once the major misunderstanding was cleared. The leapt straight to the brief epilogue after they understood each other was such a let down, as if something missing in the flow of the story.
October 26, 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-3kj
From that review: "I particularly enjoyed the insight Shayne gives us into the different levels of shearers, from the junior divisions of shearers just learning their profession (junior and senior refer not to the shearer's age but experience) to the top Senior level and the sought after shearers that are asked to shear the top quality and much larger breed Merino sheep. The author easily slides her information about the profession, from the "shearing teams" that tend to work together over and over again as well as the loosely aggregated bunch assembled at the last minute, into her story making it all feel as natural as their surroundings. The camaraderie and the close community is strengthened by the bond of the Maori society that hovers like a benign parent over its members and families…"
A lovely romance and remarkable setting and plot. A Recommended read by Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
For all reviews, author interviews, book tours and contests, visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
November 8, 2014
4.5 stars.
I really, really enjoyed this beautiful story! A little bit heartbreaking and with characters I loved. Only the ending/epilogue was a bit short.
I really, really enjoyed this beautiful story! A little bit heartbreaking and with characters I loved. Only the ending/epilogue was a bit short.
November 4, 2014
3.75 marbles
New Zealand’s half a world away, known to most of us as spectacular scenery with hobbits and a vague idea of Maoris and sheep. Meredith Shayne’s added detail and dimension and given life to those ideas.
There’s a very, very slow burn between Lachie, a rising star in the shearing world, and Shane, the acknowledged master. It’s not just competition, these men keep an entire industry moving, they’re an essential link between wooly animals and winter coats. It’s a world Lachie loves, and hates leaving.
The earthquake in Christchurch changes Lachie’s life and family forever, forcing him to step up to being the head of his family and the only one holding things together. He can’t manage this out on the shearing circuit, so he does what he must. Since Shane’s only a broad grin after a competition, any thought of pursuing more goes by the wayside. Once he’s back on the circuit, things can change.
The author seems to have used two real events as her basis, which is great for verisimilitude but may have had an adverse effect on the timeline, because a lot of time passes without much changing. (Christchurch is in a seismic hotbed and if you want to see a really cool demonstration look here: http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz... )(Yeah, I look stuff like this up if the book intrigues me.) The sheep-shearing cycle may also have played into the timeline issues.
Lachie’s Maori, or part Maori, and the culture does come into play. While his mother is understandably devastated, she also retreats, and is allowed to remain in retreat, way past grieving and into self indulgence. I had high hopes for change after Jade and the other women from the marae came to visit, but alas, no. The result is a story that encompasses a lot of time but where plot and relationship advance at a glacial pace.
The writing is smooth enough to take some of the sting out of the pace, and once the guys do get into bed, they’re in bed a lot, but not talking. Not even the barest bones of something as important as “I have family to take care of,” which boots this into Big Misunderstanding territory.
Frankly, I was ready to slap Lachie and his entire family just to get their attention. Ngaire and Kenny, his sister and brother, read much younger than their stated ages and very helpless. While the mother’s depression was understandable, and may be a real course for some people, she lost reader-sympathy fast for essentially abandoning her kids for most of the long timeline. The whole seemed like artificially inflating the reasons for Lachie to avoid a relationship and to feel guilty for even wanting one.
Shane and Lachie do eventually expose their hearts to one another, and then cut to the HEA, which accentuated the timeline issues for me. I can’t help but think events could have been better balanced. Shane’s family issue had little foreshadowing, and came out in a rush.
Still, this was an interesting look into an industry we mostly don’t think about, with two guys who catch at the heart in spite of or because of their flaws. More June/November than May/December makes for an experience gap that isn’t hugely wide, still wide enough that I believed Shane felt too old to be a choice for a twenty-five year old in his prime, and still be really wrong. These guys will be good together.
New Zealand’s half a world away, known to most of us as spectacular scenery with hobbits and a vague idea of Maoris and sheep. Meredith Shayne’s added detail and dimension and given life to those ideas.
There’s a very, very slow burn between Lachie, a rising star in the shearing world, and Shane, the acknowledged master. It’s not just competition, these men keep an entire industry moving, they’re an essential link between wooly animals and winter coats. It’s a world Lachie loves, and hates leaving.
The earthquake in Christchurch changes Lachie’s life and family forever, forcing him to step up to being the head of his family and the only one holding things together. He can’t manage this out on the shearing circuit, so he does what he must. Since Shane’s only a broad grin after a competition, any thought of pursuing more goes by the wayside. Once he’s back on the circuit, things can change.
The author seems to have used two real events as her basis, which is great for verisimilitude but may have had an adverse effect on the timeline, because a lot of time passes without much changing. (Christchurch is in a seismic hotbed and if you want to see a really cool demonstration look here: http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz... )(Yeah, I look stuff like this up if the book intrigues me.) The sheep-shearing cycle may also have played into the timeline issues.
Lachie’s Maori, or part Maori, and the culture does come into play. While his mother is understandably devastated, she also retreats, and is allowed to remain in retreat, way past grieving and into self indulgence. I had high hopes for change after Jade and the other women from the marae came to visit, but alas, no. The result is a story that encompasses a lot of time but where plot and relationship advance at a glacial pace.
The writing is smooth enough to take some of the sting out of the pace, and once the guys do get into bed, they’re in bed a lot, but not talking. Not even the barest bones of something as important as “I have family to take care of,” which boots this into Big Misunderstanding territory.
Frankly, I was ready to slap Lachie and his entire family just to get their attention. Ngaire and Kenny, his sister and brother, read much younger than their stated ages and very helpless. While the mother’s depression was understandable, and may be a real course for some people, she lost reader-sympathy fast for essentially abandoning her kids for most of the long timeline. The whole seemed like artificially inflating the reasons for Lachie to avoid a relationship and to feel guilty for even wanting one.
Shane and Lachie do eventually expose their hearts to one another, and then cut to the HEA, which accentuated the timeline issues for me. I can’t help but think events could have been better balanced. Shane’s family issue had little foreshadowing, and came out in a rush.
Still, this was an interesting look into an industry we mostly don’t think about, with two guys who catch at the heart in spite of or because of their flaws. More June/November than May/December makes for an experience gap that isn’t hugely wide, still wide enough that I believed Shane felt too old to be a choice for a twenty-five year old in his prime, and still be really wrong. These guys will be good together.
October 16, 2014
This novel, about sheep shearers in picturesque New Zealand, was an entertaining read. The author used a wonderful voice to portray both main characters, and the emotion came through on the pages.
The story line weaves in the world of shearing in a way that makes you feel like you can smell, and hear the hustle and bustle of the shearing shed. I really enjoyed the camaraderie around the gangs that work together, and the portrayal of bonds formed in the roughest of conditions. The integration of slang was enjoyable, and make me chuckle a few times.
The main characters, Shane and Lachie were wonderfully written, and the author did a really great job of making me feel every emotion available. At times I had to take a moment to relish the fact that I was frowning, or smiling, or having my heart crushed at the devastation that the Christchurch earthquakes had on families. In my humble opinion, when an author can make a reader feel that, they really have a gift.
Read this book if you’re after a love story between characters that push and pull, and create a slow burn. Cutting Out is a wonderfully portrayed romance novel, with blokes and beer, instead of wine and flowers.
*I received this book as an ARC - all reviews are solely mine.
The story line weaves in the world of shearing in a way that makes you feel like you can smell, and hear the hustle and bustle of the shearing shed. I really enjoyed the camaraderie around the gangs that work together, and the portrayal of bonds formed in the roughest of conditions. The integration of slang was enjoyable, and make me chuckle a few times.
The main characters, Shane and Lachie were wonderfully written, and the author did a really great job of making me feel every emotion available. At times I had to take a moment to relish the fact that I was frowning, or smiling, or having my heart crushed at the devastation that the Christchurch earthquakes had on families. In my humble opinion, when an author can make a reader feel that, they really have a gift.
Read this book if you’re after a love story between characters that push and pull, and create a slow burn. Cutting Out is a wonderfully portrayed romance novel, with blokes and beer, instead of wine and flowers.
*I received this book as an ARC - all reviews are solely mine.
October 8, 2014
Title: Cutting Out
Author: Meredith Shayne
Cover Artist: Mumson Designs
Publisher: Bottom Drawer Publications
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★☆
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
The books setting is beautiful and these guys really love the trade they have opted into. The descriptions of shearing make you feel a part of the action and the shearing community is presented full of friendship and good ole guys. The romance while sweet is more of the rugged variety between beer drinking men. The characters are well written and their emotions are evident. The family struggles are real and the sacrifices are heart breaking. All in all this is a good and satisfying story.
Complete Review at WoDF - Cutting Out
Author: Meredith Shayne
Cover Artist: Mumson Designs
Publisher: Bottom Drawer Publications
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★☆
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
The books setting is beautiful and these guys really love the trade they have opted into. The descriptions of shearing make you feel a part of the action and the shearing community is presented full of friendship and good ole guys. The romance while sweet is more of the rugged variety between beer drinking men. The characters are well written and their emotions are evident. The family struggles are real and the sacrifices are heart breaking. All in all this is a good and satisfying story.
Complete Review at WoDF - Cutting Out
October 13, 2014
I do like Meredith Shayne's stories and have read a few set in Australia - this time she gives us a slice of Kiwi pie!
This is a fairly slow build up as basically by half way, the flirtation between Shane and Lachie has progressed to a bit of eye contact! That's not to say they haven't had conversations, but with the intensity of shearing and Lachie having to deal with his family issues, they haven't had much opportunity.
I thought the earthquake description and aftermath passages are very well done, thoughh I have to say by half way again, I was ready to shake Lachie's mum for her lack of interest in her children.
The second half does see the guys getting together and Lachie's insecurities over his family forcing distance a few times.
The story read as much longer, and it is not a short story, and those wanting a quick romance may not be keen on the antipodean references and the shearing - I found it all quite fascinating
This is a fairly slow build up as basically by half way, the flirtation between Shane and Lachie has progressed to a bit of eye contact! That's not to say they haven't had conversations, but with the intensity of shearing and Lachie having to deal with his family issues, they haven't had much opportunity.
I thought the earthquake description and aftermath passages are very well done, thoughh I have to say by half way again, I was ready to shake Lachie's mum for her lack of interest in her children.
The second half does see the guys getting together and Lachie's insecurities over his family forcing distance a few times.
The story read as much longer, and it is not a short story, and those wanting a quick romance may not be keen on the antipodean references and the shearing - I found it all quite fascinating
October 20, 2014
This book drops you into the details of sheep shearing and the culture that surrounds it from page one. It paces well and at no point did I get lost in unfamiliar details.
I appreciated how individual each character was. The only thing keeping this book from five stars is the way the ending comes about.
Spoiler:
But that detail doesn't change how well written and carefully romantic this book is. Recommended.
I appreciated how individual each character was. The only thing keeping this book from five stars is the way the ending comes about.
Spoiler:
But that detail doesn't change how well written and carefully romantic this book is. Recommended.
March 14, 2015
I absolutely loved it. The setting was interesting. I know nothing about sheep shearing in New Zealand so it was interesting to learn a little about how the shearers operate. The main characters were well drawn and the story held my interest throughout. I remember the earthquakes in NZ a few years ago and this story is based around the devastating effect they had on one family. If you want an NZ sheap shearer coping with having to look after his younger siblings then this is for you. Hot men and angst, what's not to like?
October 22, 2014
A good book, nice characters, lots of sadness..
A little something was missing for me, therefore I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted :(
I hope everyone else will love reading it! :)
A little something was missing for me, therefore I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted :(
I hope everyone else will love reading it! :)
October 23, 2014
NiceLy done. Good story. I skimmed a good bit, especially in the first 25% of the book. After that, I didn't find the sex scenes compelling so I moved quickly through most of them.
May 10, 2020
4.5 stars, rounded up because NEW ZEALAND!
I loved this book, absolutely loved it!!! I literally read the whole thing in one sitting.
Lachie, one of the main characters, lives in Christchurch and loses a family member in the 2011 earthquake. I lived in the Christchurch area in 2015-2016 myself, and I personally know people who lost friends and loved ones in this earthquake, who lost their houses, who still suffer from PTSD; so his story line really did make me cry.
But with the NZ setting also came all the wonderful things about New Zealand - the wonderful people, the awesome slang, the beautiful landscape, the rural areas, and lots of sheep. Reading this book brought back so many wonderful memories. I had hoped for that I initially picked this book up, and to be honest I'm pretty sure I still would've enjoyed it even if the plot and the characters had been rather weak. So imagine what a lovely surprise it was to discover that this book features two incredibly likeable and three-dimensional main characters and a beautiful love story!
Personally, I would've liked the sex scenes a little more detailed rather than fade to black; and the ending was a little aprupt, but maybe that was just me not wanting this book to end.
I am so checking out Meredith Shayne's other books and I am definitely going to reread this book at some point.
I loved this book, absolutely loved it!!! I literally read the whole thing in one sitting.
Lachie, one of the main characters, lives in Christchurch and loses a family member in the 2011 earthquake. I lived in the Christchurch area in 2015-2016 myself, and I personally know people who lost friends and loved ones in this earthquake, who lost their houses, who still suffer from PTSD; so his story line really did make me cry.
But with the NZ setting also came all the wonderful things about New Zealand - the wonderful people, the awesome slang, the beautiful landscape, the rural areas, and lots of sheep. Reading this book brought back so many wonderful memories. I had hoped for that I initially picked this book up, and to be honest I'm pretty sure I still would've enjoyed it even if the plot and the characters had been rather weak. So imagine what a lovely surprise it was to discover that this book features two incredibly likeable and three-dimensional main characters and a beautiful love story!
Personally, I would've liked the sex scenes a little more detailed rather than fade to black; and the ending was a little aprupt, but maybe that was just me not wanting this book to end.
I am so checking out Meredith Shayne's other books and I am definitely going to reread this book at some point.
December 16, 2017
This was a very enjoyable read. Long, slow burn of a romance.
Four Stars.
Four Stars.
April 24, 2020
Good fluff story.
December 9, 2014
A charming romance with emotional depth and heart. Well written, it pulled me into the story and left me aching and hoping right along with the men as they dealt with the complications, mistakes and pains of life and falling in love.
Shane is a good guy, gentle, kind and considerate. A good friend, reliable and trusted as a lead in his field of sheep shearing. His life is simple. he loves shearing and has good friends, but something is missing. When he meets Lachie and they start their affair, Shane begins to think that he might have found that something more that he’s been needing. I loved Shane’s vulnerability and honesty.
Lachie is struggling. His family was badly hurt by the Christchurch earthquake and there seems to be nothing he can do to fix things, no matter how hard he tries. He’s had to grow up fast and take on a lot of responsibility. He does an amazing job and proves himself to be a good man, strong and dependable. Lachie feels overwhelmed and scared. He keeps shutting Shane out even as he craves a deeper connection.
When the men first see each other they are both deeply attracted, but circumstances intervene and it’s not until after Lachie has come back to shearing that they have a chance to get to know each other. Starting out as friends who give into the intense chemistry between them, it seems they might be perfect for each other. If Shane can let go of his insecurities and Lachie can find the confidence to be honest with and trust Shane.
I love the glimpses into the world of sheep shearing and life in New Zealand. The secondary relationships with their friends and family are well developed and allowed an insight into the characters and their world.
Fun, sexy, sweet, a little achy, it has an interesting cast of characters and setting. A very enjoyable story that I recommend.
Reviewed By Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Shane is a good guy, gentle, kind and considerate. A good friend, reliable and trusted as a lead in his field of sheep shearing. His life is simple. he loves shearing and has good friends, but something is missing. When he meets Lachie and they start their affair, Shane begins to think that he might have found that something more that he’s been needing. I loved Shane’s vulnerability and honesty.
Lachie is struggling. His family was badly hurt by the Christchurch earthquake and there seems to be nothing he can do to fix things, no matter how hard he tries. He’s had to grow up fast and take on a lot of responsibility. He does an amazing job and proves himself to be a good man, strong and dependable. Lachie feels overwhelmed and scared. He keeps shutting Shane out even as he craves a deeper connection.
When the men first see each other they are both deeply attracted, but circumstances intervene and it’s not until after Lachie has come back to shearing that they have a chance to get to know each other. Starting out as friends who give into the intense chemistry between them, it seems they might be perfect for each other. If Shane can let go of his insecurities and Lachie can find the confidence to be honest with and trust Shane.
I love the glimpses into the world of sheep shearing and life in New Zealand. The secondary relationships with their friends and family are well developed and allowed an insight into the characters and their world.
Fun, sexy, sweet, a little achy, it has an interesting cast of characters and setting. A very enjoyable story that I recommend.
Reviewed By Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
November 22, 2018
I'm currently in NZ for a couple of months travelling a lot of the places mentioned in this book and I can only say that I absolutely loved it. Yes, the material is hard to read sometimes, but wandering around Christchurch with the earthquake still being as present as it is (although they did a lot of building the place up again!! I was there two years ago - in 2018 - as well and the city was basically all construction sites and lots of ruins back then), I'm really glad that Meredith Shayne not only used this real-life event, but took it this seriously. The videos and pictures from the actual earthquake are just devastating, so any other feel in this book would have read very very wrong.
This being said, I absolutely loved both Shane and Lachie, loved all the NZ (and Aussie) slang, loved the shearer setting, loved the general feel you got from being in this country (the absolute and sometimes almost absurd beauty, the general laid-back vibe, the underlying friendliness and helpfulness of most kiwis - at least of those I've met so far in my travels, ...).
I lost my heart to NZ two years ago and I'll do everything I can to come back as often as is possible for me. And this book captured a lot of why that is true and I love it for that (and for all the things it taught me about NZ that I didn't know).
And of course, I simply love Meredith Shayne's writing - in my perfect world, she would publish a book every month (or at least once a year). I'm very sorry there hasn't been anything new from her in the last years, but I'm not giving up hope yet!
This being said, I absolutely loved both Shane and Lachie, loved all the NZ (and Aussie) slang, loved the shearer setting, loved the general feel you got from being in this country (the absolute and sometimes almost absurd beauty, the general laid-back vibe, the underlying friendliness and helpfulness of most kiwis - at least of those I've met so far in my travels, ...).
I lost my heart to NZ two years ago and I'll do everything I can to come back as often as is possible for me. And this book captured a lot of why that is true and I love it for that (and for all the things it taught me about NZ that I didn't know).
And of course, I simply love Meredith Shayne's writing - in my perfect world, she would publish a book every month (or at least once a year). I'm very sorry there hasn't been anything new from her in the last years, but I'm not giving up hope yet!
mm-to-read
December 5, 2014Expanded story from the short story in the free anthology
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October 20, 2014
Started out really well but Lachie was too immature for my liking. Too much stubborn pride, it takes a strong person to ask for help.
January 13, 2015
2.5, the story dragged and lost me too many times.
January 25, 2015
3.5 stars
June 9, 2015
Another good story about shearing and family issues.
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