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Bluewater Bay #8
The Deep of the Sound
Cal McCorkle has lived in Bluewater Bay his whole life. He works two jobs to support a brother with a laundry list of psychiatric diagnoses and a great-uncle with Alzheimer’s, and his personal life amounts to impersonal hookups with his boss. He’s got no time, no ambition, and no hope. All he has is family, and they’re killing him one responsibility at a time.
Avery Kennedy left Los Angeles, his family, and his sleazy boyfriend to attend a Wolf’s Landing convention, and he has no plans to return. But when he finds himself broke and car-less in Bluewater Bay, he’s worried he’ll have to slink home with his tail between his legs. Then Cal McCorkle rides to his rescue, and his urge to run away dies a quick death.
Avery may seem helpless at first, but he can charm Cal’s fractious brother, so Cal can pretty much forgive him anything. Even being adorkable. And giving him hope. But Cal can only promise Avery “until we can’t”—and the cost of changing that to “until forever” might be too high, however much they both want it.
Bluewater Bay stories can be read in any order — jump in wherever you'd like!
Word 82,000; page 308
Avery Kennedy left Los Angeles, his family, and his sleazy boyfriend to attend a Wolf’s Landing convention, and he has no plans to return. But when he finds himself broke and car-less in Bluewater Bay, he’s worried he’ll have to slink home with his tail between his legs. Then Cal McCorkle rides to his rescue, and his urge to run away dies a quick death.
Avery may seem helpless at first, but he can charm Cal’s fractious brother, so Cal can pretty much forgive him anything. Even being adorkable. And giving him hope. But Cal can only promise Avery “until we can’t”—and the cost of changing that to “until forever” might be too high, however much they both want it.
Bluewater Bay stories can be read in any order — jump in wherever you'd like!
Word 82,000; page 308
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2015
36 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
252 books3,481 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
June 14, 2015
Reading this book is like plowing a field. It takes WORK and tears. The beginning is difficult, melancholy. And it takes a while to reap the rewards.
Cal and Avery meet at 23 percent when Cal picks up Avery on the side of the road in the rain.
Avery's car breaks down just when he gets the courage to leave his cheating, manipulative boyfriend and set out on a new path. Step one: Bluewater Bay and the Wolf's Landing convention.
Avery, who's a freelance journalist and writer, wears thick glasses, is long and skinny, and has crazy, curly hair. His handle is Scarecrow because he looks a bit like one. Avery knows he's not the best looking guy, so he puts up with a lot of shit.
Cal likes the dorky, sweet guy he takes into town. He calls Avery "Rescue Puppy." There's just something vulnerable about Avery, and Cal is a caretaker.
Cal takes care of his great-uncle Nascha, who's in the early throes of Alzheimer disease, and his younger brother Keir, who has Asperger, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and a plethora of other mental issues.
Keir needs structure and routine, and Cal tries, really tries, but Keir is so much more than he can handle. Keir is physically strong, prone to violence, and angry all the time. He thinks women, especially younger ones, are out to get him. Sometimes Cal has to sedate Keir and use restraints to keep him in bed.
Cal doesn't think he can have anything good. He buses tables and fishes in his father's boat. He's proud, stubborn, and works his ass off just to keep his family afloat. Cal doesn't have time for relationships or love.
Avery falls for Cal swiftly and furiously. And when Cal gives in, they build something beautiful, tentative and new, but REAL.
Thank all the gods for Cal's great-uncle Nascha, wonderful Nascha, who still has many clear moments, especially when he doesn't skip his meds. Nascha wants Cal to fly.
We first meet Nascha as a young, impulsive man in Nascha, Lane's short story published in the Bluewater Bay Valentine's Day anthology:
In that story, we see Cal sick and passed out on the couch. That scene appears in this book, and we know that Cal is sick because his leg got infected after he wrestled with a 400-pound fish.
We now get a glimpse of Nascha, loyal, loving, fierce Nascha, through Cal's eyes. This book brings the short story full circle.
Slowly, ever so slowly, the fog lifts. We can see the joy ahead, even if Cal can't see it, doesn't WANT to see it.
What I'm trying to say in not so few words is that THIS BOOK IS SO WORTH READING.
Yes, there's sadness and a sense of hopelessness, but there's HAPPINESS too, two men trusting each other. Loving each other. SAVING each other.
When the HEA comes, you'll feel it in your gut. After all, the things most worth having aren't always easily earned.
O.M.G. What is even happening right now?
I just sprained my damn finger clicking the Want to Read button.
How did I NOT know Amy Freakin' Lane was writing the seventh Bluewater Bay book?
Cal and Avery meet at 23 percent when Cal picks up Avery on the side of the road in the rain.
Avery's car breaks down just when he gets the courage to leave his cheating, manipulative boyfriend and set out on a new path. Step one: Bluewater Bay and the Wolf's Landing convention.
Avery, who's a freelance journalist and writer, wears thick glasses, is long and skinny, and has crazy, curly hair. His handle is Scarecrow because he looks a bit like one. Avery knows he's not the best looking guy, so he puts up with a lot of shit.
Cal likes the dorky, sweet guy he takes into town. He calls Avery "Rescue Puppy." There's just something vulnerable about Avery, and Cal is a caretaker.
Cal takes care of his great-uncle Nascha, who's in the early throes of Alzheimer disease, and his younger brother Keir, who has Asperger, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and a plethora of other mental issues.
Keir needs structure and routine, and Cal tries, really tries, but Keir is so much more than he can handle. Keir is physically strong, prone to violence, and angry all the time. He thinks women, especially younger ones, are out to get him. Sometimes Cal has to sedate Keir and use restraints to keep him in bed.
Cal doesn't think he can have anything good. He buses tables and fishes in his father's boat. He's proud, stubborn, and works his ass off just to keep his family afloat. Cal doesn't have time for relationships or love.
Avery falls for Cal swiftly and furiously. And when Cal gives in, they build something beautiful, tentative and new, but REAL.
"Is it always this way for you?" Avery asked, feeling a little sad.
This had been a revelation for him—sex that consumed you, made you fearless and stupid, made you almost confess things you shouldn't feel yet.
"No," Cal whispered. "No. Haven't had sex like this in my whole life."
"Thank God," Avery murmured.
Thank all the gods for Cal's great-uncle Nascha, wonderful Nascha, who still has many clear moments, especially when he doesn't skip his meds. Nascha wants Cal to fly.
We first meet Nascha as a young, impulsive man in Nascha, Lane's short story published in the Bluewater Bay Valentine's Day anthology:
In that story, we see Cal sick and passed out on the couch. That scene appears in this book, and we know that Cal is sick because his leg got infected after he wrestled with a 400-pound fish.
We now get a glimpse of Nascha, loyal, loving, fierce Nascha, through Cal's eyes. This book brings the short story full circle.
Slowly, ever so slowly, the fog lifts. We can see the joy ahead, even if Cal can't see it, doesn't WANT to see it.
What I'm trying to say in not so few words is that THIS BOOK IS SO WORTH READING.
Yes, there's sadness and a sense of hopelessness, but there's HAPPINESS too, two men trusting each other. Loving each other. SAVING each other.
When the HEA comes, you'll feel it in your gut. After all, the things most worth having aren't always easily earned.
Avery nodded ... staring into Cal's eyes and realizing he meant every word about forever.
"It's like this place. And you. It's magic."
Cal shook his head. "It's not magic. It's you, Rescue Puppy."
... "I'm still Rescue Puppy?"
"Oh yeah." Cal nuzzled his ear. "'Cause you rescued me."
O.M.G. What is even happening right now?
I just sprained my damn finger clicking the Want to Read button.
How did I NOT know Amy Freakin' Lane was writing the seventh Bluewater Bay book?
July 14, 2015
*2.5 stars*
Some of my all time favorite books are by the extremely talented, Amy Lane. When she gets it right and I connect with one of her stories, I'm in it and I can't get the characters out of my head. This was not one of those books for me.
I liked the concept of this story. Though it is set in the Bluewater Bay universe, I think it could work pretty well as a stand-alone. Avery is a dorky, skinny, goofy, lovable guy who is looking to get a fresh start in Bluewater Bay. Cal is a overworked, extremely stressed out guy whose life is becoming unbearable. He is the main caretaker for his brother, who has a multitude of disorders including Aspergers, ADHD, and violent tendencies, as well as his uncle, who suffers from dementia.
First of all, I'd say this is classic "angst and pain" Amy Lane. These guys have hard, crappy lives with little joy, especially Cal, who barely hangs on for most of the story. At times, it was painful to read, and I'm an angsty Amy Lane-lover. However, that was more of a minor issue for me.
What really got me about this book, the reason why my rating isn't super high, is that these guys had insta-intensity. I'm not going as far as to call it insta-love, but the depth of feeling that they had for each other after such a short time and with very little in common, didn't strike me as realistic. When it came down to it, I wasn't feeling the whole "nicknames," cutesy, ultra-intimate vibe.
While this book was still solidly written and I can see why most readers really enjoyed it, it wasn't even close to one of my favorites by this author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Some of my all time favorite books are by the extremely talented, Amy Lane. When she gets it right and I connect with one of her stories, I'm in it and I can't get the characters out of my head. This was not one of those books for me.
I liked the concept of this story. Though it is set in the Bluewater Bay universe, I think it could work pretty well as a stand-alone. Avery is a dorky, skinny, goofy, lovable guy who is looking to get a fresh start in Bluewater Bay. Cal is a overworked, extremely stressed out guy whose life is becoming unbearable. He is the main caretaker for his brother, who has a multitude of disorders including Aspergers, ADHD, and violent tendencies, as well as his uncle, who suffers from dementia.
First of all, I'd say this is classic "angst and pain" Amy Lane. These guys have hard, crappy lives with little joy, especially Cal, who barely hangs on for most of the story. At times, it was painful to read, and I'm an angsty Amy Lane-lover. However, that was more of a minor issue for me.
What really got me about this book, the reason why my rating isn't super high, is that these guys had insta-intensity. I'm not going as far as to call it insta-love, but the depth of feeling that they had for each other after such a short time and with very little in common, didn't strike me as realistic. When it came down to it, I wasn't feeling the whole "nicknames," cutesy, ultra-intimate vibe.
While this book was still solidly written and I can see why most readers really enjoyed it, it wasn't even close to one of my favorites by this author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
July 9, 2015
4 Stars!!
Amy Lane is an author I’ve read before so I knew what to expect from this read – a good solid story, a tender romance and great writing. “The Deep of the Sound” was a heartbreaking, at times intense read about life, family, sacrifice and love and like the other books in this series it take place in Bluewater Bay.
“The Deep of the Sound” fallows the story of Cal McCorkle, a man whose life turned upside down several years ago when his parents died in a tragic accident. He became orphan and his dreams were shattered, so he was forced to grow up and learn to be more responsible. Forced by these circumstances he sacrificed his future to take care for his great-uncle, Nascha and his brother, Keir, both with mental issues. He buses tables at night and fishes in the morning to provide for all of them. Needless to say life is not exactly easy for Cal. He has no time for anything else, not even for love. He feels alone and lost and even if he loves his family and he would do anything to keep it together, there are times when he really needs to breathe.
Avery is a freelance journalist/writer and he comes to Bluewater Bay for a fan convention for a television show. Avery is gay, he’s out and proud and even if his parents knows it, they deny it with every opportunity they have, still hoping their son’s gayness will disappear and he eventually will be straight. His love life is disastrous. He recently find out his douchebag of a boyfriend cheated on him, so this trip to Bluewater Bay was more than welcome.
Cal and Avery meet when Cal picks up the other man on the side of the road in the rain. A series of unfortunate events force Avery to accept he’ll be in town for a while so he’s happy to have a new friend in Cal.
Cal’s life is a constant struggle and everyone knows it, but he can’t deny this dorky man – ‘Rescue Puppy’ – feels like a breath of fresh air, something he really needs in his life.
I really enjoyed this one! It wasn’t my favorite book by this author, but it was a good, solid, emotional read, written really well. I liked both main characters. Cal is a great man. He’s kind-hearted, caring and he will do anything for his great-uncle and brother. He knows he could have chosen another path, but he choose to sacrifice himself for his family. I loved his dedication and I truly felt for him. He’s so lost and alone, but he also is grumpy and so angry. My heart broke for him, but I liked the man he gradually becomes with Avery’s ‘help’. With Avery he realizes that he can have more than worries and responsibilities, that it’s alright to have a life, that it’s alright to have someone to talk to.
Avery was a character very easy to like. He’s sweet and caring, thoughtful and considerate. From the beginning he sees how Cal truly is and he admires him with all his heart. He was a little jealous (maybe) when he realized how Cal gives his family what he desperately needed all his life from his family – attention and acceptance. I loved how understanding and supportive he was with Cal and with his family situation. His determination to prove his family that he can be a capable man is admirable and I have to say I loved his strength.
These two men seemed different from each other at first, but they complemented each other in a very good way. Their connection between them is strong and palpable and I loved their interactions which are believable and felt real. They are good for each other and I enjoyed seeing them realize that.
As for the supportive characters (Nascha and Keir), they felt real and their stories were (and the entire family's situation) not only sensitive, but also believable. I know there are people out there who chose to care for a family member with a mental illness or other disorder and I’m sure that’s not easy. But they chose family above and beyond anything else, so they have all my admiration. Another supportive character that I liked is Gi-Gi, who’s the perfect friend for Avery and what he really needed.
The story is angsty and there’s some drama, but nothing felt overwhelming. The sex scenes are hot, but also emotional at times and I enjoyed every single one of them.
All in all, "The Deep of the Sound" was a fantastic read, with two likeable main characters, a lovely romance, an interesting storyline and great writing.
Amy Lane is an author I’ve read before so I knew what to expect from this read – a good solid story, a tender romance and great writing. “The Deep of the Sound” was a heartbreaking, at times intense read about life, family, sacrifice and love and like the other books in this series it take place in Bluewater Bay.
“The Deep of the Sound” fallows the story of Cal McCorkle, a man whose life turned upside down several years ago when his parents died in a tragic accident. He became orphan and his dreams were shattered, so he was forced to grow up and learn to be more responsible. Forced by these circumstances he sacrificed his future to take care for his great-uncle, Nascha and his brother, Keir, both with mental issues. He buses tables at night and fishes in the morning to provide for all of them. Needless to say life is not exactly easy for Cal. He has no time for anything else, not even for love. He feels alone and lost and even if he loves his family and he would do anything to keep it together, there are times when he really needs to breathe.
Avery is a freelance journalist/writer and he comes to Bluewater Bay for a fan convention for a television show. Avery is gay, he’s out and proud and even if his parents knows it, they deny it with every opportunity they have, still hoping their son’s gayness will disappear and he eventually will be straight. His love life is disastrous. He recently find out his douchebag of a boyfriend cheated on him, so this trip to Bluewater Bay was more than welcome.
Cal and Avery meet when Cal picks up the other man on the side of the road in the rain. A series of unfortunate events force Avery to accept he’ll be in town for a while so he’s happy to have a new friend in Cal.
Cal’s life is a constant struggle and everyone knows it, but he can’t deny this dorky man – ‘Rescue Puppy’ – feels like a breath of fresh air, something he really needs in his life.
I really enjoyed this one! It wasn’t my favorite book by this author, but it was a good, solid, emotional read, written really well. I liked both main characters. Cal is a great man. He’s kind-hearted, caring and he will do anything for his great-uncle and brother. He knows he could have chosen another path, but he choose to sacrifice himself for his family. I loved his dedication and I truly felt for him. He’s so lost and alone, but he also is grumpy and so angry. My heart broke for him, but I liked the man he gradually becomes with Avery’s ‘help’. With Avery he realizes that he can have more than worries and responsibilities, that it’s alright to have a life, that it’s alright to have someone to talk to.
Avery was a character very easy to like. He’s sweet and caring, thoughtful and considerate. From the beginning he sees how Cal truly is and he admires him with all his heart. He was a little jealous (maybe) when he realized how Cal gives his family what he desperately needed all his life from his family – attention and acceptance. I loved how understanding and supportive he was with Cal and with his family situation. His determination to prove his family that he can be a capable man is admirable and I have to say I loved his strength.
These two men seemed different from each other at first, but they complemented each other in a very good way. Their connection between them is strong and palpable and I loved their interactions which are believable and felt real. They are good for each other and I enjoyed seeing them realize that.
As for the supportive characters (Nascha and Keir), they felt real and their stories were (and the entire family's situation) not only sensitive, but also believable. I know there are people out there who chose to care for a family member with a mental illness or other disorder and I’m sure that’s not easy. But they chose family above and beyond anything else, so they have all my admiration. Another supportive character that I liked is Gi-Gi, who’s the perfect friend for Avery and what he really needed.
The story is angsty and there’s some drama, but nothing felt overwhelming. The sex scenes are hot, but also emotional at times and I enjoyed every single one of them.
All in all, "The Deep of the Sound" was a fantastic read, with two likeable main characters, a lovely romance, an interesting storyline and great writing.
June 17, 2015
4.5 Stars!
I don't know how to do a review that will do this book justice! I absolutely loved it. I was so worried that it would be too heavy and depressing. And while it was on the heavier side, it wasn't depressing.
But man oh man....
....I felt so much!
Heartbreak for Cal. Shouldered with the care of his "sick" uncle and brother, after the death of his parents he carries burdens much too heavy. But his commitment to his family, his devotion, his strength was unbelievable.
Sympathy for Avery. Never feeling like he's good enough. Never having anyone that cared about him. Finally getting the courage to leave his ego crushing ex. Taking off on his own. Starting over. Trying to find home.
I just wanted so much for things to be easier for Cal. For him to find relief. To be able to breathe. Avery gives him hope again. For the first time in a long time he wants more. Maybe he can have both--his family and Avery.
And oh, Cal's family! Nascha in his moments of clarity wanted so much more for Cal.
I don't want to say too much. Everyone should experience this book. Live every moment. Feel every emotion. Go along for the ride with Cal and Avery. Watch them fall in love.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I don't know how to do a review that will do this book justice! I absolutely loved it. I was so worried that it would be too heavy and depressing. And while it was on the heavier side, it wasn't depressing.
But man oh man....
....I felt so much!
Heartbreak for Cal. Shouldered with the care of his "sick" uncle and brother, after the death of his parents he carries burdens much too heavy. But his commitment to his family, his devotion, his strength was unbelievable.
Sympathy for Avery. Never feeling like he's good enough. Never having anyone that cared about him. Finally getting the courage to leave his ego crushing ex. Taking off on his own. Starting over. Trying to find home.
"Maybe it was all worth it--the wallet, the broken car, the trip spent in a deserted gas station waiting for a serial killer--all of it, if he was going to land on his feet."
I just wanted so much for things to be easier for Cal. For him to find relief. To be able to breathe. Avery gives him hope again. For the first time in a long time he wants more. Maybe he can have both--his family and Avery.
And oh, Cal's family! Nascha in his moments of clarity wanted so much more for Cal.
I don't want to say too much. Everyone should experience this book. Live every moment. Feel every emotion. Go along for the ride with Cal and Avery. Watch them fall in love.
"I'll rescue you until forever,"
"Until forever. Like the sea and the sky."
And the earth and the mountain,"
"Until forever."
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
March 25, 2016
"The Deep of the Sound" was my first read in the Bluewater Bay series, but it was perfectly fine as a standalone read.
As the story begins, we see a hopeful, positive freelance writer, Avery, making his way through life in L.A., in spite of his craptacularly-unsupportive parents and a superficial, ungrateful boyfriend, who Avery supports financially.
Some may say that slightly-awkward Avery might not be all that to look at, but he does have his pride, so upon learning that said boyfriend is sleeping with his boss, Avery decides to use his upcoming trip to a Wolf's Landing convention to make a break from his unfulfilling life in L.A. and move to Bluewater Bay, Washington in hopes of a brighter future.
However, living in Bluewater Bay doesn't come with any guarantees of rainbows and unicorns, as former popular jock turned busboy / fisherman and mixed Native American Calladh McCorkle can attest.
Since his parents died 6 years prior, his life has been nothing more than obligations to his uncle Nascha, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and his younger brother, who has Asperger’s, ADHD and a slew of other mental issues.
At present, Cal has no hope of attending college, no hope of a life or love of his own and very little hope of keeping his head above water for much longer.
But when Cal rescues a stranded "rescue puppy" named Avery on the side of the road, the very last thing that he expects to follow him home is hope. And possibly love, in spite of initial impressions.
The door swung open and a scarecrow got out.Yet, somehow, Avery does manage to worm his way under Cal's protective armor and the pair begin to start rescuing one another from their day-to-day mundane existences. And it was beautiful to witness, in spite of Cal only committing to an "until we can't" relationship.
By around the halfway point of the book, I'd already guessed exactly how the story would end, so I was a bit disappointed that, although the romance was solid, the ending laid out precisely as I'd predicted, without really any unexpected turns.
And while I did enjoy the story and felt the "Avery and Cal" in my heart, there was just something that didn't quite line up for me and I didn't feel them in my bones. Not close to the degree that I did with the "Deacon and Crick" or "Shane and Mickey" pairings from Amy's Promises series.
The sexy scenes did make up for that a bit, as they were both fun and pretty steamy with some flip-flopping action between the MC's. And anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not a fan of that. Nope. Not even a little bit. (Denial all 'round on that one, folks.) ;- )
Also, while some might consider this story a bit on the high-angst side, this is Amy Lane, so for me, it landed just south of "moderate angst" on my angstometer.
Overall, I'd have to rate this one around 4 *until-forever* stars for this tale of longing, healing and hope.
------------------------------------------------
My copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased. review.
June 14, 2015
There is this moment... Where Avery's friend GiGi says something about getting her kids onto the schoolbus having her in tears, but fiction making it worth getting out of bed that morning.
Yeah, i lost it.
Bawled like a baby over that line, because you know. Mom to an autistic child and one with a behavioral disorder and my god, sometimes i feel so lonely, and constantly judged, because my kids are struggling and i'm struggling and no one sees the happy, they only see me begging my child not to throw sticks at people or to just please not terrioize his teacher today...and i walk away from the bus stop in tears at 7am because my child has been shouting at me for an hour...and fiction gives me the compassion and the solace that my friends, my neighbors, the school system, etc cannot.
There is a lot of happy in my home. A lot of love. A lot of laughter.
But there are times i feel like the happy is invisible because of all the challenges that are just so huge and always so public.
Amy Lane sees into the heart of families like mine. This was not an easy read, but it touched me deeply.
Recommended.
Yeah, i lost it.
Bawled like a baby over that line, because you know. Mom to an autistic child and one with a behavioral disorder and my god, sometimes i feel so lonely, and constantly judged, because my kids are struggling and i'm struggling and no one sees the happy, they only see me begging my child not to throw sticks at people or to just please not terrioize his teacher today...and i walk away from the bus stop in tears at 7am because my child has been shouting at me for an hour...and fiction gives me the compassion and the solace that my friends, my neighbors, the school system, etc cannot.
There is a lot of happy in my home. A lot of love. A lot of laughter.
But there are times i feel like the happy is invisible because of all the challenges that are just so huge and always so public.
Amy Lane sees into the heart of families like mine. This was not an easy read, but it touched me deeply.
Recommended.
June 21, 2015
Thank you, girls for the amazing BR. We made it work against all odds! This was not just a BR, it was girl power at its finest!
So, this book...it breaks your heart a little. Like Jewel said, it didn't wreck me (*cough* Beneath the stain*cough*) but the feels...oh man...
Cal is a good, good man. He takes care of his uncle Nascha ( we met him in Lights, Camera, Cupid!) who has Alzheimer's and his brother Keir who has Aspergers and a bunch of other things. He works two jobs and every day that passes he loses a little more of himself .
Avery is starting fresh. He left his sleezy boyfriend and his douchebag parents and comes to Bluewater Bay . But a series of bad luck events, leave him in the middle of the road. This is where Cal picks him up from.
And so it begins...
The connection between them is almost instant. Cal doesn't like talking to people, but he loves talking to Avery. Avery, who sees himself like this nerdy awkward boy with glasses, can't fathom why Cal may actually want him. But he does. So, a tentative relationship starts, but with an expiration date.
“I can’t make promises,” Cal said quietly. “Because I’m not really free.”
“I can’t make promises,” Avery echoed. “Because I don’t even have a real nest.”
“Until we can’t,”
Cal calls Avery his Rescue puppy, but by the end of the book the puppy becomes Prince Avery. Because it turns out that he is the one that saves Cal. And Nascha. Oh God, Nascha...I want to turn back time and bitch slap myself for dismissing and badmouthing his story.
Finally everything that seemed impossible, comes together beautifully. And the ending is more real than ever. Cal and Avery find each other again, not until they can't, but until forever..."
--------------------------------------------
BR with Jewel, Renee, Karen and Sandi!
June 18, 2015
One of the hardest things to ever face, is to love someone who has a significant psychological challenge, and one you know is not going to go away. Cal loves two such people.
His younger brother Keir has multiple challenges, from OCD to bipolar to Aspergers, which add up to a young man who is rigid, asocial, uncontrolled and prone to outbursts of sudden violence. Cal's beloved great-uncle Nascha is fading into Alzheimer's, becoming vague and untrustworthy in his day-to-day life. On the death of his parents six years ago, Cal was left the only adult lifeline for both these people. Only Cal can keep them together as a family. And while he tries to keep them all above water, he is slowly sinking under the impossible demands of his life.
Avery is a writer whose last boyfriend gradually became more fond of his paycheck than of him. In a moment of revelation, he has decided to shed his old life, BF, apartment and all. He's taking a trip to a Wolf's Landing TV show convention, with a commission to write an article, and after that, well, he'll find a way to live far from the dull quicksand of his previous life.
A series of mishaps put Avery on the side of the road with his dead car, sitting in the rain, only to be rescued by a stunning Native-American man with a challenged brother, a beat up truck, and more worries on his shoulders than Avery can guess at. But there is an interest in each other from the first. Getting together at all has to be fit in around the edges of Cal's life, and while Avery feels outclassed, Cal feels unworthy. Despite that, their attraction grows.
Cal really has the world dumping on his head. His stubborn pride has kept him from accepting help he needs. His sense of loss after the death of his parents - his perception that he has only two people left in the world to live for - makes him cling fanatically to his battered home, two tough jobs, and horrible schedule. He knows he can't do this forever, but he's terrified of what might happen if he stops.
Avery's nature is sunny, and his difficulties are all short-term and practical. Other than getting over having his ex-boyfriend screw him over in multiple ways, he can imagine moving forward. He wants to give some of that optimism and hope to Cal, but it's not easy when Cal's situation is so bleak, and his view is so narrowed down to survival.
I loved Avery - such a sweet guy. And I felt for Cal, having been there in more than one aspect (although thank goodness, with far more resources and less intensity.) Loving someone you can't help, and who can't understand the things you do on their behalf, is so hard. So I was rooting for these guys.
I felt a little short-circuited by the climax. The emotional moment hit, and it was bad, and yet there was a cushion for Cal. Not that Cal's situation was easy by any means, but the things he had to deal with weren't quite the ones I anticipated as being the worst, and so that took a little edge off for me.
I love Amy Lane's style. I love her men. I needed a book like this at the moment I read it - vicarious angst and sweet love in the end. She does it so well, and I was satisfied. This one isn't my own favorite, but the damaged characters here will no doubt speak loudly to some of her readers.
His younger brother Keir has multiple challenges, from OCD to bipolar to Aspergers, which add up to a young man who is rigid, asocial, uncontrolled and prone to outbursts of sudden violence. Cal's beloved great-uncle Nascha is fading into Alzheimer's, becoming vague and untrustworthy in his day-to-day life. On the death of his parents six years ago, Cal was left the only adult lifeline for both these people. Only Cal can keep them together as a family. And while he tries to keep them all above water, he is slowly sinking under the impossible demands of his life.
Avery is a writer whose last boyfriend gradually became more fond of his paycheck than of him. In a moment of revelation, he has decided to shed his old life, BF, apartment and all. He's taking a trip to a Wolf's Landing TV show convention, with a commission to write an article, and after that, well, he'll find a way to live far from the dull quicksand of his previous life.
A series of mishaps put Avery on the side of the road with his dead car, sitting in the rain, only to be rescued by a stunning Native-American man with a challenged brother, a beat up truck, and more worries on his shoulders than Avery can guess at. But there is an interest in each other from the first. Getting together at all has to be fit in around the edges of Cal's life, and while Avery feels outclassed, Cal feels unworthy. Despite that, their attraction grows.
Cal really has the world dumping on his head. His stubborn pride has kept him from accepting help he needs. His sense of loss after the death of his parents - his perception that he has only two people left in the world to live for - makes him cling fanatically to his battered home, two tough jobs, and horrible schedule. He knows he can't do this forever, but he's terrified of what might happen if he stops.
Avery's nature is sunny, and his difficulties are all short-term and practical. Other than getting over having his ex-boyfriend screw him over in multiple ways, he can imagine moving forward. He wants to give some of that optimism and hope to Cal, but it's not easy when Cal's situation is so bleak, and his view is so narrowed down to survival.
I loved Avery - such a sweet guy. And I felt for Cal, having been there in more than one aspect (although thank goodness, with far more resources and less intensity.) Loving someone you can't help, and who can't understand the things you do on their behalf, is so hard. So I was rooting for these guys.
I felt a little short-circuited by the climax. The emotional moment hit, and it was bad, and yet there was a cushion for Cal. Not that Cal's situation was easy by any means, but the things he had to deal with weren't quite the ones I anticipated as being the worst, and so that took a little edge off for me.
I love Amy Lane's style. I love her men. I needed a book like this at the moment I read it - vicarious angst and sweet love in the end. She does it so well, and I was satisfied. This one isn't my own favorite, but the damaged characters here will no doubt speak loudly to some of her readers.
June 21, 2015
~~Another EPIC BR with Eleftheria, Sandi, Renee and Karen!!!~~
~~Friday, 19 June 2015~~
4.5 Stars.
First I want to say how awesome it was reading this book with a fine bunch of ladies - Ele, Renee, Karen & Sandi -- you're awesome! Sorry I outran you all again. I'm like the big sister that runs ahead to assess the danger...
The Deep of the Sound doesn't have a whole lot of happy. There is a happy ending, of course, but Avery and Cal have to really work for it. They've both been dealt some shitty hands and so they have to wade through a whole lot of reality to get to their happy.
Avery is really an upbeat guy, considering everything. His parents are useless bags of mostly water and his boyfriend is a leach, but Avery knows what he wants out of life. And after finally putting up with too much from the douchebag boyfriend, he decides enough is enough. He's going up to Bluewater Bay for a Wolf's Landing convention, so why not just move there. He can write anywhere, after all, and it's bound to be more affordable than Los Angeles. His parents and douche of an ex all say he won't make it and he'll come crawling back. Thanks for your support mom & dad, that's awesome. His parents also take denial to a whole new level as they have never acknowledged the fact that Avery is gay.
But Avery is very determined and even though he runs into obstacle after obstacle after obstacle (courtesy of parents and ex), he keeps going. This is really a testament to just how able Avery is. He's such a good guy and he's pretty damn positive, considering what he's had to put up with. A cheating thief of a boyfriend and undeserving of such an awesome son parents haven't killed his will to do what he wants with his life. I applaud him.
Cal has been handed a whole other kind of hell. His parents were killed in a car accident 6 years ago, leaving him to take care of his very special needs brother and his great-uncle who has Alzheimer's. So Cal works two jobs to just try and put food on the table. Life, for him, is much like a game of Jenga - one wrong piece goes missing and woosh! There goes everything.
Cal doesn't trust easily and he is very guarded. His self esteem and self-worth are really awful. He's been letting his boss bang him in the locker room at work and he's generally a miserable guy. He loves his family, but he's really about to break under all the pressure. When he rescued Avery from the side of the road, he really had no idea what was about to hit him.
Things you have to look forward to if you read this book:
1) The desire to shove Avery's douchbag-ex-boyfriend out of an air-lock
2) The desire to shove Avery's poor-excuse-for-parents out of an air-lock
3) Gi-Gi and Mr G. because they are super awesome people that are good friends to our Avery. We don't see a lot of them, but they are amazing folks. I want them for friends, too.
4) Can't brain words awesome sex.
5) Cal's brother Keir, though quite mercurial and unpredictable (and sometimes violent) can also be very sweet.
6) Cal's uncle Nascha who is a devious fucker. I rather like him. And, for a guy with Alzheimer's, when he is with-it, he is with-it.
I can't express how much I enjoyed reading this book with my friends! Thanks, ladies, for being there when I needed to vent and laugh and keep on trucking. You're the bestest!
July 8, 2015
The Deep of the Sound by Amy Lane. I have to admit that this book got off to a shaky beginning. You see, the characters don't meet until about 24%sh- and I'm one of those impatient readers that dislikes waiting for the main characters to meet. So as I'm reading- I'm getting impatient and wonder if maybe this one's not for me. Then I was advised by Ms. Nookie to keep going and I did. Thank God.
Once the book got past that point, it just kept gaining momentum. It was so damn heartbreaking at times. I had to put my iPad down and take a breath. But then, there were also these really sweet moments that gave me butterflies.
One of my favorite parts in a romance novel is that dance between the two main characters. That longing. This story made me feel just that.
Is it an easy read? No, but although hard to read at times it also contained an underlining feeling hope.
In the end, I do recommend it- even with the slow start (I do understand why the author did it). This a great story of family, friendships, hope, loyalty, strength, and love. 4 Stars ♥
*ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
January 14, 2019
Audio - 4.5 stars
Story - 4.25 stars
Story - 4.25 stars
July 27, 2015
2.75
Well I'm glad that I read it.
I'd almost say that this ended up being a better story for me having read Nascha's history in Lights, Camera, Cupid! before this one. Going in I was spoiled for the ending which was alright by me.
A nice love letter to fandom with Avery's journey and for all the instalove between the two guys I enjoyed the romance.
It's just that the angst-o-meter was tipping the scale too far into the martyr red zone.
Well I'm glad that I read it.
I'd almost say that this ended up being a better story for me having read Nascha's history in Lights, Camera, Cupid! before this one. Going in I was spoiled for the ending which was alright by me.
A nice love letter to fandom with Avery's journey and for all the instalove between the two guys I enjoyed the romance.
It's just that the angst-o-meter was tipping the scale too far into the martyr red zone.
August 4, 2015
I don’t mind having to work hard to get the good stuff. I think some of the best things are those that are the hardest to get. But…it has to be worth it in the end. This was hard, like holy hell I need a hand to hold hard.
Was it worth it?
I’m not so sure.
Cal is a machine. A continuous cycle in high gear, stuck on the setting of ‘labor of love’. Since the tragic loss of his parents, he became a caretaker for his younger brother and his elderly uncle. Neither of them are an easy responsibility and the strain and wear is quickly taking its toll on the young man. For every step he trudges forward, he falls three steps backwards. He is drowning, sinking in quicksand of tough love. When he buried his parents, he buried his dreams and though he is not resentful to his family, he is disappointed with himself. If anyone deserves a pat on the back, a cheerful smile, or a simple hug…it would be Cal. Yet he only allows himself to focus on the smaller failures rather than the larger successes. He is completely missing the bigger picture. When he helps a stranger stranded on the road, he briefly allows himself to dream of another reality. Dreams don’t come true for a guy like him, do they?
Avery ran smack into a painful crossroads in his life. He has lost his boyfriend and his parents turn a blind eye on his happiness. He has his career, his fanfic obsession and a few near and dear online friends. In a moment of sheer bravery, he abandons his life and looks for a new course to sail by. He’s going to fly by the seat of his pants with optimism guiding his way. He can see the silver lining in nearly every sticky situation and it’s the only thing that keeps him from tucking tail and admitting defeat. He is determined to follow his heart and his heart believes Bluewater Bay might fill up the empty pieces. It’s not going to be easy but Avery is determined to endure the punches.
When Cal helps Avery he thinks he’s rescuing a lost puppy; as it turns out, he might be the one that needs rescuing.
This was the ultimate angstfest.
It was so….hard. I yearned for both Cal and Avery to catch a break, to catch a lucky star, or to catch each other. Cal once mentioned that he wasn’t ‘tracking what was going on‘. Sadly I can agree. The dialogue was often open-ended and was left with too much room for interpretations or for assumptions. At one point I was peeved because I thought I caught Cal in a blatant lie. I scoured the chapter to find the conflicting information and was frustrated because I could see how it ‘could’ have gone that way too. However, that’s not how I understood it the first time. It didn’t feel solid. The writing was solid but the story felt thin in spots and heavy in others. It was off balance.
Another thing that really really bothered me was Cal’s uncle. Don’t get me wrong, I adored the sweet man. Yet there was this one thing, actually a pretty darn BIG thing that didn’t fit. I can’t elaborate without spoiling, but I could never imagine his uncle biting his tongue in this particular situation. It upsets me greatly to think that he would have done so.
Finally, the ending- while predictable it was not exactly fulfilling. Three weeks. A substantial amount of ‘stuff’ went down in three weeks and I’m just not sure I bought it. However, I’m certain many others will.
*3 sinking-sinking-sinking stars*
Was it worth it?
I’m not so sure.
Cal is a machine. A continuous cycle in high gear, stuck on the setting of ‘labor of love’. Since the tragic loss of his parents, he became a caretaker for his younger brother and his elderly uncle. Neither of them are an easy responsibility and the strain and wear is quickly taking its toll on the young man. For every step he trudges forward, he falls three steps backwards. He is drowning, sinking in quicksand of tough love. When he buried his parents, he buried his dreams and though he is not resentful to his family, he is disappointed with himself. If anyone deserves a pat on the back, a cheerful smile, or a simple hug…it would be Cal. Yet he only allows himself to focus on the smaller failures rather than the larger successes. He is completely missing the bigger picture. When he helps a stranger stranded on the road, he briefly allows himself to dream of another reality. Dreams don’t come true for a guy like him, do they?
Avery ran smack into a painful crossroads in his life. He has lost his boyfriend and his parents turn a blind eye on his happiness. He has his career, his fanfic obsession and a few near and dear online friends. In a moment of sheer bravery, he abandons his life and looks for a new course to sail by. He’s going to fly by the seat of his pants with optimism guiding his way. He can see the silver lining in nearly every sticky situation and it’s the only thing that keeps him from tucking tail and admitting defeat. He is determined to follow his heart and his heart believes Bluewater Bay might fill up the empty pieces. It’s not going to be easy but Avery is determined to endure the punches.
When Cal helps Avery he thinks he’s rescuing a lost puppy; as it turns out, he might be the one that needs rescuing.
This was the ultimate angstfest.
It was so….hard. I yearned for both Cal and Avery to catch a break, to catch a lucky star, or to catch each other. Cal once mentioned that he wasn’t ‘tracking what was going on‘. Sadly I can agree. The dialogue was often open-ended and was left with too much room for interpretations or for assumptions. At one point I was peeved because I thought I caught Cal in a blatant lie. I scoured the chapter to find the conflicting information and was frustrated because I could see how it ‘could’ have gone that way too. However, that’s not how I understood it the first time. It didn’t feel solid. The writing was solid but the story felt thin in spots and heavy in others. It was off balance.
Another thing that really really bothered me was Cal’s uncle. Don’t get me wrong, I adored the sweet man. Yet there was this one thing, actually a pretty darn BIG thing that didn’t fit. I can’t elaborate without spoiling, but I could never imagine his uncle biting his tongue in this particular situation. It upsets me greatly to think that he would have done so.
Finally, the ending- while predictable it was not exactly fulfilling. Three weeks. A substantial amount of ‘stuff’ went down in three weeks and I’m just not sure I bought it. However, I’m certain many others will.
*3 sinking-sinking-sinking stars*
June 28, 2015
4.5 stars
Bluewater Bay is a series published by Riptide Publishing as a collaborative effort of ten of their most prominent authors. Each author wrote (or will soon write) a single independent novel, but they are all set in the small town of Bluewater Bay where an insanely popular paranormal TV series called Wolf’s Landing is being filmed. Although this book counts as the eighth in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone since it has all new characters and situations and the only thing it shares with the others is the setting.
To those of you unfamiliar with Amy Lane, let me first say this: among many (and I do mean many these days) M/M authors, she is practically royalty. There isn’t an M/M fan out there who hasn’t cried over her books, or if there is, it’s a horrible oversight on their part that needs to be fixed immediately. With dozens of novels behind her, Amy Lane has proven over and over again that she’s one of the best.
Her books can be neatly divided into two categories: those swimming in angst, and those that are more light-hearted, although no less exciting. And yet, The Deep of the Sound defies any sort of categorization. It is in many ways a painfully intense book, a heart-wrenching experience from start to finish. And yet the romance itself is surprisingly light and easy, a thing that happens when two complementary souls recognize each other.
Most of the angst comes from Cal’s horrible family situation. He is the sole provider for his brother with severe mental health issues and his uncle with Alzheimer’s disease. Poor Cal is desperate to keep them all together and out of nursing homes or worse, but his job is far from easy.
Cal’s despair is overwhelming, his loneliness a strong fist that suffocates and never lets go. Lane is never afraid to show us her characters at the worst possible time, as the very worst versions of themselves. Cal’s life at the beginning of this story is so incredibly bleak that it brought tears to my eyes in the very first chapter.
Avery’s troubles are a perhaps not so severe, but they’re just as touching. His self-respect is at an all-time low and his support system is virtually non-existent. When two such lives collide, how can it possibly result in anything remotely good? And yet slowly, painfully, by making one step forward and several steps back, it actually does.
Amy’s characters are always unforgettable, always designed to make the strongest possible impact. They’re people, imperfect, sad, often rash people with very little to look forward to. She always finds a way to make them resonate with us, to make them stand out and be remembered. Emotionally, this story is right up there with her very best: The Locker Room, the Promises series and Johnnies series.
If you really are unfamiliar with her book, you can start here, or you can just choose a book at random. You simply can’t go wrong with Amy.
March 31, 2016
BR, March 30th with Susan
*4,5 Until… stars*
Pheeeuw. This was hard to read.
The whole time I was thinking how impossible it was for Cal to escape from all of his responsibilities.
Six years, after his parents death he’s been taking care of his Uncle Nascha who’s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and his younger brother Keir. Keir suffers from ADHD, Asperger’s and some other mental issues.
And it’s been hard for Cal. Working two jobs to be able to pay for medicines for his family. It’s taking its toll. Afraid he won’t be able one day to take care of his family, to be able to stop Keir from hurting someone so that all was in vain and they would be forced to live in these dreadful facilities.
And then he meets Avery. He falls in love but another person needing him.. He’s convinced he’ll scare Avery off, convinced Avery will see the monster he really is. Can they make it work?
Yeah they can
“Until we can’t.”
The way the book ended was really the only way is could end.
I read the whole book with a heavy heart. My heart was going out for these boys. They deserved so much happiness. And until the end I hadn’t shed a tear. Until….
Cal was breaking my heart!
Who was he without his burdens? Who was he without his family? How could he help Avery when he couldn’t help himself?
Cal and Avery get their HEA but boy did they had to work for it!!
July 29, 2015
4,5 stars.
"I'll rescue you until forever,"
"Until forever. Like the sea and the sky."
And the earth and the mountain,"
"Until forever.”
Loved the new installment in the Bluewater Bay universe.
Adored Avery and Cal… OMG, what Cal has to do to get his family through the daily struggles of life! His love for his brother Keil and his great-uncle Nascha (my top favorite character btw), watching him caring for them and giving every-fucking-thing for them, touched me deeply.
He’s so desperate, so lost when he meets Avery. Avery, who never felt good enough, who never had anyone who loved him, cared enough for him. Leaving his home, his shitty boyfriend and his ignorant parents was the best thing to do.
Avery and Cal are so good together, I was with them every step of the way from making it another day to building up a future together.
The Deep of the Sound isn’t an easy read… no… but it’s worth every tear you’ll shed.
Highly recommended!
Note: The Deep Of The Sound is the 8th installment of the Bluewater Bay series, but it’s perfectly fine as a standalone read.
November 22, 2017
4.5 stars! BR with Ele, Jewel, Karen, and Sandi. It's so much fun reading with this great group of ladies. Their reaction to things happening in the story is so spot-on with mine. We just seem to share a brain when we have a BR. Good times!
This is a story I think about when I think of "classic" Amy Lane. The angst because life just sucks sometimes. But there is absolute treasure to be found in some of the simplest of wonders and the simplest of connections with people.
"Cal's smile faded, but didn't disappear completely. 'What? What's that look?'
'I...God. You're...Damn. You are really fucking beautiful when you smile."
"How could Avery take such joy in everything if nobody in his life took joy in him? Naivety took a special kind of strength."
"Gonna go write now?"
"Can't brain words. No."
This was an absolute joy to read. It had the angst, of course. But it makes you reach for happiness in the simple things around you. They're there. Open your eyes.
This is a story I think about when I think of "classic" Amy Lane. The angst because life just sucks sometimes. But there is absolute treasure to be found in some of the simplest of wonders and the simplest of connections with people.
"Cal's smile faded, but didn't disappear completely. 'What? What's that look?'
'I...God. You're...Damn. You are really fucking beautiful when you smile."
"How could Avery take such joy in everything if nobody in his life took joy in him? Naivety took a special kind of strength."
"Gonna go write now?"
"Can't brain words. No."
This was an absolute joy to read. It had the angst, of course. But it makes you reach for happiness in the simple things around you. They're there. Open your eyes.
June 21, 2015
BR with the girls Jewel, Eleftheria, Renee and Karen!!! What an amazing read. even better with this group of girls. Thank you for including me. Will review more tomorrow.
June 15, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
2.5 Stars
Sometimes a romance catches you off guard and that's the case with Amy Lane's The Deep of the Sound. This is a M/M romance, but it is also a book about sacrifices you make for those you love even when you are losing yourself in the process. Honestly this book was kind of a chore to read; there was so much sadness and the happy moments were few and far between and while I appreciate the author's insight into living with family members who are stricken by Alzheimer's and various psychiatric disorders at times I felt I was reading pamphlets you find in doctor's offices rather than a romance novel.
There is no denying that Cal McCorkle is dedicated to his family; for the last 6 years since his parent's untimely deaths he has taken care of his impaired brother, Keir and his again uncle, Nascha. He works two jobs just to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and to be able to get the medications they both need. He isn't a happy person, his life is set in stone and he sees no way out and then he picks up Avery Kennedy stranded by the side of the road. Avery isn't without his problems; he's just left his long term boyfriend, his parents don't accept that he's gay and he's decided to move to Washington to get away from them all trouble is he soon finds his car broken down, his debit card closed, and his bank account empty.
There was something sweet in the way these two began but it turned quite quickly into more of a sexual need between them. That's not to say they didn't communicate because they did and they did help each other immensely with some pretty big problems, but the build up to their relationship was often lost among Cal's home life and the worry he had about his brother and uncle and Avery's employment and money issues as well as the exorbitant amount of time he talked about his ex and their crummy life together.
As much as I've loved the BlueWater Bay series from Riptide this one was a miss for me. It's not that I don't appreciate books that deal with real life issues, but when the issues take over the book and the romance is lost it make the story hard to enjoy.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
2.5 Stars
Sometimes a romance catches you off guard and that's the case with Amy Lane's The Deep of the Sound. This is a M/M romance, but it is also a book about sacrifices you make for those you love even when you are losing yourself in the process. Honestly this book was kind of a chore to read; there was so much sadness and the happy moments were few and far between and while I appreciate the author's insight into living with family members who are stricken by Alzheimer's and various psychiatric disorders at times I felt I was reading pamphlets you find in doctor's offices rather than a romance novel.
There is no denying that Cal McCorkle is dedicated to his family; for the last 6 years since his parent's untimely deaths he has taken care of his impaired brother, Keir and his again uncle, Nascha. He works two jobs just to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and to be able to get the medications they both need. He isn't a happy person, his life is set in stone and he sees no way out and then he picks up Avery Kennedy stranded by the side of the road. Avery isn't without his problems; he's just left his long term boyfriend, his parents don't accept that he's gay and he's decided to move to Washington to get away from them all trouble is he soon finds his car broken down, his debit card closed, and his bank account empty.
There was something sweet in the way these two began but it turned quite quickly into more of a sexual need between them. That's not to say they didn't communicate because they did and they did help each other immensely with some pretty big problems, but the build up to their relationship was often lost among Cal's home life and the worry he had about his brother and uncle and Avery's employment and money issues as well as the exorbitant amount of time he talked about his ex and their crummy life together.
As much as I've loved the BlueWater Bay series from Riptide this one was a miss for me. It's not that I don't appreciate books that deal with real life issues, but when the issues take over the book and the romance is lost it make the story hard to enjoy.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 28, 2017
'The Deep of the Sound' is book 8 in the 'Bluewater Bay' series. I jumped to it so that I could read it with some of the best Buddy Read ladies around. I shared this Buddy Read with Eleftheria, Jewel, Renee & Sandi. These ladies are one awesomely fun group to read with and this story was one that begged to be shared.
First off it's Amy Lane that right there is an automatic yes for me. I had zero doubt going into this and was not disappointed but I have to admit it's not that often that an author almost has me in tears with the dedication...
"...This is for the parents and the grandparents and the brothers and sister who love their family very much but who just need more help, better help, any help, to keep their family together, to keep their troubled young men and women someplace like home."
This was my first clue that once again Ms Lane was giving me so much more than a love story...she was giving me a story about love. As well as an incredibly wonderful story about two men finding each other and then finding love. This is about family in all it's heartbreaking, frustrating, gut wrenching, agonizing, soul consuming beauty. I have a plaque in my home that says "Family is where your story begins" and in the case of both Avery and Cal this is so poignantly true.
Avery's family consist of his mother and father. As parents these two people are toxic. They are the personification of what a parent should not be. Their love is built on conditions, they are not only not supportive they are critical and nasty...toxic there is no other word for them. The fact that Avery survived them is a testament to his inner strength, the fact that he was able to retain as positive of an attitude as he did about himself and life was amazing. Add to that a boyfriend who is every bit as nasty and toxic as Avery's parents and really small wonder he decided to pack up and move away.
Family when it's good, it's good. When it's not it can tear you apart...
but what happens when a family is good and loving, but still circumstances conspire to destroy that...parents are taken from children too soon, children are left to care for remaining family, giving up their hopes and dreams along the way, struggling day to day just to keep what they have left...we're told love endures all things, but what about the human heart that it lives in can it endure all things? This is the challenge that faces Cal.
Two men one looking for a future and the other trying to make it to another day. This is the background Ms Lane has given. I adored Avery in all his sweet geeky glory. He was sweet, smart and so much stronger than anyone realized. He didn't know what he would really find in Bluewater Bay but anything was better than what he had. So he went for it...that takes courage.
Cal...Cal with his sweet, volatile brother, Keir, his loving, Alzhiemer afflicted Uncle Nascha. Cal with the weight of the world on his shoulders as he struggled from day to day to make ends meet to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads, to keep up with the much needed medications for Keir and Nascha, money to have someone with them to keep them safe when he couldn't because he had to earn the money. Such a vicious circle and one that Cal was trapped on by his own choice because the alternative was unthinkable. You don't quit trying not when it's your family and you love them.
Somehow in the midst of their own personal chaos Avery and Cal managed to find each other and fall in love. Neither making anymore of a promise than 'until we can't anymore'.
This was not a smooth or easy trip to happily ever after. It was filled with challenges and obstacles. But, as heartbreaking as the dark moments were the happy moments were like beautiful rays of sunshine that kissed my soul and left me wanting more...
"...Oh that was wonderful. That was the reason the gods let old men live, Cal. So we can watch young men fall in love..."
...and this...this is the reason the gods gave us authors like Amy Lane. So that we can read about and share in the heartache and the beauty of those stories.
First off it's Amy Lane that right there is an automatic yes for me. I had zero doubt going into this and was not disappointed but I have to admit it's not that often that an author almost has me in tears with the dedication...
"...This is for the parents and the grandparents and the brothers and sister who love their family very much but who just need more help, better help, any help, to keep their family together, to keep their troubled young men and women someplace like home."
This was my first clue that once again Ms Lane was giving me so much more than a love story...she was giving me a story about love. As well as an incredibly wonderful story about two men finding each other and then finding love. This is about family in all it's heartbreaking, frustrating, gut wrenching, agonizing, soul consuming beauty. I have a plaque in my home that says "Family is where your story begins" and in the case of both Avery and Cal this is so poignantly true.
Avery's family consist of his mother and father. As parents these two people are toxic. They are the personification of what a parent should not be. Their love is built on conditions, they are not only not supportive they are critical and nasty...toxic there is no other word for them. The fact that Avery survived them is a testament to his inner strength, the fact that he was able to retain as positive of an attitude as he did about himself and life was amazing. Add to that a boyfriend who is every bit as nasty and toxic as Avery's parents and really small wonder he decided to pack up and move away.
Family when it's good, it's good. When it's not it can tear you apart...
but what happens when a family is good and loving, but still circumstances conspire to destroy that...parents are taken from children too soon, children are left to care for remaining family, giving up their hopes and dreams along the way, struggling day to day just to keep what they have left...we're told love endures all things, but what about the human heart that it lives in can it endure all things? This is the challenge that faces Cal.
Two men one looking for a future and the other trying to make it to another day. This is the background Ms Lane has given. I adored Avery in all his sweet geeky glory. He was sweet, smart and so much stronger than anyone realized. He didn't know what he would really find in Bluewater Bay but anything was better than what he had. So he went for it...that takes courage.
Cal...Cal with his sweet, volatile brother, Keir, his loving, Alzhiemer afflicted Uncle Nascha. Cal with the weight of the world on his shoulders as he struggled from day to day to make ends meet to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads, to keep up with the much needed medications for Keir and Nascha, money to have someone with them to keep them safe when he couldn't because he had to earn the money. Such a vicious circle and one that Cal was trapped on by his own choice because the alternative was unthinkable. You don't quit trying not when it's your family and you love them.
Somehow in the midst of their own personal chaos Avery and Cal managed to find each other and fall in love. Neither making anymore of a promise than 'until we can't anymore'.
This was not a smooth or easy trip to happily ever after. It was filled with challenges and obstacles. But, as heartbreaking as the dark moments were the happy moments were like beautiful rays of sunshine that kissed my soul and left me wanting more...
"...Oh that was wonderful. That was the reason the gods let old men live, Cal. So we can watch young men fall in love..."
...and this...this is the reason the gods gave us authors like Amy Lane. So that we can read about and share in the heartache and the beauty of those stories.
August 16, 2017
*** Audio Review***
Nick J Russo does another great job with an Amy Lane story. I loved Rescue Puppy, and his Cal voice had the right amount of compassion, knowledge and understanding to be soothing when needed and sexy when required. 😉
Brilliant story from Amy. I think this is the final story in the Bluewater Bay series, and what a finale it is. 5 stars from me.
Yes, there were tears and some really ugly crying in this house for Cal, poor Cal who seemingly had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He worked two jobs in Bluewater Bay, had no social/love life and was basically living from day to day money-wise, looking after his Alzheimer riddled Uncle Nascha, and his younger brother Keir who had a complete shedload of psychiatric ailments...ADHD, OCD and autism amongst others, he was a nightmare to deal with and when his temper was roused, very violent too. He also had a 'thing' about girls/women...he hates them, which meant that they were understandably wary to be around him without Cal's calming presence.
Into Cal's appalling everyday life comes Avery Kennedy (rescue puppy), who is trying to show his parents that he is capable of looking after himself but is weighed down by the fact that a) his parents couldn't seem to care less about him AND b) his complete dick of an ex Billy was only with him for the money he earned as an up and coming fanfic writer/journalist. Avery was the first to admit that he wasn't good looking, but he was kind, helpful and thrilled to bits that someone had actually stopped on the side of the road to help him when his car broke down....that certainly wouldn't have happened in LA. That someone was Cal, and their friendship went from there. 2 broken, lonely guys daring to hope that their lives might change for the better....fabulous.
Nick J Russo does another great job with an Amy Lane story. I loved Rescue Puppy, and his Cal voice had the right amount of compassion, knowledge and understanding to be soothing when needed and sexy when required. 😉
Brilliant story from Amy. I think this is the final story in the Bluewater Bay series, and what a finale it is. 5 stars from me.
Yes, there were tears and some really ugly crying in this house for Cal, poor Cal who seemingly had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He worked two jobs in Bluewater Bay, had no social/love life and was basically living from day to day money-wise, looking after his Alzheimer riddled Uncle Nascha, and his younger brother Keir who had a complete shedload of psychiatric ailments...ADHD, OCD and autism amongst others, he was a nightmare to deal with and when his temper was roused, very violent too. He also had a 'thing' about girls/women...he hates them, which meant that they were understandably wary to be around him without Cal's calming presence.
Into Cal's appalling everyday life comes Avery Kennedy (rescue puppy), who is trying to show his parents that he is capable of looking after himself but is weighed down by the fact that a) his parents couldn't seem to care less about him AND b) his complete dick of an ex Billy was only with him for the money he earned as an up and coming fanfic writer/journalist. Avery was the first to admit that he wasn't good looking, but he was kind, helpful and thrilled to bits that someone had actually stopped on the side of the road to help him when his car broke down....that certainly wouldn't have happened in LA. That someone was Cal, and their friendship went from there. 2 broken, lonely guys daring to hope that their lives might change for the better....fabulous.
June 11, 2015
Well darn, this is the second book in as many weeks that I've finished and then discovered it's part of a series. That really annoys me. On the plus side, if I made it all the way to the end without realizing it, it must be encapsulated enough to stand alone. So, I'm annoyed that the fact that it's an eighth book in a series wasn't made more apparent on the cover, or where ever, but I don't think it effected my read any.
This was my first Amy Lane book and a lot of people seem to love her writing. And while I appreciate a lot about this novel, thought the writing and editing were sharp, etc, I thought the story was far too schmaltzy for my taste. And I have two main reasons for this.
The first is the insta-meaningful relationship. Sure, it's not insta-love but almost immediately these two men are moving beyond sex or friendship or even getting to know one another into 'you complete my life' territory. They then spend an inordinate amount of time telling each-other how wonderful and vital to the other they are.
Second, I just basically hate PSAs in my fiction. I just do. If there are certain issues that are important to the story and a reader needs to know them to understand, sure ok, drop a few facts. But I HATE it when authors use their books as a platform to inform readers on how to be better humans in regard to XYZ. It feels unnatural, pompous and presumptuous. It's even worse when they do it serially. Lane hits Communicatively Handicapped, FanFiction communities/writing, Gender queers' pronouns and probably more.
Sure, one character was ADHD, OCD, bi-polar etc. I didn't feel lectured at because of his diagnosis. Nor did I feel lectured on about the Great Uncle's Alzheimer's and only a little about the importance of medication. This just proves to me that important social issues can be handled and included in non-PSA ways. But when Avery lectured Cal (a man who's lived his whole life and is currently responsible for the care and upkeep of a severely diagnosed brother), and by extension me on CH or that all that's really important about pronouns is respect it held none of that natural importance to the story. (The latter was about a character that never even shows up in the book.)
My problem is not that I disagree with the message, it's seeing (or feeling rather) it shoehorned into a story. To me it comes across as an author being like, 'See how informed and accepting I am? Yes, praise me for my liberal open-mindedness.' I'm not saying Lane is like this. I don't know. But I certainly felt this in this book and found it really off-putting.
Having said all that, it was a very sweet story. I liked the characters in general and the writing is perfectly readable.
This was my first Amy Lane book and a lot of people seem to love her writing. And while I appreciate a lot about this novel, thought the writing and editing were sharp, etc, I thought the story was far too schmaltzy for my taste. And I have two main reasons for this.
The first is the insta-meaningful relationship. Sure, it's not insta-love but almost immediately these two men are moving beyond sex or friendship or even getting to know one another into 'you complete my life' territory. They then spend an inordinate amount of time telling each-other how wonderful and vital to the other they are.
Second, I just basically hate PSAs in my fiction. I just do. If there are certain issues that are important to the story and a reader needs to know them to understand, sure ok, drop a few facts. But I HATE it when authors use their books as a platform to inform readers on how to be better humans in regard to XYZ. It feels unnatural, pompous and presumptuous. It's even worse when they do it serially. Lane hits Communicatively Handicapped, FanFiction communities/writing, Gender queers' pronouns and probably more.
Sure, one character was ADHD, OCD, bi-polar etc. I didn't feel lectured at because of his diagnosis. Nor did I feel lectured on about the Great Uncle's Alzheimer's and only a little about the importance of medication. This just proves to me that important social issues can be handled and included in non-PSA ways. But when Avery lectured Cal (a man who's lived his whole life and is currently responsible for the care and upkeep of a severely diagnosed brother), and by extension me on CH or that all that's really important about pronouns is respect it held none of that natural importance to the story. (The latter was about a character that never even shows up in the book.)
My problem is not that I disagree with the message, it's seeing (or feeling rather) it shoehorned into a story. To me it comes across as an author being like, 'See how informed and accepting I am? Yes, praise me for my liberal open-mindedness.' I'm not saying Lane is like this. I don't know. But I certainly felt this in this book and found it really off-putting.
Having said all that, it was a very sweet story. I liked the characters in general and the writing is perfectly readable.
January 21, 2019
3 stars!! Liked it.. 👍but I think it was too angsty for me. Otherwise the story was truly wonderful about loyalty to family and finding love.
Cal has a full plate with 2 jobs on top of being the primary care giver for his uncle and brother, both suffering from expensive long term mental issues. He doesn't have any life.. no wonder he is bitter and edgy. Then he meets Avery..literally another lost case like him who he rescues. They have a sweet build-up and then some passionate encounters.., while still helping each other out with some huge problems. Nevertheless, the romance feels secondary to all the financial and health problems from Cal's home life as well as Avery's constant complains about his ex. The main story about how they fit into each other's lives is truly lovely, but often gets lost in the overwhelming anxiety. I think it's a great book; but not the one for me because despite the HEA... I'm depressed after reading it 😓
Cal has a full plate with 2 jobs on top of being the primary care giver for his uncle and brother, both suffering from expensive long term mental issues. He doesn't have any life.. no wonder he is bitter and edgy. Then he meets Avery..literally another lost case like him who he rescues. They have a sweet build-up and then some passionate encounters.., while still helping each other out with some huge problems. Nevertheless, the romance feels secondary to all the financial and health problems from Cal's home life as well as Avery's constant complains about his ex. The main story about how they fit into each other's lives is truly lovely, but often gets lost in the overwhelming anxiety. I think it's a great book; but not the one for me because despite the HEA... I'm depressed after reading it 😓
June 10, 2015
Thoughtful, heartbreaking, real, hopeful, amazing...this is what Amy Lane's writing is to me. This is just another successful book written by her, which I loved with all my heart. I don't thing there's anything this writer can put on page that I wouldn't love, she's the superwoman of the MM genre. I always try to compare her books against her own previous releases, because it stands in a category of its own. This was a great addition to the Bluewater Bay series, it showed us the opposite side from the glamour of the stars we got in the first few books in this series. But then I expected that, because this is Amy Lane, and nobody shows the struggles of the less fortunate better than her. This is not as angsty as some of her work, but there's plenty of heartbreak.
In this story we meet Cal(Calladh); he's got it rough. He works himself to the limits in order to provide the basics to his brother Keir and his great-uncle, Nascha. Keir and Nascha have problems of their own, and living with them, being in charge of their well being, is taking a toll on Cal's soul. Ohhh how I wanted to hug him! Keir is suffering from a cocktail of psychological problems: Asperger, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, possible bi-polar...he's a ticking time bomb. On top of all that, Keir has a serious case of hatred towards younger women that nobody can explain, and Cal knows and fears there will be a time when he'll have to make the decision that will break his heart: put Keir is the system care. Nascha is suffering from the on-setting of Alzheimer's, and while him and Keir are a burden to Cal, Cal doesn't want to imagine life without the only family he has left. Can you see the source of the angst and heartbreak? Yet I found myself laughing or chucking randomly; there was just enough humor delivered sparsely to chase away the tears I felt coming:
“For a little while, once I figured out what they should be,
I dreamed about having a little brother,” Cal said, his voice
husky for no reason Avery could imagine. “And I dreamed
about having a dog.”
“Good dreams,” Avery said promptly. “I never had either
one.”
“I did. My little brother killed my dog.”
Keir’s smile was so sweet, so pure—God, it was hard to
remember he was a little psycho in the making.
“Do you have any idea what you did to me, old man?” he
demanded, voice growing ugly, cracked, furious and bleeding.
“You and Keir were my life, and you just . . . just stole that from
me?”
Nascha smiled, suddenly about twelve years old. “Dottie
had her tablet, Cal. Do you know what the internet can do for
you?” Suddenly he laughed, the delighted sound of the dirty
old man. “Porn. Man, I’m telling you. There is the best porn
on that little magic box.”
Avery, sweet darling Avery. He knows he's not a good looking man, and that's one of the reasons he lets others take advantage of him...until he doesn't. I loved and respected his decision to start a new life somewhere else, away from the parents who wouldn't accept him for who he was, away from his asshole boyfriend who treated him like dirt. His journey is not easy, there are many bumps along the way, but he perseveres. I loved how Cal called Avery his "rescue puppy", I thought the name fit at the beginning of their journey, as well as at the end, even though the meanings behind the name were polar opposites. Their relationship was the bright spot in Cal's life, and the affection for each other is obvious; especially Avery's adoration for Cal.
He looks at you like you’re Apollo. Like you’re
beautiful and gifted and . . .”
Cal stared at him, some of his excitement deflating.
“George—you know who I am. I’m . . . nobody.”
“Not to him,” George said earnestly. “Just . . . I’m glad for
you.” Cal smiled a little.
“Until we can’t,” he said, and for once,
it sounded like that wasn’t a death sentence.
“That’s most people who’ve been married for years,”
George agreed.
One thing I absolutely loved was the humor during sex. Is there anything better than reading a passionate sex scene that has you gulping and your throat going dry? Yes, getting a laugh when it's over; Amy Lane gave us that, and I love her even more for it!
“I’m gonna make you come,” Cal whispered, his breath
fanning Avery’s sensitized crown, his heat filling the entire
space of Avery’s lower body with a thunderstorm of promise.
“I’m going to make you come, and then I’m going to fuck you,
and if you’ll be too sore after you come you’d better tell me
now.”
“Wow, Rescue Puppy—I feel like . . . like I discovered
something. Like I picked you up on the side of the road
looking all sad and shit, and you were . . . like secret sex gold
or something!”
Avery laughed weakly. “That would be all you,” he panted.
“I swear, I was planning to go write after you came, rolled over,
and went to sleep.”
Cal laughed too. “Gonna go write now?”
“Can’t brain words. No.”
“Good,” he murmured, nuzzling Avery’s ear. “This is the
way it should be.”
And after that they had the rest of the night to fuck like
lemmings, make love, touch each other tenderly, and bang like
a screen door in a hurricane..
Without the weight of the world on his shoulders, Cal
made love like the Native American god of sex, whomever
that may be.
Their HEA is beautiful, but then I expected that. It's why I love suffering through Amy Lane's writing, because I know she'll give us that happy ending to make it all worth it. I couldn't recommend this enough.
In this story we meet Cal(Calladh); he's got it rough. He works himself to the limits in order to provide the basics to his brother Keir and his great-uncle, Nascha. Keir and Nascha have problems of their own, and living with them, being in charge of their well being, is taking a toll on Cal's soul. Ohhh how I wanted to hug him! Keir is suffering from a cocktail of psychological problems: Asperger, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, possible bi-polar...he's a ticking time bomb. On top of all that, Keir has a serious case of hatred towards younger women that nobody can explain, and Cal knows and fears there will be a time when he'll have to make the decision that will break his heart: put Keir is the system care. Nascha is suffering from the on-setting of Alzheimer's, and while him and Keir are a burden to Cal, Cal doesn't want to imagine life without the only family he has left. Can you see the source of the angst and heartbreak? Yet I found myself laughing or chucking randomly; there was just enough humor delivered sparsely to chase away the tears I felt coming:
“For a little while, once I figured out what they should be,
I dreamed about having a little brother,” Cal said, his voice
husky for no reason Avery could imagine. “And I dreamed
about having a dog.”
“Good dreams,” Avery said promptly. “I never had either
one.”
“I did. My little brother killed my dog.”
Keir’s smile was so sweet, so pure—God, it was hard to
remember he was a little psycho in the making.
“Do you have any idea what you did to me, old man?” he
demanded, voice growing ugly, cracked, furious and bleeding.
“You and Keir were my life, and you just . . . just stole that from
me?”
Nascha smiled, suddenly about twelve years old. “Dottie
had her tablet, Cal. Do you know what the internet can do for
you?” Suddenly he laughed, the delighted sound of the dirty
old man. “Porn. Man, I’m telling you. There is the best porn
on that little magic box.”
Avery, sweet darling Avery. He knows he's not a good looking man, and that's one of the reasons he lets others take advantage of him...until he doesn't. I loved and respected his decision to start a new life somewhere else, away from the parents who wouldn't accept him for who he was, away from his asshole boyfriend who treated him like dirt. His journey is not easy, there are many bumps along the way, but he perseveres. I loved how Cal called Avery his "rescue puppy", I thought the name fit at the beginning of their journey, as well as at the end, even though the meanings behind the name were polar opposites. Their relationship was the bright spot in Cal's life, and the affection for each other is obvious; especially Avery's adoration for Cal.
He looks at you like you’re Apollo. Like you’re
beautiful and gifted and . . .”
Cal stared at him, some of his excitement deflating.
“George—you know who I am. I’m . . . nobody.”
“Not to him,” George said earnestly. “Just . . . I’m glad for
you.” Cal smiled a little.
“Until we can’t,” he said, and for once,
it sounded like that wasn’t a death sentence.
“That’s most people who’ve been married for years,”
George agreed.
One thing I absolutely loved was the humor during sex. Is there anything better than reading a passionate sex scene that has you gulping and your throat going dry? Yes, getting a laugh when it's over; Amy Lane gave us that, and I love her even more for it!
“I’m gonna make you come,” Cal whispered, his breath
fanning Avery’s sensitized crown, his heat filling the entire
space of Avery’s lower body with a thunderstorm of promise.
“I’m going to make you come, and then I’m going to fuck you,
and if you’ll be too sore after you come you’d better tell me
now.”
“Wow, Rescue Puppy—I feel like . . . like I discovered
something. Like I picked you up on the side of the road
looking all sad and shit, and you were . . . like secret sex gold
or something!”
Avery laughed weakly. “That would be all you,” he panted.
“I swear, I was planning to go write after you came, rolled over,
and went to sleep.”
Cal laughed too. “Gonna go write now?”
“Can’t brain words. No.”
“Good,” he murmured, nuzzling Avery’s ear. “This is the
way it should be.”
And after that they had the rest of the night to fuck like
lemmings, make love, touch each other tenderly, and bang like
a screen door in a hurricane..
Without the weight of the world on his shoulders, Cal
made love like the Native American god of sex, whomever
that may be.
Their HEA is beautiful, but then I expected that. It's why I love suffering through Amy Lane's writing, because I know she'll give us that happy ending to make it all worth it. I couldn't recommend this enough.
August 14, 2015
Until forever.
You know what this book really brought home for me? All the ways that I'm privileged. I've got a healthy mind and a healthy body, I've never had to worry about being able to afford basic necessities, and I live in a country where even if I couldn't afford the basics, going to the doctor's wouldn't mean skipping a meal for the next few days. Of course, I was already well aware of these privileges, but it's good to be reminded every now and then.
This is definitely one of Amy Lane's full-on-angst books. Cal has a grand-uncle, Nascha, with Alzheimer's and a brother, Keir, with a truckload of psychological disabilities, which often make him a dangerous person to be around. Cal works two jobs, from sunset till past sundown, just so that he can keep his family clothed, fed, and medicated. He's barely living, just functioning as a machine. By comparison, Avery has a lot fewer issues, but he's got his own problems nonetheless, including a thieving boyfriend. When the two meet, Avery is the only ray of sunshine in Cal's life.
Many reviewers have noted that the romance is borderline instalove. Which is a fair point. But then again, I think many of Amy Lane's books have that quick jump from stranger to "forever and ever". It's something that makes me enjoy her writing, the way she can take two broken men and just make them click. Even when they have to go through hell for the HEA, you know that it'll be worth it. So I didn't mind that Cal and Avery were thinking about forever within days of meeting each other, I just wanted them to be happy.
What made me drop a star is that about halfway through I realized that some of Cal's actions were actually hurting his brother and uncle, and his reasoning for those actions was just pride.
Even at the end, when things were finally resolved, I don't think Cal truly understood that he could have avoided years of pain, for not just himself but also his brother and uncle, if only he'd gotten over his pride.
I enjoyed 'The Deep of the Sound' a lot, and it would have been 4 stars if not for one main problem. Even so, I think fans of the Queen of Angst will enjoy this instalment in the Bluewater Bay series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
You know what this book really brought home for me? All the ways that I'm privileged. I've got a healthy mind and a healthy body, I've never had to worry about being able to afford basic necessities, and I live in a country where even if I couldn't afford the basics, going to the doctor's wouldn't mean skipping a meal for the next few days. Of course, I was already well aware of these privileges, but it's good to be reminded every now and then.
This is definitely one of Amy Lane's full-on-angst books. Cal has a grand-uncle, Nascha, with Alzheimer's and a brother, Keir, with a truckload of psychological disabilities, which often make him a dangerous person to be around. Cal works two jobs, from sunset till past sundown, just so that he can keep his family clothed, fed, and medicated. He's barely living, just functioning as a machine. By comparison, Avery has a lot fewer issues, but he's got his own problems nonetheless, including a thieving boyfriend. When the two meet, Avery is the only ray of sunshine in Cal's life.
Many reviewers have noted that the romance is borderline instalove. Which is a fair point. But then again, I think many of Amy Lane's books have that quick jump from stranger to "forever and ever". It's something that makes me enjoy her writing, the way she can take two broken men and just make them click. Even when they have to go through hell for the HEA, you know that it'll be worth it. So I didn't mind that Cal and Avery were thinking about forever within days of meeting each other, I just wanted them to be happy.
What made me drop a star is that about halfway through I realized that some of Cal's actions were actually hurting his brother and uncle, and his reasoning for those actions was just pride.
Even at the end, when things were finally resolved, I don't think Cal truly understood that he could have avoided years of pain, for not just himself but also his brother and uncle, if only he'd gotten over his pride.
I enjoyed 'The Deep of the Sound' a lot, and it would have been 4 stars if not for one main problem. Even so, I think fans of the Queen of Angst will enjoy this instalment in the Bluewater Bay series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
April 2, 2016
BR with Els
4.25 stars
Amy Lane sure knows how to write. Her words are just beautiful. Sometimes heartbreaking, but always beautiful.
I know Amy Lane can write ANGST so I was a bit hesitant to start this. And yes, this book felt heavy at times, but because the romance was so beautiful it didn’t depress me. These guys were made for each other.
Cal is been taking care of his brother and uncle for the last 6 years. His brother has a lot of issues, OCD, ADHD, Aspergers, and some other stuff. His uncle suffers from Alzheimer's. Ever since Cal’s parents died, he is working two jobs so keep his family afloat. He is fishing on his own boat during the day and bussing tables at a hotel at night. He has no idea how long he is going to keep this up, but he will try as long as it’s necessary.
Avery has always been the weird one, skinny, outsticking ears, glasses and a love for writing fanfiction. He also has the biggest heart. That heart gets him into trouble because he lets his boyfriend walk all over him. Avery decides to break up with him after it’s clear Billy is only with him because he provides for him.
Avery decides to pack up his stuff and move away. He has planned to attend a convention of his favorite tv show, so he decides to look for apartments after the convention is over.
When his car breaks down on a deserted road, he has no idea what to do. It is Cal and his brother Keir, who rescue him.
After this meeting Avery and Cal see each other in the hotel Avery is staying and Cal is working. They become friends when Cal spends his breaks sitting at Avery’s table.
Avery realizes that for how awful his own life is, it can always be worse. At least Cal has the love of his family, even though he has no freedom and has to work two jobs to have something to eat.
They decide to just see where it leads.
”Until we can’t.”
These guys were so incredibly sweet together. They took care of each other. Cal started out looking after his ‘Rescue Puppy’ Avery, but when things fell apart for Cal, Avery stepped up his game and took care of Cal when he needed it.
I wasn’t sure how this book could have a HEA, but somewhere halfway through I stopped seeing this book as depressing and saw this book as beautiful. The guys taking care of each other… I loved it. I felt if they just had each other, everything would work out fine. And it did… We got a lovely HEA and it felt real, not OTT or fabricated. And I don’t mean a strong HFN, no, we got the real thing.
”Until forever.”
4.25 stars
Amy Lane sure knows how to write. Her words are just beautiful. Sometimes heartbreaking, but always beautiful.
I know Amy Lane can write ANGST so I was a bit hesitant to start this. And yes, this book felt heavy at times, but because the romance was so beautiful it didn’t depress me. These guys were made for each other.
Cal is been taking care of his brother and uncle for the last 6 years. His brother has a lot of issues, OCD, ADHD, Aspergers, and some other stuff. His uncle suffers from Alzheimer's. Ever since Cal’s parents died, he is working two jobs so keep his family afloat. He is fishing on his own boat during the day and bussing tables at a hotel at night. He has no idea how long he is going to keep this up, but he will try as long as it’s necessary.
Avery has always been the weird one, skinny, outsticking ears, glasses and a love for writing fanfiction. He also has the biggest heart. That heart gets him into trouble because he lets his boyfriend walk all over him. Avery decides to break up with him after it’s clear Billy is only with him because he provides for him.
Avery decides to pack up his stuff and move away. He has planned to attend a convention of his favorite tv show, so he decides to look for apartments after the convention is over.
When his car breaks down on a deserted road, he has no idea what to do. It is Cal and his brother Keir, who rescue him.
After this meeting Avery and Cal see each other in the hotel Avery is staying and Cal is working. They become friends when Cal spends his breaks sitting at Avery’s table.
Avery realizes that for how awful his own life is, it can always be worse. At least Cal has the love of his family, even though he has no freedom and has to work two jobs to have something to eat.
They decide to just see where it leads.
”Until we can’t.”
These guys were so incredibly sweet together. They took care of each other. Cal started out looking after his ‘Rescue Puppy’ Avery, but when things fell apart for Cal, Avery stepped up his game and took care of Cal when he needed it.
I wasn’t sure how this book could have a HEA, but somewhere halfway through I stopped seeing this book as depressing and saw this book as beautiful. The guys taking care of each other… I loved it. I felt if they just had each other, everything would work out fine. And it did… We got a lovely HEA and it felt real, not OTT or fabricated. And I don’t mean a strong HFN, no, we got the real thing.
”Until forever.”
March 25, 2016
Another great read by Amy lane, she never disappoints me with her stories. This is supposed to be part 8 of the Blue Bay Series but can be perfectly read as a stand alone.
It tells the story of Avery, a SoCal native with a douchebag as a boyfriend and parents who refuse to accept him for who he is. Insecure and prone to all kinds of accidents, he spends most of his time as a freelance writer for some online magazines and is also an avid writer of fanfic of a very succesful TV show. So, a geek, basically but an honest one, so unlike everyone in his life. He decides to leave LA and go searching for a better life to Washington where he's going to attend that TV show convention which takes place in the sleepy town of Blue Bay. But almost everything goes wrong on his way there and he ends up stranded on the side of the road when his hybrid ( really people, buy better cars!!! :D ) breaks down.
Enter Cal. He's been taking care of his family- a grandfather with Alzeheimers and a younger brother with a list of mental ailments longer then the phone book and with a tendency to violence. He's way in over his head and struggles, really struggles to make ends meet and is constantly on the verge of losing absolutely everything he has and works so hard for ever since his parents died 6 years before. The level of angst here, even for Amy Lane, is overwhelming. I mean, this guy's identity, who he really is, is just a provider for his family, he doesn't have the time to do anything else but work his ass off and worry endlessly about the future. So Cal rescues Avery from the side of the road, gives him a ride to town and things just take off from there.
Although the story is very well written and the character development really good, I just didn't feel like I clicked with the love story between Cal and Avery, it felt too rushed and I could have used more build up to the whole thing. Also, it was pretty easy to guess how the story was going to end around the middle of the book.
It was nice that Cal was half Native American which gave his relationship with Avery an even added bonus, but at the same time they were so absolutely different that it felt just a bit disjointed.
The descriptions of Blue Bay and its surroundings are breathtaking, such a difference with the LA Avery left behind.
And one more thing: I was really angry that Avery took what his ex boyfriend did to him in stride, I don't think I would have been so nice at all.
All in all, a very nice read, hot sex scenes and a lot of angst give Ms lane another winner.
It tells the story of Avery, a SoCal native with a douchebag as a boyfriend and parents who refuse to accept him for who he is. Insecure and prone to all kinds of accidents, he spends most of his time as a freelance writer for some online magazines and is also an avid writer of fanfic of a very succesful TV show. So, a geek, basically but an honest one, so unlike everyone in his life. He decides to leave LA and go searching for a better life to Washington where he's going to attend that TV show convention which takes place in the sleepy town of Blue Bay. But almost everything goes wrong on his way there and he ends up stranded on the side of the road when his hybrid ( really people, buy better cars!!! :D ) breaks down.
Enter Cal. He's been taking care of his family- a grandfather with Alzeheimers and a younger brother with a list of mental ailments longer then the phone book and with a tendency to violence. He's way in over his head and struggles, really struggles to make ends meet and is constantly on the verge of losing absolutely everything he has and works so hard for ever since his parents died 6 years before. The level of angst here, even for Amy Lane, is overwhelming. I mean, this guy's identity, who he really is, is just a provider for his family, he doesn't have the time to do anything else but work his ass off and worry endlessly about the future. So Cal rescues Avery from the side of the road, gives him a ride to town and things just take off from there.
Although the story is very well written and the character development really good, I just didn't feel like I clicked with the love story between Cal and Avery, it felt too rushed and I could have used more build up to the whole thing. Also, it was pretty easy to guess how the story was going to end around the middle of the book.
It was nice that Cal was half Native American which gave his relationship with Avery an even added bonus, but at the same time they were so absolutely different that it felt just a bit disjointed.
The descriptions of Blue Bay and its surroundings are breathtaking, such a difference with the LA Avery left behind.
And one more thing: I was really angry that Avery took what his ex boyfriend did to him in stride, I don't think I would have been so nice at all.
All in all, a very nice read, hot sex scenes and a lot of angst give Ms lane another winner.
October 3, 2015
BR with friend Monday 28 Septmber here
And I am getting ready...
It's Amy Lane after all...
And I am getting ready...
It's Amy Lane after all...
June 20, 2015
4.5 Stars
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