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Bronco's Boys #3
Backward
Sequel to Upside Down
Bronco's Book Three
Club owner Harry Klinger has had his eye on Tristan Martin for months, but never had the nerve to approach him. He’s watched as Tristan dated Eddie and then reluctantly sat on the sidelines during the emotional breakup when Tristan discovered Eddie was dealing drugs. Now that Tristan seems to be healing, Harry hopes to get his chance.
When Eddie sends his men into Harry’s club to harass Tristan, Harry steps in to help. Tristan is reluctant at first since he admittedly has terrible taste in men, but Harry seems genuine, and Tristan can’t help but think Harry’s sexy as well and begins to hope for happiness for both of them.
Unfortunately, Eddie isn’t behaving rationally, sampling too much of his own product. With his determination to take Tristan back, it’ll take more than Harry’s help to keep Tristan safe as Eddie ratchets up his attempts to get what he wants.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2015
66 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 23, 2022
I loved Tristin and Harry. Harry is levelheaded, above board and part owner of a successful night club. Tristin is just a sweetheart. Their getting together seemed to be a bit rushed at first, but we learned that Harry and Tristin had been circling one another for months. Its a love story for the ages, with a beautiful happy ever after for two deserving guys.
February 14, 2015
WTF happened? I LOVED the first 2 in this series. This one? Not so much. Sigh. Why did I get the feeling Harry was a badass, too, like Bull and Spook. Should have known with a name like Harry. Then we get Tristan who would rather talk about his ex in bed than Harry :( I know Tristan has a lot going on with Eddie, but LEAVE IT OUT OF THE BED! What was the age difference between these two? It seemed like a lot.
For me this would be a 2.5, but I'm rounding up because of Spook's underwear ;)
For me this would be a 2.5, but I'm rounding up because of Spook's underwear ;)
March 27, 2022
Great third outing by Andrew! I love this series. Tristan and Harry's romance was emotional, angsty and so heartfelt, I laughed and cried! The characters are full of depth and emotion. Solid storylines, and getting to see how their friends are doing make for an incredible read! I really like how this series is going, and I am hopeful for many more!
February 13, 2015
The third book in the Bronco’s Boys series is a thriller with a punch. Bronco’s is a club for gay men, owned by Bull and Harry. Bull is the face of the club but Harry is the company man who manages the business. The first book in the series, Inside Out, is Bull’s, where he unexpectedly found love with Zach. The second book, Upside Down, features Spook and Jeremy. Bull and Spook have a sketchy past but they seem to have put it behind them by the end of book 2.
Backward is finally Harry’s story. Harry has the hots for Tristan but Tristan is the boyfriend of the unscrupulous Eddie. When drug dealing hits the club and Tristan is fearful of Eddie and his friends, Harry and Bull have to take action. We get to see the mysterious skills that Bull and Spook thought they had put away pulled out once again to protect the club and the people they love. I particularly liked getting to see how Bull, Zach, Spook, and Jeremy are doing now.
This book reminded me not only of the first books in the Bronco’s Boys series but of another of Andrew Grey’s series that I loved, Stranded. The two series don’t overlap but there is a sense of how-is-our-hero-going-to-get-out-of-this and almost hopelessness that was so present in Standed and again in Backward. If you think Andrew Grey writes only romance, think again. The man writes mystery thrillers like you wouldn’t believe.
But about the romance side of Andrew Grey’s books, let me assure you it is definitely there in Backward. Harry and Tristan don’t develop a relationship easily. There is a lot of wooing to be done and trust to be won over, but when things spark, wow, the sex ignites the wallpaper and these guys are all over each other.
Backward is a great addition to the oeuvre of Andrew Grey and shows us that he still has lots of stories to tell and many ways to tell them. If you haven’t read Inside Out or Upside Down, you can read Backward as a stand alone, but it will probably make you want to go ahead and read the other two books, in any order.
Backward is finally Harry’s story. Harry has the hots for Tristan but Tristan is the boyfriend of the unscrupulous Eddie. When drug dealing hits the club and Tristan is fearful of Eddie and his friends, Harry and Bull have to take action. We get to see the mysterious skills that Bull and Spook thought they had put away pulled out once again to protect the club and the people they love. I particularly liked getting to see how Bull, Zach, Spook, and Jeremy are doing now.
This book reminded me not only of the first books in the Bronco’s Boys series but of another of Andrew Grey’s series that I loved, Stranded. The two series don’t overlap but there is a sense of how-is-our-hero-going-to-get-out-of-this and almost hopelessness that was so present in Standed and again in Backward. If you think Andrew Grey writes only romance, think again. The man writes mystery thrillers like you wouldn’t believe.
But about the romance side of Andrew Grey’s books, let me assure you it is definitely there in Backward. Harry and Tristan don’t develop a relationship easily. There is a lot of wooing to be done and trust to be won over, but when things spark, wow, the sex ignites the wallpaper and these guys are all over each other.
Backward is a great addition to the oeuvre of Andrew Grey and shows us that he still has lots of stories to tell and many ways to tell them. If you haven’t read Inside Out or Upside Down, you can read Backward as a stand alone, but it will probably make you want to go ahead and read the other two books, in any order.
February 25, 2015
This is the 3rd book in this series. While I enjoyed it, not as much as the other two. I found this one just not the same. I would have like a little more background on Harry, there was just something missing with his character. I didn't get the same feeling like I did with Bull and Spook. Those two characters were explained and you could see where they were coming from, but with Harry, not really. It started out good, but then unfortunately fell a little flat for me and the whole Eddie thing just didn't work. Tristen came across a little immature a lot of times and while I enjoy age differences in couples, this one just didn't click.
May 8, 2017
1.5 stars I'm having a hard time formulating my thoughts. I skipped over this book at first, since I was iffy on it and the cover reminded me of Trusting Thomas, which I felt so-so about. But when I saw that the audio version was available I figured I'd give it a shot. Sometimes a book that you devote the time to reading annoys you, but when listened to in snippets during your commute it works as a light little interlude. This was not the case here. Although to be fair, I think I may have hated this book just as much if I had read it.
So lets address the audio issues first. I feel terrible saying this, but I knew right out the gates that the John Solo's voice wasn't going to work for me. Harry sounds nasaly and moronic, and Tristan sounds like a child with a head cold. I also didn't love the acting, but to be fair, he didn't have a lot to work with.
The writing, so , did not work for me.
1) I didn't buy their relationship. At all. Besides that fact that the "I love you"s came after two days.
2) The ex-boyfriend drug dealer trope was way overdone, and weird since they kept specifying that the two of them hadn't even been that serious.
3) The red herring villain, does not compute.
4) The dialogue. Oh, the painful dialogue. In every way.
5) The preachy soliloquies and obvious after-school-special advice.
6) The ridiculously insecure Tristan (and Harry in some ways) and constant fishing for compliments and need for reassurance. "You really don't mind?!" "You really like me?!" "You really want me to come home with you?!?" "You really love me?!?!?!" Yes, Tristan, fucking YES!
7) The insanely illegal and inappropriate climax?!?
I feel like I could go on and on. Just, no. I'm sorry, but no.
Received audio from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
So lets address the audio issues first. I feel terrible saying this, but I knew right out the gates that the John Solo's voice wasn't going to work for me. Harry sounds nasaly and moronic, and Tristan sounds like a child with a head cold. I also didn't love the acting, but to be fair, he didn't have a lot to work with.
The writing, so , did not work for me.
1) I didn't buy their relationship. At all. Besides that fact that the "I love you"s came after two days.
2) The ex-boyfriend drug dealer trope was way overdone, and weird since they kept specifying that the two of them hadn't even been that serious.
3) The red herring villain, does not compute.
4) The dialogue. Oh, the painful dialogue. In every way.
5) The preachy soliloquies and obvious after-school-special advice.
6) The ridiculously insecure Tristan (and Harry in some ways) and constant fishing for compliments and need for reassurance. "You really don't mind?!" "You really like me?!" "You really want me to come home with you?!?" "You really love me?!?!?!" Yes, Tristan, fucking YES!
7) The insanely illegal and inappropriate climax?!?
I feel like I could go on and on. Just, no. I'm sorry, but no.
Received audio from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
April 10, 2019
'Backward' is book three in Andrew Grey's wildly popular series, 'Bronco's Boys'. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two installments, and sat down with expectations of the same with this addition. Since I knew the author continued to have former main characters of the series featured prominently in each successive book, I was eagerly anticipating visiting with the "fabulous four", Zach, Tristan, Kevin, and Jeremy, along with Bull and Lowell. It's a family, and a wonderful place to spend some time.
I was intrigued with Harry practically from the beginning, and I saw him as a gentle giant. Harry wants someone to love, to come home to, to build a life with. He's jealous of what Bull has found with Zach, and for a while Harry has his eye on Tristan. Unfortunately, he waits too long, and Tristan starts dating Eddie, who turns out to be a drug dealing scumbag. Tristan dumps Eddie as soon as he discovers what is going on, but the whole situation deals Tristan a serious blow to his self-confidence. A trait of his that wasn't particularly strong to begin with. Eddie views Tristan as property and doesn't want to let him go. Once he realizes Tristan and Harry are seeing each other, the gloves come off and Eddie escalates the danger to all my guys.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the fact that both Harry and Tristan had been dealt rough hands in their lives by men they thought they loved, so both of them were hesitant to trust in the other. If you enjoy sweet with a little drama, then this is the book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
I was intrigued with Harry practically from the beginning, and I saw him as a gentle giant. Harry wants someone to love, to come home to, to build a life with. He's jealous of what Bull has found with Zach, and for a while Harry has his eye on Tristan. Unfortunately, he waits too long, and Tristan starts dating Eddie, who turns out to be a drug dealing scumbag. Tristan dumps Eddie as soon as he discovers what is going on, but the whole situation deals Tristan a serious blow to his self-confidence. A trait of his that wasn't particularly strong to begin with. Eddie views Tristan as property and doesn't want to let him go. Once he realizes Tristan and Harry are seeing each other, the gloves come off and Eddie escalates the danger to all my guys.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the fact that both Harry and Tristan had been dealt rough hands in their lives by men they thought they loved, so both of them were hesitant to trust in the other. If you enjoy sweet with a little drama, then this is the book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
May 20, 2021
Realy, 3.5
I loved Harry but I found Tristan very spoiled and repetitive in his introspection.
Harry's character has evolved in each book, but I didn't like being paired with Tristan. I liked Kevin more for him.
Anyway, I love all of Andrew's books and will continue to read them no matter what.
I loved Harry but I found Tristan very spoiled and repetitive in his introspection.
Harry's character has evolved in each book, but I didn't like being paired with Tristan. I liked Kevin more for him.
Anyway, I love all of Andrew's books and will continue to read them no matter what.
February 17, 2015
Well, this is the first book by Andrew Grey I've read, and I don't think being a fan of his work is anywhere in my immediate future.
I get why some people really like this book, but it just didn't hold up for me. There were so many plot holes, technicality flaws, and dialogue mishaps that I had a hard time not chucking the whole thing and reading something else. But I paid for it, and it didn't entirely piss me off, so I carried on. The premise was good, but the execution was lackluster. Grey's writing is shallow and stilted, his characters 2D caricatures of real people, and the logical fallacies and contrived angst conspired to make me question absolutely everything that was going on. Plus, it lacked any originality in terms of pairings. Manly gay guys pairing off with twinks.
How fucking original.
The Mystery & Suspense portion of the story was just sad. Not even CBS police procedurals are allowed to get away with some this shit. Regular "officers" (like beat cops?) investigating the various goings-on. Last time I checked, investigations were left to detectives, not unis. Oh, and why didn't anyone suggest Tristan file a personal protection order against Eddie? You know, the drug-dealing ex who's been stalking him?
It also amazed me that none of the characters, for all their worldly experience and observational skills, saw any of that shit coming. Because I did. When the bar was smashed up, my first thought was, "Rodney did it." A fucking mile away. When the car was on fire outside the club, I thought, "This is a diversionary tactic, bet Tristan's missing now." And yet these morons are all completely blindsided by it. I can put up with people not being psychics, but that shit was just too fucking easy. As soon as Tristan said he was going to nap in the office, I was like, "Why would you let him out of your sight when you feel something's gonna go down soon?" This is not soothsaying dark arts, it's basic fucking common sense; if someone is being stalked by a man with a lot of power, connections, and money, you don't let that person traipse off alone anywhere until the threat has been neutralized.
Not that I particularly minded Tristan being kidnapped. The annoying little shit.
Tristan: I won't sleep with Harry because he's all about the one-night-stands. But I want to sleep with Harry.
Harry: "I want you, Tristan. For more than just a night."
Tristan: Looks like I'm sleeping with Harry!
Harry: "Actually, maybe we should wait. Until you're sure."
Tristan: "I'm sure! Wait...what? Is this just for tonight?"
Harry: "No, it's more than just tonight. I already said that. I want you in my life."
Tristan: "OK, let's fuck. But I'm not just a one-off, right?"
Harry: "You know, if you're this insecure about it, maybe we should wait a little while."
Tristan: "You don't want me?!?!?!?!"
The dialogue is corny and unrealistic, the pacing is off, and the suspense was more apt to put me to sleep rather than on the edge of my seat.
I'll close with my favorite line:
"He was either going to stay here permanently as one of Eddie's toys, or he wasn't going to get out of here alive - or both."
I get why some people really like this book, but it just didn't hold up for me. There were so many plot holes, technicality flaws, and dialogue mishaps that I had a hard time not chucking the whole thing and reading something else. But I paid for it, and it didn't entirely piss me off, so I carried on. The premise was good, but the execution was lackluster. Grey's writing is shallow and stilted, his characters 2D caricatures of real people, and the logical fallacies and contrived angst conspired to make me question absolutely everything that was going on. Plus, it lacked any originality in terms of pairings. Manly gay guys pairing off with twinks.
How fucking original.
The Mystery & Suspense portion of the story was just sad. Not even CBS police procedurals are allowed to get away with some this shit. Regular "officers" (like beat cops?) investigating the various goings-on. Last time I checked, investigations were left to detectives, not unis. Oh, and why didn't anyone suggest Tristan file a personal protection order against Eddie? You know, the drug-dealing ex who's been stalking him?
It also amazed me that none of the characters, for all their worldly experience and observational skills, saw any of that shit coming. Because I did. When the bar was smashed up, my first thought was, "Rodney did it." A fucking mile away. When the car was on fire outside the club, I thought, "This is a diversionary tactic, bet Tristan's missing now." And yet these morons are all completely blindsided by it. I can put up with people not being psychics, but that shit was just too fucking easy. As soon as Tristan said he was going to nap in the office, I was like, "Why would you let him out of your sight when you feel something's gonna go down soon?" This is not soothsaying dark arts, it's basic fucking common sense; if someone is being stalked by a man with a lot of power, connections, and money, you don't let that person traipse off alone anywhere until the threat has been neutralized.
Not that I particularly minded Tristan being kidnapped. The annoying little shit.
Tristan: I won't sleep with Harry because he's all about the one-night-stands. But I want to sleep with Harry.
Harry: "I want you, Tristan. For more than just a night."
Tristan: Looks like I'm sleeping with Harry!
Harry: "Actually, maybe we should wait. Until you're sure."
Tristan: "I'm sure! Wait...what? Is this just for tonight?"
Harry: "No, it's more than just tonight. I already said that. I want you in my life."
Tristan: "OK, let's fuck. But I'm not just a one-off, right?"
Harry: "You know, if you're this insecure about it, maybe we should wait a little while."
Tristan: "You don't want me?!?!?!?!"
The dialogue is corny and unrealistic, the pacing is off, and the suspense was more apt to put me to sleep rather than on the edge of my seat.
I'll close with my favorite line:
"He was either going to stay here permanently as one of Eddie's toys, or he wasn't going to get out of here alive - or both."
May 13, 2015
Okay, I'm struggling a bit with this review. Here's the thing - the Bronco's Boys series has been fun so far. The first book, Inside Out was a blast - a former mercenary (now bouncer) and a wee fellow who is ticklish and decides to base a comic book character on the mercenary have a meet-cute and a romance and despite some familial upset and the mercenary's dark past, they make it. The second book, Upside Down had another mercenary/assassin type show up and ask the first one for help, and in the meanwhile he connects with and gets entangled with one of the wee guy's friends. You see the pattern - big burly guys and the four fabulous twink-ish fellows, and I think it's a fun idea.
In the first two books, there are some dangerous moments for the love interests of the former mercenary types - a gun held on someone, a potential kidnapping - but the resolution comes pretty quickly and the characters gather around and the romance plays out in a fun way.
In this book, I was surprised and jarred by the inclusion of a sexual assault. It really threw me far away from romance, and the reconnection with the love interests that happened thereafter felt off and too immediate. I'm not saying the "danger" tone wasn't present in the other two books - it was - but this one pushed it to a place I wasn't expecting, and the fact that the rape didn't quite happen (it almost does, but gets interrupted) didn't really lessen that jarring effect. I really wasn't expecting something quite that dark in a romance.
Now, I listened to this as an audiobook, and I was out and about when I got to that scene. Had I been reading a book physically, I might have just put it down. I kept listening (I think I was walking the dog) and so I finished the book - but it really changed the overall feel of the narrative for me.
Speaking of the audibook performance, the same reader as for the first two books was back, and this time the voices were quite a bit better (though Spook from book two still has that awful Christian Bale "Batman" voice). Tristan and Harry were a good couple, though I wanted to shake Tristan a few times and beg him to grow up. He came across as very immature compared to the other guys in the fabulous foursome.
Also, while Harry is a great guy he's no Bull (or Spook). Harry himself didn't really accomplish much, in fact - I think I would have preferred Harry turn out to have had a military background himself, or something like that, because basically all he did in this book was burn some CDs and ask Spook and Bull for help. Bull and Spook are the agents of change in this book, not Harry. Compared to the other two, Harry comes off as kind of boring and plain.
I feel like I've said very little positive about this audiobook, and I want to make sure that's not the overall tone I'm leaving you with. I did enjoy this, but compared to the other two, Harry fell a little flat and the story as a whole had a much darker tone. I'm definitely going to pick up the fourth audiobook as well - I want Kevin's story (and I'm hoping the cop is the romantic interest there), but I won't really mind if Harry and Tristan are barely present for book four.
In the first two books, there are some dangerous moments for the love interests of the former mercenary types - a gun held on someone, a potential kidnapping - but the resolution comes pretty quickly and the characters gather around and the romance plays out in a fun way.
In this book, I was surprised and jarred by the inclusion of a sexual assault. It really threw me far away from romance, and the reconnection with the love interests that happened thereafter felt off and too immediate. I'm not saying the "danger" tone wasn't present in the other two books - it was - but this one pushed it to a place I wasn't expecting, and the fact that the rape didn't quite happen (it almost does, but gets interrupted) didn't really lessen that jarring effect. I really wasn't expecting something quite that dark in a romance.
Now, I listened to this as an audiobook, and I was out and about when I got to that scene. Had I been reading a book physically, I might have just put it down. I kept listening (I think I was walking the dog) and so I finished the book - but it really changed the overall feel of the narrative for me.
Speaking of the audibook performance, the same reader as for the first two books was back, and this time the voices were quite a bit better (though Spook from book two still has that awful Christian Bale "Batman" voice). Tristan and Harry were a good couple, though I wanted to shake Tristan a few times and beg him to grow up. He came across as very immature compared to the other guys in the fabulous foursome.
Also, while Harry is a great guy he's no Bull (or Spook). Harry himself didn't really accomplish much, in fact - I think I would have preferred Harry turn out to have had a military background himself, or something like that, because basically all he did in this book was burn some CDs and ask Spook and Bull for help. Bull and Spook are the agents of change in this book, not Harry. Compared to the other two, Harry comes off as kind of boring and plain.
I feel like I've said very little positive about this audiobook, and I want to make sure that's not the overall tone I'm leaving you with. I did enjoy this, but compared to the other two, Harry fell a little flat and the story as a whole had a much darker tone. I'm definitely going to pick up the fourth audiobook as well - I want Kevin's story (and I'm hoping the cop is the romantic interest there), but I won't really mind if Harry and Tristan are barely present for book four.
February 21, 2015
The way Harry keeps pulling the brakes, reiterating that he believes Tristan is not ready yet? That gets annoying the third time around. I suspect a deep streak of sadomasochism. On his side, not mine. Well, okay, it was also pretty obvious that he was trying to protect himself rather than Tristan – and he does own up to that fact eventually. However, it’s still an annoyance.
Both protagonists are supremely insecure, but it’s a mundane, repetitive, back-and-forth kind of insecurity that might be realistic but does not result in the most endearing characters in fiction. At least it doesn’t here. They guys are okay, and the story is as well. It just lacks that spark that makes me sigh happily and smile.
On the bright side, what this doesn’t do is sacrifice story integrity or character integrity for the sake of heroics. People do no more or less than makes sense for who they are, even if that means less excitement. I definitely respect that.
So it was a solid story, if a little lacking in establishing an emotional connection for me.
Both protagonists are supremely insecure, but it’s a mundane, repetitive, back-and-forth kind of insecurity that might be realistic but does not result in the most endearing characters in fiction. At least it doesn’t here. They guys are okay, and the story is as well. It just lacks that spark that makes me sigh happily and smile.
On the bright side, what this doesn’t do is sacrifice story integrity or character integrity for the sake of heroics. People do no more or less than makes sense for who they are, even if that means less excitement. I definitely respect that.
So it was a solid story, if a little lacking in establishing an emotional connection for me.
February 22, 2015
Ugh...where to begin. First & foremost...I am a big fan of Andrew Grey's books...his books are an auto-buy for me. But, sometimes he produces a clunker IMHO.
I loved the first 2 books of this series...but this one left me feeling empty and questioning why he even bothered with a part 3. It just felt incomplete and rushed, like there was a deadline & "something" needed to be submitted. It just wasn't believable to me.
I loved the first 2 books of this series...but this one left me feeling empty and questioning why he even bothered with a part 3. It just felt incomplete and rushed, like there was a deadline & "something" needed to be submitted. It just wasn't believable to me.
February 15, 2015
I have no idea why I am reading this series. Andrew Grey is such a hit or miss with me. I think it was the first story that got me. I just love Bull.
I liked Harry and Tristen. However, Tristens insecurities were talked about A LOT. And by a lot I mean it got annoying.
Still its a feel good read and maybe that's what I need right now.
I liked Harry and Tristen. However, Tristens insecurities were talked about A LOT. And by a lot I mean it got annoying.
Still its a feel good read and maybe that's what I need right now.
February 8, 2015
ARC review...
Tristan Martin is a force of nature. He is beautiful, energetic, almost like a shining star, wild and unpredictable. Unfortunately he continually chooses lovers that take what they need without really taking care of Tristan. Most recently it was drug dealer Eddie who wanted to own Tristan, like a car or a dog, wanted to control him. Tristan has never had a lover that took his feelings, his wants, his needs into consideration. So when Harry tries to show him all that and more, Tristan doesn't know what to make of it at first, because it's backwards to him.
Harry Klinger has been enamored with young Tristan since the first time he saw him in Broncos all those months ago. But Tristan quickly hooked up with Eddie and then Harry blew through a string of lovers trying to quench his thirst for the one he couldn't have. When Eddie tries to force his way back into the picture, threatening Tristan, Harry wants to rescue him. He brings Tristan home with him to protect him and does a terrible job at hiding how he truly feels about Tristan. But Harry takes his time with Tristan, getting to know him and showing him that love is a two way street of respect, want and need, it is give and take, not just take.
Eddie, however, doesn't take kindly to being told no and to spite Harry, Bull and Spooks best efforts at keeping Tristan safe, Eddie takes what he wants. Zach, his friends and the three bears try to weave their way through corrupt cops, jealous one night stands and a seriously psychotic ex boyfriend in their efforts to find Tristan and save him from Eddie's dark desires.
I have wanted Tristan to find someone to love him, I mean really love him, since the truth about his relationship with Eddie was uncovered. Tristan is this bundle of energy wrapped up in a sexy little curly haired package. It was so disheartening for me to see the toll Eddie's perversions took on his glowing personality. It was as if Eddie was drawn to the ray of light and made it his mission in life to break the bulb. So when Harry finally gets his hands on the little twink and shows him patience, understanding, passion and sensuality, it was a thing of beauty. And then to learn that Harry himself was once mistreated by someone he loved, that he craves the love Tristan can give him in return, well that just knocked their love story up a notch.
I simply cannot get enough of Andrew Grey's imagination. Whether it's comedy, suspense, romance or drama, Grey can write it. Bronco's is all about the big, scary bears that meet their match in the men they fall in love with. But there is one more twink, the fourth musketeer, that needs to find his happy ever after away from the flashing lights and seduction of sexy men. I wonder if one determined cop might be his match? I guess we'll find out in the next book!
While I always recommend reading series in order, you could probably read this book without having read the first two and not be totally lost. But why would you want to?! I suggest starting at the beginning so you can catch the Bull by his horns.
Tristan Martin is a force of nature. He is beautiful, energetic, almost like a shining star, wild and unpredictable. Unfortunately he continually chooses lovers that take what they need without really taking care of Tristan. Most recently it was drug dealer Eddie who wanted to own Tristan, like a car or a dog, wanted to control him. Tristan has never had a lover that took his feelings, his wants, his needs into consideration. So when Harry tries to show him all that and more, Tristan doesn't know what to make of it at first, because it's backwards to him.
Harry Klinger has been enamored with young Tristan since the first time he saw him in Broncos all those months ago. But Tristan quickly hooked up with Eddie and then Harry blew through a string of lovers trying to quench his thirst for the one he couldn't have. When Eddie tries to force his way back into the picture, threatening Tristan, Harry wants to rescue him. He brings Tristan home with him to protect him and does a terrible job at hiding how he truly feels about Tristan. But Harry takes his time with Tristan, getting to know him and showing him that love is a two way street of respect, want and need, it is give and take, not just take.
Eddie, however, doesn't take kindly to being told no and to spite Harry, Bull and Spooks best efforts at keeping Tristan safe, Eddie takes what he wants. Zach, his friends and the three bears try to weave their way through corrupt cops, jealous one night stands and a seriously psychotic ex boyfriend in their efforts to find Tristan and save him from Eddie's dark desires.
I have wanted Tristan to find someone to love him, I mean really love him, since the truth about his relationship with Eddie was uncovered. Tristan is this bundle of energy wrapped up in a sexy little curly haired package. It was so disheartening for me to see the toll Eddie's perversions took on his glowing personality. It was as if Eddie was drawn to the ray of light and made it his mission in life to break the bulb. So when Harry finally gets his hands on the little twink and shows him patience, understanding, passion and sensuality, it was a thing of beauty. And then to learn that Harry himself was once mistreated by someone he loved, that he craves the love Tristan can give him in return, well that just knocked their love story up a notch.
I simply cannot get enough of Andrew Grey's imagination. Whether it's comedy, suspense, romance or drama, Grey can write it. Bronco's is all about the big, scary bears that meet their match in the men they fall in love with. But there is one more twink, the fourth musketeer, that needs to find his happy ever after away from the flashing lights and seduction of sexy men. I wonder if one determined cop might be his match? I guess we'll find out in the next book!
While I always recommend reading series in order, you could probably read this book without having read the first two and not be totally lost. But why would you want to?! I suggest starting at the beginning so you can catch the Bull by his horns.
February 18, 2015
Another Tryst, and Tristan, in Central Pennsylvania
In this third of a remarkably insightful, serious hot, and somewhat violent series of books by the master storyteller Andrew Grey, we get the chance to meet Harry Klinger, part owner of the gay bar in Harrisburg,Pennsylvania that is critical to the plots and action.
In the first of the series, Inside Out, Harry's business partner and serious bear Bull has fallen in love with twinkish Zach, one of four post-college gay friends who hang out in the bar, especially after they become a couple. In the second book, Upside Down, Bull's former close military ops friend Spook comes back to town and he becomes romantically involved with another member of the quartet, Jeremy.
Now Jeremy's ex-roommate, Tristan, whose ex-boyfriend Eddie, provided much of the intrigue in Upside Down, is struggling with his continued fear about Eddie, who was discovered to be a major drug dealer, and his attraction to Harry, who is silently lusting for him and needs a push. So, Bull pushes Harry and Zach pushes Tristan, and pow! bam! bing! -- and maybe, kaboom! That's because their mutual attraction is going to piss someone off really, really bad--Eddie.
The way Grey handles this continuing plot line, and most especially the relationship between Harry and Tristan, is enough for me to give you this advice: Do what I did, start this book before dinner, have a nice repast, perhaps a glass of wine, and be prepared to have the rest of it for desert because you won't be able to put it down.
And, then you will realize, thankfully I would hope, that the fourth member of the young men quartet, Kevin, needs a book of his own! Yes! One is coming, and this one should be interesting because all the older men so far have been bears, all their lovers have been smooth, but Kevin is a bit hairy. Auditions will no doubt be held for someone smooth. Let's see how Mr. Grey handles that one.
(Reviewer's Note: This book came out almost exactly the same day as A.M. Arthur's The Truth as He Knows It. That book takes place partially in Harrisburg, and one of the major characters is named Tristan. Despite the similarities in setting, and some plot twists, the characters' names and the locales seem to be coincidental. Both books are absolutely terrific--see my review of Ms. Arthur's book).
In this third of a remarkably insightful, serious hot, and somewhat violent series of books by the master storyteller Andrew Grey, we get the chance to meet Harry Klinger, part owner of the gay bar in Harrisburg,Pennsylvania that is critical to the plots and action.
In the first of the series, Inside Out, Harry's business partner and serious bear Bull has fallen in love with twinkish Zach, one of four post-college gay friends who hang out in the bar, especially after they become a couple. In the second book, Upside Down, Bull's former close military ops friend Spook comes back to town and he becomes romantically involved with another member of the quartet, Jeremy.
Now Jeremy's ex-roommate, Tristan, whose ex-boyfriend Eddie, provided much of the intrigue in Upside Down, is struggling with his continued fear about Eddie, who was discovered to be a major drug dealer, and his attraction to Harry, who is silently lusting for him and needs a push. So, Bull pushes Harry and Zach pushes Tristan, and pow! bam! bing! -- and maybe, kaboom! That's because their mutual attraction is going to piss someone off really, really bad--Eddie.
The way Grey handles this continuing plot line, and most especially the relationship between Harry and Tristan, is enough for me to give you this advice: Do what I did, start this book before dinner, have a nice repast, perhaps a glass of wine, and be prepared to have the rest of it for desert because you won't be able to put it down.
And, then you will realize, thankfully I would hope, that the fourth member of the young men quartet, Kevin, needs a book of his own! Yes! One is coming, and this one should be interesting because all the older men so far have been bears, all their lovers have been smooth, but Kevin is a bit hairy. Auditions will no doubt be held for someone smooth. Let's see how Mr. Grey handles that one.
(Reviewer's Note: This book came out almost exactly the same day as A.M. Arthur's The Truth as He Knows It. That book takes place partially in Harrisburg, and one of the major characters is named Tristan. Despite the similarities in setting, and some plot twists, the characters' names and the locales seem to be coincidental. Both books are absolutely terrific--see my review of Ms. Arthur's book).
December 29, 2015
I was a bit disappointed in this story. I was really looking forward to the long awaited crush becoming a reality between these two but it fell flat for me. I really don't like stories that everything falls into place so easily and magically. The characters need to struggle and work to get thru life. That's realistic to me. When everything is set up to just fall into place how do the characters grow or learn anything that makes them evolve? I'm just not a rainbows and unicorns kind of reader and this book has a bit too many of both for my true enjoyment. Plus, in book 2, Kevin talks about having a big crush on Harry and nothing about it is mentioned in book 3; as one of his best friends becomes involved with his big crush. That seems like a disconnect the author misses. Why mention it in book 2 if it never means anything in the story continuation? There's other tiny things like this that take place throughout this series. Things like this are pet peeves for me. Overall, it just equates to another mediocre read.
July 28, 2018
Probably would have been 3 stars, but the narration was terrible! Harry sounded like a dirty old man and Tristan sounded like a 15 year old with a head cold (neither of which helped in terms of chemistry, between the characters, there was a big ick factor there). When Tristan stood up for himself he sounded like a petulant child, I kept imagining him stomping his foot and pouting. The narration for the first book was fine, the second pretty bad, but this one hit a low I don't think the book could recover from. I tried to separate the narration from the book so I wouldn't judge the book unfairly, so I don't think it was only the narration - a lot of the dialogue was unnatural too and felt stiff, but the narration did this book a huge disservice.
April 7, 2020
This series is so good. If you've not read them yet, you really need to read them in order. They are all connected. And some coincide with others. There could also be some triggers for some, as with books 1&2, you deal with Bull and Spook who were mercenaries. And the past seems to keep catching up with them. This time though, it's Tristan's past coming back to haunt him and also Harry's. And they have to find a way out of the situation with psychos. It's a great series, with bad guys, big men with soft hearts and second chances for the right men. It's a hard life they have to deal with as a lot of them deal with abuse or have rough pasts, so be aware if those are issues. But it's a great series and I love it.
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Backward is the third book in Andrew Grey’s Bronco Boys series, which so far consists of Inside Out and Upside Down. The first two in the series involve former mercenaries going straight (so to speak). Backward is a bit different in that both main characters are rather normal. Well, except for that drug dealer ex-boyfriend thing.
Find the Full review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2015...
Backward is the third book in Andrew Grey’s Bronco Boys series, which so far consists of Inside Out and Upside Down. The first two in the series involve former mercenaries going straight (so to speak). Backward is a bit different in that both main characters are rather normal. Well, except for that drug dealer ex-boyfriend thing.
Find the Full review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2015...
March 6, 2015
Having a bit of a love/hate relationship with Andrew's books lately. This just didn't work for me at all, found Tristan far too whiney. I know he had had a hard time with his ex but all the way through this he kept repeating the same questions as to whether he was really good enough for Harry and it got really annoying!
April 23, 2015
PARTIAL REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; APRIL 20, 2015
Narrator: John Solo
Looks like Grey will remain more miss in the hit-or-miss category of authors. What little I finished in this 3rd installment gave me the same meh reaction that Book 2 did. Whatever charm I found in the first book is completely missing in the second and whatever hopes I had for the 3rd installment quickly dissipated.
Narrator: John Solo
Looks like Grey will remain more miss in the hit-or-miss category of authors. What little I finished in this 3rd installment gave me the same meh reaction that Book 2 did. Whatever charm I found in the first book is completely missing in the second and whatever hopes I had for the 3rd installment quickly dissipated.
April 24, 2016
The narrator was awful. Tristan's character sounded like Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Your stereotypical stoned surfer dude. And he was written as being dumber than a box of rocks and and whiny. Both traits I despise in a character AND in RL. Even his friends told him his "everyting is my fault," attitude was "unattractive." I couldn't agree more.
April 22, 2015
Audible Edition:
Story - 2 stars
Performance - 2.5 stars
Overall - 2 stars
Story - 2 stars
Performance - 2.5 stars
Overall - 2 stars
March 1, 2022
This book was wonderful. Tristan in book 2 breaks up with his boyfriend Eddie who he finds out is a drug dealer and had been slowly manipulating him into letting go of his friends until his friend stepped in and made him realize who made he actually was.
Eddie comes back with a vengeance in this book going as far as kidnapping him and trying to really hurt Tristan. Thankfully the guys end up finding him before Eddie gets what he actually had intended to do. It was so awesome seeing Spook come through like he did.
Harry who co owns the club with Bull had finally stepped up and helps protect Tristan. He gives him safe place to stay and refuses to blame him for anything. Even when the clubs broken into he won't let Tristan blame his self.
They are adorable together and Tristan even slowly gets used to Harry's cat Butterscotch. Tristan's parents even come around by the end which he definitely needed. I was happy they found the dirty cop who was in Eddie's pocket too. Even someone in the club was which Harry blamed his self for. This ended perfectly.
The only thing bugging me is I can't figure out if Ken Douglas was in another book. He's a cop who is on there side where the other one isn't. I tried finding him but couldn't. Can't wait read more in series.
Eddie comes back with a vengeance in this book going as far as kidnapping him and trying to really hurt Tristan. Thankfully the guys end up finding him before Eddie gets what he actually had intended to do. It was so awesome seeing Spook come through like he did.
Harry who co owns the club with Bull had finally stepped up and helps protect Tristan. He gives him safe place to stay and refuses to blame him for anything. Even when the clubs broken into he won't let Tristan blame his self.
They are adorable together and Tristan even slowly gets used to Harry's cat Butterscotch. Tristan's parents even come around by the end which he definitely needed. I was happy they found the dirty cop who was in Eddie's pocket too. Even someone in the club was which Harry blamed his self for. This ended perfectly.
The only thing bugging me is I can't figure out if Ken Douglas was in another book. He's a cop who is on there side where the other one isn't. I tried finding him but couldn't. Can't wait read more in series.
November 21, 2018
Once again this tough group of guys has a problem to solve. It was great to see Harry finally have a chance to show Tristan how he feels. Tristan also gets to learn how tough he really is when he does what is needed to get to the other side of a bad situation.
June 22, 2020
Well, I didn't realize this was the third in a series as it's not indicated on the cover, so I think I missed out on a lot of subtext that happened. That said, it was enjoyable enough on it's own, though I just don't get when authors have their MCs say "I love you" in less than a week.
February 28, 2017
I didn't enjoy the plot and the narrator didn't help. MCs' voices were totally not what I expected, especially Tristan's.
May 25, 2019
Tristan is a class A whiney little B****. And takes away any fun or possible angst. Only fun was spook. Harry is to kind and soft and apperently age_less. No angst, drama, a quik read insta_love.
April 12, 2020
3.66 stars
February 23, 2015
4 star review by Cindy
I was eager to grab this third book in the Bronco’s Boys series. They all follow a pattern that I’m a big sucker for. Big men who are physically strong who fall for men who are smaller on the outside, but so have so much strength of heart. Harry and Tristan are no exception.
Harry has had a thing for Tristan for a long time, but because he’s a gentleman, he’s been leaving him alone to try and figure out his life. Tristan has had some hard times and as much as Harry wants to help him through them, he’s not sure that Tristan would welcome his advances.
Meanwhile, Tristan is feeling pretty worthless. After finding out that his ex is a drug dealer, he helps the police put him behind bars. But it leaves Tristan questioning everything about himself and feeling unworthy of anyone’s attention.
My heart broke for Tristan over and over. He’s convinced that he’s not worth the trouble for any man, and when Eddie starts causing problems for him again, he’s humiliated and terrified all over. You can’t help but want to hug him and when Harry’s finally had enough and steps in, I just wanted to cheer out loud.
When the real drama starts, I found myself so angry on behalf of Tristan. He’s trying so hard to find his way past his troubles with the help of his friends but he keeps being haunted by things that really aren’t his fault.
Tristan and Harry are characters you just have to love. They are both so tentative and unsure that the other man can see anything worthwhile in them and it’s heartbreaking. As always in these books, both men find their strength to face the danger in the fact that they care so much for each other and are willing to do anything to protect them.
I love the inclusion of the other couples from Bronco’s. The love and admiration the friends all have for each other is something I found myself envying and its nice to have that glimpse into the continuing happiness of Spook and Jeremy and Bull and Zach. We should all be so lucky as to have friends like them.
There’s nothing really original in the story but I didn’t really mind that. It’s obvious where it’s going, and how it gets there is pretty predictable, but it’s worth the journey anyway. The writing is smart and slick, the characters likable and easy to connect to and it has just the right mix of sweetness and angst…drama and hot sex…to keep me reading until the very end, cheering them all along the whole way.
When I read an Andrew Grey novel I always know that I’m going to be left smiling at the end. His writing has its own special flavor that keeps me coming back for more. When I’m down and need a lift, reading one of his novels is like spending time with an old friend and like old friends, time with them isn’t always perfect, but its usually just what I need.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
I was eager to grab this third book in the Bronco’s Boys series. They all follow a pattern that I’m a big sucker for. Big men who are physically strong who fall for men who are smaller on the outside, but so have so much strength of heart. Harry and Tristan are no exception.
Harry has had a thing for Tristan for a long time, but because he’s a gentleman, he’s been leaving him alone to try and figure out his life. Tristan has had some hard times and as much as Harry wants to help him through them, he’s not sure that Tristan would welcome his advances.
Meanwhile, Tristan is feeling pretty worthless. After finding out that his ex is a drug dealer, he helps the police put him behind bars. But it leaves Tristan questioning everything about himself and feeling unworthy of anyone’s attention.
My heart broke for Tristan over and over. He’s convinced that he’s not worth the trouble for any man, and when Eddie starts causing problems for him again, he’s humiliated and terrified all over. You can’t help but want to hug him and when Harry’s finally had enough and steps in, I just wanted to cheer out loud.
When the real drama starts, I found myself so angry on behalf of Tristan. He’s trying so hard to find his way past his troubles with the help of his friends but he keeps being haunted by things that really aren’t his fault.
Tristan and Harry are characters you just have to love. They are both so tentative and unsure that the other man can see anything worthwhile in them and it’s heartbreaking. As always in these books, both men find their strength to face the danger in the fact that they care so much for each other and are willing to do anything to protect them.
I love the inclusion of the other couples from Bronco’s. The love and admiration the friends all have for each other is something I found myself envying and its nice to have that glimpse into the continuing happiness of Spook and Jeremy and Bull and Zach. We should all be so lucky as to have friends like them.
There’s nothing really original in the story but I didn’t really mind that. It’s obvious where it’s going, and how it gets there is pretty predictable, but it’s worth the journey anyway. The writing is smart and slick, the characters likable and easy to connect to and it has just the right mix of sweetness and angst…drama and hot sex…to keep me reading until the very end, cheering them all along the whole way.
When I read an Andrew Grey novel I always know that I’m going to be left smiling at the end. His writing has its own special flavor that keeps me coming back for more. When I’m down and need a lift, reading one of his novels is like spending time with an old friend and like old friends, time with them isn’t always perfect, but its usually just what I need.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
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