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Chasing Halos and Heroes
Can you ever go home again?
Forced to return to the Sunshine State to confront the past he tried to forget, former Army Ranger Samuel Trammel must reassess his world and discover where he fits into the estranged family he left behind two years ago. Despite his struggles with PTSD, enhanced by tragedy and the destructive allure of alcohol, Sam's ingrained sense of duty and honor fuel his determination to draw the broken pieces of his life and his family's back together.
With his mission in mind, Sam searches for where his path might lead. When the difficulty of finding his place in his new world brings him to his knees, young and handsome Episcopalian priest Benjamin Santiago offers help by drawing Sam into his own world of belief, and the faith that he can lead Sam away from his demons and into the light.
More accustomed to handling his problems with a bullet than a sermon, Sam doesn't believe Heaven will welcome him with open arms, but he allows himself to try and create a temporary peace on Earth in Ben's life. Especially when the sexual attraction between them is undeniable.
When past sins come back to revisit him, will Sam have the faith to fight for the man he loves, a man he knows is more than he deserves, with the same dedication he gave to his country?
Gay / Contemporary / Interracial / Multicultural
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2015
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 23, 2015
What a powerful book! Sam is flawed in so many ways, mainly the abuse he heaps upon his own head for not saving his brother. Coming back to the States to deal with Connor's funeral and Connor's family is almost too much for him.
Father Ben is there to help Sam, whether Sam wants his help or not. Watching these two interact, Ben pushing forward two steps for each one Sam takes backwards, is so much fun. Sam isn't sure he believes in God anymore, so why would he believe in one of God's helpers? But there is something about Ben that Sam just as much as he wants to deny that want.
Great secondary characters, angst and love. Great, honest sex scenes. If you're familiar with Riley Knox from her other book (Catch Me If I Fall), you're in for a real treat. While that was cute and fun, this is solid and strong. As strong as Sam learns he is.
Father Ben is there to help Sam, whether Sam wants his help or not. Watching these two interact, Ben pushing forward two steps for each one Sam takes backwards, is so much fun. Sam isn't sure he believes in God anymore, so why would he believe in one of God's helpers? But there is something about Ben that Sam just as much as he wants to deny that want.
Great secondary characters, angst and love. Great, honest sex scenes. If you're familiar with Riley Knox from her other book (Catch Me If I Fall), you're in for a real treat. While that was cute and fun, this is solid and strong. As strong as Sam learns he is.
April 27, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This story had intense, real moments. It had funny and adorable moments. Sam as our narrator drew me in and kept me engaged. This guy is hurting on a lot of different levels, and he has a lot of reason to. But ultimately, he has an amazing heart, and despite all the hurt he’s feeling, he has even more reason to work through it. Between Sam and Ben, and a host of colorful secondary characters, this story is definitely worth a read.
Let me start with Sam, because he’s whose head we’re in, and he’s the one we get to know best. This guy grabbed my attention from word one. His hurt was palpable, and I wanted nothing more than for him to find his peace. He was incredibly well drawn, and I cared about him instantly. I thought Knox did a really great job of showing his emotional state and the way he thought. I was with him every step of the way as he navigated his PTSD and tried to deal with that on his own while putting his family back together It’s not an easy journey for Sam, and it takes a huge misstep for him to be able to finally ask for the help he needs.
Ben is another terrifically drawn character. He shows his caring and his heart from the first time he’s introduced. I really loved this guy. I loved his passion and drive, I loved his outlook on the world, and I really loved his determination. He was bound and determined to have Sam, and I loved that he went for it, no holds barred. I loved his sense of humor, and the way he knew just what to say at the right time. I loved that he called Sam on his bullshit when it was appropriate and that he let things sit when it was the right time to do that. Ben is not a perfect person, but he was utterly wonderful, and he was perfect for Sam.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This story had intense, real moments. It had funny and adorable moments. Sam as our narrator drew me in and kept me engaged. This guy is hurting on a lot of different levels, and he has a lot of reason to. But ultimately, he has an amazing heart, and despite all the hurt he’s feeling, he has even more reason to work through it. Between Sam and Ben, and a host of colorful secondary characters, this story is definitely worth a read.
Let me start with Sam, because he’s whose head we’re in, and he’s the one we get to know best. This guy grabbed my attention from word one. His hurt was palpable, and I wanted nothing more than for him to find his peace. He was incredibly well drawn, and I cared about him instantly. I thought Knox did a really great job of showing his emotional state and the way he thought. I was with him every step of the way as he navigated his PTSD and tried to deal with that on his own while putting his family back together It’s not an easy journey for Sam, and it takes a huge misstep for him to be able to finally ask for the help he needs.
Ben is another terrifically drawn character. He shows his caring and his heart from the first time he’s introduced. I really loved this guy. I loved his passion and drive, I loved his outlook on the world, and I really loved his determination. He was bound and determined to have Sam, and I loved that he went for it, no holds barred. I loved his sense of humor, and the way he knew just what to say at the right time. I loved that he called Sam on his bullshit when it was appropriate and that he let things sit when it was the right time to do that. Ben is not a perfect person, but he was utterly wonderful, and he was perfect for Sam.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
December 30, 2015
Oh yeah I remember this one now. (I added lots of my Amazon reads to goodreads all in a big lump - I read this some months ago)
Spirituality is a big part of my life, so I am always interested in reading about spiritual people and their nexus with divinity.
Usually I am disappointed. I was here.
Basically what put me off was that priest dude was being all superior and counsellory with ex military dude. I think it is extremely inappropriate for a love interest or whatever to try and be a counsellor to someone in need of help. They should support them in seeking counselling and support from appropriate professionals. I would not want an intimate relationship with someone who was acting as my counsellor. Also, it was not evident that he had the appropriate counselling skills to react someone in ex-military dude's situation. Any old body can't just suddenly miraculously counsel someone who has been through combat trauma.
Also priest dude was being all spiritually superior, from what I remember, carrying on about God being fine with whatever and forgiving this and that, and it's like, how the hell would he know? What an inappropriate creep. It's not as if ex military dude had come to him for spiritual support or priestly support.
It was all just so so bad.
Spirituality is a big part of my life, so I am always interested in reading about spiritual people and their nexus with divinity.
Usually I am disappointed. I was here.
Basically what put me off was that priest dude was being all superior and counsellory with ex military dude. I think it is extremely inappropriate for a love interest or whatever to try and be a counsellor to someone in need of help. They should support them in seeking counselling and support from appropriate professionals. I would not want an intimate relationship with someone who was acting as my counsellor. Also, it was not evident that he had the appropriate counselling skills to react someone in ex-military dude's situation. Any old body can't just suddenly miraculously counsel someone who has been through combat trauma.
Also priest dude was being all spiritually superior, from what I remember, carrying on about God being fine with whatever and forgiving this and that, and it's like, how the hell would he know? What an inappropriate creep. It's not as if ex military dude had come to him for spiritual support or priestly support.
It was all just so so bad.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews