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Out in the Blue
At forty-five, Jared Tailler suddenly feels old. When his employer grounds him, he starts thinking in terms of measuring his coffin. Well, not quite, but he’s creakier and hairier than he was ten years ago, and his closest relationship is the one he has with his frequent-flyer card.
It’s time to get out there.
On the first day of a five-day hiking trip, he meets Finley Macrae, a younger, seemingly brighter man. As they inch together in halting steps, Jared learns he’s not the only one lost out in the blue—Fin’s good cheer hides a turbulence deeper than Jared’s midlife crisis. Maybe together they can find the trail to happiness.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Daily Dose package "Never Too Late."
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2015
2 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Jensen
38 books238 followersIf aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 24, 2019
4 Short Story Stars!!
A sweet short story about starting over and taking a chance, despite just how scary putting oneself out there may be.
Jared knows he’s stuck in his banal life. He doesn’t want to be that person, dedicated to the job with nothing to show for it and no one to come home to. In an effort to just do something he signs himself up for a hiking tour. The fact that it’s a gay hiking tour is just a possible added bonus that may or may not be fortuitous.
Right from the start Jared’s grabbed up by engaging Fin, to be hiking partners and to share a bunk with. Fin is shiny nd effortless but has his own issues to work through and is valiantly trying to make an effort as well. These two commiserate, flirt, hesitate, and eventually take a leap off the edge in the hopes for more than what they already have.
There’s something special about this author, and I appreciate the few stories I’ve read from her. The emotions are always spot on. The progression never makes me flinch or give it the stink eye. There’s legitimate fears, concerns, personal preferences - all of which would make one hesitate (or not) in possibly starting something with another. It unravels slowly, sweetly, and ultimately oh so satisfactorily.
Both Jared and Fin are guys to root for and when they win together, and sexily so, it brought a big smile to my face and heart. Check this out if you want quick but sublime - it being on KU might further entice!!
A sweet short story about starting over and taking a chance, despite just how scary putting oneself out there may be.
Jared knows he’s stuck in his banal life. He doesn’t want to be that person, dedicated to the job with nothing to show for it and no one to come home to. In an effort to just do something he signs himself up for a hiking tour. The fact that it’s a gay hiking tour is just a possible added bonus that may or may not be fortuitous.
Right from the start Jared’s grabbed up by engaging Fin, to be hiking partners and to share a bunk with. Fin is shiny nd effortless but has his own issues to work through and is valiantly trying to make an effort as well. These two commiserate, flirt, hesitate, and eventually take a leap off the edge in the hopes for more than what they already have.
There’s something special about this author, and I appreciate the few stories I’ve read from her. The emotions are always spot on. The progression never makes me flinch or give it the stink eye. There’s legitimate fears, concerns, personal preferences - all of which would make one hesitate (or not) in possibly starting something with another. It unravels slowly, sweetly, and ultimately oh so satisfactorily.
Both Jared and Fin are guys to root for and when they win together, and sexily so, it brought a big smile to my face and heart. Check this out if you want quick but sublime - it being on KU might further entice!!
September 19, 2019
*3,5 stars*
This is titled as a ‘sweet and sexy short story.’
It certainly is that, but with all the markings of a much longer book.
There is a lovely and calm feeling about Jared and Finley meeting, and maybe being ‘out in the blue’ has something to do with it, but I think it’s mainly down to these two men and how they deal with each other.
Lonely 45 year old Jared (whose hairiness definitely worked for me!😉) and cute, younger Fin who tries to move on from his own tragedy in the past, click on first sight and then slowly (as slow as it gets in the week-long walk they do) get to know each other, and start healing. And it’s a really heart-warming thing.
Fab little story!
This is titled as a ‘sweet and sexy short story.’
It certainly is that, but with all the markings of a much longer book.
There is a lovely and calm feeling about Jared and Finley meeting, and maybe being ‘out in the blue’ has something to do with it, but I think it’s mainly down to these two men and how they deal with each other.
Lonely 45 year old Jared (whose hairiness definitely worked for me!😉) and cute, younger Fin who tries to move on from his own tragedy in the past, click on first sight and then slowly (as slow as it gets in the week-long walk they do) get to know each other, and start healing. And it’s a really heart-warming thing.
Fab little story!
June 7, 2015
I liked the idea of two mature men in this story. -- a 45-year-old accountant who felt that he had been grounded by his company, who felt lonely and rather socially inept, with a 36-year-old teacher who had lost his partner for about a year. As someone who just passed her 35th last year, I felt that we needed more characters above 35-years-old. Just so I could feel more connected to the them :)
Although the story spanned for only five days, it didn't feel rushed. Jared and Fin had good conversations throughout. They connected in this hiking tour. It was quite an intimate setting as they were roommates too, much like two people who shared a car ride on a road trip. The ending was tentatively promising.
However, maybe it was just me, but I felt that the narrative of this story to be rather choppy. I felt like I was missing things in the beginning. It didn't flow as smoothly as I preferred. AGAIN, it might just me. Sometimes I had lack of chemistry with an author's writing style. And this is a new-to-me author. But I didn't dislike it... so 3-stars it is.
Although the story spanned for only five days, it didn't feel rushed. Jared and Fin had good conversations throughout. They connected in this hiking tour. It was quite an intimate setting as they were roommates too, much like two people who shared a car ride on a road trip. The ending was tentatively promising.
However, maybe it was just me, but I felt that the narrative of this story to be rather choppy. I felt like I was missing things in the beginning. It didn't flow as smoothly as I preferred. AGAIN, it might just me. Sometimes I had lack of chemistry with an author's writing style. And this is a new-to-me author. But I didn't dislike it... so 3-stars it is.
June 1, 2015
My Review:
I truly loved this story. It's short...will only take about an hour to read, but it's packed full of depth and emotion. A lot of things hit my "YES" buttons for this one...the characters are hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail...I also loved that they're more mature and dealing with mid-life stuff...Jared-his inner voice kept me giggling and smiling. As someone who's almost 45, I could relate to him even if I'm not a guy.
So this book...the premise is that it's a hiking tour for gay men...five days on the Appalachian Trail. Each man has their own reason for being there. For Jared, this is part of his mid-life crisis. He's 45 and just had a shock at work which has kind of left him spinning, wondering how he got to this point in his life and if there's some way to change all that?
The entire book is told from Jared's point of view and I really loved him. I don't really think it's so much that he's dissatisfied with his life. Rather he's lost in a web of "is this all there is for the next 45 years?" Flat out, he's lonely, but doesn't make connections well or easily.
On the opposite side of that is Fin, Jared's hiking buddy and roommate. He's 36 and teaches high school students. He's always happy and personable, but that's not all there is to him. He has a valid, emotional reason for being on this trip too.
The trip is only five days so you would think this is an insta-love book...it's not. There's a slow build-up between the guys. Though they both are unsettled with where they are, that doesn't mean they're willing to jump into something with one another with both feet. I really loved the way their relationship developed. It felt real and true.
And mixed in with all this was the hiking. Kelly Jensen did a gorgeous job integrating those outdoor senses and scenery seamlessly into the story. I feel like I've been on a trip this morning and I never left my couch. It was just an all-around really good read. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I truly loved this story. It's short...will only take about an hour to read, but it's packed full of depth and emotion. A lot of things hit my "YES" buttons for this one...the characters are hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail...I also loved that they're more mature and dealing with mid-life stuff...Jared-his inner voice kept me giggling and smiling. As someone who's almost 45, I could relate to him even if I'm not a guy.
So this book...the premise is that it's a hiking tour for gay men...five days on the Appalachian Trail. Each man has their own reason for being there. For Jared, this is part of his mid-life crisis. He's 45 and just had a shock at work which has kind of left him spinning, wondering how he got to this point in his life and if there's some way to change all that?
The entire book is told from Jared's point of view and I really loved him. I don't really think it's so much that he's dissatisfied with his life. Rather he's lost in a web of "is this all there is for the next 45 years?" Flat out, he's lonely, but doesn't make connections well or easily.
On the opposite side of that is Fin, Jared's hiking buddy and roommate. He's 36 and teaches high school students. He's always happy and personable, but that's not all there is to him. He has a valid, emotional reason for being on this trip too.
The trip is only five days so you would think this is an insta-love book...it's not. There's a slow build-up between the guys. Though they both are unsettled with where they are, that doesn't mean they're willing to jump into something with one another with both feet. I really loved the way their relationship developed. It felt real and true.
And mixed in with all this was the hiking. Kelly Jensen did a gorgeous job integrating those outdoor senses and scenery seamlessly into the story. I feel like I've been on a trip this morning and I never left my couch. It was just an all-around really good read. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 10, 2021
Aging gracefully is not a talent everyone possesses, and Jared, just having turned forty-five, definitely has no idea how to enjoy getting older. So he goes the other way and signs up for a five-day hiking tour, to get out into nature and maybe meet some likeminded men. Fin is about a decade younger and far less worried about getting old, but not just because he is younger. He is the kind of person who, despite his tragic loss, focuses on moving forward. In many ways these two men are very different—one always grumpy, the other ready to see the sunny side of life—but inside, where it matters, they have quite a few things in common. In a story that proves the power of love, Jared and Fin stumble their way to the beginning of what may be a wonderful relationship.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 11, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
This is about love lost and taking a chance on new love but both men involved have very different reasons.
Jared is forty five and being forced to change his job role. He is a pretty solemn character who seems closed off and depressed. He has colleagues but not friends and the recent upheaval in his life is making him prone to panic attacks. His last relationship was five years ago and it left him a bit broken and too scared to try again.
In order to get some perspective on things and try and jolt him out of his funk he signs up for a five day hiking trip with a group of gay men. People are not his thing and he finds it difficult to be part of such a large group. A younger man named Finley latches onto him on the first day and they partner up for the trip.
On the surface Finley is a fun loving 36 year old who makes friends easily and thrives in social situations. Only when you look past the happy outward persona do you see the real man and the pain and grief he carries.
As Jared and Finley spend more time together they both become aware of how the other is hurting and are both compassionate enough to help each other out. As much as Jared tries to ignore the spark of lust between them Finley is not so shy and makes no bones about the fact that he wants Jared and is prepared to keep on trying and when it finally happens the moment is both perfect and poignant.
This is about love lost and taking a chance on new love but both men involved have very different reasons.
Jared is forty five and being forced to change his job role. He is a pretty solemn character who seems closed off and depressed. He has colleagues but not friends and the recent upheaval in his life is making him prone to panic attacks. His last relationship was five years ago and it left him a bit broken and too scared to try again.
In order to get some perspective on things and try and jolt him out of his funk he signs up for a five day hiking trip with a group of gay men. People are not his thing and he finds it difficult to be part of such a large group. A younger man named Finley latches onto him on the first day and they partner up for the trip.
On the surface Finley is a fun loving 36 year old who makes friends easily and thrives in social situations. Only when you look past the happy outward persona do you see the real man and the pain and grief he carries.
As Jared and Finley spend more time together they both become aware of how the other is hurting and are both compassionate enough to help each other out. As much as Jared tries to ignore the spark of lust between them Finley is not so shy and makes no bones about the fact that he wants Jared and is prepared to keep on trying and when it finally happens the moment is both perfect and poignant.
June 16, 2015
Sweet short about two older men who meet on a hiking vacation. There was a certain inner beauty about Fin that pulled Jared out of his shell. Nice chemistry between the new without being insta love.
June 23, 2015
Hitting forty-five has sent Jared Tailler spiraling into a midlife crisis. Since the man he was in love with left him five years earlier he’s been lonely but has pushed those thoughts aside by burying himself in work. Work that keeps him constantly busy, flying to new locations every few months and facing whole new challenges. The news that his employer is promoting him, effectively grounding him in one location just adds to the feeling that he is wasting his life, has already wasted half of his life, and he begins suffering from panic attacks. In an effort to actually get out and do something, to meet people, he signs up for a week of hiking with a company that runs hiking trips for gay men. But even in a group of sixteen other gay men he still feels awkward and alone. Luckily for Jared, fellow hiker Fin has decided that they’re going to become friends.
I’ve reviewed four of these stories now, plus read a couple more, but so far this one is my favourite. Jared was such a morose sort of character, a bit woe-is-me, but anyone who has ever had one of those stunning realizations that you’re no longer young will totally get where he’s coming from. The way he wallows in his misery is just so relatable, but at the same time he feels the need to prove, if only to himself, that he isn’t really too old to keep enjoying life. I loved the way he became more open to something happening with Fin, as he managed to physically achieve more while hiking up mountain trails.
The story is told completely from Jared’s point of view but we don’t miss out on getting to know Fin. He’s a perfect counter to Jared, his exuberance and upbeat attitude breathing life into each scene he enters as well as into his fellow main character. Beneath Fin’s positive energy, Fin is hurting but he’s tired of being sad and he knows it’s time to get on with his life. He’s hoping Jared might help him with that.
Despite it’s short length this story wasn’t rushed. The men become lovers but the fact that they become friends is the most important thing to them. We’re left with a HFN and both men hopeful that what they’re finding together could mean a happier future for them both.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/06/2...
I’ve reviewed four of these stories now, plus read a couple more, but so far this one is my favourite. Jared was such a morose sort of character, a bit woe-is-me, but anyone who has ever had one of those stunning realizations that you’re no longer young will totally get where he’s coming from. The way he wallows in his misery is just so relatable, but at the same time he feels the need to prove, if only to himself, that he isn’t really too old to keep enjoying life. I loved the way he became more open to something happening with Fin, as he managed to physically achieve more while hiking up mountain trails.
The story is told completely from Jared’s point of view but we don’t miss out on getting to know Fin. He’s a perfect counter to Jared, his exuberance and upbeat attitude breathing life into each scene he enters as well as into his fellow main character. Beneath Fin’s positive energy, Fin is hurting but he’s tired of being sad and he knows it’s time to get on with his life. He’s hoping Jared might help him with that.
Despite it’s short length this story wasn’t rushed. The men become lovers but the fact that they become friends is the most important thing to them. We’re left with a HFN and both men hopeful that what they’re finding together could mean a happier future for them both.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/06/2...
October 7, 2015
This short novella is sweet and sexy and touching, all the good feels in a story of love lost and new love found. Fin is a 36 year old teacher whose previous partner died. Jared is a 45 year old business man, long on frequent flier miles and short on real friends. He too has experienced the loss of a long time partner, though his breakup was the more standard variety. When they both sign up for a 5 day hiking adventure with a gay men's travel group, it's not with anything in mind except to try to move forward. Roommates for the duration, can they connect on a deeper level in the short time they are together?
I really enjoyed this. It's not hard to feel empathy towards these two men as they are still struggling with the loss of important partners in their lives, and tired of the status quo. Jared in particular seems to be the one really struggling, experiencing a bit of a mid life crises that has resulted in him throwing caution to the winds and joining this hiking experience. There were lots of laughs in the story as he has to adjust to the physical reality of the fact that he isn't 20 years old anymore. Fin and Jared together made a great team, obviously harboring some attraction right from the start but going through the effort of developing a friendship first, one that might sustain them both back in the real world. More important than hooking up for both of them is the thought of finding a companion for the everyday things, football games, movies and the like. I appreciated that neither was ready to hook up upon meeting, that they took their time to decide that it would be okay for both of them to give into the attraction between them. The eventual sex scene is really steamy but equally emotional for both men as they realize that they are starting something meaningful between them. The happy for now ending is a sweet touch to a lovely story. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
I really enjoyed this. It's not hard to feel empathy towards these two men as they are still struggling with the loss of important partners in their lives, and tired of the status quo. Jared in particular seems to be the one really struggling, experiencing a bit of a mid life crises that has resulted in him throwing caution to the winds and joining this hiking experience. There were lots of laughs in the story as he has to adjust to the physical reality of the fact that he isn't 20 years old anymore. Fin and Jared together made a great team, obviously harboring some attraction right from the start but going through the effort of developing a friendship first, one that might sustain them both back in the real world. More important than hooking up for both of them is the thought of finding a companion for the everyday things, football games, movies and the like. I appreciated that neither was ready to hook up upon meeting, that they took their time to decide that it would be okay for both of them to give into the attraction between them. The eventual sex scene is really steamy but equally emotional for both men as they realize that they are starting something meaningful between them. The happy for now ending is a sweet touch to a lovely story. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
September 9, 2015
Such a sweet short novella! Really enjoyed it! I can't remember how I came to add this one to my Amazon Wishlist, but every time I considered it I became more intrigued, it sounded so different. Not so damn "perfect" as most Romance novels tend to be.
Jared, the MC (and sole POV) is 45 years old and his life couldn't be more pointless so he goes on a hike with a group of gay men, hoping to connect to ONE person. Just the one. So he can say he actually made a friend. But as he arrives his insecurities keeps getting in the way and so he simply doesn't see how much Fin is into him. Well, HOW could the young (10 years younger..) and gorgeous Fin could be interested in the middle aged, hairy Jared? Yet he is. He chose to be his partner and did his best to also become his friend. Fin was truly a sweet heart and though he looks care-free and the right answer to all of Jared's prayers he has a sad story of his own he has a hard time dealing with (which is part of the reason he is on this trip as well).
It was sad and emotional at times, but never "too much" even when dealing with truly heart breaking memories of both MC. I loved the way these two connected, it took time but Fin got under Jared's skin right from the start he just couldn't believe a possibility of them being together so he kept rejecting Fin or rather rejecting himself.
Though it's fairly short, it had such a beautiful and hopeful romance I couldn't have asked for more. I gotta check out more by Kelly. If this is what she can bring in less than 50 pages I'm curious to try out MORE!
More Reviews HERE
Jared, the MC (and sole POV) is 45 years old and his life couldn't be more pointless so he goes on a hike with a group of gay men, hoping to connect to ONE person. Just the one. So he can say he actually made a friend. But as he arrives his insecurities keeps getting in the way and so he simply doesn't see how much Fin is into him. Well, HOW could the young (10 years younger..) and gorgeous Fin could be interested in the middle aged, hairy Jared? Yet he is. He chose to be his partner and did his best to also become his friend. Fin was truly a sweet heart and though he looks care-free and the right answer to all of Jared's prayers he has a sad story of his own he has a hard time dealing with (which is part of the reason he is on this trip as well).
It was sad and emotional at times, but never "too much" even when dealing with truly heart breaking memories of both MC. I loved the way these two connected, it took time but Fin got under Jared's skin right from the start he just couldn't believe a possibility of them being together so he kept rejecting Fin or rather rejecting himself.
Though it's fairly short, it had such a beautiful and hopeful romance I couldn't have asked for more. I gotta check out more by Kelly. If this is what she can bring in less than 50 pages I'm curious to try out MORE!
More Reviews HERE
June 2, 2015
I had the opportunity to read an early version of this story a few months back, since Kelly and I are critique partners when we're not working on co-written books. Rereading Out in the Blue now that it's been released as part of Dreamspinner Press's "Never Too Late" anthology has allowed me to fall in love with this story all over again.
The best thing about this story is that there are a hundred Jareds in America. A hundred Fins. Maybe ten times that. These guys are normal guys living normal lives. Jared, at forty-five and in the midst of changes in his job, is on the cusp of a midlife crisis. Fin is trying desperately to remind himself that life, for all the hard times, is still worth living and living well. They both have baggage, but it's the sort any one of us could have in a life that's determined to throw you curveballs.
This is not an insta-love romance, even though it spans only five days. There's a definite HFN ending, though, that feels realistic and hopeful. It's easy to believe that the connection Jared and Fin make only grows stronger after the story ends.
The best thing about this story is that there are a hundred Jareds in America. A hundred Fins. Maybe ten times that. These guys are normal guys living normal lives. Jared, at forty-five and in the midst of changes in his job, is on the cusp of a midlife crisis. Fin is trying desperately to remind himself that life, for all the hard times, is still worth living and living well. They both have baggage, but it's the sort any one of us could have in a life that's determined to throw you curveballs.
This is not an insta-love romance, even though it spans only five days. There's a definite HFN ending, though, that feels realistic and hopeful. It's easy to believe that the connection Jared and Fin make only grows stronger after the story ends.
June 24, 2015
I was looking forward to this story, as I just read her DRITC story and loved it! Whereas that one was very funny, this one was more somber and quiet. It meandered along rather uneventful while both men learned to know each other and came to terms with their past. In the end they were able to be open for a new relationship. This was no insta-love, no HEA, but a very nice start. I wouldn't mind to read more about them.
July 23, 2018
A sweet short story about two men who meet through Upland Adventures specialized in hiking trips for gay men. Jared is a 45-year-old lonely accountant who is shy of meeting new people and his last relationship ended five years ago. Fin's partner died about a year ago and while he appears happy, he is struggling with his loss. Beautifully written!
December 28, 2021
I liked this a lot more than I expected. Maybe because I'm 44 and just starting to feel my age, so I can relate. But I liked both characters, that they had emotionally intelligent conversations, and I thought this was sweet.
October 25, 2018
4.5 stars
very nicely done
very nicely done
June 14, 2015
Out In the Blue was a nice story. Jared’s having major life issues. His company wants to put him out to pasture – or at least that’s how he sees it. He also has kept himself separated from people his entire life, so connecting with another isn’t easy. 5 years on from breaking up with the only man he ever loved, he suffers from intense panic attacks. Fin, who lost his lover a year ago, embraces life, and yet this is the first time he’s truly gone out to show interest in another man since his boyfriend died.
This is a really nice tale, because even though the story happens over about 5 days, it isn’t rushed. They don’t rush their physical relationship and in turn, they develop a truly nice friendship.
Where will it go? Well, over baseball and football games, I’ll hope that Jared continues to open up and that he and Fin, even if they don’t end up ‘together’ will at least remain friends. They’re good for one another.
Definite 4 stars
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
This is a really nice tale, because even though the story happens over about 5 days, it isn’t rushed. They don’t rush their physical relationship and in turn, they develop a truly nice friendship.
Where will it go? Well, over baseball and football games, I’ll hope that Jared continues to open up and that he and Fin, even if they don’t end up ‘together’ will at least remain friends. They’re good for one another.
Definite 4 stars
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
October 27, 2018
A short story about two guys who meet on a week-long guided hike for gays on the Appalachian Trail. One is a mid-thirties widower and the other an accountant in his mid-forties who is travelling constantly and isn't really interested in a relationship (the last one ended several years ago). On this hike the accountant is surrounded by young, in-shape guys and bemoans his older, hairy, out-of-shape body.
The widower and the accountant become trail buddies and in helping and learning about each other form a bond that leads to attraction. A very nice story, and even though short I felt I got to know each MC well enough to like them and enjoy their happy ending.
The widower and the accountant become trail buddies and in helping and learning about each other form a bond that leads to attraction. A very nice story, and even though short I felt I got to know each MC well enough to like them and enjoy their happy ending.
January 5, 2017
I enjoyed this story reading it, but then I could not for the life of me remember what it was about until I read the blurb again, so... 3*. It's a slow-mover, two older guys on a gay hiking trip, kind of dancing around each other, both overcoming their own demons, becoming friends and eventually hooking up with the potential for more. Nothing overly dramatic beyond the usual hiking mishaps and their own internal angst. If you're in the mood for a slow-mover with some older characters, just the ticket.
June 27, 2015
Both men are healing from hurts of different kinds but they face the challenge of the hike together. As they bond together first as friends and than as more.
July 4, 2015
I found this story both charming and heartfelt. Likeable characters and sharp dialogue made it an especially enjoyable read.
April 10, 2021
Aging gracefully is not a talent everyone possesses, and Jared, just having turned forty-five, definitely has no idea how to enjoy getting older. So he goes the other way and signs up for a five-day hiking tour, to get out into nature and maybe meet some likeminded men. Fin is about a decade younger and far less worried about getting old, but not just because he is younger. He is the kind of person who, despite his tragic loss, focuses on moving forward. In many ways these two men are very different—one always grumpy, the other ready to see the sunny side of life—but inside, where it matters, they have quite a few things in common. In a story that proves the power of love, Jared and Fin stumble their way to the beginning of what may be a wonderful relationship.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 13, 2020
This is a short story that pulls at your heartstrings. Jared is a man who does't mix well with society and spends his time on a plane for work. Grief plagues his every step and makes it hard to interrelate with people. Finn is a teacher whose heart is full of grief. Loss of their lovers bring both men to the Appalachian Trail for a week of hiking. Both are looking for something and they find each other. Their grief becomes your own and a kleenex or two found their way into my hands. It has an HFN, but you hope for these men a good and loving future as you close the pages of a short but worthy story.
October 27, 2018
Jared & Fin
I enjoyed the realistic vibe of this one. Jared is hurting, quite lost and he’s seeking solace, answers, a purpose...? in the forest. And that part, the third characters that is nature, is also a good one.
Of course, Fin is beautifully written as well and surprising. A good heartwarming short romance!
🍁⛰❤️⛰🍁
I enjoyed the realistic vibe of this one. Jared is hurting, quite lost and he’s seeking solace, answers, a purpose...? in the forest. And that part, the third characters that is nature, is also a good one.
Of course, Fin is beautifully written as well and surprising. A good heartwarming short romance!
🍁⛰❤️⛰🍁
November 15, 2019
Delightful! Fin and Jared are wonderful characters and the subtle chemistry between them is refreshing. Thank you Ms. Jensen for making the characters older than the typical 20-somethings that so many authors of M/M romance can’t seem to get away from.
But what of poor Simon? Did he not have a hiking partner?
But what of poor Simon? Did he not have a hiking partner?
January 19, 2025
I, normally, enjoy this author's work. Overall, there is nothing wrong with the writing. It's clean and it makes sense, but it's not a very smooth story in terms of feeling connection between the two main characters.
Also, I cannot get past the conversation about not liking effeminate men who sing show tunes, and feet pedicures and look high maintenance. Very insulting. I understand that this book was written in 2015 and none of us is the person we were 9, 10 years ago but since you'll be reading this book 10 years after it was published, with modern day sensibilities, I feel it fair to warn you that this element is in the book and you might find it offensive – – just as I did.
Also, I cannot get past the conversation about not liking effeminate men who sing show tunes, and feet pedicures and look high maintenance. Very insulting. I understand that this book was written in 2015 and none of us is the person we were 9, 10 years ago but since you'll be reading this book 10 years after it was published, with modern day sensibilities, I feel it fair to warn you that this element is in the book and you might find it offensive – – just as I did.
May 23, 2020
3.5-4*
A well crafted short tale about two lonely, and in the case of Jared very socially inept, guys who meet on a guided hike.
Fin has his own issues too.
I liked they were older Mc’s and not the model perfection.
Despite being only over 5 days, they did take their time relatively.
A well crafted short tale about two lonely, and in the case of Jared very socially inept, guys who meet on a guided hike.
Fin has his own issues too.
I liked they were older Mc’s and not the model perfection.
Despite being only over 5 days, they did take their time relatively.
June 13, 2025
Likeable characters and a bittersweet story. Both Jared and Fin are experiencing some difficult times emotionally for various reasons. This is kind a a gradual growth from new acquaintances to the beginnings of a decent friendship and possibly a relationship as well. It ends on a hopeful note.
May 17, 2020
A well-polished little gem.
Read
February 22, 2017Dropped at 44%.
October 11, 2015
meet jared an 45 year accountant meets fin who lost his partner. Both on an hiking trip, both hiking buddy's as well as room-mates both guys tough it out on the trip as well as have share there feelings. just lovely
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