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Seeds of Tyrone #2
Where the Grass is Greener
Mistakes were made, that’s for sure. But was it the night of passion? Or walking away afterward?
That’s the question Seamus Williams must face when he gets a late night phone call from someone he never expects to hear from again.
“I miss you, Shay.”
Chancey Bo Clearwater is a cowboy through and through. He spends his days finding work on whatever ranch will take him and his nights at the pool hall. He’s always done what needed doing and never thought much about what he wanted. ’Til that drunken night with Seamus.
A world of problems now stand between Seamus and Chancey exploring what might have been, the least of which being the Atlantic Ocean. On one side there’s Chancey’s daughter who mood swings from angel to demon in two seconds flat; on the other there’s the new lodger, hogging Shay’s telly and his cornflakes, and making private Skype time hard to come by.
Is this relationship doomed before it ever begins? Or can a surprise announcement from Seamus’s brother be enough to help the two find their second chance?
Where the Grass is Greener is book two of the Seeds of Tyrone Series, but can be read independently of the first novel.
That’s the question Seamus Williams must face when he gets a late night phone call from someone he never expects to hear from again.
“I miss you, Shay.”
Chancey Bo Clearwater is a cowboy through and through. He spends his days finding work on whatever ranch will take him and his nights at the pool hall. He’s always done what needed doing and never thought much about what he wanted. ’Til that drunken night with Seamus.
A world of problems now stand between Seamus and Chancey exploring what might have been, the least of which being the Atlantic Ocean. On one side there’s Chancey’s daughter who mood swings from angel to demon in two seconds flat; on the other there’s the new lodger, hogging Shay’s telly and his cornflakes, and making private Skype time hard to come by.
Is this relationship doomed before it ever begins? Or can a surprise announcement from Seamus’s brother be enough to help the two find their second chance?
Where the Grass is Greener is book two of the Seeds of Tyrone Series, but can be read independently of the first novel.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2015
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December 20, 2015
ETA: link to my review Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends
I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
4 separated stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
4 separated stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2015
A slow burn story of a cowboy and an Irishman who share a night's passion and then cannot quite forget the other. They get back in touch.. Skype... I am sure there are many jokes I could make here but I am much too serious a person for jokes. But no doubt I did spend a while thinking about skyping cowboys :D
I particularly enjoyed the rebellious daughter and the delightful tone of the story. A sweet, sizzling read from Cagney and Lacey
And when I googled Irishman and Cowboy, I got pictures of Bono :D
I particularly enjoyed the rebellious daughter and the delightful tone of the story. A sweet, sizzling read from Cagney and Lacey
And when I googled Irishman and Cowboy, I got pictures of Bono :D
October 1, 2015
Seamus and Chancey were ranch hands on a Kansas ranch. They'd known each other for years, had a solid friendship, and shared one night of drunken passion. And then Seamus left without a goodbye. He returned to Ireland, bought a cottage and tried to put aside his desire for the man he wasn't sure he could keep.
He's still unsure 10 months later when his phone rings and it's Chancey. That Texas drawl alternately chills and heats his blood. Like Seamus, Chancey's bisexual--though neither of the men had acted on their urges until that night. Even more stunning than Chancey's call is his admission--that he missed Seamus.
There begins something that Seamus had been too afraid to hope for: a connection to Chancey. Naturally, it would come when there were 4000 miles and an ocean separating them. Still, it is likely that distance which allowed both men to be honest, and inordinately brave. They begin to Skype, video sexytimes being far more enjoyable than phone sex, but life gets in the way. Chancey's got a teenaged daughter, Dee, and a hellcat of an ex-wife who's out on the road searching for her fame and fortune. Being both dad and mom is an exhausting experience, and it leaves little time for even cyber-dating.
Plus, Seamus feels compelled to take in one of his work crew when the boy is kicked out of his home after coming out. The cottage isn't big, and it cramps Seamus' arousal. Though there's a plan brewing for a return to the States--and a potential rendezvous with Chancey. Is it meant to be for them? Will Dee accept their relationship? Will Chancey's ex be even more of a self-serving human?
I just adored this book. I'm not sure there are readers who can withstand the lure of not only an Irishman, but also a cowboy. The swoons! I wasn't sure if I stepped into THE QUIET MAN or BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, but in any case I was enchanted by this quiet romance. Seamus and Chancey are lonely men who develop a connection as friends and then lovers. They struggle with coming out. They struggle with finding time for each other. Their lives are complicated, but they find a way through--to each other.
Really, the storytelling was beautiful. This is a long slow burn, with many fits and starts. We get to see deeply into each man's world, and understand his experiences, thanks to the dual POV. I really admired Chancey's relationship with Dee. He's a fantastic father, and just protective enough. Man, Dee is a quintessential 13 y/o. The boys. The catty friendship angst. The sorrow over being fifth, or lower, on her mother's list of priorities. Even when I wanted to smack her, I loved her. And, yes, she is one potty-mouthed girl. #HeckYeah
Seamus is a tentative man, quite used to moving on. He's never had such strong feelings for anyone as Chancey and he's afraid to admit it to himself, but he finds the courage to admit it to Chancey.
The ending was so spectacular. I ached for it, and I was rewarded for my patience, much like Chancey and Seamus. I can only wonder how their new life together will turn out. I think I'll go search the clover for a shamrock. I gotta wish these guys some luck.
He's still unsure 10 months later when his phone rings and it's Chancey. That Texas drawl alternately chills and heats his blood. Like Seamus, Chancey's bisexual--though neither of the men had acted on their urges until that night. Even more stunning than Chancey's call is his admission--that he missed Seamus.
There begins something that Seamus had been too afraid to hope for: a connection to Chancey. Naturally, it would come when there were 4000 miles and an ocean separating them. Still, it is likely that distance which allowed both men to be honest, and inordinately brave. They begin to Skype, video sexytimes being far more enjoyable than phone sex, but life gets in the way. Chancey's got a teenaged daughter, Dee, and a hellcat of an ex-wife who's out on the road searching for her fame and fortune. Being both dad and mom is an exhausting experience, and it leaves little time for even cyber-dating.
Plus, Seamus feels compelled to take in one of his work crew when the boy is kicked out of his home after coming out. The cottage isn't big, and it cramps Seamus' arousal. Though there's a plan brewing for a return to the States--and a potential rendezvous with Chancey. Is it meant to be for them? Will Dee accept their relationship? Will Chancey's ex be even more of a self-serving human?
I just adored this book. I'm not sure there are readers who can withstand the lure of not only an Irishman, but also a cowboy. The swoons! I wasn't sure if I stepped into THE QUIET MAN or BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, but in any case I was enchanted by this quiet romance. Seamus and Chancey are lonely men who develop a connection as friends and then lovers. They struggle with coming out. They struggle with finding time for each other. Their lives are complicated, but they find a way through--to each other.
Really, the storytelling was beautiful. This is a long slow burn, with many fits and starts. We get to see deeply into each man's world, and understand his experiences, thanks to the dual POV. I really admired Chancey's relationship with Dee. He's a fantastic father, and just protective enough. Man, Dee is a quintessential 13 y/o. The boys. The catty friendship angst. The sorrow over being fifth, or lower, on her mother's list of priorities. Even when I wanted to smack her, I loved her. And, yes, she is one potty-mouthed girl. #HeckYeah
Seamus is a tentative man, quite used to moving on. He's never had such strong feelings for anyone as Chancey and he's afraid to admit it to himself, but he finds the courage to admit it to Chancey.
The ending was so spectacular. I ached for it, and I was rewarded for my patience, much like Chancey and Seamus. I can only wonder how their new life together will turn out. I think I'll go search the clover for a shamrock. I gotta wish these guys some luck.
August 9, 2016
For the most part I really liked this. Shay's accent comes thru brilliantly, and I can so easily hear his voice in my head. Chancey is a bit harder to really get a feel for, but I think that is mostly because he is up against Shay. And for a story where the characters spend a majority of the time on different continents, there is some really good chemistry between them.
My only issue is perhaps Chancey's daughter, Dre. And this is mostly down to the fact I find most teenagers really annoying. And if anyone offered to take me to Ireland to live, I'd be jumping up and down not throwing the hissy of all fits. Yeah moving sucks, but take it from someone who spent the majority of their high school career changing cities--you get over it. Sometimes you just have to just roll with it and not be such an ass.
My only issue is perhaps Chancey's daughter, Dre. And this is mostly down to the fact I find most teenagers really annoying. And if anyone offered to take me to Ireland to live, I'd be jumping up and down not throwing the hissy of all fits. Yeah moving sucks, but take it from someone who spent the majority of their high school career changing cities--you get over it. Sometimes you just have to just roll with it and not be such an ass.
August 10, 2016
There is no possible way either of these authors could write something I wouldn't enjoy--at least, I haven't found anything to date. This is no exception. I loved it from page one, and I couldn't put it down.
I'm not usually one for very manly men, but Chancey and Seamus are not your typical Guy-Guy Super Manly Dudes. Both are refreshingly masculine without falling into stereotypes of how "real" men are supposed to behave. Some of that may be cultural, of course. I'm not really sure how Irish men are socially expected to behave. I loved that he was thoughtful and emotionally warm. Chancey's heart walked around outside his body in the form of his teenage daughter, and I loved their relationship.
Speaking of...the secondary characters were wonderful. I often feel a book is only as good as the secondaries, and despite how the main focus was on Chancey and Seamus keeping up their long-distance love, the people around them were equally delightful. Dee is probably my favorite, mostly because she reminded me of a wicked combination of my own kids. I wouldn't mind at all reading another story with her in it. And of course I was thrilled to see Patrick and Aiden (from Leaving Flowers), even if only briefly. Kaylee was wonderfully awful, though I did feel bad for Dee. I'm not usually one for the Horrible Ex Wife trope, but since there are other girls and women in the story who more than make up for Kaylee's flaws, it's all right.
I was tickled pink to see a relationship between two bisexual men. Having just one bi guy is a treat, but two? That was just plain fabulous. The love between them was a nice combination of slow realization while still being intense. Some of their exchanges were priceless as they both processed through a host of new feelings. Really nicely done.
What I love most is the way the story is seamlessly blended. It's rare to find co-authors whose style completes each other so perfectly. Raine leans toward the sweet gentleness of healing and hope, while Debbie is invested in the psychology of the characters. In this story, I believe that's what made both men so well-rounded.
While there were one or two moments that sort of had me raise my eyebrows for bordering on not-quite-believable, that's okay--this is a story, after all, and sometimes what's needed is a little bit of fairy tale possibility. If you're looking for a well-written story that reads the way comfort food tastes, this is the one. It's not necessary to read the first one beforehand, but it does help. And when you're done, absolutely be sure to read everything else these authors have written. You'll just have to take my word for it.
5 stars, of course.
I'm not usually one for very manly men, but Chancey and Seamus are not your typical Guy-Guy Super Manly Dudes. Both are refreshingly masculine without falling into stereotypes of how "real" men are supposed to behave. Some of that may be cultural, of course. I'm not really sure how Irish men are socially expected to behave. I loved that he was thoughtful and emotionally warm. Chancey's heart walked around outside his body in the form of his teenage daughter, and I loved their relationship.
Speaking of...the secondary characters were wonderful. I often feel a book is only as good as the secondaries, and despite how the main focus was on Chancey and Seamus keeping up their long-distance love, the people around them were equally delightful. Dee is probably my favorite, mostly because she reminded me of a wicked combination of my own kids. I wouldn't mind at all reading another story with her in it. And of course I was thrilled to see Patrick and Aiden (from Leaving Flowers), even if only briefly. Kaylee was wonderfully awful, though I did feel bad for Dee. I'm not usually one for the Horrible Ex Wife trope, but since there are other girls and women in the story who more than make up for Kaylee's flaws, it's all right.
I was tickled pink to see a relationship between two bisexual men. Having just one bi guy is a treat, but two? That was just plain fabulous. The love between them was a nice combination of slow realization while still being intense. Some of their exchanges were priceless as they both processed through a host of new feelings. Really nicely done.
What I love most is the way the story is seamlessly blended. It's rare to find co-authors whose style completes each other so perfectly. Raine leans toward the sweet gentleness of healing and hope, while Debbie is invested in the psychology of the characters. In this story, I believe that's what made both men so well-rounded.
While there were one or two moments that sort of had me raise my eyebrows for bordering on not-quite-believable, that's okay--this is a story, after all, and sometimes what's needed is a little bit of fairy tale possibility. If you're looking for a well-written story that reads the way comfort food tastes, this is the one. It's not necessary to read the first one beforehand, but it does help. And when you're done, absolutely be sure to read everything else these authors have written. You'll just have to take my word for it.
5 stars, of course.
April 28, 2016
Even though they were apart for much of the book, the men communicated a lot and their lives were interesting enough that I enjoyed it. Loved seeing Adrian and Paddy from the first book.
October 8, 2015
It took me a short while to get into this novel with the return of Seamus back to Ireland and the man he left behind in Kansas/ A little confusing at first, but it very quickly was crystal clear. Seamus had gone to America with his family and ended working on a ranch with Chancey, a real cowboy. The two worked together for 10 years and on the last night their feelings, physical and emotional came out with Great Sex. Not able to handling it, Seamus, up and left out even a good bye and went back to Ireland. One day they reconnected both on the phone and internet and those feelings of Lust and deep down feelings emerged. They continued to Skype with each other taking care of physical needs, but they both knew it was much deeper than that. They decided to go to a wedding together after being a part In Pennsylvania and the night and next day only made things harder to part. Chancey had a daughter which made things difficult because of her friends, and her love for horses and ropping. When it came down to it. Seamus wanted them to move back to Ireland with him. He wanted them to make a family together. The authors did a magnificent job of portraying the love and difficulties that the two went through, but they never lose their love for each other. Was it enough to wait for each other for 5 years for Chancey;s daughter to go to college. You need to read this story. It will tug on your heart and the most beautiful love these two shared. If you love MM Sex, Romance, and Love. A love that waited to bring the two together. The story had a strong line, and the characters were amazing. I loved both Seamus and Chancey from the start. And I must say the Sex was Hot!!! Don't. miss this one. You won't be sorry. I loved it. Great job Debbie McGowan and Raine O'Tierney. You are amazing. Want to read more.
April 14, 2019
OK, it's really a rounded up 4.5 stars, because while I loved it, it didn't quite match book 1, Leaving Flowers. But then, how could it? That book thawed a heart that had turned to ice, which can only be done once...
So, Where The Grass...
It's a slow burner, so impatient readers like me may have to read it twice to appreciate how well written it really is, with a great buildup and wonderful secondary characters like Dee and Michael, whom I really loved.
As for the main characters, I loved Seamus right from the start, but Chancey took a long time to come to life for me. But that's the kind of guy Chancey is, not one to bare his soul other than to a selected few, and after an appropriate amount of time. Still, I did come to love him in the end, and the chemistry between the two is palpable. And then there's the sex... Oh my...
For those unfamiliar with the songs 'You & Tequila' and 'The Race Is On', it might be worth googling the lyrics to understand the impact of the songs within the story.
It was great to meet Paddy & Aidan from Leaving Flowers again, and I loved how they had their role to play in the story. I am really hoping to read more about them some day!
I also loved the contrast between life in Kansas and that in Ireland, which really added to the rich textures of the story.
So, in all, it's a great read and another great collaboration between two great authors whose styles and individual know-how really complement each other. Well done, ladies!
So, Where The Grass...
It's a slow burner, so impatient readers like me may have to read it twice to appreciate how well written it really is, with a great buildup and wonderful secondary characters like Dee and Michael, whom I really loved.
As for the main characters, I loved Seamus right from the start, but Chancey took a long time to come to life for me. But that's the kind of guy Chancey is, not one to bare his soul other than to a selected few, and after an appropriate amount of time. Still, I did come to love him in the end, and the chemistry between the two is palpable. And then there's the sex... Oh my...
For those unfamiliar with the songs 'You & Tequila' and 'The Race Is On', it might be worth googling the lyrics to understand the impact of the songs within the story.
It was great to meet Paddy & Aidan from Leaving Flowers again, and I loved how they had their role to play in the story. I am really hoping to read more about them some day!
I also loved the contrast between life in Kansas and that in Ireland, which really added to the rich textures of the story.
So, in all, it's a great read and another great collaboration between two great authors whose styles and individual know-how really complement each other. Well done, ladies!
November 10, 2015
I received one copy of this book at no charge in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own. Review first posted on Nautical Star Books.
In Where the Grass is Greener, Seamus Williams and Chancey Bo Clearwater meet on a cattle ranch in Kansas. Chancy is a cowboy, born and bred. Seamus is from Ireland but has been working cattle in the US for several years. They were friends and colleagues, working together, relaxing together and just generally getting to know each other. One night of drunken passion between them creates a break in their friendship and Seamus goes home to Ireland. He never expects to hear from Chancy again but a phone call out of the blue 10 months later puts these two back in touch.
The long distance between Seamus and Chancy means that most of their 'getting to know you again' is done via Skype. They slowly reconnect, talking about feelings and family and life....and have quite a bit of sexy, naked time as well. They have a whole bunch of complications standing in the way of a relationship but they are determined to make it work.
The way the author portrays each of these characters seems to fit exactly with how my mind wants them to develop. Chance's quiet but determined attitude fits this stoic cowboy perfectly. Seamus's feelings for Chance clearly run incredibly deep and he agonizes over whether he made the right decision when he left Kansas.
Can I just say that I loved Chance's daughter Dee. She was a typical angst ridden tween balancing between hormonal upheaval and a little girl love for her daddy. She went through moments of being a pain in the ass but those moments were tempered with hints of wisdom and maturity that I loved. She plays a very important role in this story and I enjoyed her character quite a bit.
Where the Grass is Greener is a slow romance and most of it takes place long distance. There is a lot of getting to know you again in this story but the heat flares when they connect via Skype. When they finally manage to see each other, you can practically feel the relief flowing through their veins when they finally hold each other again.
A few words that describe Where the Grass is Greener for me: heart warming, slow burn, enjoyable, tender, and emotional.
The only thing I think I would have liked done differently is the ending. While you get your happily ever after, it just stops there. You never get to see them create their lives together and become a family. I found myself wishing I knew what the rest of their journey together looked like.
But, overall, Where the Grass is Greener is a wonderful book that I fully enjoyed!
In Where the Grass is Greener, Seamus Williams and Chancey Bo Clearwater meet on a cattle ranch in Kansas. Chancy is a cowboy, born and bred. Seamus is from Ireland but has been working cattle in the US for several years. They were friends and colleagues, working together, relaxing together and just generally getting to know each other. One night of drunken passion between them creates a break in their friendship and Seamus goes home to Ireland. He never expects to hear from Chancy again but a phone call out of the blue 10 months later puts these two back in touch.
The long distance between Seamus and Chancy means that most of their 'getting to know you again' is done via Skype. They slowly reconnect, talking about feelings and family and life....and have quite a bit of sexy, naked time as well. They have a whole bunch of complications standing in the way of a relationship but they are determined to make it work.
The way the author portrays each of these characters seems to fit exactly with how my mind wants them to develop. Chance's quiet but determined attitude fits this stoic cowboy perfectly. Seamus's feelings for Chance clearly run incredibly deep and he agonizes over whether he made the right decision when he left Kansas.
Can I just say that I loved Chance's daughter Dee. She was a typical angst ridden tween balancing between hormonal upheaval and a little girl love for her daddy. She went through moments of being a pain in the ass but those moments were tempered with hints of wisdom and maturity that I loved. She plays a very important role in this story and I enjoyed her character quite a bit.
Where the Grass is Greener is a slow romance and most of it takes place long distance. There is a lot of getting to know you again in this story but the heat flares when they connect via Skype. When they finally manage to see each other, you can practically feel the relief flowing through their veins when they finally hold each other again.
A few words that describe Where the Grass is Greener for me: heart warming, slow burn, enjoyable, tender, and emotional.
The only thing I think I would have liked done differently is the ending. While you get your happily ever after, it just stops there. You never get to see them create their lives together and become a family. I found myself wishing I knew what the rest of their journey together looked like.
But, overall, Where the Grass is Greener is a wonderful book that I fully enjoyed!
October 5, 2015
Original Blog Post: Review Request & Excerpt: Where the Grass Is Greener by Debbie McGowan & Raine O’Tierney
Reviewed by: Ray
My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
This is the story of an Irishman named Seamus who worked on a ranch in Kansas with an American named Chancey, had sex with him once, and hurried back to Ireland without saying good-bye. The story is about their getting together again. There are complications, mostly in the form of the Chancey's thirteen-year-old daughter, and his bitch of an ex-wife who takes pleasure in screwing with their heads, not to mention their lives.
The two men reconnect physically, when the Seamus flies to America to attend his brother’s wedding to another man, and Chancey joins him at the wedding. They spend the night in a hotel, wearing each other out sexually, and talk about a wedding of their own—in Ireland. The daughter throws a hissy fit about moving to Ireland, and things get rocky for a while, but it all works out in the end when she and her father move to Ireland.
This could have read better were it not for a few things that distracted this reader. One, the story was overly full of depictions of Chancey and Seamus having cyber sex, using Skype.
Second, not wanting to sound nitty gritty but, the authors attempted to use some Americanisms in the story. Unfortunately they didn’t always get it right. For example, one of the characters refers to “the I-70.” On television, we often see characters in Los Angeles refer to “the 410" or “the 5,” but they never say “the I-410.” Nor does anyone else in America. Referring to “the 5" is a peculiarly west coast custom. In the rest of America people refer simply to the interstate highways as “I-70" as in “We took a long drive up I-70.” Also there was the use of Wal-Mart instead of Walmart. I know these are not bad but it distracted too much and got me off track through the unfolding story.
Third, it is impossible for this reader to ignore the fact that, instead of talking to each other, the characters utter; mutter; growl; groan; and snap at each other, to name a few.
The story is interesting enough, especially when several minor characters were involved. Unfortunately, the story did not rise above the bad dialogue, and way too much explicit sex.
I’ll stop now.
Note: Copy provided by authors for an honest review.
Reviewed by: Ray
My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
This is the story of an Irishman named Seamus who worked on a ranch in Kansas with an American named Chancey, had sex with him once, and hurried back to Ireland without saying good-bye. The story is about their getting together again. There are complications, mostly in the form of the Chancey's thirteen-year-old daughter, and his bitch of an ex-wife who takes pleasure in screwing with their heads, not to mention their lives.
The two men reconnect physically, when the Seamus flies to America to attend his brother’s wedding to another man, and Chancey joins him at the wedding. They spend the night in a hotel, wearing each other out sexually, and talk about a wedding of their own—in Ireland. The daughter throws a hissy fit about moving to Ireland, and things get rocky for a while, but it all works out in the end when she and her father move to Ireland.
This could have read better were it not for a few things that distracted this reader. One, the story was overly full of depictions of Chancey and Seamus having cyber sex, using Skype.
Second, not wanting to sound nitty gritty but, the authors attempted to use some Americanisms in the story. Unfortunately they didn’t always get it right. For example, one of the characters refers to “the I-70.” On television, we often see characters in Los Angeles refer to “the 410" or “the 5,” but they never say “the I-410.” Nor does anyone else in America. Referring to “the 5" is a peculiarly west coast custom. In the rest of America people refer simply to the interstate highways as “I-70" as in “We took a long drive up I-70.” Also there was the use of Wal-Mart instead of Walmart. I know these are not bad but it distracted too much and got me off track through the unfolding story.
Third, it is impossible for this reader to ignore the fact that, instead of talking to each other, the characters utter; mutter; growl; groan; and snap at each other, to name a few.
The story is interesting enough, especially when several minor characters were involved. Unfortunately, the story did not rise above the bad dialogue, and way too much explicit sex.
I’ll stop now.
Note: Copy provided by authors for an honest review.
January 18, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
We got to see Seamus Williams in book 1, heading back to Ireland from the States. What we know only in this book, is that he's running away from Chancey Bo Clearwater, the sexy cowboy he slept with one night and then felt so awkward about it he left without saying goodbye.
*sighs*
Things are looking kinda depressing, 'cuz of course Seamus is all torn up about Chancey but yes! Chancey calls him up.
Saying I miss you, Shay.
And that's when I knew this was gonna be good.
Chancey's in America, and Seamus is in Ireland. They both know they're onto something special, but what are they going to do when they're practically halfway across the world from each other? Skype, that's what.
While Seamus is supervising a farm back home, Chancey has his own bunch of problems to deal with. They start and end with his daughter's shenanigans and his ex-wife's selfishness. His daughter isn't so much of a problem as a minor annoyance maybe (come on she's a teenager what else can you expect?) and he mostly kind of worries about how he's going to tell her that he's dating a man, but his ex is getting both his and his daughter's nerves.
Things seem a little hopeless for a while until Seamus invites him to his Patrick's wedding.
Yup, Paddy and Aidan from book are getting MARRIED!!!!!!!1!!!!!
So while that's going on, Seamus and Chancey get the chance to work things out (and snog, of course. a whole lot.)
Things get a little crazy, and people are miserable, but it all works out so yay!!
This book, unlike the first, is low on the angst but the drama's all there. I think there's more drama in this one, honestly. Interesting twists and turns, interesting characters, and the best ending!!
There were a few of those pesky 'jealousy because of misunderstandings' incidents, but they were quickly resolved so they weren't so bad. In fact it was pretty funny :P
I loved this one almost as much as I liked the first book, but somehow... I didn't get that 'Ah! 5 stars! All the stars! YESSSS' feeling when I ended this. I think it might just be me.
By all counts, though, this is a great second installment in the seeds of Tyrone series. I loved Chancey, and I loved Seamus. I loved their connection, and I loved that they had to work a little for their HEA. Would definitely tell others to read it.
We got to see Seamus Williams in book 1, heading back to Ireland from the States. What we know only in this book, is that he's running away from Chancey Bo Clearwater, the sexy cowboy he slept with one night and then felt so awkward about it he left without saying goodbye.
*sighs*
Things are looking kinda depressing, 'cuz of course Seamus is all torn up about Chancey but yes! Chancey calls him up.
Saying I miss you, Shay.
And that's when I knew this was gonna be good.
Chancey's in America, and Seamus is in Ireland. They both know they're onto something special, but what are they going to do when they're practically halfway across the world from each other? Skype, that's what.
While Seamus is supervising a farm back home, Chancey has his own bunch of problems to deal with. They start and end with his daughter's shenanigans and his ex-wife's selfishness. His daughter isn't so much of a problem as a minor annoyance maybe (come on she's a teenager what else can you expect?) and he mostly kind of worries about how he's going to tell her that he's dating a man, but his ex is getting both his and his daughter's nerves.
Things seem a little hopeless for a while until Seamus invites him to his Patrick's wedding.
Yup, Paddy and Aidan from book are getting MARRIED!!!!!!!1!!!!!
So while that's going on, Seamus and Chancey get the chance to work things out (and snog, of course. a whole lot.)
Things get a little crazy, and people are miserable, but it all works out so yay!!
This book, unlike the first, is low on the angst but the drama's all there. I think there's more drama in this one, honestly. Interesting twists and turns, interesting characters, and the best ending!!
There were a few of those pesky 'jealousy because of misunderstandings' incidents, but they were quickly resolved so they weren't so bad. In fact it was pretty funny :P
I loved this one almost as much as I liked the first book, but somehow... I didn't get that 'Ah! 5 stars! All the stars! YESSSS' feeling when I ended this. I think it might just be me.
By all counts, though, this is a great second installment in the seeds of Tyrone series. I loved Chancey, and I loved Seamus. I loved their connection, and I loved that they had to work a little for their HEA. Would definitely tell others to read it.
October 28, 2015
Seamus Williams has returned to Ireland after spending several years in the States, leaving his brother, Patrick, behind. But Patrick has Aiden, and he's an adult, so he can fend for himself. Reconnecting with his homeland is just what Seamus needs--well, that and to get away from the one thing (read: person) who scares him more than anything else. And Seamus isn't afraid of much. Not even an ocean can keep him safe, though, as he gets a phone call from a U.S. number he doesn't recognize and answers it. It seems not saying goodbye to Chancey "Chance" Clearwater didn't mean he wouldn't find a way to track Seamus down, forcing Seamus to confront the feelings he thought he left back in Kansas. But it turns out Seamus might be eliciting some of the same feelings and fears in Chance, leaving both men to sort out what they want and how to get it despite living thousands of miles apart.
I'm sometimes a bit skeptical of stories where the relationship started and has already faced complications before the book starts. Too often authors use that as a device without having to actually deal with the issues that led to those complications in the first place. Or readers are left without understanding what brought the couple together in the first place, making it difficult to understand why they remain together and work past the problem. But neither of those cases are true here. Even though the relationship started and much happened before the first page of text, that doesn't mean we miss out at all on knowing Seamus and Chance both individually and together. And by no means are the complications over before the book starts, either. There is a slow but steady plot progression that meanders and builds toward a conclusion that seems real and right. In short, this is a heartwarming and enjoyable story, even if there are moments where one might want to reach through the page and give both men a hearty shake.
Definitely recommended for fans of m/m romance. Although this is the second book in a series, it's not necessary to read the first book before reading this one. I haven't read the first book and I had no problems following or understanding this one.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.]
I'm sometimes a bit skeptical of stories where the relationship started and has already faced complications before the book starts. Too often authors use that as a device without having to actually deal with the issues that led to those complications in the first place. Or readers are left without understanding what brought the couple together in the first place, making it difficult to understand why they remain together and work past the problem. But neither of those cases are true here. Even though the relationship started and much happened before the first page of text, that doesn't mean we miss out at all on knowing Seamus and Chance both individually and together. And by no means are the complications over before the book starts, either. There is a slow but steady plot progression that meanders and builds toward a conclusion that seems real and right. In short, this is a heartwarming and enjoyable story, even if there are moments where one might want to reach through the page and give both men a hearty shake.
Definitely recommended for fans of m/m romance. Although this is the second book in a series, it's not necessary to read the first book before reading this one. I haven't read the first book and I had no problems following or understanding this one.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.]
January 8, 2016
I loved this story even more than the first in the series, even though I loved that one too.
Seamus and Chancey's story was a doozy, and flowed like honey over a smooth stone.
We come in after some history has passed between the two and they are still licking their proverbial wounds and picking up the pieces, five thousand miles apart. We get to know the "history" through small snippets of flashbacks which did not take me out of the story at all.
This is told from Seamus and Chancey's point of view and they are two very different characters. I loved them both, and if anyone knows me, they'll know I love an age gap story, that really has no issues about age gap at all.
There is a skill to making a relationship believable and real between two characters that only speak to each other over skype. But theirs was real, and I was totally drawn into all the frustration and pain and hopelessness of a blossoming long distance relationship.
Seamus and Chancey's story was a doozy, and flowed like honey over a smooth stone.
We come in after some history has passed between the two and they are still licking their proverbial wounds and picking up the pieces, five thousand miles apart. We get to know the "history" through small snippets of flashbacks which did not take me out of the story at all.
This is told from Seamus and Chancey's point of view and they are two very different characters. I loved them both, and if anyone knows me, they'll know I love an age gap story, that really has no issues about age gap at all.
There is a skill to making a relationship believable and real between two characters that only speak to each other over skype. But theirs was real, and I was totally drawn into all the frustration and pain and hopelessness of a blossoming long distance relationship.
December 27, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
his story is beautiful. I loved Seamus in the brief scenes he was in the first book. But he’s so deep here. He feels so much and I love how he’s not afraid to show it. Chancey is wonderful as well. He takes care of Dee and puts her first all the time, leaving his happiness second. But Dee is so sweet and works hard to navigate the crazy emotions and hormones that come with being a teenager and figuring out where she fits in her life. I enjoyed getting to see Paddy and Aidan again and their wedding. So beautiful. Chancey and Seamus are so perfect together. They compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And the way Seamus takes care of Mikey after the run in with his step dad. I love it! I loved this story and truly hope there’s a sequel in the future. I want to see more of all these characters since they pull you in and don’t want to let you go. My favorite scene is where Chancey is having “The Talk” with Dee. I was dying laughing during that scene. I could see both of their faces in my head!
Four and a half stars!
his story is beautiful. I loved Seamus in the brief scenes he was in the first book. But he’s so deep here. He feels so much and I love how he’s not afraid to show it. Chancey is wonderful as well. He takes care of Dee and puts her first all the time, leaving his happiness second. But Dee is so sweet and works hard to navigate the crazy emotions and hormones that come with being a teenager and figuring out where she fits in her life. I enjoyed getting to see Paddy and Aidan again and their wedding. So beautiful. Chancey and Seamus are so perfect together. They compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And the way Seamus takes care of Mikey after the run in with his step dad. I love it! I loved this story and truly hope there’s a sequel in the future. I want to see more of all these characters since they pull you in and don’t want to let you go. My favorite scene is where Chancey is having “The Talk” with Dee. I was dying laughing during that scene. I could see both of their faces in my head!
October 16, 2015
I loved it!!
April 29, 2016
Reviewed by Caer Jones for QUEERcentric Books
2.5 stars
Debbie McGowan and Raine O’Tierney once again collaborated to write Where the Grass is Greener, the second book in the Seeds of Tyrone series. It can be read as a stand-alone – I did – but as I was reading, I really wished I had the background on the first book’s characters for when they showed up.
Maybe that would have added some interest.
ONE NIGHT OF DRUNKEN ABANDON FLARED INTO PASSION
The timeline of Where the Grass is Greener begins after the relationship of the two main characters has progressed a bit. We find out that Seamus Williams and Chancey Clearwater had worked comfortably together for years at a ranch in Kansas, until one night of drunken abandon flared into passion.
Seamus doubted that Chancey returned his romantic interest, though, and hopped a plane back to freaking Ireland – without a word to Chancey – to avoid rejection.
The book opens ten months later with Seamus and Chancey missing each other and trying to pick things up again. Finding a way to close the distance between them, both physically and emotionally, is further complicated by Chancey’s teenaged daughter and the gay teen Seamus takes in after his folks kick him out.
I HAD SUCH A HARD TIME EVEN FINISHING THIS BOOK
That’s it. That’s the plot. And that’s why I had such a hard time even finishing this book.
I guess we can classify this as a “slow burn” kind of romance. The characters spend a grand total of like 3 days physically with each other during the novel, when Seamus returns to the States to attend his brother’s wedding.
The rest of the book consists of Seamus and Chancey pining for each other while living their individual and rather boring lives, in separate countries, and getting off together on Skype.
That would have been fine if they’d actually talked to each other. I’ve read some amazingly well-done long-distance relationships (the letter/Twitter relationship in Amy Lane’s Keeping Promise Rock immediately springs to mind). This was not one of those, though, mainly because dialogue between the main characters was so sparse.
We got to see Seamus thinking about Chancey, and Chancey thinking about Seamus, and both of them talking a bit about the other with people in their own circles, but the time they actually spent talking to each other is limited at best.
When they did see each other, they were both so concerned with catering to his teenaged daughter’s delicate sensibilities that what they didn’t say covered more than what they did say, and they didn’t even platonically touch unless they were alone. Considering they were there for a wedding, and only one of those nights was spent in a hotel, alone time was just as scarce as conversation.
So the plot was dull and the dialogue lacking. What about the sex?
I have to say that the few sex scenes in the book we actually get are hot. Short, but steamy and intense and creative. There just weren’t enough of them.
STEAMY AND INTENSE AND CREATIVE
There was a truly fabulous cybersex scene that hit all the notes (seriously, it was by far my favorite scene in the book), two other in-person sex scenes that were very good, and a lot of references to scenes we didn’t actually get to see. If these missing scenes had been fleshed out they might have turned this lackluster romance into some worthwhile erotica, but unfortunately that did not happen.
All of that together ended up with me being almost completely unable to connect to the main characters at all. Which is a real shame, because before this book I would have said “strapping Irish cowboy” was about the height of personal fantasy material. But no. I did enjoy the fact that Seamus spoke with an Irish accent, but while that is reason enough to enjoy a drink with someone, it’s not enough to connect them.
One thing in particular that really stuck out to me is the minimal attention anyone paid to the age difference. Chancey is 17 years older than Seamus, but aside from a few “huh, ok then” moments, it’s not addressed by anyone at all. It’s not an insurmountable age difference or anything, but wouldn’t someone have mentioned it, even if just to rib one of them a bit? But nothing. That took away some of the authenticity for me, to be honest.
The other characters in the book added a bit of life to the story, but not nearly enough. Chancey’s daughter Dee annoyed me, but at least I felt something for her. Chancey’s ex annoyed me a bit too, but since I didn’t really care about Chancey or Dee, I couldn’t get upset enough about her selfishness for it to matter.
Seamus’s brother and his fiancé/husband were sort of interesting, as was their surrogate, and I’m vaguely tempted to pick up the first book in the series to fill in the background on those characters. Probably not tempted enough to actually do it, but the vague temptation is there.
There is a HEA here, but the ending is rather abrupt after all the lead-up and, for me, unsatisfying.
So, to recap. The plot was boring, the dialogue between the characters was sparse, the sex scenes were both short and numerically lacking, I could not connect to the characters no matter how much I tried, and the HEA was a let-down.
SLOW AND QUIET ROMANCE
My only real takeaway from the whole thing is the desire to play some Garth Brooks later on tonight. Readers who enjoy an extremely slow and quiet romance might find this is exactly what they’re looking for, but this was very much not the book for me.
2.5 stars
Debbie McGowan and Raine O’Tierney once again collaborated to write Where the Grass is Greener, the second book in the Seeds of Tyrone series. It can be read as a stand-alone – I did – but as I was reading, I really wished I had the background on the first book’s characters for when they showed up.
Maybe that would have added some interest.
ONE NIGHT OF DRUNKEN ABANDON FLARED INTO PASSION
The timeline of Where the Grass is Greener begins after the relationship of the two main characters has progressed a bit. We find out that Seamus Williams and Chancey Clearwater had worked comfortably together for years at a ranch in Kansas, until one night of drunken abandon flared into passion.
Seamus doubted that Chancey returned his romantic interest, though, and hopped a plane back to freaking Ireland – without a word to Chancey – to avoid rejection.
The book opens ten months later with Seamus and Chancey missing each other and trying to pick things up again. Finding a way to close the distance between them, both physically and emotionally, is further complicated by Chancey’s teenaged daughter and the gay teen Seamus takes in after his folks kick him out.
I HAD SUCH A HARD TIME EVEN FINISHING THIS BOOK
That’s it. That’s the plot. And that’s why I had such a hard time even finishing this book.
I guess we can classify this as a “slow burn” kind of romance. The characters spend a grand total of like 3 days physically with each other during the novel, when Seamus returns to the States to attend his brother’s wedding.
The rest of the book consists of Seamus and Chancey pining for each other while living their individual and rather boring lives, in separate countries, and getting off together on Skype.
That would have been fine if they’d actually talked to each other. I’ve read some amazingly well-done long-distance relationships (the letter/Twitter relationship in Amy Lane’s Keeping Promise Rock immediately springs to mind). This was not one of those, though, mainly because dialogue between the main characters was so sparse.
We got to see Seamus thinking about Chancey, and Chancey thinking about Seamus, and both of them talking a bit about the other with people in their own circles, but the time they actually spent talking to each other is limited at best.
When they did see each other, they were both so concerned with catering to his teenaged daughter’s delicate sensibilities that what they didn’t say covered more than what they did say, and they didn’t even platonically touch unless they were alone. Considering they were there for a wedding, and only one of those nights was spent in a hotel, alone time was just as scarce as conversation.
So the plot was dull and the dialogue lacking. What about the sex?
I have to say that the few sex scenes in the book we actually get are hot. Short, but steamy and intense and creative. There just weren’t enough of them.
STEAMY AND INTENSE AND CREATIVE
There was a truly fabulous cybersex scene that hit all the notes (seriously, it was by far my favorite scene in the book), two other in-person sex scenes that were very good, and a lot of references to scenes we didn’t actually get to see. If these missing scenes had been fleshed out they might have turned this lackluster romance into some worthwhile erotica, but unfortunately that did not happen.
All of that together ended up with me being almost completely unable to connect to the main characters at all. Which is a real shame, because before this book I would have said “strapping Irish cowboy” was about the height of personal fantasy material. But no. I did enjoy the fact that Seamus spoke with an Irish accent, but while that is reason enough to enjoy a drink with someone, it’s not enough to connect them.
One thing in particular that really stuck out to me is the minimal attention anyone paid to the age difference. Chancey is 17 years older than Seamus, but aside from a few “huh, ok then” moments, it’s not addressed by anyone at all. It’s not an insurmountable age difference or anything, but wouldn’t someone have mentioned it, even if just to rib one of them a bit? But nothing. That took away some of the authenticity for me, to be honest.
The other characters in the book added a bit of life to the story, but not nearly enough. Chancey’s daughter Dee annoyed me, but at least I felt something for her. Chancey’s ex annoyed me a bit too, but since I didn’t really care about Chancey or Dee, I couldn’t get upset enough about her selfishness for it to matter.
Seamus’s brother and his fiancé/husband were sort of interesting, as was their surrogate, and I’m vaguely tempted to pick up the first book in the series to fill in the background on those characters. Probably not tempted enough to actually do it, but the vague temptation is there.
There is a HEA here, but the ending is rather abrupt after all the lead-up and, for me, unsatisfying.
So, to recap. The plot was boring, the dialogue between the characters was sparse, the sex scenes were both short and numerically lacking, I could not connect to the characters no matter how much I tried, and the HEA was a let-down.
SLOW AND QUIET ROMANCE
My only real takeaway from the whole thing is the desire to play some Garth Brooks later on tonight. Readers who enjoy an extremely slow and quiet romance might find this is exactly what they’re looking for, but this was very much not the book for me.
January 31, 2016
3.5 Stars
I liked this story better than the previous book in this series. After having read the first book and not being able to connect to the main characters I was a bit worried the same would happen with this one but it didn’t. Where the Grass is Greener is a quick and easy read. The slow burn relationship I was looking for in Leaving Flowers happens between Seamus and Chancey but their relationship has its problems.
Seamus’s abrupt return to Ireland without talking to Chancey before he left threw me and the fact it happens so early in the book also threw me. I thought it was too soon in the story and made it take longer than I would have liked for me to connect to the characters and the book, but I eventually did. The guys Skype for a lot of their relationship and while I was okay with that I wish there had of been more conversation and less cyber-sex. The sexual tension was there so a fade to black once in awhile would have worked for me.
As for the secondary characters, like all romance stories there was some I liked and some I didn’t. Chancey’s daughter Deirdre was sweet and I’m so glad she wasn’t portrayed as a whiney brat but as a caring and loving young women. As for Chancey’s ex-wife….well, I could have done without her she annoyed the hell out of me.
All in all I enjoyed this read and was happy to see Patrick and Adrien from book one make an appearance.
I liked this story better than the previous book in this series. After having read the first book and not being able to connect to the main characters I was a bit worried the same would happen with this one but it didn’t. Where the Grass is Greener is a quick and easy read. The slow burn relationship I was looking for in Leaving Flowers happens between Seamus and Chancey but their relationship has its problems.
Seamus’s abrupt return to Ireland without talking to Chancey before he left threw me and the fact it happens so early in the book also threw me. I thought it was too soon in the story and made it take longer than I would have liked for me to connect to the characters and the book, but I eventually did. The guys Skype for a lot of their relationship and while I was okay with that I wish there had of been more conversation and less cyber-sex. The sexual tension was there so a fade to black once in awhile would have worked for me.
As for the secondary characters, like all romance stories there was some I liked and some I didn’t. Chancey’s daughter Deirdre was sweet and I’m so glad she wasn’t portrayed as a whiney brat but as a caring and loving young women. As for Chancey’s ex-wife….well, I could have done without her she annoyed the hell out of me.
All in all I enjoyed this read and was happy to see Patrick and Adrien from book one make an appearance.
October 5, 2015
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads Review Team~
3 stars for this M/M
This book is second in a series but could probably be read as a standalone. I read the first book and it didn’t really do much for me but I was hoping this book would be better because it seemed like the last book I enjoyed Paddy and his POV so I was thinking it would be the same with Seamus and his POV. However, just like the previous book, this book just didn’t do anything for me. I was bored at times and would end up skimming lots pages. There wasn’t really enough dialogue for me and I couldn’t connect with the characters. When there was dialogue and interaction with the characters it was good, but there just wasn’t enough of it. It was nice to seeing characters again from the first book.
3 stars for this M/M
This book is second in a series but could probably be read as a standalone. I read the first book and it didn’t really do much for me but I was hoping this book would be better because it seemed like the last book I enjoyed Paddy and his POV so I was thinking it would be the same with Seamus and his POV. However, just like the previous book, this book just didn’t do anything for me. I was bored at times and would end up skimming lots pages. There wasn’t really enough dialogue for me and I couldn’t connect with the characters. When there was dialogue and interaction with the characters it was good, but there just wasn’t enough of it. It was nice to seeing characters again from the first book.
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