[Siren The Stormy Glenn ManLove Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, HEA] Asked to look into a suspicion of abuse, Bear Black finds himself more intrigued by the man he is investigating than he really should be, especially considering the man is married. When he suspects that Andrew has been attacked, Bear goes in for the rescue and finds a man that calls to his soul as much as his protective instincts. Dr. Andrew Sutherland has spent the last three years in hell, never knowing when one wrong move might end in another beating. Hiding his abuse from the world has become so common place, he doesn't even think of how odd his behavior might look to the outside world. When he's rescued from the latest attack by a man right out of his fantasies, Andrew doesn't know whether to submit to the desire he feels or run for the hills. But when his actions put Bear in danger, will Andrew be strong enough to stand up and protect the one man that has come to mean the world to him or will his fear prevent him from keeping Bear safe? ** A Siren Erotic Romance
About Me I believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. I also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings.
I live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with my gorgeous husband and soul mate, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cats, and three fish. When I'm not being a mother to my six teenagers or cleaning up after my two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find me cuddled in bed with a book in my hand and a puppy in my lap. Or on my laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of my stories.
I welcomes comments from readers, so drop me a line. stormyglenn@hotmail.com
What do I do ? I'm a writer of erotic, paranormal, werewolf, futuristic, contemporary, gay, and Ménage a Trois romances. I'm currently published with Siren Publishing, Torquere Press, and Noble Ellora's Cave.
I've kinda been reading this series out of order here and there but I always know I'm going to get some cheesy goodness with an overprotective alpha and a sweet beaten down guy who deserves a HEA. These books are good little fillers in between longer more heavier reads.
Note: I am an independent reader. Paid for book out of my own pocket. I have no affiliation with author or publishing house or review blog or anything like that. I just like books. ;)
Another great addition to the Cade Creek Series. A quick read for me. Started and finished in under two hours.
+1 star: The plot was inventive.
+1 star: Inventive villain. For once, I didn't predict the ending.
-1 star: Minor editing mistakes/ rushed ending. There were two sentences missing a verb, which knocked me out of immersion. Barely a -.25 star there, and only because I finding it annoying in a published work I paid for.
As for the ending, don't get me wrong. It was good. It was only a smidge short of great, and that was only because
+1 star: Characters. I absolutely loved the way Andrew had multiple facets to his character. On one hand, he was hurt and scared.... but what's that saying? It's how we deal with our traumas that define us.
T_T
As for Bear, I thought the insta-love was pushing it. Yes, he was all big and bad (Geez, I really love big and bad--and sweet--which is the biggest reason I didn't knock off a star). And yes, he was looking for love starting with scene 1. But I felt like his character didn't reach his potential because all the struggles were Andrew's.
In his previous appearances, Bear was this wise, silent type that saw all evil, heard all evil, and never spoke of evil. He was an anti-hero, a man balancing between lawful evil and chaotic good, following/guarding his best friend down the road to hell. And then escaping--he'd ESCAPED that life. What on earth was he going to do with himself now?
I was truly giddy when I saw he was getting his own novel, because I wanted to see how he'd find himself after everything he'd done. And I wanted to see someone shake up him up and ruffle his feathers. But in this novel?
To me, this was a novel about Andrew and, really, only Andrew.
To be absolutely clear: That wasn't really a bad thing once I dismissed my expectations and read the novel for itself.
X.X
Also, I really want to beat the crap out of his wife.
‘Cade Creek’ has been a wonderful series so far, with its theme of abused men finding safety, a life partner, and a new home in the small but well-defended city of Cade Creek. This newest volume is no exception and pulled me in from the beginning. Bear is the vice president of Dorian’s (the undercover cop from book eight) motorcycle club, and he is wondering whether all the partnering-up is due to something in the water. It made me laugh and curious about his upcoming story at the same time. While the beginning is wistful, with Bear longing for a partner, it quickly gets quite serious as he discovers the abuse Andrew has suffered and when Bear’s friends ask him to help, he doesn’t hesitate for a second.
Andrew is in a living hell when Bear turns up in his life. The most recent beating administered by his wife Norma’s so-called cousin has Andrew closer to death than ever before. He may be a doctor, but he is also is malnourished, afraid of his own shadow, and can’t see a way out of his terrible situation. It started three years ago when he married Norma in Vegas – a fact he can barely comprehend since he is gay. But he was drunk, and she has a marriage license, so there isn’t a whole lot Andrew can do. The few attempts Andrew has made to escape have been met with the most vicious punishments, so even when Bear rescues him, Andrew can’t be sure they won’t find him again.
Bear is big, strong, and knows how to handle himself. Andrew touches him deep inside, and Bear has no idea how to deal with the sudden feelings he develops. Protectiveness he can understand, but there is more. As Bear adjusts to a new reality where Andrew is at his side, he also finds out more about the doctor’s background. With the help of his friends and the sheriff of Cade Creek, Bear sets out to ensure Andrew’s safety. More than one surprise await him as he delves into the details, but he won’t rest until Norma and her “cousin” are in prison, and Andrew can become the man Bear spends the rest of his life with.
If you like stories about abused men who take their life back under their own control, if a big, strong guy coming to the rescue of a physically weaker man are your thing, and if you’re looking for a read that is emotional, touching, and has more than one unexpected twist, then you will probably like this novella. I think it is a worthy addition to the Cade Creek saga!
NOTE: This book was provided by Siren Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
***** This terrific story grabbed me right away. ***** These characters are deep and thought-filled, and while the plot flows along we see the systematic abuse of Andrew.
No one would believe him if he told anyone, you'll see what I mean when you read it. He has tried to get out of his "hell". A friend has noticed his bruises, limps, stiffness, etc., and has asked an experienced investigator to find out what's going on with shy, skinny, Doctor Andrew. Big, American Indian, with long black hair, Bear Black, is a Dirty Dozen Motorcycle Club member.
After the wedding in the opening, DB asks Bear to do him the favor, and Bear is accepting immediately. He stakes out Andrew's house, watches, follows, and does the same for the wife. When a turn of events prompts Bear to check out the house, he finds Andrew unconscious, duct taped, and bloody from head to toe. He rescues the man, cares for him, and learns a lot about him.
This is a tale of brutal abuse, rescue, and healing. Andrew gets care from Bear's friends also. We see previous characters from the series, and they are fabulous.
Bear and Andrew are amazing together, and the anticipation and sex are exciting. There is still much to go for total healing.
I love a Stormy Glenn story, and this was is a winner. Highly recommend. ENJOY !
Love this series!!!! This subject is rarely talked about, I'm glad you touched on it.. Abuse is abuse period. I loved how protective, loving , kind, patience, Bear was with Andrew. This was a beautiful heartbreaking story. I'm so happy they both got what the wanted and needed Freaking awesome
Was really enjoying until the most instalove turn near the end. Andrew would not be ready for a relationship for awhile. I think I could have believed it if it were a fated mate angle, but there is no paranormal here. Plus, the marriage proposal at the end? Kinda cringe
Andrew is living a nightmare and no one knows…or do they? Odd Man Out by Stormy Glenn is tenth in her Cade Creek series. I enjoyed returning to Cade Creek. You knew Andrew was in trouble when we met him so I am glad Ms. Glenn decided we needed his story. And I adored Bear. His friends were dropping like flies and he was ready for his turn. I love that his turn allowed him to provide security to the man who was rapidly becoming his heart. Andrew found safety in Bear’s arms and I totally understood why. I love that Ms. Glenn touched on the subject of domestic violence against a male. It isn’t something explored often so I appreciated Ms. Glenn’s handling of the subject. I felt all of Andrew’s disgust with himself. I loved that Bear refused to allow him to carry the burden alone. I love that Bear understood that if he wanted a future with Andrew it wouldn’t be quick or easy. I loved seeing Andrew come out of his shell. I loved that Ms. Glenn allowed us to see who Andrew was and could be again, once he felt safe. This story was well written and Ms. Glenn handled a touchy subject with a deft touch. I enjoyed this story and my return to Cade Creek. I look forward to where Ms. Glenn will take us next in this world she has created.
Mmmkay, so I was soooo excited for Bear. I fell in love with him in Dorian’s story.
But Andrew? Are you kidding me with him??
So… being at the wedding of Artie and Dorian, and DB and Deputy Hale… Bear starts envying all the couples that are settling down and finding their forevers. He wants that… that look like he’s somebody’s whole world. And he deserves it, after working so hard undercover and following Dorian, working for his country and then the FBI… it’s time he had someone to come home to, right?
Well, when DB and Nick ask him to look into the doctor that DB was worried about, (If you read the other stories, you’ll know that Andrew is the pompous seeming, know it all… I didn’t him until now, and honestly, in the beginning I still didn’t like him)
So, Andrew is married to a woman… He’s gay, but he never “questioned” it… like, really? I’m not even getting into that. But his wife. She’s extremely abusive. Like, beats the crap out of him, makes him live in the “servant’s quarters”… only lets him eat an apple and a sandwich a day, makes him clean the house spotless even though they have a maid, or else he gets tortured for so much as a crumb left behind. And she takes all of his money….
Now, I understand abusive relationships. I understand manipulator’s and I understand the powerlessness one feels after years of abuse and delusion. But are you kidding me??? He’s a fricking well known, well respected doctor!!! He’s a grown man… I just.. .I rolled my eyes, wanted to throw up and wanted to slit his wife’s throat… no joke. My psycho a . s . s thought about that!!!! Just UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, it made me so mad! To be honest, it completely, completely ruined this story for me.
I mean… I love a wounded bird story… they’re my favorite. I love hurt comfort, and I love big bad guys take care of their little hot guys, that’s also a favorite. But, the wife and her cousin literally torturing and abusing this guy and him just going along with it? No.
One I got through all of that part, and Bear had been watching and came to Andrew’s rescue, I fell in love with Bear all over again. He couldn’t believe that someone would torture Andrew like that, and when he found him, beaten and bound, he scooped him up and took him away from there. To Dorian, who helped him with DB and Deputy Hale., as well as Neason and Brody, (who I love and need to go back and read, because I didn’t realize when I started this, that this was actually a spinoff series)…
And honestly, once you figure out tht Norma and the cousin are far more complicated than they seem… The story kind of makes more sense. I was happy with the way it ended, but I wish that Carlos and Norma would’ve got to suffer more than they did. I’m petty that way, I reckon. I’m not even gonna pretend that I’m not.
Overall, once I got past the ridiculousness of how a grown man was getting beaten and tortured aat the hands of his wife. It was a decent story of insta-love (which I love), and a really hot Bear coming to the rescue!
I can’t give it more than 3 stars though, the far fetched stuff was just TOO far fetched. Looking forward to seeing who’s next though!
Abuse is ugly whatever form it takes. It's particularly egregious when children are the victims. Next women are the ones most often who are most often victimized by their domestic partners. Restraining orders though legal documents aren't worth the paper they are printed on. Headlines abound of slain former Exs. Even in bastions of justice - the courtroom - women have been gunned down.
It's not as common to hear about men being abused especially by their wives. More often you hear about Bullying - intimidation both mentally and physically. That Bullying rising to Abuse when the wife marries with an agenda and has the muscle in the form of a large heavy handed cousin to back up any of her demands & threats. The more vulnerable the man, the more alone he is - the more likely he is to be victimized. That isolation is key to keeping the person feeling there is no one they can go to. And even if they did have someone - friends or family or even colleagues they - men are especially so ashamed of being emasculated by the abuse they're suffering, they remain silent despite physical injuries.
A central question is always - Why doesn't the adult victim leave? It is so hard to understand the mental & physical manipulation the victim undergoes. Even if directly asked about abuse the victim takes on the responsibility for their bruises / breaks by claiming to be clumsy or klutz. Doors are deadly, not their spouse, as are falls down stairs.
The physical abuse and mental anguish suffered by Dr Andrew Sutherland may have killed another man or caused him to kill himself. Though he was an educated doctor that did not stop or prevent the abuse. The violence exhibited against him was cringed worthy. Even his wife not being home didn't lessen Andrew's fear of terrible consequences if he did not do what was expected of him in the form of daily chores and instruction lists. Lucky for Dr Sutherland a concerned colleague noticed and cared to intervene by hiring someone - the large former military man, Bear Black to find a way to help.
Bear had been the perfect person to track down what was going on. He took his time investigating until he realized that Andrew may not have much time remaining. Then he whirled into a man of action. Rescuing, hiding out, getting help psychologically, and with meals. Then notifying the police in spite of the victim's objections and hiring a good attorney. But things were not as they seemed. Everything couldn't instantly be revolved. Especially since they were a "married" couple. What Andrew's wife & cousin hadn't realized was that they were now messing with someone under the protection of the Blaechleah clan. What the rest of everyone didn't realize except Andrew was that his wife & her cousin were crazily violent, cunning, and always got what they wanted. And they wanted Andrew back!
I really enjoyed this story despite the terrible things done to one of the MCs. I will definitely be reading it again as well as recommending it to others.
This is a solid story. Things happen incredibly fast but that's to be expected with this series. I'm able to accept that. It deals with a the important topic of abuse and especially an aspect of it that not every one realizes or accepts exists. Huge kudos on that. It is dealt with very well. The biggest thing I have an issue with is accepting is how easily and quickly Andrew accepts attention and passion. The feelings are believable I just think we're not given enough of a glimpse into the struggle he has to face with trusting and accepting love after as long as he was abused. I think that would convince me that out didn't happen easily. I definitely don't think that should deter reading this book though. It's well worth the time!
I thought this was definitely more on par of the Blaecleahs.. I would probably say this is the best of the Cade Creek series. Hard emotional physical abuse and my suspicions confirmed at the end . Plus a closer look into Neason and Brody where we haven't seen but in passing for a while.
What I had the biggest issue with was feeling like Bear pushed for sex before Andrew learns the truth. Plus I just wasn't sure he was equipped mentally yet.
This was such a wonderfully scary, loving and anger infusing story!I was so angry on Andrew's behalf for what he was dealing with. As I waited for Bear to rescue him , I kept mumbling " come on already! " I so enjoyed how Bear and Andrew grew so close so fast, how they relied on each other , and how they loved each other. I would recommend this book to all. Wonderful job!
I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Andrew and I was glad he got his Bear. Bear started following Andrew as a favor but ended up falling for the man. I loved them. I loved that Bear was all alpha and was going to protect what was his. The ending was really good. seeing Andrew come out of his shell..was a great ending to the book.
Just because I had already guessed who was abusing Andrew, and why, it still didn’t make me hurt any less for what he suffered through. Bear is just as wonderful as I imagined he’d be and these two men were really great together.