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Resurrection
His war has just begun. James (Jamie) Massey has been raised in a strict military household and grew up with the sole purpose of becoming a soldier. He never imagined the heartache his choices in love and war would weigh on his soul, and when he loses everything, he can’t imagine ever being happy again. Chris Baker grew up in a small town, raised on the rodeo circuit. When he met Ben, he thought he’d live blissfully every after, but things have a way of not going along as planned. Chris, devastated by his loss, was barely hanging on. When Jamie and Chris end up in the same small town diner, it can only be credited to divine intervention. But are both men too damaged? They say God works in mysterious ways. Well, he certainly had his hands full when he chose these two for saving. Is it too late? Deals with PTSD, death, and realistic wartime violence.
322 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2016
15 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
S. Davidson
4 books23 followersShelly has been writing M/M stories for years, beginning in fanfiction (ER, LOTR) and advancing to full length novels. While most of her novels can be considered romantic, they are far from your average M/M romance. They all include characters who are real, in pain, and most stories center around taboo topics - topics that are not usual subjects of a M/M romance novel. While not writing, Shelly spends time with family, runs an online Home Décor business and works a real day job.
Web Site: https://sdavidsonauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdavidsonaut... Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdavidsonauthor Email: sdavidsonauthor@earthlink.net
Web Site: https://sdavidsonauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdavidsonaut... Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdavidsonauthor Email: sdavidsonauthor@earthlink.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 6, 2016
Sometimes I wish had a future-me traveling to the past in order to slap me on the back of the neck and tell me: “Keep reading this one, you moron!”
You know, for matters of life or death.
Because I was more than ready to DNF this one and I can’t believe I was so close to let this beauty pass me by.
Future-me would never have forgiven me for it.
So, if I loved this so fucking much, then why did I almost give up?
Good question.
I don’t like to make summaries about the books I read. I prefer to focus on how the book inspired me, on the emotions they awake in me. So, I will try not to make an exception here, but I also have to answer the question above.
Just fair warning: the book is divided in three parts, each story clearly different from each other, so in truth, it’s as if we have three stories here. The final one being my favorite.
By a long shot.
The first part felt more like narrative than a romance. And that confused and annoyed me to no end. I’m not going to beat around the bush, I was looking forward to finishing it so I could get into the “meat” of the story. I’m an impatient reader, so I was getting more and more restless when I saw there was no end to an apparently mindless display of events happening around Jamie. This was the part that was truly challenging for me, as it took a great effort for me to overcome it.
The second part was the one that awoke my curiosity. The one that waved at my face and encouraged me to begin enjoying the novel.
And then the third part was the beauty. Good things come for those who wait. However, to be honest, I’d have liked for those good things to come much earlier. It’s a long book, so it’s not as if I felt the romance was short or rushed. In fact, it’s a sweet slow burning and I could hear the pieces in my head all coming together to form a magical picture. This was the story that slapped me in the face and made me sigh all the wows in the universe, to the moon and back. To the moon and back. And again. And again.
I have to mention the version I received needs lots of editing, not only in typos but the flowery vocabulary distracted me several times. This all made me re-read certain paragraphs several times or look at the ceiling for a while, because it all sounded too wrong or too sappy to my ears. I hope this will be corrected in the final version.
To sum it up, the book is not perfect.
At all.
But you know what?
It was worth it.
There is no way to deny it.
Part 1. Jamie’s life (0-30%)
This one was the story I had more trouble with. Jamie comes from a “dynasty” of military men. He’s grown under his father’s hard discipline and he’s always known he’d be prepared to be a soldier. In such a suffocating environment, he’s not exactly eager to confess he’s gay. So going to university and having an open relationship with his roommate, Derrick, and his best friend, Shannon, is exhilarating. I’m not fond of M/M/F, but Jamie clearly doesn’t consider this situation anything serious. Unlike Derrick, who indeed falls in love with Jamie and follows him everywhere around the country when his training begins.
Here I was terribly frustrated with Jamie. It’s obvious Derrick comes second, as his goal is to become Special Forces and then be part of the Delta. I was growing so upset with Jamie’s lack of commitment, I couldn’t wait for the moment for them to break up once and for all. Derrick is devoted to Jamie, supporting him no matter what, but I found Jamie detached and not invested in them. It’s not that he doesn’t feel any affection towards Derrick, but I always believed Derrick deserved much more than a guy who doesn’t hide the fact he thinks what they have is casual, even after years and years together.
I couldn’t bring myself to like Jamie. He doesn’t give me enough reasons to love him. I got to know a man who takes a long time to acknowledge his own emotions. He’s not quite really invested in the relationship until much later into the story, and when that finally happens, the ending comes violently. Destiny steals his future and happiness from him in the cruelest of ways.
Part 2. Chris’s life (30-47%)
This was the one that made me focus on this book and change my mind about it all. Here is when I really realized I liked this book, that I had to keep reading.
Chris has grown up in a ranch with loving parents who have always supported him. He’s famous in the local scene, as a successful bull rider. His addiction to this daily dose of adrenaline doesn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams of being an architect, so he moves to New York in order to follow his own path. And that’s where he meets Ben.
Seriously, Chris and Ben are so cute together! Their story is adorable, they are so good for each other I was really anxious at the prospect of a closure. It eventually comes, and it’s indeed a painful goodbye, for them, but for me too. I seriously didn’t want it to end. In fact, I just couldn’t stand the thought of an end. When I finished it I admit I was left with such a huge feeling of impotence, I got a little angry at the world.
Part 3. Jamie and Chris together (47-100%)
This was the part that clearly made it for me.
This is the part that slapped me in the face and shouted at me for ever thinking this book was a real mistake. Oh, there was a big mistake indeed, which was that stupid belief that I wouldn’t be moved by this.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I learnt it’s impossible not to love Jamie. I learnt I wanted Jamie to be with Chris ASAP and never be apart more than a few minutes, or none at all. I learnt they are perfect for each other. I learnt my face could smile forever and then my heart would be filled with utter happiness or consuming angst. I learnt their chemistry is intoxicating. I learnt soul mates exists for real.
I wanted more of them together, because when they have sex, when they talk, when they kiss each other, when they save each other in their lowest moments, it made perfectly sense to me. There is no way around it, suddenly everything made sense, every obstacle on the road, every scar in their soul and body, everything… made sense to me. Just like that.
When they meet, they are both broken, and they recognize each other’s longings and their desire to fulfill the empty space left inside themselves by fulfilling each other’s. They instantly find what they are looking for. It’s not the end of the road, but the beginning.
I can’t exactly explain how but suddenly I just knew they were exactly what the other one needed. I saw that, ever since they lay their eyes upon each other, there would be no coming back.
It’s not that their story is a bed of roses and glitter everywhere. It’s not a fairy tale of prince meets prince, and HEA in their cute pink castle with a sugary moat around.
In fact, they both have issues and they are not easy to deal with. Jamie’s baggage is more evident, as he has never got to cope with PTSD and TBI and that sense of guilt that he survived when too many good men, mates, friends, brothers, didn’t. He loses his temper at the most unexpected moments, or physical or phantom pain takes over and refuses to leave, or memory seems like a far away concept. Depression and surrender dominates and clouds his understanding. He is flooded with such fear and panic, he believes there is no way out, no light in the world. The prospect of drugs and alcohol makes the only sense to him. He is crawling, trying to take one step after the other, but even that seems pointless. Why should he fight and go on with life, when everything is fucked up in his head.
Until Chris.
Chris, on the other side, has survived his husband after almost 20 years together. He doesn’t remember the last time he felt alive. He’s also crawling. He’s mentally stable in comparison to Jamie, but his lonely and grey existence is far from being the one he really deserves. This selfless man deserves to love and to be loved in return.
And when that handsome stranger comes to town, something deep inside him knows he would never feel lost again.
When the fire sparkles, all I could ever think about was taking this pure emotion in my hands and wrap it carefully in order to hide it under lock and key, so not to let it be lost in the wind. The best kind of love is this one. The one that makes you feel like your feet aren’t touching the floor. The one that makes you keep your faith in life and love.
No, this book was not perfect, but in some ways, it was.
You know?
*****
Explanation of the rating: If I had to rate each part individually, it would be like this:
Part 1: 2 stars (being generous)
Part 2: 3 stars
Part 3: 4.5 stars
Part 3 is the important one for me, the part that will stay in my memory if I ever think about this book. If I ever decided to re-read this book, I would only read part 3.
Although I’d like to give more, part 1 was too long and discouraging for my taste. So, overall, I’ve decided 3.5 stars is a proper general rating.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
You know, for matters of life or death.
Because I was more than ready to DNF this one and I can’t believe I was so close to let this beauty pass me by.
Future-me would never have forgiven me for it.
So, if I loved this so fucking much, then why did I almost give up?
Good question.
I don’t like to make summaries about the books I read. I prefer to focus on how the book inspired me, on the emotions they awake in me. So, I will try not to make an exception here, but I also have to answer the question above.
Just fair warning: the book is divided in three parts, each story clearly different from each other, so in truth, it’s as if we have three stories here. The final one being my favorite.
By a long shot.
The first part felt more like narrative than a romance. And that confused and annoyed me to no end. I’m not going to beat around the bush, I was looking forward to finishing it so I could get into the “meat” of the story. I’m an impatient reader, so I was getting more and more restless when I saw there was no end to an apparently mindless display of events happening around Jamie. This was the part that was truly challenging for me, as it took a great effort for me to overcome it.
The second part was the one that awoke my curiosity. The one that waved at my face and encouraged me to begin enjoying the novel.
And then the third part was the beauty. Good things come for those who wait. However, to be honest, I’d have liked for those good things to come much earlier. It’s a long book, so it’s not as if I felt the romance was short or rushed. In fact, it’s a sweet slow burning and I could hear the pieces in my head all coming together to form a magical picture. This was the story that slapped me in the face and made me sigh all the wows in the universe, to the moon and back. To the moon and back. And again. And again.
I have to mention the version I received needs lots of editing, not only in typos but the flowery vocabulary distracted me several times. This all made me re-read certain paragraphs several times or look at the ceiling for a while, because it all sounded too wrong or too sappy to my ears. I hope this will be corrected in the final version.
To sum it up, the book is not perfect.
At all.
But you know what?
It was worth it.
There is no way to deny it.
Part 1. Jamie’s life (0-30%)
This one was the story I had more trouble with. Jamie comes from a “dynasty” of military men. He’s grown under his father’s hard discipline and he’s always known he’d be prepared to be a soldier. In such a suffocating environment, he’s not exactly eager to confess he’s gay. So going to university and having an open relationship with his roommate, Derrick, and his best friend, Shannon, is exhilarating. I’m not fond of M/M/F, but Jamie clearly doesn’t consider this situation anything serious. Unlike Derrick, who indeed falls in love with Jamie and follows him everywhere around the country when his training begins.
Here I was terribly frustrated with Jamie. It’s obvious Derrick comes second, as his goal is to become Special Forces and then be part of the Delta. I was growing so upset with Jamie’s lack of commitment, I couldn’t wait for the moment for them to break up once and for all. Derrick is devoted to Jamie, supporting him no matter what, but I found Jamie detached and not invested in them. It’s not that he doesn’t feel any affection towards Derrick, but I always believed Derrick deserved much more than a guy who doesn’t hide the fact he thinks what they have is casual, even after years and years together.
I couldn’t bring myself to like Jamie. He doesn’t give me enough reasons to love him. I got to know a man who takes a long time to acknowledge his own emotions. He’s not quite really invested in the relationship until much later into the story, and when that finally happens, the ending comes violently. Destiny steals his future and happiness from him in the cruelest of ways.
Part 2. Chris’s life (30-47%)
This was the one that made me focus on this book and change my mind about it all. Here is when I really realized I liked this book, that I had to keep reading.
Chris has grown up in a ranch with loving parents who have always supported him. He’s famous in the local scene, as a successful bull rider. His addiction to this daily dose of adrenaline doesn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams of being an architect, so he moves to New York in order to follow his own path. And that’s where he meets Ben.
Seriously, Chris and Ben are so cute together! Their story is adorable, they are so good for each other I was really anxious at the prospect of a closure. It eventually comes, and it’s indeed a painful goodbye, for them, but for me too. I seriously didn’t want it to end. In fact, I just couldn’t stand the thought of an end. When I finished it I admit I was left with such a huge feeling of impotence, I got a little angry at the world.
Part 3. Jamie and Chris together (47-100%)
This was the part that clearly made it for me.
This is the part that slapped me in the face and shouted at me for ever thinking this book was a real mistake. Oh, there was a big mistake indeed, which was that stupid belief that I wouldn’t be moved by this.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I learnt it’s impossible not to love Jamie. I learnt I wanted Jamie to be with Chris ASAP and never be apart more than a few minutes, or none at all. I learnt they are perfect for each other. I learnt my face could smile forever and then my heart would be filled with utter happiness or consuming angst. I learnt their chemistry is intoxicating. I learnt soul mates exists for real.
I wanted more of them together, because when they have sex, when they talk, when they kiss each other, when they save each other in their lowest moments, it made perfectly sense to me. There is no way around it, suddenly everything made sense, every obstacle on the road, every scar in their soul and body, everything… made sense to me. Just like that.
When they meet, they are both broken, and they recognize each other’s longings and their desire to fulfill the empty space left inside themselves by fulfilling each other’s. They instantly find what they are looking for. It’s not the end of the road, but the beginning.
I can’t exactly explain how but suddenly I just knew they were exactly what the other one needed. I saw that, ever since they lay their eyes upon each other, there would be no coming back.
It’s not that their story is a bed of roses and glitter everywhere. It’s not a fairy tale of prince meets prince, and HEA in their cute pink castle with a sugary moat around.
In fact, they both have issues and they are not easy to deal with. Jamie’s baggage is more evident, as he has never got to cope with PTSD and TBI and that sense of guilt that he survived when too many good men, mates, friends, brothers, didn’t. He loses his temper at the most unexpected moments, or physical or phantom pain takes over and refuses to leave, or memory seems like a far away concept. Depression and surrender dominates and clouds his understanding. He is flooded with such fear and panic, he believes there is no way out, no light in the world. The prospect of drugs and alcohol makes the only sense to him. He is crawling, trying to take one step after the other, but even that seems pointless. Why should he fight and go on with life, when everything is fucked up in his head.
Until Chris.
Chris, on the other side, has survived his husband after almost 20 years together. He doesn’t remember the last time he felt alive. He’s also crawling. He’s mentally stable in comparison to Jamie, but his lonely and grey existence is far from being the one he really deserves. This selfless man deserves to love and to be loved in return.
And when that handsome stranger comes to town, something deep inside him knows he would never feel lost again.
When the fire sparkles, all I could ever think about was taking this pure emotion in my hands and wrap it carefully in order to hide it under lock and key, so not to let it be lost in the wind. The best kind of love is this one. The one that makes you feel like your feet aren’t touching the floor. The one that makes you keep your faith in life and love.
No, this book was not perfect, but in some ways, it was.
You know?
*****
Explanation of the rating: If I had to rate each part individually, it would be like this:
Part 1: 2 stars (being generous)
Part 2: 3 stars
Part 3: 4.5 stars
Part 3 is the important one for me, the part that will stay in my memory if I ever think about this book. If I ever decided to re-read this book, I would only read part 3.
Although I’d like to give more, part 1 was too long and discouraging for my taste. So, overall, I’ve decided 3.5 stars is a proper general rating.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
May 24, 2016
This book...well, for one thing it ended up being a bit of a surprise for me...mind you a pleasant surprise. I've been pondering this one since I finished it yesterday. I like to do my reviews fairly soon after I've finished the book so that everything is fresh in my mind and with this book that was a bit of a challenge because I wasn't sure how to approach my review.
Before I get into the heart of this I just want to deal with what was my only real issue and that was the editing or more accurately the need for much stronger editing and because I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book to read I'm going to assume that while I was busy reading the book it was busy receiving a final edit that will hopefully resolve most if not all of the things that I stumbled on. Now as for the story...
You see here's my dilemma, the author has written one book but it actually contains 3 different stories. Stories that while they are distinctly individual are also so interconnected you can't possibly read one or two and leave anything out so 3 stories but at the same time one story.
Part 1 of this book deals with Jamie's life. Jamie or James Massey comes from a family with a strong military history and as a dutiful son he becomes determined not to break the tradition and enlist in the army before heading off to college where he discovers a whole world he never knew about but in spite of all that happens while he's at college he follows through on his commitment and goes of to basic training shortly after graduation day.
There's more of Jamie's military life than his personal life in this and yet in spite of that we are given a strong picture of who Jamie is. Jamie's story is heartbreaking in many ways and while at times I felt it was a somewhat dry account I also appreciated that it wasn't filled with overly strong emotion or flowery sentimentality. I truly felt like I was seeing Jamie's life through his eyes and it was harsh and brutal, but to even begin to understand Jamie the reader needed to see the world through his eyes. Both his military life and his personal life because they were so strongly tied together. What Jamie endured in the military and outside of it was often cruel and heartbreaking and what shone through was the strength that this man had, his ability to endure and rise above the worst of life's challenges.
Part 2 is about Chris Baker. Chris is so different. He grew up on a ranch with loving and supportive parents to become the golden boy of the rodeo circuit.
Chris's parents wanted nothing more than for him to one day take over the ranch but when Chris wanted to go off to college and do something different than be a rancher they supported this decision.
College is where he meets Ben. Theirs was definitely a whirlwind courtship and while I'm not usually a fan if love at first sight. I really liked how it was handled in this instance. In spite of their strong attraction Chris and Ben were practical about how they approached their relationship. They gave themselves time and got to know each other and their insta-love turned into a genuine relationship before these men truly committed to one another.
Sadly for both of these men along with the tragedy that they experienced in their professional lives there was also personal tragedy that left each of them lost and floundering for direction and purpose, it is at this point that their lives cross and the last part of the book becomes about them.
Part 3 is not a magical happily ever after for Chris and Jamie. I'm not saying it's not there. I'm just saying that they work damned hard to create it. This part of the book is in its own way gut wrenching and heartbreaking. Watching Chris and Jamie fight for what they want battling their own demons as well as each others. This is the part of the story where the author hooked me and hooked me good. I loved that Jamie got to have a Chris in his life after everything he'd been through in the army and personally he deserved someone who was always going to be in his corner. Someone who would always believe in him and Chris got the same...he got Jamie. Jamie who was yes, incredibly damaged, but still so strong and brave and honorable and so filled with love that he'd never had a chance to freely give. It wasn't the happily ever after that melted my heart so much as the hard won battle to get it.
Resurrection was one of those stories that while you're reading it, it seems ok and you like it. It has some really good moments but afterwards you think about it and you look at it in it's entirety and realize that what you read was much better than you had first perceived it to be and that it touched your heart in a way that books don't always do which is why I ended up giving this book 4 stars. Part 1 was probably a shaky 3 stars for me while part 2 was a very solid 3.5 heading towards 4 and part 3 wrapped it up with a definite 4+ stars so overall I'm comfortable with saying 4 stars for a first time book from a first time author in spite of the need for some final edits.
Also I just want to take a moment to mention the cover. I didn't get to see it until today, so after I'd read the book and when I looked at it and thought about the story that I'd read it left me a little speechless as to just how perfect this cover is for this story.
***An ARC of this book was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Before I get into the heart of this I just want to deal with what was my only real issue and that was the editing or more accurately the need for much stronger editing and because I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book to read I'm going to assume that while I was busy reading the book it was busy receiving a final edit that will hopefully resolve most if not all of the things that I stumbled on. Now as for the story...
You see here's my dilemma, the author has written one book but it actually contains 3 different stories. Stories that while they are distinctly individual are also so interconnected you can't possibly read one or two and leave anything out so 3 stories but at the same time one story.
Part 1 of this book deals with Jamie's life. Jamie or James Massey comes from a family with a strong military history and as a dutiful son he becomes determined not to break the tradition and enlist in the army before heading off to college where he discovers a whole world he never knew about but in spite of all that happens while he's at college he follows through on his commitment and goes of to basic training shortly after graduation day.
There's more of Jamie's military life than his personal life in this and yet in spite of that we are given a strong picture of who Jamie is. Jamie's story is heartbreaking in many ways and while at times I felt it was a somewhat dry account I also appreciated that it wasn't filled with overly strong emotion or flowery sentimentality. I truly felt like I was seeing Jamie's life through his eyes and it was harsh and brutal, but to even begin to understand Jamie the reader needed to see the world through his eyes. Both his military life and his personal life because they were so strongly tied together. What Jamie endured in the military and outside of it was often cruel and heartbreaking and what shone through was the strength that this man had, his ability to endure and rise above the worst of life's challenges.
Part 2 is about Chris Baker. Chris is so different. He grew up on a ranch with loving and supportive parents to become the golden boy of the rodeo circuit.
Chris's parents wanted nothing more than for him to one day take over the ranch but when Chris wanted to go off to college and do something different than be a rancher they supported this decision.
College is where he meets Ben. Theirs was definitely a whirlwind courtship and while I'm not usually a fan if love at first sight. I really liked how it was handled in this instance. In spite of their strong attraction Chris and Ben were practical about how they approached their relationship. They gave themselves time and got to know each other and their insta-love turned into a genuine relationship before these men truly committed to one another.
Sadly for both of these men along with the tragedy that they experienced in their professional lives there was also personal tragedy that left each of them lost and floundering for direction and purpose, it is at this point that their lives cross and the last part of the book becomes about them.
Part 3 is not a magical happily ever after for Chris and Jamie. I'm not saying it's not there. I'm just saying that they work damned hard to create it. This part of the book is in its own way gut wrenching and heartbreaking. Watching Chris and Jamie fight for what they want battling their own demons as well as each others. This is the part of the story where the author hooked me and hooked me good. I loved that Jamie got to have a Chris in his life after everything he'd been through in the army and personally he deserved someone who was always going to be in his corner. Someone who would always believe in him and Chris got the same...he got Jamie. Jamie who was yes, incredibly damaged, but still so strong and brave and honorable and so filled with love that he'd never had a chance to freely give. It wasn't the happily ever after that melted my heart so much as the hard won battle to get it.
Resurrection was one of those stories that while you're reading it, it seems ok and you like it. It has some really good moments but afterwards you think about it and you look at it in it's entirety and realize that what you read was much better than you had first perceived it to be and that it touched your heart in a way that books don't always do which is why I ended up giving this book 4 stars. Part 1 was probably a shaky 3 stars for me while part 2 was a very solid 3.5 heading towards 4 and part 3 wrapped it up with a definite 4+ stars so overall I'm comfortable with saying 4 stars for a first time book from a first time author in spite of the need for some final edits.
Also I just want to take a moment to mention the cover. I didn't get to see it until today, so after I'd read the book and when I looked at it and thought about the story that I'd read it left me a little speechless as to just how perfect this cover is for this story.
***An ARC of this book was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
June 11, 2016
2.5 Stars
Well I read a good part of this book, but I just didn't enjoy it. I really struggled....the beginning put me off and then it went down hill for me from there.
Well I read a good part of this book, but I just didn't enjoy it. I really struggled....the beginning put me off and then it went down hill for me from there.
February 7, 2017
Неоднозначное впечатление. Местами книга увлекает, есть очень эмоциональные трагические главы, где героям веришь и сопереживаешь их потерям. Истории персонажей по отдельности понравились больше, чем их общая. Как-то все потухло в конце, интерес к чтению совсем пропал. *пожимает плечами*
Написано в манере краткого изложения, необычно и не могу сказать, что понравилось.
Написано в манере краткого изложения, необычно и не могу сказать, что понравилось.
June 1, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the publisher / author for an honest review.)
When I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing this book for Love Bytes, I answered based solely on the recommendation of the woman who asked me. There wasn’t even a blurb yet, and I had little idea what it was about. I was warned that there were some triggers, and some PTSD, but I didn’t know much else. I actually liked that, because I had no preconceived notions.
The book is divided into three distinct parts, and they are each much different from the other sections.
Part 1 is the story of a young man named James “Jamie” Massey, the latest in a family of military men going back generations. His father is a career officer, and it has always been understood that the military is Jamie’s only option. But Jamie wants more, and pursues a college degree while on a delayed enlistment.
Sections of Jamie’s story are hard to read, in my opinion, maybe more so because of my own military background and the things that happened to my nephew while he was deployed multiple times in Iraq, so it was more personal to me. Jamie’s story is the story of a young man thrust into battles, and multiple deployments on his quest to become a member of the elite Delta Force. There is a lot of graphic violence, a lot of death, and a very realistic feeling plot. The things that poor Jamie went through were brutal, and heartbreaking. Of course, the military, at the time this story is set, was still under “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, and Jamie and his boyfriend had to hide their relationship. There were a couple areas in that part of the book where I cried a little, particularly with the devastation of Derrick’s story.
Part 2 is the story of another young man named Chris Baker, the only son of a family that specializes in the breeding and sale of bulls and broncos to the rodeo circuit. From an early age Chris has been a champion bull rider, but he wants more than just taking over the family ranch. He has aspirations to become an architect, and is able to attend Columbus University in New York. While there, he meets the love of his life, and they seem to have the perfect life. But things happen, and there is a character who is sick with terminal cancer, and I’ll admit I cried a little again. That is a huge personal trigger for me because of my own diagnosis, and it touched way to close to home to conversations my husband and I have had, but I think the author did a great job with her portrayal of the characters involved and their thoughts and actions. Kudos.
Part 3 is set after the events in Part 1 and Part 2 and involves the meeting of the now thoroughly broken Jamie and the also thoroughly broken Chris. Can they help each other with their issues? I’m not saying any more….but I will say that I think you’re going to like this one. It will tear your frigging heart strings at times, and will shock you at others, but you’re going to like it.
In conclusion, I would be willing to say this is one of the best books I’ve read this year so far, and it will definitely be going on my “Best of 2016” list. I couldn’t put it down. There were instances as I said which made me very sad, but there was also joy. Take my advice, pick this one up.
When I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing this book for Love Bytes, I answered based solely on the recommendation of the woman who asked me. There wasn’t even a blurb yet, and I had little idea what it was about. I was warned that there were some triggers, and some PTSD, but I didn’t know much else. I actually liked that, because I had no preconceived notions.
The book is divided into three distinct parts, and they are each much different from the other sections.
Part 1 is the story of a young man named James “Jamie” Massey, the latest in a family of military men going back generations. His father is a career officer, and it has always been understood that the military is Jamie’s only option. But Jamie wants more, and pursues a college degree while on a delayed enlistment.
Sections of Jamie’s story are hard to read, in my opinion, maybe more so because of my own military background and the things that happened to my nephew while he was deployed multiple times in Iraq, so it was more personal to me. Jamie’s story is the story of a young man thrust into battles, and multiple deployments on his quest to become a member of the elite Delta Force. There is a lot of graphic violence, a lot of death, and a very realistic feeling plot. The things that poor Jamie went through were brutal, and heartbreaking. Of course, the military, at the time this story is set, was still under “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, and Jamie and his boyfriend had to hide their relationship. There were a couple areas in that part of the book where I cried a little, particularly with the devastation of Derrick’s story.
Part 2 is the story of another young man named Chris Baker, the only son of a family that specializes in the breeding and sale of bulls and broncos to the rodeo circuit. From an early age Chris has been a champion bull rider, but he wants more than just taking over the family ranch. He has aspirations to become an architect, and is able to attend Columbus University in New York. While there, he meets the love of his life, and they seem to have the perfect life. But things happen, and there is a character who is sick with terminal cancer, and I’ll admit I cried a little again. That is a huge personal trigger for me because of my own diagnosis, and it touched way to close to home to conversations my husband and I have had, but I think the author did a great job with her portrayal of the characters involved and their thoughts and actions. Kudos.
Part 3 is set after the events in Part 1 and Part 2 and involves the meeting of the now thoroughly broken Jamie and the also thoroughly broken Chris. Can they help each other with their issues? I’m not saying any more….but I will say that I think you’re going to like this one. It will tear your frigging heart strings at times, and will shock you at others, but you’re going to like it.
In conclusion, I would be willing to say this is one of the best books I’ve read this year so far, and it will definitely be going on my “Best of 2016” list. I couldn’t put it down. There were instances as I said which made me very sad, but there was also joy. Take my advice, pick this one up.
October 7, 2016
Jamie Massey was raised in a military family. Special Forces was the ultimate goal in his life. Before that though, he enrolls in college where his best friend becomes his lover. They plan and lead a good life together as Jamie's military plans come to fruition.
Chris Baker comes from a small town. He is one of the best youth riders in rodeo and goes on to be one of the best adult riders on the circuit. However, he's always loved architecture. He decides to go to college, getting his degree in design. He meets the love of his life there. Ben and Chris form a union and a business. Life is good.
For these characters life is ideal, but tragedy strikes both. The two men's lives are in a downhill spiral, till destiny decides they need a little help.
Every part of this book is well developed, every character complex and compelling. It is intense, and one of the most loving books I have ever read. It is an intriguing study in how each man deals with the roadblocks life presents to them.
This may be the best book of the year. I know it is certainly there for me. I have no words to adequately describe my feelings, other than to say, it was an amazing experience.
Chris Baker comes from a small town. He is one of the best youth riders in rodeo and goes on to be one of the best adult riders on the circuit. However, he's always loved architecture. He decides to go to college, getting his degree in design. He meets the love of his life there. Ben and Chris form a union and a business. Life is good.
For these characters life is ideal, but tragedy strikes both. The two men's lives are in a downhill spiral, till destiny decides they need a little help.
Every part of this book is well developed, every character complex and compelling. It is intense, and one of the most loving books I have ever read. It is an intriguing study in how each man deals with the roadblocks life presents to them.
This may be the best book of the year. I know it is certainly there for me. I have no words to adequately describe my feelings, other than to say, it was an amazing experience.
July 12, 2016
I’ve loved everything about this book: The writing style, the story, the characters.
At the end of the book I was overwhelmed by all the emotions. Resurrection is intense, heartbreaking and yet romantic and real.
The book is divided in three parts.
PART 1 – JAMIE
Jamie is a soldier, a man grown up in a family where the Army comes before everything, a legacy. He complies to his father rules, enrolling in the Army, but at his own condition. His story is intense and heartbreaking, he made me cry a lot! Now I understand better how hard it is to be a military and gay. He needs to be double strong and determined.
The relationship between Jamie and Derrick starts in an unconventional way and it’s not an easy and totally happy one.
Derrick is completely committed to Jamie, always at his side, always there for him when he returns home form his several deployments. I did not like that Jamie doesn’t reciprocate this love in the same way. I hated Jamie always putting the Army first. Derrick would have deserved better. And Jamie realizes how much he loved Derrick only when a cruel destiny will end their love and future.
(**loads of tissues here**)
PART 2 – CHRIS
Starting this second part I thought “Well, something is wrong? Am I reading a different book? There’s no connection here!” And suddenly I was drawn into Chris world and story, forgetting about my doubts.
Chris has grown up in a ranch and in bull riding competition since he was a child. He is gay, but this doesn’t seem to bother anyone in an environment like bull riding. But Chris is a charming guy with supportive parents and friends. He’s living a full life, following his passion and building a solid future as an architect. When he met Ben all becomes perfect. Together they are perfect and happy. But this fabulous bubble bursts when a cruel destiny will end their love and future.
At this point I started to see the connection.
PART 3 – JAMIE & CHRIS
Two men so different, coming from different places, damaged in different ways, but still broken. They are lost souls trying to give their lives a new meaning, searching for something that can keeps them alive. And this time destiny will reward them. Together they can be whole and love again, they haven't reached the end but the beginning of a new life.
From Jamie I've learnt how bad and hard is to cope with PTSD and TBI, how high is the price to pay to be a hero, to live in the darkness, feel guilty and scared. How high is the price the soldiers have to pay to protect their countries?
From Chris I've learnt the word tenacity.His soul screams Never give up.
Resurrection is a rollercoaster of emotions, beautiful and intense. A MUST read.
ARC received from Infinity Promotion Design
At the end of the book I was overwhelmed by all the emotions. Resurrection is intense, heartbreaking and yet romantic and real.
The book is divided in three parts.
PART 1 – JAMIE
Jamie is a soldier, a man grown up in a family where the Army comes before everything, a legacy. He complies to his father rules, enrolling in the Army, but at his own condition. His story is intense and heartbreaking, he made me cry a lot! Now I understand better how hard it is to be a military and gay. He needs to be double strong and determined.
The relationship between Jamie and Derrick starts in an unconventional way and it’s not an easy and totally happy one.
Derrick is completely committed to Jamie, always at his side, always there for him when he returns home form his several deployments. I did not like that Jamie doesn’t reciprocate this love in the same way. I hated Jamie always putting the Army first. Derrick would have deserved better. And Jamie realizes how much he loved Derrick only when a cruel destiny will end their love and future.
(**loads of tissues here**)
PART 2 – CHRIS
Starting this second part I thought “Well, something is wrong? Am I reading a different book? There’s no connection here!” And suddenly I was drawn into Chris world and story, forgetting about my doubts.
Chris has grown up in a ranch and in bull riding competition since he was a child. He is gay, but this doesn’t seem to bother anyone in an environment like bull riding. But Chris is a charming guy with supportive parents and friends. He’s living a full life, following his passion and building a solid future as an architect. When he met Ben all becomes perfect. Together they are perfect and happy. But this fabulous bubble bursts when a cruel destiny will end their love and future.
At this point I started to see the connection.
PART 3 – JAMIE & CHRIS
Two men so different, coming from different places, damaged in different ways, but still broken. They are lost souls trying to give their lives a new meaning, searching for something that can keeps them alive. And this time destiny will reward them. Together they can be whole and love again, they haven't reached the end but the beginning of a new life.
From Jamie I've learnt how bad and hard is to cope with PTSD and TBI, how high is the price to pay to be a hero, to live in the darkness, feel guilty and scared. How high is the price the soldiers have to pay to protect their countries?
From Chris I've learnt the word tenacity.His soul screams Never give up.
Resurrection is a rollercoaster of emotions, beautiful and intense. A MUST read.
ARC received from Infinity Promotion Design
May 30, 2016
**Triggers: Deals with PTSD, death, and injury.
I wrote this as part of a co-review with OJCast.
Review -
OJ, OJ, OJ what have you gotten me into here? This one's on you dude. Talk about a difficult book to review, whew! Solid storytelling and plot development here. It took me from deep depths of emotional despair, to soaring elation with second-chance relationships to incredible frustration with some of the writing aspects. I was adjusting my review score constantly. Bottom line - I'd say this was hit and miss, but with big hits and big misses.
THE CHARACTERS
James (Jamie) Massey - Dyed in the wool Special Forces soldier, Jamie has been on tour four times. He's seen too much, lost too much, but can he be resurrected?
Chris Baker - Freakin' sexy-ass cowboy bull rider, Chris is a dichotomy. He is a country boy drawn to the big city. He finds a lot there, including the love of his life.
THE STORY
This book was a struggle. Jamie struggled. Chris struggled. I struggled.
Jamie never had a choice whether he would be a soldier or not. It's in his family's blood. He was groomed from a young age to do his best, be the best, and as he rises to each and every challenge. But he also loses bits of himself along the way.
Chris is one of the good guys. He's talented, intelligent and caring. Maybe too caring. I think the reader is supposed to fall for Jamie, but it was Chris for me all the way.
Settle in for a very complete story about two men who have lived a lot of life and then come together at a point in their lives that find them both ruined. Trying to survive the depths of despair and the horrors of war, there isn't much left for these guys to give. And yet, they find a way.
THE WRITING
Annd this is where I struggled. I realize backstory is important, but it felt like it was worked out after the main story had been written and that rarely works. Honestly I would have trimmed the heck out of it. It wasn't repetitive, but it was just too much. There was nearly no dialog for the first twenty percent and that really slowed down the read. At times I felt like I was reading a non-fiction, or even a mission report about Jamie's deployments.Top that off with fade-to-black scenes (not just the sex scenes) that were just getting somewhere enjoyable and...I struggled.
And then the very weak editing affected tempo and overall readability, unfortunately.
However! There were some brilliant, shocking and emotional moments that made the book memorable. I'm still thinking about these guys; they've stuck with me. This author has solid storytelling abilities that a more ardent editor could resurrect. I won't hesitate to give her work another try.
You can read more of our co-review on my blog and see our questions regarding our read for each other here -
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
I would like to thank S. Davidson, the author, for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I wrote this as part of a co-review with OJCast.
Review -
OJ, OJ, OJ what have you gotten me into here? This one's on you dude. Talk about a difficult book to review, whew! Solid storytelling and plot development here. It took me from deep depths of emotional despair, to soaring elation with second-chance relationships to incredible frustration with some of the writing aspects. I was adjusting my review score constantly. Bottom line - I'd say this was hit and miss, but with big hits and big misses.
THE CHARACTERS
James (Jamie) Massey - Dyed in the wool Special Forces soldier, Jamie has been on tour four times. He's seen too much, lost too much, but can he be resurrected?
Chris Baker - Freakin' sexy-ass cowboy bull rider, Chris is a dichotomy. He is a country boy drawn to the big city. He finds a lot there, including the love of his life.
THE STORY
This book was a struggle. Jamie struggled. Chris struggled. I struggled.
Jamie never had a choice whether he would be a soldier or not. It's in his family's blood. He was groomed from a young age to do his best, be the best, and as he rises to each and every challenge. But he also loses bits of himself along the way.
Chris is one of the good guys. He's talented, intelligent and caring. Maybe too caring. I think the reader is supposed to fall for Jamie, but it was Chris for me all the way.
Settle in for a very complete story about two men who have lived a lot of life and then come together at a point in their lives that find them both ruined. Trying to survive the depths of despair and the horrors of war, there isn't much left for these guys to give. And yet, they find a way.
THE WRITING
Annd this is where I struggled. I realize backstory is important, but it felt like it was worked out after the main story had been written and that rarely works. Honestly I would have trimmed the heck out of it. It wasn't repetitive, but it was just too much. There was nearly no dialog for the first twenty percent and that really slowed down the read. At times I felt like I was reading a non-fiction, or even a mission report about Jamie's deployments.Top that off with fade-to-black scenes (not just the sex scenes) that were just getting somewhere enjoyable and...I struggled.
And then the very weak editing affected tempo and overall readability, unfortunately.
However! There were some brilliant, shocking and emotional moments that made the book memorable. I'm still thinking about these guys; they've stuck with me. This author has solid storytelling abilities that a more ardent editor could resurrect. I won't hesitate to give her work another try.
You can read more of our co-review on my blog and see our questions regarding our read for each other here -
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
I would like to thank S. Davidson, the author, for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Jamie is an at least third generation military man and while his path has been pretty much set from birth, he wants to make his own way by becoming a Delta Force soldier, no matter what his father says about that. To that effect, he forces himself to the limit of his endurance and becomes the best soldier he can be, even when his dream might come at the cost of his private life. Being gay isn't something to be divulged, and his parents would rather not think about it, but once he meets Derrick in college and he follows Jamie when he goes away for training, he finds himself in love and in a relationship with Derrick. Military life takes a toll on Jamie and when tragedy strikes, he's not prepared for it.
Chris is a top-notch bull rider, out and proud and supported by his parents and friends. Wanting to follow his other dream of being an architect, he goes away to college in New York and meets the love of his life, Ben. Unfortunately, after several years together, a tragedy pushes them apart.
When Chris meets Jamie, they are both shells of the men they were before, and together they must decide if what they have is enough to make them want to live again.
This book was absolutely heartbreaking. Just when I thought the angst was over, something else happened to show me how wrong I was. It was also realistic and while I would've liked that the first part had been less focused on the military and more on Derrick and Jamie's relationship, I am in awe at the amount of research the author must have done both with life as a soldier and the consequences of war in soldiers once they're back from war.
I really liked both Jamie and Chris and think they complemented each other very well. They were both broken in a way, and together they managed to overcome (even if not completely) the ghosts from their pasts.
All in all, this was a really good book, well-written and angsty, with characters you can relate to and root for.
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
Jamie is an at least third generation military man and while his path has been pretty much set from birth, he wants to make his own way by becoming a Delta Force soldier, no matter what his father says about that. To that effect, he forces himself to the limit of his endurance and becomes the best soldier he can be, even when his dream might come at the cost of his private life. Being gay isn't something to be divulged, and his parents would rather not think about it, but once he meets Derrick in college and he follows Jamie when he goes away for training, he finds himself in love and in a relationship with Derrick. Military life takes a toll on Jamie and when tragedy strikes, he's not prepared for it.
Chris is a top-notch bull rider, out and proud and supported by his parents and friends. Wanting to follow his other dream of being an architect, he goes away to college in New York and meets the love of his life, Ben. Unfortunately, after several years together, a tragedy pushes them apart.
When Chris meets Jamie, they are both shells of the men they were before, and together they must decide if what they have is enough to make them want to live again.
This book was absolutely heartbreaking. Just when I thought the angst was over, something else happened to show me how wrong I was. It was also realistic and while I would've liked that the first part had been less focused on the military and more on Derrick and Jamie's relationship, I am in awe at the amount of research the author must have done both with life as a soldier and the consequences of war in soldiers once they're back from war.
I really liked both Jamie and Chris and think they complemented each other very well. They were both broken in a way, and together they managed to overcome (even if not completely) the ghosts from their pasts.
All in all, this was a really good book, well-written and angsty, with characters you can relate to and root for.
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
October 2, 2016
4,5 stars, and I loved this book. Characters with PTSD is one of the topics that interests me the most, and I think "Resurrection" has one of the most verible descriptions of PTSD. At least it felt to me this way. I don't know anyone with PTSD but I do know how it feels when an author has read a Wikipedia article on PTSD and is checking boxes illustrating every symptom with a scene in the book. Well, there are all the symptoms in "Resurrection" but somehow they make the whole, authentic picture, as if the author shows us a life of a real person, sometimes almost day by day.
I think the writing style also makes the book look more realistic. It is kinda like recounting - without trying to be literary, for the most part - recounting of something that really happened to real people. I was a little put off about it at first but later it worked for me very well.
I loved the composition of the book - surprisingly so, because, well, two MCs meet only at about 47% of the book. Before then, it's their separate stories. But, for one thing, I fell in love with Jamie, so it was not a hardship to read about his separate story before meeting Chris. (Well, not a hardship but very painful most of the time... painful to watch how every loss, every deployment, every year was taking something away from him... until he was messed up almost beyond salvation).
It took me a bit longer to warm up to Chris - but I did get to love him, especially after he and Jamie met, and with everything he did for Jamie. Never giving up, never stopping being supportive, despite everything he had to go through with Jamie. I mean, think about those parents who kicked out their son with PTSD because they couldn't handle it... How much strength and patience Chris had to have not to despair, not to let go.
And at the same time it was perfectly clear that Jamie gave just as much to Chris, giving him the reason to live.
It's a long book and a beautiful book, very tragic at times but at the same time full of hope. Maybe there were some imperfections in it but I don't care. I'm glad I read it.
I think the writing style also makes the book look more realistic. It is kinda like recounting - without trying to be literary, for the most part - recounting of something that really happened to real people. I was a little put off about it at first but later it worked for me very well.
I loved the composition of the book - surprisingly so, because, well, two MCs meet only at about 47% of the book. Before then, it's their separate stories. But, for one thing, I fell in love with Jamie, so it was not a hardship to read about his separate story before meeting Chris. (Well, not a hardship but very painful most of the time... painful to watch how every loss, every deployment, every year was taking something away from him... until he was messed up almost beyond salvation).
It took me a bit longer to warm up to Chris - but I did get to love him, especially after he and Jamie met, and with everything he did for Jamie. Never giving up, never stopping being supportive, despite everything he had to go through with Jamie. I mean, think about those parents who kicked out their son with PTSD because they couldn't handle it... How much strength and patience Chris had to have not to despair, not to let go.
And at the same time it was perfectly clear that Jamie gave just as much to Chris, giving him the reason to live.
It's a long book and a beautiful book, very tragic at times but at the same time full of hope. Maybe there were some imperfections in it but I don't care. I'm glad I read it.
January 23, 2017
Got off to a rocky start with this one. The first half of the book is dedicated to intense character background and development. But as the story progressed, it made sense. The in-depth explanation set the stage for the state of mind that each MC was in at the time they met. Their friendship is tentative at first, as they are both existing in self-imposed emotional lock-down in their respective lives. Both men have forms of PTSD caused by events in their past. James served in the Special Forces of the military and carries both physical and mental scars. Chris suffered critical injury in his young life, and tragic loss in his adult life. Although it seems they have nothing in common, they're actually more alike than either of them realize. In being there and being strong for each other, they find their own inner strength and discover that love can be cultivated from the rubble of their shattered lives. In learning to accept and let go of the past, they come to realize they deserve to love and be loved again. First book by this author; really enjoyed the story.
May 27, 2016
This is my first book by this author and it was amazing yet tragic. The moment I began to read I felt that Jamie and Chris were meant for each other. I loved how the author wrote this in parts. The first part we got to see how Jamie and Chris met and fell in love. The second part was about Jamie working to get into Special Forces and his deployments and how Christ coped with those deployments. The third portion was when Jamie and Chris have to finally get a handle on their problems and hopefully they can come out on top. This author clearly did their homework because to write about PTSD and TBI you really must be able to make it believable. That was something that was accomplished in spades. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, it was a great story but dealing with some difficult issues but were handle with care and upmost respect.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2016
I'm really enjoying this book.
May 30, 2016
This is my Gay Guy/Straight Girl review with Lisa Arbitrary of Resurrection from my M/M Romance Books Blog, OJ He Say. Click the link below to see the whole review and more.
OJ He Say! Gay Guy/Straight Girl review of Resurrection, by S. Davidson
BLURB
Two men with painful, complicated pasts who have shut themselves down from ever loving again. Complete opposites of one another, one raised in a strict military household, who grew up with the sole purpose of becoming a soldier and defending his country, only to have that cut short by an IED; and the other raised in the rodeo, small town and ranch life his safe haven; and their chance meeting.
How the two of them end up in some small town diner can only be credited to divine intervention. But are both men too damaged? They say God works in mysterious ways. Well, he certainly had his hands full when he chose these two for saving.
Is it too late?
RESURRECTION
I read Ms. Davidson’s call for reviews of her upcoming book and the first thing that grabbed my attention was the blurb. Oh, yeah! Come to papa! This read as if it had all the ingredients I go for in a book: A strong alpha type, a strong second MC, a contemporary, factual story line… and then when I saw the cover? Oh, wow! The cover. I absolutely fell in love with the cover. My hat off to Rue Volley for a cover that’s so well themed to the book – and absolutely gorgeous! Thank you, Ms. Volley.
THE CHARACTERS
James Massey:
He had on a baseball cap, wore sunglasses even though they were inside, and he had a face covered in a full beard. His hair was too long, but it was pretty clear by the stretch of his
t-shirt across his chest that the guy was built like an armored truck. He was golden tan and his arms were covered in ink. He just sat there and stared toward the front door. … He slowly took off his sunglasses and for the first time, they could see his brilliant green eyes. …taking off his cap and running his hand through his dark brown locks.
Chris Baker:
It didn’t hurt that he was handsome in a cowboy way, strong facial structure, easy smile and charm that wouldn’t quit. He was also built like a professional athlete, long and lean, with just enough muscle that no one messed with him. … never met another man who could reach a climax more than once during a fuck and it was as if Chris was just getting started, each one building in intensity for both partners until all that was left behind was satiated flesh and two tired cowboys.
THE STORY
The question: what happens to these men we train to protect and serve after they’ve given their all?
The answer: read on.
What an excellent, contemporary, up to date story this is. Ms. Davidson hit the nail right on the head with this one. We have two strong, muscular, masculine alpha types and the interplay of their different life stories coming together at a crucial point in their lives that makes for such a good, strong story arc.
Jamie, the strong alpha type, brought up by a strict, uncompromising father that always made Jamie strive for more and show no weakness, shutting down his emotional side.
It was apparent from what they had witnessed that the captain was extremely hard on his only son, always telling him he could be better, stronger, faster, even if he had been victorious.
Jamie’s life was shaped by the inevitability of his going into military service and his determination to be the best: Delta Force, and then his falling in love with his college roommate, Derrick, and their best friend, Shannon. These factors, and his multiple, gruesome deployments, all come into play to create the stoic, hardened man that’s yearning for love and understanding.
Chris is the sexy, muscular, lean, intelligent rodeo cowboy that grew up, and was shaped by, a totally accepting and supportive family. His story is that of a man that comes of age in the rough and tumble sport of bull riding, only to have that future dashed by an almost crippling injury. Going off to college and meeting his first love, Ben, and their story is what shapes him into Jamie’s perfect counterpart.
The life experiences, and tragedies (no spoilers!) these men undergo are part and parcel of what makes them the perfect fit and makes for such a good story. I found this book hard to put down and now I want more.
THE WRITING
The writing, timing, and delivery of the story is good for this POV. It has been a while since I read a book with a narrative style POV and while, I must admit, it’s not necessarily my favorite POV, it worked for me with this story although it’s hard to get used to at first. We are treated, almost in a movie script kind of way, to Jamie and Chris’ story.
Jamie’s hard, military brat upbringing. His coming of age in college and falling in love with Derrick and his struggling to let his emotions and feelings for Derrick come out, coupled with his enormous drive to attain his goal. The pace of the story during Jamie’s deployments is set just right, giving us the full background for what comes later.
Chris’ story follows a similar, well timed delivery. His bull riding youth, the tragic accident and then his falling in love with Ben are brought to us in a rich, full story-telling that works in this narrative POV. Chris’ love and devotion come to life in full, vibrant color. This is what hardens this man for his fated encounter with Jamie.
THE EDITING
Here’s where I had some misgivings with this book, although not a deal breaker for me this time, even though I’m such a stickler for this, because the story itself and the heart and soul of the writing is pretty darn good. There are several typos, misspellings and incorrect sentence structures and tense usages that, quite frankly, shouldn’t be there in a story delivery such as this one. I had to go back and re-read a few passages, and that just shouldn’t be. I have to admit I couldn’t go to 4 stars because of this, but please, don’t let it deter you from enjoying this book. Deep in it’s a good story that had me in tears at some points, biting my nails at others, and grooving on some kinky sex scenes at others. Enjoy!
Ms. Davidson is a good, solid writer and I really look forward to her next endeavors.
I would like to thank Shelly Davidson and Encompass Ink Publishing for providing OJ He Say with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
OJ He Say! Gay Guy/Straight Girl review of Resurrection, by S. Davidson
BLURB
Two men with painful, complicated pasts who have shut themselves down from ever loving again. Complete opposites of one another, one raised in a strict military household, who grew up with the sole purpose of becoming a soldier and defending his country, only to have that cut short by an IED; and the other raised in the rodeo, small town and ranch life his safe haven; and their chance meeting.
How the two of them end up in some small town diner can only be credited to divine intervention. But are both men too damaged? They say God works in mysterious ways. Well, he certainly had his hands full when he chose these two for saving.
Is it too late?
RESURRECTION
I read Ms. Davidson’s call for reviews of her upcoming book and the first thing that grabbed my attention was the blurb. Oh, yeah! Come to papa! This read as if it had all the ingredients I go for in a book: A strong alpha type, a strong second MC, a contemporary, factual story line… and then when I saw the cover? Oh, wow! The cover. I absolutely fell in love with the cover. My hat off to Rue Volley for a cover that’s so well themed to the book – and absolutely gorgeous! Thank you, Ms. Volley.
THE CHARACTERS
James Massey:
He had on a baseball cap, wore sunglasses even though they were inside, and he had a face covered in a full beard. His hair was too long, but it was pretty clear by the stretch of his
t-shirt across his chest that the guy was built like an armored truck. He was golden tan and his arms were covered in ink. He just sat there and stared toward the front door. … He slowly took off his sunglasses and for the first time, they could see his brilliant green eyes. …taking off his cap and running his hand through his dark brown locks.
Chris Baker:
It didn’t hurt that he was handsome in a cowboy way, strong facial structure, easy smile and charm that wouldn’t quit. He was also built like a professional athlete, long and lean, with just enough muscle that no one messed with him. … never met another man who could reach a climax more than once during a fuck and it was as if Chris was just getting started, each one building in intensity for both partners until all that was left behind was satiated flesh and two tired cowboys.
THE STORY
The question: what happens to these men we train to protect and serve after they’ve given their all?
The answer: read on.
What an excellent, contemporary, up to date story this is. Ms. Davidson hit the nail right on the head with this one. We have two strong, muscular, masculine alpha types and the interplay of their different life stories coming together at a crucial point in their lives that makes for such a good, strong story arc.
Jamie, the strong alpha type, brought up by a strict, uncompromising father that always made Jamie strive for more and show no weakness, shutting down his emotional side.
It was apparent from what they had witnessed that the captain was extremely hard on his only son, always telling him he could be better, stronger, faster, even if he had been victorious.
Jamie’s life was shaped by the inevitability of his going into military service and his determination to be the best: Delta Force, and then his falling in love with his college roommate, Derrick, and their best friend, Shannon. These factors, and his multiple, gruesome deployments, all come into play to create the stoic, hardened man that’s yearning for love and understanding.
Chris is the sexy, muscular, lean, intelligent rodeo cowboy that grew up, and was shaped by, a totally accepting and supportive family. His story is that of a man that comes of age in the rough and tumble sport of bull riding, only to have that future dashed by an almost crippling injury. Going off to college and meeting his first love, Ben, and their story is what shapes him into Jamie’s perfect counterpart.
The life experiences, and tragedies (no spoilers!) these men undergo are part and parcel of what makes them the perfect fit and makes for such a good story. I found this book hard to put down and now I want more.
THE WRITING
The writing, timing, and delivery of the story is good for this POV. It has been a while since I read a book with a narrative style POV and while, I must admit, it’s not necessarily my favorite POV, it worked for me with this story although it’s hard to get used to at first. We are treated, almost in a movie script kind of way, to Jamie and Chris’ story.
Jamie’s hard, military brat upbringing. His coming of age in college and falling in love with Derrick and his struggling to let his emotions and feelings for Derrick come out, coupled with his enormous drive to attain his goal. The pace of the story during Jamie’s deployments is set just right, giving us the full background for what comes later.
Chris’ story follows a similar, well timed delivery. His bull riding youth, the tragic accident and then his falling in love with Ben are brought to us in a rich, full story-telling that works in this narrative POV. Chris’ love and devotion come to life in full, vibrant color. This is what hardens this man for his fated encounter with Jamie.
THE EDITING
Here’s where I had some misgivings with this book, although not a deal breaker for me this time, even though I’m such a stickler for this, because the story itself and the heart and soul of the writing is pretty darn good. There are several typos, misspellings and incorrect sentence structures and tense usages that, quite frankly, shouldn’t be there in a story delivery such as this one. I had to go back and re-read a few passages, and that just shouldn’t be. I have to admit I couldn’t go to 4 stars because of this, but please, don’t let it deter you from enjoying this book. Deep in it’s a good story that had me in tears at some points, biting my nails at others, and grooving on some kinky sex scenes at others. Enjoy!
Ms. Davidson is a good, solid writer and I really look forward to her next endeavors.
I would like to thank Shelly Davidson and Encompass Ink Publishing for providing OJ He Say with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2017
I first read this about a year ago and I loved it. Reading it also made me realize that I appreciate post-military/PTSD stories. They do a number on my emotions, but I need something to remind me that I have them because I’m so often detached from things in my life and it’s a relief to feel something other than tired.
This story is actually three stories in one. I just reread Part Three, partly because I was in the mood for it and partly because writing about the book makes me feel productive.
Anyway, three-in-one. There’s Jamie’s story and Chris’s story and, finally, Jamie and Chris’ story. You could argue that their individual stories are incomplete with out their shared story, but I think that might only be the case if you were one who required happy or definitive endings. Even then, Part Three might not satisfy those people either.
They lived, loved, cried, and died before they ever set their eyes on each other. Their stories take us from their adolescence to their adult lives, all of which were radically different from each other. When they do meet, they’re barely doing what you might call living. Outside looking in, they both seem kind of lonely, but that barely nicks the surface as a take on what’s really going on with them. And the true shape of things screams for them to steer clear of each other. Not that they would clash or guarantee a volatile situation, but their minds aren’t really in the right place to work out adding someone else’s mess to their own.
But goodness are they ever great for each other.
They struggle every step of the way. To the last page, but you believe it. You believe in them and their easy love and complicated lives. Sometimes I felt like crying, but something in me that wanted to be strong for them stayed the tears.
It can’t be healthy to keep reading stories like this, but these are the ones that carve a place in me and do something for me that I can’t articulate to my own satisfaction. So, despite the danger, I only want more.
This story is actually three stories in one. I just reread Part Three, partly because I was in the mood for it and partly because writing about the book makes me feel productive.
Anyway, three-in-one. There’s Jamie’s story and Chris’s story and, finally, Jamie and Chris’ story. You could argue that their individual stories are incomplete with out their shared story, but I think that might only be the case if you were one who required happy or definitive endings. Even then, Part Three might not satisfy those people either.
They lived, loved, cried, and died before they ever set their eyes on each other. Their stories take us from their adolescence to their adult lives, all of which were radically different from each other. When they do meet, they’re barely doing what you might call living. Outside looking in, they both seem kind of lonely, but that barely nicks the surface as a take on what’s really going on with them. And the true shape of things screams for them to steer clear of each other. Not that they would clash or guarantee a volatile situation, but their minds aren’t really in the right place to work out adding someone else’s mess to their own.
But goodness are they ever great for each other.
They struggle every step of the way. To the last page, but you believe it. You believe in them and their easy love and complicated lives. Sometimes I felt like crying, but something in me that wanted to be strong for them stayed the tears.
It can’t be healthy to keep reading stories like this, but these are the ones that carve a place in me and do something for me that I can’t articulate to my own satisfaction. So, despite the danger, I only want more.
May 22, 2017
This book just blew me away. It is the best book I have read recently.
I fell in love with the story and those strong men that have been through so much. I loved how the story was broken in 3 parts
I cried so much through the book for the heart breaking events that they went through. They definitely deserve some peace and happiness
I can't wait for this authors next book.
I fell in love with the story and those strong men that have been through so much. I loved how the story was broken in 3 parts
I cried so much through the book for the heart breaking events that they went through. They definitely deserve some peace and happiness
I can't wait for this authors next book.
dnf
March 9, 2019 dnf @ 6.3%
N4M, I don't like the narration style.
N4M, I don't like the narration style.
May 30, 2016
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This book is written in three parts.
Part one is Jamie's story
Jamie was raised by a strict military father. The men he was raised around gladly volunteered to go off to war, while the women knew their place, at home waiting for them to return. Jamie's father made his way up through the ranks to become a General. He expects nothing less from his son. We follow Jamie from childhood through college and his own military service. His father raised him to be the best, to be tough, and a man's man. He definitely wouldn't accept his son's attraction to men. Even though he's attracted to men, Jamie is tough. He is quicker, and stronger than most. Jamie's story takes us through his numerous deployments overseas. As time goes on Jamie becomes more and more damaged from the things he has witnessed on the battlefield. We also see Jamie's personal life, and when tragedy strikes there as well, it's beyond heart breaking.
Part two is Chris's story.
Chris is raised very differently. He is raised on the rodeo circuit, like his father, he is a competitor, but unlike Jamie, Chris's parents know, accept and support the fact that their son is gay. They love him unconditionally. Bull riding is dangerous and hard on the body. Chris knows he may not always be able to compete in the rodeo, so he heads off to New York City for college. Along the way he finds not only an education, but love. But he too, is forced to live through tragic heartbreak.
Part Three
Part three brings these two men together. Both of these men suffer such tragedy, and as I trudged through their professional and personal loses, and heartbreak, I just had to hope they could find happiness together. It was a rough and bumpy road to a HEA, but the ending is worth the ride.
First I'll tell you what I loved. There was such raw emotion in this story. I felt the heartbreak and loss. But I also felt the love these men had in them and shared. The struggle Jamie faces is realistic. There isn't a quick fix. It takes time, medication, therapy, and the support of a patient and loving partner. Chris was so loving and supportive. It was touching to watch him, not only with Jamie, but with Ben as well. This story is gut wrenching, and a true uphill battle. These two men have to work beyond hard to get the happiness they so deserve. The chemistry and passion between Jamie and Chris is off the charts. You can feel it coming off the pages at you.
Now on to what I didn't like. While I thought the writing in the second and third portions of the story was good, I really didn't care for the writing in part one. I found the writing in part one made me feel like I was watching a documentary of Jamie's life. This made it hard to connect with Jamie, until we get to later parts of the book. I was told over and over "he did this" "he did that", but I wasn't allowed to experience it myself. I felt like the first 30% of the book (Jamie's portion) felt like it was written by a different person, than the last two sections. I had a hard time reading part one, and thought numerous times about putting it down and moving on to something else. I'm glad I kept going, but it was difficult at times. I also found at times the timeline was choppy and hard to keep up with. Time would suddenly jump ahead by years, and this wasn't always explained. If not for these two things, this would have been a solid five star read.
Still it was raw and emotional and I enjoyed it. It was also very fitting that I read this book Memorial Day weekend. Highly recommended!
March 1, 2017
This one turned out to be a bit of a slog - it spends way too much time with the backstories (the first half of the book is the two MCs other relationships) which are wonderfully detailed but you get the idea of what each man is like and their past relationships pretty quickly and when you know the main action is between Jamie and Sam it's hard to get emotionally invested in Derrick or Ben. There were elements of each mans past that seemed pretty prominent during their past retelling but which just fell off the grid in the second half, which itself seemed to speed by in a day by day retelling of their 'ever after'.
Had great promise, personally I think it would have been much better to re-weight the emphasis on Jamie and Chris and take them a bit slower.
* 2.5 stars *
Had great promise, personally I think it would have been much better to re-weight the emphasis on Jamie and Chris and take them a bit slower.
* 2.5 stars *
June 28, 2016
Resurrection is both heartbreaking and hopeful, dealing with multiple dramatic and traumatic issues-but also keeping readers optimistic that love will help both main characters heal from their pain.
In the first part of the book, we're introduced to Jamie. To be honest, I was a little put off by him at first, and I wasn't a fan of his drug use-though to be fair, he didn't start out like that. I felt bad for Jamie with the way his father pushed him as he was growing up, and I also felt bad for Derrick (his partner/lover) having to deal with the constant separation once he and Jamie are together exclusively. Then the unthinkable happens, and we see Jamie become disconnected-though it's clear to see that even before he experiences a terrible loss, he's already become somewhat withdrawn and his behavior a bit edgy due to everything he's been experiencing during his deployments.
Next, we get background on Chris who has his own emotionally draining past, and although he does have many years with the love of his life, he also goes through his own heartbreaking loss. I actually found his and Ben's story to be more painful, especially the final lines of the section of the story. One thing I really liked was how accepting his friends and family are about Chris' sexuality-it always does my heart good to see this for any character in a gay romance.
Finally, the last part of the book focuses on Chris and Jamie-how they meet, and how their relationship develops over time. They have so much in common, and with Jamie's extreme PTSD and Chris' need to protect, their bond deepens as they both navigate Jamie's continuing recovery.
In the first two parts of the story when we're getting Chris and Jamie's individual backgrounds, I did feel it was a little drawn out and overly detailed-more than it needed to be to get the point across. That said, I was still drawn in to the story and my interest remained focused. There's chemistry between them, and not just in the bedroom. The intensity ramps up many times, exacerbated by Jamie's condition making for a dramatic read. By the end, things do start easing for the couple, though there is still the sense that everything is not quite finished--but then again, with everything they've both been through (Jamie in particular), it's doubtful a fully resolved happily-ever-after could ever be guaranteed.
Resurrection was a 4-star read for me, and I'd recommend this to M/M romance fans 18+ due to adult language, M/M sexual content, and serious topics that can be triggers--so be sure to read the trigger warnings in the synopsis before you start reading.
My review is based on an ARC review copy provided by the author and is based solely on story content.
In the first part of the book, we're introduced to Jamie. To be honest, I was a little put off by him at first, and I wasn't a fan of his drug use-though to be fair, he didn't start out like that. I felt bad for Jamie with the way his father pushed him as he was growing up, and I also felt bad for Derrick (his partner/lover) having to deal with the constant separation once he and Jamie are together exclusively. Then the unthinkable happens, and we see Jamie become disconnected-though it's clear to see that even before he experiences a terrible loss, he's already become somewhat withdrawn and his behavior a bit edgy due to everything he's been experiencing during his deployments.
Next, we get background on Chris who has his own emotionally draining past, and although he does have many years with the love of his life, he also goes through his own heartbreaking loss. I actually found his and Ben's story to be more painful, especially the final lines of the section of the story. One thing I really liked was how accepting his friends and family are about Chris' sexuality-it always does my heart good to see this for any character in a gay romance.
Finally, the last part of the book focuses on Chris and Jamie-how they meet, and how their relationship develops over time. They have so much in common, and with Jamie's extreme PTSD and Chris' need to protect, their bond deepens as they both navigate Jamie's continuing recovery.
In the first two parts of the story when we're getting Chris and Jamie's individual backgrounds, I did feel it was a little drawn out and overly detailed-more than it needed to be to get the point across. That said, I was still drawn in to the story and my interest remained focused. There's chemistry between them, and not just in the bedroom. The intensity ramps up many times, exacerbated by Jamie's condition making for a dramatic read. By the end, things do start easing for the couple, though there is still the sense that everything is not quite finished--but then again, with everything they've both been through (Jamie in particular), it's doubtful a fully resolved happily-ever-after could ever be guaranteed.
Resurrection was a 4-star read for me, and I'd recommend this to M/M romance fans 18+ due to adult language, M/M sexual content, and serious topics that can be triggers--so be sure to read the trigger warnings in the synopsis before you start reading.
My review is based on an ARC review copy provided by the author and is based solely on story content.
June 12, 2016
Where to begin with this review. I could get long and drawn out over all parts that was this story but I feel that would make this a never ending review. I don’t want to do that.
The shock of this book was that it’s broken down into 3 parts. Essentially it’s 3 novellas making up one novel. Part one is Jaime’s story which is heart shattering. He has a rough, gritty, brutal life inside and outside the military. Never a happy moment in it if I’m being honest. This was a bit devastating and it made be almost depressed.
Part two is Chris’s story. His life is much happier. Great folks who love and support him. He meets a great guy, Ben, things seem to be going great. Then tragedy and his life starts to get sad too. His story flow is very realistic for an everyday person's pov. I could relate with Chris's life in a sense.
Part three is Jaime and Chris’ story. The YAY and happily ever after. They save each other, hence the title Resurrection. Now, it makes sense to me.
So, here’s the thing. Though I loved Jaime and Chris’s stories I found it made me impatient. I became fidgety. But, it’s vital to read Jaime and Chris’s lives. I didn't realize it right away. Individually, they have one heck of a story to tell. And you may be all, "Uhg, I want them together already." Just hold your horses. The author is developing the characters for YOU to have a relationship with.
I encourage you not to give up on this book. When these two are put together you are totally overcome with all the feelings because you've already spent so much time with these guys. When you put the parts together you see why the author wrote it the way that she did.
It’s very emotional and heartbreaking…. Until it’s not. There’s a happily ever after for these boys you just have to stick with it.
The shock of this book was that it’s broken down into 3 parts. Essentially it’s 3 novellas making up one novel. Part one is Jaime’s story which is heart shattering. He has a rough, gritty, brutal life inside and outside the military. Never a happy moment in it if I’m being honest. This was a bit devastating and it made be almost depressed.
Part two is Chris’s story. His life is much happier. Great folks who love and support him. He meets a great guy, Ben, things seem to be going great. Then tragedy and his life starts to get sad too. His story flow is very realistic for an everyday person's pov. I could relate with Chris's life in a sense.
Part three is Jaime and Chris’ story. The YAY and happily ever after. They save each other, hence the title Resurrection. Now, it makes sense to me.
So, here’s the thing. Though I loved Jaime and Chris’s stories I found it made me impatient. I became fidgety. But, it’s vital to read Jaime and Chris’s lives. I didn't realize it right away. Individually, they have one heck of a story to tell. And you may be all, "Uhg, I want them together already." Just hold your horses. The author is developing the characters for YOU to have a relationship with.
I encourage you not to give up on this book. When these two are put together you are totally overcome with all the feelings because you've already spent so much time with these guys. When you put the parts together you see why the author wrote it the way that she did.
It’s very emotional and heartbreaking…. Until it’s not. There’s a happily ever after for these boys you just have to stick with it.
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars. M/M. This is one of those books that I liked but really wanted to like a lot more. Divided into three distinct stories, the first is about Jamie who is raised in a military family, always knew he would follow in those footsteps and we travel with him on his journey to become a Green Beret through the hellholes of Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, etc. (let alone being gay in the military). He eventually comes home missing a leg and with a brain so screwed up no one knows if he'll ever be truly right again.
In the second chapter we meet Chris. Out and proudly gay since his early teens, Chris is a rodeo bull rider who also wants to be an architect. While he is attending college in New York he meets his soulmate but manages to destroy his body riding the summer bull riding circuit and so he and his mate form a successful architectural firm until some years later tragedy strikes and Chris returns home to his family's ranch to find some peace.
Finally, in the third chapter Jamie and Chris cross paths both reeling from years of facing life's hard knocks. Chris is a natural caregiver but tends to smother Jamie in his attempts to help him and Jamie resents Chris and the rest of the world as he tries to cope with his mental problems and physical problems.
Good: Chapter 1. Not so good: Chapter 2. Okay, but I feel could have been so much better: Chapter 3. I just wanted to feel more emotion. I felt I was being told the story but not feeling it. But, overall an okay read.
In the second chapter we meet Chris. Out and proudly gay since his early teens, Chris is a rodeo bull rider who also wants to be an architect. While he is attending college in New York he meets his soulmate but manages to destroy his body riding the summer bull riding circuit and so he and his mate form a successful architectural firm until some years later tragedy strikes and Chris returns home to his family's ranch to find some peace.
Finally, in the third chapter Jamie and Chris cross paths both reeling from years of facing life's hard knocks. Chris is a natural caregiver but tends to smother Jamie in his attempts to help him and Jamie resents Chris and the rest of the world as he tries to cope with his mental problems and physical problems.
Good: Chapter 1. Not so good: Chapter 2. Okay, but I feel could have been so much better: Chapter 3. I just wanted to feel more emotion. I felt I was being told the story but not feeling it. But, overall an okay read.
June 3, 2016
Resurrection is the first book I have read by S. Davidson, but it will not be the last. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to like it when I first started reading. However, I quickly started to love the story and couldn't stop reading it.
Jamie was conditioned to become a soldier throughout his entire childhood. However, he decided to forge his own military path. Throughout his military career, and life, Jamie experiences loss. He spirals out of control once he is discharged and doesn't think he'll ever experience happiness again.
Chris grew up in the country, competing in the rodeo circuit, knowing he would take over the family ranch one day. However, he chooses a different path to take in his life to live his dream and do what he's always loved to do. Chris finds love and experiences loss.
Can two broken people bring life back to one another? Will Jamie's disabilities become too hard to handle? Can Chris find it within himself to go on after the loss he suffered? Or are two people destined to remain broken shells of themselves?
Resurrection is a M/M book. I highly recommend this book based on everything it contains. There's loyalty, love, loss, breakdowns, and finding the strength to move on and begin to live again. If you love a story that is able to grab you and pull you in, making you fall in love with the characters, Resurrection is a must read!
Reviewed by Erin
Jamie was conditioned to become a soldier throughout his entire childhood. However, he decided to forge his own military path. Throughout his military career, and life, Jamie experiences loss. He spirals out of control once he is discharged and doesn't think he'll ever experience happiness again.
Chris grew up in the country, competing in the rodeo circuit, knowing he would take over the family ranch one day. However, he chooses a different path to take in his life to live his dream and do what he's always loved to do. Chris finds love and experiences loss.
Can two broken people bring life back to one another? Will Jamie's disabilities become too hard to handle? Can Chris find it within himself to go on after the loss he suffered? Or are two people destined to remain broken shells of themselves?
Resurrection is a M/M book. I highly recommend this book based on everything it contains. There's loyalty, love, loss, breakdowns, and finding the strength to move on and begin to live again. If you love a story that is able to grab you and pull you in, making you fall in love with the characters, Resurrection is a must read!
Reviewed by Erin
June 1, 2016
James (Jamie) Massey was raised in a strict military household and grew up with the sole purpose of becoming a Soldier. He never imagined the heartache his choices in love and war would weigh on his soul, and when he loses everything, he can’t imagine ever being happy again. Chris Baker grew up in a small town, raised on the rodeo circuit. When he met Ben, he thought he’d live blissfully every after, but things have a way of not going along as planned. Chris, devastated by his loss, was barely hanging on. When Jamie and Chris end up in the same small town diner, it can only be credited to divine intervention. But are both men too damaged? They say God works in mysterious ways. Well, he certainly had his hands full when he chose these two for saving. Is it too late?
*PTSD, death, and realistic wartime violence. MM*
Two men traversing through very different lives. It was three stories for me, Chris, Jamie, and them together. I loved every minute spent with Chris and Jamie. This was an emotional and realistic story. The military is a difficult place for anyone who is different than the "normal." Add conflict and injuries to the mix and it becomes a recipe for disaster. Too many have lost their lives, through violence, war, or their own hands.
*PTSD, death, and realistic wartime violence. MM*
Two men traversing through very different lives. It was three stories for me, Chris, Jamie, and them together. I loved every minute spent with Chris and Jamie. This was an emotional and realistic story. The military is a difficult place for anyone who is different than the "normal." Add conflict and injuries to the mix and it becomes a recipe for disaster. Too many have lost their lives, through violence, war, or their own hands.
February 12, 2020
**5 stars**
This was my second time reading this wonderful book, but I never reviewed it. It's not an easy book to read. It's full of angst and sorrow. And hope. And love.
The first 1/4 of this story gives us the story of Jamie. A soldier. He's been a soldier since he was born. You see, his father was a hardened military officer and expected nothing less of Jamie. Being a soldier was Jamie's entire identity. We get to witness him coming of age, going to war, falling in love, and falling apart.
The second 1/4 is Chris. Rodeo star and cowboy. Yet unlike Jamie, Chris knows there's more out there. He goes off to college and falls in love. Then eventually his world, too, falls apart.
Halfway through this novel, these men meet. And it's a tough road, especially for Jamie.
"...I saw the same look in your eyes that I felt in my heart. You were dead inside and something
made me want to bring you back, to heal your wounds, to make you want to live again. I guess
while I was doing that, I realized that I wanted that, too."
But Chris sees something in Jamie that's worth saving. That's worth loving. Does Jamie?
Recommended so hard for those who love to see broken men pieced lovingly back together.
This was my second time reading this wonderful book, but I never reviewed it. It's not an easy book to read. It's full of angst and sorrow. And hope. And love.
The first 1/4 of this story gives us the story of Jamie. A soldier. He's been a soldier since he was born. You see, his father was a hardened military officer and expected nothing less of Jamie. Being a soldier was Jamie's entire identity. We get to witness him coming of age, going to war, falling in love, and falling apart.
The second 1/4 is Chris. Rodeo star and cowboy. Yet unlike Jamie, Chris knows there's more out there. He goes off to college and falls in love. Then eventually his world, too, falls apart.
Halfway through this novel, these men meet. And it's a tough road, especially for Jamie.
"...I saw the same look in your eyes that I felt in my heart. You were dead inside and something
made me want to bring you back, to heal your wounds, to make you want to live again. I guess
while I was doing that, I realized that I wanted that, too."
But Chris sees something in Jamie that's worth saving. That's worth loving. Does Jamie?
Recommended so hard for those who love to see broken men pieced lovingly back together.
June 24, 2016
Excellent
I must say initially I was unsure of this book, but once I started reading it was extremely difficult to put it down. I enjoyed the Davidson's writing style. The first part of the book -Jamie's story I was so darn invested that I felt his pain. The love of his life taken from him in the most brutal of ways and his pain was raw. His lost of his fellow brothers in arms was even more painful. Then there is Chris, my goodness the man was made of gold. His heart was so big. He stood by Ben and took care of him patiently for years. Then both guys meet and we get to see their relationship develop. We see Jamie's struggle with his flashbacks and panic attacks. We see Chris's unwaivering support and patience.
The supporting cast wax great, Chris's family, Patrick and Rick loved Jamie and was there for him through all his losses and struggles. Oh my this is the best book I have read in a while. Beautifully written. This is s must read!
I must say initially I was unsure of this book, but once I started reading it was extremely difficult to put it down. I enjoyed the Davidson's writing style. The first part of the book -Jamie's story I was so darn invested that I felt his pain. The love of his life taken from him in the most brutal of ways and his pain was raw. His lost of his fellow brothers in arms was even more painful. Then there is Chris, my goodness the man was made of gold. His heart was so big. He stood by Ben and took care of him patiently for years. Then both guys meet and we get to see their relationship develop. We see Jamie's struggle with his flashbacks and panic attacks. We see Chris's unwaivering support and patience.
The supporting cast wax great, Chris's family, Patrick and Rick loved Jamie and was there for him through all his losses and struggles. Oh my this is the best book I have read in a while. Beautifully written. This is s must read!
July 4, 2016
Beautifully tragic book. I mean there is sooooooo much tragedy in this book. Like it never stopped! If you plan to read this book, keep the kleenex handy!
Having said that, as a reader you have no choice but to fall in love with both Jamie and Chris, their two backstories presented completely separately then coming together in an insta-love type scenario that was somehow completely believable as they recognized the broken pieces of each other.
I appreciate the author's tenacity in telling a story from a wounded warrior POV. I mean in levels of detail I wasn't quite prepared for. If nothing else, I walked away from this book with a whole new perspective on why I should appreciate our service men and women and all they've seen/survived.
Well done!
Having said that, as a reader you have no choice but to fall in love with both Jamie and Chris, their two backstories presented completely separately then coming together in an insta-love type scenario that was somehow completely believable as they recognized the broken pieces of each other.
I appreciate the author's tenacity in telling a story from a wounded warrior POV. I mean in levels of detail I wasn't quite prepared for. If nothing else, I walked away from this book with a whole new perspective on why I should appreciate our service men and women and all they've seen/survived.
Well done!
February 28, 2021
This book, still plays on my mind. Jamie and Chris’ love story is built on heartbreak. Two men, physically broken - Jamie TBI (with a dash of PTSD for good measure) and Chris injuries from bull riding.
The 1st part of the story concentrates on Jamie’s military career, staying in the closet and his friend turned lover Derrick. When Jamie is finally fully committed to his relationship, Derrick is taken away cruelly.
The 2nd part is based on Chris and his partner Ben. It was sweet, and full relationship and absolutely devastating when Ben too is taken away.
The 3rd part is the story of Jamie and Chris. It’s a roller coaster, with both men navigating a path of ghosts and heartbreak.
But it’s a great book!
The 1st part of the story concentrates on Jamie’s military career, staying in the closet and his friend turned lover Derrick. When Jamie is finally fully committed to his relationship, Derrick is taken away cruelly.
The 2nd part is based on Chris and his partner Ben. It was sweet, and full relationship and absolutely devastating when Ben too is taken away.
The 3rd part is the story of Jamie and Chris. It’s a roller coaster, with both men navigating a path of ghosts and heartbreak.
But it’s a great book!
June 9, 2016
If I could give this book more stars I definitely would because it deserves it!A gripping suspenseful read full of love, death,and rediscovery. This is not a love story but a story of life. This is a story that will make you go through so many emotions, I laughed I cried and had many moments of complete shock. Once I started this book I was completely consumed by the story of these men and the things they endured in their lives and the struggles they had to go through and survive. This story was amazingly told and written. This one will take a long time to get over.
June 10, 2016
The was a remarkable heartbreaking story. The characters were so well written. My heart broke for them but I had to keep reading. I loved the way the story was told in 3 parts. It gave me time to get to know Jamie and Chris and where they came from. Both MCs were so real, even when finished I thought of them for days after. Everything was so graphic, not just the action or sex but also the love and heart break.
This is one of those books that I'm going to re-read a few more times.
This is one of those books that I'm going to re-read a few more times.
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