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Two Silent Cries
Micah Valery meets veterinarian Santiago Curtis over Micah's unconscious service dog.
Micah Valery is hearing impaired and unable to speak. As if that didn't make life interesting enough, he also suffers from a panic disorder that regularly disrupts his life. With a wonderful assistance dog named Goldie, however, he manages to live independently, and comfortably.
When something goes wrong with Goldie, he meets Dr. Santiago Cruz, a veteran veterinarian with issues of his own to cope with. Still, the attraction is strong enough to explore, and a new romance blooms.
Enter Micah's estranged family, attempting to deprive him of his inheritance.
Micah Valery is hearing impaired and unable to speak. As if that didn't make life interesting enough, he also suffers from a panic disorder that regularly disrupts his life. With a wonderful assistance dog named Goldie, however, he manages to live independently, and comfortably.
When something goes wrong with Goldie, he meets Dr. Santiago Cruz, a veteran veterinarian with issues of his own to cope with. Still, the attraction is strong enough to explore, and a new romance blooms.
Enter Micah's estranged family, attempting to deprive him of his inheritance.
ebook
First published April 6, 2013
About the author
T.N. Tarrant
15 books52 followersTN is a hardworking single mom living in the wilds of Wyoming who enjoys embarrassing her child with bright red lipstick prints to the forehead. When she isn't embarrassing her child or hunting, killing and dragging groceries home through the snow, she loves to write romantic stories with hot lovers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 12, 2013
Micah is deaf and mute, and despite his disability and all that entails he has managed to become a successful transcriptionist.
Micah also has very severe panic disorder, medications don't help him. But his wonderful therapy dog Goldie does, she helps alert him to things he can't hear but also herds him into a closet when his panic attacks start.
When Micah starts noticing Goldie having trouble following his commands he takes her to the Vet's office where he meets Santiago under less than ideal circumstances.
Santiago has his own issues, he is a war veteran with the scars inside and out to prove it.
I don't want to give any of the plot away, but I will say the animals, and there are quite a few in this book, totally steal the show. They are sweet and cute and adorable and take up a lot of the story.
There is also quite a bit of drama, Micah's panic attacks are numerous and difficult, his family treated him horribly and I was very sad at how cold and cruel they actually were to their own child and brother, there is a lot going on in this story and I felt it distracted a bit from the romance between Santiago and Micah. The love between them grows slowly and it's nice to see two such vulnerable people find each other, Santiago knows sign language and understands panic attacks, so he never makes Micah feel 'less' and since the war he has his own trauma and insecurities to live with which Micah and the pets help him with.
Kelly is Micah's best friend and she plays a great supportive role and I appreciate when the female in the story is positive and helpful and not a negative force and I was happy to see she got a little side story of her own.
This is definitely a story that falls into the hurt comfort category with a dash of family drama and a few surprises and lots of cute animal goodness.
If you are looking for a sweet story about overcoming obstacles, falling in love and lots of furry friends this one could be the one for you.
Micah also has very severe panic disorder, medications don't help him. But his wonderful therapy dog Goldie does, she helps alert him to things he can't hear but also herds him into a closet when his panic attacks start.
When Micah starts noticing Goldie having trouble following his commands he takes her to the Vet's office where he meets Santiago under less than ideal circumstances.
Santiago has his own issues, he is a war veteran with the scars inside and out to prove it.
I don't want to give any of the plot away, but I will say the animals, and there are quite a few in this book, totally steal the show. They are sweet and cute and adorable and take up a lot of the story.
There is also quite a bit of drama, Micah's panic attacks are numerous and difficult, his family treated him horribly and I was very sad at how cold and cruel they actually were to their own child and brother, there is a lot going on in this story and I felt it distracted a bit from the romance between Santiago and Micah. The love between them grows slowly and it's nice to see two such vulnerable people find each other, Santiago knows sign language and understands panic attacks, so he never makes Micah feel 'less' and since the war he has his own trauma and insecurities to live with which Micah and the pets help him with.
Kelly is Micah's best friend and she plays a great supportive role and I appreciate when the female in the story is positive and helpful and not a negative force and I was happy to see she got a little side story of her own.
This is definitely a story that falls into the hurt comfort category with a dash of family drama and a few surprises and lots of cute animal goodness.
If you are looking for a sweet story about overcoming obstacles, falling in love and lots of furry friends this one could be the one for you.
April 11, 2013
This book did not work for me at all. I was hopeful, but it read like a laundry list of things that go wrong, any one of which could have been the central plotline (Disabled person- check, PTSD- check, anxiety- check, random acts of violence- check, dying family members- check, homophobic relatives- check, court case- check, sick animals- check, baby animals- check...) Its a short book too! WAY too much, and not enough depth that I cared at all.
I also could NOT get over the fact that this MC RANDOMLY meets a guy who can perfectly sign AND is gay AND loves him AND can help his dogs. I tried to ignore that but the way the MC "speaks" is so unrealistic. ASL doesn't have the vocabulary used in this book. The MC gives an impassioned speech at one point (in court, of course, where impassioned speeches belong) and the vocabulary that was attributed to him was SO unreal. If thats what the translator said for the MC, then that guy needs a new job-in acting!- ASAP.
I almost never give bad reviews, but this one was definitely not a good one for me. I see some people liked it but it was just too much for me. Next time I hope the author does more with less.
I also could NOT get over the fact that this MC RANDOMLY meets a guy who can perfectly sign AND is gay AND loves him AND can help his dogs. I tried to ignore that but the way the MC "speaks" is so unrealistic. ASL doesn't have the vocabulary used in this book. The MC gives an impassioned speech at one point (in court, of course, where impassioned speeches belong) and the vocabulary that was attributed to him was SO unreal. If thats what the translator said for the MC, then that guy needs a new job-in acting!- ASAP.
I almost never give bad reviews, but this one was definitely not a good one for me. I see some people liked it but it was just too much for me. Next time I hope the author does more with less.
May 16, 2013
2.5
I read this story and I guess I was mistaken in thinking it was related to The Healing of Idrys in some way? If it was I missed the connection.
The animals were adorable and the characters not bad. They related well to each other and had a nice chemistry but it was too instalovey for me and overly sweet in some places. The storyline was too melodramatic and over the top and even though I liked Santiago's history I found Micah's just kept getting crazier and crazier.
I read this story and I guess I was mistaken in thinking it was related to The Healing of Idrys in some way? If it was I missed the connection.
The animals were adorable and the characters not bad. They related well to each other and had a nice chemistry but it was too instalovey for me and overly sweet in some places. The storyline was too melodramatic and over the top and even though I liked Santiago's history I found Micah's just kept getting crazier and crazier.
April 7, 2013
I enjoyed this one. I loved Micah and Santiago. I always love reading books with deaf characters I love their culture and the language. I loved the animals in this book. They were extra sweet ;-) I have to say I've had panic attacks they don't come as often as they used to but man I'v never had them as bad as Micah. Bless his heart. They're the worst. I'm really glad he had his dogs to help him out through his day to day life. I learned how dogs help really bad suffers. Great read. Another thing the cover is beautiful <3
July 20, 2013
TWO SILENT CRIES was a great read. T.N. Tarrant did an excellent job of making me care about the characters. It was a sweet love story between Micah and Santiago and all the animals made it even more heartwarming. Oh, and as for Micah's family, those heartless creeps -- if I had been reading this in paperback rather than on my ipad, I probably would have thrown the book against the wall a couple of times reading about Micah's creepy relatives. But happily, as they soon learned, payback is indeed a bitch. Karma, baby, karma. I loved the ending. Five stars.
April 15, 2013
hmmm. Did I like the book? Yes. Was it a realistic portrayal of ...... anything? No.
There are some really great reviews out there that talked more intelligently on the hearing impaired and ASL aspects, so I will not remark on that much here. I am not sure if I have read a book that just happened to have as many tropes. Let me count the ways. Placing spoiler marks here:
All of that being said, I did actually enjoy this book. I had to just accept that this was a fantasy book and basked in the heart warming story.
Bea
There are some really great reviews out there that talked more intelligently on the hearing impaired and ASL aspects, so I will not remark on that much here. I am not sure if I have read a book that just happened to have as many tropes. Let me count the ways. Placing spoiler marks here:
All of that being said, I did actually enjoy this book. I had to just accept that this was a fantasy book and basked in the heart warming story.
Bea
April 9, 2013
Micah is a deaf man that lives on his own with his therapy dog Goldie. He also has severe anxiety/panic attacks where Goldie drags him to his safe place which is generally a closet. One day Micah notices Goldie isn’t alerting him to sounds and is concerned he takes here to the vet and immediate goes into a panic attack she tries to drag him in and the vet thinks she is being attacked and tranqs her. He finds Micah intriguing and being partially deaf and disfigured from Iraq understands the man. They become friends. From here there is a twist a chapter or a page. Just when you think it can’t get better something else happens and you’re like on the edge of your seat the whole time.
I absolutely loved this story! I laughed and cried and laughed and sighed. I loved that the animals basically had their own little story going as well as the two main characters. I was a fan from the first T.N Tarrant story and each one gets better. I don’t see how this one can be topped but I will be one of the first in line to see. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful story. A must read!
Recommendations: If you like a story about people with disabilities, dogs, cats, more twists and turns than a twizzler, lots of angst, and some sweet, hot, sensual mansex This is a must! I highly, highly recommend this
I absolutely loved this story! I laughed and cried and laughed and sighed. I loved that the animals basically had their own little story going as well as the two main characters. I was a fan from the first T.N Tarrant story and each one gets better. I don’t see how this one can be topped but I will be one of the first in line to see. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful story. A must read!
Recommendations: If you like a story about people with disabilities, dogs, cats, more twists and turns than a twizzler, lots of angst, and some sweet, hot, sensual mansex This is a must! I highly, highly recommend this
April 13, 2013
This was such a sweet book. I found myself falling in love with Santiago and Micah. The dogs and cat's just melted my heart. As a dog lover I can understand the feeling of joy they can bring to you. The only downside was Micah's family, but you get those characters sometimes.
August 4, 2019
Oh my gah, so cute!! I want all the animals in this book. This story was so adorable but so emotional at the same time. There is a lot of past crap with both MCs that they try to deal with, but some days are better than others. But they fight and keep going. It's a good story but bring the Kleenex.
Micah has had one heck of a hard life. He's learned to cope somewhat. Being a deaf/mute isn't easy and having panic/anxiety disorder doesn't help. But thankfully he has his dog to help. Until he notices something with her isn't right. Getting her to the vet, he lapses into a panic attack and Goldie was doing her job trying to get him to a secluded space but the new vet and helpers though Micah was being attacked and tranqed her. Thankfully, Micah came around and realized what they had done and chewed them out leaving everyone feeling awkward. Especially Dr. Santiago. But once Santi realized what was up he did all he could to help take care of her and soothe Micah's worries. Unfortunately, she was going deaf herself. With getting a new dog, they seemed to blend in and Micah and the Dr seemed to be blending themselves. But several bad events and severe PTSD threaten to ruin everything they've worked toward. Now it's up to them to get the treatment and help they need or just move on and let go.
There are times I wish I could reach in a book and slap people. I mean, for real. What Micah's parents did to him, and then his siblings, just disgusting. And I'm glad they got told off by authorities. I can't explain more than that or I give it away. But they get what they deserved.
For Santiago, he's still having a hard time from being in Afghanistan. Survivor's guilt and all that are weighing him down and sometimes the nightmares come out violent. And for Micah, it's not good.
These two have a lot to deal with. It's a hard story. Love sometimes just flat out sucks and seems to just keep beating people down. But they keep fighting. And with the help of a few dogs and two little kittens, they learn to let go, to laugh, to love, and to keep moving forward.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Micah has had one heck of a hard life. He's learned to cope somewhat. Being a deaf/mute isn't easy and having panic/anxiety disorder doesn't help. But thankfully he has his dog to help. Until he notices something with her isn't right. Getting her to the vet, he lapses into a panic attack and Goldie was doing her job trying to get him to a secluded space but the new vet and helpers though Micah was being attacked and tranqed her. Thankfully, Micah came around and realized what they had done and chewed them out leaving everyone feeling awkward. Especially Dr. Santiago. But once Santi realized what was up he did all he could to help take care of her and soothe Micah's worries. Unfortunately, she was going deaf herself. With getting a new dog, they seemed to blend in and Micah and the Dr seemed to be blending themselves. But several bad events and severe PTSD threaten to ruin everything they've worked toward. Now it's up to them to get the treatment and help they need or just move on and let go.
There are times I wish I could reach in a book and slap people. I mean, for real. What Micah's parents did to him, and then his siblings, just disgusting. And I'm glad they got told off by authorities. I can't explain more than that or I give it away. But they get what they deserved.
For Santiago, he's still having a hard time from being in Afghanistan. Survivor's guilt and all that are weighing him down and sometimes the nightmares come out violent. And for Micah, it's not good.
These two have a lot to deal with. It's a hard story. Love sometimes just flat out sucks and seems to just keep beating people down. But they keep fighting. And with the help of a few dogs and two little kittens, they learn to let go, to laugh, to love, and to keep moving forward.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
June 22, 2013
The premise is interesting, its execution rather meh.
Especially the use of ASL confuses me a bit, since the dialogue given does not really sound like something transcribed from Sign.
For example the nicknames. Those work differently in sign language, as far as I know. A little too much emphasis on the hands only, as well. ASL is almost a full-body language. At the very least facial expressions are part of it. Oh well.
This is not a stellar book, nor is it terribly exciting, but it’s worlds above the other by this author that I’ve read and, overall, I sort of liked it by the end. The story certainly felt tighter (if clichéd) and less haphazard.
Sure, the animals are completely unreal, and the villains simple-mindedly evil. And I shake my head at the main issue the two guys have with each other at one point.
Still. Perhaps I’m in a mellow mood or the heat melted my brain, but by the end I’m comfortable with this book.
Especially the use of ASL confuses me a bit, since the dialogue given does not really sound like something transcribed from Sign.
For example the nicknames. Those work differently in sign language, as far as I know. A little too much emphasis on the hands only, as well. ASL is almost a full-body language. At the very least facial expressions are part of it. Oh well.
This is not a stellar book, nor is it terribly exciting, but it’s worlds above the other by this author that I’ve read and, overall, I sort of liked it by the end. The story certainly felt tighter (if clichéd) and less haphazard.
Sure, the animals are completely unreal, and the villains simple-mindedly evil. And I shake my head at the main issue the two guys have with each other at one point.
Still. Perhaps I’m in a mellow mood or the heat melted my brain, but by the end I’m comfortable with this book.
June 22, 2014
blergh.
i am not sure, but it is possible that it is.my faul i didn't luke it. the fact is, i was dissapointed with every book i've read in last week or sth like that.
I love books with disabled main character, but it wasn't as good as i thought. again, it can be just me, i have had this book for some time now and i waited for the right noment to read.
I like animals in the story, Micah's dogs and cats are adorable.I liked how protective Kelly was. I hated his siblings and parents for everything they did to poor Micah. on the other hand there was too much drama, panic disorder, being deaf and mute, homeless, with horrible family and lovely dog who is getting too old..., oh, plus veteran with terrible nighmares, so called domestic violence, money defraudation and so on and so on. TOO MUCH. it made it unrealistic and weird.
i am not sure, but it is possible that it is.my faul i didn't luke it. the fact is, i was dissapointed with every book i've read in last week or sth like that.
I love books with disabled main character, but it wasn't as good as i thought. again, it can be just me, i have had this book for some time now and i waited for the right noment to read.
I like animals in the story, Micah's dogs and cats are adorable.I liked how protective Kelly was. I hated his siblings and parents for everything they did to poor Micah. on the other hand there was too much drama, panic disorder, being deaf and mute, homeless, with horrible family and lovely dog who is getting too old..., oh, plus veteran with terrible nighmares, so called domestic violence, money defraudation and so on and so on. TOO MUCH. it made it unrealistic and weird.
August 26, 2013
Absolutely great story!
Wonderful and touching, it has the right kind of angst for me - when MCs face it all together, supporting each other! It's so heartwarming - seeing such a strong and supportive relationship!
And as a big animal lover I enjoyed all the pets here.
Fantastic book!!
Wonderful and touching, it has the right kind of angst for me - when MCs face it all together, supporting each other! It's so heartwarming - seeing such a strong and supportive relationship!
And as a big animal lover I enjoyed all the pets here.
Fantastic book!!
May 10, 2017
3.75 stars
Why did the lights go out?
I didn't know a tranquilizing dart could cause that much damage.
As horrible as it is, they don't usually let a person with an assistance dog keep him/her after retirement because of issues of jealously and confusion of roles on the part of both dogs.
I can't put my finger on why but this feels disjointed. Micah feels too emotional, the vet is going too far out of his way, and Micah is taking it as perfectly normal. It's all a little weird.
I've never heard that-anxiety drugs hurt your liver?
Are you kidding me?!?! A deaf man is asking a vet if it would be kinder to euthanize his beloved dog--that he cries over when he's worried about her--because she was losing her hearing?? No frickin' way. He would not ask that. He wouldn't even think it.
They haven't had sex yet after a month of dating? These are men, right?
I haven't heard of such a severe panic attack. I've had them and my mom has them frequently but I don't pass out. I usually wish I would because I'm so petrified.
The dogs are fantabulous. Of course they're perfect which is silly but they were fun.
His parents kicked him out for being disabled??? Scum buckets.
Aren't raw potatoes dangerous? There part of the nightshade ily and I thought they were poison.
Good for him sticking up for himself.
What he describes as "sliding reality" is more similar than common PTSD than the blackouts or psychotic breaks.
I do really well in emergencies and have my issues afterwards.
Cool that there is a Latino guy as a supporting character.
Would a closet that everyone knew about still work as well? It would barely be hiding. Plus, cleaning it out would make it pretty open which defeats the purpose. He's trying to hide.
Why did the lights go out?
I didn't know a tranquilizing dart could cause that much damage.
As horrible as it is, they don't usually let a person with an assistance dog keep him/her after retirement because of issues of jealously and confusion of roles on the part of both dogs.
I can't put my finger on why but this feels disjointed. Micah feels too emotional, the vet is going too far out of his way, and Micah is taking it as perfectly normal. It's all a little weird.
I've never heard that-anxiety drugs hurt your liver?
Are you kidding me?!?! A deaf man is asking a vet if it would be kinder to euthanize his beloved dog--that he cries over when he's worried about her--because she was losing her hearing?? No frickin' way. He would not ask that. He wouldn't even think it.
They haven't had sex yet after a month of dating? These are men, right?
I haven't heard of such a severe panic attack. I've had them and my mom has them frequently but I don't pass out. I usually wish I would because I'm so petrified.
The dogs are fantabulous. Of course they're perfect which is silly but they were fun.
His parents kicked him out for being disabled??? Scum buckets.
Aren't raw potatoes dangerous? There part of the nightshade ily and I thought they were poison.
Good for him sticking up for himself.
What he describes as "sliding reality" is more similar than common PTSD than the blackouts or psychotic breaks.
I do really well in emergencies and have my issues afterwards.
Cool that there is a Latino guy as a supporting character.
Would a closet that everyone knew about still work as well? It would barely be hiding. Plus, cleaning it out would make it pretty open which defeats the purpose. He's trying to hide.
January 3, 2019
I went into this book with fairly high expectations from the reviews, but was unfortunately disappointed. The author seems to have a little knowledge of ASL, sign language and D/deaf culture in general.
Lack of in-depth characterisation aside, if the author wishes to write about a minority group again, I would recommend they both do more research, rather than assuming to know what our lives are like, and hire a professional Sensitivity Reader from that minority group so that they can get their representation right.
The above reasons, coupled with poor editing and proofing, means this is a poor purchase, particularly as this wasn't a cheap ebook at AU$8.02 on Amazon.
Lack of in-depth characterisation aside, if the author wishes to write about a minority group again, I would recommend they both do more research, rather than assuming to know what our lives are like, and hire a professional Sensitivity Reader from that minority group so that they can get their representation right.
The above reasons, coupled with poor editing and proofing, means this is a poor purchase, particularly as this wasn't a cheap ebook at AU$8.02 on Amazon.
July 16, 2018
I gave this story 4 stars because it’s just so darned cute and sweet. The MCs have issues, but they work through them and learn to live with them.
It was a bit of a soap opera but nothing too egregious.
While insta-love is not offensive to me, this story had a nice slow build of the relationship even though it isn’t a very long story.
It was a bit of a soap opera but nothing too egregious.
While insta-love is not offensive to me, this story had a nice slow build of the relationship even though it isn’t a very long story.
November 28, 2018
There's a lot happening in a quite short book. I liked the main characters, Micah and Santiago were solid couple. Names of Micah's dogs were a bit ridiculous, cats on the other hand got fun names.
Santiago was basicaly a saint when dealing with all the Micah's issues. Family issues included. Overall it was a good story with "everyone gets their due" kind of feeling.
Santiago was basicaly a saint when dealing with all the Micah's issues. Family issues included. Overall it was a good story with "everyone gets their due" kind of feeling.
April 25, 2018
Sweet and lovely - the MC's and the story. Just a feel good story.
November 10, 2019
こんな聞き分けの良い犬を見たことがないんだけど、外国の犬は違うのかな、と思いながら心温かく読んだ。全ての使役犬の魂よ安らかに、彼らの専心が報われますように。
July 30, 2016
Life is challenging enough being deaf, but Micah Valerie, of TN Tarrant's 'Two Silent Cries', also suffers from severe anxiety attacks. His safety and security lies in the capable paws of his assistance dog, Goldie. When she begins to start missing clues, Micah starts to worry. Micah takes her to the vet where he meets Dr. Santiago Cruz. Their introduction happens in a very unconventional way - Dr. Cruz, not knowing about Micah's panic disorder, mistakenly thinks Goldie is attacking Micah and shoots Goldie with a tranquilizing dart.
Even though their meeting gets off to a rocky start, Santiago turns it all around by helping Goldie whose problem is incurable, but Santiago helps Micah obtain a new service dog and ensures that Micah can keep Goldie as well. He is soon a frequent visitor, assisting Micah in his daily life. Since Micah is hearing and vocally impaired, it's very convenient that Dr. Cruz is fluent in ASL (American Sign Language) as well. Rejected by his family at eighteen, Micah has never had anyone to help him take care of himself. Even though perfectly capable of doing so, having Santiago around is a comforting feeling. Goldie and Girlie, the puppy assistance dog, are as much a part of the group as Micah and Santiago are and the two kittens Santiago brings into the family only make it more complete. The warm fuzzies between them grow and they soon become lovers.
Santiago has his own problems. He was wounded in the service and has a bad case of PTSD that he's trying to handle by himself. When he starts staying overnight, Micah witnesses his bad, sometimes violent dreams and encourages him to seek help. Santiago still thinks he can handle it alone until one night when he breaks Micah's nose. Micah doesn't hold it against Santiago; he understands, but, instead of communicating his fear an inability to manage his illness alone, Santiago decides to remove himself from the situation entirely. All this does is make both of them and the animals miserable. Micah is at a loss as to how to bridge the gap between them. Unfortunately, the ball is in Santiago's court.
When I saw the cover and read the blurb for this story, I was intrigued, animals and deafness, how can I go wrong? I am very involved in animal care and have also studied ASL. It's a good story but in some ways it was too short and in others too long. Although, Santiago's knowledge of ASL was convenient, it's unusual for someone not associated with the deaf community to be fluent enough to be able to interpret, which Santiago did frequently for Micah. I do have to admit to my fingers “twitching” when ASL words or phrases were mentioned that I found both amusing and gratifying. My fingers remember even if I don't. Also, there's a lot going on that sometimes overshadowed Santiago and Micah's relationship with each other and the animals. It was difficult for me to feel the energy between Santiago and Micah like I hoped I would. Even though it wasn't quite what I expected, I still enjoyed the story and believe others will too. Thanks, TN, for dealing with the difficult topics of deafness and PSTD.
NOTE: This book was provided by MLR Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Even though their meeting gets off to a rocky start, Santiago turns it all around by helping Goldie whose problem is incurable, but Santiago helps Micah obtain a new service dog and ensures that Micah can keep Goldie as well. He is soon a frequent visitor, assisting Micah in his daily life. Since Micah is hearing and vocally impaired, it's very convenient that Dr. Cruz is fluent in ASL (American Sign Language) as well. Rejected by his family at eighteen, Micah has never had anyone to help him take care of himself. Even though perfectly capable of doing so, having Santiago around is a comforting feeling. Goldie and Girlie, the puppy assistance dog, are as much a part of the group as Micah and Santiago are and the two kittens Santiago brings into the family only make it more complete. The warm fuzzies between them grow and they soon become lovers.
Santiago has his own problems. He was wounded in the service and has a bad case of PTSD that he's trying to handle by himself. When he starts staying overnight, Micah witnesses his bad, sometimes violent dreams and encourages him to seek help. Santiago still thinks he can handle it alone until one night when he breaks Micah's nose. Micah doesn't hold it against Santiago; he understands, but, instead of communicating his fear an inability to manage his illness alone, Santiago decides to remove himself from the situation entirely. All this does is make both of them and the animals miserable. Micah is at a loss as to how to bridge the gap between them. Unfortunately, the ball is in Santiago's court.
When I saw the cover and read the blurb for this story, I was intrigued, animals and deafness, how can I go wrong? I am very involved in animal care and have also studied ASL. It's a good story but in some ways it was too short and in others too long. Although, Santiago's knowledge of ASL was convenient, it's unusual for someone not associated with the deaf community to be fluent enough to be able to interpret, which Santiago did frequently for Micah. I do have to admit to my fingers “twitching” when ASL words or phrases were mentioned that I found both amusing and gratifying. My fingers remember even if I don't. Also, there's a lot going on that sometimes overshadowed Santiago and Micah's relationship with each other and the animals. It was difficult for me to feel the energy between Santiago and Micah like I hoped I would. Even though it wasn't quite what I expected, I still enjoyed the story and believe others will too. Thanks, TN, for dealing with the difficult topics of deafness and PSTD.
NOTE: This book was provided by MLR Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 22, 2016
The Blogger Girls
Who knew something this sweet would appeal to me? Of course, I love animals, and I also love men in my stories with disabilities, so I had no doubt that I would be reading this book. What I did doubt was that it would be as enjoyable as it was.
Micah is deaf AND he has a debilitating panic disorder. Goldie, his service animal, is his lifeline. She’s such a great dog and watching her as she protects Micah, and then helping train her future replacement, Girlie, was so sweet. Remember now, I am not a person who likes overly sweet books, but this one was spot on and really worked for me.
The relationship between Micah and Santiago, the vet who cares for the animals, moves fast, but even they were super sweet and romantic. Too bad they both have demons to overcome, but between the support they give to each other, and the animals (now including two kittens), was just too adorable for words.
Now, don’t think this is all cotton candy and butterflies, nope, it’s not. There is a horrible family issue with Micah, and PTSD for Santiago that they both need to overcome. I believe it was those aspects that helped temper the sweetness and really brought this story to life. So I highly suggest you give this book a try, it surprised me how much I liked it and how easily I could let go of the things that didn’t work for me.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
Who knew something this sweet would appeal to me? Of course, I love animals, and I also love men in my stories with disabilities, so I had no doubt that I would be reading this book. What I did doubt was that it would be as enjoyable as it was.
Micah is deaf AND he has a debilitating panic disorder. Goldie, his service animal, is his lifeline. She’s such a great dog and watching her as she protects Micah, and then helping train her future replacement, Girlie, was so sweet. Remember now, I am not a person who likes overly sweet books, but this one was spot on and really worked for me.
The relationship between Micah and Santiago, the vet who cares for the animals, moves fast, but even they were super sweet and romantic. Too bad they both have demons to overcome, but between the support they give to each other, and the animals (now including two kittens), was just too adorable for words.
Now, don’t think this is all cotton candy and butterflies, nope, it’s not. There is a horrible family issue with Micah, and PTSD for Santiago that they both need to overcome. I believe it was those aspects that helped temper the sweetness and really brought this story to life. So I highly suggest you give this book a try, it surprised me how much I liked it and how easily I could let go of the things that didn’t work for me.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
January 12, 2015
I decided to read this book because it had pets and a vet and I thought we'd get a good story. That was not the case. There was a ton of telling and not enough showing. When Santiago kissed Micah for the first time I was like WTF where did that come from??? Never a good sign. After the guys became an item I didn't have a clue where the story was headed. I soon found out it was all over the place: shooting, fraud, endless panic attacks, courtroom drama, pregnant cat. Everything but the kitchen sink was added to this story.
I never felt any chemistry between the MCs and not sure why Santiago was attracted to Micah. I did want to know how the family drama would play out and therefore the 2 stars.
I never felt any chemistry between the MCs and not sure why Santiago was attracted to Micah. I did want to know how the family drama would play out and therefore the 2 stars.
July 19, 2016
Micah has had to overcome so much on the road to independence but his dog helps him see it through. What I like he that he is always willing to admit but what he has accomplished but also his weaknesses.
Santiago has his own issues but what comes across first and foremost is his loving, caring, and protective nature. It is these very assets that have him putting space between him and Micah.
But they are really good for each other giving and receiving comfort and care. And as for Micah's family I wish them only the worst. It is scary to think that people like them really do exist in the world.
Santiago has his own issues but what comes across first and foremost is his loving, caring, and protective nature. It is these very assets that have him putting space between him and Micah.
But they are really good for each other giving and receiving comfort and care. And as for Micah's family I wish them only the worst. It is scary to think that people like them really do exist in the world.
December 7, 2014
I wavered a little with this one - there were elements I loved (Goldie and her little pack) and others that had me pulling out of the book a little (a few too many disasters, that had me going 'what next?'). So was deciding between 2-3 stars but, the book did tug at the heart strings and the romance was sweet, both men fitting together so well. Give it a go if you like sweet reads with adorable four legged friends.
May 2, 2013
I lost count of the cliches
If the author had concentrated on what the two disabilities were like to live with and made it really personal then this book would have been amazing.
Instead we as had:
PSTD
Gun Shooting
Evil Parents
Evil Siblings
Fraud
PTSD nightmares
Drunken binge
blah blah blah
Seriously if this book got any more dramatic it could become a trashy sitcom.
If the author had concentrated on what the two disabilities were like to live with and made it really personal then this book would have been amazing.
Instead we as had:
PSTD
Gun Shooting
Evil Parents
Evil Siblings
Fraud
PTSD nightmares
Drunken binge
blah blah blah
Seriously if this book got any more dramatic it could become a trashy sitcom.
April 19, 2013
The book is ok just not really interesting or exciting. In fact id say the whole thing was pretty one note...the deafness wasnt a factor mostly because the author made sure everyone knew sign language. There were also quite a few incidents in the book. Murder embezzelment death marriage etc. But nothing was really interesting.
April 10, 2013
The sweetest story ever...
I fell in love by Micah and Santiago right away.
Differently from some books, where the characters always had some annoying behavior, they were perfect for each other.
And the pets were the icing of the cake - LOVED
I fell in love by Micah and Santiago right away.
Differently from some books, where the characters always had some annoying behavior, they were perfect for each other.
And the pets were the icing of the cake - LOVED
April 15, 2013
I probably would have enjoyed it more if it was more about the people and less about the animals. I feel like I got to know more about the pets than I learned about the characters so needless to say I am dissapointed. The 3 stars are for the writing style and sentence structure.
April 26, 2013
2.5 stars.
May 13, 2013
Really enjoyed how the deafness and PTSD was handled. The caregiver dogs was very interesting as well. I really do enjoy TN Tarrant's books!
Want to Read
April 7, 2013Well, the cover is meh and the last sentence in the description is random, but a friend liked it so I'm prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt.
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