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Big Love #1
Big Love
Teacher Dane Bernard is a gentle giant, loved by all at Summitville High School. He has a beautiful wife, two kids, and an easy rapport with staff and students alike. But Dane has a secret, one he expects to keep hidden for the rest of his life—he’s gay.
But when he loses his wife, Dane finally confronts his attraction to men. And a new teacher, Seth Wolcott, immediately catches his eye. Seth himself is starting over, licking his wounds from a breakup. The last thing Seth wants is another relationship—but when he spies Dane on his first day at Summitville High, his attraction is immediate and electric.
As the two men enter into a dance of discovery and new love, they’re called upon to come to the aid of bullied gay student Truman Reid. Truman is out and proud, which not everyone at his small town high school approves of. As the two men work to help Truman ignore the bullies and love himself without reservation, they all learn life-changing lessons about coming out, coming to terms, acceptance, heartbreak, and falling in love.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 6 minutes
But when he loses his wife, Dane finally confronts his attraction to men. And a new teacher, Seth Wolcott, immediately catches his eye. Seth himself is starting over, licking his wounds from a breakup. The last thing Seth wants is another relationship—but when he spies Dane on his first day at Summitville High, his attraction is immediate and electric.
As the two men enter into a dance of discovery and new love, they’re called upon to come to the aid of bullied gay student Truman Reid. Truman is out and proud, which not everyone at his small town high school approves of. As the two men work to help Truman ignore the bullies and love himself without reservation, they all learn life-changing lessons about coming out, coming to terms, acceptance, heartbreak, and falling in love.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 6 minutes
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 4, 2016
34 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,048 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 30, 2016
One of my absolute favorite things about reading is when a connection occurs. When something resonates from the story and touches you. A very special young man touched my heart while reading Big Love and I will always be grateful to Rick for bringing Truman into my life.
Technically speaking, there are three main characters here. But it's not a the type of threesome that you might be thinking. They each have their own story or path and when their paths intersect BIG things happen.
I'm a pretty devoted RRR fan. He's an author that I can trust and rely on. I know what I'm going to get and consequently, I'm a repeat customer. The backbone of the plot was familiar but the meat of the story was fresh.
Dane was happily cruising through life when tragedy struck. He lost his wife, became a single father and acknowledged his biggest secret…he is gay. He married his high school sweetheart, had two wonderful children and never told a single soul he was gay. Accepting and honoring this truth about himself was not easy, but when he found himself thrown into the spotlight he held his head high. He was happy before but happy and free are very different things.
Next we have Seth and I really liked Seth. He is mending a broken heart when he takes a new teaching position in a small town in Ohio. He’s from Chicago and loved the city life and the comforts it provides but he’s not complaining about slowing down in the quiet country. He’s confident, funny and definitely out and proud. He has no intentions of giving up his recently acquired singles card but sometimes life doesn’t follow our intended path. Sometimes you just have to grab your chance at happy with both hands and hang on tight.
Then we have Truman. As I’ve said, Truman is my favorite. He is a fourteen year old boy struggling to play the cards of life he’s been dealt. The deck was certainly not stacked in his favor. He’s been bullied and beaten down nearly all of his life by his peers. And yet, he always dusts himself off and trudges onward. Try as they might, his never-ending tormenting crew can’t keep him down. Until, he finally reaches the end of his rope and considers…not getting up again. Luckily for him, two teachers convince him it’s never worth the ultimate fall.
What's to like: An engaging emotional story that brings just enough of everything. Just enough heartache. Just enough turmoil. Just enough romance. Of course, streamline writing and tidy editing is always greatly appreciated.
What's to love: Truman. Alright, there happens to be a lot more to love than one character but he shines so brightly, I can’t help but love him the most. Truman is poor, quirky, awkward and the epitome of a ‘sissy’. He is also proud, smart, brave and completely lovable. Ohh, and he’s friendless. His fan club consists of his dog and his mom (and now ME!). He realizes that he must take control of the downward spiral that has become his life. He is not ashamed of the pieces that comprise the one and only Truman but many people try and convince him he should be. Except his mother. We would all be so lucky to have a mother like Patsy. Truman embraces the power of loving himself and owning everything about himself, even his weaker traits. They can’t throw it in his face if he throws it in their first. I absolutely loved Truman, possibly more than any other RRR character I have loved before. This is quite the achievement.
Beware of: Death of a spouse, extreme bullying, and the fatal possibilities the bully train can lead to are all possible triggers. The ‘fall’ may happen quickly but it takes a bit before they catch one another. Heart-stealing from a boy who celebrates being true-to-you is also a very strong probability.
This book is for: Any Rick R. Reed fans and a great place to start for any newcomers.
Real love, honest love, BIG love will warm your heart.
Book UNfunk
Technically speaking, there are three main characters here. But it's not a the type of threesome that you might be thinking. They each have their own story or path and when their paths intersect BIG things happen.
I'm a pretty devoted RRR fan. He's an author that I can trust and rely on. I know what I'm going to get and consequently, I'm a repeat customer. The backbone of the plot was familiar but the meat of the story was fresh.
Dane was happily cruising through life when tragedy struck. He lost his wife, became a single father and acknowledged his biggest secret…he is gay. He married his high school sweetheart, had two wonderful children and never told a single soul he was gay. Accepting and honoring this truth about himself was not easy, but when he found himself thrown into the spotlight he held his head high. He was happy before but happy and free are very different things.
Next we have Seth and I really liked Seth. He is mending a broken heart when he takes a new teaching position in a small town in Ohio. He’s from Chicago and loved the city life and the comforts it provides but he’s not complaining about slowing down in the quiet country. He’s confident, funny and definitely out and proud. He has no intentions of giving up his recently acquired singles card but sometimes life doesn’t follow our intended path. Sometimes you just have to grab your chance at happy with both hands and hang on tight.
Then we have Truman. As I’ve said, Truman is my favorite. He is a fourteen year old boy struggling to play the cards of life he’s been dealt. The deck was certainly not stacked in his favor. He’s been bullied and beaten down nearly all of his life by his peers. And yet, he always dusts himself off and trudges onward. Try as they might, his never-ending tormenting crew can’t keep him down. Until, he finally reaches the end of his rope and considers…not getting up again. Luckily for him, two teachers convince him it’s never worth the ultimate fall.
What's to like: An engaging emotional story that brings just enough of everything. Just enough heartache. Just enough turmoil. Just enough romance. Of course, streamline writing and tidy editing is always greatly appreciated.
What's to love: Truman. Alright, there happens to be a lot more to love than one character but he shines so brightly, I can’t help but love him the most. Truman is poor, quirky, awkward and the epitome of a ‘sissy’. He is also proud, smart, brave and completely lovable. Ohh, and he’s friendless. His fan club consists of his dog and his mom (and now ME!). He realizes that he must take control of the downward spiral that has become his life. He is not ashamed of the pieces that comprise the one and only Truman but many people try and convince him he should be. Except his mother. We would all be so lucky to have a mother like Patsy. Truman embraces the power of loving himself and owning everything about himself, even his weaker traits. They can’t throw it in his face if he throws it in their first. I absolutely loved Truman, possibly more than any other RRR character I have loved before. This is quite the achievement.
Beware of: Death of a spouse, extreme bullying, and the fatal possibilities the bully train can lead to are all possible triggers. The ‘fall’ may happen quickly but it takes a bit before they catch one another. Heart-stealing from a boy who celebrates being true-to-you is also a very strong probability.
This book is for: Any Rick R. Reed fans and a great place to start for any newcomers.
Real love, honest love, BIG love will warm your heart.
Book UNfunk
March 12, 2017
5+ stars! “God made you just the way you are, honey. Beautiful. And if you’re one of his creations, there’s nothing wrong in who you are. You just hold your head up and be proud.”
Rick R. Reed’s new book “Big Love” is set in fictional Summitville Ohio, with several plot lines that intertwine beautifully. Freshman Truman Reid’s first day of high school is a harsh reminder that one does not wear a rainbow tee proclaiming “It Gets Better” in small town America, even in 2015. Dane Bernard, beloved English teacher, learns on the same day his wife Katy has died in a car accident, leaving him and their two children, Joey and Clarissa. You can feel Truman’s sobs as he realizes high school will be a continuation of bullying and torment, while Dane’s entire life shatters in one moment, leaving him with regrets and the knowledge nothing will ever be the same.
During substitute teacher Seth Wolcott’s first week later in the school year, Dane inadvertently outs himself to the entire school while helping a traumatized Truman. Going forward, “Big Love” balances all three viewpoints – Truman as a young man coming to terms with “holding your head up and telling the world you’re proud of who you are,” Dane learning to become comfortable with his own sexuality and Seth, the wiser more experienced gay man, tutoring both in the ways of the world.
I gave “Big Love” a heat level of 2 stars, due to mild sexuality and no overly graphic scenes. But do not let this rating deter you. Seth and Dane fall in love over the course of the book and their relationship is beautifully told with much emotional depth, while Truman explores the joy and heartache of first love. The flow of the book is perfect, as Reed effortlessly moves between story lines, and the ending is so satisfying. Secondary characters like Joey and Clarissa are fully realized and even though we only meet Dane’s wife Katy “off page” you feel you know her. Also, I particularly liked how Truman’s mother Patsy is portrayed so lovingly.
“Big Love” gets 5+ stars from me. I could probably write at length about why the book touched me so deeply, but simply put, Rick R. Reed writes from the heart. A husband wonders if his wife died knowing that he truly loved her, while realizing with her death he can finally reveal his true self; a 12-year-old boy asks “Are we just gonna leave Mommy here? […] We can’t just leave her” as they depart the hospital after her death; a gay teen knows he can either “withdraw so deep down inside himself that no one would recognize him” or embrace and celebrate his true self; a mother wishes someone could see beyond her appearance and wonders if “anyone would ever come to see her for what was real and good inside her.”
In ending, here is my favorite quote from “Big Love” which Seth shares with Truman:
“You’re going to find people like you. Compatriots. Others who march to the beat of a different drummer. Maybe not today. Maybe not this year. And maybe it will only be a scattered few, but I promise you, they’re out there. And when you find each other, you’ll know. And they will be family.”
I received a galley copy from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
Rick R. Reed’s new book “Big Love” is set in fictional Summitville Ohio, with several plot lines that intertwine beautifully. Freshman Truman Reid’s first day of high school is a harsh reminder that one does not wear a rainbow tee proclaiming “It Gets Better” in small town America, even in 2015. Dane Bernard, beloved English teacher, learns on the same day his wife Katy has died in a car accident, leaving him and their two children, Joey and Clarissa. You can feel Truman’s sobs as he realizes high school will be a continuation of bullying and torment, while Dane’s entire life shatters in one moment, leaving him with regrets and the knowledge nothing will ever be the same.
During substitute teacher Seth Wolcott’s first week later in the school year, Dane inadvertently outs himself to the entire school while helping a traumatized Truman. Going forward, “Big Love” balances all three viewpoints – Truman as a young man coming to terms with “holding your head up and telling the world you’re proud of who you are,” Dane learning to become comfortable with his own sexuality and Seth, the wiser more experienced gay man, tutoring both in the ways of the world.
I gave “Big Love” a heat level of 2 stars, due to mild sexuality and no overly graphic scenes. But do not let this rating deter you. Seth and Dane fall in love over the course of the book and their relationship is beautifully told with much emotional depth, while Truman explores the joy and heartache of first love. The flow of the book is perfect, as Reed effortlessly moves between story lines, and the ending is so satisfying. Secondary characters like Joey and Clarissa are fully realized and even though we only meet Dane’s wife Katy “off page” you feel you know her. Also, I particularly liked how Truman’s mother Patsy is portrayed so lovingly.
“Big Love” gets 5+ stars from me. I could probably write at length about why the book touched me so deeply, but simply put, Rick R. Reed writes from the heart. A husband wonders if his wife died knowing that he truly loved her, while realizing with her death he can finally reveal his true self; a 12-year-old boy asks “Are we just gonna leave Mommy here? […] We can’t just leave her” as they depart the hospital after her death; a gay teen knows he can either “withdraw so deep down inside himself that no one would recognize him” or embrace and celebrate his true self; a mother wishes someone could see beyond her appearance and wonders if “anyone would ever come to see her for what was real and good inside her.”
In ending, here is my favorite quote from “Big Love” which Seth shares with Truman:
“You’re going to find people like you. Compatriots. Others who march to the beat of a different drummer. Maybe not today. Maybe not this year. And maybe it will only be a scattered few, but I promise you, they’re out there. And when you find each other, you’ll know. And they will be family.”
I received a galley copy from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
I'll be honest and say I was quite apprehensive to read this. Somehow I mustered up the courage and braced myself for some painful reading. Though there were definitely some hard parts, the overall feels I got from this book were happy ones.
Granted, Truman is mercilessly bullied. There's no sugarcoating that. However, teachers Dane and Seth lend perspective, and Truman realizes that he must accept himself first. Of course, this is not easy nor simple, but certainly freeing and ultimately empowering. Through Truman's transformation, Dane realizes that he too, needs to come to peace with his years of suppressing the other side of himself, especially if he wants a new start with Seth.
For inquiring minds who want to know, there is no overt smex, but the feel good vibes and self deprecating humor make that inconsequential. So despite the angst, I don't doubt you'll be touched and perhaps inspired. It only takes that one brave, first step, and the possibilities and doors it can open to change yourself and others is limitless and so worth it. That's certainly what happened here, and it was a triumphant win to witness for both Truman and Dane.
I'll be honest and say I was quite apprehensive to read this. Somehow I mustered up the courage and braced myself for some painful reading. Though there were definitely some hard parts, the overall feels I got from this book were happy ones.
Granted, Truman is mercilessly bullied. There's no sugarcoating that. However, teachers Dane and Seth lend perspective, and Truman realizes that he must accept himself first. Of course, this is not easy nor simple, but certainly freeing and ultimately empowering. Through Truman's transformation, Dane realizes that he too, needs to come to peace with his years of suppressing the other side of himself, especially if he wants a new start with Seth.
For inquiring minds who want to know, there is no overt smex, but the feel good vibes and self deprecating humor make that inconsequential. So despite the angst, I don't doubt you'll be touched and perhaps inspired. It only takes that one brave, first step, and the possibilities and doors it can open to change yourself and others is limitless and so worth it. That's certainly what happened here, and it was a triumphant win to witness for both Truman and Dane.
July 15, 2017
3 Stars
Lovely story. I liked the various themes being explored here and the way in which they were tenderly handled.
I liked the three main characters and cared about each of their lives and personal interactions. Though, if I'm being honest, I could have done with more in the way of relationship development between Dane and Seth. There simply wasn't much of a build up there for me to become truly invested in them as a couple; I kind of felt blindsided by their sudden declarations of love at the end, which made the ending a bit flat for me.
As a first time reader of Reed, I can confidently say I was impressed with his writing and will be back for more in the future.
Lovely story. I liked the various themes being explored here and the way in which they were tenderly handled.
I liked the three main characters and cared about each of their lives and personal interactions. Though, if I'm being honest, I could have done with more in the way of relationship development between Dane and Seth. There simply wasn't much of a build up there for me to become truly invested in them as a couple; I kind of felt blindsided by their sudden declarations of love at the end, which made the ending a bit flat for me.
As a first time reader of Reed, I can confidently say I was impressed with his writing and will be back for more in the future.
August 2, 2016
Learning to love oneself.
This book is less a romance and more an exploration of different stages of self-acceptance from a tormented teen to a middle-aged man remembering and unlocking who he hid away years ago. I was expecting more romance and the surprise suicide issues threw me a bit, I just know way too many f@#king people who've gone down this road, walked it with them, and grabbed hold as they teetered to really enjoy any story that features it--in fact, I generally avoid them. So, my rating may not be reflective of what others will take away.
That said, the steadfastness and optimistic ending definitely worked for me.
This book is less a romance and more an exploration of different stages of self-acceptance from a tormented teen to a middle-aged man remembering and unlocking who he hid away years ago. I was expecting more romance and the surprise suicide issues threw me a bit, I just know way too many f@#king people who've gone down this road, walked it with them, and grabbed hold as they teetered to really enjoy any story that features it--in fact, I generally avoid them. So, my rating may not be reflective of what others will take away.
That said, the steadfastness and optimistic ending definitely worked for me.
May 4, 2022
I love Dane. What a fantastic character!
Classic Rick R. Reed, with excelent relationships and great drama. The whole thing flows really nicely, and I enjoyed the vintage Michael Pauley. He does a lovely job with the audio in Big Love.
Classic Rick R. Reed, with excelent relationships and great drama. The whole thing flows really nicely, and I enjoyed the vintage Michael Pauley. He does a lovely job with the audio in Big Love.
January 5, 2017
I always enjoy reading Rick Reed, and I finished this book in one day. It's a sweet romance between two high school teachers, one openly gay and one who has spent most of his life closeted. My favorite part of the book, though, was Truman, the teenager at the school who's bullied. He and his mother were both great characters. And the dog!
April 4, 2016
This book, y'all!!
There are three primary characters within - Dane, Seth, and Truman. Of the three, I loved Truman most, though I fell for all three of them within minutes of starting to read this book.
First, there's Dane - married with two children, well-liked at the high school where he works as a teacher, carrying the heavy burden of living a lie, a part of himself he has buried deep within himself. You see, Dane is gay, but he grew up believing that gay was wrong, and that he had to throttle that part of him. Unhappy in his marriage, he still carries on day by day until a tragic accident claims the life of Dane's wife and mother of his children.
Cue the tears.
Not only are we experiencing the grieving family, but Rick R. Reed also pulls no punches when he lets us see inside Dane's guilt and self-blame. He knows nothing will ever be the same.
At this point, Seth enters the book as a new teacher at the school, having himself just started over after a bad break-up with a boyfriend, needing to get away from those memories. Upon spotting Dane, Seth falls hard and fast for the hunky teacher. He realizes quickly who Dane is, and realizes that while the man may be gay, he's certainly not out.
Except the attraction burns brightly, and the more time these two spend together, the closer they get. And Dane comes out to his kids, with mixed results. Their reactions fit their ages and characters quite well and certainly felt realistic.
And then there's Truman, a freshman with a penchant for graphic t-shirts, gay when gay is still not cool in high school in small town Ohio, but with a supportive, single mother. Truman struggles in school, bullied and without friends. Desperate and seeing no other way to end his pain, Truman - well, read this for yourself and find out.
I liked how the author showed all three of his main characters with their unique set of struggles that all converge within the plot. He created multi-dimensional characters not only for the three main ones, but also gave his supporting cast (Dane's kids Clarissa and Joey, Truman's mother Patsy) realistic and believable characteristics that all worked well within the story line.
There were some edge of my seat moments, there were tears, and there were cheers for the characters throughout this book. It's beautifully written, well-paced, and delves deeply into various points - internalized homophobia, being true to yourself, finding your own way, grieving your losses, and standing tall in the face of adversity.
Throughout it all, it's Truman, the youngest of the three main characters, who stood out the most for me. He emerges as the strongest of the three, walking his own path. While Seth, as the most experienced in all things gay of them, tries to help both Dane and Truman find their way, it is Truman, brave and sweet Truman, who shines most brightly in this story. I absolutely adored him, and his mother, and I was touched deeply by the inner strength this young man possessed. He emerges from the despair and is true to himself, forging his own path.
The overall theme, as you might have guessed from the title, is love. And there's a lot of love in this book - from Dane loving his wife and kids to Dane's falling in love with Seth, to Seth learning to love again, and Truman finding his first love, as well as the love of a mother for her child.
And above all, there's the message that you have to love yourself first and foremost, that you cannot love honestly and truly unless you are true to yourself and love the person you are.
Thank you, Rick, for this book.
** I received a copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
There are three primary characters within - Dane, Seth, and Truman. Of the three, I loved Truman most, though I fell for all three of them within minutes of starting to read this book.
First, there's Dane - married with two children, well-liked at the high school where he works as a teacher, carrying the heavy burden of living a lie, a part of himself he has buried deep within himself. You see, Dane is gay, but he grew up believing that gay was wrong, and that he had to throttle that part of him. Unhappy in his marriage, he still carries on day by day until a tragic accident claims the life of Dane's wife and mother of his children.
Cue the tears.
Not only are we experiencing the grieving family, but Rick R. Reed also pulls no punches when he lets us see inside Dane's guilt and self-blame. He knows nothing will ever be the same.
At this point, Seth enters the book as a new teacher at the school, having himself just started over after a bad break-up with a boyfriend, needing to get away from those memories. Upon spotting Dane, Seth falls hard and fast for the hunky teacher. He realizes quickly who Dane is, and realizes that while the man may be gay, he's certainly not out.
Except the attraction burns brightly, and the more time these two spend together, the closer they get. And Dane comes out to his kids, with mixed results. Their reactions fit their ages and characters quite well and certainly felt realistic.
And then there's Truman, a freshman with a penchant for graphic t-shirts, gay when gay is still not cool in high school in small town Ohio, but with a supportive, single mother. Truman struggles in school, bullied and without friends. Desperate and seeing no other way to end his pain, Truman - well, read this for yourself and find out.
I liked how the author showed all three of his main characters with their unique set of struggles that all converge within the plot. He created multi-dimensional characters not only for the three main ones, but also gave his supporting cast (Dane's kids Clarissa and Joey, Truman's mother Patsy) realistic and believable characteristics that all worked well within the story line.
There were some edge of my seat moments, there were tears, and there were cheers for the characters throughout this book. It's beautifully written, well-paced, and delves deeply into various points - internalized homophobia, being true to yourself, finding your own way, grieving your losses, and standing tall in the face of adversity.
Throughout it all, it's Truman, the youngest of the three main characters, who stood out the most for me. He emerges as the strongest of the three, walking his own path. While Seth, as the most experienced in all things gay of them, tries to help both Dane and Truman find their way, it is Truman, brave and sweet Truman, who shines most brightly in this story. I absolutely adored him, and his mother, and I was touched deeply by the inner strength this young man possessed. He emerges from the despair and is true to himself, forging his own path.
The overall theme, as you might have guessed from the title, is love. And there's a lot of love in this book - from Dane loving his wife and kids to Dane's falling in love with Seth, to Seth learning to love again, and Truman finding his first love, as well as the love of a mother for her child.
And above all, there's the message that you have to love yourself first and foremost, that you cannot love honestly and truly unless you are true to yourself and love the person you are.
Thank you, Rick, for this book.
** I received a copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
May 15, 2020
This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be - what it actually was, is a good narrative, if a little bit muddled in my mind about which story it was telling.
I read it because I have an ARC of book two in the series to review, which is Truman's story, and I wanted to read the set up.
This is a super sweet but also surprisingly angsty story which is all about owning your truths. I'm not usually a fan of the wife dying so a gay man can live his 'real life' but it's handled well in this one.
I never felt like Dane's wife had been a lesser person in his life and believed he had loved her for herself and not just because he was hiding and fighting his sexuality.
Seth was a sweetheart too and he knew just how to play his cards right to not only help Truman, but Dane as well.
Relatively low steam but still pretty emotionally engaging.
I read it because I have an ARC of book two in the series to review, which is Truman's story, and I wanted to read the set up.
This is a super sweet but also surprisingly angsty story which is all about owning your truths. I'm not usually a fan of the wife dying so a gay man can live his 'real life' but it's handled well in this one.
I never felt like Dane's wife had been a lesser person in his life and believed he had loved her for herself and not just because he was hiding and fighting his sexuality.
Seth was a sweetheart too and he knew just how to play his cards right to not only help Truman, but Dane as well.
Relatively low steam but still pretty emotionally engaging.
June 30, 2016
2/3 Stars
I'm a little conflicted on my rating for this. If it was a story just about Truman it would get all the stars because he definitely stole the spot light in this story. Although it was suppose to basically be about Dane and Seth becoming a couple and Dane coming to terms with himself as being gay and dealing with the loss of his wife, I felt more connected with what was going on with Truman then I did with what was happening between these two men. That story fell flat. I was more intrigued with Truman and his story. So all the stars for Truman but in the end it was just OK.
I'm a little conflicted on my rating for this. If it was a story just about Truman it would get all the stars because he definitely stole the spot light in this story. Although it was suppose to basically be about Dane and Seth becoming a couple and Dane coming to terms with himself as being gay and dealing with the loss of his wife, I felt more connected with what was going on with Truman then I did with what was happening between these two men. That story fell flat. I was more intrigued with Truman and his story. So all the stars for Truman but in the end it was just OK.
May 14, 2016
2.5 Stars
The end of this is so sweet I may have to book an early dentist appointment to check for cavities.
Told from the POV of Dane, a married teacher with two children, Seth, a teacher running from a bad breakup with his cheating fiance, and Truman, a freshman student who can't "pass" for straight and is constantly bullied.
The story begins in late August with the first day of school, when Truman is tripped and humiliated before a school assembly. Dane comforts the boy, and afterwards gets a call from highway patrol that his wife's been killed by a drunk driver.
Dave's life is inexorably changed, leaving him with his two children, and the opportunity to be open about his sexuality for the first time in his life.
The story then jumps to early January and Seth starting at the school. He sees Dane and falls at first sight for the gorgeous larger man. Truman's apparently still being terribly bullied, and it leads to a terrible choice. Dane ends up coming out to everyone in a bid to calm Truman, and the outcome kickstarts the relationship between Seth and Dane.
There's some friction with Dane's daughter over the coming out, but otherwise...nothing. I didn't get any idea how the school in general, the other teachers, etc. feel about Dane's coming out, or his relationship with Seth.
The bullying with the exception of two really tame, if humiliating, incidents, is off page. I didn't really get the opportunity to feel for Truman, or his plight, even after his moment of crisis.
Finally, Seth, for all his page time could have been a placeholder. I didn't really feel like I got a chance to know him or care about him.
All in all I was disappointed, but I'm in the minority.
The end of this is so sweet I may have to book an early dentist appointment to check for cavities.
Told from the POV of Dane, a married teacher with two children, Seth, a teacher running from a bad breakup with his cheating fiance, and Truman, a freshman student who can't "pass" for straight and is constantly bullied.
The story begins in late August with the first day of school, when Truman is tripped and humiliated before a school assembly. Dane comforts the boy, and afterwards gets a call from highway patrol that his wife's been killed by a drunk driver.
Dave's life is inexorably changed, leaving him with his two children, and the opportunity to be open about his sexuality for the first time in his life.
The story then jumps to early January and Seth starting at the school. He sees Dane and falls at first sight for the gorgeous larger man. Truman's apparently still being terribly bullied, and it leads to a terrible choice. Dane ends up coming out to everyone in a bid to calm Truman, and the outcome kickstarts the relationship between Seth and Dane.
There's some friction with Dane's daughter over the coming out, but otherwise...nothing. I didn't get any idea how the school in general, the other teachers, etc. feel about Dane's coming out, or his relationship with Seth.
The bullying with the exception of two really tame, if humiliating, incidents, is off page. I didn't really get the opportunity to feel for Truman, or his plight, even after his moment of crisis.
Finally, Seth, for all his page time could have been a placeholder. I didn't really feel like I got a chance to know him or care about him.
All in all I was disappointed, but I'm in the minority.
May 17, 2016
4 stars, first because this story took me by surprise and then, because it moved me (a lot !!) in a way I was not expecting (and can’t really explain).
The story is actually about 3 characters : Dane, Seth and Truman. Dane is a teacher in a small town in Ohio. The first day of school in August, he gets to help Truman, a 14 year old kid and one of his students who is being bullied for being gay and effeminate, and to deal with his wife sudden death, leaving him with his 2 kids to raise. From there, you get to follow the journeys of Truman, who fights for being accepted for who he is and, in parallel and in an intertwined way, of Dane who comes out as a gay man to his kids and then develops a relationship with Seth, the new English teacher in town.
I really felt for the Truman’s despair and was moved by his struggle, but also his strength, to accept who he is. I so much wanted to hold him and protect him from the harsh treatment inflicted by his schoolmates but also by himself. And I loved the flamboyant way he decided to fight.
I also got smitten by Dane and the way he decided, sometimes clumsily, but always honestly, to finally be true to himself after denying his feelings for 40 years, but also to his kids.
Even though I wished there had been more development around Dane and Seth’s relationship and I found the epilogue too rushed, I couldn't help being breathless and heartbroken. No steam there, it’s just a warm and emotional story.
I will definitely try more from this author, because if I can be moved like that with his other books, I'm in for a treat !
The story is actually about 3 characters : Dane, Seth and Truman. Dane is a teacher in a small town in Ohio. The first day of school in August, he gets to help Truman, a 14 year old kid and one of his students who is being bullied for being gay and effeminate, and to deal with his wife sudden death, leaving him with his 2 kids to raise. From there, you get to follow the journeys of Truman, who fights for being accepted for who he is and, in parallel and in an intertwined way, of Dane who comes out as a gay man to his kids and then develops a relationship with Seth, the new English teacher in town.
I really felt for the Truman’s despair and was moved by his struggle, but also his strength, to accept who he is. I so much wanted to hold him and protect him from the harsh treatment inflicted by his schoolmates but also by himself. And I loved the flamboyant way he decided to fight.
I also got smitten by Dane and the way he decided, sometimes clumsily, but always honestly, to finally be true to himself after denying his feelings for 40 years, but also to his kids.
Even though I wished there had been more development around Dane and Seth’s relationship and I found the epilogue too rushed, I couldn't help being breathless and heartbroken. No steam there, it’s just a warm and emotional story.
I will definitely try more from this author, because if I can be moved like that with his other books, I'm in for a treat !
May 19, 2020
‘Big Love’ is a touching novel about self-acceptance, coming out, and love. Not just any sort of garden-variety love – the kind of “big love” that means something. There is romantic love between the two main characters, out Seth and closeted Dane. Then there is Truman, a fourteen-year-old student who struggles with being bullied for who he is, and who has to learn to love himself. And finally there is parental love between Dane and his children, and between Truman’s mother and Truman. With a fantastic cast of characters and an almost idyllic setting in Summitville, a fictional small town in Ohio, this could have simply been a very sweet story. And it was. But it also turned out to be a lot more, as life and circumstances severely tested each character. None of them were the same by the end of the book, and I appreciated and admired each of their journeys.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 17, 2021
Sadly, the multiple POVs didn’t work for me because as I started to get a feel of the character or at least about to enjoy that particular moment by the character, it will immediately be cut off by the succeeding timeline with a different character’s POV altogether. This also feels like there are two separate stories between Dane and Seth’s relationship and Truman’s struggles at school. I guess the story didn’t develop the way I expected it to. I thought there was a lack of focus on the struggles of each character, making the story flat as a result. I think it’s still an okay read – I may not just be the right audience for it.
Want to read
May 3, 2016$0.99 right now at ARe and Amazon US! 5/2/16
May 19, 2020
‘Big Love’ is a touching novel about self-acceptance, coming out, and love. Not just any sort of garden-variety love – the kind of “big love” that means something. There is romantic love between the two main characters, out Seth and closeted Dane. Then there is Truman, a fourteen-year-old student who struggles with being bullied for who he is, and who has to learn to love himself. And finally there is parental love between Dane and his children, and between Truman’s mother and Truman. With a fantastic cast of characters and an almost idyllic setting in Summitville, a fictional small town in Ohio, this could have simply been a very sweet story. And it was. But it also turned out to be a lot more, as life and circumstances severely tested each character. None of them were the same by the end of the book, and I appreciated and admired each of their journeys.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 12, 2016
Characters 4.5
Settling 4.5
Authenticity 4.5
Romance 3
Overall 4
I've been sitting on this review for hours trying to figure out what to say. First of all, the writing was great as always, that is never a concern when it comes to Rick R. Reed books, and I really liked the characters. Anyone that knows me, knows that is all it takes for me to forgive just about anything in the story itself. The MCs which I am including Truman in, were all great (I sort of loved Truman best but who wouldn't?) and watching Truman grow and come into his own was my favorite part. Watching Dane come to terms with who he was felt authentic and real. Seth moving on and setting down new roots felt real as well. I enjoyed that the story took place only about an hour from where I live and the attitudes and town setting was spot on. You'd think that would make this a high 4 stars from me at least right? I was hoping but alas, no.
Perhaps it was just me since everyone else loves this. The main romantic relationship felt insta love but it wasn't. I guess the pace of the relationship is what left me confused. When I was done with the book I went back and skimmed the middle thinking I missed something. Perhaps my Kindle app had jumped ahead several chapters without me noticing or something. I couldn't find anything that I had missed and so I remain confused. Dane and Seth went from exploring the potential for something, to the possibility of a real date, to opening the door naked and not having sex, to being in love.
So yes, I was confused and I didn't want to write a review that would take away from the good points of the book because I would recommend it, if only to meet Truman. So I decided that if I myself changed how I looked at the book, similar to a lesson that Truman had to learn, I found the confusion didn't matter.
All that being said, for me, this book was not a romance about Dane and Seth. Dane and Seth were the side characters who just happened to find each other during the course of the story. This book was instead a coming of age for Truman and an awakening for Dane to embrace his true self. When I look at the book like that, I found my happy place with it.
Settling 4.5
Authenticity 4.5
Romance 3
Overall 4
I've been sitting on this review for hours trying to figure out what to say. First of all, the writing was great as always, that is never a concern when it comes to Rick R. Reed books, and I really liked the characters. Anyone that knows me, knows that is all it takes for me to forgive just about anything in the story itself. The MCs which I am including Truman in, were all great (I sort of loved Truman best but who wouldn't?) and watching Truman grow and come into his own was my favorite part. Watching Dane come to terms with who he was felt authentic and real. Seth moving on and setting down new roots felt real as well. I enjoyed that the story took place only about an hour from where I live and the attitudes and town setting was spot on. You'd think that would make this a high 4 stars from me at least right? I was hoping but alas, no.
Perhaps it was just me since everyone else loves this. The main romantic relationship felt insta love but it wasn't. I guess the pace of the relationship is what left me confused. When I was done with the book I went back and skimmed the middle thinking I missed something. Perhaps my Kindle app had jumped ahead several chapters without me noticing or something. I couldn't find anything that I had missed and so I remain confused. Dane and Seth went from exploring the potential for something, to the possibility of a real date, to opening the door naked and not having sex, to being in love.
So yes, I was confused and I didn't want to write a review that would take away from the good points of the book because I would recommend it, if only to meet Truman. So I decided that if I myself changed how I looked at the book, similar to a lesson that Truman had to learn, I found the confusion didn't matter.
All that being said, for me, this book was not a romance about Dane and Seth. Dane and Seth were the side characters who just happened to find each other during the course of the story. This book was instead a coming of age for Truman and an awakening for Dane to embrace his true self. When I look at the book like that, I found my happy place with it.
April 25, 2016
I cannot articulate how much I loved this book. There are so many words jumbled up in my head but I don't know how to get them out. The only thing I can say at the moment is how incredibly real this story is.
This is one that's gonna stick with me for a while.
March 6, 2016
Get out your box of tissues because you are definitely going to need it for this book. I was blown away by how good this book was and how it truly wound its way around my heart.
This book has three main characters in it.....Dane, Seth, and Truman.
Dane is an English teacher who is married with two children. Dane is not comfortable in his own skin. See he has a secret. He has lied to himself for so long that when his wife passes away unexpectedly he finally admits to himself the secret he has kept from everyone including himself....he is gay.
Through your this book I was actually able to feel the emotions that Dane was going through as he admitted to himself and then later on to his family and then the school that he is gay. I could feel the heartache he felt and then the acceptance from himself and his family and the relief to finally be the man he was supposed to be all along.
Then there is Seth. Seth moved to twin to be the new English/ theatre teacher. I believe that Seth is an out in the open gay man that in my opinion brought Dane out of his shell. He is comfortable in his own skin and even though he has some negative things happen in his life, he has not let that get him down. To me, Seth is a good example for Dane and he supports him which is what he needs.
Finally, last but not least, Truman. He is my favorite in the whole book and by far the most inspirational of all of them. Truman is a 16 year boy that is just starting high school. He is different from the other students from the way he looks to the way he dresses. He is gay and does not try to hide that fact but he is also terribly bullied by just about every student in the school. Truman broke my heart more then once through out the book and I found myself wanting to cry for him and wanting to wrap him in my arms and tell him that it does not matter what other people think of him. That he would grow up to be someone wonderful and all the bad stuff would be behind him.
This book really hit me in the heart and I am sure that I will not be able to forget it any time soon. This is one of those books you remember years to come. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Congrats to Rick R Reed. You def did an awesome job on this book. Def worth being proud of.
This book has three main characters in it.....Dane, Seth, and Truman.
Dane is an English teacher who is married with two children. Dane is not comfortable in his own skin. See he has a secret. He has lied to himself for so long that when his wife passes away unexpectedly he finally admits to himself the secret he has kept from everyone including himself....he is gay.
Through your this book I was actually able to feel the emotions that Dane was going through as he admitted to himself and then later on to his family and then the school that he is gay. I could feel the heartache he felt and then the acceptance from himself and his family and the relief to finally be the man he was supposed to be all along.
Then there is Seth. Seth moved to twin to be the new English/ theatre teacher. I believe that Seth is an out in the open gay man that in my opinion brought Dane out of his shell. He is comfortable in his own skin and even though he has some negative things happen in his life, he has not let that get him down. To me, Seth is a good example for Dane and he supports him which is what he needs.
Finally, last but not least, Truman. He is my favorite in the whole book and by far the most inspirational of all of them. Truman is a 16 year boy that is just starting high school. He is different from the other students from the way he looks to the way he dresses. He is gay and does not try to hide that fact but he is also terribly bullied by just about every student in the school. Truman broke my heart more then once through out the book and I found myself wanting to cry for him and wanting to wrap him in my arms and tell him that it does not matter what other people think of him. That he would grow up to be someone wonderful and all the bad stuff would be behind him.
This book really hit me in the heart and I am sure that I will not be able to forget it any time soon. This is one of those books you remember years to come. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Congrats to Rick R Reed. You def did an awesome job on this book. Def worth being proud of.
November 18, 2021
What a surprise!
This is another book I "just" picked cause it fit for a couple of my challenges and through the first pages I thought "ugh, I shouldn't have picked this one, this is going to drag......". But a few pages later this story started to get to me. It captured me more and more with every page I turned. Not only didn't I want to put it down but I wanted to savor it, to give it time to enfold. It's a book you shouldn't rush through.
There are two stories entwined.
Truman's, a freshman in highschool, who has to endure a lot by the typical highschool bullies. We get his struggle, his fear, his desperation. But most of all we get his awesomeness and strength!
And then there's Dane. A dedicated teacher at Truman's highschool who just lost his wife in an accident. He loved his wife, he loves his two teenaged kids, is a family man and deep deep down he knows that he's gay. Together with Seth, the new teacher at the school who moved there after his fiance cheated on him, Dane tries to help Truman to find his way. And doing that, he finds his own way and his love to Seth.
All the characters are well displayed, multi dimensional. Truman and his mum. Dane, Seth and Dane's kids.
They all struggle, just in different ways. And they all have so much love to give!!
There were so many emotions, I cried, felt and smiled while reading.
4.5 stars
This is another book I "just" picked cause it fit for a couple of my challenges and through the first pages I thought "ugh, I shouldn't have picked this one, this is going to drag......". But a few pages later this story started to get to me. It captured me more and more with every page I turned. Not only didn't I want to put it down but I wanted to savor it, to give it time to enfold. It's a book you shouldn't rush through.
There are two stories entwined.
Truman's, a freshman in highschool, who has to endure a lot by the typical highschool bullies. We get his struggle, his fear, his desperation. But most of all we get his awesomeness and strength!
And then there's Dane. A dedicated teacher at Truman's highschool who just lost his wife in an accident. He loved his wife, he loves his two teenaged kids, is a family man and deep deep down he knows that he's gay. Together with Seth, the new teacher at the school who moved there after his fiance cheated on him, Dane tries to help Truman to find his way. And doing that, he finds his own way and his love to Seth.
All the characters are well displayed, multi dimensional. Truman and his mum. Dane, Seth and Dane's kids.
They all struggle, just in different ways. And they all have so much love to give!!
There were so many emotions, I cried, felt and smiled while reading.
4.5 stars
May 3, 2016
At the beginning the writing felt dispassionate, detached. I couldn't really connect with the story. It gradually changed and grew on me. The final four chapters or so were nice and I liked the ending.
July 22, 2016
Loved this. A trio of cliches transformed into a fresh and moving story about love that excludes nobody. See my full review at All About Romance...
http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
July 14, 2016
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
What an absolutely beautiful book. Right from the first page, I was hooked. I loved everything about this story.
Many of the touchpoints in the novel--death and grief, coming out, bullying, new love--are familiar themes. But the way the threads of these characters' lives intersect are fresh. In this book, it's not so much the big picture as the small details which kept me turning pages.
It would be hard to pick a favorite character. What I loved was these three very different people finding each other and finding themselves. They're on three completely different paths when we first meet them, but life throws them together.
I found myself relating most to Dane's experiences of being true to himself later in his life. His story should feel familiar to anyone who has spent a lifetime suppressing important parts of themselves. My favorite moment is when he realizes that even Truman is farther along in his self-discovery than Dane is. Such an honest, real moment.
Seth, fresh from a breakup and licking his wounds, is a delightful and refreshing character. He lightens the tension of the much more serious issues the others are facing. Without him, or if his story had been equally tragic, the novel would have felt bogged down in sadness and pain. Instead, we have Seth's warm openness to draw out the best of the other two. My favorite moment is when he shows the courage to do what's best for himself even when tempted to do what he shouldn't.
Truman is simply wonderful. His pain at the beginning had me in tears, and I was afraid that at some point, his story would have an unhappy ending. Instead, we get to see the butterfly in him emerge. My favorite moment with him is when he says it doesn't matter if he's like a girl because there's nothing wrong with girls. I actually cheered out loud.
I did notice the ongoing use of the word "sissy" and wondered why the author chose it. It's not a word I hear kids use too often these days, but it might be a matter of local culture regarding which words are flung at kids who don't conform. It didn't affect my enjoyment at all, merely made me curious.
This is not a traditional love story. There's a romance between Dane and Seth, yes, but it isn't the focus. The whole story is centered on the characters' growth and ownership of who they are. It's gentle and sensitive and absolutely wonderful. Even the fairly non-explicit intimacy fits seamlessly into the narrative.
Although there are many aspects of a sensitive nature (coming out late, death of a spouse, attempted suicide, bullying, hints of disordered eating), these are all handled with so much grace. Though the main characters are all gay, I believe this is a novel everyone should read. Absolutely beautiful.
What an absolutely beautiful book. Right from the first page, I was hooked. I loved everything about this story.
Many of the touchpoints in the novel--death and grief, coming out, bullying, new love--are familiar themes. But the way the threads of these characters' lives intersect are fresh. In this book, it's not so much the big picture as the small details which kept me turning pages.
It would be hard to pick a favorite character. What I loved was these three very different people finding each other and finding themselves. They're on three completely different paths when we first meet them, but life throws them together.
I found myself relating most to Dane's experiences of being true to himself later in his life. His story should feel familiar to anyone who has spent a lifetime suppressing important parts of themselves. My favorite moment is when he realizes that even Truman is farther along in his self-discovery than Dane is. Such an honest, real moment.
Seth, fresh from a breakup and licking his wounds, is a delightful and refreshing character. He lightens the tension of the much more serious issues the others are facing. Without him, or if his story had been equally tragic, the novel would have felt bogged down in sadness and pain. Instead, we have Seth's warm openness to draw out the best of the other two. My favorite moment is when he shows the courage to do what's best for himself even when tempted to do what he shouldn't.
Truman is simply wonderful. His pain at the beginning had me in tears, and I was afraid that at some point, his story would have an unhappy ending. Instead, we get to see the butterfly in him emerge. My favorite moment with him is when he says it doesn't matter if he's like a girl because there's nothing wrong with girls. I actually cheered out loud.
I did notice the ongoing use of the word "sissy" and wondered why the author chose it. It's not a word I hear kids use too often these days, but it might be a matter of local culture regarding which words are flung at kids who don't conform. It didn't affect my enjoyment at all, merely made me curious.
This is not a traditional love story. There's a romance between Dane and Seth, yes, but it isn't the focus. The whole story is centered on the characters' growth and ownership of who they are. It's gentle and sensitive and absolutely wonderful. Even the fairly non-explicit intimacy fits seamlessly into the narrative.
Although there are many aspects of a sensitive nature (coming out late, death of a spouse, attempted suicide, bullying, hints of disordered eating), these are all handled with so much grace. Though the main characters are all gay, I believe this is a novel everyone should read. Absolutely beautiful.
March 30, 2016
Dane is a high school teacher, whose wife is killed in a devastating accident on the first day of school, now left alone to finish rearing their two children by himself, and finally in a position to fully embrace the fact that he’s gay, if he can find the courage to do so. Truman is a freshman student at the high school whose mother has always encouraged to be exactly who he is, for which he has been bullied regularly for years. On the first day of high school, Truman discovers that it is going to be a repetitive litany of his previous years, made all the worse for wearing a Pride t-shirt.
Seth is a mid-year transfer teacher substituting for a local teacher gone out on maternity who is looking for a fresh start away far from the noise and smog of Chicago as well as his unfaithful ex-fiancé. His first week is spent ogling the new widower as he learns his way around, but he never expects to be on the roof of the school listening to Dane trying to talk Truman out of jumping, through a megaphone and deliberately outing himself to the entire community in the process, as Seth readies himself to pull the boy back away from the ledge.
This is a sweet and touching story of coming out, learning to love yourself, and bravery of the physical, the emotional, and the mental. Big Love contains a beautiful plot, and while the pacing is by turns too slow and then too fast and then just right, the story is so incredible that it was only a mild irritant. While there is chemistry between Dane and Seth, it is very mild, and the story is actually stronger for the restraint. This is a book about guiding the turbulent minds of our youth when they are at their most vulnerable as well as learning to accept yourself for who you are no matter your age. Grab some tissues, your favorite beverage, and make yourself comfortable. This is a 4.5 star read that you don’t want to miss!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
Seth is a mid-year transfer teacher substituting for a local teacher gone out on maternity who is looking for a fresh start away far from the noise and smog of Chicago as well as his unfaithful ex-fiancé. His first week is spent ogling the new widower as he learns his way around, but he never expects to be on the roof of the school listening to Dane trying to talk Truman out of jumping, through a megaphone and deliberately outing himself to the entire community in the process, as Seth readies himself to pull the boy back away from the ledge.
This is a sweet and touching story of coming out, learning to love yourself, and bravery of the physical, the emotional, and the mental. Big Love contains a beautiful plot, and while the pacing is by turns too slow and then too fast and then just right, the story is so incredible that it was only a mild irritant. While there is chemistry between Dane and Seth, it is very mild, and the story is actually stronger for the restraint. This is a book about guiding the turbulent minds of our youth when they are at their most vulnerable as well as learning to accept yourself for who you are no matter your age. Grab some tissues, your favorite beverage, and make yourself comfortable. This is a 4.5 star read that you don’t want to miss!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
May 10, 2016
Full review can be found at -
It's common knowledge that I'm a huge Rick R. Reed fan. I've read so many of his books I lost count a long time ago. I've enjoyed them all. Each one has affected me for one reason or another. One of his horror books - Penance - will go down in my reading history as one of the most disturbing, yet brilliant, books I've ever read. It's one of the few I know I'll never be able to read again. Not because it wasn't a great book but because it affected me so strongly that even now I can't think about it without getting choked up. Big Love affected me just as strongly but for entirely different reasons.
Big Love is about three key characters – Dane, Seth and a teenage boy named Truman Reid. Each character is important but I have to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve had a character get to me like Truman did. I dare anyone to read this book without getting teary at least once in regards to him.
This is a romance but it's so much more than that. Not only is the reader watching Dane and Seth as they come together, but you’re also watching Truman’s story play out, as well as that of Joey and Clarissa, Dane's two children. I admit to wondering how things could possibly come together more than once while reading this book. Of course, I needn't have worried. The resolutions for all the characters were perfect. It didn’t take long into the story to have me crying sad tears. I was crying sappy ones when it ended.
Highly recommended, but be warned. You'll need tissues from pretty much the first page.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It's common knowledge that I'm a huge Rick R. Reed fan. I've read so many of his books I lost count a long time ago. I've enjoyed them all. Each one has affected me for one reason or another. One of his horror books - Penance - will go down in my reading history as one of the most disturbing, yet brilliant, books I've ever read. It's one of the few I know I'll never be able to read again. Not because it wasn't a great book but because it affected me so strongly that even now I can't think about it without getting choked up. Big Love affected me just as strongly but for entirely different reasons.
Big Love is about three key characters – Dane, Seth and a teenage boy named Truman Reid. Each character is important but I have to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve had a character get to me like Truman did. I dare anyone to read this book without getting teary at least once in regards to him.
This is a romance but it's so much more than that. Not only is the reader watching Dane and Seth as they come together, but you’re also watching Truman’s story play out, as well as that of Joey and Clarissa, Dane's two children. I admit to wondering how things could possibly come together more than once while reading this book. Of course, I needn't have worried. The resolutions for all the characters were perfect. It didn’t take long into the story to have me crying sad tears. I was crying sappy ones when it ended.
Highly recommended, but be warned. You'll need tissues from pretty much the first page.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 17, 2016
Title: Big Love
Author: Rick R. Reed
Series:
Publisher:Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:April 4, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:200
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
“When Luke moved that gorgeous face of his in for a kiss, Seth, as always, didn’t know if he could resist. He lifted his face, parted his lips….”
4.5 big stars!! What an emotional book! Grab your tissues, you’ll need them!
Dane has the perfect life. He’s a teacher, a favorite at the high school he works at, he’s married and has two adorable kids. But things aren’t all as it seems. You see Dane is hiding a secret, he’s gay. But when tragedy strikes and he loses his wife, he knows now he can finally be himself. When Seth starts working at the school, Dane notices him right away. Seth is dealing with a bad breakup and he’s not looking to start anything new. That thought goes right out the window when he spots Dane. They’re instantly drawn together, and it’s intense. And while trying to navigate their relationship, they’re also forced to help a student when he’s bullied for being gay. And while helping the student, they too are forced to face their own lives.
This book is emotional, heartbreaking and too sweet for words!! I can’t stress it enough. There were times I was crying and other times I was smiling. It’s a constant battle while reading this book. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I know now it won’t be the last!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Rick R. Reed
Series:
Publisher:Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:April 4, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:200
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
“When Luke moved that gorgeous face of his in for a kiss, Seth, as always, didn’t know if he could resist. He lifted his face, parted his lips….”
4.5 big stars!! What an emotional book! Grab your tissues, you’ll need them!
Dane has the perfect life. He’s a teacher, a favorite at the high school he works at, he’s married and has two adorable kids. But things aren’t all as it seems. You see Dane is hiding a secret, he’s gay. But when tragedy strikes and he loses his wife, he knows now he can finally be himself. When Seth starts working at the school, Dane notices him right away. Seth is dealing with a bad breakup and he’s not looking to start anything new. That thought goes right out the window when he spots Dane. They’re instantly drawn together, and it’s intense. And while trying to navigate their relationship, they’re also forced to help a student when he’s bullied for being gay. And while helping the student, they too are forced to face their own lives.
This book is emotional, heartbreaking and too sweet for words!! I can’t stress it enough. There were times I was crying and other times I was smiling. It’s a constant battle while reading this book. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I know now it won’t be the last!!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
April 11, 2016
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Two men and one young boy's worlds all collide at Summitville High School. Dane, an English teacher who had just recently lost his wife, Seth, the new English teacher who has just fled Chicago, and the heartache of his cheating ex, and Truman, a freshman who is bullied and teased for being gay. They all have one thing in common. They are all gay. When Dane and Seth teamed up to try to help Truman deal with the teasing and bullying he is subjected to by his fellow students, they weren't sure what to expect, but they sure didn't expect to find love.
This was a really intriguing read. I love that Truman's point of view was included and not just Dane and Seth's. The characters were all three very likable. I really loved Truman's portion of the story as much as I did the progression of the relationship between Dane and Seth. I thought the way Dane's children dealt with him coming out was very realistic. The story was slow and rushed. To clear this statement up, the story dragged at times and was a bit slow, but I thought the timeline was too fast, and wasn't quite as realistic as it could have been. I'll also be honest and say, I wish there had been on page sex. There was a lot of lead-up, but no follow though. It wasn't something that was needed or will remove stars, just something I would have liked to have seen.
All in all, I really enjoyed it, and I'd recommend picking it up.
April 4, 2016
At first as I was reading this I thought it was a story about discovery. It’s not. Because these characters, they know who they are. This is a story about being brave! About being you. Coming out, folding in, being free, being brave. Fear lives in every person. But we still need to live… oh God do we need to live. In the darkest moment, when it feels so absolutely hopeless like you’ll be alone and cast out for your whole life; our bravery, it shakes. Truman is 14, gay, and constantly bullied. Bless his mother Patsy seriously she’s a wonderful mother. But (and as a parent I get this) she can’t live Truman’s life for him. She would if she could. We have to watch our kids fall sometimes, to find their footing and cheer them on when they start to run free. Truman in this story was beautiful. He was so important to everyone and everything in this tale.
Dane lived half a life. He has great kids and he loved his wife. Watching him open his wings was breathtaking. With Truman’s help and Seth’s he lives a full life.
This is the real world. It’s not always perfect. People suffer every day because others don’t understand. Because they let fear push bravery in the closet.
This is another powerful story by Rick Reed. One that has a lesson and an understanding
Dane lived half a life. He has great kids and he loved his wife. Watching him open his wings was breathtaking. With Truman’s help and Seth’s he lives a full life.
This is the real world. It’s not always perfect. People suffer every day because others don’t understand. Because they let fear push bravery in the closet.
This is another powerful story by Rick Reed. One that has a lesson and an understanding
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February 22, 2019Ihr könnt euch sicher vorstellen, wie das ist, wenn man sich ein ganzes Jahr auf eine Auszeit freut, sie plant und auch alles so ist, wie man es erzählt bekommt und auf Bildern gesehen hat und dennoch kommt man danach in den Alltag zurück und fragt sich, ob es das jetzt gewesen ist. Man kann dieses Gefühl nicht wirklich festmachen, es war schön, stimmig – bis auf ein paar Kleinigkeiten und dennoch entsprach es nicht dem, was man sich so ausgemalt hat.
Es fällt mir wirklich schwer, dieses Buch zu renzensieren, denn es ist eine wirklich gute Geschichte. Ich schiebe das Original seit seinem Erscheinungstag vor mit her und habe mich riesig über die Neuigkeit, dass es übersetzt wird, gefreut.
Gleich zu Beginn saß ich dann allerdings da und mir entkam ein fragendes “Häh” (und das ist sicherlich wieder nur (m)ein persönliches Problem), denn es wird sich in der deutschen Übersetzung immer und sofort bei der ersten Begegnung geduzt. Dies mag ja im englischen Sprachgebrauch gang und gäbe sein, hier in Deutschland halt leider nicht, so dass ich hier schon etwas erstaunt war.
Danes Weg der Selbstfindung ist schlüssig erzählt und mit viel richtig gutem sozialen Hintergrund “gefüttert” und dennoch wurde ich mit ihm nicht wirklich warm. Auch Seth ist nett, attraktiv und menschlich einfach ein “feiner Kerl”, aber auch er war für mich jetzt nicht DER große “Held” in diesem Buch. Dies, und das hat die Geschichte für mich gerettet, war der eigentlich Nebenprotagonist, Truman. Er war für mich der rote Faden in der Geschichte, der dem Ganzen ein wenig Tiefe, Farbe (teilweise im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes ) und Schwung gegeben hat.
Wie gesagt, ich kann nicht sagen, ob es an meiner (vielleicht) übersteigerten Erwartungshaltung zu diesem Buch lag oder ob die Geschichte (ohne Truman) rein um die beiden Hauptcharaktere wirklich so “blutleer” war, auf jeden Fall, kam sie bei mir so an. Wie man aber auch weiß …
"Gespannte Erwartung wird selten befriedigt." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Mein erster Gedanke, als ich das Buch zu Ende gelesen hatte, war, dass ich gerne viel viel mehr über Truman erfahren hätte und es für mich vielleicht eher seine Geschichte hätte werden können, mit Dane und Seth in den Nebenrollen …
"An Enttäuschungen enttäuscht am meisten, dass man fast immer selber dran schuld ist." (Peter E. Schumacher)
… wie wahr, wie wahr .
Mein Fazit: “Die Liebe und der Mut zum Leben” ist ein nettes, durchaus liebevoll geschriebenes Buch, das man lesen kann. Dane und Seth haben ihre Geschichte erzählt und damit ist es auch gut. Neugierig bin ich jetzt aber auf Truman – und zwar sehr *g*. Vielleicht kommt da ja noch was … frei nach dem Motto “Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt”.
Es fällt mir wirklich schwer, dieses Buch zu renzensieren, denn es ist eine wirklich gute Geschichte. Ich schiebe das Original seit seinem Erscheinungstag vor mit her und habe mich riesig über die Neuigkeit, dass es übersetzt wird, gefreut.
Gleich zu Beginn saß ich dann allerdings da und mir entkam ein fragendes “Häh” (und das ist sicherlich wieder nur (m)ein persönliches Problem), denn es wird sich in der deutschen Übersetzung immer und sofort bei der ersten Begegnung geduzt. Dies mag ja im englischen Sprachgebrauch gang und gäbe sein, hier in Deutschland halt leider nicht, so dass ich hier schon etwas erstaunt war.
Danes Weg der Selbstfindung ist schlüssig erzählt und mit viel richtig gutem sozialen Hintergrund “gefüttert” und dennoch wurde ich mit ihm nicht wirklich warm. Auch Seth ist nett, attraktiv und menschlich einfach ein “feiner Kerl”, aber auch er war für mich jetzt nicht DER große “Held” in diesem Buch. Dies, und das hat die Geschichte für mich gerettet, war der eigentlich Nebenprotagonist, Truman. Er war für mich der rote Faden in der Geschichte, der dem Ganzen ein wenig Tiefe, Farbe (teilweise im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes ) und Schwung gegeben hat.
Wie gesagt, ich kann nicht sagen, ob es an meiner (vielleicht) übersteigerten Erwartungshaltung zu diesem Buch lag oder ob die Geschichte (ohne Truman) rein um die beiden Hauptcharaktere wirklich so “blutleer” war, auf jeden Fall, kam sie bei mir so an. Wie man aber auch weiß …
"Gespannte Erwartung wird selten befriedigt." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Mein erster Gedanke, als ich das Buch zu Ende gelesen hatte, war, dass ich gerne viel viel mehr über Truman erfahren hätte und es für mich vielleicht eher seine Geschichte hätte werden können, mit Dane und Seth in den Nebenrollen …
"An Enttäuschungen enttäuscht am meisten, dass man fast immer selber dran schuld ist." (Peter E. Schumacher)
… wie wahr, wie wahr .
Mein Fazit: “Die Liebe und der Mut zum Leben” ist ein nettes, durchaus liebevoll geschriebenes Buch, das man lesen kann. Dane und Seth haben ihre Geschichte erzählt und damit ist es auch gut. Neugierig bin ich jetzt aber auf Truman – und zwar sehr *g*. Vielleicht kommt da ja noch was … frei nach dem Motto “Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt”.
March 14, 2016
WIth a title like Big Love and a synopsis that mentions a relationship between two men who are teachers at the high school and a high school age guy I wasn’t sure what to think but rest assured this is a heart warming story and not a whiff of anything seemingly inappropriate. Some Spoilers ahead.
At the start of the story we are introduced to Dane a High school English teacher who is a deeply closeted man with a wife and kids. And Truman an effeminate and “out” freshman at the high school Dane teaches at. Needles to say the first day doesn’t go so well for either of them as Truman is ridiculed for being different and gay. While Dane’s life is changed forever when he loses his wife. You can’t help but want to hug both of them to soothe the pain they each try to deal with over the coming months when in walks Seth. At a turning point in his life as well, he comes into Dane and Truman’s lives when things seems the most hopeless. Seth is a balm to each of their souls when they are struggling with how to overcome the pain of loss and resentment. Seth is the steady force of the story offering guidance to each of the two guys. Truman is a troubled teenager at the most vulnerable and unsteady. Dane is still trying to come to grips with being an openly gay man and as Seth helps Truman he also helps Dane. It just goes to show that at any age we sometimes need help accepting who we are and learning to own it.
They are each portrayed very differently through the rest of the story. Truman the troubled grows into how he really sees himself. This helps Dane who is the compassionate one the three accept who is he and who he wants. Meanwhile Seth is the supportive one who ties the three together in friendship. And later in love between Seth and Dane. This story really allows you to get a glimpse from three different perspectives of gay men. Three very real life scenarios that this book did really well without being overly dramatic and keeping it very real. If you are new to the M/M genre and are looking to get your feet wet this is a good book to start with.The author alludes to the intimate relationships without much graphic detail.
At the start of the story we are introduced to Dane a High school English teacher who is a deeply closeted man with a wife and kids. And Truman an effeminate and “out” freshman at the high school Dane teaches at. Needles to say the first day doesn’t go so well for either of them as Truman is ridiculed for being different and gay. While Dane’s life is changed forever when he loses his wife. You can’t help but want to hug both of them to soothe the pain they each try to deal with over the coming months when in walks Seth. At a turning point in his life as well, he comes into Dane and Truman’s lives when things seems the most hopeless. Seth is a balm to each of their souls when they are struggling with how to overcome the pain of loss and resentment. Seth is the steady force of the story offering guidance to each of the two guys. Truman is a troubled teenager at the most vulnerable and unsteady. Dane is still trying to come to grips with being an openly gay man and as Seth helps Truman he also helps Dane. It just goes to show that at any age we sometimes need help accepting who we are and learning to own it.
They are each portrayed very differently through the rest of the story. Truman the troubled grows into how he really sees himself. This helps Dane who is the compassionate one the three accept who is he and who he wants. Meanwhile Seth is the supportive one who ties the three together in friendship. And later in love between Seth and Dane. This story really allows you to get a glimpse from three different perspectives of gay men. Three very real life scenarios that this book did really well without being overly dramatic and keeping it very real. If you are new to the M/M genre and are looking to get your feet wet this is a good book to start with.The author alludes to the intimate relationships without much graphic detail.
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