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Ember Peak #1
Tru Smoke
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire… Whenever Jones touches him, flames flicker in Truitt Larkin's smoky-gray eyes.
Growing up in Ember Peak, Colorado, Jones Hudson nurtured dreams as big as the Rockies. Why else would a flat-broke college student believe he has a shot with Truitt Larkin, the billionaire CEO of Larkin Corp? And, sure, Tru might own the fab, five-thousand-acre Ember Peak Ranch, where Jones is just the son of a ranch employee, but that doesn’t mean a future with Tru is doomed, does it? When he finally, finally convinces Tru to break his chiseled-in-rock no-sex-ever policy, Jones is sure smoke will never shroud Tru’s silver-flame eyes again.
But fire burns and dreams crash. And Jones leaves Ember Peak—and a big chunk of his heart—behind.
Tru knows he’s responsible for fracturing his valued friendship with Jones. Indulging his attraction to the younger man was selfish and destructive—something he’ll always regret. When Jones returns to Ember Peak for a family wedding, Tru wants a chance to heal their friendship and give back to Jones the comfort of coming home. But sparks fly the moment they reunite, and they scramble to douse the passion that’s burned them both before. Yet a flicker of hope glows brightly, and soon they need all their courage to see their way to a future together.
Growing up in Ember Peak, Colorado, Jones Hudson nurtured dreams as big as the Rockies. Why else would a flat-broke college student believe he has a shot with Truitt Larkin, the billionaire CEO of Larkin Corp? And, sure, Tru might own the fab, five-thousand-acre Ember Peak Ranch, where Jones is just the son of a ranch employee, but that doesn’t mean a future with Tru is doomed, does it? When he finally, finally convinces Tru to break his chiseled-in-rock no-sex-ever policy, Jones is sure smoke will never shroud Tru’s silver-flame eyes again.
But fire burns and dreams crash. And Jones leaves Ember Peak—and a big chunk of his heart—behind.
Tru knows he’s responsible for fracturing his valued friendship with Jones. Indulging his attraction to the younger man was selfish and destructive—something he’ll always regret. When Jones returns to Ember Peak for a family wedding, Tru wants a chance to heal their friendship and give back to Jones the comfort of coming home. But sparks fly the moment they reunite, and they scramble to douse the passion that’s burned them both before. Yet a flicker of hope glows brightly, and soon they need all their courage to see their way to a future together.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2016
38 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 12, 2017
3 Stars.
Review soon.
Review soon.
July 25, 2023
*3.5*
“I’ve been in love with him since before I even knew what love was.”
As tender and sweet as this “love story” was, it had some huge issues as well.
The story begins at the end of a six day sex-fest between Jones (19) and Tru (34). It’s incredibly intimate and hot, you could FEEL how much Jones loves Tru…and how much Tru holds back.
This right here—this was the danger in my relationship with Jones. The power differential. The age difference. The complicated fucking history of our feelings for each other.
◾️Wealthy rancher
◾️Unemployed college graduate
◾️Huge age gap
◾️Power imbalance
◾️Gorgeous sex scenes with graphic intimacy
◾️3 years separated
◾️Sex with others while they’re apart (technically, they’re not in a committed relationship, even though that is what Jones wants)
Jones was 5 and Tru was 19 when they first meet. (Jones’s mother was hired as the housekeeper for Tru’s wealthy ranch family). As a teenager, Jones watched as Tru brought home difference men, and he hoped that one day Tru would see his worth.
The storytelling is very beautiful, and the underlying love between these two men is certainly there, but there is a dark cloud hanging over this relationship that the story never gets out from under. Not only that Jones was raised by this family, but the fact that we are NEVER told why Tru finally agrees to their relationship.
Jones is so raw and vulnerable. His heart is on every single one of these pages.
“I’ve told you I love you and showed you I love you about seven thousand times and you don’t seem to believe me.”
“Baby, let’s talk about this—”
“And you’ve never said it back. Not once. Even though you know how bad I fuckin’ need to hear it—” His voice cracked.
I know the story will continue in the second book, but I don’t have any desire to pick it up.
*People have compared this story to NR Walker’s Red Dirt Heart series and I respectfully disagree. The only things these two stories have in common is, they are both a continuing series with the same characters, a gay romance, and the setting is on a ranch.
As tender and sweet as this “love story” was, it had some huge issues as well.
The story begins at the end of a six day sex-fest between Jones (19) and Tru (34). It’s incredibly intimate and hot, you could FEEL how much Jones loves Tru…and how much Tru holds back.
This right here—this was the danger in my relationship with Jones. The power differential. The age difference. The complicated fucking history of our feelings for each other.
◾️Wealthy rancher
◾️Unemployed college graduate
◾️Huge age gap
◾️Power imbalance
◾️Gorgeous sex scenes with graphic intimacy
◾️3 years separated
◾️Sex with others while they’re apart (technically, they’re not in a committed relationship, even though that is what Jones wants)
Jones was 5 and Tru was 19 when they first meet. (Jones’s mother was hired as the housekeeper for Tru’s wealthy ranch family). As a teenager, Jones watched as Tru brought home difference men, and he hoped that one day Tru would see his worth.
The storytelling is very beautiful, and the underlying love between these two men is certainly there, but there is a dark cloud hanging over this relationship that the story never gets out from under. Not only that Jones was raised by this family, but the fact that we are NEVER told why Tru finally agrees to their relationship.
Jones is so raw and vulnerable. His heart is on every single one of these pages.
“I’ve told you I love you and showed you I love you about seven thousand times and you don’t seem to believe me.”
“Baby, let’s talk about this—”
“And you’ve never said it back. Not once. Even though you know how bad I fuckin’ need to hear it—” His voice cracked.
I know the story will continue in the second book, but I don’t have any desire to pick it up.
*People have compared this story to NR Walker’s Red Dirt Heart series and I respectfully disagree. The only things these two stories have in common is, they are both a continuing series with the same characters, a gay romance, and the setting is on a ranch.
November 7, 2016
4.5 Stars!
So many feels with this book. I don't know what it is about this author's writing style but I love it. The way this one felt reminded me of reading Unraveling Josh, which I also loved.
The way it's written, I felt everything. The hurt, the pain, the longing, the love, the devotion. EVERYTHING. I had butterflies.
Tru was a tough cookie to crack. My heart broke for Jones. Tru was stubborn. He pushed and he pushed. He was hot, he was cold. And Jones was so patient. So understanding. So perfect.
Jones never gave up on his love for Tru. He believed in it with everything he had.
So, so good.
I understand what the other reviews meant about the ending. It was definitely abrupt. But I was okay with that, knowing there's more of Tru and Jones to come.
So many feels with this book. I don't know what it is about this author's writing style but I love it. The way this one felt reminded me of reading Unraveling Josh, which I also loved.
The way it's written, I felt everything. The hurt, the pain, the longing, the love, the devotion. EVERYTHING. I had butterflies.
Tru was a tough cookie to crack. My heart broke for Jones. Tru was stubborn. He pushed and he pushed. He was hot, he was cold. And Jones was so patient. So understanding. So perfect.
Jones never gave up on his love for Tru. He believed in it with everything he had.
So, so good.
I understand what the other reviews meant about the ending. It was definitely abrupt. But I was okay with that, knowing there's more of Tru and Jones to come.
December 19, 2016
4 stars!
I needed a good M/M rec so I went to two of my GR friends, J and Mirjana who are the queens of M/M as far as I am concerned. J recommended this gem and it was wonderful!
Tru Smoke is the story of a billionaire ranch owner Tru and his younger employee Jones. The two have been friends for years, but Tru doesn't want to take advantage of Jones. After an amazing hookup gone wrong, Jones doesn't return home for 3 years until a wedding brings him back. Tru regrets how things went but still cannot make any promises. Jones now knows better than expect more. But both feel the attraction and it grows stronger every day.
This was a semi angsty read (which I loved) and I devoured it, stayed up until 2 am to finish it. I'm not normally a fan of the older man/younger man trope but it really worked with this couple, they had been friends so long there wasn't a creepy factor and they knew just what the other person wanted or needed. This is a book I am super surprised is not more popular, I think it really has a good place in the genre of MM romance and I hope more people check out this book. BONUS, it's on kindle unlimited for all of you KU users!!!! Woohoo!
I needed a good M/M rec so I went to two of my GR friends, J and Mirjana who are the queens of M/M as far as I am concerned. J recommended this gem and it was wonderful!
Tru Smoke is the story of a billionaire ranch owner Tru and his younger employee Jones. The two have been friends for years, but Tru doesn't want to take advantage of Jones. After an amazing hookup gone wrong, Jones doesn't return home for 3 years until a wedding brings him back. Tru regrets how things went but still cannot make any promises. Jones now knows better than expect more. But both feel the attraction and it grows stronger every day.
This was a semi angsty read (which I loved) and I devoured it, stayed up until 2 am to finish it. I'm not normally a fan of the older man/younger man trope but it really worked with this couple, they had been friends so long there wasn't a creepy factor and they knew just what the other person wanted or needed. This is a book I am super surprised is not more popular, I think it really has a good place in the genre of MM romance and I hope more people check out this book. BONUS, it's on kindle unlimited for all of you KU users!!!! Woohoo!
December 23, 2021
This is a really, really difficult review to write. Because I loved this book so hard. So, so hard. I had one niggle - ONE! But it's a big enough niggle for me to scratch my head and go
I honestly questioned myself for days. I was convinced it was me. I was missing something vital.
But then my girl, Ele, read it too and had the same hangup. So I know it's not me, and I won't make a complete ass of myself when writing my review. Here we go.
The story begins with Jones, a 19-20 year old college student finally getting the love of his life, Truitt, to give into their smokin' hot chemistry. These two have been in each other's lives since Jones was five, when his mother began working at Ember Peak Ranch (owned by Truitt's family), and Jones has likely been in love with Tru, fifteen years his senior, that long.
The blurb tells us that after one explosive week, Tru breaks Jones's heart, and he leaves Ember Peak, and Truitt, behind.
Jones's mother's wedding brings Jones back to the ranch three years later, and he must lay eyes on Tru again. Can his heart really take it?
I was all over this set up. I mean, inner-relationship angst is my Kryptonite, and I was getting it right off the bat? Come to mama.
Danford played this so well. It's hit or miss for me when a story starts right in the middle of the couple's turmoil. It can be written well.....or not. But Danford gets all the kudos for how she opened this story beautifully.
This was relationship angst at its very best. Jones thought he could finally put Tru behind him with some closure, but he soon knows he isn't gonna love anyone else, ever. And he can tell by the silver sparks in Tru's eyes that he wants Jones. But, once again, how can Jones get Tru to need him? To love him.
And while this could have been rife with doormat behavior, Danford toed that line well for me. I understood Jones's literal need for Tru. This was the man he'd loved his entire life. So he got some concessions from me for his pursuit. He never acted desperately after their first week together three years prior.
Tru was swoon-worthy. I totally got what Jones saw in him. He was drily funny, he was handsome, he had such a good heart. And (love it) Danford gives us alternating POVs so that we can understand the motivations of both these MCs. Here is where I just didn't get it.
Tru's POV tells us that Tru doesn't think he is long-term material for Jones. Daddy issues . But it's not a martyr thing. It's not that he thinks he's not good enough for Jones. It seems to be that he doesn't think he has to offer what Jones deserves. That doesn't sound very different, but there is a distinction. At least to me. He doesn't think that he, personally, is long-term material for anyone. But I never really understood WHY he felt that way, even while reading his POV.
So of course there's a HEA. I couldn't handle it if there wasn't. Nor would I rate a book this high. But you know how the story arcs and you're waiting for the HEA to happen? Events leading up equal HEA, right? Yeah....well.....without spoiling anything, 2+2=5 in this book. Something didn't quite add up to my HEA. I am missing something!!!! And I don't even know WTF it is! I am truly frustrated about it. I can't wait for Ele to review this book too, so I can see if she at least knows what it is that we're missing. Cuz I'm stuck, people, stuck.
It was beautiful, gorgeous, every other word you want to use. I freakin loved the hell out of this story. Except it's still missing a piece. So it gets only 4 stars when I want to give it 5.
I will definitely be reading Books 2 and 3, I know that much. She's such a good story teller. I can't wait for more Jones and Tru.
I honestly questioned myself for days. I was convinced it was me. I was missing something vital.
But then my girl, Ele, read it too and had the same hangup. So I know it's not me, and I won't make a complete ass of myself when writing my review. Here we go.
The story begins with Jones, a 19-20 year old college student finally getting the love of his life, Truitt, to give into their smokin' hot chemistry. These two have been in each other's lives since Jones was five, when his mother began working at Ember Peak Ranch (owned by Truitt's family), and Jones has likely been in love with Tru, fifteen years his senior, that long.
The blurb tells us that after one explosive week, Tru breaks Jones's heart, and he leaves Ember Peak, and Truitt, behind.
He'd told me it would happen, told me again and again that this week we'd be spending together was a one-time thing.
Jones's mother's wedding brings Jones back to the ranch three years later, and he must lay eyes on Tru again. Can his heart really take it?
I was all over this set up. I mean, inner-relationship angst is my Kryptonite, and I was getting it right off the bat? Come to mama.
Danford played this so well. It's hit or miss for me when a story starts right in the middle of the couple's turmoil. It can be written well.....or not. But Danford gets all the kudos for how she opened this story beautifully.
This was relationship angst at its very best. Jones thought he could finally put Tru behind him with some closure, but he soon knows he isn't gonna love anyone else, ever. And he can tell by the silver sparks in Tru's eyes that he wants Jones. But, once again, how can Jones get Tru to need him? To love him.
And while this could have been rife with doormat behavior, Danford toed that line well for me. I understood Jones's literal need for Tru. This was the man he'd loved his entire life. So he got some concessions from me for his pursuit. He never acted desperately after their first week together three years prior.
Tru was swoon-worthy. I totally got what Jones saw in him. He was drily funny, he was handsome, he had such a good heart. And (love it) Danford gives us alternating POVs so that we can understand the motivations of both these MCs. Here is where I just didn't get it.
Tru's POV tells us that Tru doesn't think he is long-term material for Jones. Daddy issues . But it's not a martyr thing. It's not that he thinks he's not good enough for Jones. It seems to be that he doesn't think he has to offer what Jones deserves. That doesn't sound very different, but there is a distinction. At least to me. He doesn't think that he, personally, is long-term material for anyone. But I never really understood WHY he felt that way, even while reading his POV.
So of course there's a HEA. I couldn't handle it if there wasn't. Nor would I rate a book this high. But you know how the story arcs and you're waiting for the HEA to happen? Events leading up equal HEA, right? Yeah....well.....without spoiling anything, 2+2=5 in this book. Something didn't quite add up to my HEA. I am missing something!!!! And I don't even know WTF it is! I am truly frustrated about it. I can't wait for Ele to review this book too, so I can see if she at least knows what it is that we're missing. Cuz I'm stuck, people, stuck.
It was beautiful, gorgeous, every other word you want to use. I freakin loved the hell out of this story. Except it's still missing a piece. So it gets only 4 stars when I want to give it 5.
I will definitely be reading Books 2 and 3, I know that much. She's such a good story teller. I can't wait for more Jones and Tru.
October 27, 2016
~4.5 stars~
Very hard review to write, this one. I loved the book with all my heart, and I highly recommend it. No, really, I can't find a single thing I didn't like. Until the end. Don't worry, there's no cliffhanger, and it ends on a happy note. It just...felt anti-climatic? Like I missed something? Something like...a whole chapter? I want to give it 5 stars but this niggle is holding me back. Anyway, do not let this stop you from picking this up. There's a very strong possibility that what didn't make sense to me, will not even bother you. Ok, now that we got this out of the way...
“Your skin,” he said, “is the exact color of my favorite kind of sunset...
Jones Hudson grew up in Ember Peak Ranch, Colorado, where his mother used to work as a housekeeper. When he was fourteen years old he fell in love with Truitt, the ranch owner's son, and never recovered. Now Jones is 20 years old and Tru is the billionaire CEO of Larkin Corp. And for the first time ever, Tru doesn't resist Jones's advances. This is where the story picks up, which worked great for me. Same goes for the three year time jump that followed; it was very well done. There were a lot of things I loved about this story:
Very consistent characterization . Tru's character resonated a lot with me. There is this 15 year age gap between him and Jones. He carries so many baggage from his relationship with his father, and he has a serious protective streak where Jones is concern. But above all else, Tru is afraid that this love will hold Jones back. So yes, his bahaviour might be frustrating sometimes, but I understood where he was coming from.
"Being scorched by Jones Hudson and his amazing fire was like a ride to hell I never wanted to end."
Jones, on the other hand, might be young but he's pretty mature and knows what he wants. He wants Tru, and isn't afraid to pursue him with everything he has. And he's doing so, without becoming a doormat. I loved him hard for his insistence on not becoming another houseboy for Tru.
“You conquer me just by breathing. Been putting your marks on me all damn night. Making me so damn crazy.”
Amazing chemistry between the characters .The steam level is pretty high, and the sex scenes are scorching hot. At the same time, they 're very intimate and emotional; it is obvious that it was never just sex. It's not all there is, though. There is crazy hot slow burn, lingering touches and stolen glances all.the.time! I loved it! And affection. There's a lot of that too.
The writing is stellar. Very evocative and heartfelt. I really click with Edie Danford's writing.
"Happiness was a real thing. I woke up holding it in my arms. I ate breakfast with it warm at my side. I spent the morning riding behind it."
The setting is amazing . I could practically see the Colorado sunset, and smell the dusty air.
Like I said, I absolutely loved that book, but this niggle is holding me back. But I trust the author to explain things better in the next installment, which I'm dying to read! I'll definitely be there for Jones and Tru's next book!
Read this story!
~Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.~
February 12, 2017
**2 Stars**
Available on KU
I really wanted to love this one, but I didn't.
The MC s met each other long ago when Jones was 5 and Tru was already 19.
The story starts with Jones, now 21,
spending spring break from university with Tru.
Generally, I have a thing with stories that start already “happening”. I like, I need to see where it all begins otherwise it feels like it’s missing something. By no means am I saying that it never works, because sometimes it does. However, in this particular story I think it was crucial to show when feelings began to flourish considering their 15 year gap.
Trus was almost a father figure to Jones, guiding and protecting. That is the reason I could clearly fathom Jones infatuation with Trus, from his crush since he was a boy to finally falling in love with Tru, but when did Tru start to like, love or lust over Jones? When did Tru start to see Jones other than the 5 year old boy who used to follow him with puppy eyes? In my view there was a lack of development in their relationship big time.
I couldn’t feel the chemistry and I didn’t connect with them.
Tru made me mad so many times!
The way he treated Jones at the end of their week together in Chicago was so wrong. Did he care for Jones at all? When I finally came to terms with that, he leads Jones on again at the wedding! What about hurting Jones’s feelings AGAIN?
He wants Jones but he doesn’t.
*Can't find a way to put the darn gif here* so there is the link:
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/umyb.gif
For the life of me I couldn’t get Tru despite him trying to show his reasons in the many times the author gave him a voice. He seemed so protective and worried about Jones at times, and others, he acted like a complete selfish bastard. Like when he expected Jones to become a holiday lover with no strings attached.
And Jones, bless him! Jones loved Tru so much that he was willing to accept whatever crumbs Tru threw at his way. I really didn’t like that.
I also found the whole business/ranch background a little inconsistent.
Needless to say I won’t be sticking with this series.
Available on KU
I really wanted to love this one, but I didn't.
The MC s met each other long ago when Jones was 5 and Tru was already 19.
The story starts with Jones, now 21,
spending spring break from university with Tru.
Generally, I have a thing with stories that start already “happening”. I like, I need to see where it all begins otherwise it feels like it’s missing something. By no means am I saying that it never works, because sometimes it does. However, in this particular story I think it was crucial to show when feelings began to flourish considering their 15 year gap.
Trus was almost a father figure to Jones, guiding and protecting. That is the reason I could clearly fathom Jones infatuation with Trus, from his crush since he was a boy to finally falling in love with Tru, but when did Tru start to like, love or lust over Jones? When did Tru start to see Jones other than the 5 year old boy who used to follow him with puppy eyes? In my view there was a lack of development in their relationship big time.
I couldn’t feel the chemistry and I didn’t connect with them.
Tru made me mad so many times!
The way he treated Jones at the end of their week together in Chicago was so wrong. Did he care for Jones at all? When I finally came to terms with that, he leads Jones on again at the wedding! What about hurting Jones’s feelings AGAIN?
He wants Jones but he doesn’t.
*Can't find a way to put the darn gif here* so there is the link:
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/umyb.gif
For the life of me I couldn’t get Tru despite him trying to show his reasons in the many times the author gave him a voice. He seemed so protective and worried about Jones at times, and others, he acted like a complete selfish bastard. Like when he expected Jones to become a holiday lover with no strings attached.
And Jones, bless him! Jones loved Tru so much that he was willing to accept whatever crumbs Tru threw at his way. I really didn’t like that.
I also found the whole business/ranch background a little inconsistent.
Needless to say I won’t be sticking with this series.
back-burner-for-now
April 15, 2017Did you see the cover??
December 27, 2016
***4.75 Stars***
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! READ THIS BOOK! READ IT...READ IT NOW!
I could do anything if he smiled at me like that. Jones's smiles were quality fuel I'd been using around here for a lot of my life.
There's so much to love here, let me get to it.
- Jones & Tru - Their relationship was the glorious kind of angst that I love and adore. A couple that absolutely makes sense when all you factor in is how much they love each other...but things aren't that simple. Tru doesn't want to stifle Jones, doesn't want to be the man keeping Jones from living up to all his potential. And Jones...oh my darling Jones, he just wants to live a simple life with Tru on the ranch. A ranch he loves, the place that feeds his soul because every memory there warms a part of him. The two men can't ignore the undeniable passion between them, the deep need to care for each other, the rightness of being together. So they don't. They stop fighting the pull and give in to a summer of pure heaven and happiness. However, Tru thinks there's an expiration date...but Jones is cooking up some alternate plans.
The angst of their internal thoughts on how to make their relationship work and the wonder of if it could last was honest and emotional and romantic and hopeful and scary and all the things that come with taking that leap. Simply....I loved it.
- The Writing - Absolutely fantastic. The way that Edie Danford grabs you in the first chapter is something that is easier said than done. One chapter and I was 100% invested in Jones and Tru's history, their future, their relationship, their daily struggle, their path in life...their undeniable love and affection for each other. I was in...I was sold. Hook, line and sinker. There were so many ways that this book could have been filled to the brim in cliches, formulaic writing and an overused plot, but the genuine emotion that leaps off the page is something that you're given as an appetizer in the first chapter and is there to keep you happily satisfied as you move on to the main course and dessert. And although the ending was a little anti-climactic compared to the meal you've just had (it's like being at a 5 star restaurant and ending your evening with Jell-O), it still left me with a huge smile on my face.
She also did an amazing job with the ranch setting. I could so easily close my eyes and picture Jones's cabin, the Lodge, the peaks and valleys, the trails, the stables....envision Tru and Jones taking their horses out and going on a ride.
- The Steam - I don't typically think this needs to be its own category when doing a review, but here I absolutely MUST mention it. It's fantastic! Some of the best I've read. Why? See the heart above...the writing. The connection that Tru and Jones have is overflowing with need, desire, care, tenderness, affection, love....and PASSION. The need wasn't always for sex...a brush of a hand, a touch of lips, the squeeze of a shoulder...sometimes just a touch was all that was needed to center, to ground, to remind. His wide-eyed gaze flashed up to mine and I smiled. I'd always, always associate that shade of blue with pleasure.
But when they would come together...it was an all consuming inferno that burned bright and wild. It was hot, it was...and it's a word I tend to throw out a bit, but SO fits these two....it was PASSIONATE! Just wow!
Even though this book is the first in a trilogy, don't worry it doesn't end on a cliffhanger but a very satisfying HFN. There's still more these guys need to figure out. But, when I finished, I closed my kindle with the widest smile and fullest heart.
Happiness was a real thing. I woke up holding it in my arms. I ate breakfast with it warm at my side. I spent the morning riding behind it.
RUN....don't walk....RUN and pick up this book! One of my favorite reads of the year!
March 3, 2017
*3,5 points*
There can be no doubt that this is a well written book with well characterised MCs. There can be no doubt that Jones was exceedingly likeable and Tru is smoking hot (and I liked the fact that he was an older MC!). There can be no doubt I enjoyed the chemistry between these two. That was all so well done. And yet - their story left me confounded in the end.
Jones is an endearing character - young, enthusiastic and full of love and sizzle! And he is a hot red-head, too! Jones has basically been in love with Tru since he was five, and he has always wanted him, for real, and forever.
The problem is that Tru doesn't quite see it like that. Not only is he substantially older (about 15 years) he is also a lot richer and the 'boss' of the farm where Jones grew up. Scarred by his own upbringing Tru is highly aware of the power imbalance between him and Jones, and one of his biggest worries is that he unwittingly takes advantage of the younger man. Even if said young man doesn't give a toss about all this and just wants to be loved.
Sigh.
And that's the trouble in all this.
Jones is in love to the point of obsession. His aim is to 'make' True love him and admit as much to Jones. And he does everything he can think of. And he is prepared again and again to take the scraps of affection Tru offers without ever getting real commitment. At times I cringed on his behalf for throwing his love at Tru so openly and in some way 'expecting' that one day Tru would love him back. I wanted him to let Tru stew and 'suffer' and come to his senses, not just pander to his wishes.
Tbh, I got quite angry with both of them at one point - with Jones for letting Tru get away with his behaviour again and again, and with Tru for being a total 'commitophobe' and 'leading Jones on'. (He knows how Jones feels, treats him like a lover and yet never opens up full-heartedly)
Although Tru is very good at keeping Jones at a distance, he does behave like a man in love - he is tender and protective (maybe too much like a 'dad' at times) and cute with Jones - not talking about the heated sex scenes. But as soon as the L idea comes up he runs for the hills with the speed of lightning and closes off.
The crux in this is - we never really find out WHY.
I am probably explaining this rather badly, but all I can say is that whilst reading I did raise my brows in confusion at certain actions and comments the MC s made, thinking What? Why did he say/do that? I also have no idea what purpose the story line towards the end had. And some issues the men had were never resolved. But maybe this will be dealt with in another book?!
Maybe it is consistency I was missing - in each of the MCs actions and in the way they talk about their feelings and what they want. Not sure how Tru ended up as he did at the end, what really changed his mind. I'm sure I must have missed something along the way.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
There can be no doubt that this is a well written book with well characterised MCs. There can be no doubt that Jones was exceedingly likeable and Tru is smoking hot (and I liked the fact that he was an older MC!). There can be no doubt I enjoyed the chemistry between these two. That was all so well done. And yet - their story left me confounded in the end.
Jones is an endearing character - young, enthusiastic and full of love and sizzle! And he is a hot red-head, too! Jones has basically been in love with Tru since he was five, and he has always wanted him, for real, and forever.
The problem is that Tru doesn't quite see it like that. Not only is he substantially older (about 15 years) he is also a lot richer and the 'boss' of the farm where Jones grew up. Scarred by his own upbringing Tru is highly aware of the power imbalance between him and Jones, and one of his biggest worries is that he unwittingly takes advantage of the younger man. Even if said young man doesn't give a toss about all this and just wants to be loved.
Sigh.
And that's the trouble in all this.
Jones is in love to the point of obsession. His aim is to 'make' True love him and admit as much to Jones. And he does everything he can think of. And he is prepared again and again to take the scraps of affection Tru offers without ever getting real commitment. At times I cringed on his behalf for throwing his love at Tru so openly and in some way 'expecting' that one day Tru would love him back. I wanted him to let Tru stew and 'suffer' and come to his senses, not just pander to his wishes.
Tbh, I got quite angry with both of them at one point - with Jones for letting Tru get away with his behaviour again and again, and with Tru for being a total 'commitophobe' and 'leading Jones on'. (He knows how Jones feels, treats him like a lover and yet never opens up full-heartedly)
Although Tru is very good at keeping Jones at a distance, he does behave like a man in love - he is tender and protective (maybe too much like a 'dad' at times) and cute with Jones - not talking about the heated sex scenes. But as soon as the L idea comes up he runs for the hills with the speed of lightning and closes off.
The crux in this is - we never really find out WHY.
I am probably explaining this rather badly, but all I can say is that whilst reading I did raise my brows in confusion at certain actions and comments the MC s made, thinking What? Why did he say/do that? I also have no idea what purpose the story line towards the end had. And some issues the men had were never resolved. But maybe this will be dealt with in another book?!
Maybe it is consistency I was missing - in each of the MCs actions and in the way they talk about their feelings and what they want. Not sure how Tru ended up as he did at the end, what really changed his mind. I'm sure I must have missed something along the way.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2017
I've read one other book by this author, and I loved it, so trying this new series was pretty much a no-brainer. Plus, cowboys, an age-gap pairing, and a tenacious MC and I was hooked.
The story starts just a few days after Jones Hudson's 21st birthday. He knows that Tru Larkin, the older man whom Jones grew up idolizing, and later lusting after, and falling in love with, was in Chicago on a business trip. That trip coincided with spring break for Jones, so he decides to show up at Tru's hotel room and see what he can do to break the 'no sex ever' barrier that Tru always had up. And it worked. For a solid week, it worked. Tru, though, is 15 years older than Jones, and keeps telling Jones that a relationship would never work. They're too different, Jones is too young, etc. Jones isn't buying any of it. However, Tru ends up being a ginormous asshole and Jones avoids him for the next 3 years.
I do think that initial separation was probably necessary. Jones had stars in his eyes when it came to Tru, and well, Tru didn't think he was cut out for a relationship and didn't want to end up hurting Jones more than he already has. Still, he has many a regret about where they left things. His hope is that when Jones comes back home for his mother's wedding, that they can patch things up. And it takes days, because they're both very stubborn, but…their chemistry is too hot to burn out.
I enjoyed Tru Smoke, quite a lot. Jones was single minded and tenacious as hell, when it came to breaking through to Tru. They obviously had the 'lovers' thing pretty well worked out, but Tru still holds a part of himself apart from Jones. Or he tries. Jones is determined to be his own man, though, and not just go with what everyone else wants for him. Jones knows what he wants and he goes for it.
I did think their second separation was a bit out of left field, though. Maybe it was necessary, I haven't quite decided, but it just seemed that Jones did a 180 on his previous plans. Maybe he thought that Tru needed it to figure out that he needed Jones, in which case, I can actually see it. So, I'll give that a maybe. And the ending -- a bit sudden, though not entirely unexpected. I would have preferred that it played out a touch differently, I think.
All in all, I'd give Tru Smoke a solid four stars and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series plays out.
The story starts just a few days after Jones Hudson's 21st birthday. He knows that Tru Larkin, the older man whom Jones grew up idolizing, and later lusting after, and falling in love with, was in Chicago on a business trip. That trip coincided with spring break for Jones, so he decides to show up at Tru's hotel room and see what he can do to break the 'no sex ever' barrier that Tru always had up. And it worked. For a solid week, it worked. Tru, though, is 15 years older than Jones, and keeps telling Jones that a relationship would never work. They're too different, Jones is too young, etc. Jones isn't buying any of it. However, Tru ends up being a ginormous asshole and Jones avoids him for the next 3 years.
I do think that initial separation was probably necessary. Jones had stars in his eyes when it came to Tru, and well, Tru didn't think he was cut out for a relationship and didn't want to end up hurting Jones more than he already has. Still, he has many a regret about where they left things. His hope is that when Jones comes back home for his mother's wedding, that they can patch things up. And it takes days, because they're both very stubborn, but…their chemistry is too hot to burn out.
I enjoyed Tru Smoke, quite a lot. Jones was single minded and tenacious as hell, when it came to breaking through to Tru. They obviously had the 'lovers' thing pretty well worked out, but Tru still holds a part of himself apart from Jones. Or he tries. Jones is determined to be his own man, though, and not just go with what everyone else wants for him. Jones knows what he wants and he goes for it.
I did think their second separation was a bit out of left field, though. Maybe it was necessary, I haven't quite decided, but it just seemed that Jones did a 180 on his previous plans. Maybe he thought that Tru needed it to figure out that he needed Jones, in which case, I can actually see it. So, I'll give that a maybe. And the ending -- a bit sudden, though not entirely unexpected. I would have preferred that it played out a touch differently, I think.
All in all, I'd give Tru Smoke a solid four stars and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series plays out.
November 22, 2016
Estoy un poco confusa... El libro me ha gustado, fundamentalmente por los diálogos, mucho sentimiento y mucha intensidad, pero la relación de los dos protagonistas no la he llegado a entender. Jones es absolutamente adorable y en todo momento eres consciente de sus sentimientos, pero hasta el 60 % no sabes por qué Tru se niega a tener una relación y al final del libro no sabes las motivaciones de ninguno de los dos para hacer lo que hacen. Al final, todo ese batiburrillo me ha dejado un poco fría y es una pena, me gusta mucho la manera de escribir de la autora. Leeré el segundo a ver qué tal.
November 14, 2016
Verra nice little read!
-Great characters
-AGE GAP!
-Sweet
-Smexy
-Lots of feels
-Dual POV
-No cliffy, but more story to come.
But it was missing a little more conflict at the end.
Highly recommend it! 4 Stars!
-Great characters
-AGE GAP!
-Sweet
-Smexy
-Lots of feels
-Dual POV
-No cliffy, but more story to come.
But it was missing a little more conflict at the end.
Highly recommend it! 4 Stars!
November 25, 2016
DNF didn't get far past 30% and didn't even bother to skim on.
The writing (though not the style) probably deserves more stars but the fact I couldn't get through the book speaks louder.
The story starts with a bang, promised to be a sizzling read, then when I was expecting a look back to how they got there or maybe their next meeting we instead leap forward THREE YEARS.
That's three years of useless pinning without any self-growth.
Then there's a leap of a few days, then past an event..it felt like the author set out the timeline then forgot to go back and write the story around it.
Could easily be a great story, but the style left me feeling I was missing big chunks of story and having to piece things together.
Wallowing in the pov wasn't working for me because I wanted Jones to grow up and kick Truitt with all his daddy issues to the curb. Jones is a smart, bright character, in three years he never moved on? Even as far as I got I couldn't respect Truitt. Could never see where he was coming from despite getting his pov. A romance story is never going to work when you're urging the one to get out of Colorado!
It reminds me strongly of old Harlequin romances. Brave but penniless girl out to make the best of it on the ranch with the big taciturn hero. Used, sometimes abused, but so in love feeding on crumbs of affection. This had strong m/f vibes.
Add on that the age difference and really odd vibe from Tru remembering cute little 5yr old Jones lisping about the place, strong feel he was part of bringing him up. That doesn't sit well with me.
Seems set to continue in the same fashion see-sawing hot and cold and that'll only make me mad, so quitting now. I'm in the minority, but no thanks.
The writing (though not the style) probably deserves more stars but the fact I couldn't get through the book speaks louder.
The story starts with a bang, promised to be a sizzling read, then when I was expecting a look back to how they got there or maybe their next meeting we instead leap forward THREE YEARS.
That's three years of useless pinning without any self-growth.
Then there's a leap of a few days, then past an event..it felt like the author set out the timeline then forgot to go back and write the story around it.
Could easily be a great story, but the style left me feeling I was missing big chunks of story and having to piece things together.
Wallowing in the pov wasn't working for me because I wanted Jones to grow up and kick Truitt with all his daddy issues to the curb. Jones is a smart, bright character, in three years he never moved on? Even as far as I got I couldn't respect Truitt. Could never see where he was coming from despite getting his pov. A romance story is never going to work when you're urging the one to get out of Colorado!
It reminds me strongly of old Harlequin romances. Brave but penniless girl out to make the best of it on the ranch with the big taciturn hero. Used, sometimes abused, but so in love feeding on crumbs of affection. This had strong m/f vibes.
Add on that the age difference and really odd vibe from Tru remembering cute little 5yr old Jones lisping about the place, strong feel he was part of bringing him up. That doesn't sit well with me.
Seems set to continue in the same fashion see-sawing hot and cold and that'll only make me mad, so quitting now. I'm in the minority, but no thanks.
November 14, 2016
First, let’s make it clear : I enjoyed this really hot romance with cowboys and age-gap. 3.5 stars !!
It starts with a week of hotness between Tru, billionaire, spending his time between his ranch and his diversified business all over the country and Jones, the son of one of the ranch employees.
Jones is 21, full of life, and has been in love with Tru from an early age while Tru, 36, is doing his best to run his father’s legacy with a human touch and protectiveness previously lacking. One week in Chicago unleashes their passion, but Tru puts a stop in fear of commitment and of taking advantage of Jones.
Three years later, Jones comes back to the ranch and the passion and the longing are stronger than ever but the road for Jones to quash Tru’s fears and misconceptions to his needs is far from being short and smooth.
I adored Jones’s fierciness, enthusiasm and devotion, Tru’s deep affection for Jones despite all his reservations and I bathed in the powerful chemistry between these two - so good because packed with emotion.
My niggles ? First, I’m not a fan of too much push and pull. And the ending : HEA, yes, but very abrupt. I’m going to use a word I saw in other reviews : anti-climactic.
It starts with a week of hotness between Tru, billionaire, spending his time between his ranch and his diversified business all over the country and Jones, the son of one of the ranch employees.
Jones is 21, full of life, and has been in love with Tru from an early age while Tru, 36, is doing his best to run his father’s legacy with a human touch and protectiveness previously lacking. One week in Chicago unleashes their passion, but Tru puts a stop in fear of commitment and of taking advantage of Jones.
Three years later, Jones comes back to the ranch and the passion and the longing are stronger than ever but the road for Jones to quash Tru’s fears and misconceptions to his needs is far from being short and smooth.
I adored Jones’s fierciness, enthusiasm and devotion, Tru’s deep affection for Jones despite all his reservations and I bathed in the powerful chemistry between these two - so good because packed with emotion.
My niggles ? First, I’m not a fan of too much push and pull. And the ending : HEA, yes, but very abrupt. I’m going to use a word I saw in other reviews : anti-climactic.
November 27, 2016
This may very well be my favorite book of the year. Of course, I can't remember shit and may have said this before but right this second I'm standing by that.
But seriously. I finished this on Thanksgiving Thursday night and it is now Sunday morning and I am still thinking about it.
I freaking loved every single page of it. All of them! I can't recall the last time I finished a book and instantly wanted to read it all over again.
I do hope this comes out as an audio book in the future.
Bring on book 2!
But seriously. I finished this on Thanksgiving Thursday night and it is now Sunday morning and I am still thinking about it.
I freaking loved every single page of it. All of them! I can't recall the last time I finished a book and instantly wanted to read it all over again.
I do hope this comes out as an audio book in the future.
Bring on book 2!
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December 5, 20165 Hearts
This book was so good. Like stupidly good in a way that I don’t quite know how to put into words for a review. You know those books that grab you from the first chapter, pull you in close and whisper, “You with me kid?” and all you can do if offer your capitulation? Yeah, this was one of those books.
Now, I am a self-proclaimed angst whore and this book was my trick over and over again. Good lord was it ever and I think I need a fix now that I am done.
Told in the dual POV of Jones Hudson and Truitt Larkin, we meet the men as they are deep into one another after Jones surprised Tru by knocking on his hotel door the day after his 21st birthday. The week following is gorgeous, it’s fuckhot and it broke my damn heart. It was stunning to get so much emotion from just one chapter, to already get a feel for who Tru and Jones are to one another and who they think they are deep down inside but it hurt, y’all. It hurt and it was the best kind of hurt a hopeless romantic hoarder of romance novels can ask for.
Jones has had a crush on all things Tru forever. Tru was the first person to ground Jones when he arrived at Ember Peak Ranch with his mother at the tender age of four. It was then that Tru became family and the feelings that Jones had begun to change over time. I love, LOVE stories where the MC’s have known each other for years, even as young as Jones was when he met Tru but in this story, Tru wasn’t a child, in fact, Tru is 15 years older than Jones and of course that means Tru thinks he knows what is best. Tsk Tsk Tsk…
So back to that first chapter. Chemistry and emotions are aplenty through it and then it ends. My heart breaks and I turn the page… Three. Years. Later. Fuck. Without even reading another word I know that it’s been three years since these two have seen one another and my stomach dropped. I had to keep reading, I needed Truitt to see his ginger haired boy and do whatever he had to do to make amends but I also wanted to see Jones stand up for himself for whatever they would be together. I didn’t have to wait long as the men are reunited back at the ranch for Jones’ mom’s wedding.
To say the angst ever let up in this book would be a lie. It wasn’t terrible but it was this low hum of being on the edge with no real survival skills in sight. I loved it so much. I loved how the men reunite and the steps they take to make a summer on the ranch as lovers work. I ADORE that the author gave us both POV’s because I had to know what was in Tru’s head and heart as we walked this path. How he sees Jones as a grown man and when he uses that damn swoonworthy endearment. Sigh I am a sucker for endearments but when they have actual meaning behind them and not just “baby” or “honey” you have me in a big pile of goo and goo is always good.
But this story, it’s all about need. It’s the need of Jones to have the one man he’s been in love with his whole life and it’s Jones needing Tru to NEED him. Not just want him around or in his bed but to need Jones in his life.
Truitt is a fascinating and complicating man. He has this history with his father that is no pleasant and while he is rich AF, he isn’t crass about it and takes the responsibility of the Larkin Corp, the ranch and all that work for him seriously. He’s a good man who always wants to do what’s right for people even if that means sacrificing his own happiness. But Jones won’t let him be unhappy and seeing their relationship change and grow over the summer was beautiful.
The author doesn’t play on the stereotype with the age gap either and makes Jones a smart and capable man. He may be younger than Tru but that doesn’t mean he is a doormat. He’s learned from his mistakes and is making plans to get his man. Good lord. This book was really something else and I just loved it.
I like that three spoken words would mean everything to both men but it wasn’t the total goal. The life of them together, learning how to be together in this new way and not fucking it up was what they were both working toward even though it took Tru a bit longer to really catch on but catch on he did. I loved the end and had a feeling of where it would be going after Tru had the run in with the Jones doppelganger. He realized then what was important talking to Cody and Zeke and the way this book ended had me sliding off my chair in one major swoon.
I think I’ll shut up now and I’m just going to think of sun porches, trail rides, what happens on overnights, movie marathons under tables, revelations in walk in closets (ha!) meal in cabins, the love of three damn dogs and horses and all the swoony emotions that come with Truitt and Jones. Yeah, this was a good one and I have so many notes and highlights from it that I was going to use but instead, I’m going to tuck those away for my own keeping so I can swoon over them a few or more times.
OH! I love that this isn’t the end of Tru and Jones either and that we get them in book two…. I need that book, like now. *grabby hands* Gimme!
This book was so good. Like stupidly good in a way that I don’t quite know how to put into words for a review. You know those books that grab you from the first chapter, pull you in close and whisper, “You with me kid?” and all you can do if offer your capitulation? Yeah, this was one of those books.
Now, I am a self-proclaimed angst whore and this book was my trick over and over again. Good lord was it ever and I think I need a fix now that I am done.
Told in the dual POV of Jones Hudson and Truitt Larkin, we meet the men as they are deep into one another after Jones surprised Tru by knocking on his hotel door the day after his 21st birthday. The week following is gorgeous, it’s fuckhot and it broke my damn heart. It was stunning to get so much emotion from just one chapter, to already get a feel for who Tru and Jones are to one another and who they think they are deep down inside but it hurt, y’all. It hurt and it was the best kind of hurt a hopeless romantic hoarder of romance novels can ask for.
Jones has had a crush on all things Tru forever. Tru was the first person to ground Jones when he arrived at Ember Peak Ranch with his mother at the tender age of four. It was then that Tru became family and the feelings that Jones had begun to change over time. I love, LOVE stories where the MC’s have known each other for years, even as young as Jones was when he met Tru but in this story, Tru wasn’t a child, in fact, Tru is 15 years older than Jones and of course that means Tru thinks he knows what is best. Tsk Tsk Tsk…
So back to that first chapter. Chemistry and emotions are aplenty through it and then it ends. My heart breaks and I turn the page… Three. Years. Later. Fuck. Without even reading another word I know that it’s been three years since these two have seen one another and my stomach dropped. I had to keep reading, I needed Truitt to see his ginger haired boy and do whatever he had to do to make amends but I also wanted to see Jones stand up for himself for whatever they would be together. I didn’t have to wait long as the men are reunited back at the ranch for Jones’ mom’s wedding.
To say the angst ever let up in this book would be a lie. It wasn’t terrible but it was this low hum of being on the edge with no real survival skills in sight. I loved it so much. I loved how the men reunite and the steps they take to make a summer on the ranch as lovers work. I ADORE that the author gave us both POV’s because I had to know what was in Tru’s head and heart as we walked this path. How he sees Jones as a grown man and when he uses that damn swoonworthy endearment. Sigh I am a sucker for endearments but when they have actual meaning behind them and not just “baby” or “honey” you have me in a big pile of goo and goo is always good.
But this story, it’s all about need. It’s the need of Jones to have the one man he’s been in love with his whole life and it’s Jones needing Tru to NEED him. Not just want him around or in his bed but to need Jones in his life.
Truitt is a fascinating and complicating man. He has this history with his father that is no pleasant and while he is rich AF, he isn’t crass about it and takes the responsibility of the Larkin Corp, the ranch and all that work for him seriously. He’s a good man who always wants to do what’s right for people even if that means sacrificing his own happiness. But Jones won’t let him be unhappy and seeing their relationship change and grow over the summer was beautiful.
The author doesn’t play on the stereotype with the age gap either and makes Jones a smart and capable man. He may be younger than Tru but that doesn’t mean he is a doormat. He’s learned from his mistakes and is making plans to get his man. Good lord. This book was really something else and I just loved it.
I like that three spoken words would mean everything to both men but it wasn’t the total goal. The life of them together, learning how to be together in this new way and not fucking it up was what they were both working toward even though it took Tru a bit longer to really catch on but catch on he did. I loved the end and had a feeling of where it would be going after Tru had the run in with the Jones doppelganger. He realized then what was important talking to Cody and Zeke and the way this book ended had me sliding off my chair in one major swoon.
I think I’ll shut up now and I’m just going to think of sun porches, trail rides, what happens on overnights, movie marathons under tables, revelations in walk in closets (ha!) meal in cabins, the love of three damn dogs and horses and all the swoony emotions that come with Truitt and Jones. Yeah, this was a good one and I have so many notes and highlights from it that I was going to use but instead, I’m going to tuck those away for my own keeping so I can swoon over them a few or more times.
OH! I love that this isn’t the end of Tru and Jones either and that we get them in book two…. I need that book, like now. *grabby hands* Gimme!
October 31, 2016
I spent the entire book like this
First off we're just dropped into the middle of a sex scene. *whoa* It took a couple of minutes for me to figure out what was going on but once I did it was a decent set up. Much younger college student is having a sex filled week with an older guy (15 year age gap) he's always been in love with. So.....ok. I'm on board and I'm feeling like this is a good story set up.
We then jump three years ahead and they are brought back together. Again.....I'm on board. But here's where things get really confusing for me. Jones is all full of "I can't be with him again, he'll break my heart" and Tru is full of "I have to stay away from him or I'll break his heart" but then they're banging. Again. But banging with angst in their hearts because they have no plans to work things out. And no matter how much they talked about it I couldn't understand their reasons for not being together. It made zero sense to me. *dude*
I felt a dislike of Tru because I felt like he was leading Jones on and pushing for things he selfishly wanted while not really caring if he hurt Jones or not. I never really warmed up to Tru despite part of the story being told from his point of view. Nothing he said or did made any sense to me. He went on these long explanations of why he couldn't/shouldn't be with Jones but I couldn't follow his path of logic. *bogus man*
Jones was just this side of crazy. He was obsessed with Tru and was willing to toss aside his self-esteem just to have one moment, one night, one whatever with him. More than once I wanted to point out to him that there is a thin line between being persistent and being a stalker. Nothing he did made any sense to me either. I couldn't understand being this "in love" with someone and his behavior made me cringe more than once. *Strange things are afoot at the Circle K*
The ending was very anticlimatic and I have zero idea what brought on Tru's change of heart. I mean there is this incident that triggers Tru's change but again, totally confused. I couldn't understand how this incident related to their story. It was tenuous at best. *all we are is dust in the wind*
I also would have liked to see a bunch of the sex scenes cut out. There were too many in my opinion, especially when that page time could have been used for more character development or more in depth plot. A lot of sex does not equal the building of love. *SIXTY-NINE DUDES!!*
I was also a little icked out at their age difference dynamic. It wasn't the 15 years. That would have been fine had they have met when they were both adults. It was the fact that Tru had been helping care for Jones since he was 5 years old. He was like a pseudo big brother. I kind of cringed a few times when references were made about when Jones was a little boy. This dynamic always feels icky to me and I realize this is a personal preference but I've read a few books like this lately and I've come to realize it's never going to work for me.
The writing itself was good and I have no complaints about that. I think this is one of those cases where "It's me, it's not you." I just couldn't identify with these characters and their actions and too many of their behaviors made me feel negative things (confusion, anger, ick). There are a lot of really positive reviews out there so I suggest you look at some of them before making a decision about whether to read this or not. I will try something else from this author to see if this was a one off for me but I'm sorry to say I won't be reading book two in the series. I could not care less what happens to these two guys.
**review copy provided by IndiGo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review**
First off we're just dropped into the middle of a sex scene. *whoa* It took a couple of minutes for me to figure out what was going on but once I did it was a decent set up. Much younger college student is having a sex filled week with an older guy (15 year age gap) he's always been in love with. So.....ok. I'm on board and I'm feeling like this is a good story set up.
We then jump three years ahead and they are brought back together. Again.....I'm on board. But here's where things get really confusing for me. Jones is all full of "I can't be with him again, he'll break my heart" and Tru is full of "I have to stay away from him or I'll break his heart" but then they're banging. Again. But banging with angst in their hearts because they have no plans to work things out. And no matter how much they talked about it I couldn't understand their reasons for not being together. It made zero sense to me. *dude*
I felt a dislike of Tru because I felt like he was leading Jones on and pushing for things he selfishly wanted while not really caring if he hurt Jones or not. I never really warmed up to Tru despite part of the story being told from his point of view. Nothing he said or did made any sense to me. He went on these long explanations of why he couldn't/shouldn't be with Jones but I couldn't follow his path of logic. *bogus man*
Jones was just this side of crazy. He was obsessed with Tru and was willing to toss aside his self-esteem just to have one moment, one night, one whatever with him. More than once I wanted to point out to him that there is a thin line between being persistent and being a stalker. Nothing he did made any sense to me either. I couldn't understand being this "in love" with someone and his behavior made me cringe more than once. *Strange things are afoot at the Circle K*
The ending was very anticlimatic and I have zero idea what brought on Tru's change of heart. I mean there is this incident that triggers Tru's change but again, totally confused. I couldn't understand how this incident related to their story. It was tenuous at best. *all we are is dust in the wind*
I also would have liked to see a bunch of the sex scenes cut out. There were too many in my opinion, especially when that page time could have been used for more character development or more in depth plot. A lot of sex does not equal the building of love. *SIXTY-NINE DUDES!!*
I was also a little icked out at their age difference dynamic. It wasn't the 15 years. That would have been fine had they have met when they were both adults. It was the fact that Tru had been helping care for Jones since he was 5 years old. He was like a pseudo big brother. I kind of cringed a few times when references were made about when Jones was a little boy. This dynamic always feels icky to me and I realize this is a personal preference but I've read a few books like this lately and I've come to realize it's never going to work for me.
The writing itself was good and I have no complaints about that. I think this is one of those cases where "It's me, it's not you." I just couldn't identify with these characters and their actions and too many of their behaviors made me feel negative things (confusion, anger, ick). There are a lot of really positive reviews out there so I suggest you look at some of them before making a decision about whether to read this or not. I will try something else from this author to see if this was a one off for me but I'm sorry to say I won't be reading book two in the series. I could not care less what happens to these two guys.
**review copy provided by IndiGo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review**
October 27, 2016
4.5 stars
Sweet, sweet Jonesy. AWW I am so thrilled that he got what he wanted the most at last!!!
Wow! This book was one hell of an emotional ride. There was so much longing and I got hit with feels left and right. I teared up, felt angry and at the end I could not stop my crazy smile+crying combo, right in the middle of a train station no less (I might have scared a few people!!!)
Ok so let’s get start with an intro to Jones and Tru’s story:
Jones Hudson has been in love with his mother’s employee, billionaire rancher, Truitt Larkin forever. But Tru has never given in to Jones’s desire or made a move on him. That changes when Jones show up in Tru’s Chicago home one week. They burn hotter than lava for seven blissful days and Jones hopes like hell that this time Tru will acknowledge his love and make him his. But as the week end, Jones gets his heart broken after Tru tells him to forget their time together and concentrate on his studies. There never can be a relationship between them and Jones needs to live with that. Needless to say, Jones is devastated. He takes off and does not come back home, The Ember Peak ranch for three whole years.
On the event of his mother’s wedding, Jones comes back to his home and finally confronts the love that he has been running away from for such a long time. Tru’s need for him is evident in his eyes but Jones is not ready to risk his already broken heart a second time. But plans have a funny way to get derailed even when you know what’s the hurtful outcome is gonna be. Their attraction flares brighter than before and Jones finds himself again back into the same love-daze which he has tried to avoid for so long. Jones knows that there can be no one for him other than Tru and he will take whatever he gets but will “The love of his life” give him what he wants the most or break him beyond repair?? Read this amazingly heart wrenching romance to find out.
Hard to figure out any kind of victory that wouldn't lead to my heart breaking all over again. But damn. It was really fricking hard not to root for your dreams, you know? Even if they were old and wary.
What I loved:
JONES!!! He is such a sweetheart. Gawd! I felt awful whenever he got hurt. Jones emotions and his overwhelming longing for Tru were so powerful and I could feel the impact of his heart break through the pages. Jones is a 24 year old man who in this book is still not quite sure about what he wants to do with his life. He may come off to most as indecisive but I felt that he wanted to secure Tru’s love before he could even think about his future. Tru was his anchor and his home and Jones always felt adrift when he was apart from him. There’s going to be a second book so I am totally psyched to see Jones, confident in his love and finally ready to live upto his true potential. He is sharp as a tack with an easy charm that made him irresistible. He is a genuine person who loved Tru with his entire being.
Tru and Jones’s powerful and explosive connection. Tru may have been lying to himself by thinking that he could live without Jones but from the first chapter you could feel the extent of the bond between them.Their chemistry is off the hook. There was always a frantic desperation in their times together. Jones wanted to soak up Tru’s affections and passion before their dreaded separation, which he knew will come eventually. Tru on the other hand can’t get enough of Jones even when he thinks Jones can do so much better than loving an older guy like him.
Truitt Larkin is a cowboy out of any man/woman’s dreams. He was compassionate, loving, generous and had a heart made of gold. He had his flaws of course, but I have to say that because of them he felt more real to me. Tru had it bad for Jones too but he had a few hang ups which he was blindly trying to thrust on his relationship with Jones. He wanted what was best for Jones. Tru was Jones’s best friend, father figure and confidant. Plus he came with the whole cowboy package so yeah, I liked him a lot!!
This book has some hard core relationship angst which was showcased vividly. Everytime there was a pull I was mooning over the passionate couple and with every push I wanted to hug Jones and smack Tru for delaying the inevitable. The HEA at the end finally saved me from hurting someone*phew* (That was a close one!!!)
Anyways, I can’t wait to see what’s next for the “Trunes” couple. Tru finally saying the magical three words frequently will surely be a huge hit for me.
My teeny tiny hang-up:
Tru: Gaahh!! This guy frustrated me! Everyone could see he loves Jones so damn much but still he behaved like a stupid, hard headed prick to keep Jones away. I get that he wanted to give Jones a chance to live life and experience new things but he kept Jones’s hopes alive by always being so loving and caring all the time. I thought that he was a little selfish for stringing Jones along when he was not ready for the commitment Jones needed. I mean how hard is it to say “I love You”??? Tru made me and Jones work so hard to finally hear him say that. His POV was a nice touch but his insecurities about committing to Jones was not made very clear. This was the only thing that made me drop the rating by 0.5 stars.
Overall:
This is an emotionally charged, angsty romance with loads of loving and passion. I loved every character in this book. The secondary characters were not given too much focus but whatever exposure they got was used perfectly to describe the environment of the ranch, Tru’s character and Jones’s sweet and friendly nature. I would recommend this book to all romance lovers. There will be some tear shedding occasionally while reading this book but there is very satisfied HEA at the end of the line, so giddy up!!!
Ms. Danford, your characters were truly amazing and the story was touching and beautiful. Keep up the good work!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Sweet, sweet Jonesy. AWW I am so thrilled that he got what he wanted the most at last!!!
Wow! This book was one hell of an emotional ride. There was so much longing and I got hit with feels left and right. I teared up, felt angry and at the end I could not stop my crazy smile+crying combo, right in the middle of a train station no less (I might have scared a few people!!!)
Ok so let’s get start with an intro to Jones and Tru’s story:
Jones Hudson has been in love with his mother’s employee, billionaire rancher, Truitt Larkin forever. But Tru has never given in to Jones’s desire or made a move on him. That changes when Jones show up in Tru’s Chicago home one week. They burn hotter than lava for seven blissful days and Jones hopes like hell that this time Tru will acknowledge his love and make him his. But as the week end, Jones gets his heart broken after Tru tells him to forget their time together and concentrate on his studies. There never can be a relationship between them and Jones needs to live with that. Needless to say, Jones is devastated. He takes off and does not come back home, The Ember Peak ranch for three whole years.
On the event of his mother’s wedding, Jones comes back to his home and finally confronts the love that he has been running away from for such a long time. Tru’s need for him is evident in his eyes but Jones is not ready to risk his already broken heart a second time. But plans have a funny way to get derailed even when you know what’s the hurtful outcome is gonna be. Their attraction flares brighter than before and Jones finds himself again back into the same love-daze which he has tried to avoid for so long. Jones knows that there can be no one for him other than Tru and he will take whatever he gets but will “The love of his life” give him what he wants the most or break him beyond repair?? Read this amazingly heart wrenching romance to find out.
Hard to figure out any kind of victory that wouldn't lead to my heart breaking all over again. But damn. It was really fricking hard not to root for your dreams, you know? Even if they were old and wary.
What I loved:
JONES!!! He is such a sweetheart. Gawd! I felt awful whenever he got hurt. Jones emotions and his overwhelming longing for Tru were so powerful and I could feel the impact of his heart break through the pages. Jones is a 24 year old man who in this book is still not quite sure about what he wants to do with his life. He may come off to most as indecisive but I felt that he wanted to secure Tru’s love before he could even think about his future. Tru was his anchor and his home and Jones always felt adrift when he was apart from him. There’s going to be a second book so I am totally psyched to see Jones, confident in his love and finally ready to live upto his true potential. He is sharp as a tack with an easy charm that made him irresistible. He is a genuine person who loved Tru with his entire being.
Tru and Jones’s powerful and explosive connection. Tru may have been lying to himself by thinking that he could live without Jones but from the first chapter you could feel the extent of the bond between them.Their chemistry is off the hook. There was always a frantic desperation in their times together. Jones wanted to soak up Tru’s affections and passion before their dreaded separation, which he knew will come eventually. Tru on the other hand can’t get enough of Jones even when he thinks Jones can do so much better than loving an older guy like him.
Truitt Larkin is a cowboy out of any man/woman’s dreams. He was compassionate, loving, generous and had a heart made of gold. He had his flaws of course, but I have to say that because of them he felt more real to me. Tru had it bad for Jones too but he had a few hang ups which he was blindly trying to thrust on his relationship with Jones. He wanted what was best for Jones. Tru was Jones’s best friend, father figure and confidant. Plus he came with the whole cowboy package so yeah, I liked him a lot!!
This book has some hard core relationship angst which was showcased vividly. Everytime there was a pull I was mooning over the passionate couple and with every push I wanted to hug Jones and smack Tru for delaying the inevitable. The HEA at the end finally saved me from hurting someone*phew* (That was a close one!!!)
Anyways, I can’t wait to see what’s next for the “Trunes” couple. Tru finally saying the magical three words frequently will surely be a huge hit for me.
My teeny tiny hang-up:
Tru: Gaahh!! This guy frustrated me! Everyone could see he loves Jones so damn much but still he behaved like a stupid, hard headed prick to keep Jones away. I get that he wanted to give Jones a chance to live life and experience new things but he kept Jones’s hopes alive by always being so loving and caring all the time. I thought that he was a little selfish for stringing Jones along when he was not ready for the commitment Jones needed. I mean how hard is it to say “I love You”??? Tru made me and Jones work so hard to finally hear him say that. His POV was a nice touch but his insecurities about committing to Jones was not made very clear. This was the only thing that made me drop the rating by 0.5 stars.
Overall:
This is an emotionally charged, angsty romance with loads of loving and passion. I loved every character in this book. The secondary characters were not given too much focus but whatever exposure they got was used perfectly to describe the environment of the ranch, Tru’s character and Jones’s sweet and friendly nature. I would recommend this book to all romance lovers. There will be some tear shedding occasionally while reading this book but there is very satisfied HEA at the end of the line, so giddy up!!!
Ms. Danford, your characters were truly amazing and the story was touching and beautiful. Keep up the good work!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
December 22, 2018
I love my cowboys but this overly long book just wore me out. The ranch sounded beautiful but nothing about Tru or Jones was the least bit compelling.
October 23, 2016
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
-4.5 stars-
Jones Hudson, son of the ranches former housekeeper, has loved Truitt Larkin for as long as he can remember. Jones has been living on the Ranch since he was 5 years old, and Truit, who was nineteen at the time, took him under his wing. Now at 21, Jones finally thinks he has his shot to win Tru's heart when Tru lets down his walls and let's Jones in for one amazing, hot week. By the end Jones thinks he has won, but Tru leaves him with no hope for a future, a broken heart, and feeling like his home at Ember Peek has been ripped from him.
Fast forward three years and Jones finally returns home for his mums wedding. When Truitt tries to make up for the past, sparks fly and it isn't long before the two are at it again. A week turns into a couple of weeks, that turns in to a summer, and Jones does what he can to get Truitt to finally admit he loves Jones and wants that happy ever after as well. This isn't an easy feat, Truit is stubborn, bossy and set in his ways of how things have to go.
This was a fantastic story, with so many great elements. And wowie was it smoking hot. The chemistry between these two was their is spades, and so often I wanted to smack Truitt for the stupid thoughts and reasoning in his head. We also get some great side characters that really helped the story along, It ends with a lovely HFN, and I for one can't wait to read more of these two fantastic characters.
-4.5 stars-
Jones Hudson, son of the ranches former housekeeper, has loved Truitt Larkin for as long as he can remember. Jones has been living on the Ranch since he was 5 years old, and Truit, who was nineteen at the time, took him under his wing. Now at 21, Jones finally thinks he has his shot to win Tru's heart when Tru lets down his walls and let's Jones in for one amazing, hot week. By the end Jones thinks he has won, but Tru leaves him with no hope for a future, a broken heart, and feeling like his home at Ember Peek has been ripped from him.
Fast forward three years and Jones finally returns home for his mums wedding. When Truitt tries to make up for the past, sparks fly and it isn't long before the two are at it again. A week turns into a couple of weeks, that turns in to a summer, and Jones does what he can to get Truitt to finally admit he loves Jones and wants that happy ever after as well. This isn't an easy feat, Truit is stubborn, bossy and set in his ways of how things have to go.
This was a fantastic story, with so many great elements. And wowie was it smoking hot. The chemistry between these two was their is spades, and so often I wanted to smack Truitt for the stupid thoughts and reasoning in his head. We also get some great side characters that really helped the story along, It ends with a lovely HFN, and I for one can't wait to read more of these two fantastic characters.
Want to read
November 23, 2016Magic word activated:
November 6, 2016
4.25 stars
November 2, 2016
3.5 stars
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
OK, let's start with the good stuff. The sex scenes were numerous and quite hot...*fans myself*
We start off with a six day hook-up between Tru and Jones. Jones is at college in Chicago and Tru is on a business trip. We find out later that they've known each other forever since Jones' mom works at Tru's ranch estate. Tru is rich you see, although you would never know it since he's so down to earth.
There is a 14-yr age gap here and Tru is always thinking that Jones needs more freedom and time to make big career decisions. He believes he should stay out of Jones' life...but the big dummy doesn't realize that he's already immeasurably ingrained in every aspect of Jones' existence.
The book was a little long and dragged in the middle. I got frustrated numerous times with Tru's hot and cold behavior. I wanted to shake them both really hard.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
OK, let's start with the good stuff. The sex scenes were numerous and quite hot...*fans myself*
We start off with a six day hook-up between Tru and Jones. Jones is at college in Chicago and Tru is on a business trip. We find out later that they've known each other forever since Jones' mom works at Tru's ranch estate. Tru is rich you see, although you would never know it since he's so down to earth.
There is a 14-yr age gap here and Tru is always thinking that Jones needs more freedom and time to make big career decisions. He believes he should stay out of Jones' life...but the big dummy doesn't realize that he's already immeasurably ingrained in every aspect of Jones' existence.
The book was a little long and dragged in the middle. I got frustrated numerous times with Tru's hot and cold behavior. I wanted to shake them both really hard.
December 20, 2016
The writing was a 5 (I love Edie Danford), but the execution wasn't the best. I'm definitely reading the sequel, but I see how readers could become impatient with this one; the constant push/pull between the main characters is exhausting.
November 17, 2016
So much delicious chemistry.
If you liked Chasing the Storm, this has a very similar flavor. You've got your older man/younger man dynamic where the older guy is really concerned about putting too much pressure/influence on the younger guy, really wanting to make sure that the younger one makes their decision for the right reasons and doesn't rush into anything because of their youth. You've also got the older guy carrying a lot of baggage.
The writing is beautiful, and the feelings these two have for each other burn the pages. Tru Smoke is right.
Very much looking forward to book two! Luckily we don't have to wait too long.
If you liked Chasing the Storm, this has a very similar flavor. You've got your older man/younger man dynamic where the older guy is really concerned about putting too much pressure/influence on the younger guy, really wanting to make sure that the younger one makes their decision for the right reasons and doesn't rush into anything because of their youth. You've also got the older guy carrying a lot of baggage.
The writing is beautiful, and the feelings these two have for each other burn the pages. Tru Smoke is right.
Very much looking forward to book two! Luckily we don't have to wait too long.
August 5, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up for this 'lost in my tbr mountain' read. A little too much on the sweet side for me, although I liked Jones [...Lewis Hudson, what a mouthful!!] and Truitt [??] well enough. Tru didn't really act like an impending 40 year old though I have to say.
I understand that the subsequent two stories are completely overrun with Tru's half sister and her problems...a lot of readers not happy about that, so I won't bother with either of those, which is a shame 😕.
I understand that the subsequent two stories are completely overrun with Tru's half sister and her problems...a lot of readers not happy about that, so I won't bother with either of those, which is a shame 😕.
February 10, 2017
This poor kid. Waiting years and years and years for this guy who runs hot and cold, won't commit but won't let go.
To make it even worse. Jones grew up on the ranch that Truitt owns, so letting go of Tru also meant letting go of his home.
Tru is confused and doesn't want to give in. I get it.
How much longer does he expect Jones to wait? Jones has been waiting his whole life for Tru. But Tru can't figure out if he wants to be Jones' daddy, big brother, or lover. The mixed signals destroyed me. Jones held up much better than I did. Tru broke Jones' heart over and over. I felt like he played with Jones' emotions with little care for the damage he caused. Yet, Tru thought he was doing the right thing.
And that, right there, is my button. I can't stand a relationship where the older partner does and says things to control the younger partner's life against the younger ones wishes.
I very much enjoy age gap romance stories. I'll even enjoy a billionaire romance if it's done right. But this year I've unfortunately read a few that hit by trigger button. So I'm feeling even more skittish than usual with this one.
Jones is an amazing character. I'm not sure if any real person could be as easy going, as forgiving and as even tempered as Jones is. My heart melted for him. I was ready to take up arms to defend his honor. He didn't need me though, he knew how to stand up for himself even if he did so in a much more mild mannered way than I would have.
Truitt is not a bad person. It's the exact opposite, he is a really good person. He tries so hard to do the right thing that he ends up doing the wrong thing. I resented him from the very beginning. When he allowed himself to spend a hot romantic week with a college aged Jones and afterwards shut Jones down so completely that, while Jones survived, I did not.
I hoped and prayed that Tru would redeem himself somehow. Maybe I'd be shown some traumatic reason for his actions. Although this was hinted at, it wasn't as big a deal as I needed.
Tru does eventually come around. By this time, Jones is in his mid twenties and if Tru waited much longer I would imagine he would become and old man before allowing the love that he and Jones shared to flourish.
I want to read more in this story. Not only because it's top notch writing, but also because I'm invested in the characters. I want Tru to somehow redeem himself, because for me, he just hasn't done so yet.
I wanted to give this one five stars because it deserves them. But, I can't because I have such a problem with the relationship dynamics. It's simply not "my thing" when reading romance novels.
Review ARC received courtesy of IndiGo Marketing and Designs
Hard to figure out any kind of victory that wouldn't lead to my heart breaking all over again. But damn. It was really fricking hard not to root for your dreams, you know? Even if they were old and wary.
To make it even worse. Jones grew up on the ranch that Truitt owns, so letting go of Tru also meant letting go of his home.
...a knot that felt just like homesickness was forming in my chest. And suddenly I felt doomed -as though I'd be feeling this hollow ache for a scary-long time. This used to be my home, but I didn't really belong here. Not anymore. And how long would it take before I felt comfortable in a new place?
Tru is confused and doesn't want to give in. I get it.
"Jones...We're gonna figure this shit out. We are. It'll take some time though.
How much longer does he expect Jones to wait? Jones has been waiting his whole life for Tru. But Tru can't figure out if he wants to be Jones' daddy, big brother, or lover. The mixed signals destroyed me. Jones held up much better than I did. Tru broke Jones' heart over and over. I felt like he played with Jones' emotions with little care for the damage he caused. Yet, Tru thought he was doing the right thing.
And that, right there, is my button. I can't stand a relationship where the older partner does and says things to control the younger partner's life against the younger ones wishes.
I very much enjoy age gap romance stories. I'll even enjoy a billionaire romance if it's done right. But this year I've unfortunately read a few that hit by trigger button. So I'm feeling even more skittish than usual with this one.
Jones is an amazing character. I'm not sure if any real person could be as easy going, as forgiving and as even tempered as Jones is. My heart melted for him. I was ready to take up arms to defend his honor. He didn't need me though, he knew how to stand up for himself even if he did so in a much more mild mannered way than I would have.
Truitt is not a bad person. It's the exact opposite, he is a really good person. He tries so hard to do the right thing that he ends up doing the wrong thing. I resented him from the very beginning. When he allowed himself to spend a hot romantic week with a college aged Jones and afterwards shut Jones down so completely that, while Jones survived, I did not.
I hoped and prayed that Tru would redeem himself somehow. Maybe I'd be shown some traumatic reason for his actions. Although this was hinted at, it wasn't as big a deal as I needed.
Tru does eventually come around. By this time, Jones is in his mid twenties and if Tru waited much longer I would imagine he would become and old man before allowing the love that he and Jones shared to flourish.
I want to read more in this story. Not only because it's top notch writing, but also because I'm invested in the characters. I want Tru to somehow redeem himself, because for me, he just hasn't done so yet.
I wanted to give this one five stars because it deserves them. But, I can't because I have such a problem with the relationship dynamics. It's simply not "my thing" when reading romance novels.
Review ARC received courtesy of IndiGo Marketing and Designs
December 30, 2016
This book gets all the stars just for the sensual wording.
the author did really fucking amazing with the descriptions and verbage.
Like so good I didnt want to put the book down.
alas. I did feel the chemistry btwn the 2 MCs and that is a major deal for me.
so this was really really good IMO.
Will i read book 2? Probably not. Its a perfect ending for me.
Mare~Slitsread
the author did really fucking amazing with the descriptions and verbage.
Like so good I didnt want to put the book down.
alas. I did feel the chemistry btwn the 2 MCs and that is a major deal for me.
so this was really really good IMO.
Will i read book 2? Probably not. Its a perfect ending for me.
Mare~Slitsread
May 3, 2017
This one just didn't work for me. I love the idea, and the sense of place/secondary characters, thinly sketched though they may be, but there's a real lack of character and plot development. I have finished the entire thing, and not only am I not sure why these guys are together, I have zero idea how they got together. I don't know anything about how or when or why Jones fell for Tru, when he realized what it was and what it meant. I don't know what changed Jones from a little brother figure Tru remembers fondly as a five year old lisping "Twuitt" and trying to hold his hand while following him around the ranch. It seems like realizing you're interested in or in love with someone you seemingly helped raise should be momentous, (especially when he's the same age as someone you consider your "baby sister") and Danford totally skipped all of that information. I don't even know what made Tru realize he wanted to try and be with Jones in the present after saying he didn't want to be. He's a POV character; I should know this.
We get plot points but no reasons in this book, which is a really odd decision considering the dual POV. Everything just happens, but there's no emotional development or payoff (lots of time spent horizontal, though). I actually thought when I read the prologue that we were starting in media res and would be jumping back to explain what was happening, but then we went forward three years. The ending happens the same way; no development, we just jump. This reads like a weak book two, not an opener. Every once in a while we're told a new fact about the characters, but we don't get shown anything.
Danford has a lovely writing style, and I was really excited about this one, but ultimately, it just doesn't come together. I couldn't find the story. Plus, the asides I fear are hints for plot points in the further books left me even colder.
We get plot points but no reasons in this book, which is a really odd decision considering the dual POV. Everything just happens, but there's no emotional development or payoff (lots of time spent horizontal, though). I actually thought when I read the prologue that we were starting in media res and would be jumping back to explain what was happening, but then we went forward three years. The ending happens the same way; no development, we just jump. This reads like a weak book two, not an opener. Every once in a while we're told a new fact about the characters, but we don't get shown anything.
Danford has a lovely writing style, and I was really excited about this one, but ultimately, it just doesn't come together. I couldn't find the story. Plus, the asides I fear are hints for plot points in the further books left me even colder.
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