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Lost and Found
On a bright autumn day, Flynn Marlowe lost his best friend, a beagle named Barley, while out on a hike in Seattle’s Discovery Park.
On a cold winter day, Mac Bowersox found his best friend, a lost, scared, and emaciated beagle, on the streets of Seattle.
Two men. One dog. When Flynn and Mac meet by chance in a park the next summer, there’s a problem—who does Barley really belong to? Flynn wants him back, but he can see that Mac rescued him and loves him just as much as he does. Mac wants to keep the dog, and he can imagine how heartbreaking losing him would be—but that's just what Flynn experienced.
A "shared custody" compromise might be just the way to work things out. But will the arrangement be successful? Mac and Flynn are willing to try it—and along the way, they just might fall in love.
On a cold winter day, Mac Bowersox found his best friend, a lost, scared, and emaciated beagle, on the streets of Seattle.
Two men. One dog. When Flynn and Mac meet by chance in a park the next summer, there’s a problem—who does Barley really belong to? Flynn wants him back, but he can see that Mac rescued him and loves him just as much as he does. Mac wants to keep the dog, and he can imagine how heartbreaking losing him would be—but that's just what Flynn experienced.
A "shared custody" compromise might be just the way to work things out. But will the arrangement be successful? Mac and Flynn are willing to try it—and along the way, they just might fall in love.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2016
12 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,046 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 10, 2017
Lost and Found by Rick R. Reed is one of those books that I am still not 100% sure how I feel about it. I liked the premise of the story. It was creative of the author to use a heartbreaking event of losing a beloved pet to in the end find the love of his life. However, it was just too far fetched for me. There was just too much perfection and the characters didn't have to work hard enough for me to rate this book higher than 3 stars. I guess I am just a sadistic wench - but I like my characters to have to work for their happily ever after. When it's handed to a person on a platter, I feel like maybe they won't appreciate it as much. I know stories are just that - stories. I know it isn't real. However, I like a touch more reality and good ol' angst in my reads. So while I thought this was a good book. I feel like it could have been a lot better. I don't want to ruin the story for anyone and I am not saying "don't read it" - if you like insta-love and you are not opposed to far-fetched meetings and quick happily ever afters - you will really like this book.
I loved the puppies in it - and I still love Rick's work. This one just didn't do it for me... all the way.
3 stars~
Review Copy of Lost and Found provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest Review.
I loved the puppies in it - and I still love Rick's work. This one just didn't do it for me... all the way.
3 stars~
Review Copy of Lost and Found provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest Review.
December 9, 2016
Table for dissenting party of one is now taken...
I'm going to start this on a positive note let's all look at the cover...seriously that cover is freakin' adorable. I love it cutest dog ever...ok, aside from mine, but still he's really cute and those guys aren't so bad either and added bonus they look like the MCs so I didn't end up reading the book and then saying "Who the hell is that on the cover?" because that's a thing.
Ok then we all agree the cover's lovely, right? Great, if you loved the book as much as the cover then we've now hit the point where we have to agree to disagree because I didn't, I just really and truly did not like this book. I requested it because I thought the blurb sounded adorable and sweet and so full of potential.
Flynn's lost his dog and nearly a year later he sees his dog in the park with another man but Mac has no intentions of giving up 'Hamburger'. Seriously he named the dog, Hamburger...poor creature, he's doomed to be named after food...Flynn named him Barley and Mac names him Hamburger. Anyways, Flynn's at a loss as to what to do so he calls his BF Clara and over brunch doesn't he once again spot Barley/Hamburgers new master. The long and the short of it is Flynn and Mac finally end up talking and events lead to a sort of shared custody of the dog.
This all should have been so cute and sweet but what it was missing for me was connection. Flynn and Mac are suppose to fall in love and what I got out of it was Flynn wants in Mac's pants, Mac wants the dog and while he thinks Flynn is hot, I felt like he was using Flynn's attraction to him to keep Flynn bringing the dog around.
There was lots of drama and angst as Mac's landlady ended up in the hospital, Mac and Flynn met one of Mac's ex's in the park when they were walking Barley/Hamburger and Mac ended up being upset by him so there went Flynn's plans for the night, it was hinted that Clara might be in love with Flynn but hey problem solved she just kind of disappeared from the story, Mac had to go back home because of a death in the family and of course Flynn wanted to be there for him and he got pushed away and this was the point at which I really disconnected from this story because not only did Flynn get pushed away when he tried to be there for Mac but when Mac returned home for the funeral, I couldn't decide if he was having a religious experience of someone slipped him some drugs and he was hallucinating but when all was said and done he went back to Seattle and they all lived HEA (ok, it's a tiny bit more complicated than that but I'm not going to spoil the ending, I may not have enjoyed the story but it doesn't mean I want to ruin it for others).
This one just wasn't happening for me no matter how hard I tried and believe me I did. I've read other books by this author 'The Ghost in Number 9' loved it. I read it in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down, 'A Journey of the Heart' I basically cried from start to finish it was beautiful. I've read a couple more that while they weren't epic they were good, solid, enjoyable stories that I enjoyed and if asked I would say yeah, it's good check it out. I've got a couple that are on my short TBR list because friends whom I trust have recommended them to me and I've every intention of reading them.
Sadly for me this book is not in any of those categories and will forever remain on my list of books I wished I'd taken a pass on. So while 'Lost and Found' wasn't my thing there are many other reviews out there for people who really liked it...I encourage checking them all out before deciding if this book is for you or not.
********************
An ARC of 'Lost and Found' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to start this on a positive note let's all look at the cover...seriously that cover is freakin' adorable. I love it cutest dog ever...ok, aside from mine, but still he's really cute and those guys aren't so bad either and added bonus they look like the MCs so I didn't end up reading the book and then saying "Who the hell is that on the cover?" because that's a thing.
Ok then we all agree the cover's lovely, right? Great, if you loved the book as much as the cover then we've now hit the point where we have to agree to disagree because I didn't, I just really and truly did not like this book. I requested it because I thought the blurb sounded adorable and sweet and so full of potential.
Flynn's lost his dog and nearly a year later he sees his dog in the park with another man but Mac has no intentions of giving up 'Hamburger'. Seriously he named the dog, Hamburger...poor creature, he's doomed to be named after food...Flynn named him Barley and Mac names him Hamburger. Anyways, Flynn's at a loss as to what to do so he calls his BF Clara and over brunch doesn't he once again spot Barley/Hamburgers new master. The long and the short of it is Flynn and Mac finally end up talking and events lead to a sort of shared custody of the dog.
This all should have been so cute and sweet but what it was missing for me was connection. Flynn and Mac are suppose to fall in love and what I got out of it was Flynn wants in Mac's pants, Mac wants the dog and while he thinks Flynn is hot, I felt like he was using Flynn's attraction to him to keep Flynn bringing the dog around.
There was lots of drama and angst as Mac's landlady ended up in the hospital, Mac and Flynn met one of Mac's ex's in the park when they were walking Barley/Hamburger and Mac ended up being upset by him so there went Flynn's plans for the night, it was hinted that Clara might be in love with Flynn but hey problem solved she just kind of disappeared from the story, Mac had to go back home because of a death in the family and of course Flynn wanted to be there for him and he got pushed away and this was the point at which I really disconnected from this story because not only did Flynn get pushed away when he tried to be there for Mac but when Mac returned home for the funeral, I couldn't decide if he was having a religious experience of someone slipped him some drugs and he was hallucinating but when all was said and done he went back to Seattle and they all lived HEA (ok, it's a tiny bit more complicated than that but I'm not going to spoil the ending, I may not have enjoyed the story but it doesn't mean I want to ruin it for others).
This one just wasn't happening for me no matter how hard I tried and believe me I did. I've read other books by this author 'The Ghost in Number 9' loved it. I read it in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down, 'A Journey of the Heart' I basically cried from start to finish it was beautiful. I've read a couple more that while they weren't epic they were good, solid, enjoyable stories that I enjoyed and if asked I would say yeah, it's good check it out. I've got a couple that are on my short TBR list because friends whom I trust have recommended them to me and I've every intention of reading them.
Sadly for me this book is not in any of those categories and will forever remain on my list of books I wished I'd taken a pass on. So while 'Lost and Found' wasn't my thing there are many other reviews out there for people who really liked it...I encourage checking them all out before deciding if this book is for you or not.
********************
An ARC of 'Lost and Found' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2016
Rounded up to 3 stars
Rick R. Reed is an author whose works I'd like to know better. It was my second full length novel by him, and even if I didn't experience a wow-effect while reading it, the writing was good.
Maybe I have yet to discover my favorite work by the author.
Lost and Found is a simple story that will find probably many fans.
I'm very picky considering contemporary MM romance genre and need something that can surprise me: an unexpected twist, an unusual character, particular chemistry, something , otherwise I am bored. Unfortunately Lost and Found didn't give me that certain something.
It was actually very clichéd. That not unnecessarily a bad thing – all romance books follow a typical formula - but it is not a book for me.
To the story:
Flynn has lost his dog, a beagle Barley, eight months ago in Discovery Park, Seattle. All his attempts to find his little buddy failed. He is still mourning, and he is still hoping to find him, though his hope is slowly fading away. When one day, while running in the park, he sees a guy with a beagle that looks like his Barley, he can't believe his eyes and his good luck. But the guy rejects to confirm his assumptions and claims to have Humburger(yes, that's a dog's name) since he was a pup.
If you're a dog owner, I am sure, you'll recognize your four-legged friend among many other dogs of the same breed. So does Flynn, besides the guy contradicts himself trying to explain from what breeder he got him.
To cut a long story short, it IS Barley, and Mac, that is the guy, rescued him eight months ago and saved him from a certain death from starvation. He loves this dog as much as Flynn, and now as he HAS to give his Humburger away to his real owner, he is as heartbroken as Flynn was when he lost him.
Flynn and Mac are both gays, they both are very attractive, and very single. Flynn comes from a reach Seattle family whose parents gave him everything a kid could wish, except parent's love. Mac is an orphan trailer kid whose childhood was poor but full of love thanks to his grandmother in Virginia, where he grew up.
My problem was the absence of chemistry between them, or better to say, a chemistry that I didn't feel. I got that they both got attracted to each other, but it all happened too quickly and too insta-love for my taste. They had a few walks together with their dog, and they had sex only once when Mac suddenly had to leave for Virginia because of family's matter, and Flynn followed him shortly after because he couldn't imagine his life without Mac any more.*an eye roll* (I'm sure even Barley aka Humburger was surprised how speedy their relationship has developed)
Though even this twist in the story was STILL within the typical romance formula (yes, we buy a lot of stupid and ridiculous ways of behavior of our MC in the books), BUT I couldn't buy THIS ENDING. Sorry.
The ending, in spite of being a HEA, and maybe with a potential to make happy many readers, actually spoiled the story for me COMPLETELY.
To whom I'd recommend this book:
Rick R. Reed is an author whose works I'd like to know better. It was my second full length novel by him, and even if I didn't experience a wow-effect while reading it, the writing was good.
Maybe I have yet to discover my favorite work by the author.
Lost and Found is a simple story that will find probably many fans.
I'm very picky considering contemporary MM romance genre and need something that can surprise me: an unexpected twist, an unusual character, particular chemistry, something , otherwise I am bored. Unfortunately Lost and Found didn't give me that certain something.
It was actually very clichéd. That not unnecessarily a bad thing – all romance books follow a typical formula - but it is not a book for me.
To the story:
Flynn has lost his dog, a beagle Barley, eight months ago in Discovery Park, Seattle. All his attempts to find his little buddy failed. He is still mourning, and he is still hoping to find him, though his hope is slowly fading away. When one day, while running in the park, he sees a guy with a beagle that looks like his Barley, he can't believe his eyes and his good luck. But the guy rejects to confirm his assumptions and claims to have Humburger(yes, that's a dog's name) since he was a pup.
If you're a dog owner, I am sure, you'll recognize your four-legged friend among many other dogs of the same breed. So does Flynn, besides the guy contradicts himself trying to explain from what breeder he got him.
To cut a long story short, it IS Barley, and Mac, that is the guy, rescued him eight months ago and saved him from a certain death from starvation. He loves this dog as much as Flynn, and now as he HAS to give his Humburger away to his real owner, he is as heartbroken as Flynn was when he lost him.
Flynn and Mac are both gays, they both are very attractive, and very single. Flynn comes from a reach Seattle family whose parents gave him everything a kid could wish, except parent's love. Mac is an orphan trailer kid whose childhood was poor but full of love thanks to his grandmother in Virginia, where he grew up.
My problem was the absence of chemistry between them, or better to say, a chemistry that I didn't feel. I got that they both got attracted to each other, but it all happened too quickly and too insta-love for my taste. They had a few walks together with their dog, and they had sex only once when Mac suddenly had to leave for Virginia because of family's matter, and Flynn followed him shortly after because he couldn't imagine his life without Mac any more.*an eye roll* (I'm sure even Barley aka Humburger was surprised how speedy their relationship has developed)
Though even this twist in the story was STILL within the typical romance formula (yes, we buy a lot of stupid and ridiculous ways of behavior of our MC in the books), BUT I couldn't buy THIS ENDING. Sorry.
The ending, in spite of being a HEA, and maybe with a potential to make happy many readers, actually spoiled the story for me COMPLETELY.
To whom I'd recommend this book:
-passionate MM Romance readers
-dogs owners
-to all who enjoy comfort reads
-all fans of the author
August 7, 2021
Flynn loses his beloved beagle and spends the next eight months dealing with the grief and loss, almost expecting to see Barley every time he runs around Green Lake. Until, one day he does ... but the bearded ginger, Mac Bowersox, with Barley insists the dog's name is Hamburger and he's owned him since he was a pup. But Flynn soon learns the truth - that dog is Barley.
I love the premise for Lost and Found - one man loses a dog, another finds the dog, and in the process they find each other. It's easy to see the love each man has for Barley but their mutual attraction and chemistry isn't as apparent. There's a lot of wistful thinking and steamy internal dialogue but I don't sense a real deep connection between Flynn and Mac. And because it is hard to believe in their relationship, it is equally hard to buy into the ending of the book. I like the flow of the story as we meet the two strong elderly women who make such an impact on Mac's life (and how what happens to each woman drives home an important lesson to Mac) but the ending is unexpected and feels unsupported by the relationship between Flynn and Mac up to that point.
I give Lost and Found 3.25 stars which is a bit of a "miss" for me with books by Rick R. Reed (Reed's Big Love was one of my 2016 favorites). But if you like a sweet story with plenty of doggy love, please give Lost and Found a read and let me know what you think!
I received a copy of the book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I love the premise for Lost and Found - one man loses a dog, another finds the dog, and in the process they find each other. It's easy to see the love each man has for Barley but their mutual attraction and chemistry isn't as apparent. There's a lot of wistful thinking and steamy internal dialogue but I don't sense a real deep connection between Flynn and Mac. And because it is hard to believe in their relationship, it is equally hard to buy into the ending of the book. I like the flow of the story as we meet the two strong elderly women who make such an impact on Mac's life (and how what happens to each woman drives home an important lesson to Mac) but the ending is unexpected and feels unsupported by the relationship between Flynn and Mac up to that point.
I give Lost and Found 3.25 stars which is a bit of a "miss" for me with books by Rick R. Reed (Reed's Big Love was one of my 2016 favorites). But if you like a sweet story with plenty of doggy love, please give Lost and Found a read and let me know what you think!
I received a copy of the book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 8, 2016
Lost and Found is a sweet and simple story about a dog merging the lives of two men while igniting a spark of love at the same time. One of my favorite things about Reed’s stories is the pieces of himself that he shares with us. It’s very clear he is a proud papa and I truly enjoyed seeing his love for his own furry daughter shine through the pages. Some people have pets, some don’t, and then some extend their pet ownership to a different level. They don’t simply have dogs; they have children who happen to have four legs. If you fall into the latter, this tale of wagging tails will most definitely warm your heart.
I think it’s safe to say this story has three MC’s; Flynn, Mac and Barley aka Hamburger. Barley is lost one day and Flynn is heartbroken. A year has passed and his grief is subdued but still present. Like a splinter is wedged in his heart, he’s hasn’t fully healed. The fear of the unknown and ‘what if’s’ tore him up. Then one day he sees him. He is certain it’s his missing boy. Fate has linked their paths again. However, his owner fumbles to confirm it’s not the stranger’s dog and clings tightly to his leash. He’s not going to give up his cherished pet so easily. Who is the rightful owner? The man who nursed him back to health and has been showering him with love the past year? Or the man who bought him and raised him until that dreadful day? Finders keepers, losers weepers…..or perhaps there’s a way for them both to win.
What's to like: Rick takes us to Seattle and I always enjoy visiting the Emerald City. Flynn is a runner and finds great comfort in slipping on his running sneakers. Between the two, we are able to spend some time in the lush parks of city and I found this quite relaxing. One of Rick’s specialities is the creation of his charming men but another strong suit would be his endearing secondary characters. Flynn’s best friend is a riot and I absolutely adored Mac’s landlady.
What's to love: Dogs have superpowers when it comes to love. Hamburger provided Mac with pure unconditional love when he needed it most. Mac’s life hasn’t been easy but he’s never held any resentment for the cards he was dealt. He is determined to stand tall and push forward despite all of the hardships he has faced. I loved this aspect of him. Actually, I’m rather partial to Mac in this couple and was cheering for his success and happiness the entire time. Having someone to shoulder through life and share sloppy kisses with his best friend would be a dream come true for Mac. I wish for all of his dreams to become reality.
Beware of: A dog stealing the show. If you are not a fan of dogs (really? isn’t everybody??) then you may want to pass on this one. Also the romance was a bit rushed. As much as I enjoyed Mac and Flynn, I don’t believe this is one of Reed’s strongest relationships. I enjoyed it…but I didn’t feel it.
This book is for: Pet lovers and those of us that believe everything happens for a reason, we just have to be patient and wait for the reasons to reveal themselves. Barley was lost for a reason…to be found again with twice the love.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
I think it’s safe to say this story has three MC’s; Flynn, Mac and Barley aka Hamburger. Barley is lost one day and Flynn is heartbroken. A year has passed and his grief is subdued but still present. Like a splinter is wedged in his heart, he’s hasn’t fully healed. The fear of the unknown and ‘what if’s’ tore him up. Then one day he sees him. He is certain it’s his missing boy. Fate has linked their paths again. However, his owner fumbles to confirm it’s not the stranger’s dog and clings tightly to his leash. He’s not going to give up his cherished pet so easily. Who is the rightful owner? The man who nursed him back to health and has been showering him with love the past year? Or the man who bought him and raised him until that dreadful day? Finders keepers, losers weepers…..or perhaps there’s a way for them both to win.
What's to like: Rick takes us to Seattle and I always enjoy visiting the Emerald City. Flynn is a runner and finds great comfort in slipping on his running sneakers. Between the two, we are able to spend some time in the lush parks of city and I found this quite relaxing. One of Rick’s specialities is the creation of his charming men but another strong suit would be his endearing secondary characters. Flynn’s best friend is a riot and I absolutely adored Mac’s landlady.
What's to love: Dogs have superpowers when it comes to love. Hamburger provided Mac with pure unconditional love when he needed it most. Mac’s life hasn’t been easy but he’s never held any resentment for the cards he was dealt. He is determined to stand tall and push forward despite all of the hardships he has faced. I loved this aspect of him. Actually, I’m rather partial to Mac in this couple and was cheering for his success and happiness the entire time. Having someone to shoulder through life and share sloppy kisses with his best friend would be a dream come true for Mac. I wish for all of his dreams to become reality.
Beware of: A dog stealing the show. If you are not a fan of dogs (really? isn’t everybody??) then you may want to pass on this one. Also the romance was a bit rushed. As much as I enjoyed Mac and Flynn, I don’t believe this is one of Reed’s strongest relationships. I enjoyed it…but I didn’t feel it.
This book is for: Pet lovers and those of us that believe everything happens for a reason, we just have to be patient and wait for the reasons to reveal themselves. Barley was lost for a reason…to be found again with twice the love.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
December 15, 2019
The characters in ‘Lost and Found’ and their dilemma – both love the same dog – made me feel for them from the moment I read the blurb. But then the beginning of the story, with Flynn realizing the dog he sees in the park a summer after he lost Barley is actually Barley, broke my heart. Flynn so clearly misses Barley, and has been beating himself up because he failed to find him, that I wanted him to “demand” his new owner return him on the spot. Only things are never that easy, and what follows is an emotional testament to the depths of love possible between a pet and his human – or, in this case, a pet and both his humans.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 6, 2018
2.5* This is a sweet story, I was very hooked , especially at the first part of the book! They had a good dinamycs.
BUT them the superdrama starts, first the roomate old woman, then the granma and finally his revelation... oh no please! That totally make me down the rating :(
BUT them the superdrama starts, first the roomate old woman, then the granma and finally his revelation... oh no please! That totally make me down the rating :(
December 9, 2016
This book had so many things I love. There was a grown woman who loved to eat, dogs, grandmas, a gingerman, you know the important things.
Barley is a beagle and oddly he has two men who love him so very much. Both coming into his life at different times. It’s because of the boisterous beagle that Flynn meets Mac and so a love story begins.
I’m not familiar with Seattle, never been. So I always love when I read a Rick Reed book and he takes us there. I wonder if these places are real or fictitious and inevitably I always want to go visit them. I loved hearing Mac’s stories of when he was a kid and the many books he’s read. I took notes on a few so I could go find them and read them.
Flynn and Mac’s love connection is a very very very slow burn. They actually don’t have a lot of page time together. Flynn is sort of a loner. He has Barley and his best friend Clara but that’s it. Mac becomes a love for Flynn that he always craved. For a good portion of the book it felt one sided. The love Flynn and Mac have actually doesn’t manifest into anything much until close to the end of the book.
It honestly felt like Mac’s story. Though told in both Mac and Flynn’s POV’s it was Mac’s POV that truly held the story together and was where we often found ourselves getting answers.
I loved the connection that Mac had with so many things. His grandmother, her trailer, dogs in general. He’s truly a kind person and very real. I’ll say that I wasn’t sure I believed in Mac and Flynn’s love and maybe it was because in the end it felt so “all of a sudden” The epilogue answered most of the lingering questions I had except one and it was sort of a big one.
I did like this book a great deal but without getting that answer to that question and feeling a little so so about the love I feel like I’m missing something with it.
Rick Reed is a great author and if you love dogs, conversations about literature, gingermen, and grandmas you’ll truly enjoy this.
Barley is a beagle and oddly he has two men who love him so very much. Both coming into his life at different times. It’s because of the boisterous beagle that Flynn meets Mac and so a love story begins.
I’m not familiar with Seattle, never been. So I always love when I read a Rick Reed book and he takes us there. I wonder if these places are real or fictitious and inevitably I always want to go visit them. I loved hearing Mac’s stories of when he was a kid and the many books he’s read. I took notes on a few so I could go find them and read them.
Flynn and Mac’s love connection is a very very very slow burn. They actually don’t have a lot of page time together. Flynn is sort of a loner. He has Barley and his best friend Clara but that’s it. Mac becomes a love for Flynn that he always craved. For a good portion of the book it felt one sided. The love Flynn and Mac have actually doesn’t manifest into anything much until close to the end of the book.
It honestly felt like Mac’s story. Though told in both Mac and Flynn’s POV’s it was Mac’s POV that truly held the story together and was where we often found ourselves getting answers.
I loved the connection that Mac had with so many things. His grandmother, her trailer, dogs in general. He’s truly a kind person and very real. I’ll say that I wasn’t sure I believed in Mac and Flynn’s love and maybe it was because in the end it felt so “all of a sudden” The epilogue answered most of the lingering questions I had except one and it was sort of a big one.
I did like this book a great deal but without getting that answer to that question and feeling a little so so about the love I feel like I’m missing something with it.
Rick Reed is a great author and if you love dogs, conversations about literature, gingermen, and grandmas you’ll truly enjoy this.
November 28, 2016
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Dogs get me every time. I kept crying through this book - first for Flynn, then for Barley, then for Mac… But while this is an incredibly sweet doggie story, I found myself slightly disappointed with the romance between Mac and Flynn.
This is a relatively simple story and it is fully explained in the blurb. I loved the way both men moved from instinctively selfish, defensive reactions to the situation to more kind and considerate responses to each other.
But while Mac and Flynn work as co-parents for Barley, their journey from attraction to HEA gave me whiplash and the HEA (or HFN) really didn’t work for me. The story ends without properly tying everything up and the epilogue offers a glimpse of a future I really didn’t like without properly explaining how they got there.
Barley is a fully developed character in his own right and I absolutely loved him. Flynn’s best friend and Mac’s landlady add colour and a little objective wisdom. But I did struggle to believe in the romance and love between Flynn and Mac.
Ultimately, this is a very cute, very sweet and slightly sad dog story. I’d read it again for Barley and the lovely glimpses of the Pacific Northwest.
Dogs get me every time. I kept crying through this book - first for Flynn, then for Barley, then for Mac… But while this is an incredibly sweet doggie story, I found myself slightly disappointed with the romance between Mac and Flynn.
This is a relatively simple story and it is fully explained in the blurb. I loved the way both men moved from instinctively selfish, defensive reactions to the situation to more kind and considerate responses to each other.
But while Mac and Flynn work as co-parents for Barley, their journey from attraction to HEA gave me whiplash and the HEA (or HFN) really didn’t work for me. The story ends without properly tying everything up and the epilogue offers a glimpse of a future I really didn’t like without properly explaining how they got there.
Barley is a fully developed character in his own right and I absolutely loved him. Flynn’s best friend and Mac’s landlady add colour and a little objective wisdom. But I did struggle to believe in the romance and love between Flynn and Mac.
Ultimately, this is a very cute, very sweet and slightly sad dog story. I’d read it again for Barley and the lovely glimpses of the Pacific Northwest.
December 16, 2016
3.5 stars
I love pets, so the pet story was the main draw to me. The relationship progression though, I felt like moving from 0 to 60 in a blink of an eye. The decision by the end of the book felt rash and not well thought-out. And what about Clara? Seemed like she suddenly disappeared after Flynn got Barley. And Dee disappeared once she got a heart attack. Also, for a guy supposedly close to his grandmother, he didn't seem to talk with her and about her all that much. It was all tell, not show.
I love pets, so the pet story was the main draw to me. The relationship progression though, I felt like moving from 0 to 60 in a blink of an eye. The decision by the end of the book felt rash and not well thought-out. And what about Clara? Seemed like she suddenly disappeared after Flynn got Barley. And Dee disappeared once she got a heart attack. Also, for a guy supposedly close to his grandmother, he didn't seem to talk with her and about her all that much. It was all tell, not show.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2016
Location: Seattle
Two Men and a Dog
Flynn has a great job in a publicist office catering to those in the entertainment business. Mac is a waiter in a downtown restaurant. Flynn has a wonderful apartment. Mac rents a room from an elderly lady. Flynn has a Mini Cooper. Mac has the shoe leather express. Two men from two different worlds, with a common love for a beagle, Barley. This dog is no Snoopy, but he has the love of two owners: Mac and Flynn.
Loss and separation. Is there anything more heartbreaking? Flynn has been through that for the past year, but after being reunited with Barley, Mac is experiencing it for the first time when Flynn takes Barley home for a week. Flynn then decides to give a joint custody a try. Will it succeed or will they both go through the pain of loss and separation again and again?
Mac and Flynn proceed with the sharing arrangement. Along the way, they get to know each other and find out they have a lot in common. As time goes by, tragedy strikes Mac, which also causes a lifestyle change. Will this change be good for both of them or will it separate them?
This was a beautiful book. Using a dog as a magnet to bring two men together was brilliant.
Mac and Flynn are different in looks as two men can be. Underneath it all, they have a lot in common. Their love of books and horror as well as their great love of Barley the Beagle.
Mac is cautious of Flynn because he's been hurt before, but Flynn is patient with Mac, and the more they see each other the more comfortable they get with each other. It's actually very beautiful and cute to watch.
The last quarter of the book is sad because of the tragedy that falls on Mac, but it does have a happy ending.
I do recommend this book for those who love Seattle and who love beagles and just dogs in general. I guarantee you will love this book.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review by Gay Book Reviews.
Two Men and a Dog
Flynn has a great job in a publicist office catering to those in the entertainment business. Mac is a waiter in a downtown restaurant. Flynn has a wonderful apartment. Mac rents a room from an elderly lady. Flynn has a Mini Cooper. Mac has the shoe leather express. Two men from two different worlds, with a common love for a beagle, Barley. This dog is no Snoopy, but he has the love of two owners: Mac and Flynn.
Loss and separation. Is there anything more heartbreaking? Flynn has been through that for the past year, but after being reunited with Barley, Mac is experiencing it for the first time when Flynn takes Barley home for a week. Flynn then decides to give a joint custody a try. Will it succeed or will they both go through the pain of loss and separation again and again?
Mac and Flynn proceed with the sharing arrangement. Along the way, they get to know each other and find out they have a lot in common. As time goes by, tragedy strikes Mac, which also causes a lifestyle change. Will this change be good for both of them or will it separate them?
This was a beautiful book. Using a dog as a magnet to bring two men together was brilliant.
Mac and Flynn are different in looks as two men can be. Underneath it all, they have a lot in common. Their love of books and horror as well as their great love of Barley the Beagle.
Mac is cautious of Flynn because he's been hurt before, but Flynn is patient with Mac, and the more they see each other the more comfortable they get with each other. It's actually very beautiful and cute to watch.
The last quarter of the book is sad because of the tragedy that falls on Mac, but it does have a happy ending.
I do recommend this book for those who love Seattle and who love beagles and just dogs in general. I guarantee you will love this book.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review by Gay Book Reviews.
January 19, 2018
~*~ ~*~ AUDIO AND EBOOK REVIEW! ~*~ ~*~
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Cut/paste layered look with two men and a beagle. Centered title and author name are well-placed and easy to read. I like the cover.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
* * * The Book * * *
Flynn lost Barley in late fall. Mac finds an emaciated, injured beagle in winter and takes him in, naming him Hamburger. The men come face to face in the park one day and Barley recognizes Flynn though Mac lies about how and when he came into possession of the dog. Somehow, they are still attracted to one another. At the suggestion of Mac's landlord, the guys decide to try "co-parenting".
Neither male lead captured my heart, they were just "okay" to me. Their chemistry felt natural. The secondary cast was decent, but I found it off-putting that Flynn's best friend was just dumped by the wayside when he started seeing Mac regularly, forgotten and discarded. Phineas was unnerving and annoying. He felt more like fluff than necessity. The plot was nice. Some elements were predictable, some came as a surprise. The outcome and conclusion were foreseeable but it was solid enough and satisfying.
Overall, it was a nice read that was well-written.
=========================
* * * The Narration * * *
This is the first time listening to the narrations of Michael Neeb.
While the overall vocal tone was easy to listen to, he spoke quite quickly and - at times - that speed made it was hard to understand. Diction was not always clear and precise. Pronunciation of several words threw me off. Character voices were not consistent. Inflections did not always match the situation or text. (Example: "blah blah blah." he mumbled. should have been spoken in a more mumbled voice rather than the same volume and quality speaking voice as the narration.) I can honestly say that if I did not have the ebook open to follow along, it would have been me that got lost.
==========================
Book: Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.025 ~ Stars: 4
Narration: 3
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased the ebook and received an audio copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Cut/paste layered look with two men and a beagle. Centered title and author name are well-placed and easy to read. I like the cover.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
* * * The Book * * *
Flynn lost Barley in late fall. Mac finds an emaciated, injured beagle in winter and takes him in, naming him Hamburger. The men come face to face in the park one day and Barley recognizes Flynn though Mac lies about how and when he came into possession of the dog. Somehow, they are still attracted to one another. At the suggestion of Mac's landlord, the guys decide to try "co-parenting".
Neither male lead captured my heart, they were just "okay" to me. Their chemistry felt natural. The secondary cast was decent, but I found it off-putting that Flynn's best friend was just dumped by the wayside when he started seeing Mac regularly, forgotten and discarded. Phineas was unnerving and annoying. He felt more like fluff than necessity. The plot was nice. Some elements were predictable, some came as a surprise. The outcome and conclusion were foreseeable but it was solid enough and satisfying.
Overall, it was a nice read that was well-written.
=========================
* * * The Narration * * *
This is the first time listening to the narrations of Michael Neeb.
While the overall vocal tone was easy to listen to, he spoke quite quickly and - at times - that speed made it was hard to understand. Diction was not always clear and precise. Pronunciation of several words threw me off. Character voices were not consistent. Inflections did not always match the situation or text. (Example: "blah blah blah." he mumbled. should have been spoken in a more mumbled voice rather than the same volume and quality speaking voice as the narration.) I can honestly say that if I did not have the ebook open to follow along, it would have been me that got lost.
==========================
Book: Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.025 ~ Stars: 4
Narration: 3
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased the ebook and received an audio copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
March 4, 2018
Lost and Found by Rick R. Reed is a sweet tale of love, dogs and long walks in the park.
Flynn and Mac are two lonely strangers who seem to be destined to meet - if their dog has anything to do with it! The match-making Beagle lost his first owner while chasing a squirrel and found his new owner when both of them needed each other most. A year later a chance meeting brings all three together and a future none of them could imagine begins.
Both men come from very different backgrounds, but have common ground when it comes to four legged friends. Each love passionately, deeply, but with reservation. Only a furry canine (or two) can help break down barriers and make them see that the love two men have for one dog can extend further (and deeper), if they can be brave.
This beautifully heartwarming story is artfully crafted and I soaked this book up within two days. I love the awkwardness and internal dialogue Reed portrays as the characters are getting to know each other.
If you understand the deep love you can feel for your fellow animals and are ready to be moved by serendipity and fate, then Lost and Found by Rick R. Reed is not to be missed.
Flynn and Mac are two lonely strangers who seem to be destined to meet - if their dog has anything to do with it! The match-making Beagle lost his first owner while chasing a squirrel and found his new owner when both of them needed each other most. A year later a chance meeting brings all three together and a future none of them could imagine begins.
Both men come from very different backgrounds, but have common ground when it comes to four legged friends. Each love passionately, deeply, but with reservation. Only a furry canine (or two) can help break down barriers and make them see that the love two men have for one dog can extend further (and deeper), if they can be brave.
This beautifully heartwarming story is artfully crafted and I soaked this book up within two days. I love the awkwardness and internal dialogue Reed portrays as the characters are getting to know each other.
If you understand the deep love you can feel for your fellow animals and are ready to be moved by serendipity and fate, then Lost and Found by Rick R. Reed is not to be missed.
September 30, 2017
The idea of this book is great. I love the emotionial complexity around how to deal with the issue of the dog. I also like how the relationship unfolds and some of the class and regional issues that come up. I also like the complex figures of some of the elders in the story.
What I struggled with the kind of ick portrayal of one of the hero's friends. And then she, after meaning so much to the hero, just vanishes.
Then, one hero makes a pretty big decision which I could believe in if it was really talked out but it wasn't so it feels odd.
We don't get enough after they are really together time to make this love story work for me.
The dog, of course, is great.
What I struggled with the kind of ick portrayal of one of the hero's friends. And then she, after meaning so much to the hero, just vanishes.
Then, one hero makes a pretty big decision which I could believe in if it was really talked out but it wasn't so it feels odd.
We don't get enough after they are really together time to make this love story work for me.
The dog, of course, is great.
September 6, 2019
I liked this book a whole lot.
It started out great and hilarious. Guy loses dog, other guy finds dog, they both want to keep him and so it goes.
It dragged a bit though. It took the mc’s like 75% of the book to finally get together, get together. If you know what I mean. And when they finally did, something crazy happened that made one of the MC’s run away. And then there’s a really long chapter about that MC dealing with the side story and the romance coming second.
Overall a great read. Will check out more of this author.
It started out great and hilarious. Guy loses dog, other guy finds dog, they both want to keep him and so it goes.
It dragged a bit though. It took the mc’s like 75% of the book to finally get together, get together. If you know what I mean. And when they finally did, something crazy happened that made one of the MC’s run away. And then there’s a really long chapter about that MC dealing with the side story and the romance coming second.
Overall a great read. Will check out more of this author.
April 20, 2020
Excellent ending. :-)
December 13, 2016
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
In a delightful story about two men and their love for one dog, Rick Reed’s love for his real dog, Lilly, comes through loud and clear.
Flynn Marlowe lost his dog, Barley, last fall, and his house has never been home since then, so imagine his shock when he spots Barley as he’s out for a run about eight months later, but Barley is now answering to Hamburger and is accompanied by a gorgeous redhead who also catches Flynn’s eye.
Mac Bowersox took in the near-starved pup last winter when he found him. After checking for a chip and calling around, it was evident he’d been abandoned, so after scarfing down Mac’s burger, Hamburger was christened and taken home to the rooming house where he lives with his elderly landlady. Confronted by Flynn, Mac lies, and despite Barley’s apparent interest in the stranger, Mac adamantly insists the dog can’t be Barley. The moment Flynn turns his back, Mac takes off.
I loved the beginning of the story as both men have found their family member and yet neither is willing to compromise in any way on his custody. Sometimes our pets are all the family we have, and anyone who’s owned a dog knows they give us their whole heart unconditionally.
After he has time for remorse, and when he happens to see Flynn again, Mac decides to do the right thing and give Hamburger up, but then it’s Flynn’s turn for remorse as he can see how traumatized Mac is by giving him up.
There’s a nice compromise on the table, though it proves heartbreaking for both men, and when Mac has a family tragedy, it’s Flynn he turns to for help. Over time, the men have grown closer—a point Barley seems to be quite happy about.
This author never fails to deliver a wonderful story, whether it’s scary, heartbreaking, or heartwarming. A simple concept, with a very interesting twist and turn of events, and wonderful, three-dimensional characters from Mr. Reed makes this one a winner. If you’ve ever had a pet or wanted one, and if you have a soft spot in your heart for men who love animals, I highly encourage you to pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
In a delightful story about two men and their love for one dog, Rick Reed’s love for his real dog, Lilly, comes through loud and clear.
Flynn Marlowe lost his dog, Barley, last fall, and his house has never been home since then, so imagine his shock when he spots Barley as he’s out for a run about eight months later, but Barley is now answering to Hamburger and is accompanied by a gorgeous redhead who also catches Flynn’s eye.
Mac Bowersox took in the near-starved pup last winter when he found him. After checking for a chip and calling around, it was evident he’d been abandoned, so after scarfing down Mac’s burger, Hamburger was christened and taken home to the rooming house where he lives with his elderly landlady. Confronted by Flynn, Mac lies, and despite Barley’s apparent interest in the stranger, Mac adamantly insists the dog can’t be Barley. The moment Flynn turns his back, Mac takes off.
I loved the beginning of the story as both men have found their family member and yet neither is willing to compromise in any way on his custody. Sometimes our pets are all the family we have, and anyone who’s owned a dog knows they give us their whole heart unconditionally.
After he has time for remorse, and when he happens to see Flynn again, Mac decides to do the right thing and give Hamburger up, but then it’s Flynn’s turn for remorse as he can see how traumatized Mac is by giving him up.
There’s a nice compromise on the table, though it proves heartbreaking for both men, and when Mac has a family tragedy, it’s Flynn he turns to for help. Over time, the men have grown closer—a point Barley seems to be quite happy about.
This author never fails to deliver a wonderful story, whether it’s scary, heartbreaking, or heartwarming. A simple concept, with a very interesting twist and turn of events, and wonderful, three-dimensional characters from Mr. Reed makes this one a winner. If you’ve ever had a pet or wanted one, and if you have a soft spot in your heart for men who love animals, I highly encourage you to pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
November 28, 2016
Flynn had lost his dog while hiking one day. Months later he is out running and sees his best friend. A sexy redhead is walking him. Flynn is sure that the beagle is Barley. He talks to the man, but the man denies it saying he got him from a kennel as a puppy. Flynn knows he is lying but has to figure o out how to prove it and get his dog back.
Mac is so nervous when the hot runner stops him he lies about Hamburger. He found him in the park nearly starved and has nursed him back to health and is attached to him.
When confronted again about the dog, Mac has no choice but to give the dog to his rightful owner. His landlady suggests they do a shared custody, but both men are doubtful.
The more Flynn thinks about Mac, the more he decides to take a chance.
Lost and Found is a beautiful story. It starts about a little sad and grabs you from the moment you start. It is a story about loving a dog, finding friendship and more and life. There are many heart-wrenching moments and a twist at the end that had me wanting to wallop Mac.
If you like runners, waiters, feisty landlady, a very good romance, and of course cute dogs and happy endings, I highly suggest this book!
Mac is so nervous when the hot runner stops him he lies about Hamburger. He found him in the park nearly starved and has nursed him back to health and is attached to him.
When confronted again about the dog, Mac has no choice but to give the dog to his rightful owner. His landlady suggests they do a shared custody, but both men are doubtful.
The more Flynn thinks about Mac, the more he decides to take a chance.
Lost and Found is a beautiful story. It starts about a little sad and grabs you from the moment you start. It is a story about loving a dog, finding friendship and more and life. There are many heart-wrenching moments and a twist at the end that had me wanting to wallop Mac.
If you like runners, waiters, feisty landlady, a very good romance, and of course cute dogs and happy endings, I highly suggest this book!
December 10, 2016
Almost Too Cute But Still Worth It
Oh the things gay men will go through when it comes to their dogs.
Read the blurb and you might get a gist of the goings on here, even though it really gives you too much of the way the plot unfolds.
But what will really keep you going, or turn you off, is the slow and mutually overly cautious romance that develops between Flynn (in the background on the cover) and the lovable ginger Mac.
The book really is more Mac centered--for example, we really never find out what Flynn does for a living, while we know everything there is to know about Mac.
When it gets to the point where these two actually start a serious relationship, and what you expect to happens does happen except to the wrong person, you know this one is going to wind up with a huge change in both lives of two perfectly sweet, very conflicted, but eventually lovable, characters.
And doggy makes three!
Oh the things gay men will go through when it comes to their dogs.
Read the blurb and you might get a gist of the goings on here, even though it really gives you too much of the way the plot unfolds.
But what will really keep you going, or turn you off, is the slow and mutually overly cautious romance that develops between Flynn (in the background on the cover) and the lovable ginger Mac.
The book really is more Mac centered--for example, we really never find out what Flynn does for a living, while we know everything there is to know about Mac.
When it gets to the point where these two actually start a serious relationship, and what you expect to happens does happen except to the wrong person, you know this one is going to wind up with a huge change in both lives of two perfectly sweet, very conflicted, but eventually lovable, characters.
And doggy makes three!
September 27, 2022
I have yet to read a Rick R. Reed book I didn't like, even the ones that have pulled me into uncomfortable territory. This one didn't go there. it's a straight up--well--you know what I mean--romance, and I enjoyed it. The pup was a fun character, essential, but not overwhelming the story, and I felt like the progression of emotional involvement for the characters was on track. Although, if they didn't catch the vibes the other was sending off quite as quick as it seems they should have, I can forgive that because the rest of the emotional development made up for that.
Good book. Sweet pup. Nice couple. I may even read this one again some day.
Good book. Sweet pup. Nice couple. I may even read this one again some day.
December 5, 2016
Get a box of tissues. It made me cry.
September 6, 2018
Full disclosure: I’ve owned three beagles in my life (or rather, three beagles have owned me), so when I saw the handsome beagle on the cover of Rick R. Reed’s book, I thought, “Any writer who loves beagles is my kind of writer.” After settling in for a good read, I wasn’t surprised to experience one. And with a line of description like this, I was immediately hooked: “Barley’s rapid little waddle, as if he perpetually had too much junk in his trunk…” well, spot on.
The plot is, essentially, a triangle. No, not the usual kind. This one is guy-dog-guy, with some female sidekicks artfully arranged on either end of the structure. Written with tender sweetness, the story begins when Flynn sees his long-lost, beloved beagle, Barley, held on a leash by a strange man, albeit a knockout with red hair and green eyes. When Flynn approaches and insists the dog is his (and the beagle is overwhelmed to greet him), Mac lies at first, insisting he’s had the beagle since puppyhood. The emotional tug of war between the two men—both of whom love the dog—sets up initial friction until each man realizes the other will be crushed to lose Barley. They desperately want the dog and yet feel that the other’s loss will be difficult to bear. Anyone who has lost a dog and/or found a dog will understand these deep and complex feelings. The solution saves them both and, in the process, allows them to admit to their growing romantic and sexual attraction.
Lost and Found is a touching love story, deftly and surely handled. Set in Seattle, the city plays its part in the relationship as does Mac’s wise elderly landlady, Dee, and Flynn’s sprightly friend, Clara. But of course, to my mind, Barley the Beagle steals the show, paws down.
The plot is, essentially, a triangle. No, not the usual kind. This one is guy-dog-guy, with some female sidekicks artfully arranged on either end of the structure. Written with tender sweetness, the story begins when Flynn sees his long-lost, beloved beagle, Barley, held on a leash by a strange man, albeit a knockout with red hair and green eyes. When Flynn approaches and insists the dog is his (and the beagle is overwhelmed to greet him), Mac lies at first, insisting he’s had the beagle since puppyhood. The emotional tug of war between the two men—both of whom love the dog—sets up initial friction until each man realizes the other will be crushed to lose Barley. They desperately want the dog and yet feel that the other’s loss will be difficult to bear. Anyone who has lost a dog and/or found a dog will understand these deep and complex feelings. The solution saves them both and, in the process, allows them to admit to their growing romantic and sexual attraction.
Lost and Found is a touching love story, deftly and surely handled. Set in Seattle, the city plays its part in the relationship as does Mac’s wise elderly landlady, Dee, and Flynn’s sprightly friend, Clara. But of course, to my mind, Barley the Beagle steals the show, paws down.
November 18, 2020
I thought this was ok, not great, but ok. The premise was a good one but the way it was executed, I just didn’t connect with the characters. Other than when Flynn was describing his upbringing to Mac, I feel like I never got to really know him. Mac, on the other hand, seemed to be the main focus although I never quite understood his obvious reluctance to take Flynn’s advances seriously. There were vague references to previous relationships gone wrong, but details were few and far between. And the whole epiphany experience when he had to rush home to West Virginia was just a bit melodramatic. I was expecting John Denver to pop out from behind a tree singing Take Me Home Country Roads. The epilogue just didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. The experience for two out and proud gay men is vastly different in Seattle than it is in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.
Oh, and there were a couple of times where I got the impression that the author was a bit geographically challenged. There was a reference to heading west to Spokane - uhm, nope, Spokane is east of Seattle on the other side of the Cascades. And then a few chapters later when he described the colors as the sun set over the Cascades - see previous reference to Spokane. The Cascades are east of Seattle so therefore you would see the sun rise, not set over that range.
Oh, and there were a couple of times where I got the impression that the author was a bit geographically challenged. There was a reference to heading west to Spokane - uhm, nope, Spokane is east of Seattle on the other side of the Cascades. And then a few chapters later when he described the colors as the sun set over the Cascades - see previous reference to Spokane. The Cascades are east of Seattle so therefore you would see the sun rise, not set over that range.
November 21, 2016
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
This book made me cry, twice! I loved the concept of this book, guy loses dog, someone else finds it, and they decide to share dog, fall in love. That all sounds great but the book was missing something for me and I can’t put my finger on what. I felt the love both Flynn and Mac had for Barley that seeped through the pages and I could tell how much Mac loved his landlady but other than that, I didn’t feel the chemistry between Flynn and Mac. I wanted too, but I couldn’t. I found myself skimming the pages at times because there was wasn’t much dialogue at times. It was a sweet story, just missed the mark for me.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: not sure
Genre: M/M
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
This book made me cry, twice! I loved the concept of this book, guy loses dog, someone else finds it, and they decide to share dog, fall in love. That all sounds great but the book was missing something for me and I can’t put my finger on what. I felt the love both Flynn and Mac had for Barley that seeped through the pages and I could tell how much Mac loved his landlady but other than that, I didn’t feel the chemistry between Flynn and Mac. I wanted too, but I couldn’t. I found myself skimming the pages at times because there was wasn’t much dialogue at times. It was a sweet story, just missed the mark for me.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: not sure
Genre: M/M
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
February 20, 2018
Audiobook Review: Story Rating - 4 Stars, Narration Rating - 2 Stars
Flynn Marlowe had a best friend and lost him in a Seattle park. Mac Bowersox met a new friend on the streets of Seattle. One afternoon Flynn sees his lost dog on the leash of another man. A cute man but still, someone else. With the help of his best human friend, Flynn tracks down Mac, and through a weird bonding over the dog they both love, sparks fly.
The narration for Lost and Found is a bit uneven, which is shame because the book the author gave us is a sweet and wonderful thing, complete with a busybody landlady who only wants the best for Mac. The narration isn’t bad…it just isn’t great. Audio listeners have come to expect more than just so-so work; some of the best scenes in the story felt flat, and the final chapter could have been more sweetly done. Rick Reed put it all down on the page; it would have been great if the narrator had given us the full weight of the author’s words.
Buy the audiobook if you like Rick R. Reed’s work. Otherwise, wait for a sale price.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
Flynn Marlowe had a best friend and lost him in a Seattle park. Mac Bowersox met a new friend on the streets of Seattle. One afternoon Flynn sees his lost dog on the leash of another man. A cute man but still, someone else. With the help of his best human friend, Flynn tracks down Mac, and through a weird bonding over the dog they both love, sparks fly.
The narration for Lost and Found is a bit uneven, which is shame because the book the author gave us is a sweet and wonderful thing, complete with a busybody landlady who only wants the best for Mac. The narration isn’t bad…it just isn’t great. Audio listeners have come to expect more than just so-so work; some of the best scenes in the story felt flat, and the final chapter could have been more sweetly done. Rick Reed put it all down on the page; it would have been great if the narrator had given us the full weight of the author’s words.
Buy the audiobook if you like Rick R. Reed’s work. Otherwise, wait for a sale price.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
September 24, 2017
Some strange things in this book: first of all, if someone loses an animal, no matter what love or effort in finding him back, is it really his right to claim the said animal after one year with another owner that loved, cherished, cured and brought him to life again? I don't think so. And this all question triggered me during all the reading. But it's not only this. This couple never seemed a couple to me. They say they love each other but not truly convinced. When something bad happens and one tries to be lovely to the other suffering, this one pushes him away. So, to these two MC never clicked real and true love. And the solution at the end did not convince me at all. So no. This book is a big no-no.
December 16, 2019
The characters in ‘Lost and Found’ and their dilemma – both love the same dog – made me feel for them from the moment I read the blurb. But then the beginning of the story, with Flynn realizing the dog he sees in the park a summer after he lost Barley is actually Barley, broke my heart. Flynn so clearly misses Barley, and has been beating himself up because he failed to find him, that I wanted him to “demand” his new owner return him on the spot. Only things are never that easy, and what follows is an emotional testament to the depths of love possible between a pet and his human – or, in this case, a pet and both his humans.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 16, 2018
Audiobook.
Felt nothing for this book. I could've stopped it at anytime and it wouldn't have bothered me at all. Interesting premise, but then it goes nowhere from that point on. Both men are attracted to each other and use the dog as an excuse to spend more time together. That's it. No tension. No reason why they wouldn't get together. Lighthearted, filled with sexual innuendo that falls flat. Then the book takes a serious turn toward the end that doesn't gel with what came before. It's as if the author didn't know how to end it. Sorry, I can't recommend it. But it gets two stars because I did manage to finish it.
Felt nothing for this book. I could've stopped it at anytime and it wouldn't have bothered me at all. Interesting premise, but then it goes nowhere from that point on. Both men are attracted to each other and use the dog as an excuse to spend more time together. That's it. No tension. No reason why they wouldn't get together. Lighthearted, filled with sexual innuendo that falls flat. Then the book takes a serious turn toward the end that doesn't gel with what came before. It's as if the author didn't know how to end it. Sorry, I can't recommend it. But it gets two stars because I did manage to finish it.
December 14, 2016
Too many internal dialogues, I didn't understand the wide part dedicate do Dee's family drama and Mac 's family, I would have preferred more space for Flynn & Mac's love story! And I really didn't love the ending.
June 16, 2020
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My rating - 5 outstanding, 4 - I liked this and will re-read it, 3 - I enjoyed it though may not re-read, 2 - I kept going because I had to see how it ended, 1 - Whatever time I spent with this book is time I'll never get back to my regret.
My rating - 5 outstanding, 4 - I liked this and will re-read it, 3 - I enjoyed it though may not re-read, 2 - I kept going because I had to see how it ended, 1 - Whatever time I spent with this book is time I'll never get back to my regret.
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