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Walking Wounded
Luke always thought he’d grow up to be a famous author. He also thought nothing could ever damage his relationship with his childhood best friend, Hal. He thought a lot of things that proved to be untrue. Now he barely makes rent and proofreads articles at a New York gossip rag, dreaming about what-might-have-been. He’s not bitter about it. He’s not. And he certainly isn’t lonely.
Will Maddox – Korean War vet, unapologetic curmudgeon – is the father of a controversial young US Senator, and he’s in trouble with the law after striking someone outside a charity event. In Luke’s eyes, he’s just a senile old man with anger management issues, and he has no idea why his editor would send him to DC to interview him. He flies down from New York thinking he’ll stay a day, expecting an epically boring assignment.
The catch? Hal works security for the Maddox family. And he’s really excited to see Luke after three years apart. And Luke is still really, hopelessly, desperately in love with his best friend.
Luke’s about to learn there’s a big difference between expectations and reality. And this interview just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
A book about the bravery of ordinary people, and the wounds they carry.
Will Maddox – Korean War vet, unapologetic curmudgeon – is the father of a controversial young US Senator, and he’s in trouble with the law after striking someone outside a charity event. In Luke’s eyes, he’s just a senile old man with anger management issues, and he has no idea why his editor would send him to DC to interview him. He flies down from New York thinking he’ll stay a day, expecting an epically boring assignment.
The catch? Hal works security for the Maddox family. And he’s really excited to see Luke after three years apart. And Luke is still really, hopelessly, desperately in love with his best friend.
Luke’s about to learn there’s a big difference between expectations and reality. And this interview just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
A book about the bravery of ordinary people, and the wounds they carry.
280 pages, Paperback
Published December 17, 2016
14 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 10, 2017
4.5 A Story of stories Stars
Just a warning in advance that this will be a bit of a mess of a review because as always Lauren Gilley has left me speechless and unable to put my thoughts into words.
Walking wounded is told in the third person like all of Laurens books and we are given two main characters Luke and Hal, but the writing was breathtaking and was done in a way that every character is of great importance. Luke and Hal have been best friends all their lives doing everything together until 'the incident'. Three years later Luke finds himself in a crappy journalism job that he hates, living in a shitty apartment and very depressed until he is sent to DC to write a piece on the father of a hated senator. This assignment is not what he thinks and will change his life.
I loved Will whose story luke is in DC to get, the story he tells is one of strong bonds and of the more unknown war that was the Korean war.
Every step across the frozen ground drove home the point: this was war, and it wasn't going to be anything fun.
This was like two love stories playing out at the same time but decades apart.
This was not an erotic novel, it was not about the physical attraction of two people it was about the most intense kind of soul bond that does not care about gender, age or race. In saying that I would have like a little bit of 'bed fun' just because I like that stuff lol.
Just a warning in advance that this will be a bit of a mess of a review because as always Lauren Gilley has left me speechless and unable to put my thoughts into words.
Walking wounded is told in the third person like all of Laurens books and we are given two main characters Luke and Hal, but the writing was breathtaking and was done in a way that every character is of great importance. Luke and Hal have been best friends all their lives doing everything together until 'the incident'. Three years later Luke finds himself in a crappy journalism job that he hates, living in a shitty apartment and very depressed until he is sent to DC to write a piece on the father of a hated senator. This assignment is not what he thinks and will change his life.
I loved Will whose story luke is in DC to get, the story he tells is one of strong bonds and of the more unknown war that was the Korean war.
Every step across the frozen ground drove home the point: this was war, and it wasn't going to be anything fun.
This was like two love stories playing out at the same time but decades apart.
This was not an erotic novel, it was not about the physical attraction of two people it was about the most intense kind of soul bond that does not care about gender, age or race. In saying that I would have like a little bit of 'bed fun' just because I like that stuff lol.
December 28, 2016
*****4.75 Stars*****
The last time I read a Lauren Gilley book I ended up writing only 2 lines about it. Not because I didn’t like it, actually it was the opposite. I liked it too much. One of the best books I’ve read in 2016. It went to my 6 Stars shelf. I just felt that whatever I would write wouldn’t make justice to the amazing story Fearless was.
Here I am again. Tongue tied, overwhelmed and a bit tearful. But I need to make an effort this time because this book deserves it.
This is a best friends to lovers story about
Luke, a writer
And Hal, senator Maddox’s security man. *fanning myself*
But that is not all. There is another story. A story inside this story that is being told by a secondary character as the story progresses.
“A book about the bravery of ordinary people, and the wounds they carry.”
As soon as I realised that I went like Pffttt!!! Should I skim the story in this story and get to the point? I know… shame on me but give me some slack. I am in an end of the year accelerated mode and trying to rush even my readings. How sad is that???
Off course I couldn’t do that. Because Lauren Gilley. Because I knew from Fearless how brilliant she is as a storyteller and I had to slow the fuck down and read every single word.
I really don’t know what to say about this to make it justice. So many feelz. I just want to register that both stories found a way to sneak in my heart, tie a string there and play with my emotions.
But it was such a good feeling. There is so much depth and warmth in Lauren Gilley’s writing.
For the lovers of steamy reads, the first kiss happens at 62%. Talk about slow burn. But you should take a chance. Remember Wolfsong?
Walking Wounded is a soulful and heartfelt story. It made me wonder about decisions, timing, fear of taking risks, if’s, choices and consequences. I am not sure why but it also made me wonder countless times if I have taken all the opportunities life threw my way. Yes, no, maybe? I have a feeling that I didn’t. As you can see I don’t know a lot of things. But I know one or two things for sure:
.) time goes by and
.)sometimes we take life for granted.
Absolutely loved this story.
Saunders, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
March 19, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“Love is love.”
It was The Incident that drove a heavy wedge between best friends since forever Luke and Hal - that turned a friendship that was something pure and good to something twisted and complicated. And three years later since, twenty-nine-year old Luke had hoped that his unrequited affections for his best friend would have faded away, hopeful that 'maybe, one day, he’ll even be able to get over the terrible, crushing, insurmountable love he’s always borne for his best friend.' 🥺 For when he's offered the chance to interview the father of the Senator, Hal is a part of the security detail, in order to get that rare first-hand story of why he behave violently at one of his son's recent rallies, he's determined to keep his feelings in check - firmly convincing himself that 'maybe they can go back to the way things always were.'
He's not ready for Hal's affectionate touches and tender glances that warm his heart. He's not equipped to deal with the political views of rivals. He's definitely not prepared to meet a retired war veteran who'll share stories of his past with a friend he loved more than life itself, stories that mirror his own and remind him of how fortunate he is to have the chance to heal the wounds of the heart. That the Walking Woundeddon't only exist during war, but in the everyday life of ordinary people who carry the weight of sadness and loneliness and heartbreak. And who are simply biding the time for the wounds to heal over over past traumas, for love to find a way. 🤍🤍
“Because the thing was: Luke was madly, desperately, pathetically in love with his best friend. Madly because it gave him life. Desperately because sometimes he couldn’t breathe, just thinking the words.
And pathetically because Hal was straight, and Luke wasn’t brave enough to put himself out there and risk rejection.”
For me - it's all about the yearning. I live for unrequited love. I love pining - that ache to want someone who's just out of reach because you know how it feels to touch them once and then too afraid to touch them again - content to just be on the receiving end of their friendship, because you can't bear the thought of losing them again - by hurting them when you show how much you want them. It makes sense why I gravitate to friends to lovers stories more than any other trope. 🥲🥲
We only get Luke's point of view, but how much hurt and heart was shown through his voice and his thoughts - a wounded puppy, but with the heart of a ferocious lion. 'Luke shivers; the touch seems to press against every nerve ending, stirring sensation in every inch of skin. He stares into the empty living room and says, “What the fuck are you trying to do to me?' 🤌🏻🤌🏻 There are these inescapable wounds, those invisible scars that even caught me by surprise - but he never wanted his love for Hal to be one of them. He loves Hal so deeply that he's willing to sacrifice his own happiness and live a lonely life of solitude, just so he can never put him in that vulnerable unexpecting position he put him in those years before. 😔
It is true that absence does make the heart grow fonder; but it doesn't mean all is forgiven and forgotten so easily. He loves Hal more than he can ever express - he's caught in a situation where he can't bear to lose him again, but he doesn't just give in - and I really admired him for that. 😤😤 Hal is three years too late to confess and he's been hurt so badly by that rejection that even if 'he’s a petty, heartbroken idiot, still stuck in the past, still as fixated as always - jealous of all the girls who’ve come before and who will come after' he doesn't let Hal re-enter his heart so easily. But Hal is a fighter, too; and he fought to earn that special place to claim it as his own - on his own terms. He didn't just expect a second chance at winning Luke's affections - he tried so sincerely to prove just how much he's always meant to him that simply asking for forgiveness would not be enough. 😔
“You think I’m hot,” he says, because Hal does, he does.
“I think you’re beautiful.”
And when they finally kiss! It was hard-earned and so sweet! Their intimacy is light on the spice, but makes up for it in how their pull towards each other is so deep - that need to fulfill all that time they can't get back again. 🫠🫠 The author showed so much affection, so much kindness from Hal - so reticent of what he missed out on, if he had only reacted differently, behaved in a more accepting light. 'But in the history of Luke and Hal, it is a question asked in a dozen languages. It is hope, and love, and an apology. Regret.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹
All the lovely endearments Hal whispers into his skin, the heartbreaking plea that this could have been theirs so much earlier - if things had been different; how they've always been each other's rock in the darkest hour - finally they could be something more. It was moving, it was tender, it was gentle, it was everything they had thought they could never have with each other - that the time wasn't lost - 'it had just taken a while to figure that out. “We have time now,” he says.' 🥹🥹 It's that gradual way that they rediscover just how much they mean to each other that was so very beautiful to me.
“Just breathe,” Will told him, stupidly. “Just breathe, it’ll be fine, it’s fine, it’s fine. You’re fine.”
“Hey.” Finn smiled. He coughed and there was blood in his teeth.
“Hi,” Will said back, and his eyes burned. He blinked and blinked, but they kept burning. “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”
“I know.” Finn’s voice was dreamy. His eyes fluttered shut. “You’ve always got me.”
The Korean War may not be featured as prominently in the history books as World War II that preceded it, but it doesn't change that those who served their country and fought and died fighting for something they believed in were men who were fathers, brothers, sons, friends. They were people who were loved by those they left behind and those who fought alongside them on the battlefield. 'War changes you. You can’t kill a man without feeling it somewhere deep and tender in your soul.' 😥 Will may have been a curmudgeon in his later years, but he was the best childhood friend to Finn, a boy he would lay down his life for - one he would follow willingly into danger, simply because he couldn't bear the thought of not being there with him.
I sometimes think platonic love between two friends is stronger than any form of romantic love. I enjoyed seeing Will's friendship with his own best friend, Finn; they were almost opposites, but Will's memories didn't hide at how they cherished their bond of friendship - how deep their love ran for each other. It was simple but beautifully captured, their youthful vigor, Finn's zealous drive to serve his country that shined brighter than Will's own less than enthusiastic buoyancy, but he would do his damn hardest to protect his best friend that he loved. 😥 The author didn't let the war moments overtake the narrative, but even with the few instances she captured - the hardship, the terror, the shock of the horrors - she still portrayed the courage and resilience and heart of the soldiers who were in the trenches together, which I thought was done well. 👍🏻👍🏻
“All the wounds. And for the grace that soothes them, every moment of every day, in something as simple as the touch of the person you love most in the world.”
There is a bit of a side story that got a bit too political for me, one that gets also gets a little heavy on the fanfare of American policies that could have been slightly toned down. But in a way, it was important to the development of their relationship. If certain events had not occurred, Hal would have never seen how much Luke meant to him. Luke would have never realized how there are people hurting just as he is - in their own way, and he can't let the wrong people win in the fight for the right cause. 🥺
It's this bold and brave touch that reminds us how we have to be grateful for what we have without losing faith in who we are. It's that quiet and powerful resilience to be brave enough to take a leap of faith. 'There were chances before. Places in their past when they could have reached deeper into the well of their friendship and found the comfort they’d always feared might wreck the gentle, platonic love they already had.' The writing was so soft and kind - is that even possible - and still touches your heart with the beautiful story it portrayed. And even with the military aspect, the words gently guided you through both time periods - a beautiful balance between two lifetimes that were both heartwarming and emotional that resonated deeply within me. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“Love is love.”
It was The Incident that drove a heavy wedge between best friends since forever Luke and Hal - that turned a friendship that was something pure and good to something twisted and complicated. And three years later since, twenty-nine-year old Luke had hoped that his unrequited affections for his best friend would have faded away, hopeful that 'maybe, one day, he’ll even be able to get over the terrible, crushing, insurmountable love he’s always borne for his best friend.' 🥺 For when he's offered the chance to interview the father of the Senator, Hal is a part of the security detail, in order to get that rare first-hand story of why he behave violently at one of his son's recent rallies, he's determined to keep his feelings in check - firmly convincing himself that 'maybe they can go back to the way things always were.'
He's not ready for Hal's affectionate touches and tender glances that warm his heart. He's not equipped to deal with the political views of rivals. He's definitely not prepared to meet a retired war veteran who'll share stories of his past with a friend he loved more than life itself, stories that mirror his own and remind him of how fortunate he is to have the chance to heal the wounds of the heart. That the Walking Woundeddon't only exist during war, but in the everyday life of ordinary people who carry the weight of sadness and loneliness and heartbreak. And who are simply biding the time for the wounds to heal over over past traumas, for love to find a way. 🤍🤍
“Because the thing was: Luke was madly, desperately, pathetically in love with his best friend. Madly because it gave him life. Desperately because sometimes he couldn’t breathe, just thinking the words.
And pathetically because Hal was straight, and Luke wasn’t brave enough to put himself out there and risk rejection.”
For me - it's all about the yearning. I live for unrequited love. I love pining - that ache to want someone who's just out of reach because you know how it feels to touch them once and then too afraid to touch them again - content to just be on the receiving end of their friendship, because you can't bear the thought of losing them again - by hurting them when you show how much you want them. It makes sense why I gravitate to friends to lovers stories more than any other trope. 🥲🥲
We only get Luke's point of view, but how much hurt and heart was shown through his voice and his thoughts - a wounded puppy, but with the heart of a ferocious lion. 'Luke shivers; the touch seems to press against every nerve ending, stirring sensation in every inch of skin. He stares into the empty living room and says, “What the fuck are you trying to do to me?' 🤌🏻🤌🏻 There are these inescapable wounds, those invisible scars that even caught me by surprise - but he never wanted his love for Hal to be one of them. He loves Hal so deeply that he's willing to sacrifice his own happiness and live a lonely life of solitude, just so he can never put him in that vulnerable unexpecting position he put him in those years before. 😔
It is true that absence does make the heart grow fonder; but it doesn't mean all is forgiven and forgotten so easily. He loves Hal more than he can ever express - he's caught in a situation where he can't bear to lose him again, but he doesn't just give in - and I really admired him for that. 😤😤 Hal is three years too late to confess and he's been hurt so badly by that rejection that even if 'he’s a petty, heartbroken idiot, still stuck in the past, still as fixated as always - jealous of all the girls who’ve come before and who will come after' he doesn't let Hal re-enter his heart so easily. But Hal is a fighter, too; and he fought to earn that special place to claim it as his own - on his own terms. He didn't just expect a second chance at winning Luke's affections - he tried so sincerely to prove just how much he's always meant to him that simply asking for forgiveness would not be enough. 😔
“You think I’m hot,” he says, because Hal does, he does.
“I think you’re beautiful.”
And when they finally kiss! It was hard-earned and so sweet! Their intimacy is light on the spice, but makes up for it in how their pull towards each other is so deep - that need to fulfill all that time they can't get back again. 🫠🫠 The author showed so much affection, so much kindness from Hal - so reticent of what he missed out on, if he had only reacted differently, behaved in a more accepting light. 'But in the history of Luke and Hal, it is a question asked in a dozen languages. It is hope, and love, and an apology. Regret.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹
All the lovely endearments Hal whispers into his skin, the heartbreaking plea that this could have been theirs so much earlier - if things had been different; how they've always been each other's rock in the darkest hour - finally they could be something more. It was moving, it was tender, it was gentle, it was everything they had thought they could never have with each other - that the time wasn't lost - 'it had just taken a while to figure that out. “We have time now,” he says.' 🥹🥹 It's that gradual way that they rediscover just how much they mean to each other that was so very beautiful to me.
“Just breathe,” Will told him, stupidly. “Just breathe, it’ll be fine, it’s fine, it’s fine. You’re fine.”
“Hey.” Finn smiled. He coughed and there was blood in his teeth.
“Hi,” Will said back, and his eyes burned. He blinked and blinked, but they kept burning. “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”
“I know.” Finn’s voice was dreamy. His eyes fluttered shut. “You’ve always got me.”
The Korean War may not be featured as prominently in the history books as World War II that preceded it, but it doesn't change that those who served their country and fought and died fighting for something they believed in were men who were fathers, brothers, sons, friends. They were people who were loved by those they left behind and those who fought alongside them on the battlefield. 'War changes you. You can’t kill a man without feeling it somewhere deep and tender in your soul.' 😥 Will may have been a curmudgeon in his later years, but he was the best childhood friend to Finn, a boy he would lay down his life for - one he would follow willingly into danger, simply because he couldn't bear the thought of not being there with him.
I sometimes think platonic love between two friends is stronger than any form of romantic love. I enjoyed seeing Will's friendship with his own best friend, Finn; they were almost opposites, but Will's memories didn't hide at how they cherished their bond of friendship - how deep their love ran for each other. It was simple but beautifully captured, their youthful vigor, Finn's zealous drive to serve his country that shined brighter than Will's own less than enthusiastic buoyancy, but he would do his damn hardest to protect his best friend that he loved. 😥 The author didn't let the war moments overtake the narrative, but even with the few instances she captured - the hardship, the terror, the shock of the horrors - she still portrayed the courage and resilience and heart of the soldiers who were in the trenches together, which I thought was done well. 👍🏻👍🏻
“All the wounds. And for the grace that soothes them, every moment of every day, in something as simple as the touch of the person you love most in the world.”
There is a bit of a side story that got a bit too political for me, one that gets also gets a little heavy on the fanfare of American policies that could have been slightly toned down. But in a way, it was important to the development of their relationship. If certain events had not occurred, Hal would have never seen how much Luke meant to him. Luke would have never realized how there are people hurting just as he is - in their own way, and he can't let the wrong people win in the fight for the right cause. 🥺
It's this bold and brave touch that reminds us how we have to be grateful for what we have without losing faith in who we are. It's that quiet and powerful resilience to be brave enough to take a leap of faith. 'There were chances before. Places in their past when they could have reached deeper into the well of their friendship and found the comfort they’d always feared might wreck the gentle, platonic love they already had.' The writing was so soft and kind - is that even possible - and still touches your heart with the beautiful story it portrayed. And even with the military aspect, the words gently guided you through both time periods - a beautiful balance between two lifetimes that were both heartwarming and emotional that resonated deeply within me. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
February 10, 2017
It was on a whim that I decided to read Walking Wounded. It would only be the second book I have read by Lauren Gilley. The other was Whatever Remains. And as I am writing this I am trying to decide which one I liked better as they were very different books. At least for me they were.
In Walking Wounded there is a story within a story. Both beautiful. One affecting the other. As Hal and Luke’s story is unfolding LG told the story of Will Maddox. A grumpy old man one would think but he had lived a life that had left scars within. He held on to a story that needed telling and when Luke becomes his voice not only does his story get told, Luke is finally able exhale a breath he had been holding for three years.
Hal and Luke’s story really touched me. I knew the path I wanted these two to take but I wasn’t sure it would happen. Without doubt there was love and compassion but would that be enough. Would the history that these two shared be strong enough? My heart ached for them.
I very much enjoyed Will’s story. The Maddox family was a joy to read about. They were easy to love and relatable. LG did a wonderful job weaving everyone together. Each one added a colorful thread to the story.
So, if I had to choose which of these two books I liked better I will have to say it was this one. It brought me to tears. I’ll admit I am a crier :) but these tears were different. They were tears I didn’t even realize were falling until one fell off my cheek. That says something.
If you have read LG’s work already you need to give this one a go. I understand she has written a great MC series which I haven’t checked out yet. I’m not sure I will but I’ve enjoyed these two stories and will certainly be checking out more of her stand-alone books.
January 22, 2018
Me ha gustado la forma de escribir de la autora, pero no tanto mucho de lo que cuenta. El libro son fundamentalmente dos historias, una que tiene lugar en la actualidad entre dos mejores amigos, y otra durante la guerra de Corea, esta última un relato con muchas aristas.
Sin embargo, para mi el libro se divide en dos partes distintas. Por un lado la de la historia de amor, de amistad, de relaciones personales, esta me ha encantado, romántica, con mucha sensibilidad, emotiva. Pero por otro lado la de la descripción de la guerra, que no me interesa nada, que cuenta con muchas apreciaciones sobre los marines de USA y la política internacional durante la guerra fría de USA. A estas alturas de la película, el discurso de USA luchando solo por defender la democracia contra los malos comunistas no hay quien se lo trague, demuestra, o mucho desconocimiento de la política internacional de la época, o muchos deseos de no ver la realidad. USA no es el gran campeón de la libertad, fue una lucha por sus propios intereses potenciando en varias ocasiones dictaduras en los países que le convino y ese patriotismo mal entendido (siempre en mi opinión) que destila el libro, me ha puesto de los nervios y me ha impedido disfrutar todo lo que hubiera querido la historia de amor. Entiendo que todos amemos nuestro país, pero eso no debe impedirte ver ciertas realidades, y yo no he sabido pasarlo por alto.
Sin embargo, para mi el libro se divide en dos partes distintas. Por un lado la de la historia de amor, de amistad, de relaciones personales, esta me ha encantado, romántica, con mucha sensibilidad, emotiva. Pero por otro lado la de la descripción de la guerra, que no me interesa nada, que cuenta con muchas apreciaciones sobre los marines de USA y la política internacional durante la guerra fría de USA. A estas alturas de la película, el discurso de USA luchando solo por defender la democracia contra los malos comunistas no hay quien se lo trague, demuestra, o mucho desconocimiento de la política internacional de la época, o muchos deseos de no ver la realidad. USA no es el gran campeón de la libertad, fue una lucha por sus propios intereses potenciando en varias ocasiones dictaduras en los países que le convino y ese patriotismo mal entendido (siempre en mi opinión) que destila el libro, me ha puesto de los nervios y me ha impedido disfrutar todo lo que hubiera querido la historia de amor. Entiendo que todos amemos nuestro país, pero eso no debe impedirte ver ciertas realidades, y yo no he sabido pasarlo por alto.
December 22, 2016
5 "The first second of the rest of his life." Stars
Lauren Gilley dove into something incredibly different than her usual novels. Yet the reverent tone and character-driven prose she always so eloquently provides are ever-present in Walking Wounded. This story weaves simple friendships with complex explorations of feelings between two separate sets of best friends, past and present. By juxtaposing the past against the present readers are awakened to the beauty of the scars we carry from our pasts and how deep we can feel for those who come after us.
I won't spoil plot. But I will say each of the characters you will meet in this story leave a lasting impression. From the mains to the secondary's you find something endearing about all of them, something you can connect to through their actions. Lauren Gilley creates characters through vivid descriptors of every day life. She masterfully brings them to life with such base emotions that are so simple and real yet so deep and thoughtful. And this process is a "slow-burn" but it's a burn to relish while reading. You're enamored as you savor the story. You're totally focused wanting to learn more about everyone. The why's, the when's, the how come's. You're swept away with the sensitivity and compassion of the story-telling. She humanizes her characters. She showcases their strengths and their vulnerabilities. She makes them personal and relatable. She provides blunt honesty and truth in her beautiful writing.
As a huge fan of this author's MC series and family sagas I was excited to see where she'd go outside of those boxes. Her gift as a writer shines in those other works. Her talent for story telling cemented. With Walking Wounded, a stand alone different from any others she's done, Gilley proves she's a tour-DE-force when it comes to character driven literary fiction, when it comes to story-telling at all. She's a purely compassionate, charming, and gritty writer. I cannot wait to explore more of her gift she so graciously shares with us.
January 6, 2017
This is the first book I've read by Lauren Gilley and just ... wow!
This is Luke's story first and foremost, but then it is so much more at the same time. If this sounds rather cryptic..ok, I'll try to explain.
Right from the beginning we are aware of Luke's deep unhappiness. By means of his razor-sharp sarcasm and edgy self-deprecation he belittles himself, who he is and what he does virtually round the clock. It hurt to see Luke in such a deep shit hole of insecurity and self-hatred. It tore my heart out to see him question himself and every one of his actions non-stop.
Self doubt has always been part of his make-up, but getting rejected by the one person he always loved has thrown him for good. Facing that very man yet again is his personal nightmare. But still, can he stay away from Hal, his best friend who he hasn't seen for 3 years when 'fate' pushes them together again? NO, of course not. Because love is what it is.
There is a lot of pining and UST. Sigh. Loved that. Particularly because you (and everyone else in the book) can see that Hal has feelings for Luke, too. But are they real? How can Luke believe any of that after what happened? Argh, Lauren Gilley, put so much depth and detail into Luke and Hal's relationship, covering it from various angles, making it real, it was just wonderful.
And then of course, there is the second story, interweaving with the present. Will Maddox, a Vietnam War veteran, recounts his life story. This is poignant and touching and gives the title of the book so much more meaning. Not saying anything else here - but don't skip these bits, they are well worth reading!
Only thing that I couldn't quite understand: From what I read before about security guys, they are not supposed to have any personal connection to the person they are protecting so they are able to remain focused on their task.(or does this only go for presidents?) Hal is like family in the Maddox household, which surely compromises his job?
Saying that, I loved the whole family, even if I find it hard to believe that politician like Matt exist. But there is wishful thinking....
I thoroughly enjoyed this (thanks Jan for your recommendation!) and would happily recommend it as a great read!
This is Luke's story first and foremost, but then it is so much more at the same time. If this sounds rather cryptic..ok, I'll try to explain.
Right from the beginning we are aware of Luke's deep unhappiness. By means of his razor-sharp sarcasm and edgy self-deprecation he belittles himself, who he is and what he does virtually round the clock. It hurt to see Luke in such a deep shit hole of insecurity and self-hatred. It tore my heart out to see him question himself and every one of his actions non-stop.
Self doubt has always been part of his make-up, but getting rejected by the one person he always loved has thrown him for good. Facing that very man yet again is his personal nightmare. But still, can he stay away from Hal, his best friend who he hasn't seen for 3 years when 'fate' pushes them together again? NO, of course not. Because love is what it is.
There is a lot of pining and UST. Sigh. Loved that. Particularly because you (and everyone else in the book) can see that Hal has feelings for Luke, too. But are they real? How can Luke believe any of that after what happened? Argh, Lauren Gilley, put so much depth and detail into Luke and Hal's relationship, covering it from various angles, making it real, it was just wonderful.
And then of course, there is the second story, interweaving with the present. Will Maddox, a Vietnam War veteran, recounts his life story. This is poignant and touching and gives the title of the book so much more meaning. Not saying anything else here - but don't skip these bits, they are well worth reading!
Only thing that I couldn't quite understand: From what I read before about security guys, they are not supposed to have any personal connection to the person they are protecting so they are able to remain focused on their task.(or does this only go for presidents?) Hal is like family in the Maddox household, which surely compromises his job?
Saying that, I loved the whole family, even if I find it hard to believe that politician like Matt exist. But there is wishful thinking....
I thoroughly enjoyed this (thanks Jan for your recommendation!) and would happily recommend it as a great read!
January 17, 2018
Ha sido como un hermoso cuento de hadas (porque, seamos sinceros,¿dónde hay esa clase de politicos sino en el reino de Fantasía?), aderezado con un toque justo de angst, que me ha sabido a poco, sin embargo, debo decir que ésta va a favoritos porque la pareja principal son una cosa mona y gloriosa, lo digo desde aqui, ¡Quiero un Hal sólo para moi!
No le doy cinco porque la forma en que está narrado me choca mucho, mucho, mucho, soy poco fan del presente. :'(
Muchísimas gracias Jan porque gracias a tu preciosa review encontré esta maravilla.
No le doy cinco porque la forma en que está narrado me choca mucho, mucho, mucho, soy poco fan del presente. :'(
Muchísimas gracias Jan porque gracias a tu preciosa review encontré esta maravilla.
May 5, 2017
Quick and dirty review (ok, not really dirty):
Walking Wounded isn't a romance. It is a very well written story about best friends who become more, eventually. I really enjoyed the parallels between Luke & Hal and Will & Finn. There is no steam to speak of in this book and the ending felt really abrupt, but I did enjoy the story quite a bit.
Walking Wounded isn't a romance. It is a very well written story about best friends who become more, eventually. I really enjoyed the parallels between Luke & Hal and Will & Finn. There is no steam to speak of in this book and the ending felt really abrupt, but I did enjoy the story quite a bit.
June 28, 2021
2.5 stars
I could appreciate the writing in this, but I can’t say I was all in with this story. I guess I wanted more. More connection, more romance, more depth, more everything I guess.
And I’m not a fan of politics at all, so having the romance play out while Hal was busy protecting Matt, a senator…. No thank you.
And the side story of how Will lost his best friend in the Korean war, so depressing….
I'm still sad I didn't like this more, but I just didn't. :(
I could appreciate the writing in this, but I can’t say I was all in with this story. I guess I wanted more. More connection, more romance, more depth, more everything I guess.
And I’m not a fan of politics at all, so having the romance play out while Hal was busy protecting Matt, a senator…. No thank you.
And the side story of how Will lost his best friend in the Korean war, so depressing….
I'm still sad I didn't like this more, but I just didn't. :(
December 18, 2016
This author can do no wrong in my opinion. This book is so different from the other books in her series but it is just as good or maybe even better. The feels were amazing and all the characters were great. I finished reading in 2 days and I had tears at certain parts. That hasn't happened in a very long time. Lauren Gilley is a great story teller and one of my favorite authors.
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December 25, 2016
December 2016 -- 4.5 Stars
I think this is the book Lauren Gilley was born to write. While not perfect, it had so much depth and meaning in this story.
My father served in the Korean War. He died when I was young, so we never really had conversations about it. But, when mentioned, it would take over his demeanor. It had an impact that, being old now, I can only guess at. This story helped me understand that a bit better.
This book is about those friendships that complete you. Those friendships that truly are the other half of who you are. Not all go as planned.
Thank you for this Lauren Gilley. I'll come back and read this book over and over again.
Happy Reading!
I think this is the book Lauren Gilley was born to write. While not perfect, it had so much depth and meaning in this story.
My father served in the Korean War. He died when I was young, so we never really had conversations about it. But, when mentioned, it would take over his demeanor. It had an impact that, being old now, I can only guess at. This story helped me understand that a bit better.
This book is about those friendships that complete you. Those friendships that truly are the other half of who you are. Not all go as planned.
Thank you for this Lauren Gilley. I'll come back and read this book over and over again.
Happy Reading!
December 17, 2016
Have you ever just gotten a warm feeling while reading a book—one where you're escaping reality and falling headfirst into a story? That's how I felt reading this. I went into this not knowing exactly what to think. To be truthful, I didn't think this book was going to be my thing, but I trusted the author, and knew without a shadow of a doubt that the storytelling was going to be superb—it could also just be that Lauren Gilley can't write a bad book if she tried.
Now let's talk about the book. Hal and Luke ... simply put, I love them together. I especially love Luke. I found myself nodding along to his inner musings, or the things he would say—more than half of my highlighted notes in the book are said/thought by Luke. I understood him in a way that I hadn't expected. And Hal, from the very first description of him in his button-up, under the canvas jacket, and boots, I knew I would like him. That's what makes a good book *better*, when you can love characters individually, and not just them as a couple. Of course, the secondary characters—though I'm hesitant to call them that because they felt just a real as Hal and Luke—were also great to read. I especially loved Will. I, like Luke, had my own preconceived notions of what he would be like, but he surprised me in the best way possible.
The romance between Hal and Luke was the definition of slow-burn, but never in a way that you want to bash your head into the wall because you want them to just tell each other how they feel already. I liked watching them figure each other out after The Incident when things didn't go quite so well. I enjoyed their interactions together because they felt REAL and HONEST, and by the end of the book, when they've worked it out, it all just feels ... right.
Needless to say, the book, the plot, and everything about both is absolutely riveting and well worth reading.
Favorite Quotes:
“The book is amazing, and so are you. The book is amazing because you’re amazing. Stop worrying.”
“You’re saying you’d move to New York and guard freaking reality starlets and mob wives?”
Hal doesn’t even take a beat. “Yes.”
“And you’d live in a cramped apartment, and give up this awesome job with this family.”
“Yes.”
“F****** why?”
“Because I’m not going to be apart from you anymore. There’s nothing in the world I want more than you.”
Now let's talk about the book. Hal and Luke ... simply put, I love them together. I especially love Luke. I found myself nodding along to his inner musings, or the things he would say—more than half of my highlighted notes in the book are said/thought by Luke. I understood him in a way that I hadn't expected. And Hal, from the very first description of him in his button-up, under the canvas jacket, and boots, I knew I would like him. That's what makes a good book *better*, when you can love characters individually, and not just them as a couple. Of course, the secondary characters—though I'm hesitant to call them that because they felt just a real as Hal and Luke—were also great to read. I especially loved Will. I, like Luke, had my own preconceived notions of what he would be like, but he surprised me in the best way possible.
The romance between Hal and Luke was the definition of slow-burn, but never in a way that you want to bash your head into the wall because you want them to just tell each other how they feel already. I liked watching them figure each other out after The Incident when things didn't go quite so well. I enjoyed their interactions together because they felt REAL and HONEST, and by the end of the book, when they've worked it out, it all just feels ... right.
Needless to say, the book, the plot, and everything about both is absolutely riveting and well worth reading.
Favorite Quotes:
“The book is amazing, and so are you. The book is amazing because you’re amazing. Stop worrying.”
“You’re saying you’d move to New York and guard freaking reality starlets and mob wives?”
Hal doesn’t even take a beat. “Yes.”
“And you’d live in a cramped apartment, and give up this awesome job with this family.”
“Yes.”
“F****** why?”
“Because I’m not going to be apart from you anymore. There’s nothing in the world I want more than you.”
December 23, 2016
Lauren Gilley has done it again! She's delivered another complex and heartfelt story. I was captivated from the first to the last page. I loved reading about Will and Finn's friendship. I'll admit I even cried a little as their story unfolded. I loved how Will's story was woven tightly into the story Luke and Hal. The book is primarily told from Luke's POV. Luke has always loved Hal. They were best friends growing up. Overtime the boys physically drifted apart but their brotherly love for each other never faded.
I really can't explain how I felt reading this story. It was the little things that made my heart flutter. The way Hal's eyes would seek Will's, the lingering touches, the hitch in their voices... it was so perfect.
The story was mixed with a little suspense. I wanted to know what happened to Will and Finn in Korea. I was worried about the threat against the Senator Maddox. This book was a perfect angst read. The chemistry was sizzling. I adored the Maddox family!! I wanted to sit at the Maddox kitchen table and be part of their family.
I really can't explain how I felt reading this story. It was the little things that made my heart flutter. The way Hal's eyes would seek Will's, the lingering touches, the hitch in their voices... it was so perfect.
The story was mixed with a little suspense. I wanted to know what happened to Will and Finn in Korea. I was worried about the threat against the Senator Maddox. This book was a perfect angst read. The chemistry was sizzling. I adored the Maddox family!! I wanted to sit at the Maddox kitchen table and be part of their family.
November 8, 2018
Much as I loved the Dartmoor series, the writing style in this one just didn't work for me at all. It didn't even feel like a Lauren Gilley book at all. Will move on to the Sons of Rome series as I've either read (Russels, Dartmoor, Lean Dogs,) or passed on ( Walkers, and now this). Overall I do recommend this author. I was really looking forward to this M/M book by her. Sad that I just couldn't get into it.
April 21, 2017
I am hopelessly in love with this writer's style. It pulls me in and can suck the life out of me if I'm not careful. I have devoured her other series. And even if you haven't read anything else by her, you need to read this story.
All the magic, all the feels come flowing through her words as a story within a story begins to unfold. There is an incident in Washington DC and Luke's estranged best friend happens to provide security for the family involved in the incident. He request the writer Luke to come and get the true story. We get it all!
So many layers to this one. We are taken back in time to Will's childhood, Luke and Hal growing up and more resent past events. You need to read the book entirely before everything comes to light. It all comes down to love, though, and my heart could not be happier.
Absolutely perfect story of first love, second chance love and what we are willing to do for those we love.
Read it!
All the magic, all the feels come flowing through her words as a story within a story begins to unfold. There is an incident in Washington DC and Luke's estranged best friend happens to provide security for the family involved in the incident. He request the writer Luke to come and get the true story. We get it all!
So many layers to this one. We are taken back in time to Will's childhood, Luke and Hal growing up and more resent past events. You need to read the book entirely before everything comes to light. It all comes down to love, though, and my heart could not be happier.
Absolutely perfect story of first love, second chance love and what we are willing to do for those we love.
Read it!
January 21, 2017
Omg the best
February 27, 2017
Entretiene aunque me gustó más la historia principal (Luke y Hal) que la secundaria (Finn y Will).
December 24, 2016
3.5 stars. Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore Lauren G and I love her books. She's one of my favorite authors out there and she can slay me with her words. While I did like this book, I didn't love it. I actually put it down for a few days and went back to it because no way can I DNF a LG book. I wasn't a huge fan of Luke for the first half, he was just too whiny for me and he came off as insecure. While I did end up enjoying the other storyline of the past, I found it took me out of the present and I just wanted to keep reading about Hal and Luke. I wanted more just with them. Parts of this I LOVED while other parts I just didn't. Overall I'm glad I finished it.
February 12, 2017
I said it before and I will say it forever... Lauren Gilley is a terrific storyteller. Spellbinding, mesmerizing writing chops in each of her novels. A must read.
January 2, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. Hal was so sweet and strong, so worried that he lost his chance at love. Luke, so rough on the outside, hiding his broken romantic heart.
Best friends share a special kind of love. I loved both stories of best friends in this book, Luke and Hal and Will and Finn. The bond was amazing and inspiring.
The emotion comes right off the page with Lauren Gilley in every single book I've read. They are all keepers and this one is no exception.
Best friends share a special kind of love. I loved both stories of best friends in this book, Luke and Hal and Will and Finn. The bond was amazing and inspiring.
The emotion comes right off the page with Lauren Gilley in every single book I've read. They are all keepers and this one is no exception.
December 22, 2016
Liked it, but not my fav ever Lauren Gilley. A moving back story told in flashbacks, plus in the present day a sweet romance between two (MM) bffs who eventually sort out their real feelings for each other.
January 3, 2017
4.5 stars. I loved the friendship both parties had. That in itself is so moving. I loved how it ended and how the title of the book came into play.
May 16, 2019
Sadly not my favorite by this author.
August 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
I've recently read the Lean Dogs series and became a huge fan of Lauren Gilley so now I’ve moved on to her standalones. She just has such a way of spinning a story that you get completely sucked in right from the start.
In this book you basically get two stories for the price of one and I really enjoyed that aspect. Hal and Luke have been BFF’s since they were wee nippers, however Luke has been completely in love with Hal from day one. One night what is referred to as ‘The Incident’ happens and they end up not seeing each other for three years. They are brought back together when Luke is brought in to interview Will. For us the reader is obvious that Hal has more that friendly feelings for Luke but he can’t see it and I loved watching them fumble through from friendship to lovers.
I loved hearing Will and Finns story and learning all about the friendship and the bond they had together, I was actually chomping at the bit for these parts ☺
I've recently read the Lean Dogs series and became a huge fan of Lauren Gilley so now I’ve moved on to her standalones. She just has such a way of spinning a story that you get completely sucked in right from the start.
In this book you basically get two stories for the price of one and I really enjoyed that aspect. Hal and Luke have been BFF’s since they were wee nippers, however Luke has been completely in love with Hal from day one. One night what is referred to as ‘The Incident’ happens and they end up not seeing each other for three years. They are brought back together when Luke is brought in to interview Will. For us the reader is obvious that Hal has more that friendly feelings for Luke but he can’t see it and I loved watching them fumble through from friendship to lovers.
I loved hearing Will and Finns story and learning all about the friendship and the bond they had together, I was actually chomping at the bit for these parts ☺
October 16, 2020
Book 3.5/5
Book cover 1/5
This book frustrated me. There were parts of the book that I enjoyed. But there was too much meandering between flashbacks and present but what compounded this was the writing style. I almost put the book down within the first 10 pages.
I liked Hal but I felt disconnected from him for much of the story. I finished reading this book but I'll never reread it because it was so frustrating.
Too long. Too much of the flashback characters and the subplot was hackneyed. Horrible writing tense.
Book cover 1/5
This book frustrated me. There were parts of the book that I enjoyed. But there was too much meandering between flashbacks and present but what compounded this was the writing style. I almost put the book down within the first 10 pages.
I liked Hal but I felt disconnected from him for much of the story. I finished reading this book but I'll never reread it because it was so frustrating.
Too long. Too much of the flashback characters and the subplot was hackneyed. Horrible writing tense.
August 22, 2020
In retrospect
I don't normally leave a review because I feel my stars speak for themselves but I originally have this book four stars because it was good. After a couple of days the story was still with me and I realized the two love stories were sweet and they just hung in my mind with the sweetness of the stories. It was one of the better love stories I have encountered and it snuck up on me.
I don't normally leave a review because I feel my stars speak for themselves but I originally have this book four stars because it was good. After a couple of days the story was still with me and I realized the two love stories were sweet and they just hung in my mind with the sweetness of the stories. It was one of the better love stories I have encountered and it snuck up on me.
June 18, 2017
I never thought I would enjoy a gay love story this much..
October 3, 2018
4 stars
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