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The Hike
Ashley James and Tucker Lee have been friends for years. They are city boys but long for life on the open trail. During a three-hundred-mile hike from the Southern California desert to the mountains around Big Bear Lake, they make some pretty amazing discoveries.
One of those discoveries is love. A love that has been bubbling below the surface for a very long time.
But love isn’t all they find. They also stumble upon a war—a war being waged by Mother Nature and fought tooth and claw around an epidemic of microbes and fury.
With every creature in sight turning against them, can they survive this battle and still hold on to each other? Or will the most horrifying virus known to man lay waste to more than just wildlife this time?
Will it destroy Ash and Tucker too?
One of those discoveries is love. A love that has been bubbling below the surface for a very long time.
But love isn’t all they find. They also stumble upon a war—a war being waged by Mother Nature and fought tooth and claw around an epidemic of microbes and fury.
With every creature in sight turning against them, can they survive this battle and still hold on to each other? Or will the most horrifying virus known to man lay waste to more than just wildlife this time?
Will it destroy Ash and Tucker too?
219 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2017
9 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
John Inman
42 books441 followersA Lambda Literary Award finalist and the author of over forty novels, John has been writing fiction for as long as he can remember. Born on a small farm in Indiana, he now resides in San Diego, California where he spends his time gardening, pampering his pets, hiking and biking the trails and canyons of San Diego, and of course, writing. He and his partner share a passion for theater, books, film, and the continuing fight for marriage equality. If you would like to know more about John, check out his website at----
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 4, 2017
Ash and Tuck have been best friends since high school until one tequila-soaked night in Tijuana, Ash wakes up ("my ass hurting that good kind of hurt") in a Motel 6 with "Tuck snoring and drooling against my shoulder while one of my hands rested on his furry butt and my other hand cupped the back of his neck, holding him close." Things have become complicated, with neither man bringing up that Tijuana night, and now Ash and Tuck and their dogs Hannah and Cho are heading out on a 3-week hike across the San Bernardino Mountains to Big Bear Lake, roughly 300 miles.
Inman does a great job of balancing Ash and Tuck's hiking adventure with exploration of their feelings for one another. I liked how each man knew he loved the other, without any excruciating "does he love me or not?" angst or miscommunication. There are a few nicely done sex scenes and Inman also does a good job of foreshadowing the viral epidemic with comments about animals acting strangely and weird encounters, and then really brings it with a nail-biting conclusion. At times the pace felt a bit slow, but really picked up once they are dealing with the viral outbreak. My only complaint (as with other Inman books I've read) is that the main characters, who are both 25, read much older (perhaps 40 or so?). A solid 4 stars for The Hike.
I received an ARC from DSP Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Inman does a great job of balancing Ash and Tuck's hiking adventure with exploration of their feelings for one another. I liked how each man knew he loved the other, without any excruciating "does he love me or not?" angst or miscommunication. There are a few nicely done sex scenes and Inman also does a good job of foreshadowing the viral epidemic with comments about animals acting strangely and weird encounters, and then really brings it with a nail-biting conclusion. At times the pace felt a bit slow, but really picked up once they are dealing with the viral outbreak. My only complaint (as with other Inman books I've read) is that the main characters, who are both 25, read much older (perhaps 40 or so?). A solid 4 stars for The Hike.
I received an ARC from DSP Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
June 6, 2019
4.5 Stars
John Inman’s stories run the gamut of genres and I love that there is really something for everyone. I happen to love all manner of his words and The Hike reminded me why. One of my favorite themes is horror, but I do have to be in the mood. John can write stories that will haunt your nightmares, but they are always well balanced with memorable characters. I also get that not everyone is down for the horror thing so his stories that focus more on the love pollen that gets spread are more their jam. The Hike is kind of horror-lite compared to say, Sunset Lake or Willow Man but it wouldn’t play well with the Belladonna Arms boys either. The scare level is more along the lines of Spirit or My Busboy. Any Inman fan worth their salt knows what I’m rambling on about here.
The real strength in this story is the bond between Ash and Tuck. The Hike is an angst free (I’m just talking about the relationship here, not the horror that nature becomes) friends to lovers story. There is no question from page 1 that these two are best friends on their way to more. The evolution of their relationship was a treat to read, the banter was adorable without being sappy and the chemistry was dripping off every page. Once Ash and Tuck got together the romance was sublime, seriously, not many authors can write romance the way John Inman does for me. The sweetest thing was the appreciative awe they each felt about the other, Ash planned this whole hiking vacation to have Tucker all to himself and then found out Tucker wanted the same and the realizations and confessions made me swoon repeatedly. They shared firsts that solidified their bond, the kind of things that you only share with someone you trust with your heart and the magnitude of those firsts was not lost on either of them.
As I said, Ash planned this hike to get Tucker all to himself for three weeks, neither of them are great outdoorsmen, and reading about them getting ready and setting off was pretty damn funny. They prevailed and conquered though and that in and of itself was a story. Being a native San Diegan I loved reading the setting that was basically my backyard that we camp in often. John captured the atmosphere perfectly! So, these two are hiking from southeast San Diego to Big Bear and even without the scary AF mystery, there would have been a solid story. The scare factor elevated the tale just how I like though and I ate up the gradual tension that built as Ash and Tuck got further along the trail and further away from civilization.
I think the scariest part was that what was happening could be a legit thing. Unlikely? Sure. But if I heard about it years later as an urban legend, I’d buy it. When Ash and Tuck reached the cabin I was into the book until I finished. There was no putting this thing down at that point and I loved it. I was most certainly stressed out, but the ride the author took me on was a heart pounding and heartbreaking one. The thing that kept this on the horror-lite side was that I never felt like Ash or Tuck would meet their end. Not that everyone made it home, but I felt pretty solid that those two would be fine and honestly when you’re reading a horror tale, that’s all you can ask for with your MC’s.
The Hike isn’t a sequel kind of story, but man, I would love to read more with Ash and Tuck. I loved these two and while there were moments of extreme sadness, nature can really be a bitch I swear, there was heavy doses of romance, friendship and some humorous banter that kept me locked into this book.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
John Inman’s stories run the gamut of genres and I love that there is really something for everyone. I happen to love all manner of his words and The Hike reminded me why. One of my favorite themes is horror, but I do have to be in the mood. John can write stories that will haunt your nightmares, but they are always well balanced with memorable characters. I also get that not everyone is down for the horror thing so his stories that focus more on the love pollen that gets spread are more their jam. The Hike is kind of horror-lite compared to say, Sunset Lake or Willow Man but it wouldn’t play well with the Belladonna Arms boys either. The scare level is more along the lines of Spirit or My Busboy. Any Inman fan worth their salt knows what I’m rambling on about here.
The real strength in this story is the bond between Ash and Tuck. The Hike is an angst free (I’m just talking about the relationship here, not the horror that nature becomes) friends to lovers story. There is no question from page 1 that these two are best friends on their way to more. The evolution of their relationship was a treat to read, the banter was adorable without being sappy and the chemistry was dripping off every page. Once Ash and Tuck got together the romance was sublime, seriously, not many authors can write romance the way John Inman does for me. The sweetest thing was the appreciative awe they each felt about the other, Ash planned this whole hiking vacation to have Tucker all to himself and then found out Tucker wanted the same and the realizations and confessions made me swoon repeatedly. They shared firsts that solidified their bond, the kind of things that you only share with someone you trust with your heart and the magnitude of those firsts was not lost on either of them.
As I said, Ash planned this hike to get Tucker all to himself for three weeks, neither of them are great outdoorsmen, and reading about them getting ready and setting off was pretty damn funny. They prevailed and conquered though and that in and of itself was a story. Being a native San Diegan I loved reading the setting that was basically my backyard that we camp in often. John captured the atmosphere perfectly! So, these two are hiking from southeast San Diego to Big Bear and even without the scary AF mystery, there would have been a solid story. The scare factor elevated the tale just how I like though and I ate up the gradual tension that built as Ash and Tuck got further along the trail and further away from civilization.
I think the scariest part was that what was happening could be a legit thing. Unlikely? Sure. But if I heard about it years later as an urban legend, I’d buy it. When Ash and Tuck reached the cabin I was into the book until I finished. There was no putting this thing down at that point and I loved it. I was most certainly stressed out, but the ride the author took me on was a heart pounding and heartbreaking one. The thing that kept this on the horror-lite side was that I never felt like Ash or Tuck would meet their end. Not that everyone made it home, but I felt pretty solid that those two would be fine and honestly when you’re reading a horror tale, that’s all you can ask for with your MC’s.
The Hike isn’t a sequel kind of story, but man, I would love to read more with Ash and Tuck. I loved these two and while there were moments of extreme sadness, nature can really be a bitch I swear, there was heavy doses of romance, friendship and some humorous banter that kept me locked into this book.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
October 27, 2021
It's the time of year I’m always looking for a little spooky, a little odd and well, a little horror. The pickings are scarce in M/M but John Inman is always a guaranteed fright.
From the beginning it kept me on my toes and I constantly had that OHMYGODIKNOWSOMETHINGISGETTINGREADYTOHAPPENGETTHEDOGSANDRUN feeling. You know the one right?
But, it also had a nice, kind of meandering pace that definitely set the scene. This, to me, just makes that OHMYGOD feeling build and build and build.
As an animal lover and someone whose home is inside a Wildlife Area, this freaked me out and I loved it. I've got my eye on you cute squirrel!
The romance was so super sweet between these boys and at times too sweet but I didn’t mind. It leveled out the anxiety.
I’d only change one thing really and if you read it or have read it you can probably guess.
Good stuff.
From the beginning it kept me on my toes and I constantly had that OHMYGODIKNOWSOMETHINGISGETTINGREADYTOHAPPENGETTHEDOGSANDRUN feeling. You know the one right?
But, it also had a nice, kind of meandering pace that definitely set the scene. This, to me, just makes that OHMYGOD feeling build and build and build.
As an animal lover and someone whose home is inside a Wildlife Area, this freaked me out and I loved it. I've got my eye on you cute squirrel!
The romance was so super sweet between these boys and at times too sweet but I didn’t mind. It leveled out the anxiety.
I’d only change one thing really and if you read it or have read it you can probably guess.
Good stuff.
September 4, 2017
Reviewed for Sinfully.
Ash and Tuck are two lovable citiots from San Diego who decide to take a three week hike through the desert, with their two dogs, for no reason other than to spend some time together. At least that was Ash’s ulterior motive in suggesting this trip. The two best friends spent one drunken night in Tijuana having sex a few months back and have awkwardly avoided it since. Ash plans to use this time to reconnect with Tuck and share his deeper feelings. So maybe they aren’t complete citiots; they planned well and outfitted themselves for the trip and Tuck is a bookworm with a vast knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna among other things. This comes in very handy when their trip suddenly turns into something out of a Stephen King story.
The first part of the book revolves around Ash and Tucker’s relationship and they are really adorable together. Tuck is a bit self-conscious of his body, but Ash can’t stop staring at him and won’t have any of Tuck’s shame. Ash is in awe of Tuck’s knowledge and abilities on the trail. The two both obviously want each other, but keep side-eyeing the other and starting to say things and changing their mind until they finally give in and talk about it. They have good banter, and obviously love each other very much. Their trip is going well, even better once they get romantic and decide to become a couple. Good thing both of them thought to bring certain supplies just in case!
The two have stayed off the main trail to avoid the crowded paths, but they do have some human contact including the reclusive Melvyn, who they meet up with off the trail and another hiker, Casey, who also has been avoiding the main path. It’s not long after their detour with Melvyn that they realize things are very wrong with the animals they have come across. It’s here in the second part of the story that the tension ratchets up and the men, their dogs, and everyone else in the area are soon fighting for their lives. I’ll tell you right now, not everyone makes it out of the book alive.
I always enjoy John Inman’s writing. Although the story is told from Ash’s POV, Tuck’s thoughts and feelings were conveyed just as well. You can tell he’s pining for Ash just as much as Ash is for him and when things get rough their protectiveness of each other is also very clear. There were one or two spots where Ash and Tuck made references that made them sound older than their stated ages but other than that I enjoyed their conversations. The nature the men are hiking through is well described from the desert to the hills, to the shacks in the woods and helps add to the feel of the tale.
This was on the less intense side of some of the suspense/thriller stories I’ve read from the author, but it still has its fair share of gore and shocking moments and a climactic, tension-filled ending. The Epilogue of the story wraps things up and it’s a touch bittersweet, but also romantic. Another fine read from John Inman.
Ash and Tuck are two lovable citiots from San Diego who decide to take a three week hike through the desert, with their two dogs, for no reason other than to spend some time together. At least that was Ash’s ulterior motive in suggesting this trip. The two best friends spent one drunken night in Tijuana having sex a few months back and have awkwardly avoided it since. Ash plans to use this time to reconnect with Tuck and share his deeper feelings. So maybe they aren’t complete citiots; they planned well and outfitted themselves for the trip and Tuck is a bookworm with a vast knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna among other things. This comes in very handy when their trip suddenly turns into something out of a Stephen King story.
The first part of the book revolves around Ash and Tucker’s relationship and they are really adorable together. Tuck is a bit self-conscious of his body, but Ash can’t stop staring at him and won’t have any of Tuck’s shame. Ash is in awe of Tuck’s knowledge and abilities on the trail. The two both obviously want each other, but keep side-eyeing the other and starting to say things and changing their mind until they finally give in and talk about it. They have good banter, and obviously love each other very much. Their trip is going well, even better once they get romantic and decide to become a couple. Good thing both of them thought to bring certain supplies just in case!
The two have stayed off the main trail to avoid the crowded paths, but they do have some human contact including the reclusive Melvyn, who they meet up with off the trail and another hiker, Casey, who also has been avoiding the main path. It’s not long after their detour with Melvyn that they realize things are very wrong with the animals they have come across. It’s here in the second part of the story that the tension ratchets up and the men, their dogs, and everyone else in the area are soon fighting for their lives. I’ll tell you right now, not everyone makes it out of the book alive.
I always enjoy John Inman’s writing. Although the story is told from Ash’s POV, Tuck’s thoughts and feelings were conveyed just as well. You can tell he’s pining for Ash just as much as Ash is for him and when things get rough their protectiveness of each other is also very clear. There were one or two spots where Ash and Tuck made references that made them sound older than their stated ages but other than that I enjoyed their conversations. The nature the men are hiking through is well described from the desert to the hills, to the shacks in the woods and helps add to the feel of the tale.
This was on the less intense side of some of the suspense/thriller stories I’ve read from the author, but it still has its fair share of gore and shocking moments and a climactic, tension-filled ending. The Epilogue of the story wraps things up and it’s a touch bittersweet, but also romantic. Another fine read from John Inman.
May 3, 2022
I have loved every single book I've read by John Inman and this one just goes right up there with my favourite TBOTM......Ash and Tuck are off hiking and we all know something bad is going to happen but damn I didn't guess what was gonna cause the problem......They met Melvyn who was just funny and Casey who wasn't.....Mr Inman certainly knows how to put a sense of humour in his books even in his more series ones........This one grips you from the start as usual but later on you will shed a few tears......He leaves nothing to the imagination when describing certain things....So if you don't like reading about gory stuff then you should close your eyes...I think this will have to go into my top five favs and I will definitely be re-reading x
September 22, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
I am an unabashed John Inman fan. He makes me laugh. He makes me think. He makes me swoon, and here in The Hike, he gave me all three of these. He also terrified me. This book is a combination of my two favorite genres, MM romance and horror. Ash and Tuck fell in love so sweetly, but the mountains and deserts hold some ominous secrets, and there is a big one here.
Let me start with Ash and Tuck. They’re adorable. Neither man is an outdoorsman by any means, but they’ve committed to this trip. They’ve spent a small fortune on equipment and food and are willing to dive head first into a situation even the most experienced hikers won’t attempt. I had to admire them for that. I like a tent and a campfire as much as the next person, but I need an air mattress, a shower facility, and a place to charge my cell phone. They had incredible banter between the two of them.
I also enjoyed how they relied on, and trusted, each other. When there are only two people on such a big excursion, they need to be able to know their partner has their back. Ash and Tuck were perfect partners…especially when things started to go downhill.
When they finally came together, it was sexy and sweet. It was one of the hottest sex scenes I’ve read in a while, but they were still so loving. The first time they confess their love to each other, I was smiling and tearing up at the same time. Seriously, these guys are so special.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
I am an unabashed John Inman fan. He makes me laugh. He makes me think. He makes me swoon, and here in The Hike, he gave me all three of these. He also terrified me. This book is a combination of my two favorite genres, MM romance and horror. Ash and Tuck fell in love so sweetly, but the mountains and deserts hold some ominous secrets, and there is a big one here.
Let me start with Ash and Tuck. They’re adorable. Neither man is an outdoorsman by any means, but they’ve committed to this trip. They’ve spent a small fortune on equipment and food and are willing to dive head first into a situation even the most experienced hikers won’t attempt. I had to admire them for that. I like a tent and a campfire as much as the next person, but I need an air mattress, a shower facility, and a place to charge my cell phone. They had incredible banter between the two of them.
I also enjoyed how they relied on, and trusted, each other. When there are only two people on such a big excursion, they need to be able to know their partner has their back. Ash and Tuck were perfect partners…especially when things started to go downhill.
When they finally came together, it was sexy and sweet. It was one of the hottest sex scenes I’ve read in a while, but they were still so loving. The first time they confess their love to each other, I was smiling and tearing up at the same time. Seriously, these guys are so special.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
January 13, 2018
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.)
John Inman might just be at the top of my ‘must read’ list of authors. Every book he comes out with instantly has to go on my reading list, so when The Hike hit my radar, I of course instantly added it.
As usual, the author had me laughing out loud barely two pages into the story. His portrayal of two gay men jumping around and cheering that they are going camping, put me right in the mood for the book. I loved this line, plus the mental image of the butch guy in motorcycle boots and a lumberjack shirt looking at them askance…
“we stood there in the REI parking lot jumping up and down like a couple of Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. All we needed were pom-poms and tits.”
I wasn’t sure where the story would go from there. Ash and Tuck are friends who just might have had a drunken incident in Tijuana recently, and now they are off to hike three hundred miles through the deserts and mountains of the Southwest. Both are harboring feelings for the other, but neither wants to be the first to admit it. What better place to confront that than on that three-hundred-mile hike through the wilderness? And of course, neither has any experience in hiking, but what the heck…what could go wrong?
Things definitely go wrong. They will vastly over pack some items…like Spam…and vastly under pack other items like mobile power sticks. Along the way they will meet up with some colorful characters, including a book reviewer (not a very pleasant woman…I’m secretly wondering who Mr. Inman modeled her after), and a couple hermits. The story pulled me in and even though I figured out what was going on quite quickly, I think I was supposed to. I think it is all there in the blurb if you actually read it (which I didn’t, because I never do before reading the book.)
I don’t want to do any further spoilers, so I’ll just end by saying that, as usual, Mr. Inman tells an interesting story, with interesting characters. I very much enjoyed it and highly recommend it. I would say this one hit somewhere around 4.25 stars for me, but of course I’m rounding up to 4.5.
John Inman might just be at the top of my ‘must read’ list of authors. Every book he comes out with instantly has to go on my reading list, so when The Hike hit my radar, I of course instantly added it.
As usual, the author had me laughing out loud barely two pages into the story. His portrayal of two gay men jumping around and cheering that they are going camping, put me right in the mood for the book. I loved this line, plus the mental image of the butch guy in motorcycle boots and a lumberjack shirt looking at them askance…
“we stood there in the REI parking lot jumping up and down like a couple of Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. All we needed were pom-poms and tits.”
I wasn’t sure where the story would go from there. Ash and Tuck are friends who just might have had a drunken incident in Tijuana recently, and now they are off to hike three hundred miles through the deserts and mountains of the Southwest. Both are harboring feelings for the other, but neither wants to be the first to admit it. What better place to confront that than on that three-hundred-mile hike through the wilderness? And of course, neither has any experience in hiking, but what the heck…what could go wrong?
Things definitely go wrong. They will vastly over pack some items…like Spam…and vastly under pack other items like mobile power sticks. Along the way they will meet up with some colorful characters, including a book reviewer (not a very pleasant woman…I’m secretly wondering who Mr. Inman modeled her after), and a couple hermits. The story pulled me in and even though I figured out what was going on quite quickly, I think I was supposed to. I think it is all there in the blurb if you actually read it (which I didn’t, because I never do before reading the book.)
I don’t want to do any further spoilers, so I’ll just end by saying that, as usual, Mr. Inman tells an interesting story, with interesting characters. I very much enjoyed it and highly recommend it. I would say this one hit somewhere around 4.25 stars for me, but of course I’m rounding up to 4.5.
September 12, 2017
Well, after reading John Inman’s latest release, The Hike, I am essentially never going camping again. To say this one was a bit on the scary side, with a dash of realism thrown in for good measure, is downplaying the many heart-in-throat moments the novel caused this reviewer to experience. Right about the 50% mark of this story things began to go south, and the action/anxiety never let up till the epilogue. For those with weak stomachs, there is some definite carnage that is detailed with chilling precision, and one loss of life that may definitely cause you to both gasp in dismay and hate on this author for just a few chapters. But, I must tell you as far as love stories go, the coupling of Ashley and Tucker could not have been sweeter and their adventure could not have been more exciting.
Friends for years, one drunken night led to some rather awkward moments for besties Ashley and Tuck. Now if only Ashley can figure out if Tucker wants to see where their relationship could possibly go without ruining their very close and near perfect friendship, he would be in heaven. So, when the opportunity to spend their vacation hiking to Big Bear Lake takes shape, Ashley is ready to take it on and, hopefully, discover if Tucker wants him as badly as Ash does Tuck. Fully prepared for anything, the two men set out with their dogs in tow, and discover not only love on the quiet trails they hike but also something far more menacing—something that may end their relationship, and their lives, before it even has a chance to get started.
With subtle clues and great skill, John Inman weaves a story that is both sweet and deadly. The blossoming love between Ash and Tuck is clearly the focus of this story, and if only reality didn’t have to crash the party, it would have been wonderful. But, there is something going on in the woods, and it’s truly not till near the end of the novel that the entire mystery comes clear and the real danger is exposed. Done with great care, the horror aspect of this story is really impeccable. I was on the edge of my seat more than once, and was shocked in a really good way by sudden plot twists. The anticipation of how and when the real terror was going to be revealed was actually part of the fun—it allowed for the tension to build oh-so-slowly and was a great payoff in the end.
I was also very happy to see that these guys were not written as clueless hikers who hadn’t done their homework and could have saved themselves from the danger that eventually reared its head. No, the author made these two smart and prepared, and that really added to the increasing sense of unease and genuine feelings of horror at how completely cut off they were in the end. It begged the question that if these hikers could fall prey after all they’d done to assure a safe hike, how could anyone ever survive?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Once again, John Inman assures his spot as a topnotch horror writer who uses a deft hand to weave in just enough romance to ease the tension and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. He keeps his audience fully invested in the survival of his characters, who are so beautifully written. The Hike will be a worthy addition to anyone who enjoys well-written horror and suspense.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Friends for years, one drunken night led to some rather awkward moments for besties Ashley and Tuck. Now if only Ashley can figure out if Tucker wants to see where their relationship could possibly go without ruining their very close and near perfect friendship, he would be in heaven. So, when the opportunity to spend their vacation hiking to Big Bear Lake takes shape, Ashley is ready to take it on and, hopefully, discover if Tucker wants him as badly as Ash does Tuck. Fully prepared for anything, the two men set out with their dogs in tow, and discover not only love on the quiet trails they hike but also something far more menacing—something that may end their relationship, and their lives, before it even has a chance to get started.
With subtle clues and great skill, John Inman weaves a story that is both sweet and deadly. The blossoming love between Ash and Tuck is clearly the focus of this story, and if only reality didn’t have to crash the party, it would have been wonderful. But, there is something going on in the woods, and it’s truly not till near the end of the novel that the entire mystery comes clear and the real danger is exposed. Done with great care, the horror aspect of this story is really impeccable. I was on the edge of my seat more than once, and was shocked in a really good way by sudden plot twists. The anticipation of how and when the real terror was going to be revealed was actually part of the fun—it allowed for the tension to build oh-so-slowly and was a great payoff in the end.
I was also very happy to see that these guys were not written as clueless hikers who hadn’t done their homework and could have saved themselves from the danger that eventually reared its head. No, the author made these two smart and prepared, and that really added to the increasing sense of unease and genuine feelings of horror at how completely cut off they were in the end. It begged the question that if these hikers could fall prey after all they’d done to assure a safe hike, how could anyone ever survive?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Once again, John Inman assures his spot as a topnotch horror writer who uses a deft hand to weave in just enough romance to ease the tension and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. He keeps his audience fully invested in the survival of his characters, who are so beautifully written. The Hike will be a worthy addition to anyone who enjoys well-written horror and suspense.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
October 12, 2017
What a great book!
Not what I expected it to be, I think I was anticipating something more, I don't know, intense? Something that would change the guys's life forever, maybe.
It was a FUN one though, beautifully written, engaging.
Best thing: THE CHARACTERS.
They're just so much fun to hang out with.
I didn't find it creepy or dark at all. Maybe that's just me :)
It's a VERY SWEET romance with a side of 'OH NO WHY IS THIS HAPPENING' and a beautiful ending.
There was a tearjerker moment at one point though. Sigh.
All in all it's a well rounded story :)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Not what I expected it to be, I think I was anticipating something more, I don't know, intense? Something that would change the guys's life forever, maybe.
It was a FUN one though, beautifully written, engaging.
Best thing: THE CHARACTERS.
They're just so much fun to hang out with.
I didn't find it creepy or dark at all. Maybe that's just me :)
It's a VERY SWEET romance with a side of 'OH NO WHY IS THIS HAPPENING' and a beautiful ending.
There was a tearjerker moment at one point though. Sigh.
All in all it's a well rounded story :)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
August 24, 2018
3.5-4 stars
This was pretty unnerving and made me sad! I liked our MCs
I was pretty nervous reading this, I didn't read the blurb and after Willow Man and Boys on the Mountain, I was just not sure where this would go...this wasn't nearly as disturbing as the other novels but hurt my heart pretty badly.
This was pretty unnerving and made me sad! I liked our MCs
I was pretty nervous reading this, I didn't read the blurb and after Willow Man and Boys on the Mountain, I was just not sure where this would go...this wasn't nearly as disturbing as the other novels but hurt my heart pretty badly.
February 23, 2020
With all due respect to Mr Inman's notorious qualities as a strong storyteller and talented creator of immersive universes, I cannot recommand this book. For starters, the two leads do not have what it takes to support this type of story line. Their agency is all wrong, and preposterously so: neither of them are experienced hikers yet they decide to go on a 300-odd miles jaunt in the notoriously secluded southernmost past of California without any other support than their dogs (!) and sixty pounds of camping paraphernalia bought at a REI (unwelcome product placement is pervasive in the first chapters) with no tolerable reason other than the wish of tall blond Ashley to make a move on stocky and hairy Tucker in an interference-free environment. Nor is this pair riveting; neither as a pair of friends who banter to cover up their UST nor as fellow hikers who take the reader through utterly forgettable adventures in dust and weed and rock territory do they work well for the entire, supernatural-less first half of the book. When at long last things on the trail take a sharp turn into creepiness, and the lads are faced with a bevy of dangers whose specifics I will not spoil but for the comment that they reminded me of M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening, my patience was long exhausted; what Mr Inman grants us left me entirely unmoved, as it is far too little and far too late. The pacing was therefore as off as the writing, competent but strained, formulaic and often tasteless; while one looks in vain here for sleek evocations of nature and exciting universe building, cringeworthy descriptions of people and situations abound, which I cannot spare the reader lest they may think I am exaggerating. Here is the bodily sketch of Tucker, whose hairy hands and arms and legs are mentioned time and again for no good reason (the entire story is told in Ash' POV):
"Tuck isn’t my type. I like tall, smooth-skinned, eel-thin guys with brooding eyes and big feet. Tuck isn’t eely at all. In fact, he’s shorter than me and frankly husky. Sort of stocky, you know? He also has a fuzzy chest. Well, no, he’s fuzzy everywhere, except on the top of his head, where with him at the ripe old age of twenty-five, his brown hair is already receding. And his shoes are a size seven and a half. Ballerina feet.
(...)
For about the gazillionth time, I opened my mouth to ask if Tuck remembered that night in TJ at all, then chickened out and kept right on eating. I stared at his strong, meaty hand resting on the table in front of me. It had a brush of dark hair sweeping across the back and also a sprinkling of hair adorning the skin between every single knuckle. How sexy is that? I seemed to remember that very hand doing things to me under the covers in that room at the Motel 6 that could get you strung up by your neck from a baobab tree and stoned to death on most of the African continent."
If this is conducive to the establishing of a romantic feel in the reader's mind, I am willing to be changed into a toad and to learn the language of croaking... Of course, the guy's butchness is insisted upon several dozens times, whether his mandatory big endowment or his, no less token, body strength (he chops wood for a living at a Home Depot, in the same way Peeta from the Hunger Games is stated to be very strong due to his working in a bakery and bench pressing heavy sacks of flour on a daily basis - such is the credibility-straining stuff the fancies of fiction writers are made of).
Now let me copy down the description of a secondary character, whose wording had me puff smoke through my nostrils and ears alike for reasons that will be immediately plain:
"It dawned on me that to do it at all, the woman must be stronger than me. And now that I looked her over, I had to admit she wasn’t what you’d call delicate. It wasn’t just the colorful carpet of tattoos that covered her arms, legs, and as much of her shoulders as I could see, it was also the way she was built. Stocky, you know? Flat-chested, broad-shouldered, butch.
Aside from the tats and the short fuchsia hair, she looked like the girls’ PE teacher back in my old high school. It wasn’t her, of course, but she had the same characteristics. Okay, maybe I was typecasting, but at the moment being PC wasn’t high on my list of things to worry about.
And it wasn’t like I cared anyway. With a grizzly on the loose and the dogs disappeared to God knows where, I would rather have a lesbian on my side than another gay guy. Lesbians always seem to own whatever situation they’re in. Although I had to admit, this particular lesbian appeared considerably distraught at the moment. I began to realize maybe we shouldn’t be standing on the trail like this. As usual, it was Tuck who went right to the crux of the matter."
The ugly type-casting and naive use of patronizing language (this particular lesbian!) I did not expect from a gay man such as Mr Inman.
"Tuck isn’t my type. I like tall, smooth-skinned, eel-thin guys with brooding eyes and big feet. Tuck isn’t eely at all. In fact, he’s shorter than me and frankly husky. Sort of stocky, you know? He also has a fuzzy chest. Well, no, he’s fuzzy everywhere, except on the top of his head, where with him at the ripe old age of twenty-five, his brown hair is already receding. And his shoes are a size seven and a half. Ballerina feet.
(...)
For about the gazillionth time, I opened my mouth to ask if Tuck remembered that night in TJ at all, then chickened out and kept right on eating. I stared at his strong, meaty hand resting on the table in front of me. It had a brush of dark hair sweeping across the back and also a sprinkling of hair adorning the skin between every single knuckle. How sexy is that? I seemed to remember that very hand doing things to me under the covers in that room at the Motel 6 that could get you strung up by your neck from a baobab tree and stoned to death on most of the African continent."
If this is conducive to the establishing of a romantic feel in the reader's mind, I am willing to be changed into a toad and to learn the language of croaking... Of course, the guy's butchness is insisted upon several dozens times, whether his mandatory big endowment or his, no less token, body strength (he chops wood for a living at a Home Depot, in the same way Peeta from the Hunger Games is stated to be very strong due to his working in a bakery and bench pressing heavy sacks of flour on a daily basis - such is the credibility-straining stuff the fancies of fiction writers are made of).
Now let me copy down the description of a secondary character, whose wording had me puff smoke through my nostrils and ears alike for reasons that will be immediately plain:
"It dawned on me that to do it at all, the woman must be stronger than me. And now that I looked her over, I had to admit she wasn’t what you’d call delicate. It wasn’t just the colorful carpet of tattoos that covered her arms, legs, and as much of her shoulders as I could see, it was also the way she was built. Stocky, you know? Flat-chested, broad-shouldered, butch.
Aside from the tats and the short fuchsia hair, she looked like the girls’ PE teacher back in my old high school. It wasn’t her, of course, but she had the same characteristics. Okay, maybe I was typecasting, but at the moment being PC wasn’t high on my list of things to worry about.
And it wasn’t like I cared anyway. With a grizzly on the loose and the dogs disappeared to God knows where, I would rather have a lesbian on my side than another gay guy. Lesbians always seem to own whatever situation they’re in. Although I had to admit, this particular lesbian appeared considerably distraught at the moment. I began to realize maybe we shouldn’t be standing on the trail like this. As usual, it was Tuck who went right to the crux of the matter."
The ugly type-casting and naive use of patronizing language (this particular lesbian!) I did not expect from a gay man such as Mr Inman.
January 29, 2019
4.5 stars - I like reading this author's "horror-lite" books, as one reviewer phrased it. (Books like Willow Man are outside my outside-my-comfort zone anymore, though I did finish it!) The romance doesn't suffer while the other action grips you and carries you along for the ride. Page-turning reading that kicks your heartbeat up and keeps it there.
August 30, 2017
3.5 stars, rounded up, because Goodreads STILL doesn't have half stars.
The Hike is half romance, and half mystery, with a bit of suspense, and a bit of horror and gore, when two friends go on a 300 mile hike through the Southern California desert to the mountains of Big Bear Lake, with their respective dogs, a tent, a two-person sleeping bag, cans of Spam, dry foods, and whatever else they might need on this hike.
During the first half of this book, we meet and get to know Ash and Tuck, best friends since forever, who had a drunken night of sex on a previous vacation that was then never mentioned again, but who both want the other but are afraid of fessing up their feelings. For about 50% or so, as they gear up for their trip and set out into the great outdoors, we get to see how their relationship begins to grow, how they confess their feelings, how they get closer and become true lovers. The dialogue flows well, and as usual the author succeeded in creating realistic characters and emotions. The strength of their connection and the love they have for each other is part of what sees them through the horror they're about to face.
There are a few hints in those early days that not all is as it seems, and I couldn't help but start to become more and more concerned as the tension increased. These city boys were missing all the signs, and I just knew that something big was waiting to come down all around them.
Which it does in the 2nd half of this book.
We are introduced to an older guy who lives in a cabin on his own, with just his dog, where our two friends stop for a night.
Ash and Tuck meet a woman hiking the same trail. They camp for a night, and then the next day, all hell breaks loose.
I won't give away the rest of this book, but be warned. It gets scary, really scary, and gory, and I was on the edge of my seat until the climactic ending.
Thankfully, the author gives us a sweet epilogue to bring the reader back down and able to breathe.
Out of all the books I've read by this author, this wasn't my favorite, but it was a solid novel, with a sweet beginning, building great tension in the middle, with a horrifying, tension-filled climax, and a gentle let-down that left me with a smile.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
The Hike is half romance, and half mystery, with a bit of suspense, and a bit of horror and gore, when two friends go on a 300 mile hike through the Southern California desert to the mountains of Big Bear Lake, with their respective dogs, a tent, a two-person sleeping bag, cans of Spam, dry foods, and whatever else they might need on this hike.
During the first half of this book, we meet and get to know Ash and Tuck, best friends since forever, who had a drunken night of sex on a previous vacation that was then never mentioned again, but who both want the other but are afraid of fessing up their feelings. For about 50% or so, as they gear up for their trip and set out into the great outdoors, we get to see how their relationship begins to grow, how they confess their feelings, how they get closer and become true lovers. The dialogue flows well, and as usual the author succeeded in creating realistic characters and emotions. The strength of their connection and the love they have for each other is part of what sees them through the horror they're about to face.
There are a few hints in those early days that not all is as it seems, and I couldn't help but start to become more and more concerned as the tension increased. These city boys were missing all the signs, and I just knew that something big was waiting to come down all around them.
Which it does in the 2nd half of this book.
We are introduced to an older guy who lives in a cabin on his own, with just his dog, where our two friends stop for a night.
Ash and Tuck meet a woman hiking the same trail. They camp for a night, and then the next day, all hell breaks loose.
I won't give away the rest of this book, but be warned. It gets scary, really scary, and gory, and I was on the edge of my seat until the climactic ending.
Thankfully, the author gives us a sweet epilogue to bring the reader back down and able to breathe.
Out of all the books I've read by this author, this wasn't my favorite, but it was a solid novel, with a sweet beginning, building great tension in the middle, with a horrifying, tension-filled climax, and a gentle let-down that left me with a smile.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
September 4, 2017
Ash and Tuck have been friends for years. after a vacation in Tiajana they had a drunken tryst and now both men are trying to figure out how to tell the other they want to try again. Ash takes matters into his own hands planning a hiking vacation for them to spend three weeks in the wilderness on a less traveled path alone. Just the two of them and their dogs. But something is off. Animals are acting weird and they get a warning from a friendly man Melvyn to watch out that things are off.
This cover is pretty darn freaky. At first, I thought horror but I love John Inman and the blurb sounded so good I decided to give it a go. Glad I did. It wasn't horror but was a bit scary. Towards the end, A lot scary! Had me biting my nails begging and pleading for poor Ash and Tuck.
I loved both Ash and Tuck. They really complimented each other perfectly and are a match made in heaven. I loved the dogs and they play a big role as well. that always makes me love a book more as I am an animal lover. Melvyn was funny and added the needed relief for the suspense in the story and of course, there was some sweet tender man-love.
I highly recommend this if you like friends to lovers, a touch of suspense, cute animals, and some sweet and tender man-love.
December 4, 2017
My first John Inman read, and while I really enjoyed the writing style, perhaps this wasn't my best choice for a starter book. Loved the MCs, loved the natural setting for the story, even loved Melvyn, who was *not* your typical auxiliary-character. But parts of this story made me uncomfortable and nervous, hence the 3.5 star rating rounded down rather than up, as is my norm. Learned a lot from this book, and it made me want to reevaluate how I care for my critters out here in the wooded area where I live.....you can never be too careful.
I definitely plan to read more books by John Inman.
I definitely plan to read more books by John Inman.
Read
May 20, 2018Another amazing book from John Inmans hand.
Ash and Tuck are best friends, and decide to go on a camping hike with their two dogs, and canned food to last them a year ;)
The beginning of the hike starts well, but as always in a JI-novel, things take an unexpected turn.
They run into animals that have died in a horrible way, and no-one seems to know why....
There are also funny times here, an old man with lot of moonshine and an attack rattle snake, for one.
There is a great story, great sex, cute MC`s with cute dogs, and a lot of fun and horror.
Well done, Mr Inman.
Ash and Tuck are best friends, and decide to go on a camping hike with their two dogs, and canned food to last them a year ;)
The beginning of the hike starts well, but as always in a JI-novel, things take an unexpected turn.
They run into animals that have died in a horrible way, and no-one seems to know why....
There are also funny times here, an old man with lot of moonshine and an attack rattle snake, for one.
There is a great story, great sex, cute MC`s with cute dogs, and a lot of fun and horror.
Well done, Mr Inman.
September 28, 2017
I love John Inman, his books, some are greater than other, but all are terrific stories, well written with great dialog, stories and characters. Some I love more than others. This one was enjoyable, but not his best.
September 14, 2017
What a great book ... exciting and sad all at the same time! Believable characters and storyline ... John Inman just gets better and better with every book!
October 31, 2018
When Ash and Tuck decide to go for a hiking adventure, there is no half measures when it comes to their devotion to make it fun but they are definitely determined to research it thoroughly, which can only keep them safer, right? There is one thing they forgot and that is nature is not always predictable. Will they survive the journey but more importantly, will their friendship survive when it becomes more?
First of all I just want to say that John Inman is King of Macabre. Holy Hannah Batman! If you doubt that Mother Nature can be frightening I highly suggest you read The Hike because it will keep you on the edge of your seat in ways you never expected. "Edge of your seat" may be a cliché but it's cliché for a reason, when a story grabs you like The Hike did me, you know you're reading something special.
I won't go into the plot too much but I will say that if you think the duo will meet furry and fuzzy little creatures along the way then you are reading the wrong book and the wrong author. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of friendship, love, and heart in this story that will warm your heart but its the anticipation of what is lurking around the next bend in the trail that will keep your page turning(or swiping) finger busy.
I'm just going to say it: if you love Stephen King, well then you'll love John Inman and personally, I will read Inman over King any day. King is good but Inman will take the most mundane and every day situation and turn it into the most frightening scenario imaginable. I am no hiker or camper and frankly after reading The Hike, I'm not sure I want to be 😉 This is definitely going in my re-read and my creepy/freaky library.
First of all I just want to say that John Inman is King of Macabre. Holy Hannah Batman! If you doubt that Mother Nature can be frightening I highly suggest you read The Hike because it will keep you on the edge of your seat in ways you never expected. "Edge of your seat" may be a cliché but it's cliché for a reason, when a story grabs you like The Hike did me, you know you're reading something special.
I won't go into the plot too much but I will say that if you think the duo will meet furry and fuzzy little creatures along the way then you are reading the wrong book and the wrong author. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of friendship, love, and heart in this story that will warm your heart but its the anticipation of what is lurking around the next bend in the trail that will keep your page turning(or swiping) finger busy.
I'm just going to say it: if you love Stephen King, well then you'll love John Inman and personally, I will read Inman over King any day. King is good but Inman will take the most mundane and every day situation and turn it into the most frightening scenario imaginable. I am no hiker or camper and frankly after reading The Hike, I'm not sure I want to be 😉 This is definitely going in my re-read and my creepy/freaky library.
November 23, 2020
To me, John Inman is like a writer for the people (and I don't mean that in a communist way). What I mean is his characters are usually just your average gay men (mostly) who things happen to. Sometimes with a paranormal slant, sometimes a mystery, sometimes just life. His writing is comfortable - easy to read but not simplistic - and covers several m/m genres from laughing out loud to give you nightmares. In other words, I love this mans stories. ;) This story is a combination of charming and scarey. Ashley and Tucker are sweet loveable men. Ashley works in real estate and Tucker works at Home Depot. They have been best friends forever and recently discovered that their feelings might be a little more than just friendly. The first 2/3's of the story is an enjoyable "walk in the park" (ha). The last third is a nightmare. Not a spooky otherworldly type but a realistic, plausible, it could just happen (and maybe has) type.
September 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
Full review at: https://optimumm.blog/2017/09/04/revi...
The Hike is the story of 25-year-old Ash and Tuck who have been best friends since they were in school. After a drunken encounter between them in Tijuana a few months before, that hasn’t been mentioned since, Ash has realised that he feels more than just friendship towards Tuck, and is hoping that they can become more.
Ash decides to arrange a 300-mile hiking trip for just the two of them to see if being alone with Tuck for a few weeks will confirm that what he’s feeling is real, and to see if those feelings can be reciprocated by Tuck. Along their journey, they learn how to support, motivate and comfort each other whenever it’s needed. When they meet Melvyn who lives out in the wilderness with his dog Bill, they finally face up to the fact that there are real, strong feelings between them, and they want to take the chance to see where it can go.
The route that they choose to follow on the trip is slightly off the beaten path because they want to be alone and away from groups of people, but when things start going a bit wrong for the two men and their dogs, this decision soon proves to be the wrong one. When their worst fears are realised, and it becomes a matter of life and death, do Ash and Tuck have the strength and skills to survive to see their happy ending?
Written in the first person from Ash’s POV, the book is quite a nice little friends to lovers story, with a bit of adventure and drama mixed in. But for me, it didn’t really hit the spot. The language used seemed more like an upper-class British person speaking than a young American in their mid-twenties. For example, from the very first page of the book, we have: “Lord, Tuck,” I said. “How you do blather on” and also “Yes, I remember, and I’m still horrendously appalled by the idea”. For me, this just didn’t fit right with the characters because I don’t know anyone of that age group who would speak that way, and because of this, I found it really hard to connect with them. The story itself was a good concept and was well written, but I found it to be quite a slow read, and then it felt as though the end was wrapped up too quickly.
I have read a few books by this author and have really enjoyed them so I know what he’s capable of. But on this occasion, I feel a little disappointed because I really was expecting something more. Especially after reading the blurb and looking at the cover, I thought it would be more of a thriller type story, but that wasn’t what I got at all.
So, this book for me was somewhat of a damp squib, full of potential, but in the end, didn’t meet the expectation.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
Full review at: https://optimumm.blog/2017/09/04/revi...
The Hike is the story of 25-year-old Ash and Tuck who have been best friends since they were in school. After a drunken encounter between them in Tijuana a few months before, that hasn’t been mentioned since, Ash has realised that he feels more than just friendship towards Tuck, and is hoping that they can become more.
Ash decides to arrange a 300-mile hiking trip for just the two of them to see if being alone with Tuck for a few weeks will confirm that what he’s feeling is real, and to see if those feelings can be reciprocated by Tuck. Along their journey, they learn how to support, motivate and comfort each other whenever it’s needed. When they meet Melvyn who lives out in the wilderness with his dog Bill, they finally face up to the fact that there are real, strong feelings between them, and they want to take the chance to see where it can go.
The route that they choose to follow on the trip is slightly off the beaten path because they want to be alone and away from groups of people, but when things start going a bit wrong for the two men and their dogs, this decision soon proves to be the wrong one. When their worst fears are realised, and it becomes a matter of life and death, do Ash and Tuck have the strength and skills to survive to see their happy ending?
Written in the first person from Ash’s POV, the book is quite a nice little friends to lovers story, with a bit of adventure and drama mixed in. But for me, it didn’t really hit the spot. The language used seemed more like an upper-class British person speaking than a young American in their mid-twenties. For example, from the very first page of the book, we have: “Lord, Tuck,” I said. “How you do blather on” and also “Yes, I remember, and I’m still horrendously appalled by the idea”. For me, this just didn’t fit right with the characters because I don’t know anyone of that age group who would speak that way, and because of this, I found it really hard to connect with them. The story itself was a good concept and was well written, but I found it to be quite a slow read, and then it felt as though the end was wrapped up too quickly.
I have read a few books by this author and have really enjoyed them so I know what he’s capable of. But on this occasion, I feel a little disappointed because I really was expecting something more. Especially after reading the blurb and looking at the cover, I thought it would be more of a thriller type story, but that wasn’t what I got at all.
So, this book for me was somewhat of a damp squib, full of potential, but in the end, didn’t meet the expectation.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
December 22, 2017
Not the strongest or the longest novel by the author, but nonetheless it is a pleasant read. This is a story in two halves; the first half is romantic and reflects the change in relationship between the protagonists as they make their way through the desert. Characterisation is strong as usual, with positive and credible interaction between the old friends, the romanticism is sweet without being cloying and thankfully lacks the “does he/doesn’t he” mechanism that is so prevalent in this type of literature. Time is well spent in the description of the landscape as it changes around them and this complements the personal changes. The change in the landscape marks the change in the story. The second half introduces additional characters, which are interesting and well rounded in their own right. This part of the book raises the tension in terms of things that affect the characters although their relationship is unaffected. This remains realistic only through their long-standing friendship and it is this that carries them through.
The relationship between the principal characters is strong and this is more like a new chapter than anything new between them. The description walks a fine line between inter-personal growth and naïve sentimentality.
There is a steady pace throughout, even when the tension is raised. This is marked by the speed of their journey that is largely unhurried.
There is a clear resolution to the story that ties up the loose ends, but is probably the weakest element of the book, as it is catalogued through an epilogue. This puts their trip very firmly in the past.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
The relationship between the principal characters is strong and this is more like a new chapter than anything new between them. The description walks a fine line between inter-personal growth and naïve sentimentality.
There is a steady pace throughout, even when the tension is raised. This is marked by the speed of their journey that is largely unhurried.
There is a clear resolution to the story that ties up the loose ends, but is probably the weakest element of the book, as it is catalogued through an epilogue. This puts their trip very firmly in the past.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
August 28, 2019
This book was a little questionable as to whether I liked it or not. I liked the reading about Ash and Tuck getting ready to go on their hike and about the hike itself. I also liked where the story took a scary turn with the animals acting strange. It just needed something more for me.
I think what I didn't like the most about the book was how long it took to get to animals acting strange. With the book only being a hair over 200 pages, it didn't really start having anything happen until almost 100 pages in. There were only a couple of clues up until that point. That made the actual horror part of the story and the ending feel rushed
Another thing I had a bit of a problem with regarding this book was that the relationship between Ash and Tuck made me think of a couple of other books that I have read lately by Inman. There was just too much similarity for my liking. It is the whole friends to lovers that is causing this because there were the same insecurities in at least three other books I have read recently. Maybe if I had spaced them out, I wouldn't have noticed. Not doing so actually tended to make my opinion worse for this book.
Overall, I feel that the story had a lot of potential. It just took too long to get to the scary parts. I like my horror to be horror for most of the book. I think if the book were expanded to add more horror, I would have liked it much more. I'm not giving up on this author though because I have also read several good books by him.
I think what I didn't like the most about the book was how long it took to get to animals acting strange. With the book only being a hair over 200 pages, it didn't really start having anything happen until almost 100 pages in. There were only a couple of clues up until that point. That made the actual horror part of the story and the ending feel rushed
Another thing I had a bit of a problem with regarding this book was that the relationship between Ash and Tuck made me think of a couple of other books that I have read lately by Inman. There was just too much similarity for my liking. It is the whole friends to lovers that is causing this because there were the same insecurities in at least three other books I have read recently. Maybe if I had spaced them out, I wouldn't have noticed. Not doing so actually tended to make my opinion worse for this book.
Overall, I feel that the story had a lot of potential. It just took too long to get to the scary parts. I like my horror to be horror for most of the book. I think if the book were expanded to add more horror, I would have liked it much more. I'm not giving up on this author though because I have also read several good books by him.
June 24, 2019
The blurb was way more interesting than the actual book. The two main characters are basically in love with each other from the start, so there's not much of a story in terms of romance. The actual story is that they go on a ridiculous and brutal hike through the desert, even though they barely have any experience. To make matters worse, they take their dogs with them, don't even keep them on a leash, and just seem completely irresponsible and unprepared throughout their adventure. Their phones are already dead on the first day with no way to charge them. The characters have no redeeming features either. Tuck isn't so bad, but the first person MC, Ash, is a judgmental asshole.
The writing is good and I was curious enough about the "mystery" to keep reading, but I'm not gonna miss these two.
The writing is good and I was curious enough about the "mystery" to keep reading, but I'm not gonna miss these two.
May 19, 2018
I really loved the story of Tuck and Ash. They were very sweet. However, from the blurb and the cover - I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover - I was really expecting a creepy story. That wasn’t the case for me. This book didn’t give me the heebie-jeebies that I was looking for. As always, Mr. Inman’s writing is wonderful. I’ll just have to wait for another creepy book to come along.
Read
September 11, 2017NFM - I am glad that before I had gotten too far into this one I happened on a review that compared it to
November 7, 2018
I had no idea what to expect on the hike, but it wasn't what I had in mind. By the blurb, my mind had me thinking paranormal, whether fae or zombies. It wasn't what I thought but it was still a thrilling read, though at times, the story lagged a bit. Gorgeous eerie cover.
February 21, 2020
This book had moderate potential but you can literally skip to 50% and miss nothing happening but gratuitous sex, eating spam and maybe paid REI ad placement?
Could have lived my life without the phrase “sperm musk” in my head. Also female dogs are SPAYED, not neutered.
Could have lived my life without the phrase “sperm musk” in my head. Also female dogs are SPAYED, not neutered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2017
review coming soon
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