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American Road Trip
A single moment—or a single mistake—can change everything.
When Captain James Lee Hooker and his lover, Sergeant Easy Jacobs, were in the Army, they made a mistake that got a young soldier hurt. Three years later, they’re civilians again, living far apart, haunted by what they lost. Now that young soldier needs their help.
With his grandmother’s one-eyed Chihuahua riding shotgun, James Lee climbs into Easy’s pickup for a trip across the American Southwest. They set out to rescue a friend, but their journey transforms them with the power of forgiveness.
When Captain James Lee Hooker and his lover, Sergeant Easy Jacobs, were in the Army, they made a mistake that got a young soldier hurt. Three years later, they’re civilians again, living far apart, haunted by what they lost. Now that young soldier needs their help.
With his grandmother’s one-eyed Chihuahua riding shotgun, James Lee climbs into Easy’s pickup for a trip across the American Southwest. They set out to rescue a friend, but their journey transforms them with the power of forgiveness.
86 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2018
2 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 17, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
This is a nicely written, lightly humorous romance about two Army veterans, Captain James Lee Hooker and Sargeant Easy Jacobs, who were former lovers. Separated for three years because of demands of their rank and the injury of a soldier in their charge, Easy now needs Jamie’s help tracking down the young soldier, who is Easy’s cousin.
I love road trips and second-chance romances, and this story was full of tenderness and heart, but I was missing the intense emotional scenes, the pain, and the healing that come from such a long separation and guilt about Austin’s injury.
This is a slow-burn romance. Long hours in Easy’s truck force both men to talk about the past, share their feelings, and rekindle their love. I enjoyed their journey and the people they met on the way.
Truth be told, I crave the angst, which this story had none of. The conversations Jamie and Easy had were superficial, mostly in an attempt to avoid conflict.
Tino, the one-eyed Chihuahua, was full of personality and his antics made me laugh out loud. I loved all the reasons the guys came up with for how Tino lost his eye.
Overall, a pleasant enough story, but not one I’d visit again.
Thanks to Mercedes from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
This is a nicely written, lightly humorous romance about two Army veterans, Captain James Lee Hooker and Sargeant Easy Jacobs, who were former lovers. Separated for three years because of demands of their rank and the injury of a soldier in their charge, Easy now needs Jamie’s help tracking down the young soldier, who is Easy’s cousin.
I love road trips and second-chance romances, and this story was full of tenderness and heart, but I was missing the intense emotional scenes, the pain, and the healing that come from such a long separation and guilt about Austin’s injury.
This is a slow-burn romance. Long hours in Easy’s truck force both men to talk about the past, share their feelings, and rekindle their love. I enjoyed their journey and the people they met on the way.
Truth be told, I crave the angst, which this story had none of. The conversations Jamie and Easy had were superficial, mostly in an attempt to avoid conflict.
Tino, the one-eyed Chihuahua, was full of personality and his antics made me laugh out loud. I loved all the reasons the guys came up with for how Tino lost his eye.
Overall, a pleasant enough story, but not one I’d visit again.
Thanks to Mercedes from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
February 21, 2018
From the blurb, I'd expected this novella to have a good deal of angst, followed by lots of deep, emotional scenes, as Jamie and Easy worked through their issues, but that sadly wasn't my experience with the book.
The story of Jamie and Easy meeting before deployment to Afghanistan and quickly falling in love over conversation and a piece of cherry pie definitely held my interest.
Then once their leave was over, Jamie felt that since they were both going to be in positions of command in the same unit, they had to end their relationship and concentrate on keeping their charges safe.
But when Easy came searching for Jamie's help in tracking down his wandering cousin, mutual" decision to end things, which didn't feel overly mutual to me. At all.
I really needed a lot more in-depth conversations in the story to convince me of their feelings here to get me fully invested in their relationship, instead of Jamie not wanting to talk in any great detail about the past.
I did enjoy all of the many, far-fetched reasons as to how Tino, the tiny, asshole Chihuahua, lost his eye, with my favorite being "bar fight". That really made me laugh.
But the whole thing with the cousin having left home on a ten-speed bike on a cross-country trip, well, that just felt like more of a plot device to me, side tracking the real story of Jamie and Easy reconnecting, because they'd punished themselves for Austin's injury long enough.
I'm rarely one to say that a book needed more sex scenes; however, I think that a well-written, full-of-feels, maybe even a bit of crying, sex scene might have helped cement the undying love that these 2 MC's had for one another. But other than a few touches here and there, and a few glossed over steamy bits, the story felt distinctly un-carnal.
What I truly enjoy about second chance stories is the feeling of completeness when the MC's are reunited, which I did feel here somewhat, but on a much more muted level than I required for me to *need* things to work out and feel invested in their HEA.
So while the story was fine, and did end with the MC's together and the cousin found, I missed out on my heart strings getting tied up in knots along the way, so I'd have to rate this one at around 2.75 stars.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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March 15, 2018fuck yessssssss please to give to meeeeeeeee
May 9, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
Dear Sarah Black,
I miss your writing and way of storytelling so much. Thanks for returning into my reading life after FIVE long years
Sincerely,
Your long-time fan
Captain James “Jamie” Lee Hooker broke up Platoon Sergeant Easy Jacobs because they both were in the same platoon in the army. Jamie Lee thought that it was the right thing to do … they couldn’t afford to lose concentration in the battlefield because they were lovers. It still didn’t stop the accident that hurt one of the young officers in their charge.
Three years later, after Jamie Lee left the Army, Easy came to him to ask for help to look for his missing cousin. Together, with Jamie Lee’s grandmother’s dog, Tino, they embraced a road trip to look for Austin while dealing with issues that were still there under the surface.
When I saw American Road Trip listed on Dreamspinner Press’ newsletter, I squeaked with joy and requested the advanced copy without even reading the blurb. I LOVE Sarah Black’s stories. She has a distinct style of writing and storytelling that separates herself from other authors I read in this genre. In short, I am a long-time fan. She hasn’t released any books since 2013 – so it has been a LONG time waiting.
Sarah Black rarely makes the conversation straight-to-the-point. There are lovely implicit nuances from the dialog exchanged between his characters. For me, that’s the beauty of her writing. She sharpens my reading intuition, of reading between the lines, to discover how Jamie Lee and Easy still love each other so much, as well as understanding the hurt that Easy feels when Jamie Lee breaks up with him and then walks away.
But there’s also humor … oh, such tender humor, of Easy making a jest about Jamie Lee’s growing hair, or of Jamie Lee commenting on Easy’s appetite for burgers. Or the WILD stories that they both create to explain Tino (the dog) losing one eye.
American Road Trip is a lovely return from Sarah Black. I hope this means she will release another book soon and not making me wait for another five years.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Dear Sarah Black,
I miss your writing and way of storytelling so much. Thanks for returning into my reading life after FIVE long years
Sincerely,
Your long-time fan
Captain James “Jamie” Lee Hooker broke up Platoon Sergeant Easy Jacobs because they both were in the same platoon in the army. Jamie Lee thought that it was the right thing to do … they couldn’t afford to lose concentration in the battlefield because they were lovers. It still didn’t stop the accident that hurt one of the young officers in their charge.
Three years later, after Jamie Lee left the Army, Easy came to him to ask for help to look for his missing cousin. Together, with Jamie Lee’s grandmother’s dog, Tino, they embraced a road trip to look for Austin while dealing with issues that were still there under the surface.
When I saw American Road Trip listed on Dreamspinner Press’ newsletter, I squeaked with joy and requested the advanced copy without even reading the blurb. I LOVE Sarah Black’s stories. She has a distinct style of writing and storytelling that separates herself from other authors I read in this genre. In short, I am a long-time fan. She hasn’t released any books since 2013 – so it has been a LONG time waiting.
Sarah Black rarely makes the conversation straight-to-the-point. There are lovely implicit nuances from the dialog exchanged between his characters. For me, that’s the beauty of her writing. She sharpens my reading intuition, of reading between the lines, to discover how Jamie Lee and Easy still love each other so much, as well as understanding the hurt that Easy feels when Jamie Lee breaks up with him and then walks away.
But there’s also humor … oh, such tender humor, of Easy making a jest about Jamie Lee’s growing hair, or of Jamie Lee commenting on Easy’s appetite for burgers. Or the WILD stories that they both create to explain Tino (the dog) losing one eye.
American Road Trip is a lovely return from Sarah Black. I hope this means she will release another book soon and not making me wait for another five years.
“I would have married you the first time we sat in a diner together. When you leaned over and kissed me and tasted like cherry pie.”
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
March 31, 2018
I've missed having new books by this favorite author. Here we meet two veterans, who were once lovers but have been separated for three years, first by the realities of rank and Army life, and then by guilt and losses. Now Easy comes looking for James, for his help finding a young veteran they both feel responsible for. As they cross the Southwest in Easy's truck, following a breadcrumb-trail of postcards, they're forced to spend time together and finally talk. In fits and starts, in moments of clarity and anger and pain, they clear the air between them, enough to maybe let love see the light again.
These guys feel real. They don't have college-professor revelations in rounded paragraphs. The conversations proceed slowly, punctuated by the antics of James's one-eyed Chihuahua Tino, flavored by the countryside they pass through. The end has a hint of mystery, a lack of reveal, that may leave some readers wanting that tiny bit more. Fortunately Sarah has given it to us in the free story epilogue "Tino Takes the Cake" which can be found on the Dreamspinner Press blog here : https://blog.dreamspinnerpress.com/20...
I love this author's style, and even more I love her characters. I'll reread this someday, as I do her others. A character-driven story, more slow-build than angsty, recommended.
These guys feel real. They don't have college-professor revelations in rounded paragraphs. The conversations proceed slowly, punctuated by the antics of James's one-eyed Chihuahua Tino, flavored by the countryside they pass through. The end has a hint of mystery, a lack of reveal, that may leave some readers wanting that tiny bit more. Fortunately Sarah has given it to us in the free story epilogue "Tino Takes the Cake" which can be found on the Dreamspinner Press blog here : https://blog.dreamspinnerpress.com/20...
I love this author's style, and even more I love her characters. I'll reread this someday, as I do her others. A character-driven story, more slow-build than angsty, recommended.
April 1, 2018
4.5
I’m glad that Sarah Black is writing again. To read a new story of hers after almost 5 years is like coming home. In my opinion one notices that she knows what she is talking about especially when the story has veterans as protagonists. I like the writing, I like the humour, and the realistic feeling of the story.
I did catch that James Lee felt guilty about what happened to Austin: guilt is quite irrational, IMO he couldn’t have done anything else. What I didn’t understand is that he left Easy. «I felt like I had to atone.» I could kill him! Warmly recommended, the book, not to kill James Lee ;-).
Do read the epilogue for free: Tino Takes the Cake.
I’m glad that Sarah Black is writing again. To read a new story of hers after almost 5 years is like coming home. In my opinion one notices that she knows what she is talking about especially when the story has veterans as protagonists. I like the writing, I like the humour, and the realistic feeling of the story.
I did catch that James Lee felt guilty about what happened to Austin: guilt is quite irrational, IMO he couldn’t have done anything else. What I didn’t understand is that he left Easy. «I felt like I had to atone.» I could kill him! Warmly recommended, the book, not to kill James Lee ;-).
Do read the epilogue for free: Tino Takes the Cake.
March 19, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This story begins with sadness and despair, and ends with a whole lot of hope. I picked it up because I love a good road trip story and this book doesn’t disappoint in that regard. As Jamie and Easy crisscross the southwest, interesting locales and locals give the story a rich backdrop. I enjoyed these characters and enjoyed their journey.
The book is told in first person from Jamie’s POV, and that means we get to know him really well. He’s got a lot on his shoulders, but most of his baggage he put there himself. I liked watching him grow as the story progressed, and I loved his interactions with Easy. It was clear from the start that these guys meant the world to each other before, and that it hasn’t changed at all.
In regards to the romance, though, I felt like things were missing at times. These guys had to have some hard conversations to get past what had happened between them, but I felt like they never really got that far. The conversations would start, but then one, or both, would play it off or give in because they “didn’t want to fight.” I’m not saying there needed to be arguments to make this feel more real, but I was looking for more heartfelt conversation than we got. There were the beginnings of it. There were even some tender, wonderful moments between them. But I was missing that last bit that really took their conversations from the surface to depth, so that I could be confident in their HEA.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This story begins with sadness and despair, and ends with a whole lot of hope. I picked it up because I love a good road trip story and this book doesn’t disappoint in that regard. As Jamie and Easy crisscross the southwest, interesting locales and locals give the story a rich backdrop. I enjoyed these characters and enjoyed their journey.
The book is told in first person from Jamie’s POV, and that means we get to know him really well. He’s got a lot on his shoulders, but most of his baggage he put there himself. I liked watching him grow as the story progressed, and I loved his interactions with Easy. It was clear from the start that these guys meant the world to each other before, and that it hasn’t changed at all.
In regards to the romance, though, I felt like things were missing at times. These guys had to have some hard conversations to get past what had happened between them, but I felt like they never really got that far. The conversations would start, but then one, or both, would play it off or give in because they “didn’t want to fight.” I’m not saying there needed to be arguments to make this feel more real, but I was looking for more heartfelt conversation than we got. There were the beginnings of it. There were even some tender, wonderful moments between them. But I was missing that last bit that really took their conversations from the surface to depth, so that I could be confident in their HEA.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
March 17, 2018
“There was too much water under the bridge between us… Too much water under the bridge over the bridge. That bridge had washed away in a flood.” – Captain James Lee Hooker, American Road Trip by Sarah Black
Some relationships are too broken to have any hope of being resurrected, and the quote above describes how James Lee feels about any chance of reconciling with Easy when they meet again, three years after leaving the Army. There is so much history between them, a lot of it bad because of what happened to Austin, Easy’s younger cousin, that they can’t see each other through the darkness of their guilt. I expected a lot of heartache – and there was – but I also kept hoping they might find their way back to each other. After all, they loved each other deeply once, and road trips are known to be miraculous. Right?
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Some relationships are too broken to have any hope of being resurrected, and the quote above describes how James Lee feels about any chance of reconciling with Easy when they meet again, three years after leaving the Army. There is so much history between them, a lot of it bad because of what happened to Austin, Easy’s younger cousin, that they can’t see each other through the darkness of their guilt. I expected a lot of heartache – and there was – but I also kept hoping they might find their way back to each other. After all, they loved each other deeply once, and road trips are known to be miraculous. Right?
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 23, 2018
It's so, so good to have Sarah Black writing again.
There's a wonderful spareness and simplicity to her words and dialogue. No over explaining and heavy backstory here, although the two MC's have a history. Everything unfolds slowly as the two drive in search of a lost ronin.
There are so many layers to this story, but of course there are...it's Sarah Black!
Poignant, funny, charming and cinematic.
Loved!
There's a wonderful spareness and simplicity to her words and dialogue. No over explaining and heavy backstory here, although the two MC's have a history. Everything unfolds slowly as the two drive in search of a lost ronin.
There are so many layers to this story, but of course there are...it's Sarah Black!
Poignant, funny, charming and cinematic.
Loved!
April 5, 2018
I'm so happy to read new work from this author! I devoured this last night...
May 27, 2018
May 2018: I read this once on release day, then let it percolate for a couple months and read it again. One thing Sarah Black does is think deep thoughts. Or, maybe just write MCs in such a way that you end up thinking deep thoughts. There's always some philosophical musing necessary to fully experience the work. There are some fascinating thoughts here about tribalism that I'll be chewing on for a while yet.
There's a road trip, of course, but the real meat of the story is these two finding their way back to each other, and it's really lovely. There's also a dog. Having a general aversion to Chihuahuas myself, I can totally understand Jamie's feelings on the matter of Tino. There's an epilogue on the Dreamspinner blog page; you should read it. There's some tea there, another topic near and dear to my heart.
Seems like, for readers, there's always an author that just works for you, whatever they may write. For me, that author is Sarah Black. Can't tell you how happy I am that she's back.
Feb 2018: When I saw this up for pre-order today, I clicked so fast I made Pay-Pal's head spin.
There's a road trip, of course, but the real meat of the story is these two finding their way back to each other, and it's really lovely. There's also a dog. Having a general aversion to Chihuahuas myself, I can totally understand Jamie's feelings on the matter of Tino. There's an epilogue on the Dreamspinner blog page; you should read it. There's some tea there, another topic near and dear to my heart.
Seems like, for readers, there's always an author that just works for you, whatever they may write. For me, that author is Sarah Black. Can't tell you how happy I am that she's back.
Feb 2018: When I saw this up for pre-order today, I clicked so fast I made Pay-Pal's head spin.
November 28, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
I love Sarah Black and have read a lot of her work. This is not one of my favorites, but she writes m/m romances about army vets, poverty, harder parts of life and still gives hope and romance - so that's a win for me. Here the two mc's are a bit too angry at each other for me, but the drifting and the driving and the searching for direction - that all felt true and real. I hope they do ground each other and give each other a home. I want good things for them. So even her less than stellar books are still pretty damn good!
I love Sarah Black and have read a lot of her work. This is not one of my favorites, but she writes m/m romances about army vets, poverty, harder parts of life and still gives hope and romance - so that's a win for me. Here the two mc's are a bit too angry at each other for me, but the drifting and the driving and the searching for direction - that all felt true and real. I hope they do ground each other and give each other a home. I want good things for them. So even her less than stellar books are still pretty damn good!
dnf-2018
December 31, 2018DNF at 46%
I used to devour Sarah Black's books, but I just couldn't do the same for this book. Maybe it's my mood, or maybe it's the story, but the book's just not interesting enough for me. And the dog was a total buzzkill.
Well, maybe I'll try it again next year? *shrugs*
I used to devour Sarah Black's books, but I just couldn't do the same for this book. Maybe it's my mood, or maybe it's the story, but the book's just not interesting enough for me. And the dog was a total buzzkill.
Well, maybe I'll try it again next year? *shrugs*
April 7, 2018
4.25 stars
March 14, 2018
This was like taking a sip of Jack Daniels – it makes the eyes water a bit going down, but whoo! (gives a little shake) it’s mighty fine indeed.
This book just resonated with me – I felt this was a book about forgiveness, not only forgiving others but also forgiving yourself. It’s a book about being lost and then being found. It’s about how you don’t have to shoulder the heavens by yourself. I thought it was a well written, low angst, emotionally engaging story about two guys who needed love, forgiveness and closure.
James Lee walked away from the Army and the man he loved, after an IED exploded hurting a man in his unit. Jamie Lee claimed leaving was best for everyone. The impetus for Easy reaching out to James Lee was Easy’s cousin Austin, who suffered a traumatic brain injury under their watch in Afghanistan. Austin left Tennessee on a 10 speed with a trailer and three months later, Easy was told by Austin’s Mom to go find him. Easy goes looking for more than just Austin.
I just want to gush about this story, but I don’t want to give anything away. I adored the subtle sweetness between Jamie Lee and Easy. I don’t need every romance novel to be drawn out descriptions about rolling in the sack; it was insinuated they were sleeping together, and that was enough for me. I found that very refreshing.
I loved the southwest setting, how Easy and Jamie Lee used Austin’s post cards to follow him from New Mexico through Arizona in to California, how much of the talking was done in diners over hamburgers and cherry pie. I loved the undercurrents of frustration, how much facing the truth hurts, and learning to move on – to the next City, to the next feeling, to the next thing. I loved the explanation of ‘tribes’ and how they were now part of the ‘Ronin’ tribe.
And I ADORED Tino. Tino was the perfect counterpoint to Jamie Lee and Easy. Every single reason why Tino only had one eye cracked me up and I looked forward to the next explanation. Tino needed someone to love as much as Easy and Jamie Lee.
This is a short story I could see reading again and again, something comfortable, with a splash of humor, and a most satisfactory ending.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book just resonated with me – I felt this was a book about forgiveness, not only forgiving others but also forgiving yourself. It’s a book about being lost and then being found. It’s about how you don’t have to shoulder the heavens by yourself. I thought it was a well written, low angst, emotionally engaging story about two guys who needed love, forgiveness and closure.
James Lee walked away from the Army and the man he loved, after an IED exploded hurting a man in his unit. Jamie Lee claimed leaving was best for everyone. The impetus for Easy reaching out to James Lee was Easy’s cousin Austin, who suffered a traumatic brain injury under their watch in Afghanistan. Austin left Tennessee on a 10 speed with a trailer and three months later, Easy was told by Austin’s Mom to go find him. Easy goes looking for more than just Austin.
I just want to gush about this story, but I don’t want to give anything away. I adored the subtle sweetness between Jamie Lee and Easy. I don’t need every romance novel to be drawn out descriptions about rolling in the sack; it was insinuated they were sleeping together, and that was enough for me. I found that very refreshing.
I loved the southwest setting, how Easy and Jamie Lee used Austin’s post cards to follow him from New Mexico through Arizona in to California, how much of the talking was done in diners over hamburgers and cherry pie. I loved the undercurrents of frustration, how much facing the truth hurts, and learning to move on – to the next City, to the next feeling, to the next thing. I loved the explanation of ‘tribes’ and how they were now part of the ‘Ronin’ tribe.
And I ADORED Tino. Tino was the perfect counterpoint to Jamie Lee and Easy. Every single reason why Tino only had one eye cracked me up and I looked forward to the next explanation. Tino needed someone to love as much as Easy and Jamie Lee.
This is a short story I could see reading again and again, something comfortable, with a splash of humor, and a most satisfactory ending.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
March 30, 2018
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
James Lee Hooker has retired from the Army. As a captain, it was his job to keep his men safe, but when the cousin of the man he loves is injured, he feels that he’s failed: as a soldier, as a man, as a lover. After his discharge, Jamie moves to Albuquerque to look after his ailing grandmother, and three years later he’s still there in a rundown house, teaching yoga and writing a Veteran blog.
Easy Jacobs, the first and only man Jamie has ever loved, comes looking for him. Turns out Easy’s cousin Austin, who was injured by what Hooker sees as his failure of judgement and leadership, has up and disappeared on a road tip—by bicycle—through the Southwest. Austin is “looking for America,” and he’s stopped communicating; his phone isn’t working, so the whole family is worried. Austin has been through New Mexico and on to Arizona, so Easy implores Jamie to help him find the wayward Austin. In the meantime, Easy would also like Jamie to find his way back to him. But, only if Jamie will stay this time and not walk away.
I’m not sure there is anyone who writes military stories that show the humanity of a soldier as well as Sarah Black does. This is another example of her clear understanding of the bond between brothers-in-arms and their willingness to support one another. As always, this is a strong, character driven story where the setting is a vibrant and vital aspect of the story. Welcome back, Sarah Black! You’ve been missed.
James Lee Hooker has retired from the Army. As a captain, it was his job to keep his men safe, but when the cousin of the man he loves is injured, he feels that he’s failed: as a soldier, as a man, as a lover. After his discharge, Jamie moves to Albuquerque to look after his ailing grandmother, and three years later he’s still there in a rundown house, teaching yoga and writing a Veteran blog.
Easy Jacobs, the first and only man Jamie has ever loved, comes looking for him. Turns out Easy’s cousin Austin, who was injured by what Hooker sees as his failure of judgement and leadership, has up and disappeared on a road tip—by bicycle—through the Southwest. Austin is “looking for America,” and he’s stopped communicating; his phone isn’t working, so the whole family is worried. Austin has been through New Mexico and on to Arizona, so Easy implores Jamie to help him find the wayward Austin. In the meantime, Easy would also like Jamie to find his way back to him. But, only if Jamie will stay this time and not walk away.
I’m not sure there is anyone who writes military stories that show the humanity of a soldier as well as Sarah Black does. This is another example of her clear understanding of the bond between brothers-in-arms and their willingness to support one another. As always, this is a strong, character driven story where the setting is a vibrant and vital aspect of the story. Welcome back, Sarah Black! You’ve been missed.
March 15, 2018
James Lee and Easy met on leave before a deployment to Afghanistan. They hit it off and fell in love over a slice of cherry pie (so sweet). James lee thought it best they do not pursue their relationship since they were officers. Easy reluctantly accepts. Then events happen and James Lee leaves go to help his grandmother and stay in her little rundown shack with her one-eyed chihuahua. Easy shows up asking for help finding his cousin Austin and they head on a trip chasing thin leads.
This story was beautiful. I loved both Easy and James Lee. I was looking for more angst but the passion, love, and sweetness made up for it. I love second chance stories and the lines about how The dog lost its eye was hilarious and added just the right amount of humor to the story.
If you like second chance romance, veterans, dogs and sweet, happy romance this is for you.
This story was beautiful. I loved both Easy and James Lee. I was looking for more angst but the passion, love, and sweetness made up for it. I love second chance stories and the lines about how The dog lost its eye was hilarious and added just the right amount of humor to the story.
If you like second chance romance, veterans, dogs and sweet, happy romance this is for you.
March 15, 2018
3.5 Stars
After reading the blurb I was expecting something emotional and deep and while Easy and James Lee do have to work through their issues and the reasons James Lee ran from Easy in the first place, the story is on the lighter side and told with humor.
Easy shows up on James Lee’s doorstep three years after James Lee took off. Easy is looking for his cousin Austin who has run off. Together the two, along with James’ one eyed dog, Tino, travel from Albuquerque to Malibu following the clues Austin left behind.
This was a sweet and humorous story. It was a well-written and entertaining read. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 13, 2019
3.5 stars
I’m always willing to follow this author on any trip they dream up. And I love road trip stories. Especially those set in the American southwest—having done many a one myself, through the hot, dusty deserts and small towns of Arizona, New Mexico, and Cali. So, this rings true and colorful. Jamie and Easy are vets who work their way through a lot of guilt and remorse to find a path back to each other. I loved their mascot/sidekick, Tino, the one-eyed Chihuahua. But it felt like the focus on the dog, while hilarious, stole some of the thunder from the guys. Still, a great and heartfelt read from this pen.
March 16, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-d8O
From that review: " Hallelujah, that spare, rare totally wonderful literary voice known as Sarah Black is back in American Road Trip. How I've missed her unique perspective. Her narrative so powerfully evocative in rendering the American West and US veterans so vividly alive and haunting have stayed with me story after story. Now comes another."
For all our reviews, author interviews, and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-d8O
From that review: " Hallelujah, that spare, rare totally wonderful literary voice known as Sarah Black is back in American Road Trip. How I've missed her unique perspective. Her narrative so powerfully evocative in rendering the American West and US veterans so vividly alive and haunting have stayed with me story after story. Now comes another."
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00-mm-horrible-disaster-fail-dnf
March 16, 2018April 6, 2021
Real good
I read this a few years ago, and cannot believe I did not leave stars for this! Love the narration of Jamie’s, the one person POV of the tale. Droll, insightful, no sex on page, humour - laughed out loud - heart hurt, dog trolling, funny, kind. Really, really enjoyed this and recommend.
I read this a few years ago, and cannot believe I did not leave stars for this! Love the narration of Jamie’s, the one person POV of the tale. Droll, insightful, no sex on page, humour - laughed out loud - heart hurt, dog trolling, funny, kind. Really, really enjoyed this and recommend.
February 2, 2023
I think this book was probably a bit too short. We got Jamie and Easy going across a few states to try to find Easy's cousin. Then they found him and the book abruptly ended. We do not know how they ended up or where they decided to live and whether Easy's cousin went willingly
March 23, 2018
I loved this story, my only complaint is I wish it was longer or even more I hope for a sequel.
March 31, 2018
One of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed this novella and wouldn't be opposed to a sequel.
April 10, 2018
First book I read by this author. Interesting. Well written. Focus on the MCs relationship. I would have liked a little epilogue and to know more about their lives. Anyway good story. 3.5 stars
May 1, 2018
Loved the premise but I just couln't connect with the two MCs.
June 27, 2018
3.5 stars
August 1, 2022
not my cup of tea.
I’m challenging myself to read outside my normal likes. I just don’t like romance.but I’m am a loyal #vibramfivefingers fan!
I’m challenging myself to read outside my normal likes. I just don’t like romance.but I’m am a loyal #vibramfivefingers fan!
February 22, 2020
2/21/2020. Reread this wonderful story, and I enjoyed it even more this time around. I love the writing, the main characters Easy and James Lee, and Tino the demon, one-eyed chihuahua. There’s a road trip with a mission, love, humor, and romance. 4.5/5.0.
This time around I also read the eight chapter epilogue, “Tino Takes the Cake.” It’s the perfect ending, completing the romance. Read it here: http://blog.dreamspinnerpress.com/201...
This time around I also read the eight chapter epilogue, “Tino Takes the Cake.” It’s the perfect ending, completing the romance. Read it here: http://blog.dreamspinnerpress.com/201...
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