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Untouchable
“You’ve been alone for years and a hot gay massage therapist shows up at your door ready to screw. That’s the plot of a porn, not a romance.”
Morton Harper--Harp for short--is 44, divorced, hated by most of his picturesque Colorado town, and more than happy to spend the rest of his life holed up in the cabin he built on Storm Mountain. But when Harp seeks out a massage therapist to help him heal after a car accident, his whole world is turned upside down. Parker is almost two decades younger than Harp, handsome, and full of life--he should be the kind of person Harp hates. Instead, Harp finds himself reluctantly charmed by Parker’s bubbly personality, his patience for all of Harp’s quirks… and Parker’s six-pack doesn’t hurt either.
"I know I can trust you. And I know you’re being kind. But I’m rusty at having a friend."
Parker James is a miracle worker, both with muscles and with picky clients. But with Harp, he may have met his match. From the moment he sees Harp--axe in hand, glaring at him from the front yard, Parker knows he has his work cut out for him. But though Harp is moody, ornery, and closed off, Parker keeps catching a glimpse of someone who is funny and compassionate... and wounded. As they strike up an unlikely friendship, Parker longs for more--and though Harp has hurts of his own, he’s helping Parker heal his, too.
“I’ve never had someone like you before. Someone who wanted to take care of me. Someone who made me feel like I was the most important thing in the universe.”
As their sessions progress, both men find themselves falling for the other. But Parker’s confidence was shattered by a cruel ex and Harp is still reeling from a painful divorce and dramatic outing--and their own families and past hurts prove difficult to navigate, even as they come together. It’s undeniable that Parker and Harp make each other stronger and better--but can Parker really reach someone so untouchable?
Untouchable is a 275,000 word contemporary slow burn m/m romance with enemies-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, and May/December themes. Please see the copyright page in the "Look Inside" preview to read this work's content warnings (contains minor spoilers).
Morton Harper--Harp for short--is 44, divorced, hated by most of his picturesque Colorado town, and more than happy to spend the rest of his life holed up in the cabin he built on Storm Mountain. But when Harp seeks out a massage therapist to help him heal after a car accident, his whole world is turned upside down. Parker is almost two decades younger than Harp, handsome, and full of life--he should be the kind of person Harp hates. Instead, Harp finds himself reluctantly charmed by Parker’s bubbly personality, his patience for all of Harp’s quirks… and Parker’s six-pack doesn’t hurt either.
"I know I can trust you. And I know you’re being kind. But I’m rusty at having a friend."
Parker James is a miracle worker, both with muscles and with picky clients. But with Harp, he may have met his match. From the moment he sees Harp--axe in hand, glaring at him from the front yard, Parker knows he has his work cut out for him. But though Harp is moody, ornery, and closed off, Parker keeps catching a glimpse of someone who is funny and compassionate... and wounded. As they strike up an unlikely friendship, Parker longs for more--and though Harp has hurts of his own, he’s helping Parker heal his, too.
“I’ve never had someone like you before. Someone who wanted to take care of me. Someone who made me feel like I was the most important thing in the universe.”
As their sessions progress, both men find themselves falling for the other. But Parker’s confidence was shattered by a cruel ex and Harp is still reeling from a painful divorce and dramatic outing--and their own families and past hurts prove difficult to navigate, even as they come together. It’s undeniable that Parker and Harp make each other stronger and better--but can Parker really reach someone so untouchable?
Untouchable is a 275,000 word contemporary slow burn m/m romance with enemies-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, and May/December themes. Please see the copyright page in the "Look Inside" preview to read this work's content warnings (contains minor spoilers).
944 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2018
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164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 23, 2018
I'm calling it.
It's just not happening.
I'm 35% in and it feels like I have been reading for years. This book is WAAAAAY too 'angsty' and long and just... It doesn't work for me.
The POV-shifts are happening too often for me to find a rhythm and separate their voices (sometimes we get around 20 lines and then they switch POVs) and their internal thoughts are exhausting.
There is a low self-esteem and then there's these two! When both MCs are THIS damaged (and sort of whiny and sort of insecure), there needs to be something else to lighten things just a wee bit -IMO.
And the dogs and the hash-smoking are not the answer here.
I normally prefer long books, but this was a complete miss for me, and I think Nile Princess says it best in her review here.
It's just not happening.
I'm 35% in and it feels like I have been reading for years. This book is WAAAAAY too 'angsty' and long and just... It doesn't work for me.
The POV-shifts are happening too often for me to find a rhythm and separate their voices (sometimes we get around 20 lines and then they switch POVs) and their internal thoughts are exhausting.
There is a low self-esteem and then there's these two! When both MCs are THIS damaged (and sort of whiny and sort of insecure), there needs to be something else to lighten things just a wee bit -IMO.
And the dogs and the hash-smoking are not the answer here.
I normally prefer long books, but this was a complete miss for me, and I think Nile Princess says it best in her review here.
April 3, 2018
It's a 4* for me simply because of the length, I felt the same situation arose over and over (the internal monologuing and second guessing of the other persons' thoughts and feelings just got a bit wearing for me personally).
But, that aside, the rest of this book is a beautifully written exploration of how two completely different and disparate people can actually turn out to be perfect for each other and just "understand" how the other one ticks and know how to comfort and support them.
Both Kay Simone and Ruthie Luhnow have written books I've previously 5*ed and thoroughly enjoyed and I thought this collaboration between the two of them highlighted and showcased both of their great writing skills for both a sense of place and in the beautiful language used.
It's written in first person present, which can be a little difficult to get your head around and is one of the reasons for me that the first quarter of the book just felt like it was going on forever with very little happening.
However, once Harp and Parker actually admit to their blossoming feelings, the pace kicks up a gear and we start to see some real character development as Harp gets over his insular nature and Parker begins to stand up for himself and not feel quite so unworthy. Both men have suffered from the slings and arrows of life so it's joyful to see them start to open up to each other.
There are hurdles along the way though, and this means there's a lot of angsty and only a little steam - which actually makes sense given the unique natures of each individual man.
I love a good May to December and Harp is almost two decades older than Parker (who is 26), which again leads to a whole other level of anxiety and insecurities and what I liked about this story is that the relationship didn't all of a sudden remove all those characteristics.
Both men remained anxious at times, insecure at times, fearful and with all their hang ups, but they also grow and adapt, learn to be flexible and rely on the other.
I think this will appeal to readers who enjoy a slow burn, it is glacial at times, but because of the quality of the writing, it's something you (generic) can live with as it marches on to what's a bit of swoony epilogue.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
But, that aside, the rest of this book is a beautifully written exploration of how two completely different and disparate people can actually turn out to be perfect for each other and just "understand" how the other one ticks and know how to comfort and support them.
Both Kay Simone and Ruthie Luhnow have written books I've previously 5*ed and thoroughly enjoyed and I thought this collaboration between the two of them highlighted and showcased both of their great writing skills for both a sense of place and in the beautiful language used.
It's written in first person present, which can be a little difficult to get your head around and is one of the reasons for me that the first quarter of the book just felt like it was going on forever with very little happening.
However, once Harp and Parker actually admit to their blossoming feelings, the pace kicks up a gear and we start to see some real character development as Harp gets over his insular nature and Parker begins to stand up for himself and not feel quite so unworthy. Both men have suffered from the slings and arrows of life so it's joyful to see them start to open up to each other.
There are hurdles along the way though, and this means there's a lot of angsty and only a little steam - which actually makes sense given the unique natures of each individual man.
I love a good May to December and Harp is almost two decades older than Parker (who is 26), which again leads to a whole other level of anxiety and insecurities and what I liked about this story is that the relationship didn't all of a sudden remove all those characteristics.
Both men remained anxious at times, insecure at times, fearful and with all their hang ups, but they also grow and adapt, learn to be flexible and rely on the other.
I think this will appeal to readers who enjoy a slow burn, it is glacial at times, but because of the quality of the writing, it's something you (generic) can live with as it marches on to what's a bit of swoony epilogue.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
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March 18, 2018DNF @ 29%. I can't. I LOVE Kay Simone's work and dropped everything to read this. I mean come on, older man, recluse, secluded cabin, injury/pain issue, and a younger/massage therapist love interest?? I mean that's right up my alley! Alas, this co-effort is entirely too slow. I love a good slow burn; I have read books where the characters didn't even kiss until like 60% in, and I wasn't impatient for it. This is torturous. Too much explaining, over thinking, brow beating, dual POVs making everything longer than it needs to be, forced humor that's not funny, characters forcing an attraction on us and telling us how 'perfect' the other one is, miscommunication, constant apologizing. The level of extreme detail obliterated any hope this relationship had of feeling organic. These two grown men were like neurotic teenage girls. Everything was beaten over and over so many times that by the time they actually kissed and started getting intimate (they had to stop to process that by the way) it wasn't even sexy anymore. I just didn't care. The most interesting parts of the book were Harp's low key alcoholism and pot use lol, and the authors even killed that by just doing too much. Hard pass.
March 16, 2018
In “Untouchable”, you have two seemingly opposite people attracting—Parker, the sweet, energetic and socially active massage therapist and Harper, his brusque, agoraphobic client. While both men seem like polar opposites, Parker and Harp are plagued by insecurity born of anxiety, low self-esteem and bad relationships, which colors their interactions from the moment they meet and hinders their relationship at every turn. As Harp and Parker’s sessions progress, they begin to trust each other and their friendship develops into more. Even though Parker and Harp struggle with similar emotional stressors, their personalities complement each other’s in ways that make them stronger and put them on the path to being more comfortable with themselves.
However, as great as Harp and Parker are as characters and though I love deep character development and a fully formed emotional connection between MCs, there is a fine line between too much of a good thing. Between Parker and Harp sharing POVs within dialogue and scenes and their tendency to let their self-loathing direct how they interpreted each other’s words and actions, the story became a bit bogged down. Having one character struggle with anxiety, feeling unworthy and turning inward when upset can make dialogue, character growth and plot movement difficult and slow, having both characters be that way and having each. And. Every. Single. Conversation be that way eventually became draining.
While I appreciate the authors’ attempt to fully explore Harp and Parker’s personal pain and struggles, as well as the complexity and effort it takes to build a relationship, given the length of the story that is focused solely on the relationship, the editing of some of the scenes, dialogues/inner monologues could have been a bit tighter. In a story with no other plotline to offer a break from the constant confusion, self-hatred and emotional whiplash and POV shifts that go back and forth with the action/dialogue to examine the same core emotional/character trait, the authors should be mindful that balance and narrative pacing are even more reliant upon keeping an eye on overly long scenes, returning to the same emotional beat too soon or simply having too many shifts within the same five minute conversation. That being said, Harp and Parker are great characters, and having them share similar emotional struggles, just with different ways of expressing and handling them made their relationship and the challenges interesting. As long as you are prepared for A LOT of angst, unpleasant and frustrating families and drama from crossed signals, their awkward, endearing and emotionally fraught journey to being comfortable with themselves and trusting and loving one another can be worth the read.
However, as great as Harp and Parker are as characters and though I love deep character development and a fully formed emotional connection between MCs, there is a fine line between too much of a good thing. Between Parker and Harp sharing POVs within dialogue and scenes and their tendency to let their self-loathing direct how they interpreted each other’s words and actions, the story became a bit bogged down. Having one character struggle with anxiety, feeling unworthy and turning inward when upset can make dialogue, character growth and plot movement difficult and slow, having both characters be that way and having each. And. Every. Single. Conversation be that way eventually became draining.
While I appreciate the authors’ attempt to fully explore Harp and Parker’s personal pain and struggles, as well as the complexity and effort it takes to build a relationship, given the length of the story that is focused solely on the relationship, the editing of some of the scenes, dialogues/inner monologues could have been a bit tighter. In a story with no other plotline to offer a break from the constant confusion, self-hatred and emotional whiplash and POV shifts that go back and forth with the action/dialogue to examine the same core emotional/character trait, the authors should be mindful that balance and narrative pacing are even more reliant upon keeping an eye on overly long scenes, returning to the same emotional beat too soon or simply having too many shifts within the same five minute conversation. That being said, Harp and Parker are great characters, and having them share similar emotional struggles, just with different ways of expressing and handling them made their relationship and the challenges interesting. As long as you are prepared for A LOT of angst, unpleasant and frustrating families and drama from crossed signals, their awkward, endearing and emotionally fraught journey to being comfortable with themselves and trusting and loving one another can be worth the read.
May 31, 2018
I enjoyed this book - yes, it was VERY LONG - but I think it was worth the read. The characters were lost in their heads for most of the book, but once they really started getting out of their heads and working on themselves and their relationship the book took off pretty fast. I like seeing characters grow and change and become better versions of themselves throughout a book.
April 1, 2018
Иногда хочется почитать про такого Идеал Идеалыча, который и поесть приготовит и в кровать на руках отнесет и каждый день будет говорить, какой ты умный и замечательный. Но не 700 же страниц подряд! Учитывая объем этой книги, герои довольно быстро сошлись, а все остальное воспринималось как бесконечный эпилог. Ближе к концу авторы спохватились и добавили конфликт, но было уже поздно.
Хорошая получилась бы книжка, если ее сократить страниц так на 400. А так, если и читать, то только по диагонали.
Хорошая получилась бы книжка, если ее сократить страниц так на 400. А так, если и читать, то только по диагонали.
March 21, 2018
I hate to give this such a low rating because I enjoy both of the authors other work. But this was just too long, too slow, and the POV changes happened too rapidly. You’re just getting into Parker’s head when all of a sudden it jumps back to Harp.
I gave it a good go, but it was DNF at 48% as I could see myself labouring over this for another week or so, and in that time I could read several other books.
I gave it a good go, but it was DNF at 48% as I could see myself labouring over this for another week or so, and in that time I could read several other books.
did-not-finish
May 23, 2019Ho-ly shit.
I've become used to alternating POVs since that's apparently the typical structure of romance novels, but I have to say, the POV changes in Untouchable are A BIT MUCH. The POV switches every three paragraphs and that's not an exaggeration. Instead of alternating from chapter to chapter, each chapter is cut into ten to fifteen sections that flip-flop the POV. We jump from one character's head to the other six or more times in one conversation. The novel reads like I'm watching an Olympic ping pong match. My neck hurts.
This book is also miserable because the characters are miserable. Their low self-esteem and insecurity cripple the narrative, not that there's much of one. The author spends so much time detailing how the main characters make negative assumptions about themselves and each other that it becomes one big pity party. The constant misunderstandings and emotional whiplash that turns every single conversation into a road littered with pitfalls and hurt feelings makes me tired. I though the premise had a lot of potential, but the execution left much to be desired.
It was when I saw the page count that I dropped this book like a hot potato. I could put up with 200 pages of insecure fumbling, but 944 pages is asking too much.
DNF - 32%
I've become used to alternating POVs since that's apparently the typical structure of romance novels, but I have to say, the POV changes in Untouchable are A BIT MUCH. The POV switches every three paragraphs and that's not an exaggeration. Instead of alternating from chapter to chapter, each chapter is cut into ten to fifteen sections that flip-flop the POV. We jump from one character's head to the other six or more times in one conversation. The novel reads like I'm watching an Olympic ping pong match. My neck hurts.
This book is also miserable because the characters are miserable. Their low self-esteem and insecurity cripple the narrative, not that there's much of one. The author spends so much time detailing how the main characters make negative assumptions about themselves and each other that it becomes one big pity party. The constant misunderstandings and emotional whiplash that turns every single conversation into a road littered with pitfalls and hurt feelings makes me tired. I though the premise had a lot of potential, but the execution left much to be desired.
It was when I saw the page count that I dropped this book like a hot potato. I could put up with 200 pages of insecure fumbling, but 944 pages is asking too much.
DNF - 32%
March 18, 2018
Great story and characters, but...
Okay, so this is a great book. The characters are well-developed and relatable, the pacing is deliciously slow and the writing is is so easy to lose yourself in.
However, it’s so ridiculously freaking long. It’s so much longer than necessary, and instead of spending a lazy Sunday afternoon reading a book, I spent a good twelve hours on it. Thankfully I’m a fast reader, but it would have been very easy to see the length of it and just not bother. I have to wonder how many readers have started the story only to lose interest because of the length.
If you’re patient, and have a lot of spare time, I recommend this book. I gave it four stars because I couldn’t give it three and a half. If it was half as long, I would have gladly given it five out of five.
Okay, so this is a great book. The characters are well-developed and relatable, the pacing is deliciously slow and the writing is is so easy to lose yourself in.
However, it’s so ridiculously freaking long. It’s so much longer than necessary, and instead of spending a lazy Sunday afternoon reading a book, I spent a good twelve hours on it. Thankfully I’m a fast reader, but it would have been very easy to see the length of it and just not bother. I have to wonder how many readers have started the story only to lose interest because of the length.
If you’re patient, and have a lot of spare time, I recommend this book. I gave it four stars because I couldn’t give it three and a half. If it was half as long, I would have gladly given it five out of five.
April 27, 2018
Sweet
A year in the life of Parker and Harp. We went through them meeting, the obstacles they faced while trying to figure where they fit in. The struggle within themselves.
However, I really struggled with the writing. Not saying it was not good. At times it just dragged, got boring and there was just too much detail.
There was some really comical parts which lifted the writing.
What I felt as well Some parts made Parker look like he was mentally challenged. He would go on and some and start crying at the drop of a hat.
Then enters strong commanding Harp who has his own battles. But becomes a saviour to Parker.
Of course I hated Harp's brother and I was disappointed when he did not come Parker's defence. He was supposed to be his anchor.
Other than that it was a year journey how a relationship evolving. With a bit of highs and lows.
A year in the life of Parker and Harp. We went through them meeting, the obstacles they faced while trying to figure where they fit in. The struggle within themselves.
However, I really struggled with the writing. Not saying it was not good. At times it just dragged, got boring and there was just too much detail.
There was some really comical parts which lifted the writing.
What I felt as well Some parts made Parker look like he was mentally challenged. He would go on and some and start crying at the drop of a hat.
Then enters strong commanding Harp who has his own battles. But becomes a saviour to Parker.
Of course I hated Harp's brother and I was disappointed when he did not come Parker's defence. He was supposed to be his anchor.
Other than that it was a year journey how a relationship evolving. With a bit of highs and lows.
May 8, 2020
So Ruthie Luhnow is a bit hit and miss for me. The reason I ride out the misses is that her hits are so strong. This book just worked for me on all levels. I liked both MC's, liked their stories, loved their interactions, like the time she took to tell their story. It was deeply felt and romantic and I really enjoyed being in their world.
Parker James is the sweet somewhat naive masseur, and Harp is the cynical, too smart, loner living on his mountain, scared to get off.
My only problem was the epilogue, which was treacly sweet, and not at all true to the rest of the novel in either tone or character. So I've mentally edited it out. That whole Paris thing did not happen in my version, and then the book is excellent
Parker James is the sweet somewhat naive masseur, and Harp is the cynical, too smart, loner living on his mountain, scared to get off.
My only problem was the epilogue, which was treacly sweet, and not at all true to the rest of the novel in either tone or character. So I've mentally edited it out. That whole Paris thing did not happen in my version, and then the book is excellent
March 18, 2018
I have a very hard time rating this book.
I would like to give 4 or 5 stars...
...because the story is good,
...because Parker and Harp are interesting and engaging characters,
...because I wanted to know how they find their way in the end.
But god it's long, like really long.
Up until 30% it was ok. Then the urge to skim was too much. There were parts in between, that captured my interest again and again, but the rest was too much. The problem was not the slow burn romance, I actually like these. It was simply too much detail information.
I felt like I was captured by the story one moment and the next moment I was kicked out of it and searching for the next entrypoint. I don't know how to descripe it better.
And that's the reason for the 3 star rating.
I would like to give 4 or 5 stars...
...because the story is good,
...because Parker and Harp are interesting and engaging characters,
...because I wanted to know how they find their way in the end.
But god it's long, like really long.
Up until 30% it was ok. Then the urge to skim was too much. There were parts in between, that captured my interest again and again, but the rest was too much. The problem was not the slow burn romance, I actually like these. It was simply too much detail information.
I felt like I was captured by the story one moment and the next moment I was kicked out of it and searching for the next entrypoint. I don't know how to descripe it better.
And that's the reason for the 3 star rating.
May 8, 2019
The Longest Slow Burn Ever!
I started this book over a year ago and stopped because it was so long and the burn was so slow. However, I decided to give it another try recently and I loved it. I wish the story was shorter but it was great. I like how Harp and Parker seemed completely opposite in the beginning of the story but turned out to be similar. Sure, they were at different points in their lives and had much different life experiences. I enjoyed seeing the relationship grow and click without missing a single detail.
I started this book over a year ago and stopped because it was so long and the burn was so slow. However, I decided to give it another try recently and I loved it. I wish the story was shorter but it was great. I like how Harp and Parker seemed completely opposite in the beginning of the story but turned out to be similar. Sure, they were at different points in their lives and had much different life experiences. I enjoyed seeing the relationship grow and click without missing a single detail.
Read
March 18, 2018DNF at 27%. I am so sad to put this on the DNF list. I love love love both these authors, but I could not do this one. The constant switch in POVs is dizzying and frustrating. As is the constant misunderstanding and misreading the other’s actions or words. I want to like the characters, but I feel like I don’t even know them.
Read
April 2, 2018DNF @ 15 %. Everything was working for me... except the change of POV. I pick up this book almost a dozen time and it can't keep my attention more than 10 minutes. it's exhausting reading 10 lines from Harp and then 15 lines from Parker Ugh. I'm sad, wish I could pass that.
May 11, 2019
I'm at 34% and I just can't do it. I cannot bear to read anymore. I very rarely dnf a book, but god this is so unbelievably slow, its painful. Nothing is happening. Nothing. NOTHING!
April 3, 2018
Review originally posted at For What It's Worth on 4/2/18: http://www.fwiwreviews.net/2018/04/mo...
This book was soooooooo long. Even the summary is too long! Harp and Parker were great, troubled characters but this book could have been cut in half (at least) & probably would have still been too long. There is a constant stream of self doubt and miscommunication after every single interaction, obstacles tossed in at every turn. One step forward – three steps back. I don’t even know why I kept reading. Morbid curiosity, I think. I half expected amnesia or even one of the MC's to die or at least have a life altering injury tossed in. Then…the real issues – Parker’s often cruel and controlling parents & Harp’s ASSHOLE brother are dealt with off page. It’s too bad, because, like I said, the guys are great and there’s a solid foundation for an amazing story there.
This book was soooooooo long. Even the summary is too long! Harp and Parker were great, troubled characters but this book could have been cut in half (at least) & probably would have still been too long. There is a constant stream of self doubt and miscommunication after every single interaction, obstacles tossed in at every turn. One step forward – three steps back. I don’t even know why I kept reading. Morbid curiosity, I think. I half expected amnesia or even one of the MC's to die or at least have a life altering injury tossed in. Then…the real issues – Parker’s often cruel and controlling parents & Harp’s ASSHOLE brother are dealt with off page. It’s too bad, because, like I said, the guys are great and there’s a solid foundation for an amazing story there.
July 2, 2020
This was too long. I was bored half the time and annoyed for the other half.
Sure, there were some nice moments, but really there were only like 3 moments I actually liked, and this book is ridiculously long. I want to say that for about 75% of it, nothing actually happened, besides them meeting and deciding they're in love all of a sudden. I was actually happy when Gil showed up to stir the pot a little bit, but he was such an asshole and Harp was just taking it and then that turned into something annoying as well.
Because this book was so long, I expected this to be a slow burn. Well, I was dead wrong and that made me sad, because now I was stuck reading about a couple who kept saying the same things (in their head) and kept dealing with the same issues without realising that they weren't going to go away with time and that they needed professional help. Actually, that's a lie, one of them did realise, but that was at like 85% into the book and we don't get to see them actually working on it. We just jump to an epilogue, which is about the length of 3 chapters and according to my kindle took about an hour to read. It's too fucking long and it doesn't feel like an epilogue, because there's still, like, story happening? I'm sorry, but to me, just because you're jumping 5 months into the future near the end of your book, doesn't mean everything after that is epilogue.
Like I said, it's much of the same over and over again for 75% of the book, and that's really sad, because what would have been interesting is the period of time in between the last chapter and the "epilogue". That's were all the deep diving character growth is, and we don't get to see it unfold, we just see them with a lot of issues and the same insecurities (which are valid, but literally sometimes feel like I'm reading the exact same sentences, it feels like they're not learning anything, which is why them seeing therapists would have been interesting) and then we jump to when they've grown a lot.
Some parts of the story also just didn't really make sense to me, like the whole sex thing where Harp was refusing, when they both actually wanted to, for reasons. It's very unclear. In the beginning he made it out like there was this huge reason why, but there actually wasn't? Also, I like some sexy scenes as much as the next person, but I don't need 3 full chapters (that each take like 30 minutes to read) where nothing else happens besides them having sex, constantly switching p.o.v.'s, saying the same thing in their heads (again) over and over. I get it, he's hot and he makes you hot and it's unbelievable and oh my god. I was going to say "Get on with the story", but there actually isn't really one interesting enough to get back to.
It just saddens me how many lost opportunities there are in this book. I mean, it's so long, and I like long books, but not like this. It took me forever to read and I'm not really one to give up one something, but I'm glad it's over.
Sure, there were some nice moments, but really there were only like 3 moments I actually liked, and this book is ridiculously long. I want to say that for about 75% of it, nothing actually happened, besides them meeting and deciding they're in love all of a sudden. I was actually happy when Gil showed up to stir the pot a little bit, but he was such an asshole and Harp was just taking it and then that turned into something annoying as well.
Because this book was so long, I expected this to be a slow burn. Well, I was dead wrong and that made me sad, because now I was stuck reading about a couple who kept saying the same things (in their head) and kept dealing with the same issues without realising that they weren't going to go away with time and that they needed professional help. Actually, that's a lie, one of them did realise, but that was at like 85% into the book and we don't get to see them actually working on it. We just jump to an epilogue, which is about the length of 3 chapters and according to my kindle took about an hour to read. It's too fucking long and it doesn't feel like an epilogue, because there's still, like, story happening? I'm sorry, but to me, just because you're jumping 5 months into the future near the end of your book, doesn't mean everything after that is epilogue.
Like I said, it's much of the same over and over again for 75% of the book, and that's really sad, because what would have been interesting is the period of time in between the last chapter and the "epilogue". That's were all the deep diving character growth is, and we don't get to see it unfold, we just see them with a lot of issues and the same insecurities (which are valid, but literally sometimes feel like I'm reading the exact same sentences, it feels like they're not learning anything, which is why them seeing therapists would have been interesting) and then we jump to when they've grown a lot.
Some parts of the story also just didn't really make sense to me, like the whole sex thing where Harp was refusing, when they both actually wanted to, for reasons. It's very unclear. In the beginning he made it out like there was this huge reason why, but there actually wasn't? Also, I like some sexy scenes as much as the next person, but I don't need 3 full chapters (that each take like 30 minutes to read) where nothing else happens besides them having sex, constantly switching p.o.v.'s, saying the same thing in their heads (again) over and over. I get it, he's hot and he makes you hot and it's unbelievable and oh my god. I was going to say "Get on with the story", but there actually isn't really one interesting enough to get back to.
It just saddens me how many lost opportunities there are in this book. I mean, it's so long, and I like long books, but not like this. It took me forever to read and I'm not really one to give up one something, but I'm glad it's over.
March 19, 2018
OK.. I know other reviewers were a bit put off by the slow burn... and yes... its sssllllooooowwwww... But damn!!! It may have been slow, but those were some of the hottest kissing and foreplay scenes I've ever read! I didn't care if it was slow getting there!
I've always been a sucker for May/December romances and this novel (and its a novel... its one of the longest MM novels I've read this year! And I've read hundreds!) ticked all the boxes I like: questions about age differences, futures, family acceptance, experience. Harp and Parker's story was one I had hard time putting down. Yes, maybe there was a bit too much angst for some people, but if you've read any of Kay Simone's other works, this one is not out of the ordinary. Ruthie Luhnow tends to write less angsty stuff, and I could sort of tell which parts I thought had been written by each author. Although I'm not sure who gets the most credit for those incredibly hot sex scenes.
I had two complaints, neither of which were strong enough to make me drop the rating to 4 stars: I realize that both characters had issues with their pasts, but it sometimes got a bit too much, like they were trying to out-PTSD each other. And I could not STAND Gil, Harp's brother. I know they tried to salvage him at the end, but I was in NO mood to ever forgive him for his actions. Sorry, but its just the way I felt.
I loved this book. I've been a fan of both authors and look forward to another future collaboration. Just please, speed up the burn next time! LOL!
I've always been a sucker for May/December romances and this novel (and its a novel... its one of the longest MM novels I've read this year! And I've read hundreds!) ticked all the boxes I like: questions about age differences, futures, family acceptance, experience. Harp and Parker's story was one I had hard time putting down. Yes, maybe there was a bit too much angst for some people, but if you've read any of Kay Simone's other works, this one is not out of the ordinary. Ruthie Luhnow tends to write less angsty stuff, and I could sort of tell which parts I thought had been written by each author. Although I'm not sure who gets the most credit for those incredibly hot sex scenes.
I had two complaints, neither of which were strong enough to make me drop the rating to 4 stars: I realize that both characters had issues with their pasts, but it sometimes got a bit too much, like they were trying to out-PTSD each other. And I could not STAND Gil, Harp's brother. I know they tried to salvage him at the end, but I was in NO mood to ever forgive him for his actions. Sorry, but its just the way I felt.
I loved this book. I've been a fan of both authors and look forward to another future collaboration. Just please, speed up the burn next time! LOL!
March 26, 2018
The Unkindest Cuts
....may be those that were never made at all.
Some reviews are harder to write than others. It's easy when you loved the book, even when THAT BOOK : LITERATURE :: BIG MAC : CUISINE. You give it five stars and make sure it's clear in the review that the stars were for the perfection of tattoos, shower scenes, and cry porn. It's easy when you hate a book because no amount of tattoos and sexy shenanigans will forgive the The Fatal Flaw. There's nothing that simple about this book. So, listen up as I explain why stars cannot communicate all that I think about this book.
It's Gone with the Wind long, only it's also fundamentally a two-man play in which nothing ever happens. It's simply not a plot driven novel. That's fine. Character-driven novels can be wonderful. However, the reason for the length of this book is the constant, excruciating detail of the characters' thoughts and actions. Points for accuracy in teaching us how to roll a joint and the conference between the high someone gets from smoking pot to the one they get from eating it, and the difference between illegal street pot and that purchased for medicinal purposes, But I WANT MY ROMANCE NOVEL BACK!
Where was I?
The characters are sooooo stiff to start with, and they stay that way for a very long time--about the 30% mark. Snce the length of the book could be compared to The Iliad, the reader has been reading for a very long time at this point.
This is exacerbated by a writing style that combines present tense with third-person-limited-multiple point of view (I didn't make that up). This point of view allows us to see into each of the main character's head, and hear about any history or other contextual information that the author wants us to know through their thoughts and memories. But in this case, the POV is constantly--even multiple times on the same page--shifting from one character to the other, so that sometimes we are positioned over the shoulder of Harp, and sometimes over the shoulder of Parker. The constant shifts paired with characters taking about themself in third person creates a dissociative feeling. This is Harp, *thinking to himself,* as he and Parker are in the middle of an early, but key, conversion:
"Harp hates to be reductive, but he finds himself reevaluating everything he knows about Parker—just because he's gay."
In first person, past tense, we would have read something like, "I winced. I knew better than to judge others according to type. Still, knowing Parker was gay changed my understanding of everything he had said before."
I never got used to it. The uncomfortable POV and sometimes frantic switches between character POV kept pulling me out of the story over, and over, and over again. So why on Earth did I keep going? Because Harp is solid gold (someone you would follow anywhere, once you got to know him) and Parker is raw honey (so sweet), communicated through unusual word pairings (e. g., "like some distressing massage therapy bouncer" ), and bits of poetry-infused prose, and sweet insights into stuff people do in their heads ("Just time traveling," Harp says with a shrug. "Getting nostalgic for a thing that hasn't happened yet."). It is the unmitigated truth that the combination makes the text more interesting at points, and in those moments, it works (Parker's POV):
"He tells himself to stop.
/Was he telling you that to make you feel better? To reassure you? Because he is interested in you?/
He tells himself it doesn’t matter.
/He came to lunch. /
He tells himself he practically twisted Harp’s arm to get him down the mountain.
/But the way he smiled at you today— /
He doesn’t have a good rebuttal for that."
My relationship with this text isn't love/hate. It's much more powerful. It's adoration and loathing. I thought I was picking up a typical m/m contemporary novel. There is zero typical about this (ok, maybe the bit about wearing flannel shirts in Colorado). The experience of reading this book is to be both blessed and damned. It drove me bat guano crazy, and I'm so very glad I tried. I tried HARD. I had to grit my teeth and resort to skimming to get through. The book is noticeably better after the 70% mark (although I had been literally reading for days at that point). Gill is a douche canoe of the highest order. The epilogue could be it's own novella, but it was a reward for having made it through. Adoration and loathing.
As always, your mileage may vary.
....may be those that were never made at all.
Some reviews are harder to write than others. It's easy when you loved the book, even when THAT BOOK : LITERATURE :: BIG MAC : CUISINE. You give it five stars and make sure it's clear in the review that the stars were for the perfection of tattoos, shower scenes, and cry porn. It's easy when you hate a book because no amount of tattoos and sexy shenanigans will forgive the The Fatal Flaw. There's nothing that simple about this book. So, listen up as I explain why stars cannot communicate all that I think about this book.
It's Gone with the Wind long, only it's also fundamentally a two-man play in which nothing ever happens. It's simply not a plot driven novel. That's fine. Character-driven novels can be wonderful. However, the reason for the length of this book is the constant, excruciating detail of the characters' thoughts and actions. Points for accuracy in teaching us how to roll a joint and the conference between the high someone gets from smoking pot to the one they get from eating it, and the difference between illegal street pot and that purchased for medicinal purposes, But I WANT MY ROMANCE NOVEL BACK!
Where was I?
The characters are sooooo stiff to start with, and they stay that way for a very long time--about the 30% mark. Snce the length of the book could be compared to The Iliad, the reader has been reading for a very long time at this point.
This is exacerbated by a writing style that combines present tense with third-person-limited-multiple point of view (I didn't make that up). This point of view allows us to see into each of the main character's head, and hear about any history or other contextual information that the author wants us to know through their thoughts and memories. But in this case, the POV is constantly--even multiple times on the same page--shifting from one character to the other, so that sometimes we are positioned over the shoulder of Harp, and sometimes over the shoulder of Parker. The constant shifts paired with characters taking about themself in third person creates a dissociative feeling. This is Harp, *thinking to himself,* as he and Parker are in the middle of an early, but key, conversion:
"Harp hates to be reductive, but he finds himself reevaluating everything he knows about Parker—just because he's gay."
In first person, past tense, we would have read something like, "I winced. I knew better than to judge others according to type. Still, knowing Parker was gay changed my understanding of everything he had said before."
I never got used to it. The uncomfortable POV and sometimes frantic switches between character POV kept pulling me out of the story over, and over, and over again. So why on Earth did I keep going? Because Harp is solid gold (someone you would follow anywhere, once you got to know him) and Parker is raw honey (so sweet), communicated through unusual word pairings (e. g., "like some distressing massage therapy bouncer" ), and bits of poetry-infused prose, and sweet insights into stuff people do in their heads ("Just time traveling," Harp says with a shrug. "Getting nostalgic for a thing that hasn't happened yet."). It is the unmitigated truth that the combination makes the text more interesting at points, and in those moments, it works (Parker's POV):
"He tells himself to stop.
/Was he telling you that to make you feel better? To reassure you? Because he is interested in you?/
He tells himself it doesn’t matter.
/He came to lunch. /
He tells himself he practically twisted Harp’s arm to get him down the mountain.
/But the way he smiled at you today— /
He doesn’t have a good rebuttal for that."
My relationship with this text isn't love/hate. It's much more powerful. It's adoration and loathing. I thought I was picking up a typical m/m contemporary novel. There is zero typical about this (ok, maybe the bit about wearing flannel shirts in Colorado). The experience of reading this book is to be both blessed and damned. It drove me bat guano crazy, and I'm so very glad I tried. I tried HARD. I had to grit my teeth and resort to skimming to get through. The book is noticeably better after the 70% mark (although I had been literally reading for days at that point). Gill is a douche canoe of the highest order. The epilogue could be it's own novella, but it was a reward for having made it through. Adoration and loathing.
As always, your mileage may vary.
March 15, 2018
* I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
OMG that cover! I love it!
This is a great slow burn love story with huge age gap. It is sweet, sensual, emotional and totally believable. The only reason for only 4 stars is this book's length.
The first 25% when we meet all characters, discover Mink Creek and all secrets and problems is a real page turner. I loved that part. Later the pace was a little bit too slow for me. It was sweet and cute, but after a while I got annoyed with how sweet and cute everything was. It was kind of unrealistic. I can't express how happy I was when at the last 30% it got more dramatic again! :) Plus, the epilogue was awesome.
I am not sure if normally I would read a book with 18 years difference between MCs because it was obvious that Harp could be Parker's dad and sometimes I felt like he was acting like his parent with all this choosing food, defending all the time, giving advises etc, but in the end I could see them being a real couple. I just had to warm up to Parker, because at first I fully agreed with what Gil said: "Parker has an emotional depth of a golden retriever on Adderall" . He was more than just a little bit immature and was depending on Harp more that was healthy (in my opinion only).
When it comes to ALL character they felt real and were nice, likable and funny, but my favourite was still Bo, the wiener dog:) I liked Harp but he was overthinking everything (just like me) and had huge problems with communication (like me again which explains why I can't forgive him so easily). In the same time he was EXTREMELY protective, generous and rich. Parker on the other hand has a low self esteem, is very talkative and very cheerful. They are complete opposites and yet they complete each other perfectly. What irritated me was how perfect everything was. It felt like Harp though/said Parker was perfect every few sentences and right now I need some break from this word.
What I actually loved about this is that there was o insta-love. Everything had it time and place. We can watch them grow closer, their connection stronger, Parker "growing up". And even though there was like A LOT of sex they waited for it (and it was totally worth it).
And yes, there was one thing I had a real big problem with - smoking marijuana and talking about it as an adventure. I understand that it is legal in some places, but here it is not and reading about it as about some kind of hobby or skill made me feel bad.
All in all, this is a good love story with likable characters, scorching hot sex and Bo!
OMG that cover! I love it!
This is a great slow burn love story with huge age gap. It is sweet, sensual, emotional and totally believable. The only reason for only 4 stars is this book's length.
The first 25% when we meet all characters, discover Mink Creek and all secrets and problems is a real page turner. I loved that part. Later the pace was a little bit too slow for me. It was sweet and cute, but after a while I got annoyed with how sweet and cute everything was. It was kind of unrealistic. I can't express how happy I was when at the last 30% it got more dramatic again! :) Plus, the epilogue was awesome.
I am not sure if normally I would read a book with 18 years difference between MCs because it was obvious that Harp could be Parker's dad and sometimes I felt like he was acting like his parent with all this choosing food, defending all the time, giving advises etc, but in the end I could see them being a real couple. I just had to warm up to Parker, because at first I fully agreed with what Gil said: "Parker has an emotional depth of a golden retriever on Adderall" . He was more than just a little bit immature and was depending on Harp more that was healthy (in my opinion only).
When it comes to ALL character they felt real and were nice, likable and funny, but my favourite was still Bo, the wiener dog:) I liked Harp but he was overthinking everything (just like me) and had huge problems with communication (like me again which explains why I can't forgive him so easily). In the same time he was EXTREMELY protective, generous and rich. Parker on the other hand has a low self esteem, is very talkative and very cheerful. They are complete opposites and yet they complete each other perfectly. What irritated me was how perfect everything was. It felt like Harp though/said Parker was perfect every few sentences and right now I need some break from this word.
What I actually loved about this is that there was o insta-love. Everything had it time and place. We can watch them grow closer, their connection stronger, Parker "growing up". And even though there was like A LOT of sex they waited for it (and it was totally worth it).
And yes, there was one thing I had a real big problem with - smoking marijuana and talking about it as an adventure. I understand that it is legal in some places, but here it is not and reading about it as about some kind of hobby or skill made me feel bad.
All in all, this is a good love story with likable characters, scorching hot sex and Bo!
March 15, 2018
Ok, just a little synopsis as written in the blurb so as not to contain spoilers.
Morton Harper--Harp for short--is 44, divorced, hated by most of his picturesque Colorado town, and more than happy to spend the rest of his life holed up in the cabin he built on Storm Mountain. But when Harp seeks out a massage therapist to help him heal after a car accident, his whole world is turned upside down. Parker is almost two decades younger than Harp, handsome, and full of life--he should be the kind of person Harp hates. Instead, Harp finds himself reluctantly charmed by Parker’s bubbly personality, his patience for all of Harp’s quirks… and Parker’s six-pack doesn’t hurt either.
Parker James is a miracle worker, both with muscles and with picky clients. But with Harp, he may have met his match. From the moment he sees Harp--axe in hand, glaring at him from the front yard, Parker knows he has his work cut out for him. But though Harp is moody, ornery, and closed off, Parker keeps catching a glimpse of someone who is funny and compassionate... and wounded. As they strike up an unlikely friendship, Parker longs for more--and though Harp has hurts of his own, he’s helping Parker heal his, too.
As their sessions progress, both men find themselves falling for the other. But Parker’s confidence was shattered by a cruel ex and Harp is still reeling from a painful divorce and dramatic outing--and their own families and past hurts prove difficult to navigate, even as they come together. It’s undeniable that Parker and Harp make each other stronger and better--but can Parker really reach someone so untouchable?
Ok, so this review is hard for me to write.
See, I love these authors. Have enjoyed all the books the I have had the opportunity to read.
So, even though I do not usually read stories written in Third person, I thought I would give this a chance because A-the authors and B-the story looked good.
So, with that being said.....I just couldn't enjoy this story due to the fact that it was written in third person. I can honestly say that I just do not like anything written like that.
This is a long story, with the chapter's jumping back and forth between the two characters.
Like I said-the premise rocks, I would have LOVED this had it been written in the style that I enjoy, and that is the only reason I am throwing down 3 stars, because for me, this book was just ok. I struggled to finish but that is no reflection on the writers or the story itself, just the format.
Morton Harper--Harp for short--is 44, divorced, hated by most of his picturesque Colorado town, and more than happy to spend the rest of his life holed up in the cabin he built on Storm Mountain. But when Harp seeks out a massage therapist to help him heal after a car accident, his whole world is turned upside down. Parker is almost two decades younger than Harp, handsome, and full of life--he should be the kind of person Harp hates. Instead, Harp finds himself reluctantly charmed by Parker’s bubbly personality, his patience for all of Harp’s quirks… and Parker’s six-pack doesn’t hurt either.
Parker James is a miracle worker, both with muscles and with picky clients. But with Harp, he may have met his match. From the moment he sees Harp--axe in hand, glaring at him from the front yard, Parker knows he has his work cut out for him. But though Harp is moody, ornery, and closed off, Parker keeps catching a glimpse of someone who is funny and compassionate... and wounded. As they strike up an unlikely friendship, Parker longs for more--and though Harp has hurts of his own, he’s helping Parker heal his, too.
As their sessions progress, both men find themselves falling for the other. But Parker’s confidence was shattered by a cruel ex and Harp is still reeling from a painful divorce and dramatic outing--and their own families and past hurts prove difficult to navigate, even as they come together. It’s undeniable that Parker and Harp make each other stronger and better--but can Parker really reach someone so untouchable?
Ok, so this review is hard for me to write.
See, I love these authors. Have enjoyed all the books the I have had the opportunity to read.
So, even though I do not usually read stories written in Third person, I thought I would give this a chance because A-the authors and B-the story looked good.
So, with that being said.....I just couldn't enjoy this story due to the fact that it was written in third person. I can honestly say that I just do not like anything written like that.
This is a long story, with the chapter's jumping back and forth between the two characters.
Like I said-the premise rocks, I would have LOVED this had it been written in the style that I enjoy, and that is the only reason I am throwing down 3 stars, because for me, this book was just ok. I struggled to finish but that is no reflection on the writers or the story itself, just the format.
March 16, 2018
💕Very slow-burning, angstful and beautifully moving in its own way💔🔥👬
March 15, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I am a bit conflicted because I REALLY liked the two heroes, Harp and Parker, and their struggle to overcome their past to find a future together. The authors spent plenty of time constructing scene after scene, usually told from both points of view, to slowly build their initial discomfort, to friendship and then strong romantic feelings and red hot passion. These characters have major insecurities and flaws that aren't swiftly swept under the carpet just because they fall for each other. That's realistic.
The authors also did a great job of drawing me into the story. I was emotionally committed to these two and, at times, I was so angry at some of the characters for their attitudes and actions I wanted to scream. Harp's brother Gil needed a good kick more than once, and Parker's nightmare family, particularly his controlling and disapproving mother, seemed like villains right out of a fairytale (but worse!). And the MCs let their anxieties steamroller over their better inclinations again and again. The Christmas scenes were particularly tough to read in this respect. I felt it took too long for them to realize they required something more than their relationship to get over their hang-ups. Yes, the delay gave the story more angst and tension, but after a while it just made me feel "duh, get moving and do something to fix it!"
I do wish that the individual scenes had been shorter. It was a major commitment to get to the end due to the book's length, though it IS a fantastic finale! I liked it enough to buy a copy even though I had received a complimentary advance copy from one of the authors.
Finally, I can't go without thanking the authors for including grounded and fiercely loyal best bud Mindy and adorable Bo, the dachshund, and his four-legged housemates. Harp's pets added some humor and coziness to a remote cabin and its isolated owner. They provided an icebreaker for the MCs at the beginning and just kept giving, as loyal dog pals always do!I
March 15, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I am a bit conflicted because I REALLY liked the two heroes, Harp and Parker, and their struggle to overcome their past to find a future together. The authors spent plenty of time constructing scene after scene, usually told from both points of view, to slowly build their initial discomfort, to friendship and then strong romantic feelings and red hot passion. These characters have major insecurities and flaws that aren't swiftly swept under the carpet just because they fall for each other. That's realistic.
The authors also did a great job of drawing me into the story. I was emotionally committed to these two and, at times, I was so angry at some of the characters for their attitudes and actions I wanted to scream. Harp's brother Gil needed a good kick more than once, and Parker's nightmare family, particularly his controlling and disapproving mother, seemed like villains right out of a fairytale (but worse!). And the MCs let their anxieties steamroller over their better inclinations again and again. The Christmas scenes were particularly tough to read in this respect. I felt it took too long for them to realize they required something more than their relationship to get over their hang-ups. Yes, the delay gave the story more angst and tension, but after a while it just made me feel "duh, get moving and do something to fix it!"
I do wish that the individual scenes had been shorter. It was a major commitment to get to the end due to the book's length, though it IS a fantastic finale! I liked it enough to buy a copy even though I had received a complimentary advance copy from one of the authors.
Finally, I can't go without thanking the authors for including grounded and fiercely loyal best bud Mindy and adorable Bo, the dachshund, and his four-legged housemates. Harp's pets added some humor and coziness to a remote cabin and its isolated owner. They provided an icebreaker for the MCs at the beginning and just kept giving, as loyal dog pals always do!I
March 16, 2018
I consider this to be a slice of life romance. The kind of love story that takes you from the very beginning of a relationship to a point where the couple is together and happy. In these kind of romances, there are no unrealistic situations that are added simply for their dramatic effect and this book fits that description to a T. We get to see a window into the lives of Parker and Harp from their first meeting. Something that is kind of atypical for romances is that the characters don’t have any instant attraction for each other, they don’t even particularly like each other. Their friendship is slow to develop and so is their romance.
Because the book is so long, the authors really have time to flesh out every little detail in certain scenes. I did get the sense while reading that some scenes were too long but the way they were described made me feel like I was watching a movie rather than reading. For that reason the length will be perfect for those that really love exposition. Don’t get me wrong, if you love action, at least in the bedroom sense, there is plenty of that as well. I can honestly say that I’ve never read longer sex scenes and I didn’t mind having to wait until later in the story. The timing of the intimacy makes sense for the characters and when they finally do consummate their relationship, let’s just say that they make up for lost time.
I would tell readers that you have to devote time to this story and its characters. Parker and Harp are some of the most realistic characters that I’ve ever read so it makes sense that it would take time to read their story. It is more like listening to a friend tell you about all that’s going on in their life, it takes time and understanding to get through it. It is oh so rewarding though because when Harp and Parker get their HEA, you are deeply invested and are cheering them on just like you would a friend. I recommend this to anyone that loves angst and I mean ANGST but also to anyone that wants a longer read that they can read in bed for a couple of nights. This book is perfect for that.
Because the book is so long, the authors really have time to flesh out every little detail in certain scenes. I did get the sense while reading that some scenes were too long but the way they were described made me feel like I was watching a movie rather than reading. For that reason the length will be perfect for those that really love exposition. Don’t get me wrong, if you love action, at least in the bedroom sense, there is plenty of that as well. I can honestly say that I’ve never read longer sex scenes and I didn’t mind having to wait until later in the story. The timing of the intimacy makes sense for the characters and when they finally do consummate their relationship, let’s just say that they make up for lost time.
I would tell readers that you have to devote time to this story and its characters. Parker and Harp are some of the most realistic characters that I’ve ever read so it makes sense that it would take time to read their story. It is more like listening to a friend tell you about all that’s going on in their life, it takes time and understanding to get through it. It is oh so rewarding though because when Harp and Parker get their HEA, you are deeply invested and are cheering them on just like you would a friend. I recommend this to anyone that loves angst and I mean ANGST but also to anyone that wants a longer read that they can read in bed for a couple of nights. This book is perfect for that.
March 31, 2018
OK, so I will agree with a lot of other reviewers in that this book is reeeally long. But I did enjoy the story, angst, setting and characters.
Harp has become a recluse in the mountains, keeping to himself after a horribly failed marriage and a tragic childhood event, both of which have led to him having panic attacks in social situations.
Parker keeps himself upbeat with his great job as a massage therapist and living with his best friend Mindy. He definitely doesn't focus on his recently failed relationship, the horrible things his ex said or the put downs constantly sent his way by his family.
Their initial meeting of Parker visiting Harp at his cabin for a massage session starts on the worst foot with Harp just stood in greeting with an ax, forgetting Parker was coming, which makes his anxiety worse even in his own home.
Things happen slowly in this book and you have to put in the work/effort to get through it but I did really enjoy reading it. I loved the way that through the whole book we flit between POV's of the MC's within chapters, it's clear when it happens. There is a lot of talk of anxiety, stress, depression and bullying from both characters and how it has shaped who they are today. It's wonderful to see them both learn to trust and lean on each other slowly but surely.
The setting for the book, especially the mountain where Harp's cabin is based sounds beautiful. I can easily picture myself and the MC's there.
I'm not sure if I'd go for another book of this length but I'd still always read a book from Ruthie Lunhow and Kay Simone.
I'd recommend this book for those who love a slow burner, may/december relationships. Not those looking for a book to read in one night/sitting.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
Harp has become a recluse in the mountains, keeping to himself after a horribly failed marriage and a tragic childhood event, both of which have led to him having panic attacks in social situations.
Parker keeps himself upbeat with his great job as a massage therapist and living with his best friend Mindy. He definitely doesn't focus on his recently failed relationship, the horrible things his ex said or the put downs constantly sent his way by his family.
Their initial meeting of Parker visiting Harp at his cabin for a massage session starts on the worst foot with Harp just stood in greeting with an ax, forgetting Parker was coming, which makes his anxiety worse even in his own home.
Things happen slowly in this book and you have to put in the work/effort to get through it but I did really enjoy reading it. I loved the way that through the whole book we flit between POV's of the MC's within chapters, it's clear when it happens. There is a lot of talk of anxiety, stress, depression and bullying from both characters and how it has shaped who they are today. It's wonderful to see them both learn to trust and lean on each other slowly but surely.
The setting for the book, especially the mountain where Harp's cabin is based sounds beautiful. I can easily picture myself and the MC's there.
I'm not sure if I'd go for another book of this length but I'd still always read a book from Ruthie Lunhow and Kay Simone.
I'd recommend this book for those who love a slow burner, may/december relationships. Not those looking for a book to read in one night/sitting.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
March 20, 2018
I really, really love this book but I hate it too because it is way too long. If this had been condensed into 300 - 400 pages it would have been perfect and I would have given it five stars. The writing is wonderful and the characters are fascinating but the pace was excruciatingly slow at times. I don't need to know every single thing the characters are feeling and in such detail. The many changes of POV's made it difficult to follow the story as well. Harp and Parker have a lot of issues that make their relationship almost impossible to maintain. Their lack of communication and their families interference in their relationship causes a lot of angst for both of them but every once in a while they are able to clearly express their feelings and thoughts to each other. Every time they start to build trust between them something happens and they have to start all over again but they never give up. Harp has crippling social anxiety but he is determined to deal with it and Parker is able to help him. Parker is an absolute sweetheart who has never been loved and appreciated by his family but he has his best friend and roommate Mindy to support him. Together Harp and Parker can have an incredible life if they leave their pasts behind them and don't let the opinions of others influence them. I love Harp's dogs Bo, Petunia and Gunny too as they add a lot to the story.
I was given an ARC to review by the authors.
I was given an ARC to review by the authors.
August 12, 2022
2.5 stars
I hate to say it but I'm just glad I got this book over and done with tbh.
I liked it but it just dragged on and the plot wasn't like amazingly intriguing either. I put the book down at 66% and honestly thought I'd 'DNF' it but I was torn between not giving a fuck but also still wanting to read. I very rarely skim pages but I needed to if I ever had hopes of finishing it.
the buildup to actual sex was slow but there were a lot of sensual scenes and that was good in the beginning but got really boring pretty quick.
There wasn't nearly enough drama and when there was drama it was so melodramatic I couldn't stop rolling my eyes.
It also kind of confused me that Harp literally had farm animals on his land but we didn't even know until like 35% which doesn't sound bad but trust me with how long this book is (715pgs) it felt like a complete surprise. I know it doesn't seem that relevant anyway but if it's not part of the plot why bring it up at all? Like I shit you not the animals were mentioned in maybe a sentence or two and never again. Harp also apparently has a beard but again it was brought up once and then never again, not even to say he shaved or anything like that.
I hate to say it but I'm just glad I got this book over and done with tbh.
I liked it but it just dragged on and the plot wasn't like amazingly intriguing either. I put the book down at 66% and honestly thought I'd 'DNF' it but I was torn between not giving a fuck but also still wanting to read. I very rarely skim pages but I needed to if I ever had hopes of finishing it.
the buildup to actual sex was slow but there were a lot of sensual scenes and that was good in the beginning but got really boring pretty quick.
There wasn't nearly enough drama and when there was drama it was so melodramatic I couldn't stop rolling my eyes.
It also kind of confused me that Harp literally had farm animals on his land but we didn't even know until like 35% which doesn't sound bad but trust me with how long this book is (715pgs) it felt like a complete surprise. I know it doesn't seem that relevant anyway but if it's not part of the plot why bring it up at all? Like I shit you not the animals were mentioned in maybe a sentence or two and never again. Harp also apparently has a beard but again it was brought up once and then never again, not even to say he shaved or anything like that.
April 7, 2018
I gave this novel 2*'s for just writing a novel, a feat for anyone. Saying that, it was HARD work. The whole Location 16,537 is on this one story. Normally I don't want a novel to end, especially if its good, but my golly, this was drawn out like an early Clint Eastwood Western. Too little said over a very long period. This novel was like watching back to back Clint Eastwood Western films. (or watching Paint drying) I stuck with it hoping it would improve but........sorry to say it didn't. I felt I had wasted 3 days ploughing through it. OMG, Parker 28 going on 16 not only in emotions and behavior but also in stunted vocabulary. He acts and speaks as if hes a teenager, Drove me mad. I know this is fiction, but come on, make it feel at least that its holds strong elements of real life. Harp's injury came and went in a flash... one minute he was in dire pain, then he was carrying Parker up stairs, and walking for miles. This relationship really didn't gel. This novel was not well written either, even though the story line had great potential. And it certainly needed to be condensed. Too many word getting nowhere.
April 2, 2018
Best book ever!
This book caught me completely off guard and utterly blew me away. I feel as if I'm still catching my breath. Be still my beating heart.
I loved this book so much! Loved both Harper and Parker! Loved Mindy! Loved the dogs! Loved to hate Parker's family and even Gil, Harper's brother, at times.
This was such an emotional, character-driven story. Unlike anything I have ever read.
Both authors were new to me, but I'm going to have to read more of their work. Can't believe I've been missing out on such amazing writing.
I loved that these characters, at first glance, have nothing in common, and still find a way to touch each other. To see who the other truly is.
Their patience with each other's quirks and anxieties, and the loving care they give one another is so inspiring and lovely to read!
This is such an emotional story, angst-filled and incredibly slow-burn, with beautifully written dialogue, excellent pacing and amazing character development... I can't throw in enough adjectives to do this story justice.
Brilliantly done!
This book caught me completely off guard and utterly blew me away. I feel as if I'm still catching my breath. Be still my beating heart.
I loved this book so much! Loved both Harper and Parker! Loved Mindy! Loved the dogs! Loved to hate Parker's family and even Gil, Harper's brother, at times.
This was such an emotional, character-driven story. Unlike anything I have ever read.
Both authors were new to me, but I'm going to have to read more of their work. Can't believe I've been missing out on such amazing writing.
I loved that these characters, at first glance, have nothing in common, and still find a way to touch each other. To see who the other truly is.
Their patience with each other's quirks and anxieties, and the loving care they give one another is so inspiring and lovely to read!
This is such an emotional story, angst-filled and incredibly slow-burn, with beautifully written dialogue, excellent pacing and amazing character development... I can't throw in enough adjectives to do this story justice.
Brilliantly done!
March 21, 2020
I had a love/hate relationship with this story right from the beginning. Harp and Parker are both very interesting characters with a lot of depth. They are both quirky and have many idiosyncrasies that make them interesting. They both have a lot of self esteem issues and it was nice to see them slowly help each other work past them and learn to stand up for themselves in different ways. The May/December element was a nice touch as well. It was a little bit of a slow burn but once the sexy times start they are great. There is some humor mixed in with the more emotional stuff that keeps the story from becoming too melancholy.
The POV/tense was very frustrating and I though I would get used to it as I kept reading but it continued to nag at me. Even though I think that the author/authors are great a being beautifully descriptive sometime is was over done. It made the story unnecessarily long and I found myself wanting to skim over parts. The over use of the word hip/hipping was weird. I even tried looking it up but couldn't find anything that made sense.
The POV/tense was very frustrating and I though I would get used to it as I kept reading but it continued to nag at me. Even though I think that the author/authors are great a being beautifully descriptive sometime is was over done. It made the story unnecessarily long and I found myself wanting to skim over parts. The over use of the word hip/hipping was weird. I even tried looking it up but couldn't find anything that made sense.
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