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Lawman Cade McKenna moved to Quinten, Montana in order to forget his past, one that left his face half covered in scars. He does his job with quiet authority, but otherwise wants to be left alone.
Ren Boone loves his job as a jack-of-all-trades for Hawkins Ranch. If only his personal life were as uncomplicated as his work. Ren needs to get over a crush on his best friend, and he has to find a way to tell his father, the sheriff, that he's gay.
When sabotage hits the ecological project Ren is working on, Cade is assigned the case. Suddenly Cade is fighting an attraction for the boss's son, and Ren starts to see the serious Deputy McKenna, a man who can no longer smile, as breathtaking and beautiful.
As danger mounts, tempers and desires flare out of control. Ren and Cade explode in an act of passion that sends them both reeling. A secret affair begins, one fraught with peril and misunderstandings. When Ren makes a catastrophic mistake, can Cade forgive him and let Ren back into his vulnerable heart?
CONTENT This is an erotic romance novel, and contains explicit acts of male/male sex and loving. Also contains violence.
This is book three in the Hawkins Ranch series (#1 Demon Moon, #2 Falling) but can/was written to be read as a stand alone story.
Ren Boone loves his job as a jack-of-all-trades for Hawkins Ranch. If only his personal life were as uncomplicated as his work. Ren needs to get over a crush on his best friend, and he has to find a way to tell his father, the sheriff, that he's gay.
When sabotage hits the ecological project Ren is working on, Cade is assigned the case. Suddenly Cade is fighting an attraction for the boss's son, and Ren starts to see the serious Deputy McKenna, a man who can no longer smile, as breathtaking and beautiful.
As danger mounts, tempers and desires flare out of control. Ren and Cade explode in an act of passion that sends them both reeling. A secret affair begins, one fraught with peril and misunderstandings. When Ren makes a catastrophic mistake, can Cade forgive him and let Ren back into his vulnerable heart?
CONTENT This is an erotic romance novel, and contains explicit acts of male/male sex and loving. Also contains violence.
This is book three in the Hawkins Ranch series (#1 Demon Moon, #2 Falling) but can/was written to be read as a stand alone story.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2008
27 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Dane
31 books877 followersI am an air force brat and spent most of my growing up years living overseas in Italy and England, as well as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Virginia while we were stateside. I now live in Florida once again with my big, wonderfully pushy family and my three-legged cat, Harry. I have been reading romance novels since I was twelve years old, and twenty years later I still adore them. Currently, I have an unexplainable obsession with hockey goaltenders, and an unabashed affection for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 17, 2017
4.5 stars...
I found Ren and Cade’s story to be both emotionally exhausting and satisfying. The angst was so real.
Ren and Cade are carrying on a secret relationship, and they are both closeted. Unfortunately, both of these men are dealing with insecurities that lead to misunderstandings and a huge regretful mistake. OMG! It’s not pretty. It’s damn heartbreaking, and my stomach was in knots pretty much throughout the entire book. I can see this book pissing a lot of people off. Definitely a gritty and raw read.
I found Ren and Cade’s story to be both emotionally exhausting and satisfying. The angst was so real.
Ren and Cade are carrying on a secret relationship, and they are both closeted. Unfortunately, both of these men are dealing with insecurities that lead to misunderstandings and a huge regretful mistake. OMG! It’s not pretty. It’s damn heartbreaking, and my stomach was in knots pretty much throughout the entire book. I can see this book pissing a lot of people off. Definitely a gritty and raw read.
September 22, 2011
^^RENDERED SPEECHLESS!^^
4.5
More of my reviews and thoughts on my blog PANTS OFF REVIEWS
I love Cameron Dane; I know, sounding like a broken record but she is just so gooooood when it comes to angst and the hottest sex. Her men will leave you weak in the knees, it’s a darn shame they have no interest in my girly bits because I would want these hot sexy men.
Ren is a gay man, the town don’t know, his dad don’t know. The only people with any idea, are his best-friends and one only knows because he is doing him. Ren is in love with Tex, but Tex does not feel the same, to make matters worst he is in engaged to be married and Ren provides sexual relief. Even though they truly are friends, Ren harbours feelings and the sex only keeps complicating them. Tex will never leave his fiancé, and Ren wants more from him with that their relationship comes to a close and they will become proper friends. Or will they? In comes Cade Mckenna and he sets Ren’s world on fire.
Cade is the deputy sheriff of Quinten, he just moved from the big city trying to escape an incident that has shaped his very outlook on life. Until there was Ren Boone , he wants this man but is so afraid to trust him. What begins as like, turns into hot blazing love.
The road won’t be easy and there will be betrayals, which made me cry like a true baby. Gotta give props to a book that makes you wanna throw something, and if I had it in paperback I would have thrown the sucker across the room. That’s what I call good times. This book is true reflection of that all your actions has consequences and in this case people were hurt all for a little nooky.
The sex is soooooooooooo HAWT, and the emotions so raw. It was great too see how situations was handled, and how stupid men can be, and man can they be stupid.
Overall, a great read with hot sex, and hunky men= a good time. I recommend Cameron Dane like no other.
4.5
More of my reviews and thoughts on my blog PANTS OFF REVIEWS
I love Cameron Dane; I know, sounding like a broken record but she is just so gooooood when it comes to angst and the hottest sex. Her men will leave you weak in the knees, it’s a darn shame they have no interest in my girly bits because I would want these hot sexy men.
Ren is a gay man, the town don’t know, his dad don’t know. The only people with any idea, are his best-friends and one only knows because he is doing him. Ren is in love with Tex, but Tex does not feel the same, to make matters worst he is in engaged to be married and Ren provides sexual relief. Even though they truly are friends, Ren harbours feelings and the sex only keeps complicating them. Tex will never leave his fiancé, and Ren wants more from him with that their relationship comes to a close and they will become proper friends. Or will they? In comes Cade Mckenna and he sets Ren’s world on fire.
Cade is the deputy sheriff of Quinten, he just moved from the big city trying to escape an incident that has shaped his very outlook on life. Until there was Ren Boone , he wants this man but is so afraid to trust him. What begins as like, turns into hot blazing love.
The road won’t be easy and there will be betrayals, which made me cry like a true baby. Gotta give props to a book that makes you wanna throw something, and if I had it in paperback I would have thrown the sucker across the room. That’s what I call good times. This book is true reflection of that all your actions has consequences and in this case people were hurt all for a little nooky.
The sex is soooooooooooo HAWT, and the emotions so raw. It was great too see how situations was handled, and how stupid men can be, and man can they be stupid.
Overall, a great read with hot sex, and hunky men= a good time. I recommend Cameron Dane like no other.
March 16, 2012
K so I drank the Cameron Dane kool-aid LONG LONG ago. She's pretty much my auto-buy (damn me and my angst addiction). Ren and Cade are exactly what I love about Dane novels: hot, fucked up, imperfect (Cade, physically as well as emotionally), and stubborn as hell. They're men. They don't communicate, they use sex too often in stead of expressing emotions, and by dammit they are dickheads sometimes....
I LOVE IT.
Now make no mistake, there's lots of sex and it's hot (but Dane likes to use some strange and repetitive descriptions at times... and don't even ask how so many guys assholes throb with their heartbeat...ick), but the story here is great. Ren is terribly insecure with major abandonment issues and a stupid crush on a childhood friend which causes him to doubt his "grown-up" relationship with Cade.
Cade is damaged emotionally by his past. Being gay is something that's had painful repercussions for him... so he's terribly skittish about getting into a relationship with his bosses son who is also younger than himself. But they come together and it's hot and it's good......
BUT.... and this is a spoiler while not being a spoiler since it's shelved as one of the "Best M/M With A Cheating Hero". The cheating is total bullshit. Cade has sex then doesn't call for two weeks... then does it again.... now I'll be damned if you think I'm gonna realize you're attempting a relationship with me while you're acting like that.
Cheating my ass.
You hit and run, and while later those runs were countered with decent reasoning, you DID NOT COMMUNICATE THAT TO ME UNTIL THE 13th HOUR, DUMBASS! Until Cade gave me a sign as to what the hell he wanted I'd've fucked who I wanted to, as well. Especially someone I had history with. It irked me how shitty Cade was. If I'd been their friend I'd've told Cade he was a repressed dumbass.
Moving on...
It's a great story... but that damn treatment toward Ren seemed over the top and made me really pissy with Cade. Ren's actions were incredibly excusable to me. But I've re-read this enough times it obviously didn't change my enjoyment of the story over all that Cade was an ass.
I LOVE IT.
Now make no mistake, there's lots of sex and it's hot (but Dane likes to use some strange and repetitive descriptions at times... and don't even ask how so many guys assholes throb with their heartbeat...ick), but the story here is great. Ren is terribly insecure with major abandonment issues and a stupid crush on a childhood friend which causes him to doubt his "grown-up" relationship with Cade.
Cade is damaged emotionally by his past. Being gay is something that's had painful repercussions for him... so he's terribly skittish about getting into a relationship with his bosses son who is also younger than himself. But they come together and it's hot and it's good......
BUT.... and this is a spoiler while not being a spoiler since it's shelved as one of the "Best M/M With A Cheating Hero". The cheating is total bullshit. Cade has sex then doesn't call for two weeks... then does it again.... now I'll be damned if you think I'm gonna realize you're attempting a relationship with me while you're acting like that.
Cheating my ass.
You hit and run, and while later those runs were countered with decent reasoning, you DID NOT COMMUNICATE THAT TO ME UNTIL THE 13th HOUR, DUMBASS! Until Cade gave me a sign as to what the hell he wanted I'd've fucked who I wanted to, as well. Especially someone I had history with. It irked me how shitty Cade was. If I'd been their friend I'd've told Cade he was a repressed dumbass.
Moving on...
It's a great story... but that damn treatment toward Ren seemed over the top and made me really pissy with Cade. Ren's actions were incredibly excusable to me. But I've re-read this enough times it obviously didn't change my enjoyment of the story over all that Cade was an ass.
May 28, 2009
My dislike for this book runs pretty deep, so those who don't like to read negative reviews should consider this fair warning.
From the very beginning, I didn't find either Ren or Cade a particularly sympathetic character. Ren's sexual relationship with Tex— particularly the way he went from frustrated and resentful of the limitations Tex imposed on their relationship to an immediate rationalization of his acceptance of those limitations—set off warning bells for me. Still, his conflicted feelings could have been indicative of a character trait that would build tension throughout the book: a willingness to settle (albeit bitterly) for what he could get, even when he wanted more. Sadly, though, this wasn't his only character flaw. He's also immature, spoiled, and has abandonment issues of epic proportions.
Oddly, even though Cade is the older of the two by nearly a decade, he's even more emotionally immature than Ren. There are constant hints dropped about the trauma in his past that left him repressed to the point of non-functional in a relationship context. The reveal, which finally comes near the end of the book, doesn't have nearly enough impact to justify all the hype along the way. Like Ren, Cade has a laundry list of what are presumably meant to be quirky or interesting character traits, but they mainly serve to remind the reader that he's fictional.
Despite his complete inexperience, Cade is set up as the relationship expert, dispensing sage advice and even lecturing Ren on the ways in which Ren has wronged him. Ren, of course, recognizes the wisdom in Cade's words and sees the error of his ways, at least until they do it all over again. At best their relationship feels like a co-dependent mess and at worst like mutual emotional abuse.
We're told that when they have sex it's transcendent and life-changing, but neither of them seems to change as a result of it. Each time Ren realizes how much he cares for Cade and each time Cade runs away as soon as it's over. That lack character growth is a problem that plagues the whole book, in fact.
The conflicts that keep them from their happily ever after are repetitive, too, and don't grow organically from the plot. The failures of communication are overly melodramatic even by romance-trope standards, and the ultimate conflict that leads to an apparently permanent break-up is so clearly manufactured by the author without regard for any kind of logic that it makes it impossible to suspend disbelief.
This is a very long book that could've been cut by at least a third if not half by a good editor with a sharp red pencil and a willingness to roll up her sleeves and really dig in. Honestly, though, I'm not sure even a good edit could've saved it, because the characters are so unlikeable that even after cutting away all the excess padding, you'd still be left with two self-absorbed people who should be in therapy instead of in love.
From the very beginning, I didn't find either Ren or Cade a particularly sympathetic character. Ren's sexual relationship with Tex— particularly the way he went from frustrated and resentful of the limitations Tex imposed on their relationship to an immediate rationalization of his acceptance of those limitations—set off warning bells for me. Still, his conflicted feelings could have been indicative of a character trait that would build tension throughout the book: a willingness to settle (albeit bitterly) for what he could get, even when he wanted more. Sadly, though, this wasn't his only character flaw. He's also immature, spoiled, and has abandonment issues of epic proportions.
Oddly, even though Cade is the older of the two by nearly a decade, he's even more emotionally immature than Ren. There are constant hints dropped about the trauma in his past that left him repressed to the point of non-functional in a relationship context. The reveal, which finally comes near the end of the book, doesn't have nearly enough impact to justify all the hype along the way. Like Ren, Cade has a laundry list of what are presumably meant to be quirky or interesting character traits, but they mainly serve to remind the reader that he's fictional.
Despite his complete inexperience, Cade is set up as the relationship expert, dispensing sage advice and even lecturing Ren on the ways in which Ren has wronged him. Ren, of course, recognizes the wisdom in Cade's words and sees the error of his ways, at least until they do it all over again. At best their relationship feels like a co-dependent mess and at worst like mutual emotional abuse.
We're told that when they have sex it's transcendent and life-changing, but neither of them seems to change as a result of it. Each time Ren realizes how much he cares for Cade and each time Cade runs away as soon as it's over. That lack character growth is a problem that plagues the whole book, in fact.
The conflicts that keep them from their happily ever after are repetitive, too, and don't grow organically from the plot. The failures of communication are overly melodramatic even by romance-trope standards, and the ultimate conflict that leads to an apparently permanent break-up is so clearly manufactured by the author without regard for any kind of logic that it makes it impossible to suspend disbelief.
This is a very long book that could've been cut by at least a third if not half by a good editor with a sharp red pencil and a willingness to roll up her sleeves and really dig in. Honestly, though, I'm not sure even a good edit could've saved it, because the characters are so unlikeable that even after cutting away all the excess padding, you'd still be left with two self-absorbed people who should be in therapy instead of in love.
July 17, 2011
I've been reading some of Cameron Dane's books. They are a fun read (not really deep, it is smut, after all), although I tend to skip the lengthy sex descriptions. (Who can get it up 5 times in one night anyway?)
Sadly, I couldn't even remotely enjoy this one. The characters were good, the premise was interesting... and then come the annoying bits.
First, everything gets spelled out. If an author feels the need to explain everything in great detail she is not doing a good job... and at the same time insults the readers' intelligence. I mean yes, thank you, we get that Ren sidestepped a question by denying one part of it and leading the good deputy by his nose, but why does it have to be spelled out so much in detail we lose the point of the story?
Then the second, the whole cheating idea threw me for a loop. So far the story is about Cade fucking Ren, Cade getting his panties in a twist after the sex, Cade leaving Ren and not talking to the hapless guy for weeks. Again and again and again.
Then comes a glitch when Ren gets ignored for about 2 weeks and has some comfort sex with someone else. As a predictable plot twist, Cade sees the whole thing and once again gets his panties in a major twist, claiming that Ren cheated on him. (What?!) And I thought I was reading about two guys, silly me.
Well, last I checked you need to be in a relationship first before you can actually cheat on said person. Not to mention if someone treats you like dirt a fuck buddy and never says he actually cares for you he definitely has no claim on you whatsoever. It can't be expected of somebody to take being ignored and rebuffed in stride and wait around forever just in case Silent Sam decides to actually tell him he loves him and wants him. That's far-fetched, pointless angst right there.
Third: the whole "you are afraid of a relationship" thing. Where the hell did that come from? I'm completely flabbergasted. No sign of Ren being afraid of actually getting into a relationship whatsoever in the story so far. It's pretty stupid to introduce relationship-phobia issues in the last 3/4 part of the book, no? (I think it's just a f-ed up attempt at trying to justify the "cheating" that doesn't even constitute as cheating. It feels like putting a center-piece over the wine-stain on the table cloth.)
And the angst still won't end. They fuck, Cade bails out, they spend some time apart, they fuck, Cade gets his panties in a twist... rinse, repeat.
I'm thinking of making this book into a drinking game.
I'm wondering if an editor has ever read this. I'm pretty sure the answer is no.
Sadly, I couldn't even remotely enjoy this one. The characters were good, the premise was interesting... and then come the annoying bits.
First, everything gets spelled out. If an author feels the need to explain everything in great detail she is not doing a good job... and at the same time insults the readers' intelligence. I mean yes, thank you, we get that Ren sidestepped a question by denying one part of it and leading the good deputy by his nose, but why does it have to be spelled out so much in detail we lose the point of the story?
Then the second, the whole cheating idea threw me for a loop. So far the story is about Cade fucking Ren, Cade getting his panties in a twist after the sex, Cade leaving Ren and not talking to the hapless guy for weeks. Again and again and again.
Then comes a glitch when Ren gets ignored for about 2 weeks and has some comfort sex with someone else. As a predictable plot twist, Cade sees the whole thing and once again gets his panties in a major twist, claiming that Ren cheated on him. (What?!) And I thought I was reading about two guys, silly me.
Well, last I checked you need to be in a relationship first before you can actually cheat on said person. Not to mention if someone treats you like
Third: the whole "you are afraid of a relationship" thing. Where the hell did that come from? I'm completely flabbergasted. No sign of Ren being afraid of actually getting into a relationship whatsoever in the story so far. It's pretty stupid to introduce relationship-phobia issues in the last 3/4 part of the book, no? (I think it's just a f-ed up attempt at trying to justify the "cheating" that doesn't even constitute as cheating. It feels like putting a center-piece over the wine-stain on the table cloth.)
And the angst still won't end. They fuck, Cade bails out, they spend some time apart, they fuck, Cade gets his panties in a twist... rinse, repeat.
I'm thinking of making this book into a drinking game.
I'm wondering if an editor has ever read this. I'm pretty sure the answer is no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2009
Renecade is a superb story, really moving and intense.I was swept away by the characters really fast.
Cade is a sweet and reserved man but someone who need love. A very bad experience in the past push him somehow to keep away from everyone and to trust no one.
Ren is a young stud who seems full of life and confidence but he is extremely insecure.
Their connection is intense and fragile at the same time, their need for
each other makes them both frightened and clumsy.
I thought "it will take years" (lol).
But even if the word "L" was not pronounced (or much less thought) i could feel it.
It was like: "i want you, i'm falling in love with you, so stay away from me but i can't take my hands off you"!!
Then "the mistake" is done and it hurt so much...
I cried a lot till the end...
There is a back story (about sabotage) that has a surprising end.
Highly recommended!!!
Cade is a sweet and reserved man but someone who need love. A very bad experience in the past push him somehow to keep away from everyone and to trust no one.
Ren is a young stud who seems full of life and confidence but he is extremely insecure.
Their connection is intense and fragile at the same time, their need for
each other makes them both frightened and clumsy.
I thought "it will take years" (lol).
But even if the word "L" was not pronounced (or much less thought) i could feel it.
It was like: "i want you, i'm falling in love with you, so stay away from me but i can't take my hands off you"!!
Then "the mistake" is done and it hurt so much...
I cried a lot till the end...
There is a back story (about sabotage) that has a surprising end.
Highly recommended!!!
January 31, 2023
This may contain spoilers so read at your own risk.
Can you cheat on someone if you don't know you're in a relationship? Apparently, according to 99% of the characters in this book you can.
I LOVE a good cheating with redemption story, but this one isn't going to go on my cheating shelf because while there was cheating in the book it wasn't between the two MCs. REN DID NOT CHEAT ON CADE because they weren't more than fuck buddies at the time. Did Cade have a right to be hurt that Ren slept with his other long-time fuck buddy after Ren and Cade had sex twice but then Cade ignored him (in person and by phone call) for about two weeks? Sure, because in Cade's mind, they were together. He never said it to Ren and he sure as shit didn't act it. In fact, he left town because his only relative died without saying a word to Cade. They didn't even have each other's cell numbers, but hey, you can't help it if you feel hurt.
What do Ren's friends and family think? Well, they also believe that Ren is acting childish, is afraid of having a relationship, and that he's the one that tanked whatever was building between the two, and Ren accepts this. Cade NEVER ONCE accepts any part in what happened. In fact, since Ren did this to him, it's Ren who must prove himself worthy. Cade doesn't ever apologize for his actions, but demands Ren jump through hoops to prove himself. I couldn't decide whether Ren was just a doormat or the entire town succeeded in gaslighting him into believing he was a horrible person.
On to the real cheating and Tex and Ren's best friends-with-benefits relationship. This was the most honest relationship in this book. It was, what it was, and in the end, it was destroyed in spectacular soap opera-worthy fashion. I also loved Duke and I liked Ren's BFF Risa (even though she did out both him and Cade in the heat of a difficult moment).
Moving on to the mystery of who is messing with the fish project at the ranch, I didn't expect the culprit, but also we are told that this person had interactions and warned people about things, but we never saw it. A bit too much exposition after the fact.
While this was good for a soap opera read, the angst and drama were too over the top to really give me what I was looking for. I did feel for Ren, because he just couldn't catch a break and everyone was so willing to just tell him why everything was his fault. I never warmed up to Cade and didn't want them together in the end. I also found the sex scenes to be way too long and skimmed pretty much all of them. I did keep (hate)reading and I have enjoyed other books but the author, but this one made me too annoyed to rate it any higher.
Can you cheat on someone if you don't know you're in a relationship? Apparently, according to 99% of the characters in this book you can.
I LOVE a good cheating with redemption story, but this one isn't going to go on my cheating shelf because while there was cheating in the book it wasn't between the two MCs. REN DID NOT CHEAT ON CADE because they weren't more than fuck buddies at the time. Did Cade have a right to be hurt that Ren slept with his other long-time fuck buddy after Ren and Cade had sex twice but then Cade ignored him (in person and by phone call) for about two weeks? Sure, because in Cade's mind, they were together. He never said it to Ren and he sure as shit didn't act it. In fact, he left town because his only relative died without saying a word to Cade. They didn't even have each other's cell numbers, but hey, you can't help it if you feel hurt.
What do Ren's friends and family think? Well, they also believe that Ren is acting childish, is afraid of having a relationship, and that he's the one that tanked whatever was building between the two, and Ren accepts this. Cade NEVER ONCE accepts any part in what happened. In fact, since Ren did this to him, it's Ren who must prove himself worthy. Cade doesn't ever apologize for his actions, but demands Ren jump through hoops to prove himself. I couldn't decide whether Ren was just a doormat or the entire town succeeded in gaslighting him into believing he was a horrible person.
On to the real cheating and Tex and Ren's best friends-with-benefits relationship. This was the most honest relationship in this book. It was, what it was, and in the end, it was destroyed in spectacular soap opera-worthy fashion. I also loved Duke and I liked Ren's BFF Risa (even though she did out both him and Cade in the heat of a difficult moment).
Moving on to the mystery of who is messing with the fish project at the ranch, I didn't expect the culprit, but also we are told that this person had interactions and warned people about things, but we never saw it. A bit too much exposition after the fact.
While this was good for a soap opera read, the angst and drama were too over the top to really give me what I was looking for. I did feel for Ren, because he just couldn't catch a break and everyone was so willing to just tell him why everything was his fault. I never warmed up to Cade and didn't want them together in the end. I also found the sex scenes to be way too long and skimmed pretty much all of them. I did keep (hate)reading and I have enjoyed other books but the author, but this one made me too annoyed to rate it any higher.
September 26, 2021
Bloody Hell. There is something about Cameron Dane's writing that is incredibly erotic. Seriously, how can steaming anus's and cocks get one going? Somehow they just do when Cameron Dane writes it!
Of the 2 main characters, Cade and Ren, I just loved Cade. He had so much of what I like, particularly in this genre - a bit of a gruff veneer, loyal, a strong moral compass, sweet with his partner, loved animals, with just enough of a sad past to add some mystery or angst.
Ren, well I liked him up until he erred on the stupid side. Then he pissed me off. I get why he did what he did. I absolutely do, but he hurt Cade, not to mention himself and others as well. He wouldn't take real responsibility for his behaviour for a while, and that just bugged the hell out of me. Just own it. Maybe communicate well and move on.
The book was quite angsty, the sex smoking hot and there was a good storyline with Ren's mum, the vandalism and sabotage and shooting. It also sets up nicely for the next book featuring Risa and Duke (Ren's best friend and father). I will definitely be reading this whole series as I've enjoyed them all so far and it seems I am quite the fan of Ms Dane's writing.
Of the 2 main characters, Cade and Ren, I just loved Cade. He had so much of what I like, particularly in this genre - a bit of a gruff veneer, loyal, a strong moral compass, sweet with his partner, loved animals, with just enough of a sad past to add some mystery or angst.
Ren, well I liked him up until he erred on the stupid side. Then he pissed me off. I get why he did what he did. I absolutely do, but he hurt Cade, not to mention himself and others as well. He wouldn't take real responsibility for his behaviour for a while, and that just bugged the hell out of me. Just own it. Maybe communicate well and move on.
The book was quite angsty, the sex smoking hot and there was a good storyline with Ren's mum, the vandalism and sabotage and shooting. It also sets up nicely for the next book featuring Risa and Duke (Ren's best friend and father). I will definitely be reading this whole series as I've enjoyed them all so far and it seems I am quite the fan of Ms Dane's writing.
June 15, 2025
As much as it PAINS me to say this (and yes, I know how ridiculous that is), Ren did not cheat on Cade.
And I'm glad we got dual POV for this one because while it's easy to see why Cade was the way he was, it requires no assumptions to see why Ren did what he did.
I'll even go so far as to say I'm okay with Ren doing it.
Cade knew that man had just gotten out of a DL situationship with his engaged best friend. Hell, Cade's word were partly why Ren finally found the courage to walk away from it.
Only for Cade to then take Tex's place.
Stood there, told Ren that he deserves a man that wouldn't hide him, wouldn't reciprocate, then when Cade got the chance to be that man.....he wasn't.
So forgive me (not sorry) for really REALLY not being mad at Ren for trying his best to give 75% in his situationship (because that wasn't a relationship, either) with Cade, and after finding that Cade wouldn't or couldn't give the 25% that was being asked of him, moving on.
It's just Cade's bad luck that this happened to coincide with Ren's bestie Situationship General™ Tex coming back onto the scene and saying, hey, remember when you said we had to stop because I wasn't willing to give you what you wanted?
"I'm willing."
No way you compete with a childhood love and you're already not even on the playing field.
Whether Cade knew it or not, he'd become Tex. His words were pretty but I don't blame Ren for not wanting to have another go with a man who fucks him like he'll die if he doesn't then avoids him like the plague while the sun's out.
Most importantly, you can't cheat on someone you're not with.
If you fuck someone, disappear for 5 days, come back just long enough to fuck, then disappear for five days AGAIN, that's a booty call.
And people aren't owed exclusivity from booty calls unless expressly discussed beforehand. Sorry but them's the breaks🤷🏾♀️
Sad thing was, Cade's issue was communication. Man couldn't communicate with a gun to his head. All of this could have been avoided if he'd just picked up a phone but nooooooo. He had to be out here assuming Ren was an inanimate object whom he'd find exactly where he'd placed him before he left.
Now look it him. Chest heavy, eyes HOT.
Because God loves me and Cade got to see Ren GET IT from the guy he's been in love with since he was 14💀
Sure. Not cheating, but I enjoyed that scene regardless.
I get Ren, honestly. At least Tex promised nothing. Went OUT of his way and around a few times to clarify how little he had to offer, even at the risk of ending their friendship. Cade was out here saying the most but no action to back it up.
The way Ren saw it, if you ABSOLUTELY have to be a fool, be it for one man but not two of them back to back.
Now your new crush is tweaking, and the man you've been in love with forever is on his knees with your cock in his mouth and saying,
“You don’t ever have to beg me for anything either, Ren.”
Honestly? I get it. Get your nut, boo.
No judgment from me.
But yeah, TW for those who may require it, this book contains graphic detail of one MC having sex with another man who is NOT the other MC - with all the bells on.
***This book also contains an instance of one MC's anus being called a chute, and I'm warning others because I wish someone had warned me.
Anyway.
Kind of sick that Cade couldn't even get to hope the sex wasn't good because Ren was hooting and hollering about how good it was DURING 💀
Oh, well. Sometimes bad things happen to emotionally unavailable men. What to do?
Also, to be clear, my feelings on Ren's predicament don't mirror his. He absolutely believed that he'd cheated, and was sick about it immediately.
But not sick enough NOT to get defensive about it when Cade called him out on it later that very night 💀
Unfortunately Tex is another friend that would HAVE to bite the dust. No way I'm Cade and I'm okay with you two staying friends after you've been in love with him half your life AND I heard how good he gives it to you.
No way he can come over for Sunday dinner. Cross the road when you see that man, baby.
Also because Tex is a ridiculous man.
First order of business - strong advice that Ren not say anything about this to Cade because they're not going to do it again and it will only hurt Cade.
Which would be fine, except Cade already saw and heard every moan, every "Oh, God! So good! Fuck me good!"
Also, HE'S planning to tell his fiancée everything. Well. Not EVERYthing.
“But starting today, other than the sex between you and me, I am going to find a way to man up and tell Shelley everything.”
My best part of cheating books is when the confrontation happens. When they're saying reckless, hurtful things to each other.
Because wdym Cade who hardly talks is now shouting entire paragraphs. We love to see it.
Going all, oh, I'm sorry? You're saying it's my fault you fucked another man because I didn't talk to you for six days? You're right, my bad, all is forgiven. Should we just throw down and fuck each other senseless on the couch? Should I just drop trou and let you take me? Because God knows your ass must be sore after what you were crying out for Tex to do to you earlier?
💀💀💀💀💀💀
Like oh my God none of this would have happened if you'd shown all this passion before?
But also, how ridiculous is it that Ren saw this man breaking down, crying and thought to himself - you know what Cade needs? A kiss.
Unfortunately for him, “You fucked me over, and I will not let you seduce me into thinking it wasn’t a big deal. It was. It was the biggest fucking deal of my life.”
Welp.
FORTUNATELY for him, Ren's a loverboy.
Like, if ever there was a man dying to prove his love to another, it's Ren.
Literally been preparing for this since he was 14. I had no doubts he'd succeed.
That said, maybe saying, “You’re one of the strongest, least compromising men I know." is NOT the best way to convince someone you 'cheated' on to forgive you.
Ren, baby, what is you doing?
“I mean I fell in love with you, you unthinking, unfeeling son of a bitch."
WHAT A GREAT TIME FOR A LOVE DECLARATION. Really. No notes. Impeccable timing.
Okay. So a LOT happens on the journey back together for these two. Over the course of more than 8 months. I won't get into the details but I feel like a lot of the people in Ren's life eventually gaslit him into cementing the idea that he cheated on Cade. And I don't know if I'm going crazy because he didn't cheat on that man. But everyone kept making him feel incredibly bad about it(like he wasn't already doing a great job at that on his own) and eventually I also got mad about it.
Everyone, including and especially Cade, acts like it happened in a vacuum and that's simply NOT what happened. Cade can rewrite history all he likes but at the end of the day, Ren wasn't his boyfriend, and intentional or otherwise, Cade went to great lengths to make Ren feel unwanted, hidden, uncared for, then turned around and acted shocked when Ren took him at face value.
Now Ren has to fall asleep crying and praying every night for God to forgive him for cheating on his boyfriend but, again, NOT HIS BOYFRIEND.
Not then, not now.
I think I finally found a book in which I can forgive the cheater. This one! BECAUSE REN DID NOT CHEAT ON THAT MAN.
Honestly, it got to the point where it felt like they were beating a dead horse. I love a good extended grovel as much as the next girl but let the man have at least committed the crime, damn!
Cade's going around, not forgiving this man, but FOLLOWING HIM AROUND when he sees him with Tex.
So the way I see it, there's two choices. Take that man back and lay down the law about Tex needing to be gone. Or decide you can't forgive and leave that man alone and let him have his best friend.
“I thought I had moved past everything that happened between us. I thought I could let go and forgive you. Then I saw you get into Tex’s truck and immediately thought you were about to cheat on me again. I didn’t even think twice. I just followed you to confirm my suspicions.”
WHAT DO YOU MEAN CHEAT ON YOU AGAIN?!
I swear, this thing was Schrödinger's relationship based on whatever mood Cade was in at any given moment.
I'll never forgive you and we're not together but also if you have a friendship with your best friend you're cheating on me.
PICK. A. STRUGGLE!
“I can’t be with you,” Cade finally said. “Definitely not today, and I don’t know if ever.”
Okay. Good. Go away, then?
I swearrrrrrr by this point I wanted Cade to just get gone and stay gone.
Then.... I can't see you with Tex. Great, because Tex is leaving. We decided we can't be friends if we want our relationships to work. And I want us to work. Okay, but that's not the kind of man I want to be, dictating which friends you can have.
?????????
I repeat, WHAT THE FUCK?!
Cade loves being a victim more than he loves Ren.
Honestly the grovel in this is exquisite. The punishment urelenting. The sort of dragging him across the coals I keep wanting to see cheaters get and rarely do in books. I really, really would have loved it.
If Ren had actually cheated.
“I need time. I don’t expect you to wait for me."
“I’ll wait for you.”
“It might never happen.”
“I’ll wait for you.”
“I have no right to ask --”
“I’ll wait for you.”
Guess the point at which Cade remembered his inability to move on?
Yep. Right after nutting in this man.
I don't think I can express how much I HATED Cade by this point.
More than Shane Hollander. More than Frankie from The Fishermen, even.
And I get him feeling like people have hurt him and gotten away with it all his life, I get him not wanting everyone to know he forgave being cheated on (because everyone in town knows what happened), I get not wanting to be the public fool.
And all that would be valid IF Ren had actually chea—
You know what, I can't.
I CAN'T.
And I'm glad we got dual POV for this one because while it's easy to see why Cade was the way he was, it requires no assumptions to see why Ren did what he did.
I'll even go so far as to say I'm okay with Ren doing it.
Cade knew that man had just gotten out of a DL situationship with his engaged best friend. Hell, Cade's word were partly why Ren finally found the courage to walk away from it.
Only for Cade to then take Tex's place.
Stood there, told Ren that he deserves a man that wouldn't hide him, wouldn't reciprocate, then when Cade got the chance to be that man.....he wasn't.
So forgive me (not sorry) for really REALLY not being mad at Ren for trying his best to give 75% in his situationship (because that wasn't a relationship, either) with Cade, and after finding that Cade wouldn't or couldn't give the 25% that was being asked of him, moving on.
It's just Cade's bad luck that this happened to coincide with Ren's bestie Situationship General™ Tex coming back onto the scene and saying, hey, remember when you said we had to stop because I wasn't willing to give you what you wanted?
"I'm willing."
No way you compete with a childhood love and you're already not even on the playing field.
Whether Cade knew it or not, he'd become Tex. His words were pretty but I don't blame Ren for not wanting to have another go with a man who fucks him like he'll die if he doesn't then avoids him like the plague while the sun's out.
Most importantly, you can't cheat on someone you're not with.
If you fuck someone, disappear for 5 days, come back just long enough to fuck, then disappear for five days AGAIN, that's a booty call.
And people aren't owed exclusivity from booty calls unless expressly discussed beforehand. Sorry but them's the breaks🤷🏾♀️
Sad thing was, Cade's issue was communication. Man couldn't communicate with a gun to his head. All of this could have been avoided if he'd just picked up a phone but nooooooo. He had to be out here assuming Ren was an inanimate object whom he'd find exactly where he'd placed him before he left.
Now look it him. Chest heavy, eyes HOT.
Because God loves me and Cade got to see Ren GET IT from the guy he's been in love with since he was 14💀
Sure. Not cheating, but I enjoyed that scene regardless.
I get Ren, honestly. At least Tex promised nothing. Went OUT of his way and around a few times to clarify how little he had to offer, even at the risk of ending their friendship. Cade was out here saying the most but no action to back it up.
The way Ren saw it, if you ABSOLUTELY have to be a fool, be it for one man but not two of them back to back.
Now your new crush is tweaking, and the man you've been in love with forever is on his knees with your cock in his mouth and saying,
“You don’t ever have to beg me for anything either, Ren.”
Honestly? I get it. Get your nut, boo.
No judgment from me.
But yeah, TW for those who may require it, this book contains graphic detail of one MC having sex with another man who is NOT the other MC - with all the bells on.
***This book also contains an instance of one MC's anus being called a chute, and I'm warning others because I wish someone had warned me.
Anyway.
Kind of sick that Cade couldn't even get to hope the sex wasn't good because Ren was hooting and hollering about how good it was DURING 💀
Oh, well. Sometimes bad things happen to emotionally unavailable men. What to do?
Also, to be clear, my feelings on Ren's predicament don't mirror his. He absolutely believed that he'd cheated, and was sick about it immediately.
But not sick enough NOT to get defensive about it when Cade called him out on it later that very night 💀
Unfortunately Tex is another friend that would HAVE to bite the dust. No way I'm Cade and I'm okay with you two staying friends after you've been in love with him half your life AND I heard how good he gives it to you.
No way he can come over for Sunday dinner. Cross the road when you see that man, baby.
Also because Tex is a ridiculous man.
First order of business - strong advice that Ren not say anything about this to Cade because they're not going to do it again and it will only hurt Cade.
Which would be fine, except Cade already saw and heard every moan, every "Oh, God! So good! Fuck me good!"
Also, HE'S planning to tell his fiancée everything. Well. Not EVERYthing.
“But starting today, other than the sex between you and me, I am going to find a way to man up and tell Shelley everything.”
My best part of cheating books is when the confrontation happens. When they're saying reckless, hurtful things to each other.
Because wdym Cade who hardly talks is now shouting entire paragraphs. We love to see it.
Going all, oh, I'm sorry? You're saying it's my fault you fucked another man because I didn't talk to you for six days? You're right, my bad, all is forgiven. Should we just throw down and fuck each other senseless on the couch? Should I just drop trou and let you take me? Because God knows your ass must be sore after what you were crying out for Tex to do to you earlier?
💀💀💀💀💀💀
Like oh my God none of this would have happened if you'd shown all this passion before?
But also, how ridiculous is it that Ren saw this man breaking down, crying and thought to himself - you know what Cade needs? A kiss.
Unfortunately for him, “You fucked me over, and I will not let you seduce me into thinking it wasn’t a big deal. It was. It was the biggest fucking deal of my life.”
Welp.
FORTUNATELY for him, Ren's a loverboy.
Like, if ever there was a man dying to prove his love to another, it's Ren.
Literally been preparing for this since he was 14. I had no doubts he'd succeed.
That said, maybe saying, “You’re one of the strongest, least compromising men I know." is NOT the best way to convince someone you 'cheated' on to forgive you.
Ren, baby, what is you doing?
“I mean I fell in love with you, you unthinking, unfeeling son of a bitch."
WHAT A GREAT TIME FOR A LOVE DECLARATION. Really. No notes. Impeccable timing.
Okay. So a LOT happens on the journey back together for these two. Over the course of more than 8 months. I won't get into the details but I feel like a lot of the people in Ren's life eventually gaslit him into cementing the idea that he cheated on Cade. And I don't know if I'm going crazy because he didn't cheat on that man. But everyone kept making him feel incredibly bad about it(like he wasn't already doing a great job at that on his own) and eventually I also got mad about it.
Everyone, including and especially Cade, acts like it happened in a vacuum and that's simply NOT what happened. Cade can rewrite history all he likes but at the end of the day, Ren wasn't his boyfriend, and intentional or otherwise, Cade went to great lengths to make Ren feel unwanted, hidden, uncared for, then turned around and acted shocked when Ren took him at face value.
Now Ren has to fall asleep crying and praying every night for God to forgive him for cheating on his boyfriend but, again, NOT HIS BOYFRIEND.
Not then, not now.
I think I finally found a book in which I can forgive the cheater. This one! BECAUSE REN DID NOT CHEAT ON THAT MAN.
Honestly, it got to the point where it felt like they were beating a dead horse. I love a good extended grovel as much as the next girl but let the man have at least committed the crime, damn!
Cade's going around, not forgiving this man, but FOLLOWING HIM AROUND when he sees him with Tex.
So the way I see it, there's two choices. Take that man back and lay down the law about Tex needing to be gone. Or decide you can't forgive and leave that man alone and let him have his best friend.
“I thought I had moved past everything that happened between us. I thought I could let go and forgive you. Then I saw you get into Tex’s truck and immediately thought you were about to cheat on me again. I didn’t even think twice. I just followed you to confirm my suspicions.”
WHAT DO YOU MEAN CHEAT ON YOU AGAIN?!
I swear, this thing was Schrödinger's relationship based on whatever mood Cade was in at any given moment.
I'll never forgive you and we're not together but also if you have a friendship with your best friend you're cheating on me.
PICK. A. STRUGGLE!
“I can’t be with you,” Cade finally said. “Definitely not today, and I don’t know if ever.”
Okay. Good. Go away, then?
I swearrrrrrr by this point I wanted Cade to just get gone and stay gone.
Then.... I can't see you with Tex. Great, because Tex is leaving. We decided we can't be friends if we want our relationships to work. And I want us to work. Okay, but that's not the kind of man I want to be, dictating which friends you can have.
?????????
I repeat, WHAT THE FUCK?!
Cade loves being a victim more than he loves Ren.
Honestly the grovel in this is exquisite. The punishment urelenting. The sort of dragging him across the coals I keep wanting to see cheaters get and rarely do in books. I really, really would have loved it.
If Ren had actually cheated.
“I need time. I don’t expect you to wait for me."
“I’ll wait for you.”
“It might never happen.”
“I’ll wait for you.”
“I have no right to ask --”
“I’ll wait for you.”
Guess the point at which Cade remembered his inability to move on?
Yep. Right after nutting in this man.
I don't think I can express how much I HATED Cade by this point.
More than Shane Hollander. More than Frankie from The Fishermen, even.
And I get him feeling like people have hurt him and gotten away with it all his life, I get him not wanting everyone to know he forgave being cheated on (because everyone in town knows what happened), I get not wanting to be the public fool.
And all that would be valid IF Ren had actually chea—
You know what, I can't.
I CAN'T.
November 16, 2008
Oh my god this book was so awesome!! I might have to add this to my top 5 favorite erotica books. Ever.
Cade is a physically scarred police officer working in Montana near the Hawkins ranch. He keeps himself all closed up and emotionally unattached to prevent something horrific from happening all over again. However Cade has a hard time staying detached around Ren. Ren is the sheriffs son, and Cade has had a thing for him for a long time. When Cade overhears a private conversation between Ren and his friend Risa, he finds out Ren is gay. Now, Cade really has to stay away from Ren so that- A. the sheriff doesnt find out about his crush, and B. so that Cade doesnt let himself get hurt again.
Ren is so attracted to Cade despite the scars that mar half of his face. When Cade is in a small car accident, Ren rushes out to see what happened and they share a scorching kiss. Cade pulls away, determined not to let Ren get to him. Ren feels slighted and so he tries to stay away. After a dramatic turn of events, Cade and Ren have a passion filled night together, and from this point on, the drama really begins. Can they manage to make it work even though they have to hide their new relationship? Misunderstandings and much drama ensues while they try to figure it out.
I. Loved. This. Book. It was so freakin good! Of course you have to like m/m romance to enjoy this book, but if you do, your in for a treat. This story has so much romance, angst, drama, heartache and passion, that I couldnt put it down until I was done. This is one of the few erotic romances I've read that really gives you that gut-wrenching ache when things aren't working out, or that elated high when things are going well. I highly recommend this book by Cameron Dane, although you really should read Demon Moon, and Falling first. Awesome.
*This book has lots of m/m hotness, so if that's not your thing, dont pick this up!
Cade is a physically scarred police officer working in Montana near the Hawkins ranch. He keeps himself all closed up and emotionally unattached to prevent something horrific from happening all over again. However Cade has a hard time staying detached around Ren. Ren is the sheriffs son, and Cade has had a thing for him for a long time. When Cade overhears a private conversation between Ren and his friend Risa, he finds out Ren is gay. Now, Cade really has to stay away from Ren so that- A. the sheriff doesnt find out about his crush, and B. so that Cade doesnt let himself get hurt again.
Ren is so attracted to Cade despite the scars that mar half of his face. When Cade is in a small car accident, Ren rushes out to see what happened and they share a scorching kiss. Cade pulls away, determined not to let Ren get to him. Ren feels slighted and so he tries to stay away. After a dramatic turn of events, Cade and Ren have a passion filled night together, and from this point on, the drama really begins. Can they manage to make it work even though they have to hide their new relationship? Misunderstandings and much drama ensues while they try to figure it out.
I. Loved. This. Book. It was so freakin good! Of course you have to like m/m romance to enjoy this book, but if you do, your in for a treat. This story has so much romance, angst, drama, heartache and passion, that I couldnt put it down until I was done. This is one of the few erotic romances I've read that really gives you that gut-wrenching ache when things aren't working out, or that elated high when things are going well. I highly recommend this book by Cameron Dane, although you really should read Demon Moon, and Falling first. Awesome.
*This book has lots of m/m hotness, so if that's not your thing, dont pick this up!
April 6, 2011
One of the best m/m romances I've read in that there's a lot more character development here - due, no doubt, to the book's length. This is one book I would have liked to have bought in print.
One thing I'm beginning to notice as I read more gay romances, is that the authors allow infidelity after the romance has begun. For example, in this book, Ren cheats on Cade during as low point in their new relationship. This is something rare in m/f romances. I've never read an m/f romance where either protagonist cheats and hurts the other after their romance has bloomed. Granted, they may be some that I haven't come across but in my opinion, they're rare.
I really like that Renecade is filled with so much emotion. The sex is much, much more explicit than many I've read so if this is going to be your first gay romance, be warned. Renecade brings to mind all the old romances once written - full of angst, psycho drama and the expected - and necessary - emotive HEA. They don't write these m/f romances anymore...what a pity.
One thing I'm beginning to notice as I read more gay romances, is that the authors allow infidelity after the romance has begun. For example, in this book, Ren cheats on Cade during as low point in their new relationship. This is something rare in m/f romances. I've never read an m/f romance where either protagonist cheats and hurts the other after their romance has bloomed. Granted, they may be some that I haven't come across but in my opinion, they're rare.
I really like that Renecade is filled with so much emotion. The sex is much, much more explicit than many I've read so if this is going to be your first gay romance, be warned. Renecade brings to mind all the old romances once written - full of angst, psycho drama and the expected - and necessary - emotive HEA. They don't write these m/f romances anymore...what a pity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2012
Betrayal! BETRAYAL!!(A poor man's M/M, sex filled, Shakespearean tale)
This book has a hint of Shakespeare gone gay, western and modern.
Things happening behind the scenes, melodrama, affairs, duplicitous parents, secrets being kept, and even some plotting going on.
It's hard to break down this story without giving anything away and, really, without the surprise factor this book is just angst for angst's sake.
When someone is especially melodramatic in a book I say that they are having a Marlon Brando "Stella! Stellllllllaaaaa!!" moment. Ren and Cade have one Marlon Brando moment after another, back to back.
I mean, these men are on their knees in the middle of a deserted street, heads thrown back, screaming, sobbing, and tearing their shirts with their bare hands. It's bordering on ridiculous.
The sex in this book is hot. Hot and dramatically angst-filled. It's like sex is a life and death situation for these men. I saw what the author was going for but I wanted to say "Seriously guys, if you don't dial down the intensity I think you might pop something vital".
So, why the three stars? Because it's Cameron Dane and somehow, even when I wanted to smack these men upside their heads, I still kept reading. I wanted them to be happy because all of that torment needed to pay off for them.
In the end it did pay off. Thank God because if it hadn't I would have been the one having a Marlon Brando moment.
This book has a hint of Shakespeare gone gay, western and modern.
Things happening behind the scenes, melodrama, affairs, duplicitous parents, secrets being kept, and even some plotting going on.
It's hard to break down this story without giving anything away and, really, without the surprise factor this book is just angst for angst's sake.
When someone is especially melodramatic in a book I say that they are having a Marlon Brando "Stella! Stellllllllaaaaa!!" moment. Ren and Cade have one Marlon Brando moment after another, back to back.
I mean, these men are on their knees in the middle of a deserted street, heads thrown back, screaming, sobbing, and tearing their shirts with their bare hands. It's bordering on ridiculous.
The sex in this book is hot. Hot and dramatically angst-filled. It's like sex is a life and death situation for these men. I saw what the author was going for but I wanted to say "Seriously guys, if you don't dial down the intensity I think you might pop something vital".
So, why the three stars? Because it's Cameron Dane and somehow, even when I wanted to smack these men upside their heads, I still kept reading. I wanted them to be happy because all of that torment needed to pay off for them.
In the end it did pay off. Thank God because if it hadn't I would have been the one having a Marlon Brando moment.
January 5, 2013
This has many long explicit sex scenes between two men. It’s ok if that’s your mood.
Personally, I found myself skimming the sex scenes. I prefer more emphasis on characters and plot.
The story line was ok, but it could have been better. The main conflict is that Cade would not forgive something Ren did. What Ren did was stupid, but he did have some justification. He misunderstood Cade’s actions. I was confused by Cade’s actions. Then Cade held his grudge for an excessively long time. But there is a happy ending.
A secondary story involved someone vandalizing property. That person’s motives, methods, and actions were not shown. I would have liked more about that.
A minor problem: too many characters’s names started with C. It took energy to keep them straight: Cade, Caleb, Cain, Connor, and Crash.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count story length: 8,290 (619 KB). Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong, includes rear door activity. Number of sex scenes: about 12. Setting: current day Montana. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic gay male contemporary romance.
Personally, I found myself skimming the sex scenes. I prefer more emphasis on characters and plot.
The story line was ok, but it could have been better. The main conflict is that Cade would not forgive something Ren did. What Ren did was stupid, but he did have some justification. He misunderstood Cade’s actions. I was confused by Cade’s actions. Then Cade held his grudge for an excessively long time. But there is a happy ending.
A secondary story involved someone vandalizing property. That person’s motives, methods, and actions were not shown. I would have liked more about that.
A minor problem: too many characters’s names started with C. It took energy to keep them straight: Cade, Caleb, Cain, Connor, and Crash.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count story length: 8,290 (619 KB). Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong, includes rear door activity. Number of sex scenes: about 12. Setting: current day Montana. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic gay male contemporary romance.
June 30, 2012
I really liked this book but I have to say there were a few things I just didn't get:
1) The cheating - WHAT CHEATING! I mean if I'd went out with a guy that just came to me where i was camping and we immediately had hot sex then did it again the next day but then he doesn't call in a week so i had to call him Instead of waiting for his call and invite him to the rodeo and you can tell he's not that thrilled about it. But on the way home you have steamy sex again plus a lot of talking but not about feelings. Then after not hearing from
The guy in four days you stop by his work where he basically ignores you and leaves and you don't hear from him for a week and a half. How would you feel. I know id think he's an ass. Now I know the reader knows how Cade feels but Ren is not a mind reader. He just sees this as a repeat of his last relationship. To me this was not a relationship. Nothing was declared. He did not cheat.
2) I can't get over how long it took Cade to get over this nonexistent cheating. Come on ...
3) Last but not least I don't understand Tex's feelings for Shelley because if he really loved her so much that he would stand by her through all she did because she's "the one" he would never had screwed Ren in the first place. If she won't have sex he's got hands. I'm just sayin'. ESPECIALLY SINCE HE'S NOT GAY!
Other than that I really did like the book I just think some things were over dramatized.
1) The cheating - WHAT CHEATING! I mean if I'd went out with a guy that just came to me where i was camping and we immediately had hot sex then did it again the next day but then he doesn't call in a week so i had to call him Instead of waiting for his call and invite him to the rodeo and you can tell he's not that thrilled about it. But on the way home you have steamy sex again plus a lot of talking but not about feelings. Then after not hearing from
The guy in four days you stop by his work where he basically ignores you and leaves and you don't hear from him for a week and a half. How would you feel. I know id think he's an ass. Now I know the reader knows how Cade feels but Ren is not a mind reader. He just sees this as a repeat of his last relationship. To me this was not a relationship. Nothing was declared. He did not cheat.
2) I can't get over how long it took Cade to get over this nonexistent cheating. Come on ...
3) Last but not least I don't understand Tex's feelings for Shelley because if he really loved her so much that he would stand by her through all she did because she's "the one" he would never had screwed Ren in the first place. If she won't have sex he's got hands. I'm just sayin'. ESPECIALLY SINCE HE'S NOT GAY!
Other than that I really did like the book I just think some things were over dramatized.
April 2, 2013
5.0 Stars
OMG. I LOVED this book. Cade McKenna is a deputy sheriff scarred by a romantic m/m encounter years earlier. His scars - both physical and emotional - run deep. Ren Boone is a cowboy and the only son of Sheriff Duke Boone. A strong attraction between Cade and Ren ignite and a steamy love affair ensues. Insecurities and a very selfish act by Ren tear the two asunder and require the them to be open to love and Cade to trust again in order to gain their HEA.
Wow. Cameron Dane is the queen of angst and steamy, sexy, smexy love scenes. This book had both in spades. I adored both characters and although was heart-breaking and I was angry for a while, the ending was well worth it. Also, I loved that .
Bottom line: an angsty, sexy, hot read; I relished every minute of it. Highly recommend!
OMG. I LOVED this book. Cade McKenna is a deputy sheriff scarred by a romantic m/m encounter years earlier. His scars - both physical and emotional - run deep. Ren Boone is a cowboy and the only son of Sheriff Duke Boone. A strong attraction between Cade and Ren ignite and a steamy love affair ensues. Insecurities and a very selfish act by Ren tear the two asunder and require the them to be open to love and Cade to trust again in order to gain their HEA.
Wow. Cameron Dane is the queen of angst and steamy, sexy, smexy love scenes. This book had both in spades. I adored both characters and although was heart-breaking and I was angry for a while, the ending was well worth it. Also, I loved that .
Bottom line: an angsty, sexy, hot read; I relished every minute of it. Highly recommend!
September 26, 2011
There is something to be said for an author that can pull a reader in so quickly and completely they are left spellbound by the beauty of the romance that unfolds.
That is what Cameron Dane does and does so well, we can't help but come back for more. Renecade is a gorgeous novel about two men, each with their own flaws and insecurities, who find their way to each other and tentatively forge a bond that quickly explodes into something so deeply passionate they are both shocked by how quickly and intense their feelings are for one another.
What stands out to me in this story is how erotic and emotionally charge the love scenes are. They were so beautiful they were hard to read at times but that's just because each scene was so full of such intense need and longing.
Be prepared to go from the highest high to the lowest low in this story. The HEA is a hard, long road but one that was so damn worth it!
I highly recommend this series to everyone!!!
That is what Cameron Dane does and does so well, we can't help but come back for more. Renecade is a gorgeous novel about two men, each with their own flaws and insecurities, who find their way to each other and tentatively forge a bond that quickly explodes into something so deeply passionate they are both shocked by how quickly and intense their feelings are for one another.
What stands out to me in this story is how erotic and emotionally charge the love scenes are. They were so beautiful they were hard to read at times but that's just because each scene was so full of such intense need and longing.
Be prepared to go from the highest high to the lowest low in this story. The HEA is a hard, long road but one that was so damn worth it!
I highly recommend this series to everyone!!!
September 21, 2014
Good grief. Why am I reading a Cameron Dane book? I've already DNFd two or three of hers. I must have bought a complete series awhile back. Her too numerous sex scenes go on forever, and ever, and ever. Have any of you read any of Lora Leigh's books? It's exactly the same problem. Yes there's a real story there, but the writers feel like they have to give readers every single detail in every single sex scene. OMG. Just gag me with a spoon and give me an ice pick to gouge out my eyes. No more Cameron Dane, you idiot Kathleen. (Sincere apologies to CD fans, but I just can't do it.)
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March 12, 2012Honestly speaking, I didn't know that there is cheating in this book and if I'd known I wouldn't have read this book no matter how I like the author's work.. I like the fact that Cade doesn't forgive easily.. I don't know but I just felt that cheating is not a forgiveable thing.. You don't cheat if you love your other half.. You just don't!! Based on my experience maybe because it hurts like hell being cheated on and leaving the cheater behind..
March 25, 2020
Sweet mother of groveling, that drama was delicious.
It had me 😩😩😩😩👌👌👌👌
I so love it when two characters hurt each other before eventually find a way to forgive each other as better people. Man that hurt so good it's fantastic. Never would have thought this book would be that good with that cover.
Never would have thought I could finish a book in less than eight hours either.
It had me 😩😩😩😩👌👌👌👌
I so love it when two characters hurt each other before eventually find a way to forgive each other as better people. Man that hurt so good it's fantastic. Never would have thought this book would be that good with that cover.
Never would have thought I could finish a book in less than eight hours either.
February 15, 2011
I enjoyed this book more than I did Falling. For me the emotional turmoil, especially after Ren cheated hooked me hard. The ending was also believeable. I like that Cade didn't forgive Ren right away, I hate books that gloss over things like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2013
Wow this was hot, sexy, happy, sweet, heartbreaking and well written story.
March 4, 2017
One of my favorite books of all time. I'm going to re-read it so that I can do a worthy review because it breaks my heart and frees my soul at the same time. And the sex is ridiculously hot.
January 6, 2022
This book had so much going for it. Cade is a fantastic character. He was the kind of character that you felt like you knew. His backstory explained his quirks and reactions. Yes, he was somewhat predictable, but Ren made up for that by being hugely impulsive.
I was aware of the big crisis in the story because it was recommended specifically for that trope in a group I was following online, but if I hadn't been aware of it, I don't think I would have seen it coming. And I liked the way the characters reacted to it, and reacted to each other's attempts to move past it. I particularly liked when Cade pulled Ren up on his emotional blackmail and said "That's not okay."
It was actually the sex scenes that ruined it for me. Without the sex scenes, I think I would have rated it four stars. But seriously, no one needs to hear (or read) the word 'spewed' in regards to male orgasms. No. Just no. But there were also far too many crude or anatomical words for my liking. When I'm reading a steamy scene in a book, I don't want to see the word rectum, just saying.
So I liked the characters, I even enjoyed the plot, but with those absolutely awful sex scenes, I gave it two stars.
I was aware of the big crisis in the story because it was recommended specifically for that trope in a group I was following online, but if I hadn't been aware of it, I don't think I would have seen it coming. And I liked the way the characters reacted to it, and reacted to each other's attempts to move past it. I particularly liked when Cade pulled Ren up on his emotional blackmail and said "That's not okay."
It was actually the sex scenes that ruined it for me. Without the sex scenes, I think I would have rated it four stars. But seriously, no one needs to hear (or read) the word 'spewed' in regards to male orgasms. No. Just no. But there were also far too many crude or anatomical words for my liking. When I'm reading a steamy scene in a book, I don't want to see the word rectum, just saying.
So I liked the characters, I even enjoyed the plot, but with those absolutely awful sex scenes, I gave it two stars.
December 9, 2018
2.75 stars
September 5, 2011
After reading Knowing Caleb which I absolutely loved, I decided to explore more of this author's work. ReneCade didn't impress the way the first book did. I had a few problems. Ren and Cade come together fairly early in the book which was fine, but then the sex got repetitive and plot took a backseat for a few chapters. Ren and Cade were interchangeably strong and insecure/needy, sometimes all within a matter of sentences. At times I couldn't figure exactly what they were angsting over, as the conclusion they would draw from each other's actions didn't seem logical. The angst just seemed to be fabricated and drawn out for no good reason. Cade's inability/unwilligness to forgive Ren's transgression, or even accept a portion of the blame, did not endear me to him. Why he needed six months to forgive and fully commit to Ren after a) being so distraught when he thought Ren was hurt, b) having Ren wait on him hand and foot after HE was hurt, and c) after the scene with Ren's mother, was just beyond my comprehension and absolutely ridiculous.
As far as characters went, I couldn't really get a handle on each of their personalities. With the exception of Cade being 'by the book' and a neat freak, they were pretty interchangeable emotionally, especially in the bedroom.
Speaking of the bedroom (or anywhere else they had sex), I have never in my life seen characters talk as much during sex as this author's. It bugged me slightly in Knowing Caleb but she really went to town here. I'm not talking post-sex pillow talk. I'm talking full fledged paragraphs of dialogue during the act. In one scene, Cane actually orgasmed while Ren was still talking and I had to laugh because umm yeah, I don't need your damn life history! Actually it's not just during sex, reading some of the dialogue will leave you breathless; there is just too much dialogue lumped together in one go. It just didn't feel natural. And much of what they said was so flowery, I had to keep looking at the cover to remember that they were supposed to be men and not simpering schoolgirls.
There were parts of the book that I did like and I actually cared for the characters, but surprisingly not the couple I was supposed to. I had a real soft spot for Ren/Tex. IMO, even though they were 'just' best friends and their sexual relationship was unbalanced in the beginning, they grew as individuals and were the only people who truly loved each other unconditionally. The fact that they had to go their separate ways to appease their respective spouses spoke volumes, both about their relationshp and the relationships they had with their spouses. At least Cane recognized that there was something very wrong with that.
All in all this is an ok read. I put it down a few times mostly because of Cade whom I truly rooted for in the beginning but who the author made unlikeable. There are some strong points but this isn't a book I'll be reading again...or one I would recommend. Instead, I would suggest the following (also by Cameron Dane) -
1) Knowing Caleb
2) A Fostered Love
3) Grey's Awakening
As far as characters went, I couldn't really get a handle on each of their personalities. With the exception of Cade being 'by the book' and a neat freak, they were pretty interchangeable emotionally, especially in the bedroom.
Speaking of the bedroom (or anywhere else they had sex), I have never in my life seen characters talk as much during sex as this author's. It bugged me slightly in Knowing Caleb but she really went to town here. I'm not talking post-sex pillow talk. I'm talking full fledged paragraphs of dialogue during the act. In one scene, Cane actually orgasmed while Ren was still talking and I had to laugh because umm yeah, I don't need your damn life history! Actually it's not just during sex, reading some of the dialogue will leave you breathless; there is just too much dialogue lumped together in one go. It just didn't feel natural. And much of what they said was so flowery, I had to keep looking at the cover to remember that they were supposed to be men and not simpering schoolgirls.
There were parts of the book that I did like and I actually cared for the characters, but surprisingly not the couple I was supposed to. I had a real soft spot for Ren/Tex. IMO, even though they were 'just' best friends and their sexual relationship was unbalanced in the beginning, they grew as individuals and were the only people who truly loved each other unconditionally. The fact that they had to go their separate ways to appease their respective spouses spoke volumes, both about their relationshp and the relationships they had with their spouses. At least Cane recognized that there was something very wrong with that.
All in all this is an ok read. I put it down a few times mostly because of Cade whom I truly rooted for in the beginning but who the author made unlikeable. There are some strong points but this isn't a book I'll be reading again...or one I would recommend. Instead, I would suggest the following (also by Cameron Dane) -
1) Knowing Caleb
2) A Fostered Love
3) Grey's Awakening
September 7, 2013
I really hoped that this one would be better than Falling. After the first chapters I could only laugh about the repetitive plot and interchangable characters. The problem is that there is no real depth to Cameron's characters. The names can be easily exchanged (Cade for Cain and Ren for Lukas). I try to give some examples why this book didn't work for me.
I could go on and on but Nile Princess and Montana said most of it already. You could compress this book to half the pages if you delete the unnecessary scences.
I can't recommend this book and am still in awe over all those 5 star reviews...
I could go on and on but Nile Princess and Montana said most of it already. You could compress this book to half the pages if you delete the unnecessary scences.
I can't recommend this book and am still in awe over all those 5 star reviews...
April 1, 2011
Yet again, Cameron Dane delivers with his/her superb writing of those hot sex scenes we all love!
But that unfortunately is where my love ends, as I again found this story lacking in the story line department, when compared to the fantastically written Knowing Caleb.
As I’m sure a number of readers will agree, it’s very hard to read one of the main characters cheating on their new found love (although admittedly at the time Ren didn’t realise the full extent of his love when he cheated on Cade). However, I still gave it a shot, waiting for a creditable reason for Cade to forgive Ren, or for Ren to have some epiphany over the havoc he wreaked with his incredibly selfish actions. But after much soul searching from both characters I just couldn’t ‘feel’ their resolution, perhaps because I couldn’t endear myself to either Ren or Cade. I found it unbelievable that Ren would just take the physical gratification offered by Tex just because he hadn’t heard from Cade, and I found it implausible that Cade wouldn’t even contact Ren, his supposed new love, when he had to leave town for almost a week. Although it was sweet to see them back together at the end it just wasn’t enough to make up for the rest of the story which I felt dragged on and also found the dialogue a bit trite. My apologies for the negative review, as I truly adore Dane’s Knowing Caleb, but I guess that what happens when you achieve greatness in writing; all future novels will be compared to past successes.
But that unfortunately is where my love ends, as I again found this story lacking in the story line department, when compared to the fantastically written Knowing Caleb.
As I’m sure a number of readers will agree, it’s very hard to read one of the main characters cheating on their new found love (although admittedly at the time Ren didn’t realise the full extent of his love when he cheated on Cade). However, I still gave it a shot, waiting for a creditable reason for Cade to forgive Ren, or for Ren to have some epiphany over the havoc he wreaked with his incredibly selfish actions. But after much soul searching from both characters I just couldn’t ‘feel’ their resolution, perhaps because I couldn’t endear myself to either Ren or Cade. I found it unbelievable that Ren would just take the physical gratification offered by Tex just because he hadn’t heard from Cade, and I found it implausible that Cade wouldn’t even contact Ren, his supposed new love, when he had to leave town for almost a week. Although it was sweet to see them back together at the end it just wasn’t enough to make up for the rest of the story which I felt dragged on and also found the dialogue a bit trite. My apologies for the negative review, as I truly adore Dane’s Knowing Caleb, but I guess that what happens when you achieve greatness in writing; all future novels will be compared to past successes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2010
I love how Cameron writes.
I'm giving this one a 5 because I love how she winds the story and makes you care so much about the characters - flaws and all. "Falling" is still my fave in the series and would probably get a 6 instead of 5. I also really love the continuity of the characters reappearing in the series. I'm already on to Knowing Caleb. (yeah, I do skip the het ones in between - sorry Cameron :P)
Great read.
I'm giving this one a 5 because I love how she winds the story and makes you care so much about the characters - flaws and all. "Falling" is still my fave in the series and would probably get a 6 instead of 5. I also really love the continuity of the characters reappearing in the series. I'm already on to Knowing Caleb. (yeah, I do skip the het ones in between - sorry Cameron :P)
Great read.
November 5, 2013
Really enjoying this series!!! Whats nice is you still get to stay in touch with all the all characters from the previous books, not just new characters from same area but not mentioning the other people from the same series.
In this book I really felt for Cade and the betrayal of his lover Ren, but then in the end my loyalties went with Ren. What a heart felt and realistic novel this was.
In this book I really felt for Cade and the betrayal of his lover Ren, but then in the end my loyalties went with Ren. What a heart felt and realistic novel this was.
February 4, 2013
3 stars. Read this awhile back and did a reread a few months ago and liked it better the second time around. Though the cheating! Ugh...still makes me want to punch babies.
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