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Southern Honor #1
Homecoming
Home is where his heart is.
Broken in body and soul, elite Special Forces operative Jack Dresden returns to Devotion, Georgia both dreading and longing to face his past. Leaving behind the only person who made him feel like he was right where he belonged was the hardest thing he’d ever done…until now. Seeing Dillon again brings back all those feelings, along with all the reasons Jack should stay away.
Pretending was never Dillon Bluff’s style. Coming out right after high school, he faced the stigma of being gay in a small Southern town head-on. When Jack walks back into his life, Dillon knows there’s no denying the smoldering hidden torch he’s carried for his former best friend.
Jack’s a mess and the last thing he wants is to hurt Dillon in any way. Fighting through terrifying flashbacks, Jack believes he’s too broken to be any kind of partner to Dillon. But Dillon is determined to take control and show Jack’s heart the way home.
Reader This book contains a character with PTSD and recollections of torture.
Publisher's This book was previously released elsewhere. It has been revised and reedited for release with Pride Publishing.
General Release 12th March 2019
Broken in body and soul, elite Special Forces operative Jack Dresden returns to Devotion, Georgia both dreading and longing to face his past. Leaving behind the only person who made him feel like he was right where he belonged was the hardest thing he’d ever done…until now. Seeing Dillon again brings back all those feelings, along with all the reasons Jack should stay away.
Pretending was never Dillon Bluff’s style. Coming out right after high school, he faced the stigma of being gay in a small Southern town head-on. When Jack walks back into his life, Dillon knows there’s no denying the smoldering hidden torch he’s carried for his former best friend.
Jack’s a mess and the last thing he wants is to hurt Dillon in any way. Fighting through terrifying flashbacks, Jack believes he’s too broken to be any kind of partner to Dillon. But Dillon is determined to take control and show Jack’s heart the way home.
Reader This book contains a character with PTSD and recollections of torture.
Publisher's This book was previously released elsewhere. It has been revised and reedited for release with Pride Publishing.
General Release 12th March 2019
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2014
4 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 12, 2014
The blurb on this one screamed, "Fuck, yeah!" But the actual outcome wasn't nearly as good.
The first half of the book has MC Jack home on medical leave from his Delta Force unit for the first time in 6 years suffering from some serious PTSD. He hadn't seen his best friend and love of his life in 10 years so he spends that first half of the book suffering without any comfort. I'm a hurt/comfort junkie, but only when the comfort accompanies the hurt. The second half has Jack yanking MC Dillon's chain and being a bit wishy-washy. The sex was great, but we only got one sex scene. And the ending was incredibly rushed and anticlimactic.
I'm afraid there just isn't enough here to recommend this to anyone. I assume this will turn into a series, so maybe there is more to I come for these characters and I will revise this review at a later date. We'll see!
The first half of the book has MC Jack home on medical leave from his Delta Force unit for the first time in 6 years suffering from some serious PTSD. He hadn't seen his best friend and love of his life in 10 years so he spends that first half of the book suffering without any comfort. I'm a hurt/comfort junkie, but only when the comfort accompanies the hurt. The second half has Jack yanking MC Dillon's chain and being a bit wishy-washy. The sex was great, but we only got one sex scene. And the ending was incredibly rushed and anticlimactic.
I'm afraid there just isn't enough here to recommend this to anyone. I assume this will turn into a series, so maybe there is more to I come for these characters and I will revise this review at a later date. We'll see!
May 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars...
Jack is an Army Delta Force operative on medical leave following his liberation from a Kuwait torture house. He is medically and emotionally damaged, now battling PTSD on top of shielding his homosexuality. Returning to his parents' home in Georgia, Jack is sure to confront his high school best friend Dillon, who--last time they met 10 years ago--knocked Jack out, Jack believed this was due to Dillon being angry that Jack was leaving Dillon's sister (his supposed sweetheart) Stacy without so much as a goodbye. Jack has always harbors a secret affection for Dillon, and is sure meeting him again will be problematic, as Dillon is an "out" gay man.
Jack's father, a retired Army officer, is as homophobic as one can be--and he detests Dillon, a boy he lauded in Jack's teen years for his excellent grades and behavior. Acknowledging his attraction for Dillon will only further complicate Jack's tenuous relationship with his father.
So, on the whole the story was interesting. It didn't really grab me, however. I have to say that I really needed more--more meat, more depth--I've read a lot of M/M, and even a lot of military romance--everything here seemed rushed and glossed over. All episodes of Jack's PTSD were told in flashback to what happened in his dreams or in his morning, looking backward AFTER the event. This had the effect of removing the emotional connection, and setting Jack in further isolation to the reader.
His brief encounters with Dillon seem too forced/forceful to the point I almost wondered if there would be violence. Dillon more than returns Jack's heretofore unacknowledged sexual interest, but Dillon wants to do things his way. Again, the sex was way too fast. Jack's a virgin bottom, and the "prep" was non-existent. They didn't even SPEAK about it. This, was not what I would have wanted to see, at all. Clearly Dillon intuits Jack's emotional issues, but neither man seems to give voice to the needs he has, or those he senses the other has. These guys were best friends for years, and now ten years pass and Jack's just gonna jump Dillon in his parents' yard? Again, pacing was a problem.
The timeline was a problem also. Inconsistencies in the prose said that some things happened "last night" while the same occurrences happened "a few days ago" in the other character's voice. The book needs an edit. Typos, and wrong words and wrong homophones were a problem for me. The book is ~75 pages. I shouldn't find a mistake every five pages, on average. Sorry--that's MY issue, and I own it. It, for me, speaks to author unreadiness--which contributed to my not so great feelings about the book.
I really liked Dillon, he read as a great character, but there wasn't enough of his voice. Also, I thought the closet-gay-bully was a trope we could have skipped. There could was enough tension in the relationships between Jack, his parents, and Dillon to drive this into a novel--if well done.
That both Stacy and Jack's mom suspected Jack's true feelings seemed too convenient. Jack really needed to learn to accept himself, regardless of support, and I couldn't understand why such a hardened soldier had such an inferiority complex. He really seemed too squeamish. It wasn't endearing.
Perhaps I expected too much.
2.5 stars...
Jack is an Army Delta Force operative on medical leave following his liberation from a Kuwait torture house. He is medically and emotionally damaged, now battling PTSD on top of shielding his homosexuality. Returning to his parents' home in Georgia, Jack is sure to confront his high school best friend Dillon, who--last time they met 10 years ago--knocked Jack out, Jack believed this was due to Dillon being angry that Jack was leaving Dillon's sister (his supposed sweetheart) Stacy without so much as a goodbye. Jack has always harbors a secret affection for Dillon, and is sure meeting him again will be problematic, as Dillon is an "out" gay man.
Jack's father, a retired Army officer, is as homophobic as one can be--and he detests Dillon, a boy he lauded in Jack's teen years for his excellent grades and behavior. Acknowledging his attraction for Dillon will only further complicate Jack's tenuous relationship with his father.
So, on the whole the story was interesting. It didn't really grab me, however. I have to say that I really needed more--more meat, more depth--I've read a lot of M/M, and even a lot of military romance--everything here seemed rushed and glossed over. All episodes of Jack's PTSD were told in flashback to what happened in his dreams or in his morning, looking backward AFTER the event. This had the effect of removing the emotional connection, and setting Jack in further isolation to the reader.
His brief encounters with Dillon seem too forced/forceful to the point I almost wondered if there would be violence. Dillon more than returns Jack's heretofore unacknowledged sexual interest, but Dillon wants to do things his way. Again, the sex was way too fast. Jack's a virgin bottom, and the "prep" was non-existent. They didn't even SPEAK about it. This, was not what I would have wanted to see, at all. Clearly Dillon intuits Jack's emotional issues, but neither man seems to give voice to the needs he has, or those he senses the other has. These guys were best friends for years, and now ten years pass and Jack's just gonna jump Dillon in his parents' yard? Again, pacing was a problem.
The timeline was a problem also. Inconsistencies in the prose said that some things happened "last night" while the same occurrences happened "a few days ago" in the other character's voice. The book needs an edit. Typos, and wrong words and wrong homophones were a problem for me. The book is ~75 pages. I shouldn't find a mistake every five pages, on average. Sorry--that's MY issue, and I own it. It, for me, speaks to author unreadiness--which contributed to my not so great feelings about the book.
I really liked Dillon, he read as a great character, but there wasn't enough of his voice. Also, I thought the closet-gay-bully was a trope we could have skipped. There could was enough tension in the relationships between Jack, his parents, and Dillon to drive this into a novel--if well done.
That both Stacy and Jack's mom suspected Jack's true feelings seemed too convenient. Jack really needed to learn to accept himself, regardless of support, and I couldn't understand why such a hardened soldier had such an inferiority complex. He really seemed too squeamish. It wasn't endearing.
Perhaps I expected too much.
April 16, 2021
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
Honestly, I didn’t expect this short story to be as powerful as it was. Jack is a member of the very elite Delta Force and he has been tortured and injured in an op gone back in Kuwait. He has returned to his hometown, to the place where he broke his ex-girlfriend’s heart and ruined his relationship with her brother, his best friend, Dillon. Jack has returned a very broken man. Added to the mix is the fact that Jack’s father, a former military man, is an incredibly bigoted, nasty man.
For his part, Dillon is a photojournalist living in their hometown, out since after high school and dealing with the bigots (especially Chris) since then. Jack defended him back then and tends to do so now. I loved Dillon’s sister (and Jack’s ex, Stacy), a strong, caring female. She loves her brother and will speak up to defend him. “If you’re not going to stand by him, stop standing up for him.”
There is also Jack’s mom, who is under Dad’s thumb, or is she? The secondary characters in this story are realistic. It works especially well since Jack is so flawed, so not perfect that he can’t see his own value. “And what if happy isn’t possible for someone like me, Mama?” Wanted to just cry for him. Lots of baggage, in addition to the history that they share, which ended badly.
This is a short, emotionally packed story that successfully conveys Jack’s torment and anguish, as well as his feeling that he isn’t worthy of anyone anymore. I would like to know what happens with the father. He remains a hateful man and his part is left open. Maybe for the best, I’m not sure my heart could handle how he would react
Honestly, I didn’t expect this short story to be as powerful as it was. Jack is a member of the very elite Delta Force and he has been tortured and injured in an op gone back in Kuwait. He has returned to his hometown, to the place where he broke his ex-girlfriend’s heart and ruined his relationship with her brother, his best friend, Dillon. Jack has returned a very broken man. Added to the mix is the fact that Jack’s father, a former military man, is an incredibly bigoted, nasty man.
For his part, Dillon is a photojournalist living in their hometown, out since after high school and dealing with the bigots (especially Chris) since then. Jack defended him back then and tends to do so now. I loved Dillon’s sister (and Jack’s ex, Stacy), a strong, caring female. She loves her brother and will speak up to defend him. “If you’re not going to stand by him, stop standing up for him.”
There is also Jack’s mom, who is under Dad’s thumb, or is she? The secondary characters in this story are realistic. It works especially well since Jack is so flawed, so not perfect that he can’t see his own value. “And what if happy isn’t possible for someone like me, Mama?” Wanted to just cry for him. Lots of baggage, in addition to the history that they share, which ended badly.
This is a short, emotionally packed story that successfully conveys Jack’s torment and anguish, as well as his feeling that he isn’t worthy of anyone anymore. I would like to know what happens with the father. He remains a hateful man and his part is left open. Maybe for the best, I’m not sure my heart could handle how he would react
March 12, 2014
Leigh‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
2 STARS
Suffering the effects of being captured and tortured in the line of duty, Delta Force soldier Jack Dresden returns to the shelter of his small town Georgia home to recuperate. But rather than finding the solace he is seeking, he finds not only Dillon Bluff, the best friend he abandoned years before, but that the feelings he had for Dillon have never left.
Seeing firsthand the taunts and challenges that Dillon faced since high school as a result of his sexual orientation, not to mention the attitude of Jack’s straight-laced father and small town prejudice, Jack hid his attraction to Dillon. But his return to town has driven Jack and Dillon back to one another, and fueled their need to rekindle their friendship and explore their desire for more.
I truly wanted to love this book. Jack is the hardened and sexy wounded warrior who returns to his southern roots. Dillon is the strong but sensitive and caring soul that Jack needs to become whole again and restore his sense of worthiness. However, I just didn’t feel the passion between the two men. Feelings were too black and white and I never felt a palpable connection between Jack and Dillon, except for the fact that I was told there was one. The interactions between all of the other characters were too simplistic, and just when the story reached a point where I thought it was going to turn a corner, it ended!
This novella had the elements to tell a sweet story of finding love and redemption; of confronting stereotypes and prejudices and coming home again. It just fell short of delivering the full potential for which it was capable.
Review copy provided for an honest review
2 STARS
Suffering the effects of being captured and tortured in the line of duty, Delta Force soldier Jack Dresden returns to the shelter of his small town Georgia home to recuperate. But rather than finding the solace he is seeking, he finds not only Dillon Bluff, the best friend he abandoned years before, but that the feelings he had for Dillon have never left.
Seeing firsthand the taunts and challenges that Dillon faced since high school as a result of his sexual orientation, not to mention the attitude of Jack’s straight-laced father and small town prejudice, Jack hid his attraction to Dillon. But his return to town has driven Jack and Dillon back to one another, and fueled their need to rekindle their friendship and explore their desire for more.
I truly wanted to love this book. Jack is the hardened and sexy wounded warrior who returns to his southern roots. Dillon is the strong but sensitive and caring soul that Jack needs to become whole again and restore his sense of worthiness. However, I just didn’t feel the passion between the two men. Feelings were too black and white and I never felt a palpable connection between Jack and Dillon, except for the fact that I was told there was one. The interactions between all of the other characters were too simplistic, and just when the story reached a point where I thought it was going to turn a corner, it ended!
This novella had the elements to tell a sweet story of finding love and redemption; of confronting stereotypes and prejudices and coming home again. It just fell short of delivering the full potential for which it was capable.
September 24, 2014
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
After I read the blurb I was really interested in reading this book. It was a good start to a series and definitely hope that the next book flush out the characters more. I felt like to many things were presented and had no satisfying conclusion. I felt like Jack's PTSD became a non issue. I felt that Jack and Dillion 's " relationship" happened to quickly for me to believe it. I think the main problem there was no real build up. It sort went BAM!! they our thrown together. They have been apart for years and they were friends back then with neither of them not really knowing the other was gay. I mean for christ's sake Jake was dating his sister at time before he left for the army. I guess I wish their was a flashback about how they acted toward each other. The bully was bit ridiculous to be still acting like that at his age and but at the same time I kind of tune little bit out of the story and was wondering what would happen if the bully's story got a story. Overall the book was just a let down.
After I read the blurb I was really interested in reading this book. It was a good start to a series and definitely hope that the next book flush out the characters more. I felt like to many things were presented and had no satisfying conclusion. I felt like Jack's PTSD became a non issue. I felt that Jack and Dillion 's " relationship" happened to quickly for me to believe it. I think the main problem there was no real build up. It sort went BAM!! they our thrown together. They have been apart for years and they were friends back then with neither of them not really knowing the other was gay. I mean for christ's sake Jake was dating his sister at time before he left for the army. I guess I wish their was a flashback about how they acted toward each other. The bully was bit ridiculous to be still acting like that at his age and but at the same time I kind of tune little bit out of the story and was wondering what would happen if the bully's story got a story. Overall the book was just a let down.
January 16, 2016
2.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The following may contain minor spoilers.
This felt... off?
All the ingredients were there:
- Wounded closeted soldier - check
- Hot gay brother of boyhood sweetheart - check
- Secret boyhood crush on said brother - check
It should have been delicious, but it fell flat for me...
Jack is home on 6 weeks medical leave after having been kept hostage at an enemy camp and rescued after torture. He returns to his hometown, to a happy mother and a terminally ill father. Here he reacquaints with the people of his boyhood. His once sweetheart Stacy and her brother Dillon (now out and proud and back then the real recipient of Jacks boyhood crush).
The story takes places over very few days between christmas and the new year and that may be one reason why it feels incredibly rushed. I did not in any way shape or form trust that this was a happy ending. How could it be? These two men are essentially strangers. They haven't seen each other in 10 years, since they were 18 year old kids, how can they claim to love one another after 3 days and a one night stand?
Dillon came across as a bit pathetic to me. He is still living in the same town - which he describes as close minded (so why stay after his mother died?) - in the same house, even in the same room (which apparantly hasn't changed since High School, huh?) as he did when he was 18. So basically what this tells me is, that he has spent the last 10 years pining after a boy he had a crush on at 18, a boy he believed to be straight. Well, I am sorry, but that is just sad. And not sad in a romantic way, just sad!
Jack is our wounded war hero. I guess that should make him heroic in my eyes, but he comes across as a coward. At one point Dillon states: "The Jack Dresden he knew wasn't afraid of anything." I didn't understand that. The Jack Dillon knew, was the Jack in High School. The boy who was such a coward that he tried to sneak out of town without saying goodbye, because it was easier. The boy who hadn't returned in 10 years, because he couldn't face his past. And now he is the man who cannot admit to anyone that he is gay and who lies to his doctors about his symptoms - this by the way was highly offensive to me. He could people lives at risk if he gets re-deployed whilst suffering from PTSD...
The supporting cast made little sense. Stacy was nice, but the way both Jack and Dillon believes that she is heartbroken because Jack left for the army? Come on, get over yourselves guys... it was 10 years ago and they were both kids! Chris the bully was stupid and a cliche, maybe some people still act that way 10 years out of high school? I don't know! But he didn't advance the plot in any way, so he really didn't need to be there. The moms actions didn't ring true in the way they tried to sell it at the end and the fathers terminal illness made no sense when it didn't play a part in the story...
All in all. Great idea, but the execution lacked.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The following may contain minor spoilers.
This felt... off?
All the ingredients were there:
- Wounded closeted soldier - check
- Hot gay brother of boyhood sweetheart - check
- Secret boyhood crush on said brother - check
It should have been delicious, but it fell flat for me...
Jack is home on 6 weeks medical leave after having been kept hostage at an enemy camp and rescued after torture. He returns to his hometown, to a happy mother and a terminally ill father. Here he reacquaints with the people of his boyhood. His once sweetheart Stacy and her brother Dillon (now out and proud and back then the real recipient of Jacks boyhood crush).
The story takes places over very few days between christmas and the new year and that may be one reason why it feels incredibly rushed. I did not in any way shape or form trust that this was a happy ending. How could it be? These two men are essentially strangers. They haven't seen each other in 10 years, since they were 18 year old kids, how can they claim to love one another after 3 days and a one night stand?
Dillon came across as a bit pathetic to me. He is still living in the same town - which he describes as close minded (so why stay after his mother died?) - in the same house, even in the same room (which apparantly hasn't changed since High School, huh?) as he did when he was 18. So basically what this tells me is, that he has spent the last 10 years pining after a boy he had a crush on at 18, a boy he believed to be straight. Well, I am sorry, but that is just sad. And not sad in a romantic way, just sad!
Jack is our wounded war hero. I guess that should make him heroic in my eyes, but he comes across as a coward. At one point Dillon states: "The Jack Dresden he knew wasn't afraid of anything." I didn't understand that. The Jack Dillon knew, was the Jack in High School. The boy who was such a coward that he tried to sneak out of town without saying goodbye, because it was easier. The boy who hadn't returned in 10 years, because he couldn't face his past. And now he is the man who cannot admit to anyone that he is gay and who lies to his doctors about his symptoms - this by the way was highly offensive to me. He could people lives at risk if he gets re-deployed whilst suffering from PTSD...
The supporting cast made little sense. Stacy was nice, but the way both Jack and Dillon believes that she is heartbroken because Jack left for the army? Come on, get over yourselves guys... it was 10 years ago and they were both kids! Chris the bully was stupid and a cliche, maybe some people still act that way 10 years out of high school? I don't know! But he didn't advance the plot in any way, so he really didn't need to be there. The moms actions didn't ring true in the way they tried to sell it at the end and the fathers terminal illness made no sense when it didn't play a part in the story...
All in all. Great idea, but the execution lacked.
May 18, 2014
(This book was received free in return for an honest review.)
I was originally going to rate Homecoming with 4 stars, but as I put off writing this review it dawned on me that perhaps the story wasn't so riveting after all.
Jack has returned home on medical leave after being captured and tortured on a mission. It's the first time he's come home in 10 years. This alone makes me wonder about the storyline. Although Jack states that he doesn't get along with his father, his real reason is he's not man-enough to face the guy that he fell in love with and never told. Who he thinks hates him for breaking up with his sister.
The convolution continues with Dillon, a world-wide photographer, who attacks Jack because he's going to leave him without saying good-bye and lets him leave thinking it's all over Dillon's sister, Stacy.
The story winds it's way through some sorry PTSD scenes. I expected more severe flashbacks, especially considering that if Jack's not fully healed (his rib fractures aren't healed so that's less than 6-8 weeks post event), the episodes are going to be dramatic.
The tension between father and son escalates, but is never resolved and what the heck is gonna happen in another 6-8 weeks when Jack is supposed to return to active duty.
Too many loose ends and not enough angst for me to rate this one higher. It's got a good base and could definitely be expanded on by the author and I hope that she does.
I was originally going to rate Homecoming with 4 stars, but as I put off writing this review it dawned on me that perhaps the story wasn't so riveting after all.
Jack has returned home on medical leave after being captured and tortured on a mission. It's the first time he's come home in 10 years. This alone makes me wonder about the storyline. Although Jack states that he doesn't get along with his father, his real reason is he's not man-enough to face the guy that he fell in love with and never told. Who he thinks hates him for breaking up with his sister.
The convolution continues with Dillon, a world-wide photographer, who attacks Jack because he's going to leave him without saying good-bye and lets him leave thinking it's all over Dillon's sister, Stacy.
The story winds it's way through some sorry PTSD scenes. I expected more severe flashbacks, especially considering that if Jack's not fully healed (his rib fractures aren't healed so that's less than 6-8 weeks post event), the episodes are going to be dramatic.
The tension between father and son escalates, but is never resolved and what the heck is gonna happen in another 6-8 weeks when Jack is supposed to return to active duty.
Too many loose ends and not enough angst for me to rate this one higher. It's got a good base and could definitely be expanded on by the author and I hope that she does.
April 10, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
I’m a sucker for stories about broken soldiers, so I grabbed Homecoming quickly. I was excited to read it, but I’m sad to say, I just didn’t connect with this novella at all. Jack and Dillion weren’t bad guys, but seeing as this isn’t very long, I feel as if I didn’t get the chance to know them. That is to say, I have facts about them, but I was missing their essence. I didn’t feel invested in their relationship.
Now, I did find the events surrounding Jack and Dillon and their reunion to be relatively realistic. Jack is suffering from PTSD and Dillon wants to help him. That makes perfect sense. Dillon, even though he’s a successful photographer, is still dealing with what it’s like to be gay in a small southern town. The same bullies he faced right after high school are still the bullies who make his life hell. With this, came another feeling of disconnect. To me, those bullies (and one in particular) are a bit of a stereotype. It was satisfying to see Dillon finally give him is comeuppance.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
I’m a sucker for stories about broken soldiers, so I grabbed Homecoming quickly. I was excited to read it, but I’m sad to say, I just didn’t connect with this novella at all. Jack and Dillion weren’t bad guys, but seeing as this isn’t very long, I feel as if I didn’t get the chance to know them. That is to say, I have facts about them, but I was missing their essence. I didn’t feel invested in their relationship.
Now, I did find the events surrounding Jack and Dillon and their reunion to be relatively realistic. Jack is suffering from PTSD and Dillon wants to help him. That makes perfect sense. Dillon, even though he’s a successful photographer, is still dealing with what it’s like to be gay in a small southern town. The same bullies he faced right after high school are still the bullies who make his life hell. With this, came another feeling of disconnect. To me, those bullies (and one in particular) are a bit of a stereotype. It was satisfying to see Dillon finally give him is comeuppance.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
March 11, 2014
The ending was too abrupt and the conflicts remained unresolved. It was more of HFN than HEA, and the characters felt a bit flat. Yet, I really liked the MC's. I just wanted more. I would love to see an epilogue that would give me a glimpse into Jack and Dillon's future.
August 4, 2016
This was a SUPER sort novella about a military man getting together with his long ago best friend. It was cute, but I wanted more! B-
Full review to come
Full review to come
May 22, 2014
This books was tough to rate and it's biggest problem I believe was taking on more than it could chew in 60 pages.
Jack Dresden is back in Georgia to heal from being held and tortured on assignment with his Delta Force team. Guilt from hurting his mother by staying away is the only reason he's back but memories of his issues with his dad and a fight with his best friend, Dillon, hover over him. Add to that Jack's physical injuries and PTSD and Jack's a hot mess who really needs time to heal.
Overall I thought the author did well with Jack showing the issues with his flashbacks and inability to deal with people. In fact I liked him immensely and found his responses the most interesting part of this story.
The facts still don't make sense to me but apparently during high school Jack dated Dillon's sister Stacy. Jack broke up with her the day before he left for training camp and Dillon came over and beat him up. I feel like I missed something here for this to be a moment that haunts the two of them for two years. They explain it a little but still I don't get it. Nonetheless Stacy is over it and Jack and Dillon have to face their attraction.
Jack's interactions with Dillon made sense. Jack's in the closet, a mental mess, and runs hot and cold trying to make sense of it all. Dillon however made me scratch my head. He claims he understands what Jack is going through but still expects him to act like a "normal" person. Then gets whiny when he doesn't. Dillon would make a better friend than lover for Jack in this story.
I love military stories, and the idea behind this one fantastic, but 60 pages doesn't allow enough time to deal with these kind of issues. Jack and Dillon had to fly into a relationship, one that requires an emotional connection Jack isn't capable a few days after getting state side and and requires Jack to have sex with broken ribs which is painful to the extreme.
Perhaps some of this is picked up later in the series but this author has a great idea that could become a great story if the characters could get more time to develop.
I received a free copy of this story in connection with the M/M Romance Group's DBML program.
Jack Dresden is back in Georgia to heal from being held and tortured on assignment with his Delta Force team. Guilt from hurting his mother by staying away is the only reason he's back but memories of his issues with his dad and a fight with his best friend, Dillon, hover over him. Add to that Jack's physical injuries and PTSD and Jack's a hot mess who really needs time to heal.
Overall I thought the author did well with Jack showing the issues with his flashbacks and inability to deal with people. In fact I liked him immensely and found his responses the most interesting part of this story.
The facts still don't make sense to me but apparently during high school Jack dated Dillon's sister Stacy. Jack broke up with her the day before he left for training camp and Dillon came over and beat him up. I feel like I missed something here for this to be a moment that haunts the two of them for two years. They explain it a little but still I don't get it. Nonetheless Stacy is over it and Jack and Dillon have to face their attraction.
Jack's interactions with Dillon made sense. Jack's in the closet, a mental mess, and runs hot and cold trying to make sense of it all. Dillon however made me scratch my head. He claims he understands what Jack is going through but still expects him to act like a "normal" person. Then gets whiny when he doesn't. Dillon would make a better friend than lover for Jack in this story.
I love military stories, and the idea behind this one fantastic, but 60 pages doesn't allow enough time to deal with these kind of issues. Jack and Dillon had to fly into a relationship, one that requires an emotional connection Jack isn't capable a few days after getting state side and and requires Jack to have sex with broken ribs which is painful to the extreme.
Perhaps some of this is picked up later in the series but this author has a great idea that could become a great story if the characters could get more time to develop.
I received a free copy of this story in connection with the M/M Romance Group's DBML program.
March 28, 2019
I'm pretty much a sucker for love stories that involve military or ex-military men. The trauma and suffering that our armed forces personnel go through breaks my heart. I personally think they should be some of the highest paid people in our government, but, I digress. 'Homecoming' is my first story to read by Meredith Daniels, but after reading the description I was definitely interested.
Coming home. Not always the easiest thing to do, and certainly not when home is a small town in Georgia. Jack left ten years ago and he's been back very sporadically. Now he's home for six weeks of medical leave after terrorists spent five days interrogating him in Kuwait. Jack is suffering from PTSD along with the physical effects of his torture, including panic attacks and uncontrollable rage. The last people he wants to run into are Stacy, his ex-girlfriend, and Dillon, her brother and Jack's ex best friend. He's also the only person Jack has ever loved. Unbeknownst to Jack, Dillon has loved Jack for years and still feels horrible about the fight he incited the night before Jack left for boot camp. Neither man knows the truth about the other's feelings. But six weeks is a long time. And anything can happen.
If Jack and Dillon could've worked their feelings out without additional stress, that would have been perfect. Unfortunately, they had to factor in small town homophobia and bigotry, along with the tenuous and uncomfortable relationship Jack and his father had. There was quite a bit of predictability to this story, its plot and the outcome. However, in my opinion, the author redeemed herself, somewhat, by her overall good writing and pace of the story. I enjoyed it and I can recommend it as an easy read.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Coming home. Not always the easiest thing to do, and certainly not when home is a small town in Georgia. Jack left ten years ago and he's been back very sporadically. Now he's home for six weeks of medical leave after terrorists spent five days interrogating him in Kuwait. Jack is suffering from PTSD along with the physical effects of his torture, including panic attacks and uncontrollable rage. The last people he wants to run into are Stacy, his ex-girlfriend, and Dillon, her brother and Jack's ex best friend. He's also the only person Jack has ever loved. Unbeknownst to Jack, Dillon has loved Jack for years and still feels horrible about the fight he incited the night before Jack left for boot camp. Neither man knows the truth about the other's feelings. But six weeks is a long time. And anything can happen.
If Jack and Dillon could've worked their feelings out without additional stress, that would have been perfect. Unfortunately, they had to factor in small town homophobia and bigotry, along with the tenuous and uncomfortable relationship Jack and his father had. There was quite a bit of predictability to this story, its plot and the outcome. However, in my opinion, the author redeemed herself, somewhat, by her overall good writing and pace of the story. I enjoyed it and I can recommend it as an easy read.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 11, 2014
Happy Release Day! I am so happy I was able to read this book by Meredith because I have found a genre I am loving. I am fairly new to the M/M genre but every book I have read thus far has totally blown me off my feet and then some. This short novella had me wanting no that is not right needing more because love is a funny thing and you don't get to chose who you love because the heart wants what the heart wants and it will get it or break in the process.
Jack and Dillon are best friends. They grew up together and Jack even dated Dillon's sister. But something in Jack made him decide to follow in his fathers foot steps and go into the army. Plus he was running from something or rather someone and he decided going into the army would be good for him. He joins the elite team Delta Force and stays away from home for ten years.
While on a mission he is captured and tortured and when he is rescued he is sent home to get some rest and relaxation before his next mission. When he arrives home he knows he does not want to be there because he left all those years ago for a reason and no matter what happens he needs to stay away from that person but as luck would have it there is no way Jack and the other person will stay away from each.
But first things first truths will have to be revealed and lies will have to be corrected before Jack can have the one person he has always wanted..........
Jack and Dillon are best friends. They grew up together and Jack even dated Dillon's sister. But something in Jack made him decide to follow in his fathers foot steps and go into the army. Plus he was running from something or rather someone and he decided going into the army would be good for him. He joins the elite team Delta Force and stays away from home for ten years.
While on a mission he is captured and tortured and when he is rescued he is sent home to get some rest and relaxation before his next mission. When he arrives home he knows he does not want to be there because he left all those years ago for a reason and no matter what happens he needs to stay away from that person but as luck would have it there is no way Jack and the other person will stay away from each.
But first things first truths will have to be revealed and lies will have to be corrected before Jack can have the one person he has always wanted..........
May 7, 2014
I received a free copy of this book via the Goodreads Don't buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
First, I liked this story. I think the author tried to cover too much in less than 100 pages. It only covers about a week, but there is so much going on with both MCs, that the story glossed over the problems. I felt like something was missing.
Dillon and Jack were best friends in high school. Jack didn’t know Dillon was gay and ignored the taunts made by their classmates toward Dillon. Granted, Jack was deep in the closet, mostly because of his father. This story covers a week in Jack and Dillon’s lives that brings them back together for the first time in 10 years. Jack has problems from his military service, including PTSD. Jack is supposed to be a mess, but that was almost an afterthought. Dillon seems like he could be a strong character, but I didn’t get a complete picture of him. Again, something was missing. I didn’t feel the relationship or the story. The blurb hooked me, but the book just didn’t deliver.
First, I liked this story. I think the author tried to cover too much in less than 100 pages. It only covers about a week, but there is so much going on with both MCs, that the story glossed over the problems. I felt like something was missing.
Dillon and Jack were best friends in high school. Jack didn’t know Dillon was gay and ignored the taunts made by their classmates toward Dillon. Granted, Jack was deep in the closet, mostly because of his father. This story covers a week in Jack and Dillon’s lives that brings them back together for the first time in 10 years. Jack has problems from his military service, including PTSD. Jack is supposed to be a mess, but that was almost an afterthought. Dillon seems like he could be a strong character, but I didn’t get a complete picture of him. Again, something was missing. I didn’t feel the relationship or the story. The blurb hooked me, but the book just didn’t deliver.
October 22, 2014
This book was given to me for an honest review through the Dont Buy me Love programme.
This si the story of Jack who comes back to Georgia for medical leave from the Army and Dillion, the boyhood friend who he left.
The two boys had ahd a friendship as they grew up, neither of them realizing that the other one was gay. Jack left overnight when he left for the army. Dillion stayed behind and became a photographer. Jack is back in Georgia on leave and runs into Dillion again. The two finally talk and then get together once they realize that they are both gay.
The initial synopsis of the book suggested that Jack suffered from PTSD, but I cant recall it in the book. I do wish however that the book was longer or maybe there could be a follow up.
This si the story of Jack who comes back to Georgia for medical leave from the Army and Dillion, the boyhood friend who he left.
The two boys had ahd a friendship as they grew up, neither of them realizing that the other one was gay. Jack left overnight when he left for the army. Dillion stayed behind and became a photographer. Jack is back in Georgia on leave and runs into Dillion again. The two finally talk and then get together once they realize that they are both gay.
The initial synopsis of the book suggested that Jack suffered from PTSD, but I cant recall it in the book. I do wish however that the book was longer or maybe there could be a follow up.
March 23, 2014
I liked the cover, which might have been the main reason for me to buy this book. As shallow as that motive in the end the whole book turned out.
Yes, it was an easy read and it moved nicely from one point to the next, only in the end it felt as if the parts that would have given it life and depth where missing. I couldn't relate to the love between Jack and Dillon, there was rather no chemistry at all. Dad, although terminally ill and the underlying reason for Jack to return home, was totally absent, aside from some blow-up at breakfast. The bully from childhood wasn't necessary for the story at all.
Nevertheless, I finished reading and that was about it.
Yes, it was an easy read and it moved nicely from one point to the next, only in the end it felt as if the parts that would have given it life and depth where missing. I couldn't relate to the love between Jack and Dillon, there was rather no chemistry at all. Dad, although terminally ill and the underlying reason for Jack to return home, was totally absent, aside from some blow-up at breakfast. The bully from childhood wasn't necessary for the story at all.
Nevertheless, I finished reading and that was about it.
June 19, 2019
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This was a fast read that would be good for a rainy weekend afternoon. While I liked the book I thought it could have been longer and given us more of the "after". The ending seemed rushed. I really liked both Dillon and Jack. I also loved Stacy, Dillon's sister. There was so much back and forth during this short book that I wanted to reach through my e-reader and scream for the MC's to get their heads out of their butts! As I said this was a good book but if it would have been longer after the MC's got their heads out of their butts it could have been a great book.
This was a fast read that would be good for a rainy weekend afternoon. While I liked the book I thought it could have been longer and given us more of the "after". The ending seemed rushed. I really liked both Dillon and Jack. I also loved Stacy, Dillon's sister. There was so much back and forth during this short book that I wanted to reach through my e-reader and scream for the MC's to get their heads out of their butts! As I said this was a good book but if it would have been longer after the MC's got their heads out of their butts it could have been a great book.
February 1, 2015
Writing was engaging but it was too short to really get into the meat of what these two were facing. Jack was way too messed up from the abuse of being a POW which he knew and told Dillon but the book ended before any of it had to be dealt with. Maybe there will be another book that goes into that. Nice short and great beginning to a relationship.
January 17, 2017
This is the first time I've read anything by this Author and I loved it.
If you are a lover of M/M stories you'll fall in love with these two broken men.
Homecoming is sweet, sad and one you can't stop reading until you read the end!
4 stars from me!
If you are a lover of M/M stories you'll fall in love with these two broken men.
Homecoming is sweet, sad and one you can't stop reading until you read the end!
4 stars from me!
March 26, 2014
3.5 stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Jack Dresden is returning to Devotion, Georgia after a ten year absence. It’s not his choice. After capture and torture in Kuwait Jack is on medical leave. He’s come home to a dying father and a strained relationship with his former best friend. It doesn’t help that the former best friend, Dillon, is also Jack’s ex girlfriend’s brother and the man Jack has been in love with most of his life. Dillon was a refuge for Jack when his father’s unrealistic and slightly cruel expectations became too much for him. Unfortunately, the last time they saw each other it was with swinging fists involved. Jack doesn’t realize that Dillon has been heartbroken the past ten years over how they parted as he’s also been in love with Jack and had his own feelings of guilt at being in love with his sister’s boyfriend. Jack can’t escape Dillon and is doing his best to hide both his PTSD and his intense attraction to Dillon. At a welcome home party thrown by his mother, Jack is overwhelmed by the number of people in an enclosed space and goes outside to escape. He is followed by Dillon. Jack, while in panic mode, sort of forces himself on Dillon. Dillon is able to stop Jack before it goes too far and they agree to talk the next day. Jack wakes to breakfast and goes down to a breakfast with his parents and learns just how truly hateful and nasty his father really is.
While talking, Dillon and Jack learn more about each other and what has transpired over the years they haven’t’ been in contact. Mostly, Dillon comes to realize just how messed up Jack really is. After sex, Jack runs away. His intention is to spare Dillon from the disaster he’s become, and he really is a disaster. His PTSD is quite bad. What Jack didn’t realize was his mother has been aware of his feelings for Dillon his whole life despite his father’s opinions. She approves wholeheartedly. Now, Jack just needs to get over himself and see if Dillon is willing.
I felt this book had a lot of really good themes but didn’t necessarily pull them all together well. Jack and Dillon were both well crafted characters, but their decision making felt more tailored to the book’s length than actual human processes. As I said, I do feel there were a lot of really good themes in the book, particularly Jack’s feelings of living his life for the benefit of and at the mercy of others. His father and his father’s friends were a nasty bunch forcing others to play out their whims with potentially deadly consequences, and they did so without even the faintest hint of self awareness.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Jack Dresden is returning to Devotion, Georgia after a ten year absence. It’s not his choice. After capture and torture in Kuwait Jack is on medical leave. He’s come home to a dying father and a strained relationship with his former best friend. It doesn’t help that the former best friend, Dillon, is also Jack’s ex girlfriend’s brother and the man Jack has been in love with most of his life. Dillon was a refuge for Jack when his father’s unrealistic and slightly cruel expectations became too much for him. Unfortunately, the last time they saw each other it was with swinging fists involved. Jack doesn’t realize that Dillon has been heartbroken the past ten years over how they parted as he’s also been in love with Jack and had his own feelings of guilt at being in love with his sister’s boyfriend. Jack can’t escape Dillon and is doing his best to hide both his PTSD and his intense attraction to Dillon. At a welcome home party thrown by his mother, Jack is overwhelmed by the number of people in an enclosed space and goes outside to escape. He is followed by Dillon. Jack, while in panic mode, sort of forces himself on Dillon. Dillon is able to stop Jack before it goes too far and they agree to talk the next day. Jack wakes to breakfast and goes down to a breakfast with his parents and learns just how truly hateful and nasty his father really is.
While talking, Dillon and Jack learn more about each other and what has transpired over the years they haven’t’ been in contact. Mostly, Dillon comes to realize just how messed up Jack really is. After sex, Jack runs away. His intention is to spare Dillon from the disaster he’s become, and he really is a disaster. His PTSD is quite bad. What Jack didn’t realize was his mother has been aware of his feelings for Dillon his whole life despite his father’s opinions. She approves wholeheartedly. Now, Jack just needs to get over himself and see if Dillon is willing.
I felt this book had a lot of really good themes but didn’t necessarily pull them all together well. Jack and Dillon were both well crafted characters, but their decision making felt more tailored to the book’s length than actual human processes. As I said, I do feel there were a lot of really good themes in the book, particularly Jack’s feelings of living his life for the benefit of and at the mercy of others. His father and his father’s friends were a nasty bunch forcing others to play out their whims with potentially deadly consequences, and they did so without even the faintest hint of self awareness.
March 29, 2019
Homecoming, arch, 4 stars, male/male, romance, friends to lovers, military dudes, first time author
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Jack returns home, after a botched mission leaves him 5 days in hell. He is bruised and broken. But coming home be the hardest thing he has done, especially when it brings him face to face with the only man he ever loved. The man who hates him for breaking his sister’s heart. The man in question, Dillon, doesn’t hate Jack as much as Jack thinks. When Dillon helps Jack with his PTSD, when Dillon’s touch makes Jack feel like he really DID come home, both men need to own their feelings for each other. But it takes Dillon’s sister to make Jack see.
I love reading about broken soldiers coming home, and this was no exception!
Jack is broken, inside and out, bones and mind. Five days in hell and he has been given six weeks of mandatory leave and for the first time in ten years, he goes home. Home to his mum and dying father. Home to the memories that are burned on his mind from the last time he was here. Home to where Dillon might be. He doesn’t know which is worse: facing Dillon, or NOT. I loved that Jack didn’t know! Dillon, though. He knows. He knows he wants to see Jack. Seeing the man who has held his heart for long in so much pain calls to him. He wants Jack, but he wants Jack to come to him. And when they do? It was beautiful! But Jack spoils it by running! Stoopid man thinks now he’s “got Dillon out his system” he’ll be able to lay it to rest. But Dillon is far more than a “get out of my system” kinda man, and it takes Dillon’s sister, and Jack’s mum, to make Jack see, to really SEE how much he cannot let Dillon go!
It’s only short, some 90 pages, but packs quite a punch. Both Jack and Dillon have their say, and in the third person. Each voice is clear and defined.
I read some reviews AFTER I read this, I don’t do it before. I made that mistake once and never again. Most of the reviews I found were from 2014, and not very good. I wonder has this been revised since. I found none of the problems that are mentioned! Also, I can’t find anything else by this author. So, given this is a FIRST-time author, I’ll say this is a very VERY good start.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Jack returns home, after a botched mission leaves him 5 days in hell. He is bruised and broken. But coming home be the hardest thing he has done, especially when it brings him face to face with the only man he ever loved. The man who hates him for breaking his sister’s heart. The man in question, Dillon, doesn’t hate Jack as much as Jack thinks. When Dillon helps Jack with his PTSD, when Dillon’s touch makes Jack feel like he really DID come home, both men need to own their feelings for each other. But it takes Dillon’s sister to make Jack see.
I love reading about broken soldiers coming home, and this was no exception!
Jack is broken, inside and out, bones and mind. Five days in hell and he has been given six weeks of mandatory leave and for the first time in ten years, he goes home. Home to his mum and dying father. Home to the memories that are burned on his mind from the last time he was here. Home to where Dillon might be. He doesn’t know which is worse: facing Dillon, or NOT. I loved that Jack didn’t know! Dillon, though. He knows. He knows he wants to see Jack. Seeing the man who has held his heart for long in so much pain calls to him. He wants Jack, but he wants Jack to come to him. And when they do? It was beautiful! But Jack spoils it by running! Stoopid man thinks now he’s “got Dillon out his system” he’ll be able to lay it to rest. But Dillon is far more than a “get out of my system” kinda man, and it takes Dillon’s sister, and Jack’s mum, to make Jack see, to really SEE how much he cannot let Dillon go!
It’s only short, some 90 pages, but packs quite a punch. Both Jack and Dillon have their say, and in the third person. Each voice is clear and defined.
I read some reviews AFTER I read this, I don’t do it before. I made that mistake once and never again. Most of the reviews I found were from 2014, and not very good. I wonder has this been revised since. I found none of the problems that are mentioned! Also, I can’t find anything else by this author. So, given this is a FIRST-time author, I’ll say this is a very VERY good start.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
April 20, 2019
Reviewed by Cindy
Jack is a man in turmoil and it only gets worse as he heads home after leaving the armed forces. When he left home he escaped from his father’s glaring disapproval, but he also left behind the person who meant the most to him.
Dillon is the kind of guy who tries to face his problems head on, but when Jack left to join the service, Dillon was angry but not for the reason Jack thinks.
There’s no denying Jack is a tortured soul. The things that he saw while he was in the military have left him feeling broken and alone. Seeing Dillon only adds to the conflict inside of him and he can’t bring himself to get any closer…or walk away.
I liked this story. Both men are good guys who are so scared of what’s inside of them and it’s kind of painful to watch. Jack’s low self esteem, which was nurtured his whole life by his father, leaves him frozen even though all he wants is to be with Dillon.
Dillon is still angry about how Jack left but as the story goes on, he starts to figure out that things with Jack aren’t exactly like he thought they were.
Dillon’s sister is sweet and I love how she helps Dillon figure out what he wants so that he can help Jack get there too.
It’s a shorter story but I felt like it was all there and that mostly nothing was missing. My only complaint really, is that someone with Jack’s level of PTSD could have used a little more help from some professionals and I would have loved to have seen that angle explored a little more. However, the author did a great job of getting how Jack’s PTSD affected him across and I was almost moved to tears in a couple of places. I have a special place in my heart for the men and women who go into service for the country and come out damaged by the things they see and endure.
Jack and Dillon live in “every small town” USA and it helps the reader to connect to the characters because it feels familiar for a lot of us.
This story is nicely written and I am looking forward to more stories from this author and in this series especially.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Jack is a man in turmoil and it only gets worse as he heads home after leaving the armed forces. When he left home he escaped from his father’s glaring disapproval, but he also left behind the person who meant the most to him.
Dillon is the kind of guy who tries to face his problems head on, but when Jack left to join the service, Dillon was angry but not for the reason Jack thinks.
There’s no denying Jack is a tortured soul. The things that he saw while he was in the military have left him feeling broken and alone. Seeing Dillon only adds to the conflict inside of him and he can’t bring himself to get any closer…or walk away.
I liked this story. Both men are good guys who are so scared of what’s inside of them and it’s kind of painful to watch. Jack’s low self esteem, which was nurtured his whole life by his father, leaves him frozen even though all he wants is to be with Dillon.
Dillon is still angry about how Jack left but as the story goes on, he starts to figure out that things with Jack aren’t exactly like he thought they were.
Dillon’s sister is sweet and I love how she helps Dillon figure out what he wants so that he can help Jack get there too.
It’s a shorter story but I felt like it was all there and that mostly nothing was missing. My only complaint really, is that someone with Jack’s level of PTSD could have used a little more help from some professionals and I would have loved to have seen that angle explored a little more. However, the author did a great job of getting how Jack’s PTSD affected him across and I was almost moved to tears in a couple of places. I have a special place in my heart for the men and women who go into service for the country and come out damaged by the things they see and endure.
Jack and Dillon live in “every small town” USA and it helps the reader to connect to the characters because it feels familiar for a lot of us.
This story is nicely written and I am looking forward to more stories from this author and in this series especially.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 11, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Jack Dresden is a member of the Special Forces who is home from a mission in Kuwait that didn’t go so well. He’s suffering from PTSD and is and emotional wreck on top of dealing with being in the closet. Home is Devotion, Georgia. It’s been ten years since he last visited. Almost as soon as he gets to town, he runs into Dillon Bluff, his childhood best friend and the only man he ever loved, unbeknownst to Dillon. However, things had ended horribly for them the day Jack left, so their reunion is an awkward one. Both are attracted to each other but are desperate to keep the other’s friendship, so neither wants to risk it by telling the other how he feels. Yes, if you like angst, this book is loaded with it.
Jack finally gives in to his desires and kisses Dillon. Dillon is thrilled and wants more but Jack pulls back. Homophobic remarks from Jack’s dad help bring him back around to facing his feelings toward Dillon.
I liked the book. The plot was interesting. I thought it needed to be longer though. Each of the plot points could have been expanded on. This story involves issues that can’t really be address and resolved in a week, which is about the timespan of the story. You just can’t deal with torture, PTSD, a homophobic parent who is dying, the issues that come with dealing with losing the parent you are somewhat estranged from, and the possibility of coming out of the closet all in a week. I liked Dillon’s character but there wasn’t enough information to give him much dimension. I would have liked more back story or more story on his feelings.
Despite any issues I might have discussed, I still enjoyed the story. Jack and Dillon were both likable characters. And I particularly liked the angst, but I’m a fan of angst. I would still recommend the book.
Jack Dresden is a member of the Special Forces who is home from a mission in Kuwait that didn’t go so well. He’s suffering from PTSD and is and emotional wreck on top of dealing with being in the closet. Home is Devotion, Georgia. It’s been ten years since he last visited. Almost as soon as he gets to town, he runs into Dillon Bluff, his childhood best friend and the only man he ever loved, unbeknownst to Dillon. However, things had ended horribly for them the day Jack left, so their reunion is an awkward one. Both are attracted to each other but are desperate to keep the other’s friendship, so neither wants to risk it by telling the other how he feels. Yes, if you like angst, this book is loaded with it.
Jack finally gives in to his desires and kisses Dillon. Dillon is thrilled and wants more but Jack pulls back. Homophobic remarks from Jack’s dad help bring him back around to facing his feelings toward Dillon.
I liked the book. The plot was interesting. I thought it needed to be longer though. Each of the plot points could have been expanded on. This story involves issues that can’t really be address and resolved in a week, which is about the timespan of the story. You just can’t deal with torture, PTSD, a homophobic parent who is dying, the issues that come with dealing with losing the parent you are somewhat estranged from, and the possibility of coming out of the closet all in a week. I liked Dillon’s character but there wasn’t enough information to give him much dimension. I would have liked more back story or more story on his feelings.
Despite any issues I might have discussed, I still enjoyed the story. Jack and Dillon were both likable characters. And I particularly liked the angst, but I’m a fan of angst. I would still recommend the book.
March 21, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I’m just going to come out and say this right off the bat—this book was too damned short! These main characters and this premise were so well crafted, and the obstacles to their relationship had so many layers that this book just wasn’t capable of doing justice to them in so few pages, and I think that showed up in a lot of areas. Which was such a shame, because my god, had the story we were presented with actually been explored to its full extent? It would have been a knockout.
Wounded, broken, miserable Jack Dresden stole my heart from page one. He’s a complete mess throughout the entirety of the book and he just aches for so many things he feels he doesn’t deserve—Dillon, his father’s affections, for his mind and body to be whole again. You get the feeling that he’s fought so hard and so long to be a good man, to be what everyone expects and needs him to be and now he’s just tired and ground down—and lonely. I completely understand Dillon’s urge to just wrap him in a hug and take care of him and put him back together. This was one of those characters that were he a real person that I knew I wouldn’t be able to decide what I wanted more: to fuck him or to mother him to death. Fortunately Dillon is there to pretty much do both.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I’m just going to come out and say this right off the bat—this book was too damned short! These main characters and this premise were so well crafted, and the obstacles to their relationship had so many layers that this book just wasn’t capable of doing justice to them in so few pages, and I think that showed up in a lot of areas. Which was such a shame, because my god, had the story we were presented with actually been explored to its full extent? It would have been a knockout.
Wounded, broken, miserable Jack Dresden stole my heart from page one. He’s a complete mess throughout the entirety of the book and he just aches for so many things he feels he doesn’t deserve—Dillon, his father’s affections, for his mind and body to be whole again. You get the feeling that he’s fought so hard and so long to be a good man, to be what everyone expects and needs him to be and now he’s just tired and ground down—and lonely. I completely understand Dillon’s urge to just wrap him in a hug and take care of him and put him back together. This was one of those characters that were he a real person that I knew I wouldn’t be able to decide what I wanted more: to fuck him or to mother him to death. Fortunately Dillon is there to pretty much do both.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
June 3, 2016
Jack Dresden and Dillion Bluff were best friends through high school. One fateful night separates them for ten years. Dillion has become a successful photographer and Jack has become a soldier in the Delta Forces. Jack is home after being held in captivity and tortured. The two men are suddenly brought back together and sparks fly immediately. Dillion and Jack work to fix their problems from the past and to start over with something fresh and new.
This was the first time I have read a book by this author and I was pleased that I tried her work. The story was nicely done and the plot was interesting.
Both Dillion and Jake were likeable on their own and they steamed up the pages when they were in a room together. Their romance was believable and I felt the chemistry between them.
My only complaint with the book was how short it was. I felt that the author should have made it longer and more detailed when tackling a problem as serious and complex and PTSD. Jack's problems were too easily and too quickly solved for it to feel realistic. I would have liked to see these two characters work through these issues in more detail.
Despite my feeling that it was too short to detail the subject matter as well as it could have been, I think the story that was there was done well. It was a nice, sweet love story with minimal angst and a lovely happily ever after. I will definitely check out other works by this author.
This was the first time I have read a book by this author and I was pleased that I tried her work. The story was nicely done and the plot was interesting.
Both Dillion and Jake were likeable on their own and they steamed up the pages when they were in a room together. Their romance was believable and I felt the chemistry between them.
My only complaint with the book was how short it was. I felt that the author should have made it longer and more detailed when tackling a problem as serious and complex and PTSD. Jack's problems were too easily and too quickly solved for it to feel realistic. I would have liked to see these two characters work through these issues in more detail.
Despite my feeling that it was too short to detail the subject matter as well as it could have been, I think the story that was there was done well. It was a nice, sweet love story with minimal angst and a lovely happily ever after. I will definitely check out other works by this author.
August 14, 2016
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the basis of this book, however it ended too quickly. The two MCs were best friends as kids and then one leaves immediately after a bad fight. Jack & Dillon didn't know the other was gay and were afraid to ruin their friendship if they told the other. After Jack has been gone for years they see each other again. Jack is dealing with PTSD and still wants to hide his feeling for Dillon. The problem for me is that their issues were just suddenly resolved as if everything is going to be perfect from here on out. The description got me hooked, but the folow through was not quite what I hoped it would be.
I liked the basis of this book, however it ended too quickly. The two MCs were best friends as kids and then one leaves immediately after a bad fight. Jack & Dillon didn't know the other was gay and were afraid to ruin their friendship if they told the other. After Jack has been gone for years they see each other again. Jack is dealing with PTSD and still wants to hide his feeling for Dillon. The problem for me is that their issues were just suddenly resolved as if everything is going to be perfect from here on out. The description got me hooked, but the folow through was not quite what I hoped it would be.
March 15, 2019
So good I had to read it twice
You know when you pick up a book and the story resonates immediately? It just grabs you by the innards and makes you pay attention? That is what this book is like. Meredith Daniels wrote a scorcher of a story about second chance love where one of the men is so broken his soul is wounded.
But here is the thing- Jack has this interesting mix of hope and desperate-ness about him. He wants to let himself love Dillon, but does not feel like he deserves it. The turmoil is heady and deep. Jack's inner demons - and there are many - threaten to overwhelm, but he is grounded by Dillon. It was weird to feel happy while he navigates social landmines but I knew, just knew it would work out in the end. Very powerful.
* Advanced copy provided for an honest review.
You know when you pick up a book and the story resonates immediately? It just grabs you by the innards and makes you pay attention? That is what this book is like. Meredith Daniels wrote a scorcher of a story about second chance love where one of the men is so broken his soul is wounded.
But here is the thing- Jack has this interesting mix of hope and desperate-ness about him. He wants to let himself love Dillon, but does not feel like he deserves it. The turmoil is heady and deep. Jack's inner demons - and there are many - threaten to overwhelm, but he is grounded by Dillon. It was weird to feel happy while he navigates social landmines but I knew, just knew it would work out in the end. Very powerful.
* Advanced copy provided for an honest review.
July 14, 2014
This was a sweet story but was very short and lacked some depth. I wanted quite a bit more out of it, though it was a good and fast read. There was a great deal of potential, and I'm hoping that what appears to be the start of a new series will be continue and perhaps develop more depth over time.
March 25, 2014
What a fantastic debut Merideth Daniels! Home coming is heart warming, hot M/M. Jack is brooding and broken and the only person who can help him is sexy Dillon. I love both these men. Home Coming is just fantastic!
March 18, 2014
2.5 stars bumped up to 3. I liked the characters and plot, but I felt like the story ended just as I was getting into it.
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