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Tall Thicket Tales #1
Outshined
Fall 1993.
Well, it isn't his Plan A...
At his surgeon father's insistence, premed bad boy Cameron Lord transfers from the massive University of Texas to tiny Tall Thicket State University in small-town East Texas. After the scandal of seducing the dean’s son during their sophomore year in Austin and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Cameron needs a fresh start. Dr. Lord insists Cameron's lucky any school still wants him, but Cameron's more concerned with whether a certain gorgeous blond undergrad is interested.
After spotting Tim Sullivan through the plate glass window of Big Cheeser's Pizza, Cameron can't resist the opportunity to apply for a job there. Angelically handsome, Tim's also frontman for popular local cover band the Angry Goats, proving there's more to him than polo shirts and shy smiles. When Tim reveals he's on Prozac for severe depression, Cameron's convinced they understand each other. But with Tim's evangelical upbringing, the terror of the AIDS epidemic, and the casual homophobia of Tim's bandmate, will virgin Tim be brave enough to acknowledge his growing interest in worldly, reckless Cameron?
Well, it isn't his Plan A...
At his surgeon father's insistence, premed bad boy Cameron Lord transfers from the massive University of Texas to tiny Tall Thicket State University in small-town East Texas. After the scandal of seducing the dean’s son during their sophomore year in Austin and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Cameron needs a fresh start. Dr. Lord insists Cameron's lucky any school still wants him, but Cameron's more concerned with whether a certain gorgeous blond undergrad is interested.
After spotting Tim Sullivan through the plate glass window of Big Cheeser's Pizza, Cameron can't resist the opportunity to apply for a job there. Angelically handsome, Tim's also frontman for popular local cover band the Angry Goats, proving there's more to him than polo shirts and shy smiles. When Tim reveals he's on Prozac for severe depression, Cameron's convinced they understand each other. But with Tim's evangelical upbringing, the terror of the AIDS epidemic, and the casual homophobia of Tim's bandmate, will virgin Tim be brave enough to acknowledge his growing interest in worldly, reckless Cameron?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2019
About the author
Clancy Nacht
57 books149 followersClancy Nacht is a bisexual genderqueer person who lives in Austin with a husband, and three feral rescue cats. Clancy has published several ARe bestselling contemporary romantic thriller m/m and m/f stories. Three of her books have been honored with Rainbow Awards; Le Jazz Hot won for #1 Best Bisexual/Transgender Romance & Erotic Romance. In 2013, Black Gold: Double Black was a runner up for a Rainbow Award and in 2015, Gemini won an Honorable Mention for Gay Erotic Romance at the Rainbow Awards. Her books have been nominated for several Goodreads M/M Readers Choice Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 28, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
I chose Outshined because it takes place in the early 90s…when I was a young adult and listening to the same alternative/grunge music featured in the story. The mental illness issues were also interesting to me, and I wanted to see how the authors would handle such a sensitive subject. Twenty five years ago (give or take), attitudes about that were different. While there will almost always be a stigma around mental illness, people are much more accepting than they were then. Adding to these issues, I was intrigued by the idea of one of the MCs having a religious and homophobic family, especially their ideas about the AIDS epidemic. I am most definitely not disappointed.
I find myself completely identifying with both Cameron and Tim. They’re good guys in unfortunate situations. At times, it’s uncomfortable, but always compelling. They need each other. That much is plain to see.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
I chose Outshined because it takes place in the early 90s…when I was a young adult and listening to the same alternative/grunge music featured in the story. The mental illness issues were also interesting to me, and I wanted to see how the authors would handle such a sensitive subject. Twenty five years ago (give or take), attitudes about that were different. While there will almost always be a stigma around mental illness, people are much more accepting than they were then. Adding to these issues, I was intrigued by the idea of one of the MCs having a religious and homophobic family, especially their ideas about the AIDS epidemic. I am most definitely not disappointed.
I find myself completely identifying with both Cameron and Tim. They’re good guys in unfortunate situations. At times, it’s uncomfortable, but always compelling. They need each other. That much is plain to see.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
April 16, 2019
3.75 Stars
I loved both Cameron and Tim and together they had amazing chemistry and the love they shared was clearly visible.
From the very beginning the deck is stacked against these two young men, not only do they both suffer a mental illness, but Tim has to get over his fears that what he and Cameron feel for one another is evil or disgusting, and that it will quite literally kill them, because of course AIDS was something God invented to punish all the evil and sinful queers.
I’m a bit torn because while I absolutely loved Tim and Cameron, I was left wanting more from their story. The story has a HFN ending, but being set in the 90’s, with all the turmoil that was still to come for members of the lgbt community, and especially dealing with two men who both suffer a mental illness, I wish the authors had taken the opportunity to include an epilogue. Perhaps a wedding after marriage equality was granted.
As far as the story itself, it focused heavily on the music of the early 90’s and if you dont know the music of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Crowded House, Depeche Mode and others, the story could lose you and while I know some of the music, I didn’t recognize a lot of it and I was lost at times. While I know the story is partially inspired by the frontmen of some of these bands or other similar ones, I wish the story had focused more on the developing relationship between Cameron and Tim, rather than the music.
The story is well-written for the most part, but I found the second half of the story flowed better and the conversations between Tim and Cameron were less awkward and stilted. While not always an easy read, I have to say, I was fully invested in Tim and Cameron and I couldn’t put their story down. Enjoyable and recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 14, 2019
3.5 overall - good book - I was a bit disappointed by the lack of explanation as to the mental illness, it was also a bit more religious tied than I expected! But overall it was a good read, I loved all the band moments and the beginning of the last chapter was epic and gave me butterflies!
August 20, 2019
Review to come!
April 16, 2019
This novel is about Cameron and Tim, both battling with their own mental issues and navigating through collage life.
Cameron suffers with Manic/ Depression. Has been reckless in the past and defiantly has the sexy bad boy image. But there is also a venerable side to him, that no one sees or knows about. Until he meets Tim.
Tim is so sweet and naive, wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been brought up in a strict religious community and family. And does not realize he is attracted to men, until Cameron walks into Tim’s work place looking for a job.
What follow is a tender coming of age love story between these two-college student. On paper they should not fit together, they are like chalk and cheese. Or are they?
Cameron Falls head over heels for Time almost the instant he lays eyes on him. But he soon realizes that he will have to restrain himself and be very patient if he wants their relationship to develop. And he knows that Tim is the person for him and will do anything to ensure their relation develops and blossoms.
Tim is like a deer caught in the headlights, he is battling with everything he has been told over and over, but he trusts Cameron and slowly he realizes that all the religious views just do not make any sense. And that many of the things he has been told are total lies.
But he can not deny his feelings for Cameron he knows there is a special spark between them, and he will do anything to find out where their budding relationship will take them. Slowly step by step he breaks down his fears.
Their relationship is brittle at the start, with each having so much package, but that is where the strength of their relationship is. They can truly be themselves, can confide in their issues and fears and rash thoughts. And that strengthens them. They feed each other hope and courage, that makes them strong to face what ever the world has instore for them.
I Thoroughly enjoyed this story; I loved the characters and the way the authors portrayed their mental health issues and how the characters were each other’s rocks. I so hope we get to visit these characters again and find out if they get their happy ever after in Seattle
Cameron suffers with Manic/ Depression. Has been reckless in the past and defiantly has the sexy bad boy image. But there is also a venerable side to him, that no one sees or knows about. Until he meets Tim.
Tim is so sweet and naive, wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been brought up in a strict religious community and family. And does not realize he is attracted to men, until Cameron walks into Tim’s work place looking for a job.
What follow is a tender coming of age love story between these two-college student. On paper they should not fit together, they are like chalk and cheese. Or are they?
Cameron Falls head over heels for Time almost the instant he lays eyes on him. But he soon realizes that he will have to restrain himself and be very patient if he wants their relationship to develop. And he knows that Tim is the person for him and will do anything to ensure their relation develops and blossoms.
Tim is like a deer caught in the headlights, he is battling with everything he has been told over and over, but he trusts Cameron and slowly he realizes that all the religious views just do not make any sense. And that many of the things he has been told are total lies.
But he can not deny his feelings for Cameron he knows there is a special spark between them, and he will do anything to find out where their budding relationship will take them. Slowly step by step he breaks down his fears.
Their relationship is brittle at the start, with each having so much package, but that is where the strength of their relationship is. They can truly be themselves, can confide in their issues and fears and rash thoughts. And that strengthens them. They feed each other hope and courage, that makes them strong to face what ever the world has instore for them.
I Thoroughly enjoyed this story; I loved the characters and the way the authors portrayed their mental health issues and how the characters were each other’s rocks. I so hope we get to visit these characters again and find out if they get their happy ever after in Seattle
April 24, 2019
Outshined is a tough one to review. I loved this Clancy Nacht and Thursday Euclid story, but I didn't love the writing style. I can't pinpoint what I didn't love about it, but it took me a long time to get into it, and I always felt something was off.
That said, the story itself is wonderful. Taking place in 1993, I loved this look back at how we lived back then. It is clearly evident the differences that the internet has made in our lives since then, especially as Tim has no clue about gay sex, as there was no way to learn about it online. In addition, looking back as to how homosexuality was treated then, this is an excellent representation of the need to be discreet.
The mental illness are well written, but I was expecting more from this theme.
Outshined is worth a read, especially for anyone looking for a romance in that time setting. The authors weaved a great tale of discovery and first love. The sex scenes are fantastic also.
That said, the story itself is wonderful. Taking place in 1993, I loved this look back at how we lived back then. It is clearly evident the differences that the internet has made in our lives since then, especially as Tim has no clue about gay sex, as there was no way to learn about it online. In addition, looking back as to how homosexuality was treated then, this is an excellent representation of the need to be discreet.
The mental illness are well written, but I was expecting more from this theme.
Outshined is worth a read, especially for anyone looking for a romance in that time setting. The authors weaved a great tale of discovery and first love. The sex scenes are fantastic also.
April 19, 2019
This book was so sweet, so innocent and pure! I loved it! Cameron and Tim were two cute and strong character and i loved their story.
I loved that the story was set in '93 and in Texas, when the homosexuality wasn't as accepted when it is today, and they lived their life with no internet and social media disctractions, i really loved it!
And that Tim was raised in a family who believed "pray the gay away" is a thing... it was a plus! It was amazing how Tim accepted his own sexuality and how responsive and strong he was! I loved Tim so much! And Cameron too! Oh God, Cameron! He was the statue of patience! It was so good to read about their relationship, it was so slow but so good!
I loved that the story was set in '93 and in Texas, when the homosexuality wasn't as accepted when it is today, and they lived their life with no internet and social media disctractions, i really loved it!
And that Tim was raised in a family who believed "pray the gay away" is a thing... it was a plus! It was amazing how Tim accepted his own sexuality and how responsive and strong he was! I loved Tim so much! And Cameron too! Oh God, Cameron! He was the statue of patience! It was so good to read about their relationship, it was so slow but so good!
April 28, 2019
The moment I read the blurb I suspected that I would love this story. It was everything I hoped…and more. True tenderness entwined with intensity, and characters as fabulous as they are flawed. My holy trinity for five star reads.
Cameron & Tim’s mental health issues were intrinsic parts of their characters, rather than tacked on top to add tension or heft. Influencing the way they related to the world and functioned within it, rather than serving as a dramatic device to create depth where none exists.
Outshined will take its place on my shelf alongside ‘Beneath The Stain’ as a beautifully written & much beloved rock read.
Cameron & Tim’s mental health issues were intrinsic parts of their characters, rather than tacked on top to add tension or heft. Influencing the way they related to the world and functioned within it, rather than serving as a dramatic device to create depth where none exists.
Outshined will take its place on my shelf alongside ‘Beneath The Stain’ as a beautifully written & much beloved rock read.
April 15, 2019
Outshined by Clancy Nacht & Thursday Euclid is a first ove M/M romance set in the early 1990's and filled with grunge, exploration, real talk on mental illness and the discovery of making connections and love.
Tim and Cameron are interesting characters. The story draws you in and keeps your attention throughout. Theres sweetness and heat and I loved it all.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Tim and Cameron are interesting characters. The story draws you in and keeps your attention throughout. Theres sweetness and heat and I loved it all.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
April 17, 2019
Great book. It had my attention from start to finish and I loved Tim and Cameron. Cameron is a very aggressive person who knows what he wants and set his eyes on Tim. Tim is confused about his sexuality and decides to put his trust in Cameron. I loved the interactions between the guys and the book have a great flow and I couldn't put it down. Even though both guys have mental issues and somehow they make it work. The book is fun and romantic.
April 26, 2019
Emotional tale.
Very emotional story set in the nineties. Both of the MCs are suffering in their own way. The book tells of how Cameron and Tim atempt to cope with their problems. As is mentioned in the blurb, during this period mental illness was more of a stigma, and in the early 90s the Aids virus was at its height. This is reflected in the story, and is used to demoralise and bring down both of the boys.
The authors have made a great attempt to recreate this time period and the then attutudes to mental illness and homosexuality. I quickly got caught up in the MCs stories, and really felt for them. Their characters are very well written, and their struggles seemed very real.
My only complaint was that it ended far too quickly and far too abruptly. I felt as if I was only beginning to know them both, when the tale ended, I then realised that their HFN may be the end and this book could be it.
I sincerely hope not, as this seems to be the beginning of a series, I'm hoping we'll get more of what life holds for these two. Especially, how Cameron eventually deals with his condition. An epilogue would've given more closure .
Very emotional story set in the nineties. Both of the MCs are suffering in their own way. The book tells of how Cameron and Tim atempt to cope with their problems. As is mentioned in the blurb, during this period mental illness was more of a stigma, and in the early 90s the Aids virus was at its height. This is reflected in the story, and is used to demoralise and bring down both of the boys.
The authors have made a great attempt to recreate this time period and the then attutudes to mental illness and homosexuality. I quickly got caught up in the MCs stories, and really felt for them. Their characters are very well written, and their struggles seemed very real.
My only complaint was that it ended far too quickly and far too abruptly. I felt as if I was only beginning to know them both, when the tale ended, I then realised that their HFN may be the end and this book could be it.
I sincerely hope not, as this seems to be the beginning of a series, I'm hoping we'll get more of what life holds for these two. Especially, how Cameron eventually deals with his condition. An epilogue would've given more closure .
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews