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Wrecked Universe #1
Wrecked
The call comes when Beckett Adler least expects it. He’s made a new life for himself in Vermont and has a law practice of his own. After four years he’s even stopped wearing his wedding ring. So when he finds out his husband, bull rider Skyler Paulson, has been seriously injured at an event, he isn’t sure what he wants to do. He knows what’s right though, so he heads down to Baltimore to bring his man home.
Sky knows his injuries are a career-ender, and he can’t believe Beck has come for him after all this time. He’s not a hundred percent sure what went wrong with their marriage and he has no idea how to be anything but a bull rider. But he wants this second chance, so he grabs at it with both hands.
There’s a lot Sky has to learn, from how to walk again to how to settle down with the man he loves. Beck needs to learn to open up and how to be more trusting. For their marriage to work again, both men will have to find a way to meet in the middle. Because neither of them wants to be wrecked anymore.
Sky knows his injuries are a career-ender, and he can’t believe Beck has come for him after all this time. He’s not a hundred percent sure what went wrong with their marriage and he has no idea how to be anything but a bull rider. But he wants this second chance, so he grabs at it with both hands.
There’s a lot Sky has to learn, from how to walk again to how to settle down with the man he loves. Beck needs to learn to open up and how to be more trusting. For their marriage to work again, both men will have to find a way to meet in the middle. Because neither of them wants to be wrecked anymore.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2019
210 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Payne
89 books399 followersJODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 23, 2019
Reading the blurb I got excited thinking it was a second chance story with the required groveling, broken hearts and working through past issues.
The story started and everything was going very well, the characters, Beck and Sky, had a complicated past and it was clear there were a lot of things they had to work out between them, past hurts to get over and wrong decisions to make right.
As the story moved along though it became more and more sugary and corny. I never felt like we got to learn their whole story about how they began and what went wrong. We were told about some of their problems but the reason they stayed apart for three years was ridiculous. It was kind of a misunderstanding and a bad one, needed to bring some drama and explain why they were broken up while still loving each other. A different explanation would have been much appreciated.
Also, there was a lot of fake drama here. Their reason for not contacting each other for four years is just one example. Another one is the urgent phone call that brought them back together. Beck's assumptions about Parker also makes the list.
Aside from the reason for their situation at the beginning of the book, they got back together and overcame their issues awfully fast and easily. On top of that, Parker's recovery after what was supposed to be a near fatal accident was very mellow and quick.
I lost count of how many times they said 'I love you' to one another. It felt like it was mentioned every second page and that was certainly A LOT.
So, in general, the story went from drama to corny and both those qualities are not something I'm looking for in a book. Of course, that's just me and I'm sure this will be an awesome book in many other readers' opinions.
1.5 star. It's me, not the book!
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
The story started and everything was going very well, the characters, Beck and Sky, had a complicated past and it was clear there were a lot of things they had to work out between them, past hurts to get over and wrong decisions to make right.
As the story moved along though it became more and more sugary and corny. I never felt like we got to learn their whole story about how they began and what went wrong. We were told about some of their problems but the reason they stayed apart for three years was ridiculous. It was kind of a misunderstanding and a bad one, needed to bring some drama and explain why they were broken up while still loving each other. A different explanation would have been much appreciated.
Also, there was a lot of fake drama here. Their reason for not contacting each other for four years is just one example. Another one is the urgent phone call that brought them back together. Beck's assumptions about Parker also makes the list.
Aside from the reason for their situation at the beginning of the book, they got back together and overcame their issues awfully fast and easily. On top of that, Parker's recovery after what was supposed to be a near fatal accident was very mellow and quick.
I lost count of how many times they said 'I love you' to one another. It felt like it was mentioned every second page and that was certainly A LOT.
So, in general, the story went from drama to corny and both those qualities are not something I'm looking for in a book. Of course, that's just me and I'm sure this will be an awesome book in many other readers' opinions.
1.5 star. It's me, not the book!
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
August 19, 2019
One of my favorite tropes, second chance established couple, and these two guys are wonderful. Payne and Tortuga create an ideal premise and back it up the whole way through. The emotions feel very genuine, and the pacing of their reconnect is perfect.
I stayed up most of the night because I couldn't put it down. These are fantastic characters and I loved the way they interacted with each other. Peppered throughout are some some exciting bull riding moments. And the whole first 1/3 of the story is absolutely gripping.
Just an excellent story!
I stayed up most of the night because I couldn't put it down. These are fantastic characters and I loved the way they interacted with each other. Peppered throughout are some some exciting bull riding moments. And the whole first 1/3 of the story is absolutely gripping.
Just an excellent story!
November 14, 2023
I love these two authors and I believe I own almost everything they have written...but this one is NOT an easy read by any stretch of the imagination and there was a BIG part of the plotline that I just couldn't wrap my head around. When the story starts, we are actually dropped into the middle with very little back history and no clear road leading to the future. These two men, the bull riding rodeo cowboy, and the family lawyer, are a married couple. Our lawyer, Beckett Adler, and rodeo bull rider, Skyler Paulson reunite after Beck receives a phone call that no one ever wants to get...Sky was in the hospital in Maryland after being trampled by a bull and they didn't know if he was going to recover. Here's where I had BIG trouble with the plotline. It had been FOUR YEARS since they had seen or spoken to one another... Really??? FOUR YEARS??? We have no explanation or any back history of the WHY of this. They're still married... they still love one another...Beck never hesitated or thought twice about getting himself to Maryland to be with Sky but for there never to have been any communion at all...not one single solitary time...not even a phone call... for FOUR LONG years, just didn't hit any "right" or "possible" buttons for me. I needed an explanation. This is where the story actually picks up and begins when Beck re-enters his husband’s life after the phone call informing him that he needs to get to the hospital if he wants to see Sky before he DIES!! To say that Sky was a "broken" man would have been an understatement. These two guys now take up as if they had seen and spoke only yesterday, for which I was very happy to see...as Sky struggles to regain his physical health. There is all the passion that obviously brought these two men together to start with. Beyond the physical attraction, I still struggled to see the underlying connection between these two. How does a family lawyer and a bull rider even revolve in the same orbit? The singular purpose of the story appeared to be the reunion between Beck and Sky. In spite of still being a bit in the dark, I did really like these characters. The writing is as always exceptional... but the plot line just leaves me with a lot to be desired. Again, I ask...how can two people as deeply in love as these two were and still are, not speak to each other for four years? That is the main problem I find with this story. Granted there are suggestions of possible issues, such as the confusion over Parker, Sky’s traveling companion...but Parker didn't really come across to me to be very much of a real problem. Talk about poor communication...these two takes the blue ribbon...first place...and neither really sees clearly what the issue is with Parker...but the reader will see it right away. This is a truly a second chance-romance story, and I really appreciate that the authors didn't make us wait forever for all the good and right things to happen, but I was just left scratching my head about what happened those four-years ago. Again, the writing is, as always great...but it's just the plot line that was really off for me.
December 2, 2020
The lawyer and the bull rider relish their second chance !
Married but living apart for the last four years, it would be their eighth anniversary soon. Beck/Beckett is a lawyer in New England, while Sky/Skylar 32, 2X Bull riding Champion, is on the circuit with his trailer, his truck and cat, Walter the ocicat.
The phone call, a bull-stomping, the bruised and broken body in the ICU.
Becket got there ASAP, taking control, and still in love with his husband, Sky. Recovery, physical rehab, the gradual steps weigh heavily on each man. Loving was never their problem, but calm, sincere talking was lacking.
They got to know each other as they are now, and all of the devotion and love has survived. Little bits of sexy times grew as Sky healed.
Then it was time for the big, end of the year Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, where Sky would make two announcements. That was an exciting trip.
I liked our main men, and the lively side characters. We have the story flowing well; full of promise, toughness and deep passions. Their follow up is Special Delivery.
ENJOY !
======
Married but living apart for the last four years, it would be their eighth anniversary soon. Beck/Beckett is a lawyer in New England, while Sky/Skylar 32, 2X Bull riding Champion, is on the circuit with his trailer, his truck and cat, Walter the ocicat.
The phone call, a bull-stomping, the bruised and broken body in the ICU.
Becket got there ASAP, taking control, and still in love with his husband, Sky. Recovery, physical rehab, the gradual steps weigh heavily on each man. Loving was never their problem, but calm, sincere talking was lacking.
They got to know each other as they are now, and all of the devotion and love has survived. Little bits of sexy times grew as Sky healed.
Then it was time for the big, end of the year Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, where Sky would make two announcements. That was an exciting trip.
I liked our main men, and the lively side characters. We have the story flowing well; full of promise, toughness and deep passions. Their follow up is Special Delivery.
ENJOY !
======
July 25, 2019
I found it a bit of a confusing story. In big lines I get it, but focusing in on the details I didn’t get it. Four, yes FOUR years apart, read: apart without a word, and ‘still deeply’ in love, picking up where they left. My brain couldn’t handle this.
Sky is a bull rider. Beck gets a very disturbing phone call with the message that Sky is life threatening hurt. Even tho they haven’t seen each other for four years, he drops everything and heads over to Sky. Sky will survive, Beck takes him home to take care of him and nurture him.
They pick up where the left. They are trying to start clean, get closer, healing and make love.
Overall a kind and sweet story, ditto personalities. The deeper reasons why they didn’t contact over four years wasn’t really deepened out. I hoped for drama, hurt, only it stayed a bit flat.
The two men together were sweet to watch.
This story wasn’t an easy read for me, I didn’t always get who said what, who was thinking at the moment. I had to reread parts more than once. Also their particular way of communication wasn’t easy for me.
I mentioned a few reasons why this wasn’t really my thing. I loved the previous work of these authors, so a next story will definitely be read by me!
Sky is a bull rider. Beck gets a very disturbing phone call with the message that Sky is life threatening hurt. Even tho they haven’t seen each other for four years, he drops everything and heads over to Sky. Sky will survive, Beck takes him home to take care of him and nurture him.
They pick up where the left. They are trying to start clean, get closer, healing and make love.
Overall a kind and sweet story, ditto personalities. The deeper reasons why they didn’t contact over four years wasn’t really deepened out. I hoped for drama, hurt, only it stayed a bit flat.
The two men together were sweet to watch.
This story wasn’t an easy read for me, I didn’t always get who said what, who was thinking at the moment. I had to reread parts more than once. Also their particular way of communication wasn’t easy for me.
I mentioned a few reasons why this wasn’t really my thing. I loved the previous work of these authors, so a next story will definitely be read by me!
October 29, 2019
A couple with a complicated past, Beckett Adler and Skyler Paulsen are reunited at the former's home in Vermont after the latter has a bull-riding accident that could be career-ending. They've been separated for four years, broken up, but not divorced.
When Beck gets the call about Sky being in the hospital, he does what he feels is right and rushes to his estranged husband's bedside. When Sky finally wakes up, Beck takes him home to Vermont to heal and figure out what to do from there.
Sky soon realizes that his injuries are going to end his career and that he'll never ride a bull again. What he doesn't realize at first is how much Beck still loves him, even through their long separation. Sky never stopped loving Beck either, and while he's healing up from the accident, he and Beck begin to rebuild their relationship.
This could have been a really great book, and I probably would have loved it more, if it weren't for the many stupid assumptions both Beck and Sky make. We don't really learn what drove them apart; we're only told that they had a fight and words were exchanged, and both were too stubborn and too hurt to make amends, to take that first step. I would buy that if they'd been teenagers, but two grown man acting like that was a hard sell for me.
And the other thing that irked me was the lack of groveling, on both Beck and Sky's part. Beck was a jealous ass and Sky was an oblivious moron, and their deep-seated issues weren't fully addressed, at least not to the point where I felt that they had resolved them.
I dunno, man. I guess I had expectations and the book didn't meet them, so while the story was verra nice, as I said in my initial comment at 100%, it just wasn't as deep as I expected it to be.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
When Beck gets the call about Sky being in the hospital, he does what he feels is right and rushes to his estranged husband's bedside. When Sky finally wakes up, Beck takes him home to Vermont to heal and figure out what to do from there.
Sky soon realizes that his injuries are going to end his career and that he'll never ride a bull again. What he doesn't realize at first is how much Beck still loves him, even through their long separation. Sky never stopped loving Beck either, and while he's healing up from the accident, he and Beck begin to rebuild their relationship.
This could have been a really great book, and I probably would have loved it more, if it weren't for the many stupid assumptions both Beck and Sky make. We don't really learn what drove them apart; we're only told that they had a fight and words were exchanged, and both were too stubborn and too hurt to make amends, to take that first step. I would buy that if they'd been teenagers, but two grown man acting like that was a hard sell for me.
And the other thing that irked me was the lack of groveling, on both Beck and Sky's part. Beck was a jealous ass and Sky was an oblivious moron, and their deep-seated issues weren't fully addressed, at least not to the point where I felt that they had resolved them.
I dunno, man. I guess I had expectations and the book didn't meet them, so while the story was verra nice, as I said in my initial comment at 100%, it just wasn't as deep as I expected it to be.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
August 9, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
B.A. Tortuga and Jodi Payne have teamed up to create a classic cowboy story in Wrecked. Tortuga, in particular, is known for writing romance stories that feature rough, yet softhearted, cowboys and this team of authors certainly knows their way around a sexy standoff between two gorgeous men. This novel not only offered a second chance at love, but also an in depth view of how to remake a marriage that both participants wanted, but didn’t seem to know how to keep alive. Life gets in the way in a very messy way for Sky and Beck. Sky’s obstinate belief that his career is essentially over and with it any way to have a job that brings in a living salary is the crux of his reasoning for remaining apart from Beck who he loves dearly. Sky has truly convinced himself he has no other talents than bull riding and can’t face a life ahead without some sort of purpose. But his injury may preclude him from ever stepping into a bull riding arena again and Beck understands just how devastating a thought this is for his husband.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
B.A. Tortuga and Jodi Payne have teamed up to create a classic cowboy story in Wrecked. Tortuga, in particular, is known for writing romance stories that feature rough, yet softhearted, cowboys and this team of authors certainly knows their way around a sexy standoff between two gorgeous men. This novel not only offered a second chance at love, but also an in depth view of how to remake a marriage that both participants wanted, but didn’t seem to know how to keep alive. Life gets in the way in a very messy way for Sky and Beck. Sky’s obstinate belief that his career is essentially over and with it any way to have a job that brings in a living salary is the crux of his reasoning for remaining apart from Beck who he loves dearly. Sky has truly convinced himself he has no other talents than bull riding and can’t face a life ahead without some sort of purpose. But his injury may preclude him from ever stepping into a bull riding arena again and Beck understands just how devastating a thought this is for his husband.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
December 14, 2023
DNF @ 45%
I'm so bored that I'm struggling not to fall asleep. I couldn't resist trying this book because everything about the premise is right up my alley (second chance, cowboys, hurt-comfort etc). In particular, I loved the idea of the MCs reuniting when one of them has an emergency and the other drops everything to come help them. I was wary because this book was co-written with Jodi Payne and I DNF'd another second chance cowboy romance that this duo co-wrote (Roped In) because it was so lackluster. But the premise was very similar to BA Tortuga's solo effort Soft Place To Fall, which I had enjoyed so I decided to try it. Unfortunately, this story suffered from the exact same lackluster execution that the other co-written story (Roped In) had. In addition, this story was the poor-man's version of Soft Place To Fall and since that had been a 3 star read, you can imagine what the quality of this one was.
My biggest problem is that the authors clearly didn't care enough about the MCs breakup to come up with a logical, consistent and realistic scenario. Whenever the MCs discuss their breakup, the conversations are difficult to follow with different reasons being provided and the conversations either ending or moving in a different direction before things are clarified. I read nearly half of the book and I'm still unclear on exactly why they broke up. It might be because the MCs had very different lifestyles (lawyer living in Vermont vs rodeo cowboy travelling around the South) and most of their attraction to each other was physical/sexual. But this made no sense because how do you end up having a long term relationship followed by an engagement and then a wedding and then staying married for 4 years if you're so out of sync with your partner? It's not realistic.
Another reason they broke up might have been because .
But not only does the reason behind their breakup never get clearly explained but the execution of the breakup doesn't make any sense either. These two guys are MARRIED. They weren't just hanging out, having a weekend fling. They were in a serious enough relationship that they actually legally married each other. But then WTF? For the next FOUR YEARS, these two guys didn't have any contact, despite still being married. And once they reunite after Sky wakes up in the hospital, it only takes a few (confusing) conversations for them to get over whatever their past issues were and get back together. You're telling me that two people stayed legally married for four years and NEVER ONCE contacted each other, all while the reasons behind their separation were stupid and easily solved with simple conversations?
This dumb setup was made worse because Soft Place To Fall was so similar to this book but the breakup in that one actually made sense.
Another problem is that Sky's medical issues get resolved way too quickly. I really loved the first few scenes in the hospital because they demonstrated how much the MCs still loved each other. In particular, I loved that scene where .
Unfortunately, the authors have Sky recover incredibly fast (or maybe a lot of it was skipped over - the unclear timeline is yet another problem this book had), which sucked because I wanted a lot more hurt/comfort before Sky was mobile. . It was lazy writing on every level. I was really looking forward to Sky having a long recovery because it would have given the authors the chance to include plenty of UST and to figure out fun, sexy ways the boys could be intimate while also taking Sky's recovery seriously.
Making my disappointment complete was that once the main conflicts of the breakup and Sky's traumatic medical situation are taken care of, there's no other conflict introduced. The MCs spend their time being boring, having the same conversations over and over again and being absurdly sappy with each other, complete with ridiculous dialog. Nothing was happening and I hadn't even reached the halfway mark so that wasn't a good sign.
To be fair - I loved the scenes between the MCs and Sky's cat Walter. But this small plotline couldn't make up for the huge amount of nothing that was the rest of the story.
Lastly, I was disappointed that the MCs southern accents weren't nearly as obvious in this story as in Soft Place To Fall. In fact, I strongly suspect the scenes where the accent made an appearance were written by Tortuga. Roped In (written a few years after this book) had the southern accents dialed up to a 100, to the point where the characters sounded ridiculous. As a result, I'm assuming it's Jodi Payne who is struggling with how to do the speech pattern properly because it's something Tortuga has no problems with when on her own.
Speaking of the writing style - a lot of scenes suffered from the same POV-confusion as Soft Place To Fall, which makes me assume it's a Tortuga trait. I often couldn't tell who was talking and I would forget whose POV we were in due to the use of pronouns where names should have been used and the lack of dialog tags after stretches of narration.
I still adore the way Tortuga writes her cowboy characters and many of the premises she comes up with are EXACTLY what I love in a romance. Maybe I'm setting myself up for more disappointment but I'm going to try at least one more book by her. But I'm not bothering with any more of these co-written ones with Payne because they're too lazy and generic.
I'm so bored that I'm struggling not to fall asleep. I couldn't resist trying this book because everything about the premise is right up my alley (second chance, cowboys, hurt-comfort etc). In particular, I loved the idea of the MCs reuniting when one of them has an emergency and the other drops everything to come help them. I was wary because this book was co-written with Jodi Payne and I DNF'd another second chance cowboy romance that this duo co-wrote (Roped In) because it was so lackluster. But the premise was very similar to BA Tortuga's solo effort Soft Place To Fall, which I had enjoyed so I decided to try it. Unfortunately, this story suffered from the exact same lackluster execution that the other co-written story (Roped In) had. In addition, this story was the poor-man's version of Soft Place To Fall and since that had been a 3 star read, you can imagine what the quality of this one was.
My biggest problem is that the authors clearly didn't care enough about the MCs breakup to come up with a logical, consistent and realistic scenario. Whenever the MCs discuss their breakup, the conversations are difficult to follow with different reasons being provided and the conversations either ending or moving in a different direction before things are clarified. I read nearly half of the book and I'm still unclear on exactly why they broke up. It might be because the MCs had very different lifestyles (lawyer living in Vermont vs rodeo cowboy travelling around the South) and most of their attraction to each other was physical/sexual. But this made no sense because how do you end up having a long term relationship followed by an engagement and then a wedding and then staying married for 4 years if you're so out of sync with your partner? It's not realistic.
Another reason they broke up might have been because .
But not only does the reason behind their breakup never get clearly explained but the execution of the breakup doesn't make any sense either. These two guys are MARRIED. They weren't just hanging out, having a weekend fling. They were in a serious enough relationship that they actually legally married each other. But then WTF? For the next FOUR YEARS, these two guys didn't have any contact, despite still being married. And once they reunite after Sky wakes up in the hospital, it only takes a few (confusing) conversations for them to get over whatever their past issues were and get back together. You're telling me that two people stayed legally married for four years and NEVER ONCE contacted each other, all while the reasons behind their separation were stupid and easily solved with simple conversations?
This dumb setup was made worse because Soft Place To Fall was so similar to this book but the breakup in that one actually made sense.
Another problem is that Sky's medical issues get resolved way too quickly. I really loved the first few scenes in the hospital because they demonstrated how much the MCs still loved each other. In particular, I loved that scene where .
Unfortunately, the authors have Sky recover incredibly fast (or maybe a lot of it was skipped over - the unclear timeline is yet another problem this book had), which sucked because I wanted a lot more hurt/comfort before Sky was mobile. . It was lazy writing on every level. I was really looking forward to Sky having a long recovery because it would have given the authors the chance to include plenty of UST and to figure out fun, sexy ways the boys could be intimate while also taking Sky's recovery seriously.
Making my disappointment complete was that once the main conflicts of the breakup and Sky's traumatic medical situation are taken care of, there's no other conflict introduced. The MCs spend their time being boring, having the same conversations over and over again and being absurdly sappy with each other, complete with ridiculous dialog. Nothing was happening and I hadn't even reached the halfway mark so that wasn't a good sign.
To be fair - I loved the scenes between the MCs and Sky's cat Walter. But this small plotline couldn't make up for the huge amount of nothing that was the rest of the story.
Lastly, I was disappointed that the MCs southern accents weren't nearly as obvious in this story as in Soft Place To Fall. In fact, I strongly suspect the scenes where the accent made an appearance were written by Tortuga. Roped In (written a few years after this book) had the southern accents dialed up to a 100, to the point where the characters sounded ridiculous. As a result, I'm assuming it's Jodi Payne who is struggling with how to do the speech pattern properly because it's something Tortuga has no problems with when on her own.
Speaking of the writing style - a lot of scenes suffered from the same POV-confusion as Soft Place To Fall, which makes me assume it's a Tortuga trait. I often couldn't tell who was talking and I would forget whose POV we were in due to the use of pronouns where names should have been used and the lack of dialog tags after stretches of narration.
I still adore the way Tortuga writes her cowboy characters and many of the premises she comes up with are EXACTLY what I love in a romance. Maybe I'm setting myself up for more disappointment but I'm going to try at least one more book by her. But I'm not bothering with any more of these co-written ones with Payne because they're too lazy and generic.
May 22, 2024
I finished this one quite some time ago. Life just got in the way of the review.
I enjoyed it very much. I loved the way things happen to force them
together again.
I had a good time reading it and that is wat counts.
I enjoyed it very much. I loved the way things happen to force them
together again.
I had a good time reading it and that is wat counts.
August 24, 2019
Things started out well enough...
and then it just seemed to go sideways for me.
To me this was a story about second chances seeking forgiveness and at the start of things that's what it felt like and than it just turned into this story about a guy recovering from a serious injury and it was all very sweet but somehow...it seemed like things were just going nowhere and while the second chances and forgiveness were obviously given and received...it all started to feel kind of pointless and things just didn't feel right.
So at the end of the day this one didn't work for me and maybe it was a case of the wrong time, wrong story...so lets go with that. This just wasn't the story I was wanting to read and who knows maybe if I'd read it last month or next month I would have loved it but I didn't, I read it when I read it and my mindset wasn't in the right place to fully appreciate it...so it was what it was and things didn't work out for me as well as I'd hoped this time but...there's always next time, right?
*************************
A copy of 'Wrecked' was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
and then it just seemed to go sideways for me.
To me this was a story about second chances seeking forgiveness and at the start of things that's what it felt like and than it just turned into this story about a guy recovering from a serious injury and it was all very sweet but somehow...it seemed like things were just going nowhere and while the second chances and forgiveness were obviously given and received...it all started to feel kind of pointless and things just didn't feel right.
So at the end of the day this one didn't work for me and maybe it was a case of the wrong time, wrong story...so lets go with that. This just wasn't the story I was wanting to read and who knows maybe if I'd read it last month or next month I would have loved it but I didn't, I read it when I read it and my mindset wasn't in the right place to fully appreciate it...so it was what it was and things didn't work out for me as well as I'd hoped this time but...there's always next time, right?
*************************
A copy of 'Wrecked' was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2022
3.5 stars
October 25, 2022
DNF @ 17%.
Similar to another book I’ve read from these two, a separated couple, who get back together early on in the book, and there’s just nothing compelling enough about these characters or this plot to keep me hanging on.
Similar to another book I’ve read from these two, a separated couple, who get back together early on in the book, and there’s just nothing compelling enough about these characters or this plot to keep me hanging on.
November 14, 2022
Second chance
Neither Sky or Beck thought they'd have a chance at getting back together after Beck throws down an ultimatum. But the life of a bull rider is never one of safety, and when Sky is severely injured, Beck races to his side. Sky's recuperation gives them the time to reconnect and fall in love all over again .
KU, contemporary, book in a series, standalone, Cowboys, lawyer, Second Chance Romance
Neither Sky or Beck thought they'd have a chance at getting back together after Beck throws down an ultimatum. But the life of a bull rider is never one of safety, and when Sky is severely injured, Beck races to his side. Sky's recuperation gives them the time to reconnect and fall in love all over again .
KU, contemporary, book in a series, standalone, Cowboys, lawyer, Second Chance Romance
September 15, 2019
Second chance romance with a side of rodeo rider? Yes please! Especially a second chance with an estranged couple. Talk about a story written for me! And while I honestly enjoyed the story there were a few little things that let it down for me and prevented a 5 star rating.
One of the things is that it's almost too sweet. Yes, I know, me complaining about lack of drama? WTH is happening? But honestly, I felt it was almost too easy for the guys. I had hoped for a little more grit I suppose. That's on me though. And don't get me wrong, I'm not dissatisfied, just a tad let down.
Other than the above, the characters were multi-dimensional, interesting and I loved their little quirks. If you're looking for a fun, smexy second chance romance with no excessive angst, then you can't go wrong with this story.
One of the things is that it's almost too sweet. Yes, I know, me complaining about lack of drama? WTH is happening? But honestly, I felt it was almost too easy for the guys. I had hoped for a little more grit I suppose. That's on me though. And don't get me wrong, I'm not dissatisfied, just a tad let down.
Other than the above, the characters were multi-dimensional, interesting and I loved their little quirks. If you're looking for a fun, smexy second chance romance with no excessive angst, then you can't go wrong with this story.
July 28, 2019
I had no real expectation on this book. I just had a craving for a book featuring a cowboy or in this case, a bull rider would work in a pinch. I'm going to cut to the chase and say that I like this one. It had a nice flow. The characters were interesting together and apart from each other. I'm surprised how much time they didn't spend on the recovery process. It wasn't high on the angst that some second chance romance trope can be and I kind of expected it to be. It was a sweet, hot and good read.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2020
Review: Sweet second chance romance between a married couple separated for 4 years. It started off intense with Beck rushing to his estranged husband’s side after he gets severely injured while bull-riding. It was quickly apparent that the couple adored each other and I could not believe that they would let 4 years pass without speaking to each other because of a misunderstanding and stubborn pride. They even remained faithful to each other even though they were technically broken up. They did have some issues to work out but there was very little drama and the story was almost too sweet. 4 stars.
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August 22, 2025Dnf 62% idk this just isn’t working for me I was expecting more relationship talk and mending what was
July 23, 2019
Wrecked is a stunning second chance romance by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga.
First of all, this book grabbed my attention with the estrangement of husbands Sky and Beckett. Second of all, a macho, gay bull-rider? I mean, really, a gay bull-rider? Hell yes!
Estranged from his husband, Beckett gets a call that his husband, Sky, is injured. The call he's always dreaded, it doesn't matter than they haven't spoken in years, Beckett doesn't hesitate to run off to see Sky.
Their backstory is heavily rooted in trust, or lack there-of, as Beckett never trusted his husband with his co-worker, Peter. Beckett never wanted him out bull riding, in constant danger, as well as probably cheating on him.
It was an instant love back when, but they've been apart for four years now. What follows is an interesting second chance romance, as an injury reunites them. Though they quickly fall back into each other's lives, their problems still exist.
Their journey is full of complications, differences of opinion, and ultimately compromise and understanding. Sky lives a life of risk, which is their biggest problem, as Beckett hates Sky's dedication to his career. It's a story of the fine line between looking out for your husband and being true to yourself. It's about the fine line between wanting your husband to change and knowing that what you hate about him is what you love about him.
I absolutely love Wrecked. Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga have created this fantastic story of a love that never wavered, despite the pain and years apart. It's a complex story of trying to find a way to be together, despite strong differences in opinion on things that effect the heart of their relationship. It's beautiful, raw and gritty, and definitely worth a read when you're looking for something messy.
First of all, this book grabbed my attention with the estrangement of husbands Sky and Beckett. Second of all, a macho, gay bull-rider? I mean, really, a gay bull-rider? Hell yes!
Estranged from his husband, Beckett gets a call that his husband, Sky, is injured. The call he's always dreaded, it doesn't matter than they haven't spoken in years, Beckett doesn't hesitate to run off to see Sky.
Their backstory is heavily rooted in trust, or lack there-of, as Beckett never trusted his husband with his co-worker, Peter. Beckett never wanted him out bull riding, in constant danger, as well as probably cheating on him.
It was an instant love back when, but they've been apart for four years now. What follows is an interesting second chance romance, as an injury reunites them. Though they quickly fall back into each other's lives, their problems still exist.
Their journey is full of complications, differences of opinion, and ultimately compromise and understanding. Sky lives a life of risk, which is their biggest problem, as Beckett hates Sky's dedication to his career. It's a story of the fine line between looking out for your husband and being true to yourself. It's about the fine line between wanting your husband to change and knowing that what you hate about him is what you love about him.
I absolutely love Wrecked. Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga have created this fantastic story of a love that never wavered, despite the pain and years apart. It's a complex story of trying to find a way to be together, despite strong differences in opinion on things that effect the heart of their relationship. It's beautiful, raw and gritty, and definitely worth a read when you're looking for something messy.
July 8, 2019
So we have Skyler who is a bull rider and Beckett is his husband. They haven’t seen or spoken in 4 years, that tore me up as they never stopped loving each other. I wanted to smack these two stubborn men, at least one of them could have swallowed their pride and reached out to the other. But like most men, they have to do it the hard way. Sky comes out on the losing end of a ride, with the bull trampling him and busting him up to the point that it was not looking good for our cowboy. Beck gets the call from Parker, who he is sure Sky has been having an affair with, telling him where he is and what happened. Beck drops everything and drives all night to get to Skyler’s side. Seeing Sky nearly breaks Beck but he holds it together and faces his husband who is in a medically induced coma. The story takes us on the journey of healing, not only Sky’s broken body, but their broken hearts. After all this time, it is not easy navigating their feelings and emotions. But one think that never broke, was their love for each other. There is insecurity on both sides while they try to work out the kinks. This was a great story of second chances and showing that if you truly love each other, it’s never too late. I loved Walter and wished they would have gotten the puppy by the end, I really loved this one and it will be going on my Re-read shelf.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2019
This was a great premise for a story, and started out really well.Most m/m books are all about the romance and you hardly come across one about a couple struggling with married life, just like in this one.
It wasn't all sweetness and light, through a lack of communication, the couple split 4 years previously. Before I carry on with the review, I must say that this rankled, 4 years without any contact, kind of took stubborn pride to a new level, and I'm not sure that I bought it.
It could have been a really good story. The ending was pretty satisfying, but there was just something lacking between the two MCs. Eventhough the sex was plentiful, I just couldn't detect a spark between them.
It ended up being a decent love story, HEAs and all that. However, I can't help but think that it could've been better. I never felt that I got to know the characters as well as I would've liked. Also, they never really got together and discussed why they failed the first time round. A little more depth to the characters, and a greater development of their relationship would have been welcome.
It wasn't all sweetness and light, through a lack of communication, the couple split 4 years previously. Before I carry on with the review, I must say that this rankled, 4 years without any contact, kind of took stubborn pride to a new level, and I'm not sure that I bought it.
It could have been a really good story. The ending was pretty satisfying, but there was just something lacking between the two MCs. Eventhough the sex was plentiful, I just couldn't detect a spark between them.
It ended up being a decent love story, HEAs and all that. However, I can't help but think that it could've been better. I never felt that I got to know the characters as well as I would've liked. Also, they never really got together and discussed why they failed the first time round. A little more depth to the characters, and a greater development of their relationship would have been welcome.
July 20, 2019
Beck and Sky's marriage used to be the classical "can't live with you, can't live without you, either" story,and the proof that sometimes love actually isn't enough to keep a couple together. Because loving each other never was an issue for them,in fact their love was,IS,fierce...the problem was that didn't know how to talk to each other.
Stubborn and prideful,heartbroken and lonely,they live apart for 4 years,until Sky gets stumped after a bull ride and he's badly injured... Being so close to death makes both men realize just how desperately they still need one another.
Wrecked is a really moving second chances romance. After years of mistakes and miscommunications, it's a excruciating process to forgive all the hurt they've caused each other. The journey to recovery,for both Sky's body and their relationship, is rough and painful and it was hard to witness their fears and regrets. I rooted for their healing and it was really emotional to watch them slowly learn how to compromise and express themselves.
This is a beautiful story of new beginnings and new hope and I really recommend it .
Stubborn and prideful,heartbroken and lonely,they live apart for 4 years,until Sky gets stumped after a bull ride and he's badly injured... Being so close to death makes both men realize just how desperately they still need one another.
Wrecked is a really moving second chances romance. After years of mistakes and miscommunications, it's a excruciating process to forgive all the hurt they've caused each other. The journey to recovery,for both Sky's body and their relationship, is rough and painful and it was hard to witness their fears and regrets. I rooted for their healing and it was really emotional to watch them slowly learn how to compromise and express themselves.
This is a beautiful story of new beginnings and new hope and I really recommend it .
July 21, 2019
Okay so I admit that this one confused me. So, from the blurb we know that these two men are still married but estranged and separated. Why? Well, because Beckett thought Sky was having an affair with his rodeo buddy Parker. Flash forward 4 years later and Sky get hurt and Beckett drops everything to go be with him. But then we learn through an awkward conversation that while Parker and Sky never had penetrative sex , Sky did give Parker “an awkward handjob that resulted in giggles”. Kay. Um so that’s still cheating. Sky had his hands on another man’s penis that is definitely not your husband’s ,so Beckett wasn’t exactly wrong here but Sky and Parker seem to think he was. Also, the revelation that Beckett had about Parker was super awkward.
And what followed was the events was rather fast and abrupt move from a 4 year estrangement to “I love you’s” and “I’ve never stopped loving you”. Now, I can sort of buy that because of what happened to Sky jumpstarted their marriage but I was still left feeling super confused about it all.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
And what followed was the events was rather fast and abrupt move from a 4 year estrangement to “I love you’s” and “I’ve never stopped loving you”. Now, I can sort of buy that because of what happened to Sky jumpstarted their marriage but I was still left feeling super confused about it all.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
March 21, 2021
This was SOOOO GOOD! I absolutely loved this. I was worried about too much angst with the reunited, significant injury recovery, and figuring out life together again stuff, but this was really beautiful. There was no doubt both guys loved each other with their whole heart, they just needed to get over their egos and guilt of being apart for the last few years. Beckett and Sky separated 4 years ago because Sky was a bull rider and was always on the road. Beckett had so much anxiety around Sky being away and it drove them apart. Despite being apart and not speaking for years, they still honored their vows and kept each other in their thoughts. Beckett wasn't always sure Sky would come home, but Sky always knew he wanted to return. Unfortunately, a serious injury occurred, but the two went all-in with regards to getting their life and love back on track. They were so sweet and loving together, and I loved seeing them together. This was a 4.5-star read for me.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
July 24, 2019
ღ´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ღ "Sometimes love wasn't enough to put a square peg in a round hole." ~Sky
"...he knew he'd never completely understand everything Sky had lost the day that bull ended his career." Yet all Beckett wanted was another chance with the man he fell in love with. That is, once Skylar survived his injuries, learned to forgive himself and Beck and look toward the future.
But with a life he'd ever only known turned to dust, doubts and regrets came home to roust. Sky could have the life he'd spent four years regretting, or he could get on board with his thoughts and lose it all.
Quite a tale to tell. All about forgiveness, learning to say that you're wrong and fighting for what is right in front of your eyes.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ღ "Sometimes love wasn't enough to put a square peg in a round hole." ~Sky
"...he knew he'd never completely understand everything Sky had lost the day that bull ended his career." Yet all Beckett wanted was another chance with the man he fell in love with. That is, once Skylar survived his injuries, learned to forgive himself and Beck and look toward the future.
But with a life he'd ever only known turned to dust, doubts and regrets came home to roust. Sky could have the life he'd spent four years regretting, or he could get on board with his thoughts and lose it all.
Quite a tale to tell. All about forgiveness, learning to say that you're wrong and fighting for what is right in front of your eyes.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
December 29, 2019
2.5-3/5
Normally I enjoyed books by BA Tortuga, but in this book her normally charming southern accent just felt over-done here.
However my main issue with the story is the "second chance" aspect of the book. We have Beck who hasn't seen his husband in 4 years, and had already stop wearing his ring to suddenly going to accepting everything and wanting to immediately reunited with his husband.
Not to mention all the fabricated drama. LOL
Normally I enjoyed books by BA Tortuga, but in this book her normally charming southern accent just felt over-done here.
However my main issue with the story is the "second chance" aspect of the book. We have Beck who hasn't seen his husband in 4 years, and had already stop wearing his ring to suddenly going to accepting everything and wanting to immediately reunited with his husband.
Not to mention all the fabricated drama. LOL
July 17, 2019
Beck and Sky were so stubborn but it kind of worked in their favor. Their stubbornness helped Sky get back on his feet and it help them both take the second chance they were given. I really enjoyed following along with them on their journey to their happy ending.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
July 25, 2019
i wasnt sure if this was 3 or 4 honestly but felt it was closer to 4.. it wasnt a bad story.. just spots irritated me.. i felt like there was a lot of not needed angst and lack of communication.. it wasnt a bad plot though.. the characters irritated me at times.. but overall i did enjoy this one which is why it got a 4
October 5, 2019
Enjoyable
This was an enjoyable read. Reading about the end of a bull riders career is interesting. The characters were sweet and the storyline enjoyable.
This was an enjoyable read. Reading about the end of a bull riders career is interesting. The characters were sweet and the storyline enjoyable.
April 9, 2025
BULL RIDERS ARE FOREVER
WRECKED UNIVERSE Book 1. WOW!! This is a GREAT Book. It shows what fans of Bull Riders never see. The tenacity it takes to recover from injury. These men are above the line tough. Beck is an Attorney who fell for a true dyed in the wool cowboy. Sky is a two time Champion Bull Rider. These two were kinda doomed from the get go. Their story was told with love for the sport. JODI PAYNE and BA TORTUGA always make sure their Cowboys ride off in the sunset well Loved. This Book is INCREDIBLE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS WRECKED UNIVERSE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
WRECKED UNIVERSE Book 1. WOW!! This is a GREAT Book. It shows what fans of Bull Riders never see. The tenacity it takes to recover from injury. These men are above the line tough. Beck is an Attorney who fell for a true dyed in the wool cowboy. Sky is a two time Champion Bull Rider. These two were kinda doomed from the get go. Their story was told with love for the sport. JODI PAYNE and BA TORTUGA always make sure their Cowboys ride off in the sunset well Loved. This Book is INCREDIBLE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS WRECKED UNIVERSE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
June 13, 2020
Just kinda boring
The main characters aren't well defined. There's the hipster lawyer and the rodeo athlete, and the lawyer likes his boat and the cowboy likes his cat. They have trouble communicating, but by halfway through the book, they seem to have their relationship mostly ironed out. I'm not sure what the conflict for the rest of the book is meant to be. Cowboy finds a job? Sorting out Disney's best friend? Either way, the characters aren't interesting enough to carry the story, and the plot's too weak to do its work.
The main characters aren't well defined. There's the hipster lawyer and the rodeo athlete, and the lawyer likes his boat and the cowboy likes his cat. They have trouble communicating, but by halfway through the book, they seem to have their relationship mostly ironed out. I'm not sure what the conflict for the rest of the book is meant to be. Cowboy finds a job? Sorting out Disney's best friend? Either way, the characters aren't interesting enough to carry the story, and the plot's too weak to do its work.
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