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Four-Legged Friends #3
Still Standing
Bryson Merritt may have started life as a broken baby in a basket, but he got lucky with an extraordinary set of circumstances that brought him his adoptive parents. Rich, supportive, and kind, they've given Bryson everything he's ever needed in order to deal with his ongoing recovery issues. If only they could give him some luck when it comes to picking out the right kind of guy.
When Bryson meets Duke at a horse auction, all he can think about is getting Duke's sweaty hands all over his body. Until he meets Beau -- the beautiful dark horse in Duke's care, who shares Bryson's mobility and pain issues -- and realises exactly where Beau's final destination is. Enraged by what he sees as an unfair, undeserving, and cruel punishment, Bryson decides to buy Beau, problems or not, experience or no, and walks away without looking back.
However, once again forces have gathered to help Bryson out, and Bryson finds himself working alongside Duke for the sake of Beau. Bryson's attraction is rekindled, but now Duke isn't interested at all. Worse still, it looks like a possible relationship with Duke isn't the only thing that is going to end in tragedy.
When Bryson meets Duke at a horse auction, all he can think about is getting Duke's sweaty hands all over his body. Until he meets Beau -- the beautiful dark horse in Duke's care, who shares Bryson's mobility and pain issues -- and realises exactly where Beau's final destination is. Enraged by what he sees as an unfair, undeserving, and cruel punishment, Bryson decides to buy Beau, problems or not, experience or no, and walks away without looking back.
However, once again forces have gathered to help Bryson out, and Bryson finds himself working alongside Duke for the sake of Beau. Bryson's attraction is rekindled, but now Duke isn't interested at all. Worse still, it looks like a possible relationship with Duke isn't the only thing that is going to end in tragedy.
- GenresContemporary
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2020
3 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Henley
39 books215 followersHenley was born with a full-blown passion for run-on sentences, a zealous indulgence in all words descriptive, and the endearing tendency to overuse punctuation. Since the early years Henley has been an enthusiastic writer, from the first few I-love-my-dog stories to the current leap into erotica.
A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, grow like weeds.
A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, grow like weeds.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 26, 2021
“Scars show toughness: that you've been through it, and you're still standing.” ~ Theo Rossi
Bryson Merrit, of ‘Still Standing’ by A.F. Henley, appreciates the advantages that his wealthy family has given him, particularly the endless surgeries to correct the physical deformities he had when they adopted him. But as the old saying goes: “Money can’t buy happiness”. What he longs for is a man whom he can love who will love him back, despite his limitations – and all the money in the world can’t give him that. An accidental meeting at a horse auction brings Duke into his life, a man who makes his heart and other parts of him sing, but, like many things especially in Bryson’s life, it’s complicated.
At first, Bryson is ready to hook up with Duke in the horse trailer, but while he is waiting for Duke to finish his work so he can join Bryson, he sees Beau, the horse left in the trailer. Immediately, Beau reacts positively to Bryson. He asks Duke about Beau and learns that he is lame and is on his way to the glue factory. Bryson’s reaction turns from lust to rage. So much for their hookup! Even though Duke tries to tell him that he’s just doing his job, Bryson is still furious that a young, otherwise healthy horse is going to be euthanized because he is lame. He insists that Duke call the owners and Bryson arranges to buy Beau.
After telling his mother about Duke and buying Beau, his mom ascertains his interest in Duke as well as Beau. She takes it upon herself to find the best stable possible so Beau can get the excellent care he will need. Also, she hires Duke to be Beau’s caregiver, therefore putting him in a position to bring Bryson and Duke together frequently. Bryson knows he is attracted to Duke, but can’t figure out how Duke feels about him. He takes excellent care of Beau but doesn’t baby him. Duke does the same for Bryson, encouraging him to do what he can but chastises him for being stubborn and proud when he pushes himself too far. Despite Duke’s protestations, Bryson is determined to win him over. When Duke’s past comes back to haunt him, he has a choice. Face it or leave. This is an issue that could go either way. He can give in to old securities and take the easy way out or face it head-on. His choice will determine both his and Bryson’s future together.
This is a story of courage and determination in the face of adversity. I loved Bryson although I thought he was a bit too stubborn for his own good. Duke was harder to warm up to, but as I got to know him better, his caution was understandable. Bryson’s best friend was wonderful. She always knew how to lift him up. His mom was amazing too. Of course, Beau kept stealing the show. Thanks, A.F., for the endearing story.
Bryson Merrit, of ‘Still Standing’ by A.F. Henley, appreciates the advantages that his wealthy family has given him, particularly the endless surgeries to correct the physical deformities he had when they adopted him. But as the old saying goes: “Money can’t buy happiness”. What he longs for is a man whom he can love who will love him back, despite his limitations – and all the money in the world can’t give him that. An accidental meeting at a horse auction brings Duke into his life, a man who makes his heart and other parts of him sing, but, like many things especially in Bryson’s life, it’s complicated.
At first, Bryson is ready to hook up with Duke in the horse trailer, but while he is waiting for Duke to finish his work so he can join Bryson, he sees Beau, the horse left in the trailer. Immediately, Beau reacts positively to Bryson. He asks Duke about Beau and learns that he is lame and is on his way to the glue factory. Bryson’s reaction turns from lust to rage. So much for their hookup! Even though Duke tries to tell him that he’s just doing his job, Bryson is still furious that a young, otherwise healthy horse is going to be euthanized because he is lame. He insists that Duke call the owners and Bryson arranges to buy Beau.
After telling his mother about Duke and buying Beau, his mom ascertains his interest in Duke as well as Beau. She takes it upon herself to find the best stable possible so Beau can get the excellent care he will need. Also, she hires Duke to be Beau’s caregiver, therefore putting him in a position to bring Bryson and Duke together frequently. Bryson knows he is attracted to Duke, but can’t figure out how Duke feels about him. He takes excellent care of Beau but doesn’t baby him. Duke does the same for Bryson, encouraging him to do what he can but chastises him for being stubborn and proud when he pushes himself too far. Despite Duke’s protestations, Bryson is determined to win him over. When Duke’s past comes back to haunt him, he has a choice. Face it or leave. This is an issue that could go either way. He can give in to old securities and take the easy way out or face it head-on. His choice will determine both his and Bryson’s future together.
This is a story of courage and determination in the face of adversity. I loved Bryson although I thought he was a bit too stubborn for his own good. Duke was harder to warm up to, but as I got to know him better, his caution was understandable. Bryson’s best friend was wonderful. She always knew how to lift him up. His mom was amazing too. Of course, Beau kept stealing the show. Thanks, A.F., for the endearing story.
February 13, 2022
❤A great start as Bryson gets hot under Richard's collar with his sassiness yah and not in a good way. Bry has a very good reason too now with the cheating Ex out the door. His day filled with literally pain that may have added to his anger. Bryson was 29 years and attending a dog show he meets Duke.
This story is set Canada.
A fiery first meeting for the characters but things go awol shortly after to dislike. But they both gotta work for Beau's 🐎 happiness which Bryson has in common with as lameness.
This was a great book to read, it has its ups and downs as the characters feel their way towards love. Some emotions included with scenes for Beau and secrets and sexy scenes. Written mostly with Beau' s POV for a HEA ending. I really loved this and I'll check the other book series to read.
also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
This story is set Canada.
A fiery first meeting for the characters but things go awol shortly after to dislike. But they both gotta work for Beau's 🐎 happiness which Bryson has in common with as lameness.
This was a great book to read, it has its ups and downs as the characters feel their way towards love. Some emotions included with scenes for Beau and secrets and sexy scenes. Written mostly with Beau' s POV for a HEA ending. I really loved this and I'll check the other book series to read.
also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
May 26, 2025
I think I liked this one best of the 3 books in this series, all of which can be read in any order.
Great MCs, a very supportive mother, and a cool horse.
The only thing I didn't like was the villainous villain who was a villain for no good reason and had zero redeeming qualities, and should have received much harsher punishment for what they did.
Great MCs, a very supportive mother, and a cool horse.
The only thing I didn't like was the villainous villain who was a villain for no good reason and had zero redeeming qualities, and should have received much harsher punishment for what they did.
May 6, 2022
** 3.5 Stars **
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews