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Farthingdale Ranch #2
The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con
“If anybody ever needed him, Ellis did. Ellis was broken. Jasper liked to fix things.”
Jasper has the perfect life. He’s a blacksmith at a small guest ranch in Wyoming. The last thing he needs is to have that perfect life interrupted by a shifty-eyed ex-con, but the ranch needs the tax benefits the ex-con program will bring.
Traumatized by his time in prison, Ellis can barely speak. He’s about to be offered parole. He knows he will hate working on the guest ranch, but what other option does he have?
It’s not love at first sight. It’s not hate at first sight, either, but something in between.
A gay m/m cowboy romance with age gap, hurt/comfort, opposites attract, forced intimacy, emotional scars, trauma leading to mutism, grumpy/grumpy, and baths. A little sweet, a little steamy, with a guaranteed HEA.
Jasper has the perfect life. He’s a blacksmith at a small guest ranch in Wyoming. The last thing he needs is to have that perfect life interrupted by a shifty-eyed ex-con, but the ranch needs the tax benefits the ex-con program will bring.
Traumatized by his time in prison, Ellis can barely speak. He’s about to be offered parole. He knows he will hate working on the guest ranch, but what other option does he have?
It’s not love at first sight. It’s not hate at first sight, either, but something in between.
A gay m/m cowboy romance with age gap, hurt/comfort, opposites attract, forced intimacy, emotional scars, trauma leading to mutism, grumpy/grumpy, and baths. A little sweet, a little steamy, with a guaranteed HEA.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2021
180 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Jackie North
44 books377 followersJackie North has been writing stories since grade school and spent years absorbing the mainstream romances that she found at her local grocery store. She also wanted to put her English degree to good use and write romance novels, because for years she’s had a never-ending movie of made-up love stories in her head that simply wouldn’t leave her alone.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
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March 4, 2023
|| 2.5 stars ||
I definitely liked the premise of this one, but the execution didn’t really work for me. A lot of that is due to personal preference, though.
The writing was too flowery and drawn-out for my liking, leading me to skim quite a bit.
It also tended to focus too much on descriptions of things that were irrelevant and boring.
I personally just do not like this kind of writing-style.
The relationship itself was quite cute, but I wasn’t really feeling it.
The sexual interactions between them were too frequent and I wish they instead had more truly affectionate interactions between them.
I actually struggled sometimes to see them together as a true couple since their love often came across as dry and empty to me, which was odd considering their circumstances.
I honestly felt rather distanced from their relationship, which surely should not happen with a romance novel.
I did like Ellis’ backstory, though, and I thought his selective muteness was interesting to read about.
I just feel like this book had a lot more potential than what we got.
I definitely liked the premise of this one, but the execution didn’t really work for me. A lot of that is due to personal preference, though.
The writing was too flowery and drawn-out for my liking, leading me to skim quite a bit.
It also tended to focus too much on descriptions of things that were irrelevant and boring.
I personally just do not like this kind of writing-style.
The relationship itself was quite cute, but I wasn’t really feeling it.
The sexual interactions between them were too frequent and I wish they instead had more truly affectionate interactions between them.
I actually struggled sometimes to see them together as a true couple since their love often came across as dry and empty to me, which was odd considering their circumstances.
I honestly felt rather distanced from their relationship, which surely should not happen with a romance novel.
I did like Ellis’ backstory, though, and I thought his selective muteness was interesting to read about.
I just feel like this book had a lot more potential than what we got.
May 30, 2021
5 stars for the first 80% of the book and none for what happened after that, so technically that rounds up to 3 stars
Warning, there are no trigger warnings in this book, which really bothers me because there are lots of triggering events in this, so I will provide some for you here: This book includes a lot of talk of trauma, talks of life in prison, talks of being forced to have sex in a prison setting, an MC spending time in prison during the book, abuse (lots and lots of physical and verbal abuse), dead parents, talks of grief and how you deal with grief and consensual nonconsent.
The world seemed full of what might be, rather than, as it had been, what he could never have. And now he had it, the love of a gentle-hearted man, strong and true as a sword forged in love.
This book totally broke me and then put me back together, it was one hell of a ride, but sadly, it was a very tainted ride towards the end.
I would like to make it clear that my rating and most of my review will only be for the first 80% of this book. This book was a 5 stars read for me and then I got to 80% and it went downhill. So I decided to give it 3 stars, but that only stands for the first 80% of the book. I do not include the last 20% of this book in my rating because some things happened and I just really couldn’t stand behind them, we will come back to this later.
The first part of my review will be the 5 stars review you would have gotten from me if this book stopped at 80% and then we will talk about the other 20% of the book.
If someone looked at me while I was reading this book, this is basically what they would have seen the entire time I was reading this book. I was a sobbing mess for most of this book and yet I loved every second I spent reading this book. I had to take a break at 73% and read a totally different book because I was doing so much crying that it was starting to physically hurt me. I’m sure this wouldn’t be as painful for most people, but I’m a cry baby and this one hit me right in the feels.
First things first, I absolutely love ex-con books, I mostly love the hurt comfort and the redemption that comes from them, it’s just so good. If any of you have any recommendations for good ex-con books, please help a girl out.
What I loved the most of this book (before the 80% mark, of course) is how there wasn’t unnecessary angst or drama in this, just a broken man trying to deal with his past mistakes and his time in prison and the man who was always there for him and who helped him through everything. Most of the angst comes from Ellis and his past, his life in prison, and how he adapts to life now that he’s out of prison, which I much prefer to angst that makes no sense and comes from outside sources.
Brief summary
Ellis is 24 years old and he just spent two years in prison, because he was dealing drugs to pay for his mom’s cancer treatments, he couldn’t pay for them with his job as a high school English teacher. Also, while he was in prison, he got sent to solitary and he got so scared there that he can’t speak anymore, he can only say a few words. Ellias is released on parole and has to spend some time at the Farthingdale Ranch. There he works with Jasper, who’s the grumpy blacksmith at the ranch. And they fall in love.
I loved so many things about the first 80% of this book that it’s probably easier to just make a list:
▪️I loved the description of how Ellis wanted to speak but he just couldn’t, his fear of speaking was portrayed so beautifully.
▪️I really enjoyed how we got to learn about Ellis’s time in prison and how he felt about the time he spent in prison. I really enjoyed reading about that.
▪️I loved how Ellis was so scared and fearful of everything after prison, the descriptions of his fear were so vibrant, they just so damn brilliant. The descriptions of Ellis's fear and how he felt after prison, how everything scared him, how he thought everyone hated him and would be mean to him, were just so damn good. I really loved how he was scared of Jasper at first and how he thought that Jasper would hate him, it all felt so real.
▪️Jasper was so good to Ellis and so understanding, he was so patient with him and always tried to make him feel better and I just loved it so much.
▪️My god did I love the descriptions of Ellis's trauma, it felt so real, sometimes it felt like I was the one living his trauma, I could feel all he was feeling.
▪️I really loved both Jasper and Ellis. Jasper was so strong and so nice and he was grumpy but at the softest spot for Ellis and would have done everything for him, which I love, so much. And I loved Ellis, so damn. The guy is so damn sweet and resilient, I just adored him.
▪️The writing was damn lovely, it so engaging. I loved how everything they were doing was explained and how it felt like you were there with them.
▪️The hurt/comfort in this was absolutely perfect.
Jasper had, almost from the very beginning, been able to understand Ellis even though he said practically nothing.
▪️I loved seeing Ellis get comfortable with Jasper and how he started to talk to Jasper because he trusted him, it was just so good.
▪️I loved how it was hard for Ellis to adjust to life outside of prison, how he had mishaps, and how it took time and a lot of effort.
▪️I really loved how their connection formed, it was so pure. I loved how went from strangers to jasper wanting to help Ellis, to spend quiet moments together, to being attracted to the other to getting together effortlessly.
▪️I loved how jasper wanted to help Ellis find his space in life, to be better
▪️I loved how Ellis was fearful of everything, how he was so scared of consequences, felt so realistic
▪️I loved how they easily got together, there was no big problem or anything, they got to know each other and then settled into a calm and peaceful relationship
▪️I loved how Jasper took it all in strides when Ellis fucked up, how he never got mad at Ellis for it.
▪️I loved how Ellis went to Jasper for comfort and how he wanted to protect him when he needed it, it was just so good.
▪️I loved the peaceful vibes of the ranch, it was so calming.
▪️I loved how Jasper got to know Ellis so well that he knew what Ellis wanted to say, even if he couldn’t say it. Jasper really understood Ellis and I loved that so much.
▪️I loved how these two were always in the bath together, that was so damn sweet.
▪️I loved how these two took care of each other. I loved how Ellis always wanted to help Jasper relax and how he took care of Jasper after a long day of work and how Jasper always listened to Ellis and wanted to help him feel better. They were just so good together.
▪️This book is all about a lot of small gestures combined that make you fall in love with someone and I just loved that so much.
And now, let's talk about the last 20% of this book
As I mentioned before, this book was a five stars read for me, before I got to 80%, which I’m really bummed about.
First, there were the sex scenes towards the end where I really wasn’t sure that Jasper was into it. They did something that Ellis wanted to do and Jasper was only doing it to make Ellis happy and he didn’t seem to enjoy it, which is a big no to me. I’m not one of those who think that you should try new things in bed, things you’re not comfortable with, only to please your partner.
Second, I’m not the biggest fan of having the traumatized main character of a book, go through the same trauma all over again, at the 80% mark. Sometimes it works for me, but most of the time it doesn’t work for me. It just feels like I read through their entire journey to learn how to live with their trauma for nothing since they’re now just as traumatized as they were when the book started.
Third, I really enjoyed the small parts of healing we saw but I really would have enjoyed it if Ellis got therapy. I did enjoy how speech therapy was mentioned but how about regular therapy? I really don’t like when it seems like being in love will cure all of your trauma, it just doesn’t work that way.
And now I would just like to talk about something that happened at the end of the book (96% to be exact) and that really didn’t sit well with me. This will be a spoiler, but I really feel like I need to talk about it, so proceed carefully. This is about the consensual nonconsent scene in this book. Ellis and Jasper act out a prison rape fantasy, a fantasy where Jasper holds Ellis down against his consent and fucks him. Considering that Ellis was in prison and that he mentioned that he was held down and fucked against his consent, I just couldn’t see how the sex scene would be enjoyable to him. And I felt so uneasy reading the scene, nothing about it was hot to me, I had to skip that entire scene because I just couldn’t do it. Ellis only wanted rough sex with Jasper because that's what he got used to in prison and it felt like them having rough sex wasn’t healing Ellis’ trauma but just continuing it. It’s very common in people who experienced trauma to just reach and ask for what traumatized them because that's all they know and it’s very self-destructive behaviour.
I really wish I stopped reading this book at 80%, but I really loved a big part of this book and I cried so much reading it, it was a painful experience.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Warning, there are no trigger warnings in this book, which really bothers me because there are lots of triggering events in this, so I will provide some for you here: This book includes a lot of talk of trauma, talks of life in prison, talks of being forced to have sex in a prison setting, an MC spending time in prison during the book, abuse (lots and lots of physical and verbal abuse), dead parents, talks of grief and how you deal with grief and consensual nonconsent.
The world seemed full of what might be, rather than, as it had been, what he could never have. And now he had it, the love of a gentle-hearted man, strong and true as a sword forged in love.
This book totally broke me and then put me back together, it was one hell of a ride, but sadly, it was a very tainted ride towards the end.
I would like to make it clear that my rating and most of my review will only be for the first 80% of this book. This book was a 5 stars read for me and then I got to 80% and it went downhill. So I decided to give it 3 stars, but that only stands for the first 80% of the book. I do not include the last 20% of this book in my rating because some things happened and I just really couldn’t stand behind them, we will come back to this later.
The first part of my review will be the 5 stars review you would have gotten from me if this book stopped at 80% and then we will talk about the other 20% of the book.
If someone looked at me while I was reading this book, this is basically what they would have seen the entire time I was reading this book. I was a sobbing mess for most of this book and yet I loved every second I spent reading this book. I had to take a break at 73% and read a totally different book because I was doing so much crying that it was starting to physically hurt me. I’m sure this wouldn’t be as painful for most people, but I’m a cry baby and this one hit me right in the feels.
First things first, I absolutely love ex-con books, I mostly love the hurt comfort and the redemption that comes from them, it’s just so good. If any of you have any recommendations for good ex-con books, please help a girl out.
What I loved the most of this book (before the 80% mark, of course) is how there wasn’t unnecessary angst or drama in this, just a broken man trying to deal with his past mistakes and his time in prison and the man who was always there for him and who helped him through everything. Most of the angst comes from Ellis and his past, his life in prison, and how he adapts to life now that he’s out of prison, which I much prefer to angst that makes no sense and comes from outside sources.
Brief summary
Ellis is 24 years old and he just spent two years in prison, because he was dealing drugs to pay for his mom’s cancer treatments, he couldn’t pay for them with his job as a high school English teacher. Also, while he was in prison, he got sent to solitary and he got so scared there that he can’t speak anymore, he can only say a few words. Ellias is released on parole and has to spend some time at the Farthingdale Ranch. There he works with Jasper, who’s the grumpy blacksmith at the ranch. And they fall in love.
I loved so many things about the first 80% of this book that it’s probably easier to just make a list:
▪️I loved the description of how Ellis wanted to speak but he just couldn’t, his fear of speaking was portrayed so beautifully.
▪️I really enjoyed how we got to learn about Ellis’s time in prison and how he felt about the time he spent in prison. I really enjoyed reading about that.
▪️I loved how Ellis was so scared and fearful of everything after prison, the descriptions of his fear were so vibrant, they just so damn brilliant. The descriptions of Ellis's fear and how he felt after prison, how everything scared him, how he thought everyone hated him and would be mean to him, were just so damn good. I really loved how he was scared of Jasper at first and how he thought that Jasper would hate him, it all felt so real.
▪️Jasper was so good to Ellis and so understanding, he was so patient with him and always tried to make him feel better and I just loved it so much.
▪️My god did I love the descriptions of Ellis's trauma, it felt so real, sometimes it felt like I was the one living his trauma, I could feel all he was feeling.
▪️I really loved both Jasper and Ellis. Jasper was so strong and so nice and he was grumpy but at the softest spot for Ellis and would have done everything for him, which I love, so much. And I loved Ellis, so damn. The guy is so damn sweet and resilient, I just adored him.
▪️The writing was damn lovely, it so engaging. I loved how everything they were doing was explained and how it felt like you were there with them.
▪️The hurt/comfort in this was absolutely perfect.
Jasper had, almost from the very beginning, been able to understand Ellis even though he said practically nothing.
▪️I loved seeing Ellis get comfortable with Jasper and how he started to talk to Jasper because he trusted him, it was just so good.
▪️I loved how it was hard for Ellis to adjust to life outside of prison, how he had mishaps, and how it took time and a lot of effort.
▪️I really loved how their connection formed, it was so pure. I loved how went from strangers to jasper wanting to help Ellis, to spend quiet moments together, to being attracted to the other to getting together effortlessly.
▪️I loved how jasper wanted to help Ellis find his space in life, to be better
▪️I loved how Ellis was fearful of everything, how he was so scared of consequences, felt so realistic
▪️I loved how they easily got together, there was no big problem or anything, they got to know each other and then settled into a calm and peaceful relationship
▪️I loved how Jasper took it all in strides when Ellis fucked up, how he never got mad at Ellis for it.
▪️I loved how Ellis went to Jasper for comfort and how he wanted to protect him when he needed it, it was just so good.
▪️I loved the peaceful vibes of the ranch, it was so calming.
▪️I loved how Jasper got to know Ellis so well that he knew what Ellis wanted to say, even if he couldn’t say it. Jasper really understood Ellis and I loved that so much.
▪️I loved how these two were always in the bath together, that was so damn sweet.
▪️I loved how these two took care of each other. I loved how Ellis always wanted to help Jasper relax and how he took care of Jasper after a long day of work and how Jasper always listened to Ellis and wanted to help him feel better. They were just so good together.
▪️This book is all about a lot of small gestures combined that make you fall in love with someone and I just loved that so much.
And now, let's talk about the last 20% of this book
As I mentioned before, this book was a five stars read for me, before I got to 80%, which I’m really bummed about.
First, there were the sex scenes towards the end where I really wasn’t sure that Jasper was into it. They did something that Ellis wanted to do and Jasper was only doing it to make Ellis happy and he didn’t seem to enjoy it, which is a big no to me. I’m not one of those who think that you should try new things in bed, things you’re not comfortable with, only to please your partner.
Second, I’m not the biggest fan of having the traumatized main character of a book, go through the same trauma all over again, at the 80% mark. Sometimes it works for me, but most of the time it doesn’t work for me. It just feels like I read through their entire journey to learn how to live with their trauma for nothing since they’re now just as traumatized as they were when the book started.
Third, I really enjoyed the small parts of healing we saw but I really would have enjoyed it if Ellis got therapy. I did enjoy how speech therapy was mentioned but how about regular therapy? I really don’t like when it seems like being in love will cure all of your trauma, it just doesn’t work that way.
And now I would just like to talk about something that happened at the end of the book (96% to be exact) and that really didn’t sit well with me. This will be a spoiler, but I really feel like I need to talk about it, so proceed carefully. This is about the consensual nonconsent scene in this book. Ellis and Jasper act out a prison rape fantasy, a fantasy where Jasper holds Ellis down against his consent and fucks him. Considering that Ellis was in prison and that he mentioned that he was held down and fucked against his consent, I just couldn’t see how the sex scene would be enjoyable to him. And I felt so uneasy reading the scene, nothing about it was hot to me, I had to skip that entire scene because I just couldn’t do it. Ellis only wanted rough sex with Jasper because that's what he got used to in prison and it felt like them having rough sex wasn’t healing Ellis’ trauma but just continuing it. It’s very common in people who experienced trauma to just reach and ask for what traumatized them because that's all they know and it’s very self-destructive behaviour.
I really wish I stopped reading this book at 80%, but I really loved a big part of this book and I cried so much reading it, it was a painful experience.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
June 1, 2021
~4.5~
This story is stark and beautiful with two wounded MCs and a strong theme of hurt/comfort.
Jilted and humiliated by a former lover, Jasper left the military and found Farthingdale Ranch, where he's a blacksmith and all around fix-it guy. Jasper is a bit of a recluse, preferring to eat in his little cabin versus in the dining hall. He's quiet, keeps to himself, and never says what he doesn't mean. He's very much against bringing a felon to the ranch and doesn't want to share his space with anyone.
Ellis's story mirrors Walter White's on a smaller scale. Ellis quits his job as an English teacher and starts dealing drugs to pay for his mom's cancer treatments. Unfortunately, he's not good at hiding his trail and gets arrested.
Much of what Ellis suffered in jail is loosely summarized, but that's enough for the reader to understand the trauma Ellis suffered at the hands of the other prisoners, the guards, and his parole officer who used Ellis as a punching bag any chance he got. As a result, Ellis became selectively mute; he can make sounds, but no words come out.
Once Jasper meets Ellis, he wants to wrap him up in blankets and keep him safe. Almost immediately, Ellis breaks Jasper's trust, but Jasper gives him another chance.
What follows is a slow-burn romance with many sweet and tender moments: eating ice cream on the porch, wading in the river, making grilled cheese sandwiches. It's very wholesome and just what the two men need to connect and fall in love.
Other reviewers have mentioned that the story takes a somewhat abrupt turn around the 80 percent mark. I didn't mind this necessarily. The story needed some tension, and the way Ellis had people at his side this time around made my heart happy.
What did bother me is Ellis's penchant for rough sex; he wants to be held down and forced to take it. This is quite disturbing as it's clear Ellis is reenacting prison trauma in a safe setting. Even sadder, Jasper is not violent and hates hurting Ellis but gives in because it's what Ellis wants. Ellis needed therapy and perhaps medication, not rape play.
What really pulled this story together for me was the "bonus scene" I downloaded via a link at the end of the book. The scene is an extended epilogue giving us a glimpse of the men settled and content. Don't skip it.
P.S. I loved Jasper so much, and the cover model is sinfully sexy. Hot damn!
This story is stark and beautiful with two wounded MCs and a strong theme of hurt/comfort.
Jilted and humiliated by a former lover, Jasper left the military and found Farthingdale Ranch, where he's a blacksmith and all around fix-it guy. Jasper is a bit of a recluse, preferring to eat in his little cabin versus in the dining hall. He's quiet, keeps to himself, and never says what he doesn't mean. He's very much against bringing a felon to the ranch and doesn't want to share his space with anyone.
Ellis's story mirrors Walter White's on a smaller scale. Ellis quits his job as an English teacher and starts dealing drugs to pay for his mom's cancer treatments. Unfortunately, he's not good at hiding his trail and gets arrested.
Much of what Ellis suffered in jail is loosely summarized, but that's enough for the reader to understand the trauma Ellis suffered at the hands of the other prisoners, the guards, and his parole officer who used Ellis as a punching bag any chance he got. As a result, Ellis became selectively mute; he can make sounds, but no words come out.
Once Jasper meets Ellis, he wants to wrap him up in blankets and keep him safe. Almost immediately, Ellis breaks Jasper's trust, but Jasper gives him another chance.
What follows is a slow-burn romance with many sweet and tender moments: eating ice cream on the porch, wading in the river, making grilled cheese sandwiches. It's very wholesome and just what the two men need to connect and fall in love.
Other reviewers have mentioned that the story takes a somewhat abrupt turn around the 80 percent mark. I didn't mind this necessarily. The story needed some tension, and the way Ellis had people at his side this time around made my heart happy.
What did bother me is Ellis's penchant for rough sex; he wants to be held down and forced to take it. This is quite disturbing as it's clear Ellis is reenacting prison trauma in a safe setting. Even sadder, Jasper is not violent and hates hurting Ellis but gives in because it's what Ellis wants. Ellis needed therapy and perhaps medication, not rape play.
What really pulled this story together for me was the "bonus scene" I downloaded via a link at the end of the book. The scene is an extended epilogue giving us a glimpse of the men settled and content. Don't skip it.
P.S. I loved Jasper so much, and the cover model is sinfully sexy. Hot damn!
February 16, 2023
Oh, I'm struggling with this...I don't want to be ranty but I'm feelin' kind of ranty.
I'm not sure where to start. *scratches head*
There were so many WTF moments and my head seemed to constantly turn from side to side, trying to make sense of things. Peeking at other friends' ratings, I think I got a different copy.
Do you ever have that feeling? Wondering if you read another book?
It was my first time reading one of North's stories and I did not click with this one...at all.
I struggled with the neverending similes and metaphors.
Seriously, I think every single page had at least one, if not several.
I saw nothing, it was "tell, tell, tell" the entire time.
I also struggled with Ellis' selective mutism. He stopped talking after his 3-day solitary confinement in prison. In this case, it seemed to turn on and off randomly. And that...bothered me.
AND the whole child-like vibe was disturbing...from Ellis comforting himself by sucking Jasper's cock like a pacifier to Jasper constantly referring to Ellis as 'kiddo', I kept getting the heebie-jeebies.
Here are some examples...
"...as if sucking on Jasper's cock this was way so soothing that Ellis was rocking himself to sleep with it.
...side by side watching Netflix, with Ellis soothing himself into restfulness by slowly, ever so slowly, sucking Jasper's cock.
Ellis got used to being fussed over like he was an overgrown child whose loving nanny was sure he might catch pneumonia if the slightest damp reached him.
....kissing him, making low, comforting sounds, as though Ellis was a child who'd been frightened by a storm."
See what I mean?
Ellis is eight years younger than Jasper but it felt like Ellis WAS eight sometimes. *shudders*
I kept going, thinking it would turn the corner for me...but I found myself in a big circle, coming back to the same frustrations.
The plot itself was interesting. I liked most of the characters just fine. Ellis was dealt a crappy hand and my heart ached for him. Jasper was sooo kind and patient, almost too much. I liked them well enough, I just found their relationship extremely strange. I swear there were scenes that were mentioned that hadn't happened yet...I found myself flipping back wondering how I missed what happened the night before, only to discover we hadn't been told yet. I can only conclude they were story potholes or wonky foreshadowing.
Maybe this was a fluke and next time will be better.
Maybe it was simply a Me-Not-You situation.
*shrugs*
I just don't know.
What I do know is, I need a palate cleanser now!
*2.5 what-in-the-what stars*
I'm not sure where to start. *scratches head*
There were so many WTF moments and my head seemed to constantly turn from side to side, trying to make sense of things. Peeking at other friends' ratings, I think I got a different copy.
Do you ever have that feeling? Wondering if you read another book?
It was my first time reading one of North's stories and I did not click with this one...at all.
I struggled with the neverending similes and metaphors.
Seriously, I think every single page had at least one, if not several.
I saw nothing, it was "tell, tell, tell" the entire time.
I also struggled with Ellis' selective mutism. He stopped talking after his 3-day solitary confinement in prison. In this case, it seemed to turn on and off randomly. And that...bothered me.
AND the whole child-like vibe was disturbing...from Ellis comforting himself by sucking Jasper's cock like a pacifier to Jasper constantly referring to Ellis as 'kiddo', I kept getting the heebie-jeebies.
Here are some examples...
"...as if sucking on Jasper's cock this was way so soothing that Ellis was rocking himself to sleep with it.
...side by side watching Netflix, with Ellis soothing himself into restfulness by slowly, ever so slowly, sucking Jasper's cock.
Ellis got used to being fussed over like he was an overgrown child whose loving nanny was sure he might catch pneumonia if the slightest damp reached him.
....kissing him, making low, comforting sounds, as though Ellis was a child who'd been frightened by a storm."
See what I mean?
Ellis is eight years younger than Jasper but it felt like Ellis WAS eight sometimes. *shudders*
I kept going, thinking it would turn the corner for me...but I found myself in a big circle, coming back to the same frustrations.
The plot itself was interesting. I liked most of the characters just fine. Ellis was dealt a crappy hand and my heart ached for him. Jasper was sooo kind and patient, almost too much. I liked them well enough, I just found their relationship extremely strange. I swear there were scenes that were mentioned that hadn't happened yet...I found myself flipping back wondering how I missed what happened the night before, only to discover we hadn't been told yet. I can only conclude they were story potholes or wonky foreshadowing.
Maybe this was a fluke and next time will be better.
Maybe it was simply a Me-Not-You situation.
*shrugs*
I just don't know.
What I do know is, I need a palate cleanser now!
*2.5 what-in-the-what stars*
December 13, 2021
3.25 stars
I was really enjoying this, but I got a little annoyed with the last 30% or so.
This had some great hurt/comfort and I absolutely loved how patient Jasper was being with Ellis. I love characters like that, who don't anger easily and who are just so stable and calm.
I also loved how Ellis and Jasper slowly got closer and how it looked like Ellis was doing a bit better. But I was still waiting for a bit more healing. So I guess I started to expect that there would be some kind of talk of therapy once people got to know Ellis and what he went through. But that never quite happened.
Can I also say how disappointed I was at the sex scenes once these guys move past the blowjobs.
Spoiler alert.
I felt that Jasper and Ellis had the communication thing under control, so I was VERY surprised when Ellis tells Jasper he wants it rough and then they just have unprotected sex without lube.
It was so strange that Ellis, who was quite traumatised because of prison(sex) suddenly wanted it rough. And they even roll played a forced prison scene.
Also I never felt that Jasper was comfortable giving it rough to Ellis. Well, that doesn't look like consent at all...
And I could have done without the drama near the end. I can't really handle scenes where someone is almost sent to jail and they have to convince a judge to let them go. I could only imagine how traumatising it was for Ellis.
So the first 70% was really good and than it slowly started to unravel. ☹️
I was really enjoying this, but I got a little annoyed with the last 30% or so.
This had some great hurt/comfort and I absolutely loved how patient Jasper was being with Ellis. I love characters like that, who don't anger easily and who are just so stable and calm.
I also loved how Ellis and Jasper slowly got closer and how it looked like Ellis was doing a bit better. But I was still waiting for a bit more healing. So I guess I started to expect that there would be some kind of talk of therapy once people got to know Ellis and what he went through. But that never quite happened.
Can I also say how disappointed I was at the sex scenes once these guys move past the blowjobs.
Spoiler alert.
I felt that Jasper and Ellis had the communication thing under control, so I was VERY surprised when Ellis tells Jasper he wants it rough and then they just have unprotected sex without lube.
It was so strange that Ellis, who was quite traumatised because of prison(sex) suddenly wanted it rough. And they even roll played a forced prison scene.
Also I never felt that Jasper was comfortable giving it rough to Ellis. Well, that doesn't look like consent at all...
And I could have done without the drama near the end. I can't really handle scenes where someone is almost sent to jail and they have to convince a judge to let them go. I could only imagine how traumatising it was for Ellis.
So the first 70% was really good and than it slowly started to unravel. ☹️
October 16, 2023
Started grinding my teeth as soon as the MC's mother's doctor was "raking in the money" for treating her cancer (um, he's probably on salary at the hospital), ground them harder when the medical staff left her untreated in the hallway because she had crappy insurance (hospital medical staff do not know what insurance a patient has, JFC, and also if she's 65 or over she has Medicare anyway), lost considerable enamel at the point when we learn that a federal drug bust landed him in state prison, got all the way down to the nerve root when he got parole after two years and I skeptically Googled Wyoming drug laws, lost all my dentition when "the money [earned by dealing] for the expensive clinic ran out" -- does this author not have the faintest idea how much cancer treatment costs at retail? our hero would have to be El Chapo to pay for it out of pocket -- broke my own jaw when the parole was not revoked after he attacked a guard, and then there was some nonsense about the parole officer working in the prison, and then ---
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO HALF AN HOUR'S RESEARCH ON THE BASIC FACTS UNDERPINNING YOUR PLOT
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO HALF AN HOUR'S RESEARCH ON THE BASIC FACTS UNDERPINNING YOUR PLOT
June 13, 2021
3.5✨
• I started this book because I was in the mood for something contemporary and who doesn't like ranch setting.😊😊
• So, I began with no expectations but now I feel positively charmed by the writing style.
• Jasper is an army veteran turn blacksmith, working on the ranch. He is hurt in the past by his lover and Ellis is out of parol from prison.
•The relationship development included lots of hurt/comfort.
• The only problem I have is the sexual development between the MCs. Because after spending two years in prison, Ellis was conditioned to associate rough sex to comfort.
• Normally, Jasper tries to fulfil every wish of Ellis, which is sweet but him agreeing to rough sex when he is not okay with it, seems entirely wrong to me.
•If not for this aspect the book could have been a 4✨ for me.
• I started this book because I was in the mood for something contemporary and who doesn't like ranch setting.😊😊
• So, I began with no expectations but now I feel positively charmed by the writing style.
• Jasper is an army veteran turn blacksmith, working on the ranch. He is hurt in the past by his lover and Ellis is out of parol from prison.
•The relationship development included lots of hurt/comfort.
• The only problem I have is the sexual development between the MCs. Because after spending two years in prison, Ellis was conditioned to associate rough sex to comfort.
• Normally, Jasper tries to fulfil every wish of Ellis, which is sweet but him agreeing to rough sex when he is not okay with it, seems entirely wrong to me.
•If not for this aspect the book could have been a 4✨ for me.
September 5, 2022
Such a lovely story!
I read Jackie North's The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con as a standalone, and had absolutely no problems. But this ranch has me hooked, and I've already downloaded The Foreman and the Drifter so I can get Leland and Jamie's tale.
Jackie North paints a wonderful picture of the wild and ramshackle Farthingdale Ranch; and explores how the wounded souls of Jasper and Ellis complete each other so perfectly. If you're craving a real old-fashioned romance, I think you'll get just what you need in The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con.
You can also get two bonus chapters on prolificworks and find out how Ellis fixes up his tattoo, and see how the Frontier Girls enjoy their trail ride and picnic.
I read Jackie North's The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con as a standalone, and had absolutely no problems. But this ranch has me hooked, and I've already downloaded The Foreman and the Drifter so I can get Leland and Jamie's tale.
Jackie North paints a wonderful picture of the wild and ramshackle Farthingdale Ranch; and explores how the wounded souls of Jasper and Ellis complete each other so perfectly. If you're craving a real old-fashioned romance, I think you'll get just what you need in The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con.
You can also get two bonus chapters on prolificworks and find out how Ellis fixes up his tattoo, and see how the Frontier Girls enjoy their trail ride and picnic.
June 23, 2022
I freaking loved this story.
This is, hands down, my favorite story from this series so far and I have a hard time believing any future couple will dethrone Jasper and Ellis as my favorite couple. The connection these two had was beautiful and everything they did for each other, were for each other, made me insanely happy.
Because Jasper lives separately from everyone else and isn't directly involved with guests there wasn't as many mundane details concerning the daily operation of the ranch. The story focuses completely on their relationship and unlike Leland and Jaimie, they didn't think too deeply about or question what was happening between them. They were like water, allowing themseleves to be swept along by the current of their attraction to and affection for one another. It was so refreshing to read after all the pining of book 1.
SPOILER WARNING:
Concerning the last 20% ( the part that threw most people off) I don't necessarily have a problem with Ellis wanting it rough or wanting to play out prison rape scenes. It was just obvious that Jasper really wasn't into it, making it kind of awkward to read. It's clear that they're going to have to figure out some kind of compromise that works for the both of them....but, seeing that and knowing they still have things to work on doesn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story. I still loved it. 5 stars
This is, hands down, my favorite story from this series so far and I have a hard time believing any future couple will dethrone Jasper and Ellis as my favorite couple. The connection these two had was beautiful and everything they did for each other, were for each other, made me insanely happy.
Because Jasper lives separately from everyone else and isn't directly involved with guests there wasn't as many mundane details concerning the daily operation of the ranch. The story focuses completely on their relationship and unlike Leland and Jaimie, they didn't think too deeply about or question what was happening between them. They were like water, allowing themseleves to be swept along by the current of their attraction to and affection for one another. It was so refreshing to read after all the pining of book 1.
SPOILER WARNING:
Concerning the last 20% ( the part that threw most people off) I don't necessarily have a problem with Ellis wanting it rough or wanting to play out prison rape scenes. It was just obvious that Jasper really wasn't into it, making it kind of awkward to read. It's clear that they're going to have to figure out some kind of compromise that works for the both of them....but, seeing that and knowing they still have things to work on doesn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story. I still loved it. 5 stars
December 2, 2021
This was a hard read for many reasons. The angst was palpable, I could feel it in my bones. It broke me. Thankfully, it also put me back together. I was rooting for Jasper and Ellis from the very first moment, and seeing them grow together and giving each other something neither of them knew they needed was beautiful.
Much like the first book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, I was totally invested in the story and the characters, you couldn't stop me from keeping on reading even if you tried. That's probably why around the 80% mark the story lost me a little, taking a turn I didn't much care for. It was a turn I didn't want for Ellis and Jasper. Especially for Jasper. I won't get into what happened, but it felt like it happened too late in the story with too little time for Ellis and Jasper to come back from it.
The writing was beautiful, as I've come to expect from this author. I highlighted and highlighted and highlighted.
Much like the first book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, I was totally invested in the story and the characters, you couldn't stop me from keeping on reading even if you tried. That's probably why around the 80% mark the story lost me a little, taking a turn I didn't much care for. It was a turn I didn't want for Ellis and Jasper. Especially for Jasper. I won't get into what happened, but it felt like it happened too late in the story with too little time for Ellis and Jasper to come back from it.
The writing was beautiful, as I've come to expect from this author. I highlighted and highlighted and highlighted.
March 2, 2024
I was really enjoying The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con for the most part, I liked the characters and the romance between Jasper and Ellis. But then the ending just had to go and annoy me, bringing the book down a whole star. The ending was too predictable and ridiculous, maybe if it had more time it could have been done well but it felt rushed and shoved in so there'd be a third act conflict.
Aside from the ending conflict, it was a good read and I might check out the other books in the series sometime.
Aside from the ending conflict, it was a good read and I might check out the other books in the series sometime.
May 31, 2021
I quite enjoyed the first book in this series, so was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, it failed to deliver the same level of enjoyment and the same quality of writing as the first book.
For starters, I had a certain impression of Jasper from the first book. I figured him for an older, gruff introvert. Maybe even a misanthrope. So I was surprised that he is only 32. I would have put him a decade older than that, especially as he talks like he's been around for ages and seen it all.
The pacing for this really didn't work for me. You have Jasper who was very nonsupporting of the ex-con program. He had a lot of preconceived ideas about Ellis (though 24 hours later is thinking that he wants to be his own judge of Ellis' character and not make assumptions). These guys get involved in less than a week. Which, considering Jasper's attitude towards the ex-con program, Ellis essentially being in a post-traumatic state, and Jasper being in a position of power over Ellis, it seemed far too sudden. I would have liked to see things warm up slower, but I feel like casting Ellis as the ex-con with a heart of gold who only wanted to visit his mother's grave almost forced the pacing to happen the way it did.
And when it comes to the sex in this book, one thing that I found rather off-putting was that they have unprotected sex, with no talk of sexual history or STD testing... which considering Ellis just got out of jail, where he was having sex, presumably unprotected, with other inmates.
As for the editing, it was definitely a bit sloppy. The most glaring issue I had, which I had a hard time forgiving, was Ellis reminiscing about the blowjob he gave Jasper the night before.
I also found Ellis' select mutism odd. Jasper talks to him as though they are having a normal conversation, replying to things as though Ellis' nod or shrug was a complex thought. Leland actually calls Jasper out on how odd this is.
I still intend on reading the next book, and hope to leave the disappointment of this book behind me.
For starters, I had a certain impression of Jasper from the first book. I figured him for an older, gruff introvert. Maybe even a misanthrope. So I was surprised that he is only 32. I would have put him a decade older than that, especially as he talks like he's been around for ages and seen it all.
The pacing for this really didn't work for me. You have Jasper who was very nonsupporting of the ex-con program. He had a lot of preconceived ideas about Ellis (though 24 hours later is thinking that he wants to be his own judge of Ellis' character and not make assumptions). These guys get involved in less than a week. Which, considering Jasper's attitude towards the ex-con program, Ellis essentially being in a post-traumatic state, and Jasper being in a position of power over Ellis, it seemed far too sudden. I would have liked to see things warm up slower, but I feel like casting Ellis as the ex-con with a heart of gold who only wanted to visit his mother's grave almost forced the pacing to happen the way it did.
And when it comes to the sex in this book, one thing that I found rather off-putting was that they have unprotected sex, with no talk of sexual history or STD testing... which considering Ellis just got out of jail, where he was having sex, presumably unprotected, with other inmates.
As for the editing, it was definitely a bit sloppy. The most glaring issue I had, which I had a hard time forgiving, was Ellis reminiscing about the blowjob he gave Jasper the night before.
Ellis recollected bits from the night before, the warmth of Jasper's dick in his mouth, the feel of Jasper's belly trembling beneath his hand. The hard muscle of Jasper's thigh. Jasper's warm breath on his shoulder.Only that didn't happen. Ellis doesn't perform oral sex on Jasper until later... which Ellis' recollection actually resembles. What he did do was jack off while giving Jasper some hickeys. The farthest south his mouth went was to Jasper's nipple. So, unless Jasper has a cock for a nipple, there was no dick in his mouth the previous night.
I also found Ellis' select mutism odd. Jasper talks to him as though they are having a normal conversation, replying to things as though Ellis' nod or shrug was a complex thought. Leland actually calls Jasper out on how odd this is.
"I've seen the two of you together. He's not saying and word and you're going on as if it's a full-blown conversation."What was even worse was when Jasper took the stand to speak for Ellis. Not just speaking on his behalf, but addressing the court as though he was Ellis speaking. Reading off a statement, that couldn't possible have the answer to every question the judge asked. But then, Ellis notes that Jasper is speaking things that aren't on the paper, that the only way Jasper could have known all of this was because he knew what was inside of Ellis. What, is he an ESPer?
I still intend on reading the next book, and hope to leave the disappointment of this book behind me.
May 26, 2021
WOW! Amazing hurt/comfort story.
I was intrigued by this book before it even came out, thanks to the author’s clever promo (grumpy/grumpy, for example). But it exceeded all my expectations.
Rather than being super angsty and gritty, like you might expect a story with an ex-con to be, it’s actually really sweet. The blacksmith starts off grumpy but quickly realizes just how fragile and damaged the parolee is, and the care he took with him totally melted me. This has all the things I love about a good hurt/comfort story.
Surprisingly, this is the first story I’ve read by this author (I own several but am woefully behind on my TBR), but I will make sure it’s not the last! I really really loved this.
I was intrigued by this book before it even came out, thanks to the author’s clever promo (grumpy/grumpy, for example). But it exceeded all my expectations.
Rather than being super angsty and gritty, like you might expect a story with an ex-con to be, it’s actually really sweet. The blacksmith starts off grumpy but quickly realizes just how fragile and damaged the parolee is, and the care he took with him totally melted me. This has all the things I love about a good hurt/comfort story.
Surprisingly, this is the first story I’ve read by this author (I own several but am woefully behind on my TBR), but I will make sure it’s not the last! I really really loved this.
December 28, 2022
This book was amazing. It was amazing. I was ready to give it 5 stars. The writing was poetry.
Then at 80%, Ellis insists he wants rough sex because that’s what he was used to in prison, I expect sweet and loving Jasper to show him how hot loving sex can be.
And not only did they have unprotected sex (after Ellis spent two years having prison sex), there was also no lube. Neither was discussed. Story just moved along like it was no big deal. The whole scene completely took me out of the themes followed so far and I felt like I was reading a different book about different characters. Then the epilogue has prison rape play?? It just left me feeling yucky.
I am SO disappointed, I was ready to put this beautifully written book at the top of my favorites of 2021. Now it’s on my Books That Made Me Rage shelf.
Then at 80%, Ellis insists he wants rough sex because that’s what he was used to in prison, I expect sweet and loving Jasper to show him how hot loving sex can be.
And not only did they have unprotected sex (after Ellis spent two years having prison sex), there was also no lube. Neither was discussed. Story just moved along like it was no big deal. The whole scene completely took me out of the themes followed so far and I felt like I was reading a different book about different characters. Then the epilogue has prison rape play?? It just left me feeling yucky.
I am SO disappointed, I was ready to put this beautifully written book at the top of my favorites of 2021. Now it’s on my Books That Made Me Rage shelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
I love everything about this book!
From Jasper the book boyfriend everybody should have, and the poor Ellis, the ex-con and a former English teacher who needed a big warm hug!
Review to follow :)
September 18, 2023
This felt like watching a car accident
There are so many problems. Starting with the very clear idea that Ellis didn’t deserve the way he was treated, he wasn’t like those other convicts, he committed crime for good reasons. I don’t think anyone deserves to be abused and tortured no matter what crime they’ve committed. Solitarily confinement is torture and should be stopped, end of story.
Major spoilers about the plot coming:
Jasper is in a position of power over a man he knows is not okay. Ellis is suffering from selective mutism he’s so traumatized from his time in solitary and it’s sweet that Jasper becomes so good at understanding him so quickly but within days of moving into the house Ellis is sleeping in his bed and jerking himself off while snuggled with Jasper. I don’t think they should have had sex until after Ellis’ parole is completed, then the physical relationship should have started. The last book was a boss/employee romance but Trevor couldn’t send Jamie back to jail he just could have fired him, still bad but not going back to prison.
I kept expecting them to slow down and wait for Ellis to get more settled before the romance but Ellis hasn’t even met everyone that works at the ranch yet by the time they start. And it felt very infantilizing that Jasper referred to Ellis as “kiddo” when they were together. Not the usual pet name and with Ellis and his selective mutism it feels gross.
There are so many problems. Starting with the very clear idea that Ellis didn’t deserve the way he was treated, he wasn’t like those other convicts, he committed crime for good reasons. I don’t think anyone deserves to be abused and tortured no matter what crime they’ve committed. Solitarily confinement is torture and should be stopped, end of story.
Major spoilers about the plot coming:
Jasper is in a position of power over a man he knows is not okay. Ellis is suffering from selective mutism he’s so traumatized from his time in solitary and it’s sweet that Jasper becomes so good at understanding him so quickly but within days of moving into the house Ellis is sleeping in his bed and jerking himself off while snuggled with Jasper. I don’t think they should have had sex until after Ellis’ parole is completed, then the physical relationship should have started. The last book was a boss/employee romance but Trevor couldn’t send Jamie back to jail he just could have fired him, still bad but not going back to prison.
I kept expecting them to slow down and wait for Ellis to get more settled before the romance but Ellis hasn’t even met everyone that works at the ranch yet by the time they start. And it felt very infantilizing that Jasper referred to Ellis as “kiddo” when they were together. Not the usual pet name and with Ellis and his selective mutism it feels gross.
May 25, 2021
Every time I read one pf the author’s stories; I fall a little more in love with her writing style. Jasper is somewhat hardened, I think. Ellis has had a rough go at life because of his own choices. But these two together were beautiful and satisfying to read. I literally could not put this story down! I loved seeing Ellis open up and heal under Jasper’s patience, care, kindness and compassion. The world the author has created feels so real. The world building is phenomenal! Fantastic story! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
July 20, 2021
Yes! I knew this is where Jackie North was going. I loved this book. It was a sweet story about two big, strong men. We got just enough backstory to understand where they’re coming from and why they react the way they do. The Ranch is becoming more well-rounded. The slow-burn was on point and the coupling was delicious. I believe the need to rough sex will diminish overtime. Jamie still feels like a female to me.
Yes, I am ready for the next installment. NOW!
Yes, I am ready for the next installment. NOW!
September 3, 2021
Tenderness, compassion, and true understanding are found at the Farthingdale Ranch, where ex-cons can have a new start.
Ellis, 24, was getting paroled, but they wouldn't let him go to his Mom's funeral. Mute when he is released, no one cared, and his P.O. (parole officer) was cruel.
He's lanky with long hair, bruised and tied
when he's shoved out of the van. Jasper goes to him.
Jasper, 32, a Farrier and talented Blacksmith, has been grumpy since his ex bailed on him, but we get to see his softness. He's got dark hair,
lots of muscles and he's quite tough looking.
Jasper gently took Ellis to his cabin they'll share, and Jasper will be his mentor. When Ellis won't speak, Jasper just kept talking and knew how to handle it. He's seen muteness in the military after a trauma.
Ellis slowly sees that his new place is okay, and he liked the calmness and peace. But, the next morning, Ellis had something to do. He took the truck and $20 to go to the place, and returned later. Jasper was worried and disappointed, but waited patiently for his charge to return. Jasper's cabin was set back in the trees from the ranch. He would have taken Ellis if he would have asked.
So, they continued, as he showed Ellis their work and explained things.
Jasper can feel and see the need in Ellis for a tender hand, so he gives it. Ellis is relaxing, eats good food, there's no yelling or hitting, which is a true blessing. He had nearly gone mad at the prison.
I really liked these men. We hear traumatized Ellis's thoughts and his story, and we want him to make it and move forward. Jasper is a terrific character with strength, intuition, and common sense, and a big heart. There are several situations that Jasper sooths Ellis from, like the thunderstorm. The guys have sexy fumbling, and keep working and relying on each other. Later their hot, sexy times become frequent.
W also see lots of interaction, work projects and camaraderie.
The P.O. causes trouble and later shows up after a misunderstanding in town.
Ellis knows how lucky he is to be at the ranch, backed by this group of amazing people.
We get a different romance, deep thoughts and a heartwarming tale.
ENJOY !
=====
Ellis, 24, was getting paroled, but they wouldn't let him go to his Mom's funeral. Mute when he is released, no one cared, and his P.O. (parole officer) was cruel.
He's lanky with long hair, bruised and tied
when he's shoved out of the van. Jasper goes to him.
Jasper, 32, a Farrier and talented Blacksmith, has been grumpy since his ex bailed on him, but we get to see his softness. He's got dark hair,
lots of muscles and he's quite tough looking.
Jasper gently took Ellis to his cabin they'll share, and Jasper will be his mentor. When Ellis won't speak, Jasper just kept talking and knew how to handle it. He's seen muteness in the military after a trauma.
Ellis slowly sees that his new place is okay, and he liked the calmness and peace. But, the next morning, Ellis had something to do. He took the truck and $20 to go to the place, and returned later. Jasper was worried and disappointed, but waited patiently for his charge to return. Jasper's cabin was set back in the trees from the ranch. He would have taken Ellis if he would have asked.
So, they continued, as he showed Ellis their work and explained things.
Jasper can feel and see the need in Ellis for a tender hand, so he gives it. Ellis is relaxing, eats good food, there's no yelling or hitting, which is a true blessing. He had nearly gone mad at the prison.
I really liked these men. We hear traumatized Ellis's thoughts and his story, and we want him to make it and move forward. Jasper is a terrific character with strength, intuition, and common sense, and a big heart. There are several situations that Jasper sooths Ellis from, like the thunderstorm. The guys have sexy fumbling, and keep working and relying on each other. Later their hot, sexy times become frequent.
W also see lots of interaction, work projects and camaraderie.
The P.O. causes trouble and later shows up after a misunderstanding in town.
Ellis knows how lucky he is to be at the ranch, backed by this group of amazing people.
We get a different romance, deep thoughts and a heartwarming tale.
ENJOY !
=====
January 10, 2022
While this started out good for me, it soon turned into not my kind of read at all.
Ellis was just too childlike for my taste, not to mention the sex and the way Ellis wanted it rough and rape like just is not my cup of tea.
The writing style was also not to my taste, to wordy and flowery.
While I am very greatful for the free read, I can't say I will be reading any more of this series.
Ellis was just too childlike for my taste, not to mention the sex and the way Ellis wanted it rough and rape like just is not my cup of tea.
The writing style was also not to my taste, to wordy and flowery.
While I am very greatful for the free read, I can't say I will be reading any more of this series.
January 1, 2023
Well, it wasn't the best book to finish the year.
First things first - who the heck is on the cover? It was mentioned that both MCs shaved, so talk about false advertising.
This book was quite a bit of a mess, so my review may also be a little chaotic.
When I read the blurb, I was intrigued by the premise. However, the execution didn't work for me, even though I enjoyed the first half of the book.
Things that did work:
♢ Ellis - from his reason to be in prison, through all the changes, to his new life at the ranch.
♢ relationship between Ellis and Jasper - it was such a soft and precious thing, full of understanding and trying to be brave.
Things that didn't work:
♦ the pacing - everything happened in only one week. I can understand instant attraction/love or everything else.
♦ the language - sometimes it was simply beautiful, another time it was too repetitive and flowery.
♦ Jasper - he was attentive and understanding, fiercely protective, and hard-working. But at the same time, he felt too one-dimensional.
♦
I don't regret spending time with this book, but I'm rather confident that I won't read the other volumes in the series.
First things first - who the heck is on the cover? It was mentioned that both MCs shaved, so talk about false advertising.
This book was quite a bit of a mess, so my review may also be a little chaotic.
When I read the blurb, I was intrigued by the premise. However, the execution didn't work for me, even though I enjoyed the first half of the book.
Things that did work:
♢ Ellis - from his reason to be in prison, through all the changes, to his new life at the ranch.
♢ relationship between Ellis and Jasper - it was such a soft and precious thing, full of understanding and trying to be brave.
Things that didn't work:
♦ the pacing - everything happened in only one week. I can understand instant attraction/love or everything else.
♦ the language - sometimes it was simply beautiful, another time it was too repetitive and flowery.
♦ Jasper - he was attentive and understanding, fiercely protective, and hard-working. But at the same time, he felt too one-dimensional.
♦
I don't regret spending time with this book, but I'm rather confident that I won't read the other volumes in the series.
Read
May 30, 2021Not really into the writing style. There is dual POV and the author tend to recap what I already know when she switched the POV.
May 26, 2021
sweet rhythm of The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con? Maybe it’s her elegant prose and beautiful scenery? Possibly it’s because such a pace is needed to help display an ex-English teacher/convict recovering from his years in prison.
Because, when Ellis is paroled to Farthingdale Ranch, he only wants to visit his mother’s grave, after which, he’ll curl up and…. He has no idea. Instead, he’s paired with grumpy, generally silent Jasper, the ranch blacksmith and overall fix-it guy. Ellis’ traumatic mutism forces the normally quiet Jasper to speak for him. And Jasper’s measured, purposeful approach to each task, offers Ellis a new tempo, where he has space to see his offensive defense isn’t required.
Unfortunately, even after Ellis steals (then returns) Jasper’s truck to visit his mom’s grave, and Jasper responds gently, like he’s a skittish colt, Ellis’ jumpiness pushes him to fight first, and think second, “an ex con who dragged his own troubles with him wherever he went, like a chain he’d forged/link by link and yard by yard.” But Jasper really wants to succeed with Ellis, because money from the Parole Board can help keep the ranch afloat.
Soon Ellis, who barely notices that he is changing, has “the most amazing development thus far – not that he wanted to let Jasper down. He found he most certainly did not want to do that.” With reactions beyond his control, however, how can he succeed?
As a reader with no interest in dude ranch vacations, only a terrific author could sell me on their beauty. “The sun started going down behind a ridge of mountains that sloped into foothills, above which towered the jagged shoulders of Iron Mountain. Behind that danced lacy clouds, turning and bowing into flowers of purple and a deeper purple and blues and orange, all at the same time. It was as though the sunset had a profound need to show off to Ellis, on this, his first night out of prison, and wanted to make it memorable.” Ms. North always uses scenery for healing in a way that speaks to me.
Jasper and Ellis’ intimacy is one I’d never considered, an act I’ve not seen depicted before, where sexuality is pre-verbal, as a mute man might need. (You’ll need to read to understand!) Here hugs are complete acts unto themselves, as Ellis almost re-births himself.
And what is Jasper getting in return? Ellis – “whose very existence brought forth feeling inside of Jasper, tender silk-ribboned feelings that seemed to be weaving their way into his heart, like a soft bandage, healing him from the inside.” The man who hides his gentle nature through hard work and a solo existence, must talk for Ellis and thus speak his own truths.
In the end, this standalone… offers the experience of unwinding, of re-thinking one’s existence and realizing the world is bigger than our small share of perception. It speaks of how to let go and re-ground. In other words, ‘The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con’ is some darned good therapy!
Because, when Ellis is paroled to Farthingdale Ranch, he only wants to visit his mother’s grave, after which, he’ll curl up and…. He has no idea. Instead, he’s paired with grumpy, generally silent Jasper, the ranch blacksmith and overall fix-it guy. Ellis’ traumatic mutism forces the normally quiet Jasper to speak for him. And Jasper’s measured, purposeful approach to each task, offers Ellis a new tempo, where he has space to see his offensive defense isn’t required.
Unfortunately, even after Ellis steals (then returns) Jasper’s truck to visit his mom’s grave, and Jasper responds gently, like he’s a skittish colt, Ellis’ jumpiness pushes him to fight first, and think second, “an ex con who dragged his own troubles with him wherever he went, like a chain he’d forged/link by link and yard by yard.” But Jasper really wants to succeed with Ellis, because money from the Parole Board can help keep the ranch afloat.
Soon Ellis, who barely notices that he is changing, has “the most amazing development thus far – not that he wanted to let Jasper down. He found he most certainly did not want to do that.” With reactions beyond his control, however, how can he succeed?
As a reader with no interest in dude ranch vacations, only a terrific author could sell me on their beauty. “The sun started going down behind a ridge of mountains that sloped into foothills, above which towered the jagged shoulders of Iron Mountain. Behind that danced lacy clouds, turning and bowing into flowers of purple and a deeper purple and blues and orange, all at the same time. It was as though the sunset had a profound need to show off to Ellis, on this, his first night out of prison, and wanted to make it memorable.” Ms. North always uses scenery for healing in a way that speaks to me.
Jasper and Ellis’ intimacy is one I’d never considered, an act I’ve not seen depicted before, where sexuality is pre-verbal, as a mute man might need. (You’ll need to read to understand!) Here hugs are complete acts unto themselves, as Ellis almost re-births himself.
And what is Jasper getting in return? Ellis – “whose very existence brought forth feeling inside of Jasper, tender silk-ribboned feelings that seemed to be weaving their way into his heart, like a soft bandage, healing him from the inside.” The man who hides his gentle nature through hard work and a solo existence, must talk for Ellis and thus speak his own truths.
In the end, this standalone… offers the experience of unwinding, of re-thinking one’s existence and realizing the world is bigger than our small share of perception. It speaks of how to let go and re-ground. In other words, ‘The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con’ is some darned good therapy!
July 26, 2023
THE BLACKSMITH AND THE EX-CON is the second book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, although you can read it as a standalone as I have.
Ellis is the ex-con who has had a hard time of it. Now, I'm not excusing what he's done, but he did do it for the right reasons. And given the relationship he did have, I can understand the mutism. My heart ached for him, it really did. Jasper is a big, gruff, sweetie who would do anything for those he lets in. And he certainly lets Ellis in. The romance develops slowly, but compassion and kindness are there from the get-go.
There are easter eggs in here for Honey from the Lion (that I have read) which is part of the Love Across Time series. I'm ashamed to admit that the fate of the ranch that Laurie disappeared from never even entered my mind, so it was great to see this from a different view.
I loved all the characters in this book - even Phil! He was horrible, but exactly as he was supposed to be. Obviously, the biggest growth was Ellis, but Jasper comes along nicely too. The supporting cast provides understanding, love, and humour to our main two.
This book was extremely well-written and paced, and certainly kept my attention from the first word to the very last. I will be reading book one in this series simply down to the characters and Ms North's writing. If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 25, 2021
Ellis is the ex-con who has had a hard time of it. Now, I'm not excusing what he's done, but he did do it for the right reasons. And given the relationship he did have, I can understand the mutism. My heart ached for him, it really did. Jasper is a big, gruff, sweetie who would do anything for those he lets in. And he certainly lets Ellis in. The romance develops slowly, but compassion and kindness are there from the get-go.
There are easter eggs in here for Honey from the Lion (that I have read) which is part of the Love Across Time series. I'm ashamed to admit that the fate of the ranch that Laurie disappeared from never even entered my mind, so it was great to see this from a different view.
I loved all the characters in this book - even Phil! He was horrible, but exactly as he was supposed to be. Obviously, the biggest growth was Ellis, but Jasper comes along nicely too. The supporting cast provides understanding, love, and humour to our main two.
This book was extremely well-written and paced, and certainly kept my attention from the first word to the very last. I will be reading book one in this series simply down to the characters and Ms North's writing. If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 25, 2021
January 31, 2022
I liked this book overall, it had nice relationship and character developments. I would have liked more discussion or at least internal reflections about their sex life, since Ellis (the ex-con) wants rough sex (no lube is used in this book) and CNC, sometimes with prison-themed roleplay, because it's what he's used to from prison. The psychology behind this wasn't really explored and we don't get to know if this was something caused by trauma or something he enjoyed before incarceration, and it made me a bit uncomfortable to not see it questioned or explored at all. Extra so because Jasper wasn't comfortable with it but did it anyway. There were also some minor writing issues, like repeated info during POV switches and some continuity errors, that bothered me and lowered the rating a bit for me.
May 30, 2021
Oh wow! The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con was my first book by Jackie North, and if this is the norm for her writing, it certainly won’t be my last!
Everything worked for me in this story. Poor Ellis, completely traumatised from his time in prison, he brought tears to my eyes. Particularly early on, when he expected everyone, and especially Jasper, to start beating him up at every turn. His fear of Jasper’s size and gruff personality was heartbreaking to watch. Jackie North beautifully portrayed Ellis as a man entirely broken by the system: mute, paranoid, over-reactive, and defensive. Watching him relax slowly under Jasper’s care was beautiful to watch unfold. Jasper’s portrayal as a huge hulking presence, gruff exterior, but marshmallow heart was the perfect counterpoint for Ellis.
Jasper opened his arms, fingers on Ellis' arms, pulling him into a hug. He tucked Ellis' body against his own, feeling Ellis' heartbeat slow and then slow, holding him the whole while, not intending to let go until Ellis signaled he was ready to be released into the day. Sometimes, there were no words for such a need, but sometimes the need was clear as daylight.
The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con grabbed me from the first page; every time something went wrong for Ellis, my heart froze for him. I was flipping the pages as fast as I could, wholly absorbed in the story. I knew that ultimately Jasper and Ellis would have their ‘happy ever after’, but sometimes I couldn’t see how it could be possible.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Maddy and Clay. Leland came across as a bit of a hard man to start with, but we were soon given glimpses of his softer personality. Since Leland was the main character in the first book in this series, regular readers may not have seen Leland as harsh (having gotten to know him already). Still, to the new reader, that is how he appeared, although his kindness kept peeking through, and no one could deny how he softened around Jamie.
This book can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read either the first book in the series or the book it loosely follows that could act as a prequel; although, I will be going back to read them. I ended up playing a bit of catch up and just letting go of things that required background information. However, these instances were few and were not integral to the story. If you’ve read the first book, you will understand the inside jokes and references, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story at all.
The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con was a lovely hurt/comfort story that, even though it was intensely emotional and painful (in sympathy with Ellis) to read at times, it never felt overwhelmingly heavy or depressing. There were too many light scenes, particularly between Jasper and Ellis, and the addition of the ‘Frontier Girls’ added lightness to the story.
It was a passionate romance between Jasper and Ellis. Broken but surviving, Ellis needed Jasper’s care, support, patience, understanding, and love. Yet, he was never weak; he was fiercely protective of Jasper, despite Jasper being the physically more imposing of the two. They gave the other what they needed, and it was marvellous to experience.
You couldn't make someone want you to stick around, you couldn't force them. But Ellis found he wanted to try.
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May 25, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
All The Warm Fuzzies
Ellis is an ex-con, who was convicted of drug dealing. He was absolutely guilty of his crimes, and there is no sugar coating of this fact. While his reasons were noble, he paid a very high price for his actions. When his parole is granted the same week his mother passes, and then he is denied leave to attend her funeral, he loses it. The result of his actions is having his parole yanked, and a stint in solitary, that leaves him mute. His only choice for parole is to agree to be a part of an ex-con prison program, on the Farthingdale Ranch. While he isn’t thrilled about it, he’ll do anything to be released.
Jasper is the blacksmith and farrier at the ranch, and Ellis has been assigned to him, as his apprentice. He is also not thrilled about the prospect of taking on an apprentice, or sharing his home with a stranger, and a convict. When witnessing Ellis being abused at the hands of his PO, Jasper steps in, his protective instincts taking over. He is also the only person to become aware that Ellis is mute.
The two men have no trouble communicating with one another, even though Ellis can’t seem to get his tongue to form words. Jasper can readily decipher what point Ellis is trying to get across, and Ellis is just happy to help out wherever he is needed. Their relationship unfolds so beautifully, it’s hard to describe. Ellis was like an untamed horse, or one that had been mistreated, and Jasper tames him like he would one of the horses. Slow, easy movements, a lot of kindness, perfect grilled cheese, and tons of ice cream.
The author did a wonderful job of portraying how circumstances can alter a person, completely change who, and how, they are. How they now react to certain situations. Ellis doesn’t always make the best choices, but Jasper never wavers in his trust, support and love of him.
This book was like a warm bath, it wraps around you, soothing your soul, in the best possible way. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
All The Warm Fuzzies
Ellis is an ex-con, who was convicted of drug dealing. He was absolutely guilty of his crimes, and there is no sugar coating of this fact. While his reasons were noble, he paid a very high price for his actions. When his parole is granted the same week his mother passes, and then he is denied leave to attend her funeral, he loses it. The result of his actions is having his parole yanked, and a stint in solitary, that leaves him mute. His only choice for parole is to agree to be a part of an ex-con prison program, on the Farthingdale Ranch. While he isn’t thrilled about it, he’ll do anything to be released.
Jasper is the blacksmith and farrier at the ranch, and Ellis has been assigned to him, as his apprentice. He is also not thrilled about the prospect of taking on an apprentice, or sharing his home with a stranger, and a convict. When witnessing Ellis being abused at the hands of his PO, Jasper steps in, his protective instincts taking over. He is also the only person to become aware that Ellis is mute.
The two men have no trouble communicating with one another, even though Ellis can’t seem to get his tongue to form words. Jasper can readily decipher what point Ellis is trying to get across, and Ellis is just happy to help out wherever he is needed. Their relationship unfolds so beautifully, it’s hard to describe. Ellis was like an untamed horse, or one that had been mistreated, and Jasper tames him like he would one of the horses. Slow, easy movements, a lot of kindness, perfect grilled cheese, and tons of ice cream.
The author did a wonderful job of portraying how circumstances can alter a person, completely change who, and how, they are. How they now react to certain situations. Ellis doesn’t always make the best choices, but Jasper never wavers in his trust, support and love of him.
This book was like a warm bath, it wraps around you, soothing your soul, in the best possible way. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
May 22, 2021
Book one of the Farthingdale Ranch series was like a slow country dance, sweet, gentle. It took it's time getting the characters where they needed to be. And you were never bored with the easy glide.
What could possibly top that? Well, book two, The Blacksith and the Ex-Con does.
The cadence is different. It's still a dance. Still, gentle. Steady. Perhaps not as sweet as book one; but just as moving. Jackie North will get her characters where they need to be. At their pace.
This is a second chance at life story after you've totally screwed up your first. There's no question that Ellis was guilty of the crime he was imprisoned for. And though skeptical of the prison release program that puts Ellis into his life, Jasper is able to see the man beneath. The one worth redeeming.
North is a master at the creation of words and phrases. And a master storyteller. There are truly no words that can do justice to this story except: Absolutely beautiful.
I received an ARC of the first book. And was lucky to get one of the second as well. Just preordered the third. Can't wait to read what she offers us next.
What could possibly top that? Well, book two, The Blacksith and the Ex-Con does.
The cadence is different. It's still a dance. Still, gentle. Steady. Perhaps not as sweet as book one; but just as moving. Jackie North will get her characters where they need to be. At their pace.
This is a second chance at life story after you've totally screwed up your first. There's no question that Ellis was guilty of the crime he was imprisoned for. And though skeptical of the prison release program that puts Ellis into his life, Jasper is able to see the man beneath. The one worth redeeming.
North is a master at the creation of words and phrases. And a master storyteller. There are truly no words that can do justice to this story except: Absolutely beautiful.
I received an ARC of the first book. And was lucky to get one of the second as well. Just preordered the third. Can't wait to read what she offers us next.
July 18, 2021
This story had so much pain and yet so much heart that it felt uplifting even though there were some aspects that were difficult to come back from. Ellis went through an immense amount of trauma both in dealing with his mother as well as throughout his time in prison and it takes a strong soul to find a way through all of it. Jasper had his heart and confidence trampled by someone that was meant to care for both. Each man needed something and they found it in one another.
The writing was smooth and lent itself to weaving a story that was absolutely believable in it's slow progress. Every once in a while I felt it could have moved along a little quicker, but those were few and far between. I love this author's writing style and how they create characters that hit me in the feels hardcore.
Romantically it was definitely a slow progress, but neither man needed a quick resolution or flashes of passion, it grew slowly and allowed them to grow along with their deepening feelings. The care, concern, patience, and forgiveness from Jasper was everything. Ellis was a bit of struggle for me in that he kept falling back to his ingrained habits, but it didn't actually bother me, he had no choice but to react as he did because it's what helped him survive. It wasn't something that he could be free from via a magic peen or even Jasper's heart until he processed it all and came to terms with his current life with aims at his future.
What did bother me was the sexy times. From no prophylactics to the type of play requested by Ellis and reluctantly given by Jasper it just wasn't right. It was truly unhealthy and Ellis needed a whole lot more counseling, not to perpetuate the unhealthy sexual practices he'd become accustomed to while in prison.
Aside from that this was a beautiful story that I enjoyed thoroughly. This was a fantastically written book in a world I was happy to come back to after being not ready to leave the "past" part of the town and again being reintroduced to through the first book in the series. I cannot wait for more.
The writing was smooth and lent itself to weaving a story that was absolutely believable in it's slow progress. Every once in a while I felt it could have moved along a little quicker, but those were few and far between. I love this author's writing style and how they create characters that hit me in the feels hardcore.
Romantically it was definitely a slow progress, but neither man needed a quick resolution or flashes of passion, it grew slowly and allowed them to grow along with their deepening feelings. The care, concern, patience, and forgiveness from Jasper was everything. Ellis was a bit of struggle for me in that he kept falling back to his ingrained habits, but it didn't actually bother me, he had no choice but to react as he did because it's what helped him survive. It wasn't something that he could be free from via a magic peen or even Jasper's heart until he processed it all and came to terms with his current life with aims at his future.
What did bother me was the sexy times. From no prophylactics to the type of play requested by Ellis and reluctantly given by Jasper it just wasn't right. It was truly unhealthy and Ellis needed a whole lot more counseling, not to perpetuate the unhealthy sexual practices he'd become accustomed to while in prison.
Aside from that this was a beautiful story that I enjoyed thoroughly. This was a fantastically written book in a world I was happy to come back to after being not ready to leave the "past" part of the town and again being reintroduced to through the first book in the series. I cannot wait for more.
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