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Ellery Mountain #6
The Barman and the SEAL
an alternate cover edition can be found here
After losing everything, is it possible for a broken man to find love?
Travis, a former Navy SEAL grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, is the first veteran to seek help from the Ellery Mountain Veteran Center. He’s struggles to reconcile the haunting memories of his past actions with the life he’s returned to. In the midst of a highly public breakdown, it is the owner of the local bar, Avery, who steps forward, offering support and understanding.
Estranged from his family, Avery manages the sole drinking establishment in town—The Alibi—where he lends an ear to others' troubles while trying to forget his own. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the wounded warrior yearning for companionship, Avery discovers himself gradually falling deeply in love with Travis. With unwavering determination, he commits himself to helping Travis, and demonstrating that with determination, they can build a new life together and have a love that will last forever.
After losing everything, is it possible for a broken man to find love?
Travis, a former Navy SEAL grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, is the first veteran to seek help from the Ellery Mountain Veteran Center. He’s struggles to reconcile the haunting memories of his past actions with the life he’s returned to. In the midst of a highly public breakdown, it is the owner of the local bar, Avery, who steps forward, offering support and understanding.
Estranged from his family, Avery manages the sole drinking establishment in town—The Alibi—where he lends an ear to others' troubles while trying to forget his own. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the wounded warrior yearning for companionship, Avery discovers himself gradually falling deeply in love with Travis. With unwavering determination, he commits himself to helping Travis, and demonstrating that with determination, they can build a new life together and have a love that will last forever.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2013
94 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
307 books2,719 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 20, 2019
Decir que la historia de amor es superficial es quedarme corta, al análisis de la situación de los dos y cómo llegan a enamorarse es inexistente.
Meh, yo no me molestaría.
Meh, yo no me molestaría.
September 27, 2013
So far, my favorite of the series. Could be my deep love of SEALS, and damaged guys, and the great chemistry between the SEAL and awesome Barman.
It was also great to see all the other guys again. I want to show up at one their Friday night BBQs :-)
It was also great to see all the other guys again. I want to show up at one their Friday night BBQs :-)
February 10, 2017
**** Three thousand meters high in the winter Afghan Mountains, Lt. Travis Baranski, was in a metal and wood cage, a wounded prisoner in the freezing temps.
*** Now stateside, our Navy SEAL, Travis about 30,
is at Daniel's Veteran sanctuary so he can mend his mind and body.
Avery, 34, owns the local pub, Alibi, and he's hiding from his politician, homophobic father.
He does secretly keep in touch with his younger brother. Mikey, who was beaten unconscious previously in a gay bashing, works for Avery. On a trip to buy groceries, Mikey sees the tall guy in the hoodie and panics. Poor Travis, who wore a hoodie that day is the target of the attack. Avery and Daniel got there to see what happened, and Mikey realized that it wasn't his attacker, but brought up some memories. Travis is sitting on the floor, stunned.
Avery looks into the deep blue gaze and sees something.
Travis and Avery become friends with long talks and time spent together. This slow burner romance moves at a snail pace in the sexual sense, but the emotional bond is strong and steady. They each need the other and fall in love before they sizzle the sheets.
Navy SEAL TEAM Trident pin...
We get thought-filled characters, a smooth flowing tale, and there's more going on here.
I like these short, connected stories in this amazing series. We learn about many people; we are taken along on the complex tales of survival, acceptance, rescue and love found.
Truly magnificent insight into diverse struggles. LOVE IT !
I highly recommend it ! ENJOY !
========================
Triggers: there are flashbacks to prisoner scenes, PTSD episodes and violence.
========================
*** Now stateside, our Navy SEAL, Travis about 30,
is at Daniel's Veteran sanctuary so he can mend his mind and body.
Avery, 34, owns the local pub, Alibi, and he's hiding from his politician, homophobic father.
He does secretly keep in touch with his younger brother. Mikey, who was beaten unconscious previously in a gay bashing, works for Avery. On a trip to buy groceries, Mikey sees the tall guy in the hoodie and panics. Poor Travis, who wore a hoodie that day is the target of the attack. Avery and Daniel got there to see what happened, and Mikey realized that it wasn't his attacker, but brought up some memories. Travis is sitting on the floor, stunned.
Avery looks into the deep blue gaze and sees something.
Travis and Avery become friends with long talks and time spent together. This slow burner romance moves at a snail pace in the sexual sense, but the emotional bond is strong and steady. They each need the other and fall in love before they sizzle the sheets.
Navy SEAL TEAM Trident pin...
We get thought-filled characters, a smooth flowing tale, and there's more going on here.
I like these short, connected stories in this amazing series. We learn about many people; we are taken along on the complex tales of survival, acceptance, rescue and love found.
Truly magnificent insight into diverse struggles. LOVE IT !
I highly recommend it ! ENJOY !
========================
Triggers: there are flashbacks to prisoner scenes, PTSD episodes and violence.
========================
August 7, 2021
Arghhhh why was this one not twice as long!
This is in the running for my favourite one yet in this series. I loved that Travis wasn't "cured", that the author understood that those who suffer from PTSD don't get cured, instead they hopefully learn to manage it.
Travis was wonderful, scared and disconnected after his experiences as a Navy SEAL. Avery was the perfect man for him, someone used to just being quiet and listening.
The steam rating on this one might be lower but it raised the roof when it came to the amount of emotion that seeped through every interaction the first time they had sex.
It was powerfully moving to see Travis able to take that step with Avery and the epilogue was glorious.
This is in the running for my favourite one yet in this series. I loved that Travis wasn't "cured", that the author understood that those who suffer from PTSD don't get cured, instead they hopefully learn to manage it.
Travis was wonderful, scared and disconnected after his experiences as a Navy SEAL. Avery was the perfect man for him, someone used to just being quiet and listening.
The steam rating on this one might be lower but it raised the roof when it came to the amount of emotion that seeped through every interaction the first time they had sex.
It was powerfully moving to see Travis able to take that step with Avery and the epilogue was glorious.
August 30, 2013
Ellery is becoming a gay mecca but there are homophobes lurking. The sweet story of love and understanding was well written and beautifully paced. Travis suffered from severe PTSD and though he will never be cured, he and Avery made a good life together and the disorder lessened. It's sad that so many of our young men and women come back from these unnecessary wars maimed both physically and mentally. With Avery's love, understanding and time Travis was able to integrate back into society. This story was a slow burn romance even though the chemistry was there between Travis and Avery from the start. I liked the fact that there is some bigotry against both gays and the damaged people at the Center. It made Ellery more real as did the attack on Mikey in the last book. I liked the way Jon stood up to his creepy father to stay with Clare. This was a very enjoyable quick read that I recommend to anyone looking for a sweet HEA.
March 9, 2024
Lost and Found
I love it when two lost and damaged souls find someone that helps them to heal slowly and surely.
Avery Gideon fled as far away from his well to do political family as he could get. His father was disgusted that his eldest son was gay so he cut him off. He went to UK but Avery worried about his young brother and the way his father controlled him. So he returned to US secretly. Settling in Ellery, he bought and ran a bar, ‘ The Alibi’.
Travis is an ex SEAL, he suffered severe physical and mental damage following his last tour in Afghanistan where he nearly died. His loving family insisted he go into the Veterans Facility in Ellery Mountain to help him deal with PTSD.
Noise, crowds and closed in spaces causes him to panic. So one day when he walked into The Alibi for coffee he came face to face with Avery, the owner and he felt a sense of calm come over him. Avery immediately felt drawn to the tall SEAL too.
When Avery gets a call from his young brother Jon, saying he was on his way to Ellery Mountain with his new wife, Avery was delighted and excited.
Slowly these two guys fell into a relationship, but they had good days and bad days. Just such a bad day came when Alan Gideon, Avery and Jon’s father and up and coming potential Governor, arrived in the bar, demanding that Jon return home with him.
Travis stands and watches as Avery tries to protect his brother, but he’s ready to kill anyone that threatens his Avery.
Avery is an adorable, kind man with a warm caring personality. Travis suffered an awful traumatic event while on duty in Afghan war, I was rooting for him all the way. I was so impressed that at each little misstep/misunderstanding, Travis immediately went back to settle it.
The Barman and the SEAL is a relatively short book that can be read in a few hours, an easy 1- sitting, little bit angsty, and some homophobic vibes from customers in a shop.
I love it when two lost and damaged souls find someone that helps them to heal slowly and surely.
Avery Gideon fled as far away from his well to do political family as he could get. His father was disgusted that his eldest son was gay so he cut him off. He went to UK but Avery worried about his young brother and the way his father controlled him. So he returned to US secretly. Settling in Ellery, he bought and ran a bar, ‘ The Alibi’.
Travis is an ex SEAL, he suffered severe physical and mental damage following his last tour in Afghanistan where he nearly died. His loving family insisted he go into the Veterans Facility in Ellery Mountain to help him deal with PTSD.
Noise, crowds and closed in spaces causes him to panic. So one day when he walked into The Alibi for coffee he came face to face with Avery, the owner and he felt a sense of calm come over him. Avery immediately felt drawn to the tall SEAL too.
When Avery gets a call from his young brother Jon, saying he was on his way to Ellery Mountain with his new wife, Avery was delighted and excited.
Slowly these two guys fell into a relationship, but they had good days and bad days. Just such a bad day came when Alan Gideon, Avery and Jon’s father and up and coming potential Governor, arrived in the bar, demanding that Jon return home with him.
Travis stands and watches as Avery tries to protect his brother, but he’s ready to kill anyone that threatens his Avery.
Avery is an adorable, kind man with a warm caring personality. Travis suffered an awful traumatic event while on duty in Afghan war, I was rooting for him all the way. I was so impressed that at each little misstep/misunderstanding, Travis immediately went back to settle it.
The Barman and the SEAL is a relatively short book that can be read in a few hours, an easy 1- sitting, little bit angsty, and some homophobic vibes from customers in a shop.
September 3, 2013
This is my favourite in the series so far. I really loved Travis, he was the kind of broken character that I love in books. I felt sorry for him because of his struggles, but he wasn't an ass either. His character was kinda lovable in a lot of ways. And he and Avery were really good together. Especially after their "I love you's".
This book had a family feel to it. Avery's family sounded dysfunctional to say the least. But Travis' family was supportive, so that was a good thing, plus Avery had his brother, Jon. It was nice to see Jon and Avery's closeness in a couple of scenes. I really love it when brothers are close, I don't know why, there's just something really... cute? attractive? I don't know, but there is something about two brothers who are really close.
I will admit, I smiled when I saw the name of the counsellor. Mary Harrington was my cousins name before she got married, but I will admit, I smiled.
Love this book, and it was a great addition to the series. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
This book had a family feel to it. Avery's family sounded dysfunctional to say the least. But Travis' family was supportive, so that was a good thing, plus Avery had his brother, Jon. It was nice to see Jon and Avery's closeness in a couple of scenes. I really love it when brothers are close, I don't know why, there's just something really... cute? attractive? I don't know, but there is something about two brothers who are really close.
I will admit, I smiled when I saw the name of the counsellor. Mary Harrington was my cousins name before she got married, but I will admit, I smiled.
Love this book, and it was a great addition to the series. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 10, 2013
4.5
THANKS RJ!!
I've enjoy all the books in this series for the fiction romance they were set out to be. But this one really touched my heart. When a main character is a SEAL, ex or not people expect certain things. But when said SEAL was a POW and comes home with physical wounds and PTSD it takes a bold person to write a romance around that. RJ deals with some of the very hard aspects of PTSD. The story also deals with how many people are treating our veterans. People seem to forget we send children off to fight for our country and other countries and expect them to come home the same as they left.
Being the proud parent of not only one but two 3rd generation Air Force veterans and having my daughter volunteer to do a tour in Afghanistan this book blurred the fiction line a couple of times.
But the romance was beautiful. Travis get the anchor he needs in a partner. Avery is everything he needs him to be. And as with any good romance Travis is just want Avery never knew he needed.
THANKS RJ!!
I've enjoy all the books in this series for the fiction romance they were set out to be. But this one really touched my heart. When a main character is a SEAL, ex or not people expect certain things. But when said SEAL was a POW and comes home with physical wounds and PTSD it takes a bold person to write a romance around that. RJ deals with some of the very hard aspects of PTSD. The story also deals with how many people are treating our veterans. People seem to forget we send children off to fight for our country and other countries and expect them to come home the same as they left.
Being the proud parent of not only one but two 3rd generation Air Force veterans and having my daughter volunteer to do a tour in Afghanistan this book blurred the fiction line a couple of times.
But the romance was beautiful. Travis get the anchor he needs in a partner. Avery is everything he needs him to be. And as with any good romance Travis is just want Avery never knew he needed.
December 9, 2021
Another one of my favs of the series. For a novella length - Scott handled the PTSD well. I like that there was no quick fix, it’s Travis finding a new normal and Avery accepting all of him.
I really loved both Avery & Travis and especially liked that the book spanned several months. Their HEA felt solid.
I’m definitely looking forward to Mikey’s book next.
I really loved both Avery & Travis and especially liked that the book spanned several months. Their HEA felt solid.
I’m definitely looking forward to Mikey’s book next.
September 7, 2013
Totally loved it!!! Can't wait for the next one. I wanna see Mikey's story..
October 20, 2013
Barman and the Seal, the latest installment in RJ Scott’s Ellery Mountain series is I feel, by far, her best. The compassionate writing, the slow and realistic emotional build between her characters and the reminders that no one ever really “recovers” from PTSD but rather learns how to cope and live beyond it were absolutely spot on! I thoroughly enjoyed this novella from beginning to end. While it is best to read this complete series in order to get a feel for continuity and a sense of how the other couples met, this very well could be read as a stand alone. In other words, don’t let this one get away by thinking you MUST read the other five novellas. This one is an absolute gem!
Travis Baranski is an ex Navy Seal and the first resident of Daniel’s home for recovering military. While on a search and capture mission, Travis thinks he is the only surviving member of his squad as he watches an explosion rip through the high mountain range in Afghanistan, seemingly burying his team and tearing through his knee and lower leg, hands and feet. Travis is then captured and made to endure endless days in a five-foot cage in freezing temperatures. The experience leaves his body and mind broken and susceptible to near catatonic reactions to crowds and stress. He remains haunted by daily nightmares and unable to endure even casual touch, until he meets Avery Gideon.
Avery is the bartender at the local watering hole. Saving to buy the place, he takes pride in running the business and enjoys the endless eye candy that is his clientele. However, while he may have had a crush on the local Doctor, Avery remains unattached and lonely. When Travis comes to his bar, he recognizes the haunted look in the man’s eyes and his heart is lost just a little bit. However, Travis carries huge baggage and the very real possibility that a loving and complete relationship with another man may never be something he will be capable of sustaining. Now the only question that remains is will Avery have the patience needed to wait for Travis—to remain by his side long enough to see his lover heal and be able to remain by Avery’s side.
This was an emotional read for me. I genuinely fell head long into this story and it was truly due to the way in which RJ Scott so carefully crafted these two men into living, breathing people. I was so relieved that the story was not rushed, that Travis did not show signs of “magically” healing fully and that Avery had his doubts throughout the novella. His doubts were focused not on whether he could wait for Travis, but rather whether Travis would stay long enough for both men to find out if they could be together long term. The author really took the time to focus just on these two men and draw out their story slowly, allowing us to see what was going on in their hearts and minds.
I found the reminiscences of Travis’ time spent in captivity raw and emotional—just the right balance to give me a sense of the brutality but not so much that it took the overall angst level beyond what I could handle. All in all, this was an outstanding novella and I feel the best story in this series to date.
I
Travis Baranski is an ex Navy Seal and the first resident of Daniel’s home for recovering military. While on a search and capture mission, Travis thinks he is the only surviving member of his squad as he watches an explosion rip through the high mountain range in Afghanistan, seemingly burying his team and tearing through his knee and lower leg, hands and feet. Travis is then captured and made to endure endless days in a five-foot cage in freezing temperatures. The experience leaves his body and mind broken and susceptible to near catatonic reactions to crowds and stress. He remains haunted by daily nightmares and unable to endure even casual touch, until he meets Avery Gideon.
Avery is the bartender at the local watering hole. Saving to buy the place, he takes pride in running the business and enjoys the endless eye candy that is his clientele. However, while he may have had a crush on the local Doctor, Avery remains unattached and lonely. When Travis comes to his bar, he recognizes the haunted look in the man’s eyes and his heart is lost just a little bit. However, Travis carries huge baggage and the very real possibility that a loving and complete relationship with another man may never be something he will be capable of sustaining. Now the only question that remains is will Avery have the patience needed to wait for Travis—to remain by his side long enough to see his lover heal and be able to remain by Avery’s side.
This was an emotional read for me. I genuinely fell head long into this story and it was truly due to the way in which RJ Scott so carefully crafted these two men into living, breathing people. I was so relieved that the story was not rushed, that Travis did not show signs of “magically” healing fully and that Avery had his doubts throughout the novella. His doubts were focused not on whether he could wait for Travis, but rather whether Travis would stay long enough for both men to find out if they could be together long term. The author really took the time to focus just on these two men and draw out their story slowly, allowing us to see what was going on in their hearts and minds.
I found the reminiscences of Travis’ time spent in captivity raw and emotional—just the right balance to give me a sense of the brutality but not so much that it took the overall angst level beyond what I could handle. All in all, this was an outstanding novella and I feel the best story in this series to date.
I
October 27, 2013
I like a little darkness in my HEA. All of RJ Scott's men have pasts; all of them are broken somehow, but Ellery - it seems to heal them every one. Ellery has always felt (as I always point out) a little too "Mayberry RFD" for me...a rural mountain town in Tennessee that is welcoming and a haven for gay men? Really? But I let it slide, assuming that RJ Scott has some secret kink about Tennessee that I just don't get...(and I've been to Tennessee more than once, and have been treated well there as an out gay man).
But in number six in the Ellery Mountain series, wherein the story of barkeep Avery Gideon and ex-Navy SEAL Travis Baransky is told, some shadows begin to darken the dappled sunshine of Ellery's quaintness. For one, the totally bigoted Zoe, who runs the local grocery (I love that Scott calls it a shop, revealing her Brit-ness), seems to hate both damaged soldiers AND homos. Poor Travis, he's just buying cat food. And then there's the mysterious assailant who almost killed teenage Mikey, Norma-Jean's grandson, in what was certainly a vicious hate crime. He's never been caught. And apparently, no one likes the new mayor.
Travis is the first official guest of the halfway house for damaged veterans - designed and built by Daniel and his gay friends as a place of healing for those who have risked all to protect our country and can't seem to get past their scars and their nightmares. He meets Avery, himself hiding from a powerful right-wing father, quite by accident, and then, amazingly, they take their time. This tale isn't so much about a slow burn as about a slow healing process. This is about Avery becoming an active member of the community in which he's been hiding out, and about Travis returning to life from a very dark and damaged place. RJ Scott's stories are never harrowing, but this is as close as she's ever gotten, and the story is all the stronger for it.
I might actually understand something about Ellery. It really does represent America in a strange microcosmic way. There is absolutely no protection for gay people of any sort in Tennessee; but then again, there wasn't anywhere in America when I was 20 and first coming out. We, gay men, were on our own. We built our own communities, made our own lives, forged relationships against all odds in spite of the world's hostility and with the support of a few straight allies. This is what the men of Ellery Mountain do. Their modern day corner of America echoes the America I knew 35 years ago. And there could be a purpose to that, after all.
Read one; read 'em all. Worth your trouble.
But in number six in the Ellery Mountain series, wherein the story of barkeep Avery Gideon and ex-Navy SEAL Travis Baransky is told, some shadows begin to darken the dappled sunshine of Ellery's quaintness. For one, the totally bigoted Zoe, who runs the local grocery (I love that Scott calls it a shop, revealing her Brit-ness), seems to hate both damaged soldiers AND homos. Poor Travis, he's just buying cat food. And then there's the mysterious assailant who almost killed teenage Mikey, Norma-Jean's grandson, in what was certainly a vicious hate crime. He's never been caught. And apparently, no one likes the new mayor.
Travis is the first official guest of the halfway house for damaged veterans - designed and built by Daniel and his gay friends as a place of healing for those who have risked all to protect our country and can't seem to get past their scars and their nightmares. He meets Avery, himself hiding from a powerful right-wing father, quite by accident, and then, amazingly, they take their time. This tale isn't so much about a slow burn as about a slow healing process. This is about Avery becoming an active member of the community in which he's been hiding out, and about Travis returning to life from a very dark and damaged place. RJ Scott's stories are never harrowing, but this is as close as she's ever gotten, and the story is all the stronger for it.
I might actually understand something about Ellery. It really does represent America in a strange microcosmic way. There is absolutely no protection for gay people of any sort in Tennessee; but then again, there wasn't anywhere in America when I was 20 and first coming out. We, gay men, were on our own. We built our own communities, made our own lives, forged relationships against all odds in spite of the world's hostility and with the support of a few straight allies. This is what the men of Ellery Mountain do. Their modern day corner of America echoes the America I knew 35 years ago. And there could be a purpose to that, after all.
Read one; read 'em all. Worth your trouble.
September 4, 2013
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Total-E-Bound was offering this on special, so of course, I could not resist. I wanted to know what happens next, especially as the work of Daniel is finally going full out, helping those warriors back to sane life and civilization.
Avery has been mentioned time and again in the Ellery Mountain Series but no one really knew who he was. Apparently, he has his own set of personal angsts, no thanks to a bigotted father whose political practices were questionable at best. He is making a new life for himself in Ellery when he meets Travis, the first of the soldiers to be helped in the Center. It was not a good start, but it was a profound one for both of them. So their story and romance begins.
What I really liked about this story is there was absolutely no rush to the relationship. They both took it slowly, the author took time to get the healing in before the sex complicated things, both men took time to get to know each other, to relax into each others' company, and Avery even went through the very important partner-therapy so he does not get lost in the oblivion of a PTSD sufferer.
Although many would say that things were a bit too slow, I really appreciated it. In real life, it would be much slower and much more complicated and more angst to be frank about it. Not many PTSD sufferers will actually get to the point Travis reached. This is a romance novel after all, so it is only right that things are taken slow, carefully and meticulously. There were some glossed over stuff here that in real life would not be advisable, but that is the point we all love fiction, right? In fiction, anything goes and the author can take the artistic route.
Compared to the first five Ellery Mountain books, this was probably the darkest and most emotional. There were times when it was quite hard to digest what Travis had to go through. However, I see this as the beginning of the turn in this arc, when the Center finally gets to help those who need it most and plays a larger role. This means we will be getting more serious and complicated characters where in the beginning, we got the ordinary guys who had some problems but nothing as bad as those who will come into or out of the Center.
This is a great sixth book for the series and I am glad to be following it.
Total-E-Bound was offering this on special, so of course, I could not resist. I wanted to know what happens next, especially as the work of Daniel is finally going full out, helping those warriors back to sane life and civilization.
Avery has been mentioned time and again in the Ellery Mountain Series but no one really knew who he was. Apparently, he has his own set of personal angsts, no thanks to a bigotted father whose political practices were questionable at best. He is making a new life for himself in Ellery when he meets Travis, the first of the soldiers to be helped in the Center. It was not a good start, but it was a profound one for both of them. So their story and romance begins.
What I really liked about this story is there was absolutely no rush to the relationship. They both took it slowly, the author took time to get the healing in before the sex complicated things, both men took time to get to know each other, to relax into each others' company, and Avery even went through the very important partner-therapy so he does not get lost in the oblivion of a PTSD sufferer.
Although many would say that things were a bit too slow, I really appreciated it. In real life, it would be much slower and much more complicated and more angst to be frank about it. Not many PTSD sufferers will actually get to the point Travis reached. This is a romance novel after all, so it is only right that things are taken slow, carefully and meticulously. There were some glossed over stuff here that in real life would not be advisable, but that is the point we all love fiction, right? In fiction, anything goes and the author can take the artistic route.
Compared to the first five Ellery Mountain books, this was probably the darkest and most emotional. There were times when it was quite hard to digest what Travis had to go through. However, I see this as the beginning of the turn in this arc, when the Center finally gets to help those who need it most and plays a larger role. This means we will be getting more serious and complicated characters where in the beginning, we got the ordinary guys who had some problems but nothing as bad as those who will come into or out of the Center.
This is a great sixth book for the series and I am glad to be following it.
October 3, 2013
3.5 stars
Another enjoyable read in this series.
Another enjoyable read in this series.
July 11, 2020
Travis has come to Ellery Mountain to make peace with what happened to him on his last mission and learn to work through his PTSD and to stop being a man that people fear. Avery is the bar owner that instantly sees Travis as so much more than just a shell of a man. Can finding your soulmate bring Travis out of his shell? Or wil this just be one more thing that he cannot work through? From the opening pages this book ripped my heart out. What Travis had to endure would break most men and to see him come out on the other side was so heartwarming. The best story in the series!!
April 25, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5*s of moving and teary perfection!
This is the sixth book in the series. I would definitely suggest that you read them in order - for the simple reason that they are all excellent, and we continue to engage with the characters from each story, as life in Ellery Mountain carries on ...
Avery runs Alibi, the local bar. He is someone who is so busy that he is always with others, but clearly is somewhat alone. He gets his love in this book, but he has fallen for a man with lots of trauma in his immediate past. Travis is the first man to come to the house set up by Daniel to help veterans with PTSD. He has truly suffered - be ready to have a tissue to hand.
Once again, Ms Scott has done this amazing job of bringing to life two men who have experiences which have defined their past, but who now have an interest in a much brighter future. I love the impact of a kitten on a man's life; of a man who is trained to serve, and to save; of jokes about bbq'ing talents. It is such a full story for the number of pages, I really think this is my favourite book so far!
4.5*s of moving and teary perfection!
This is the sixth book in the series. I would definitely suggest that you read them in order - for the simple reason that they are all excellent, and we continue to engage with the characters from each story, as life in Ellery Mountain carries on ...
Avery runs Alibi, the local bar. He is someone who is so busy that he is always with others, but clearly is somewhat alone. He gets his love in this book, but he has fallen for a man with lots of trauma in his immediate past. Travis is the first man to come to the house set up by Daniel to help veterans with PTSD. He has truly suffered - be ready to have a tissue to hand.
Once again, Ms Scott has done this amazing job of bringing to life two men who have experiences which have defined their past, but who now have an interest in a much brighter future. I love the impact of a kitten on a man's life; of a man who is trained to serve, and to save; of jokes about bbq'ing talents. It is such a full story for the number of pages, I really think this is my favourite book so far!
October 24, 2020
A very touching and beautifully written story highlighting the sacrifices Military person go through and the awful PTSD that so many come home with. Painful to read as we go through Travis's slow and torturous progress, never to be the same but learning to cope somewhat. At first he barely cares, but now he has a man waiting for him, and that makes the world of difference, love conquers all, maybe?
May 30, 2020
I like the town of Elery and its inhabitants.
In this one we meet Travis, a Navy Seal who is at the towns veterans rehab center. He meets local bar owner Avery and begins his steps back to health.
In this one we meet Travis, a Navy Seal who is at the towns veterans rehab center. He meets local bar owner Avery and begins his steps back to health.
August 1, 2022
Finally a fairly realistic portrayal of PTSD
August 30, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Travis is the first veteran at Ellery Mountain Veteran Center. Travis was a SEAL and after a mission gone wrong has several scars inside and out, trying to recover mentally is much harder than he hoped but the Veteran Center is slowly helping. When Travis has a meltdown in the grocery store Avery is the man who steps in and helps. Avery runs The Alibi, he listens to peoples problems as he serves them their drinks trying to forget his own problems with his estranged family. When he meets Travis he sees something in the other man that has him wanting to help him and it isn't long before he's head over heels in love and determined to show Travis that he is worthy of that love.
This is a wonderful addition to the Ellery Mountain series introducing us to more incredible characters and their story of love. Travis is struggling with PTSD and nightmares, his time in hostile hands has scarred him badly and he knows he has a long journey ahead of him before he can really begin to cope with the past. Avery loves his life in Ellery, he has put his overbearing father behind him and carved out a new life for himself as the barman every talks to. When Avery and Travis first meet it isn't in the best of circumstances but both men feel an attraction and they begin a slow dance of courtship.
Ah hell, this has to be my favorite Ellery Mountain book so far with both Travis and Avery being incredible characters tugging at your heart strings as their story unfolds. Avery is wonderful, so patient and loving and he is the perfect man for Travis. Travis is a man torn by suffering, but he is incredible with his understanding of his own limitations but doesn't let them rule him. Their relationship is slow but oh so powerful and the love they develop is especially strong because of the time they take as Travis begins to heal. While they fall in love we see how well the Veteran Center is doing, we catch up with the characters from previous stories and we see how Mikey is recovering from the brutal attack in The Paramedic and the Writer.
I really can't tell you how much I love this series and the development of each and every character, and I can't tell you how much I love the support that shines through the pages as we continue to discover more love in Ellery, but we also see a touch of bigotry coming through from the ignorant which makes you grit your teeth.
I recommend this to those who love damaged men pushing through their demons, support and love, a slow romance, incredible characters and a great ending that has you wanting Mikey's story in The Agent and the Model.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Travis is the first veteran at Ellery Mountain Veteran Center. Travis was a SEAL and after a mission gone wrong has several scars inside and out, trying to recover mentally is much harder than he hoped but the Veteran Center is slowly helping. When Travis has a meltdown in the grocery store Avery is the man who steps in and helps. Avery runs The Alibi, he listens to peoples problems as he serves them their drinks trying to forget his own problems with his estranged family. When he meets Travis he sees something in the other man that has him wanting to help him and it isn't long before he's head over heels in love and determined to show Travis that he is worthy of that love.
This is a wonderful addition to the Ellery Mountain series introducing us to more incredible characters and their story of love. Travis is struggling with PTSD and nightmares, his time in hostile hands has scarred him badly and he knows he has a long journey ahead of him before he can really begin to cope with the past. Avery loves his life in Ellery, he has put his overbearing father behind him and carved out a new life for himself as the barman every talks to. When Avery and Travis first meet it isn't in the best of circumstances but both men feel an attraction and they begin a slow dance of courtship.
Ah hell, this has to be my favorite Ellery Mountain book so far with both Travis and Avery being incredible characters tugging at your heart strings as their story unfolds. Avery is wonderful, so patient and loving and he is the perfect man for Travis. Travis is a man torn by suffering, but he is incredible with his understanding of his own limitations but doesn't let them rule him. Their relationship is slow but oh so powerful and the love they develop is especially strong because of the time they take as Travis begins to heal. While they fall in love we see how well the Veteran Center is doing, we catch up with the characters from previous stories and we see how Mikey is recovering from the brutal attack in The Paramedic and the Writer.
I really can't tell you how much I love this series and the development of each and every character, and I can't tell you how much I love the support that shines through the pages as we continue to discover more love in Ellery, but we also see a touch of bigotry coming through from the ignorant which makes you grit your teeth.
I recommend this to those who love damaged men pushing through their demons, support and love, a slow romance, incredible characters and a great ending that has you wanting Mikey's story in The Agent and the Model.
February 5, 2018
If you have never known anyone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, count yourself lucky. It's a living hell. At any time you can be thrust out of reality and back into the nightmare with which your mind can't deal. Travis Baranski of 'The Barman and the SEAL' by R.J. Scott, is a man trying to overcome unimaginable horrors, coping the best he can. Thankfully, Travis has a place to go which provides physical therapy for his body and counseling for his mind. Even with all that, most of the healing is up to him.
By being incapacitated, Travis feels like he's let his family down, especially his ex-military father and generations of Baranski men before him, but nothing could be further from the truth. Travis has the support of his entire family whose only wish is for him to recover and get his life back to a reasonable semblance of order. Before Travis meets Avery, he's completely lost in a world of his own, a dreadful, frightening one where the simplest thing can set him off and out of control. Avery gives him the patience and understanding he needs, as well as his love. Even then Travis hesitates, wondering if he will ever get well enough to love Avery the way the man deserves to be loved.
Avery Gideon is a kind, understanding guy. Even though his family, particularly his father, has rejected Avery, he didn't let it stop him. Fortunately, he's reconnected with his younger brother, Jon. Jon and his new wife, Clare, come to Ellery to get away from their father who wants them separated and is making life miserable for them. Avery vows to keep them safe there with him in Ellery. The first time he meets Travis, he is having a PTSD episode. Avery doesn't react negatively; he doesn't see Travis as someone to be avoided. On the contrary, he sees a man who needs support, a friend to help him while he crawls out of the mire and back to life. Avery sees someone who has served his country and is wounded in body and mind, someone who deserves his respect. Avery shows Travis an immense amount of patience and understanding. He listens as Travis purges the poison out of his system and, after they fall in love, he still doesn't rush him, but convinces Travis that he can do it; he can love Avery with all his heart both emotionally and physically.
Avery and Travis were an odd pair to me. I couldn't quite see how it would work between them, but as I got to know them, they won me over. It was good to visit Ellery Mountain again and see the residents there I've grown to know and love, each adding their special flavor to the mix. At the rate their Friday night get-together is growing, they're going to need a bigger place to meet. It's all good though, a place where friendship reigns and fun is had by all. Thanks, R.J., for again tackling the PTSD issue and, as always, giving us hope and a happy ending.
NOTE: This book was provided by Love Lane Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
By being incapacitated, Travis feels like he's let his family down, especially his ex-military father and generations of Baranski men before him, but nothing could be further from the truth. Travis has the support of his entire family whose only wish is for him to recover and get his life back to a reasonable semblance of order. Before Travis meets Avery, he's completely lost in a world of his own, a dreadful, frightening one where the simplest thing can set him off and out of control. Avery gives him the patience and understanding he needs, as well as his love. Even then Travis hesitates, wondering if he will ever get well enough to love Avery the way the man deserves to be loved.
Avery Gideon is a kind, understanding guy. Even though his family, particularly his father, has rejected Avery, he didn't let it stop him. Fortunately, he's reconnected with his younger brother, Jon. Jon and his new wife, Clare, come to Ellery to get away from their father who wants them separated and is making life miserable for them. Avery vows to keep them safe there with him in Ellery. The first time he meets Travis, he is having a PTSD episode. Avery doesn't react negatively; he doesn't see Travis as someone to be avoided. On the contrary, he sees a man who needs support, a friend to help him while he crawls out of the mire and back to life. Avery sees someone who has served his country and is wounded in body and mind, someone who deserves his respect. Avery shows Travis an immense amount of patience and understanding. He listens as Travis purges the poison out of his system and, after they fall in love, he still doesn't rush him, but convinces Travis that he can do it; he can love Avery with all his heart both emotionally and physically.
Avery and Travis were an odd pair to me. I couldn't quite see how it would work between them, but as I got to know them, they won me over. It was good to visit Ellery Mountain again and see the residents there I've grown to know and love, each adding their special flavor to the mix. At the rate their Friday night get-together is growing, they're going to need a bigger place to meet. It's all good though, a place where friendship reigns and fun is had by all. Thanks, R.J., for again tackling the PTSD issue and, as always, giving us hope and a happy ending.
NOTE: This book was provided by Love Lane Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 25, 2013
Please leave comments on Lady McNeill's 4 1/2 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
“I like you a lot. I think about you all the time. I’m thirty-one and you are the first man that I’ve ever really connected with, and that is weird because we’ve seen each other twice. I’d like to kiss you and lie on the floor with my head on your stomach. But at the moment things aren’t so hot with me. I’ve come a long way, but there’s still things I have to get my head around before I can concentrate on anything else. So I wanted to ask you something. Hear what I have to say. Then tell me if you want to wait for me. If you don’t then no harm no foul.”
Hands down The Barman and The Seal by RJ Scott is my favorite book in the Ellery Mountain series. Well, I did really love Jaime and Ian’s book but this one just squeaks ahead. Travis Baranski is the first vet to stay at the new Center. He’s been there for a few weeks and things are not getting better. He has PTSD from his time as a POW and he’s trying to adjust. In one of his few ventures to town he has a terrible encounter with Mikey which sends him into a full panic attack. Avery Gideon, local bar owner and good friend to Mikey is there to help Mikey but steps in to help Travis who is in full shutdown panic mode. Their next encounter is better but there are so many issues Travis has to deal with. Their budding friendship begins and slowly a romance grows. I love that they don’t just fall into bed together. In fact their sexual relationship comes after their love forms which to me seems so much more realistic and lasting. But don’t expect an easy go of it; Travis has a lot to deal with. I know I’ve said it before but I wish these books were longer. There is no huge conflict that causes angst in the book just more of dealing with Travis and his healing. I would have loved even more to their story that could have definitely fit in between the existing chapters but the book fits right in with the rest of the series. We do get to meet even more characters and they aren’t all gay males. The Friday night get-togethers are still going strong only more people coming to the party.
“I like you a lot. I think about you all the time. I’m thirty-one and you are the first man that I’ve ever really connected with, and that is weird because we’ve seen each other twice. I’d like to kiss you and lie on the floor with my head on your stomach. But at the moment things aren’t so hot with me. I’ve come a long way, but there’s still things I have to get my head around before I can concentrate on anything else. So I wanted to ask you something. Hear what I have to say. Then tell me if you want to wait for me. If you don’t then no harm no foul.”
Hands down The Barman and The Seal by RJ Scott is my favorite book in the Ellery Mountain series. Well, I did really love Jaime and Ian’s book but this one just squeaks ahead. Travis Baranski is the first vet to stay at the new Center. He’s been there for a few weeks and things are not getting better. He has PTSD from his time as a POW and he’s trying to adjust. In one of his few ventures to town he has a terrible encounter with Mikey which sends him into a full panic attack. Avery Gideon, local bar owner and good friend to Mikey is there to help Mikey but steps in to help Travis who is in full shutdown panic mode. Their next encounter is better but there are so many issues Travis has to deal with. Their budding friendship begins and slowly a romance grows. I love that they don’t just fall into bed together. In fact their sexual relationship comes after their love forms which to me seems so much more realistic and lasting. But don’t expect an easy go of it; Travis has a lot to deal with. I know I’ve said it before but I wish these books were longer. There is no huge conflict that causes angst in the book just more of dealing with Travis and his healing. I would have loved even more to their story that could have definitely fit in between the existing chapters but the book fits right in with the rest of the series. We do get to meet even more characters and they aren’t all gay males. The Friday night get-togethers are still going strong only more people coming to the party.
December 21, 2013
2.5 stars
Reclaiming oneself in the aftermath of trauma.
Ellery, a bucolic town set in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, is an idyllic location for a recovery center specializing in reacclimating returning military personnel. Travis comes for physical therapy and counseling for his PTSD.
I found the treatment of Travis compelling and while I can't say I enjoyed it, I did appreciate the careful attention paid to PTSD. He is very easy to become invested in. How he struggles and perseveres is both nail-biting and joyous.
Avery, the understanding and sweet barkeep of The Alibi is a lovable character. While he doesn't have the same pressing issues as Travis, he's had things that he's worked through.
So, I like the setting and the main characters--why didn't I rate this story higher? The storytelling. There is so much summary used, and not just past events, that I feel separated from Travis and Avery. In essence, it led to less than satisfactory emotional moments since the groundwork is lacking. You can tell me how much someone is in pain or you can show me. Ditto for love.
Finally, there was enough internal conflict to drive the entire story. The additional instances with the scuffle at The Alibi and Mikey fuel external stimuli, and thus, the drama with Avery and Jon's dad, Alan, was a bit over the top for me. Seemed to be more of a mustache-twisting villain then a character and it added nothing to the story other than posturing and spewing hate speech. I would have been happier with a more in-depth struggle between Travis and Avery relationship.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Reclaiming oneself in the aftermath of trauma.
Ellery, a bucolic town set in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, is an idyllic location for a recovery center specializing in reacclimating returning military personnel. Travis comes for physical therapy and counseling for his PTSD.
I found the treatment of Travis compelling and while I can't say I enjoyed it, I did appreciate the careful attention paid to PTSD. He is very easy to become invested in. How he struggles and perseveres is both nail-biting and joyous.
His training in the military was in killing and there wasn’t exactly a huge call for people like him in the normal apple-pie world of Ellery.At the end of the day, we've all got to keep moving.
Avery, the understanding and sweet barkeep of The Alibi is a lovable character. While he doesn't have the same pressing issues as Travis, he's had things that he's worked through.
So, I like the setting and the main characters--why didn't I rate this story higher? The storytelling. There is so much summary used, and not just past events, that I feel separated from Travis and Avery. In essence, it led to less than satisfactory emotional moments since the groundwork is lacking. You can tell me how much someone is in pain or you can show me. Ditto for love.
Finally, there was enough internal conflict to drive the entire story. The additional instances with the scuffle at The Alibi and Mikey fuel external stimuli, and thus, the drama with Avery and Jon's dad, Alan, was a bit over the top for me. Seemed to be more of a mustache-twisting villain then a character and it added nothing to the story other than posturing and spewing hate speech. I would have been happier with a more in-depth struggle between Travis and Avery relationship.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
October 6, 2013
The Ellery Mountain series is dear to my heart and this addition to the series didn't let me down!
I was totally drawn into the story from the very first pages and found the beginning very emotional. It was so descriptive that I could feel the pain being experienced by Travis. This introduction to Travis provided insight into the experiences that had impacted Travis and resulted in him coming to Ellery Mountain to heal.
It was great to see the Veteran Center, that had been mentioned so much through the earlier books in the series, finally open it's doors and once again, through this story we get to reacquaint ourselves with the wonderful men of Ellery Mountain.
It was interesting to see the character of Travis develop through the story, It isn't a long book but there is enough depth and emotion to see the changes in Travis. The story doesn't gloss over his mental condition and he does have some tense moments when he is not coping. It is not a 'love will fix everything' situation, rather a gradual opening up and realisation that love is still possible, even with all his issues.
Avery was a special man and so perfect for Travis. I loved that their love came before sex and the slow pace of the development of their romance reflected Travis' slow recovery time.
Avery and Travis' happy ending was wonderful! I am now eagerly waiting for Mikey's story in The Agent and the Model.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I was totally drawn into the story from the very first pages and found the beginning very emotional. It was so descriptive that I could feel the pain being experienced by Travis. This introduction to Travis provided insight into the experiences that had impacted Travis and resulted in him coming to Ellery Mountain to heal.
It was great to see the Veteran Center, that had been mentioned so much through the earlier books in the series, finally open it's doors and once again, through this story we get to reacquaint ourselves with the wonderful men of Ellery Mountain.
It was interesting to see the character of Travis develop through the story, It isn't a long book but there is enough depth and emotion to see the changes in Travis. The story doesn't gloss over his mental condition and he does have some tense moments when he is not coping. It is not a 'love will fix everything' situation, rather a gradual opening up and realisation that love is still possible, even with all his issues.
Avery was a special man and so perfect for Travis. I loved that their love came before sex and the slow pace of the development of their romance reflected Travis' slow recovery time.
Avery and Travis' happy ending was wonderful! I am now eagerly waiting for Mikey's story in The Agent and the Model.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
September 9, 2013
I need a new dictionary...
Another wonderful story from Ellery Mountains.
This time is the story of the gentle Barman Avery...We know a little about him from before, as he have had a crush on the Doc.
But his story is so much more. He too has issues, a family and a background story.
When he first meets one of the residents from Daniels Veteran Centre, ex-Seal Travis, they met in the gentelest way...but make an impression on each other..
Travis is a veteran from Afghanistan, scarred on body and soul, and with a lot of personal issues.
But it turns out, that Avery makes great coffee and is a great listener...
Babysteps yes, but they get to know each other.
The other residents in Ellery Mountains, makes a nice background (personally I can never get enough Kieran, but that is just me)
A very nice and wonderful story, that I read in bed last night...and what a wonderful sweet, amazing, a littke angsting and sexy read.
A must read, but so are the entire series...
Ms, Scott never ever let you down.
Another wonderful story from Ellery Mountains.
This time is the story of the gentle Barman Avery...We know a little about him from before, as he have had a crush on the Doc.
But his story is so much more. He too has issues, a family and a background story.
When he first meets one of the residents from Daniels Veteran Centre, ex-Seal Travis, they met in the gentelest way...but make an impression on each other..
Travis is a veteran from Afghanistan, scarred on body and soul, and with a lot of personal issues.
But it turns out, that Avery makes great coffee and is a great listener...
Babysteps yes, but they get to know each other.
The other residents in Ellery Mountains, makes a nice background (personally I can never get enough Kieran, but that is just me)
A very nice and wonderful story, that I read in bed last night...and what a wonderful sweet, amazing, a littke angsting and sexy read.
A must read, but so are the entire series...
Ms, Scott never ever let you down.
August 18, 2015
This one was probably my favorite one so far. I loved Travis and Avery, I loved how perfectly imperfect Avery was and how troubled Travis was. They were both so patient and understanding while Travis worked out his problems from PTSD and survivors guilt. I loved how Daniels dream was finally up and running and everyone was so great about it. Well, almost everyone but that gets dealt with pretty quickly.
I just loved the whole story. I wasn't impressed with the last one so I was glad this one more than made up for it.
I really wanna read the last one, to see and hopefully get justice for Mikey. I almost don't want to though because I don't want it to go unnoticed forgotten about. We shall see I reckon, it'll be hard to top this one though, at least for me!
I just loved the whole story. I wasn't impressed with the last one so I was glad this one more than made up for it.
I really wanna read the last one, to see and hopefully get justice for Mikey. I almost don't want to though because I don't want it to go unnoticed forgotten about. We shall see I reckon, it'll be hard to top this one though, at least for me!
January 10, 2015
This was book #6 in a series and I have not read the first 5. This was not a problem at all!!!
Travis was a character that was so easy to love. I really loved his vulnerability in that he wasn't an "oh poor pitiful me" type of broken. He and Avery were a great couple. I will have to now start the series from the beginning, although this story was straight forward and I don't think I missed anything by not reading the first 5 books.
I would have given this 5 stars but there just wasn't enough of the good stuff in it for me... but then again I am a smut whore ;)
Travis was a character that was so easy to love. I really loved his vulnerability in that he wasn't an "oh poor pitiful me" type of broken. He and Avery were a great couple. I will have to now start the series from the beginning, although this story was straight forward and I don't think I missed anything by not reading the first 5 books.
I would have given this 5 stars but there just wasn't enough of the good stuff in it for me... but then again I am a smut whore ;)
September 30, 2013
4.5 stars. I did love this book. Love Avery and Travis (first live in for the Veteran's PTSD home) This one was a touching book about Avery falling for Travis and all his baggage. Avery shows love and patience for Travis and it is very endearing. There is some ongoing issues with Avery's past and his brother, Jon comes into the picture from California (i think). Quick read and a great addition to the Ellery Mountain series..
September 4, 2013
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this one much more than the previous few books in this series. Lot's of character development for Travis, in particular, although Avery was nicely rounded as well. Mikey was a great character, too. Very sweet, slow build up, though I would have liked to see a little more of that unfold rather than skipping ahead.
March 14, 2016
I think this might be my favorite book in the series. I just loved Travis. I love his journey from broken ex-SEAL to a brave and more confident man. Avery was the perfect guy for him. This story was super romantic, very sweet, and I just really enjoyed it. As always, I like how previous couples are so involved in the next story. I loved this one and can't wait for more!
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