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Something Shattered
Jesse Martin never knew what it meant to belong anywhere until he moved to the small town of El Jardin, NM. Something about the town called to him, and he set about doing what he could to fit in. If that meant keeping some parts of himself separate, tucked away from prying eyes, then that was what he'd do.
Tomas moved to El Jardin to escape the memories of a vicious attack that left him a shattered, broken man. The physical wounds would heal, but the emotional ones seemed insurmountable. Unable to leave his home for more than a brief walk to the mailbox, Caden's isolation was just one more torment that ate away at his hopes of ever recovering.
Two men, each with their own personal demons, living only yards across from one another. Each is fascinated by the other, but unable to find a way to breach the problems that keep them apart. The solution comes in the form of one yappy little poodle, Loopy. His frequent escapes from Caden's yard gives Jesse a reason to approach his neighbor, and form a tenuous bond that will heal their wounds and maybe, just maybe, end their lonely nights.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
Tomas moved to El Jardin to escape the memories of a vicious attack that left him a shattered, broken man. The physical wounds would heal, but the emotional ones seemed insurmountable. Unable to leave his home for more than a brief walk to the mailbox, Caden's isolation was just one more torment that ate away at his hopes of ever recovering.
Two men, each with their own personal demons, living only yards across from one another. Each is fascinated by the other, but unable to find a way to breach the problems that keep them apart. The solution comes in the form of one yappy little poodle, Loopy. His frequent escapes from Caden's yard gives Jesse a reason to approach his neighbor, and form a tenuous bond that will heal their wounds and maybe, just maybe, end their lonely nights.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2010
13 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Bradford
191 books552 followersA few things about me...
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 22, 2015
This was my second read of Something Shattered. I gave it 5 stars the first time, back in 2011 before I was on GoodReads, but changed it to 4 stars here. I wasn't able to get over the quirkiness of Tomas's agoraphobia. I'm not a sufferer myself, or a doctor, but he seemed to sway between being a complete shut-in to bursts of courage. That could very well be completely normal, but when it related to next-door-cop-hunk Jesse, he let go pretty quickly. But I liked him letting go. Really! And I loved Jesse, who NEVER gave up. Snaps for him.
Anyway, I loved the hurt/healing/comfort here and the sex was amazing! Even though I dropped a star, I still highly recommend this book to M/M romance fans, especially those that like to see some suffering for the sake of comfort.
February 14, 2016
A reread for the rerelease
I originally read Something Shattered very early on in my MM reading life. I was smitten. Who wouldn’t be? Two likable MC’s, one who is terribly damaged and one who is a strong protector and they are both hot and bothered for one another. Then I started bingeing on Bailey Bradford books and I think the thing I love about them is that they are SO horny. I just love that. Some readers have their Calmes or their Cardeno C.’s, I have my Bradford. I always get a solid story, likeable characters and a plethora of weeping boners. Makes my heart happy.
So, I was anxious to reread this one for its re-release. I know my tastes have changed, that’s natural, but would I find this story just as appealing the second time around after a couple of years and thousands of books under my belt? Why yes, yes I did. Now that I’ve read a lot more of Bailey Bradford’s books I’ve been able to pinpoint what it is that appeals to me so about her writing. Well, three things; the characters are unique and even the ‘broken’ ones have a lot of inner strength, the unnecessary angst is minimal, I hate angst just for the sake of it and her guys rarely have miscommunication issues that aren’t in the ‘normal’ range, so the stories move forward all the time. And finally, her characters really know how to talk dirty and I eat up every word with a big spoon and an even bigger grin.
Something Shattered is the story of a very small town in New Mexico and two lonely men who live across the street from one another. Jesse is a cop with no immediate family and he comes across as a very private man. Caleb moved into town in the middle of the night and no one knows anything about him. He arrived battered and bruised and because it’s a small town there are questions and some gossip. Jesse had tried to introduce himself but was shut down pretty quickly. Luckily enough for Jesse, Caleb’s little dog Loopy is an escape artist and continuously makes his way to Jesse’s and Jesse has to return him. That leads him to fixing Caleb’s fence and with Caleb gradually getting more comfortable having Jesse around. It’s obvious that something traumatic happened to Caleb and we do find out more later on, the ‘what happened’ isn’t as important as his healing is in the story. Jesse is a natural nurturer and protector, because remember? Cop? Plus he’s becoming smitten with Caleb and vice versa.
As the two get comfier with one another, the boners start making a regular appearance and this is when the sweetness actually ratcheted up to delicious degrees. I really liked reading how they flirted and got to know one another. This is also where the strength of the characters shows up. Caleb obviously has some issues and there is no magical solution and Jesse and Caleb do communicate. Caleb also knows he has to get better for himself and so he can present his best self to Jesse because that’s what Jesse deserves.
There was some small town homophobic drama. The angst came from the outside and made Jesse and Caleb stronger for it. It didn’t drag out for too long and it wasn’t wrapped up with too pretty of a bow which was good. It was a driving force for Caleb though. It called up his protective instincts for the man he loved and Jesse totally got off on that. Caleb shares his entire story and gets the help he needs and a lot of that goes on in the background. That works because the story is about the two of them together. The balance of detail on Caleb getting help and what he shares with Jesse and the reader worked well for their story.
At about 90% was my favorite dirty talking bit and here’s a taste so you know the delicious little nuggets you get with Jesse and Caleb.
“I’m going to ride you until your eyes cross and your balls beg for mercy, until you come so hard you feel like you’re being turned inside out.”
Yeah, Caleb, you should definitely do ALL of that.
I originally read Something Shattered very early on in my MM reading life. I was smitten. Who wouldn’t be? Two likable MC’s, one who is terribly damaged and one who is a strong protector and they are both hot and bothered for one another. Then I started bingeing on Bailey Bradford books and I think the thing I love about them is that they are SO horny. I just love that. Some readers have their Calmes or their Cardeno C.’s, I have my Bradford. I always get a solid story, likeable characters and a plethora of weeping boners. Makes my heart happy.
So, I was anxious to reread this one for its re-release. I know my tastes have changed, that’s natural, but would I find this story just as appealing the second time around after a couple of years and thousands of books under my belt? Why yes, yes I did. Now that I’ve read a lot more of Bailey Bradford’s books I’ve been able to pinpoint what it is that appeals to me so about her writing. Well, three things; the characters are unique and even the ‘broken’ ones have a lot of inner strength, the unnecessary angst is minimal, I hate angst just for the sake of it and her guys rarely have miscommunication issues that aren’t in the ‘normal’ range, so the stories move forward all the time. And finally, her characters really know how to talk dirty and I eat up every word with a big spoon and an even bigger grin.
Something Shattered is the story of a very small town in New Mexico and two lonely men who live across the street from one another. Jesse is a cop with no immediate family and he comes across as a very private man. Caleb moved into town in the middle of the night and no one knows anything about him. He arrived battered and bruised and because it’s a small town there are questions and some gossip. Jesse had tried to introduce himself but was shut down pretty quickly. Luckily enough for Jesse, Caleb’s little dog Loopy is an escape artist and continuously makes his way to Jesse’s and Jesse has to return him. That leads him to fixing Caleb’s fence and with Caleb gradually getting more comfortable having Jesse around. It’s obvious that something traumatic happened to Caleb and we do find out more later on, the ‘what happened’ isn’t as important as his healing is in the story. Jesse is a natural nurturer and protector, because remember? Cop? Plus he’s becoming smitten with Caleb and vice versa.
As the two get comfier with one another, the boners start making a regular appearance and this is when the sweetness actually ratcheted up to delicious degrees. I really liked reading how they flirted and got to know one another. This is also where the strength of the characters shows up. Caleb obviously has some issues and there is no magical solution and Jesse and Caleb do communicate. Caleb also knows he has to get better for himself and so he can present his best self to Jesse because that’s what Jesse deserves.
There was some small town homophobic drama. The angst came from the outside and made Jesse and Caleb stronger for it. It didn’t drag out for too long and it wasn’t wrapped up with too pretty of a bow which was good. It was a driving force for Caleb though. It called up his protective instincts for the man he loved and Jesse totally got off on that. Caleb shares his entire story and gets the help he needs and a lot of that goes on in the background. That works because the story is about the two of them together. The balance of detail on Caleb getting help and what he shares with Jesse and the reader worked well for their story.
At about 90% was my favorite dirty talking bit and here’s a taste so you know the delicious little nuggets you get with Jesse and Caleb.
“I’m going to ride you until your eyes cross and your balls beg for mercy, until you come so hard you feel like you’re being turned inside out.”
Yeah, Caleb, you should definitely do ALL of that.
January 2, 2016
2.5 Stars
The blurb is very clear and doesn't bury the lead here. Jesse Martin is a cop and lives in a trailer across the street from Caleb Tomas. Jesse watches Caleb every day when Caleb ventures outside to get his mail. An act which is getting harder to accomplish every day.
Something happened to Caleb, something terrible, which has caused adjustment disorder and some agoraphobia. The reader gets hints of this terrible thing, this horrible thing, so many hints...but isn't told what happened until after 65% of the story is over. For me, this had the opposite of what I'm sure the intended effect was to be, I stopped caring so much. When I eventually learned what did happen I actually thought, "That's all?" Which immediately made me feel like an asshole. Because it is a terrible thing that happens.
It just...I don't know, I think it got built up too much. I feel like if I'd been let in on it earlier my empathy and sympathy with Caleb would have grown instead of stagnating and fizzling out earlier on. It doesn't help that the explanation didn't really convey how bad it was, more like, "This is a tiny overview of what happened without any real details." and it just felt super dry to me and not emotional and I wanted more details; I needed to be shown more than told.
I never connected with the characters. There was too much going on at a couple of points, which muted the message I think was trying to be delivered as well. Then the ending was tied up too quickly and left me feeling adrift and out of sorts.
Ultimately, the problem lay with me not connecting to the story. It just didn't particularly work for me.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by Pride Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
The blurb is very clear and doesn't bury the lead here. Jesse Martin is a cop and lives in a trailer across the street from Caleb Tomas. Jesse watches Caleb every day when Caleb ventures outside to get his mail. An act which is getting harder to accomplish every day.
Something happened to Caleb, something terrible, which has caused adjustment disorder and some agoraphobia. The reader gets hints of this terrible thing, this horrible thing, so many hints...but isn't told what happened until after 65% of the story is over. For me, this had the opposite of what I'm sure the intended effect was to be, I stopped caring so much. When I eventually learned what did happen I actually thought, "That's all?" Which immediately made me feel like an asshole. Because it is a terrible thing that happens.
It just...I don't know, I think it got built up too much. I feel like if I'd been let in on it earlier my empathy and sympathy with Caleb would have grown instead of stagnating and fizzling out earlier on. It doesn't help that the explanation didn't really convey how bad it was, more like, "This is a tiny overview of what happened without any real details." and it just felt super dry to me and not emotional and I wanted more details; I needed to be shown more than told.
I never connected with the characters. There was too much going on at a couple of points, which muted the message I think was trying to be delivered as well. Then the ending was tied up too quickly and left me feeling adrift and out of sorts.
Ultimately, the problem lay with me not connecting to the story. It just didn't particularly work for me.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by Pride Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 5, 2012
This was a story about a man suffering the trauma of a recent attack and the cop who lives across the street from him. Caden moves to a small town to escape his demons but lives in terror. Jesse watches in curiousity and when Caden has a breakdown, Jesse approaches and helps him without asking for anything. Slowly he builds up Caden's trust and before long they start a relationship, although Caden is still house=bound and Jesse is way in the closet until his coworkers figure it out and decide to make his life hell. There is also a side plot of Caden's sister who spends time with him because her husband was accused of shooting a kid without cause (he's a cop too). Once Caden and Jesse decide to be attracted, they are off and running with plenty of sex.
The sister was a bit annoying but no overly so. Not having a sibling, maybe it was normal. My only issue was a lot of stuff happens off page. Caden finally starts on-line therapy and you are just kind of told it happened and that it was going well. And after Caden reveals his identity (he's an author who uses a pseudonym) you are just told things get better, and now it's great at Jesse's work. What? What happened? What happened to the jerky cop. They say he left but why? What happened? So I didn't care for that aspect of the story, but Caden and his puff ball poodle were cute. A readable story.
The sister was a bit annoying but no overly so. Not having a sibling, maybe it was normal. My only issue was a lot of stuff happens off page. Caden finally starts on-line therapy and you are just kind of told it happened and that it was going well. And after Caden reveals his identity (he's an author who uses a pseudonym) you are just told things get better, and now it's great at Jesse's work. What? What happened? What happened to the jerky cop. They say he left but why? What happened? So I didn't care for that aspect of the story, but Caden and his puff ball poodle were cute. A readable story.
October 26, 2012
2.5 stars
This started off really good. A battered man (Caden) moves into a neighborhood in a small town. No one knows anything about him other than he never leaves his house and he literally keeps to himself. He has a sister and two nieces who show up on occasion but that's it as far as human interaction. It comes out later that he has agoraphobia as a result of an attack that almost killed him months before. His across-the-street neighbor (Jesse) watches Caden daily from his front yard as he tries to make it to his mailbox. It is an obvious struggle for the man and Jesse, being a police officer, wants to help him. Jesse is also very attracted to his injured neighbor. Caden's dog gets out of his fence quite a bit and makes his way to Jesse and Jesse uses that as an excuse to try to get to know Caden. It takes awhile but Caden eventually learns to trust Jesse and a friendship/relationship is born.
As I said, this started out good but I had a few issues with how everything played out. I felt that I was reading a story that was building up to something big only to have that "something big" happen off page. I wanted details. Also, several questions were left unanswered. Questions that I thought were quite important to the story as a whole. I felt that I read all of THAT for a thrown together ending that did not satisfy my curiosity as far as specific characters were concerned. Caden's sister, while devoted, was annoying at times. There is a squad room full of homophobic bastards that Jesse works with but I didn't feel that was resolved other than what I mention in the below spoiler. Overall, an okay story that could have been much, much more had the author added a few details here and there. I don't like ending books feeling like I missed something and in this case, I feel that I missed quite a bit.
This started off really good. A battered man (Caden) moves into a neighborhood in a small town. No one knows anything about him other than he never leaves his house and he literally keeps to himself. He has a sister and two nieces who show up on occasion but that's it as far as human interaction. It comes out later that he has agoraphobia as a result of an attack that almost killed him months before. His across-the-street neighbor (Jesse) watches Caden daily from his front yard as he tries to make it to his mailbox. It is an obvious struggle for the man and Jesse, being a police officer, wants to help him. Jesse is also very attracted to his injured neighbor. Caden's dog gets out of his fence quite a bit and makes his way to Jesse and Jesse uses that as an excuse to try to get to know Caden. It takes awhile but Caden eventually learns to trust Jesse and a friendship/relationship is born.
As I said, this started out good but I had a few issues with how everything played out. I felt that I was reading a story that was building up to something big only to have that "something big" happen off page. I wanted details. Also, several questions were left unanswered. Questions that I thought were quite important to the story as a whole. I felt that I read all of THAT for a thrown together ending that did not satisfy my curiosity as far as specific characters were concerned. Caden's sister, while devoted, was annoying at times. There is a squad room full of homophobic bastards that Jesse works with but I didn't feel that was resolved other than what I mention in the below spoiler. Overall, an okay story that could have been much, much more had the author added a few details here and there. I don't like ending books feeling like I missed something and in this case, I feel that I missed quite a bit.
Read
December 29, 2015Review originally posted at Sinfully.
3.5 stars
I always love a good hurt/comfort story. Throw in a cop and that’s a cherry on top. This story was an easy, sexy read, with two very likable main characters in the sexy, closeted police officer Jesse and the mysterious, traumatized Caleb.
Caleb Tomas is new in town, showing up bruised and battered and moving in at 3:00 a.m., immediately grabbing the attention of Jesse Martin. Jesse lives across the street and is a police officer in the small town of El Jardin, New Mexico. He is fascinated by the newcomer who is not only gorgeous, but quite obviously troubled. Everyday Jesse sits in front of his trailer and waits for Caleb to make the obviously difficult trip to his mailbox and back into the house. Jesse’s one attempt at an introduction ended up with his knock on the door being ignored and Caleb placing a “do not disturb sign” on his door. When Caleb’s dog escapes to Jesse’s property it’s the perfect excuse for an introduction. Caleb has noticed the gorgeous police officer, but Caleb knows he is a mess, barely able to leave his house, suffering from panic attacks and hiding away behind a door full of deadbolts with only his dog and visits from his sister and nieces for company. When Jesse returns Caleb’s escaped dog the chemistry is thick and the two begin a ritual of walking to the mailbox that soon has both of the men wanting more and the relationship quickly heating up.
It is quite clear from the start of the story that Caleb has been through something horrible that has completely changed the way he lives. The actual revelation of what happened comes more than halfway through the book, so the reader is kept wondering right along with Jesse. It is a horrible event, but not what I was expecting and did cast a better light on a few of Caleb’s specific issues. Jesse has adopted El Jardin as his home and is aware of the gossip mill and the potential for backlash if the people of the town find out he is gay. Although he attempts to keep his relationship with Caleb quiet, there is the inevitable discovery by the worst possible person. Jesse proves what a loving, strong and loyal person he is when everything he has worked to build is threatened. His character really endeared himself to me with the manner in which he treated Caleb from day one.
There are plenty of sex scenes in the story and it is here where we see the person Caleb probably was before. I really liked seeing the aggressive and demanding side of him that is such a contrast to his mannerisms outside of the bubble he has created with Jesse. The teasing, dirty, flirtatious side of him is the perfect foil for the alpha personality that is Jesse.
I thought the writing was good and the pace of story worked well up until the last part of the book which felt rushed with details of the resolution of a number of issues glossed over. As much as I enjoyed the story and the characters I was disappointed when after reading about Caleb setting up a plan that could help both the main and secondary characters the story abruptly cut to an Epilogue that assured me everything worked out, but without providing any of the details I expected. After enjoying and becoming so invested in the story, it was definitely a let-down. Overall I really liked the story and characters, the sex scenes were both steamy and sweet, and I read through the majority of the book very quickly, but would have liked to see another chapter or some more fleshing out of the resolution in the Epilogue.
3.5 stars
I always love a good hurt/comfort story. Throw in a cop and that’s a cherry on top. This story was an easy, sexy read, with two very likable main characters in the sexy, closeted police officer Jesse and the mysterious, traumatized Caleb.
Caleb Tomas is new in town, showing up bruised and battered and moving in at 3:00 a.m., immediately grabbing the attention of Jesse Martin. Jesse lives across the street and is a police officer in the small town of El Jardin, New Mexico. He is fascinated by the newcomer who is not only gorgeous, but quite obviously troubled. Everyday Jesse sits in front of his trailer and waits for Caleb to make the obviously difficult trip to his mailbox and back into the house. Jesse’s one attempt at an introduction ended up with his knock on the door being ignored and Caleb placing a “do not disturb sign” on his door. When Caleb’s dog escapes to Jesse’s property it’s the perfect excuse for an introduction. Caleb has noticed the gorgeous police officer, but Caleb knows he is a mess, barely able to leave his house, suffering from panic attacks and hiding away behind a door full of deadbolts with only his dog and visits from his sister and nieces for company. When Jesse returns Caleb’s escaped dog the chemistry is thick and the two begin a ritual of walking to the mailbox that soon has both of the men wanting more and the relationship quickly heating up.
It is quite clear from the start of the story that Caleb has been through something horrible that has completely changed the way he lives. The actual revelation of what happened comes more than halfway through the book, so the reader is kept wondering right along with Jesse. It is a horrible event, but not what I was expecting and did cast a better light on a few of Caleb’s specific issues. Jesse has adopted El Jardin as his home and is aware of the gossip mill and the potential for backlash if the people of the town find out he is gay. Although he attempts to keep his relationship with Caleb quiet, there is the inevitable discovery by the worst possible person. Jesse proves what a loving, strong and loyal person he is when everything he has worked to build is threatened. His character really endeared himself to me with the manner in which he treated Caleb from day one.
There are plenty of sex scenes in the story and it is here where we see the person Caleb probably was before. I really liked seeing the aggressive and demanding side of him that is such a contrast to his mannerisms outside of the bubble he has created with Jesse. The teasing, dirty, flirtatious side of him is the perfect foil for the alpha personality that is Jesse.
I thought the writing was good and the pace of story worked well up until the last part of the book which felt rushed with details of the resolution of a number of issues glossed over. As much as I enjoyed the story and the characters I was disappointed when after reading about Caleb setting up a plan that could help both the main and secondary characters the story abruptly cut to an Epilogue that assured me everything worked out, but without providing any of the details I expected. After enjoying and becoming so invested in the story, it was definitely a let-down. Overall I really liked the story and characters, the sex scenes were both steamy and sweet, and I read through the majority of the book very quickly, but would have liked to see another chapter or some more fleshing out of the resolution in the Epilogue.
May 26, 2011
2.5 STARS
This story was not exactly what I was expecting based on the blurb & the cover. It started out interestingly enough. I liked the setting of the scene & the New Mexico small town neighborhood where a cop, Jesse Martin, has been watching his fearful new neighbor for the last few weeks. In part he does this because of the natural curiosity of his background & also because he feels some kind of connection/ attraction to this man. So far so good. It's when the two main characters finally meet that the story goes off kilter for me. Instead of exploring the issues of Caden's emotional breakdown, the plot revolves around the two men's sexual attraction. It becomes all about sex. it's like going to the movies expecting to see a tearjerker & then just when you get to the emotional part, everyone starts preening & posing & shedding clothes & you realize you're actually watching a porno flick.
I wouldn't call this PWP because even though there's a lot of sex in this book, there is also a plot. I would just characterize this as more of an erotica than I was expecting because of the insertion of sex where plot exposition should have happened.
Another issue with this book is the frequent changes of point of views & abrupt changes of scenery from paragraph to paragraph. One moment we have Caden thinking in his house about resolving his issue & the very next time paragraph we're hours later & it's Jesse at the police station. There's no smooth transition from scene to scene & from each person's point of view & there's no pattern to when the author decides to do this. This makes for very, very disjointed reading & makes me wonder why no editor tried to correct this & why no reviewer mentioned this as a problem. It is a problem because it's so abrupt that each time you have to figure out who's thinking what now, brings you out of the story. This is why this is a 2.5 star instead of 3.0 star.
This story was not exactly what I was expecting based on the blurb & the cover. It started out interestingly enough. I liked the setting of the scene & the New Mexico small town neighborhood where a cop, Jesse Martin, has been watching his fearful new neighbor for the last few weeks. In part he does this because of the natural curiosity of his background & also because he feels some kind of connection/ attraction to this man. So far so good. It's when the two main characters finally meet that the story goes off kilter for me. Instead of exploring the issues of Caden's emotional breakdown, the plot revolves around the two men's sexual attraction. It becomes all about sex. it's like going to the movies expecting to see a tearjerker & then just when you get to the emotional part, everyone starts preening & posing & shedding clothes & you realize you're actually watching a porno flick.
I wouldn't call this PWP because even though there's a lot of sex in this book, there is also a plot. I would just characterize this as more of an erotica than I was expecting because of the insertion of sex where plot exposition should have happened.
Another issue with this book is the frequent changes of point of views & abrupt changes of scenery from paragraph to paragraph. One moment we have Caden thinking in his house about resolving his issue & the very next time paragraph we're hours later & it's Jesse at the police station. There's no smooth transition from scene to scene & from each person's point of view & there's no pattern to when the author decides to do this. This makes for very, very disjointed reading & makes me wonder why no editor tried to correct this & why no reviewer mentioned this as a problem. It is a problem because it's so abrupt that each time you have to figure out who's thinking what now, brings you out of the story. This is why this is a 2.5 star instead of 3.0 star.
June 2, 2013
3.5 stars rounded up
Jesse Martin is a police officer in the small town of El Jardin, NM. The small town is as close to "home" as he's ever gotten. Jesse does what he can to fit in ... including hiding the fact that he's gay. That all changes when a new neighbor moves in across the street. Caden Tomas moved to El Jardin to escape the memories of a vicious attack that left him shattered and broken. He struggles daily with the resulting agoraphobia and has little hope for recovery. Then, Jesse walks into his life ... thanks to Caden's yappy poodle, Loopy, who repeatedly escapes from his yard. The introduction leads to a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something much more. Together, Jesse and Caden must face their personal demons and fight for the place they've come to call home.
I liked this book. I liked both Jesse and Caden. Neither was perfect; each had their challenges. The sex - although hot and steamy ... yum! - was a bit much. It sometimes got in the way of the story. There was, thankfully, an underlying plot that I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the extended cast of characters (e.g., Caden's sister (Kezabeth), her husband (Remy ... tsss! that is one smokin' hot dude), and Caden's surly agent).
Bottom line: the romantic plight of two very likeable but broken people who find home in each other.
Jesse Martin is a police officer in the small town of El Jardin, NM. The small town is as close to "home" as he's ever gotten. Jesse does what he can to fit in ... including hiding the fact that he's gay. That all changes when a new neighbor moves in across the street. Caden Tomas moved to El Jardin to escape the memories of a vicious attack that left him shattered and broken. He struggles daily with the resulting agoraphobia and has little hope for recovery. Then, Jesse walks into his life ... thanks to Caden's yappy poodle, Loopy, who repeatedly escapes from his yard. The introduction leads to a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something much more. Together, Jesse and Caden must face their personal demons and fight for the place they've come to call home.
I liked this book. I liked both Jesse and Caden. Neither was perfect; each had their challenges. The sex - although hot and steamy ... yum! - was a bit much. It sometimes got in the way of the story. There was, thankfully, an underlying plot that I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the extended cast of characters (e.g., Caden's sister (Kezabeth), her husband (Remy ... tsss! that is one smokin' hot dude), and Caden's surly agent).
Bottom line: the romantic plight of two very likeable but broken people who find home in each other.
Want to read
December 3, 2010Haven't read the book yet, but I could sit and stare at the cover for days!!
December 24, 2022
Something in the description of this novel called to me. Perhaps because psychology was my major in college, and the mind is an amazing thing. It has the ability to do whatever it needs in order to protect itself, whether that is the creation of multiple personalities or agoraphobia. These days I can empathize, wholeheartedly, with agoraphobia, because I think it could be an easy condition to fall into when you're hurting, and home is your safe place.
Caleb broke my heart, and brought out all of my protective instincts the first time I saw him berate himself for why he "couldn't be normal." He can barely manage to walk out onto his concrete front porch to get the mail every day. But, by golly, he forces himself to, and his inner strength was so apparent to everyone except him. Jesse is the cop who lives across the street and doesn't understand why his new neighbor fascinates him and brings out feelings Jesse has never had. He just knows he wants to take the lost, hurt look from Caleb's face. He knows Caleb must've been hurt somehow, and Jesse does such a good job at being his friend, reassuring Caleb that he's safe, and not making Caleb feel bad for his issues.
"He felt safe with Jesse, and was angry that he still couldn’t talk about what happened. Caleb was so frustrated with himself that he wanted to kick and scream. Shame for not being a better man, a stronger man, filled Caleb, and he pulled out of the embrace. He stepped back and met Jesse’s gaze, determined to quit being the same damaged person he’d been for the past couple of months, even if it was done one small step at a time."
If the only difficulties Jesse and Caleb had stemmed from Caleb's issues, then it would be easier to handle. However, Caleb and Jesse live in a small Texas town, with small-minded people. Jesse isn't out, and of course, there's the one guy on the police force who can't help being nosy and a bigot. So while Caleb is taking his first steps into trying to get help, he and Jesse are also dealing with bigotry and hatred, while falling in love, and having smoking hot sex.
I enjoyed this rerelease by Bailey Bradford. There was enough love, and hot sex, so the drama didn't overwhelm me. It was a sweet, hot, love story between two men who really needed each other, even if they didn't know it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Caleb broke my heart, and brought out all of my protective instincts the first time I saw him berate himself for why he "couldn't be normal." He can barely manage to walk out onto his concrete front porch to get the mail every day. But, by golly, he forces himself to, and his inner strength was so apparent to everyone except him. Jesse is the cop who lives across the street and doesn't understand why his new neighbor fascinates him and brings out feelings Jesse has never had. He just knows he wants to take the lost, hurt look from Caleb's face. He knows Caleb must've been hurt somehow, and Jesse does such a good job at being his friend, reassuring Caleb that he's safe, and not making Caleb feel bad for his issues.
"He felt safe with Jesse, and was angry that he still couldn’t talk about what happened. Caleb was so frustrated with himself that he wanted to kick and scream. Shame for not being a better man, a stronger man, filled Caleb, and he pulled out of the embrace. He stepped back and met Jesse’s gaze, determined to quit being the same damaged person he’d been for the past couple of months, even if it was done one small step at a time."
If the only difficulties Jesse and Caleb had stemmed from Caleb's issues, then it would be easier to handle. However, Caleb and Jesse live in a small Texas town, with small-minded people. Jesse isn't out, and of course, there's the one guy on the police force who can't help being nosy and a bigot. So while Caleb is taking his first steps into trying to get help, he and Jesse are also dealing with bigotry and hatred, while falling in love, and having smoking hot sex.
I enjoyed this rerelease by Bailey Bradford. There was enough love, and hot sex, so the drama didn't overwhelm me. It was a sweet, hot, love story between two men who really needed each other, even if they didn't know it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
October 27, 2012
This was a really good book. Caden and Jesse were perfect for each other in a lot of ways which made this story easy to read. I felt sorry for both of them at different parts of this book. Each had different back stories but both had some problems in the past. The way Jesse stepped up to help Caden showed the power love can give someone. He was the perfect gentleman for the time Caden needed him to be. Although the relationship itself took time to develop it could be described as fast paced. Caden was a very interesting character to me, one minute he is shy and unable to speak the next he could be angry and loud. It was good to see that type of character in him. It was a very fitting book to both characters and I am so so glad I read this book. :)
January 13, 2016
Police Officer Jesse Martin’s new neighbor is a puzzle waiting to be solved, one in the form of a sexy but decidedly different man in this riveting romantic suspense. The story is one of courage and triumph as well as one hot and sexy romance and I was totally captivated by Caleb’s story and glued to the pages until the very end.
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
February 1, 2016
A reread for the re-release. Yup, I still love it.
Full review on the blog 02/04/16 and then here.
Full review on the blog 02/04/16 and then here.
November 16, 2020
3.5 stars
I really wanted to love this book but it was a little too scattered for me.
Some things just resolved too quickly with no details.
I did like Jesse and Thomas together...very hot.
I really wanted to love this book but it was a little too scattered for me.
Some things just resolved too quickly with no details.
I did like Jesse and Thomas together...very hot.
February 13, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars.
Genre: MM Romance | Cop | Out/closet | Hurt/comfort | Victim of a violent crime | Traumatic events/flashbacks | Agoraphobia | Puppy cuddles | Meddlesome yet loving sister | Small town mentality in the workplace | Steam level: Moderate |
The blurb had me drawn to Something Shattered in a heartbeat. Spending 3 weeks a year in New Mexico, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a novel set in the same location. The cover was an instant hook for me too.
Our cop, Jesse, is a patient man. When a new guy moves in across the street, he's curious, especially when he goes to greet the newcomer but the door never opens in invitation. Like an inquisitive cop on a stakeout, he sits on his steps watching the guy's house.
Caleb is the newcomer, and it's obvious from Jesse's POV that he was a victim of a violent crime. He's guarded and closed off, and clearly having a hard time of it.
The lead up to all of this was fun to read in Jesse's narration. So it was a bit jarring when the reader is switched to reside in Caleb's head. I felt the agoraphobia was written well- the fear and emotional agony, the defeat and triumph of trying to make your way to the sidewalk and the mailbox beyond.
The first few meetings between the pair, you can see how patient, coaxing, and caring Jesse truly is. Hero mentality, which is always a good trait to have in the main character.
In the beginning, it became frustrating when Caleb was narrating, because the reader knew nothing of his plight. They're Caleb's thoughts- he's thinking about it- but not thinking with a single detail. Leading the reader on, this was frustrating and drawn out, and completely removed any emotional response on my part. Because it just started to feel like a miserable book once I was inside Caleb's head with no explanation.
Caleb was terrified, to the point he wouldn't leave his home, nor did he want to be touched. But he quickly warmed to Jesse, no matter how terrified he was, which I felt was unrealistic in the extreme, but I understood with a book of this length.
As per usual in a small town setting, the homophobes come out of the woodwork in droves, causing problems between our couple, especially at work. This is a trope that rubs me a bit wrong, being from a smaller town than most (a few 100 residents), it gives rural America a bad name. We really are just like everyone else with a bad apple or two, but not a whole bushel. This always reads as OTT to me- perhaps more appropriate for a decade or two ago.
I don't want to be nitpicky, but it's a hazard of my profession as a writer. The story was not for me. I needed some details. More show, less tell. A smoother transition from one scene to the next with something denoting it, because I became confused a few times with one paragraph ending in one location and the next beginning somewhere else. Same with the POV shifts making it a disjointed read. Jesse. *blink* Caleb.
Overall, I will say many MM readers will enjoy Something Shattered, especially if they connect with the characters and the story resonates with them. I am an overtly picky person, and I can't let something slide, and it usually destroys my enjoyment. So this is all on me. Bailey Bradford is a good storyteller. If you read like me, there ya go. If you're more of a relaxed reader, you'll probably truly enjoy Something Shattered.
3 Stars.
Genre: MM Romance | Cop | Out/closet | Hurt/comfort | Victim of a violent crime | Traumatic events/flashbacks | Agoraphobia | Puppy cuddles | Meddlesome yet loving sister | Small town mentality in the workplace | Steam level: Moderate |
The blurb had me drawn to Something Shattered in a heartbeat. Spending 3 weeks a year in New Mexico, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a novel set in the same location. The cover was an instant hook for me too.
Our cop, Jesse, is a patient man. When a new guy moves in across the street, he's curious, especially when he goes to greet the newcomer but the door never opens in invitation. Like an inquisitive cop on a stakeout, he sits on his steps watching the guy's house.
Caleb is the newcomer, and it's obvious from Jesse's POV that he was a victim of a violent crime. He's guarded and closed off, and clearly having a hard time of it.
The lead up to all of this was fun to read in Jesse's narration. So it was a bit jarring when the reader is switched to reside in Caleb's head. I felt the agoraphobia was written well- the fear and emotional agony, the defeat and triumph of trying to make your way to the sidewalk and the mailbox beyond.
The first few meetings between the pair, you can see how patient, coaxing, and caring Jesse truly is. Hero mentality, which is always a good trait to have in the main character.
In the beginning, it became frustrating when Caleb was narrating, because the reader knew nothing of his plight. They're Caleb's thoughts- he's thinking about it- but not thinking with a single detail. Leading the reader on, this was frustrating and drawn out, and completely removed any emotional response on my part. Because it just started to feel like a miserable book once I was inside Caleb's head with no explanation.
Caleb was terrified, to the point he wouldn't leave his home, nor did he want to be touched. But he quickly warmed to Jesse, no matter how terrified he was, which I felt was unrealistic in the extreme, but I understood with a book of this length.
As per usual in a small town setting, the homophobes come out of the woodwork in droves, causing problems between our couple, especially at work. This is a trope that rubs me a bit wrong, being from a smaller town than most (a few 100 residents), it gives rural America a bad name. We really are just like everyone else with a bad apple or two, but not a whole bushel. This always reads as OTT to me- perhaps more appropriate for a decade or two ago.
I don't want to be nitpicky, but it's a hazard of my profession as a writer. The story was not for me. I needed some details. More show, less tell. A smoother transition from one scene to the next with something denoting it, because I became confused a few times with one paragraph ending in one location and the next beginning somewhere else. Same with the POV shifts making it a disjointed read. Jesse. *blink* Caleb.
Overall, I will say many MM readers will enjoy Something Shattered, especially if they connect with the characters and the story resonates with them. I am an overtly picky person, and I can't let something slide, and it usually destroys my enjoyment. So this is all on me. Bailey Bradford is a good storyteller. If you read like me, there ya go. If you're more of a relaxed reader, you'll probably truly enjoy Something Shattered.
January 24, 2011
Kathy’s Review:
Something Shattered by Bailey Bradford is an incredibly sexy yet tender love story that easily entangles the reader in life in a small town.
Jesse Martin’s fascination with his seemingly agoraphobic neighbor Caden Tomas leads to an easy friendship that is underscored by an intense mutual attraction. With infinite patience, compassion, and understanding, Jesse slowly begins to gain Caden’s trust, and with Jesse’s assistance, Caden begins to recover from the traumatic assault that has left him paralyzed with fear. Will small town gossip and bigoted co-workers destroy their budding relationship?
Jesse and Caden are exceptionally well developed characters that Ms. Bradford has embodied with plausible traits and flaws. Caden’s self-loathing for the man he has become since his attack is gut-wrenching. His recovery is handled in a believable manner and timeframe. While Jesse is definitely an Alpha male, his concern and self doubt about pursing a relationship with the obviously fragile Caden keeps his character firmly grounded in reality. Ms. Bradford allows Caden’s story to unfold in a leisurely fashion which adds authenticity to the plot.
Caden’s sister Kezabeth , her husband Remy and Caden’s quirky dog Loopy contribute to the homey atmosphere of Something Shattered. Kezabeth is a delightful character who is unflinchingly blunt with her brother when he needs it, and she is instrumental in getting him the help he needs. Their playful banter is laced with humor and keeps the novel from becoming angst ridden.
Something Shattered by Bailey Bradford is a captivatingly complex novel that with a convincing plot that rings true. Kaden’s personal triumph over his past trauma and Jesse’s realization that home is not necessarily a place is both heartwarming and emotionally satisfying.
Rated 4 Ravens by Kathy!
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Something Shattered by Bailey Bradford is an incredibly sexy yet tender love story that easily entangles the reader in life in a small town.
Jesse Martin’s fascination with his seemingly agoraphobic neighbor Caden Tomas leads to an easy friendship that is underscored by an intense mutual attraction. With infinite patience, compassion, and understanding, Jesse slowly begins to gain Caden’s trust, and with Jesse’s assistance, Caden begins to recover from the traumatic assault that has left him paralyzed with fear. Will small town gossip and bigoted co-workers destroy their budding relationship?
Jesse and Caden are exceptionally well developed characters that Ms. Bradford has embodied with plausible traits and flaws. Caden’s self-loathing for the man he has become since his attack is gut-wrenching. His recovery is handled in a believable manner and timeframe. While Jesse is definitely an Alpha male, his concern and self doubt about pursing a relationship with the obviously fragile Caden keeps his character firmly grounded in reality. Ms. Bradford allows Caden’s story to unfold in a leisurely fashion which adds authenticity to the plot.
Caden’s sister Kezabeth , her husband Remy and Caden’s quirky dog Loopy contribute to the homey atmosphere of Something Shattered. Kezabeth is a delightful character who is unflinchingly blunt with her brother when he needs it, and she is instrumental in getting him the help he needs. Their playful banter is laced with humor and keeps the novel from becoming angst ridden.
Something Shattered by Bailey Bradford is a captivatingly complex novel that with a convincing plot that rings true. Kaden’s personal triumph over his past trauma and Jesse’s realization that home is not necessarily a place is both heartwarming and emotionally satisfying.
Rated 4 Ravens by Kathy!
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December 22, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed the first third of the novel, and was engrossed from scene one. The author does well to draw the reader in, to make them wonder exactly WHAT happened to Caden to break him so badly, and Jesse's compassion was beautiful.
Second third of the novel, I was a little shocked to find out more, and to see Caden do and say certain things that just seemed completely out of character. There wasn't much 'budding recovery' in the start of the relationship between Caden and Jesse - just WHAM, they had the hots for each other and Caden was all over him, just so long as they were in his house. He still wouldn't leave the premises.
Now, his reason for being frightened of leaving the house was a good one. At first when it was first discovered I was thinking, 'well, that's a let down ... I thought it was worse than that.' But in thinking on it after the fact, I could definitely see how it could be traumatic.
Still, psychological traumatic sometimes affects things that have NOTHING to do with the traumatic events themselves. Most people who are agoraphobic are not just afraid to answer the door or leave their home, they're also afraid to answer the phone, or interact in any way, excluding things like internet and chat boards that are so removed it's easy to hide from them or pretend they aren't real.
My only wish is that the writer had looked a little further into the psychological backlash of trauma cases like the one Caden went through, and incorporated at through his character throughout the whole novel. It would have made the recovery make a lot more sense than it did, more a gradual process instead of just hey, suddenly he's okay.
January 16, 2016
3.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews
After moving around for most of his childhood, Jesse Martin has made a life for himself as a cop in the small town of El Jardin. He’d like to think he’s good at his job so when someone new moves into the house across the street at 2am, he notices. While at first Jesse wonders if there’s something shady going on, he quickly comes to realize that there’s more going on than meets the eye and that the broken man he’s been watching could use some help. Things are more complicated than they appear, however, and Jesse is going to have to decide for himself just how involved he wants to be, especially when someone else doesn’t like him hanging around.
Caden is a sweet man who found himself in a horrible situation and is still dealing with the trauma months later. I really felt for him; watching him struggle with something as simple as opening the door to go get the mail was heartbreaking. Jesse was a nice counterpoint to Caden’s character and even when he knew it wouldn’t be easy, he still wanted to try and help Caden heal.
The best part of the book for me was watching as Caden started trying harder to fix himself; when he decided that opening up about what happened to him was necessary to try and help other people he cared about, it was like watching a huge wall come down.
The overall pacing was good but I was left a little unfulfilled with parts of the story itself. There isn’t any resolution with the people that hurt Caden and you never find out what happens with his brother-in-law either. It was a nice story about healing, however, and I did enjoy it, just not as much as I expected to.
After moving around for most of his childhood, Jesse Martin has made a life for himself as a cop in the small town of El Jardin. He’d like to think he’s good at his job so when someone new moves into the house across the street at 2am, he notices. While at first Jesse wonders if there’s something shady going on, he quickly comes to realize that there’s more going on than meets the eye and that the broken man he’s been watching could use some help. Things are more complicated than they appear, however, and Jesse is going to have to decide for himself just how involved he wants to be, especially when someone else doesn’t like him hanging around.
Caden is a sweet man who found himself in a horrible situation and is still dealing with the trauma months later. I really felt for him; watching him struggle with something as simple as opening the door to go get the mail was heartbreaking. Jesse was a nice counterpoint to Caden’s character and even when he knew it wouldn’t be easy, he still wanted to try and help Caden heal.
The best part of the book for me was watching as Caden started trying harder to fix himself; when he decided that opening up about what happened to him was necessary to try and help other people he cared about, it was like watching a huge wall come down.
The overall pacing was good but I was left a little unfulfilled with parts of the story itself. There isn’t any resolution with the people that hurt Caden and you never find out what happens with his brother-in-law either. It was a nice story about healing, however, and I did enjoy it, just not as much as I expected to.
December 13, 2015
Jesse is a cop who lives across the street from Tomas who is his new neighbor. He has taken a interest in him due to a attraction he has for him but also because Tomas is such a recluse who never leaves his house which leaves Jesse wondering what is going on with Tomas.
Something horrible happened to Tomas which causes him to move to a new house which he can not leave due to his fear that keeps him inside after what happened to him. He notices his neighbor Jesse but is afraid at the same time so he keeps to himself until Jesse comes knocking at his door with his lost dog.
I felt so bad for Tomas but I was also glad he found Jesse who helps him slowly break out of his shell and helps him with his fear of pretty much everything. Which I do not blame Tomas at all for having those feelings after what had happened to him.
Also this is a warning when you read what happened to Tomas it might be hard for some read to read.. I know I had a hard time reading it. It was honestly just so sad and horrible that happened to him.
I really loved the way this author handled this story and the way she wrote these two characters!
You do get your angst with this book and steam between these two men too! You also meet a few different characters which some you will like. Like Tomas's sister and her family. Then there were some of Jesse's co-workers you will end up not liking at all.
All together I really loved this story!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
Something horrible happened to Tomas which causes him to move to a new house which he can not leave due to his fear that keeps him inside after what happened to him. He notices his neighbor Jesse but is afraid at the same time so he keeps to himself until Jesse comes knocking at his door with his lost dog.
I felt so bad for Tomas but I was also glad he found Jesse who helps him slowly break out of his shell and helps him with his fear of pretty much everything. Which I do not blame Tomas at all for having those feelings after what had happened to him.
Also this is a warning when you read what happened to Tomas it might be hard for some read to read.. I know I had a hard time reading it. It was honestly just so sad and horrible that happened to him.
I really loved the way this author handled this story and the way she wrote these two characters!
You do get your angst with this book and steam between these two men too! You also meet a few different characters which some you will like. Like Tomas's sister and her family. Then there were some of Jesse's co-workers you will end up not liking at all.
All together I really loved this story!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
April 7, 2013
After living through a brutal attack, Caden wanted nothing more than to move past what had happened to him. But sometimes wanting to do something and actually being able to do it are two completely different things. Scarred by what happened to him, unable to even walk out of the house without worry plagues him every day.
Jesse wanted nothing more than to belong, even if he had to hide half of himself from everyone else. Something about Caden called to him, to where he went almost “stalkerish” by watching Caden go through the process of checking his mail every day. Sometimes it takes an act of a person to set things in motion, in Jesse and Caden’s case; it was the act of a dog.
The compassion and concern that Jesse had for Caden, show that even a complete stranger, might be able to help you move past something that you had let take over your life. Sometimes its the simple walk to the mailbox that will brighten up your day.
While I was reading this book, it almost brought me to tears reading what had happened to Caden, what he had to go through. It was amazing the strength that Jesse showed to Caden during the process of helping him to heal and move past what had happened to him. The love between both of the men in this novel, makes you wish that you had a love like that in your life.
Jesse wanted nothing more than to belong, even if he had to hide half of himself from everyone else. Something about Caden called to him, to where he went almost “stalkerish” by watching Caden go through the process of checking his mail every day. Sometimes it takes an act of a person to set things in motion, in Jesse and Caden’s case; it was the act of a dog.
The compassion and concern that Jesse had for Caden, show that even a complete stranger, might be able to help you move past something that you had let take over your life. Sometimes its the simple walk to the mailbox that will brighten up your day.
While I was reading this book, it almost brought me to tears reading what had happened to Caden, what he had to go through. It was amazing the strength that Jesse showed to Caden during the process of helping him to heal and move past what had happened to him. The love between both of the men in this novel, makes you wish that you had a love like that in your life.
November 27, 2014
2014 Re-read:
Very sweet story. Maybe a little too much sex. However it did not really overtake the romance, I think.
And yes, maybe things got fixed too easily – but none of the fixes were actually that easy, complete or quick.
So I’ll consider this a pretty solid book. So much better than my last experience with the author.
I should re-read more of her older stuff.
2011 Review:
This was a good book, no doubt. The writing was solid and except for the very end there were no copy-editing errors I spotted.
The premise was also something I am very interested in and it started off great although later I would have liked more focus on the mental issues aspect of the story than was provided. Really, overall that part seemed to fizzle away and even its resolution just kinda happened in the background.
Still, I enjoyed it and I want more by this author. The characters were likeable and dimensional, the sex scenes done well, and there were some depths to the supporting cast in that they had their own issues that might have made for a book of its own but was just grazed here. Not that the supporting cast was all that big, mind you.
Plus the title is awesome.
Very sweet story. Maybe a little too much sex. However it did not really overtake the romance, I think.
And yes, maybe things got fixed too easily – but none of the fixes were actually that easy, complete or quick.
So I’ll consider this a pretty solid book. So much better than my last experience with the author.
I should re-read more of her older stuff.
2011 Review:
This was a good book, no doubt. The writing was solid and except for the very end there were no copy-editing errors I spotted.
The premise was also something I am very interested in and it started off great although later I would have liked more focus on the mental issues aspect of the story than was provided. Really, overall that part seemed to fizzle away and even its resolution just kinda happened in the background.
Still, I enjoyed it and I want more by this author. The characters were likeable and dimensional, the sex scenes done well, and there were some depths to the supporting cast in that they had their own issues that might have made for a book of its own but was just grazed here. Not that the supporting cast was all that big, mind you.
Plus the title is awesome.
May 26, 2016
This book skirts the surface of being really fantastic. The problem was it didn't go deep enough. A lot of potential issues got introduced and then handily passed off or easily disappeared. The solution was just too simple and didn't give either of these guys enough credit. I wanted for them to kick butt and take names and see all the gritty details as they worked things out and triumphed over all adversity. And while these guys triumphed it was a bit more slight of hand by the author than nit and gritty butt kicking for me.
Still I really liked Caleb and Jesse together. I liked the care that Jesse took with Caleb and his issues. He was respectful and patient as they got to know each other. I enjoyed Caleb's sister and how she handled things with herself and in her relationship with Caleb. Of course the connection between Caleb and Jesse made for some awesome smexy times. :)
I just wanted things to go deeper and give me more of the feels. I really enjoyed this book but it doesn't quite make it on to my favorites shelf.
Still I really liked Caleb and Jesse together. I liked the care that Jesse took with Caleb and his issues. He was respectful and patient as they got to know each other. I enjoyed Caleb's sister and how she handled things with herself and in her relationship with Caleb. Of course the connection between Caleb and Jesse made for some awesome smexy times. :)
I just wanted things to go deeper and give me more of the feels. I really enjoyed this book but it doesn't quite make it on to my favorites shelf.
January 18, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a sweet story which deals with some big issues for two wary individuals. It has a winning combination of leads - sexy cop and quiet, sensitive injured guy who moves in across the road. Their courtship is seriously extended because of Caleb's fears, but Jesse is a man on a mission. I do recommend that you take note of the comments regarding time passing - as sometimes things seem to happen far too quickly, but in fact a few weeks have passed. I would have found a new chapter would have helped cement that in my mind. Similarly the pov changes mid chapter which I found confusing - especially as both these guys like to take the lead at times.
I enjoyed the story, and the mix of hot, fun, deep and meaningful made for a good read overall.
This is a sweet story which deals with some big issues for two wary individuals. It has a winning combination of leads - sexy cop and quiet, sensitive injured guy who moves in across the road. Their courtship is seriously extended because of Caleb's fears, but Jesse is a man on a mission. I do recommend that you take note of the comments regarding time passing - as sometimes things seem to happen far too quickly, but in fact a few weeks have passed. I would have found a new chapter would have helped cement that in my mind. Similarly the pov changes mid chapter which I found confusing - especially as both these guys like to take the lead at times.
I enjoyed the story, and the mix of hot, fun, deep and meaningful made for a good read overall.
September 17, 2012
3.5 stars. While I did enjoy this story, I was expecting some more from it which I really can't explain. There were parts which seemed to be rushed and after the build up, I expected something different to explain what happened to Jesse. However, I did love Jesse and Caden and love Caden's patience with Jesse.
October 29, 2012
I read this book quickly, so that suggests that I liked it, and I did. It wasn't an amazing story, but I enjoyed it.
Set in a small town, it showed some of the problems gay men still face with bigots. I liked both characters, who were very different from each other.
Some problems were resolved far too easily, and the ending was a bit rushed, but I still enjoyed this.
Set in a small town, it showed some of the problems gay men still face with bigots. I liked both characters, who were very different from each other.
Some problems were resolved far too easily, and the ending was a bit rushed, but I still enjoyed this.
July 6, 2018
3.5 ⭐️
I was a bit irked that the name of one the MC was Caleb and then it was Caden - edit your blurbs please. The story on the whole was good, wish it had gone more into Caden’s recovery and we were able to see him leave the house. Also would have like to had more of a confrontation between Jesse and Monroe, and have karma bite Monroe’s ass. Sex was hot and there was plenty of it. Loved the live wire of a dog, toward the end I wondered what happened to the cat, but other things were more important.
I was a bit irked that the name of one the MC was Caleb and then it was Caden - edit your blurbs please. The story on the whole was good, wish it had gone more into Caden’s recovery and we were able to see him leave the house. Also would have like to had more of a confrontation between Jesse and Monroe, and have karma bite Monroe’s ass. Sex was hot and there was plenty of it. Loved the live wire of a dog, toward the end I wondered what happened to the cat, but other things were more important.
February 25, 2020
// The premise was nonsensical, sensationalistic, and flaky; the side-plot was full of holes and incredibly under-developed; and the ending was unsatisfactory, full of unresolved plot points, and absolute garbage!!
This author invest a lot in the nonsense that dominated 99% and clearly couldn't give a rat's ass about a proper ending!! All in all, this was half-assed and just BAD!!! Plus, there were quite a few typos!! Quality clearly doesn't matter to this author and I will not be reading her work again!!!
This author invest a lot in the nonsense that dominated 99% and clearly couldn't give a rat's ass about a proper ending!! All in all, this was half-assed and just BAD!!! Plus, there were quite a few typos!! Quality clearly doesn't matter to this author and I will not be reading her work again!!!
May 10, 2017
Average reading.
May 15, 2017
Liked the first half. After that there was nothing new. Hate the typical nosy bitchy female characters. Do not like the conflicts if they can be so magically resolved.
November 10, 2024
An entertaining read. I enjoyed the MC's and their story.
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