The Backlot Gay Book Forum discussion

End of the Trail opens with city-boy turned farmer Will coming across a wounded man in one of his far paddocks and takes him home to be nursed by his wife. From there, the story skips forwards to Will struggling to keep his farm going by himself whilst healing from a debilitating injury; he’s now a widower and his son has taken by his wife’s relatives back to the city for further education. John Anderson thus comes back into Will’s life and does far more than just help out around the place … a slow attraction building between the two, confusing the hell out of Will (I didn’t get a gay-for-you vibe from the reading but other readers may disagree).

The problem is that John has a past he doesn’t really want Will to find out about. The two flawed men discover how much they need and come to rely upon each other through the months of working and living together and almost despite themselves; their relationship takes a surprising turn, adding yet another facet they have to hide from the prying eyes of the pioneer townsfolk. To Elliot’s credit – the physical development of the MC’s relationship evolves ever so subtly and realistically – that I had no trouble believing it could happen for them.

Enemies from John’s past return to haunt the men and a neighbouring rancher with greedy eyes on Will’s farm begin to stir up problems for our protagonists – who really just want to be left alone in peace. Can Will accept John’s past or trust John’s explanations for those deeds? Will John have to delve back into his gun-toting skills to keep the present safe and secure for himself and his man? And will the true nature of their relationship cause them to lose everything they’ve struggled to build together (including Will’s son)?

The author builds a very strong sense of place and time. The MCs are sufficiently flawed and yet resilient – I found myself cheering them on in their many struggles to hold onto each other as well as what they’ve built together. The plot was purposefully written and moved at decent pace, at no time was I bored or distracted. The resolution of the story, where they end up, was satisfying and believable; I enjoyed this novella very much indeed.

The slightly longer sequel, The Devil in Dead Horse takes place several years later. Will and John find themselves embroiled in outlaw politics and power-plays that have occurred back in that old township nearest Will’s old farm. A nasty nemesis from John’s past turns up and our two MCs have to reluctantly engage in a masterful game of cat-n-mouse to overthrow this baddie and his gang of outlaws.

Whilst the story focuses more on the rescue mission and good vs evil action, further development and insight into Will and John’s relationship is also provided for. Elliot brings forth a cast of new characters (good and bad guys) as well as a few old ones/friends from the first book. As the action builds to a showdown shoot-out finale, I got quite anxious for Will and John to somehow survive the decimating dueling process at play; at a time and place in US history where the power of the gun becomes the ultimate law.

For me, these two novellas together provided an thoroughly entertaining gay western read (with some romance and M-M lovin' action thrown in).

oh! I am just finding this post now. I actually read the End of the Trail a few weeks back and really liked it a LOT. I did not know there was a sequel so I am going to go ahead and add it to my TBR list and read very soon! Thanks for the heads up Papermoon!