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caseroo7's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I was really excited to read On Solid Ground by Melissa Collins after having read a few of her previous books. She always writes such emotional and heartfelt stories and I couldn't wait to get to know these characters better after reading the blurb. This book was everything that I was hoping for, and I really enjoyed reading about Beckett and Dax.
Having just returned from war, Jacob "Dax" Daxton is struggling with what comes next. He doesn't know what he wants to do or where he belongs, so when his best friend Chloe offers for him to move in with her he takes her up on it. Shortly after moving, Dax goes to get a tattoo and meets the sexy bearded tattoo artist Beckett Ridge, and they both feel an instant pull to one another. Both Dax and Beck are both dealing with new circumstances to their lives and know that a relationship is a bad idea with everything going on, yet they find themselves unable to stay away from one another. As they both deal with their pasts as well as their present obstacles, can they find a way to let each other in and have a chance at a future together?
I loved Dax and Beck. Beck was sexy and loyal, and I loved how absolutely caring and sweet he was. He took care of his family first and always made sure that he did what he could to provide for them and give them everything possible. He was so loving with his sister and niece, and he immediately took to Dax the same way. He was supportive and encouraging, and the only one who could calm Dax when he was having an attack. Dax was struggling with so much, and yet he was so open to possibility and the chance at a future that he never predicted. I loved seeing him let not only Beck in, but also Beck's niece Violet. Dax and Violet had such a great connection, and they were beyond adorable. I also really loved his love and connection with his service dog Tonka. He wasn't afraid to take help when needed, and I was so glad that he could lean on those around him. Dax and Beck had great chemistry, and I could see the attraction between them. But what was so great about these two to me was the fact that they were healing each other and building more than just a relationship. They were building a family and a support system that is so rare. These two brought so many people together and were proof that family goes beyond blood.
Overall, I really loved these two and their story is one that will stick with me. I did get a little frustrated that Beck tried to push Dax away several times, but luckily Dax wasn't having it! He never let Beck walk away, and was always there to show him what they had together. I will say that I have come to know and expect that a Melissa Collins book will run me through an emotional wringer. On Solid Ground was no exception, and this one had me experiencing all the feels. But that is exactly why I love Melissa's books so much, and why they always stick with me. I was instantly invested in Dax and Beck's story, and I loved every minute of their journey even if it was making me laugh or making me cry. If you are a fan of Melissa Collins or Male/Male books, then I definitely recommend reading On Solid Ground. If you are new to the author or genre, I think this is a great book to give a shot. I look forward to seeing what else Melissa Collins comes up with in the future.
**ARC Provided by Author**
I was really excited to read On Solid Ground by Melissa Collins after having read a few of her previous books. She always writes such emotional and heartfelt stories and I couldn't wait to get to know these characters better after reading the blurb. This book was everything that I was hoping for, and I really enjoyed reading about Beckett and Dax.
Having just returned from war, Jacob "Dax" Daxton is struggling with what comes next. He doesn't know what he wants to do or where he belongs, so when his best friend Chloe offers for him to move in with her he takes her up on it. Shortly after moving, Dax goes to get a tattoo and meets the sexy bearded tattoo artist Beckett Ridge, and they both feel an instant pull to one another. Both Dax and Beck are both dealing with new circumstances to their lives and know that a relationship is a bad idea with everything going on, yet they find themselves unable to stay away from one another. As they both deal with their pasts as well as their present obstacles, can they find a way to let each other in and have a chance at a future together?
I loved Dax and Beck. Beck was sexy and loyal, and I loved how absolutely caring and sweet he was. He took care of his family first and always made sure that he did what he could to provide for them and give them everything possible. He was so loving with his sister and niece, and he immediately took to Dax the same way. He was supportive and encouraging, and the only one who could calm Dax when he was having an attack. Dax was struggling with so much, and yet he was so open to possibility and the chance at a future that he never predicted. I loved seeing him let not only Beck in, but also Beck's niece Violet. Dax and Violet had such a great connection, and they were beyond adorable. I also really loved his love and connection with his service dog Tonka. He wasn't afraid to take help when needed, and I was so glad that he could lean on those around him. Dax and Beck had great chemistry, and I could see the attraction between them. But what was so great about these two to me was the fact that they were healing each other and building more than just a relationship. They were building a family and a support system that is so rare. These two brought so many people together and were proof that family goes beyond blood.
Overall, I really loved these two and their story is one that will stick with me. I did get a little frustrated that Beck tried to push Dax away several times, but luckily Dax wasn't having it! He never let Beck walk away, and was always there to show him what they had together. I will say that I have come to know and expect that a Melissa Collins book will run me through an emotional wringer. On Solid Ground was no exception, and this one had me experiencing all the feels. But that is exactly why I love Melissa's books so much, and why they always stick with me. I was instantly invested in Dax and Beck's story, and I loved every minute of their journey even if it was making me laugh or making me cry. If you are a fan of Melissa Collins or Male/Male books, then I definitely recommend reading On Solid Ground. If you are new to the author or genre, I think this is a great book to give a shot. I look forward to seeing what else Melissa Collins comes up with in the future.
**ARC Provided by Author**
kate_and_books's review
5.0
This book is amazing. From the characters, to their development and how they deal with the things they experience together as well as apart. I laughed and I cried and am sad to say that it is over. I will read more books by Ms. Collins.
bookish_notes's review against another edition
1.0
I just feel really betrayed. Even the cover is a lie. One of the characters is supposed to be covered in tattoos, and yet the cover already should have told me everything I needed to know about this book. On Solid Ground started out really well. I was totally on board with Dax and Beckett, but around the halfway mark, the story started to unravel. Or maybe I just thought the story would be one thing, and then it just took a very different turn from what I was expecting.
Dax has just come home from war and he has PTSD. He moves in with his friend in California, and wants to get a tattoo to memorialize his friend who died during the war. One of the tattoo shop owners, Beckett, instantly finds Dax attractive.
I guess this book has elements of insta-love? Maybe that's my main issue. There's really nothing gradual about their relationship. One minute they're making eyes at each other across the tattoo shop, and the next, they're declaring their love for one another. Also, I'm an annoying stickler for timelines. And the first three-quarters of the story seemingly takes place over a week. EXCEPT. It's revealed that six weeks have passed. SIX. I don't even know where that number came from, to be honest. The beginning of this book was fine. It was honestly fun to read at first. To help him with his PTSD, Dax got assigned a service dog, and it's cute. But the part that starts unraveling the story, for me at least, is with the introduction to Beckett's four-year-old niece, Violet.
The story behind Violet is that she was taken into Child Protective Services after her mother (Beckett's younger sister) was arrested and placed into rehab. He fought for that darling girl and got to take custody of her. I love Violet. I think she's adorable. However, this goes back to the unknown timeline issue. It's like Dax and Beckett have only known each other for less than a week, they've gone on one date together (in which, Dax has an a panic attack at the bar and knees Beckett's friend in the stomach), and SUDDENLY...Beckett just leaves Violet in Dax's care.
I'm glad this book is told in dual first-person perspectives, because this could have gone very wrong, very quickly. No one would just give over a child to someone they barely know. What if Dax was a pedophile, or a serial killer? Like, Beckett wouldn't know. It's a good thing Dax is a lovable character, because this storyline could have turned very dark. Also, wouldn't CPS do checks on houses every so often in a scenario like this one? Even in temporary custody cases, or if he actually did gain full custody (it's unclear), wouldn't CPS be investigating Beckett's home life to determine if it's the best for Violet?
Anyways. That's all just a small part of what I had issues with in this book. The second half of this book just completely lost me as a reader. It's like too much was packed into one book, and the relationship never really got a chance to develop in any way. People were dying left and right, the constant flashback scenes started to be a bit annoying, and the ending just felt abrupt.
At the moment, I'm not going to read the second book. It's about Dax and Beckett again, and I feel like they've gotten their HEA in this book. I had initially started this book, because I had gotten a sample of book three that caught by eye, but now? I think I'll have to really consider if I want to read that book or not after getting so burned by this one. On Solid Ground had great potential, but the story just wasn't for me.
Dax has just come home from war and he has PTSD. He moves in with his friend in California, and wants to get a tattoo to memorialize his friend who died during the war. One of the tattoo shop owners, Beckett, instantly finds Dax attractive.
I guess this book has elements of insta-love? Maybe that's my main issue. There's really nothing gradual about their relationship. One minute they're making eyes at each other across the tattoo shop, and the next, they're declaring their love for one another. Also, I'm an annoying stickler for timelines. And the first three-quarters of the story seemingly takes place over a week. EXCEPT. It's revealed that six weeks have passed. SIX. I don't even know where that number came from, to be honest. The beginning of this book was fine. It was honestly fun to read at first. To help him with his PTSD, Dax got assigned a service dog, and it's cute. But the part that starts unraveling the story, for me at least, is with the introduction to Beckett's four-year-old niece, Violet.
The story behind Violet is that she was taken into Child Protective Services after her mother (Beckett's younger sister) was arrested and placed into rehab. He fought for that darling girl and got to take custody of her. I love Violet. I think she's adorable. However, this goes back to the unknown timeline issue. It's like Dax and Beckett have only known each other for less than a week, they've gone on one date together (in which, Dax has an a panic attack at the bar and knees Beckett's friend in the stomach), and SUDDENLY...Beckett just leaves Violet in Dax's care.
I'm glad this book is told in dual first-person perspectives, because this could have gone very wrong, very quickly. No one would just give over a child to someone they barely know. What if Dax was a pedophile, or a serial killer? Like, Beckett wouldn't know. It's a good thing Dax is a lovable character, because this storyline could have turned very dark. Also, wouldn't CPS do checks on houses every so often in a scenario like this one? Even in temporary custody cases, or if he actually did gain full custody (it's unclear), wouldn't CPS be investigating Beckett's home life to determine if it's the best for Violet?
Anyways. That's all just a small part of what I had issues with in this book. The second half of this book just completely lost me as a reader. It's like too much was packed into one book, and the relationship never really got a chance to develop in any way. People were dying left and right, the constant flashback scenes started to be a bit annoying, and the ending just felt abrupt.
At the moment, I'm not going to read the second book. It's about Dax and Beckett again, and I feel like they've gotten their HEA in this book. I had initially started this book, because I had gotten a sample of book three that caught by eye, but now? I think I'll have to really consider if I want to read that book or not after getting so burned by this one. On Solid Ground had great potential, but the story just wasn't for me.
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars (or tissue boxes which is how i might start rating books)
so, this book will put you through the ringer a bit. lots of emotion right from the start and a lot of broken characters - not just the MC's.
we meet dax first. even though he's suffering from PTSD and is suffering severe panic attacks he doesn't seem suicidal which is really what i expected. he wants to recover and figure out what to do with himself now that he's home. he knows he doesn't want to stay with his parents, he's just not sure what to do next - especially since they are unaware of his sexuality. his relationship with his brother is strained at best. he really feels he only has 1 person in his life and that's his best friend chloe. he ends up in california with her...the ocean air and beach are soothing to him.
dax meets beck when decides he wants to get a tattoo. as we get to know beck, he appears to have it pretty together. we quickly find out that's not the case and he's dealt with a bunch of bad stuff. he's dealing with as much guilt as dax is but they appear to calm each other when together which surprises them both. he is convinced he doesn't need to start a relationship right now with all the stuff he's dealing with but neither one of them can deny what's going on.
there are so many ups and downs through this book that it feels like a roller coaster ride. just when you think everything is going to work out, something else happens. the chemistry between them is palpable but every time they get their footing to try make things work one of them takes a step back. there is a bit of heartache and growth for them to get their happy ending. there were a couple of surprises near the end - both of which will require the aforementioned tissues. however, the epilogue completely makes up for that.
overall, it was a beautiful story that i'm glad i picked up.
so, this book will put you through the ringer a bit. lots of emotion right from the start and a lot of broken characters - not just the MC's.
we meet dax first. even though he's suffering from PTSD and is suffering severe panic attacks he doesn't seem suicidal which is really what i expected. he wants to recover and figure out what to do with himself now that he's home. he knows he doesn't want to stay with his parents, he's just not sure what to do next - especially since they are unaware of his sexuality. his relationship with his brother is strained at best. he really feels he only has 1 person in his life and that's his best friend chloe. he ends up in california with her...the ocean air and beach are soothing to him.
dax meets beck when decides he wants to get a tattoo. as we get to know beck, he appears to have it pretty together. we quickly find out that's not the case and he's dealt with a bunch of bad stuff. he's dealing with as much guilt as dax is but they appear to calm each other when together which surprises them both. he is convinced he doesn't need to start a relationship right now with all the stuff he's dealing with but neither one of them can deny what's going on.
there are so many ups and downs through this book that it feels like a roller coaster ride. just when you think everything is going to work out, something else happens. the chemistry between them is palpable but every time they get their footing to try make things work one of them takes a step back. there is a bit of heartache and growth for them to get their happy ending. there were a couple of surprises near the end - both of which will require the aforementioned tissues. however, the epilogue completely makes up for that.
overall, it was a beautiful story that i'm glad i picked up.
chemwiz77's review against another edition
5.0
What a sweet sweet novel. Loved it. Couldn't put it down.
kara_hildebrand's review against another edition
5.0
***6 Stars***
This is the first book I've read by Melissa Collins and I am now a forever fan. It's no secret that I love m/m books, and when On Solid Ground came across my invite list, something about it called to me. These two characters were just screaming at me to read their story. So, I took a chance and I have to say this book is one of my favorites of the year. Loved. It. Hard. Loved it so much that when I was done reading it, I started it over again. I'm having a hard time letting go of these men and this incredible story. Dax is a soldier with PTSD and Beckett is a sexy tattoo artist. They meet by chance when Dax wants to get a tattoo of a fallen brother. There's just something about Dax that calls to Beck. He's strong, attractive and just a tad vulnerable. Dax is immediately drawn to Beck but neither one knows that the other is gay. Their mutual discovery of each other is funny, sexy and emotional. Dax has an anxiety attack and Beck seems to be able to calm him with just a touch. They both have pasts they want to hide and unless they can open up to each other they are going to lose their only chance at true love. Dax and Beck are both hot, sexy, funny and sensitive and they have burrowed into my heart. Melissa is a wonderful writer; this story is beautifully written with dark, light and hilarious parts. It's a wonderful love story that made me cry, laugh and cry some more. I'm so glad that I was introduced to this author. Do not miss this amazing story!
But, hell, while I have the chance, I might as well stare my fill. He's built, but not in that overly bulky way. More like he takes really good care of himself, without going over the top. His legs are long and lean, but still very muscular. I wonder what they would look like around my waist.
Such is the life of a modern gay man, I guess. Sometimes I feel unless a man is wearing assless chaps at a gay bar, there's no way to tell for certain he's gay. And even the assless chaps aren't always a dead giveaway.
From the first moment I met him, I was drawn to him on a physical level. I can't lie and say he hadn't been the fucking hottest man I'd laid my eyes - or my hands - on in quite some time.
"Hot tattoo man, huh? Not terribly creative, but I'll take it." Beck laughs. Leaning against my body, he whispers into my ear, "Don’t worry. Around here, they call you sexy soldier boy."
"I like the new stubble. Trying to our-grow me?"
I chuckle. "Are you accusing me of beard envy?"
"It's not an accusation if it's true."
This is the first book I've read by Melissa Collins and I am now a forever fan. It's no secret that I love m/m books, and when On Solid Ground came across my invite list, something about it called to me. These two characters were just screaming at me to read their story. So, I took a chance and I have to say this book is one of my favorites of the year. Loved. It. Hard. Loved it so much that when I was done reading it, I started it over again. I'm having a hard time letting go of these men and this incredible story. Dax is a soldier with PTSD and Beckett is a sexy tattoo artist. They meet by chance when Dax wants to get a tattoo of a fallen brother. There's just something about Dax that calls to Beck. He's strong, attractive and just a tad vulnerable. Dax is immediately drawn to Beck but neither one knows that the other is gay. Their mutual discovery of each other is funny, sexy and emotional. Dax has an anxiety attack and Beck seems to be able to calm him with just a touch. They both have pasts they want to hide and unless they can open up to each other they are going to lose their only chance at true love. Dax and Beck are both hot, sexy, funny and sensitive and they have burrowed into my heart. Melissa is a wonderful writer; this story is beautifully written with dark, light and hilarious parts. It's a wonderful love story that made me cry, laugh and cry some more. I'm so glad that I was introduced to this author. Do not miss this amazing story!
But, hell, while I have the chance, I might as well stare my fill. He's built, but not in that overly bulky way. More like he takes really good care of himself, without going over the top. His legs are long and lean, but still very muscular. I wonder what they would look like around my waist.
Such is the life of a modern gay man, I guess. Sometimes I feel unless a man is wearing assless chaps at a gay bar, there's no way to tell for certain he's gay. And even the assless chaps aren't always a dead giveaway.
From the first moment I met him, I was drawn to him on a physical level. I can't lie and say he hadn't been the fucking hottest man I'd laid my eyes - or my hands - on in quite some time.
"Hot tattoo man, huh? Not terribly creative, but I'll take it." Beck laughs. Leaning against my body, he whispers into my ear, "Don’t worry. Around here, they call you sexy soldier boy."
"I like the new stubble. Trying to our-grow me?"
I chuckle. "Are you accusing me of beard envy?"
"It's not an accusation if it's true."
jasminepnwgirl's review against another edition
4.0
*I received an ARC, in exchange for an honest review*
4.5/5 Stars!
I've loved Melissa's books since I first opened Let Love In (Yes, you should read that book/series too.)
At the beginning of Solid Ground you meet Dax, instantly you fall in love with this guy. I wanted to jump into the book and give him a big hug! What can I say, I LOVE HOT Military men! ;) Not long after you meet, Beckett! Okay, who does not love a HOT tattoo artist?!?!?
If you are a M/M virgin, I recommend starting with this book first. I say this because there are some extremely hot scenes!!! During those scenes, you can actually feel how much they care about each other!
4.5/5 Stars!
I've loved Melissa's books since I first opened Let Love In (Yes, you should read that book/series too.)
At the beginning of Solid Ground you meet Dax, instantly you fall in love with this guy. I wanted to jump into the book and give him a big hug! What can I say, I LOVE HOT Military men! ;) Not long after you meet, Beckett! Okay, who does not love a HOT tattoo artist?!?!?
If you are a M/M virgin, I recommend starting with this book first. I say this because there are some extremely hot scenes!!! During those scenes, you can actually feel how much they care about each other!
a___broad's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it. It's your standard hurt-comfort affair but it was enjoyable and characterizations of the main characters were solid. Unfortunately, the supporting cast wasn't as fully fleshed out as they could have been. Apart from Dax and Beck's near instant connection, the story felt a little hollow to me. There were also some minor plot holes and details that were overlooked but they weren't significant enough to detract from the story. Although it was determinedly angsty, it didn't necessarily pack the emotional wallop I was expecting. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad.
thebroadsheets's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it. It's your standard hurt-comfort affair but it was enjoyable and characterizations of the main characters were solid. Unfortunately, the supporting cast wasn't as fully fleshed out as they could have been. Apart from Dax and Beck's near instant connection, the story felt a little hollow to me. There were also some minor plot holes and details that were overlooked but they weren't significant enough to detract from the story. Although it was determinedly angsty, it didn't necessarily pack the emotional wallop I was expecting. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad.