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truthaurdare's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ccgwalt's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 for the story C+/B-
4 for the narration B
This is a nice story, but I found it a bit boring. When Julian is an ex-soldier wounded by a roadside bomb. He comes to Wyoming for the summer to help his cousin Shelby build a new store, where he becomes the catalyst for a whole lot of changes, for himself and those around him. Shelby and her ex-husband Cary (who came out as gay) still live in the same house in order to support their daughter, Ainsley, who has leukemia. Julian is at loose ends and since he is suffering with PTSD , decides some time away from Chicago might be a good idea. During his time in Wyoming, he and Cary begin to fall in love. I liked the characters and enjoyed the story, but felt some of the tensions were hand-waved away.
Ainsley is involved in therapy with an equine therapist to help with her anxiety issues. I enjoyed reading about it since I volunteer as an Equine Therapeutic Riding Center as a leader (I lead the horse during the lessons), and am working toward my certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH International. Most everything described about the therapy was spot-on. Unfortunately, I did have one big problem with the story. No certified equine therapist would pair an untrained horse with a participant. All the equines used in any therapy program have been to be evaluated for safe and suitability, even for ground activities. We do use a lot of rescue horses, but they have to be the right temperament and several months of schooling so they are not easily spooked
Also, there are no such things as miniature pigs that stay at 30 lbs. The smallest breeds are sometimes as small as 60lbs, but most miniature pigs range upwards of 150-200 lbs, which is, in fact, small for a pig!
Although it wasn't my favorite performance by him, Nick Russo is a reliable narrator who I always enjoy. His character voices are excellent as usual.
4 for the narration B
This is a nice story, but I found it a bit boring. When Julian is an ex-soldier wounded by a roadside bomb. He comes to Wyoming for the summer to help his cousin Shelby build a new store, where he becomes the catalyst for a whole lot of changes, for himself and those around him. Shelby and her ex-husband Cary (who came out as gay) still live in the same house in order to support their daughter, Ainsley, who has leukemia. Julian is at loose ends and since he is suffering with PTSD , decides some time away from Chicago might be a good idea. During his time in Wyoming, he and Cary begin to fall in love. I liked the characters and enjoyed the story, but felt some of the tensions were hand-waved away.
Ainsley is involved in therapy with an equine therapist to help with her anxiety issues. I enjoyed reading about it since I volunteer as an Equine Therapeutic Riding Center as a leader (I lead the horse during the lessons), and am working toward my certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH International. Most everything described about the therapy was spot-on. Unfortunately, I did have one big problem with the story. No certified equine therapist would pair an untrained horse with a participant. All the equines used in any therapy program have been to be evaluated for safe and suitability, even for ground activities. We do use a lot of rescue horses, but they have to be the right temperament and several months of schooling so they are not easily spooked
Also, there are no such things as miniature pigs that stay at 30 lbs. The smallest breeds are sometimes as small as 60lbs, but most miniature pigs range upwards of 150-200 lbs, which is, in fact, small for a pig!
Although it wasn't my favorite performance by him, Nick Russo is a reliable narrator who I always enjoy. His character voices are excellent as usual.
xanthe87's review against another edition
5.0
Christina Lee is such a wonderful writer when it comes to putting you in such a beautiful location. It's so easy to imagine where the story is set and the scenes that the characters look out on from the farm.
Julian and Kerry have a strong undercurrent of attraction running between them from the moment they reconnect as Julian visits the farm in Wyoming to help with some building work and give himself a quiet space to recuperate after being discharged due to injury from the army. Kerry has kept to himself since coming out and divorcing his wife, though they still live together on the farm with their daughter as they have dealt with her leukaemia diagnosis and treatment.
It's a slow burn as they first get to know each other before Kerry even knows Julian is bisexual. They both fight the attraction as both find it hard with Kerry's ex wife being Julian's cousin and then Kerry feeling the need to stand strong and alone for his family, not wanting to feel more guilt over his coming out. My heart hurt for both of them as you could see the possibilities and happiness that is there for them but they have to take it for themselves.
Another strong aspect of the book is the trauma that Julian experienced whilst serving overseas but also that Ainsley is dealing with with all of the treatment she had to have at such a young age. I love the bond that they share as they each become aware of an ally in their feelings and the equine therapy that is used to help Ainsley becomes a beacon of hope for Julian. It's really heartwarming to read how much he comes to appreciate what help it can offer, along with the peace of mind that the country has given him whilst staying at the farm.
Kerry's family live on the ranch next door but tensions are high with his father and one of his brothers. Alternately, Julian has the full support of his mum and sister.
Have Mercy is a very apt name with it being the name of an important being in the book as well as something that Julian and Kerry need to give themselves - Julian surviving a roadside bomb when other teammates didn't and Kerry being gay and hurting those he loves.
Another beautiful story from Christina Lee. I enjoyed all aspects of the plot, characters, relationships and setting. Ainsley and Mercy I think especially hold a special place with the what they've both been through and the affect that they have on those around them.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Julian and Kerry have a strong undercurrent of attraction running between them from the moment they reconnect as Julian visits the farm in Wyoming to help with some building work and give himself a quiet space to recuperate after being discharged due to injury from the army. Kerry has kept to himself since coming out and divorcing his wife, though they still live together on the farm with their daughter as they have dealt with her leukaemia diagnosis and treatment.
It's a slow burn as they first get to know each other before Kerry even knows Julian is bisexual. They both fight the attraction as both find it hard with Kerry's ex wife being Julian's cousin and then Kerry feeling the need to stand strong and alone for his family, not wanting to feel more guilt over his coming out. My heart hurt for both of them as you could see the possibilities and happiness that is there for them but they have to take it for themselves.
Another strong aspect of the book is the trauma that Julian experienced whilst serving overseas but also that Ainsley is dealing with with all of the treatment she had to have at such a young age. I love the bond that they share as they each become aware of an ally in their feelings and the equine therapy that is used to help Ainsley becomes a beacon of hope for Julian. It's really heartwarming to read how much he comes to appreciate what help it can offer, along with the peace of mind that the country has given him whilst staying at the farm.
Kerry's family live on the ranch next door but tensions are high with his father and one of his brothers. Alternately, Julian has the full support of his mum and sister.
Have Mercy is a very apt name with it being the name of an important being in the book as well as something that Julian and Kerry need to give themselves - Julian surviving a roadside bomb when other teammates didn't and Kerry being gay and hurting those he loves.
Another beautiful story from Christina Lee. I enjoyed all aspects of the plot, characters, relationships and setting. Ainsley and Mercy I think especially hold a special place with the what they've both been through and the affect that they have on those around them.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
tragicgloom's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Outing, Grief, War, Death, and Death of parent
abhidnya's review against another edition
4.0
this was a really pretty story. fairly low angst and even got me to tear up a couple of times.
catbandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars all the way!!
"I'm here for as long as you'll have me."
"Let's start with always."
This. Book! Ugh, I didn't expect to love it as much as I did but it really pulled at my heartstrings, especially in those last fifty-odd pages! This book features a killer slow-burn romance, so if you're into that trope, I would 100% recommend that you read this.
We have Julian who served in the military for five years and on two tours in Afghanistan before he was honourably discharged after a roadside bomb killed two men in his squad and severely injured him. Now, he's headed off from the city lights of NYC to quiet Wyoming to help out his cousin, Sienna, on her farm - alongside her ex-husband, Kerry, who came out as gay a few years back. (Now on the topic of Kerry - can we please discuss how this man deserves everything in life?? Honestly, what a sweetheart.) While Julian and Kerry can acknowledge their attraction for one another, acting on it is a completely different story when you're faced with the conservative people of Wyoming, and the fact that Kerry and Sienna still live and run a business together, and remain friends to support their daughter who was diagnosed with leukemia and is now in remission.
Honestly, you have nothing to lose by picking up this book, and you've got one sweet as hell romance to add to your collection!
*cue chanting* do it. do it. do it. do it.
"I'm here for as long as you'll have me."
"Let's start with always."
This. Book! Ugh, I didn't expect to love it as much as I did but it really pulled at my heartstrings, especially in those last fifty-odd pages! This book features a killer slow-burn romance, so if you're into that trope, I would 100% recommend that you read this.
We have Julian who served in the military for five years and on two tours in Afghanistan before he was honourably discharged after a roadside bomb killed two men in his squad and severely injured him. Now, he's headed off from the city lights of NYC to quiet Wyoming to help out his cousin, Sienna, on her farm - alongside her ex-husband, Kerry, who came out as gay a few years back. (Now on the topic of Kerry - can we please discuss how this man deserves everything in life?? Honestly, what a sweetheart.) While Julian and Kerry can acknowledge their attraction for one another, acting on it is a completely different story when you're faced with the conservative people of Wyoming, and the fact that Kerry and Sienna still live and run a business together, and remain friends to support their daughter who was diagnosed with leukemia and is now in remission.
Honestly, you have nothing to lose by picking up this book, and you've got one sweet as hell romance to add to your collection!
*cue chanting* do it. do it. do it. do it.
kcsunshine25's review
4.0
Christina Lee writes the sweetest, loveliest characters.
Kerry Carmichael is the strong, quiet cowboy who worships his daughter Ainsley and will do everything for her even if that means putting his life on hold. His family don’t understand his sexuality.
Ex-soldier, Julian North, visits Firefly Farm to help his cousin Sienna and doesn’t expect to fall for her former husband Kerry or their rescue horse Have Mercy.
A pair of happy pigs, goats, cows and chickens and I want to go to Firefly Farm too.
It’s a beautiful love story between two men who deserve every happiness.
Kerry Carmichael is the strong, quiet cowboy who worships his daughter Ainsley and will do everything for her even if that means putting his life on hold. His family don’t understand his sexuality.
Ex-soldier, Julian North, visits Firefly Farm to help his cousin Sienna and doesn’t expect to fall for her former husband Kerry or their rescue horse Have Mercy.
A pair of happy pigs, goats, cows and chickens and I want to go to Firefly Farm too.
It’s a beautiful love story between two men who deserve every happiness.
mwlgal's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely story. Slow burn. Moderate angst. Deep emotions. Raw PTSD. Highly recommended. Both MCs broken and they find one another to support and help with slow healing.
capolicanig's review
3.0
3.75, probably. Very hard to rate, but lovely story. The history between both MCs is what kinda creeps me out, but other than that, sweet and well written