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c_marie226's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
papercranestitches's review
3.0
It's been a year and a half since I finished Book 2 in L.C. Chase's Pickup Men series. I really enjoyed the writing and the characters and the smexy love scenes in [b:Let it Ride|22036464|Let it Ride (Pickup Men, #2)|L.C. Chase|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1399173284s/22036464.jpg|41262963] (far more than I enjoyed the plot and characters in Book 1, quite frankly), but once I learned that Scott Gillard was going to be the main character in Pulling Leather, I was turned way, way off this series.
So much so that I honestly didn't plan on ever reading this book; I was just going to let this series sit unfinished on my TBR shelf until I finally got so sick of seeing it there that I deleted it in a fit of pique. For those of you that know me and my Type A soul, you'll understand that this would have caused me physical pain to do so, but...
Scott Gillard?
I just couldn't.
In case you've forgotten, Scott was the self-loathing leader of the homophobic asshole brigade in Pickup Men. He was the guy that hurled insults like this gem:
“Christ,” Scott bit out. “That fucking sissy and his fag stags are here. Ought to be a fucking law to keep them out.”
And this one:
“Oh, I get it.” His tone was low and menacing. “You got a thing for that yellow-bellied faggot.”
And then
This weekend, in a moment of weakness, I decided to give finishing this series one last shot. I would read a few pages and if I still found Scott irredeemable, then I'd toss the book and delete it from my TBR file guilt free.
But as I started to read Pulling Leather - a book told from Scott's perspective - his recollection of two years ago didn't jive with my angry memories of Book 1. I had to go back and read the relevant scenes to see if the author had pulled a fast one on me or if she had just realized how totally morally bankrupt and unlikable her character was and changed the narrative - established facts from the previous book be damned.
Turns out it was the first one and what I thought I knew had happened in Book 1 hadn't actually happened (kudos, Ms. Chase, you got me!). Scott was still a self-hating homophobic prick that had done and said horrendous stuff in the past, but he hadn't crossed the line of no return - at least as far as I am concerned (other readers may feel differently). Knowing this made reading this book and rooting for his redemption much easier.
In the end, Ms. Chase managed to make me feel sympathy towards a character I never expected to elicit that sort of response from me. This made me like the book. But the book had no sex, a cheesy and completely out of character grand gesture at the end, and a fairly realistic but less than satisfying 'HEA.' So, the book was good, but it wasn't great.
So much so that I honestly didn't plan on ever reading this book; I was just going to let this series sit unfinished on my TBR shelf until I finally got so sick of seeing it there that I deleted it in a fit of pique. For those of you that know me and my Type A soul, you'll understand that this would have caused me physical pain to do so, but...
Scott Gillard?
I just couldn't.
In case you've forgotten, Scott was the self-loathing leader of the homophobic asshole brigade in Pickup Men. He was the guy that hurled insults like this gem:
“Christ,” Scott bit out. “That fucking sissy and his fag stags are here. Ought to be a fucking law to keep them out.”
And this one:
“Oh, I get it.” His tone was low and menacing. “You got a thing for that yellow-bellied faggot.”
And then
Spoiler
Tripp - his friend, mind you - came out out of the closet and immediately went missing. He showed up a few days later beaten to shit and clinging to life in a nearby hospital and Scott was on the scene acting aggressive and shifty as fuck. I drew the conclusions that Chase wanted me to - and I hated Scott's guts. This man had crossed a line that there was no coming back from. His character was irredeemable and I wanted no part in reading about his happily ever after.This weekend, in a moment of weakness, I decided to give finishing this series one last shot. I would read a few pages and if I still found Scott irredeemable, then I'd toss the book and delete it from my TBR file guilt free.
But as I started to read Pulling Leather - a book told from Scott's perspective - his recollection of two years ago didn't jive with my angry memories of Book 1. I had to go back and read the relevant scenes to see if the author had pulled a fast one on me or if she had just realized how totally morally bankrupt and unlikable her character was and changed the narrative - established facts from the previous book be damned.
Turns out it was the first one and what I thought I knew had happened in Book 1 hadn't actually happened (kudos, Ms. Chase, you got me!). Scott was still a self-hating homophobic prick that had done and said horrendous stuff in the past, but he hadn't crossed the line of no return - at least as far as I am concerned (other readers may feel differently). Knowing this made reading this book and rooting for his redemption much easier.
In the end, Ms. Chase managed to make me feel sympathy towards a character I never expected to elicit that sort of response from me. This made me like the book. But the book had no sex, a cheesy and completely out of character grand gesture at the end, and a fairly realistic but less than satisfying 'HEA.' So, the book was good, but it wasn't great.
aligroen's review
5.0
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Audiobook Review:
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The toughest ride of his life is all in his head.
Bull rider Scott Gillard has a reputation for quick fists and harsh words. What no one knows is where that anger comes from. After a shocking incident sends him into a tailspin, he knows he needs help: he’s been fighting a battle he could never win. Now he’s trying to navigate a new life and embrace his true self, but some days are easier than others.
Pickup man Cory Ackerson has suffered his share of harassment, but his light still burns bright. He doesn’t let anything or anyone keep him down, so when he meets the rugged cowboy with a battered chip on his shoulder and regret in his dark eyes, all he wants to do is help.
As their unlikely friendship grows into something deeper, Scott must overcome his past to be the man Cory deserves, or lose his best chance at his own happily ever after.
This was a great story. Scott has been so conflicted throughout his life by what happened when he was a kid with his parents and then how it followed him into adulthood. Cory has never been ashamed of who he is and is more than willing to give Scott the chance to prove that he isn’t what he used to be.
Their relationship starts slowly and Cory really gives Scott the opportunity to get comfortable in his own skin for the most part. I could just feel how Scott was struggling during the book and the acceptance he was looking for from those around him.
This is the first audiobook I have ever listened to. I had read the other books in the series and had this one sitting around awhile and figured this would be a great chance to actually get to the book. I loved being able to listen to the story while at work and around the house. The narrator did a great job of showing the characters personalities during his reading and just added to the story with the different voices he used.
Cover art by LC Chase is great and I wouldn’t do anything different.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The toughest ride of his life is all in his head.
Bull rider Scott Gillard has a reputation for quick fists and harsh words. What no one knows is where that anger comes from. After a shocking incident sends him into a tailspin, he knows he needs help: he’s been fighting a battle he could never win. Now he’s trying to navigate a new life and embrace his true self, but some days are easier than others.
Pickup man Cory Ackerson has suffered his share of harassment, but his light still burns bright. He doesn’t let anything or anyone keep him down, so when he meets the rugged cowboy with a battered chip on his shoulder and regret in his dark eyes, all he wants to do is help.
As their unlikely friendship grows into something deeper, Scott must overcome his past to be the man Cory deserves, or lose his best chance at his own happily ever after.
This was a great story. Scott has been so conflicted throughout his life by what happened when he was a kid with his parents and then how it followed him into adulthood. Cory has never been ashamed of who he is and is more than willing to give Scott the chance to prove that he isn’t what he used to be.
Their relationship starts slowly and Cory really gives Scott the opportunity to get comfortable in his own skin for the most part. I could just feel how Scott was struggling during the book and the acceptance he was looking for from those around him.
This is the first audiobook I have ever listened to. I had read the other books in the series and had this one sitting around awhile and figured this would be a great chance to actually get to the book. I loved being able to listen to the story while at work and around the house. The narrator did a great job of showing the characters personalities during his reading and just added to the story with the different voices he used.
Cover art by LC Chase is great and I wouldn’t do anything different.
suze_1624's review
4.0
A fast paced read that was all warm fuzzy feelings for me.
I've enjoyed the Pick Up Men series and this has been a fairly good round off if it ends here.
Scott has been a so and so to the gay guys for years and had involvement in Tripp's attack.
His journey to self awareness has been long and hard and is still not easy. Adding Cory to the mix didn't help but Cory is such a ray of sunshine you have to love him.
We find out more of why he is how he has been and his reconnection with his dad is bittsweet at first.
Enjoyed this one, light and whilst not quite fluffy, certainly wasn't hard angsty reading.
3.75*
I've enjoyed the Pick Up Men series and this has been a fairly good round off if it ends here.
Scott has been a so and so to the gay guys for years and had involvement in Tripp's attack.
His journey to self awareness has been long and hard and is still not easy. Adding Cory to the mix didn't help but Cory is such a ray of sunshine you have to love him.
We find out more of why he is how he has been and his reconnection with his dad is bittsweet at first.
Enjoyed this one, light and whilst not quite fluffy, certainly wasn't hard angsty reading.
3.75*
thereadingbel's review
3.0
Scott Gilliard has spent his life denying the man he really is inside a gay man. Bull riding is his life and being a gruff, hard nosed cowboy, is the coat he wears on the rodeo circuit. In the aftermath of the indictment involving Trip, he has disappeared from the circuit. He's trying to get his life back in order, and understand the secrets he harbors.
Scott gets back into the circuit with the help of Trip. Scott is not prepared for the out and open Cory Ackerson. Cory is a sun in Scott's dark world. Cory is not about to let this somber, sad cowboy get away.
This is a tale of hate, loss, faith, redemption, and most of all love. I will not spoil the ending but I can imagine how tough it could be to be perceived as a tough guy riding bulls and at the same time being gay.
Scott gets back into the circuit with the help of Trip. Scott is not prepared for the out and open Cory Ackerson. Cory is a sun in Scott's dark world. Cory is not about to let this somber, sad cowboy get away.
This is a tale of hate, loss, faith, redemption, and most of all love. I will not spoil the ending but I can imagine how tough it could be to be perceived as a tough guy riding bulls and at the same time being gay.
regencyfan93's review
4.0
This got 4 stars when I read the ebook. I listened to the audiobook and give it 2 stars.
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
Our very own Jackie did an awesome review of the e-book for Pulling Leather, so this audiobook review is going to be an add-on to it.
I love the Pickup Men series! And I can’t decide whether it’s Pickup Men or Pulling Leather that is the winning favorite. I mean, you can’t read one without the other, but Pulling Leather exceeded my expectations in how Scott Gillard was going to redeem himself after being such an ass in book one.
Dorian Bane’s narration immediately pulled me into the world of rodeo cowboys, especially when Scott and Tripp were talking with each other and Tripp let it be known that he knew what Scott had done the night he was so badly beaten. I loved how Cory turned out to be the type of person who looks at both sides of a story, and was able to make his decision on how to judge a person instead of listening to all the gossip or hearsay. He made himself the type of person I would love to hang out with.
L.C. Chase and Dorian Bane have both pulled off telling a story that I really was engrossed in, and I was kind of sad yet happy when it ended. What can I say? I don’t like to let go of a book that’s captured my imagination with an unforgettable voice like Dorian Bane’s. I now hear his country drawl and voice characterizations in my head when I think back on this series.
All in all, Pulling Leather is a wonderful finish to the Pickup Men series. Now, if L.C. Chase decides to add to it…I would be all ears and eyes towards another story.
For me, this is a 5 Stars worthy performance!
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/audio-review-pulling-leather-by-l-c-chase-narrated-by-dorian-bane/
I love the Pickup Men series! And I can’t decide whether it’s Pickup Men or Pulling Leather that is the winning favorite. I mean, you can’t read one without the other, but Pulling Leather exceeded my expectations in how Scott Gillard was going to redeem himself after being such an ass in book one.
Dorian Bane’s narration immediately pulled me into the world of rodeo cowboys, especially when Scott and Tripp were talking with each other and Tripp let it be known that he knew what Scott had done the night he was so badly beaten. I loved how Cory turned out to be the type of person who looks at both sides of a story, and was able to make his decision on how to judge a person instead of listening to all the gossip or hearsay. He made himself the type of person I would love to hang out with.
L.C. Chase and Dorian Bane have both pulled off telling a story that I really was engrossed in, and I was kind of sad yet happy when it ended. What can I say? I don’t like to let go of a book that’s captured my imagination with an unforgettable voice like Dorian Bane’s. I now hear his country drawl and voice characterizations in my head when I think back on this series.
All in all, Pulling Leather is a wonderful finish to the Pickup Men series. Now, if L.C. Chase decides to add to it…I would be all ears and eyes towards another story.
For me, this is a 5 Stars worthy performance!
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/audio-review-pulling-leather-by-l-c-chase-narrated-by-dorian-bane/
annen's review
2.0
It's as if this book was written by a different author from the first one.
with all the potential, it delivered very little. I expected some tension, sexual or emotional. I got none. As much as the two protagonists were complete opposites they just fell into each other with minimal resistance.
The worst part was how Scott's mother was portrayed in the end.
I skipped good part of this book.
with all the potential, it delivered very little. I expected some tension, sexual or emotional. I got none. As much as the two protagonists were complete opposites they just fell into each other with minimal resistance.
The worst part was how Scott's mother was portrayed in the end.
I skipped good part of this book.
relly's review
3.5
3.5 stars
Re read
I don’t remember this one from my previous read, but I enjoyed it this time.
I loved Cory, he was such a shining light with his happy go lucky personality. I understood why he pushed at the end, but you can’t make someone come out, it needs to be at their own time.
I did like Scott too, but it was kind of uncomfortable as he was so uncomfortable within himself that it made him hard to connect with fully. I did feel for him with his hang ups and I think the author did a good job of redeeming him
Re read
I don’t remember this one from my previous read, but I enjoyed it this time.
I loved Cory, he was such a shining light with his happy go lucky personality. I understood why he pushed at the end, but you can’t make someone come out, it needs to be at their own time.
I did like Scott too, but it was kind of uncomfortable as he was so uncomfortable within himself that it made him hard to connect with fully. I did feel for him with his hang ups and I think the author did a good job of redeeming him
samanatha's review
3.0
3.5/5
I enjoyed the message of this book more than the previous. There's something very touching about stories of self discovery and acceptance. I found the plot more intricate then book 2 as well, which I appreciated. Not sure if I'll ever seek out book 1, which my library doesn't have, but these were fun, HEA quick stories.
I enjoyed the message of this book more than the previous. There's something very touching about stories of self discovery and acceptance. I found the plot more intricate then book 2 as well, which I appreciated. Not sure if I'll ever seek out book 1, which my library doesn't have, but these were fun, HEA quick stories.