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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
This was one of those stories that I enjoyed but didn't wow me. It was nice, sweet, and had some moving scenes, but in the end it wasn't particularly memorable. While there's very little I can point out as being a failing, there wasn't much that I'd mark as really standing out as a strength either. An enjoyable novel, but it didn't do much for me.
The story is fairly interesting, following Michael's struggles to overcome his past and not become the man he was again. Michael resists Ryan's advances for this reason, but Ryan is persistent. While I'm not saying Michael doesn't have plenty of positive attributes, I never really understood why Ryan was so very interested in Michael when Michael didn't seem (from how he behaved/what he said) to be interested in Ryan (despite actually wanting him very much). It seemed hard to find a reason why Ryan would be so interested outside of the fact that there aren't that many gay men in their small town.
Ryan is kind, understanding, and endlessly patient, but is also playful and teasing. He carries the most strength in the book, keeping the romance moving and making scenes fun while Michael carries all the emotional baggage and drama. It was a good mix.
Despite the romance lacking some credibility, I enjoyed the story, but despite that, this book just didn't grab me. Those looking for a drawn out standard romance may find something more in this work.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
The story is fairly interesting, following Michael's struggles to overcome his past and not become the man he was again. Michael resists Ryan's advances for this reason, but Ryan is persistent. While I'm not saying Michael doesn't have plenty of positive attributes, I never really understood why Ryan was so very interested in Michael when Michael didn't seem (from how he behaved/what he said) to be interested in Ryan (despite actually wanting him very much). It seemed hard to find a reason why Ryan would be so interested outside of the fact that there aren't that many gay men in their small town.
Ryan is kind, understanding, and endlessly patient, but is also playful and teasing. He carries the most strength in the book, keeping the romance moving and making scenes fun while Michael carries all the emotional baggage and drama. It was a good mix.
Despite the romance lacking some credibility, I enjoyed the story, but despite that, this book just didn't grab me. Those looking for a drawn out standard romance may find something more in this work.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
3.5/5 I liked this, but I would have liked a bit more backstory.
I really liked this book. However, there's a part of me that thinks Michael still has a problem that needs to be dealt with, but I've decided to trust in the world of make believe and know that there will continue to be an HEA for this couple. I LOVE Ryan :)
Michael moves to a small town to escape his past life and the temptations of the city. He starts working as a vet and meets Ryan when he is sent to tend his injured horse. There is a slow build to the relationship between the two men but they eventually establish a comfortable relationship that is not solely based on sex. There is not a lot of emotional discussion between Michael and Ryan but still a sense of depth to their feelings.
As per the title of the book, things start to come undone as Michael's past raises it's head and he heads back to the city to sort some things out, leaving Ryan behind.
There is a strong focus on family and forgiveness. The emotional fallout from Michael's father's reactions to his sexuality, the acceptance shown by Ryan's family, the bond between siblings and the strength of friendship.
As an Australian I loved the settings and Aussie references and language. The language was very 'naturally' Australian, not the forced, over-the-top expressions that are not typical of real Australian communication. I do have to admit to not being a very good Aussie though because I had never heard of tent-pegging. Heading over to YouTube to check it out now! :)
As per the title of the book, things start to come undone as Michael's past raises it's head and he heads back to the city to sort some things out, leaving Ryan behind.
There is a strong focus on family and forgiveness. The emotional fallout from Michael's father's reactions to his sexuality, the acceptance shown by Ryan's family, the bond between siblings and the strength of friendship.
As an Australian I loved the settings and Aussie references and language. The language was very 'naturally' Australian, not the forced, over-the-top expressions that are not typical of real Australian communication. I do have to admit to not being a very good Aussie though because I had never heard of tent-pegging. Heading over to YouTube to check it out now! :)
A 4.5* read for me.
It is set in Australia, one strong MC who is ex cop turned horse trainer with strong family ties, the other MC is a mix of strong and weak - he's a vet, recently moved city to country but has a sordid history and as well as a good sister has bad relationship with father. So, lots to love then!
I enjoyed the story and whilst the Mitchells were a bit too good to be true, I liked Michael even when I didnt like him! Despite Michael having family issues,its not too deep a read and moves along quite nicely. It also sent me off into finding out more about campdrafting and tent pegging!
2.8.16 reread : still enjoy this though Michael annoyed me more this time. Whilst I can get behind his not wanting to deal with his dad, his reactions to his mum's death and the aftermath of his dad's do seem extreme. 4*
It is set in Australia, one strong MC who is ex cop turned horse trainer with strong family ties, the other MC is a mix of strong and weak - he's a vet, recently moved city to country but has a sordid history and as well as a good sister has bad relationship with father. So, lots to love then!
I enjoyed the story and whilst the Mitchells were a bit too good to be true, I liked Michael even when I didnt like him! Despite Michael having family issues,its not too deep a read and moves along quite nicely. It also sent me off into finding out more about campdrafting and tent pegging!
2.8.16 reread : still enjoy this though Michael annoyed me more this time. Whilst I can get behind his not wanting to deal with his dad, his reactions to his mum's death and the aftermath of his dad's do seem extreme. 4*
I liked these characters a lot. I liked the slow buildup of the relationship. I liked the setting. What kept this from being a 5 Star read was the lack of depth in the handling of certain underlying themes.
Surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I really loved how the relationship between Michael and Ryan developed. It was steady and flirty and you could really believe the chemistry between them. I'm WAY less enamored of the way addiction is handled. I'm confused. I don't know if I'm supposed to think Michael is an addict, or just on his way to being one. It's a slippery slope and I'm not sure where he falls, partly because he still drinks and smokes pot. I just don't know. Michael's sister and BIL can both just EFF RIGHT OFF. I got no sympathy for them and Michael really shouldn't take their crap. He needs to stand up for himself. Ryan's family was pretty off page, but what I saw I liked. His brother was great. He also had good friends. Not overbearingly nosy at all. All in all, it's a pretty great read with some flaws.