Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
When I read the description and saw it was a romance involving a minister, I was sure what to expect... perhaps a slow burn...
I enjoyed this story a lot and was surprised throughout.
I enjoyed this story a lot and was surprised throughout.
3.5 Stars
I usually steer clear of novels with a religious theme because I don't like to feel preached at. I've gotten enough of that from my family over the years and I don't need it during my pleasure reading. Also, after reading [b:Where Nerves End|14061034|Where Nerves End (Tucker Springs, #1)|L.A. Witt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337538048s/14061034.jpg|19698182] by this same author, and not really liking it, I was hesitant. But I had already purchased it after reading and absolutely loving [b:Static|11376952|Static|L.A. Witt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322465048s/11376952.jpg|16308045], so I figured I would go ahead and give this book a chance. Plus, I've grown to really like this little Colorado town and so I want to read all of the novels.
Okay, so I loved this book. Darren is Seth's new neighbor and is not only hot, but also gay and single. He's also a minister. That last bit makes Seth really wary. And I understand why. I'm also an atheist from a conservative religious family, though thankfully, mine isn't nearly as bad as Seth's family. I mostly get along with my family. My heart breaks for people whose families disown them for who they are. Anyway, I understand his trepidation for getting too involved with someone who not only is religious, but a minister as well. Thankfully, though, Darren isn't at all like Seth's family.
Darren is smart, funny, non-judgemental and is perfect for Seth. It takes Seth a while to accept that, however, and Seth nearly sabotaged the relationship before it really began out of fear. Thank FSM he came to his senses. Religion isn't going away and the world can use more accepting and understanding people on both sides.
Well worth the read.
I usually steer clear of novels with a religious theme because I don't like to feel preached at. I've gotten enough of that from my family over the years and I don't need it during my pleasure reading. Also, after reading [b:Where Nerves End|14061034|Where Nerves End (Tucker Springs, #1)|L.A. Witt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337538048s/14061034.jpg|19698182] by this same author, and not really liking it, I was hesitant. But I had already purchased it after reading and absolutely loving [b:Static|11376952|Static|L.A. Witt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322465048s/11376952.jpg|16308045], so I figured I would go ahead and give this book a chance. Plus, I've grown to really like this little Colorado town and so I want to read all of the novels.
Okay, so I loved this book. Darren is Seth's new neighbor and is not only hot, but also gay and single. He's also a minister. That last bit makes Seth really wary. And I understand why. I'm also an atheist from a conservative religious family, though thankfully, mine isn't nearly as bad as Seth's family. I mostly get along with my family. My heart breaks for people whose families disown them for who they are. Anyway, I understand his trepidation for getting too involved with someone who not only is religious, but a minister as well. Thankfully, though, Darren isn't at all like Seth's family.
Darren is smart, funny, non-judgemental and is perfect for Seth. It takes Seth a while to accept that, however, and Seth nearly sabotaged the relationship before it really began out of fear. Thank FSM he came to his senses. Religion isn't going away and the world can use more accepting and understanding people on both sides.
Well worth the read.
I was definitely more than a little hesitant about reading this story. I am not a believer in any form of organized religion. I won't say I'm an atheist but I definitely lean heavily that way. You can imagine my surprise when I really liked this story. The author had a pretty no nonsense way of laying the religious vs atheist beliefs out there in a completely non argumentative way.
Darren and Seth are really perfect for each other and together. They both come from a background of hurts, pain, betrayal and abandonment. One more than the other. The fact that they were able to work through their issues separately and together was inspirational, no pun intended. They are also very hot together and that never hurts a story!
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Darren and Seth are really perfect for each other and together. They both come from a background of hurts, pain, betrayal and abandonment. One more than the other. The fact that they were able to work through their issues separately and together was inspirational, no pun intended. They are also very hot together and that never hurts a story!
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Great book about a man, Seth, disowned and completely cut off by his fundamentally religious family because he came out as gay and a gay minister, Darren, who moves to a new town / state to minister to LGBTQ+ youth after he was removed by a group of fundamentally religious parishioners who mistakenly equated being queer with pedophelia.
Each man had their own metaphorical crosses to bear and had to work out their own insecurities and fears while discovering their love for each other.
It’s amazing how unwelcoming and judgmental people think others can be towards some while, at the same time, those on the receiving end of their prejudices sometimes fight similar thoughts within themselves. It’s the willingness to face those thoughts that set them apart from those who lack that same willingness.
A great story by an author whose wonderful books I’ve recently discovered. Speaking of discovery, this is book #4 in this particular series so now I want to go back to read books 1-3.
A terrific romance - yet also very thought provoking!
Each man had their own metaphorical crosses to bear and had to work out their own insecurities and fears while discovering their love for each other.
It’s amazing how unwelcoming and judgmental people think others can be towards some while, at the same time, those on the receiving end of their prejudices sometimes fight similar thoughts within themselves. It’s the willingness to face those thoughts that set them apart from those who lack that same willingness.
A great story by an author whose wonderful books I’ve recently discovered. Speaking of discovery, this is book #4 in this particular series so now I want to go back to read books 1-3.
A terrific romance - yet also very thought provoking!
I will never accept religion, but the rest was OK. 2.5 stars
My Recommendation: Definitely a step in the right direction for the series. Even if my face was crimson most of the time I read this novel, it was worth it. Witt, like Sexton in the last installment of the series, was sure to explicitly show how long the relationship took to really form and evolve into a relationship which I appreciated.
My Response: I can’t stop reading this series!
My Response: I can’t stop reading this series!
Seriously, I’m not sure whether this is a problem or not. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, but it’s definitely not a good thing when it comes to my already skewed sense of romance and the world! But what can I say, they are a great escape and I’ve fallen for them! Can’t wait for the next one to be released.
The last two novels in this series (Covet Thy Neighbor and Never a Hero) have seriously raised the bar. I read both of them in the same day and felt that either the authors had matured since their last outing in Tucker Springs or they’ve both reached their stride in the Tucker Springs universe and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and received no compensation for my honest response.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
This was a surprisingly charming read about hot tattoo artist who falls for hot youth pastor who moves in next door.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this or not to be honest. As a bi former Catholic turned Atheist, this book hit a few buttons on me. If you are ready for a rant, keep reading...if not, skip.
I just don't understand how any LGBTQ person (or a supporter) can go sit in a church amongst people who think you are 2nd class or that you are committing a sin by loving someone. Love. Since when is that a bad thing? Now, I am not sure if I ever truly believed things the church preached to me. I went to mass because I was expected to. Once I finally got the courage to tell my mom "no, I'm not going anymore" when I was a sophomore in HS, I stopped and finally realized that I didn't believe in god or jesus (or anything in the bible). Then, I stupidly went and got married in a freaking Catholic church. Don't ask, I was young and dumb and didn't want to disappoint my Grandparents (or my husband's parents). I regret that decision daily. Every minute of every day actually. But, what's done is done and I can't change my decision. Yes, I am married to a man and have 2 children. My children will grow up knowing they can believe what they want to believe in and I will support them. They can love who they want to love and I will support them. It hurts my heart knowing that so many LGBTQ kids are kicked out of their homes because of their sexuality. It literally crushes me. How can ANY parent do that? It makes me sick. I love how people throw the bible at you quoting scriptures, but take them out of context. THAT'S what I loved about this book. It threw those things right back at you. Do I look down on those who go to church and believe? Nope. But, if you say something about being gay you bet your ass I will say something and probably cross you off my christmas card list. Yep, I celebrate that holiday, because I am a greedy bitch ;) If you don't like who I am, either keep your opinion to yourself or prepare for a debate that you won't win.
I thought Seth's reaction to Darren was real. I mean, how could you not. BUT and this a HUGE but, Darren really wasn't like most ministers. He wasn't pushy. He didn't shove the bible down your throat. He was a good guy who did a job and believed in his faith.
I wanted to read more about the kids though. I was kind of caught up in that, because I LOVE that outreach program.
L.A. Witt has been a hit or miss with me and I have to say this was a hit.
I just don't understand how any LGBTQ person (or a supporter) can go sit in a church amongst people who think you are 2nd class or that you are committing a sin by loving someone. Love. Since when is that a bad thing? Now, I am not sure if I ever truly believed things the church preached to me. I went to mass because I was expected to. Once I finally got the courage to tell my mom "no, I'm not going anymore" when I was a sophomore in HS, I stopped and finally realized that I didn't believe in god or jesus (or anything in the bible). Then, I stupidly went and got married in a freaking Catholic church. Don't ask, I was young and dumb and didn't want to disappoint my Grandparents (or my husband's parents). I regret that decision daily. Every minute of every day actually. But, what's done is done and I can't change my decision. Yes, I am married to a man and have 2 children. My children will grow up knowing they can believe what they want to believe in and I will support them. They can love who they want to love and I will support them. It hurts my heart knowing that so many LGBTQ kids are kicked out of their homes because of their sexuality. It literally crushes me. How can ANY parent do that? It makes me sick. I love how people throw the bible at you quoting scriptures, but take them out of context. THAT'S what I loved about this book. It threw those things right back at you.
Spoiler
Oh and let's not forget that every gay man in America is a child molester/pervert, too. Oooo...gotta keep them gays away from those boys. Yeah, because "straight" Catholic priests don't like little boys. Give me a break!I thought Seth's reaction to Darren was real. I mean, how could you not. BUT and this a HUGE but, Darren really wasn't like most ministers. He wasn't pushy. He didn't shove the bible down your throat. He was a good guy who did a job and believed in his faith.
I wanted to read more about the kids though. I was kind of caught up in that, because I LOVE that outreach program.
L.A. Witt has been a hit or miss with me and I have to say this was a hit.
2.5 rounded down
It wasn't bad, but it just didn't grab me. I didn't really feel or buy their chemistry, the sexual dynamics didn't works for me at all, and I though the central conflict was too brief and ultimately unsatisfying. While Seth's feelings were perhaps not super fair, I thought Darren's reaction was *also* unfair without really pausing to see where Seth's fears were coming from. IDK, just not my favorite and kind of bland.
It wasn't bad, but it just didn't grab me. I didn't really feel or buy their chemistry, the sexual dynamics didn't works for me at all, and I though the central conflict was too brief and ultimately unsatisfying. While Seth's feelings were perhaps not super fair, I thought Darren's reaction was *also* unfair without really pausing to see where Seth's fears were coming from. IDK, just not my favorite and kind of bland.