Guest Review: Roughstock Volume 1 and 2 by BA Tortuga

Blind Ride

Jason Scott has everything a bull rider wants—success, money and traveling partner Andy Baxter. When he loses his sight in an accident, he stands to lose it all.

Jason Scott is at the top of the bull riding game, on his way to a winning season. Along with his traveling partner, Andy Baxter, he’s riding hard on the circuit, working around the country with all of the other bull riders and bullfighters, living the good life. The only thing he wishes he had is Bax, but he’s afraid to take the step that would make them more than friends, worried that it will ruin everything.

When a terrible accident leaves Jason unable to see, his whole life goes south. Jason decides to chuck it all, determined to go home and hide at his momma’s ranch. Bax has other ideas. He wants to make sure his best friend doesn’t give up, and he hatches a plan that stuns Jason and makes their friends and family think he’s crazy.

With the help of the other bull riders and a very persistent bull fighter named Coke, Bax convinces Jason to give life one more try. With Jason cautiously learning to hope, and his relationship with Bax going to the next level, life gets pretty complicated. Everyone gets in on the project, from Jason’s strong-willed mother to an entire ranch full of children, all of them working to help Jason do what he loves.



And a Smile

All Coke Pharris wants is for his cowboys to be safe—all of them. When rodeo clown, Dillon, sets to prove that there’s more to the bullfighter, people could get hurt.

It’s Coke Pharris’ job to save bull riders from bulls, and he takes his work very seriously. Which is why he’s devastated when one of his favorite riders gets hurt, and he’s determined to help the young man ride again. Dillon Walsh is the arena entertainer for the bull riding tour, and he wants to help. He also wants Coke, has been admiring the man for a long time. He hasn’t made a move on Coke for fear of messing up their friendship, but when he finds out Coke might feel the same way, Dillon has to try to win Coke over.

Coke thinks he’s too old for Dillon, too beat up and scarred, but he can’t resist when Dillon finally makes a play for him. Dillon is like a wet dream for Coke, and the two of them have a great time getting to know each other better, at least until the danger of their job threatens to come between them. Will Dillon and Coke be able to help their friend and weather the problems that blow their way?



File Gumbo

Beau is riding like the two-time champ that he is, but nothing is assured in the world of bullriding—not happiness, not wealth, and not survival.

Beau is a two-time champion bullrider who is working on his third title. Sam is his long-time lover and traveling partner, who is feeling the sting of having just about the worst season he can remember.

The two of them are on the road together twenty-four-seven, and it’s starting to get to them a little, between the constant injuries Sam faces, and the relentless press that Beau has to put up with.

Add in friends on the circuit who need their help and the fact that they have to hide what they mean to each other, and it’s no wonder that Sam and Beau’s relationship is starting to wear a little from the friction.

When things blow up in their faces, Sam leaves the bullriding tour for a while, but the boys find out they’re far more miserable apart than they are together. Beau and Sam may agree to disagree in order to make peace and help out their friends Jason and Coke, but in the unpredictable world of extreme sports, nothing goes as it’s planned. Can Beau and Sam recover from what just might be the last ride of Sam’s life?

Coke's Clown

How does Dillon take care of Coke when Coke’s destroying himself?

Bullfighter Coke is having a rough time in the Roughstock universe. When his dear friend Sam Bell is injured at the finals of the bull riding season, he takes that and his injuries pretty hard. His very own clown, Dillon, is determined to take care of Coke, which is tough when Coke is usually the one to care for everyone. Coke has a huge secret from his past, though, and, when Dillon digs to discover what it is, the skeletons in Coke’s closet threaten to destroy both men.



Back to Back

Landon knows who he wants, he’s been dreaming about Adam Taggart his whole life. Tag, though? He thinks Landon’s too poor, too young, too wrong to be his.

Landon Gaudet may not be the best bull rider on earth, but he knows that’s where the money is in rodeo. His Cajun heart is more involved with horses, though, and with finding the cowboy he’s been dreaming of all of his relatively short life. Adam Taggart has been around the block more than once, and while he thinks Landon is special, he also thinks the kid deserves better than a safety man with more than his share of notches on the bedpost.

Adam does everything he can to resist Landon, but there’s not a man alive who doesn’t love being loved, so eventually he gives in. Landon can’t believe that Adam is finally with him, that his cowboy has finally come around to his way of thinking. The only problem is that Adam isn’t sure he deserves love, or that he really has any to give. He questions everything from his need for Landon to his family’s assertion that he can do better than a boy from the bayou. Can Landon show Adam that sometimes magic is real, and that all you really need is to have a little faith?



Pulled from All Sides

Balta is all fire and fury, Joa is his haven. What happens when Raul becomes their third?

Joa is an anomaly on the bullriding circuit—he’s Brazilian but grew up in Texas, so he’s not sure where he fits in. Champion Brazilian rider Balta knows just where he wants Joa to be, both in his life and in his bed.

Raul is new to the bullriding circuit and needs their help learning the ropes. From the start, Raul knows that Joa belongs with Balta, but he also knows that Balta’s career is on its way down and the world is ripe for another champion from Brazil.

When Balta decides that Raul is just what he and Joa need to even out the balance of power, they have to find common ground—professionally, publicly and, most importantly, personally.

Publisher's Note: These books were previously released elsewhere. They were revised and reedited for release with Pride Publishing.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

This collection is amazing and I loved every sweaty, dusty second of it. The cowboys are so gorgeously written, so strong and resilient and seeing them meet the yin to their yang is heartwarming in the extreme.

Each story has it’s own challenges and hardships, but the maturity and communication in the men is so refreshing and engaging in romance that I adored it. Not for me the misunderstanding or glaring miscommunication trope, I really prefer to see a relationship develop amongst strong equals, where every person gets their needs met and a smoking hot HEA for everyone. If you love to see a rodeo bull rider getting his happy ever after, then these collections could be for you.

Highly recommended.

I received free copies of the books in exchange for an honest review.

Guest Review: Wrecked by Jodi Payne & B.A. Tortuga

The call comes when Beckett Adler least expects it. He’s made a new life for himself in Vermont and has a law practice of his own. After four years he’s even stopped wearing his wedding ring. So when he finds out his husband, bull rider Skyler Paulson, has been seriously injured at an event, he isn’t sure what he wants to do. He knows what’s right though, so he heads down to Baltimore to bring his man home.

Sky knows his injuries are a career-ender, and he can’t believe Beck has come for him after all this time. He’s not a hundred percent sure what went wrong with their marriage and he has no idea how to be anything but a bull rider. But he wants this second chance, so he grabs at it with both hands.

There’s a lot Sky has to learn, from how to walk again to how to settle down with the man he loves. Beck needs to learn to open up and how to be more trusting. For their marriage to work again, both men will have to find a way to meet in the middle. Because neither of them wants to be wrecked anymore.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

First I need to gush, I LOVED THIS BOOK! It had everything. Great characters, a super premise, the idea that the guys had a love story that had fallen apart, a good dose of tension and love and working at a relationship, plus super hot sexy times!

So, we have Beck, a good guy lawyer that has carved out his perfectly orderly and lonely life, and Skyler, the wild bull rider who loves his husband and has no idea what went wrong other than him leaving to ride bulls, again.

When Skyler has a life changing ride that sees him win, but also trampled by the bull, thinking he’s going to die, his friends call Beckett. Of course Beck goes to Sky at once and is shocked to see his broken cowboy. The road to recovery is long and hard, but is more about whether our guys can find their way back to each other and actually talk things out this time, and fight for their marriage.

What we get is a well written and thoroughly engaging story where I truly cared about the guys from the outset. I was rooting for them all the way through to a satisfying HEA. The supporting characters were interesting and the whole story led me on a roller coaster of emotion to the happy tears at the end!

Highly recommended!

I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: Don't Let Go by Andrew Grey

Avery Rivers is a country music sensation, selling records by the millions and playing to sold-out crowds. But behind that persona is Robert, a burned-out musician cracking under the pressure. He’s unable to write any new songs, and he wants out of the business—at least for a while. He changes his appearance and finds honest, hard work in Jackson, Wyoming. Maybe getting to be a regular guy for a while will get him past his block.

Hy Whitely was a championship bull rider until he watched his best friend thrown in the arena and decided the rodeo circuit was no longer the place for him. He wants to be plain old Zeke for a while, and when he returns to his family ranch, he bumps right into Robert—a one-night stand from his last rodeo appearance who is now working there as a ranch hand.

The heat between the men could sear the grass off the range, but each one is hiding a secret. Robert and Zeke, the men behind the public images, fall in love, but can they hold on when Avery and Hy are pulled back into the spotlight?

Narrator: Jeff Gelder
Listening Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Reviewer: Shee Reviewer

Who doesn’t love a bit of the mistaken identity/double life romance?? In this case, both our lovely men are hiding who they are, or rather what they do for a living!

Avery is the hugely famous music star who needs a break from the pressure of touring to her his alter ego, Robert, find his music again, and Hy is the bull rider he sees at the rodeo. Zeke meets Robert and they have one wonderful night together but then he must get back on with the business of riding bulls and trying to win the PBR world championship.

Robert buys a truck and starts out on the road to finding himself and the beauty Zeke told him about in his home state of Wyoming. As Robert arrives in small town, he gets lunch and meets a rancher looking for a ranch hand. It’s like fate steps in so Robert accepts and guess who’s family ranch he’s working on??

I’m almost hugging myself with glee at this point, as Zeke comes home to help his dad and he finds Robert right there and twice as handsome as he remembers! With all the secrets, will these guys ever work it out?

You bet your life they do, this is an Andrew Grey book we are talking about!

Oh the lovely horse riding hard work, sexiness and secrets make this a glorious story and the ending is just as wonderful as I wanted it to be. Of course there’s the will they, wont they bit, but I like my romance low angst, and this is it.

The narration is just as superb as I’ve come to expect from Jeff Gelder. His smooth voice and charming delivery are just right for this story.

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!

Highly recommended!

I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: A Courageous Ride (The Bullriders #3) by Andrew Grey

Aspiring orchestra conductor Marshall is exhausted after months of auditions without a single job offer. Marshall’s friend, Terry, recommends a change of scenery and points Marshall in the direction of a dude ranch run by former bull rider Indigo Santana. Marshall is understandably skeptical, but his friend is convincing, and Marshall needs a break, so he agrees to go.

Indigo captures Marshall’s attention but leaves him confused. Indigo’s confidence is shot after an injury ended his rodeo career, and he walks with a slight limp. He hasn’t been anywhere near a bull since he was hurt, and he’s not the most accommodating host. After all, the only reason he keeps guests is because his family ranch is all but bankrupt.

Marshall’s attraction doesn’t go unanswered, which leaves him with a huge dilemma. He’s torn between the possibility of love, something he’s searched for all his life, and the career he’s worked toward for as long as he can remember, which is miles away. From his side of the fence, Indigo doesn’t see how the ranch could ever be enough.

Narrator: John Solo
Listening Length: 8 hours 26 minutes

Reviewer: Shee Reviewer

When I reach for an Andrew Grey book I know I’m going to get well written sincere love between two strong men. When I reach for an Andrew Grey book about cowboys I know I’m going to be in for a rare treat of well-fitting wranglers proportions! If that also happens to be an audio book, I know, just know, I’m going to be cosseted by John Solo’s upbeat and gravelly performance. And here we are!

The Bullriders series has been fun so far, and it’s lovely to see Dante and Ryan from Bull Riders Book 1 featuring several times in this book. Our main men are Indigo, the ranch owning former bull rider and Marshall the exhausted city-living musician. On the advice of his friend, Marshall takes a well earned holiday at Indigo’s ranch and falls headlong into Indigo’s life. It’s the same friend who takes Marshall out to a gay club on ‘cowboy night’ to cheer him up after his return to the city! This was easily one of my favourite scenes in the book, with Marshall unable to appreciate the lovely men all around him because of Indigo, and a guy he’s chatting with turns out to be a psychologist who gives Marshall some insight into himself and his relationship with Indigo. Priceless!

Indigo is desperately trying to turn his parent’s ranch into a viable business and the addition of guests is part of that. He had to give up his dream career as a bull rider after being stomped by a but and badly injuring his leg. His doubts and demons are almost tangible, but he can’t stop his heart for falling for Marshall. The supporting cast of characters who live on the ranch is wonderful too.

The story is a comfortable and sexy tale of two very different and charmingly flawed men and how they work out their budding relationship. They’re both gorgeous of course, this is a romance novel after all! The HEA is a given, but the journey there is both emotional and inspiring. John Solo’s performance is gritty, charming and emotive. He does a wonderful job of all the characters and enjoying his narration made my commute all the more pleasant! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it.

I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: A Wild Ride (The Bullriders #1) by Andrew Grey

Dante Rivers just lost the rodeo by two one hundredths of a point: he’s frustrated as hell, needs to get laid, and he knows just where to go. That night he meets Ryan Abbott and catches his eye—Ryan watched the rodeo and is still riding high on the rush. The chemistry between them ignites, but Dante, unable to deal with complications, leaves while Ryan’s asleep.

Ryan figures he’ll never see Dante again, but they’re fatefully reunited when Dante’s grandfather, Hy, hires Ryan to help straighten out some old investments. The attraction between Ryan and Dante still sizzles. Sex slowly turns to more, but obstacles abound: Hy’s failing health, Dante’s homophobic sponsor, an attack on Ryan, and Dante’s own struggle with his identity. Any one thing would be enough to separate them permanently… unless they both decide to hang on for the wild ride.

Listening Time: 6 hrs, 55 min
Narrator: John Solo

Reviewer: Shee Reviewer

Dante Rivers just lost the rodeo by 2 100ths of a point and he’s furious. He goes to the nearest bar where he can find a guy and get laid. He meets Ryan Abbotts and they catch each other’s eye. There is pool, flirting and eventually a trip to the hotel. Ryan gives Dante just what he needs, but the bull rider can’t cope with the way Ryan makes him feel so leaves in the middle of the night.

They cross each other’s paths when Dante’s grandfather wants a consultation with financial genius Ryan. When they see each other, the air sizzles, but will either man give in? Of course they will!

This is a complex journey for the men from hook up with a stranger to happily ever after including bull riding, homophobic attacks, sponsorship problems, sassy friends, untruths and misconceptions. It is a full experience and I really enjoyed getting to know Dante and Ryan. I adored Dante’s grandfather, who stood for no nonsense! The bull riding was not something I am that familiar with, but Andrew Grey’s telling makes me want to attend my first rodeo asap!

The relationship develops despite either man being that good with expressing their feelings, and I loved their halting attempts at communication. They are both such likeable characters, that all the obstacles had me rooting for the path of true love.

John Solo’s narration is awesome. He brought each character to life with such energy, I was transported right into the story. it was such an enjoyable listen, and the HEA is the full satisfying treatment I expect, and always get from Andrew Grey.

Recommended!

Guest Review: Drawing the Devil (Leather and Grit #1) by Jon Keys

Dustin rides a ton of beef battling to do away with his rider while Shane makes certain the bull doesn’t succeed—and that’s the easiest part of their relationship.

Dustin Lewis is a barely contained twenty-one-year-old bull rider who was disowned by his parents when his father discovered Dustin with another teenage boy. He has spent the time since traveling the rodeo circuit and, after years of honing his skills, he’s in contention to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

Shane Rees is a twenty-six-year-old rodeo bullfighter-rodeo clown. While Shane’s family still love their son, they are not pleased with the sexuality they believe he chose. He knows the potential consequences of being gay among the rodeo crowd. As a result, Shane keeps his sexuality a guarded secret. When combined with the scars he’s earned over the years of bullfighting, Shane has little sense of self-worth.

The two meet when Dustin’s draw for the night is Diablo, the same vicious bull that gave Shane his most notable scar. Dustin’s ride ends with him trapped in the rigging as the bull tries to pound him into the arena dust. With a good bit of bravado and nerves that have earned him a reputation among the bull riders, Shane frees Dustin before he is seriously injured. This chance meeting leads them through heartwarming highs and near-crushing lows as they struggle toward their goal of winning the National Finals and maintaining their personal relationship.

Publisher's Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and reedited for release with Pride Publishing.

Reviewer: NeRdyWYRM


Ride 'em Cowboy!

Give me a hot, gay, Bible Belt cowboy. Any. Day. I don't know what it is about these rodeo guys that do it for me but shewwweee. Maybe the lack of book smarts appeals to my robotic gray matter, I'm clueless here, but something about that whole schtick just does it for me. Might be my latent inner Texan, too. You can take the girl out of Texas, but ...

Did Texas even make an appearance in this story? I think so, but honestly, it's irrelevant to the matter at hand. What is that, you say? Well ... Hot. Rodeo. Bull. Riders. Of course! I've got Garth Brooks songs running through my head right now. That's way more important.

It's bulls and blood, it's dust and mud,
it's the roar of a Sunday crowd.
It's the white in his knuckles, the gold in the buckle
he'll win the next go 'round.
It's boots and chaps and cowboy hats,
it's spurs and latigo.
It's the ropes and the reins,
and the joy and the pain, and they call the thing a rodeo.

I've always been a tomboy grubby-muffin. Dirt, mud, blood. Yep. Right up my alley with the dirty boys I guess. This book might have been a little too predictable in some respects when I consider that particular angle. You've got a bullfighter who was mauled by a bull named Diablo and an up-and-coming bull rider who 'draws the devil'. Mean-ass Diablo. That bull was a real fucker, but still, it's a little predictable. Only ... who cares?

Add in the gay with the homophobes on the rodeo circuit, two somewhat relationship-clueless guys trying to make something out of not much in the midst of all that turns into a helluva good story clichés or no clichés.

Shane and Dustin had chemistry. They were hot together. They had hangups, so there's hurt-comfort. There was bad family and good family. Good friends and horrible strangers. The relationship took time to develop and deepen. There were speed bumps along the way. There was action, there were lulls, there was the everyday and the extraordinary. You name it, if you can imagine it in this setting, it's probably in there somewhere.

I loved it. You might, too.

More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.

Review: Pulled from All Sides (Roughstock #6) by B.A. Tortuga

Balta is all fire and fury, Joa is his haven. What happens when Raul becomes their third?

Joa is an anomaly on the bull-riding circuit—he’s Brazilian but grew up in Texas, so he’s not sure where he fits in. Champion Brazilian rider Balta knows just where he wants Joa to be—both in his life and in his bed.

Raul is new to the bull-riding circuit and needs their help learning the ropes. From the start, Raul knows that Joa belongs with Balta, but he also knows that Balta's career is on its way down and the world is ripe for another champion from Brazil.

When Balta decides that Raul is just what he and Joa need to even out the balance of power, they have to find common ground—professionally, publicly, and most importantly, personally.

Publisher's Note: This book has been previously released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

BA Tortuga is one of my top 10 erotic-romance authors this year. The Roughstock series is about to hit my binge reading list. This is the third book I have read from the series, and the only thing holding me back from starting over from the beginning, and binging on the entire series is the confusing order of the books on goodreads. It appears that this series is going through an edit and re-release through Pride Publishing, so I’m going to check out the order there instead of goodreads, and hope I hit it right.


Speaking of hitting it right, sweet baby Jesus, this book hit it right. These three men are ridiculous, in the best way. Ridiculously hot, the sexual chemistry is ridiculously good, and the seamlessness of their relationship building was ridiculously easy. I loved it. This is purely feel good on the romantic front. There is absolutely no crazy drama, inflated issues, or confusion. This was perfect. Adults who are actually adulting in a clear, communicative way. Thank you BA Tortuga, for making this such a beautifully pleasant read.


Joaquim is hesitant in the beginning, while Baltazar goes for what he wants, slowly at first, and then heats up his pursuit of Joa. The sexual tension had me burning up. It was off the charts hot. Exactly what I needed.


As the story progresses, I realised that the timeline sort of runs parallel to Coke’s Clown which is listed as book #4. I’m going to take a wild guess (which will probably be wrong, because I haven’t read them all) and say that all the couples/triad stories run a similar timeline in this world. Which works fine for me. There are enough people, enough left out, that each of these stories feel new, but familiar. It’s actually a really good strategy for a series. There is no repetitiveness because the recurring characters are only in the same place during the competition, and at that time, the reader is only treated to that couple’s insular view of their riding, and relationship. The really good thing about this, is that as drama unfolds (It’s Rodeo - there are injuries, posturing, losses, wins - so drama is a given) we get to know something different about the event, through another set of eyes and ears. This is especially important to me because the injuries are intense. Nothing is glossed over, and the recoveries are done in real time. There is something raw about it that pulls me in, and makes me want to know every upsetting, gritty detail. I feel sick, and hopeful at the same time. It’s a very wild ride.


The first part of this story is the relationship between Balta and Joa. How it started, how they build it, and the sexy times in between. Balta is selfish and has every intention of taking what he wants from Joa, while loving on him as much as he can. But he is old (if 35 were old, and apparently in bullriding it is), worn, and tired. His body has been broken more times that he can count, and he fears that he is not enough for his energetic and healthy lover. He won't let him go, but he will give him everything he wants. And Joa’s eyes seem to be straying to Raul, which Balta finds hot and interesting.


Raul is a newcomer to the US circuit, after winning two championships in Brazil. He speaks no English, and is struggling to connect with anyone, not to mention being downgraded in the eyes of the competition, even though his opinion is that the bulls are fiercer in Brazil, so he’s earned more than Rookie of the Year. The one bright spot for him is Joa, but he has a feeling the man is off-limits. An invitation to stay with Balta and Joa during a season break is the start of something sweet for all three men.


I loved their connection. As I’ve said above, this was easy. The relationship was smooth. There was no misunderstanding. Balta, the leading force in the triad, is clear about his intentions, and what he intends is to have both men in his bed.


While the relationship building was easy, the action in this story is hard. These are bull riders, bullfighters, and clowns. They get injured, and sometimes those injuries are life-threatening, or career ending. It was hard to read about the kind of injuries that can occur in this sport. It was hard to read about beloved friends with injuries that could kill them. It was hard to read about hopes and dreams being shattered. It was heartbreaking, and nausea inducing. Reader beware, some of the content is not pretty, and this story for all it’s easy with the relationships, is not fluffy. But it is beautiful, and worth it. I have grown to love all the characters in this book, and look forward to reading more of this series.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest opinion

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Review: Bullheaded by Catt Ford Audiobook

Aging bull rider Cody Grainger needs bullfighter Johnny Arrow for more than just protection in the ring. Their bond of trust goes beyond the professional and into love, but while their relationship holds up to the need for discretion imposed by their sport and repeatedly having to watch each other put themselves in the way of dangerous animals, other barriers still tear them apart.

For one thing, Cody is ten years older than Johnny. But instead of contemplating retirement, he focuses on winning the championship, desperate to stay on top. Johnny is only beginning to find the professional recognition he craves. When frustration leads Johnny to walk away, Cody’s season slumps. While they’re apart, they both slowly realize they are meant to be together. But machismo abounds in the sport of bull riding, and their pride might be an obstacle too big for love to overcome.

Listening Length: 12 hours and 7 minutes
Narrator: Derrick McClain

Cody and Johnny have been together for a while. Cody is a bull rider, and Johnny is a bullfighter. There is an age-gap of ten years, and Cody is resisting retirement, while Johnny is just starting to make a name for himself in the sport.

Over the summer break, Cody starts to discuss his future with Johnny. He wants Johnny to settle down with him, and be his ranch hand, while he goes off and continues to ride, but Johnny has no intentions of giving up his job.

Stubborn as Cody is, he thinks Johnny is being unreasonable, when the reality is, it's Cody. Sick of Cody’s overbearing nature, Johnny leaves to find his way on his own, away from the judgment and pressure that Cody presents.

This story was a serious look at what happens when love isn’t enough. Cody and Johnny clearly love each other, but Cody’s life experience, and domineering nature creates a lot of tension. I found I agreed with Johnny, and wanted to shake Cody often. Cody just seemed so caught up in his own self, and had no ability to see things from someone else’s point of view. I was pleased when Johnny walked out. He could do better on his own.

I think this story was more Johnny’s journey than Cody’s. While both points of view were present, and we got to see the development of both men individually, I felt that Johnny grew more than Cody did. Cody just didn’t seem to get it, and unfortunately that made him less likeable to me. I didn’t feel bad for Cody at all, while he was trying to work through his broken heart. He deserved it, as far as I’m concerned.

I think Cody’s character went a bit too far in being an arse, and it was difficult to bring Cody back to someone I would want good things for. I wanted for Johnny. He was an awesome character, and I loved that he was true to himself through the entire book. He made rational decisions, and when he spoke, it was considered, not blurted. He was also willing to try new experiences. Cody was just an old dog. No new tricks for him. He also didn’t really know Johnny. Which I find really odd. I do understand that being closeted and in a job that creates separation often, can leave gaps in knowledge, but some of the most basic things about Johnny, like what his tattoo means, or how much he enjoys his job, would have been the first thing anyone would learn about the man they are sleeping with. This just proved how self-centred Cody was/is and I have no time for that kind of person.

The narration for this story was nice. I appreciated the voice. Unfortunately, the Aussie accent of one of the ranch hands was horrid. I know Aussie accents are difficult, so I’m just glad there were no main Aussie roles. A lot of practice would be required to get it to a point that it passed. But the rest of the character voices were good, and distinct enough to know who was speaking.

This didn’t excite me as much as other western stories I’ve read, but it was a nice solid read. Sort of comfort food for my brain and ears. It was memorable enough, and kept me engaged, except for when I was rolling my eyes at Cody, and even then, I was engaged enough to know to roll my eyes at Cody.

Recommended for those who enjoy MM Western erotic-romance.

A copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review

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Review: Resurrection by S. Davidson

His war has just begun.

James (Jamie) Massey has been raised in a strict military household and grew up with the sole purpose of becoming a soldier. He never imagined the heartache his choices in love and war would weigh on his soul, and when he loses everything, he can’t imagine ever being happy again.
Chris Baker grew up in a small town, raised on the rodeo circuit. When he met Ben, he thought he’d live blissfully every after, but things have a way of not going along as planned. Chris, devastated by his loss, was barely hanging on.
When Jamie and Chris end up in the same small town diner, it can only be credited to divine intervention. But are both men too damaged? They say God works in mysterious ways. Well, he certainly had his hands full when he chose these two for saving.
Is it too late?

Triggers: Deals with PTSD, death, and realistic wartime violence

Sometimes I wish had a future-me traveling to the past in order to slap me on the back of the neck and tell me: “Keep reading this one, you moron!”

You know, for matters of life or death.

Because I was more than ready to DNF this one and I can’t believe I was so close to let this beauty pass me by.

Future-me would never have forgiven me for it.

So, if I loved this so fucking much, then why did I almost give up?

Good question.

I don’t like to make summaries about the books I read. I prefer to focus on how the book inspired me, on the emotions they awake in me. So, I will try not to make an exception here, but I also have to answer the question above.

Just fair warning: the book is divided in three parts, each story clearly different from each other, so in truth, it’s as if we have three stories here. The final one being my favorite.

By a long shot.

The first part felt more like narrative than a romance. And that confused and annoyed me to no end. I’m not going to beat around the bush, I was looking forward to finishing it so I could get into the “meat” of the story. I’m an impatient reader, so I was getting more and more restless when I saw there was no end to an apparently mindless display of events happening around Jamie. This was the part that was truly challenging for me, as it took a great effort for me to overcome it.

The second part was the one that awoke my curiosity. The one that waved at my face and encouraged me to begin enjoying the novel.

And then the third part was the beauty. Good things come for those who wait. However, to be honest, I’d have liked for those good things to come much earlier. It’s a long book, so it’s not as if I felt the romance was short or rushed. In fact, it’s a sweet slow burning and I could hear the pieces in my head all coming together to form a magical picture. This was the story that slapped me in the face and made me sigh all the wows in the universe, to the moon and back. To the moon and back. And again. And again.

I have to mention the version I received needs lots of editing, not only in typos but the flowery vocabulary distracted me several times. This all made me re-read certain paragraphs several times or look at the ceiling for a while, because it all sounded too wrong or too sappy to my ears. I hope this will be corrected in the final version.

To sum it up, the book is not perfect.

At all.

But you know what?

It was worth it.

There is no way to deny it.

Part 1. Jamie’s life (0-30%)

This one was the story I had more trouble with. Jamie comes from a “dynasty” of military men. He’s grown under his father’s hard discipline and he’s always known he’d be prepared to be a soldier. In such a suffocating environment, he’s not exactly eager to confess he’s gay. So going to university and having an open relationship with his roommate, Derrick, and his best friend, Shannon, is exhilarating. I’m not fond of M/M/F, but Jamie clearly doesn’t consider this situation anything serious. Unlike Derrick, who indeed falls in love with Jamie and follows him everywhere around the country when his training begins.

Here I was terribly frustrated with Jamie. It’s obvious Derrick comes second, as his goal is to become Special Forces and then be part of the Delta. I was growing so upset with Jamie’s lack of commitment, I couldn’t wait for the moment for them to break up once and for all. Derrick is devoted to Jamie, supporting him no matter what, but I found Jamie detached and not invested in them. It’s not that he doesn’t feel any affection towards Derrick, but I always believed Derrick deserved much more than a guy who doesn’t hide the fact he thinks what they have is casual, even after years and years together.

I couldn’t bring myself to like Jamie. He doesn’t give me enough reasons to love him. I got to know a man who takes a long time to acknowledge his own emotions. He’s not quite really invested in the relationship until much later into the story, and when that finally happens, the ending comes violently. Destiny steals his future and happiness from him in the cruelest of ways.

Part 2. Chris’s life (30-47%)

This was the one that made me focus on this book and change my mind about it all. Here is when I really realized I liked this book, that I had to keep reading.

Chris has grown up in a ranch with loving parents who have always supported him. He’s famous in the local scene, as a successful bull rider. His addiction to this daily dose of adrenaline doesn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams of being an architect, so he moves to New York in order to follow his own path. And that’s where he meets Ben.

Seriously, Chris and Ben are so cute together! Their story is adorable, they are so good for each other I was really anxious at the prospect of a closure. It eventually comes, and it’s indeed a painful goodbye, for them, but for me too. I seriously didn’t want it to end. In fact, I just couldn’t stand the thought of an end. When I finished it I admit I was left with such a huge feeling of impotence, I got a little angry at the world.

Part 3. Jamie and Chris together (47-100%)

This was the part that clearly made it for me.

This is the part that slapped me in the face and shouted at me for ever thinking this book was a real mistake. Oh, there was a big mistake indeed, which was that stupid belief that I wouldn’t be moved by this.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I learnt it’s impossible not to love Jamie. I learnt I wanted Jamie to be with Chris ASAP and never be apart more than a few minutes, or none at all. I learnt they are perfect for each other. I learnt my face could smile forever and then my heart would be filled with utter happiness or consuming angst. I learnt their chemistry is intoxicating. I learnt soul mates exists for real.

I wanted more of them together, because when they have sex, when they talk, when they kiss each other, when they save each other in their lowest moments, it made perfectly sense to me. There is no way around it, suddenly everything made sense, every obstacle on the road, every scar in their soul and body, everything… made sense to me. Just like that.

When they meet, they are both broken, and they recognize each other’s longings and their desire to fulfill the empty space left inside themselves by fulfilling each other’s. They instantly find what they are looking for. It’s not the end of the road, but the beginning.

I can’t exactly explain how but suddenly I just knew they were exactly what the other one needed. I saw that, ever since they lay their eyes upon each other, there would be no coming back.

It’s not that their story is a bed of roses and glitter everywhere. It’s not a fairy tale of prince meets prince, and HEA in their cute pink castle with a sugary moat around.

In fact, they both have issues and they are not easy to deal with. Jamie’s baggage is more evident, as he has never got to cope with PTSD and TBI and that sense of guilt that he survived when too many good men, mates, friends, brothers, didn’t. He loses his temper at the most unexpected moments, or physical or phantom pain takes over and refuses to leave, or memory seems like a far away concept. Depression and surrender dominates and clouds his understanding. He is flooded with such fear and panic, he believes there is no way out, no light in the world. The prospect of drugs and alcohol makes the only sense to him. He is crawling, trying to take one step after the other, but even that seems pointless. Why should he fight and go on with life, when everything is fucked up in his head.

Until Chris.

Chris, on the other side, has survived his husband after almost 20 years together. He doesn’t remember the last time he felt alive. He’s also crawling. He’s mentally stable in comparison to Jamie, but his lonely and grey existence is far from being the one he really deserves. This selfless man deserves to love and to be loved in return.

And when that handsome stranger comes to town, something deep inside him knows he would never feel lost again.

When the fire sparkles, all I could ever think about was taking this pure emotion in my hands and wrap it carefully in order to hide it under lock and key, so not to let it be lost in the wind. The best kind of love is this one. The one that makes you feel like your feet aren’t touching the floor. The one that makes you keep your faith in life and love.

No, this book was not perfect, but in some ways, it was.

You know?

*****

Explanation of the rating: If I had to rate each part individually, it would be like this:

Part 1: 2 stars (being generous)
Part 2: 3 stars
Part 3: 4.5 stars

Part 3 is the important one for me, the part that will stay in my memory if I ever think about this book. If I ever decided to re-read this book, I would only read part 3.

Although I’d like to give more, part 1 was too long and discouraging for my taste. So, overall, I’ve decided 3.5 stars is a proper general rating.

For more information, check out on Goodreads!

Review: Coke's Clown (Roughstock #4) by BA Tortuga

How does Dillon take care of Coke when Coke’s destroying himself?

Bullfighter Coke is having a rough time in the Roughstock universe.

When his dear friend Sam Bell is injured at the finals of the bull riding season, he takes that and his injuries pretty hard. His very own clown, Dillon, is determined to take care of Coke, which is tough when Coke is usually the one to care for everyone.

Coke has a huge secret from his past, though, and, when Dillon digs to discover what it is, the skeletons in Coke’s closet threaten to destroy both men.

Publisher's Note: This book has been previously released elsewhere. It have been revised, re-edited and significantly expanded for re-release with Pride Publishing.

Coke and Dillon are learning to live together, and heading out to Dillon’s ranch in Ohio after the Rodeo tour season is over for a few months. Dillon wants to spend some alone time getting to know Coke a little more, and just being together. But Coke is the cornerstone of their Rodeo family, and everyone constantly wants a piece of him. Nevertheless he loves spending time with his clown, and is thankful for the blessings he has, and the time off to just be.

I haven’t read “And a Smile” which is the story where these two get together, so I’ve come into this a little bit blind, and I definitely felt it. There was a lot of back story that I needed to get a complete picture of Dillon and Coke’s dynamics, as well as Coke’s dynamics with the wider group of characters. I had to fill in the gaps by assumption at this stage, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this story. For those who haven’t started this series, I’d probably recommend you go to Roughstock - Blind Side and work your way up from there.

This was a great story. I enjoyed the established relationship, but it still being new enough for Dillon to be learning, which helped me as a reader learn more about them both. Dillon is a Rodeo clown, and has the personality to fit. He is happy, bubbly, and bounces around a lot. This helps keep Coke in a state of happiness too, but a little more mellowed out than Dillon. As a bullfighter he gets injured a lot, and his body is starting to wear down. From what I gather he has a recent neck and back injury, but not the first one, so he needs the rest to get stronger.

There isn’t much in the way of Rodeo in this story, because it’s the end of the season and focuses on this couple during the holidays. It was nice to see how they got along, and all the behaviours each of them displayed while being with each other, instead of the crowd.

As the story progresses Coke is the go to man for everyone in their circle of friends, and Dillon struggles to balance being supportive and pushing Coke to say no more often. Coke doesn’t seem to mind at all, and this is a pretty low angst relationship, with a lot of fun and hot sex.

Coke has some pretty heavy demons that he doesn’t like to dwell on, but is forced to revisit it because Dillon is inquisitive and asks some invasive questions. Coke tries to dodge most of them, but little bits filter in which make Dillon even more curious, and he starts to poke around with friends. This causes some minor angst as the secrets are revealed but they were handled well, without a great deal of emphasis on the drama, and more on the resolution.

I was definitely intrigued by this story, and I will be going back to the beginning to work my way through this series. I really enjoy the writing style, although some terms are foreign to me, being an Australian. There is a roughness to the writing that is endearing, and enjoyable to work through.

The erotic scenes were smoking hot, and the chemistry between Coke and Dillon was strong. There was a particularly sexy dance scene that gave a kick.

The plot points worked well, and showed how Coke and Dillon fit into the broader cast of characters. I was a little lost, but only because I haven’t read from the beginning. I’m sure once I go back it will make more sense to me. If you’ve read through the previous books, this gives a bit more insight into Coke and Dillon as a couple and how they are fitting with each other as an exclusive couple living together.

Recommended for those who enjoy western erotic-romance between men, and some pretty adorable puppies.

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