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Range #3
An Unsettled Range
The last thing Liam Southard expects when he flees his abusive father is to be taken in by a couple of gay ranchers. Soon he has a new job and a new perspective on his sexuality, and his life starts to turn around. Then someone pulls a gun on him.
In Troy Gardener’s defense, the gun thing was a mistake. Between his marriage falling apart and living in his uncle's isolated hunting cabin, he's been a little edgy. He wants to make it up to Liam, and once he discovers how much they have in common, he wants even more. But with Liam's father popping in unexpectedly and a mining company threatening the ranch’s water supply, the only guarantee is that life is never going to be boring.
In Troy Gardener’s defense, the gun thing was a mistake. Between his marriage falling apart and living in his uncle's isolated hunting cabin, he's been a little edgy. He wants to make it up to Liam, and once he discovers how much they have in common, he wants even more. But with Liam's father popping in unexpectedly and a mining company threatening the ranch’s water supply, the only guarantee is that life is never going to be boring.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 16, 2017
The only reason I've continued with this series is because this book got third place in M/M Group Member's choice Award 2012 in the category Best Story Featuring Cowboys. I though maybe this one is better than the other two in the series. I was wrong.
It's not the book itself - though I did wonder several times what crawled up Wally's ass, and it seemed to me Liam would have loved anyone who loved him back.
It's the things I've noticed through every one of Grey's books - the preachy tone whenever someone is in the closet or has difficulties coming out that reminds me of tv commercials trying too hard to sell you something; the difficulty to recognize any personality in the main characters; the way every single nuance of emotion needs to be explained - the stories are easily forgettable and are left with no redeeming qualities after all that.
I'll probably stay away from Grey's books after this.
It's not the book itself - though I did wonder several times what crawled up Wally's ass, and it seemed to me Liam would have loved anyone who loved him back.
It's the things I've noticed through every one of Grey's books - the preachy tone whenever someone is in the closet or has difficulties coming out that reminds me of tv commercials trying too hard to sell you something; the difficulty to recognize any personality in the main characters; the way every single nuance of emotion needs to be explained - the stories are easily forgettable and are left with no redeeming qualities after all that.
I'll probably stay away from Grey's books after this.
February 25, 2012
After walking and hitching for days with little food or water, it's all Liam can do to put one foot in front of the other. When one driver after another ignores him, he just...collapses where he stands and hopes for a quick ending. He's vaguely aware when he's lifted up and settled into a truck by two guys.
When he wakes up, he finds he's been rescued by two kind men. Gay men, like him. He feels such relief, and then acceptance. Hope, where he has only had despair. And he's offered a job by Wally, a vet who is partners with Dakota. Dakota and Haven own the ranch, and it's a bit of an anomaly - a safe place for a gay ranch hand.
On his second day at the ranch, Liam investigates strange smoke in the air and wanders up on Troy. Who promptly pulls a gun on him and orders him off his property. Doesn't make a great impression on Liam, that's for sure.
But the two men run into each other several times, and there is an attraction. One that Troy fights, because he believes he doesn't deserve to be happy, after ruining his life, and his family's life the way he did. So he resists the heat he feels for Liam. Because Liam, he know, he KNOWS, deserves better than him.
When Liam puts himself in jeopardy looking out for Troy, however, a small door opens for Troy. Maybe, just maybe, there can be something there.
When Dakota and Haven's ranch might be threatened by a mining company looking to use the ranch's water rights, and people from his and Troy's troubled past reappear, will Liam's new-found home be in danger? Will he and Troy manage to find a life of their own, or will their ghosts overwhelm them?
Andrew Grey has returned to give us more the "Stories from the Range" series, and this one is a winner. It's always a pleasure to visit with Wally and Dakota, Haven and Phillip, and he's added two memorable guys to the mix here with Liam and Troy. This is a well told, thoughtful and warm tale of two injured and hurting men who realize there is strength in sharing the load.
Mr. Grey has done what he does so well - created characters who make us think and feel, and put them in situations where they are forced to confront their fears and shortcomings. But they also come to realize they are not so unlovable after all. That love is deserved, freely given and received, and that they are, indeed, worthy.
Troy is one of Mr. Grey's strongest characters yet. So self loathing, but so willing and open to want and need and have, once he gets he deserves it. And that he has so much to offer.
And Liam - what a sweetheart of a young man. Hated for what he is, abused, thrown away. But so much stronger than his father ever gave him credit for. Bent, but never broken.
These two men were terrific together, and I hope we see more of them as the series progresses.
I truly cannot say enough about the skill with which Mr. Grey writes about his broken men. In all of his series, he creates character after character I would love to know. And I savor every book of his that comes my way. But I truly love the "Tales from the Range" series.
Great job.
Tom
When he wakes up, he finds he's been rescued by two kind men. Gay men, like him. He feels such relief, and then acceptance. Hope, where he has only had despair. And he's offered a job by Wally, a vet who is partners with Dakota. Dakota and Haven own the ranch, and it's a bit of an anomaly - a safe place for a gay ranch hand.
On his second day at the ranch, Liam investigates strange smoke in the air and wanders up on Troy. Who promptly pulls a gun on him and orders him off his property. Doesn't make a great impression on Liam, that's for sure.
But the two men run into each other several times, and there is an attraction. One that Troy fights, because he believes he doesn't deserve to be happy, after ruining his life, and his family's life the way he did. So he resists the heat he feels for Liam. Because Liam, he know, he KNOWS, deserves better than him.
When Liam puts himself in jeopardy looking out for Troy, however, a small door opens for Troy. Maybe, just maybe, there can be something there.
When Dakota and Haven's ranch might be threatened by a mining company looking to use the ranch's water rights, and people from his and Troy's troubled past reappear, will Liam's new-found home be in danger? Will he and Troy manage to find a life of their own, or will their ghosts overwhelm them?
Andrew Grey has returned to give us more the "Stories from the Range" series, and this one is a winner. It's always a pleasure to visit with Wally and Dakota, Haven and Phillip, and he's added two memorable guys to the mix here with Liam and Troy. This is a well told, thoughtful and warm tale of two injured and hurting men who realize there is strength in sharing the load.
Mr. Grey has done what he does so well - created characters who make us think and feel, and put them in situations where they are forced to confront their fears and shortcomings. But they also come to realize they are not so unlovable after all. That love is deserved, freely given and received, and that they are, indeed, worthy.
Troy is one of Mr. Grey's strongest characters yet. So self loathing, but so willing and open to want and need and have, once he gets he deserves it. And that he has so much to offer.
And Liam - what a sweetheart of a young man. Hated for what he is, abused, thrown away. But so much stronger than his father ever gave him credit for. Bent, but never broken.
These two men were terrific together, and I hope we see more of them as the series progresses.
I truly cannot say enough about the skill with which Mr. Grey writes about his broken men. In all of his series, he creates character after character I would love to know. And I savor every book of his that comes my way. But I truly love the "Tales from the Range" series.
Great job.
Tom
June 19, 2016
2.5 stars
I wanted something that's not too emotional and without depth, something that I could read without engaging emotionally and this was it.
I wanted something that's not too emotional and without depth, something that I could read without engaging emotionally and this was it.
February 7, 2012
Beautifully Written!
I love a story when there are some Life Lessons to be read within the story and that’s what you will find in this absolutely beautiful story, a great example of how life throws us many hard wrenching curb balls to knock us down and only through our own wisdom from our past mistakes that we learn from them and move forward a little wiser. Also the story reveals a great example of how the size of a person doesn’t matter and that dynamite can come in small packages.
The story’s tale brings together Liam, a young man who escapes his father’s brutal abuse and Troy, a man who finally realizes he is hurting himself and the ones he loves the most by not accepting who he truly is � Gay. Deep scars and trust issues are overcome in this story as the connection between the characters become sentimental and heartwarming throughout the book and you will find that the characters have grown on you right from the beginning. I fell in love with Troy and Liam as their relationship grew. Their erotic love scenes were medium for me but very sweet and tender.
It was great to see the other characters from the series as well such as Dakota & Wally, Haven & Phillip, and Mario & David. I loved learning more about Dakota and how he is moving along in getting his doctor’s degree and how Wally’s Animal rescue is growing. With Haven, Phillip, Mario, and David on the scenes it was like one huge family and let’s not forget Dakota’s dad either. I thought by bringing Troy’s ex-wife and his daughter to the ranch for a visit showed that gay people are family oriented too and that they are no different than a straight heterosexual family.
I have to say that I love reading Andrew Greys work because I am always guaranteed I will be hugging the book in the end. They are always so sweet, loving, and joyful reads leaving me with a smile in the end as the characters overcome their hardships and grow into better individuals all around no matter the circumstances.
I love a story when there are some Life Lessons to be read within the story and that’s what you will find in this absolutely beautiful story, a great example of how life throws us many hard wrenching curb balls to knock us down and only through our own wisdom from our past mistakes that we learn from them and move forward a little wiser. Also the story reveals a great example of how the size of a person doesn’t matter and that dynamite can come in small packages.
The story’s tale brings together Liam, a young man who escapes his father’s brutal abuse and Troy, a man who finally realizes he is hurting himself and the ones he loves the most by not accepting who he truly is � Gay. Deep scars and trust issues are overcome in this story as the connection between the characters become sentimental and heartwarming throughout the book and you will find that the characters have grown on you right from the beginning. I fell in love with Troy and Liam as their relationship grew. Their erotic love scenes were medium for me but very sweet and tender.
It was great to see the other characters from the series as well such as Dakota & Wally, Haven & Phillip, and Mario & David. I loved learning more about Dakota and how he is moving along in getting his doctor’s degree and how Wally’s Animal rescue is growing. With Haven, Phillip, Mario, and David on the scenes it was like one huge family and let’s not forget Dakota’s dad either. I thought by bringing Troy’s ex-wife and his daughter to the ranch for a visit showed that gay people are family oriented too and that they are no different than a straight heterosexual family.
I have to say that I love reading Andrew Greys work because I am always guaranteed I will be hugging the book in the end. They are always so sweet, loving, and joyful reads leaving me with a smile in the end as the characters overcome their hardships and grow into better individuals all around no matter the circumstances.
March 16, 2013
Sap sap sap, sentiment sentiment sentiment, telling telling telling, and let's all stand around and talk about our feelings. Sigh.
“I do like you, and that’s the problem. I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t like anyone that way, no matter how much I like them.� Troy took a deep breath. “I don’t deserve to be around anyone I care about, and if you care about me, you’ll only get hurt, just like them.� Liam could see a tear run down Troy’s face, and he saw him brush it away before steadying himself. “I’m not good for anyone, Liam.�
Really?
I felt condescended to throughout the book -- as though every little thing had to be spelled out to me in excruciating detail to be sure I understood it. Add to that the insta-everything, the total failure to make me **believe** or **feel** the emotions, the Evil Cardboard Homophobic Villain(TM), and the aforementioned sap, and this one's a complete fail for me.
I keep trying to like Grey, 'cause I know he's popular. But I'm about to give up.
“I do like you, and that’s the problem. I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t like anyone that way, no matter how much I like them.� Troy took a deep breath. “I don’t deserve to be around anyone I care about, and if you care about me, you’ll only get hurt, just like them.� Liam could see a tear run down Troy’s face, and he saw him brush it away before steadying himself. “I’m not good for anyone, Liam.�
Really?
I felt condescended to throughout the book -- as though every little thing had to be spelled out to me in excruciating detail to be sure I understood it. Add to that the insta-everything, the total failure to make me **believe** or **feel** the emotions, the Evil Cardboard Homophobic Villain(TM), and the aforementioned sap, and this one's a complete fail for me.
I keep trying to like Grey, 'cause I know he's popular. But I'm about to give up.
August 31, 2022
Reread 08/2022 review- 2.75 stars?? I'm very confused how I gave this 5 stars originally. Also, I do not like Liam.
Original 05/2013 review- 5 stars. Quite enjoyable!! I like Troy and Liam. Oh, and I was happy that Dakota, Wally, Phillip, and Haven were a part of the story!!
Original 05/2013 review- 5 stars. Quite enjoyable!! I like Troy and Liam. Oh, and I was happy that Dakota, Wally, Phillip, and Haven were a part of the story!!
November 13, 2014
Much like the other two books in this series, this third volume is about two men learning to stand up for themselves and finding love. Both Troy and Liam have had a difficult time of it, but neither can move on before they have dealt with their pasts. Meeting at the Holden ranch gives them an opportunity to figure themselves out, as well as finding a new home.
Troy has been hiding his sexuality for years � but his unwillingness to admit he’s gay has cost him. Not just in terms of his personal feelings and needs going unmet, since he got married and has a daughter, other people are involved as well. This makes finally owning up to the truth and I really felt for him. He is not the only person this has ever happened to, but following a story like this, seeing the pain and anguish he goes through as his family suffers, made me tear up quite a few times. As much as I wanted to berate him for getting everyone into this mess, I also totally felt for him and admired the courage he showed when he finally did come out.
Liam has a very different battle to face, but one that requires as much courage as Troy’s and is no less scary. While he has always been honest about his sexuality (having been caught kissing another boy by his father), he has been beaten down so much that he feels as f he isn’t ‘worthy� to be taken seriously. He is also very wary about being openly gay. Learning to stand up for himself, daring to fall in love and making something of his life isn’t easy, but he perseveres once he sees all the guys at the ranch who managed to do it.
Each of these books makes me fall in love with these guys more. Dakota and Wally, as well as Phillip and Haven are back, and have grown into a real support network for any new arrivals. Wally may be running a large animal rescue, but I think the ranch is turning into a ‘human rescue� to match. If you like sweet stories about men who learn to stand up for themselves, if life on a ranch intrigues you, and if you like reading about real struggles with past mistakes and overcoming pain caused by the unthinking action of others, you will probably like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on .
Troy has been hiding his sexuality for years � but his unwillingness to admit he’s gay has cost him. Not just in terms of his personal feelings and needs going unmet, since he got married and has a daughter, other people are involved as well. This makes finally owning up to the truth and I really felt for him. He is not the only person this has ever happened to, but following a story like this, seeing the pain and anguish he goes through as his family suffers, made me tear up quite a few times. As much as I wanted to berate him for getting everyone into this mess, I also totally felt for him and admired the courage he showed when he finally did come out.
Liam has a very different battle to face, but one that requires as much courage as Troy’s and is no less scary. While he has always been honest about his sexuality (having been caught kissing another boy by his father), he has been beaten down so much that he feels as f he isn’t ‘worthy� to be taken seriously. He is also very wary about being openly gay. Learning to stand up for himself, daring to fall in love and making something of his life isn’t easy, but he perseveres once he sees all the guys at the ranch who managed to do it.
Each of these books makes me fall in love with these guys more. Dakota and Wally, as well as Phillip and Haven are back, and have grown into a real support network for any new arrivals. Wally may be running a large animal rescue, but I think the ranch is turning into a ‘human rescue� to match. If you like sweet stories about men who learn to stand up for themselves, if life on a ranch intrigues you, and if you like reading about real struggles with past mistakes and overcoming pain caused by the unthinking action of others, you will probably like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on .
April 27, 2012
As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!
An Unsettled Range was in a word... cliche.
The characters were cliche. The writing was tacky and cliche. The plot was cliche.
I'm tired of gay cowboys, who don't read like they are actual cowboys. These characters were undeveloped and didn't seem like they could actually handle working on a farm. Even the animals on the farm really didn't feel like they should be a part of the story! I'm sorry, but I have never heard of a farm taking in lions and tigers. Exotic animals don't belong on a farm. They belong in the wild or a zoo.
The characters� I don't know what to say. I didn't like any of them besides Jefferson. What an awesome old man. Many of the books that I have read about gay ranchers and cowboys include fathers who disown and abuse their children for being homosexual. It was great to read a book with a father who loved his son and his son's partner. And that was where the good of this novel ended. Wally was annoying. So very annoying. I couldn't stand him. I never really understood what any of the characters besides Wally, Jefferson, Dakota, Troy and Liam had to do with anything. In fact, I continuously got them all confused.
The novel also progresses too quickly. Why is it that gay men always fall in love in five seconds? I can understand fast attraction, but love? REALLY. The overall message in this story is sweet, but it just wasn't written the right way, at least for my taste. There is barely any angst and it solves itself very quickly. That may be my real issue with it. Everything was over simplistic, from the way the book is written to the way the situations are dealt with.
There were major grammar issues in the book. I have grown up with the title of "grammar Nazi." I was instilled with proper grammar pretty much from the time I learned to talk. So if your novel has bad grammar, I will get annoyed and lose interest. That happened with this book.
An Unsettled Range just wasn't what I was expecting from the blurb. And having heard of only good things about Andrew Grey, I was disappointed that I didn't enjoy this at all. I don't think I'll read anymore of his work. It just wasn't for me.
An Unsettled Range was in a word... cliche.
The characters were cliche. The writing was tacky and cliche. The plot was cliche.
I'm tired of gay cowboys, who don't read like they are actual cowboys. These characters were undeveloped and didn't seem like they could actually handle working on a farm. Even the animals on the farm really didn't feel like they should be a part of the story! I'm sorry, but I have never heard of a farm taking in lions and tigers. Exotic animals don't belong on a farm. They belong in the wild or a zoo.
The characters� I don't know what to say. I didn't like any of them besides Jefferson. What an awesome old man. Many of the books that I have read about gay ranchers and cowboys include fathers who disown and abuse their children for being homosexual. It was great to read a book with a father who loved his son and his son's partner. And that was where the good of this novel ended. Wally was annoying. So very annoying. I couldn't stand him. I never really understood what any of the characters besides Wally, Jefferson, Dakota, Troy and Liam had to do with anything. In fact, I continuously got them all confused.
The novel also progresses too quickly. Why is it that gay men always fall in love in five seconds? I can understand fast attraction, but love? REALLY. The overall message in this story is sweet, but it just wasn't written the right way, at least for my taste. There is barely any angst and it solves itself very quickly. That may be my real issue with it. Everything was over simplistic, from the way the book is written to the way the situations are dealt with.
There were major grammar issues in the book. I have grown up with the title of "grammar Nazi." I was instilled with proper grammar pretty much from the time I learned to talk. So if your novel has bad grammar, I will get annoyed and lose interest. That happened with this book.
An Unsettled Range just wasn't what I was expecting from the blurb. And having heard of only good things about Andrew Grey, I was disappointed that I didn't enjoy this at all. I don't think I'll read anymore of his work. It just wasn't for me.
August 24, 2014
E' una serie che ho scoperto leggendo come primo libro quello che invece poi ho scoperto essere il terzo (ho già recuperato gli altri due)...mi ha subito conquistato,con un tocco delicato,sensibile, racconta della scoperta di se stessi,di omofobia,del diritto di amare ed essere amati,liberi...mi è piaciuto molto come descrive la vita del ranch,questa natura selvaggia,mi ha ricordato i cowboy di Brokeback Mountain,anche loro tormentati,innamorati...qui però almeno c'è il lieto fine!
August 28, 2015
2 ½ stars. The first half was ok, but I lost interest.
I skimmed the last 40% to see what happened.
So many gay male romance stories are mostly about the angst and conflict of being gay in an unfriendly world and coming out of the closet. This story was mostly that. I’m tired of that story. I prefer stories about other things in their lives. There were other things in this book, but not enough.
The romance is two guys meet and fall for each other in a wonderful way that they never experienced before.
It’s a short book, half the length of a regular novel.
I received this book at the RT convention.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 174 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day western U.S. Copyright: 2012. Genre: gay male contemporary romance.
I skimmed the last 40% to see what happened.
So many gay male romance stories are mostly about the angst and conflict of being gay in an unfriendly world and coming out of the closet. This story was mostly that. I’m tired of that story. I prefer stories about other things in their lives. There were other things in this book, but not enough.
The romance is two guys meet and fall for each other in a wonderful way that they never experienced before.
It’s a short book, half the length of a regular novel.
I received this book at the RT convention.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 174 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day western U.S. Copyright: 2012. Genre: gay male contemporary romance.
August 10, 2016
This is the story that I like least (so far) from this series. I think the age-gap between the two lovers was a bit too Lolita-ish for my comfort. Added to the ick factor is Troy's instant conversion from deeply-closeted adulterer to man in insta-love with a young, immature & highly vulnerable boy. This book just left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I also found that Troy didn't act his age...he had to be late twenties but had the emotional maturity of a toddler. Meh...this book is a miss for me.
January 23, 2012
This being the 3rd book in the series I was a little concerned, but turned out that this was as enjoyable as the other two. There were a couple of minor things that bothered me with Troy and Liam's story, but they weren't too much that it took away from enjoying the story. This series is pretty much angst free. I like that all the characters from the other two books are still involved a lot in this story.
April 9, 2017
3,5-4*
„Geschichten aus der Ferne� Miteinander (1) | Dunkle Wolken (2) | Unruhige Zeiten (3)
„Geschichten aus der Ferne� Miteinander (1) | Dunkle Wolken (2) | Unruhige Zeiten (3)
July 25, 2015
I think this might finally be the book that will make me stop buying Andrew Grey's novels. I keep trying to read them, and I'm never satisfied, so why do I punish myself?
The thing is that they're all such near misses. With every one I can kinda feel afterwards why it failed for me, despite it having ingredients that I could easily like in defter authorial hands. I keep hoping for Grey to grow in his craft, but he's stood still for years now. He seems like a really nice guy, and I want to say nicer things about his work, but...
This one made the common flaws glaringly obvious. The characters are cardboard-flavoured, and not quite believable -- Liam is too good to be true, and Troy is too self-castigating. The forever-love is too quick. The villains are too one-dimensionally evil. There's too much telling and not enough showing. And worst of all, the timing/pacing is off.
I think that is actually my biggest beef, and I can only dimly remember an Andrew Grey book for which this was not true (something early om, which has kept me reading, hoping for that again). The book's internal rhythm is wrong. I've always felt this about his books, and this is why they leave me unsatisfied, but I could never quite put my finger on how it happens. It finally is very clear here.
The story starts several months in the past, with Troy at his job. We're introduced to Cameron, with whom Troy is in competition for a promotion. Cameron seems marked to be Troy's love interest, and my mind immediately went to working out plot lines on how we can get two married, closeted men to cowboy land and dissolve the marriages without lots of cheating.
But none of that happens. Cameron is never really heard from again. He is not the love interest at all. Instead the story jumps forward to Liam. Grey has the problem that he needs to bring both MCs to the range at the same time, and somehow he got the notion that it would be impossible other than through the time jump. But that's not actually true. the formative instances for his characters happen at similar times, and it's only the way he consolidates it that doesn't work. And yet it could easily have worked -- this is where I bemoan the lack of good editors in m/m, because what Grey has needed for years is a good editor who pushes him to create better pacing.
As a result of those timelines not getting lined up properly, all of Troy's hard work to deal with his homosexuality, coming out of the closet, and dissolving his marriage takes place off screen. What growth Troy experiences on the range is easy in comparison, and I feel cheated out of coming to care for a character by experiencing their growth with them.
The same is true for Liam. The really hard work in his life was giving up on living with his father. I come from an abusive background, I ran away from home at 17 and lived on the streets, which was no picnic. And yet the much harder thing was actually getting to the point where leaving seemed the only sensible, life-saving option. So not only did I get cheated out of Troy's growth, I get cheated out of Liam's as well.
Similar things play themselves out in subplots. Troy comes up with the idea that will save the ranch from the mining company, but once again that happens off-screen; we don't see any of the hard work, none of Troy's thought processes.
Troy's family situation gets resolved, but not through his hard work; his wife did it all by herself.
Liam's dastardly father gets brought to justice -- and it happens off screen.
All we get is some hemming and hawing about the love that dare not be deserved by Troy, which is barely believable chickenshit compared to what shaped these characters to begin with. So yeah, the structure is all wrong here, tension isn't properly built, and that's why I always feel so unsatisfied when finishing one of Grey's books.
As a parting shot let me just say the fuss these guys made about Troy having held his gun when Liam first stumbled upon him is ridiculous. He didn't threaten Liam, he just picked up the gun when he didn't know who or what was coming unannounced on his property. I don't even like guns, but the preachiness about that was ridiculous and unbelievable in a place deeply steeped in gun culture, where suspicion is the first emotion towards any stranger or potentially dangerous animal. Sure, we can debate how healthy that gun culture is, but in reality Troy would not get schooled on that by every neighbour.
The thing is that they're all such near misses. With every one I can kinda feel afterwards why it failed for me, despite it having ingredients that I could easily like in defter authorial hands. I keep hoping for Grey to grow in his craft, but he's stood still for years now. He seems like a really nice guy, and I want to say nicer things about his work, but...
This one made the common flaws glaringly obvious. The characters are cardboard-flavoured, and not quite believable -- Liam is too good to be true, and Troy is too self-castigating. The forever-love is too quick. The villains are too one-dimensionally evil. There's too much telling and not enough showing. And worst of all, the timing/pacing is off.
I think that is actually my biggest beef, and I can only dimly remember an Andrew Grey book for which this was not true (something early om, which has kept me reading, hoping for that again). The book's internal rhythm is wrong. I've always felt this about his books, and this is why they leave me unsatisfied, but I could never quite put my finger on how it happens. It finally is very clear here.
The story starts several months in the past, with Troy at his job. We're introduced to Cameron, with whom Troy is in competition for a promotion. Cameron seems marked to be Troy's love interest, and my mind immediately went to working out plot lines on how we can get two married, closeted men to cowboy land and dissolve the marriages without lots of cheating.
But none of that happens. Cameron is never really heard from again. He is not the love interest at all. Instead the story jumps forward to Liam. Grey has the problem that he needs to bring both MCs to the range at the same time, and somehow he got the notion that it would be impossible other than through the time jump. But that's not actually true. the formative instances for his characters happen at similar times, and it's only the way he consolidates it that doesn't work. And yet it could easily have worked -- this is where I bemoan the lack of good editors in m/m, because what Grey has needed for years is a good editor who pushes him to create better pacing.
As a result of those timelines not getting lined up properly, all of Troy's hard work to deal with his homosexuality, coming out of the closet, and dissolving his marriage takes place off screen. What growth Troy experiences on the range is easy in comparison, and I feel cheated out of coming to care for a character by experiencing their growth with them.
The same is true for Liam. The really hard work in his life was giving up on living with his father. I come from an abusive background, I ran away from home at 17 and lived on the streets, which was no picnic. And yet the much harder thing was actually getting to the point where leaving seemed the only sensible, life-saving option. So not only did I get cheated out of Troy's growth, I get cheated out of Liam's as well.
Similar things play themselves out in subplots. Troy comes up with the idea that will save the ranch from the mining company, but once again that happens off-screen; we don't see any of the hard work, none of Troy's thought processes.
Troy's family situation gets resolved, but not through his hard work; his wife did it all by herself.
Liam's dastardly father gets brought to justice -- and it happens off screen.
All we get is some hemming and hawing about the love that dare not be deserved by Troy, which is barely believable chickenshit compared to what shaped these characters to begin with. So yeah, the structure is all wrong here, tension isn't properly built, and that's why I always feel so unsatisfied when finishing one of Grey's books.
As a parting shot let me just say the fuss these guys made about Troy having held his gun when Liam first stumbled upon him is ridiculous. He didn't threaten Liam, he just picked up the gun when he didn't know who or what was coming unannounced on his property. I don't even like guns, but the preachiness about that was ridiculous and unbelievable in a place deeply steeped in gun culture, where suspicion is the first emotion towards any stranger or potentially dangerous animal. Sure, we can debate how healthy that gun culture is, but in reality Troy would not get schooled on that by every neighbour.
March 1, 2012
Overall
I'll be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with Andrew Grey novels. I'm pretty much always mediocre about them, but for some reason I can't resist reading them. I was mediocre on the first in this series, and yet when the chance came to pick up this one, I did. I have all of the Farm series. I swear, it's a compulsion or something. I know it's the soft squishy feelings that fill his books, the perfectly happy endings, the absolutely escape from reality.
Even when I'm sighing and rolling my eyes through the pages, I can't help enjoying it just a little. I also realize that a chunk of my eye rolling comes from reading a fair number *cough*8*cough* of his books and knowing pretty much how the story is going to go.
That said, this is my ninth book, with 10 and 11 in the wings. He definitely has a certain rhythm to his books, and An Unsettled Range follows course. Fans of Grey will like this, undoubtedly, naysayers will...well I wonder why they'd pick it up in the first place.
I liked the first in the series better, and I didn't read the second. Without further rambling...
Strengths
The mining company plotline is a nice mellow threat that lurks in the background and keeps all the characters moving and interacting. It felt pretty realistic, and any issues I had could pretty much be resolved with, "Well, it IS the government."
I love Grey's families. The children are there, important and involved without overwhelming the story or being forgotten. Here, Sofia is cute and precocious, an absolute 5 year old who holds grudges but also easily forgives. Jeanie is not-surprisingly likeable and while she's never portrayed as an evil woman, you can't help but feel bad for her and frown disapprovingly in the same breath. At least in the beginning when Troy is hurting. Telling what happens later would be a spoiler. Sort of.
I liked that the sex scenes spiced it up a little. While they were definitely tender and sweet, they had a taste of dominance and aggression. Not much, but the small touch was appreciated.
Weaknesses
For those familiar with the Farm series, you'll fine Liam's story too close to Stone's story. The two series really mirror one another in some ways, although the first story in this series had more original content then I felt this one did. Readers unfamiliar with the Farm series shouldn't have a problem.
The relationship moved very quickly. Not much time passes before they are baring their souls and promising their love and devotion. I had trouble buying it, one because they both came from such tough spots, but also it's hard to believe anyone's relationship evolving so quickly. I know it happens, but this felt too Insta-Love for me.
Grey's writing doesn't make me want to plunge out my eyes with a wine corkscrew, but it does lack a certain originality. The language tends to explain an emotion behind an action that clearly expressed what the emotion was; gives excuses or reasons behind a behavior or reaction when it's either unnecessary or repetitive (or diminishes any mystery a person may have); or draws out a line that could easily be half as many words. While it's not bad, it leaves the story feeling cluttered and somewhat dragging.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews .
I'll be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with Andrew Grey novels. I'm pretty much always mediocre about them, but for some reason I can't resist reading them. I was mediocre on the first in this series, and yet when the chance came to pick up this one, I did. I have all of the Farm series. I swear, it's a compulsion or something. I know it's the soft squishy feelings that fill his books, the perfectly happy endings, the absolutely escape from reality.
Even when I'm sighing and rolling my eyes through the pages, I can't help enjoying it just a little. I also realize that a chunk of my eye rolling comes from reading a fair number *cough*8*cough* of his books and knowing pretty much how the story is going to go.
That said, this is my ninth book, with 10 and 11 in the wings. He definitely has a certain rhythm to his books, and An Unsettled Range follows course. Fans of Grey will like this, undoubtedly, naysayers will...well I wonder why they'd pick it up in the first place.
I liked the first in the series better, and I didn't read the second. Without further rambling...
Strengths
The mining company plotline is a nice mellow threat that lurks in the background and keeps all the characters moving and interacting. It felt pretty realistic, and any issues I had could pretty much be resolved with, "Well, it IS the government."
I love Grey's families. The children are there, important and involved without overwhelming the story or being forgotten. Here, Sofia is cute and precocious, an absolute 5 year old who holds grudges but also easily forgives. Jeanie is not-surprisingly likeable and while she's never portrayed as an evil woman, you can't help but feel bad for her and frown disapprovingly in the same breath. At least in the beginning when Troy is hurting. Telling what happens later would be a spoiler. Sort of.
I liked that the sex scenes spiced it up a little. While they were definitely tender and sweet, they had a taste of dominance and aggression. Not much, but the small touch was appreciated.
Weaknesses
For those familiar with the Farm series, you'll fine Liam's story too close to Stone's story. The two series really mirror one another in some ways, although the first story in this series had more original content then I felt this one did. Readers unfamiliar with the Farm series shouldn't have a problem.
The relationship moved very quickly. Not much time passes before they are baring their souls and promising their love and devotion. I had trouble buying it, one because they both came from such tough spots, but also it's hard to believe anyone's relationship evolving so quickly. I know it happens, but this felt too Insta-Love for me.
Grey's writing doesn't make me want to plunge out my eyes with a wine corkscrew, but it does lack a certain originality. The language tends to explain an emotion behind an action that clearly expressed what the emotion was; gives excuses or reasons behind a behavior or reaction when it's either unnecessary or repetitive (or diminishes any mystery a person may have); or draws out a line that could easily be half as many words. While it's not bad, it leaves the story feeling cluttered and somewhat dragging.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews .
December 26, 2013
3 e 1/2
“Non sai che tutto ciò che è accaduto oggi non sarebbe potuto succedere senza di te? Ero morto dentro e tu mi ha restituito l’anima. Ero talmente pieno di vergogna da non riuscire a vedere oltre me stesso e tu mi hai cambiato.�
Ormai avendo letto parecchi libri di Andrew Grey conosco, e apprezzo, il suo schema: abbiamo sempre un gay non dichiarato che si ritrova in crisi nell'accettare la sua omosessualità , problemi familiari vari, omofobici e, nel caso di questa serie, problemi idrici nella prateria! XD Rispetto ai primi due libri però questo mi ha coinvolto di meno, anche se mi ha fatto piacere rincontrare la "chioccia" Wally e tutti i suoi amici che accolgono Liam nel "paradiso dei gay" XD Liam è un bel personaggio, ha un passato difficile, ma è coraggioso e determinato e affronta Troy e la loro relazione senza nascondersi né vergognarsi. Troy invece ci mette un po' di più a "carburare" come personaggio, e sopratutto all'inizio soffre di un grave caso di "martirio/depressione post-outing" XD Certo dichiarando la sua omosessualità dopo anni di finzione ha perso tutto: il lavoro, la casa, la moglie e sopratutto la sua amata figlioletta. Per fortuna incontrerà tante persone che l'aiuteranno a risolvere i suoi problemi ed amare di nuovo (dopo aver chiarito il piccolo equivoco del fucile! XD). Anche se la mia serie preferita di Grey resta "Of Love" sono comunque curiosa di leggere il prossimo "Una prateria straniera" dove avremo un protagonista musicista! ;D
“Non sai che tutto ciò che è accaduto oggi non sarebbe potuto succedere senza di te? Ero morto dentro e tu mi ha restituito l’anima. Ero talmente pieno di vergogna da non riuscire a vedere oltre me stesso e tu mi hai cambiato.�
Ormai avendo letto parecchi libri di Andrew Grey conosco, e apprezzo, il suo schema: abbiamo sempre un gay non dichiarato che si ritrova in crisi nell'accettare la sua omosessualità , problemi familiari vari, omofobici e, nel caso di questa serie, problemi idrici nella prateria! XD Rispetto ai primi due libri però questo mi ha coinvolto di meno, anche se mi ha fatto piacere rincontrare la "chioccia" Wally e tutti i suoi amici che accolgono Liam nel "paradiso dei gay" XD Liam è un bel personaggio, ha un passato difficile, ma è coraggioso e determinato e affronta Troy e la loro relazione senza nascondersi né vergognarsi. Troy invece ci mette un po' di più a "carburare" come personaggio, e sopratutto all'inizio soffre di un grave caso di "martirio/depressione post-outing" XD Certo dichiarando la sua omosessualità dopo anni di finzione ha perso tutto: il lavoro, la casa, la moglie e sopratutto la sua amata figlioletta. Per fortuna incontrerà tante persone che l'aiuteranno a risolvere i suoi problemi ed amare di nuovo (dopo aver chiarito il piccolo equivoco del fucile! XD). Anche se la mia serie preferita di Grey resta "Of Love" sono comunque curiosa di leggere il prossimo "Una prateria straniera" dove avremo un protagonista musicista! ;D
January 24, 2012
3.5 stars
It was nice to see what Dakota, Wally, Haven, Phillip, Mario and David had been up to over the last couple of years. My heart went out to Liam almost immediately for what he had to endure in his past but I must admit it took me a bit longer to warm up to Troy. His feelings of guilt and self-pity for destroying his marriage were overwhelming at times, so I was glad when Liam was finally able to help him overcome it. The thing that surprised me though was how often Wally acted like a turd to Troy. I have always enjoyed Wally's feistiness but his mother-hen routine around Liam and snarky attitude towards Troy were often annoying to me because he came off so condescending. I understand he was feeling protective of Liam but at times his behavior was no better than what he criticized Troy for. He clearly needed Dakota home more often to distract him ;) Thankfully the second half of the book had everyone back to a more loving, supportive environment. Along with the slow build of Troy and Liam's relationship, there was a little bit of drama with the mining company/water rights issue and also with Liam's asshole father. And as always, I enjoyed hearing about the big cats (especially Manny the lion). I would love to live on that ranch.
It was nice to see what Dakota, Wally, Haven, Phillip, Mario and David had been up to over the last couple of years. My heart went out to Liam almost immediately for what he had to endure in his past but I must admit it took me a bit longer to warm up to Troy. His feelings of guilt and self-pity for destroying his marriage were overwhelming at times, so I was glad when Liam was finally able to help him overcome it. The thing that surprised me though was how often Wally acted like a turd to Troy. I have always enjoyed Wally's feistiness but his mother-hen routine around Liam and snarky attitude towards Troy were often annoying to me because he came off so condescending. I understand he was feeling protective of Liam but at times his behavior was no better than what he criticized Troy for. He clearly needed Dakota home more often to distract him ;) Thankfully the second half of the book had everyone back to a more loving, supportive environment. Along with the slow build of Troy and Liam's relationship, there was a little bit of drama with the mining company/water rights issue and also with Liam's asshole father. And as always, I enjoyed hearing about the big cats (especially Manny the lion). I would love to live on that ranch.
May 1, 2012
Andrew Grey pulled me into his world of writing again, with a new series. This is the first I've read of the Range Series.My heart went out to Liam who'd endured abuse at the hands of his father. I enjoyed seeing him stand his ground and move on to avoid worse harm. His decision to leave brought a new life path for him. Though his journey wasn't easy, he turned into an amazing man by end of story.
Troy had my sympathy but at the same time I wasn't sure he was hero worthy. I felt that his inability to admit his self truths to be cowardice and not too likeable in the beginning. Mid story I began to warm up to him as I saw he wasn't as self absorbed as I'd imagined. By end of story, I saw a pivitol change in him and how badly he wanted his family to forgive him, cementing the thought that we're only human and make mistakes and learn from them. His lesson cut bad and was hard to turn into a positive outcome. The plot line moved quickly, almost too fast. When lust hit it hit hard and I was fanning myself again. I enjoyed seeing two lost people come into their skin together and find solace and love in each others arms.
I enjoyed the secondary characters and can't wait to read what I've missed out on.
Troy had my sympathy but at the same time I wasn't sure he was hero worthy. I felt that his inability to admit his self truths to be cowardice and not too likeable in the beginning. Mid story I began to warm up to him as I saw he wasn't as self absorbed as I'd imagined. By end of story, I saw a pivitol change in him and how badly he wanted his family to forgive him, cementing the thought that we're only human and make mistakes and learn from them. His lesson cut bad and was hard to turn into a positive outcome. The plot line moved quickly, almost too fast. When lust hit it hit hard and I was fanning myself again. I enjoyed seeing two lost people come into their skin together and find solace and love in each others arms.
I enjoyed the secondary characters and can't wait to read what I've missed out on.
July 18, 2012
This was a nice addition to this series. For some reason, it didn't quite capture me the way the first two books did, and that might be because I didn't like Troy Gardener as much as previous characters due his treatment of his wife.
This story was rather short and it seemed the romance was a bit too quick and the story seemed rushed. I thought the ending was rather nice though and overall, the book was entertaining and fit nicely into this series. I did enjoy the conflict of this book as well. While the plot was simple, the author did put some thought into creating obstacles for the MCs to overcome. I also liked seeing Wally, Dakota, Phillip, and Haven again.
This story was rather short and it seemed the romance was a bit too quick and the story seemed rushed. I thought the ending was rather nice though and overall, the book was entertaining and fit nicely into this series. I did enjoy the conflict of this book as well. While the plot was simple, the author did put some thought into creating obstacles for the MCs to overcome. I also liked seeing Wally, Dakota, Phillip, and Haven again.
June 12, 2024
LOL, I wrote a nice long review and then my service went down and lost it. So to be brief.... Series is turning in to a "sh*tty dads who screw over their sons" series. Except for Jackson and Wally's folks it seems like the new guys coming in are just SOL in the dad department.
I really didn't like Troy, he was too intense, either a work-aholic or a guilt-ridden recluse... no in between? He swung through some pretty wide ranges of emotions.
Wally saves Liam and gives him a job and a place to stay. Again Wally is the glue and his love and caring for the wolves is vindicated when they turn out to be the reason the ranchers are able to make a stand against the mining company coming in to take over their water rights.
Good read, but I liked the first two better. Read it if you like the continuity of reading the entire series. I'm on to book four.
I really didn't like Troy, he was too intense, either a work-aholic or a guilt-ridden recluse... no in between? He swung through some pretty wide ranges of emotions.
Wally saves Liam and gives him a job and a place to stay. Again Wally is the glue and his love and caring for the wolves is vindicated when they turn out to be the reason the ranchers are able to make a stand against the mining company coming in to take over their water rights.
Good read, but I liked the first two better. Read it if you like the continuity of reading the entire series. I'm on to book four.
April 4, 2017
Wenn ich nach meinen Bewertungen auf Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ gehe, habe ich die ersten beiden Bände um die schwulen Rancher wirklich gerne gelesen.
Allerdings ändern sich Lesegeschmäcker mit der Zeit und den 3. Band der Reihe habe ich im dritten Kapitel frustriert abgebrochen, weil die Charaktere so seicht und oberflächlich gehalten sind, dass ich überhaupt keinen Bezug zu ihnen und der Geschichte im Allgemeinen fand.
Auch ein Vorblättern ans Ende, in der Hoffnung, dass ich dort noch einen Schubs bekomme, die Story im Ganzen zu lesen, hat leider nichts gebracht.
Daher gibt es nur den obligatorischen Stern und keine Leseempfehlung.
Ein großes Dankeschön geht an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das zur Verfügung gestellte Rezensionsexemplar.
Allerdings ändern sich Lesegeschmäcker mit der Zeit und den 3. Band der Reihe habe ich im dritten Kapitel frustriert abgebrochen, weil die Charaktere so seicht und oberflächlich gehalten sind, dass ich überhaupt keinen Bezug zu ihnen und der Geschichte im Allgemeinen fand.
Auch ein Vorblättern ans Ende, in der Hoffnung, dass ich dort noch einen Schubs bekomme, die Story im Ganzen zu lesen, hat leider nichts gebracht.
Daher gibt es nur den obligatorischen Stern und keine Leseempfehlung.
Ein großes Dankeschön geht an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das zur Verfügung gestellte Rezensionsexemplar.
Read
January 24, 2023Liam has left a father who cannot accept him. He has been abused and his father is trying to take away what rightfully belongs to him (a theme similar to the book before). Troy has tried to deny who he really is and finally owning up to the person he is inside. Except he doesn't feel worthy. "What do you feel you deserve?" Liam asked softly. "Deserve? I don't deserve anything. I hurt them both and I should pay for that hurt for the rest of my life."
3.5 stars for this sweet story of two men finding acceptance in each other and healing hearts.
3.5 stars for this sweet story of two men finding acceptance in each other and healing hearts.
January 5, 2024
sometimes i really enjoyed the very straightforward writing style, but other times it was super amateur. but i still liked this, especially because of how well it seemed like the author understood ranch life and how to write about the troubles of a small town. i don’t know. some of the emotional writing just wasn’t super engaging or touching, because it was so plain. but other times it worked! i’m conflicted
January 16, 2012
Just one word - Fantastic!! =)
January 23, 2019
wieder einmal eine super tolle Story, eine sehr schoene Fortsetzung dieser Reihe,
wieder mit viel Gefuehl und sehr vielen emotionalen Szenen,
freu mich riesig auf Buch 4
wieder mit viel Gefuehl und sehr vielen emotionalen Szenen,
freu mich riesig auf Buch 4
January 1, 2013
This edition in the Range books starts with giving you a bit of background about both characters. Liam is near dead and tumbles into a ditch, when he’s rescued by Wally of book #1 who takes him home. Meanwhile Troy’s brother (also gay) discovers he’s having a gay affair and makes him face up to the fact and confess to his wife, with whom he has a young daughter. It then hops forward, seems Troy’s life went to shit and he has escaped to an old hunting cabin his uncle left him, which just happens to be near Wally and Dakota’s ranch. When they see smoke, Liam, who is now working for Wally, goes to check it out, only to be met by surly Troy and his shotgun.
Eventually he apologises and he’s torn about Liam who he knows is attracted to him. He’s so guilt-stricken over how he hurt his wife and daughter, that he doesn’t believe he should ever fall in love again or deserve to. However after being a bit of an ass, and Wally kicking it metaphorically, they finally start to work things out, only to have Liam’s evil father show up wanting something. And then Wally kicks his ass literally. :-) As well, a mining company is offering the town a lot of money for their community centre, but they want water rights which would likely mean in dry season many ranches would be in big trouble. Haven from book 2 is quite in a snit about this and they try to find a way to stop the company.
Andrew Grey writes a certain type of book, which when you are in the mood for it hits the spot. There is the abusive father of the poor gay boy, who is rescued by the gay ranchers. There is fairly near to insta-love, but in this case it all seemed to work for me on the day I read it. I liked that Troy, with some pushing from Liam reconnected with his family and that his wife wasn’t a raging bitch who wanted to get revenge at the expense of their child. It’s nice to have a woman who while hurt, does the right thing for her kid. Liam was cute and had a great attitude despite the abuse he had suffered and was kind of a dominant force in the bedroom.
Yes, it’s all wrapped up in a pink bow at the end for a variety of reasons, the mining company hits a wall, Liam gets his father back for the years of abuse, Troy reunites with his daughter and he and Liam live HEA. My only niggle was Troy had worked for the government in Washington, he gave his ex the house and all of the money he inherited from his Grandparents, he had no job and no visible means of support. What the heck was he going to do for money? LOL Even if he sold the cabin and land, he had to split it with his brother and you can’t live that long on the proceeds.
But I was in the mood for sweet and romantic with some cowboys. Wally and his lions and tigers were still going strong with Liam being their primary caretaker. You see a lot of mama-bear Wally, but Dakota is not around much because he’s still off doing his internship, but his Dad is still there. You do see Philip and Haven some, so fans of the previous books will enjoy seeing the guys. Anyway, I enjoyed it and was in the mood for that kind of story.
Eventually he apologises and he’s torn about Liam who he knows is attracted to him. He’s so guilt-stricken over how he hurt his wife and daughter, that he doesn’t believe he should ever fall in love again or deserve to. However after being a bit of an ass, and Wally kicking it metaphorically, they finally start to work things out, only to have Liam’s evil father show up wanting something. And then Wally kicks his ass literally. :-) As well, a mining company is offering the town a lot of money for their community centre, but they want water rights which would likely mean in dry season many ranches would be in big trouble. Haven from book 2 is quite in a snit about this and they try to find a way to stop the company.
Andrew Grey writes a certain type of book, which when you are in the mood for it hits the spot. There is the abusive father of the poor gay boy, who is rescued by the gay ranchers. There is fairly near to insta-love, but in this case it all seemed to work for me on the day I read it. I liked that Troy, with some pushing from Liam reconnected with his family and that his wife wasn’t a raging bitch who wanted to get revenge at the expense of their child. It’s nice to have a woman who while hurt, does the right thing for her kid. Liam was cute and had a great attitude despite the abuse he had suffered and was kind of a dominant force in the bedroom.
Yes, it’s all wrapped up in a pink bow at the end for a variety of reasons, the mining company hits a wall, Liam gets his father back for the years of abuse, Troy reunites with his daughter and he and Liam live HEA. My only niggle was Troy had worked for the government in Washington, he gave his ex the house and all of the money he inherited from his Grandparents, he had no job and no visible means of support. What the heck was he going to do for money? LOL Even if he sold the cabin and land, he had to split it with his brother and you can’t live that long on the proceeds.
But I was in the mood for sweet and romantic with some cowboys. Wally and his lions and tigers were still going strong with Liam being their primary caretaker. You see a lot of mama-bear Wally, but Dakota is not around much because he’s still off doing his internship, but his Dad is still there. You do see Philip and Haven some, so fans of the previous books will enjoy seeing the guys. Anyway, I enjoyed it and was in the mood for that kind of story.
August 21, 2013
Mais où Andrew Grey va t-il cherché son inspiration? En reprenant une trame pourtant quasi identique, des personnages déjà rencontrés, il réussit quand même à nous créer une romance fraîche et délicieusement romantique tout en nous distillant l'air de rien des vérités bien senties sur les problèmes que rencontrent les homosexuels dans certains états américains. C'est une romance douce, délicatement écrite avec deux personnages non pas complexes mais tout simplement blessés, l'un par le rejet de son père qui n'a vu en lui que le mal et la perversité,et l'autre par la destruction de son mariage à cause de la révélation volontaire de son coming out.
Normalement Liam et Troy n'auraient jamais du se rencontrer mais c'était sans le destin et sans la présence du Ranch Holden. Liam, jeune homme meurtri physiquement et moralement à été sauvé un soir par Wally qui le ramène au ranch et lui fait découvrir qu'être gay n'est pas une honte et que si certains ne l'acceptent pas c'est ainsi mais que lui peut vivre sa sexualité librement s'il le souhaite. Il rencontre par hasard Troy qui vient d’arriver dans la région et s’est établit dans la cabane dont il a hérité de son oncle, si Liam ressent tout de suite une attirance pour Troy, ce n’est pas le cas de celui-ci qui ne cherche que la solitude après avoir brisé son mariage en révélant son homosexualité.
Troy est lui aussi un homme blessé mais non par les autres, c’est lui le responsable, en faisant son coming out après six ans de mariage, il a profondément meurtri sa femme et surtout perdu sa petite fille. Toute sa vie il a menti sur ce qu’il était vraiment pas uniquement pour se conformer à ce qu’il pensait être la « normalité » mais surtout par manque de courage vis-à -vis des réactions de son entourage, surtout que son frère gay a pour sa part subit maintes vexations et souffrances après s’être révélé à l’adolescence.
Ces deux hommes brisés vont se reconstruire mutuellement chacun apportant à l’autre ce qu’il lui manquait, confiance pour Liam et pardon pour Troy. Andrew Grey a fait un très joli travail sur ces deux personnages comme à son habitude, tout en finesse, rien de complaisant ni de dramatique réellement, non juste des touches qui tombent justes. Liam et Troy sont deux hommes touchants, faibles et forts à la fois d’ailleurs le dominant du couple n’est pas celui que j’aurais cru.
Si la romance entre les deux hommes est l’axe du livre, comme à son habitude l’auteur y ajoute une petite intrigue qui sert surtout à nous permettre de voir l’interaction entre les héros précédents et le nouveau couple qui forment à présent une famille. Cette intrigue permet également à Andrew Grey d’exprimer quelque chose qui lui tient à cœur : la préservation de la nature et de la faune.
Comme d’habitude, j’ai savouré cette lecture douce et tendre avec délectation.
Normalement Liam et Troy n'auraient jamais du se rencontrer mais c'était sans le destin et sans la présence du Ranch Holden. Liam, jeune homme meurtri physiquement et moralement à été sauvé un soir par Wally qui le ramène au ranch et lui fait découvrir qu'être gay n'est pas une honte et que si certains ne l'acceptent pas c'est ainsi mais que lui peut vivre sa sexualité librement s'il le souhaite. Il rencontre par hasard Troy qui vient d’arriver dans la région et s’est établit dans la cabane dont il a hérité de son oncle, si Liam ressent tout de suite une attirance pour Troy, ce n’est pas le cas de celui-ci qui ne cherche que la solitude après avoir brisé son mariage en révélant son homosexualité.
Troy est lui aussi un homme blessé mais non par les autres, c’est lui le responsable, en faisant son coming out après six ans de mariage, il a profondément meurtri sa femme et surtout perdu sa petite fille. Toute sa vie il a menti sur ce qu’il était vraiment pas uniquement pour se conformer à ce qu’il pensait être la « normalité » mais surtout par manque de courage vis-à -vis des réactions de son entourage, surtout que son frère gay a pour sa part subit maintes vexations et souffrances après s’être révélé à l’adolescence.
Ces deux hommes brisés vont se reconstruire mutuellement chacun apportant à l’autre ce qu’il lui manquait, confiance pour Liam et pardon pour Troy. Andrew Grey a fait un très joli travail sur ces deux personnages comme à son habitude, tout en finesse, rien de complaisant ni de dramatique réellement, non juste des touches qui tombent justes. Liam et Troy sont deux hommes touchants, faibles et forts à la fois d’ailleurs le dominant du couple n’est pas celui que j’aurais cru.
Si la romance entre les deux hommes est l’axe du livre, comme à son habitude l’auteur y ajoute une petite intrigue qui sert surtout à nous permettre de voir l’interaction entre les héros précédents et le nouveau couple qui forment à présent une famille. Cette intrigue permet également à Andrew Grey d’exprimer quelque chose qui lui tient à cœur : la préservation de la nature et de la faune.
Comme d’habitude, j’ai savouré cette lecture douce et tendre avec délectation.
January 17, 2016
I love Andrew Grey books and know that I’m going to get not only a great romance, but budding friendships, helpful neighbors and in this series The Range mother Hen Wally who might not be so tall, but you don’t want to mess with him.
Liam Southard has had a rough life since his mom left when he was ten. As it was stated in this book he turned into the whipping boy that his dad always beat.
He’d had enough though and Liam left finding work at a ranch, but apparently his dad found out where and made a call. I think people are nuts just fire someone because of what they like, but that’s what happened.
Liam kept moving though walking from Texas to the ditch Wally and Mario found him in. He’d given up for dead, but they saved him. He got some food, clothes and a job helping Wally as his Vet assistant taking care of the big cats at the range and a few other tasks.
Troy Gardener is the one thing that Liam hadn’t expected the evening he went to see about the fire/smoke on top of the hill, but he got more than he thought with the gun pointed at him and Troy not being welcoming at all.
Troy has moved from his home, his wife and daughter because he could no longer live with the lie that he was straight. His brother Kevin confronted him one night after seeing his phone and after that Troy couldn’t go back to the lie. It was slowly eating him up inside.
Troy left and at the time unknown to his wife he left her everything in the divorce not even waiting for her to ask for it. Even what he got from his parents when they died. He couldn’t let them be left without something to go through life.
The day that Troy pulled the gun on Liam was both their first full days there and the next day at the hardware store Wally let Troy know how bad what he did was being very protective over Liam.
Troy apologized but afterwards it still wasn’t peach right off. He went to be neighborly after Dakota had told him they were down the road if he needed anything and got chewed out again, but things started getting better between all of them after the dinner they had.
Liam made the first real move after all the looks they gave each other and even tried to rescue Troy who he thought had been hurt, hurting his own self twice in the process.
The guilt over what happened with the lied he’d lived with had eaten at Troy so much so that he almost missed out on Liam’s love, but with his brother’s talk and Wally’s mothering things do work out.
There is a lot more that goes on, but I’ll let you read that. I loved this so much and was glad to see another happy couple. The past characters are in here too, but some not as much still a great read.
Liam Southard has had a rough life since his mom left when he was ten. As it was stated in this book he turned into the whipping boy that his dad always beat.
He’d had enough though and Liam left finding work at a ranch, but apparently his dad found out where and made a call. I think people are nuts just fire someone because of what they like, but that’s what happened.
Liam kept moving though walking from Texas to the ditch Wally and Mario found him in. He’d given up for dead, but they saved him. He got some food, clothes and a job helping Wally as his Vet assistant taking care of the big cats at the range and a few other tasks.
Troy Gardener is the one thing that Liam hadn’t expected the evening he went to see about the fire/smoke on top of the hill, but he got more than he thought with the gun pointed at him and Troy not being welcoming at all.
Troy has moved from his home, his wife and daughter because he could no longer live with the lie that he was straight. His brother Kevin confronted him one night after seeing his phone and after that Troy couldn’t go back to the lie. It was slowly eating him up inside.
Troy left and at the time unknown to his wife he left her everything in the divorce not even waiting for her to ask for it. Even what he got from his parents when they died. He couldn’t let them be left without something to go through life.
The day that Troy pulled the gun on Liam was both their first full days there and the next day at the hardware store Wally let Troy know how bad what he did was being very protective over Liam.
Troy apologized but afterwards it still wasn’t peach right off. He went to be neighborly after Dakota had told him they were down the road if he needed anything and got chewed out again, but things started getting better between all of them after the dinner they had.
Liam made the first real move after all the looks they gave each other and even tried to rescue Troy who he thought had been hurt, hurting his own self twice in the process.
The guilt over what happened with the lied he’d lived with had eaten at Troy so much so that he almost missed out on Liam’s love, but with his brother’s talk and Wally’s mothering things do work out.
There is a lot more that goes on, but I’ll let you read that. I loved this so much and was glad to see another happy couple. The past characters are in here too, but some not as much still a great read.
March 8, 2012
Andrew Grey delivers another timeless tale with AN UNSETTLED RANGE, his third book in the ‘Stories from the Range� series. His writing is eloquent, steals your heart and delivers a story that leaves you breathless until the very end. What I love the most about this author’s work is his fascinating characters. They are frankly the whole appeal to me with his books. With each story I read from Andrew Grey, I fall more and more in love with his books. He has this knack of creating characters that are at the same time tough yet vulnerable. They have a core of steel running through them that lets the reader see into the soul of them. That, for me, is the perfection of this author’s work.
Meet Liam Southard; a man who runs away from his abusive father and ends up at Wally and Dakota’s ranch. Healing under their care, he finds the home he longs for and the work he needs. Meeting Troy Gardner is something totally out of the blue, especially when his first meeting with Troy has the other man pulling a gun on him. Needless to say, Liam is intrigued if a bit wary of trusting him. But soon events force Troy to open up to Liam and both men find a connection that will heal them both—that is if they can trust their hearts. I really enjoyed these two together. The sparks fly between them from the first moment, but you can tell these are wounded people, both dealing with issues in their lives and trying to figure out their place in this world. Andrew Grey does a fabulous job in creating multi-dimensional characters that have vulnerabilities, showing the readers how fallible they can be. The returning characters from the previous two books (A TROUBLED RANGE & A SHARED RANGE) had me swooning in delight. I loved seeing some old friends and we got to see how they were after their stories were done.
AN UNSETTLED RANGE delivers a strong, emotional story with a few sub-plots that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end of the book. I am eager to see what else this author has in store for his Range stories in the future. If you enjoy complex characters, fast paced and emotional stories that steal your heart & cowboys who look good in jeans then grab AN UNSETTLED RANGE and get ready for an evening of reading pleasure. Andrew Grey is truly a masterful storyteller who knows what makes a story and delivers it each time. Kudos for this author for this wonderful story.
Meet Liam Southard; a man who runs away from his abusive father and ends up at Wally and Dakota’s ranch. Healing under their care, he finds the home he longs for and the work he needs. Meeting Troy Gardner is something totally out of the blue, especially when his first meeting with Troy has the other man pulling a gun on him. Needless to say, Liam is intrigued if a bit wary of trusting him. But soon events force Troy to open up to Liam and both men find a connection that will heal them both—that is if they can trust their hearts. I really enjoyed these two together. The sparks fly between them from the first moment, but you can tell these are wounded people, both dealing with issues in their lives and trying to figure out their place in this world. Andrew Grey does a fabulous job in creating multi-dimensional characters that have vulnerabilities, showing the readers how fallible they can be. The returning characters from the previous two books (A TROUBLED RANGE & A SHARED RANGE) had me swooning in delight. I loved seeing some old friends and we got to see how they were after their stories were done.
AN UNSETTLED RANGE delivers a strong, emotional story with a few sub-plots that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end of the book. I am eager to see what else this author has in store for his Range stories in the future. If you enjoy complex characters, fast paced and emotional stories that steal your heart & cowboys who look good in jeans then grab AN UNSETTLED RANGE and get ready for an evening of reading pleasure. Andrew Grey is truly a masterful storyteller who knows what makes a story and delivers it each time. Kudos for this author for this wonderful story.
May 8, 2012
Penny's Rating: B
Okay, I am going to make this one short and sweet. I LOVE cowboy romance stories. Hot gay cowboys, lots of them, all living on the same ranch, who maybe have an occasional romp in the hayloft? Yes, please! Here's the deal: If you are looking for some really deep, substantive reading, this book isn't it. But if you want a quick read about two sweet men who fall in love, figure out their lives, and have hot steamy sex, this will not disappoint.
Grey's writing tends to be a bit formulaic for me, but the quality level of his writing is pretty consistent, and you basically know what you're going to get every time. I've yet to love one of his books, but I've liked all of the ones I've read. The impression I've gotten is that Grey is writer you turn to when you need a "safe" romance. By "safe" I mean, you probably won't burst into tears while reading it, or have an anxiety attack. You won't yell at the pages or scream at the characters. His characters are rational thinking creatures who handle real life adversity in emotionally healthy and constructive ways. You the reader, just get to feel warm and fuzzy, and enjoy the ride. Happiness in two hundred pages. Because sometimes you just need a pick me up in the form of some plain yummy vanilla ice cream.
Troy and Liam are adorable together. I was impressed with Grey's ability to make Troy such a likeable character, especially given that when his story starts, the reader discovers that he's been closeted his whole life, and has been cheating on his wife with other men. Dishonesty of any kind: lying, cheating, no matter what the justification, usually completely pisses me off, so I was surprised that it wasn't more of a turn-off for me. Probably because Troy comes clean at the end of the prologue and moves forward to pick up the pieces of his life.
This is book 3 of the Range series. You obviously don't have to have read the rest of the series for this one to make sense, but characters from the previous two books do make appearances throughout the story since Liam is living on the ranch with Phillip, Haven, Dakota and Wally. Since I have a thing for the cowboys, the rest of this series is definitely going on my to-read list!
Okay, I am going to make this one short and sweet. I LOVE cowboy romance stories. Hot gay cowboys, lots of them, all living on the same ranch, who maybe have an occasional romp in the hayloft? Yes, please! Here's the deal: If you are looking for some really deep, substantive reading, this book isn't it. But if you want a quick read about two sweet men who fall in love, figure out their lives, and have hot steamy sex, this will not disappoint.
Grey's writing tends to be a bit formulaic for me, but the quality level of his writing is pretty consistent, and you basically know what you're going to get every time. I've yet to love one of his books, but I've liked all of the ones I've read. The impression I've gotten is that Grey is writer you turn to when you need a "safe" romance. By "safe" I mean, you probably won't burst into tears while reading it, or have an anxiety attack. You won't yell at the pages or scream at the characters. His characters are rational thinking creatures who handle real life adversity in emotionally healthy and constructive ways. You the reader, just get to feel warm and fuzzy, and enjoy the ride. Happiness in two hundred pages. Because sometimes you just need a pick me up in the form of some plain yummy vanilla ice cream.
Troy and Liam are adorable together. I was impressed with Grey's ability to make Troy such a likeable character, especially given that when his story starts, the reader discovers that he's been closeted his whole life, and has been cheating on his wife with other men. Dishonesty of any kind: lying, cheating, no matter what the justification, usually completely pisses me off, so I was surprised that it wasn't more of a turn-off for me. Probably because Troy comes clean at the end of the prologue and moves forward to pick up the pieces of his life.
This is book 3 of the Range series. You obviously don't have to have read the rest of the series for this one to make sense, but characters from the previous two books do make appearances throughout the story since Liam is living on the ranch with Phillip, Haven, Dakota and Wally. Since I have a thing for the cowboys, the rest of this series is definitely going on my to-read list!
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