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St. Nacho's #3
Jacob's Ladder
Jacob "Yasha" Livingston is having a bad day. First there is the head cold. Then the orgy, the fight, and the hospital. Between that and the bus driver who ejects him -- after accusing him of transmitting the Swine Flu -- the rest of his day seems fairly vague. Now he's stuck in a small town called Santo Ignacio and he has a whole lot of thinking to do.
One thing is, when fate speaks in the form of an EMT, maybe it's time to listen. One man in particular, EMT Jason "JT" Lents, with his shy smile and jade green eyes, seems more like an angel than a paramedic. But Jason has a date with a newer, prettier girl every night, despite the fact that he seems to return Yasha's interest.
What will make JT happy? If JT is afraid of his feelings it might be Yasha's chance to heal the healer. For this couple to find their way, it's up to Jacob, his new friends, and the magic of St. Nacho's.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
One thing is, when fate speaks in the form of an EMT, maybe it's time to listen. One man in particular, EMT Jason "JT" Lents, with his shy smile and jade green eyes, seems more like an angel than a paramedic. But Jason has a date with a newer, prettier girl every night, despite the fact that he seems to return Yasha's interest.
What will make JT happy? If JT is afraid of his feelings it might be Yasha's chance to heal the healer. For this couple to find their way, it's up to Jacob, his new friends, and the magic of St. Nacho's.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2010
28 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
October 8, 2019
"St. Nacho's has a way of wrapping itself around you. I only stopped here for a burger, and that was forty years ago."
St. Nacho's seems to be a lot like Hotel California. Or, maybe Shelob's lair. Without the spiders.
Jacob find's himself, rather unexpectedly, in St. Nacho's, when he is on his way to see his brother after a spectacularly bad day. There, he meets JT, who is an EMT that saves his life.
JT is pretty awesome, except that he is having some closet issues. He doesn't treat Jacob all that great for a while and even through that, Jacob can't say no to him. It's kind of sad to watch, really. He is having such a hard time with his sexuality.
JT does finally figure out that he has to put up or shut up, thankfully, but Daniel kind of wanted to kick his ass for treating his brother Jacob like a dirty little secret. Sometimes brothers can be awesome.
This is a pretty good series. I'd like to see more past The Book of Daniel.
St. Nacho's seems to be a lot like Hotel California. Or, maybe Shelob's lair. Without the spiders.
Jacob find's himself, rather unexpectedly, in St. Nacho's, when he is on his way to see his brother after a spectacularly bad day. There, he meets JT, who is an EMT that saves his life.
JT is pretty awesome, except that he is having some closet issues. He doesn't treat Jacob all that great for a while and even through that, Jacob can't say no to him. It's kind of sad to watch, really. He is having such a hard time with his sexuality.
JT does finally figure out that he has to put up or shut up, thankfully, but Daniel kind of wanted to kick his ass for treating his brother Jacob like a dirty little secret. Sometimes brothers can be awesome.
This is a pretty good series. I'd like to see more past The Book of Daniel.
October 4, 2014
BR with Mishy, Alona, and Mark.
This was okay. I had big issues with a few things, but they are personal issues that I don't think will detract from the book for most people. Domestic violence and religion are big themes in this book. Or are they? Both themes are introduced and I felt that if the author was going to tackle such heavy topics, she might have really tackled them hard. That did not happen, though, instead these issues were used to propel plot forward into a sweet little romance. I like my m/m on the light side as a rule; I read these books for fun, after all. But... if an author is going to introduce issues that may push a lot of people's buttons, I think the issues should be explored fully and not given short shrift as I felt happened here.
This book is definitely worth checking out. I think a lot of people will enjoy it. It's quick and sweet.
This was okay. I had big issues with a few things, but they are personal issues that I don't think will detract from the book for most people. Domestic violence and religion are big themes in this book. Or are they? Both themes are introduced and I felt that if the author was going to tackle such heavy topics, she might have really tackled them hard. That did not happen, though, instead these issues were used to propel plot forward into a sweet little romance. I like my m/m on the light side as a rule; I read these books for fun, after all. But... if an author is going to introduce issues that may push a lot of people's buttons, I think the issues should be explored fully and not given short shrift as I felt happened here.
This book is definitely worth checking out. I think a lot of people will enjoy it. It's quick and sweet.
October 5, 2014
3.5 stars
October 30, 2021
I'm so glad I got back to this series (esp because I read first). Honestly, you can read them out of order, it's just that Jacob and Daniel are brothers.
A really lovely story, and it's nicely narrated by Thomas Fawley.
A really lovely story, and it's nicely narrated by Thomas Fawley.
October 28, 2021
I don't have anything nice at all to say about this, so I'm going to leave this review by saying that guys who hide their sexuality behind religion won't ever get my respect. Fictional or real. If I had known that fact before picking it up, I would gladly have skipped this. It just makes me feel icky.
May 6, 2024
Still a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 1, 2013
More of a 3.5 than a straight up 3. This book felt like a stepping stone to the next one. I liked it but I felt the first two were a lot better.
July 7, 2010
While the romance aspect of Jacob’s Ladder is not my favorite, this is still a thoroughly enjoyable story to read. Maxfield is a very good writer and she has a way of drawing you into the story, the setting, and the characters so you simply don’t want to stop. While I didn’t find the main romance that enthralling, nonetheless I completely enjoyed reading this story quite a bit and honestly can’t wait for the next installment in the series. The easy tone and crisp, clean prose have the pages flying by while the hot sex and sparking chemistry delivers a good book start to finish.
The story is told in first person from Jacob or Yasha’s point of view. He’s having a bad day when a head cold sends him home onto to end up in a violent confrontation with his then boyfriend. Apparently the boyfriend didn’t appreciate Yasha breaking up his orgy and decides to take it out on Yasha’s face. Bleeding, hurting, and still suffering from a cold, Jacob then ends up kicked off the greyhound when the driver fears he’s carrying the swine flu. Not only that but then Jacob’s brother can’t come get him for several days. Here it the slightly corny, overly contrived set up that ends Yasha/Jacob stranded in St. Nacho’s for several days.
Yet once you can get past this series of obvious events, the real ebb and flow of the story starts. Yasha meets EMT JT and the sparks immediately fly. JT is deeply closeted, very religious, and likes to lecture. He realizes Yasha has been abused by his partner and immediately wants to set Yasha on a better path. Here the issue of spousal abuse is handled well but lightly. The story keeps the focus on the romance and lets the abuse be secondary and somewhat disconnected so as not to depress any readers. This is likely a good choice as the issue is well handled. Various women are shown to be strong, independent, and survivors as they establish better lives after the abuse. Initially Yasha is wary about this group but soon comes to be an important part in many ways. I like that the story isn’t afraid to show this issue but doesn’t dwell and if anything, keeps the issue disconnected and thus a lesser emotional impact.
The real focus is on the romance between Yasha and the closeted JT. JT is a difficult character to like as he flip flops in rather classical ways. He sees Yasha late at night for sex and then parades girl after girl in front of him during the day. Yasha also alternates between accepting this behavior and trying to break it off. Here is where the story lost me some because it’s hard to accept and like either man as they struggle with the relationship. Yasha/Jacob accepts JT’s horrible behavior through a variety of weak excuses and see through rationalizations. The numerous secondary characters almost all advise Yasha to give up and I couldn’t help but agree with them. JT is not a bad character but so clearly scared to be himself that his righteous behavior makes him contradictory. His later final declaration towards Yasha feels too easy and fast to be believable.
Despite the fact that I didn’t fully buy into JT and Yasha’s relationship, the sex scenes are still pretty hot with smoking hot chemistry and the setting sucks me in every time. I absolutely love the St. Nacho’s town feel and each story set there reminds me of the changing seasons and quirky characters. The easy feel of the author’s writing is offered again and the glimpse into the lives of past characters is always welcome. This series has the feel of visiting favorite friends that you may not always agree with but love to visit anyway. While I didn’t necessarily appreciate the main relationship, I enjoyed reading it regardless. The look into potential new characters (please be Yasha’s brother and Cam next) and the great coastal setting continues to deliver a simply enthralling story.
Another important point is that Jacob’s Ladder is an easy stand alone book. If you’re new to the series or have (gasp!) forgotten the previous books, Jacob’s Ladder catches you up easily and quickly. Most likely you’ll fall in love with the setting all over again and want to read or re-read the previous books, I know I did, but don’t worry about starting mid-series. This is an excellent example of a series you can jump in and out of without fears and an easily recommended series too. The author’s great writing and flare for entertainment really shine despite the qualms I had and no doubt readers will enjoy this offering just as much.
The story is told in first person from Jacob or Yasha’s point of view. He’s having a bad day when a head cold sends him home onto to end up in a violent confrontation with his then boyfriend. Apparently the boyfriend didn’t appreciate Yasha breaking up his orgy and decides to take it out on Yasha’s face. Bleeding, hurting, and still suffering from a cold, Jacob then ends up kicked off the greyhound when the driver fears he’s carrying the swine flu. Not only that but then Jacob’s brother can’t come get him for several days. Here it the slightly corny, overly contrived set up that ends Yasha/Jacob stranded in St. Nacho’s for several days.
Yet once you can get past this series of obvious events, the real ebb and flow of the story starts. Yasha meets EMT JT and the sparks immediately fly. JT is deeply closeted, very religious, and likes to lecture. He realizes Yasha has been abused by his partner and immediately wants to set Yasha on a better path. Here the issue of spousal abuse is handled well but lightly. The story keeps the focus on the romance and lets the abuse be secondary and somewhat disconnected so as not to depress any readers. This is likely a good choice as the issue is well handled. Various women are shown to be strong, independent, and survivors as they establish better lives after the abuse. Initially Yasha is wary about this group but soon comes to be an important part in many ways. I like that the story isn’t afraid to show this issue but doesn’t dwell and if anything, keeps the issue disconnected and thus a lesser emotional impact.
The real focus is on the romance between Yasha and the closeted JT. JT is a difficult character to like as he flip flops in rather classical ways. He sees Yasha late at night for sex and then parades girl after girl in front of him during the day. Yasha also alternates between accepting this behavior and trying to break it off. Here is where the story lost me some because it’s hard to accept and like either man as they struggle with the relationship. Yasha/Jacob accepts JT’s horrible behavior through a variety of weak excuses and see through rationalizations. The numerous secondary characters almost all advise Yasha to give up and I couldn’t help but agree with them. JT is not a bad character but so clearly scared to be himself that his righteous behavior makes him contradictory. His later final declaration towards Yasha feels too easy and fast to be believable.
Despite the fact that I didn’t fully buy into JT and Yasha’s relationship, the sex scenes are still pretty hot with smoking hot chemistry and the setting sucks me in every time. I absolutely love the St. Nacho’s town feel and each story set there reminds me of the changing seasons and quirky characters. The easy feel of the author’s writing is offered again and the glimpse into the lives of past characters is always welcome. This series has the feel of visiting favorite friends that you may not always agree with but love to visit anyway. While I didn’t necessarily appreciate the main relationship, I enjoyed reading it regardless. The look into potential new characters (please be Yasha’s brother and Cam next) and the great coastal setting continues to deliver a simply enthralling story.
Another important point is that Jacob’s Ladder is an easy stand alone book. If you’re new to the series or have (gasp!) forgotten the previous books, Jacob’s Ladder catches you up easily and quickly. Most likely you’ll fall in love with the setting all over again and want to read or re-read the previous books, I know I did, but don’t worry about starting mid-series. This is an excellent example of a series you can jump in and out of without fears and an easily recommended series too. The author’s great writing and flare for entertainment really shine despite the qualms I had and no doubt readers will enjoy this offering just as much.
June 19, 2010
I really love the St Nacho's series. Number 3 in the series has all the ingredients of St Nacho's - 1) a very likeable and sympathetic protagnist who 2) has a complex and difficult past to work through, helped along by 3) quirky and interesting background characters who populate St Nachos.
Again, ZAM writes a fascinating character study in Yasha with her usual humour, empathy and lack of sappiness. I just like ZAM's voice - I know when I pick up her book that I'm rarely going to be bored by predictability either in the dialogue, prose or plot.
What didn't work for me in Jacob's Ladder? Well, I didn't care much about J.T. It's not that I despise closeted characters - when I like a character I will empathise with them despite (or because of) their flaws. But I just didn't find J.T. particularly engaging. This is not because of ZAM's writing - she explores J.T.'s good and bad sides adequately. It's just that J.T.'s issues were not those I could relate to. I didn't hate him, I just didn't particularly care for him either. Other readers will disagree with me on this, I'm sure.
So if I didn't care about JT, why did I love Jacob's Ladder? Because there was a relationship that I did care about - the relationship between Yasha and his brother. This, for me, was the real "relationship" in the story - the one with more heart and interest. I freely admit that this is just me. I'm a sucker for family relationships, especially those between brothers - probably coming from having none of my own - so this part of the story charmed me.
So I recommend Jacob's Ladder - a very worthy addition to the St Nacho's universe, but also worth the read even if you haven't read 1 & 2.
Again, ZAM writes a fascinating character study in Yasha with her usual humour, empathy and lack of sappiness. I just like ZAM's voice - I know when I pick up her book that I'm rarely going to be bored by predictability either in the dialogue, prose or plot.
What didn't work for me in Jacob's Ladder? Well, I didn't care much about J.T. It's not that I despise closeted characters - when I like a character I will empathise with them despite (or because of) their flaws. But I just didn't find J.T. particularly engaging. This is not because of ZAM's writing - she explores J.T.'s good and bad sides adequately. It's just that J.T.'s issues were not those I could relate to. I didn't hate him, I just didn't particularly care for him either. Other readers will disagree with me on this, I'm sure.
So if I didn't care about JT, why did I love Jacob's Ladder? Because there was a relationship that I did care about - the relationship between Yasha and his brother. This, for me, was the real "relationship" in the story - the one with more heart and interest. I freely admit that this is just me. I'm a sucker for family relationships, especially those between brothers - probably coming from having none of my own - so this part of the story charmed me.
So I recommend Jacob's Ladder - a very worthy addition to the St Nacho's universe, but also worth the read even if you haven't read 1 & 2.
June 17, 2010
4.5 stars
JT is a difficult character to like too many times. However, the gritty reality and search for self esteem between other characters, including Yasha, are so realistic that I can't fault ZA for making him as realistic (unappealing and infuriating as he was) as the rest of the characters.
The witty banter between brothers and in the face of violence and uncertainty is a welcome respite from some of the harsher moments. I appreciate the humor. It's my kind of humor. It makes me laugh.
The ending was abrupt. I was surprised when it ended because there was more to say and more to see between these two. I closed the book with a sense of brittle HFN and hope that we see more of them in the next book.
Yasha's brother Dan and JT's firefighter buddy, Cam seem to be poised for their own story and it can't come soon enough.
JT is a difficult character to like too many times. However, the gritty reality and search for self esteem between other characters, including Yasha, are so realistic that I can't fault ZA for making him as realistic (unappealing and infuriating as he was) as the rest of the characters.
The witty banter between brothers and in the face of violence and uncertainty is a welcome respite from some of the harsher moments. I appreciate the humor. It's my kind of humor. It makes me laugh.
The ending was abrupt. I was surprised when it ended because there was more to say and more to see between these two. I closed the book with a sense of brittle HFN and hope that we see more of them in the next book.
Yasha's brother Dan and JT's firefighter buddy, Cam seem to be poised for their own story and it can't come soon enough.
June 19, 2010
Man, I have yet to read a book where the pizza doesn't get cold and they actually make it out to dinner and chow down first before their libidos take over and sex comes first. Just a comment I wanted to make that came to mind :laughing:
I wanted to throttle JT and he kept pissing me off. I wondered how many times he was going to get his rocks off and keep walking out like a coward that couldn't stay and face the music after the deed was done and the seed spilled in a torrid mess left for Yasha to clean up. Yasha I found had no resistance in saying no, especially when JT was in the vicinity, but there were humorous moments for me during the story. Yasha is quite the character.
Overall it's a great additional book to the St. Nachos series and Z.A. didn't disappoint. I look forward to the next one.
I wanted to throttle JT and he kept pissing me off. I wondered how many times he was going to get his rocks off and keep walking out like a coward that couldn't stay and face the music after the deed was done and the seed spilled in a torrid mess left for Yasha to clean up. Yasha I found had no resistance in saying no, especially when JT was in the vicinity, but there were humorous moments for me during the story. Yasha is quite the character.
Overall it's a great additional book to the St. Nachos series and Z.A. didn't disappoint. I look forward to the next one.
April 22, 2012
I really enjoyed the book, more for the descriptions of the tight-knit small town community than the actual plot.
I loved Jacob and I enjoyed his internal conflict dealing with his response to being an abused partner.
I'm not a fan of the GFY trope, especially when the MC can't make up his mind and is still flirting/dating/sleeping with girls.
However I enjoyed Jacob's brother Daniel so much that this overruled any dislike for Jason.
I loved Jacob and I enjoyed his internal conflict dealing with his response to being an abused partner.
I'm not a fan of the GFY trope, especially when the MC can't make up his mind and is still flirting/dating/sleeping with girls.
However I enjoyed Jacob's brother Daniel so much that this overruled any dislike for Jason.
September 10, 2016
3.5 stars
I really enjoy Z.A. Maxfield's writing and the St. Nacho's series. This book actually works as a standalone since the main characters have no connection to the previous books, although there are brief secondary appearances from prior characters.
I liked Yasha/Jacob and felt bad for him through most of the book. I didn't like JT for most of the story. He used his religion as an excuse for his self-loathing, used Yasha (but Yasha allowed it) and used all the women he was continually dating. I understood his confusion, but the way he acted made him come off really bad in my eyes.
The side story with Yasha's brother Daniel, as a set up for the next book, was very good and I would like to see more of their relationship play out.
My big problem with this book though, was the abrupt ending. I felt like it left me in the middle of Yasha and JT's relationship. I am hoping for some follow up in the next story.
I really enjoy Z.A. Maxfield's writing and the St. Nacho's series. This book actually works as a standalone since the main characters have no connection to the previous books, although there are brief secondary appearances from prior characters.
I liked Yasha/Jacob and felt bad for him through most of the book. I didn't like JT for most of the story. He used his religion as an excuse for his self-loathing, used Yasha (but Yasha allowed it) and used all the women he was continually dating. I understood his confusion, but the way he acted made him come off really bad in my eyes.
The side story with Yasha's brother Daniel, as a set up for the next book, was very good and I would like to see more of their relationship play out.
My big problem with this book though, was the abrupt ending. I felt like it left me in the middle of Yasha and JT's relationship. I am hoping for some follow up in the next story.
March 14, 2021
3.5 Stars
This is one of those stories where I really liked the characters whose head I'm in, i.e. Jacob's, but the insta-love and the nature of JT's own reluctance to admit to his nature as a gay man made accepting the pace of this story a little hard. I liked how sweet he was with Jacob and how drawn to his "Yasha" he was, but the continued dates with women and how reluctant he was to admit to his true feelings made the ending especially feel more temporary than HEA. I did love the way that Jacob's relationship with his brother develops in the story as well. Daniel clearly does care for his brother and the abuse Jacob dealt with gave them an excuse to find their way back to each other.
I liked this story, just didn't love it. Still ultimately I've enjoyed this series well enough to want to re-read it and I'm not regretting that decision at all. I know I'll enjoying finishing the series up again with Daniel's story.
This is one of those stories where I really liked the characters whose head I'm in, i.e. Jacob's, but the insta-love and the nature of JT's own reluctance to admit to his nature as a gay man made accepting the pace of this story a little hard. I liked how sweet he was with Jacob and how drawn to his "Yasha" he was, but the continued dates with women and how reluctant he was to admit to his true feelings made the ending especially feel more temporary than HEA. I did love the way that Jacob's relationship with his brother develops in the story as well. Daniel clearly does care for his brother and the abuse Jacob dealt with gave them an excuse to find their way back to each other.
I liked this story, just didn't love it. Still ultimately I've enjoyed this series well enough to want to re-read it and I'm not regretting that decision at all. I know I'll enjoying finishing the series up again with Daniel's story.
February 1, 2012
There was something very endearing about Yasha and his shoot-off-the-mouth humor even as he was nearly at death's threshold. And yeah, I wanted to close J.T.'s head repeatedly in a closet door, but his confusion was palpable, and he tried--very hard--not to say or do anything that would destroy Yasha, with all of his carefully masked vulnerability. I would actually like to see more of this couple--together, in the privacy of JT's home, they were gorgeous and real.
April 15, 2012
I enjoy most of ZA Maxfield's books, and this one is perhaps my favorite. There was something about Jacob's mix of strength and vulnerability, and JT's confusion, that really worked for me. The plot was strong, the resolution satisfying. Both main characters had flaws and made mistakes, and learned from them. The supporting charaters were interesting and distinct characters. The emotion was strong but not angsty. I turned around and reread this almost immediately.
February 24, 2016
Qui la mia recensione:
August 21, 2018
3.5-4 stars
So far this was the one in the series I liked the least. Mainly due to JT's behaviour. Whilst very human and realistic, I guess, it was still infuriating. Jacob / Yasha is a bigger person than I am! Also, the ending was a bit too abrupt, and I would classify it as HFN rather than HEA... and a tentative HFN at that. HOwever, there's another book in the series and I am sure we are going to revisit this couple in that one, so I might feel differently about their ending after the next book.
So far this was the one in the series I liked the least. Mainly due to JT's behaviour. Whilst very human and realistic, I guess, it was still infuriating. Jacob / Yasha is a bigger person than I am! Also, the ending was a bit too abrupt, and I would classify it as HFN rather than HEA... and a tentative HFN at that. HOwever, there's another book in the series and I am sure we are going to revisit this couple in that one, so I might feel differently about their ending after the next book.
September 6, 2012
I liked this story very much, but strangely it was due more to the secondary character of Dan than the rest. Let me explain, without going through all the story.
The romantic element of the story between Jacob and JT worked. JT had his moments when I wanted to slap him, but then he did the big gesture and the right thing and he almost completely redeemed himself. I don't know if he's 100% trustworthy, but he pinned his heart onto his sleeve.
Jacob was an interesting character. His jokes are a bit untimely sometimes, but I believed the portrait the author did to him at that point in his life. I don't know if I could really say that his character has a story arc, I don't know if he's really in a better place in his head than he was at the beginning, but he took a conscious risk, I don't think he will be a passenger in his life again.
As I said before, Dan, Jacob's brother, is a great character. I liked his humor, the way he doesn't sugarcoat his opinion, he's blunt and driven. It's clear that this might lead to trouble, he denied himself something important, but in few pages we have a portrait of a complicated man, with lots of shades and facing questionable choices. The closeness between the two brothers is just beautiful, you could really experience the depth of their love which comes from having endured the same problems and having survived them.
There are a couple of things that are worrying me and I guess they'll play out in the next installment. First of all, I didn't like how Jacob was so ready to judge his brother for the cheating thing, I was expecting him to be less judgmental. Second, I didn't like the way Cam was talking to Jacob about JT, as if JT were the most untrustworthy man in the world. I know he meant well, but the way he insisted on it was stinky.
A gripping story. I love this town.
The romantic element of the story between Jacob and JT worked. JT had his moments when I wanted to slap him, but then he did the big gesture and the right thing and he almost completely redeemed himself. I don't know if he's 100% trustworthy, but he pinned his heart onto his sleeve.
Jacob was an interesting character. His jokes are a bit untimely sometimes, but I believed the portrait the author did to him at that point in his life. I don't know if I could really say that his character has a story arc, I don't know if he's really in a better place in his head than he was at the beginning, but he took a conscious risk, I don't think he will be a passenger in his life again.
As I said before, Dan, Jacob's brother, is a great character. I liked his humor, the way he doesn't sugarcoat his opinion, he's blunt and driven. It's clear that this might lead to trouble, he denied himself something important, but in few pages we have a portrait of a complicated man, with lots of shades and facing questionable choices. The closeness between the two brothers is just beautiful, you could really experience the depth of their love which comes from having endured the same problems and having survived them.
There are a couple of things that are worrying me and I guess they'll play out in the next installment. First of all, I didn't like how Jacob was so ready to judge his brother for the cheating thing, I was expecting him to be less judgmental. Second, I didn't like the way Cam was talking to Jacob about JT, as if JT were the most untrustworthy man in the world. I know he meant well, but the way he insisted on it was stinky.
A gripping story. I love this town.
October 15, 2010
The first part of this book completely destroyed me, especially the beating that Jacob took at the hands of his lover. It was brutal and unexpected but I understand why it had to be that way once I got further into the book. If Jacob isn't one of the most unlucky guys I've ever read about, I don't know who is; sick, beat-up, kicked off a bus, rejected by his brother, losing his job - just wow.
It was a very sweet addition to the series and I think I liked it as much as the first book. Jacob and JT are such opposing characters that they just have to be a match made in heaven. I loved and hated JT's confusion, the way he chose to cover up his sexual preference but at the same time couldn't keep away from the one who'd stolen his heart. It was heartbreaking to see Jacob let him into his room and make love with him, only to have him leave again and try to ignore what happened. I loved JT's dad, he was just the coolest.
The car accident made my heart jump, and then swoon with JT's sudden public kiss. They're a wonderful couple and my only beef is I would have liked to see more of the "after" of them finally getting together. Great read.
It was a very sweet addition to the series and I think I liked it as much as the first book. Jacob and JT are such opposing characters that they just have to be a match made in heaven. I loved and hated JT's confusion, the way he chose to cover up his sexual preference but at the same time couldn't keep away from the one who'd stolen his heart. It was heartbreaking to see Jacob let him into his room and make love with him, only to have him leave again and try to ignore what happened. I loved JT's dad, he was just the coolest.
The car accident made my heart jump, and then swoon with JT's sudden public kiss. They're a wonderful couple and my only beef is I would have liked to see more of the "after" of them finally getting together. Great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2021
Jacob's Ladder is my favorite of the series so far. The writing style and the feel of Jacobs POV seems similar to Cooper's from book one, and very familiar.
Something about Jacob really drew me in. The way he described his feelings about religion as being about his family. How he and his older brother are all the family they each have and how close they've always been. He's an MC that I could really fall in love with. J.T. has his own qualities that make him easy to empathize with and to like. His struggle with accepting that he's gay when his religious beliefs tell him it's wrong is a very powerful one and the author does it justice.
The introduction of Daniel, Jacob’s brother, and Cameron, a firefighter, sets the scene for the next book. But does it in a way that makes you really want to get to know those two guys even more.
So, yeah, this one’s a favorite. Well worth reading.
Something about Jacob really drew me in. The way he described his feelings about religion as being about his family. How he and his older brother are all the family they each have and how close they've always been. He's an MC that I could really fall in love with. J.T. has his own qualities that make him easy to empathize with and to like. His struggle with accepting that he's gay when his religious beliefs tell him it's wrong is a very powerful one and the author does it justice.
The introduction of Daniel, Jacob’s brother, and Cameron, a firefighter, sets the scene for the next book. But does it in a way that makes you really want to get to know those two guys even more.
So, yeah, this one’s a favorite. Well worth reading.
January 4, 2011
This book is about T.J. and Jacob, you also get to know about Jacob's brother Dan and also T.J.'s work colleague Cam. You also get to hear a bit about the other characters from books 1 & 2.
For me this is the best book out of the 3, the only complaint I have is that it was very rushed at the end and just finished far too quickly. St Nacho's Bar sounds such a wonderful place and I would so love to hang out there after 10pm!!!
I'm hoping there is a 4th book as I want to read all about Dan and Cam!
For me this is the best book out of the 3, the only complaint I have is that it was very rushed at the end and just finished far too quickly. St Nacho's Bar sounds such a wonderful place and I would so love to hang out there after 10pm!!!
I'm hoping there is a 4th book as I want to read all about Dan and Cam!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2014
This book was very unpredictable and I liked that. The dynamics between Jacob and JT were so complicated and so good. I'm realizing that what I enjoy best about a character coming to terms with his sexuality is when there is an internal struggle and conflict. JT's numerous dates with the ladies were quite fascinating to watch. And although Jacob and JT didn't really come together as a couple until the very end, I enjoyed their journey every step of the way.
Cam, the big lug, I hope Daniel deserves him in the next book!
Cam, the big lug, I hope Daniel deserves him in the next book!
September 30, 2010
This is the 3rd book in the St. Nacho's series. I really liked this one, it might even be my favorite. I just wish the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt. I wasn't quite ready to be finished with them. I would have liked an epilogue or something about them in the real world. There was a lot of slow build, but this literally ended when their story together starts. And please, someone tell me that there will be a book about Cam. And a book about Dan.
October 12, 2011
Well this one certainly started with a bang lol.
So far I liked this one best. Still not feeling much in the way of chemistry or romance. For some reason I start to want to read more of the other characters. In book 1 I wanted more of Jordan and in book 3 I wanted more of Cam lol. Wonder who I'll want to learn more of in book 4?
A steady 3 star rating so far. A good story but nothing that really grabs me.
So far I liked this one best. Still not feeling much in the way of chemistry or romance. For some reason I start to want to read more of the other characters. In book 1 I wanted more of Jordan and in book 3 I wanted more of Cam lol. Wonder who I'll want to learn more of in book 4?
A steady 3 star rating so far. A good story but nothing that really grabs me.
December 22, 2014
I didn't connect with the characters as easily in this book as I did with Conner & Shawn () ... it is essential reading if you love the series but for me it was a bit dark & heavy for the mood I was in ... the writing & character building is still better than a lot of other books out there but I preferred the romance & smex in book one of the series (call me shallow!).
January 11, 2012
Not even the intense desire to smash JT's head against the closest hard surface managed to reduce my enjoyment of this awesome book.
July 18, 2021
3/5 stars. This book covered some serious issues Jacob fleeing from a domestic violence situation gets kicked off a Greyhound bus for being sick in a small town called St. Nacho. The hotel owner finds him half dead and his son is the paramedic that come to help help him. The feel a connection, but Jason is in the closet and in denial about his sexuality. The town grows on Jacob and he becomes friends with some of the firemen where Jason works. Soon St. Nacho's becomes home for Jacob.
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November 7, 2010More than how it was in the previous two books, St. Nacho’s is becoming like a shelter for lost souls, and in this case it’s like a light in the fog for people who are wondering the world searching for a purpose.
Jacob’s Ladder is correctly tagged as third in the St. Nacho’s series, but aside for the place, Sant Ignacio, a seaside village along the California route 1, it has only losely connections with the previous two books, so that, you can easily read it standalone and then, if it makes your curious for the characters you will see popping out here and there, you can go back to read the other two books.
As I said, Jacob is indeed a lost soul. He has a wandering fever, he moved from United States to Israel and back, always clinging to someone he considered safe: first his older brother, then his grandfather, and now his boyfriend. But when this last man unveals to be not exactly your mainstay in the storm, on the contrary he is abusive and uncaring, Jacob is again lost and the only one who seems to be his light in the fog is his older brother Dan. In the way to go to him, Jacob gets stranded in St. Nacho, and he is literally saved by EMT nurse JT.
JT is everything Jacob seems to be searching in a man: steady, kindhearted, gentle� and straight. Or so it seems. JT does everything possible to make Jacob like St. Nacho, he finds him a job, new friends, everything other than a new boyfriend. On the contrary, as soon as Jacob is spotted by the very handsome, and gay, firefighter Cam, JT immediately warns Jacob that Cam is a player, that he is not the right man for Jacob, who instead needs someone steadier, someone like� JT?
Even if JT is a desperate closeted case, of Jewish origins he sees homosexuality like the worst sin possible, Jacob is not able to forget him. While during the day he is willing, and able, to admit that JT is not the right man for him, that he doesn’t need to be considered a little dirty secret, during the night he is unable to refuse the man when he comes to knock at his door.
JT is the perfect example of a man in denial: from a not so strictly religious family, who would have probably accepted him if he had the courage to come out, JT searched in faith a way out from what he considered something too big to be beared alone; in a way JT built around himself his own cage, he became a faithful believer who now has an excuse to tell to himself that being gay is a sin.
I liked how the author played with her characters, starting with Jacob who seemed the confused one, the one who needed direction, and ending instead with JT who desperately needed Jacob, as if Jacob was his last chance to happiness.
Jacob’s Ladder is correctly tagged as third in the St. Nacho’s series, but aside for the place, Sant Ignacio, a seaside village along the California route 1, it has only losely connections with the previous two books, so that, you can easily read it standalone and then, if it makes your curious for the characters you will see popping out here and there, you can go back to read the other two books.
As I said, Jacob is indeed a lost soul. He has a wandering fever, he moved from United States to Israel and back, always clinging to someone he considered safe: first his older brother, then his grandfather, and now his boyfriend. But when this last man unveals to be not exactly your mainstay in the storm, on the contrary he is abusive and uncaring, Jacob is again lost and the only one who seems to be his light in the fog is his older brother Dan. In the way to go to him, Jacob gets stranded in St. Nacho, and he is literally saved by EMT nurse JT.
JT is everything Jacob seems to be searching in a man: steady, kindhearted, gentle� and straight. Or so it seems. JT does everything possible to make Jacob like St. Nacho, he finds him a job, new friends, everything other than a new boyfriend. On the contrary, as soon as Jacob is spotted by the very handsome, and gay, firefighter Cam, JT immediately warns Jacob that Cam is a player, that he is not the right man for Jacob, who instead needs someone steadier, someone like� JT?
Even if JT is a desperate closeted case, of Jewish origins he sees homosexuality like the worst sin possible, Jacob is not able to forget him. While during the day he is willing, and able, to admit that JT is not the right man for him, that he doesn’t need to be considered a little dirty secret, during the night he is unable to refuse the man when he comes to knock at his door.
JT is the perfect example of a man in denial: from a not so strictly religious family, who would have probably accepted him if he had the courage to come out, JT searched in faith a way out from what he considered something too big to be beared alone; in a way JT built around himself his own cage, he became a faithful believer who now has an excuse to tell to himself that being gay is a sin.
I liked how the author played with her characters, starting with Jacob who seemed the confused one, the one who needed direction, and ending instead with JT who desperately needed Jacob, as if Jacob was his last chance to happiness.
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