THE LONE RANCHER by Andrew Grey

 

Dreamspinner Press

February 15^th, 2016

978-1-63476-912-9

Contemporary MM Romance/Western/Dreamspun Desires

Paperback

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Self-Purchase

3.5 Hearts




Aubrey Klein is in a pickle. To save the family ranch, he needs money fast. So he finds a weekend job as a stripper at a Dallas club. For two shows on Saturday he is the Lone Rancher and it is the salvation he needs to keep the ranch he has grown up on and loved. But Aubrey finds that he is torn apart as time goes on with him going to Dallas on weekends and dancing and trying to keep it a secret from his parents. But it all comes to head when an old friend, Garrett Lamston, shows up at the club and Aubrey finds out that Garrett is gay like him. Now as the two men try to stop their meddling mothers, their friendship deepens, love beckons. But Aubrey knows that the secret life he is having in Dallas is tearing him apart. Can Aubrey cowboy up and lay his cards on the table for Garrett and his family or will it all come crashing down on him?

I absolutely adore author Andrew Grey’s books and his latest, THE LONE RANCHER, is no exception. His books are full of amazing characters that are quite lifelike and have the same fears, vulnerabilities we all have in real life.  The story moves at a nice even pace with characters that are enjoyable and quite entertaining. The author does a marvelous job in capturing the way Aubrey feels so pulled apart by the secret in his life as well as his new relationship with Garrett as it turns from a deep friendship to something so much more. The reader gets a sense of what life is like in the ‘bible belt’ of Texas and you can not help but find compassion for both Aubrey and Garrett as they try to deal with stolen moments, secrets, fears and shame as they try to find their own path to love and life. The scenes where Aubrey and Garrett talked about hiding who they were, the shame they felt and more just broke my heart. Those scenes, though painful to read, were happening all over the world today not just in books, movies and TV Shows. The author does a great job in capturing that aspect perfectly in the pages of THE LONE RANCHER. There were some lighter moments that helped keep a balance through the story and that helped a lot. It made it seem much more real to me and that helped me understand more of Aubrey and Garrett’s feelings better.

THE LONE RANCHER is a twist on the traditional Harlequin romances like your mom or grandmother used to read and the authors at Dreamspinner Press do an amazing job in creating stories that just take that kind of a theme and turn it on its head. I loved the whole masked stripper aspect of the story fun and those scenes left me smiling and laughing at my imagination going into overdrive as the scenes came to life in my head. The author creates a cast of characters that make you fall in love with some of them and for a few other characters, makes you want to smack them upside the head and shake them silly. Andrew Grey delivers a sweet tale of two people who find that falling in love is the least of their problems. The question is can they make it work even after all the secrets are out and that right there makes this book a keeper for me. Andrew Grey is my go to author for those heart warming tales that leave a smile on your face even as you flip the pages for more. If you enjoy a ‘traditional’ sort of romance abet with a twist, and then you will love this new line from Dreamspinner Press. For the few books I have read through them, I haven’t been disappointed once. I am eager to see what other authors come up with in the future in this new imprint line and can’t wait for more stories with heart from this author in particular. Definitely a book to keep on my keeper shelf.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

LOVE MEANS…ENDURANCE by Andrew Grey

A Love Means… Story
Dreamspinner Press
January 16^th, 2015
978-1-63216-360-8
Contemporary Fiction MM
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained by Self-purchase
5 Hearts



Geoff and Eli have been together for ten years and between a thriving farm and raising their son, Jake, life has been good to them. Until Eli begins to feel tired, then collapses, Geoff is frantic to find the answer to Eli’s condition. But both are unprepared to hear the dreaded C word- cancer and with it, life as they knew it halts fast. Life becomes a series of treatments, never-ending doctor visits and with so many people depending on them, both men are pulled to the brink but with their family and friends beside them, Geoff and Eli will find they have the strength to fight not just the cancer but also for their love.

Andrew Grey delivers his final book in his much loved Love Means… series that introduced us to Eli and Geoff in the very first book, Love Means…No Shame and continues with each book there after, with different characters but always centered around Eli and Geoff as well as the farm. I fell in love with these two right from the beginning and with this final book, I found myself crying, laughing and smiling all through the book. This author is one my favorites to read when I need that pick me up or to revisit with some beloved characters that are like family to me. A master storyteller, Mr. Grey delivers a story that just weaves a spell around you right from the beginning. The characters are well written, multidimensional and literally steal your heart. I can’t say how many times I sniffled or cried while reading Eli and Geoff’s fight against cancer or how I smiled at Jake’s scenes when he was being such a delight amid the storyline. This is an author who just lets his characters shine in a story and let them tell you the tale while unbeknownst to you, stealing your heart, piece by piece.

LOVE MEANS…ENDURANCE is a story that is full of heart, fight and ultimately about family. Family is more than blood, it’s what and who you make it. Eli and Geoff have made their family complete and with the cancer it is rocked to the core but it was a fun to see how their family pulled together to give these two wonderful characters the support they needed. Mr. Grey is an author who delivers stories with heart and full of characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. As sad as I am that this beloved series is ending, I was thrilled to see so many familiar and wonderful returning characters help Eli and Geoff face this fight. Sweet, touching and just plain enjoyable, LOVE MEANS…ENDURANCE is a story that a reader will enjoy. Just words of warning…get those tissues ready because I can guarantee you will need them!

If you enjoy captivating characters, simmering romance that steals your heart and stories that touch the soul then you need to grab the Love Means series by this author. You won’t be disappointed! Now all I can ask my favorite author is, what do you got coming next?

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

 

ELECTROCHEMISTRY by Andrew Grey

Publisher:               Dreamspinner Press                    

Published:               02/07/2014 

ISBN:                     978 1 62798 895 7

Genre:                   Contemporary Romance, M/M, Novella

Book Format:          E-book

Obtained via:          Publisher

Reviewed by:          Helena Stone, helenastone63@gmail.com

Rating:                   4

         

This is the third title in Chemistry series but can without any problem be read as a stand-alone.

Brad Jergens is a science major and rather shy. When he notices Jordy Flemming both in the grocery store where he works and at school he is immediately attracted to the apparently happy and easy-going boy. But Jordy has a very hot boyfriend and Brad is convinced he doesn’t stand a chance.

When Brad goes on a cruise with his parents and his best friend Helen, he is amazed to run into Jordy. He is even more surprised when it appears that Jordy might be interested in him as well. With a little bit of pushing from Helen, Brad finds the courage to get closer to Jordy and it isn’t long before the chemistry between them sends sparks flying.

The weeklong cruise is over all too soon and although Jordy says he wants to connect with Brad once they’re back in school, Brad can’t help worrying that the amazing week might but just another holiday fling.

This was a charming story and a wonderful read. There was so much to like in this book. Brad is a charming character although very insecure about himself and shy. He is convinced he’s not really attractive and can’t imagine why anyone would be interested in him. When Jordi, the boy he’s been admiring from afar for months, finally shows an interest in him, it takes Brad some time to believe it is actually happening, to him.

Jordi was a fascinating character. On the surface very secure in himself he struggles with doubts about the relationship he’s in, which is going nowhere fast. I liked that he took his time to make up his mind, both about the old relationship and about Brad. And I liked how he made Brad feel better about himself.

I loved Helen, Brad’s best friend and co-worker. I adored the way she supported and encouraged Brad. She’s the sort of friend all of us should have; loyal to a fault as well as great fun.

Brad’s mother was another great character. I liked the way her ambivalence towards his homosexuality was treated. It wasn’t that she had a hard time with her son being gay. She just didn’t want to give up on her dream of a big wedding and grandchildren. It was good to see mother and son work out this really not very big issue in a warm and loving conversation rather than a big fight.

I did get a bit bogged down in all the detail of Brad’s day at times. I wasn’t convinced I needed the almost minute by minute and step by step descriptions of what he did and where he went. Having said that, it didn’t distract me from the story or stop me from enjoying it. I really liked the quiet and calm pace of this book. This story didn’t need shocks to be interesting and didn’t require major angst to keep the reader rooting for Brad and Jordy. Their romance was sweet and yet realistic while their issues were recognisable and appropriate to their age and circumstances. And when the two young men do get together they make a very hot couple without the book ever getting overly descriptive.

Overall this was a sweet romance and an ideal read for a lazy summer’s afternoon. Reading a book about a romantic cruise while sitting in the sun, really does make for a wonderful experience.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DUMPED IN OZ by Andrew Grey

Tales from Kansas Series Book One
Dreamspinner Press
January 15^th, 2014
978-1-62798-486-7
Contemporary M/M
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained by Author
4 Hearts



For Lyle Powers, being transferred to the middle of nowhere Kansas is like the kiss of death to his thinking. But for Lyle who has no ties or boyfriend to stay in Harrisburg, PA, going to Kansas is an eye opening event that may just bring him something much more than he anticipates.

Roger Kypers is part owner of a small restaurant in Wamego, or Oz as the locals call it, and finding Lyle who is new to town makes his heart hope again for a love ever after. Except Roger has a wicked ex-wife determined that he act like a normal straight man if he wants any time with his daughter. But you can’t stop the heart once it is engaged and as Roger and Lyle find out, sometimes love is the biggest surprise of all. Can Lyle and Roger let go of the past in order to have a future together?

DUMPED IN OZ is a charmingly sweet tale of a two lonely men finding their way to one another by a quirk of fate. I just love this author’s work and his stories are my go to reads when I need a pick me up after a rough day or just a chance to smile a bit when the world is all gray and ugly. His stories have heart which makes mine melt whenever I pick up one of Andrew Grey’s books. DUMPED IN OZ is a wonderful story full of real life issues, some nasty bigoted characters that made me want to smack silly and a friendship that slowly turned to love all in the eyes of the townsfolk of this small town. The characters are well developed and are diverse. They were quite life like and I really want to try some of the food at Roger’s restaurant now after reading this book. The story flowed smoothly and the pace was nice and even with no hiccups or plot holes to confuse the reader.

Meet Lyle. He is alone, working in Harrisburg, PA and even though he has friends, his world is quite small. He basically exists day to day, not living a life full of new experiences and people. So when he is offered a job at his company’s warehouse in Wamego, Kansas, well let’s just say he isn’t as thrilled as his friends are but after being talked into it, he finds himself charmed by the small town and the residents there. But his past gives rise to some fears after he meets Roger, a local man who stirs him like no other has. I just love Lyle and Roger together. You could see these both needed the friendship the other offered and soon, both men find their hearts engaged even if they are scared to the bone about it. The author does a great job in capturing Roger’s battle with Alcoholism & sobriety perfectly. He doesn’t preach about it and puts it in such a way that the reader is rooting for Roger to not take a drink and instead embraces a new friend. What I loved even more was how Lyle found himself slowly becoming part of the community, meeting the townsfolk, getting on in life and embracing all it offered in baby steps.

Roger on the other hand has been scared to rock the boat with his ex on his case for being gay, not sticking up for himself and his daughter being his whole world. But when Roger meets Lyle, Roger finds the strength to stick up for himself and that made me sit up and cheer as I rooted for Roger to finally tell his evil witch of an ex to back off and to show his daughter that being gay means not being different. The secondary characters are perfectly written and I loved how Lyle’s friends came to town to visit him, bringing lightheartedness to the story that had me giggling at times over their quips and remarks.

DUMPED IN OZ is that perfect story to read on a rainy afternoon when you need to pass some time. Mr. Grey delivers a strong heartfelt story that delivers a wonderful ending that will leave you breathless in the end. I can’t wait to see where he goes in this series and hope you check it out as well. DUMPED IN OZ is a sweet yet angst story with just enough drama to move the story line along instead of taking it over that will steal your heart and not let it go after the last page is read. Kudos to Mr. Grey for creating such a great introduction to his new series and I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement.

 

IN SEARCH FOR A STORY by Andrew Grey

Dreamspinner Press
May 31^st, 2013

978-1-62380-613-2
Contemporary M/M
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained by Self-Purchase
4 Hearts

Brad Torrence has just one chance to get a story his editor doesn’t feel will bore the readers and save his job. A chance look into the classifieds has Brad thinking about a new story idea. After meeting Cory Wolfe and finding out his story of loss and grief over the loss of a child, Brad finds himself drawing closer to the young doctor, who charms him with his stories even as he loses his heart to him. But Brad finds a new story idea that causes him to be in the crosshairs of something so dangerous it just may cost Brad his life. Will these two find a way to defeat the odds and find their own happy ever after?

Andrew Grey is one author I know whenever I pick up one of his books, you are coming home to characters who feel more like family and stories that make your heart melt. Without a doubt, IN SEARCH OF A STORY is by far one of this author’s best books to date and that is saying much by this reviewer. I have been a fan since the moment I picked up one of his first books and fell in love with his unabashed writing style that conveys emotional connections as well as rich storylines and captivating yet real characters that take your breath away. He has a way of making you fall into the story, of caring about all the characters-good & bad-as well and keeping you on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns he gives the story. I have to admit, Cory and Brad, as well as their wonderful families are so well written, they could be your neighbors, your friends, the postman or others around you. They love, they grieve, fall in love and wrestle with the decisions life tosses at them even as they move along this thing we call life.

Meet Brad and Cory. Two people just bumping along when a stroke of luck has Brad meeting Cory for a story idea on grieving mothers and loss due to a child’s death. What he initially anticipates the story to be does a 360 turn when it turns out that Cory lost his child, one he never held but so greatly wanted due to an accident that left him reeling. Brad and Cory are so perfect for one another. Brad sympathizes with Cory over his loss, knowing how Cory feels due to his own experiences growing up and as the two men get closer, the reader finds themselves learning more about both guys and falling just a little bit more in love with them with each page that is turned. I will say you run the gauntlet of emotions-laughter, tears, fear, smiles and happiness are all part of the storyline and Mr. Grey does a wonderful job in conveying those emotions honestly. Who hasn’t gone through a loss like Cory’s or the pain you see in someone’s face/eyes as they deal with the grief? And the adage of Time heals all wounds is a perfect theme as Cory finds his heart rendering grief slowly easing as he falls more and more under Brad’s spell. The dynamics of both these guys’ families was a wonderful surprise and conveyed a bit of lightness to the story as well at times.

IN SEARCH OF A STORY is more than two people coming together and falling for one another, it is about connections-family and romance, about grief and how you can move away from it, it just takes time and love that can heal a wounded heart and soul. Mr. Grey delivers a story so poignant, emotional and well written, I just sat back in my chair and just laid my head down to calm my emotions. This is truly one of his best stories to date and one I had a hard time putting down.

If you enjoy a well written story full of complex yet enjoyable and relatable characters and a love that can heal as well as give you joy, then I highly recommend IN SEARCH OF A STORY and settle in for an afternoon of enjoyable reading. I just suggest you put the box of Kleenex nearby in case you need one or several.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement