Good cowboy romance from Grey. Believable characters (even the bad guys, alas) and situations I have seen in real life, though fortunately not carriedGood cowboy romance from Grey. Believable characters (even the bad guys, alas) and situations I have seen in real life, though fortunately not carried to such extremes....more
Librarians attach the tag "bildungsromans" to what we might term "coming of age" stories in plain English. In a very strong sense, that is what this bLibrarians attach the tag "bildungsromans" to what we might term "coming of age" stories in plain English. In a very strong sense, that is what this book is. The two main characters are dealing with different obstacles to development of a secure and mature self understanding. This is the story of how each helps push the other into that maturity. There's a lot of other "stuff" along the way, and some of it I might have taken a star off for, but I do not because the main point of the story is a very important one. That importance is being emphasized again by the present wave of anti-LGBTQ attitudes that are being promoted by shallow idiot politicians in the US. Ray's fear of letting his gay nature become visible is a very real thing, one that has driven many men and boys to painful and inappropriate ends. Travis has less fear of being recognized, perhaps, but is afraid to stabilize himself by "taking root" as he puts it, because he fears being driven away by intolerance and hatred.
There is an element here in the notion that sexual attraction (for men, anyway) is merely an itch to be scratched, and nothing deeper than that. The author does address that in many ways, and concludes the story in a way that denies the attitude. The book also shows the consequences of rejection by family, and especially by fathers, of their gay offspring. This is a very serious thing and one that has produced far too many suicides.
Overall, and in spite of some flaws I see in the depiction of male to male romance and attraction, this is very much a worthwhile read. The dramatic climax is almost unexpected, but leads to a satisfying ending. The writing itself is of very high quality, with many literary passages that are worthy of classic status. I may have some tough standards, but I recommend this book to all readers despite the fact that it would be immediately banned from red state libraries in the present wash of intolerance and ignorance we are seeing....more
Mary Calmes always can fool me. The start of a story has me convinced it is something I won't finish, but it turns around in a hurry to something I caMary Calmes always can fool me. The start of a story has me convinced it is something I won't finish, but it turns around in a hurry to something I can't put down. Web finds his place and a family, both things he thought he could never have....more
A bit too heavy on the sex, but this is a good story, right to the dramatic climax. Not sure I can believe there are so many gay rodeo cowboys, but heA bit too heavy on the sex, but this is a good story, right to the dramatic climax. Not sure I can believe there are so many gay rodeo cowboys, but hey, it's fiction. Entertaining, and very much in this author's style....more
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