Throughout previous Pickup Men stories Scott has been portrayed in a less than complimentary light. He's rather unlikable in fact with his homophobic attitude and actions. That's why it takes a great talent to make readers care about someone so unlikable. Ms. Chase does just that by showing us a man carrying tons of emotional baggage that we learn through his backstory. Learning about his past doesn't erase all he's done until now but it does help us understand why he's the way he is. I felt more sympathetic towards him but never fell for him completely as his journey to HEA and acceptance was full of back and forth internal struggles which weighed the story down early on. Because of his wishy-washy nature I never fully committed to his relationship with Cory but I was drawn to the angst as the sweet Cory tries to help Scott find acceptance in a world not always kind to those who are gay.Cory was a side character in the previous installment of this series and unfortunately we don't get to know him too much beyond what he brings to his relationship with Scott. Where Scott is dark Cory is light. He's a ball of energy always seeing the positive side of things. He's comfortable in his own skin and sticks by Scott no matter what, trying to help him find acceptance in himself and I could always count on him to put a smile on my face despite the unrelenting anger Scott feels towards himself.Ms. Chase is a talent in the m/m genre, and while this book isn't perfect, it's plenty entertaining as it puts readers through the emotional wringer. The rodeo scenes were more plentiful in previous works, and though I wish there'd been more integrated into this story, even the few here were a welcome sight and added to the story's overall tone. Fans of the m/m genre will enjoy the Pickup Men series with now being the perfect time to take the ride. "It had taken a long time, a lot of dark days, but he got there..." -- Pulling LeatherThat pretty much sums up this fabulous read. I must say, I've been dying for Scott's story since book one. I couldn't wait to see how LC handled his characterization and how she'd redeem someone so unlikable. I LOVE redemption stories. Poor Scott broke my heart, and his reason for being closeted was a nice change from what I've seen done in the past in M/M. And his self hatred and one step forward, two back, made me hurt for him . That's why Cory, bright shining open Cory, was effing PERFECT for him.Friends first, then patient (er and occasionally not so patient) attempts to make it more... So sweet and touchingly romantic in how much Cory adored big, rough around the edges Scott. And watching Scott flourish under Cory's light. I loved this book and def wouldn't mind seeing more of this series. I adore LC Chase's writing.Oh and can I just say how much I adored the end and Scott getting some real family and love finally. 5 stars. Def recommend this, and the whole series for that matter :)
What do You think about Pulling Leather (2014)?
best book of the series. this felt like the book the author was trying to write all along.
—joshpi97
My new favorite from this author - stayed up late to finish it! :)
—pinals90
