I really wanted to like this book, but no, just no. I get why Josh doesn't like to be mad at people, but at some point you just have enough. I wanted to like Dane. He's a Ranger, a hero, and also a major asshole. Sorry PTSD doesn't cut it. I have PTSD myself, that doesn't give me a free card to be a jerk without people calling me on it. But every time he was an ass it was waved away with the whole "he served his country, he has PTSD". No. The sex. If I recall correctly, two of the times they have sex Josh asks him to stop and he refuses. That is rape. Dane goes right on over into D/s, BDSM territory and never checks to make sure it is okay with Josh, who doesn't like it at first. But of course it is all okay because eventually Josh enjoys it and Dane NEEDS it to deal with his PTSD. The reaction of his family members to his coming out, if I were him I'd find new family. Because of course they have the right to be mad at him for not telling them he was gay. WTF? Did Jesse need to announce that he was straight? The whole "We were waiting for you to come to us" thing was bullsh*t. He'd had the crap beaten out of him and could barely move and they all just leave him alone for weeks because THEY WERE WAITING FOR HIM TO COME TO THEM????? There were just so many things about this that peeved me. What kind of best friend is Sarah that she so easily forgives Jesse and how about we not even get into what a twit Guy is. Did I even like anyone in this story?Oh, yes, I liked the horse, he was great, too bad he wasn't a shifter and then Josh could have gotten together with a good man. Dane gets better at then end but he was pretty much given a free pass when he should have had to freaking grovel for months, on his knees, in a muddy cow pen.Last thought, it might possibly have helped if this book wasn't written in first person (I rarely like first person) and if we had gotten to see Dane's thoughts things would have looked different, like when they were having sex him picking up cues that Josh really wants him to keep going or something, I just have a really hard time getting past Josh asking him to stop and being scared and Dane pushing him and hurting him. Oh, and what the hell happened to Dane's PTSD, it was miraculously cured after he got stabbed or maybe it was after he had Josh top him so he could feel forgiven. AAARRGH *tears out hair* I feel sort of bad that this turned into a rant. I would mention that I don't remember there being anything bad about the writing other than I just didn't care for the characters or the storyline, but that's personal taste, so take it as such. If a book can bring out strong emotions, whatever they be then that indicates a great writer and Lisa M Owens brought out a lot of emotion in me with her roller coaster novel. This story starts out as a deceptively easy read then slowly starts to hook you in until wham! All hell let's loose and you're so emotionally wrapped up in the story that its practically impossible to put down. I'm used to getting emotionally involved in my books but its not often that they evoke anger - not at Josh, Dane or Jesse as such although there are many moments of frustration and exasperation evoked by their actions, but at the injustice of having to lie about your sexual orientation because of the fear of reprocussion affecting all aspects of your life, and in this case Josh not only has the worry of how his family will take to his coming out but he also faces violence from homophobic rednecks and bigoted small town mentality - aswell as falling for a man like Dane who is damaged from PTSD and also closeted. It's a recipe of hurt, anger and betrayal for all involved but for all its angst this book never becomes gloomy nor miserable and we get to see the good side of people too. The love scenes are hot and heavy and feature domination ( NOT BDSM) but it fits the situations and mindset of the story perfectly and never overwhelms or feel gratuitous. Thankfully having (cleverly) wound up the tension to a peak , Ms Owen then gave it such a wonderful ending ,full of love, redemption and hope for the future, that all the pent up emotion wooshed out and I was left feeling wholly satisfied and at peace. All in all a wonderful story that will definitely take you on an emotional ride, wring you out and leave you wanting more from this excellent author. Bring on book 2 and hopefully Guy will get his HEA, just don't take to long please!
What do You think about Worth The Coming Home (2012)?
So much emotions in this book. I really hope this author plans on writing more books.
—brett
