Book Blast: Never Too Early: Finding Their Way by Chris Owen and Tory Temple ~ (ARC Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)
Book Information:
Author Name: Chris Owen and Tory Temple
Book Name: Never Too Early: Finding Their Way
Series: Book Two Never Too Early
Should not be read as a standalone
Release Date: April 15, 2015
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BSClay
Buy the Book:
Blurb:
When Jake Taggart fell from the roof of his barn, Tor had only one thought -- to reach out to Chance Shanahan and Tucker McBride for support. In this follow-up to Never Too Early: The Beginning, the first book in the Cowboy/Firefighter series, the two couples are reunited in their mutual concern for Jake. But how far will that concern go?
A strong friendship begins to explore the boundaries of something else; something all four men never looked for or expected. Emotions and attraction are difficult to deny, try as they might, but giving in has the potential to destroy everything both couples have worked so hard for. How will they handle something that none of them set out to find?
Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Menage/Poly, Cowboy, Romance
Excerpt:
Jake reached out and touched the back of Chance's hand. "Thank you for coming all this way to be with me. Thank you for coming to sit next to me, and for helping Tor. Thank you for everything you and Tucker have done around here, but mostly thank you for being someone I can count on." Jake nodded firmly and looked up into Chance's face, studying his eyes. "Thanks for caring so much."
Chance's gaze was steady and direct. "I didn't mean to," he said quietly. "I thought you were a good guy, that's all. I thought you were nice and funny and smart and easy to talk to. I didn't mean for there to be more than that."
Jake nodded. "I know. We all know. But there is, and I'm okay with that. Thankful for it, really. And so is Tor. And Tucker sent me upstairs to talk to you, and said not to let you overthink it." He smiled, trying not to shake with nerves. "So sit down here next to me and stop thinking."
Pages or Words: 54,000 words
Tracy's review:
4.5 Stars
*copy provided by the authors/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
**Warning if you haven't read BOOK ONE this review will contain SPOILERS*
This installment picks up where book one ended. Jake is about to be discharged from the hospital, after being injured, falling off the roof. Chance and Tucker have rushed to Arkansas to be there and agreed to stay a few days, to help Tor and to help get Jake back on his feet.
First of all, let's be honest we all knew where this book was headed. We all knew Jake and Chance are attracted to one another, as are Tuck and Tor. First I am going to give you my review, then I'll tell you how I felt about the story.
I gave it 4.5 stars, because that's what I think it deserves. It's a well written story. It flows well. The characters all have good chemistry. I love that Chris and Tory made the reactions to the situation very realistic. Not everything in this story is smooth sailing and the characters do fight and have trouble with the situation. Feelings are hurt and things need to be smoothed over.
Tucker and Tor are hilarious together. The "twins" had me in stitches with their antics! This book was funny, sweet, sexy, steamy and heartbreaking at times. It took me on a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster.
I couldn't tell this was written by two different authors. It all blends together very well.
My problem with the book, and the reason for it not getting 5 stars is that it's told in Jake and Chances POV's, and it feels very much like their story and that makes Tucker and Tor feel like secondary characters. I'm not sure if this was the authors intentions or not, but I wish they felt more like the main characters in the story as well. Chance and Tucker don't interact much and I missed that. We get to see Tucker, but only through other people's eyes really. Jake and Tor did interact, so Tor doesn't feel as much like a secondly character as Tucker does.
*These are just my opinions and have no actual bearing on my rating of the story*
Now I am going to give you my personal opinion. I DON'T like it! I don't like seeing Jake and Chance together. I liked Jake and Tor, but Chance and Tucker hold a very special place in my heart and it hurts to see them with other people. :( I was upset that we didn't see more interactions between Tucker and Chance. Will I read the last book? Yes, because I can't stop now, I have to finish. I may not be happy about, but I'll finish. I don't like that the dynamic of the relationships are changing. Chance and Tucker don't express their love, and so that makes me feel even MORE insecure and anxious about the situation. Maybe if they actually said I love you, I would be okay with it, or at least feel better about it. I think I need to be reassured by the authors that Tucker and Chance are still okay, and in a loving committed relationship.
I said it in my last review, and I stand by it, if you don't mind sharing, and don't have a problem with or you like a poly relationship, actually it's not really a poly, I would categorize it as a swinger type situation from what I've seen so far, this is a great book. I'm just not a person who shares well with others. I have too jealous of a personality and am too insecure for that.
About the authors:
Chris Owen: I live and write in eastern Canada. I went to a bunch of schools, learned a lot of things, and now make stuff up because not to do so is unthinkable. I'm fond of fountain pens, Levenger's Circa system, and Steampunk fashions. Lately I've been watching a lot of Discovery channel. I've seen every episode of CSI Las Vegas and New York, but I'm not terribly keen on CSI Miami. It might be due to weather envy. I have a crush on the whole cast of Criminal Minds, and fondness for wool. The two are not related. Hoarders keeps me honest. I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
Tory Temple: Tory lives and works in southern California, where she spends a lot of time around firemen. She visits the beach frequently and wears flip flops even in the winter. Tory likes television, salted pistachios in the shell, and chenille socks. She dislikes cauliflower, not being able to find the right shoes in the morning, and not having enough free time. She shares her space with numerous pets, including but not limited to cats, dogs, and tortoises.
Tour Dates & Stops: April 9, 2015
Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of the story
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hello chris and tory
ReplyDeleteTracy, I can't tell you how happy I am that you reviewed this book so fairly. I wish more books were reviewed on their actual merit and not just the reviewer's personal preference.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I completely understand your reservations and your reasons for not liking it. Many of the things you mentioned will be addressed in the third book. Chris and I have already discussed some of those same things!
Again, thank you so much for your honest review.
You're Welcome, you asked me to give it a shot so I did. I'm glad you liked my review.
DeleteI think, like I said in my review, I would be on board more if I had that reassurance that the MC's relationships/partnerships will remain strong. I might not like the situation, but I love the writing and I love getting to read about characters I love and cherish so much. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes them, even if it makes me a little uncomfortable. ~ Tracy