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Lost Boys and Love Letters #1
True North
Small-town engineer Jackson Strange has been clumsy his whole life, so when an accident at work sends him to the local clinic, it's no big shock. The surprise is the magnetic, heated attraction to the enigmatic Julian Piet, a charming doctor with killer good looks that appears to treat him, sending Jack off his lonely course.
Now that their paths have crossed, Jack and Julian head off in a new direction - but between Jack's reluctance to be open about his sexuality and Julian's shattered self-confidence, they can't seem to decide what direction that is. It takes a push from Julian's meddlesome sister to send them stumbling headfirst into romance.
Happily wrapped up in their fledgling relationship, Jack and Julian think they may have found their way until unexpected roadblocks appear on their path to forever. Wrathful storms, dangerous illness, family connections, and broken hearts threaten their tenuous balance and will send them spinning apart – their love scattered to the four winds - if they cannot believe and trust that together, they can find true north.
Now that their paths have crossed, Jack and Julian head off in a new direction - but between Jack's reluctance to be open about his sexuality and Julian's shattered self-confidence, they can't seem to decide what direction that is. It takes a push from Julian's meddlesome sister to send them stumbling headfirst into romance.
Happily wrapped up in their fledgling relationship, Jack and Julian think they may have found their way until unexpected roadblocks appear on their path to forever. Wrathful storms, dangerous illness, family connections, and broken hearts threaten their tenuous balance and will send them spinning apart – their love scattered to the four winds - if they cannot believe and trust that together, they can find true north.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Bethany Brown
20 books43 followersBetween hiding from the snow in the winter and the grass in the summer, Bethany Brown ends up spending a rather absurd amount of time with her trusty laptop Desmond. Yes, she has named her laptop. She's also named her car Blue, but that's neither here nor there. While she hopes to one day be able to support herself by writing full time, she keeps herself fed with various customer service jobs, the most recent of which is at a tuxedo rental shop. Thankfully, spending the day fitting men with tuxedos helps to fuel the writing side of her brain. Other writing help includes: chocolate, ice cream, and movies with cute boys. On bad days, she can usually be found sitting on her couch with a stuffed penguin watching Donald Strachey movies. She is thrilled to have found a home with Dreamspinner and plans to stick around until she runs out of ideas. Or the Earth's sun implodes. Whichever comes first.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 4, 2013
Very enjoyable story, nice and easy with no major hassles to get your blood pressure up and boiling. Jackson the accident prone klutz and Julian the oh so hunky doctor have quite a bit of fun in the treatment room, yes they have the hots for each other. Its the flirtatious banter which I thought was adorable and funny plus they are charmingly cute too. I really liked the gradual build up of the relationship its a very good romance. Recommended!
March 8, 2009
I have read mixed reviews on this one. But, I decided to take a chance on it anyway. I agree that it started out kinda slow. I thought after about 30 pages or so, it picked up. I liked Jackson's character alot. He was funny, clutzy and was willing to take a chance on sexy Julian.
Even for a Doctor, Julian had some self esteem issues, from having a previous bad relationship. I was glad to see Jackson and Julian come together. Too me it was a sweet romance and I liked it.
Even for a Doctor, Julian had some self esteem issues, from having a previous bad relationship. I was glad to see Jackson and Julian come together. Too me it was a sweet romance and I liked it.
December 4, 2013
How can you resist a man in scrubs? Years of watching ER, Chicago Hope and now Grey’s obviously has me well conditioned. heh.
This book starts with promise, two guys meet and are attracted to each other, always a bonus in a romance novel. Bit of the whole caretaker hero doing his taking care thing, it was good. I liked Jackson, he was sweet and had me imagining warm plaid shirts. Not sure why, just did! Julian is a nice foil of slender goodness with much fiesty sexiness. There is a beautifully described small town in winter, interesting secondary characters and it was nice and long. (long is good!)
The only problems I had with the book were a few moments with awkward plot devices that had my suspension of disbelief working overtime. I also found some of the explanations about backgrounds and where the boys came from a little confusing, but the rest of the book read reasonably smoothly.
Despite these problematic moments I’ll be interested in seeing what their next book is like. It is coming soon from Dreamspinner Press in March.
This book starts with promise, two guys meet and are attracted to each other, always a bonus in a romance novel. Bit of the whole caretaker hero doing his taking care thing, it was good. I liked Jackson, he was sweet and had me imagining warm plaid shirts. Not sure why, just did! Julian is a nice foil of slender goodness with much fiesty sexiness. There is a beautifully described small town in winter, interesting secondary characters and it was nice and long. (long is good!)
The only problems I had with the book were a few moments with awkward plot devices that had my suspension of disbelief working overtime. I also found some of the explanations about backgrounds and where the boys came from a little confusing, but the rest of the book read reasonably smoothly.
Despite these problematic moments I’ll be interested in seeing what their next book is like. It is coming soon from Dreamspinner Press in March.
November 15, 2009
There's only really one word that best describes this book for me. Fantastic! Like it's predecessor Wild Angel I couldn't have asked for more. This book offered everything I look for in a story. After reading Wild Angel which I unknowingly read before this one due to my lack of knowledge that True North was part of this set and came before it, at least my curiosity was appeased and satisfied to wondering how Jack and Julian came to being an item. Now I know.
A recommended read if you haven't yet.
A recommended read if you haven't yet.
December 26, 2017
This was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to the rest of the series very much. I can't wait to see what happens next. :) The characters were well done, I thought, and while there was added drama for drama sake, there wasn't too much and I didn't really need to roll my eyes much if at all. Recommended for those who like doctor romance and sports!! Plus a sassy sister and an adorable little girl.
August 12, 2009
The Review:
Honesty from the outset~
Some of my thoughts about True North came together as a result of a discussion about the book I had with my English pal Jenre. (Hey, it's one of my first reviews for the blog. Cut me some slack. *g*)
First things first~
I know I've connected with a story when, after reading a particular scene, I find myself saying "Oh, you cow. Tell me that doesn't hurt them later." (you'll know exactly the one I'm talking about when you come across it) and then eagerly continuing to read to find out what DOES happen.
This has to be one of my favourite things about reading; when you feel like you are a participant in the characters' journey. You share their highs and lows and are genuinely happy for them as they head towards a future together.
This was definitely the case for me with True North and, I think, reflects the fact that this book is not only character-driven, but the characters are well written and developed (let's face it, this doesn't always happen) as well as being appealing to the reader.
A couple of issues~
The secondary characters; Julian's cousin and Jack's Mum, play important roles in moving this story forward. There were a few times when Julian's cousin especially annoyed the crap out of me, although I'm still trying to work out whether it may have been because Jack and Julian were angry with her or whether I just wanted her to go get her own life and leave them alone. Good characterisation = connection = reader's joy.
The flow of time in this book is handled extraordinarily well. The reader gets the sense of time passing as the relationship develops, but without the stop/start you can sometimes get in novels, which can be really jarring.
The only negative about this aspect was that, towards the end, I did vaguely (and this is a key word) feel I might have missed some pivotal moments in the relationship. It was through a conversation with Jen that I realised it was not so much something was 'missing', rather that I, as a reader, wanted a few extra steps/scenes showing the progress of the main characters' relationship. In particular, I would have liked to find out more about Jack's increasing comfort and confidence in having a 'real' - and public - relationship with Julian.
The last (very minor) issue I had with True North was Jack's clumsiness seemed to disappear when much was made of it at the beginning of the book. Maybe I just didn't notice it as much as the story progressed?? *shrugs*
My recommendation~
This is a good, solid romance, which I think those who prefer a more 'real' m/m contemporary romance will truly enjoy.
It is a terrific first novel from this writing team and I'll look out for them in the future.
Honesty from the outset~
Some of my thoughts about True North came together as a result of a discussion about the book I had with my English pal Jenre. (Hey, it's one of my first reviews for the blog. Cut me some slack. *g*)
First things first~
I know I've connected with a story when, after reading a particular scene, I find myself saying "Oh, you cow. Tell me that doesn't hurt them later." (you'll know exactly the one I'm talking about when you come across it) and then eagerly continuing to read to find out what DOES happen.
This has to be one of my favourite things about reading; when you feel like you are a participant in the characters' journey. You share their highs and lows and are genuinely happy for them as they head towards a future together.
This was definitely the case for me with True North and, I think, reflects the fact that this book is not only character-driven, but the characters are well written and developed (let's face it, this doesn't always happen) as well as being appealing to the reader.
A couple of issues~
The secondary characters; Julian's cousin and Jack's Mum, play important roles in moving this story forward. There were a few times when Julian's cousin especially annoyed the crap out of me, although I'm still trying to work out whether it may have been because Jack and Julian were angry with her or whether I just wanted her to go get her own life and leave them alone. Good characterisation = connection = reader's joy.
The flow of time in this book is handled extraordinarily well. The reader gets the sense of time passing as the relationship develops, but without the stop/start you can sometimes get in novels, which can be really jarring.
The only negative about this aspect was that, towards the end, I did vaguely (and this is a key word) feel I might have missed some pivotal moments in the relationship. It was through a conversation with Jen that I realised it was not so much something was 'missing', rather that I, as a reader, wanted a few extra steps/scenes showing the progress of the main characters' relationship. In particular, I would have liked to find out more about Jack's increasing comfort and confidence in having a 'real' - and public - relationship with Julian.
The last (very minor) issue I had with True North was Jack's clumsiness seemed to disappear when much was made of it at the beginning of the book. Maybe I just didn't notice it as much as the story progressed?? *shrugs*
My recommendation~
This is a good, solid romance, which I think those who prefer a more 'real' m/m contemporary romance will truly enjoy.
It is a terrific first novel from this writing team and I'll look out for them in the future.
August 4, 2016
The chemistry between Jackson and Julian was believable and their first encounter was quite entertaining. The editing could've been executed efficiently to make the story more cohesive though but I guess this writing style is reminiscent of those books published in the early 2000s, or maybe I'm just nit picky. The story set in a small town Canada felt homey and the overall story was enjoyable.
Strongest point of the book for me was the main conflict. Having Julian torn between keeping a secret from Jackson to honor a patients request and being honest with his boyfriend was very interesting and quite emotional.
I was also quite surprised that this book is part of a series after looking up the author's other works.
July 8, 2011
2.5 stars For the Gang Bang Q3 rec by Tana. I didn't really connect to this one. The secondary female characters seem to take over a lot of the story. The big moment when Jackson goes from closeted to not & when he decided he loved Julian felt more like the side story because of this. I was a little bored with it & had to put it off a few times before finishing it.
February 25, 2009
I enjoyed this. I liked that they actually dealt with a few of the minor characters lives as well.
January 16, 2017
This turned out to be just an okay read for me. I really liked all the characters and the premise but there was something missing. This story lacked a bit of energy I think.
August 24, 2022
This had all the elements for a book I would enjoy, but the execution was just sloppy. It definitely felt like a pre 2010 gay romance novel.
Some of my main complaints:
- Julian has had his heart broken, doesn't want a repeat ok. So seems to me he should either have nothing to do with Jack or should keep it very impersonal. Instead its this weird "respect my intense feelings even tho this isn't a real relationship" with a CLOSETED MAN?!? makes no sense
- Ok so Julian is some kind of hotshot surgeon, awesome tbh. But then when he has to do THE MOST BASIC SURGERY, he freezes up. Despite being a practicing Dr, when there's an emergency, Jack takes charge? The concept of the emergency surgery was cool, but every aspect of it was boring or badly handled by the writers
- They make it seem like they're in a really remote area but if Calgary is the closest city, then its like less than 4h from a couple of big prairie cities. The remote aspect was a total let down, shoulda made the closest city Forth McMurray or something actually in northern Canada.
- Jack not being out was handled in a way that it seemed like their relationship couldn't really move forward till he came out. So he yells at Roy "I'm in love with him!" and that's the extent of him coming out in their small town? I honestly find coming out storylines cliche and boring except in the most unique situations, so I dont care. Just felt sloppy on the part of the writers to tease it out and then never bring it up really.
- The epilogue? Seriously? *eye roll*
Maybe I'll try some more recent books by these authors.
Some of my main complaints:
- Julian has had his heart broken, doesn't want a repeat ok. So seems to me he should either have nothing to do with Jack or should keep it very impersonal. Instead its this weird "respect my intense feelings even tho this isn't a real relationship" with a CLOSETED MAN?!? makes no sense
- Ok so Julian is some kind of hotshot surgeon, awesome tbh. But then when he has to do THE MOST BASIC SURGERY, he freezes up. Despite being a practicing Dr, when there's an emergency, Jack takes charge? The concept of the emergency surgery was cool, but every aspect of it was boring or badly handled by the writers
- They make it seem like they're in a really remote area but if Calgary is the closest city, then its like less than 4h from a couple of big prairie cities. The remote aspect was a total let down, shoulda made the closest city Forth McMurray or something actually in northern Canada.
- Jack not being out was handled in a way that it seemed like their relationship couldn't really move forward till he came out. So he yells at Roy "I'm in love with him!" and that's the extent of him coming out in their small town? I honestly find coming out storylines cliche and boring except in the most unique situations, so I dont care. Just felt sloppy on the part of the writers to tease it out and then never bring it up really.
- The epilogue? Seriously? *eye roll*
Maybe I'll try some more recent books by these authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2020
And I know that this is going to be an issue, clearly, because Julian is going to get together with her son, Julian knows that Jack’s mom is dying of cancer, Julian can’t say anything because it will be a direct HIPPA violation and he could lose his license, Jack’s mother who is a nurse knows this but puts Julian in that position anyway because she’s a selfish fucking disgusting cunt and can’t tell her son the truth or give him the time to say goodbye, and I’m fucking pissed off!!
The writing is horrible the pacing is horrible the formatting is horrible, everything is horrible!! These authors, if you can call them that, really have no idea what the hell they’re doing here! Plus there is a crap ton of ignorance in their words that is impossible to dismiss or ignore, ignorance perpetuated and ignorance made manifest!!
And they’re so proud of touting their university education in literature and all that garbage, when you have to wonder about how this is a pure example of how sometimes the degree is not even worth the paper it’s printed on, because clearly these two have absolutely no idea what on earth they are doing! The writing, plotting, pacing, EVERYTHING here ... ALL pure garbage!!
P.S. That is NOT how you end a book and that’s not what an epilogue is for!!
Just HORRIBLE!!!! Pure garbage!!!
The writing is horrible the pacing is horrible the formatting is horrible, everything is horrible!! These authors, if you can call them that, really have no idea what the hell they’re doing here! Plus there is a crap ton of ignorance in their words that is impossible to dismiss or ignore, ignorance perpetuated and ignorance made manifest!!
And they’re so proud of touting their university education in literature and all that garbage, when you have to wonder about how this is a pure example of how sometimes the degree is not even worth the paper it’s printed on, because clearly these two have absolutely no idea what on earth they are doing! The writing, plotting, pacing, EVERYTHING here ... ALL pure garbage!!
P.S. That is NOT how you end a book and that’s not what an epilogue is for!!
Just HORRIBLE!!!! Pure garbage!!!
June 29, 2018
Jackson Strange, a small town engineer, has always been clumsy. He winds up once again in the emergency room. Expecting to see his usual doctor, he instead finds Julian Piet, the new doctor. Julian is very sexy and desirable and Jack would like more as does Julian. The two do get together but no for long. There are problems in their happily every after. Julian is struggling with self-confidence and Jack still has a foot in the closet. Add all that to family emergencies, fierce storms, and a few broken hearts, Julian and Jack have stumbling blocks in their road to happiness.
Jack and Julian were beautiful together but just could not see what they had. There were a lot of missteps and misunderstandings they needed to work through. Their families and friends added additional stress with severe medical issues and other problems. Will these two work out all their roadblocks? Read True North and find out for yourself. I am was glad I did. Julian and Jack will stay with you long after the last word has been read.
Jack and Julian were beautiful together but just could not see what they had. There were a lot of missteps and misunderstandings they needed to work through. Their families and friends added additional stress with severe medical issues and other problems. Will these two work out all their roadblocks? Read True North and find out for yourself. I am was glad I did. Julian and Jack will stay with you long after the last word has been read.
November 9, 2018
It’s not a bad book but I’m having a hell of a time with the geography. Maybe I’m missing something. I thought they lived in Northern Alberta, but whenever they go to the big city it’s Calgary, which is super not north. I live in rural Alberta and work in the oil patch so this is a detail that won’t bother most readers, but it’s driving me batty. Edmonton would make sense. Hell, even Grande Prairie depending on where they’re supposed to be and if all they need is a Wal-Mart or some other basic shopping. But Calgary is not north.
June 14, 2017
I lost interest so fast in this book. It was so good in the beginning, and then it got so boring. I read a little more thinking that when they get together, it would get better, but no. When sex scenes can't keep me interested, that's when I give up. DNF at halfway.
May 14, 2019
Probably a weak 3.5 stars. I saw the big misunderstanding coming from far off, but was still saddened to see how much it hurt the relationship, especially as one MC had no choice about things, really. Otherwise the story was just ok, nothing really special about it.
February 28, 2024
2.5 stars. I choose to round down because this was a hard one to get through. Not because of any plot points but because I just wasn’t engaged enough. The story felt so familiar and it wasn’t until almost the end that I remembered I’d read it years ago. So not that memorable I guess.
November 4, 2017
A sweet romance tale. But I couldn’t help but notice Jack’s dog disappeared and long forgotten after the beginning of the book.
Read
May 18, 2009True North is one of that typical story setting in a small town, where everyone knows what his neighbor is doing; the only difference, and maybe what made it so nice, is that is setting in Canada, and so Julian and Jack's love, even if not totally in the open, it's at least accepted and also facilitated by relatives (Julian's sister and Jack's mother).
Julian is originally from the small town, but he went to study medicine in the big city, and for a period he lived there. The life and some bad experiences, and his sister, convinced him to come back in small town, since life is easier and love is more available. Jack is not from there, but he is from another similar small town in Canada, and he likes this type of life, with its slow rhythm and the easiness which you make friend: everyone is out to give an hand if necessary, and Jack is not less than the other, he carpools the sons of his friends, he plays on Saturday in the only pub of the town, he is famous as a gentle man but prone to accident.
And so, when for a countless time, he ends in hospital, Julian patches him up and not only; since everything is simpler, it doesn't pass too much time that Julian and Jack are a steady thing, even if at first there are some misunderstandments. Julian doesn't hide the fact that he is gay but neither flaunts it; Jack instead has no problem to admit that he prefers the company of men, but he is still in the closet with his mother, and so he prefers to be very discreet. Jack is not a bad guy, but Julian needs to be accepted in all he is and he needs to "hear" those words of acceptance, since he was scarred in the past. Overcome this problem between them, there is still one question or two, but all in all their story is settled and fated for an happily ever after.
The really original touch in the story are all the female characters, some with very important roles, like Roz, Julian's sister, or Flo, Jack's mother, and someone else with lesser roles, but not less interesting, like Brenda, the owner of the pub, or Bella, Jack's aunt, or Hallie, one of the kid Jack carpools around... if you think well at it, this book, even if it's about two men, it's full of women! But in this way I have no problem, they didn't interfere with the two men... or at least, if they interfere is to bring the two men together. At the end, Julian and Jack have to share the scene with all these women, and sometime the women stole them the scene.
True North is a really nice book, tender and easy, without too much angst but with a very comfortable feeling.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935192426/?...
Julian is originally from the small town, but he went to study medicine in the big city, and for a period he lived there. The life and some bad experiences, and his sister, convinced him to come back in small town, since life is easier and love is more available. Jack is not from there, but he is from another similar small town in Canada, and he likes this type of life, with its slow rhythm and the easiness which you make friend: everyone is out to give an hand if necessary, and Jack is not less than the other, he carpools the sons of his friends, he plays on Saturday in the only pub of the town, he is famous as a gentle man but prone to accident.
And so, when for a countless time, he ends in hospital, Julian patches him up and not only; since everything is simpler, it doesn't pass too much time that Julian and Jack are a steady thing, even if at first there are some misunderstandments. Julian doesn't hide the fact that he is gay but neither flaunts it; Jack instead has no problem to admit that he prefers the company of men, but he is still in the closet with his mother, and so he prefers to be very discreet. Jack is not a bad guy, but Julian needs to be accepted in all he is and he needs to "hear" those words of acceptance, since he was scarred in the past. Overcome this problem between them, there is still one question or two, but all in all their story is settled and fated for an happily ever after.
The really original touch in the story are all the female characters, some with very important roles, like Roz, Julian's sister, or Flo, Jack's mother, and someone else with lesser roles, but not less interesting, like Brenda, the owner of the pub, or Bella, Jack's aunt, or Hallie, one of the kid Jack carpools around... if you think well at it, this book, even if it's about two men, it's full of women! But in this way I have no problem, they didn't interfere with the two men... or at least, if they interfere is to bring the two men together. At the end, Julian and Jack have to share the scene with all these women, and sometime the women stole them the scene.
True North is a really nice book, tender and easy, without too much angst but with a very comfortable feeling.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935192426/?...
March 11, 2012
The last thing Jack expected to see when an injury at the worksite sent him to the clinic was Dr. Julian Piet, a new arrival to the small community. The attraction sparking between them was equally surprising, especially given how gun-shy Julian is and how closeted Jack is. Between plotting family, good news, bad news, and a medical crisis, will they be able to find a happy future together?
Jack is a teddy bear, cuddly and loveable. He's also not afraid to go after what he wants, despite his concerns of being outed to the small conservative backwater in which they live. He's one of those almost-too-good-to-be-true characters, though he does have just enough flaws to keep him believable.
Julian has baggage but isn't overwhelmed by it. He's sweet and considerate, will do anything for his family, but also has a mischievous side that's fun to experience--the initial hockey scene made me smile a ridiculous amount. I enjoyed how his history comes out, in dribs and drabs as is appropriate, rather than an information dump.
The chemistry between Jack and Julian is perfect, developing nicely from flirting to tension to consummation. I was actually almost sad when said consummation came around, as I was enjoying their will-they-won't-they so much. (I'm a sucker for unresolved sexual tension, really.) The sex was hot enough to be worth it, though, and just frequent enough to be satisfying without taking over the story.
The supporting cast is strong and appealing, with the natural highlight being Roz, though there is enough variety in the others to be interesting without being too much. They have their own subplots that move the main story along nicely.
Although the story itself focuses on the relationship between Jack and Julian, there are, as mentioned above, enough subplots to keep things going forward without dragging. The writing was solid, too, with few enough editing errors that I completely disregarded them, which was lovely; it gets tiring reading with a red pen in my head.
All that being said, for some reason this story just didn't stick with me. For the purpose of typing this up, I had to practically reread it as I went. I remembered reading it and enjoying it, but the specifics completely eluded me. I'm not sure if it was something in the story or something in my mindset as I read it, but it was a little odd. Still enjoyable, just not particularly memorable for me.
That being said, also, I did enjoy this quite enough to pick up the sequels. Memorable or not, it was still quite a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, and a world that I look forward to delving into again.
Jack is a teddy bear, cuddly and loveable. He's also not afraid to go after what he wants, despite his concerns of being outed to the small conservative backwater in which they live. He's one of those almost-too-good-to-be-true characters, though he does have just enough flaws to keep him believable.
Julian has baggage but isn't overwhelmed by it. He's sweet and considerate, will do anything for his family, but also has a mischievous side that's fun to experience--the initial hockey scene made me smile a ridiculous amount. I enjoyed how his history comes out, in dribs and drabs as is appropriate, rather than an information dump.
The chemistry between Jack and Julian is perfect, developing nicely from flirting to tension to consummation. I was actually almost sad when said consummation came around, as I was enjoying their will-they-won't-they so much. (I'm a sucker for unresolved sexual tension, really.) The sex was hot enough to be worth it, though, and just frequent enough to be satisfying without taking over the story.
The supporting cast is strong and appealing, with the natural highlight being Roz, though there is enough variety in the others to be interesting without being too much. They have their own subplots that move the main story along nicely.
Although the story itself focuses on the relationship between Jack and Julian, there are, as mentioned above, enough subplots to keep things going forward without dragging. The writing was solid, too, with few enough editing errors that I completely disregarded them, which was lovely; it gets tiring reading with a red pen in my head.
All that being said, for some reason this story just didn't stick with me. For the purpose of typing this up, I had to practically reread it as I went. I remembered reading it and enjoying it, but the specifics completely eluded me. I'm not sure if it was something in the story or something in my mindset as I read it, but it was a little odd. Still enjoyable, just not particularly memorable for me.
That being said, also, I did enjoy this quite enough to pick up the sequels. Memorable or not, it was still quite a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, and a world that I look forward to delving into again.
February 27, 2011
So, I've been putting off reading this for a while. In truth, the blurb for this particular story never really appealed to me, but the third story in the series does, and though I suspect that I could read the third story without having read the first two, I'm one of those people who has to read things in order anyway. So, when I needed to fill a particular challenge and saw this as an option that I actually recognized, I decided to go with it.
I tell you all this to say that I'm not sure if my blase attitude toward the story is due to not having really wanted to read it in the first place, or to the story itself. I suspect some of both.
It was an alright story, but I never really got into it. I think the characters were fairly well built and they moved forward with the relationship appropriately for their histories and such, but I was still a touch bored the whole way through. There were some topics that were only vaguely touched on in the end that I felt could have been explored more, and one that was built up and was actually non-existent in the end.
So, in the end, I'm not sorry I read it by any stretch of the imagination - I've read lots worse - but I don't feel wrong for having put it off for more than a year either. I gave it three stars because it probably doesn't deserve the two I feel like.
I tell you all this to say that I'm not sure if my blase attitude toward the story is due to not having really wanted to read it in the first place, or to the story itself. I suspect some of both.
It was an alright story, but I never really got into it. I think the characters were fairly well built and they moved forward with the relationship appropriately for their histories and such, but I was still a touch bored the whole way through. There were some topics that were only vaguely touched on in the end that I felt could have been explored more, and one that was built up and was actually non-existent in the end.
So, in the end, I'm not sorry I read it by any stretch of the imagination - I've read lots worse - but I don't feel wrong for having put it off for more than a year either. I gave it three stars because it probably doesn't deserve the two I feel like.
July 29, 2013
Well, I liked it, but I didn't love it. They say Jack is accident prone, but..umm...he only gets hurt once. I thought there would be more trips/falls/bumps/bruises, but nope. Anyway, Jack falls at work and ends up at the doctor's office only to be met with Dr. Piet and not the regular Dr. Dan. Dr. Julian Piet is the new doc in town and seems to find Jack attractive, even though he should be looking at the gaping hole in his leg.
However, I didn't really buy their "relationship". They are both in the closet with only 4 people knowing Julian is gay and nobody, but Julian and his sister, knowing Jack is. I liked them together in the beginning, but towards the end there it seemed forced.
I didn't understand what Jack's apprehension of commitment was. I could understand Julian being cautious, poor guy, but Jack?
Overall, eh, not bad, but I probably wouldn't recommend.
However, I didn't really buy their "relationship". They are both in the closet with only 4 people knowing Julian is gay and nobody, but Julian and his sister, knowing Jack is. I liked them together in the beginning, but towards the end there it seemed forced.
I didn't understand what Jack's apprehension of commitment was. I could understand Julian being cautious, poor guy, but Jack?
Overall, eh, not bad, but I probably wouldn't recommend.
November 2, 2010
The first half of the book seemed to slowly build the relationship between Jack (engineer) and Julian (doctor). The second half of the book is what really popped the rating up from what I thought was going to be 3 stars to a definite 4 star review instead.
These guys had relationship issues (past and present) and it actually persisted throughout the entire book (seriously, even to a small degree in the epilogue) which both frustrated me and drew me into the story. Besides the central theme for the book, what I really enjoyed was the development of several secondary characters, and the feelings of anticipation/sadness I had when Jack and Julian were finally honest about their feelings for one another only to then fall apart. Despite being able to predict the train wreck that was going to happen due to Julian keeping a secret from Jack, wow, didn't predict the triple set of challenges that led to their greatest joy, downfall and second chance.
The epilogue was both smokin' hot and left me thirsty for more. It was really a "happy for now" ending, and it would be great to see a sequel with more of Jack and Julian. I enjoyed this book very much!
These guys had relationship issues (past and present) and it actually persisted throughout the entire book (seriously, even to a small degree in the epilogue) which both frustrated me and drew me into the story. Besides the central theme for the book, what I really enjoyed was the development of several secondary characters, and the feelings of anticipation/sadness I had when Jack and Julian were finally honest about their feelings for one another only to then fall apart. Despite being able to predict the train wreck that was going to happen due to Julian keeping a secret from Jack, wow, didn't predict the triple set of challenges that led to their greatest joy, downfall and second chance.
The epilogue was both smokin' hot and left me thirsty for more. It was really a "happy for now" ending, and it would be great to see a sequel with more of Jack and Julian. I enjoyed this book very much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2011
For some reason, I have a thing for medical stuff, especially doctors. I liked the dichotomy of the suave, confident Julian when he was in his office wearing his lab coat, versus the shy man he was when not at work. Great complementary match for oil rig engineer Jackson. I LOVED their flirting, loved the way their relationship progressed, loved the secondary characters, and loved the small town Canada setting. What kept this from being higher rated for me, however, was that was started out as a fun, light-hearted read soon turned really serious and dark, with quite a few bad things happening, and I felt like it was overkill to have so much external conflict. To me, the second half of the book seemed a lot more like a melodramatic chick lit novel than a romance, but I have a high sensitivity to stuff like that.
July 13, 2010
A wonderful read I can truly recommend. The writers were able to create in depth characters with several layers, a feat often lost in this genre. I also enjoyed the many details I learned of the supporting cast, all the people in this small town that grew on me in its entirty.
The way this relationship develops over the course of the story is so gradual and touching it made my heart ache along with Julian and Jack.
Only tiny little thing that drove me crazy is that their names are somewhat similar and for the first 100 pages I had trouble keeping them apart. But that might just be my stupidity.
The way this relationship develops over the course of the story is so gradual and touching it made my heart ache along with Julian and Jack.
Only tiny little thing that drove me crazy is that their names are somewhat similar and for the first 100 pages I had trouble keeping them apart. But that might just be my stupidity.
March 21, 2013
This may be the result of the onslaught of m/m romances I've been reading lately, but I found this particular book a little boring. The relationship was shaky, the author(s) skipped right over the relationship building times and just hit on the beginning, middle and end of it all. We didn't get a lot of their daily life. I almost felt like the two main characters were together (especially at the beginning) because they were the only two gay men in their small town. I picked up this book because I really enjoyed a different book by Ashley Kane, but this one just didn't do it for me. I won't be continuing the series.
January 18, 2015
I liked this story of Julian and Jack, learning to trust each other in northern Alberta.
I enjoyed their pre-relationship banter though I would have liked their relationship described other than by their sexual encounters.
Jack as the deeply closeted man didn't come over as terribly afraid to be seen by others and there is no real background to his being closeted other than the conservative places he lives.
Would like more of their background stories and whilst they are secondary characters, Roy and Roz happened in a vacuum.
However, the writing generally kept me engaged in the story and the pacing was good. 3.5 rounded up coz I liked it!
I enjoyed their pre-relationship banter though I would have liked their relationship described other than by their sexual encounters.
Jack as the deeply closeted man didn't come over as terribly afraid to be seen by others and there is no real background to his being closeted other than the conservative places he lives.
Would like more of their background stories and whilst they are secondary characters, Roy and Roz happened in a vacuum.
However, the writing generally kept me engaged in the story and the pacing was good. 3.5 rounded up coz I liked it!
July 9, 2016
Overall book rating: 4.5 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 4 Stars
MC1: Jackson Stronge aka Jack - Engineer and accident prone
MC2: Dr. Julian Piet - Doctor aka
I loved this book it was sweet, funny, sad and full of heart. This was a beautiful love story. I love the characters and the plot. It's about love loss and excepting who you are.
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 4 Stars
MC1: Jackson Stronge aka Jack - Engineer and accident prone
MC2: Dr. Julian Piet - Doctor aka
I loved this book it was sweet, funny, sad and full of heart. This was a beautiful love story. I love the characters and the plot. It's about love loss and excepting who you are.
March 23, 2010
True North made for a nice, light read. It's simple, straightforward romance all the way. No big complicated plot-line, just two guys who meet and slowly fall in love. The story's main focus is on the development of the relationship, rather than on immediate and frequent sex. (Don't worry, they do get to the sex part.) There's a bit of a gradual build up though (some reviews say "slow"), but I think it's nice for a change.
Overall impression: Relaxing and light. Enjoyable if that's what you're in the mood for.
Overall impression: Relaxing and light. Enjoyable if that's what you're in the mood for.
June 28, 2011
I really enjoyed this story about two guys who live in small town Alberta. If you've ever lived in Canada, there are plenty of references to make you remember your time there (Tim Horton's, Wed night pickup hockey, etc.). The guys in the story are living in a conservative environment, so they are not anxious to be open with their attraction. They eventual settle into a relationship that grows into love - but with a lot of curveballs (or is that pucks?) thrown in. Both have issues from the past that impede their ability to trust in their love, but eventually, they work it out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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