The Tin Star (Ranch Series, Book 1)

by J.L. Langley

book data

113 ratings, 4.06 average rating, 23 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		44%
4		30%
3		14%
2		10%
1		0%

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published

August 6th 2006 by Loose Id, LLC

binding

Paperback, 300 pages

url

http://www.jllangley.com/jllangley/theti...

characters

Ethan Whitehall, Jamie Killian

setting

The United States

isbn

1596323272 (isbn13: 9781596323278)

description

When James Killian comes out to his father, he finds himself banished from his home and fired from his job. His savior comes in the unlikely form of E...more

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03/28/09

Ashley rated it:

bookshelves: cowboys, favorites, gay-romance, series

Read in March, 2009

recommended to Ashley by: My sister and all of my friends here on goodreads!
recommends it for: Everyone

I am going to stick my neck out on the line and say that this may be one of my favorite books...EVER! Holy crap! Both Ethan and Jamie had me up reading until the very early hours into the morning, and now I am going to have to drink GALLONS of coffee to function today. Between the smoldering chemistry, interesting dialog and sizzling sex Jamie and Ethan had, I don't know if Langley will be able to top this one!
"Save a Horse...Ride a Cowboy!" HELL YEAH! That says it all!

Like this review? yes (8 people liked it)

4 comments

11/16/08

Heather rated it:

bookshelves: e-book, erotica, m-m

Read in November, 2008

recommended to Heather by: Eyre and Daisiemae
recommends it for: Fans of Cameron Dane m/m romance

This was a very sweet cowboy story about a young man named Jamie who has had a crush on his older brothers best friend Ethan since he was a kid.

When Jamie finally admits to his father that he's gay, his father kicks him out! Ethan agrees to take Jamie in, so he's not on his own. Jamie finds out after moving in that Ethan is gay too, although he isn't out of the closet.

Ethan and Jamie are just starting to develop their romance when someone starts threatening Jamie's life!...more

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

4 comments

12/13/08

Kenjii rated it:

bookshelves: romance-male-male

Read in December, 2008

recommends it for: fans of cowboy themed m/m romance

Ethan is a rancher at the Tin Star takes in Jamie (his friend John's younger brother) when he is kicked out of his house after
he tells his father is he gay. Jamie has had a crush on Ethan all his life but never acted on it because Ethan is straight. Right?

Ok of course the romantic connection between Ethan and Jamie becomes intense. You keep turning the page to find out the next scene.
JL Langley uses every emotion to keep you engaged in the story. Humor, sadness, heated p...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

2 comments

11/20/08

Brenda (natesmomb) rated it:

(review of isbn 1596322152)

bookshelves: --ebooks-read, -2009-ebooks-read, m-m

Read in April, 2009

I read this one after The Broken H, but that made no difference, there was nothing that was spoiled from either story. Ethan and Jamie were such a great couple and I loved watching their relationship grow and solidify. Jamie was so sweet, but his father was such a rotten son of a... and I was so glad that his attitude wasn't shared by John & Julia. I enjoyed the antics of Spot and Fred and thought they added just the right touch of humor to the story.

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02/11/09

Anesthezea rated it:

bookshelves: mm-romance

Read in March, 2009

My Rating: 4 of 5

Jamie Killian is the foreman on the ranch his father owns, but when he comes out to his father, he is forced to leave his home, his job - even his horse. Before it can really sink in that he’s now homeless and jobless (and horseless!), his older brother’s long-time friend (and Jamie’s long-time crush) offers Jamie a job and a place to stay at the Tin Star.

Jamie is young, hardworking, and somewhat of an idealist. He came out to his father because he ...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

1 comment

01/27/08

KatiKat rated it:

bookshelves: 2008, ebooks, in-english, romance-gay

Read in February, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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03/24/09

Elisa added it

Read in November, 2006

one day suddenly John, his best friend and son of the neighbouring ranch's owner, arrives half drunk to his house and discloses that Jamie, his 21 years old little brother has told their father that he’s gay, and the only answer he got was being thrown out of his home, with no money, cloths or horse (and for a Texan cowboy this is the real problem). Jamie, the child who followed them in adoration during their young hood rides; blue-eyed, happy-go-lucky Jamie whom Ethan always has seen as his y...more one day suddenly John, his best friend and son of the neighbouring ranch's owner, arrives half drunk to his house and discloses that Jamie, his 21 years old little brother has told their father that he’s gay, and the only answer he got was being thrown out of his home, with no money, cloths or horse (and for a Texan cowboy this is the real problem). Jamie, the child who followed them in adoration during their young hood rides; blue-eyed, happy-go-lucky Jamie whom Ethan always has seen as his younger brother ... Jamie... that now appears to Ethan under a new light, because Ethan hides a secret: homosexuality.

But differently from the boy, he has never confided to anybody, besides John and Julia (older sister of John and Jamie) his sexual preferences, and he has experienced them freely only during the University years, very far away from home. When facing the harsh countryside life where gays are not accepted, he has chosen chastity as his way of life.. But when Ethan decides to give hospitality to Jamie and shelter him, Jamie start stirring him up sexually and emotionally surprisingly Ethan finds out that people close to him were already aware of his homosexuality, but trouble arrives by other people within the community. But with Jamie’s help, Ethan will face all difficulties and finally succeed in living his life in full.

Ethan is strong, generous, kind, handsome: the perfect man every woman is wishing for, but he feels no desire for women... Afraid of the reaction of his community he has decided to give up sex., because he feels that as long as withdrawing into himself remains his own problem, he sees no reason to put so many people's lives into a turmoil. But when Jamie too starts to be involved, as well he doesn't think twice upon it and exposes himself: to his qualities also selflessness -a real perfect man. But in spite of all his perfection, it’s impossible to dislike him, he is like a great teddy bear, soft outside and rock strong inside.

Jamie is young, impulsive and outgoing - youthness itself. Full of energy, he wants to change the world like all young people dream of. He always thinks to be on the right side, and is too frank and honest to hide himself. He is a sunny boy who brings laughter light - and love - back into Ethan's life. He reminds me of an impetuous puppy that turns Ethan's life upside down, but I cannot but smile with him and of him. He is like an electric shock able to awaken Ethan out of his torpor.

Sex scenes are sweet and funny; and written in a smooth and light hearted way: in spite of the "hot" subject, this novel is never, never, awkward.

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1191....(less)

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02/08/09

Erin rated it:

bookshelves: romance, western

Read in February, 2009

Okay, I don't mean to crap all over JL Langley, but I've read a lot of really awful romance ebooks this week, and after all the good reviews of this book I've seen on the internets, I had high expectations, but this book made a lot of the same mistakes the others did, only this one at least has better writing.

So here's the thing that bugged me: Jamie and Ethan lay eyes on each other for the first time in this novel in chapter 1 or 2, and then it's all over. They're together, there's...more Okay, I don't mean to crap all over JL Langley, but I've read a lot of really awful romance ebooks this week, and after all the good reviews of this book I've seen on the internets, I had high expectations, but this book made a lot of the same mistakes the others did, only this one at least has better writing.

So here's the thing that bugged me: Jamie and Ethan lay eyes on each other for the first time in this novel in chapter 1 or 2, and then it's all over. They're together, there's no internal conflict at all, and they have a perfect relationship for most of the book. The only fight they ever have is a very Bella/Edward exchange: Jamie thinks he should leave town because his staying puts Ethan's life in danger, then Ethan tells him to stay, so Jamie stays, fight over.

But, okay, there's lots of external conflict. Jamie told his father (Jacob) he's gay and got kicked out. Jacob then goes about making life difficult for Jamie and Ethan. That should have been enough—this book is only 181 pages long—but alas, no. Langley had to toss in an unlikely twist: Jacob hates him because he is the product of an extramarital affair. Which, okay, except NOBODY KNOWS. Jacob's wife raised Jamie as her own, so everyone just assumed he was. Only Ethan and Jamie's brother John were 11 when Jamie was born, and somehow they never noticed that Jamie's "mother" was never pregnant, that this baby just showed up one day. No one else in town noticed, either, apparently.

And that's another thing. I wish there had been more conflict between Ethan and John, because, I have to say, I just don't buy that John would be as accepting as he is. I can see him being okay with Ethan and Jamie being gay, but I don't see such an open embrace of their relationship together. First of all, Ethan is 11 years older than Jamie, which is a substantial age difference. And, truth be told, if any of my friends ever dated my youngest brother (10 years younger than I am) I would freak right out, because that's kind of weird, right? But, okay, I could put that aside until this scene where John goes into Ethan's room to talk to him, and Jamie and Ethan are naked in bed together, and John just sits there and chuckles about it and seems perfectly comfortable! Um, what? That's weird! I think John should demonstrate that he has some conflict over the relationship, at least at first, but instead, he finds out about Ethan and Jamie by walking in on them making out, and then he just kind of shrugs and says, "That's great," and that's all she wrote.

I don't know. It's a sweet story, I'm glad things worked out for these kids, but the clear divide between the good, accepting friends and the bad, brutal bigots was too wide to ring true or realistic. (less)

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04/10/09

Junkfoodmonkey rated it:

bookshelves: fiction, gay-fiction

Read in February, 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Copied from my Live Journal
http://junkfood-monkey.livejournal.com/2...

The Tin Star of the title is a ranch owned by Ethan, who takes in his best friend's younger brother, Jamie, after Jamie's father throws him out of the house when Jamie comes out as gay. He immediately falls for Jamie, but Ethan is closeted, mostly for the sake of a quiet life. Though the story is contemporary, this ain't San Francisco these guys are living in and Jamie's father isn't the only homophobe around....more

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05/14/09

Kate Roman rated it:

bookshelves: m-m-romance

Read in March, 2009

More gay cowboys! It's a failing.

Alright it's not really a failing at all. They're fun!

Tin Star by J L Langley, is set in the same universe as Broken H, and I think it's supposed to come before that one, but I read them out of order and didn't feel anything missing.

Jamie's just been thrown out of his house for announcing to his tyrant father that he's gay. He winds up staying with a friend of his brother's, Ethan, and sparks fly. But it's small-town Texas, so ...more

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07/25/07

Writerlibrarian rated it:

bookshelves: gay_fiction, read2007, romance

Read in August, 2007

A pretty good romance novel. A cowboy gay romance novel. The author takes the usual romance novel plot clichés like sibling falls for older brother's best friend, first lover, evil father etc and uses them in a way that is not tacky or frivolous. It's not perfect, far from it, but as romance novel go it's pretty good. A nice mix of romance, sex, lovers in jeopardy and a happy ending. A good, entertaining read.

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

1 comment

09/20/08

Eyre rated it:

bookshelves: bfbooks, erotica-romantica, mm-mmm-mmf, read-in-2008-approx

recommends it for: anyone who likes m/m romance and/or yummy, shirtless cowboys

Hot cowboy goodness, who could complain? Jamie and Ethan are both enjoyable characters, and the romance was tender. It was a great weekend read. I'll definitely be reading more of Langley's books.

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06/05/09

Shereal rated it:

Read in March, 2009

I realy enjoyed this book, this was one of the first books that i have read from J.L Langley and i think that the charecters are well developed and the way he incorporates the sex scenes into to the story is also good. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.

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03/21/09

Kirsten rated it:

Read in March, 2009

I found myself skipping over most of the sex scenes, although the characters were somewhat interesting. A fairly cliche plot.

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11/29/08

fbuser643233610 rated it:

I love this book. J.L. Langley is a good author.

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08/31/07

Casey rated it:

bookshelves: fiction, gay

Read in September, 2007

I'd heard this called a Brokeback Mountain with a happy ending. I would call it a cheap knock-off.

I was all set to love this story and was disappointed because it turned out being like a weak fanfic. The bad guys were always over the top, there were sweet nicknames and a plot that played second fiddle to the sex.

Honestly, I've read much better fanfic than this book offered.

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02/26/09

Nichole rated it:

bookshelves: 2009, m-m

Read in June, 2009

I found this book waiting for me when I got home from work on Friday, and finished it the next morning. This was a really great read. The last few m/m books I read were good but not great, and I was starting to lose interest in the genre. This was a perfect book to renew my interest. Fast, fun, sexy. Perfect! I highly recommend it.

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

1 comment

07/27/08

Sarai rated it:

bookshelves: m-m, own

Read in July, 2008

recommended to Sarai by: Jen B
recommends it for: M/M Lovers

Okay I really, really, really liked this book. I had to finish it last night (Have you noticed there is just something about Langley that does that to me I start her books and then WHAM I must finish) I thought it was cute and sexy at the same time and I dug the cowboys. I will post an offical review later on the blog!

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1 comment

07/09/08

Ami rated it:

bookshelves: gay-themed-fiction

Read in July, 2008

It's romance ... cowboys way :). I think the story is light, cute, sweet ... well, a summer read, basically. It's like any other romance novel that I usually read, but change the hero/heroine into, well, hero and hero (lol)

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07/07/08

Elaine rated it:

bookshelves: cowboys-ranchers, gay--mm---mmf--romance

Read in May, 2008

Another sweet, emotional and erotic slash romance. It had been on my TBR list for ages and I'm glad I finally got round to it.
I loved Ethan. Drool-worthy, indeed.

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