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Whispering Pines Ranch #5
Jess's Journey
“The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is, not to frighten them, but to challenge them.” ~Woodrow Wilson~
At an early age, Jess Jenkins learned to take care of his family and friends and put their needs before his own. He dreamed of finding the same simple happiness his parents had and followed their example. Then Lorcan James broke his heart and an automobile accident broke his independent spirit. Now that’s all Jess is: a broken shadow of the man he used to be, still confined to a wheelchair after six months.
Jess is finally forced to put himself first and accept the help he needs on his journey toward recovery. Though pain, frustration, and depression leave him bitter and eager to push people away, his friends refuse to allow him to wallow in self pity. Jack has only glimpsed the man beneath Jess’s angry shell, but he takes it upon himself to prove Jess isn’t broken. And Collin is determined to bring back the sweet man he once knew. The simple, happy life Jess has always wanted is there for the taking—all he has to do is open his eyes and see it.
At an early age, Jess Jenkins learned to take care of his family and friends and put their needs before his own. He dreamed of finding the same simple happiness his parents had and followed their example. Then Lorcan James broke his heart and an automobile accident broke his independent spirit. Now that’s all Jess is: a broken shadow of the man he used to be, still confined to a wheelchair after six months.
Jess is finally forced to put himself first and accept the help he needs on his journey toward recovery. Though pain, frustration, and depression leave him bitter and eager to push people away, his friends refuse to allow him to wallow in self pity. Jack has only glimpsed the man beneath Jess’s angry shell, but he takes it upon himself to prove Jess isn’t broken. And Collin is determined to bring back the sweet man he once knew. The simple, happy life Jess has always wanted is there for the taking—all he has to do is open his eyes and see it.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2012
4 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
S.J.D. Peterson
52 books1,019 followersIt's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 11, 2012
*This is the fifth in the Whispering Pines Ranch Series. While it is a stand-alone book, it's best to have read the other four so you have a sense of character. If not, read on anyway!*
Once upon a time there was a man named Jess Jenkins. Now Jess, he had a heart and a smile the size of Texas, but not much luck in love. When he tried to give his heart away the first time, he fell in love with his boyhood best friend. That bed was too small, and when his friend didn't return Jess's feelings, Jess got angry and tossed him out of his life.
Then Jess fell in love with Lorcan James. That bed was too big, since he had to share it with not only Lorcan, but Quinn, the man Lorcan really loved. And that lasted for a while, until Jess was in a terrible accident and smashed up his legs. Feeling like less than a man, he chased Lorcan out of that big empty bed, letting him go to the man he loved.
As Jess tried to recover and heal his body and heart, he had two men who looked after him. Collin, the younger brother of his childhood best friend, and Jack, his physical therapist. Both were good men, but would one of them be the man that had the bed that fit just right?
SJD Peterson has finally, finally given me Jess’s tale, and I have to tell you, it was worth the wait. This book is as sweet as Jess’s smile, and as warm and comfortable as your grandmother’s quilt on a cool fall night. While not without some angst, because Jess is a broken man on the mend, this loving, beautiful book wrapped around my heart and snuggled its way home. I was enchanted.
I wasn’t so sure, when I started, where Ms. Peterson was going to go with this. But the crafty woman took me surely along a familiar path, but under her sure hand, it was shiny and new. Jess was being courted and cared for by two worthy men. Collin, a sweetly innocent boy with a heart as big as Jess’s, and Jack, the gruff bear to Collin’s sweet young cub. Either man would have made a good match for the prickly, broken but ultimately honorable and vulnerable Jess.
Now we have two more men I want to see have their own books. Collin, who I’d take home in a minute and never let him go, and Troy, Jack’s counterpart from the hospital.
Oh, and were there any eight more romantic and touching words to build this fairy tale of a book around? “You still love me…You still want me”. Oh, hell yes I do.
Beautiful, masterfully told, and sincere. What more can a guy want?
Tom
Once upon a time there was a man named Jess Jenkins. Now Jess, he had a heart and a smile the size of Texas, but not much luck in love. When he tried to give his heart away the first time, he fell in love with his boyhood best friend. That bed was too small, and when his friend didn't return Jess's feelings, Jess got angry and tossed him out of his life.
Then Jess fell in love with Lorcan James. That bed was too big, since he had to share it with not only Lorcan, but Quinn, the man Lorcan really loved. And that lasted for a while, until Jess was in a terrible accident and smashed up his legs. Feeling like less than a man, he chased Lorcan out of that big empty bed, letting him go to the man he loved.
As Jess tried to recover and heal his body and heart, he had two men who looked after him. Collin, the younger brother of his childhood best friend, and Jack, his physical therapist. Both were good men, but would one of them be the man that had the bed that fit just right?
SJD Peterson has finally, finally given me Jess’s tale, and I have to tell you, it was worth the wait. This book is as sweet as Jess’s smile, and as warm and comfortable as your grandmother’s quilt on a cool fall night. While not without some angst, because Jess is a broken man on the mend, this loving, beautiful book wrapped around my heart and snuggled its way home. I was enchanted.
I wasn’t so sure, when I started, where Ms. Peterson was going to go with this. But the crafty woman took me surely along a familiar path, but under her sure hand, it was shiny and new. Jess was being courted and cared for by two worthy men. Collin, a sweetly innocent boy with a heart as big as Jess’s, and Jack, the gruff bear to Collin’s sweet young cub. Either man would have made a good match for the prickly, broken but ultimately honorable and vulnerable Jess.
Now we have two more men I want to see have their own books. Collin, who I’d take home in a minute and never let him go, and Troy, Jack’s counterpart from the hospital.
Oh, and were there any eight more romantic and touching words to build this fairy tale of a book around? “You still love me…You still want me”. Oh, hell yes I do.
Beautiful, masterfully told, and sincere. What more can a guy want?
Tom
October 17, 2012
After looking forward to hearing Jess’s story for so long I find myself a little disappointed. Maybe its because I didn’t get the pairing I wanted or maybe its that to much time had past since the last book, not including Connors story, that my heart just wasn’t in this one,
The first half was good, the tension of who Jess was in love with worked well, but sadly everything after kinda bored me. Again I found myself more interested on the guy that wasn’t chosen. It seems to be my fate in these books to always want to read about the non main characters lol. I never really felt a conection with who Jess chose either.
I understand fully Jess is a changed man, no one can go through what he went through and remain the same, but I fell in love with the old Jess, and I’m afraid this new Jess disappointed me a time or two. The phone conversation in the epilogue is a case in point. Just the line “The voice sounded vaguely familiar,” sent a rush of disappointment and a little anger through me. ‘Vaguely?’ how could Jess forget someone so important to him so fast? The old Jess never would lol.
I’m sure most people will love this story, and I am happy Jess got the ending he deserved,even if it wasn't the one I wanted lol.
The first half was good, the tension of who Jess was in love with worked well, but sadly everything after kinda bored me. Again I found myself more interested on the guy that wasn’t chosen. It seems to be my fate in these books to always want to read about the non main characters lol. I never really felt a conection with who Jess chose either.
I understand fully Jess is a changed man, no one can go through what he went through and remain the same, but I fell in love with the old Jess, and I’m afraid this new Jess disappointed me a time or two. The phone conversation in the epilogue is a case in point. Just the line “The voice sounded vaguely familiar,” sent a rush of disappointment and a little anger through me. ‘Vaguely?’ how could Jess forget someone so important to him so fast? The old Jess never would lol.
I’m sure most people will love this story, and I am happy Jess got the ending he deserved,even if it wasn't the one I wanted lol.
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March 18, 2013DNF'ed at 65%. I don't DNF books. EVER. Even when I hate them. That should tell you how pissed off I am.
Clearly Peterson and I had VERY different ideas of what we wanted for Jess's HEA.
I'm glad he finds happiness and shit, but I couldn't read any more of it without wanting to stab things.
Glad I got it free in a DSP coupon promo, or I would have been 100 times more pissed than I already am.
Clearly Peterson and I had VERY different ideas of what we wanted for Jess's HEA.
I'm glad he finds happiness and shit, but I couldn't read any more of it without wanting to stab things.
Glad I got it free in a DSP coupon promo, or I would have been 100 times more pissed than I already am.
September 28, 2013
Jess finally home from rehab after a car accident has left him in a wheelchair and struggling to get his life back, and on his own two feet. Jess, the one who has spent most of his life taking care of others, the sweet talking, cuddly teddy bear, never leaning on anyone now has to let others help him. And while the entire town welcomes him home it’s Collin and Jack he has to lean on the most. While Jess struggles with his dependence on Collin and Jack he learns exactly how much the entire town has kept his farm afloat while he was in rehab. I could understand Jess’s struggle of guilt and shame at having to accept help, but my heart broke the big teddy bear, he so deserved someone to love him.
So when Jack (his physical therapist) starts to develop feelings for Jess my heart swells!! I loved watching these two come together, the easy dialogue, sexual attraction that develops it was all very sweet. To be honest though I found it a bit to easy, I guess I was looking for a little more difficulty, a little more conflict in this story. Granted on the flip side though, I thought to myself hasn’t Jess been through enough!! He so deserves this!!
If this was a standalone book I would give it 3 stars honestly. But as part of a series I love and the long struggle Jess has had throughout the series I am giving it 4 happy stars!
So when Jack (his physical therapist) starts to develop feelings for Jess my heart swells!! I loved watching these two come together, the easy dialogue, sexual attraction that develops it was all very sweet. To be honest though I found it a bit to easy, I guess I was looking for a little more difficulty, a little more conflict in this story. Granted on the flip side though, I thought to myself hasn’t Jess been through enough!! He so deserves this!!
If this was a standalone book I would give it 3 stars honestly. But as part of a series I love and the long struggle Jess has had throughout the series I am giving it 4 happy stars!
October 31, 2012
I fell in love with Jess much earlier in the series and have been waiting ever since to find out his fate. This story was absolutely worth the wait! We got to see Jess as a more developed character; to find out he's not perfect and he has fears and insecurities just like everyone else. He deserved to find happiness and, although the story didn't go the way I thought it would, in the end it was perfect. I'm sad to say goodbye to this series but look forward to reading more about Ty and Blake. Finally, I just want to add that I seriously wish this author would stop writing these heartbroken characters that find their way into my heart so easily :-D There's one character left who I'm wishing for a HEA for and I'm hoping that one day Jo might take pity and let us know the conclusion of his story!
August 24, 2017
I'm so glad that the author chose Jess, Jack, and Collin’s story as the final full-length novel in the ‘Whispering Pines Ranch’ series. Jess has been through a lot, what with loving and losing Lorcan, and then the car accident that left him in a wheelchair. But Jack, his physical therapist, and Collin, a ranch hand, are not about to let him give up, so it'll be up to Jess to reach for the happiness he so deserves.
Jess doesn't believe Jack is really interested in him and Jess sees Collin as a younger brother who still has a crush on him. Collin irritates Jack and vice versa, while trying to let Jess know how he feels. Jack wants Jess but views Collin as an annoying little sh*t (although secretly he likes the kid, just not as competition). I felt so bad for Collin. It's hard to love someone for so long and then finally realize they're never going to look at you in the same light. It was hard for Jess to have that talk with Collin since he didn't want to lose him as a friend, and Jess certainly can empathize with how Collin is feeling.
I loved seeing Jess come to the realization of his feelings for Jack, but even more, it was watching him accept the changes within himself and learn to love the new Jess the accident created, that had my heart overflowing. ‘Jess’s Journey’ really is the best ending to the series and I'm so happy I got this chance to relive it all. Thank you, Jo.
Jess doesn't believe Jack is really interested in him and Jess sees Collin as a younger brother who still has a crush on him. Collin irritates Jack and vice versa, while trying to let Jess know how he feels. Jack wants Jess but views Collin as an annoying little sh*t (although secretly he likes the kid, just not as competition). I felt so bad for Collin. It's hard to love someone for so long and then finally realize they're never going to look at you in the same light. It was hard for Jess to have that talk with Collin since he didn't want to lose him as a friend, and Jess certainly can empathize with how Collin is feeling.
I loved seeing Jess come to the realization of his feelings for Jack, but even more, it was watching him accept the changes within himself and learn to love the new Jess the accident created, that had my heart overflowing. ‘Jess’s Journey’ really is the best ending to the series and I'm so happy I got this chance to relive it all. Thank you, Jo.
November 1, 2012
A very beautiful story.
It is always exciting to find an author who knows how to tell a good story and who also knows how to weave a number of different stories into an excellent series. So far I have enjoyed reading all the books in this series, Connnor's Courage being my favourite, but Jess's Journey being a very close second.
This story brings us Jess who is recovering from an accident and also recovering from some disappointing past relationships. Having spent months in hospital and breaking off a less than fulfilling relationship with Lorcan, he is having to learn how to live and how to love again. The books manages to portray the frustration and anger of having to recover from a serious injury and the way in which the people around Jess are part of that journey of healing. The story paints a beautiful picture of friendship, strength and love.
I am so glad that I am following this series. It feels as if I have been on my own journey going through the books and experiencing the lives of the different characters, really liking Lorcan's story and Quinns story, stumbling a little with Ty's story, but flying high with Connor's story. With Jess's Journey that high flight continues.
It is always exciting to find an author who knows how to tell a good story and who also knows how to weave a number of different stories into an excellent series. So far I have enjoyed reading all the books in this series, Connnor's Courage being my favourite, but Jess's Journey being a very close second.
This story brings us Jess who is recovering from an accident and also recovering from some disappointing past relationships. Having spent months in hospital and breaking off a less than fulfilling relationship with Lorcan, he is having to learn how to live and how to love again. The books manages to portray the frustration and anger of having to recover from a serious injury and the way in which the people around Jess are part of that journey of healing. The story paints a beautiful picture of friendship, strength and love.
I am so glad that I am following this series. It feels as if I have been on my own journey going through the books and experiencing the lives of the different characters, really liking Lorcan's story and Quinns story, stumbling a little with Ty's story, but flying high with Connor's story. With Jess's Journey that high flight continues.
October 9, 2014
A very satisfying story where Jess gets his much deserved HEA. I admit that, while I didn't think he was right for Lorcan, I did actually like them together. When Jess breaks up with Lorcan after the accident I had mixed feelings. Those mixed feelings were finally put to rest with Lorcan and Quinn getting their HEA.
Jess's Journey is about Jess finding his way back to himself and realizing that while his body is a bit broken, he is not. He has to work through his bitterness and his anger and he only makes it because of the dedication of Jack and Collin. Neither of them would let Jess give up or wallow in self pity.
And, I think that Jess made the right choice for his forever. I'm a bit sad that this series is over because there are still a couple characters that we've met that I think need a story of their own. Maybe they will show up in a different series. A girl can hope!
Jess's Journey is about Jess finding his way back to himself and realizing that while his body is a bit broken, he is not. He has to work through his bitterness and his anger and he only makes it because of the dedication of Jack and Collin. Neither of them would let Jess give up or wallow in self pity.
And, I think that Jess made the right choice for his forever. I'm a bit sad that this series is over because there are still a couple characters that we've met that I think need a story of their own. Maybe they will show up in a different series. A girl can hope!
June 28, 2013
I was quite satisfied with Jess's story and he got the happy ending he so definitely deserved. Going into this installment without knowing the storyline and who he would end up with helped. There is only one thing that I really missed in this book, that I was hoping for
March 14, 2017
4 for now. Have to let it settle in a bit. There's a lot to like about this book, and only one thing I didn't care for.
It definitely did not take the route I had anticipated, which was not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. There is so much to love about the MC's! Strong, kind, sexy...*sigh*
Oh, and it contains probably my all time favorite frotting scene. Ever. Wow.
It definitely did not take the route I had anticipated, which was not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. There is so much to love about the MC's! Strong, kind, sexy...*sigh*
Oh, and it contains probably my all time favorite frotting scene. Ever. Wow.
November 5, 2012
So sad to see the series end but this book was a sweet way to go out. Someday I'm going to read the whole thing again.
March 13, 2017
Yet another book/series I pushed to the way side for something more shiny and new. I'm so glad I'm sticking to my 2017 reading goal of reading books from my 'old tbr pile'.
Anywhooooo..... I read Conner's Courage and Jess's Journey back to back. (very rare for me)
Jess as you know is struggling to get back to being 'big, strong, independent' Jess. I really enjoyed watching the struggles and accomplishments and the emotions that played a huge part of Jess's Journey. It was all very real. My heart is happy... I only have 1 question tho
Anywhooooo..... I read Conner's Courage and Jess's Journey back to back. (very rare for me)
Jess as you know is struggling to get back to being 'big, strong, independent' Jess. I really enjoyed watching the struggles and accomplishments and the emotions that played a huge part of Jess's Journey. It was all very real. My heart is happy... I only have 1 question tho
June 27, 2013
Okay. I've been trying to figure out what I think about this book. I liked it a lot. Alone, this book is great and sweet and shows a small part of the struggle one would have at getting their life back after a terrible accident that left them unable to walk. The story of Jess getting his legs back under his own control, trying to come to terms that even if he walks again, he won't be the same. The scars are not only on the surface, they are bone deep. Emotionally, Jess is a mess. Anger, rage, hurt, the list of emotions goes on and on. On and on until they change. Something finally clicks.
Overall, I'm happy with how things turned out. Was everything perfect for me? No. I was, surprisingly, good with how things ended with Collin. I didn't think I would be, so that was great. I do have a feeling of incompleteness with the friendship between Jess and Lorcan. I didn't need them to hug and have everything be perfect, best friends again. I would have liked them to have at least had a conversation. One that also included Quinn.
As for this series. I love it as a whole. All the feelings are real. Nothing comes easy for anyone. Not rushed. I really believe that a reader would not get enough out of the first book without reading the last. Though you can read them alone, the story is so much richer together.
Now I'm off to by more of Peterson's books...
Overall, I'm happy with how things turned out. Was everything perfect for me? No. I was, surprisingly, good with how things ended with Collin. I didn't think I would be, so that was great. I do have a feeling of incompleteness with the friendship between Jess and Lorcan. I didn't need them to hug and have everything be perfect, best friends again. I would have liked them to have at least had a conversation. One that also included Quinn.
As for this series. I love it as a whole. All the feelings are real. Nothing comes easy for anyone. Not rushed. I really believe that a reader would not get enough out of the first book without reading the last. Though you can read them alone, the story is so much richer together.
Now I'm off to by more of Peterson's books...
October 22, 2012
Whew, what a relief. I was so worried about Jess because he was SUCH a great guy. He loved Lorcan but was smart enough and generous enough to know that though Lorcan loved him it was Quinn who truely had his heart. Jess knew that he wanted a love for himself and he was lucky to find Jack. Although I was kind of rooting for Collin it was apparent he was infatuated and a little young for Jess.
Recommended!!!
Recommended!!!
September 16, 2014
Liked the fact that Jess finally got a HEA at last cos he certainly deserved one, but was slightly disappointed that his and Lorcan's 'relationship' wasn't put to bed in a grown-up and amicable way...in fact it wasn't really dealt with at all. He discovered that Quinn and Lorcan had paid for everything while he was in hospital and were still paying for some things and threw a hissy fit, but then it all fizzled out....4 stars from me.
October 31, 2012
Another beautiful story of the strength, courage and resiliency of the human spirit from this author. This is a fitting wrap-up to the series and a wonderful ending for Jess's journey to, not only physical recovery, but to acknowledging his real and very human emotional needs and allowing himself to be the man he deserves to be. I highly recommend this to all.
November 17, 2015
Loved this book--Jess's Journey was an emotional journey, not just for he and Jack, but for Collin, as well. I don't think we ever totally forget our first love. Sad that this was the end of the series. Even though there is some character overlap into The Guards of Folsom books, it really is predominantly cameo-type appearances.
October 14, 2012
fabulous ! What a great ending to a fenomal series
Jess got his so deserved happy ending
I will so gonna miss all the boys
but am looking forward to all the new books coming from this amazing Writer
Danielle
Jess got his so deserved happy ending
I will so gonna miss all the boys
but am looking forward to all the new books coming from this amazing Writer
Danielle
October 18, 2012
Can't wait for the next one!!
October 19, 2012
I love all these guys and this story was great.
Jo I think all the guys need a Christmas together at Whispering Pines :)
No pressure though...:)
Jo I think all the guys need a Christmas together at Whispering Pines :)
No pressure though...:)
October 12, 2012
4 Hearts
Review to follow
Review to follow
October 20, 2012
5 stars are not enough!! My favorite book in the series.
More of a review to come soon...
More of a review to come soon...
November 3, 2012
Bitter sweet! I'm glad all my favorite cowboys are happy, but I hate for it to end. I love this series. I'm hoping maybe we will get Collin's story next
November 24, 2012
I loved this series and I'm so happy that Jess has his own happy ending. I'm sad to see the end of Whispering Pines Ranch, but I know Ms Peterson will have all kinds of good in store for us next.
July 5, 2020
I tossed up whether to give this a 3 or 4 generous mood today. The good thing about this nauthor his characters arced romancee generally well grounded and believable and naturally good looking and well built. This book dealt with gay characters none of this straight guy discovering he was gay. My only problem i didn't realize it was part of a series and all though it read well as a stand alone there was some back ground information that would have been helpful. A nicely paced romance
June 22, 2017
I admit I was worried when I read one review. The pairing was not what I expected however, in saying that, I absolutely loved Jess's Journey! It worked. It was perfect. Well done Jo! :)
September 2, 2017
Please see my review of the bundle of this series:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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May 16, 2021I just couldn't get to the point through the numerous characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews