Blood on the Mountain

The Mountains #4

by P.D. Singer

Jake Landon thinks a second ranger season in the Colorado Rockies with Kurt Carlson is close enough to heaven, and a national forest is big enough to be his closet. Pharmacy school—and the luxuries of electricity and running water—can wait, maybe forever, as long as Jake doesn’t have to come out. He doesn’t plan on Kurt’s vision of his future being as narrow and direct as the single track roads through the trees.

“Your future, your fear, and me,” Kurt tells Jake. “You can have two of the three, so choose wisely.” Jake may have no choices left after they stumble on armed men guarding a beautiful but deadly crop that doesn’t belong among the pines and spruces. Angry men with guns are only one danger in the Colorado wilderness, and Jake’s reluctance to come out is now his smallest problem.

Kurt’s skills and Jake’s silver tongue may not be enough to get them out of this mess—how much of the blood shed on the mountain will be theirs?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, LGBT, Gay, Adventure

210 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 13, 2012

About the author

P.D. Singer lived in Colorado with her slightly bemused husband, one young adult, and seventy-nine pounds of pets. She was a big believer in research, first-hand if possible, so the reader can be quite certain PD skied down a mountain face-first, had been stepped on by rodeo horses, acquired a potato burn or two, and rethought a novel that included sky-diving.

When not writing, playing her fiddle, or walking the sheddiest member of the family, she could be found with a book in hand.

Reviews

[Vio · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
I still love this couple so much. The other big draw card is the beautiful setting, its so exquisite and always has me yearning to be right there amongst the green forests. Also my very favourite and best part of the story is the *strip archery* Jake and Kurt indulge in, steamy and very memorable, amongst other things. Taut action, lovely men who are still working hard and dealing with whatever comes their way. More of Jake and Kurt is always a delight in my eyes.

[John Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I love all the outdoorsy stuff with bears (the real kind) and nature and mosquito bites. The crime part of the story was well told. But it was the two main characters, Jake and Kurt, that really stole my heart. Oh, and the sex was truly hot. Strip archery? Sex against a bale of hay? Oh, to be thirty years younger. The only down side to this book is that now I have to go back and read the first three books in the series that I somehow missed, although I must admit it didn't harm the telling of this story at all that I read the last one first. Since I've been on this quest to read all the Dreamspinner Press stories I can, I've come to realize what a talented stable of writers DSP has. No kidding. When you pick up a DSP book you can pretty well figure it's going to be well-written, well-edited, and well worth your time. Since books aren't exactly cheap, that's a good thing to know.

[AngelFire]

DNF @ 26%

I'm not vibing with this story so I'm going to stop but I kind of brought this on myself so I'm not going to rate it. This is the third book that focuses on this couple and I didn't read the first two books (most of my GR buddies agreed that the first two are very meh) so I don't feel right passing judgement on this romantic pairing. I didn't feel anything for either character or their relationship but clearly there are many others who love this pairing.

I also didn't really like Kurt, who I thought came across like a Gary Stu. But again - I haven't read the first two books that feature him so maybe him coming across like that was part of his character arc? I don't know, hence - I won't rate it.

I also found the first quarter of the book very boring. Not much happens except for sex scenes, the boys being forest rangers and a random rodeo session. Maybe things would have gotten more exciting when the suspense plotline kicks off but I didn't feel like sticking around until then.

This kind of sucks because I adore PD Singers' work and I believe this series was her proudest accomplishment (she specifically asked her friend Eden Winters to publish the remaining instalments she'd written after she passed away because she was so passionate about wanting the series to be finished) but I can't seem to get excited about it. I guess I'll continue exploring her standalones and leave this series to the people who felt a real connection with Jake and Kurt.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book returns to the MCs from books one and two, again told from Jake's POV. I think this was my favorite of the series so far. I was already attached to these characters, and there were moments of sweetness, moments of pain, love, fear, hope and anger, that felt more deeply-realized in this installment. I was ready to kick Jake a couple of times for being obtuse, but the story as a whole kept me reading along without pause to see how it all turned out. A lot of action, two wonderful MC's and a nice balance of all the elements of the story.

[Idamus · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Sigh* I finished before I was ready to let the boys go

Possibly my favourite in the series

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may be a little biased here, because I had been waiting for this book to come out like a woman starved. When I'm like that, reading the long-awaited sequel is either a rip-roaring experience, or... a sad, hesitant sigh escapes as I plow through it, knowing that my high expectations have been let down. The former was the case today. This is easily the best book Singer has in the Mountain series.

We meet our favorite couple in a state of playful bliss, but soon learn that there is trouble in paradise. Jake fears to be out, and Kurt can't stand being closeted by him. Always a quick thinker while under stress, Kurt presents Jake with a series of logical options, forcing Jake to make important and emotionally challenging decisions. It is rare to read a good book about an established couple in this genre; the "boy meet boy" part has already taken place, and that part of the arc has been resolved with success. There are other opportunities for internal growth, however, which Singer exploits to rivet our attention with an eye on the very real possibility that things won't work out. The emotional arc tracks the hard-hitting physical action of this book in a syncopated rhythm that introduces character history surprises in tandem with mortal peril that literally springs from the soil of the tranquil, sylvan environment.

Jake is forced to take unprecedented risks. Kurt takes the sort of risks he is accustomed to taking with level-headed panache - yet those risks entail danger, and Kurt shows his imperfect and vulnerable side. I would not have been surprised if three, maybe four dead bodies littered the final pages of this dramatic and gripping novel. Blood was spilled, and not everyone pulled through - but I can't tell you any more that that. You have to find out for yourself. Suffice it to say that this is one of the few books in this genre that I will be happy to reread at a later date.

[Morgan Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jake and Kurt, back to being rangers again. The story opens with strip archery! The couple is still in love but argues about Jake’s future. First, Kurt wants him to start Pharmacy school in the fall (leaving his summer job early). Second, Kurt wants Jake to come out of the closet so that when the summer is over the two can live in a one-bedroom apartment as a couple.

To complicate matters, there is a situation in the mountain involving bad guys and drugs. As with the other books, someone is in danger and someone gets hurt, but in the end the good guys are victorious!

**

As with the other stories PD does an amazing job with detail. She tells us meticulously about archery, the plant life, the rodeo, even the medical care our hero receives and it feels authentic and true. (Not being an expert in those things I can only guess… )


I loved the story coming back to Kurt and Jake, they are definitely a great couple and now that they’ve been with each other so long their sex is even better!

I felt that the drama was more within reason than in some of the previous books and added a thrilling element to the story.

Though I will read the final book, I am sad to see Kurt and Jake go.


Audio:

Finn Sterling did another great job bringing the story to life and making the listening experience a good one.


Writing/Editing 5
Romance 4.5
Sex/Heat 4.5
Storyline 4.5
World Building/Characterizations 5
Audio 4.5

4.6 of 5 hearts!

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Blood on the Mountain, I love the characters the most, the way the conversations are those of a couple who know each other, and know how the other one is going to react. I could totally understand the confliction Jake was feeling at the thought of coming out and his future away from Kurt, and Kurt’s determination that Jake would not throw away everything he had worked for was equally understandable.
The secondary characters were just as skilfully drawn and Jake’s mother made me laugh on more than one occasion. The encounter with the armed men was not unexpected, but the way it developed was skilfully handled. The armed men weren’t just the villains of the piece. They were real men, with real backstories that had led them to this point. Oh, and I ached for the bear.
I think you can probably gather I really enjoyed Blood on the Mountain. Read it for a cracking plot, and a wonderful couple that deserve their Happy Ever After.

Please see Pippa's complete review and a chance to win a copy of this 5-star book on December 27, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

[Susan Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Every individual story has shined in its own way. Jake and Kurt are a match made in heaven. Well, mis-matched like a lot of couples. But their love tries so hard to transcend everyday reality and obstacles that you just have to root for them.

Once again taking on a ranger season in the wilderness, Jake and Kurt can't quite delve into their private love affair when the question of coming out is still unfinished with Jake. But then the two men discover a field of dangerous crop in the national park--and big guys with guns protecting their claim. When faced with imminent death, coming out seems like the smallest problem on their growing list of troubles.

With interaction between the guys, and the action, and the sex, this story has it all, and Ms. Singer does it with a balanced, skilled hand. Her experience in all the things she writes about shine through. In many ways this story feels like the end, but I sure pray that this isn't the case. I want--no, I need more of Jake and Kurt. I highly recommend this whole series!

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Overall, a well written book that contains the key ingredients: solid plot, well developed characters, a healthy dose of problematic romance etc. For some reason though, I just could not become emotionally immersed in the story or invested in the protagonists' relationship... This one probably did not suit my mood, but I am quite sure that it will appeal to many.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was bittersweet returning to the final book of this series.

Oh wait.. it's not the last book. Sweet.

However, this book packed a punch.

Jake and Kurt definitely had their biggest life scare ever. And it definitely changed their lives forever.

Jake also really had to decide if he enjoyed being in the closet or not.

All in all, I really enjoyed it. Though I still don't like the voice that the narrator uses for Jake. Too feminine for how I imagine Jake to be.

[Melia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake kinda pisses me off. Kurt deserves better. But it had a happy end and there is one more book and two short stories for Kurt and Jake. Not sure when the last one will come out, since the author passed away in 2020. I'll hang tight, but I'm looking forward to reading their HEA, hopefully.

[Thomaidha Papa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Hearts

Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

Alright, so once again I’ll have to scream it out loud how much I love Kurt. That character makes everything fine for me. And because I love Kurt so much I spend more than half of the book wanting to slap Jake silly. I mean I knew at some point thing would get better, but till they actually got there I really envisioned ways of killing that little fictional character myself.

Anyway, so Blood on the Mountains continues with Jake and Kurt returning to their summer job, their little primitive cabin close to their natural refrigerator aka the lake, and with Jake living in his own panic room inside his head. This time the “coming out” talk is a bit more intense because the way he’s been acting is telling Kurt that he’s putting off of returning to college out of fear. Fear of living with Kurt in the big city and being out.

You know, one would’ve thought that after what happened a year ago when they nearly died and during the winter season Jake would have put some things into perspective, but near death experiences need to hunt him more than once to shake him, and even that in the end didn’t. Hence I wanted to slap him silly.

The first half of the book in essentially a rerun of past events blending with their now familiarity. The memories of the cabin and lake when Jake had been pinning for Kurt merge beautifully with the present, when their relationship is firm and their lovemaking has lost that urgency but turned into a slow burning passion. I loved their love-games and their routine. This couple has always been perfect and it keeps that way.

If you pay real attention you can see how the plot will unravel from the very start, what with Jake nearly besting Kurt in the range field and the scenery description, but when it came to the highlight of the story it still gets you in a high speed. One moment things are simple and boring with our guys going through everyday life and the next all hell breaks loose. Just like in the previous books though it happens with a small even after another and then another and before you know it you’re thinking dear Lord can things get any worse? The answer to that is yes, but it is worth it. The author gives us a very nice action plot with a lot of blood wetting down the mountain floor and an unexpected near-death experience. I loved those scenes immensely and had it not been for Jake’s silliness once again I’d have loved it even more.

However I suppose it made much more sense for the book to end the way it ended instead of him simply yielding. Still, didn’t made him more lovable to me, even if he did took my beloved Kurt to the ice-cream store.

As for the writing well, if you’re reading this book most probably you have read the other too and know how sufficient and easy going this author is with her pen. If this is the first book you’re reading you will encounter a great description of scenery, a slowly building intensity in the plot that will keep you going and wanting for more and a very lovable pair that will probably hook you and make you read all the rest of the books. As it is Blood on the Mountain can be easily read as a standalone although it’d be best if you read the series in order. My guess is you’ll love them if you like life in the wilderness, forest rangers and quite a bit of action.

Thommie

[T.M. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and Kurt are back where it all started pulling another Ranger season in the Rockies, the two twin cots are stacked in the corner and they are still sleeping on the bed they bought and moved into the cabin. The fridge is still hanging by a rope, buried in the cold water that lies at the feet of the log they made love next to for the first time. And sadly, Jake is still hanging more than just clothes in his closet.

When they stumble upon a field of flowers that should not be in the Rockies, all hell breaks loose and Jake winds up critically injured. It forces him to retire from the Rangers and separates him and Kurt. So Jake has to make a decision, Kurt gave him a choice… “Your fear, your future, and me… You can have two of the three, so choose wisely.”

Let me start by saying that several times throughout this story I wanted to beat the shit out of Jake. Kurt has the patience of a saint I assure you. I was about ready to stop the audio and chalk this one up to a DNF when the proverbial shit hit the fan and suddenly, I was fully invested again. So kudos to Singer for taking me to the brink and then reeling back in again like a flopping sea bass! The circumstance surrounding Jakes injury made my head spin, I can’t say more, let’s just say spoilers, you’ll have to read for yourself, it’s great suspense and personal agony though.

As crazy as Jake drives me sometimes, I’m so invested in these two characters. I have to continue on their crazy, sometimes deadly, and always entertaining journey with them with each and every story. The suspense in this particular installment was taken up a notch from the Ski resort fiasco, I was on the edge of my seat, literally, I almost fell! Finn Sterling continues his role as narrator for Singers words, and I am so happy this author hasn’t gone the way several authors of series have as of late, changing narrators too far into the mix. Sterling has a certain tone set for these two characters… Kurt is the protector, while Jake may be a little bit bigger than him and they are a versatile couple, Kurt always has this protective bravado circling him and Sterling delivers that in spaids.

I got a little misty eyed at the end a couple times. In the hospital and then when Kurt stole the tanker to drive out to the college to see Jake. And let me just say, I adore Jakes mother so much after this book. You’ll see why at the very end, god love her! Anywho, just be prepared for a bit of angst and drama and undecisiveness from Jake for the first half of the book. These guys are so smexy when they get going though that you can’t help but be drawn in.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and Kurt are one of my favorite M/M pairings. There is just something very real about their love and how they take care of each other, even if their adventures are quite often larger than life. This time around the plot is more plausible even if the bad guys are dumb as rocks.

The relationship drama still revolves around Jake's fear of living openly with Kurt as his boyfriend. In the very first book, we learned that recently graduated Jake had just come out to his college friends and had been rejected which had caused him to crawl back into the closet. I was surprised that bit of history seemed to have been forgotten as it would have gone along ways towards explain Jake's fears. For all the time Jake spends fretting on it, the resolution came largely out of the blue.

Normally I don't care for a long drawn out sugar sweet ending with the happy couple but I think the two really deserved a bit more follow up. There were still a lot of open questions about the couple's future by the end and I don't get the impression that we will be getting any further stories about the pair.

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
A good, enjoyable update on Jake and Kurt, from earlier in the series. The stories can be read standalone but I enjoyed reading about these two again.
I enjoyed the opening strip archery scene - never look at bows again in quite the same light. Liked that Kurt used them as a weapon, even if it had serious implications.
Again, the mountains and rangers work play a fairly big role, and those pesky guys in the truck were always going to cause trouble. I enjoyed the story, though I think disharmony amongst the baddies would have errupted sooner rather than later, even without Jake and Kurt being in the mix. Though they did seem to just fade away once they got off the mountain.
The main story was Jake coming to accept himslef as an out gay man, and accepting that he needed to to live a happy life. I can see how this chewed him up but he obviously had male selective hearing with his Mum! Lots of heartache but all resolved nicely in the end, and sounds like scope for more from them in the future.

[Tonileg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Continuing M/M adventures on the mountain with Jake Landon and Kurt Carlson.
They are starting up their second season together, and the last for Jake who is going back to school in the fall. Crazy little hints about something bad happening on the mountain, until we get hit on the side of the head with drugs, death threats and serious injuries.
I liked Fire on the Mountain the best so far, but this story is more of a mystery and the last we see of Jake and Kurt. I did like how they wrapped up their story.
210 pages
There is one more book in this 'series' but it is a stand alone.
2 stars

[Jess Candela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story but was a little annoyed that 8 Seconds on the Mountain was folded into this story as Chapter 5. It made for an odd sense of already having read this newly-released book already, and left me feeling a bit cheated out of a chapter of the new story I thought I was paying for. Though it says something about the quality of writing that I read it a year and a half ago and recognized and identified it immediately.

I have loved each of the Mountain books, but this just might be the best one yet. The earlier ones held up to rereads in preparation for reading this one, and I'm sure this will hold up to rereads too. I hope there will be many more books in this series!

[Brandilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Finn Sterling narrated this first and third person title, and he did a fabulous job. He was easy to listen to and just sucked me right into the story. I can safely say that his narration helped the story come alive for me.

http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...

[Enid · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to go back to Jake and Kurt. Their relationship takes a definitive step forward, but not before a tumble of steps back and sideways. As always Mr. and Mrs. Chief were awesome... add Jake's mom to that bunch. The story was a roller coaster of emotion, action, fear and courage. Very nice indeed!

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice return to the story of Jake and Kurt who were the focus of the early books in the series. The good news is that this story returned to the quality of the first book - Jake and Kurt were fabulous, the plot engaging with just the right amount of drama and the ending was excellent.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written tale.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still give it a five even though I wanted to slap Jake silly for being so stupid.

[Tyrell Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more. great read!

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique and well written love story.

[Chutchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all the books in this series.

[Dee Wy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Nice progression of the relationship - enjoyed it!

[Elisa Rolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

2013 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars