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Racing for the Sun #1
Racing for the Sun
"I'll do anything."
Staff Sergeant Jasper "Ace" Atchison takes one look at Private Sonny Daye and knows that every word on paper about him is pure, unadulterated bullshit. But Sonny is desperate, and although Ace isn't going to take him up on his offer of "anything," that doesn't mean he isn't tempted.
Instead, Ace takes Sonny under his wing, protecting him when they're in the service and making plans with him when they get out. Together, they're going to own a garage and build race cars and make their fortune hurtling faster than light across the desert. Together, they're going to rewrite the past, make Sonny Daye a whole and happy person, and put the ghosts in Ace's heart to rest.
But not even Sonny can build a car fast enough to escape the ghosts of the past. When Sonny's ghosts drive them down and run their plans off the road, Ace finds out exactly what he's made of. Maybe Sonny was the one to promise Ace anything, but there is nothing under the sun Ace won't do to keep Sonny safe from harm.
Staff Sergeant Jasper "Ace" Atchison takes one look at Private Sonny Daye and knows that every word on paper about him is pure, unadulterated bullshit. But Sonny is desperate, and although Ace isn't going to take him up on his offer of "anything," that doesn't mean he isn't tempted.
Instead, Ace takes Sonny under his wing, protecting him when they're in the service and making plans with him when they get out. Together, they're going to own a garage and build race cars and make their fortune hurtling faster than light across the desert. Together, they're going to rewrite the past, make Sonny Daye a whole and happy person, and put the ghosts in Ace's heart to rest.
But not even Sonny can build a car fast enough to escape the ghosts of the past. When Sonny's ghosts drive them down and run their plans off the road, Ace finds out exactly what he's made of. Maybe Sonny was the one to promise Ace anything, but there is nothing under the sun Ace won't do to keep Sonny safe from harm.
260 pages, ebook
First published April 25, 2013
65 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
252 books3,476 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
November 12, 2015
Re-read November 2015: Loved it all over again!
I'LL DO ANYTHING
As you can tell from the fact that this book is on my favorites shelf, I absolutely adored this book. Put a gun to my head and tell me to name my top 5 favorite M/M romance/angst books, they would now be Point of No Return, Laurel Heights, Collision Course, Strength of the Pack, and Racing for the Sun. It was that good. But I fear hyping this book to the point of leaving GoodReads friends under whelmed. Me really connecting emotionally with a book is no guarantee you will. So, take a look at some of the other reviews on the Racing for the Sun page here at GoodReads. And take a look at the books I have listed on my fuck yeah, 5+ stars and favorites shelves. If you agree with many of my selections, please, please, give Racing for the Sun a try. Amy Lane has raised the bar yet again with this fabulous book. I cannot wait to read it again.
I'LL DO ANYTHING
As you can tell from the fact that this book is on my favorites shelf, I absolutely adored this book. Put a gun to my head and tell me to name my top 5 favorite M/M romance/angst books, they would now be Point of No Return, Laurel Heights, Collision Course, Strength of the Pack, and Racing for the Sun. It was that good. But I fear hyping this book to the point of leaving GoodReads friends under whelmed. Me really connecting emotionally with a book is no guarantee you will. So, take a look at some of the other reviews on the Racing for the Sun page here at GoodReads. And take a look at the books I have listed on my fuck yeah, 5+ stars and favorites shelves. If you agree with many of my selections, please, please, give Racing for the Sun a try. Amy Lane has raised the bar yet again with this fabulous book. I cannot wait to read it again.
September 1, 2016
**2.5 stars**
4 stars for the narration, 2 stars for the story... This is a totally bananas review because I'm a HUGE Amy Lane fan and everyone else loves this book. I'm so bummed right now.
On paper, this is an Amy Lane book that I would adore. I love her angsty, saga-ish stories (The Locker Room, Chase in Shadow), and with a whopping 22 Amy Lane books under my belt, I can safely say that I know my type. However, this book was all sorts of wrong for me.
I'm just going to come out and admit it: I was pretty terrified of Sonny. He was borderline psychopathic, in my opinion, and I sort of wanted Ace to just cut and run. From the ultra-creepy "mark me or I'll kill myself scene" or the super jealous interactions with everyone else, Sonny read as almost abusive to me. Despite his messed up past, if this book was M/F, I don't know if as many readers would have been a fan of Sonny's manipulation and neediness. The relationship between Ace and Sonny was co-dependent at best, and I never got behind them as a couple.
I also was not a fan of the insta-love. One look and they were practically devoting their lives to each other. I wasn't buying it. Insta-love is a no go for me.
As usual, I loved the secondary characters. Amy Lane does a fabulous platonic best guy friend, and her supporting cast always shines. I thought that they all had personality and felt anything but ordinary.
As far as the narration goes, I think that Nick Russo did a very nice job. I liked his accent for Ace and his more manic voice for Sonny. You could tell that he was throwing himself into the roles, and I really enjoyed his efforts.
All in all, I wish I liked this as much as my friends did. I think this is the first Amy Lane that I have actively not enjoyed, though it had enough nice qualities that it didn't dip below 2 stars. I think I'll go mourn in my well-read copies of Christmas Kitsch and Truth in the Dark now.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 18, 2019
Audio – 3 stars. I’ve listened to Nick J. Russo before and loved his performance. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with this book. He has a great voice, and he did an excellent job with the accents, but there wasn’t enough emotion injected in his performance.
Story – 4 stars
Because of the mixed reviews from my GR friends, I had reservations about reading this book. But Ace and Sonny kept coming up in the Fish Out of Water series, so I gave in and went for it. Even though I wasn’t so crazy about the audio, I really enjoyed the story. It’s more focused on the Sonny and Ace’s relationship than it is on suspense and mystery. There isn’t much action and it isn’t a fast paced/adrenalin read.
Both men have their issues, but Sonny is seriously damaged. His story is heart-wrenching. He’s extremely possessive of Ace and has a serious jealous streak, but given his background, it’s understandable. Ace on the other hand will do anything to comfort and protect Sonny. These two are each other’s life and it shows in everything they do.
I’m so glad I didn’t skip out on this book.
Story – 4 stars
Because of the mixed reviews from my GR friends, I had reservations about reading this book. But Ace and Sonny kept coming up in the Fish Out of Water series, so I gave in and went for it. Even though I wasn’t so crazy about the audio, I really enjoyed the story. It’s more focused on the Sonny and Ace’s relationship than it is on suspense and mystery. There isn’t much action and it isn’t a fast paced/adrenalin read.
Both men have their issues, but Sonny is seriously damaged. His story is heart-wrenching. He’s extremely possessive of Ace and has a serious jealous streak, but given his background, it’s understandable. Ace on the other hand will do anything to comfort and protect Sonny. These two are each other’s life and it shows in everything they do.
I’m so glad I didn’t skip out on this book.
August 1, 2018
***4 Stars for the audiobook***
***2 Stars for the story***
Gosh! The rating for this book almost gave me a sleepless night. I'm sorry to say that I didn't really like it
and it confirmed once more that Amy Lane remains a mixed bag for me. I already wonder if the Fish out of Water Series will be the only series by her that I love...
Sonny's past was heartbreaking, but he was too cray-cray for me and desperately needed therapy, IMO. I get that his behavior stems from the things he went through, but telling Ace that he would kill himself if he doesn't 'mark' him, is borderline manipulation, let alone emotional blackmail and made me feel uncomfortable with their relationship. I couldn't really buy it and was for the most part unsure about the genuineness of their feelings for each other, especially since they declared their undying love almost from the get-go.
Nick J. Russo's narration was on point, though. I felt that he was really into this story and he gave the characters perfect voices. For me personally, he was sometimes a bit hard to understand, though, because he talked a mile a minute and I had to press rewind quite often to catch the meaning sometimes.
The second half of the story got a bit better which is the reason why I'm steering a middle course here and go with 3 stars. Once again I'm in the minority, so don't let yourself be deterred from reading it and I hope you will enjoy it more than I did.
***2 Stars for the story***
Gosh! The rating for this book almost gave me a sleepless night. I'm sorry to say that I didn't really like it
and it confirmed once more that Amy Lane remains a mixed bag for me. I already wonder if the Fish out of Water Series will be the only series by her that I love...
Sonny's past was heartbreaking, but he was too cray-cray for me and desperately needed therapy, IMO. I get that his behavior stems from the things he went through, but telling Ace that he would kill himself if he doesn't 'mark' him, is borderline manipulation, let alone emotional blackmail and made me feel uncomfortable with their relationship. I couldn't really buy it and was for the most part unsure about the genuineness of their feelings for each other, especially since they declared their undying love almost from the get-go.
Nick J. Russo's narration was on point, though. I felt that he was really into this story and he gave the characters perfect voices. For me personally, he was sometimes a bit hard to understand, though, because he talked a mile a minute and I had to press rewind quite often to catch the meaning sometimes.
The second half of the story got a bit better which is the reason why I'm steering a middle course here and go with 3 stars. Once again I'm in the minority, so don't let yourself be deterred from reading it and I hope you will enjoy it more than I did.
October 12, 2017
*ugh* Amy Lane, you're killing me!
I ended up with this book, because the MCs are mentioned in her Red Fish, Dead Fish-series. And I am really happy I did end up here, but when Amy goes dark, she goes FUCKING DARK!
*sigh* Sonny has been sold and mistreated and just generally lived like an abused dog, and it is NOT fun to read, but it paints such a (heartbreaking), full picture of Sonny and his actions, especially in regards to Ace, making his (crazy) actions clearer.
Sonny IS sort of crazy, but in the most innocent way, if that makes sense?
Nobody ever taught him how to be a functioning human-being; now he just wants to belong to someone... Preferably Ace.
Amy does these sort of 'not-smart', but dogdamned clever characters really well.
Ace has the same "taste" as Rusty from Christmas Kitsch. He's sort of oblivious, but he has street-smarts up the wazoo. AND he cuts through the bullshit, and makes things really simple.
I have labeled this as humor as well, since some things made me smile. But it is really not a humerous book as such.
I didn't care for Ace's family and the idea that it was okay for Jake's ex to treat her daughter like crap, because she believed in LGBTQ+++ rights. Also the whole Jake-storyline made me really fucking sad.
Lastly I really wish that SOMEBODY would make the choice for survivors to go to THERAPY!
Don't tell me that Sonny and Katrinka wouldn't benefit GREATLY from some professional help.
As for the rest of it: thank you for Ace and Sonny and Burton and the rest of the wee family they managed to make.
They definitely made me smile (when the rest of the story made me want to punch something really, REALLY hard).
I ended up with this book, because the MCs are mentioned in her Red Fish, Dead Fish-series. And I am really happy I did end up here, but when Amy goes dark, she goes FUCKING DARK!
*sigh* Sonny has been sold and mistreated and just generally lived like an abused dog, and it is NOT fun to read, but it paints such a (heartbreaking), full picture of Sonny and his actions, especially in regards to Ace, making his (crazy) actions clearer.
Sonny IS sort of crazy, but in the most innocent way, if that makes sense?
Nobody ever taught him how to be a functioning human-being; now he just wants to belong to someone... Preferably Ace.
Amy does these sort of 'not-smart', but dogdamned clever characters really well.
Ace has the same "taste" as Rusty from Christmas Kitsch. He's sort of oblivious, but he has street-smarts up the wazoo. AND he cuts through the bullshit, and makes things really simple.
I have labeled this as humor as well, since some things made me smile. But it is really not a humerous book as such.
I didn't care for Ace's family and the idea that it was okay for Jake's ex to treat her daughter like crap, because she believed in LGBTQ+++ rights. Also the whole Jake-storyline made me really fucking sad.
Lastly I really wish that SOMEBODY would make the choice for survivors to go to THERAPY!
Don't tell me that Sonny and Katrinka wouldn't benefit GREATLY from some professional help.
As for the rest of it: thank you for Ace and Sonny and Burton and the rest of the wee family they managed to make.
They definitely made me smile (when the rest of the story made me want to punch something really, REALLY hard).
May 2, 2013
This is classic Amy Lane in her darker stories, with two men whose backgrounds are painful and who hold each other against the darkness. Sergeant "Ace" Atchison meets Private Sonny Daye in the military, and is immediately certain that Sonny is escaping from something in his past by enlisting. But he's not the first or last eighteen-year-old to do so, and he awakens Ace's protective instincts. Ace looks out for Sonny as they serve, protects and guards him, and comes to find the most meaning he's ever had, in being Sonny's mentor and champion.
When Ace leaves the service, he tries to create a civilian life that will meet his dream, which is to fulfill Sonny's dreams. A small house, a garage, racing fast cars. Ace makes a start, and when Sonny joins him, they move tentatively toward a future together. But Sonny's past is bleaker than Ace realizes, his scars are deep, and some of the biggest threats to their happiness are still to come.
Ace is a man whose self-worth is based on taking care of others. Sonny fulfills his needs in many ways, and gives Ace hope and a lodestar for his life journey. Sony is small, scrappy, prickly and unsure of himself. His background was so impoverished in emotional ways that he neither recognizes nor trusts love when it's offered. He can't imagine himself to be worth Ace's commitment. It's painful pleasure to watch these two dance around each other, each waiting for the other, better man to make a move. And then life conspires to heap more stress on them. The love is all the sweeter for being set against that backdrop. Like most of what Amy writes, this will be a reread for me.
When Ace leaves the service, he tries to create a civilian life that will meet his dream, which is to fulfill Sonny's dreams. A small house, a garage, racing fast cars. Ace makes a start, and when Sonny joins him, they move tentatively toward a future together. But Sonny's past is bleaker than Ace realizes, his scars are deep, and some of the biggest threats to their happiness are still to come.
Ace is a man whose self-worth is based on taking care of others. Sonny fulfills his needs in many ways, and gives Ace hope and a lodestar for his life journey. Sony is small, scrappy, prickly and unsure of himself. His background was so impoverished in emotional ways that he neither recognizes nor trusts love when it's offered. He can't imagine himself to be worth Ace's commitment. It's painful pleasure to watch these two dance around each other, each waiting for the other, better man to make a move. And then life conspires to heap more stress on them. The love is all the sweeter for being set against that backdrop. Like most of what Amy writes, this will be a reread for me.
February 11, 2014
Basic line Sonny had a Dream and Ace made it come true… for me was a dreamy lollipop raspberry flavour (my favourite) read!
“I will never want to leave you. I promise I will always want to keep you,”
“I promise, Sonny. I will try to be what you deserve.”
I haven´t read any book that Amy Lane has written and what I was missing …Dahhh
The writing in this book was impeccable, flows smoothly even with the hard life of the main characters. But I think it didn´t slipped into drama territory, and I was so so so thankful for that.
She made me believe through their story, that love conquers all, and it can cleanses the sins! I witness all those beautiful moments they shared and because of that I have been pulled to read faster and … eagerly!
The things I like…
The racing…
The licking…
The LOVE …
I will never forget this book…
“I will never want to leave you. I promise I will always want to keep you,”
“I promise, Sonny. I will try to be what you deserve.”
I haven´t read any book that Amy Lane has written and what I was missing …Dahhh
The writing in this book was impeccable, flows smoothly even with the hard life of the main characters. But I think it didn´t slipped into drama territory, and I was so so so thankful for that.
She made me believe through their story, that love conquers all, and it can cleanses the sins! I witness all those beautiful moments they shared and because of that I have been pulled to read faster and … eagerly!
The things I like…
The racing…
The licking…
The LOVE …
I will never forget this book…
April 28, 2013
This book is a perfect example of a book written by an author whose craft has evolved and become more elegant, smooth, and almost painfully gorgeous.
Sonny and Ace's story. What can I say about it? I could talk about the plot. I could talk about how Sonny is an eighteen year old new recruit running from something that I knew had to worse than the worst thing I could think of. I could talk about how Ace takes Sonny under his wing and helps him survive, and then later helps make Sonny's dreams come to fruition...because that's the basic plot.
Seems simple right? This book,though, is anything but simple.
Sonny is lost. He's adrift. Truthfully, he's in need of an anchor and Sonny not having an anchor is not a good thing. Sonny is vulnerable but tough like a stray cat who's been so beaten down that he's damn near wild, suspicious of people but also wanting to trust someone. Sonny was a beautifully drawn character whose layers and depth made my chest hurt. He's uneducated, a genius when it comes to cars, and a character that I wanted just...make everything right for.
That brings me to Ace. Ace is a protector. He's a regular guy while at the same time managing to be something more than special. He wants to make everything right and perfect and gorgeous for Sonny. He does things for Sonny that prove that he doesn't just love the man. What he feels for Sonny is beyond any definition of love. Way beyond. And Sonny's feelings are just as endlessly deep.
The writing. When I used to try and read Amy Lane's books full of heavy conflict I had a problem with what I felt was a heavy handed style. And then Miss Lane wrote "Gambling Men" and the conflict in that was wonderfully done. I thought this book would be on that level. I wasn't even close with my assumption. This author's writing style has matured like the most expensive aged wine. The writing in this book flows smoothly even with the VERY heavy nature of the main characters' relationship. This never slipped into melodrama territory in my opinion. I was so appreciative of that and impressed with it.
For me, Amy Lane's writing is in a sweet spot that only keeps getting better. I was invested in the story and the characters. I loved the first person POV aspect and how clearly unique Ace's voice was. I cared about the secondary characters and hope that the gentle giant introduced in the latter half gets his own book.
In truth there was nothing about this book I would have changed. Nothing. I recommend it more than I can say.
Sonny and Ace's story. What can I say about it? I could talk about the plot. I could talk about how Sonny is an eighteen year old new recruit running from something that I knew had to worse than the worst thing I could think of. I could talk about how Ace takes Sonny under his wing and helps him survive, and then later helps make Sonny's dreams come to fruition...because that's the basic plot.
Seems simple right? This book,though, is anything but simple.
Sonny is lost. He's adrift. Truthfully, he's in need of an anchor and Sonny not having an anchor is not a good thing. Sonny is vulnerable but tough like a stray cat who's been so beaten down that he's damn near wild, suspicious of people but also wanting to trust someone. Sonny was a beautifully drawn character whose layers and depth made my chest hurt. He's uneducated, a genius when it comes to cars, and a character that I wanted just...make everything right for.
That brings me to Ace. Ace is a protector. He's a regular guy while at the same time managing to be something more than special. He wants to make everything right and perfect and gorgeous for Sonny. He does things for Sonny that prove that he doesn't just love the man. What he feels for Sonny is beyond any definition of love. Way beyond. And Sonny's feelings are just as endlessly deep.
The writing. When I used to try and read Amy Lane's books full of heavy conflict I had a problem with what I felt was a heavy handed style. And then Miss Lane wrote "Gambling Men" and the conflict in that was wonderfully done. I thought this book would be on that level. I wasn't even close with my assumption. This author's writing style has matured like the most expensive aged wine. The writing in this book flows smoothly even with the VERY heavy nature of the main characters' relationship. This never slipped into melodrama territory in my opinion. I was so appreciative of that and impressed with it.
For me, Amy Lane's writing is in a sweet spot that only keeps getting better. I was invested in the story and the characters. I loved the first person POV aspect and how clearly unique Ace's voice was. I cared about the secondary characters and hope that the gentle giant introduced in the latter half gets his own book.
In truth there was nothing about this book I would have changed. Nothing. I recommend it more than I can say.
October 23, 2015
4 stars for the story, and an extra star for the excellent narration by Nick J. Russo.
This is my first time listening to an audiobook by Russo. Audiobooks are such a tricky business, because a bad narrator can easily ruin an excellent book. But I didn't need to worry, because this narrator is amazing! I was impressed by his ability to differentiate voices so completely, including both Texan and Russian accents, in both male and female versions. The audio flowed naturally, without feeling stilted.
And this is one of the few times where I've listened to a sex scene without feeling awkward. This time, it was actually hot. Probably had something to do with Ace's deep Texan voice. I've got a thing for Southern men - of the non-hillbilly-bigot variety, of course.
Racing for the Sun is classic angst-and-heartbreak Amy Lane, with a dark edge. Ace Atchison carries with him the truth about his older brother's suicide, and he's angry at his family and society for snatching his brother away. Sonny Daye comes from a past of violence and crime, but he'll do anything to escape it. The two meet in the armed forces, developing a close friendship while serving together in Iraq. The two make plans to open a garage together, to fund Ace's street racing. When they finally get that garage, they realize that they want more from each other than just friendship.
Sonny and Ace are broken, with Sonny holding on to sanity by his fingertips. So yes, their romance is a bit twisted. They're extremely possessive of one another, to the point where they would happily commit a violent crime for the other. And yet, they're also sweet, treating each other with the kindness and respect that they were so often denied by a cruel world.
As usual, the secondary cast was excellently written. Amy Lane proves again and again that our true families are the ones that we choose, which may not necessarily be the ones that we're born with. Though I'm glad that Ace did come to some sort of closure with his biological family. It wasn't perfect, but it was probably the best that could happen.
The thriller/crime aspect was unexpected, but made the book even grittier than it already was. I can't say too much about it without giving away some major plot points, but let's just say that people will reap what they sow. I'm firmly in the "I'm going to turn a blind eye to that" camp.
'Racing for the Sun' is an excellent book, made even better by a great narration. Its got two broken men, a whole heap of angst, great secondary characters, and a romance that's a bit crazy yet so worth it. Now I've got to pester Amy Lane to write Jai's story. That big Russian hunk needs love too!
This is my first time listening to an audiobook by Russo. Audiobooks are such a tricky business, because a bad narrator can easily ruin an excellent book. But I didn't need to worry, because this narrator is amazing! I was impressed by his ability to differentiate voices so completely, including both Texan and Russian accents, in both male and female versions. The audio flowed naturally, without feeling stilted.
And this is one of the few times where I've listened to a sex scene without feeling awkward. This time, it was actually hot. Probably had something to do with Ace's deep Texan voice. I've got a thing for Southern men - of the non-hillbilly-bigot variety, of course.
Racing for the Sun is classic angst-and-heartbreak Amy Lane, with a dark edge. Ace Atchison carries with him the truth about his older brother's suicide, and he's angry at his family and society for snatching his brother away. Sonny Daye comes from a past of violence and crime, but he'll do anything to escape it. The two meet in the armed forces, developing a close friendship while serving together in Iraq. The two make plans to open a garage together, to fund Ace's street racing. When they finally get that garage, they realize that they want more from each other than just friendship.
Sonny and Ace are broken, with Sonny holding on to sanity by his fingertips. So yes, their romance is a bit twisted. They're extremely possessive of one another, to the point where they would happily commit a violent crime for the other. And yet, they're also sweet, treating each other with the kindness and respect that they were so often denied by a cruel world.
As usual, the secondary cast was excellently written. Amy Lane proves again and again that our true families are the ones that we choose, which may not necessarily be the ones that we're born with. Though I'm glad that Ace did come to some sort of closure with his biological family. It wasn't perfect, but it was probably the best that could happen.
The thriller/crime aspect was unexpected, but made the book even grittier than it already was. I can't say too much about it without giving away some major plot points, but let's just say that people will reap what they sow. I'm firmly in the "I'm going to turn a blind eye to that" camp.
'Racing for the Sun' is an excellent book, made even better by a great narration. Its got two broken men, a whole heap of angst, great secondary characters, and a romance that's a bit crazy yet so worth it. Now I've got to pester Amy Lane to write Jai's story. That big Russian hunk needs love too!
November 7, 2018
3.5 Stars
October 28, 2017
4.5 sunny stars rounded down to 4 because STILL no 1/2 stars here on GR and for no other freakin' reason.
There's late and then there's...I might have gotten lost along the way...
I have to admit this was one Amy Lane book that for whatever reason just never really caught my eye until I read the second book in her series "Fish Out of Water" and Jackson and Ellery pay Sonny and Ace a visit in search of some information and now I'm interested..and even then there's been a few side trips along the way before I truly reached my destination...but I'm here at last and...
I soon discovered that the quickest way to truly reach my destination, by that I mean get into this story, of course, is via audio book and when I saw that it was narrated by Nick J. Russo well problem solved since he is absolutely one of my favorite narrators when it comes to audio books... so audio book purchased and destination reached.
I loved this story. Yes there were some questionable moments, a f*k-ton of angst and at times...well lets just say that the hinges on Sonny's door are definitely coming loose and the fact that it's Ace who keeps him on any kind of an even keel is abundantly clear as is the fact that there are really no limits on what Ace will do to protect Sonny.
Would this kind of relationship work for me in the real world? Hell NO!!! But, in the world that Ms. Lane has created I was so on board with Sonny and Ace...just think of me and the middle-aged lady sitting front and center in their cheering section.
Including this one I've listened to 22 audio books narrated by Nick J. Russo and I've enjoyed the hell out of his performances on every one of them and more than once on most of them, but I have to say I think this is going to be one of my favorites. He totally nailed the voices for both of the MCs but especially Ace.
Ok, so I'm keeping it short and sweet today because honestly there's already a lot of good reviews out there for this one both the e-book and the audio...I was definitely more than a little late to the party when it came to this book. But 'Better late than never' as the saying goes and I'm so behind on my TBR list, I know I'm never going to get caught up...but a girls gotta' try, right?
There's late and then there's...I might have gotten lost along the way...
I have to admit this was one Amy Lane book that for whatever reason just never really caught my eye until I read the second book in her series "Fish Out of Water" and Jackson and Ellery pay Sonny and Ace a visit in search of some information and now I'm interested..and even then there's been a few side trips along the way before I truly reached my destination...but I'm here at last and...
I soon discovered that the quickest way to truly reach my destination, by that I mean get into this story, of course, is via audio book and when I saw that it was narrated by Nick J. Russo well problem solved since he is absolutely one of my favorite narrators when it comes to audio books... so audio book purchased and destination reached.
I loved this story. Yes there were some questionable moments, a f*k-ton of angst and at times...well lets just say that the hinges on Sonny's door are definitely coming loose and the fact that it's Ace who keeps him on any kind of an even keel is abundantly clear as is the fact that there are really no limits on what Ace will do to protect Sonny.
Would this kind of relationship work for me in the real world? Hell NO!!! But, in the world that Ms. Lane has created I was so on board with Sonny and Ace...just think of me and the middle-aged lady sitting front and center in their cheering section.
Including this one I've listened to 22 audio books narrated by Nick J. Russo and I've enjoyed the hell out of his performances on every one of them and more than once on most of them, but I have to say I think this is going to be one of my favorites. He totally nailed the voices for both of the MCs but especially Ace.
Ok, so I'm keeping it short and sweet today because honestly there's already a lot of good reviews out there for this one both the e-book and the audio...I was definitely more than a little late to the party when it came to this book. But 'Better late than never' as the saying goes and I'm so behind on my TBR list, I know I'm never going to get caught up...but a girls gotta' try, right?
April 28, 2013
I feel like all i can really say is that I wept and my heart bled for everyone here and Amy Lane has truly made me believe yet again (and more than before) in what she is capable of...
"We left our sins behind us, drifting out to sea, and let the sunshine warm us..."
I just... Yeah... Speechless.
25 stars.
"We left our sins behind us, drifting out to sea, and let the sunshine warm us..."
I just... Yeah... Speechless.
25 stars.
January 2, 2016
4.75 Stars
4.5 stars for the story, 5 stars for Nick J. Russo's excellent narration!
Told in first-person from Jasper “Ace” Anderson Atchison’s point of view this story is beautiful, crazy, messy, wonderful, and consuming. Rather like the characters.
Ace is unequivocally in love with Sonny, and Sonny has an all-consuming, possessive, jealous, love for Ace. They would lay down their lives for one another. They would kill for each other.
The story begins in the present and then segues to the past to Ace meeting Sonny in the military and follows their life together. Nick J. Russo's narration is phenomenal! I was riveted by the second sentence.
There are moments in the book, moments where I held my breath and prayed for the safety of a written character. Moments where I wondered how broken is broken, and how crazy is really crazy? Because Sonny is broken. Seriously broken. Sold at fifteen for two bricks of meth to a drug dealer who treated him worse than a dog on the streets, Sonny eventually ran and remade himself. He joined the Army to keep him but once he met Ace, he had opted to go with him instead.
I absolutely loved the story and the narration. Even though this story and the characters pushed my boundaries and my limits, I was enthralled and know it will go into my rotation to listen again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
4.5 stars for the story, 5 stars for Nick J. Russo's excellent narration!
Told in first-person from Jasper “Ace” Anderson Atchison’s point of view this story is beautiful, crazy, messy, wonderful, and consuming. Rather like the characters.
Ace is unequivocally in love with Sonny, and Sonny has an all-consuming, possessive, jealous, love for Ace. They would lay down their lives for one another. They would kill for each other.
The story begins in the present and then segues to the past to Ace meeting Sonny in the military and follows their life together. Nick J. Russo's narration is phenomenal! I was riveted by the second sentence.
My name is Jasper Anderson Atchison. People call me Ace.
I am a murderer and a thief, but if Sonny still wants me, I will call myself a good man.
There are moments in the book, moments where I held my breath and prayed for the safety of a written character. Moments where I wondered how broken is broken, and how crazy is really crazy? Because Sonny is broken. Seriously broken. Sold at fifteen for two bricks of meth to a drug dealer who treated him worse than a dog on the streets, Sonny eventually ran and remade himself. He joined the Army to keep him but once he met Ace, he had opted to go with him instead.
“I will never want to leave you. I promise I will always want to keep you,” I told him...I couldn’t let him down. I couldn’t. “I promise, Sonny. I will try to be what you deserve.”
I absolutely loved the story and the narration. Even though this story and the characters pushed my boundaries and my limits, I was enthralled and know it will go into my rotation to listen again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 13, 2013
This book starts powerfully...
My name is Jasper Anderson Atchison. People call me Ace.
I am a murderer and a thief, but if Sonny still wants me, I will call myself a good man.
...and never eases the foot of the pedal of first-class story telling from there.
Beautiful writing, brilliant characterisations, glorious dialogue, perfectly nuanced in every way. Two survivors - one damaged, Sonny, another scarred and overly responsible, Ace. Impactful, heart wrenching and hopeful. Full spoiler free review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
August 2, 2013
MY NAME is Jasper Anderson Atchison.
People call me Ace. I am a murderer and a thief, but if Sonny still wants me, I will call myself a good man.
I think some books, books like these, are too beautiful not to break your heart a little bit.
If I had to tell you my favorite part(s) of this book, I don't think I could. The writing, probably. The characters maybe. The excitement. The allure of the hero being so bad. The torment and the eventual gratification.
I don't remember the last time I read a book that was written this beautifully. My mind can barely comprehend some of the lines I've read. I wish my brain could think in lines even half as beautiful as the ones in this book.
“You drive like a tornado.”
The last lonely ray of sunshine slept as I pulled up to the line, and we went flying through the darkness as the evening folded the desert in hush.
I don't want to give too much away in this review, because if you haven't read this book, consider this me pressuring you to read it. This is a story of heartbreak and intense fun. The pacing is perfect, and I was never bored or annoyed with anyone or any scenario. The possessive nature in this book that I'd normally look down my nose at is justified and endearing.
This book allows you to experience a world of hurt and amazement through car racing and a love so intense that it hurts. Who doesn't want to read about illegal car races? It was so much fun. One of the best parts of this book was that no one ever felt sorry for themselves or wallowed in self pity, or allowed anyone else to wallow in pity for them. They accepted the cards they were dealt and handled them as best they could.
For those of you who have read this book, let me say that the ending was probably the most gratified I've felt after reading a part of a book in a long time. Who hasn't read a book and wished the hero could do what Ace did, without a fleck of questioning himself? That's amazing in every way.
This book broke my heart a few times and I'll admit willingly that I cried. But I laughed a lot too. Sonny and Ace's story isn't one I'll soon forget.
People call me Ace. I am a murderer and a thief, but if Sonny still wants me, I will call myself a good man.
I think some books, books like these, are too beautiful not to break your heart a little bit.
If I had to tell you my favorite part(s) of this book, I don't think I could. The writing, probably. The characters maybe. The excitement. The allure of the hero being so bad. The torment and the eventual gratification.
I don't remember the last time I read a book that was written this beautifully. My mind can barely comprehend some of the lines I've read. I wish my brain could think in lines even half as beautiful as the ones in this book.
“You drive like a tornado.”
The last lonely ray of sunshine slept as I pulled up to the line, and we went flying through the darkness as the evening folded the desert in hush.
I don't want to give too much away in this review, because if you haven't read this book, consider this me pressuring you to read it. This is a story of heartbreak and intense fun. The pacing is perfect, and I was never bored or annoyed with anyone or any scenario. The possessive nature in this book that I'd normally look down my nose at is justified and endearing.
This book allows you to experience a world of hurt and amazement through car racing and a love so intense that it hurts. Who doesn't want to read about illegal car races? It was so much fun. One of the best parts of this book was that no one ever felt sorry for themselves or wallowed in self pity, or allowed anyone else to wallow in pity for them. They accepted the cards they were dealt and handled them as best they could.
For those of you who have read this book, let me say that the ending was probably the most gratified I've felt after reading a part of a book in a long time. Who hasn't read a book and wished the hero could do what Ace did, without a fleck of questioning himself? That's amazing in every way.
This book broke my heart a few times and I'll admit willingly that I cried. But I laughed a lot too. Sonny and Ace's story isn't one I'll soon forget.
September 24, 2013
Rating: 3.5 stars
I haven't had much experience with Amy Lane. In fact, this is the second novel I read from her. But it's clear that she is quite skilled in writing beautiful, and romantic prose. The emotions are visceral and Racing for the Sun was just that: emotional.
The story is told in first-person from Ace's point of view. I really love Ace. I don't really understand his fascination with Sonny, but they meet over in the middle east during his tour. They know each other for two years, but built a dream together. A garage, a house, a green lawn, dogs. They are going to race (or at least, Ace is going to race and Sonny will be his sidekick mechanic).
And so Ace selflessly creates this dream, built on promises to a man he's fallen in love with.
Unfortunately, as much as I adored Ace, I can't say the same for Sonny. Sonny is a very, very needy character. There are reasons. Good reasons, yes, for his personality. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. While I don't feel like a relationship has to be perfectly 50/50 (maybe +/- 10%), I felt like Ace was hauling 90%, while Sonny was dragging his feet along the whole time. Everything they had was pretty much due to Ace. And all Sonny could do was not completely trust Ace (and needing reassurances x 1000), demand some pretty unreasonable things, and got clingy/needy. Once again, there are reasons why Sonny is like this, but it still didn't sit well with me. Probably because even in the end, I felt like he didn't do anything to deserve Ace. He would say he would do anything for Ace, but I had yet to see that till the end.
So yes, I enjoyed the story in the end. The writing was impeccable. Ace made me tear up a few times. The secondary characters were interesting. Sonny kind of (okay, he DID) annoy me. But overall, the story was beautiful and I don't regret giving it a shot.
I haven't had much experience with Amy Lane. In fact, this is the second novel I read from her. But it's clear that she is quite skilled in writing beautiful, and romantic prose. The emotions are visceral and Racing for the Sun was just that: emotional.
The story is told in first-person from Ace's point of view. I really love Ace. I don't really understand his fascination with Sonny, but they meet over in the middle east during his tour. They know each other for two years, but built a dream together. A garage, a house, a green lawn, dogs. They are going to race (or at least, Ace is going to race and Sonny will be his sidekick mechanic).
And so Ace selflessly creates this dream, built on promises to a man he's fallen in love with.
Unfortunately, as much as I adored Ace, I can't say the same for Sonny. Sonny is a very, very needy character. There are reasons. Good reasons, yes, for his personality. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. While I don't feel like a relationship has to be perfectly 50/50 (maybe +/- 10%), I felt like Ace was hauling 90%, while Sonny was dragging his feet along the whole time. Everything they had was pretty much due to Ace. And all Sonny could do was not completely trust Ace (and needing reassurances x 1000), demand some pretty unreasonable things, and got clingy/needy. Once again, there are reasons why Sonny is like this, but it still didn't sit well with me. Probably because even in the end, I felt like he didn't do anything to deserve Ace. He would say he would do anything for Ace, but I had yet to see that till the end.
So yes, I enjoyed the story in the end. The writing was impeccable. Ace made me tear up a few times. The secondary characters were interesting. Sonny kind of (okay, he DID) annoy me. But overall, the story was beautiful and I don't regret giving it a shot.
December 30, 2015
- Narrator: Nick J. RussoGreat narrating, really loved the Texas drawl...
And Ace and Sonny.. My gawd, their love was intense. It was almost disfunctional. I would fear the day the one had to live without the other!!
Emotional ride through Sonny's past. Unbelievable.
“I will never want to leave you. I promise I will always want to keep you,”
“I promise, Sonny. I will try to be what you deserve.”
September 1, 2014
This is one of the best Amy Lane book's I have ever read. This is one fucked up book at the best of times. I can't describe it any better really, there were so many things that would make people say hell no! There are some scenes that would test even the hardest of people and they did me, but I can honestly say it was worth all the pain and angst you get with this.
The MC's were both fucked up. I know it was more Sonny that had a screwed up life, but Ace was just as fucked up. I felt what Ace did for Sonny was one of the sweetest things about this book and that will say something because he did something most people would find evil and callus. Saying that Sonny was a very cold character and for a while I wondered if I would like him.
For those who want to know what Ace did for Sonny.
This was not a romantic or sappy read. It was dark and gritty. It packs a punch and can leave you feeling like you have walked into something that will end badly. I wanted for there to be a good, happy ending. I wanted it so badly I almost stopped reading this book and decided to wait to prepare myself.
The ending.
I would gladly say this is a book worth reading. You might need a strong stomach for the mental images you could get during this and the relationship is not a normal one. But that is the charm of this book. It was great for me to read something like this and for it to be done well. Not just written, but done to a high standard.
Highly recommend it!
The MC's were both fucked up. I know it was more Sonny that had a screwed up life, but Ace was just as fucked up. I felt what Ace did for Sonny was one of the sweetest things about this book and that will say something because he did something most people would find evil and callus. Saying that Sonny was a very cold character and for a while I wondered if I would like him.
For those who want to know what Ace did for Sonny.
This was not a romantic or sappy read. It was dark and gritty. It packs a punch and can leave you feeling like you have walked into something that will end badly. I wanted for there to be a good, happy ending. I wanted it so badly I almost stopped reading this book and decided to wait to prepare myself.
The ending.
I would gladly say this is a book worth reading. You might need a strong stomach for the mental images you could get during this and the relationship is not a normal one. But that is the charm of this book. It was great for me to read something like this and for it to be done well. Not just written, but done to a high standard.
Highly recommend it!
June 30, 2013
I love reading books about imperfect characters but I really did not enjoy reading this book at all. I think it was because in the end I didn't see a significant improvement (or anyone working towards it) by either character.
I found Sonny to be the most likeable character here. However, many times I was unable to understand what he was saying or the point he was trying to make. Plus he remains a total mystery until the very end of the book when he finally spills his guts.
I did not like anything about Ace. Yes he is supposed to be this very caring person but that's about it. To me he came off as an enabler of Sonny's codependency. He was never the voice of reason to Sonny's crazy talk.
In the end what we have is a very unhealthy and co-dependant relationship. Neither character finds redemption in the end. Sonny is not working to improve his mental health and Ace gets away with murder without any implications. So yeah, nothing to endear the characters to me.
I found Sonny to be the most likeable character here. However, many times I was unable to understand what he was saying or the point he was trying to make. Plus he remains a total mystery until the very end of the book when he finally spills his guts.
I did not like anything about Ace. Yes he is supposed to be this very caring person but that's about it. To me he came off as an enabler of Sonny's codependency. He was never the voice of reason to Sonny's crazy talk.
In the end what we have is a very unhealthy and co-dependant relationship. Neither character finds redemption in the end. Sonny is not working to improve his mental health and Ace gets away with murder without any implications. So yeah, nothing to endear the characters to me.
April 21, 2013
5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
“I’ll do anything” Sonny says and from that moment on Ace will do anything to give Sonny his dreams.
Every time, every time I read on of Amy Lane’s books I’m left shattered and an emotional wreck; still I wouldn’t want it any other way.
This book is a race from the first line till the very end; an emotional roller coaster and another study on broken characters that Ms. Lane seems so capable of giving life to in her work. Everything in this book from the characters to the story itself is so intense, so fast, so all-encompassing that it’s nearly impossible to put this book down once you’ve picked it up.
Ace is a young man who saw his brother, his role model, lose his dreams and give up his life. That fact haunts him and when he meets Sonny, beside the fact that he is instantly taken with the man, he also sees his chance to give him the dream his brother never had. But giving Sonny that is not an easy task when the man is broken inside so irreparably from things Ace can’t even begin to imagine. Sonny’s past life is literally tainted with the kind of stuff that makes the worst nightmares. And when they come down on them Ace is left with not much options in order to keep his love safe.
I could talk about this book forever, I could go ahead and forget myself and start giving spoilers and get so engrossed in it because this book was so very, very beautiful I can’t even find the words to describe. Sonny is so horrifically gorgeous as a character because his suffering, his past, those kind of people who are treated like no more than meat are real, are out there and he makes you want to cry and scream and howl and really kill. He’s the kind of character that makes you want to hug him so tight that the illusion of nothing ever harming him again will rise and consume you. He is heart-breaking.
And Ace, dear darling Ace, he’s just a man who in the eyes of another man is a God and for that man, for that love he actually shoulders the heaviness off that feeling and tries his best to actually become that God. I loved Ace, I loved every part of this character, I loved his love for Sonny, his pain, his efforts and his desperation. This pair was so perfect in all this nightmare of a life, so good together in all the cruelty, so freaking fantastic I have no words for it and I feel bereft now that it’s over.
As for the story itself, well if you’ve ever read one of Amy Lane’s books you already know to expect a greatly written book with a solid plot and a great research behind it showing quality that everyone searches in a book. If you haven’t than all you need to know is that when you say the word “book” this is exactly what you mean. A work that is so wholesome from each and every side you cannot find anything lacking.
Words of recommendation? I don’t know, I think I’ve said enough. Just read it! You’ll love it!
Thommie.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
“I’ll do anything” Sonny says and from that moment on Ace will do anything to give Sonny his dreams.
Every time, every time I read on of Amy Lane’s books I’m left shattered and an emotional wreck; still I wouldn’t want it any other way.
This book is a race from the first line till the very end; an emotional roller coaster and another study on broken characters that Ms. Lane seems so capable of giving life to in her work. Everything in this book from the characters to the story itself is so intense, so fast, so all-encompassing that it’s nearly impossible to put this book down once you’ve picked it up.
Ace is a young man who saw his brother, his role model, lose his dreams and give up his life. That fact haunts him and when he meets Sonny, beside the fact that he is instantly taken with the man, he also sees his chance to give him the dream his brother never had. But giving Sonny that is not an easy task when the man is broken inside so irreparably from things Ace can’t even begin to imagine. Sonny’s past life is literally tainted with the kind of stuff that makes the worst nightmares. And when they come down on them Ace is left with not much options in order to keep his love safe.
I could talk about this book forever, I could go ahead and forget myself and start giving spoilers and get so engrossed in it because this book was so very, very beautiful I can’t even find the words to describe. Sonny is so horrifically gorgeous as a character because his suffering, his past, those kind of people who are treated like no more than meat are real, are out there and he makes you want to cry and scream and howl and really kill. He’s the kind of character that makes you want to hug him so tight that the illusion of nothing ever harming him again will rise and consume you. He is heart-breaking.
And Ace, dear darling Ace, he’s just a man who in the eyes of another man is a God and for that man, for that love he actually shoulders the heaviness off that feeling and tries his best to actually become that God. I loved Ace, I loved every part of this character, I loved his love for Sonny, his pain, his efforts and his desperation. This pair was so perfect in all this nightmare of a life, so good together in all the cruelty, so freaking fantastic I have no words for it and I feel bereft now that it’s over.
As for the story itself, well if you’ve ever read one of Amy Lane’s books you already know to expect a greatly written book with a solid plot and a great research behind it showing quality that everyone searches in a book. If you haven’t than all you need to know is that when you say the word “book” this is exactly what you mean. A work that is so wholesome from each and every side you cannot find anything lacking.
Words of recommendation? I don’t know, I think I’ve said enough. Just read it! You’ll love it!
Thommie.
February 9, 2017
There is such beauty in this story of Ace and Sonny and their dream - living in a hot dirty desert town, working in a garage and racing cars. I started reading Racing for the Sun a few months ago, during a time I was also reading lots of heavy, angsty, heartbreaking books, and I had to set this aside for a while. But this book haunted me until I picked it up again and finished.
Other reviewers have recapped this book so well, suffice it say that I honest-to-gawd sobbed reading this book. Reminds me of the saying I've read a few places - "Sometimes, crying is the only way your eyes speak when your mouth can't explain how broken your heart is."
Jake & Ronnie's story - Ace tells Sonny about Jake: "My brother .... my oldest one. He was a good grown-up for a while." Sonny: "Was?" "Drove his car on the railroad tracks and parked. I guess there's some parts of being a grown-up that hurt too much to do."
Ace says of Sonny: " ... every vertebrae on his back was a prayer bead under my hands."
Burton asks Ace: "You ever think, Ace, that you're the only dream he's got?"
Ace replying to his mom, who wonders if being gay wasn't merely a phase Jake was going through: "I killed a man to keep him safe. Jake killed himself out of grief. Which part of this is just a phase?"
Read this book.
Other reviewers have recapped this book so well, suffice it say that I honest-to-gawd sobbed reading this book. Reminds me of the saying I've read a few places - "Sometimes, crying is the only way your eyes speak when your mouth can't explain how broken your heart is."
Jake & Ronnie's story - Ace tells Sonny about Jake: "My brother .... my oldest one. He was a good grown-up for a while." Sonny: "Was?" "Drove his car on the railroad tracks and parked. I guess there's some parts of being a grown-up that hurt too much to do."
Ace says of Sonny: " ... every vertebrae on his back was a prayer bead under my hands."
Burton asks Ace: "You ever think, Ace, that you're the only dream he's got?"
Ace replying to his mom, who wonders if being gay wasn't merely a phase Jake was going through: "I killed a man to keep him safe. Jake killed himself out of grief. Which part of this is just a phase?"
Read this book.
April 26, 2013
Oh my, I am still speaking in tongues. Last week I met Amy Lane! What a wonderful experience for me after being her devoted fan for years and years. This wonderful woman, who makes me cry at least once a month now with her stories from the heart, signed every one of the two bags of books I hoisted at her and she still smiled at me. Wow!
I am here to tell you that before you begin to read Racing For the Sun you must have tissues and plenty of wine or drink of choice ready.
Jasper Anderson Atchinson met Sonny Daye when he entered the army. As the Company Staff Sgt, he met all the new recruits as they came in. Ace looked over at Sonny and asked, “Are you eighteen, boy?” Then looked down at his papers seeing his name and asked “Did your parents really name you this?” “Sonny looked at him straight on as he licked his lips with purpose. “I’ll do anything,” he said and no man in the world could misinterpret what he meant. Ace said gently, “You must have been desperate to risk prison time by lying to the US Government.”
Sonny worked in the Motor Pool under Master Sgt Galway, turning wrenches and keeping the vehicles running. The man was evil. It was Afghanistan and you never knew what would happen, shelling, death, and horror. Ace would protect Sonny in the army as he would protect him when they got out.
Sonny’s dream after leaving the service was to trick a car out for racing, and start his own garage. Now Ace had a purpose, giving Sonny that dream. Ace went home first, and started readying his life for that dream, a dream for Sonny. He found a shop with an apartment with it in an older part of town. Furnishings were sparse, but with only one bedroom the futon would do in the living room for him, so Sonny would have his own room, and then he was picking Sonny up at the airport and bringing him home.
This is no ordinary love story. This is a yearning, a peeling of layers, a bonding of trust and friendship, to make these two men one as only Amy Lane can write. This is where she belongs. The slow build of a relationship from trust to lovers to forever. The scar Sonny carries, his need to belong to not some one but to Jasper Anderson Atchinson took my breath away. The need to have them mark themselves to belong to one another was stunning.
The racing and wrenching were an added break to the hard lines drawn of their relationship. I loved these two men together, I worried, not without merit, as to what would happen if something happened to one of them, how the other would survive. Unfortunately, that occurred, and it was scary.
Now I must ask, what would you do for your soul mate? Some one you loved without question, someone you would die for, especially if evil came to hurt them or take them? This story is not for the faint of heart. Did you ever hear me write those words in an Amy Lane review? N.E.V.E.R. Clearly this is one of the most hard hitting book Ms Lane has written in all her writing career. I can attest to that as I have read every book she has ever written.
This is a formidable change from where she had begun. I commend her on the chances she has taken first with Chase in The Shadows, with Bolt Hole, and now, with this story. Amy, you make me proud to know you as I do. I, along with many others respect your voice in this writing arena. Brava!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
I am here to tell you that before you begin to read Racing For the Sun you must have tissues and plenty of wine or drink of choice ready.
Jasper Anderson Atchinson met Sonny Daye when he entered the army. As the Company Staff Sgt, he met all the new recruits as they came in. Ace looked over at Sonny and asked, “Are you eighteen, boy?” Then looked down at his papers seeing his name and asked “Did your parents really name you this?” “Sonny looked at him straight on as he licked his lips with purpose. “I’ll do anything,” he said and no man in the world could misinterpret what he meant. Ace said gently, “You must have been desperate to risk prison time by lying to the US Government.”
Sonny worked in the Motor Pool under Master Sgt Galway, turning wrenches and keeping the vehicles running. The man was evil. It was Afghanistan and you never knew what would happen, shelling, death, and horror. Ace would protect Sonny in the army as he would protect him when they got out.
Sonny’s dream after leaving the service was to trick a car out for racing, and start his own garage. Now Ace had a purpose, giving Sonny that dream. Ace went home first, and started readying his life for that dream, a dream for Sonny. He found a shop with an apartment with it in an older part of town. Furnishings were sparse, but with only one bedroom the futon would do in the living room for him, so Sonny would have his own room, and then he was picking Sonny up at the airport and bringing him home.
This is no ordinary love story. This is a yearning, a peeling of layers, a bonding of trust and friendship, to make these two men one as only Amy Lane can write. This is where she belongs. The slow build of a relationship from trust to lovers to forever. The scar Sonny carries, his need to belong to not some one but to Jasper Anderson Atchinson took my breath away. The need to have them mark themselves to belong to one another was stunning.
The racing and wrenching were an added break to the hard lines drawn of their relationship. I loved these two men together, I worried, not without merit, as to what would happen if something happened to one of them, how the other would survive. Unfortunately, that occurred, and it was scary.
Now I must ask, what would you do for your soul mate? Some one you loved without question, someone you would die for, especially if evil came to hurt them or take them? This story is not for the faint of heart. Did you ever hear me write those words in an Amy Lane review? N.E.V.E.R. Clearly this is one of the most hard hitting book Ms Lane has written in all her writing career. I can attest to that as I have read every book she has ever written.
This is a formidable change from where she had begun. I commend her on the chances she has taken first with Chase in The Shadows, with Bolt Hole, and now, with this story. Amy, you make me proud to know you as I do. I, along with many others respect your voice in this writing arena. Brava!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
June 1, 2013
"I am a murderer and a thief, but if Sonny still wants me, I will call myself a good man." From the first paragraph, you know this book will be a little bit different.
Sonny and Ace meet in the military. Sonny triggers a hugely protective urge in Ace and Ace looks after Sonny, protecting him from less honourable officers. Then a certain event creates a secret that binds them. When Ace is discharged his one focus is to make Sonny's dream come true.
Although the men obviously have deep feelings for each other, the acknowledgement between them and the development into something more than friendship is slow to build. There is no rush into a physical relationship.
There was a sense of impending doom throughout this book, lending a certain tenseness as I was waiting for something bad to happen. I think it is wonderful for a book to elicit emotions but for some reason I found it difficult to really relax into enjoying this book as a 5 star read, thus a slightly lower rating.
This is a powerful story about overcoming dark pasts. It is about protectiveness, family, love and dreams.
Sonny and Ace meet in the military. Sonny triggers a hugely protective urge in Ace and Ace looks after Sonny, protecting him from less honourable officers. Then a certain event creates a secret that binds them. When Ace is discharged his one focus is to make Sonny's dream come true.
Although the men obviously have deep feelings for each other, the acknowledgement between them and the development into something more than friendship is slow to build. There is no rush into a physical relationship.
There was a sense of impending doom throughout this book, lending a certain tenseness as I was waiting for something bad to happen. I think it is wonderful for a book to elicit emotions but for some reason I found it difficult to really relax into enjoying this book as a 5 star read, thus a slightly lower rating.
This is a powerful story about overcoming dark pasts. It is about protectiveness, family, love and dreams.
May 1, 2013
Amy Lane never fails to deliver. She always manages to make me fall in love or become enthralled with her characters. Racing the Sun is no exception. I like this story and I love Sonny and Ace. They triggered every emotional response from me. So why 4 stars... well there's too much co dependency especially on Sonny's part and I was disturbed by Katrina Other than that, I'm a happy camper : )
October 2, 2014
-Audiobook-
This was my second audiobook! Ace is who tells the story and the narrator gave him the most perfect accent! Southern with a dash of ass...lol. I loved it.
The story was pretty good and I really enjoyed just letting him tell me about Sonny and Sonnys dream and learning about Ace himself.
These guys went thru some tough shit in their life and they deserve a HEA. I'm happy that Ace wanted to give Sonny his even before they fell into bed.
Amy Lane imho can do no wrong and I wasn't surprised that I loved the book!
This was my second audiobook! Ace is who tells the story and the narrator gave him the most perfect accent! Southern with a dash of ass...lol. I loved it.
The story was pretty good and I really enjoyed just letting him tell me about Sonny and Sonnys dream and learning about Ace himself.
These guys went thru some tough shit in their life and they deserve a HEA. I'm happy that Ace wanted to give Sonny his even before they fell into bed.
Amy Lane imho can do no wrong and I wasn't surprised that I loved the book!
May 5, 2013
3.5
So Amy Lane excels at co-dependence and pure NEED, and continues to do so in this book.
Amy Lane is one of my favorite authors because of that excellence, however something was just off for me in this story. I still enjoyed it and wanted to learn more about Ace and Sonny, but I wasn't compelled to have to know this minute (which I usually need to).
I'm thinking that maybe there was always too much going on that I didn't get to savor the story or maybe my mood wasn't ready to read this book.
Still a great read :)
So Amy Lane excels at co-dependence and pure NEED, and continues to do so in this book.
Amy Lane is one of my favorite authors because of that excellence, however something was just off for me in this story. I still enjoyed it and wanted to learn more about Ace and Sonny, but I wasn't compelled to have to know this minute (which I usually need to).
I'm thinking that maybe there was always too much going on that I didn't get to savor the story or maybe my mood wasn't ready to read this book.
Still a great read :)
September 13, 2014
Review to come...
Amy Lane's high speed twisted sexy race?
I'll do anything too!
"I'll do anything."
Amy Lane's high speed twisted sexy race?
I'll do anything too!
December 3, 2019
This was excellent, but a bit of a downer. I didn't get a happy fulfilled feeling at the end, I was a bit depressed and amazed all at the same time. It was baffling. I will never forget this story, but I don't know that I'll read it again either. Maybe in a year or so? We'll see. But I certainly would recommend it to other m/m readers. It was an experience, to be sure, one that I'm glad I had.
January 22, 2016
My first Amy Lane and I was not disappointed. The first of many books yet to enjoy!
October 15, 2014
4.25 stars ;)
The Cover:
The cover models are sexy in an interesting way and I love the tattoos. The eBook and print cover has the car as well, which really helps readers to see that it is about actual racing, even before they read the blurb.
The Title:
Racing, references actual racing in this title and the sun directly paints the mental image of a happy end. A nice title ;)
The Narration:
The narration of this book is pretty damn awesome. It has one of the most authentic-sounding accents I have heard in audiobooks yet. Well, I am not an expert on accents from different regions, but I do realize when an accent is really bad and to me this one seems really good. The audiobook adds a lot to the book. I could not imagine or listen to such a voice in my head, so listening to a professional narrator who does a pretty damn nice job is a fantastic way to feel part of the story that plays somewhere else. It feels like I am right there and I really enjoyed it ;)
The Story:
Okay, so this story seems to be a love it or hate it story from my favorite author. Fans are really split. I am kind of between those two camps. I strongly like it, the story was captivating, the narration awesome, but it is not a personal favorite among the many Amy Lane books I’ve read and listened to.
The style seems very different, which is great. I love when authors show different facets. It does change the way the story flows, though. The way the story is narrated is different. The kind of main characters in this story are different. The relationship they have with each other and secondary characters is different from any dynamic I have read in an Amy Lane book before.
I really enjoyed how different it felt though. Even if you have a favorite food, favorite thing to do, … you can’t just always eat that, do that or at some point you will come to reproach it or can’t see it as something special anymore. Variety is important and from the very start this story is different.
It begins with the end. Well, a small snippet from the end that while containing spoilers for the story, doesn’t spoil anything from the story, because it’s so taken out of its context that the reader can’t actually do anything with it. It takes you right into a story that hasn’t happened yet, and while it is confusing and you won’t know what’s going on – I had a big WTF-moment – you WANT TO FIND OUT.
That’s the important thing, Readers know from the beginning the stakes are high, something serious will happen. I’m not the biggest fan of this tactic, whether used in TV Shows, books or movies. Personally, I always want to stay with the most current story thread and not go back to the past, if we are already in the future. It goes against my natural inclination- though I admit that it can be very effective. I’m not sure how effective it was here for me, by the point the timelines caught up I had forgotten exactly how it began, because what happened was so out of context in the beginning that I had nothing to hold on to – but It showed me from the beginning that it was different and I had to take my expectations, stomp on them, leave them in the dust and just trust Amy knew what she was doing and roll with it.
So I closed my eyes and trusted her. I was not disappointed! Have I ever been?
The story of Ace and Sonny begins in the military. As you will have read in the blurb, Sonny offers to do anything, which confused me a bit and I didn’t understand it fully until later. however, Ace, takes care of him, which seemed important in the confusion and craziness of war. War is never pretty and that is plain to see in the story. The one thing that helped the two hold it together is Sonny’s dream of racing, which soon becomes a common dream for both of them.
I must admit, for me the dream never seemed tangible or real, so I was a bit surprised how it all came together. It seemed to have meant more to the characters than to me. They didn’t say empty words to distract themselves from the ugliness of war, every word held real meaning and promise.
Promises that didn’t loose their power, even as the years went buy and many relationships would not have survived. The war has broken them and forged new men out of the broken pieces. Edgier, at times cutting. Not the same as they were before, but then neither of them had a normal’ life even before the war. It forged a bond between them and their dreams become real.
It was interesting to see them realize this dream, something I knew nothing about. That seemed exotic to me.
The fact that Ace knows there is something weird in Sonny’s past is forever looming over the story, especially knowing that the whole thing will end in a crazy mess from the very beginning of the novel.
Before they get to the big revelations and things really start to happen, their relationship changes as they realize that they are more than friends. They need each other. Not just in the ‘need-to-be-close-to-you’ way, but in a very co-dependent, screwed-up kind of way that reminded me a bit of the characters in Mary Calmes’ ‘Mine’. Yet, however ‘weird’ the kind of love they have is, they are there for each other and that makes it beautiful.
Sonny did not lie, when he said he would do anything for Ace, but it turns out Ace is quite willing to do the same. Quite effectively and without remorse. There is something cold and shiver-inducing and at the same time very romantic about this. A confusing dichotomy <3
And this is where I stop. No more about the story, you need to discover Ace’s heartbreaking story yourselves, meet the quirky and quite interesting secondary characters, feel the adrenaline of the race, of the chase of the kill – before Sonny and Ace can find their HEA.
Well, perhaps rather HFN, considering that I’m pretty sure there will be a follow up ;)
I think the important thing to do before reading or listening to this story is to let go of your expectations. They will likely not be met, this is not the kind of story you are used to from the author. But if you open yourself up to it, this will be an unforgettable ride. Sonny and Ace will linger and the story will make you think about morality and love and what you would be willing to do for those you love. What you are capable of.
The Cover:
The cover models are sexy in an interesting way and I love the tattoos. The eBook and print cover has the car as well, which really helps readers to see that it is about actual racing, even before they read the blurb.
The Title:
Racing, references actual racing in this title and the sun directly paints the mental image of a happy end. A nice title ;)
The Narration:
The narration of this book is pretty damn awesome. It has one of the most authentic-sounding accents I have heard in audiobooks yet. Well, I am not an expert on accents from different regions, but I do realize when an accent is really bad and to me this one seems really good. The audiobook adds a lot to the book. I could not imagine or listen to such a voice in my head, so listening to a professional narrator who does a pretty damn nice job is a fantastic way to feel part of the story that plays somewhere else. It feels like I am right there and I really enjoyed it ;)
The Story:
Okay, so this story seems to be a love it or hate it story from my favorite author. Fans are really split. I am kind of between those two camps. I strongly like it, the story was captivating, the narration awesome, but it is not a personal favorite among the many Amy Lane books I’ve read and listened to.
The style seems very different, which is great. I love when authors show different facets. It does change the way the story flows, though. The way the story is narrated is different. The kind of main characters in this story are different. The relationship they have with each other and secondary characters is different from any dynamic I have read in an Amy Lane book before.
I really enjoyed how different it felt though. Even if you have a favorite food, favorite thing to do, … you can’t just always eat that, do that or at some point you will come to reproach it or can’t see it as something special anymore. Variety is important and from the very start this story is different.
It begins with the end. Well, a small snippet from the end that while containing spoilers for the story, doesn’t spoil anything from the story, because it’s so taken out of its context that the reader can’t actually do anything with it. It takes you right into a story that hasn’t happened yet, and while it is confusing and you won’t know what’s going on – I had a big WTF-moment – you WANT TO FIND OUT.
That’s the important thing, Readers know from the beginning the stakes are high, something serious will happen. I’m not the biggest fan of this tactic, whether used in TV Shows, books or movies. Personally, I always want to stay with the most current story thread and not go back to the past, if we are already in the future. It goes against my natural inclination- though I admit that it can be very effective. I’m not sure how effective it was here for me, by the point the timelines caught up I had forgotten exactly how it began, because what happened was so out of context in the beginning that I had nothing to hold on to – but It showed me from the beginning that it was different and I had to take my expectations, stomp on them, leave them in the dust and just trust Amy knew what she was doing and roll with it.
So I closed my eyes and trusted her. I was not disappointed! Have I ever been?
The story of Ace and Sonny begins in the military. As you will have read in the blurb, Sonny offers to do anything, which confused me a bit and I didn’t understand it fully until later. however, Ace, takes care of him, which seemed important in the confusion and craziness of war. War is never pretty and that is plain to see in the story. The one thing that helped the two hold it together is Sonny’s dream of racing, which soon becomes a common dream for both of them.
I must admit, for me the dream never seemed tangible or real, so I was a bit surprised how it all came together. It seemed to have meant more to the characters than to me. They didn’t say empty words to distract themselves from the ugliness of war, every word held real meaning and promise.
Promises that didn’t loose their power, even as the years went buy and many relationships would not have survived. The war has broken them and forged new men out of the broken pieces. Edgier, at times cutting. Not the same as they were before, but then neither of them had a normal’ life even before the war. It forged a bond between them and their dreams become real.
It was interesting to see them realize this dream, something I knew nothing about. That seemed exotic to me.
The fact that Ace knows there is something weird in Sonny’s past is forever looming over the story, especially knowing that the whole thing will end in a crazy mess from the very beginning of the novel.
Before they get to the big revelations and things really start to happen, their relationship changes as they realize that they are more than friends. They need each other. Not just in the ‘need-to-be-close-to-you’ way, but in a very co-dependent, screwed-up kind of way that reminded me a bit of the characters in Mary Calmes’ ‘Mine’. Yet, however ‘weird’ the kind of love they have is, they are there for each other and that makes it beautiful.
Sonny did not lie, when he said he would do anything for Ace, but it turns out Ace is quite willing to do the same. Quite effectively and without remorse. There is something cold and shiver-inducing and at the same time very romantic about this. A confusing dichotomy <3
And this is where I stop. No more about the story, you need to discover Ace’s heartbreaking story yourselves, meet the quirky and quite interesting secondary characters, feel the adrenaline of the race, of the chase of the kill – before Sonny and Ace can find their HEA.
Well, perhaps rather HFN, considering that I’m pretty sure there will be a follow up ;)
I think the important thing to do before reading or listening to this story is to let go of your expectations. They will likely not be met, this is not the kind of story you are used to from the author. But if you open yourself up to it, this will be an unforgettable ride. Sonny and Ace will linger and the story will make you think about morality and love and what you would be willing to do for those you love. What you are capable of.
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