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Stranded #1
Stranded
Kendall Monroe is handcuffed to a car in the desert.
Is this life imitating art or art imitating life? The only thing he’s sure of is that the situation he finds himself in is a copy of a scene he filmed earlier, only this time, there is no director yelling “cut” and no crew to rescue him. Terrified for his life, Kendall takes comfort remembering happier times with his longtime lover, Johnny. He hasn’t seen Johnny in weeks since Johnny stayed behind to finish his latest best-selling novel.
As he attempts to survive scorching-hot days and freezing nights, Kendall tries to figure out who did this to him. Could it be Johnny, or the research assistant he suspects Johnny is having an affair with? Both options fill him with bitterness. Or is it a more likely suspect? Kendall has a stalker who sends him flowers and always seems to know where he is. But what does this stranger have to gain by leaving Kendall stranded in the middle of nowhere?
Is this life imitating art or art imitating life? The only thing he’s sure of is that the situation he finds himself in is a copy of a scene he filmed earlier, only this time, there is no director yelling “cut” and no crew to rescue him. Terrified for his life, Kendall takes comfort remembering happier times with his longtime lover, Johnny. He hasn’t seen Johnny in weeks since Johnny stayed behind to finish his latest best-selling novel.
As he attempts to survive scorching-hot days and freezing nights, Kendall tries to figure out who did this to him. Could it be Johnny, or the research assistant he suspects Johnny is having an affair with? Both options fill him with bitterness. Or is it a more likely suspect? Kendall has a stalker who sends him flowers and always seems to know where he is. But what does this stranger have to gain by leaving Kendall stranded in the middle of nowhere?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2013
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393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 18, 2013
***mild spoilers ahead, perhaps***
Not my kind of book. My bad.
Kendall is a handsome, talented and successful stage actor in Broadway shows. In his private life, he’s been partnered for a decade with Johnny, a handsome, talented and successful writer. As the story begins, Kendall is giving the last representation of his current show and is expecting to spend quality time with his beloved Johnny who‘s sadly showing a serious lack of enthusiasm.
Later on, Kendall’s agent gets him a big role in a film and our man flies to Hollywood without Johnny who refuses to come along. There, Kendall seems to have a secret admirer who sends him flowers, and as time passes by, it looks like the admirer is indeed a creepy stalker and Kendall is in danger.
This book is all about Kendall’s and Johnny’s dying relationship. The narrative alternates between Kendall’s life on the set, Great Miscommunication moments on the phone with Johnny and flashbacks of their past - and OMG-I-can’t-take-the-suspense, lost? - romance. The creepy stalker spices it up and ends up being very useful to the story development.
Kendall is an irreproachable character who doesn’t succumb to temptation, wins everyone over, becomes the soul of the film... Mister Perfect.
If you ask me, he is dull and the Great Miscommunication trope makes him often sound not too bright. Besides, I’m really not fond of the major twist in the romance and its easy and fast resolution, the story is too light on the creepy mystery side and too heavy on the sappy side.
If you don’t ask me however, Kendall is hot and sweet, Johnny is hot and manly, and the story is angsty without great trauma and very romantic. Apart from too many mundane details, there is nothing to say against the writing, it is well constructed and is efficient if you’re into very sweet romance and like calm waters.
My loss might be your gain.
Not my kind of book. My bad.
Kendall is a handsome, talented and successful stage actor in Broadway shows. In his private life, he’s been partnered for a decade with Johnny, a handsome, talented and successful writer. As the story begins, Kendall is giving the last representation of his current show and is expecting to spend quality time with his beloved Johnny who‘s sadly showing a serious lack of enthusiasm.
Later on, Kendall’s agent gets him a big role in a film and our man flies to Hollywood without Johnny who refuses to come along. There, Kendall seems to have a secret admirer who sends him flowers, and as time passes by, it looks like the admirer is indeed a creepy stalker and Kendall is in danger.
This book is all about Kendall’s and Johnny’s dying relationship. The narrative alternates between Kendall’s life on the set, Great Miscommunication moments on the phone with Johnny and flashbacks of their past - and OMG-I-can’t-take-the-suspense, lost? - romance. The creepy stalker spices it up and ends up being very useful to the story development.
Kendall is an irreproachable character who doesn’t succumb to temptation, wins everyone over, becomes the soul of the film... Mister Perfect.
If you ask me, he is dull and the Great Miscommunication trope makes him often sound not too bright. Besides, I’m really not fond of the major twist in the romance and its easy and fast resolution, the story is too light on the creepy mystery side and too heavy on the sappy side.
If you don’t ask me however, Kendall is hot and sweet, Johnny is hot and manly, and the story is angsty without great trauma and very romantic. Apart from too many mundane details, there is nothing to say against the writing, it is well constructed and is efficient if you’re into very sweet romance and like calm waters.
My loss might be your gain.
Read
July 19, 2013I have contacted DSP about the similarities with Smokescreen so I deleted my review for now till I've heard from them.
October 29, 2015
Stranded is an enjoyable mystery/suspense story. Kendall is an established Broadway actor who signs on for his first movie role that will take him to LA for a few months. His longtime partner Jimmy, an author, will remain in NY. Kendall is aware that their relationship has been in a rough patch for a while now, but still loves Jimmy and wants to work things out, hoping his fears that Jimmy is having an affair are wrong.
After several weeks away, Kendall begins getting unwanted anonymous attention when roses and notes begin showing up in his dressing room and locked car. As the incidents escalate his concern over his relationship grows as Jimmy keeps making excuses for not visiting and seemingly brushes off his stalker fears. When his unwanted admirer finally makes a move that leaves Kendall's life in danger, he begins to question everything about what he has with Jimmy and wonders if he just might be the person behind all of this.
The story is told from Kendall's POV and see his and Jimmy's relationship through a series of flashbacks, from their first meeting to the present time. I really had no idea where the relationship was going to wind up for most of the book. The mystery was well done, and kept me guessing as to who the bad guy was. A well written, quick read, with a different tone from other Andrew Grey books I have read.
After several weeks away, Kendall begins getting unwanted anonymous attention when roses and notes begin showing up in his dressing room and locked car. As the incidents escalate his concern over his relationship grows as Jimmy keeps making excuses for not visiting and seemingly brushes off his stalker fears. When his unwanted admirer finally makes a move that leaves Kendall's life in danger, he begins to question everything about what he has with Jimmy and wonders if he just might be the person behind all of this.
The story is told from Kendall's POV and see his and Jimmy's relationship through a series of flashbacks, from their first meeting to the present time. I really had no idea where the relationship was going to wind up for most of the book. The mystery was well done, and kept me guessing as to who the bad guy was. A well written, quick read, with a different tone from other Andrew Grey books I have read.
September 13, 2013
'Stranded' is an amazing combination between an intense thriller-like stalker story, a sizzling romance, and a character study which, through tension and drama, brings out the worst and the best in both main characters. It is also a highly entertaining account of one Broadway actor's experience making his first movie while being stalked, and a look at a writer's career taking a slight detour as he figures out what's really important. The central event, Kendall being stranded in a car in the desert, helplessly handcuffed to the steering wheel, had me extremely nervous before I even started reading this book. Having lived in Arizona for two years, I know exactly how hot it can get out in the desert once there's no air-conditioning. The description of what Kendall goes through when it happens to him were certainly realistic enough to make me shudder.
Kendall is a very successful Broadway actor and has starred in several plays and musicals. Making a movie is new to him, but when the right offer comes along, he jumps into the new experience with both feet. The movie will require him to film several scenes locked into a car in the desert – not something that will be easy for him to do since he hates confined spaces. The initial wrangling with the director about how to play certain scenes made me laugh, but they figure out how to work together pretty quickly. The one drawback about being in LA while his partner remains in NYC is that Kendall is lonely and starts to think about their relationship. Recently, it hasn’t been as good as it used to be, and, in the manner of lonely people, he begins to doubt everything. When the stalker first appears Kendall is ready to suspect everyone, and the situation comes to a screaming crescendo when he ends up locked in his car in the desert – for real. His thoughts during the almost three days he spends in utter isolation and fear certainly felt real to me!
Johnny is a historian who decided to write books instead of going into teaching. Kendall called it teaching in a different way and I can see that work. The story is told entirely in Kendall's point of view, and it was interesting to learn about Johnny through his eyes. Initially, there was a lot of doubt, phone calls from "research assistants" seemed suspect, and as the story develops, so do Kendall's ideas abut what is going on with Johnny, and how it affects their relationship. The whole situation was as fascinating as it was scary.
I can’t say too much about the way everything develops without spoiling the surprise for you, but I will say that the suspense remains high until the very end. There are some very tense moments, let me tell you, and I stayed on the edge of my seat until the final pages. If you like stories with plenty of tension, as much from the plot as from the characters' interaction, if you enjoy reading about men managing their lives and personal relationship in stressful situations, and if you're looking for a read that is intense, hot, filled with suspense, and full of passion, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did – which is a whole lot!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kendall is a very successful Broadway actor and has starred in several plays and musicals. Making a movie is new to him, but when the right offer comes along, he jumps into the new experience with both feet. The movie will require him to film several scenes locked into a car in the desert – not something that will be easy for him to do since he hates confined spaces. The initial wrangling with the director about how to play certain scenes made me laugh, but they figure out how to work together pretty quickly. The one drawback about being in LA while his partner remains in NYC is that Kendall is lonely and starts to think about their relationship. Recently, it hasn’t been as good as it used to be, and, in the manner of lonely people, he begins to doubt everything. When the stalker first appears Kendall is ready to suspect everyone, and the situation comes to a screaming crescendo when he ends up locked in his car in the desert – for real. His thoughts during the almost three days he spends in utter isolation and fear certainly felt real to me!
Johnny is a historian who decided to write books instead of going into teaching. Kendall called it teaching in a different way and I can see that work. The story is told entirely in Kendall's point of view, and it was interesting to learn about Johnny through his eyes. Initially, there was a lot of doubt, phone calls from "research assistants" seemed suspect, and as the story develops, so do Kendall's ideas abut what is going on with Johnny, and how it affects their relationship. The whole situation was as fascinating as it was scary.
I can’t say too much about the way everything develops without spoiling the surprise for you, but I will say that the suspense remains high until the very end. There are some very tense moments, let me tell you, and I stayed on the edge of my seat until the final pages. If you like stories with plenty of tension, as much from the plot as from the characters' interaction, if you enjoy reading about men managing their lives and personal relationship in stressful situations, and if you're looking for a read that is intense, hot, filled with suspense, and full of passion, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did – which is a whole lot!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 10, 2013
4.5 stars
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
I've read quite a few Andrew Grey books and I have to say that this one is much different from his norm. This is not a bad thing as I always applaud authors when they take chances and try new things. While this has the love story that one would expect from this author, there is also so much more. There is a lot of suspense and mystery as well. I wasn't sure where the author was going early on and I admit to being a little stumped a few times (and not so pleased with one of the main characters) but the book played out exactly as it was meant to. The ending was perfect and while it may not have been the typical Andrew Grey story it definitely showed his talent as an author. It proved how taking a chance on something new can definitely work in one's favor.
Highly recommended.
I love the cover.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
I've read quite a few Andrew Grey books and I have to say that this one is much different from his norm. This is not a bad thing as I always applaud authors when they take chances and try new things. While this has the love story that one would expect from this author, there is also so much more. There is a lot of suspense and mystery as well. I wasn't sure where the author was going early on and I admit to being a little stumped a few times (and not so pleased with one of the main characters) but the book played out exactly as it was meant to. The ending was perfect and while it may not have been the typical Andrew Grey story it definitely showed his talent as an author. It proved how taking a chance on something new can definitely work in one's favor.
Highly recommended.
I love the cover.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 2, 2016
I don't read a lot of Andrew Grey's books since they are a bit hit and miss for my own personal taste, but I am glad I gave this one a chance. While the two MCs don't spend a lot of time together on page (minus flash-backs) I found that this actually really worked for the story. And even if flash-backs are usually something I find annoying, they made this story have a life and a romance, even if it was like looking at old photographs back in the 'good times'. The juxtaposition of the falling in love against the falling apart, made this story really interesting. And the mystery of the stalker wasn't half bad either.
December 4, 2017
3.7 Stars
Okay, first of all that book blurb is misleading. The whole "stranded" thing doesn't even happen until half-way through the book and lasts for only 2 days (not long on the audio). That said, the abduction does color everything about the character's life for the rest of the book...from the break-out performance on set to his later almost agoraphobia.
No, this book is instead about the MCs (mainly Kendall, the actor) character development...and while there is a bit of a mystery - secret stalker & later kidnapper - it focuses more on the daily life of acting, whether on stage or on screen. It's very detailed. Given the prologue, I spent the next 4 hours wondering if - when he was finally stuck in that car for real - it might have been a ploy to improve his acting performance? (It's not, but it does.)
I did like how the MCs finally stopped taking each other for granted; after 10 years together it's kind of inevitable (maybe) that romance and spontaneity will taper off (a LOT here, given the flashbacks to when they first met and started dating) and it sucks that a life-changing event prompts the change - but sometimes a jump-start is necessary. I never felt like the "clues" he kept seeing (leading him to think his lover was cheating) were solid or definitive - but given the MCs' emotional separation I can see why it would be interpreted as such.
So, the book isn't the thrill-ride the summary promises but it is very much more in keeping with what I am used to from this author.
Okay, first of all that book blurb is misleading. The whole "stranded" thing doesn't even happen until half-way through the book and lasts for only 2 days (not long on the audio). That said, the abduction does color everything about the character's life for the rest of the book...from the break-out performance on set to his later almost agoraphobia.
No, this book is instead about the MCs (mainly Kendall, the actor) character development...and while there is a bit of a mystery - secret stalker & later kidnapper - it focuses more on the daily life of acting, whether on stage or on screen. It's very detailed. Given the prologue, I spent the next 4 hours wondering if - when he was finally stuck in that car for real - it might have been a ploy to improve his acting performance? (It's not, but it does.)
I did like how the MCs finally stopped taking each other for granted; after 10 years together it's kind of inevitable (maybe) that romance and spontaneity will taper off (a LOT here, given the flashbacks to when they first met and started dating) and it sucks that a life-changing event prompts the change - but sometimes a jump-start is necessary. I never felt like the "clues" he kept seeing (leading him to think his lover was cheating) were solid or definitive - but given the MCs' emotional separation I can see why it would be interpreted as such.
So, the book isn't the thrill-ride the summary promises but it is very much more in keeping with what I am used to from this author.
December 10, 2013
This book just didn't work for me. It started out with Kendall ending a successful show on Broadway. He was ready for some alone time with his partner of 10 years, Johnny. We meet Johnny ie.....the self absorbed ass. There was zero connection between the two of them.
Kendall becomes convinced that Johnny is having an affair he sees the guy get out of a taxi and then kiss someone else!! But instead of confronting Johnny and talking about their fucked relationship, he takes a movie part in Hollywood!!
So Kendall is in Hollywood He has frequent flashbacks of his and Johnny's early romance.
Now comes the stalker and the later abduction. He not only gets abducted, he is put in the exact situation as his character in the movie!! He is locked in a car in the desert!
I just didn't buy it!!
Sorry...... 2 stars
Kendall becomes convinced that Johnny is having an affair he sees the guy get out of a taxi and then kiss someone else!! But instead of confronting Johnny and talking about their fucked relationship, he takes a movie part in Hollywood!!
So Kendall is in Hollywood He has frequent flashbacks of his and Johnny's early romance.
Now comes the stalker and the later abduction. He not only gets abducted, he is put in the exact situation as his character in the movie!! He is locked in a car in the desert!
I just didn't buy it!!
Sorry...... 2 stars
August 26, 2014
Really nice story, really nice characters... not too complicated or angsty even with kidnapping, stalking and in the mix.
I wasn't quite sure if these guy's long term relationship was going to survive, but *yay* for love! They made it thru with better appreciation for each other and all that jazz.
I wasn't quite sure if these guy's long term relationship was going to survive, but *yay* for love! They made it thru with better appreciation for each other and all that jazz.
February 21, 2016
A strained relationship, a long separation, a stalker, a kidnapping, and recovery from the entire ordeal... This story had a lot going on and it kept me guessing all the way to the end.
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July 19, 2013
Kendall Monroe, a talented, well-established Broadway actor, has just finished a successful musical when he’s offered a part in “Stranded”, a movie which will require him to relocate to LA for several months. He’s hesitant to accept the role, since it will take him away from his life partner, Johnny Harker, a successful novelist. Johnny won’t go with him, because he’s completing a manuscript and prefers to work with his current research assistant and with the New York research libraries with which he’s familiar.
Kendall and Johnny have been together ten years but have drifted apart emotionally, mostly due to their conflicting and successful careers. Kendall suspects that Johnny’s reason for staying behind is also partly due to the relationship apathy that seems to have slowly developed over the past few years. To add fuel to the fire, just before he leaves, Kendall starts to suspect that Johnny may be having an affair, but he decides to take the part anyway.
While working on the film, he picks up a secret admirer, someone who keeps leaving him two roses – in locations for which no one should have access. The admirer quickly takes on stalker status when his “admiration” escalates to destruction, but Kendall is counseled to let studio security handle it, rather than involve the police. When he shares his concerns with Johnny, he seems less than sympathetic, making Kendall even more upset.
Despite numerous invitations to come out to visit him, Johnny keeps refusing Kendall, citing his own and Kendall’s busy schedules and the brief amount of time that would be available to them. Worried that Johnny has moved on, Kendall reflects on the history of their relationship through flashbacks. I enjoyed the way the author used the flashback scenes, which were never too long, nor so frequent that they disrupted the flow of the story.
When Kendall begins work on location in the desert, in the car in which he is supposed to be “stranded”, his anxiety increases. He’s always been claustrophobic, and working in this confined space is magnifying his fears. Unfortunately, these fears become reality when Kendall is actually kidnapped, handcuffed to his steering wheel, and abandoned in his car in the desert. As he becomes more and more dehydrated, he starts to lose focus, and his fear that Johnny is behind the situation increases tenfold. He decides that if that is the case, he has no reason to live.
On the third day, when Kendall believes he is at the end of his life and is only semi-conscious, he’s rescued by Johnny and the film’s director. They begin rehydration therapy immediately and get him back to his air-conditioned trailer to continue their efforts to resuscitate him. Johnny wants to take him back to the hotel, but Kendall insists on staying, saying that he can film the final shots the next day while the fear and the reality of what it’s like to be stranded are fresh in his mind. He barely makes it through the day but he’s determined, and when filming is complete, they are able to return to New York.
Johnny has become demonstrative in his love for Kendall and they attempt to live normally again. Things are going well when, suddenly, the roses appear on his doorstep, and the fear is back. The author does a great job of diverting our suspicions of the would-be stalker b y putting a major California character into the New York scene at this point.
But the stalker finally strikes, and when his identity is revealed, it was indeed a surprise for me. I like that; in my world, the story is not as good when I can easily solve the mystery. Although it was someone on my list of suspects, I had already concluded that it couldn’t be that person, because the author did a great job of misdirecting me in my amateur sleuth efforts.
I really enjoyed this story, the plot was unique, not the least bit mundane or ordinary. I enjoyed the way Mr. Grey built the tension in the story, the dimension he gave to the secondary characters, and mostly the clever way he filled in the history of the relationship of the MCs through flashbacks and spoken memories. It gave excitement and energy to an established couple’s relationship, with a bit of sexual energy which wouldn’t normally come through with a long term couple. It was nice to see their love develop from first bloom through the development of their long term relationship and then, ultimately, to see the climb out of apathy to a rekindled commitment and expression of their love.
The part of the story that didn’t ring true for me, however, was Kendall’s speedy recovery from dehydration. After Kendall spent over forty-eight hours in a car in the desert sun, I thought it was unrealistic to simply treat him with water and Gatorade and not seek immediate medical attention. If the outside temps were over one hundred degrees, the inside of that car should have truly cooked Kendall in two days. It was such a jarring note to me that it pulled me from the story.
The other thing I didn’t like was the pace of the story after the couple returned to New York. The portrayal of their lives was realistic and detailed, however, the pace slowed so much that it bogged down for a bit. In hindsight, that section may have been too slow for me because the previous pages had moved along at a fairly quick pace, keeping my interest high.
But, overall? Yes, I highly recommend this book. It’s truly an adventure that should not be missed. Whether you are a fan of Andrew Grey, of mysteries, or of male/male romances in general, there’s something for everyone to like with this one.
This book was provided to me through the publisher for review at Hearts on Fire Reviews
Kendall and Johnny have been together ten years but have drifted apart emotionally, mostly due to their conflicting and successful careers. Kendall suspects that Johnny’s reason for staying behind is also partly due to the relationship apathy that seems to have slowly developed over the past few years. To add fuel to the fire, just before he leaves, Kendall starts to suspect that Johnny may be having an affair, but he decides to take the part anyway.
While working on the film, he picks up a secret admirer, someone who keeps leaving him two roses – in locations for which no one should have access. The admirer quickly takes on stalker status when his “admiration” escalates to destruction, but Kendall is counseled to let studio security handle it, rather than involve the police. When he shares his concerns with Johnny, he seems less than sympathetic, making Kendall even more upset.
Despite numerous invitations to come out to visit him, Johnny keeps refusing Kendall, citing his own and Kendall’s busy schedules and the brief amount of time that would be available to them. Worried that Johnny has moved on, Kendall reflects on the history of their relationship through flashbacks. I enjoyed the way the author used the flashback scenes, which were never too long, nor so frequent that they disrupted the flow of the story.
When Kendall begins work on location in the desert, in the car in which he is supposed to be “stranded”, his anxiety increases. He’s always been claustrophobic, and working in this confined space is magnifying his fears. Unfortunately, these fears become reality when Kendall is actually kidnapped, handcuffed to his steering wheel, and abandoned in his car in the desert. As he becomes more and more dehydrated, he starts to lose focus, and his fear that Johnny is behind the situation increases tenfold. He decides that if that is the case, he has no reason to live.
On the third day, when Kendall believes he is at the end of his life and is only semi-conscious, he’s rescued by Johnny and the film’s director. They begin rehydration therapy immediately and get him back to his air-conditioned trailer to continue their efforts to resuscitate him. Johnny wants to take him back to the hotel, but Kendall insists on staying, saying that he can film the final shots the next day while the fear and the reality of what it’s like to be stranded are fresh in his mind. He barely makes it through the day but he’s determined, and when filming is complete, they are able to return to New York.
Johnny has become demonstrative in his love for Kendall and they attempt to live normally again. Things are going well when, suddenly, the roses appear on his doorstep, and the fear is back. The author does a great job of diverting our suspicions of the would-be stalker b y putting a major California character into the New York scene at this point.
But the stalker finally strikes, and when his identity is revealed, it was indeed a surprise for me. I like that; in my world, the story is not as good when I can easily solve the mystery. Although it was someone on my list of suspects, I had already concluded that it couldn’t be that person, because the author did a great job of misdirecting me in my amateur sleuth efforts.
I really enjoyed this story, the plot was unique, not the least bit mundane or ordinary. I enjoyed the way Mr. Grey built the tension in the story, the dimension he gave to the secondary characters, and mostly the clever way he filled in the history of the relationship of the MCs through flashbacks and spoken memories. It gave excitement and energy to an established couple’s relationship, with a bit of sexual energy which wouldn’t normally come through with a long term couple. It was nice to see their love develop from first bloom through the development of their long term relationship and then, ultimately, to see the climb out of apathy to a rekindled commitment and expression of their love.
The part of the story that didn’t ring true for me, however, was Kendall’s speedy recovery from dehydration. After Kendall spent over forty-eight hours in a car in the desert sun, I thought it was unrealistic to simply treat him with water and Gatorade and not seek immediate medical attention. If the outside temps were over one hundred degrees, the inside of that car should have truly cooked Kendall in two days. It was such a jarring note to me that it pulled me from the story.
The other thing I didn’t like was the pace of the story after the couple returned to New York. The portrayal of their lives was realistic and detailed, however, the pace slowed so much that it bogged down for a bit. In hindsight, that section may have been too slow for me because the previous pages had moved along at a fairly quick pace, keeping my interest high.
But, overall? Yes, I highly recommend this book. It’s truly an adventure that should not be missed. Whether you are a fan of Andrew Grey, of mysteries, or of male/male romances in general, there’s something for everyone to like with this one.
This book was provided to me through the publisher for review at Hearts on Fire Reviews
July 18, 2013
4.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Kendall Monroe is a star. Well, on Broadway, anyway. He just finished doing his last show, and wonders what will come next for him. I’m pretty sure had he known what was in store for him, he would have said no, and he would have said it while running in the other direction.
There are three different plots in this story, which come together quite nicely.
First we have the movie: Kendall was just offered the star role in a movie called Stranded. The movie is about a man who gets handcuffed to his steering wheel and left for dead in the desert. There is a couple of problems with that though, #1: Kendall is claustrophobic. #2. He will be gone for three months, which means he will be away from his partner, who he believes might be having an affair on him. Now, saying that, we come to plot #2 which is Kendall & Johnny’s relationship. Things between these two guys are very strained. Between work schedules and just getting comfortable in their relationship, they have lost their way. Though it wasn’t always like that. We get flashbacks to the beginning of their relationship. I’m usually not one who’s ever been thrilled with flashbacks, but I really enjoyed the way the author put them into the story, because the beginning of their relationship was truly beautiful. You can see right from the first moment that these two met, that they were meant for each other.
“I love you, Kendall, and that will never change, no matter what. And I’m going to be out there in the front row, cheering you on. So when you hear that first clap, know it’s from me.”
So sweet these two are. But, enough of that let’s get back to their relationship. I thought reading about their relationship was going to kill me. At 50% I was so close to skipping through the book just to see what was going to happen. I swear my stomach was in knots and I was close to having a melt down. Every phone call that Kendall made to Johnny, broke my heart. Each time Johnny didn’t pick up or said he was doing research just about did me in.
Now, plot #3 was the stalker. Kendall first realizes he has a stalker when he keeps getting these roses in his dressing room. At first he thought they might be coming from Johnny but then when the roses start showing up in his car, he thinks otherwise. Then things really start to escalate when someone trashes his dressing room. This stalker is not happy with Kendall, and is making it known.
This was a fantastic story. Quite different then what I’m used to reading from this author. I had an upset stomach from the romance part, I cried over the things that Kendall went through from his stalker, and I actually enjoyed the movie making stuff. So, upset stomach, crying, and enjoyment. Yup, that’s a pretty perfect read to me.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Kendall Monroe is a star. Well, on Broadway, anyway. He just finished doing his last show, and wonders what will come next for him. I’m pretty sure had he known what was in store for him, he would have said no, and he would have said it while running in the other direction.
There are three different plots in this story, which come together quite nicely.
First we have the movie: Kendall was just offered the star role in a movie called Stranded. The movie is about a man who gets handcuffed to his steering wheel and left for dead in the desert. There is a couple of problems with that though, #1: Kendall is claustrophobic. #2. He will be gone for three months, which means he will be away from his partner, who he believes might be having an affair on him. Now, saying that, we come to plot #2 which is Kendall & Johnny’s relationship. Things between these two guys are very strained. Between work schedules and just getting comfortable in their relationship, they have lost their way. Though it wasn’t always like that. We get flashbacks to the beginning of their relationship. I’m usually not one who’s ever been thrilled with flashbacks, but I really enjoyed the way the author put them into the story, because the beginning of their relationship was truly beautiful. You can see right from the first moment that these two met, that they were meant for each other.
“I love you, Kendall, and that will never change, no matter what. And I’m going to be out there in the front row, cheering you on. So when you hear that first clap, know it’s from me.”
So sweet these two are. But, enough of that let’s get back to their relationship. I thought reading about their relationship was going to kill me. At 50% I was so close to skipping through the book just to see what was going to happen. I swear my stomach was in knots and I was close to having a melt down. Every phone call that Kendall made to Johnny, broke my heart. Each time Johnny didn’t pick up or said he was doing research just about did me in.
Now, plot #3 was the stalker. Kendall first realizes he has a stalker when he keeps getting these roses in his dressing room. At first he thought they might be coming from Johnny but then when the roses start showing up in his car, he thinks otherwise. Then things really start to escalate when someone trashes his dressing room. This stalker is not happy with Kendall, and is making it known.
This was a fantastic story. Quite different then what I’m used to reading from this author. I had an upset stomach from the romance part, I cried over the things that Kendall went through from his stalker, and I actually enjoyed the movie making stuff. So, upset stomach, crying, and enjoyment. Yup, that’s a pretty perfect read to me.
July 15, 2013
Something fresh and new from the king of M/M romance, Andrew Grey. Mystery, intrigue and suspense overflow in Stranded.
Kendall Monroe is an accomplished stage actor taking on his first movie role. The director is not his biggest fan and makes him painfully aware of this from the start. Kendall is determined to show not just him, but everyone that he has what it takes to be a serious actor. He has no idea just how serious this role is about to get.
The story starts as Kendall's latest play is ending and he's just getting the offer for the movie. He and his longtime partner, Johnny, have been growing apart. So at first he's hesitant to take on a job that would cause even more separation, but he accepts the part in the end.
Miles away from his lover Kendall is lonely and exhausted. Random gifts start showing up at the studio and his room. At first he assumes they are from Johnny until roses accompanied with a nastygram are left on his doorstep, and his dressing room is trashed. While Kendall is dealing with the possibility of a stalker, Johnny is making excuses for not coming to see him.
Soon Kendall's nightmare becomes a reality when he wakes up handcuffed to a car in the middle of nowhere. No cameras are rolling and no one is coming to his rescue, he's alone and desperate. Dehydration and exhaustion kick in and Kendall begins doubting everything. His lover, the director, and even his own sanity.
Stranded at its core is a love story about two lovers that have grown apart and eventually find their way back together after a horrible event. Kendall being taken and left for dead in the car brings Johnny to him and makes them both realize why they fell in love in the first place. I loved how Grey told the story in the first half of the book with random flashbacks of when Kendall and Johnny first met, and the early aspects of their relationship. Then after the stalker left Kendall in the desert to die, and Johnny drops everything to be by his side, we get to see them remember why they fell in love and watch them fall in love all over again!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, ANYTHING written by Andrew Grey is a must read. The emotions that he can pull from a pen are absolutely amazing. No matter what he's writing he's going to pull you in and get you invested in the characters every time.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Kendall Monroe is an accomplished stage actor taking on his first movie role. The director is not his biggest fan and makes him painfully aware of this from the start. Kendall is determined to show not just him, but everyone that he has what it takes to be a serious actor. He has no idea just how serious this role is about to get.
The story starts as Kendall's latest play is ending and he's just getting the offer for the movie. He and his longtime partner, Johnny, have been growing apart. So at first he's hesitant to take on a job that would cause even more separation, but he accepts the part in the end.
Miles away from his lover Kendall is lonely and exhausted. Random gifts start showing up at the studio and his room. At first he assumes they are from Johnny until roses accompanied with a nastygram are left on his doorstep, and his dressing room is trashed. While Kendall is dealing with the possibility of a stalker, Johnny is making excuses for not coming to see him.
Soon Kendall's nightmare becomes a reality when he wakes up handcuffed to a car in the middle of nowhere. No cameras are rolling and no one is coming to his rescue, he's alone and desperate. Dehydration and exhaustion kick in and Kendall begins doubting everything. His lover, the director, and even his own sanity.
Stranded at its core is a love story about two lovers that have grown apart and eventually find their way back together after a horrible event. Kendall being taken and left for dead in the car brings Johnny to him and makes them both realize why they fell in love in the first place. I loved how Grey told the story in the first half of the book with random flashbacks of when Kendall and Johnny first met, and the early aspects of their relationship. Then after the stalker left Kendall in the desert to die, and Johnny drops everything to be by his side, we get to see them remember why they fell in love and watch them fall in love all over again!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, ANYTHING written by Andrew Grey is a must read. The emotions that he can pull from a pen are absolutely amazing. No matter what he's writing he's going to pull you in and get you invested in the characters every time.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 15, 2013
Andrew Grey’s Stranded is completely different from any other of his books that I have read. That isn’t a complaint. It’s a compliment because he can write so differently and yet it is still a wonderful book. How does he do that?
Stranded is made up of at least three subplots. The first subplot is about a Broadway actor who is hired as the lead in a movie. It is his first movie and he isn’t completely comfortable in either this medium or this role. The second subplot is about a long-term gay relationship that is falling apart. They aren’t fighting; they just aren’t connecting. Both regret it but neither seems to be able to make the effort to fix it. The third subplot is the thriller element. A stalker is after the actor, intending to first woo him, then harm him, and finally kill him. I usually can figure out who is the villain before the reveal but not this time!
All of these are braided together into one coherent story that is by turns heartbreaking, entertaining, interesting, and incredibly frightening. I loved the psychological study of the actor and, to a lesser extent, of his lover. I was hoping they would be able to rescue their relationship but it looked hopeless from the beginning and I had to psych myself into accepting that they were going to have to go in different directions, especially when the actor moved from New York to Hollywood alone.
So, whether you like romance, heartbreak, suspense, or a story about the movie industry you’ve got it all in this one book. It hooked me with the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. A wonderful book. Enjoy!
My 5 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Stranded is made up of at least three subplots. The first subplot is about a Broadway actor who is hired as the lead in a movie. It is his first movie and he isn’t completely comfortable in either this medium or this role. The second subplot is about a long-term gay relationship that is falling apart. They aren’t fighting; they just aren’t connecting. Both regret it but neither seems to be able to make the effort to fix it. The third subplot is the thriller element. A stalker is after the actor, intending to first woo him, then harm him, and finally kill him. I usually can figure out who is the villain before the reveal but not this time!
All of these are braided together into one coherent story that is by turns heartbreaking, entertaining, interesting, and incredibly frightening. I loved the psychological study of the actor and, to a lesser extent, of his lover. I was hoping they would be able to rescue their relationship but it looked hopeless from the beginning and I had to psych myself into accepting that they were going to have to go in different directions, especially when the actor moved from New York to Hollywood alone.
So, whether you like romance, heartbreak, suspense, or a story about the movie industry you’ve got it all in this one book. It hooked me with the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. A wonderful book. Enjoy!
My 5 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
July 16, 2013
This is supposed to be a thriller/suspense but I don't see it. I loved that Andrew Grey wrote something so completely different than his past books, but I just didn't care for the story. The synopsis really only describes about a chapter of the book, toward the end. Still, the writing is as usual solid and the characters have many dimensions.
The beginning paragraph is set in the future, with the rest of the story set 1 year before. It was an awkward beginning. I did really enjoy the flashbacks, but it was hard to see the connection between Johnny and Kendall, but that has more to do with Andrew Grey's normal writing style (all tell and no show), so I wasn't too put off by it as it's something I've come to expect.
For me, the main storyline dragged. And dragged. And dragged. The book meanders through a period in Kendall's life where he realizes he's lost that special something he had with his partner, Johnny. The ending was a total cop-out.
Frankly, the book would've been better had Kendall died of heat stroke. Seriously, how did he survive that? And then a day or so of sleep and rest and he's fine?? And he didn't need a hospital? WHAT? I wanted to sling my kindle across the room as I read about the whole "ordeal." Kendall supposedly gulped down a bottle of cold water after being rescued. In real life, that would have sent his body into shock and he'd have vomited. Andrew Grey, where's your research with this book?
The beginning paragraph is set in the future, with the rest of the story set 1 year before. It was an awkward beginning. I did really enjoy the flashbacks, but it was hard to see the connection between Johnny and Kendall, but that has more to do with Andrew Grey's normal writing style (all tell and no show), so I wasn't too put off by it as it's something I've come to expect.
For me, the main storyline dragged. And dragged. And dragged. The book meanders through a period in Kendall's life where he realizes he's lost that special something he had with his partner, Johnny. The ending was a total cop-out.
Frankly, the book would've been better had Kendall died of heat stroke. Seriously, how did he survive that? And then a day or so of sleep and rest and he's fine?? And he didn't need a hospital? WHAT? I wanted to sling my kindle across the room as I read about the whole "ordeal." Kendall supposedly gulped down a bottle of cold water after being rescued. In real life, that would have sent his body into shock and he'd have vomited. Andrew Grey, where's your research with this book?
July 25, 2013
I wish they had rating system where I could choose "poor mismatch between book and reader" rather having to select a star.
I read the first line in this book's description - "Kendall Monroe is handcuffed to a car in the desert" and my hand went immediately to my wallet. This book sounded like my soul mate! Here I was ready, for an m/m thriller version of Gerald's Game, with the main character spending the majority of the book cuffed to a car and trying to use his wits to survive. What I got was around 3200 words of Kendall Monroe sitting in a car not doing a whole helluva lot of trying to get himself out of the car, and 60,000+ words of Kendall Monroe's Boyfriend Is An Ass (And Possibly Cheating On Him), the minutia of signing up for and making a movie, How Much of a Mr. Know-It-All-Because-I've-Acted-On-Stage Kendall Monroe Can Be, a lot of flashbacks to happier days between Kendall and Johnny, Kendall Monroe's superfast healing powers .
This might be a great book for someone who can get into the angst of the Kendall/Johnny relationship, someone who's looking for a story about can they or can't they regain the spark of their early days together. It's not a good book for someone who was excited to read about a guy who's been handcuffed to a car in the dessert.
I read the first line in this book's description - "Kendall Monroe is handcuffed to a car in the desert" and my hand went immediately to my wallet. This book sounded like my soul mate! Here I was ready, for an m/m thriller version of Gerald's Game, with the main character spending the majority of the book cuffed to a car and trying to use his wits to survive. What I got was around 3200 words of Kendall Monroe sitting in a car not doing a whole helluva lot of trying to get himself out of the car, and 60,000+ words of Kendall Monroe's Boyfriend Is An Ass (And Possibly Cheating On Him), the minutia of signing up for and making a movie, How Much of a Mr. Know-It-All-Because-I've-Acted-On-Stage Kendall Monroe Can Be, a lot of flashbacks to happier days between Kendall and Johnny, Kendall Monroe's superfast healing powers .
This might be a great book for someone who can get into the angst of the Kendall/Johnny relationship, someone who's looking for a story about can they or can't they regain the spark of their early days together. It's not a good book for someone who was excited to read about a guy who's been handcuffed to a car in the dessert.
December 16, 2013
I really liked this book! The plot was engaging and Johnny and Kendall's story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The plot felt appropriately paced with fantastic details and really believable dialogue. My heart broke for Kendall when he was in LA and thought he was losing his lover and best friend. His trips down memory lane were so beautiful and also so sad. My one problem was that I felt like Kendall and Johnny never settled into their roles - at the beginning Kendall is very authoritative and rather Toppy, then the next he's very submissive and unsure of himself. (Granted he went through some shit, but I got the overall feeling like his character did a 180). Same with Johnny: at the beginning he seems a bit of a wallflower but suddenly goes total caveman. I get that Johnny almost lost Kendall and he suddenly "woke up", but the dialogue between he and Kendall in the second half make it seem as though Johnny was very dominant throughout their relationship, and I just didn't get that sense from the beginning of the book or Kendall's memories. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and will certainly check out more titles from Andrew Grey.
August 6, 2013
DNF at 25%. I read one other book by this author and I thought it was perhaps the most poorly written book I've stumbled across. That is until I stumbled across this one. I read some of the 5 and 4 star reviews for Grey and they come across as something a mom would say to her children to encourage them: "Good, boy! You're a good writer, yes you are! You make me proud, my precious!" LOL! What's with that? Why are they encouraging him to keeping writing, at which rate he seems to come up with one novel (or novella actually) every three weeks. That explains a lot! Andrew Grey is clearly striking a chord with female readers, and I'm happy to say my tastes are a bit different. I find his writing style achingly dull, his characters sappy and one-dimensional, and his plots loaded with holes, flaws and amateurish structuring, similar issues junior high school students might have when they first begin to write. I thought maybe he'd improved over the years, but he seems to get worse.
September 14, 2013
This is, I think, the first time this author has attempted a mystery story - and in my opinion it was well done. Kendall and Johnny are in a long term relationship, but the spark has gone out. When Kendall's run in a Broadway show ends he takes a leading role part in a film - which means relocating to the other side of the country for three months. Insecure about the state of his relationship he strikes up friendships with the cast and crew.. only to end up with a stalker. There is a good level of tension in the writing both to do with the stalker and the MC's relationship. I will be interested to read other mystery type stories the author writes.
February 27, 2015
Review - This was the third book I read by the same author and was plesantly surprised. It was a deviation from the previous book as it had a mystery involved. Whodunit. I never guessed. I thought it was the obvious character. Johnny was an a**hole in the beginning but redeemed himself nicely when it counted. Kendall had some serious issued he was able to work through by the end of the book. And they lived happily ever after. I gave it a 3 as I really wanted to finish it and I would recommend it to you.
August 18, 2013
Andrew Grey is pretty much an autobuy author for me and I'm generally satisfied once I've finished one of his stories, but this one was an odd duck. It seemed quite different to his usual tales. There was an emotional disconnect for me as a reader which is always the kiss of death for a book.
And apparently, I've learned more about how to treat heatstroke from ER than Grey did in his research for this story.
Just... weird.
And apparently, I've learned more about how to treat heatstroke from ER than Grey did in his research for this story.
Just... weird.
February 28, 2014
While I enjoyed most of the story, I really just did not like Johnny for...well, basically almost all the story.
Would of rated this higher if I actually liked the romantic aspect. (Kendall could've done so much better)
Would of rated this higher if I actually liked the romantic aspect. (Kendall could've done so much better)
December 6, 2013
3.5*
I liked this, I did, but it wasn't faultless. I'd have preferred a bit more depth in the character development, as well as more grit to the plot/mystery/drama. It did keep me turning the pages though until I reached the end, so for that I rounded it up to 4*.
I liked this, I did, but it wasn't faultless. I'd have preferred a bit more depth in the character development, as well as more grit to the plot/mystery/drama. It did keep me turning the pages though until I reached the end, so for that I rounded it up to 4*.
July 11, 2013
4.75 stars. Overall an excellent book!
Read
May 21, 2014ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Boring book is boring
Boring book is boring
November 29, 2019
This wasn’t my favorite Andrew Grey book, but it was still enjoyable. Kendall is an actor in an established relationship with Johnny, his long-time boyfriend. Kendall and Johnny’s relationship is in crisis, which is exacerbated by Kendall flying to Los Angeles to film a movie. Johnny refuses to go to LA with Kendall, and stays in NY. The physical distance between Kendall and Johnny only emphasizes the emotional distance between the two of them. Everything changes when an obsessive stalker targets Kendall, and suddenly Johnny and Kendall have to confront what is really important in their lives.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars. I enjoyed the suspenseful plot, and the second chance magic that a near death experience brought to Kendall and Johnny’s relationship. Some of the plot was a little cheesy, and the characters were a little flat at times. The writing was good, but it wasn’t Andrew Grey’s best work. I would still recommend it as a fun and fast read for anyone who wants something a little different then the typical romance read.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars. I enjoyed the suspenseful plot, and the second chance magic that a near death experience brought to Kendall and Johnny’s relationship. Some of the plot was a little cheesy, and the characters were a little flat at times. The writing was good, but it wasn’t Andrew Grey’s best work. I would still recommend it as a fun and fast read for anyone who wants something a little different then the typical romance read.
October 1, 2019
I am usually an Andrew Grey fan. I've several of his books and enjoyed them. This book was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
The thing I liked most about this book was the suspense. There was a lot more than in most books by this author. I also liked the whole storyline of being stranded in a vehicle, even though that part wasn't the biggest in the story. That is something that has happened to me several times and it is never fun. I wasn't handcuffed though, so I only know a little of what was felt by Kendall. I imagine most people have been stranded and know that feeling.
Anyways, I found this book to be engaging and that it moved relatively steadily. I also loved the suspense and mystery. I will definitely be checking out the next book in this series.
The thing I liked most about this book was the suspense. There was a lot more than in most books by this author. I also liked the whole storyline of being stranded in a vehicle, even though that part wasn't the biggest in the story. That is something that has happened to me several times and it is never fun. I wasn't handcuffed though, so I only know a little of what was felt by Kendall. I imagine most people have been stranded and know that feeling.
Anyways, I found this book to be engaging and that it moved relatively steadily. I also loved the suspense and mystery. I will definitely be checking out the next book in this series.
July 13, 2021
Andrew Grey does light and fluffy stories really well. This was not supposed to be a light and fluffy story and it was severely lacking. The way the stalker was revealed and caught was ridiculous. None of this book seemed to gel. I liked the flashbacks that Kendall experienced so we got a glimpse of how his relationship with Johnny developed, but I never felt a connection between the two MCs. As much as I hate cheating in books, it almost would have felt more satisfying if Johnny HAD been having an affair.
Oh well. I bought this one along with the second book, Taken, so I’m going to read that soon. Hopefully it will be better than this one. I’m so glad this only cost me 99¢ at the time. I would have been so upset if I paid Dreamspinner Press’s astronomical price for this book.
Oh well. I bought this one along with the second book, Taken, so I’m going to read that soon. Hopefully it will be better than this one. I’m so glad this only cost me 99¢ at the time. I would have been so upset if I paid Dreamspinner Press’s astronomical price for this book.
April 7, 2018
My thoughts: I give it ♥♥. Not too complicated or angsty even with kidnapping, stalking and a self defense/accidental death in the mix.
I wasn't quite sure if these guy's long term relationship was going to survive, but *yay* for love! They made it thru with better appreciation for each other and all that relationship stuff.
I wasn't quite sure if these guy's long term relationship was going to survive, but *yay* for love! They made it thru with better appreciation for each other and all that relationship stuff.
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