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Lang Downs #4
Conquer the Flames
Sequel to Outlast the Night
Lang Book Four Thorne Lachlan knows a thing or two about getting himself safely out of a blaze. For years he fought in the world’s hot spots, a Commando with the Australian Army. Now, retired, he fights flames for the Royal Fire Service. When a grassfire brings him to Lang Downs, the next sheep station in danger, Thorne meets Ian Duncan and sparks fly that neither man can put out. But both men have ghosts from the past that stand in the way of moving beyond mutual attraction.
While Thorne longs for the home he could share with Ian at Lang Downs, he fears his own instability might make him a danger to others. And Ian’s always believed that the foster care nightmare he escaped before coming to Lang Downs would make any relationship impossible. Trust doesn’t come easily to Thorne or Ian until the fire’s aftermath forces them to see past the scars keeping them both from healing.
Lang Book Four Thorne Lachlan knows a thing or two about getting himself safely out of a blaze. For years he fought in the world’s hot spots, a Commando with the Australian Army. Now, retired, he fights flames for the Royal Fire Service. When a grassfire brings him to Lang Downs, the next sheep station in danger, Thorne meets Ian Duncan and sparks fly that neither man can put out. But both men have ghosts from the past that stand in the way of moving beyond mutual attraction.
While Thorne longs for the home he could share with Ian at Lang Downs, he fears his own instability might make him a danger to others. And Ian’s always believed that the foster care nightmare he escaped before coming to Lang Downs would make any relationship impossible. Trust doesn’t come easily to Thorne or Ian until the fire’s aftermath forces them to see past the scars keeping them both from healing.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2013
9 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Tachna
125 books409 followersAriel Tachna lives outside of Houston with her husband, her daughter and son, and their cat. Before moving there, she traveled all over the world, having fallen in love with both France, where she found her husband, and India, where she dreams of retiring some day. She’s bilingual with snippets of four other languages to her credit, and is as in love with languages as she is with writing.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 27, 2013
Okay, so I want to try and write a spoiler free review, which is going to be impossible. But I do have to say, I loved the book. Conquer the Flames has less Caine and Macklin than the others did. For me, that was a good thing, this couple needed more time in the book than the others really did. I'm not going to really say why, but both MC's had their issues. And those issues needed to be done really well and they needed to be a focus in the book.
In the Lang Down's world, this book jumped 5 years into the future. We had new characters that weren't in the original books. I had expected it at some point, mainly because of a couple that should be coming up. For those who have read the series, I will gladly say that things are headed in that direction and it was so obvious here.
Anyway, back to this book. Ian and Thorn were a great combo. But don't let the cover fool you. If you want lots of hot sex then this is not for you... Ian had issues, and those issues stopped them from jumping into the sack. There were kisses, though, and talks about emotions - sometimes, anyway - and a really, really beautiful rescue scene. I love watching one hunky MC save the other. I'm kinda addicted to those things.
These two were definitely different to the other couples. There was less issue with them becoming an actual couple. Honestly, the issue was with sex. It's not a simple thing. But the MC's came together... I won't say easily because neither was actually out. The issues they had were to do with Ian's past, which I won't spoil. But he was a foster kid.... Enough said.
As a fan of the series, I am really loving these men. I'll always have a soft spot for Caine and Macklin because they were the first couple. But I think all these characters have wormed their way into my heart. I would highly recommend this book to fans of the series.
In the Lang Down's world, this book jumped 5 years into the future. We had new characters that weren't in the original books. I had expected it at some point, mainly because of a couple that should be coming up. For those who have read the series, I will gladly say that things are headed in that direction and it was so obvious here.
Anyway, back to this book. Ian and Thorn were a great combo. But don't let the cover fool you. If you want lots of hot sex then this is not for you... Ian had issues, and those issues stopped them from jumping into the sack. There were kisses, though, and talks about emotions - sometimes, anyway - and a really, really beautiful rescue scene. I love watching one hunky MC save the other. I'm kinda addicted to those things.
These two were definitely different to the other couples. There was less issue with them becoming an actual couple. Honestly, the issue was with sex. It's not a simple thing. But the MC's came together... I won't say easily because neither was actually out. The issues they had were to do with Ian's past, which I won't spoil. But he was a foster kid.... Enough said.
As a fan of the series, I am really loving these men. I'll always have a soft spot for Caine and Macklin because they were the first couple. But I think all these characters have wormed their way into my heart. I would highly recommend this book to fans of the series.
October 16, 2013
After reading the preview three books it's like coming home to the sheep station in the Australian outback. So welcome back to Long Downs - to Caine + Macklin, Chris + Jesse, Sam + Jeremy, and - five years later – to our new couple Ian + Thorne. It was great to meet the whole 'gang' again.
I was hoping to finally getting to know Ian Duncan, the quiet loner of Long Downs. Ian has always believed that the foster care nightmare he escaped before coming to Lang Downs would make any relationship impossible. He is convinced that he's unworthy of a relationship because of his aversion to physical intimacy.
Thorne Lachlan, a fire fighter and former soldier, is suffering from PTSD and has to face his personal demons to survive. When a grass fire brings him to Lang Downs, sparks fly that neither man can put out. Thorne, with his infinite patience, self-control and understanding is a man hard to resist and Ian slowly begins to relax and becomes more trusting.
I don't want to spoil anything but again Long Downs proves to be the safe haven for broken souls and those two are getting their HEA. It's a long and stony way, though... so if you want lots of hot sex then this story isn't the right one for you. But there are kisses and cuddles and long conversations. It's once again so emotional, you definitely cannot not love those two guys... and the whole gang on Long Downs.
I'm looking forward to the next story in the series. Hopefully it's Seth and Jason's. :)
April 19, 2016
What did you think? That's the question of the hour here. Overall, I enjoyed this book, I mean really I was reading it in the middle of the night not once but twice.
When is a kiss not a kiss? When it is all that one man can do to express his love for another. Thorne & Ian, two men both suffering the effects of PTSD but due to vastly different reasons. Thorne because of things he seen and done in his 20 years as a Commando. Ian because of what was done to him as a child. Yet both left with the same medical diagnosis. The question is how could they possibly come together as a couple. In many ways they understood the emotional damaged that they each bore more so than others. Thorne because of his history both before and during his time in the Commandos needed to be able to protect those he cared about, to make the world a better and safer place. Ian's history left him with a strong need to be safe, secure, to not feel threatened. Trust was the foundation for this relationship.
When is love not enough? When a fragile trust has been cracked and a line crossed no matter how unintentionally, then love needs help, it needs sacrifice to rebuild what was lost, to make stronger what has been shaken, friends to have faith and offer support and time for wounds to be healed forever.
I loved the journey these two men took to build their relationship and to truly begin healing the wounds of the past, filled with caution as they struggled to understand each other and be what the other needed, only to finally realized that to be together they had to begin the healing process on their own.
When is a kiss not a kiss? When it becomes a promise of new beginnings and something more.
When is a kiss not a kiss? When it is all that one man can do to express his love for another. Thorne & Ian, two men both suffering the effects of PTSD but due to vastly different reasons. Thorne because of things he seen and done in his 20 years as a Commando. Ian because of what was done to him as a child. Yet both left with the same medical diagnosis. The question is how could they possibly come together as a couple. In many ways they understood the emotional damaged that they each bore more so than others. Thorne because of his history both before and during his time in the Commandos needed to be able to protect those he cared about, to make the world a better and safer place. Ian's history left him with a strong need to be safe, secure, to not feel threatened. Trust was the foundation for this relationship.
When is love not enough? When a fragile trust has been cracked and a line crossed no matter how unintentionally, then love needs help, it needs sacrifice to rebuild what was lost, to make stronger what has been shaken, friends to have faith and offer support and time for wounds to be healed forever.
I loved the journey these two men took to build their relationship and to truly begin healing the wounds of the past, filled with caution as they struggled to understand each other and be what the other needed, only to finally realized that to be together they had to begin the healing process on their own.
When is a kiss not a kiss? When it becomes a promise of new beginnings and something more.
May 18, 2016
2.75 rounded up
I had to agree with most of what my friend, Veronica, thought of this one. This is definitely my least favorite of the series so far. The attempt to kill the fire was good enough action though; it gave something more adrenaline worthy compared to the usual day-to-day life of the ranch.
However, I had problems with how the two men dealt with their issues. Those were serious things -- and kept it inside was not healthy. I guess I was over with the whole "I don't want to talk about this" mentality, although I realize it is also happen in real life. Like Veronica said, it was like a blind leading the blind -- Thorne struggling with his PTSD while Ian hadn't really deal with the trauma that happened in his teenager's year. With that in mind, I also had big problem believing that the two would fall in love so quick (Thorne was willing to "move in" within, what, days?). It was drama but not one that I liked.
Just like Veronica, I also thought Ian sounded younger than his actual age, which kinda threw me off a lot whenever he talked about having spent over fifteen years at Lang Downs.
I did like it whenever Caine and Macklin appeared though. They were like the patriarchs of the ranch :)
I had to agree with most of what my friend, Veronica, thought of this one. This is definitely my least favorite of the series so far. The attempt to kill the fire was good enough action though; it gave something more adrenaline worthy compared to the usual day-to-day life of the ranch.
However, I had problems with how the two men dealt with their issues. Those were serious things -- and kept it inside was not healthy. I guess I was over with the whole "I don't want to talk about this" mentality, although I realize it is also happen in real life. Like Veronica said, it was like a blind leading the blind -- Thorne struggling with his PTSD while Ian hadn't really deal with the trauma that happened in his teenager's year. With that in mind, I also had big problem believing that the two would fall in love so quick (Thorne was willing to "move in" within, what, days?). It was drama but not one that I liked.
Just like Veronica, I also thought Ian sounded younger than his actual age, which kinda threw me off a lot whenever he talked about having spent over fifteen years at Lang Downs.
I did like it whenever Caine and Macklin appeared though. They were like the patriarchs of the ranch :)
June 18, 2015
first read Oct 2013
re-reading June 2015 bwfore book 5
This story is set 5 years after the end of the previous book and introduces Thorne, a former commando who is working as a volunteer firefighter in the bush land around Lang Downs. Sent to warn the those living and working at the sheep station he meets Ian, who has been living on the spread for the last 15 years and is something of a loner.
Both men are shaped by their pasts - in Thorne's case loosing his family at 18 followed by the harrows of military service and in Ian's the memories of childhood abuse. Both men are the strong silent type - but in their attraction to each other realise if they want a relationship they are going to have to own their histories and seek help in order to move forwards.
I really enjoyed this book, it would have been so easy to cure Ian's problems with the "magical healing penis" trope, and have Thorne simply settle down and get over his issues - but instead the author showed them starting to work through the difficult period of psychological adjustment. It will be interesting to see glimpses of them and their progress in future books
re-reading June 2015 bwfore book 5
This story is set 5 years after the end of the previous book and introduces Thorne, a former commando who is working as a volunteer firefighter in the bush land around Lang Downs. Sent to warn the those living and working at the sheep station he meets Ian, who has been living on the spread for the last 15 years and is something of a loner.
Both men are shaped by their pasts - in Thorne's case loosing his family at 18 followed by the harrows of military service and in Ian's the memories of childhood abuse. Both men are the strong silent type - but in their attraction to each other realise if they want a relationship they are going to have to own their histories and seek help in order to move forwards.
I really enjoyed this book, it would have been so easy to cure Ian's problems with the "magical healing penis" trope, and have Thorne simply settle down and get over his issues - but instead the author showed them starting to work through the difficult period of psychological adjustment. It will be interesting to see glimpses of them and their progress in future books
May 5, 2014
Once again, I was hoping for more from Thorne and Ian. I really liked them, but I think I needed a little something extra. I get that Ian was a loner, but WHY did he choose to latch onto Thorne? I think I would have liked this better if some of the middle was cut and more of the relationship... after.
There's at least one more in this series Cherish the Land and I am kind of hoping it's NOT about Seth and Jason (why can't they just be best friends?), because I don't like young couples, but I'll continue on reading.
There's at least one more in this series Cherish the Land and I am kind of hoping it's NOT about Seth and Jason (why can't they just be best friends?), because I don't like young couples, but I'll continue on reading.
September 29, 2013
Hmmm...I didn't like this one as much as the previous ones. While I did feel for what the MCs were going through, I just didn't connect with them.
January 26, 2016
3.5 stars. I'm a huge fan of this series, but I need to agree with Veronica/V. I really liked Thorne though, and Ian wasn't bad either, but it's just so hard to believe they sought help so late.
November 14, 2018
Nachdem mich der 3. Band der Reihe nicht vom Hocker gerissen hat, ist dieser hier wieder genau das, was ich an den Büchern liebe – ruhig erzählt, mit viel Zeit für die Charaktere und einer glaubhaften Geschichte dahinter. Ich kann gar nicht anders, als volle Punktzahl und eine dicke Leseempfehlung zu vergeben, denn »Die Flammen besiegen« ist eine großartige Story.
Und das liegt vor allem an Thorne und Ian, wobei man zu Beginn vor allem Thorne auf dem Radar hat. Fast von der ersten Seite an ist klar, dass der Ex-Soldat große Probleme mit sich herumschleppt, aber er kämpft – sowohl gegen seine Erinnerungen und die damit einhergehenden Flashbacks, als auch gegen die Buschfeuer, die die Männer, Frauen und Kinder auf »Lang Downs« bedrohen, weil er sich bei ihnen sehr schnell zu Hause fühlt und das ist etwas, das er seit zwanzig Jahren nicht mehr hatte – ein Zuhause.
Dann tritt Ian in sein Leben, der sich, obwohl sie einander nicht kennen, um ihn kümmert und sehr bald entwickelt sich eine erste Anziehung zwischen beiden, die in einem gefährlichen Moment in einen ersten Kuss mündet – der Anfang von mehr? Mitnichten, denn nicht nur Thorne hat große psychische Probleme, und während man bei ihm schnell weiß, was los ist, dauert es, bis Ian nach und Details preisgibt, die sich Thorne derweil schon selbst gedacht und erahnt hat. Es geht immer in kleinen Schritten vorwärts, aber genau das war es, was für mich den Charme dieser Geschichte ausmacht. Es gibt keine einzige detailierte Sexszene, das wäre bei dem aktuellen psychischen Zustand der beiden auch gar nicht möglich, und es muss erst zum großen Knall kommen, damit Thorne einsieht, dass er professionelle Hilfe braucht und sie sich dann auch sucht. Bei Ian dauert es etwas länger und am Ende ist es sein Freund Neil, der ihn in die richtige Richtung schubst, indem er ihm ein paar unangenehme Wahrheiten präsentiert, die Ian dringend hören musste.
Schön ist auch das Wiedersehen der Charaktere aus den früheren Bänden, die die Story für mich erst so richtig rund und vollständig gemacht haben.
Ein ganz liebes Dankeschön geht an Dreamspinner Press für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Und das liegt vor allem an Thorne und Ian, wobei man zu Beginn vor allem Thorne auf dem Radar hat. Fast von der ersten Seite an ist klar, dass der Ex-Soldat große Probleme mit sich herumschleppt, aber er kämpft – sowohl gegen seine Erinnerungen und die damit einhergehenden Flashbacks, als auch gegen die Buschfeuer, die die Männer, Frauen und Kinder auf »Lang Downs« bedrohen, weil er sich bei ihnen sehr schnell zu Hause fühlt und das ist etwas, das er seit zwanzig Jahren nicht mehr hatte – ein Zuhause.
Dann tritt Ian in sein Leben, der sich, obwohl sie einander nicht kennen, um ihn kümmert und sehr bald entwickelt sich eine erste Anziehung zwischen beiden, die in einem gefährlichen Moment in einen ersten Kuss mündet – der Anfang von mehr? Mitnichten, denn nicht nur Thorne hat große psychische Probleme, und während man bei ihm schnell weiß, was los ist, dauert es, bis Ian nach und Details preisgibt, die sich Thorne derweil schon selbst gedacht und erahnt hat. Es geht immer in kleinen Schritten vorwärts, aber genau das war es, was für mich den Charme dieser Geschichte ausmacht. Es gibt keine einzige detailierte Sexszene, das wäre bei dem aktuellen psychischen Zustand der beiden auch gar nicht möglich, und es muss erst zum großen Knall kommen, damit Thorne einsieht, dass er professionelle Hilfe braucht und sie sich dann auch sucht. Bei Ian dauert es etwas länger und am Ende ist es sein Freund Neil, der ihn in die richtige Richtung schubst, indem er ihm ein paar unangenehme Wahrheiten präsentiert, die Ian dringend hören musste.
Schön ist auch das Wiedersehen der Charaktere aus den früheren Bänden, die die Story für mich erst so richtig rund und vollständig gemacht haben.
Ein ganz liebes Dankeschön geht an Dreamspinner Press für das Rezensionsexemplar.
July 30, 2017
QUSTTRO E MEZZO E FORSE IL CAPITOLO PIU' SOFFERTO DELLA SERIE...
May 19, 2019
Liked this one the best so far.
October 3, 2013
We can't run away from our fears. They follow us wherever we go and if we try to ignore them, they continue to gain strength and, if we're not careful, will strangle us. Sharing our fears helps drain their power away, but, it takes real courage to admit we need that kind of help and even more to seek it. Thorne Lachlan of 'Conquering the Flame' is plagued by PTSD from past battle experiences. Before he comes to Lang Downs, he tries, unsuccessfully, to manage it by himself. After becoming emotionally invested in Ian and the rest of the people there, he realizes that it's not just himself that he will endanger if his illness gets out of control.
Even before Thorne meets the folks at Lang Downs, he's protecting them by fighting a raging fire that is threatening the station. He has long ago given up on the idea of ever belonging anywhere and is resigned to living by himself. Lang Downs is like an oasis in the desert to a loner like him; he's instantly attracted to the people there, especially Ian Duncan, to whom he feels a strong attraction. The more he learns about the community, the more awed he becomes. He's never been anywhere that people are as accepting and forgiving as they are here. When Macklin offers him a position, the draw of the settlement is too strong to resist. Unfortunately, Thorne's nightmares, anxiety attacks, and flashbacks are frightening everyone around him and possibly putting them in danger, especially Ian. Thorne tries to control his outbursts, but after a particularly bad episode, he finally finds the courage to admit that he can't do it alone.
Ian is quiet and tries to stay in the background, but he's always right there when he's needed. Even after several years, Ian's past sexual abuse still has him in its powerful grip. He's convinced that he's unworthy of a relationship and, even if he did manage to have one, will be unable to maintain it because of his aversion to physical intimacy. He never expects to meet someone like Thorne, with his infinite patience and understanding. Ian knows that Thorne is working hard to earn his trust and he wants to believe him when he says that he's interested in more than physical gratification. Ian realizes that he loves Thorne and wants to give him the pleasure he deserves but is still unable to do so. Thorne displays an amazing amount of self-control and Ian slowly begins to relax and becomes more trusting. They are having a good time just being together, taking baby steps toward a more loving relationship until Ian tells Thorne about what happened to scar him so badly. Thorne loses control, angry at Ian's abuser not at Ian, but the look on his face terrifies Ian who barricades himself in the bedroom. At this point, it's either face the fear or walk away from each other.
It was good to see Caine and Macklin and the gang at Lang Downs. It's a truly special place, epitomizing the concept of home for everyone living there; the doors are always open for one more. Ariel has done a marvelous job portraying the anguish and fear existing in both men and how it affects their relationships. Only an enduring love, like they have, can heal such agony, while allowing the couple to live without trepidation. Thanks, Ariel, for a great return visit to Lang Downs. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Even before Thorne meets the folks at Lang Downs, he's protecting them by fighting a raging fire that is threatening the station. He has long ago given up on the idea of ever belonging anywhere and is resigned to living by himself. Lang Downs is like an oasis in the desert to a loner like him; he's instantly attracted to the people there, especially Ian Duncan, to whom he feels a strong attraction. The more he learns about the community, the more awed he becomes. He's never been anywhere that people are as accepting and forgiving as they are here. When Macklin offers him a position, the draw of the settlement is too strong to resist. Unfortunately, Thorne's nightmares, anxiety attacks, and flashbacks are frightening everyone around him and possibly putting them in danger, especially Ian. Thorne tries to control his outbursts, but after a particularly bad episode, he finally finds the courage to admit that he can't do it alone.
Ian is quiet and tries to stay in the background, but he's always right there when he's needed. Even after several years, Ian's past sexual abuse still has him in its powerful grip. He's convinced that he's unworthy of a relationship and, even if he did manage to have one, will be unable to maintain it because of his aversion to physical intimacy. He never expects to meet someone like Thorne, with his infinite patience and understanding. Ian knows that Thorne is working hard to earn his trust and he wants to believe him when he says that he's interested in more than physical gratification. Ian realizes that he loves Thorne and wants to give him the pleasure he deserves but is still unable to do so. Thorne displays an amazing amount of self-control and Ian slowly begins to relax and becomes more trusting. They are having a good time just being together, taking baby steps toward a more loving relationship until Ian tells Thorne about what happened to scar him so badly. Thorne loses control, angry at Ian's abuser not at Ian, but the look on his face terrifies Ian who barricades himself in the bedroom. At this point, it's either face the fear or walk away from each other.
It was good to see Caine and Macklin and the gang at Lang Downs. It's a truly special place, epitomizing the concept of home for everyone living there; the doors are always open for one more. Ariel has done a marvelous job portraying the anguish and fear existing in both men and how it affects their relationships. Only an enduring love, like they have, can heal such agony, while allowing the couple to live without trepidation. Thanks, Ariel, for a great return visit to Lang Downs. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 7, 2013
I have always been told “Never judge a book by its cover”; Conquer The Flames by Ariel Tachna is one of those books. One thing I will say up front is that this is the first time I am reading an m/m romance book, so please bear with me on this review because it is all brand new to me. Now I also want to point out is this book is part of a series, but can actually be a good standalone book too. It was a little slow on the uptake when reading, but to me there is actually a message to the book.
In Conquer The Flames, you meet Thorne and Ian. Both have been hurt in their past and have several personal issues that they need resolve. Thorne, who was in the military for 20 years, is now fighting fires and is sent to the sheep farm of Lang Downs not only to warn but also to find help from its residents.
Thorne quickly discovers that there is more to Lang Downs than what you see. At Lang Downs it is not only a job to it residents, it is a home and about being a family, which is something that Thorne has not had in a very long time. Along the way Thorne meets Ian after he has a PTSD episode; Ian helps to take care of Thorne.
Now the one thing that I thought was going to happen was these two jumping in bed together. I was kind of scared of this being that this is my first m/m romance as I said before. But, Tachna fooled me other than some heaving make out sessions Thorne and Ian do not pouncing on each other all the time. Ian has issues of his own, which is the reason that this is not happening. And one thing that I believe that everyone should look at in this story is that to me it is about romance. When starting a relationship, sometimes we are so focused on the newness of it and just trying to see if we are compatible with the other person that we are not trying to focus on things in each other’s past very early on. With Ian and Thorne, they have to overcome the issues from their past at the beginning of their relationship, just too actually get to a point to where they can have a relationship. But the question that you will have to figure out for yourself is if they can do this and that is where you have to read the book.
In Conquer The Flames, you meet Thorne and Ian. Both have been hurt in their past and have several personal issues that they need resolve. Thorne, who was in the military for 20 years, is now fighting fires and is sent to the sheep farm of Lang Downs not only to warn but also to find help from its residents.
Thorne quickly discovers that there is more to Lang Downs than what you see. At Lang Downs it is not only a job to it residents, it is a home and about being a family, which is something that Thorne has not had in a very long time. Along the way Thorne meets Ian after he has a PTSD episode; Ian helps to take care of Thorne.
Now the one thing that I thought was going to happen was these two jumping in bed together. I was kind of scared of this being that this is my first m/m romance as I said before. But, Tachna fooled me other than some heaving make out sessions Thorne and Ian do not pouncing on each other all the time. Ian has issues of his own, which is the reason that this is not happening. And one thing that I believe that everyone should look at in this story is that to me it is about romance. When starting a relationship, sometimes we are so focused on the newness of it and just trying to see if we are compatible with the other person that we are not trying to focus on things in each other’s past very early on. With Ian and Thorne, they have to overcome the issues from their past at the beginning of their relationship, just too actually get to a point to where they can have a relationship. But the question that you will have to figure out for yourself is if they can do this and that is where you have to read the book.
August 15, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Story 4.5 Stars
Narration 3 Stars
This was quite a hard book to read in some places and it is also quite difficult to write a lengthy review without giving too much away. With that in mind I will give you the bare bones and let you all read it for yourselves to discover the full story.
Thorne Lachlan was a Commando and used to working under pressure and in dangerous spots around the world. He is now working for the Royal Fire Service and helping put out grass fires that are out of control near Lang Downs. His previous life has left some huge emotional scars and he is a danger to others without meaning any harm.
Ian Duncan has been at Lang Downs for years and lives firmly in the closet. Sadly, it is not just the closet that keeps him from looking or having a relationship. He was brought up in the foster care system and the last home he was in before he aged out has left permanent damage.
If you want to read about two hunky cowboys having lots of hot sex then this is not the book for you. These guys are damaged, albeit it in very different ways, but are drawn to each other and progress in a relationship of any kind is going to slow and careful. It is refreshing to see that sex isn’t the be all and end all in every relationship and that sometimes it is the most difficult thing in the world but not the most important.
This was a re-read for me and the story remains as powerful as the first time. This is an emotional read and one I would highly recommend. If I had to choose whether to listen to this story or read it on my kindle - I would choose the kindle.
Narration
This narration just wasn’t for me. When William James was narrating the story line it was smooth and easy to listen to. When he was narrating the dialogue between characters it threw me out of the story. I just didn’t enjoy his Aussie accents and I felt I was listening to a group of older men talking rather than young cowboys. Accents are difficult and other people may find his interpretation fine..it just didn’t work for me.
Story 4.5 Stars
Narration 3 Stars
This was quite a hard book to read in some places and it is also quite difficult to write a lengthy review without giving too much away. With that in mind I will give you the bare bones and let you all read it for yourselves to discover the full story.
Thorne Lachlan was a Commando and used to working under pressure and in dangerous spots around the world. He is now working for the Royal Fire Service and helping put out grass fires that are out of control near Lang Downs. His previous life has left some huge emotional scars and he is a danger to others without meaning any harm.
Ian Duncan has been at Lang Downs for years and lives firmly in the closet. Sadly, it is not just the closet that keeps him from looking or having a relationship. He was brought up in the foster care system and the last home he was in before he aged out has left permanent damage.
If you want to read about two hunky cowboys having lots of hot sex then this is not the book for you. These guys are damaged, albeit it in very different ways, but are drawn to each other and progress in a relationship of any kind is going to slow and careful. It is refreshing to see that sex isn’t the be all and end all in every relationship and that sometimes it is the most difficult thing in the world but not the most important.
This was a re-read for me and the story remains as powerful as the first time. This is an emotional read and one I would highly recommend. If I had to choose whether to listen to this story or read it on my kindle - I would choose the kindle.
Narration
This narration just wasn’t for me. When William James was narrating the story line it was smooth and easy to listen to. When he was narrating the dialogue between characters it threw me out of the story. I just didn’t enjoy his Aussie accents and I felt I was listening to a group of older men talking rather than young cowboys. Accents are difficult and other people may find his interpretation fine..it just didn’t work for me.
November 15, 2014
Let me start off by saying that I enjoyed the other books in this series and was excited about reading this book, with that being said... I think I almost died from an overdose of angst in this book. I was so over both characters less than half way through. It was hard for me to buy that both men were in their mid to late 30's not their teens.
I could sum up the book pretty quickly:
Bad stuff happens to both MC's in their past.
MC 1: I don't deserve love, but I love you. I want to know everything about you and expect you to tell me all your dark secrets, but I don't trust you enough to tell you mine. Im too traumatized to have sex or almost any form of personal contact, but again Im not going to tell you why, but please don't leave me. Please excuse me while I go cry and cower in the corner for a bit.
MC 2: Im a trained killer who lashes out without control. I don't deserve love, I love you, but Im ok sleeping on the couch the rest of my life if need be, just don't leave me. Im a danger to everyone around me even children aren't safe but you can trust me with your secrets, but no Im not ready to tell you mine yet. Please excuse me while I go pound my fists into the wall in a blind rage. Hey why are you hiding in the corner crying?
And on and on this goes through the whole book. At one point over half way through I put it down and debated moving on to something else. cursing at the characters the whole time "get some freakin therapy already, my god this isn't a historical they have Prozac people!" I did give it another chance and saw it through and much to my relief and the only thing keeping me from giving it 1 star was that both characters finally did get help and meds! Thank the gods!
I get that some books are angsty books and some men are broody, emotionally closed off people, but there comes a point where its just TOO much. This was a perfect example of too much.
I will still get and read the next book in the series but I hope the next one doesn't bring me down so much I start to feel like I need Prozac just to finish it.
I could sum up the book pretty quickly:
Bad stuff happens to both MC's in their past.
MC 1: I don't deserve love, but I love you. I want to know everything about you and expect you to tell me all your dark secrets, but I don't trust you enough to tell you mine. Im too traumatized to have sex or almost any form of personal contact, but again Im not going to tell you why, but please don't leave me. Please excuse me while I go cry and cower in the corner for a bit.
MC 2: Im a trained killer who lashes out without control. I don't deserve love, I love you, but Im ok sleeping on the couch the rest of my life if need be, just don't leave me. Im a danger to everyone around me even children aren't safe but you can trust me with your secrets, but no Im not ready to tell you mine yet. Please excuse me while I go pound my fists into the wall in a blind rage. Hey why are you hiding in the corner crying?
And on and on this goes through the whole book. At one point over half way through I put it down and debated moving on to something else. cursing at the characters the whole time "get some freakin therapy already, my god this isn't a historical they have Prozac people!" I did give it another chance and saw it through and much to my relief and the only thing keeping me from giving it 1 star was that both characters finally did get help and meds! Thank the gods!
I get that some books are angsty books and some men are broody, emotionally closed off people, but there comes a point where its just TOO much. This was a perfect example of too much.
I will still get and read the next book in the series but I hope the next one doesn't bring me down so much I start to feel like I need Prozac just to finish it.
October 7, 2013
This book is all about Thorne Lachlan, a former Australian Commando (Special Ops, I presume) soldier now serving as a firefighter in the Australian Outback, and Ian Duncan, a year-rounder on Lang Downs, who keeps mostly to himself.
Read the rest of this review on www.myfictionnook.com or my Booklikes blog.
Read the rest of this review on www.myfictionnook.com or my Booklikes blog.
March 12, 2014
I read some reviews before starting this book so I was a little bit afraid I would get bored but that never happened...the "getting to know each other" phase was not a phase in this book...it was the whole story and I loved it...I don't know, it just worked for me, both of the guys were so sweet and even though there was no sex, the feelings were very strong and I just loved it :)
March 30, 2015
Lang Downs always gives me a satisfying read and a great bunch of characters, like meeting up with old friends. I can't believe that is the final book, though.
October 20, 2014
Really liked this pairing of rancher and ex-soldier turned fire-fighter. I'll miss all the characters at the sheep station. Enjoyed the whole series.
November 13, 2018
Im 4. Band der Serie geht es weiter um das Leben der Männer auf Lang Downs.
Zur Handlung. Thorne Lachlan ist erst vor kurzer Zeit aus der Armee ausgeschieden und arbeitet nun für den Rural Fire Service. Ein Buschbrand für ihn auf die Schaffarm Lang Downs. Ian Duncan fällt ihm sofort auf, doch der Jackaroo lässt anfangs kein Interesse erkennen. Thorne kennt schon seit Jahren kein Zuhause mehr und fühlt sich auf Lang Downs sofort wohl.
Ian lebt schon viele Jahre auf Lang Downs. Hier hat er nach einer qualvollen Jugend ein Zuhause gefunden. Heimlich, da ungeoutet, beobachtet er Thorne, der genau der Typ Mann ist, der ihm gefällt.
Thorne und Ian hatten es beide in der Vergangenheit nicht leicht, beide schleppen ein schweres Trauma mit sich herum. Einer durch die Zeit bei der Armee, der andere aufgrund eines schweren Missbrauchs in einer Pflegefamilie. Beiden fällt es schwer, über ihre Vergangenheit zu reden, denn zuzugeben, dass sie schwach sind, passt nicht in ihr Konzept.
Die Flammen besiegen ist für mich der bisher schwächste Band der Serie. Auch wenn das Paar Ian und Thorne interessant ist, ihre Story wirkte auf mich zu sehr in die Länge gezogen. Dazu kommt, was ich schon am vorigen Band bemängelt habe, als endlich ein Happy-End in Sicht ist, war die Folge auch schon zu Ende. Auch von den drei anderen Paaren auf Lang Downs erfährt man leider nicht mehr viel. Trotzdem gefielen mir auch hier wieder das Leben auf der Schaffarm und die Loyalität ihrer Bewohner.
Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Thorne Lachlan ist erst vor kurzer Zeit aus der Armee ausgeschieden und arbeitet nun für den Rural Fire Service. Ein Buschbrand für ihn auf die Schaffarm Lang Downs. Ian Duncan fällt ihm sofort auf, doch der Jackaroo lässt anfangs kein Interesse erkennen. Thorne kennt schon seit Jahren kein Zuhause mehr und fühlt sich auf Lang Downs sofort wohl.
Ian lebt schon viele Jahre auf Lang Downs. Hier hat er nach einer qualvollen Jugend ein Zuhause gefunden. Heimlich, da ungeoutet, beobachtet er Thorne, der genau der Typ Mann ist, der ihm gefällt.
Thorne und Ian hatten es beide in der Vergangenheit nicht leicht, beide schleppen ein schweres Trauma mit sich herum. Einer durch die Zeit bei der Armee, der andere aufgrund eines schweren Missbrauchs in einer Pflegefamilie. Beiden fällt es schwer, über ihre Vergangenheit zu reden, denn zuzugeben, dass sie schwach sind, passt nicht in ihr Konzept.
Die Flammen besiegen ist für mich der bisher schwächste Band der Serie. Auch wenn das Paar Ian und Thorne interessant ist, ihre Story wirkte auf mich zu sehr in die Länge gezogen. Dazu kommt, was ich schon am vorigen Band bemängelt habe, als endlich ein Happy-End in Sicht ist, war die Folge auch schon zu Ende. Auch von den drei anderen Paaren auf Lang Downs erfährt man leider nicht mehr viel. Trotzdem gefielen mir auch hier wieder das Leben auf der Schaffarm und die Loyalität ihrer Bewohner.
Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
October 6, 2016
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Avevo letteralmente adorato il primo libro di questa serie “Ereditare il cielo”, molto bello il secondo, già meno coinvolgente il terzo e, mi spiace dirlo, questo quarto capitolo non è all’altezza degli altri. Siamo a cinque anni di distanza dal libro precedente, i protagonisti passati li incontriamo nuovamente, sempre innamorati e realizzati nella loro vita alla stazione e questo aspetto è sicuramente molto bello, il poter “vedere” l’evoluzione di un personaggio nel corso di anni.
Il microcosmo di Lang Downs dove Cain, ereditato il ruolo dello zio Michael, ha creato un ambiente tollerante dove tutti possono sentirsi a casa e bene accetti, è comunque il fulcro di questa serie. Più che un luogo, si tratta di una vera e propria famiglia che, in queste pagine, è minacciato dal fuoco e la battaglia non è solo per la sopravvivenza delle persone che lo popolano, ma di un posto dove esse possano vivere la vita che con tanta fatica si sono creati.
La storia principale, quella di Thorne e Ian, non mi ha convinta. Sono entrambi uomini con un passato difficile che li ha segnati e non sono ancora stati capaci di affrontare e superare i loro problemi. Sono più vicini ai quaranta che ai trenta e si rapportano come ragazzini, facendo ricorso, fin troppo spesso, alla classica scusa “non ne voglio parlare”. Come si fa a maturare e sperare di farsi una vita se non si affrontano i problemi? Se li si nascondono sotto al tappeto non spariranno per magia. Ian ha trentacinque anni, mai avuta una relazione, diffida di qualsiasi rapporto sentimentale o sessuale, eppure, con la sua mole di paure, decide di affidarsi a Thorne che conosce solo da pochi giorni. Da parte sua Thorne, velato da tutta la vita, con un serio disturbo da stress post traumatico, rimane folgorato da Ian e si innamora di lui in una manciata di giorni.
Non voglio svelare troppo riguardo le faccende in sospeso che creano così tanti conflitti per i due uomini, ma il loro girarci attorno crea una storia ripetitiva e poco scorrevole, a volte persino noiosa, il che è davvero un peccato perché Ariel Tachna è davvero una grande scrittrice.
Inoltre,quando alla fine le cose sembrano finalmente poter aver preso il giusto corso, il libro si conclude piuttosto frettolosamente. Un’articolazione maggiore della parte finale avrebbe, a mio avviso, portato ad un happy end più completo e soddisfacente. La storia si chiude lasciando in sospeso ancora dei punti di cui spero vedremo una risoluzione nel libro successivo che chiuderà anche la serie.
Avevo letteralmente adorato il primo libro di questa serie “Ereditare il cielo”, molto bello il secondo, già meno coinvolgente il terzo e, mi spiace dirlo, questo quarto capitolo non è all’altezza degli altri. Siamo a cinque anni di distanza dal libro precedente, i protagonisti passati li incontriamo nuovamente, sempre innamorati e realizzati nella loro vita alla stazione e questo aspetto è sicuramente molto bello, il poter “vedere” l’evoluzione di un personaggio nel corso di anni.
Il microcosmo di Lang Downs dove Cain, ereditato il ruolo dello zio Michael, ha creato un ambiente tollerante dove tutti possono sentirsi a casa e bene accetti, è comunque il fulcro di questa serie. Più che un luogo, si tratta di una vera e propria famiglia che, in queste pagine, è minacciato dal fuoco e la battaglia non è solo per la sopravvivenza delle persone che lo popolano, ma di un posto dove esse possano vivere la vita che con tanta fatica si sono creati.
La storia principale, quella di Thorne e Ian, non mi ha convinta. Sono entrambi uomini con un passato difficile che li ha segnati e non sono ancora stati capaci di affrontare e superare i loro problemi. Sono più vicini ai quaranta che ai trenta e si rapportano come ragazzini, facendo ricorso, fin troppo spesso, alla classica scusa “non ne voglio parlare”. Come si fa a maturare e sperare di farsi una vita se non si affrontano i problemi? Se li si nascondono sotto al tappeto non spariranno per magia. Ian ha trentacinque anni, mai avuta una relazione, diffida di qualsiasi rapporto sentimentale o sessuale, eppure, con la sua mole di paure, decide di affidarsi a Thorne che conosce solo da pochi giorni. Da parte sua Thorne, velato da tutta la vita, con un serio disturbo da stress post traumatico, rimane folgorato da Ian e si innamora di lui in una manciata di giorni.
Non voglio svelare troppo riguardo le faccende in sospeso che creano così tanti conflitti per i due uomini, ma il loro girarci attorno crea una storia ripetitiva e poco scorrevole, a volte persino noiosa, il che è davvero un peccato perché Ariel Tachna è davvero una grande scrittrice.
Inoltre,quando alla fine le cose sembrano finalmente poter aver preso il giusto corso, il libro si conclude piuttosto frettolosamente. Un’articolazione maggiore della parte finale avrebbe, a mio avviso, portato ad un happy end più completo e soddisfacente. La storia si chiude lasciando in sospeso ancora dei punti di cui spero vedremo una risoluzione nel libro successivo che chiuderà anche la serie.
March 21, 2019
Even though it was nice to catch up with everyone at Lang Downs, for some reason this book seemed to drag... a lot! That having been said, this was a good story that I would say touched many hearts and I am pretty sure many of the readers were silently (and maybe not so silently) encouraging Thorne and Ian to push through all that they had suffered and find their way clear to be with each other. Existing is not living, and that was a hard realization that they both had to come to before they could move forward with their lives.
This author has always been a solid 4-star read for me and I look forward to moving on to book five when time permits! :D
This author has always been a solid 4-star read for me and I look forward to moving on to book five when time permits! :D
May 10, 2020
auch hier wieder eine gelungene Geschichte,
spannend und sehr glaunwuerdig geschrieben,
super beschriebene Charaktere,
diese Reihe ist lesenswert
und ich warte sehnsuechtig auf die Uebersetzung von Band 5
spannend und sehr glaunwuerdig geschrieben,
super beschriebene Charaktere,
diese Reihe ist lesenswert
und ich warte sehnsuechtig auf die Uebersetzung von Band 5
August 27, 2021
Dopo il primo capitolo della serie, che come al solito è quello che più mi rimane impresso quando inizio una nuova serie, questa è assolutamente la storia più bella!
Stupendo, profondo, scorrevole e commovente!l’ho divorato!
Stupendo, profondo, scorrevole e commovente!l’ho divorato!
January 27, 2021
The fact that while listening to this audiobook it didn't ring any bells that I had read it already, except than a sense of generic deja-vu at certain points should tell you something about how just simply okay the story was than any kind of engaging and listening to it didn't change much.
March 17, 2019
Audiobook review3,5 stars
There is a new threat to Lang Downs. A wild fire. It's roaming just outside the station limits, coming closer and closer for every hour that passes.
Thorne Lachlan has been fighting the fire for weeks in hopes of getting it under control. When his captain orders him to go to the nearest station, Lang Downs he is very reluctant to go, feeling he is more needed at the front lines. He does not want to argue with stations owners for help to fight the fire. Against all hopes he finds the people at Lang Downs not only doing what they can to protect the station, but also willing to lend all hands to actively help fighting the fire. They also offer him room and board for the duration. Well, more force than offer really.
At Lang Downs he’s instantly captivated by one of the jackaroos, Ian Duncan. There’s something about the man that draws him in. Two lost and wounded souls dancing around each other. Both wanting more, but obstacles keep them at arm’s length.
Thorne’s life changed irrevocably when he lost his family to a fire when he was 18. Since then he never had a true home, having spent the last 20 years as a Commando, fighting to make the world just a little bit safer. But fighting for that long has left him with battle scars, some more fresh than others. And only three months out he’s still having some trouble acclimating to normal life. But maybe he will have the chance if he stays on Lang Downs, accepting the help they are offering.
Ian has loved on Lang Downs since he was in his late teens. He too has a traumatic past still hanging over him, and making him wary of others. He never gets close to anyone, and when he’s drawn to Thorne his life turns upside down. Experiencing thigs for the first time, but afraid of what it could mean. Their relationship builds slowly, it’s patient, exploring and discovering and should be a beautiful one. That is if I could muster up some feelings or connection to them. Which sadly I couldn’t.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others, it didn’t resonate. I can’t say that I disliked any of the characters, because they were likable and I felt for what they’d lost, what they’d been through. Still though I didn’t connect, to them or to the story as a whole. It felt like Tachna was telling the reader/listener what to feel and when to feel it and I just couldn’t. I want to be shown why I should love characters, be invested in their story, I want to be there for the journey – not be told about it afterwards. Sure I felt for the characters, I wanted them to find happiness, to move on from all the horrible things that happened in the past, but that’s more of a general feeling rather than a deep rooted need that I wanted to have.
You know, the problem with listening, or rather reviewing, the same narrator book after book in a short period of time, is that you run out of words. That is unless you want to repeat yourself over and over, which frankly gets a bit tedious. So I’m going to keep this short and just tell you that William James once again delivered a great narration of this book. I loved the accent (which I wanted more of) and I love that he has different voices for the characters and adds feelings to his words. So while the story didn’t work for me this time, the narration did.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 29, 2021
Barely 3 stars.
This one wasn't as good as the first 3, probably because I found too overwhelming to have both main characters with such heavy issues that left me keeping a distance from the story and not being able to relate with either of them.
This one wasn't as good as the first 3, probably because I found too overwhelming to have both main characters with such heavy issues that left me keeping a distance from the story and not being able to relate with either of them.
October 5, 2013
Original Blogspot: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Ariel Tachna has managed to get a simple Aussie cowboy story into something like a chronicle of Lang Downs. I have been following this series since it first came out and although I only did manage to review Outlast the Night, I have to say that the more I follow this series, the more interesting it gets. However, of all of the books, I would say that Conquer the Flames is the one with the most sensitive subject matters (yes, two not just one) and this is where the author gave us readers and fans a peek into who she really is.
First, let us talk about the book. Thorne is a warrior, not just a soldier, and just like all warriors, they place themselves out in front of danger and confront it eyeball to eyeball. Once they are taken out of danger, they cannot manage all that well. They have the highest statistics in incidents of PTSD and suicide. Thorne has to face his personal demons in order to survive. One way to do this is to find a safe haven and it just happens to be Ian who just happens to call Lang Downs his home.
Ian is also a survior, he faces his own personal demons and he needs to face his fears to survive. Through the years he did this by ignoring or hiding from them. Then he meets Thorne and he finds safety in the warrior and wants him to stay home with him in the station.
Two injured and broken men who only want to make a life with each other. They need to get over their fears and face them so they can have that life together they crave for so much.
The heavy subject matter was quite a lot to take, the highly sensitive issues the two men faced was even harder. Once the readers gets over these issues, they can then see that this is one beautiful story of two survivors who are fighting against all odds to gain back their humanities and finally get their happily ever after. I found this beautifully written as the author did not sugar coat any of the difficulties these two men and others like them face every single day. At the end of the book, readers will feel a little let down, thinking that maybe this is not an HEA but is rather an HFN. We really do not know for sure. What we are certain of is that these two men are working for their life together and are not afraid to face their fears together. As a couple.
Now it is time to talk about giving the readers a peek into the author's life. For all the heaviness of the subject matter, imagine my surprise when she wrote in Rohan and Sioned from Melanie Rawn's famous book, The Dragon Prince. I had a blast reading this, especially when it was not mentioned once or twice but several times.
By now you readers know I am a huge geek of the fantasy genre - apparently I see the author is too! A personal note to the author: I loved how you wrote in that Ian imagined his love for Thorne as something similar to that of Rohan and his sunrunner witch and the peek into the future that night in the grove. I see some similiarities between the two fantasy characters' love and the love of these two men. The fires creeping into the station of Lang Downs was similar to the renegade sunrunner witch's fire. Even Sioned's scar can be a parallel to the scars that both Ian and Thorne carry. Is it too late to get a dragon into the station? - but then again that would not do at all for it is a Sheep Station and any dragon would simply burst itself from over eating. This is the lighter side of this book and it did work - well, at least for me.
I am now ready for book 5!
Ariel Tachna has managed to get a simple Aussie cowboy story into something like a chronicle of Lang Downs. I have been following this series since it first came out and although I only did manage to review Outlast the Night, I have to say that the more I follow this series, the more interesting it gets. However, of all of the books, I would say that Conquer the Flames is the one with the most sensitive subject matters (yes, two not just one) and this is where the author gave us readers and fans a peek into who she really is.
First, let us talk about the book. Thorne is a warrior, not just a soldier, and just like all warriors, they place themselves out in front of danger and confront it eyeball to eyeball. Once they are taken out of danger, they cannot manage all that well. They have the highest statistics in incidents of PTSD and suicide. Thorne has to face his personal demons in order to survive. One way to do this is to find a safe haven and it just happens to be Ian who just happens to call Lang Downs his home.
Ian is also a survior, he faces his own personal demons and he needs to face his fears to survive. Through the years he did this by ignoring or hiding from them. Then he meets Thorne and he finds safety in the warrior and wants him to stay home with him in the station.
Two injured and broken men who only want to make a life with each other. They need to get over their fears and face them so they can have that life together they crave for so much.
The heavy subject matter was quite a lot to take, the highly sensitive issues the two men faced was even harder. Once the readers gets over these issues, they can then see that this is one beautiful story of two survivors who are fighting against all odds to gain back their humanities and finally get their happily ever after. I found this beautifully written as the author did not sugar coat any of the difficulties these two men and others like them face every single day. At the end of the book, readers will feel a little let down, thinking that maybe this is not an HEA but is rather an HFN. We really do not know for sure. What we are certain of is that these two men are working for their life together and are not afraid to face their fears together. As a couple.
Now it is time to talk about giving the readers a peek into the author's life. For all the heaviness of the subject matter, imagine my surprise when she wrote in Rohan and Sioned from Melanie Rawn's famous book, The Dragon Prince. I had a blast reading this, especially when it was not mentioned once or twice but several times.
By now you readers know I am a huge geek of the fantasy genre - apparently I see the author is too! A personal note to the author: I loved how you wrote in that Ian imagined his love for Thorne as something similar to that of Rohan and his sunrunner witch and the peek into the future that night in the grove. I see some similiarities between the two fantasy characters' love and the love of these two men. The fires creeping into the station of Lang Downs was similar to the renegade sunrunner witch's fire. Even Sioned's scar can be a parallel to the scars that both Ian and Thorne carry. Is it too late to get a dragon into the station? - but then again that would not do at all for it is a Sheep Station and any dragon would simply burst itself from over eating. This is the lighter side of this book and it did work - well, at least for me.
I am now ready for book 5!
November 30, 2013
This book was a fantastic addition to the Lang Downs series. Ms. Tachna takes you back to the sheep station in Australia several years after the first Lang Downs story. The men of Lang Downs were still just as compelling. They were a large family of farmers and ranchers who didn’t quite fit in anywhere else. In the series you see the importance of love, acceptance, and hard work. But most of all, it was all about accepting who you are and finding peace in who you learn to love.
Thorne is a broken man. His method of healing is to work focus, and to avoid. It’s not as simple as that and he comes to a crisis point when he travels to the sheep station hoping to help quell the fire that is threatening the homes of many people. Because if there is one thing worth fighting for, it’s a safe home, and he will fight to his last breath to defend this one. The open acceptance and sense of family draws him in as much it as scares him away. He fears and knows that there is something dangerous about him, and more than anything he doesn’t want to hurt anyone.
Ian is a loner on the edge of a close knit family. He has his reasons for his distance. When he meets Thorne he sees something of himself in the pain and struggles that Thorne is going through. At first he resists. Okay, at second he resists as well. But Ian and Thorne decide to try and walk this path of a relationship together.
I wept through most of this story. I adore this series, but this book felt different. It was in my opinion the diamond in the gems of this wonderful series. This book is not for the faint of heart. Ms. Tachna deals very closely with PTSD and trauma. She builds two men who are learning how to live with past experiences that have seriously wounded them.
There is nothing about this book I don’t adore. You could read it as a stand alone, but I would suggest you don’t. The central theme of family is brought full circle here and to get lost so beautifully in the middle of it was perfection. I loved visiting the men in the previous books, seeing their growth as well.
Make sure you are able to read this book with a full box of tissues, a glass of wine, and maybe even a shoulder to cry on. A magnificent member of the Lang Downs family of stories.
Reviewed By Beans
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Thorne is a broken man. His method of healing is to work focus, and to avoid. It’s not as simple as that and he comes to a crisis point when he travels to the sheep station hoping to help quell the fire that is threatening the homes of many people. Because if there is one thing worth fighting for, it’s a safe home, and he will fight to his last breath to defend this one. The open acceptance and sense of family draws him in as much it as scares him away. He fears and knows that there is something dangerous about him, and more than anything he doesn’t want to hurt anyone.
Ian is a loner on the edge of a close knit family. He has his reasons for his distance. When he meets Thorne he sees something of himself in the pain and struggles that Thorne is going through. At first he resists. Okay, at second he resists as well. But Ian and Thorne decide to try and walk this path of a relationship together.
I wept through most of this story. I adore this series, but this book felt different. It was in my opinion the diamond in the gems of this wonderful series. This book is not for the faint of heart. Ms. Tachna deals very closely with PTSD and trauma. She builds two men who are learning how to live with past experiences that have seriously wounded them.
There is nothing about this book I don’t adore. You could read it as a stand alone, but I would suggest you don’t. The central theme of family is brought full circle here and to get lost so beautifully in the middle of it was perfection. I loved visiting the men in the previous books, seeing their growth as well.
Make sure you are able to read this book with a full box of tissues, a glass of wine, and maybe even a shoulder to cry on. A magnificent member of the Lang Downs family of stories.
Reviewed By Beans
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