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On Solid Ground #1
On Solid Ground
When Jacob “Dax” Daxton returns home from war, he has to fight a new battle – the one to find his place in the world. The man who normally has a clear path to victory surrounded by brothers in combat is suddenly lost and alone. After meeting Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist, Dax’s journey begins winding down an unexpected path.
Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed.
As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground.
Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed.
As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground.
326 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2015
83 people are currently reading
1592 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Collins
29 books1,302 followersMelissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 428 reviews
January 18, 2015
~~ Buddy read with Jewel ~~
1.5 stars
This one did not work for me. AT. ALL.
First of all, where the hell are the tattoos on the cover? Beck owns a tattoo shop and has sleeves!
The MCs were one-dimensional and jumped from misunderstanding to misunderstanding. There was so much melodrama and so much telling.
The flashbacks of the men's early lives were entirely unnecessary. Dax's PTSD felt manufactured and simplistic. The whole plot point with Beck's sister Nikki was a train wreck from beginning to end.
Throw in a cute dog and precocious kid and call it a HEA.
Nah, I don't think so.
And the writing? *groans*
I can't believe this is an experienced author. The writing was amateurish and hella awkward. I never got lost in the story, since I was hyperaware of every phrase and word. There were so many misplaced modifiers!
One of my pet peeves is when authors overuse adverbs or flowery verbs because the prose isn't strong enough to carry emotion, and Collins did this constantly. There was a lot of glaring and chuckling and mocking and cooing.
You ARE in their way, and the "people" aren't on their ass; you are.
Cooing? Really?
Only one person did the penciling in, no? And "a bout of"? Sounds like diarrhea.
He forces a smile or the smile forces the curl? What the fuck does that even mean?
She's glaring down at herself? Huh. That's a fine trick.
Wait. WHAT?
I could go on, but I won't. I almost DNF this book, and I don't need to relive it.
1.5 stars
This one did not work for me. AT. ALL.
First of all, where the hell are the tattoos on the cover? Beck owns a tattoo shop and has sleeves!
The MCs were one-dimensional and jumped from misunderstanding to misunderstanding. There was so much melodrama and so much telling.
The flashbacks of the men's early lives were entirely unnecessary. Dax's PTSD felt manufactured and simplistic. The whole plot point with Beck's sister Nikki was a train wreck from beginning to end.
Throw in a cute dog and precocious kid and call it a HEA.
Nah, I don't think so.
And the writing? *groans*
I can't believe this is an experienced author. The writing was amateurish and hella awkward. I never got lost in the story, since I was hyperaware of every phrase and word. There were so many misplaced modifiers!
One of my pet peeves is when authors overuse adverbs or flowery verbs because the prose isn't strong enough to carry emotion, and Collins did this constantly. There was a lot of glaring and chuckling and mocking and cooing.
Laid out on my ass, people walk around me on both sides, like I'm in their way.
You ARE in their way, and the "people" aren't on their ass; you are.
She coos into the line, making me chuckle at her useless flirtations.
Cooing? Really?
After penciling me in, we end the call and a bout of nervous excitement settles in the pit of my stomach.
Only one person did the penciling in, no? And "a bout of"? Sounds like diarrhea.
He chokes a little on the words, forcing a smile to curl my mouth.
He forces a smile or the smile forces the curl? What the fuck does that even mean?
She can plop her ass back down in her precious chair. Glaring down at her, she has this 'cat who ate the canary' look on her face. This of course prompts me to snap "What?"
She's glaring down at herself? Huh. That's a fine trick.
He reminds me of every dream of which I felt I never deserved.
Wait. WHAT?
I could go on, but I won't. I almost DNF this book, and I don't need to relive it.
April 16, 2016
This is one of those books that took me by surprise. Probably because the author Melissa Collins normally writes hetero romance, so she wasn't on my radar. The blurb sounded outstanding! But then there were all kinds of fun surprise goodies for my personal taste in the actual book: A chocolate lab PTSD service dog! Named Tonka! An adorable young child MC Beck was caring for, his niece Violet. (I'm a sucker for the warm 'n fuzzies kids bring to M/M romances.) Ms. Collins even threw in some unexpected peril to get the angst juices flowing. The kind you usually only find in law enforcement related books. I was just a happy camper with every page turn! It was hurt/comfort overload!
Our gorgeous and entirely too-sexy-for-their-own-good Heroes are actually both quite flawed, which just helps to further the story along nicely. MC Jake Daxton has just returned from active duty in the Army and is suffering from PTSD after watching his entire unit killed in a Humvee explosion. Since he is gay and not yet out to his parents and brother, he decides to move to California and live with his best friend from college, Chloe, while he figures out what he wants to do with his life. There he meets MC Beckett Ridge, who barely survived his childhood after his drug addicted mother overdosed when he was in high school. His younger sister, Nikki, is hanging by a thread in rehab and has lost custody of her 4 year old daughter to Beck. Beck loves his job as a tattoo artist and owns his own shop with his friend Ty and is trying to stay afloat raising Violet and make a living. While not officially diagnosed with PTSD, his demons run deep and incredibly painful and his self esteem is on the rocks.
The book follows these boys and their friends, family and canine Tonka through a three month period of their lives that changes both of the boys dramatically. It is heartbreaking at times, but also uplifting and inspirational. The epilogue was glorious and had me dancing in my chair! Love that! I want to give this book 5 stars, but I'm giving it 4 because of how short the Heroes initial courtship was. It was frighteningly close to insta-love. I would have liked to have watched these two fall in love. Also, the miscommunications were a little bit Three's Company and there were far too many of them. I think that's enough to drop a star from a great book. And this is a GREAT book!
I can highly recommend this book to M/M romance fans, especially those that love hurt/healing/comfort (yes, we even get an injury!), children and military themes. This is a delightful book, one I won't soon forget.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
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January 16, 2015
DNF 43%
I went into this book really excited- the premise sounded right up alley. Unfortunately the author's writing did not work for me. She tended to over explain and it slowed the pace of the story. Add to that dumb misunderstandings and that was it for me. One of my biggest pet peeves is misunderstandings due to lack of communication. Jumping to conclusions without letting someone explain their side. Annoying.
Oooh, and I forgot the flashbacks! It was unnecessary and dispruptive to the flow of the story.
I don't know, I just didn't feel a connection to the MCs or between them. :(
I'll refrain from rating it since I didn't finish it but if I was to rate what I read it would be 2-2.5 stars. I wouldn't not recommend it- we all love different things and many seem to love it. Give it a try.
January 22, 2015
If I can’t say anything nice, I’m not supposed to say anything at all, right mom? But in this case, I have to (say not nice things) because this book is a real stinker with some deceptively high ratings, and, well, I feel the need to warn others.
The description for On Solid Ground pulled me in hook, line and sinker: troubled, closeted military hero meets troubled, bearded tattoo artist. Um. Yes, please.
MC Dax is returning home from his last tour of duty, and he’s looking for a fresh start, away from the family he thinks doesn't know or understand him. He’s not out to anyone at home, save his one close gal pal (uh-oh, cliché!), so when she suggests they become roomies, he jumps at the chance.
Things started to unravel for me around the time MC Beck is introduced. Beck is battling some personal demons of his own (family stuff), but he’s got his tattoo parlor and things are chugging along. Until the fateful day Dax walks in looking for a meaningful military/tribute tattoo. I’m told by the author these two are attracted at first sight, but listen. See my words: there is zero chemistry between Dax and Beck. Touching another man’s pecs while prepping him for a tat, without ever knowing feelings are reciprocated does not a romance make! I didn’t get how or why that and one quick conversation equaled attraction. The author never showed me what motivated these guys to want to connect.
The writing in On Solid Ground is also extremely stiff; the further I got into the novel, the more it felt like I was reading a grocery list. And the characters are all-around flat and one dimensional. What follows over the next hundred-plus pages are PTSD-style flashbacks, a great many misunderstandings and a lot of truly annoying and unnecessary angst. Honestly? I don’t think there’d have been much of a book if Dax and Beck had bothered to sit down with a couple of beers and talk some things out. That’s the reason why, for me, On Solid Ground felt more like het romance (yep, I remember those) than a story about two guys finding sanctuary from their weary lives, plus love and understanding with each other.
Sadly, I just don’t think this book (by a crossover author) is the right fit for this genre, and it’s definitely worth your while to carefully consider what other friends (those you know and trust) have to say about it before you buy.
The description for On Solid Ground pulled me in hook, line and sinker: troubled, closeted military hero meets troubled, bearded tattoo artist. Um. Yes, please.
MC Dax is returning home from his last tour of duty, and he’s looking for a fresh start, away from the family he thinks doesn't know or understand him. He’s not out to anyone at home, save his one close gal pal (uh-oh, cliché!), so when she suggests they become roomies, he jumps at the chance.
Things started to unravel for me around the time MC Beck is introduced. Beck is battling some personal demons of his own (family stuff), but he’s got his tattoo parlor and things are chugging along. Until the fateful day Dax walks in looking for a meaningful military/tribute tattoo. I’m told by the author these two are attracted at first sight, but listen. See my words: there is zero chemistry between Dax and Beck. Touching another man’s pecs while prepping him for a tat, without ever knowing feelings are reciprocated does not a romance make! I didn’t get how or why that and one quick conversation equaled attraction. The author never showed me what motivated these guys to want to connect.
The writing in On Solid Ground is also extremely stiff; the further I got into the novel, the more it felt like I was reading a grocery list. And the characters are all-around flat and one dimensional. What follows over the next hundred-plus pages are PTSD-style flashbacks, a great many misunderstandings and a lot of truly annoying and unnecessary angst. Honestly? I don’t think there’d have been much of a book if Dax and Beck had bothered to sit down with a couple of beers and talk some things out. That’s the reason why, for me, On Solid Ground felt more like het romance (yep, I remember those) than a story about two guys finding sanctuary from their weary lives, plus love and understanding with each other.
Sadly, I just don’t think this book (by a crossover author) is the right fit for this genre, and it’s definitely worth your while to carefully consider what other friends (those you know and trust) have to say about it before you buy.
January 16, 2015
★★★ 3 Stars ★★★
I did like this, it was sweet and fluffy and a very pleasant read.
Unfortunately for me, the chemistry which was there at the beginning seemed to fizzle out.
Dax, an ex-soldier, has returned from battle with the scars to prove it both physically and mentally. He is in the closet and wants to start a new life and find out who he is outside of the confines of the military. He bumps into Beck one day and discovers that he is a tattoo artist, which is great because that's exactly what he is looking to do.
The tattoo scene was the best part of the book for me, the chemistry was smoking and I was really excited to read on. After this though, things move on quite quickly and there is a lot of back and forth - neither one is sure they are ready for a commitment due to numerous issues they are both having to deal with in their lives at the present moment but they keep being drawn to each other and so they don't really know if it's the right time to pursue a relationship or not.
However, their moments together were cute and they made a great couple. Overall, I thought it was okay :)
I did like this, it was sweet and fluffy and a very pleasant read.
Unfortunately for me, the chemistry which was there at the beginning seemed to fizzle out.
Dax, an ex-soldier, has returned from battle with the scars to prove it both physically and mentally. He is in the closet and wants to start a new life and find out who he is outside of the confines of the military. He bumps into Beck one day and discovers that he is a tattoo artist, which is great because that's exactly what he is looking to do.
The tattoo scene was the best part of the book for me, the chemistry was smoking and I was really excited to read on. After this though, things move on quite quickly and there is a lot of back and forth - neither one is sure they are ready for a commitment due to numerous issues they are both having to deal with in their lives at the present moment but they keep being drawn to each other and so they don't really know if it's the right time to pursue a relationship or not.
However, their moments together were cute and they made a great couple. Overall, I thought it was okay :)
January 17, 2015
Dax is home from the military. He’s suffering from PTSD. He feels lost and all he wants it to find himself, to find peace. Dax is gay, in the closet and the only one who knows about it is his friend, Chloe. His family doesn’t know who he really is. He enrolled to avoid the truth, to avoid having to be a part of the real world where he felt he had no place. He wanted to figure out who he was and what he wants, but he still doesn’t have a clue. He thinks without the army he’s nothing.
“Space, I need space. I need to clear my head, figure out who the hell I am.”
Beck is a tattoo artist and he co-owns a tattoo shop. He had a hard life. Growing up with a drug addict mother wasn’t easy. He had to care of himself and also for his younger sister since he was just a kid. Now his sister is rehab and had lost custody of her four year old daughter, Violet. He fells responsible for his sister, even if he knows it’s not his fault. All he wants is to be and care for her and for his niece.
Dax and Beck meet when they run into each other literally. They are attracted to each other immediately. Beck figures out that Dax has a tough past. He intrigues him and he wants to know more.
“A silent sadness begging to be lightened, a broken soul secretly looking to be repaired, the shadow of man who obviously used to be so much more alive.”
As the story progressed, they relationship change. Their attraction grows, they want to be together, but they don’t know how. Beck’s niece, Violet, lives with him now and Dax is ready to help Beck with anything. Beck tries many times to push Dax away, telling himself they will never work together. In order to be together, happy, both of them will need to trust each other, to communicate with each other and finding out who they really are and want.
“That’s the state we’re both in, after all. Need. I need him to calm me; he needs me to steady him. I need him to rouse me back to life; he needs me to remind him that his is a good life, not one of meaningless nothingness.”
I went back and forward how to rate this. This was a lovely read! I really wanted to love it. I'm sure many readers will love this one, but for me it was only a nice read. Reading the blurb you know what to expect – an emotional read. And it was. At least some parts. Dax and Beck are likeable, but I can’t say I felt connected with them. I felt for them, I really did, but the author’s words didn’t move me enough. But this is me being picky. I guess my expectations were too high.
I liked Beck more for some reason. He is great with Violet. He is sweet and caring and he wants to take care of her even if he doesn’t have a clue how. His a great brother. He forgave his sister in the past and now he is ready to do anything to help her. With Beck he’s supportive, attentive and caring. He really is a good man.
There many sweet moments between them that I enjoyed. They are great with each other at the beginning. What I didn’t like is the lack of chemistry between them. I felt zero chemistry between them. There is a lot of telling about it from both men, but I didn’t feel it. Also, I expected the sex scenes to be more intense and emotional. For me they weren’t. Actually, they were poorly written in my opinion, especially since this was supposed to be..an emotional read.
This was a for sure an angsty read. With a premise like this you have to expect it. And there’s drama. Too much drama, stupid drama in my opinion.
Also, the miscommunication between them pissed me off. I hated it! And it was only to create more and more drama. *rolling eyes*
Overall, a nice story!
January 13, 2015
✯✯✯✯✯ Utter book love stars!
‘That’s the state we’re both in, after all. Need. I need him to calm me; he needs me to steady him. I need him to rouse me back to life; he needs me to remind him that his is a good life, not one of meaningless nothingness.’
This is our first experience with Melissa Collins’ work and after being completely mesmerized by the beauty of her words and storytelling you can bet we’ll be 1Clicking more from this author because she completely held our hearts with On Solid Ground.
In fact, if we had a checklist of everything we love in a story, this book would tick them all. Emotion, passion, sweetness, tenderness, love, engaging characters and a superbly told story, it was all there and then some.
‘What if I don’t like the me I find?’
The main characters, Dax and Beck, both so different, yet both carrying scars and pain from their past which they must confront and repair before they can give themselves completely to one another. The secondary players in this story were so significant in Dax and Beck’s healing and each relationship had a bearing on how their story would unfold. Each profoundly important it its own way.
We meet Dax as he is returning home after experiencing horrendous events whilst away at war. He finds it hard to assimilate into his old life as he deals with the guilt of loss, PTDS, painful memories and coming to terms with his sexuality. All has taken its toll and he feels a total disconnection from his loved ones, deciding to move to California in the hope of finding himself.
“How do you let go of the guilt of being alive?”
“By living the best fucking life you can.”
Beckett is the co-owner of a Tattoo parlour who was thrust into the role of carer and nurturer for his sister, this man had to accept responsibility and grow up fast, relinquishing any dreams he may have held.
Little did we know the depth to which both these men had suffered; such tragedy and heartbreak. Each had an agonizingly heartbreaking story to tell and both had us in a flood of tears.
We felt with every fibre of our being the encompassing love between Dax and Beckett and we felt their suffering as they faced their demons.
‘All those parts of myself that I usually keep hidden – he wears those parts on the outside.’
The sexual tension and the passion is evident and experienced but at no time does it overrule the emotional connection between them. It’s more an extension of the deep connection between these two men who crave the intimacy they share.
‘With a physical strength I could never exert, Dax hugs me tightly, crying all the tears he keeps at bay while awake.’
This is a story of self-discovery, of love at its most beautiful and genuine, one of loss and the love of family and it showed the complexities of healing deep emotional scars.
Melissa Collins delivered a stirring, thought provoking story that left us breathless and completely fulfilled. Such an emotive and beautiful story that encapsulated everything we love about reading.
“Just shut up. Let me have this. Just let me have this and then we can tell ourselves all the lies about how it’ll never work.”
If you are considering delving into the MM Sub Genre this book would be the perfect choice. You can’t go wrong giving On Solid Ground a read.
** Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks **
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January 15, 2015
Sigh... The blurb sounded really2x good. What happened? The first 2 chapters were really promising. There's zero chemistry between the 2 MCs and they were really2x annoying. The misunderstandings were making my head hurt. They'd be fucking one time and the next time they'd be "I cant do this." Something would happen and they'd be like:
MC1: NO, understand..
MC2: Let me explain...
MC1: Walks away without letting the other one explain.
Of course, you dont understand! You didnt let the other guy talk! This type of drama really gets on my nerve. The change of POV was also confusing. The only thing I liked about this book is the DOG.
BTW, ONE OF THE MC IS SUPPOSEDLY A TATTOO ARTIST BUT NEITHER OF GUYS ON THE COVER HAVE TATTOOS!!!!!!
2.5 stars!
MC1: NO, understand..
MC2: Let me explain...
MC1: Walks away without letting the other one explain.
Of course, you dont understand! You didnt let the other guy talk! This type of drama really gets on my nerve. The change of POV was also confusing. The only thing I liked about this book is the DOG.
BTW, ONE OF THE MC IS SUPPOSEDLY A TATTOO ARTIST BUT NEITHER OF GUYS ON THE COVER HAVE TATTOOS!!!!!!
2.5 stars!
October 24, 2015
Oh what drama Melissa Collins weaved for me. There is a lot going on and it seems that for some of my fellow readers it was just too much for them. I on the other hand live for drama. In my books, not my life. But really it's all in the way it is written on whether or not I will enjoy it or get highly annoyed with it. Obviously I enjoyed this one. I was REALLY doubtful I would considering the majority of my GR peeps gave it such low ratings. This just proves, once again, that everyone isn't going to love or hate the same books and we're all different in our tastes. Now, with that being said, on to why I liked it.
I liked both MC's. For me, when they were actually together and not floating in the sea of misunderstanding's, they worked. I really liked them together. I loved their relationship with, Violet. She was adorable and funny. And lets face it, I am sucker for books with kids. They bring me all kinds of warm feels. Plus I think she brought some lightness that was much needed to the heaviness of this book. And their was a precious doggie named Tonka (love that name!) that was Dax's PTSD dog who was just so freaking awesome. I loved the pup.
The men in this book are flawed, broken, and in some desperate need of some tender love and care. Dax is in the process of trying to heal from the passing of his former love, Delaney, deal with his PTSD, and try to overcome his guilt for living when none of his comrades made it home. Beck has had a tough life and things have never come easy for him or his sister Nikki. Unfortunately their mother wasn't much of one and Nikki has seemed to follow in their mother's footsteps. Something major happens sending her to court ordered rehab while her daughter, Violet gets taken away by CPS. Beck is in a world of guilt over how his sister has turned out. He blames himself for not protecting her enough and simply just not being enough for her to keep her out of harms way. He has always taken the blame for her actions and has tried numerous times to help her but it never seemed good enough.
I felt all kinds of feels for these men. Angry, annoyed, frustration, happiness, sadness, and in the end, joy. Because they got their HEA and it was well deserved after all the shit that happens near the end. I loved that the author wasn't afraid to go that far at the end. It was sad, but WOW! I didn't see it happening that way. But still, loved the epilogue.
I read some reviews about people not liking the cover because one of the guys didn't match the character, Beck. I literally had to look at the cover again because I never pay much attention. I agree with the one's who said the guy looks nothing like the character. But it doesn't bother me much because the guys on the cover of any book I read never matches what I picture in my head. So I decided to post two guys who were similar to the guys I pictured in my head. My Beck isn't as tatted as the one in the book, but his face works for me. To each their own as they say. LOL
This is my first read by Melissa Collins and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to her other M/M books.
January 18, 2015
2.5 stars
This book is a big vat of Velveeta cheese! The drama is cheesy, the declarations of love and even some of the dialogue while having sex is cheesy.
I disliked the 1st person/ present tense POV. The constant flashbacks felt off and distracting. My biggest beef is with the cheesy drama. Nikki and Violet are nothing but plot devices.
And I do not buy their HEA. I give them two years tops. All the way to the epilogue these guys can't be bothered to talk about shit!!
This book is a big vat of Velveeta cheese! The drama is cheesy, the declarations of love and even some of the dialogue while having sex is cheesy.
I disliked the 1st person/ present tense POV. The constant flashbacks felt off and distracting. My biggest beef is with the cheesy drama. Nikki and Violet are nothing but plot devices.
And I do not buy their HEA. I give them two years tops. All the way to the epilogue these guys can't be bothered to talk about shit!!
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December 19, 2014
�� I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
4-4.5 stars!!★★★★☆
**Wow!! What a way to pop my cherry into the world of Author Melissa Collins!**
“Some people are drawn together, pulled to one another by some ineffable force, their lives forever entwined, despite the circumstances the world may hand them. That’s how I felt about you, talking with you, laughing with you, loving you.”
On Solid Ground was MUCH MORE than a M/M romance. It was about love, life, loss, forgiveness, and family. And most importantly, it was about self- acceptance.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I have not read many M/M romances, and not because I don’t like them or have any reservations against them. I just haven't clicked with many of their plot lines to want to divest my time on them is all.
What did it in for me in regards to On Solid Ground, was its refreshing and out of the box synopsis. It just called and appealed to me on a whole another level that I just had to read it! And I’m glad that I did!
On Solid Ground genuinely opened my eyes to things that I had never come across in other books. It had: conviction, it had feelings, AND, it had heart.
While Dax is battling with-- horrific PTSD trauma and the devastation of losing a loved one in battle. NOT TO MENTION, coming to terms with his hidden sexual orientation and dealing with his family's shaky infrastructure….Beck, on the other hand, is dealing with a crippling childhood past, the newly appointed guardianship of his *adorable* niece...AND, being the sole protector and lifeline to his troubled sister.
With these tumultuous developments set against them... it is easy to gauge that Beck and Dax's relationship is not an easy one, as is any relationship for that matter, as they both go through their own stages of highs and lows and come to a breaking point of no return. But hey, who said the course of love was ever meant to be easy, right?
Another thing I would like to point out is the sexual aspect of this book. Usually in romances, while I do like my some dirty sex at times, I do not enjoy excessive amounts of unnecessary andpointless sex that I feel some authors use to spice up or use as fillers for their characters.
What I enjoy what author Melissa Collins does here is that she bases Dax and Beck’s sexual intimacies purely out of need and connection. There was no insta-love or nuances of lust driving their decision making. Almost every single thing they did was pure, selfless, beautiful and yet primitive (*’cause they’re alpha, hunky men! ~wink wink~*) testaments of unwavering commitment and devotion to one another.
So, all in all, a great, great story that made me think of 1)♬Shinedown’s 45♬ whenever I thought of Dax and his internal struggle from the battlefield; 2)as well as ♬Jessie J’s Who You Are♬ whenever times got hard for Dax and Beck.
I was nearly moved to tears with many of the heartwarming, tear-jerking, and realistic plot trials and scenarios that these characters were presented with, and relished their multi-faceted and compassionate personalities to face their fears head on.
After all, this is what this story primarily centered about-- learning and growing from life’s uphills and tribulations. And picking yourself up and moving forward even when things may seem fruitless and bleak.
#I love, loved, this story Melissa!! A splendid and touching novel with so much life lessons and advice that many of us could use in our everyday lives!!
4-4.5 stars!!★★★★☆
**Wow!! What a way to pop my cherry into the world of Author Melissa Collins!**
“Some people are drawn together, pulled to one another by some ineffable force, their lives forever entwined, despite the circumstances the world may hand them. That’s how I felt about you, talking with you, laughing with you, loving you.”
On Solid Ground was MUCH MORE than a M/M romance. It was about love, life, loss, forgiveness, and family. And most importantly, it was about self- acceptance.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I have not read many M/M romances, and not because I don’t like them or have any reservations against them. I just haven't clicked with many of their plot lines to want to divest my time on them is all.
What did it in for me in regards to On Solid Ground, was its refreshing and out of the box synopsis. It just called and appealed to me on a whole another level that I just had to read it! And I’m glad that I did!
On Solid Ground genuinely opened my eyes to things that I had never come across in other books. It had: conviction, it had feelings, AND, it had heart.
While Dax is battling with-- horrific PTSD trauma and the devastation of losing a loved one in battle. NOT TO MENTION, coming to terms with his hidden sexual orientation and dealing with his family's shaky infrastructure….Beck, on the other hand, is dealing with a crippling childhood past, the newly appointed guardianship of his *adorable* niece...AND, being the sole protector and lifeline to his troubled sister.
With these tumultuous developments set against them... it is easy to gauge that Beck and Dax's relationship is not an easy one, as is any relationship for that matter, as they both go through their own stages of highs and lows and come to a breaking point of no return. But hey, who said the course of love was ever meant to be easy, right?
Another thing I would like to point out is the sexual aspect of this book. Usually in romances, while I do like my some dirty sex at times, I do not enjoy excessive amounts of unnecessary and
What I enjoy what author Melissa Collins does here is that she bases Dax and Beck’s sexual intimacies purely out of need and connection. There was no insta-love or nuances of lust driving their decision making. Almost every single thing they did was pure, selfless, beautiful and yet primitive (*’cause they’re alpha, hunky men! ~wink wink~*) testaments of unwavering commitment and devotion to one another.
So, all in all, a great, great story that made me think of 1)♬Shinedown’s 45♬ whenever I thought of Dax and his internal struggle from the battlefield; 2)as well as ♬Jessie J’s Who You Are♬ whenever times got hard for Dax and Beck.
I was nearly moved to tears with many of the heartwarming, tear-jerking, and realistic plot trials and scenarios that these characters were presented with, and relished their multi-faceted and compassionate personalities to face their fears head on.
After all, this is what this story primarily centered about-- learning and growing from life’s uphills and tribulations. And picking yourself up and moving forward even when things may seem fruitless and bleak.
#I love, loved, this story Melissa!! A splendid and touching novel with so much life lessons and advice that many of us could use in our everyday lives!!
January 14, 2015
‘That’s the state we’re both in, after all. Need. I need him to calm me; he needs me to steady him. I need him to rouse me back to life; he needs me to remind him that his is a good life, not one of meaningless nothingness.’
This is our first experience with Melissa Collins’ work and after being completely mesmerized by the beauty of her words and storytelling you can bet we’ll be 1Clicking more from this author because she completely held our hearts with On Solid Ground.
In fact, if we had a checklist of everything we love in a story, this book would tick them all. Emotion, passion, sweetness, tenderness, love, engaging characters and a superbly told story, it was all there and then some.
‘What if I don’t like the me I find?’
The main characters, Dax and Beck, both so different, yet both carrying scars and pain from their past which they must confront and repair before they can give themselves completely to one another. The secondary players in this story were so significant in Dax and Beck’s healing and each relationship had a bearing on how their story would unfold. Each profoundly important it its own way.
We meet Dax as he is returning home after experiencing horrendous events whilst away at war. He finds it hard to assimilate into his old life as he deals with the guilt of loss, PTDS, painful memories and coming to terms with his sexuality. All has taken its toll and he feels a total disconnection from his loved ones, deciding to move to California in the hope of finding himself.
“How do you let go of the guilt of being alive?”
“By living the best fucking life you can.”
Beckett is the co-owner of a Tattoo parlour who was thrust into the role of carer and nurturer for his sister, this man had to accept responsibility and grow up fast, relinquishing any dreams he may have held.
Little did we know the depth to which both these men had suffered; such tragedy and heartbreak. Each had an agonizingly heartbreaking story to tell and both had us in a flood of tears.
We felt with every fibre of our being the encompassing love between Dax and Beckett and we felt their suffering as they faced their demons.
‘All those parts of myself that I usually keep hidden – he wears those parts on the outside.’
The sexual tension and the passion is evident and experienced but at no time does it overrule the emotional connection between them. It’s more an extension of the deep connection between these two men who crave the intimacy they share.
‘With a physical strength I could never exert, Dax hugs me tightly, crying all the tears he keeps at bay while awake.’
This is a story of self-discovery, of love at its most beautiful and genuine, one of loss and the love of family and it showed the complexities of healing deep emotional scars.
Melissa Collins delivered a stirring, thought provoking story that left us breathless and completely fulfilled. Such an emotive and beautiful story that encapsulated everything we love about reading.
“Just shut up. Let me have this. Just let me have this and then we can tell ourselves all the lies about how it’ll never work.”
If you are considering delving into the MM Sub Genre this book would be the perfect choice. You can’t go wrong giving On Solid Ground a read.
** Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks **
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January 22, 2015
#Exclusive Bonus Scene for On Solid Ground by Melissa Collins http://bit.ly/OSGbonus
#mustclick #loved
http://amzn.to/1yjgaW3
4.5 stars
I am going to try to relay my deep love of this story without revealing to0 many plots points or the story because experiencing it unfold was powerful.
Jacob “Dax” Daxton is solider returning home and I want to start by saying his PTSD was so well done; it was tangible to the reader and touched my soul. There were times my heart bleed for Dax and times I so wished I could reach into my kinde and give him a big hug!
Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist who focused on building the reputation of his tattoo shop. One with his own dark past; one that when revealed put a lump in throat.
The first meeting between Dax and Beck is epic and make you smile for the banter in the shop. Their connection was tangible and Dax sitting in Beck tattoo chair will have you rooting for these men to find a way to come together.
Experiencing these two men building a friendship and bringing each other comfort made me try to read slower to saver the journey even more.
The secondary characters in this story build a world that sucked me right in; Chloe, Lexxie, the adorable Violet and Tonka all made this story truly powerful, creating an I wish I could sit and read all day kind of story.
As this story takes a turn be prepared with tissues as I gripped my kindle so held my breath hoping these men would find the happy both deserved.
I am not going to tell you what that statement means or how things come together but I will say the epilogue in this book is truly the perfect family for Dax and Beck, yes I said family and no I am not telling what that means READ the book! Dax’s confession in the epilogue and the stats quoted make his even more powerful.
“All because she said yes” are the final words of this book… I know odd for a gay romance but trust me it works!
This was a wonderful story, the kind of story I am telling countless readers to pick up; it so enjoyable and is one that will stuck with me for sometime to come!
#mustclick #loved
http://amzn.to/1yjgaW3
4.5 stars
I am going to try to relay my deep love of this story without revealing to0 many plots points or the story because experiencing it unfold was powerful.
Jacob “Dax” Daxton is solider returning home and I want to start by saying his PTSD was so well done; it was tangible to the reader and touched my soul. There were times my heart bleed for Dax and times I so wished I could reach into my kinde and give him a big hug!
Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist who focused on building the reputation of his tattoo shop. One with his own dark past; one that when revealed put a lump in throat.
The first meeting between Dax and Beck is epic and make you smile for the banter in the shop. Their connection was tangible and Dax sitting in Beck tattoo chair will have you rooting for these men to find a way to come together.
Experiencing these two men building a friendship and bringing each other comfort made me try to read slower to saver the journey even more.
The secondary characters in this story build a world that sucked me right in; Chloe, Lexxie, the adorable Violet and Tonka all made this story truly powerful, creating an I wish I could sit and read all day kind of story.
As this story takes a turn be prepared with tissues as I gripped my kindle so held my breath hoping these men would find the happy both deserved.
I am not going to tell you what that statement means or how things come together but I will say the epilogue in this book is truly the perfect family for Dax and Beck, yes I said family and no I am not telling what that means READ the book! Dax’s confession in the epilogue and the stats quoted make his even more powerful.
“All because she said yes” are the final words of this book… I know odd for a gay romance but trust me it works!
This was a wonderful story, the kind of story I am telling countless readers to pick up; it so enjoyable and is one that will stuck with me for sometime to come!
January 22, 2015
BR with Friends - Monday 19.01.2015!
DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA ...
Want to read
January 3, 2015Military Men + Tattoo Artists= Resistance Is Futile!*Q*
Want to read
November 23, 2017Kindle freebie for Thanksgiving! 11/23/17!
January 15, 2015
I teamed up with Lisa over at Sinfully for a joint review on this book. Here is what we both have to say;
Mark: Oh my goodness, now did I love this book or what? Loved the MCs Dax and Beck. Two men dealing with traumatic pasts and trying to overcome their experiences. Loved the dynamics between them. The typical but yet realistic communication problems when two guys unable to express their emotions openly get their wires crossed. Loved the story line. A plot that was intricate as well as well thought out and keeps the reader’s interest all the way. Loved the introduction of kids. Little Victoria, Beck’s five year old niece, was absolutely adorable and as I’m a sucker for kids I was a goner too. Loved the whole idea of a new family being formed. Not only from blood relations but one made of love and understanding. What were your initial reactions Lisa?
Lisa: Well, to be honest, I had no idea what to expect when I decided to give this book a go. After reading the synopsis I knew that On Solid Ground would be a book right up my alley. I am a sucker for damaged heroes striving to move forward and shed the pasts that haunt them. However, with this being said, when reading an unfamiliar author you are never quite sure whether you will end up pleasantly surprised or if you will be dragged into the land of the abysmally awful. What a wonderfully touching and beautiful book this turned out to be! I could not help falling in love with both Jacob “Dax” Daxton and Beckett Ridge (a.k.a. Beck). These two men, both equally damaged and broken for different reasons, both with very complex issues to sort through, suddenly find themselves thrown off course all because they discover one another. It may have not been the greatest timing for either one of them, but walking away was also not an option they wanted to contemplate.
Mark: I just felt so much for Dax and Beck. Dax is home from the military and suffering from PTSD and after what he had just experienced than no wonder. He is back home however his family doesn’t know that he is gay and he has never had the courage or the necessity to come out to them. That’s one of the reasons why he feels so caged and restricted at home and joined the military in the first place. Well, this also had parallels with my own personal story too! I was like totally, F*** ME and HOLY SHIT! It took me a long time to come out to my parents through fear of what they would think and I had already been in the Royal Air Force by a number of years by then. I told my younger brother first and then my parents, but like Dax in the end it happened but more by accident than it was ever planned, but I'm so grateful for it. If it didn’t happen I would have been shutting them out of a part of my life completely for fear of rejection which wouldn’t have been fair and in turn they came to love my husband of now 14 years as much as any son-in-law. Loving mums and dads will always come through as the love of their child and their happiness should never leave and always be the priority. This was my case and it was also the case for Dax when the time came. I was willing him on all the way to take that leap of faith that it takes to come out. He needed to find himself first however before going through all that. When he returns home first, for Dax it meant it wasn’t long before he moved out to live with his best friend Chloe. I could so relate to this side of the story, it was also realistically dealt with by Melissa with a lot of emotion, family love and tolerance taking the precedence even as tough as this may be at times. Also Dax’s backstory while he was in the military, his relationship with his comrade Delaney and the experience that led to his PTSD felt very real and to be honest a perfectly foreseeable scenario.
“I’ve spent the last four years of my life in the Army, fighting this war. It’s defined me as a man, and now, without it, I’m nothing.” ~Dax
Lisa: That is so amazing that you could relate to this story on such a personal level, Mark. I love it when that happens to me. Dax for me was someone who truly broke my heart at times. Here is a man back from serving his country and he is lost and trying so hard to deal with the after effects of his time in the Army as well as attempting to cope with PTSD. Like you indicated, Dax had felt like he could not be his true self at home and this is one of the reasons he joined the Army. He essentially escaped to find himself and now he feels like he is right back to square one, in the place he attempted to escape in the first place. Dax is simply trying to find himself once again, discover what life means for him without the Army being at the forefront. He wants to be more than a soldier. However, suffering from PTSD and having some serious anxiety attacks is hindering his progress. Beck comes into his life when it was chaotic and muddled. But, sometimes we find beauty in our messy circumstances.
Mark: Exactly Lisa, you would think that Dax would have enough on his plate coping with his trauma and getting his issues straight. But I guess life is always good a throwing curve balls when we least expect them and Dax definitely didn’t see this one coming. However, when Dax receives the letter from Delaney his former lover in the Army that was the point in the book where I choked up. What a beautiful moment! However, I just felt that I needed more of Dax’s and Delaney’s backstory, their relationship and how things developed just to have pushed me over the edge emotionally that little bit more which for me personally is why it didn’t quite hit the five star mark at that moment, but it was almost there. I felt if there was more on Dax’s backstory I could have connected a lot more with this beautiful moment and the letter from Delaney.
Lisa: I definitely agree, Mark. The letter from Delaney was one of the more heart-warming and emotionally touching moments in the book for me as well. I also agree that I would have liked more of a backstory when it came to Dax and Delaney. It seemed like they shared a very profound connection. I am not sure I can pinpoint why this book was not quite a five star read for me. I truly enjoyed it and found it to be a very moving tale of love. When it comes to my five star reads, they are usually based on how I feel when I finish the book. While I loved this book very much, I could not quite put it in my five star category.
Mark: As for Beck, well I never thought I would find a tattoo artist sexy, but this one I did and that is coming from someone who has never really appreciated I guess the art that goes into tattoos and possibly too chicken to get one - lol! However, what I loved with this character was the contrast. The tattoos gave him a kind of no nonsense, tough man exterior, but inside he was loving and caring and seemed to be a man with a big heart that could take the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. He and his sister who is in drug rehab at the time he meets Dax, never had what anyone could call a loving childhood. In actual fact considering what Beck and his sister experienced at the hand of their mother I’m surprised that Becks turned out to be the loving and caring adult that he is. Unfortunately, it did have the effect that his sister ended up going off the rails, but his love for his younger sister after they had stuck through the worst imaginable experiences as children shone through and I found this so admirable.
“Dax is the antithesis of everything I appear to be, but he’s the completion of everything I want to be.” ~Beck
Lisa: Ah, Beck. Sigh! I loved loved loved him. I DO appreciate the fine art of tattoos - particularly when they are on sexy males. LOL! I also loved how different Dax and Beck appeared to be. Dax was this honourable soldier who had served his country and Beck is this rough and gritty tattoo artist with a harsh upbringing. Despite Beck’s difficult childhood and the reality he faces with his sister, he truly is a man with a great heart. He has stood by his sister and loves her through thick and thin. Like Dax, he has a lot on his plate and his life is extremely stressful. The last thing he needs is a complication like falling for a sexy ex-soldier. But how can Beck walk away from a man whose broken spirit calls out to his own?
Mark: When these two guys meet for the first time in Beck’s tattoo shop then the usual game of attraction starts. Beck doesn’t reckon that Dax the big, beefy soldier boy could be gay and therefore mistakes Chloe for his girlfriend. Well, all the usual second guessing starts as Dax is a customer and Beck has to remain professional. But all the innuendos are there too. As always it it takes Chloe and Beck’s upbeat colleague and best friend Lexie to get the truth out of Chloe. I just loved these girls. Yes, don’t ask me why but it is quite normal that a lot of gay men have a female BFF! And here it just felt so right and realistic at least based on my experiences with my BFF. Loved the whole dynamics going on between the four of them.
Well, this is a story that gets on track eventually relationship wise, but more one of two steps forward and one back. Keeps things interesting and made for some really heart wrenching break-ups and miscommunication before they finally get their act together. At times I could have slapped the pair of them and banged their heads together for being so mule headed. Geez, sometimes they drove me to distraction, but all within reason when you consider the past experiences these guys have had.
Lisa: I loved how Beck and Dax fell into one another - the insecurities, the awkward beginning, the desire, the passion. It was all there and so realistically done. Let’s face it, how many of us start lasting relationships effortlessly and flawlessly? Anything real and worth it is always going to be messy, mistakes will be made and the awkwardness is simply part of it all. Beck is at a time in his life where his responsibilities are likely more than he can handle and starting a relationship with someone should be far off his radar. But the connection he feels with Dax is not one he can ignore. Both Dax and Beck are attempting to move on from their pasts and heal. They both want to focus on their respective futures. Both men find solace in each other. The question becomes whether that is enough? Amidst their chaotic and hectic lives, can they hang on to one another without causing the other to fall?
Mark:> Dax eventually comes out to his family, not the way he had planned, well he never planned it at all really, but the truth will out. I found again this was dealt with realistically and with great sensitivity and had me choking up, especially the conversations with his mother towards the end. This is what was needed for Dax to go get his man. The love and support of a family is so important. I have no idea who Melissa talked too, where she got her info from about the experiences a lot of gay men go through when coming out to family and friends, but it couldn’t have been handled better. In a perfect and accepting world I guess the term “coming out” should really be a redundant one as no one should be made to feel that their sexuality is some dirty little secret. But I guess we have some way to go on that one.
Lisa: I am obviously not coming at this story as a gay man, but I do think that this author handled Dax’s “coming out” to his family beautifully. I can only imagine how hard that must be and how much courage it takes to open up to your family, particularly your parents. I agree with you, Mark. The fact that individuals actually have a hard time expressing who they truly are to their families is sad and should not happen in the first place. I am glad Melissa Collins gave Dax what he needed, the love and acceptance of his family. Those precious moments he had with his mother had me a little teary. As a mother myself of two young children, moments between mothers and their children (no matter how old they are) always pull at my heartstrings.
Mark: I also loved how Beck wanted to care for his niece and give her a childhood he never had. This is the part of the reason he was reluctant to commit to Dax entirely as he didn’t want Victoria taking to Dax only for him to disappear again. The child had been through enough with her mother, Beck’s sister. He gets legal custody and all’s well that ends well, Victoria totally accepts and loves Dax and Beck’s gets over his fears that Dax will leave. It was so lovely to feel the love that these two men had for this little girl and I’m sure she would have a happy and solid childhood with these two guys, if not a little spoilt I reckon - lol! Goes to show once again that family is love! No matter whether you have a mum and dad, two dads or two mums. Lisa what’s your take on this as a mum?
Lisa: I adored Victoria. She definitely took the story up a notch for me. Bring a small child into the mix and you have me. LOL! I absolutely adored how Beck fought for his niece and was determined to give her all that she needed. She came first for him. I also loved how quickly Dax succumbed to Victoria’s charms. He didn’t stand a chance against that sweet girl. I am in complete accordance with you, Mark. Love is love. No matter what. Both Beck and Dax loved little Victoria unconditionally. In the end that is all that really matters. As a mother I take care of my kids and provide them with their needs and wants. However, above all else, the most important thing I can provide for them is my unconditional love and acceptance. That is what family should be.
Mark: So all in all I loved this book from beginning to end, an emotional journey with these two for sure. I loved the way that each chapter alternates between Dax’s standpoint and Beck’s standpoint. I know this may not sit well with some readers, but for me it was perfect and gives a balanced view letting you understand more the emotions, thoughts and deliberations of each character. This will definitely not be the last M/M read for me from Melissa Collins and I’ll certainly be at the front of the queue to grab the next one that comes out.
Lisa: I also loved On Solid Ground. It is a beautiful tale about embracing love even when it comes at you at the most inopportune time in your life. When I finished the book after reading the epilogue I had a huge smile on my face. That is the sign of a wonderful romance, a book that leaves me happily sighing. This is my first book by Melissa Collins and it most certainly will not be my last.
"We don't become united; it's as if we've always been united somehow and these movements simply remind us that our other half was always out there."
A solid 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Mark: Oh my goodness, now did I love this book or what? Loved the MCs Dax and Beck. Two men dealing with traumatic pasts and trying to overcome their experiences. Loved the dynamics between them. The typical but yet realistic communication problems when two guys unable to express their emotions openly get their wires crossed. Loved the story line. A plot that was intricate as well as well thought out and keeps the reader’s interest all the way. Loved the introduction of kids. Little Victoria, Beck’s five year old niece, was absolutely adorable and as I’m a sucker for kids I was a goner too. Loved the whole idea of a new family being formed. Not only from blood relations but one made of love and understanding. What were your initial reactions Lisa?
Lisa: Well, to be honest, I had no idea what to expect when I decided to give this book a go. After reading the synopsis I knew that On Solid Ground would be a book right up my alley. I am a sucker for damaged heroes striving to move forward and shed the pasts that haunt them. However, with this being said, when reading an unfamiliar author you are never quite sure whether you will end up pleasantly surprised or if you will be dragged into the land of the abysmally awful. What a wonderfully touching and beautiful book this turned out to be! I could not help falling in love with both Jacob “Dax” Daxton and Beckett Ridge (a.k.a. Beck). These two men, both equally damaged and broken for different reasons, both with very complex issues to sort through, suddenly find themselves thrown off course all because they discover one another. It may have not been the greatest timing for either one of them, but walking away was also not an option they wanted to contemplate.
Mark: I just felt so much for Dax and Beck. Dax is home from the military and suffering from PTSD and after what he had just experienced than no wonder. He is back home however his family doesn’t know that he is gay and he has never had the courage or the necessity to come out to them. That’s one of the reasons why he feels so caged and restricted at home and joined the military in the first place. Well, this also had parallels with my own personal story too! I was like totally, F*** ME and HOLY SHIT! It took me a long time to come out to my parents through fear of what they would think and I had already been in the Royal Air Force by a number of years by then. I told my younger brother first and then my parents, but like Dax in the end it happened but more by accident than it was ever planned, but I'm so grateful for it. If it didn’t happen I would have been shutting them out of a part of my life completely for fear of rejection which wouldn’t have been fair and in turn they came to love my husband of now 14 years as much as any son-in-law. Loving mums and dads will always come through as the love of their child and their happiness should never leave and always be the priority. This was my case and it was also the case for Dax when the time came. I was willing him on all the way to take that leap of faith that it takes to come out. He needed to find himself first however before going through all that. When he returns home first, for Dax it meant it wasn’t long before he moved out to live with his best friend Chloe. I could so relate to this side of the story, it was also realistically dealt with by Melissa with a lot of emotion, family love and tolerance taking the precedence even as tough as this may be at times. Also Dax’s backstory while he was in the military, his relationship with his comrade Delaney and the experience that led to his PTSD felt very real and to be honest a perfectly foreseeable scenario.
“I’ve spent the last four years of my life in the Army, fighting this war. It’s defined me as a man, and now, without it, I’m nothing.” ~Dax
Lisa: That is so amazing that you could relate to this story on such a personal level, Mark. I love it when that happens to me. Dax for me was someone who truly broke my heart at times. Here is a man back from serving his country and he is lost and trying so hard to deal with the after effects of his time in the Army as well as attempting to cope with PTSD. Like you indicated, Dax had felt like he could not be his true self at home and this is one of the reasons he joined the Army. He essentially escaped to find himself and now he feels like he is right back to square one, in the place he attempted to escape in the first place. Dax is simply trying to find himself once again, discover what life means for him without the Army being at the forefront. He wants to be more than a soldier. However, suffering from PTSD and having some serious anxiety attacks is hindering his progress. Beck comes into his life when it was chaotic and muddled. But, sometimes we find beauty in our messy circumstances.
Mark: Exactly Lisa, you would think that Dax would have enough on his plate coping with his trauma and getting his issues straight. But I guess life is always good a throwing curve balls when we least expect them and Dax definitely didn’t see this one coming. However, when Dax receives the letter from Delaney his former lover in the Army that was the point in the book where I choked up. What a beautiful moment! However, I just felt that I needed more of Dax’s and Delaney’s backstory, their relationship and how things developed just to have pushed me over the edge emotionally that little bit more which for me personally is why it didn’t quite hit the five star mark at that moment, but it was almost there. I felt if there was more on Dax’s backstory I could have connected a lot more with this beautiful moment and the letter from Delaney.
Lisa: I definitely agree, Mark. The letter from Delaney was one of the more heart-warming and emotionally touching moments in the book for me as well. I also agree that I would have liked more of a backstory when it came to Dax and Delaney. It seemed like they shared a very profound connection. I am not sure I can pinpoint why this book was not quite a five star read for me. I truly enjoyed it and found it to be a very moving tale of love. When it comes to my five star reads, they are usually based on how I feel when I finish the book. While I loved this book very much, I could not quite put it in my five star category.
Mark: As for Beck, well I never thought I would find a tattoo artist sexy, but this one I did and that is coming from someone who has never really appreciated I guess the art that goes into tattoos and possibly too chicken to get one - lol! However, what I loved with this character was the contrast. The tattoos gave him a kind of no nonsense, tough man exterior, but inside he was loving and caring and seemed to be a man with a big heart that could take the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. He and his sister who is in drug rehab at the time he meets Dax, never had what anyone could call a loving childhood. In actual fact considering what Beck and his sister experienced at the hand of their mother I’m surprised that Becks turned out to be the loving and caring adult that he is. Unfortunately, it did have the effect that his sister ended up going off the rails, but his love for his younger sister after they had stuck through the worst imaginable experiences as children shone through and I found this so admirable.
“Dax is the antithesis of everything I appear to be, but he’s the completion of everything I want to be.” ~Beck
Lisa: Ah, Beck. Sigh! I loved loved loved him. I DO appreciate the fine art of tattoos - particularly when they are on sexy males. LOL! I also loved how different Dax and Beck appeared to be. Dax was this honourable soldier who had served his country and Beck is this rough and gritty tattoo artist with a harsh upbringing. Despite Beck’s difficult childhood and the reality he faces with his sister, he truly is a man with a great heart. He has stood by his sister and loves her through thick and thin. Like Dax, he has a lot on his plate and his life is extremely stressful. The last thing he needs is a complication like falling for a sexy ex-soldier. But how can Beck walk away from a man whose broken spirit calls out to his own?
Mark: When these two guys meet for the first time in Beck’s tattoo shop then the usual game of attraction starts. Beck doesn’t reckon that Dax the big, beefy soldier boy could be gay and therefore mistakes Chloe for his girlfriend. Well, all the usual second guessing starts as Dax is a customer and Beck has to remain professional. But all the innuendos are there too. As always it it takes Chloe and Beck’s upbeat colleague and best friend Lexie to get the truth out of Chloe. I just loved these girls. Yes, don’t ask me why but it is quite normal that a lot of gay men have a female BFF! And here it just felt so right and realistic at least based on my experiences with my BFF. Loved the whole dynamics going on between the four of them.
Well, this is a story that gets on track eventually relationship wise, but more one of two steps forward and one back. Keeps things interesting and made for some really heart wrenching break-ups and miscommunication before they finally get their act together. At times I could have slapped the pair of them and banged their heads together for being so mule headed. Geez, sometimes they drove me to distraction, but all within reason when you consider the past experiences these guys have had.
Lisa: I loved how Beck and Dax fell into one another - the insecurities, the awkward beginning, the desire, the passion. It was all there and so realistically done. Let’s face it, how many of us start lasting relationships effortlessly and flawlessly? Anything real and worth it is always going to be messy, mistakes will be made and the awkwardness is simply part of it all. Beck is at a time in his life where his responsibilities are likely more than he can handle and starting a relationship with someone should be far off his radar. But the connection he feels with Dax is not one he can ignore. Both Dax and Beck are attempting to move on from their pasts and heal. They both want to focus on their respective futures. Both men find solace in each other. The question becomes whether that is enough? Amidst their chaotic and hectic lives, can they hang on to one another without causing the other to fall?
Mark:> Dax eventually comes out to his family, not the way he had planned, well he never planned it at all really, but the truth will out. I found again this was dealt with realistically and with great sensitivity and had me choking up, especially the conversations with his mother towards the end. This is what was needed for Dax to go get his man. The love and support of a family is so important. I have no idea who Melissa talked too, where she got her info from about the experiences a lot of gay men go through when coming out to family and friends, but it couldn’t have been handled better. In a perfect and accepting world I guess the term “coming out” should really be a redundant one as no one should be made to feel that their sexuality is some dirty little secret. But I guess we have some way to go on that one.
Lisa: I am obviously not coming at this story as a gay man, but I do think that this author handled Dax’s “coming out” to his family beautifully. I can only imagine how hard that must be and how much courage it takes to open up to your family, particularly your parents. I agree with you, Mark. The fact that individuals actually have a hard time expressing who they truly are to their families is sad and should not happen in the first place. I am glad Melissa Collins gave Dax what he needed, the love and acceptance of his family. Those precious moments he had with his mother had me a little teary. As a mother myself of two young children, moments between mothers and their children (no matter how old they are) always pull at my heartstrings.
Mark: I also loved how Beck wanted to care for his niece and give her a childhood he never had. This is the part of the reason he was reluctant to commit to Dax entirely as he didn’t want Victoria taking to Dax only for him to disappear again. The child had been through enough with her mother, Beck’s sister. He gets legal custody and all’s well that ends well, Victoria totally accepts and loves Dax and Beck’s gets over his fears that Dax will leave. It was so lovely to feel the love that these two men had for this little girl and I’m sure she would have a happy and solid childhood with these two guys, if not a little spoilt I reckon - lol! Goes to show once again that family is love! No matter whether you have a mum and dad, two dads or two mums. Lisa what’s your take on this as a mum?
Lisa: I adored Victoria. She definitely took the story up a notch for me. Bring a small child into the mix and you have me. LOL! I absolutely adored how Beck fought for his niece and was determined to give her all that she needed. She came first for him. I also loved how quickly Dax succumbed to Victoria’s charms. He didn’t stand a chance against that sweet girl. I am in complete accordance with you, Mark. Love is love. No matter what. Both Beck and Dax loved little Victoria unconditionally. In the end that is all that really matters. As a mother I take care of my kids and provide them with their needs and wants. However, above all else, the most important thing I can provide for them is my unconditional love and acceptance. That is what family should be.
Mark: So all in all I loved this book from beginning to end, an emotional journey with these two for sure. I loved the way that each chapter alternates between Dax’s standpoint and Beck’s standpoint. I know this may not sit well with some readers, but for me it was perfect and gives a balanced view letting you understand more the emotions, thoughts and deliberations of each character. This will definitely not be the last M/M read for me from Melissa Collins and I’ll certainly be at the front of the queue to grab the next one that comes out.
Lisa: I also loved On Solid Ground. It is a beautiful tale about embracing love even when it comes at you at the most inopportune time in your life. When I finished the book after reading the epilogue I had a huge smile on my face. That is the sign of a wonderful romance, a book that leaves me happily sighing. This is my first book by Melissa Collins and it most certainly will not be my last.
"We don't become united; it's as if we've always been united somehow and these movements simply remind us that our other half was always out there."
A solid 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
January 20, 2015
Ok my mistake here was that I have some people I follow who read M/M that I trust & before 1 clicking this in a daze of exhaustion last night I did not cross reference them. I’m at a loss. So the kid & dog were the only things about this I liked. That says a lot because it has a guy in it who owns a tattoo shop (that automatically gets you moist right) & he has sleeves & his dick is pierced (yup just take those panties right off ladies) AND A FUCKING BEARD (would be slutting it up for this dude…you know if he liked women). But sadly it was not to be….he (gasp) lacked sex appeal for me. I skimmed & thought about DNF’ing but I’m so hopeful when it comes to male on male action that I just knew the makeup sex would be worth it (it was not).
Even with all the death, hospitalization & miscommunication I was just BORED….BORED…BORED.
Even with all the death, hospitalization & miscommunication I was just BORED….BORED…BORED.
January 18, 2015
BR with Dani!
2.5 Stars
Dax is a recently discharged Army soldier. Coming back to civilian life isn't easy and he doesn't want to be in the place where he grew up; the place he joined the Army to escape. His family doesn't really know him and he feels like he could never live up to the perfection that is his older brother. When his best friend Chloe invites him to stay with her in California, he takes it. A few weeks after his arrival in Cali, he decides he wants a tattoo to commemorate someone that didn't make it back.
Beck is the tattoo artist. He's not had an easy life, either, he pretty much raised his sister because their mom was too busy prostituting herself for booze and drugs. Unfortunately, he couldn't keep his sister out of drugs, herself and she has been in and out of rehab several times. She is presently in rehab. His sister also has a daughter that Beck has been trying to get custody of.
This story had a lot of potential. I'm a pretty easy sell on the former military and tattoo artist combination. However, I was feeling pretty meh through this whole book. The writing was stilted and awkward and there were certain personality quirks that seriously annoyed me. Like Dax jumping to conclusions (and the wrong ones at that) the first time he sees something he doesn't expect. No questions, just boom! Communication doesn't have to be perfect, but damn, at least give the other person 30 seconds to explain the situation before deciding they lied to you. And this didn't just happen once, but repeatedly. And Beck is a smoker, who throws his cigarette butts on the ground and leaves them. At least, that annoys Dax, too. Also, even I know better than to walk up behind a veteran just out of a combat situation and grab their shoulder. In fact, I wouldn't do that to anyone because you never know how they may react to that.
The PTSD wasn't believable, the child wasn't believable and the cover model with the beard is seriously missing tattoos. He is supposed to have full sleeves and much of his chest done. While the cover doesn't need to be perfect, it should, at least, be a fair representation. Also, I found Dax's and Beck's interactions to be shallow and we are told far more than we are shown. I liked the dog.
So, overall, this was a miss for me and that makes me sad. I do hope this isn't representative of this author's writing, because I have one other book of hers I haven't read yet.
2.5 Stars
Dax is a recently discharged Army soldier. Coming back to civilian life isn't easy and he doesn't want to be in the place where he grew up; the place he joined the Army to escape. His family doesn't really know him and he feels like he could never live up to the perfection that is his older brother. When his best friend Chloe invites him to stay with her in California, he takes it. A few weeks after his arrival in Cali, he decides he wants a tattoo to commemorate someone that didn't make it back.
Beck is the tattoo artist. He's not had an easy life, either, he pretty much raised his sister because their mom was too busy prostituting herself for booze and drugs. Unfortunately, he couldn't keep his sister out of drugs, herself and she has been in and out of rehab several times. She is presently in rehab. His sister also has a daughter that Beck has been trying to get custody of.
This story had a lot of potential. I'm a pretty easy sell on the former military and tattoo artist combination. However, I was feeling pretty meh through this whole book. The writing was stilted and awkward and there were certain personality quirks that seriously annoyed me. Like Dax jumping to conclusions (and the wrong ones at that) the first time he sees something he doesn't expect. No questions, just boom! Communication doesn't have to be perfect, but damn, at least give the other person 30 seconds to explain the situation before deciding they lied to you. And this didn't just happen once, but repeatedly. And Beck is a smoker, who throws his cigarette butts on the ground and leaves them. At least, that annoys Dax, too. Also, even I know better than to walk up behind a veteran just out of a combat situation and grab their shoulder. In fact, I wouldn't do that to anyone because you never know how they may react to that.
The PTSD wasn't believable, the child wasn't believable and the cover model with the beard is seriously missing tattoos. He is supposed to have full sleeves and much of his chest done. While the cover doesn't need to be perfect, it should, at least, be a fair representation. Also, I found Dax's and Beck's interactions to be shallow and we are told far more than we are shown. I liked the dog.
So, overall, this was a miss for me and that makes me sad. I do hope this isn't representative of this author's writing, because I have one other book of hers I haven't read yet.
January 22, 2015
BR with my amazing friends!!!
I didn't enjoy this book! Too much drama and between so much drama, a love has born, but to be honest, I didn't realize how the MC's grew fond of each other...
I didn't enjoy this book! Too much drama and between so much drama, a love has born, but to be honest, I didn't realize how the MC's grew fond of each other...
January 19, 2015
Besides a bearded, tattooed main character (yes, please), this story just feels stale to me. If you're a longtime m/m reader, there's nothing here you haven't seen before: a couple of men who push each other away for no good reason, a kid whose main purpose seems to be to show that Beck and Dax are big softies, , and . Been there, done that.
July 15, 2015
Too much drama, difficult reading, didn't like it.
Not recommended.
BR with my ladies here
Not recommended.
BR with my ladies here
December 20, 2014
I am thrilled to have been asked to read an ARC of Solid Ground by Melissa Collins. Dax and Beckett (Beck) were an absolute exhilarating ride.
Dax is home from overseas. He suffers from a severe case of PTDS. He joined the military to find himself and ended up battled and bruised...losing a close friend in combat. Once home, he decides to take off to live with his best friend in order to get his head straight and figure out how he is going to continue on with a life that he is still a little confused about himself. Dax decides to get a tattoo. Little did he know that getting the memorial to his friend, would end up catapulting his life into full gear.
Beckett, a tattoo artist, who has had a tough life growing up, just found himself taking on the biggest responsibility of his life. And then the sexy military man had to come walk in, putting his life in a tale spin. This is not the right time for him to start a relationship. Especially with a guy who has his own set of issues. But the attraction to Dax is one he can seem to shake.
Dax and Beck have a lot to work through...Honesty, trust, learning to let go. Their journey will pull on your heart and you end up rooting for both of them, as they traverse life and the things that get thrown at us, while trying to pursue happiness.
Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Read it straight through. If you have never read m/m, this book is a great introduction to the genre. Love is love and Dax and Beck are a perfect example of it.
Dax is home from overseas. He suffers from a severe case of PTDS. He joined the military to find himself and ended up battled and bruised...losing a close friend in combat. Once home, he decides to take off to live with his best friend in order to get his head straight and figure out how he is going to continue on with a life that he is still a little confused about himself. Dax decides to get a tattoo. Little did he know that getting the memorial to his friend, would end up catapulting his life into full gear.
Beckett, a tattoo artist, who has had a tough life growing up, just found himself taking on the biggest responsibility of his life. And then the sexy military man had to come walk in, putting his life in a tale spin. This is not the right time for him to start a relationship. Especially with a guy who has his own set of issues. But the attraction to Dax is one he can seem to shake.
Dax and Beck have a lot to work through...Honesty, trust, learning to let go. Their journey will pull on your heart and you end up rooting for both of them, as they traverse life and the things that get thrown at us, while trying to pursue happiness.
Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Read it straight through. If you have never read m/m, this book is a great introduction to the genre. Love is love and Dax and Beck are a perfect example of it.
July 11, 2016
*** Wow, what a captivating story !! *** Dax and Beck were each on shaky ground when they met. Dax suffering from PTSD, and Beck dealing with his sister in rehab, and trying to overcome a crappy childhood. There are a lot of issues going on, but then life is complicated, as we all know. The attraction swoops in on each of them, and their road to happiness is bumpy.
This tale has wonderful deep characters, interesting flow, and hot M/M sex, which is very well done. This author, Melissa Collins, gives us heart, caring, love, forgiveness, emotion, intensity, fun, and discovery.
It takes a shaky start, but they end up on Solid Ground. Beck was so intense and full of compassion. Dax was loving and devoted to those he loved.
Highly recommended ! E N J O Y !!!
==============================
This tale has wonderful deep characters, interesting flow, and hot M/M sex, which is very well done. This author, Melissa Collins, gives us heart, caring, love, forgiveness, emotion, intensity, fun, and discovery.
It takes a shaky start, but they end up on Solid Ground. Beck was so intense and full of compassion. Dax was loving and devoted to those he loved.
Highly recommended ! E N J O Y !!!
==============================
February 12, 2015
DNF at 25%
I am so bummed about this book. Such great elements—former soldier with PTSD meets a tattoo artist; that's heaven! But the writing and editing were so, so sloppy that I couldn't go on. Among other things, really poor use of first person—a first person narrator only knows what they can observe; these narrators regularly "knew" things they shouldn't/couldn't have. The grammar/punctuation editing needed at least one more pass, and while I can sometimes tune that out in fan fiction, I found I just couldn't do it for this, something I paid for. It was so distracting. With stronger editing, I think this would probably be a really good book, because the story seems solid, but it's just not there. Ugh, so bummed.
I am so bummed about this book. Such great elements—former soldier with PTSD meets a tattoo artist; that's heaven! But the writing and editing were so, so sloppy that I couldn't go on. Among other things, really poor use of first person—a first person narrator only knows what they can observe; these narrators regularly "knew" things they shouldn't/couldn't have. The grammar/punctuation editing needed at least one more pass, and while I can sometimes tune that out in fan fiction, I found I just couldn't do it for this, something I paid for. It was so distracting. With stronger editing, I think this would probably be a really good book, because the story seems solid, but it's just not there. Ugh, so bummed.
February 6, 2015
On Solid Ground is the first book written by Melissa Collins I’ve read and I liked it. I’m a sucker for hurt/comfort stories and this one was a hell of an emotional roller coaster ride with twists and turns and ups and downs.
It’s about Dex, suffering PTSD after he comes home from being at war and Beck, a tattoo artist who’s dealing with some major family issues. He wants to be with Dex but first and foremost he feels responsible for his sister and niece.
The growing love between Dax and Beck is heartwarming to watch. All those emotions on their bumpy, life changing journey to their big fat HEA! *sigh* Recommended!
July 5, 2017
excellent
An emotional story that touches on living life to the fullest while dealing with disaster. You will love this story! Dax & Beck will call to your heart! I read the book in one sitting..couldn't put it down!
An emotional story that touches on living life to the fullest while dealing with disaster. You will love this story! Dax & Beck will call to your heart! I read the book in one sitting..couldn't put it down!
January 15, 2015
Loved it x
January 25, 2015
2.5 stars
It started out strong, only to then losing me.
See Dani's and Arabella's reviews!
It started out strong, only to then losing me.
See Dani's and Arabella's reviews!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 428 reviews