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Pickup Men #2
Let it Ride
5 hrs 32 mins
Pickup man Bridge Sullivan is the kind of cowboy everyone wants—as a brother, a friend, a lover. People think he’s straight, but Bridge isn’t one for labels, and when a sexy male paramedic jumpstarts his heart, he charges in with all guns blazing.
New York City transplant Eric Palmer grew up in foster care. While he always had a roof over his head, he never felt love or a sense of belonging . . . until he joined the California rodeo circuit as a paramedic and found a band of brothers who took him in as one of their own. Now, one in particular is making Eric’s pulse race.
When things heat up between Bridge and Eric, Bridge has to prove to Eric he’s not just experimenting with the rougher sex, while Eric must overcome his fears of being unwanted and cast aside. He knows that trusting Bridge may be the key to his happy ever after, but getting in the saddle is much, much easier than learning to let it ride.
Pickup man Bridge Sullivan is the kind of cowboy everyone wants—as a brother, a friend, a lover. People think he’s straight, but Bridge isn’t one for labels, and when a sexy male paramedic jumpstarts his heart, he charges in with all guns blazing.
New York City transplant Eric Palmer grew up in foster care. While he always had a roof over his head, he never felt love or a sense of belonging . . . until he joined the California rodeo circuit as a paramedic and found a band of brothers who took him in as one of their own. Now, one in particular is making Eric’s pulse race.
When things heat up between Bridge and Eric, Bridge has to prove to Eric he’s not just experimenting with the rougher sex, while Eric must overcome his fears of being unwanted and cast aside. He knows that trusting Bridge may be the key to his happy ever after, but getting in the saddle is much, much easier than learning to let it ride.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 25, 2014
25 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
L.C. Chase
25 books357 followersCover artist by day, author by night, L.C. Chase is a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist for Pickup Men and Pulling Leather, an EPIC eBook Awards winner for Pickup Men, a nine-time Ariana eBook Cover Art Awards winner, and Bronze winner in Sinfully’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards for Cover of the Year. She also won runner-up for Best Gay Contemporary Romance and Best Gay Book in the 2016 Rainbow Awards for A Fortunate Blizzard, honorable mention for Best Gay Contemporary Romance in the 2015 Rainbow Awards for Pulling Leather, and Best Gay Mystery/Thriller in the 2012 Rainbow Awards for Riding with Heaven.
You can find L.C. on her website, lcchase.com, and subscribe to her totally sporadic newsletter for more about her works in progress, new releases, newsletter exclusives, and more. Or join her facebook reader group: Chasing Ever After.
You can find L.C. on her website, lcchase.com, and subscribe to her totally sporadic newsletter for more about her works in progress, new releases, newsletter exclusives, and more. Or join her facebook reader group: Chasing Ever After.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
July 7, 2016
The second book in L.C. Chase's Pickup Men series tells the story of Pickup Man Bridge Sullivan and EMT Eric Palmer.
Bridge, despite a single male hookup in collage he brushes off as an experiment, has always been straight, but ever since he met Eric, he finds himself drawn to the man. When he starts having erotic dreams about Eric, he starts to seriously consider the possibility that he could be gay, or at least bi-sexual. The next time he sees Eric at a rodeo function (they do not live in the same area) he plans to discuss this with him.
Eric, who has always been gay, has a big 'ol "everyone who has ever said they loved me has left me" chip on his shoulder. When Bridge expresses his feelings, Eric must decide if the possibility of losing Bridge's friendship, along with the friendship of their five man tight-knit circle of friends, is worth being Bridge's "gay experiment."
There it all is in a nutshell. We get to watch as Eric introduces Bridge to the joys and wonder of seriously hot gay sex, and let me tell you, it was smokin'! Bridge was almost too perfect, but damn, gotta love a sweet, hot, well mannered cowboy who only has eyes for one man. Eric's woe-is-me attitude grated on my nerves a bit, but I understood that plot point to move the story forward and bring these boys to their explosion of angst, which was painful and heartbreaking, but made their HEA taste so much sweeter.
I did read the first book in the series, but I honestly don't think you'd need to read it to understand what is happening here. As long as you understand that Bridge, Marty and Kent all grew up together on neighboring farms and are best friends that work the rodeo together, you'll be fine. And here is an explanation of a pickup man.
I can highly recommend this book to M/M romance readers, especially those that enjoy gay-for-you and cowboys. This one was delightful, romantic and the epilogue was sappy sweet perfection.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
May 31, 2014
This was a better book than Pickup Men--which I enjoyed--in just about every way I can think of: The writing is stronger, more assured, and more understated. More is left to subtext, more is shown rather than told, and the plot/conflict feels more authentic.
I am very much enjoying the way LC Chase's voice is evolving in this series and I hope there will be more to come!
I am very much enjoying the way LC Chase's voice is evolving in this series and I hope there will be more to come!
January 3, 2016
I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars, but because this one ticked off all of my "gay for you" boxes, AND it managed to draw a few tears out of me, I'm giving it the bump.
As to my boxes, when I read a gay for you, bisexual for you, whatever, and the story centers around the guy exploring his gay side, there are certain things that I want to see, on page. Call me a dirty perv if you want, but I want to SEE all the firsts: first BJ, both giving and receiving, first time topping AND bottoming, if the guy does both, and first time being rimmed is an added bonus. I'm thrilled to say, this book ticked ALL those boxes!
Oh, but you guys want to know about the plot? That was great for me too! Bridge has always been thought of as straight, although he himself knows he's been attracted to men before, and even fooled around once with a guy in college. He just never met a guy tempting enough to explore things further, until Eric. Eric has been left behind by everyone who was ever supposed to love him. His parents actually sent him to foster care when they learned he was gay, foster families always sent him back, even boyfriends. So he is understandably wary of Bridge's sudden attraction.
I loved how Bridge went after what he wanted. There wasn't a bunch of waffling around or angsting about falling for a man, and that was brilliant for me. I also loved Eric, he was SUCH a good guy, who just didn't trust that anyone could ever stick around for him. I dunno why, but I'm always a sucker for this type of MC, so long as it isn't over the top on the "woe is me" attitude.
I remember enjoying the first book in this series, but this one definitely hit more of my buttons, and is going on my favorites shelf!
As to my boxes, when I read a gay for you, bisexual for you, whatever, and the story centers around the guy exploring his gay side, there are certain things that I want to see, on page. Call me a dirty perv if you want, but I want to SEE all the firsts: first BJ, both giving and receiving, first time topping AND bottoming, if the guy does both, and first time being rimmed is an added bonus. I'm thrilled to say, this book ticked ALL those boxes!
Oh, but you guys want to know about the plot? That was great for me too! Bridge has always been thought of as straight, although he himself knows he's been attracted to men before, and even fooled around once with a guy in college. He just never met a guy tempting enough to explore things further, until Eric. Eric has been left behind by everyone who was ever supposed to love him. His parents actually sent him to foster care when they learned he was gay, foster families always sent him back, even boyfriends. So he is understandably wary of Bridge's sudden attraction.
I loved how Bridge went after what he wanted. There wasn't a bunch of waffling around or angsting about falling for a man, and that was brilliant for me. I also loved Eric, he was SUCH a good guy, who just didn't trust that anyone could ever stick around for him. I dunno why, but I'm always a sucker for this type of MC, so long as it isn't over the top on the "woe is me" attitude.
I remember enjoying the first book in this series, but this one definitely hit more of my buttons, and is going on my favorites shelf!
January 5, 2016
***4.25 Stars ***
Well that was sweet and lovely. Definitely a better book than Pickup Men.
Well that was sweet and lovely. Definitely a better book than Pickup Men.
June 8, 2017
Easy read and entertaining story of a pick-up man and a paramedic, with a lovely HEA. It’s all about friendship, family, and accepting that one can be loved. Sweet.
June 29, 2022
I don't have the energy for a full review tonight but I liked this better than the first book.
March 1, 2016
This is a wonderful follow up to Pickup Men. This is the story of Bridge Sullivan, a pick up man and Eric Palmer, an EMS on the rodeo circuit. They have known each for over a year, which has lead to a mutual attraction. The thing is Bridge is straight and Eric is openly gay. If that is not enough to keep the relationship on a "just friends" level, Eric is snake bit when it comes to love.
I loved this story. A very worthy successor to Pick Up Men. The entire cast is there Tripp, Marty and Kent. This is the best romance I have read this year. If it doesn't make you go cuddle someone, you are not among the living. The romance would be enough, but there is also a message about learning not to let the past color your future. Well done L.C. Chase! I give it an arena full of stars.
****Dorian Bane's narration is spot on. Bridge is so sexy**********
I loved this story. A very worthy successor to Pick Up Men. The entire cast is there Tripp, Marty and Kent. This is the best romance I have read this year. If it doesn't make you go cuddle someone, you are not among the living. The romance would be enough, but there is also a message about learning not to let the past color your future. Well done L.C. Chase! I give it an arena full of stars.
****Dorian Bane's narration is spot on. Bridge is so sexy**********
May 25, 2014
I really liked book one of the Pickup Men series (which is a Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Gay Romance) so knew I would enjoy this one and wasn't disappointed. As with the first book, there is lots of emotion set against a back drop of the rodeo. The characters from book one are here to some degree - Marty, Tripp, Kent - but I don't think it is absolutely necessary to read book one (although it would be a shame to miss it!)
I thought this would be more Bridge's story as he deals with his attraction to Eric and finally wakes up to the fact that he may be bi or gay, something his one-time experiment with a guy in college didn't clue him up on. But he accepts his attraction to Eric easily, having the courage to approach the man and push for a relationship. Surprisingly there's not a lot of issue with anyone else's reaction to his new path in life either, somewhere I thought the story would go.
The emotion surrounds Eric, with his low sense of self worth based on his childhood - abandonment by his own parents and subsequent foster homes - and experience with relationships. No one has truly loved him and stuck by him.
Eric believes there's something wrong with him and that Bridge will eventually see this. He looks for excuses and struggles to accept the truth of Bridge's feelings.
This is a story of sexual exploration (there's no hesitation from either man when it comes to the joys of sex!) with lots of soul searching thrown in. This cowboy isn't afraid of emotional conversations and going after his man. Of course, there's the big dramatic moment of the men coming together for their happy ending - I'm such a sucker for these types of resolutions! :)
This is a single sitting read - sweet and sexy with nice characters - an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
A copy of this book was received from the publisher via Netgalley in return for my honest review.
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I thought this would be more Bridge's story as he deals with his attraction to Eric and finally wakes up to the fact that he may be bi or gay, something his one-time experiment with a guy in college didn't clue him up on. But he accepts his attraction to Eric easily, having the courage to approach the man and push for a relationship. Surprisingly there's not a lot of issue with anyone else's reaction to his new path in life either, somewhere I thought the story would go.
The emotion surrounds Eric, with his low sense of self worth based on his childhood - abandonment by his own parents and subsequent foster homes - and experience with relationships. No one has truly loved him and stuck by him.
"A cold sliver of panic tickled across his chest. Disposable people didn't get to keep lives like this."
Eric believes there's something wrong with him and that Bridge will eventually see this. He looks for excuses and struggles to accept the truth of Bridge's feelings.
This is a story of sexual exploration (there's no hesitation from either man when it comes to the joys of sex!) with lots of soul searching thrown in. This cowboy isn't afraid of emotional conversations and going after his man. Of course, there's the big dramatic moment of the men coming together for their happy ending - I'm such a sucker for these types of resolutions! :)
This is a single sitting read - sweet and sexy with nice characters - an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
A copy of this book was received from the publisher via Netgalley in return for my honest review.
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
January 18, 2021
A wild rodeo pick-up rider finds his love in a strong EMT!
Does Bridge have an awakening, or is he gay? or bi? Is it just Eric that rings all of the bells?
We get to watch in anticipation as Bridge, 28,
with longish blonde hair and brown eyes, and solid muscles, flirts with Eric.
Eric, 30, with short cropped dark blonde hair
and blue eyes, is also muscled and loves his job taking care of folks. He fixes up Bridges injury.
Their slow progress is fun, and each man feels the spark. Eric's past sadness is told and there has been no one in his life that has ever chosen him, not even his own folks. He's afraid to be let go once again.
Bridge knows he wants Eric, for sure, and he's absolutely certain, and will try to show Eric how much he means to him. Bridges friends, we met previously, have already accepted Eric into their fold.
We see the flirting that turns into explicit, erotic, explosive sexiness, which is also hot, messy and fierce.
At every turn, Eric's memories clog his brain with doubt.
They are building a true relationship, if only Eric would let it happen, because Bridge is all in.
Their journey is sweet, snappy, extremely sexy and meaningful.
After their bumps are smoothed out, we get the second chance cowboy love they needed.
This author has won many awards, and we get what we love in an M/M romance.
ENJOY !
======
Does Bridge have an awakening, or is he gay? or bi? Is it just Eric that rings all of the bells?
We get to watch in anticipation as Bridge, 28,
with longish blonde hair and brown eyes, and solid muscles, flirts with Eric.
Eric, 30, with short cropped dark blonde hair
and blue eyes, is also muscled and loves his job taking care of folks. He fixes up Bridges injury.
Their slow progress is fun, and each man feels the spark. Eric's past sadness is told and there has been no one in his life that has ever chosen him, not even his own folks. He's afraid to be let go once again.
Bridge knows he wants Eric, for sure, and he's absolutely certain, and will try to show Eric how much he means to him. Bridges friends, we met previously, have already accepted Eric into their fold.
We see the flirting that turns into explicit, erotic, explosive sexiness, which is also hot, messy and fierce.
At every turn, Eric's memories clog his brain with doubt.
They are building a true relationship, if only Eric would let it happen, because Bridge is all in.
Their journey is sweet, snappy, extremely sexy and meaningful.
After their bumps are smoothed out, we get the second chance cowboy love they needed.
This author has won many awards, and we get what we love in an M/M romance.
ENJOY !
======
October 21, 2017
The narrator really makes this shine. I can not get enough - he has the perfect cowboy voice all gravely and western. The story is fun - though Eric drove me batshit crazy at times with all his drama. Bridge was a little too nice - but the HEA made me feel better.
July 20, 2014
4.5 stars
I loved this one, so much better than the first one in my opinion. Bridge was sexy and sweet and too adorable. I liked Eric a lot, too, though he was breaking my heart and I was upset with him at times, but I kind of got him, too. It was good to see Marty and Tripp from the first one as well. Love the friendship-Kent is an awesome friend.There was some hotness, but emotional too. Super enjoyed this!
Will be reading more from this author...is Cory getting a story next?
I loved this one, so much better than the first one in my opinion. Bridge was sexy and sweet and too adorable. I liked Eric a lot, too, though he was breaking my heart and I was upset with him at times, but I kind of got him, too. It was good to see Marty and Tripp from the first one as well. Love the friendship-Kent is an awesome friend.There was some hotness, but emotional too. Super enjoyed this!
Will be reading more from this author...is Cory getting a story next?
May 27, 2014
This was a very nice addition to this series. I really liked Bridge in the previous story, so I was glad for him to have his own HEA. He has to work hard for Eric to trust his feelings and their relationship. I will admit to wanting thump Eric on the head a few times because he continued to let fear rule him. All in all, I was very happy with how things went.
August 22, 2015
Perhaps 2.5 stars.
Couldn't really get into it. But I finished! Not much more to say about it.
Couldn't really get into it. But I finished! Not much more to say about it.
October 11, 2015
Ok. Man meets man at rodeo. Nothing happens and they go home. A year down the line, same said men are back for the start of another rodeo year. Each have been thinking about the other. Alls good except one man thinks the other is straight. Thank goodness there isnt alot of time spent with Bridge trying to convince Eric that he is gay and not just experimenting. All goes well until nearly the end when Eric runs because he still cant believe Bridge wont leave him.
A pleasant way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday morning catching up with old friends.
A pleasant way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday morning catching up with old friends.
November 18, 2015
This never clicked for me, which really sucks. I LOVED Bridge so much. But I couldn't stand Eric. I get that he was insecure, but it never felt real. It felt very shallow if that makes sense. I thought Bridge deserved so much more and so much better. I think it the book was longer, and issues were actually delved into deeper, I would feel better. But I needed some serious groveling and maybe some therapy for Eric before I could buy into the happily ever after.
June 7, 2014
Loved. I'm an LC Chase fangirl, and I loved the first book in this series as well. I loved this one just as much - I loved how self-assured Bridge was. I loved the banter of all the guys. And Eric - I just wanted to hug him. It's a hot book with lots of self-assured alphas. :)
February 5, 2015
LOVED IT SO FREAKING MUCH !!! 5+ stars !!! Such a super sweet, beautiful and romantic lovestory with the most perfect ending ever : )
September 7, 2018
So this is one of those super sweet stories. The drama/tension almost felt manufactured to make there be some sort of something keeping our two guys apart. Bridge and Eric both really like each other, but Eric's past growing up in the system and then subsequently having everyone he's ever cared about leaving him keep him from trusting in Bridge's devotion.
While this isn't truly a gay for you, it walks the line of Bridge admitting to himself he's always had a little interest in guys, but Eric is the one to pull him over the edge. And really he hesitates not at all. Without Eric's past these two would have just gotten together and been all happy and in love. It's not a bad book, and for the type I enjoyed it since I like both Bridge and Eric as well as the backdrop of this story. But there's no real tension and obstacles in this story.
While this isn't truly a gay for you, it walks the line of Bridge admitting to himself he's always had a little interest in guys, but Eric is the one to pull him over the edge. And really he hesitates not at all. Without Eric's past these two would have just gotten together and been all happy and in love. It's not a bad book, and for the type I enjoyed it since I like both Bridge and Eric as well as the backdrop of this story. But there's no real tension and obstacles in this story.
November 10, 2018
These books are ok. I got them from the library and have to admit I got the first book a second time because I didn’t remember I’d read it until I started it again. Then I went to Goodreads to check if I’d read this book.
I didn’t hate it, although I didn’t care much for whiny Eric. He didn’t deserve a second chance and I wouldn’t have given it to him. Of course the HEA made me feel emotionally happy. That’s good writing not good story. I’ll still read the last book because it’s free. So I’m a whore, sue me.
I didn’t hate it, although I didn’t care much for whiny Eric. He didn’t deserve a second chance and I wouldn’t have given it to him. Of course the HEA made me feel emotionally happy. That’s good writing not good story. I’ll still read the last book because it’s free. So I’m a whore, sue me.
July 15, 2020
3.75🌟🌟🌟✨ Molto carino e tanto tenero.
August 8, 2014
4,5 stars.
“You’re the one. The only one for me.”
I loved the first book in L.C. Chace's Pickup Men series but this one was even better. It tells the story of paramedic Eric Palmer and pick up man Bridge Sullivan. I liked those two in the first book but this time they owned my heart… hook, line, and sinker.
Bridge is such a nice guy, easy-going and laid-back, just a friend who’s game for anything. Open minded in his sexuality and attracted to Eric, he wants the paramedic with all of his heart. It doesn’t matter to him if he’s bi or gay, he accepts his attraction to Eric easily, and has the courage to approach him and tell him he's not looking for a one night stand - he wants a relationship.
“I’m not going anywhere, Eric. I told you from the very beginning I wanted you more than as just a friend with benefits, and I don’t give a shit what other people think or say or do, unless they hurt those I care about. That I won’t stand for. But there is no way I’m not going to be with you because of other people’s groundless issues. So you can get that shit out of your head right now, strip your damn clothes off, and get in my damn bed.”
Eric is openly gay and loves the companionship of his friends on the rodeo circuit. He enjoys being part of a band of brothers and for the first time, feels like he belongs. Abandoned by his own parents and in and out of foster homes since then, his childhood was anything but easy with emotional scars running deep. Eric lives with a low sense of self worth because no one has ever truly loved him and stuck by him.
So when Bridge seems to be genuinely interested in him, Eric just doesn’t have the courage to start a relationship for fear of losing his friends, something he is familiar with when lovers have left in the past. Eric tries to protect himself by not getting too close, convinced there is something wrong with him and Bridge will eventually see this. Definitely a guy who needs and deserves someone who shows him how to trust.
I loved that Bridge so easily accepts his feelings for Eric, he’s just an extraordinary guy who loves a person… not a female or male… that character trait is really well done. My poor Bridge, I suffered with him when Eric breaks his heart so badly. *sniffs* Nothing is easy when it comes to love.
“Why subject yourself to this kind of grief by dating a man when you don’t have to?”
“Don’t have to?”
The pitch in Bridge’s voice raised a notch, as did the color in his face.
“The hell kind of bullshit is that? I have to go with my heart, and my heart is going with you. That’s where there’s no choice. You could have three eyes and green skin for all I care. Issues with same-sex relationships are society’s hang-up, not mine.”
L.C. Chase did a great job of bringing Bridge and Eric’s affinity to the page in a way that makes it feel like these two have a chance together. The story had me close to tears in places and with such hope that they could pull through. It’s one of those rare books that pulled me straight into the scene and shows how important family is. I loved the rodeo setting and the friendship between Eric, Bridge, and their friends Marty, Tripp and Kent, the characters we got to know in the first book of Pickup Men.
Let It Ride is a beautiful, heartfelt and emotional ride, a story about finding oneself and shedding the past, a story about forgiveness and second chances. It’s well written, the characters are fresh, real and interesting, the story line sweet and sexy and the plot is great, romantic, delightful, painful and heart breaking. Yeah, I admit that I’m a sucker for those kind of books! Only a broken heart can heal again, right?
I don't think it is necessary to know book one to enjoy Let It Ride, even though it would be a shame not to read it. Recommended for all the M/M readers out there who love hot cowboys and rodeos and don’t fear a little heartbreak.
February 18, 2016
The first book in this series captivated me and I enjoyed all the characters, the setting, the writing, and the audio narration. Bridge Sullivan and Eric Palmer were both strong supporting characters with Bridge being a real favorite. I was excited to see that Bridge and Eric were the stars of book two.
The book might be read as a standalone or out of order in a pinch, but it works best following the first book as it has really strong connections.
The story opens with Bridge Sullivan, cowboy and rodeo pick up man, contemplating his life just before the next rodeo. Well the sexual side of his life anyway. He'd developed a fixation for Eric Palmer the rodeo medic and Eric had starred in his dreams and stayed in his thoughts over the last several months. Now, with the coming of the new season, he was eager to see Eric again. Guess that made him gay, bi-sexual, or 'Eric-sexual'. But being Bridge, he wasn't stunned and took it in stride. He'd find a way to speak to Eric and then share with his friends and family. Hopefully Eric would be into him as much as Bridge was into Eric.
Unfortunately, Eric didn't take Bridge's interest the way he wanted. Eric Palmer had a past full of people from parents, to foster parents, to boyfriends who had all walked away and left him. Just the idea of a guy like Bridge being interested in Eric leaves him in a panic. Because even if Bridge wasn't experimenting with being with a man, Eric knew that Bridge would walk away and with Bridge would go Kent, Marty, and Trip who were close to Bridge and now his friends.
But it was hard to resist the handsome, warm, and determined Bridge so Eric decided he could be with Bridge and hold him at arm's length.
This was another beautiful story in the series. The plot revolves around Bridge's determined and careful pursuit of Eric. It seems a simple story and a fun setting with the rodeo and ranching as the backdrop along with the hardworking, fun-loving group of guys, but there are some deeper elements in play. Bridge's sexuality didn't cause him much of a concern and he didn't want to slap a label on it. Bisexuals have it tough convincing others that they can be faithful long-term or that the other person is enough for them. But this was not the biggest issue. Eric would have been skittish even if Bridge was always considered gay and in the open. Because another element was that Eric had abandonment issues as many foster kids do along with a few bad relationship experiences.
As a result, the pace of this one is slow-moving and spends a lot of time teasing out thoughts and feelings instead of offering up lots of action. Bridge's side is steady, but Eric can get angsty with his fears.
This pair had great chemistry. Actually, Bridge had great chemistry without help. Just getting his thoughts and dialogue had me grinning and envious of Eric. He's just so forthright, but he also has a bit of the devil in him when he starts flirting and seducing Eric. Loved that the author wrote in little moments, a steady progress forward, but didn't leave out the passion.
The story didn't neglect the other characters. I loved having Trip and Marty right there along with Kent and the rest of Bridge's family. I liked meeting a couple more cowboys and look forward to seeing where the series goes.
As with the first book, the narration work of Dorian Bane was right on the money for this story. The masterful way he brought Bridge's slow deep drawl and Eric's twangy quick New Yorker was fabulous. All the voices were recognizable. The pace, emotions, and overall storytelling are sheer pleasure to the ears.
All in all, this second installment of the series was easily as engaging as the first. These are for those who enjoy m/m contemporary romance set against the world of a state rodeo circuit and ranch life with a character-driven and passionate romance.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this story in exchange for an honest review.
The book might be read as a standalone or out of order in a pinch, but it works best following the first book as it has really strong connections.
The story opens with Bridge Sullivan, cowboy and rodeo pick up man, contemplating his life just before the next rodeo. Well the sexual side of his life anyway. He'd developed a fixation for Eric Palmer the rodeo medic and Eric had starred in his dreams and stayed in his thoughts over the last several months. Now, with the coming of the new season, he was eager to see Eric again. Guess that made him gay, bi-sexual, or 'Eric-sexual'. But being Bridge, he wasn't stunned and took it in stride. He'd find a way to speak to Eric and then share with his friends and family. Hopefully Eric would be into him as much as Bridge was into Eric.
Unfortunately, Eric didn't take Bridge's interest the way he wanted. Eric Palmer had a past full of people from parents, to foster parents, to boyfriends who had all walked away and left him. Just the idea of a guy like Bridge being interested in Eric leaves him in a panic. Because even if Bridge wasn't experimenting with being with a man, Eric knew that Bridge would walk away and with Bridge would go Kent, Marty, and Trip who were close to Bridge and now his friends.
But it was hard to resist the handsome, warm, and determined Bridge so Eric decided he could be with Bridge and hold him at arm's length.
This was another beautiful story in the series. The plot revolves around Bridge's determined and careful pursuit of Eric. It seems a simple story and a fun setting with the rodeo and ranching as the backdrop along with the hardworking, fun-loving group of guys, but there are some deeper elements in play. Bridge's sexuality didn't cause him much of a concern and he didn't want to slap a label on it. Bisexuals have it tough convincing others that they can be faithful long-term or that the other person is enough for them. But this was not the biggest issue. Eric would have been skittish even if Bridge was always considered gay and in the open. Because another element was that Eric had abandonment issues as many foster kids do along with a few bad relationship experiences.
As a result, the pace of this one is slow-moving and spends a lot of time teasing out thoughts and feelings instead of offering up lots of action. Bridge's side is steady, but Eric can get angsty with his fears.
This pair had great chemistry. Actually, Bridge had great chemistry without help. Just getting his thoughts and dialogue had me grinning and envious of Eric. He's just so forthright, but he also has a bit of the devil in him when he starts flirting and seducing Eric. Loved that the author wrote in little moments, a steady progress forward, but didn't leave out the passion.
The story didn't neglect the other characters. I loved having Trip and Marty right there along with Kent and the rest of Bridge's family. I liked meeting a couple more cowboys and look forward to seeing where the series goes.
As with the first book, the narration work of Dorian Bane was right on the money for this story. The masterful way he brought Bridge's slow deep drawl and Eric's twangy quick New Yorker was fabulous. All the voices were recognizable. The pace, emotions, and overall storytelling are sheer pleasure to the ears.
All in all, this second installment of the series was easily as engaging as the first. These are for those who enjoy m/m contemporary romance set against the world of a state rodeo circuit and ranch life with a character-driven and passionate romance.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this story in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2016
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Bridge Sullivan, pickup man and best friend of Marty Fairgrave (Pickup Men) has a secret. He’s lusting after EMT Eric Palmer and the problem is that everyone, including Eric, thinks he’s straight. But Bridge knows his mind and his heart, and he’s kept his past experience with a man secret so it shouldn’t surprise him when his flirtations with Eric aren’t taken seriously.
Bridge is a nice guy—a great friend, sweet and helpful and always there when you need him—but he’s not gay and Eric has been burned much too often in the past to take a chance on a guy who might change his mind and want to go back to dating a woman. Eric is a New York City native, complete with a realistic accent thanks to narrator Dorian Bane, but he feels unworthy of love. His parents had put him in foster care when he was thirteen and told them he was gay; most foster parents wouldn’t keep him either, and then the two men he loved in the past dumped him—one of them for a woman. It’s no wonder he’s guarding his heart. And Bridge will break it for sure. That is something he’s betting on.
Against his better judgement, Eric agrees to go out with Bridge, but only as friends with benefits. No more. So when things get hot and heavy between them, and Bridge continues to tell him he wants to date and get close to him, Eric bolts. Though he doesn’t want to lose them, he leaves the close friends he’s made in the rodeo circuit. He also leaves the man he cares about because he feels he needs to go now before the pain is too great. Of course, he then finds out that the pain is already too great. Will he man-up and go back? Will Bridge come looking for him? Or will the two “let it ride”?
I enjoyed this story, and I think it may be partly because the potential between Bridge and Eric was there and intrigued me in the previous story, and it’s partly due to the narration of Dorian Bane. I actually didn’t care for the voice he gave Bridge, but I was impressed by the vast difference in the two voices of the MCs and the variety of secondary character voices, all of which were different and distinctive. And that’s the bottom line for me—how well did the narrator handle the narration and vocalization of the story. So kudos to the narrator and kudos to LC Chase for a great story. Yes, I wanted to smack Eric upside the head quite a few times because his “poor me” litany wears a little thin, but in his case, with his history, it’s a reasonable reaction. I had to stay awake last night to finish the story because sleeping while the romance was still in doubt just wasn’t happening for me. So thanks for the HEA, Ms. Chase!
Though part of a series, Let It Ride can be read as a standalone. This is a wonderful MM story for readers who like a little NYC spice with their cowboys, GFY or men new to gay sex, virgins(!), hurt-comfort, and a delightful cast of secondary characters.
Bridge Sullivan, pickup man and best friend of Marty Fairgrave (Pickup Men) has a secret. He’s lusting after EMT Eric Palmer and the problem is that everyone, including Eric, thinks he’s straight. But Bridge knows his mind and his heart, and he’s kept his past experience with a man secret so it shouldn’t surprise him when his flirtations with Eric aren’t taken seriously.
Bridge is a nice guy—a great friend, sweet and helpful and always there when you need him—but he’s not gay and Eric has been burned much too often in the past to take a chance on a guy who might change his mind and want to go back to dating a woman. Eric is a New York City native, complete with a realistic accent thanks to narrator Dorian Bane, but he feels unworthy of love. His parents had put him in foster care when he was thirteen and told them he was gay; most foster parents wouldn’t keep him either, and then the two men he loved in the past dumped him—one of them for a woman. It’s no wonder he’s guarding his heart. And Bridge will break it for sure. That is something he’s betting on.
Against his better judgement, Eric agrees to go out with Bridge, but only as friends with benefits. No more. So when things get hot and heavy between them, and Bridge continues to tell him he wants to date and get close to him, Eric bolts. Though he doesn’t want to lose them, he leaves the close friends he’s made in the rodeo circuit. He also leaves the man he cares about because he feels he needs to go now before the pain is too great. Of course, he then finds out that the pain is already too great. Will he man-up and go back? Will Bridge come looking for him? Or will the two “let it ride”?
I enjoyed this story, and I think it may be partly because the potential between Bridge and Eric was there and intrigued me in the previous story, and it’s partly due to the narration of Dorian Bane. I actually didn’t care for the voice he gave Bridge, but I was impressed by the vast difference in the two voices of the MCs and the variety of secondary character voices, all of which were different and distinctive. And that’s the bottom line for me—how well did the narrator handle the narration and vocalization of the story. So kudos to the narrator and kudos to LC Chase for a great story. Yes, I wanted to smack Eric upside the head quite a few times because his “poor me” litany wears a little thin, but in his case, with his history, it’s a reasonable reaction. I had to stay awake last night to finish the story because sleeping while the romance was still in doubt just wasn’t happening for me. So thanks for the HEA, Ms. Chase!
Though part of a series, Let It Ride can be read as a standalone. This is a wonderful MM story for readers who like a little NYC spice with their cowboys, GFY or men new to gay sex, virgins(!), hurt-comfort, and a delightful cast of secondary characters.
June 1, 2014
I read the previous book in this series, Pickup Men, which led up to Let it Ride. I liked the first book enough to read the second.
I actually liked Let it Ride better than Pickup Men. However, the prologue was very clunky and annoying. It just didn't match the flow of the rest of the novel and could've done without it since Bridge's sexual identity was repeatedly brought up in the following chapters. The prologue also had me fearful that Chase was going to be yet another M/M author who denies the existence of bisexuality in their work, which I really wasn't in the mood for. It seem to touch that line, but didn't cross it.
Getting passed the prologue, the story got much better. What I liked most about it was the slow burn. Chase did a great job building up the sexual tension between Eric and Bridge. Slow burning love is always the best.
I empathized with Eric a lot, but I did think his reasonings were repetitive. Actually, many of the same issues were constantly brought up-- like Bridge's sexuality and Eric's abandonment issues-- that felt like beating a dead horse.
This wasn't the best I've read in the gay cowboy genre, but another decent summer read. And I'll definitely read book three in the series. Chase writes on the sappy side, but the plots are enough to marginally keep my interest.
3 stars.
I actually liked Let it Ride better than Pickup Men. However, the prologue was very clunky and annoying. It just didn't match the flow of the rest of the novel and could've done without it since Bridge's sexual identity was repeatedly brought up in the following chapters. The prologue also had me fearful that Chase was going to be yet another M/M author who denies the existence of bisexuality in their work, which I really wasn't in the mood for. It seem to touch that line, but didn't cross it.
Getting passed the prologue, the story got much better. What I liked most about it was the slow burn. Chase did a great job building up the sexual tension between Eric and Bridge. Slow burning love is always the best.
I empathized with Eric a lot, but I did think his reasonings were repetitive. Actually, many of the same issues were constantly brought up-- like Bridge's sexuality and Eric's abandonment issues-- that felt like beating a dead horse.
This wasn't the best I've read in the gay cowboy genre, but another decent summer read. And I'll definitely read book three in the series. Chase writes on the sappy side, but the plots are enough to marginally keep my interest.
3 stars.
December 23, 2015
*3.75 stars*
I enjoyed this story for the most part. A previously 'straight' cowboy who suddenly starts having erotic dreams about a guy, and suddenly realises he isn't so straight after all. I love Bridge, and how accepting he was with his feelings. He knew how he felt, what he wanted, and went in 'all guns blazing'.
Eric on the other hand annoyed the crap out of me. I get he has a bad past, but I really got over every second thought he had being something along the lines of 'everyone leaves me, something is wrong with me, he will leave me to, it can only be a fling, it can only be sex, he will break my heart so I can't get attached' bla bla bla. In the end Eric ruined it all on his own, and I was glad to see him suffer. Yes I am a little sadistic, but oh well, I get sick of the whole trope this story was based on. The ending was really sweet, so it made some of the repetitive negative monologue from Eric worth it, plus it was hot sort of ;-)
I enjoyed this story for the most part. A previously 'straight' cowboy who suddenly starts having erotic dreams about a guy, and suddenly realises he isn't so straight after all. I love Bridge, and how accepting he was with his feelings. He knew how he felt, what he wanted, and went in 'all guns blazing'.
Eric on the other hand annoyed the crap out of me. I get he has a bad past, but I really got over every second thought he had being something along the lines of 'everyone leaves me, something is wrong with me, he will leave me to, it can only be a fling, it can only be sex, he will break my heart so I can't get attached' bla bla bla. In the end Eric ruined it all on his own, and I was glad to see him suffer. Yes I am a little sadistic, but oh well, I get sick of the whole trope this story was based on. The ending was really sweet, so it made some of the repetitive negative monologue from Eric worth it, plus it was hot sort of ;-)
August 3, 2021
Good
3.75 Stars
Reread
I enjoyed this one and that was mainly due to Bridge
I loved the fact that he owned who he was, didn’t really question it just went with it.
Once he realised he was attracted to Eric and wanted a life with him he was all in, no questions asked.
I did also like Eric and understood his hang ups after the life he had but didn’t like the way he left Bridge near the end
Anyone deserves more than someone just taking off, and if Bridge hadn’t gone after him, he would have been just left in the dark. My heart broke for Bridge here.
Eric deserved the coldish shoulder he received
Onto the next one – I have absolutely no recollection of reading it, so this should be interesting
3.75 Stars
Reread
I enjoyed this one and that was mainly due to Bridge
I loved the fact that he owned who he was, didn’t really question it just went with it.
Once he realised he was attracted to Eric and wanted a life with him he was all in, no questions asked.
I did also like Eric and understood his hang ups after the life he had but didn’t like the way he left Bridge near the end
Anyone deserves more than someone just taking off, and if Bridge hadn’t gone after him, he would have been just left in the dark. My heart broke for Bridge here.
Eric deserved the coldish shoulder he received
Onto the next one – I have absolutely no recollection of reading it, so this should be interesting
November 16, 2014
Barely enough story for a short story this book is very obviously padded with repetitive conversations. Bridge spends the entire book thinking about how much he wants Eric for reasons never provided to the reader. Eric spends the entire book worrying that Bridge will toss him aside like everyone else in his life. There are no subplots. The entire book is just their monotonous relationship. I have no idea what they saw in each other or why I should care.
The book has the sensibilities of a Hallmark Card. It is full of sappy sentiments. None of the cowboys behave even remotely like adult men. They all came across as a bunch of teenage girls.
The book has the sensibilities of a Hallmark Card. It is full of sappy sentiments. None of the cowboys behave even remotely like adult men. They all came across as a bunch of teenage girls.
April 25, 2017
After Pickup Men I was a little disappointed in this one. Centered simply around the relationship between the two MCs there weren't really any issues tackled like in the first book. I still really enjoyed this author's writing style and the way the characters were developed, so it definitely deserves three stars.
Dorian Bane was spectacular as narrator, of course.
Dorian Bane was spectacular as narrator, of course.
December 14, 2014
4.5 stars
what a supercute lovestory :))
i really loved all the boys but Bridge is my absolute favourite.I think he was really awesome.:)
what a supercute lovestory :))
i really loved all the boys but Bridge is my absolute favourite.I think he was really awesome.:)
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