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Forever Yours #2
Never Let You Go
Friends since they met in school, Ashton and Brighton soon become much more. Ash and his aunt are Brighton’s haven away from his mess of a family, and when Ash enlists in the Army, Brighton learns to endure his long absences and eagerly awaits his return from missions.
Until one day Ash doesn’t come back, and Brighton thinks his greatest fear has come true.
Months pass and Brighton grieves for Ash, not knowing that a terrible misunderstanding sent Ash running, unable to cope when he thought Brighton had betrayed him. Even after an emotional reunion, their relationship isn’t the same—Brighton is now responsible for his young niece, and he’s having a hard time rediscovering the trust he once had in Ash. Ash must still tend to his mental health, but before he can, he’ll have to deal with a past secret that puts all their lives at risk. With so many forces determined to tear them apart, can Brighton and Ash hold on to each other and never let go?
Until one day Ash doesn’t come back, and Brighton thinks his greatest fear has come true.
Months pass and Brighton grieves for Ash, not knowing that a terrible misunderstanding sent Ash running, unable to cope when he thought Brighton had betrayed him. Even after an emotional reunion, their relationship isn’t the same—Brighton is now responsible for his young niece, and he’s having a hard time rediscovering the trust he once had in Ash. Ash must still tend to his mental health, but before he can, he’ll have to deal with a past secret that puts all their lives at risk. With so many forces determined to tear them apart, can Brighton and Ash hold on to each other and never let go?
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2017
26 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 1, 2017
Hopping Rocks
I think I'm going to be an outlier on this one. As the spouse of a military veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan (OIF/OEF), I am more than familiar with the veteran's response to combat and reintegration. I also have twelve credits left to complete three BS in Psychology degrees in Crisis Counseling, Military Resilience and Addiction and Recovery (see the correlation here?). I think I have a more informed opinion on the themes in this book than the average person. I'm not tooting my own horn, that's just fact, and an attempt to show that I'm not just talking out of my ass from here on out.
That surfeit of knowledge and experience is also a drawback in this situation because Grey's Never Let You Go is, after all, a work of fiction. However, I don't think that mitigates the responsibility one has to be as accurate as possible when addressing subjects like combat-related PTSD. Cara Dee did an excellent job in her book Aftermath, and its sequel, which both dealt with a similar type of trauma as in this title. Unfortunately, the same can't be said here. There were also so many things wrong with the military side of this I lost count. I felt like Ludo hopping rocks through The Bog of Eternal Stench. There were little nuggets of sanity swimming in what amounted to a minefield of stinky plot bombs.
Image may be subject to copyright
For example, never in a million years would a war criminal be set loose (and misplaced) in the US a mere year or so after he was captured, regardless of what information he had. Never. Gonna. Happen. Can you say Guantanamo Bay? That's what it's for, and many suspected terrorists and/or war criminals ensconced at Gitmo during and after OIF/OEF were there for years. For all I know, many still remain today.
Playing Devil's Advocate, I'm going to suspend disbelief and act as if it were a possibility for a known terrorist to be freely roaming the United States. In that case, there is nothing whatsoever far-fetched about the idea that said terrorist would, if he had knowledge of where to find Ash, seek him out for revenge. We know that Musalla made Ash his own personal pet project while Ash was in captivity and, let's face it, if this was an S.E. Jakes or Abigail Roux title, we would absolutely expect for Musalla to show up and wreak havoc. It would have justified Ash's maligned actions and behaviors and made all the judgmental Dubious McDoubtersons look like asses. Now that I would have enjoyed.
So, treating Ash like he was insane or something because he was concerned about that whole situation was ... shitty. Brighton taking it personally and making it all about his own insecurities was ... well, it stunk. When Ash joined the service, he and Brighton agreed on it. Brighton went into it with the expectation that there would be separations. They did it for years and it was difficult, but it was okay. Now, all of the sudden, it's unacceptable?
Acting on the premise that a known terrorist may be coming after him, in the world according to Brighton, Ash was apparently supposed to stick around and put the love of his life and his would-be daughter in the path of a murderous sadist. Sure thing. Was it likely to happen that way? No. But it was possible and none of them had any concrete reason to dismiss it at the time. Now, retrospectively, in the meantime, and going forward, Brighton has decided to look at Ash leaving for anything *ever* as if Ash is leaving him and not going because he had/has to or because he had/has good reason? And Ash is the irrational one. Riiiiiight.
Brighton's assumptions that Ash was deliberately choosing to have one foot out the door and that it was somehow directly related to Ash not wanting him was ludicrous and vain in the worst possible way. Ash's character was well-established as a protector. Of course he would sacrifice what he wanted, if necessary, to keep people safe. What was Ash supposed to do? I'll tell you. Exactly what he did. Too bad Brighton wasn't too bright. Of course Ash would stay where and with whom he'd been longing to be the whole time he was a POW, and he'd be ready to leave to keep them all safe, but only as an absolute last resort. Plan for the worst, hope for the best. And hmm ... how odd. Isn't that exactly what happened?
This brings me to my main complaint with this story. You do not expect someone with PTSD to just rub some dirt on it, get over it, pull their head out of their ass, or otherwise miraculously flip some switch that—from one second to the next—takes away all the hyper-alert, paranoid, reactionary symptoms of what is essentially a severe, trauma-induced anxiety response to otherwise harmless stimuli. Ash hitting the deck when the glasses smashed in the diner is a good example of that, as are the nightmares, flashbacks, hypersensitivity and paranoia.
The author did a good job of describing some of the symptoms of PTSD. However, the way most of the characters responded to his anxieties and hyper-awareness, and Ash's self-perception driven by the assholes around him, should be in the, What Not to Do and Say to People With Combat-Related PTSD book for dummies. Mm-hmm. As a matter of fact, Rose and Aunt Petey were the only two people in the book with any damn sense when it came to how to talk to, support, and interact with Ash appropriately regarding his PTSD.
Conversely, Brighton was selfish and unrealistic in his expectations of how Ash 'should' be behaving and adjusting. Brighton was also overly and erroneously judgmental of Ash's motivations throughout. In fact, Brighton and Raymond both treated Ash like he was defective because he couldn't see why they thought he was nuts for being concerned about the fugitive terrorist torturer. Well, duh! Until the government found Musalla and Ash knew where he had been the whole time, that attitude was premature on its face and wrong-headed regardless.
Brighton barely acknowledged that the conclusions Ash drew about Raymond being Brighton's partner were reasonable, especially given his damaged sense of self. Of course Ash interpreted what he saw in the most obvious and also most personally painful way possible. Of course he did. But Brighton couched his own backwards ass acceptance of that conclusion in a rant about Ash leaving. It was once again Ash's fault, the whole misunderstanding and longer separation, because he went away before and was going to do it again. Because, apparently, not interfering in what looks like a happy relationship automatically conveys instant culpability on the person who made the mature decision to walk away as opposed to becoming a potential homewrecker ... how, exactly? **EYEROLL**
Let's just forget about the fact that Ash was still technically hospitalized at the time and all that, or that Raymond was smooching on Brighton in public and all that. Or that both Raymond and Brighton were walking down the street together swinging a little girl between them. Yeah. Absolutely NOTHING domestic-looking about any of that . Uh-huh. We'll also conveniently forget Brighton's culpability entirely because, you know, it's all Ash's fault no matter what and it's easier to just go with THAT. Whatthefuckever.
Instead of being supportive, Brighton basically issued ultimatums contingent on Ash acting 'normal' or 'like he did before' .... Before what? Oh right. Before Ash was shot at, captured, beaten, and tortured for months. Before he was the sole survivor of a nine- or ten-man platoon of his friends. Hey-yo Ash, my man! Get right on that, m'kay? Act nohhhhhrrrrmaaaahhhhhl for the pogues.
If anyone was wrong here, it was Brighton. Even at the end, Ash had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of or guilty for. He made all the right choices and made realistic steps toward recovery, insofar as anyone can recover from PTSD. There is no cure. At the very least, Brighton walking out on Ash because Ash's OTT anxieties were negatively affecting both his world view in general and his daily life in particular was a real dick move on Brighton's part. I was pissed at that point, because I've learned from experience that that kind of nonsense is the type of action/reaction scenario that leads veterans to suicide in real life. Yes, that's how damned serious it is.
A good deal of the plot revolved around Brighton guilt-tripping Ash into complying with Brighton's wants and needs instead of dealing with what was necessary for Ash's emotional and psychological well-being. Brighton didn't contribute positively to Ash's recovery, not even peripherally, unless it was also benefitting him in some way. This facet of their relationship dynamic alone was sufficient to taint the entire story with an unrelenting stench.
The rest of my dissatisfaction revolved around the military aspect, which I've already explained was a steaming pile of horse-poo. I wanted to kick Brighton in the balls most of the time, so I didn't believe in his and Ash's intimate connection, though I could see where their history lent itself to having a deep and abiding friendship. There wasn't much of anything memorable about the sexy parts either. Most of them were vague and almost euphemistic. The ones that weren't, were unforgivably vanilla.
In short, *wink* ... you're thinking, "Finally!" right? For perpetuating dangerous stereotypes about PTSD and for the relationship dynamics between Brighton and Ash that would have negatively exacerbated Ash's condition, I simply can't give this book a good review.
This book was technically well-written. I started skimming, so I won't speak to the editing, although I didn't notice anything egregious. The long and longer of it is this: the plot-related themes killed this one. Killed it dead.
Galley copy of Never Let You Go provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
I think I'm going to be an outlier on this one. As the spouse of a military veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan (OIF/OEF), I am more than familiar with the veteran's response to combat and reintegration. I also have twelve credits left to complete three BS in Psychology degrees in Crisis Counseling, Military Resilience and Addiction and Recovery (see the correlation here?). I think I have a more informed opinion on the themes in this book than the average person. I'm not tooting my own horn, that's just fact, and an attempt to show that I'm not just talking out of my ass from here on out.
That surfeit of knowledge and experience is also a drawback in this situation because Grey's Never Let You Go is, after all, a work of fiction. However, I don't think that mitigates the responsibility one has to be as accurate as possible when addressing subjects like combat-related PTSD. Cara Dee did an excellent job in her book Aftermath, and its sequel, which both dealt with a similar type of trauma as in this title. Unfortunately, the same can't be said here. There were also so many things wrong with the military side of this I lost count. I felt like Ludo hopping rocks through The Bog of Eternal Stench. There were little nuggets of sanity swimming in what amounted to a minefield of stinky plot bombs.
Image may be subject to copyright
For example, never in a million years would a war criminal be set loose (and misplaced) in the US a mere year or so after he was captured, regardless of what information he had. Never. Gonna. Happen. Can you say Guantanamo Bay? That's what it's for, and many suspected terrorists and/or war criminals ensconced at Gitmo during and after OIF/OEF were there for years. For all I know, many still remain today.
Playing Devil's Advocate, I'm going to suspend disbelief and act as if it were a possibility for a known terrorist to be freely roaming the United States. In that case, there is nothing whatsoever far-fetched about the idea that said terrorist would, if he had knowledge of where to find Ash, seek him out for revenge. We know that Musalla made Ash his own personal pet project while Ash was in captivity and, let's face it, if this was an S.E. Jakes or Abigail Roux title, we would absolutely expect for Musalla to show up and wreak havoc. It would have justified Ash's maligned actions and behaviors and made all the judgmental Dubious McDoubtersons look like asses. Now that I would have enjoyed.
So, treating Ash like he was insane or something because he was concerned about that whole situation was ... shitty. Brighton taking it personally and making it all about his own insecurities was ... well, it stunk. When Ash joined the service, he and Brighton agreed on it. Brighton went into it with the expectation that there would be separations. They did it for years and it was difficult, but it was okay. Now, all of the sudden, it's unacceptable?
Acting on the premise that a known terrorist may be coming after him, in the world according to Brighton, Ash was apparently supposed to stick around and put the love of his life and his would-be daughter in the path of a murderous sadist. Sure thing. Was it likely to happen that way? No. But it was possible and none of them had any concrete reason to dismiss it at the time. Now, retrospectively, in the meantime, and going forward, Brighton has decided to look at Ash leaving for anything *ever* as if Ash is leaving him and not going because he had/has to or because he had/has good reason? And Ash is the irrational one. Riiiiiight.
Brighton's assumptions that Ash was deliberately choosing to have one foot out the door and that it was somehow directly related to Ash not wanting him was ludicrous and vain in the worst possible way. Ash's character was well-established as a protector. Of course he would sacrifice what he wanted, if necessary, to keep people safe. What was Ash supposed to do? I'll tell you. Exactly what he did. Too bad Brighton wasn't too bright. Of course Ash would stay where and with whom he'd been longing to be the whole time he was a POW, and he'd be ready to leave to keep them all safe, but only as an absolute last resort. Plan for the worst, hope for the best. And hmm ... how odd. Isn't that exactly what happened?
This brings me to my main complaint with this story. You do not expect someone with PTSD to just rub some dirt on it, get over it, pull their head out of their ass, or otherwise miraculously flip some switch that—from one second to the next—takes away all the hyper-alert, paranoid, reactionary symptoms of what is essentially a severe, trauma-induced anxiety response to otherwise harmless stimuli. Ash hitting the deck when the glasses smashed in the diner is a good example of that, as are the nightmares, flashbacks, hypersensitivity and paranoia.
The author did a good job of describing some of the symptoms of PTSD. However, the way most of the characters responded to his anxieties and hyper-awareness, and Ash's self-perception driven by the assholes around him, should be in the, What Not to Do and Say to People With Combat-Related PTSD book for dummies. Mm-hmm. As a matter of fact, Rose and Aunt Petey were the only two people in the book with any damn sense when it came to how to talk to, support, and interact with Ash appropriately regarding his PTSD.
Conversely, Brighton was selfish and unrealistic in his expectations of how Ash 'should' be behaving and adjusting. Brighton was also overly and erroneously judgmental of Ash's motivations throughout. In fact, Brighton and Raymond both treated Ash like he was defective because he couldn't see why they thought he was nuts for being concerned about the fugitive terrorist torturer. Well, duh! Until the government found Musalla and Ash knew where he had been the whole time, that attitude was premature on its face and wrong-headed regardless.
Brighton barely acknowledged that the conclusions Ash drew about Raymond being Brighton's partner were reasonable, especially given his damaged sense of self. Of course Ash interpreted what he saw in the most obvious and also most personally painful way possible. Of course he did. But Brighton couched his own backwards ass acceptance of that conclusion in a rant about Ash leaving. It was once again Ash's fault, the whole misunderstanding and longer separation, because he went away before and was going to do it again. Because, apparently, not interfering in what looks like a happy relationship automatically conveys instant culpability on the person who made the mature decision to walk away as opposed to becoming a potential homewrecker ... how, exactly? **EYEROLL**
Let's just forget about the fact that Ash was still technically hospitalized at the time and all that, or that Raymond was smooching on Brighton in public and all that. Or that both Raymond and Brighton were walking down the street together swinging a little girl between them. Yeah. Absolutely NOTHING domestic-looking about any of that . Uh-huh. We'll also conveniently forget Brighton's culpability entirely because, you know, it's all Ash's fault no matter what and it's easier to just go with THAT. Whatthefuckever.
Instead of being supportive, Brighton basically issued ultimatums contingent on Ash acting 'normal' or 'like he did before' .... Before what? Oh right. Before Ash was shot at, captured, beaten, and tortured for months. Before he was the sole survivor of a nine- or ten-man platoon of his friends. Hey-yo Ash, my man! Get right on that, m'kay? Act nohhhhhrrrrmaaaahhhhhl for the pogues.
If anyone was wrong here, it was Brighton. Even at the end, Ash had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of or guilty for. He made all the right choices and made realistic steps toward recovery, insofar as anyone can recover from PTSD. There is no cure. At the very least, Brighton walking out on Ash because Ash's OTT anxieties were negatively affecting both his world view in general and his daily life in particular was a real dick move on Brighton's part. I was pissed at that point, because I've learned from experience that that kind of nonsense is the type of action/reaction scenario that leads veterans to suicide in real life. Yes, that's how damned serious it is.
A good deal of the plot revolved around Brighton guilt-tripping Ash into complying with Brighton's wants and needs instead of dealing with what was necessary for Ash's emotional and psychological well-being. Brighton didn't contribute positively to Ash's recovery, not even peripherally, unless it was also benefitting him in some way. This facet of their relationship dynamic alone was sufficient to taint the entire story with an unrelenting stench.
The rest of my dissatisfaction revolved around the military aspect, which I've already explained was a steaming pile of horse-poo. I wanted to kick Brighton in the balls most of the time, so I didn't believe in his and Ash's intimate connection, though I could see where their history lent itself to having a deep and abiding friendship. There wasn't much of anything memorable about the sexy parts either. Most of them were vague and almost euphemistic. The ones that weren't, were unforgivably vanilla.
In short, *wink* ... you're thinking, "Finally!" right? For perpetuating dangerous stereotypes about PTSD and for the relationship dynamics between Brighton and Ash that would have negatively exacerbated Ash's condition, I simply can't give this book a good review.
This book was technically well-written. I started skimming, so I won't speak to the editing, although I didn't notice anything egregious. The long and longer of it is this: the plot-related themes killed this one. Killed it dead.
Galley copy of Never Let You Go provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
September 11, 2017
This one slipped at little towards the end...
Ashton and Brighton have been friends for most of their lives...falling in love just seemed like a natural progression in their relationship. Ashton protected Brighton and along with his Aunt Petey gave Brighton a place to feel safe and loved when he first came out to his parents. When Ashton enlisted in the military Brighton was always there waiting for him to come home on leave...waiting for him to come home after his final mission and the end of his tour of duty...only things went wrong and Ashton never came home. Brighton was left believing that the man he loved was dead and Brighton was left trying to put himself back together with only half his heart.
It's nearly two years later when Ashton and Brighton see each other again. Neither man is the same. Brighton has a niece to raise following the death of his sister. Ashton's still recovering both physically and mentally from the mission that nearly ended it all for him.
This one started out good for me and I liked the initial reunion between Ashton and Brighton. While the men were separated in part because of a misunderstanding when they finally talked it wasn't an over the top dramatic event and while the forgiveness came fairly easily it wasn't done in an unrealistic way things didn't instantly fall into place. It felt more like an acknowledgment of mistakes made and a willingness to try again.
Unfortunately it's not enough that Ashton and Brighton have to work through their own circumstances and get to know each other again...to learn the changes. They also find themselves having to possibly face Ashton's reaction to the news that his nightmares may be looking for him.
There were things that for me just detracted from the story and niggled at me. Things like the fact that the reason Ashton had originally stayed away quite honestly made sense to me and Ashton's actions were done purely out of his love for Brighton and because he thought Ashton was happy and he didn't want to risk spoiling that for him. The fact that Brighton seemed to understand where Ashton was at one minute and then the next he acted like Ashton now should be the same Ashton who enlisted in the military years earlier and hadn't endured what he had...in other words at times Brighton just seemed a little wishy, washy in his responses and how he felt about things emotionally. He loved Ashton enough to always be waiting for him, to understand when they put their plans for the future on hold while Ashton served in the military. He loved him enough to want to try again when they were reunited and suddenly when Ashton's behavior isn't what Brighton thinks it should be, even knowing what Ashton suffered Brighton's giving ultimatums and saying that he can't do it anymore and they're through? WTF? For me it felt like this was when Ashton needed someone the most. His behavior was like a neon sign screaming that Ashton needed help and Brighton walked away.
As much as I was enjoying the beginning of this book for me the last part of the story just wasn't working and then we got what was almost a magical HEA and things just ended up being ok and not as awesome as they'd started out being.
********************
An ARC of 'Never Let You Go' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ashton and Brighton have been friends for most of their lives...falling in love just seemed like a natural progression in their relationship. Ashton protected Brighton and along with his Aunt Petey gave Brighton a place to feel safe and loved when he first came out to his parents. When Ashton enlisted in the military Brighton was always there waiting for him to come home on leave...waiting for him to come home after his final mission and the end of his tour of duty...only things went wrong and Ashton never came home. Brighton was left believing that the man he loved was dead and Brighton was left trying to put himself back together with only half his heart.
It's nearly two years later when Ashton and Brighton see each other again. Neither man is the same. Brighton has a niece to raise following the death of his sister. Ashton's still recovering both physically and mentally from the mission that nearly ended it all for him.
This one started out good for me and I liked the initial reunion between Ashton and Brighton. While the men were separated in part because of a misunderstanding when they finally talked it wasn't an over the top dramatic event and while the forgiveness came fairly easily it wasn't done in an unrealistic way things didn't instantly fall into place. It felt more like an acknowledgment of mistakes made and a willingness to try again.
Unfortunately it's not enough that Ashton and Brighton have to work through their own circumstances and get to know each other again...to learn the changes. They also find themselves having to possibly face Ashton's reaction to the news that his nightmares may be looking for him.
There were things that for me just detracted from the story and niggled at me. Things like the fact that the reason Ashton had originally stayed away quite honestly made sense to me and Ashton's actions were done purely out of his love for Brighton and because he thought Ashton was happy and he didn't want to risk spoiling that for him. The fact that Brighton seemed to understand where Ashton was at one minute and then the next he acted like Ashton now should be the same Ashton who enlisted in the military years earlier and hadn't endured what he had...in other words at times Brighton just seemed a little wishy, washy in his responses and how he felt about things emotionally. He loved Ashton enough to always be waiting for him, to understand when they put their plans for the future on hold while Ashton served in the military. He loved him enough to want to try again when they were reunited and suddenly when Ashton's behavior isn't what Brighton thinks it should be, even knowing what Ashton suffered Brighton's giving ultimatums and saying that he can't do it anymore and they're through? WTF? For me it felt like this was when Ashton needed someone the most. His behavior was like a neon sign screaming that Ashton needed help and Brighton walked away.
As much as I was enjoying the beginning of this book for me the last part of the story just wasn't working and then we got what was almost a magical HEA and things just ended up being ok and not as awesome as they'd started out being.
********************
An ARC of 'Never Let You Go' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2017
Lovers separated by fate then kept apart because of a misunderstanding, only describes a very small part of the heartache Ash and Brighton go through in this emotional story – and it’s a very inaccurate description at that. So I’ll try to do better: Ash and Brighton are soul mates who met when they were twelve, they were separated when Ash became an Army Ranger and was taken prisoner, and when Ash finally gets back, physically and mentally broken, he sees Brighton with another man and a little girl. Brighton, for his part, still thinks Ash is dead – the Army has kept the entire episode under wraps and has not told anyone anything. Can you imagine what it’s like when they finally do get everything out in the open? But that’s only the start of their harrowing journey back to a relationship both crave with all their hearts, yet can’t seem to make happen.
Ash “returns from the dead” in more than one way. He has been through hell, been tortured for months, and has a hard time even remembering who he is, never mind recovering from his ordeal. The one thing that got him through an imprisonment that left him with PTSD and a severe limp, is his love for Brighton. So when he returns to their hometown and thinks he sees Brighton with another man, Ash’s world collapses. But his elderly Aunt Petey needs his help, and she is probably the only reason Ash even makes it through the rest of his recovery, but it isn’t easy. And when he finally confronts Brighton and finds out the truth, things don’t get all that much easier. But at least he has a goal now, and above all – hope.
Brighton has grieved for Ash for a year and a half by the time he finds out Ash is still alive, but he is still not over him. The friendship they shared before they became lovers and his deep love for the man he knows is the other half of him stop him from moving on, no matter what everyone tells him. Brighton is now taking care of his deceased sister’s young daughter, Violet, has his parents on his back about being gay and how they’d be the better people to raise her, and has to deal with trying to make ends meet financially. Understanding who the man is that Ash has become and learning to trust again is quite a tall order… but Brighton can’t really see an alternative.
As it turns out, meeting again and dealing with their issues isn’t the only obstacle in Ash and Brighton’s path. Ash’s past comes back to haunt him even further, and the suspense and danger had me breathless more than once. Above all, much like ‘Can’t Live Without You’, the first book in this series, ‘Never Let You Go’ is a beautiful love story, an ode to never giving up hope for a happy ending, and a heart-wrenching tale about dealing with pain and loss that shows how the most important things in life sometimes require hard work. Ash and Brighton are complicated, yet wonderful characters, and Aunt Petey and Violet, as well as a whole cast of other secondary characters, added a lot of color to their story.
If you like stories about dealing with trauma and very real danger, if you want to see two men reunited after having been separated by military secrets and brutal terrorists, and if you’re looking for a read that is as deeply emotional as it is romantic, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. Ash and Brighton’s happy ending certainly doesn’t come easy but is so very well deserved!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Ash “returns from the dead” in more than one way. He has been through hell, been tortured for months, and has a hard time even remembering who he is, never mind recovering from his ordeal. The one thing that got him through an imprisonment that left him with PTSD and a severe limp, is his love for Brighton. So when he returns to their hometown and thinks he sees Brighton with another man, Ash’s world collapses. But his elderly Aunt Petey needs his help, and she is probably the only reason Ash even makes it through the rest of his recovery, but it isn’t easy. And when he finally confronts Brighton and finds out the truth, things don’t get all that much easier. But at least he has a goal now, and above all – hope.
Brighton has grieved for Ash for a year and a half by the time he finds out Ash is still alive, but he is still not over him. The friendship they shared before they became lovers and his deep love for the man he knows is the other half of him stop him from moving on, no matter what everyone tells him. Brighton is now taking care of his deceased sister’s young daughter, Violet, has his parents on his back about being gay and how they’d be the better people to raise her, and has to deal with trying to make ends meet financially. Understanding who the man is that Ash has become and learning to trust again is quite a tall order… but Brighton can’t really see an alternative.
As it turns out, meeting again and dealing with their issues isn’t the only obstacle in Ash and Brighton’s path. Ash’s past comes back to haunt him even further, and the suspense and danger had me breathless more than once. Above all, much like ‘Can’t Live Without You’, the first book in this series, ‘Never Let You Go’ is a beautiful love story, an ode to never giving up hope for a happy ending, and a heart-wrenching tale about dealing with pain and loss that shows how the most important things in life sometimes require hard work. Ash and Brighton are complicated, yet wonderful characters, and Aunt Petey and Violet, as well as a whole cast of other secondary characters, added a lot of color to their story.
If you like stories about dealing with trauma and very real danger, if you want to see two men reunited after having been separated by military secrets and brutal terrorists, and if you’re looking for a read that is as deeply emotional as it is romantic, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. Ash and Brighton’s happy ending certainly doesn’t come easy but is so very well deserved!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 25, 2017
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Two shirtless men are standing with foreheads touching in upper half of the photo. Lower area fades to a small town main street type scene. Average font, Neutral colors. Overall, there's nothing to really catch and keep the eye, but the composition is clean and well-arranged. The synopsis made me want to read it.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Ash was a POW and is now a medically discharged soldier looking to get back to the one man that kept him fighting for his freedom but when he returns home, he sees Brighton with another man and flees.
Brighton was led to believe that Ash was killed on that last mission and he still grieves for the loss. Only having his cousin as a roommate and, now, the responsibility of raising his niece, as his dying sister wished, has kept him from spiraling too far. But even still, he has no desire to put himself out there again.
Ash returns to their little town when his elderly aunt, the woman that raised and loved him as her own, needs assistance. When the two men meet again and the spark reignites, they have to decide if life has changed them too much or if they still want the same things as they had years ago.
Other than a cameo from the characters from CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU and they were loosely connected to a secondary character, the cast primarily seemed to be immediate family and Rose, the owner of the diner they like to frequent. This story CAN stand on its own quite well. The plot was good; steady but without any dynamic twists or fun surprises. It flowed smoothly; almost sedately. There were times that I'd hope something would happen in the plot to add a touch of excitement, but the opportunity was lost as the story continued on at a standard-fare contemporary pace.
The only place where predictability was present was throughout the final chapter and epilogue, which featured a solid HEA for Brighton and Ash. Overall, it was a well-written story with a small-town vibe and pace and likable characters.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.05 ~ Stars: 4
Possible Triggers: PTSD with flashbacks and nightmares of time in captivity are mentioned without great or graphic detail.
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from RBTL Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Two shirtless men are standing with foreheads touching in upper half of the photo. Lower area fades to a small town main street type scene. Average font, Neutral colors. Overall, there's nothing to really catch and keep the eye, but the composition is clean and well-arranged. The synopsis made me want to read it.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Ash was a POW and is now a medically discharged soldier looking to get back to the one man that kept him fighting for his freedom but when he returns home, he sees Brighton with another man and flees.
Brighton was led to believe that Ash was killed on that last mission and he still grieves for the loss. Only having his cousin as a roommate and, now, the responsibility of raising his niece, as his dying sister wished, has kept him from spiraling too far. But even still, he has no desire to put himself out there again.
Ash returns to their little town when his elderly aunt, the woman that raised and loved him as her own, needs assistance. When the two men meet again and the spark reignites, they have to decide if life has changed them too much or if they still want the same things as they had years ago.
Other than a cameo from the characters from CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU and they were loosely connected to a secondary character, the cast primarily seemed to be immediate family and Rose, the owner of the diner they like to frequent. This story CAN stand on its own quite well. The plot was good; steady but without any dynamic twists or fun surprises. It flowed smoothly; almost sedately. There were times that I'd hope something would happen in the plot to add a touch of excitement, but the opportunity was lost as the story continued on at a standard-fare contemporary pace.
The only place where predictability was present was throughout the final chapter and epilogue, which featured a solid HEA for Brighton and Ash. Overall, it was a well-written story with a small-town vibe and pace and likable characters.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.05 ~ Stars: 4
Possible Triggers: PTSD with flashbacks and nightmares of time in captivity are mentioned without great or graphic detail.
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from RBTL Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
September 8, 2017
Sigh….. I’ve never read a single Andrew Grey book I didn’t love.. especially when he writes hot guys with kids. I’m a sucker for that.. This one, was no different, although I wanted to “lovingly” throat punch these two a couple of times.
See, we get a heartbreaking beginning when war hero, Ash comes back from his last mission a LOT longer than he was supposed to be gone for. Having been taken prisoner and held for months and spending the rest of the time recuperating in rehabs and hospitals; the only thing that kept him alive was getting back to his Aunt that raised him and the love of his life, Brighton.
Unfortunately, things aren’t the way he hoped when he got back… it’s a big mess. A mess that could’ve been cleared up had things gone differently…. Vague? Yeah, sorry… I don’t wanna give anything away… Anyway, so, Ash is back in town and trying to settle in with his Aunt and figure out what he’s going to do with himself now that he’s home for good…. Easier said than done, when you think the love of your life has moved on and started a family…which is partly true… Brighton did become the guardian of the cutest little girl, his niece… and like I said.. hot guys with kids is so my thing, so I loved that aspect and it made Ash redeemable in my eyes because he’s just all around great with her.
Now, once things get worked out in a comfortable way for Ash, the threat of the past comes back and rears it’s ugly head. He warred with what to do, leaving to make people safe or staying to keep them safe himself…. Either way, he had the people he loved, best interest at heart and you can’t fault him for that…it’s admirable, even.
I thought that Brighton could’ve been a bit more understanding to what Ash had been through. Maybe he was being paranoid, but after what he’d been through, he deserved to be overly cautious. I hated that anyone called him an idiot or said that he messed up… he did it because he thought it was the right thing to do. So, shame on Brighton and even Aunty Petey, and between you and me, the cousin really got on my nerves. I wasn’t a fan of him… Brighton’s mom too, they both rubbed me the wrong way…
BUT, where there’s a will, there’s Andrew Grey and he did not disappoint with that ending. Alls well that ends well and everything works out the way it’s supposed to; with everyone, happy and healthy and in love. This was a cute little story about a second chance. I’ll always be a fan.
4 stars from me!
*I received this book from the publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*f
See, we get a heartbreaking beginning when war hero, Ash comes back from his last mission a LOT longer than he was supposed to be gone for. Having been taken prisoner and held for months and spending the rest of the time recuperating in rehabs and hospitals; the only thing that kept him alive was getting back to his Aunt that raised him and the love of his life, Brighton.
Unfortunately, things aren’t the way he hoped when he got back… it’s a big mess. A mess that could’ve been cleared up had things gone differently…. Vague? Yeah, sorry… I don’t wanna give anything away… Anyway, so, Ash is back in town and trying to settle in with his Aunt and figure out what he’s going to do with himself now that he’s home for good…. Easier said than done, when you think the love of your life has moved on and started a family…which is partly true… Brighton did become the guardian of the cutest little girl, his niece… and like I said.. hot guys with kids is so my thing, so I loved that aspect and it made Ash redeemable in my eyes because he’s just all around great with her.
Now, once things get worked out in a comfortable way for Ash, the threat of the past comes back and rears it’s ugly head. He warred with what to do, leaving to make people safe or staying to keep them safe himself…. Either way, he had the people he loved, best interest at heart and you can’t fault him for that…it’s admirable, even.
I thought that Brighton could’ve been a bit more understanding to what Ash had been through. Maybe he was being paranoid, but after what he’d been through, he deserved to be overly cautious. I hated that anyone called him an idiot or said that he messed up… he did it because he thought it was the right thing to do. So, shame on Brighton and even Aunty Petey, and between you and me, the cousin really got on my nerves. I wasn’t a fan of him… Brighton’s mom too, they both rubbed me the wrong way…
BUT, where there’s a will, there’s Andrew Grey and he did not disappoint with that ending. Alls well that ends well and everything works out the way it’s supposed to; with everyone, happy and healthy and in love. This was a cute little story about a second chance. I’ll always be a fan.
4 stars from me!
*I received this book from the publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*f
September 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this heartbreaking read. PTSD is such a huge illness hat affects a lot of our military men. The sad thing is not everyone seeks help for it and not everyone knows how to help with it. Unfortunately PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and many other things. Those who experience it definitely feel he change in themselves and they way they are affected by it. This is a story that was beautifully written by Andrew Grey that shows just how PTSD can affect not only the person sudfereing from it but those around them.
Brighton and Ash have known each other since they was twelve years old. They started out best friends and as they got older they grew to love one another in a romantic capacity. After graduating high school Ash decided to join the military and Brighton supported his decision and went so far as to wait for Ash's return from each tour. It was not easy for Brighton but he loved Ash with his whole heart so he would wait and pray that Ash was fine.
On Ash's last deployment something aweful happened and Ash is captured and held prisoner. Everyone believes that Ash is not alive and Brighton is heartbroken. The thing is Ash is alive but even after his recovery time in the hospital Ash does not go to Brighton. Well he did but there was a huge misunderstanding and Ash believes that Brighton has moved on and is happy.
A year after Ash walked away without so much as talking to Brighton, Ash returns to the town they both used to live in to take care of his aunt. Ash is trying to avoid Brighton to try to keep the hurt of Brighton moving on without him at bay. But fate has a way of stepping in and correcting mistakes of the past.
Now that Brighton and Ash are face to face again can these two men work out all of the misunderstandings or is it doomed between them to repeat the past once again with Ash leaving Brighton behind?
This was such a wonderful read. I definitely suggest this book to others. It is one of Jose books you will want a tissue on stand by for part of the read. Andrew Grey is an amazing author and has written this book so beautifully. Look forward to more by him in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Brighton and Ash have known each other since they was twelve years old. They started out best friends and as they got older they grew to love one another in a romantic capacity. After graduating high school Ash decided to join the military and Brighton supported his decision and went so far as to wait for Ash's return from each tour. It was not easy for Brighton but he loved Ash with his whole heart so he would wait and pray that Ash was fine.
On Ash's last deployment something aweful happened and Ash is captured and held prisoner. Everyone believes that Ash is not alive and Brighton is heartbroken. The thing is Ash is alive but even after his recovery time in the hospital Ash does not go to Brighton. Well he did but there was a huge misunderstanding and Ash believes that Brighton has moved on and is happy.
A year after Ash walked away without so much as talking to Brighton, Ash returns to the town they both used to live in to take care of his aunt. Ash is trying to avoid Brighton to try to keep the hurt of Brighton moving on without him at bay. But fate has a way of stepping in and correcting mistakes of the past.
Now that Brighton and Ash are face to face again can these two men work out all of the misunderstandings or is it doomed between them to repeat the past once again with Ash leaving Brighton behind?
This was such a wonderful read. I definitely suggest this book to others. It is one of Jose books you will want a tissue on stand by for part of the read. Andrew Grey is an amazing author and has written this book so beautifully. Look forward to more by him in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
October 16, 2017
4 Hanging in there Stars
We all know that I love an Andrew Grey book, and this one was definitely in my like column. We meet Ash as he’s recently discharged from being injured on military duty, seeking out his boyfriend from afar. In other words, this book starts out with EMOTION and crazy sadness – and a bit of annoyance. Let me break it down…
What happens is filled with all of that, but a common theme throughout the book is someone not following through or taking action. Jumping to a conclusion or just… walking away. It was ANNOYING – because there’s no way in real life that would happen. NO WAY. Not if everything else that is shared throughout, would be true. But as soon as you get over that speck of annoyance, it all MAKES SENSE. So don’t let that niggling thought get away from you. There’s a reason for the inaction and conclusion jumping… and it continues to fuel the emotion behind this story. Ash’s boyfriend Brighton, is caring and steps up to the plate… despite his heartbreak. And it’s so endearing – even when he’s struggling. Together, both characters are exactly what Grey is best at – real, deep and meant to be together.
As mentioned above, there were a few things that irked me about the “ships passing” things that happened, but it was so worth it – because when they did come together, it’s everything you would have hoped for and more. But it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t perfect. Both characters struggled – and stayed true to their core… even when you thought you were getting the HEA, there was work to be done. Making their actual HEA even sweeter.
This is a great read for all Grey fans (obviously), and anyone who is looking for a more emotional grab with some struggles and a rewarding HEA.
Review Copy of Never Let You Go provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
We all know that I love an Andrew Grey book, and this one was definitely in my like column. We meet Ash as he’s recently discharged from being injured on military duty, seeking out his boyfriend from afar. In other words, this book starts out with EMOTION and crazy sadness – and a bit of annoyance. Let me break it down…
What happens is filled with all of that, but a common theme throughout the book is someone not following through or taking action. Jumping to a conclusion or just… walking away. It was ANNOYING – because there’s no way in real life that would happen. NO WAY. Not if everything else that is shared throughout, would be true. But as soon as you get over that speck of annoyance, it all MAKES SENSE. So don’t let that niggling thought get away from you. There’s a reason for the inaction and conclusion jumping… and it continues to fuel the emotion behind this story. Ash’s boyfriend Brighton, is caring and steps up to the plate… despite his heartbreak. And it’s so endearing – even when he’s struggling. Together, both characters are exactly what Grey is best at – real, deep and meant to be together.
As mentioned above, there were a few things that irked me about the “ships passing” things that happened, but it was so worth it – because when they did come together, it’s everything you would have hoped for and more. But it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t perfect. Both characters struggled – and stayed true to their core… even when you thought you were getting the HEA, there was work to be done. Making their actual HEA even sweeter.
This is a great read for all Grey fans (obviously), and anyone who is looking for a more emotional grab with some struggles and a rewarding HEA.
Review Copy of Never Let You Go provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
September 8, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Never Let You Go is Book 2 in Andrew Grey's Forever Yours series. This book could probably be read as a standalone, but the characters from the first book make an appearance in this one. And, really, I always recommend reading the books in a series in the appropriate order. For me, I think you get more from the stories when you know the history and connection of the characters.
Ashton and Brighton were best friends growing up and found love as teenagers. They continue their relationship throughout Ashton's time in the service, and then on Ash's last mission, the worst happens. Brighton finds out that Ash is missing, and then believed dead. He never hears anything more regarding Ash and grieves for the loss of his love. But Brighton doesn't have time to grieve. His sister dies leaving a daughter that Brighton is now raising. His cousin moves in with him, and though it's a tight squeeze, they're both raising her and Brighton is trying to move his life forward. Ash is finally able to leave the hospital and is making plans to get his aunt's house remodeled and move her from the nursing home back to her home. He heads back to town to let Brighton know he's alive and back for good, when he sees Brighton with another man. He leaves to lick his wounds but continues to work on the house and himself while grieving the loss of Brighton. When Brighton and Ash see each other again, it takes talking from both men to figure things out and they quickly fall back into their relationship. But, Ashton's mental health is still a concern and Brighton's lack of understanding creates issues for the men to work through.
I liked Ashton and Brighton. I thought they were both easily likable characters; they were both family oriented, which is pretty typical for this author's men; and they both needed to be smacked in the back of the head to wake them up a little. Thank goodness for Ashton's aunt and Brighton's cousin, who were the ones to point out the obvious and push these two men together when they needed the help. I wasn't a fan of Ashton's jumping to conclusions and just walking away at the beginning. And, I was less of a fan of Brighton's trying to sweep Ashton's PTSD under the rug. But, in the end, they get it together and are able to be adults and understand what is needed to be partners. Though, as I'm thinking through this review, their behavior may be understandable. These are two men who know each other. All their best stories involve the other. They've been close since a young age and found love early in their lives with each other. But, even though they still love the other, they don't really know this version of each other so it's expected that they're going to have difficulties as they adjust to the changes in each other.
Regardless, I think this is an enjoyable story with great supporting characters, and of course, a cute little girl. This is a story about young love growing into an adult and forever love.
Rating: 4 stars
Never Let You Go is Book 2 in Andrew Grey's Forever Yours series. This book could probably be read as a standalone, but the characters from the first book make an appearance in this one. And, really, I always recommend reading the books in a series in the appropriate order. For me, I think you get more from the stories when you know the history and connection of the characters.
Ashton and Brighton were best friends growing up and found love as teenagers. They continue their relationship throughout Ashton's time in the service, and then on Ash's last mission, the worst happens. Brighton finds out that Ash is missing, and then believed dead. He never hears anything more regarding Ash and grieves for the loss of his love. But Brighton doesn't have time to grieve. His sister dies leaving a daughter that Brighton is now raising. His cousin moves in with him, and though it's a tight squeeze, they're both raising her and Brighton is trying to move his life forward. Ash is finally able to leave the hospital and is making plans to get his aunt's house remodeled and move her from the nursing home back to her home. He heads back to town to let Brighton know he's alive and back for good, when he sees Brighton with another man. He leaves to lick his wounds but continues to work on the house and himself while grieving the loss of Brighton. When Brighton and Ash see each other again, it takes talking from both men to figure things out and they quickly fall back into their relationship. But, Ashton's mental health is still a concern and Brighton's lack of understanding creates issues for the men to work through.
I liked Ashton and Brighton. I thought they were both easily likable characters; they were both family oriented, which is pretty typical for this author's men; and they both needed to be smacked in the back of the head to wake them up a little. Thank goodness for Ashton's aunt and Brighton's cousin, who were the ones to point out the obvious and push these two men together when they needed the help. I wasn't a fan of Ashton's jumping to conclusions and just walking away at the beginning. And, I was less of a fan of Brighton's trying to sweep Ashton's PTSD under the rug. But, in the end, they get it together and are able to be adults and understand what is needed to be partners. Though, as I'm thinking through this review, their behavior may be understandable. These are two men who know each other. All their best stories involve the other. They've been close since a young age and found love early in their lives with each other. But, even though they still love the other, they don't really know this version of each other so it's expected that they're going to have difficulties as they adjust to the changes in each other.
Regardless, I think this is an enjoyable story with great supporting characters, and of course, a cute little girl. This is a story about young love growing into an adult and forever love.
Rating: 4 stars
September 8, 2017
Tams gives this one 4 Stars...
Ashton and Brighton have always been the one constant in each others otherwise frantic lives. Their promise to each other while unspoken was one meant to be forever. But war and miscommunication threaten to derail the destiny they both so desperately need.
Brighton anxiously awaits Ash's return home from the war, but the reunion he expects is not the one he gets. Instead, he's left heartbroken. And then an accident leaves him the guardian of his young niece, which in a way is a twisted sort of blessing because caring for a little girl takes his mind off the loss that pains him... well, some of the time at least.
Ash doesn't receive the warm homecoming he was expecting. Instead, the dream of happy ever after with Brighton, the dream that kept him alive for months is ripped right out from underneath his unsteady feet. His aging Aunt needs him now more than ever and that will just have to be enough... yeah, not so much.
Reconnecting with the person that you've loved since you learned the meaning of the word should be easy enough. But for these two men that have already lost so much, it's a long, hard, dangerous road.
The afore mentioned miscommunication is normally a secondary character I can't stomach in a book with seemingly grown ass men. Surprisingly though, it not only worked for this book, it enhanced the story in a way. Both men have lost something very near and dear to them and the only way they survived those tragedies was to grasp their promise. Forever isn't all it's cracked up to be, something they have to learn the hard way.
My only issue with the story was the underlying threat that presents itself toward the end. I felt like that could have actually been fueled and fleshed out more thoroughly. But overall, this is another win for Andre Grey. He continues to reinvent himself and bring something new to each story he delivers.If you are a fan of flawed, realistic characters and storylines with depth, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
Note: this is the sequel to Can't Live Without You, but it can be read as a stand alone story.
September 10, 2017
“Never Let You Go” is a book of surprises. I was actually shocked at a couple of points in this story.
Brighton and his lover were spilt up when Ash went away to war. While Ash was away, Brighton was named the guardian of a little girlI can’t imagine anything more heartbreaking than thinking your soumate is dead only to find out that he is not only alive but living in the same town. Brighton loves Violet and is determined to give her the home she deserves.
Meanwhile, Ash was captured and tortured while hidden away by enemy forces. His presence in that area is supposed to be a big secret so when he is rescued he can’t speak of what has been done to him. After treatment in a hospital Ash has to keep everything secret in order to keep his family safe. He has severe PTSD and that condition comes to light big time later in the story.
Ash and his Aunt Petey are sworn to secrecy what happened to Ash so even when he moved back home he’s kind of a ghost in his own hometown and neither one is able to let Brighton know that Ash survived and is home again. It’s only when Brighton stumbles into Ash that the fact that Ash is alive is revealed to Brighton. But, just before that, Brighton is seen receiving a comforting kiss from his cousin and Ash immediately draws the conclusion that Brighton has moved on.
Ash’s torturer turns up in the United States and Ash is determined to keep his family safe by going to extreme lengths to protect them. It makes it impossible for Brighton and Ash to mend their relationship.
This is a story full of twists of great magnitude that threaten to destroy Ash, Brighton, and everyone around them. Read carefully. You don’t want to miss anything on the way to the HEA both men deserve.
Brighton and his lover were spilt up when Ash went away to war. While Ash was away, Brighton was named the guardian of a little girlI can’t imagine anything more heartbreaking than thinking your soumate is dead only to find out that he is not only alive but living in the same town. Brighton loves Violet and is determined to give her the home she deserves.
Meanwhile, Ash was captured and tortured while hidden away by enemy forces. His presence in that area is supposed to be a big secret so when he is rescued he can’t speak of what has been done to him. After treatment in a hospital Ash has to keep everything secret in order to keep his family safe. He has severe PTSD and that condition comes to light big time later in the story.
Ash and his Aunt Petey are sworn to secrecy what happened to Ash so even when he moved back home he’s kind of a ghost in his own hometown and neither one is able to let Brighton know that Ash survived and is home again. It’s only when Brighton stumbles into Ash that the fact that Ash is alive is revealed to Brighton. But, just before that, Brighton is seen receiving a comforting kiss from his cousin and Ash immediately draws the conclusion that Brighton has moved on.
Ash’s torturer turns up in the United States and Ash is determined to keep his family safe by going to extreme lengths to protect them. It makes it impossible for Brighton and Ash to mend their relationship.
This is a story full of twists of great magnitude that threaten to destroy Ash, Brighton, and everyone around them. Read carefully. You don’t want to miss anything on the way to the HEA both men deserve.
September 14, 2017
Matters Of the Heart Matter
Two very flawed MCs, Brighton and Ash, meet at age 12, become lovers as teenagers, separate when Ash goes into the military, reunite when he comes home prior to his final deployment--and then he appears to have been killed but it's never been confirmed.
That's enough to break Brighton's heart and send him into a self-induced romantic coma while, in truth, Ash has been captured, tortured, rescued, released and treated for PTSD.
But when Ash finally returns to their small Pennsylvania town to reunite with Brighton, he sees his love with another young man and little girl and his heart shatters. We're off on "The Great Misunderstanding Adventure," where there are more twists in the road than these two little engines and their friends can take.
Fortunately, there are three major supporting characters, and a few from the first book in this series, to get them through the underbrush of a lack of real communication.
There are several HEA episodes along the way that are blown up by each of them being stupid and stubborn and all too transparent.
But, in the end, this is Andrew Grey territory and we know that the real HEA is probably going to lead us to a third chapter in this series which I can only hope will be very soon.
Two very flawed MCs, Brighton and Ash, meet at age 12, become lovers as teenagers, separate when Ash goes into the military, reunite when he comes home prior to his final deployment--and then he appears to have been killed but it's never been confirmed.
That's enough to break Brighton's heart and send him into a self-induced romantic coma while, in truth, Ash has been captured, tortured, rescued, released and treated for PTSD.
But when Ash finally returns to their small Pennsylvania town to reunite with Brighton, he sees his love with another young man and little girl and his heart shatters. We're off on "The Great Misunderstanding Adventure," where there are more twists in the road than these two little engines and their friends can take.
Fortunately, there are three major supporting characters, and a few from the first book in this series, to get them through the underbrush of a lack of real communication.
There are several HEA episodes along the way that are blown up by each of them being stupid and stubborn and all too transparent.
But, in the end, this is Andrew Grey territory and we know that the real HEA is probably going to lead us to a third chapter in this series which I can only hope will be very soon.
February 22, 2018
Never Let You Go is a beautiful romance filled with angst.
Ash came home from a mission where he had been tortured and all that kept him going was thoughts of his Aunt and lover Brighton. When he got home his dream fell apart.
Audio Review
Brighton had been waiting for months for Ash to come home but he never did. He thought there was no one came back. Then his sister dies and he becomes a father. This gives him something to help take his mind off Ash a little.
This is a poignant story full of angst, love, hope, broken hearts, and men that have been friends since twelve and lovers since they grew up. There is PTSD on Ash's part. I love stories with men that are broken and we get to go on the journey of their healing. Andrew Grey is a master at this.
Jeff Gelder did an amazing job narrating. He keeps you engaged and breathes life into the characters.
Ash came home from a mission where he had been tortured and all that kept him going was thoughts of his Aunt and lover Brighton. When he got home his dream fell apart.
Audio Review
Brighton had been waiting for months for Ash to come home but he never did. He thought there was no one came back. Then his sister dies and he becomes a father. This gives him something to help take his mind off Ash a little.
This is a poignant story full of angst, love, hope, broken hearts, and men that have been friends since twelve and lovers since they grew up. There is PTSD on Ash's part. I love stories with men that are broken and we get to go on the journey of their healing. Andrew Grey is a master at this.
Jeff Gelder did an amazing job narrating. He keeps you engaged and breathes life into the characters.
October 12, 2017
3.5 Stars
February 16, 2018
3.5 stars
May 10, 2018
3.5 stars
October 13, 2018
I couldn't finish this book. I found the story very slow for my liking. The 2nd book of the Forever Yours and I had to read it as book #1 was incredible. This one for me, I couldn't finish.
June 18, 2025
Narration 4.0
Story 3.6
Story 3.6
October 1, 2017
3,5 stars
I like this series, especially his approach at problems and topics treated. Like for Ashton PTSD and all problems at it connected, and his interweaving with his painful past. A mystery that was only in Ashton's mind...but Brighton was there, every step: Their love never forgetten.
I like this series, especially his approach at problems and topics treated. Like for Ashton PTSD and all problems at it connected, and his interweaving with his painful past. A mystery that was only in Ashton's mind...but Brighton was there, every step: Their love never forgetten.
October 19, 2017
I liked the first book, but something about Ash and Brighton didn't sit well with me. Especially the way Ash judging Brighton without talking to him first. And Brighton is no better than Ash, imo, Brighton is whiny and less understanding than he should be as a soul mate.
When you've waited for so long for your loved one to come home, after he had been captivated in a war zone, you should be more patient. Not Brighton though. I don't know, to me, he should be the one who apologized to Ash, not the other way around.
Ash is easy, or maybe too desperate to have Brighton back, so whatever Raymond told him, he did it.
Thing with the terrorist? Solved easily. Yeah.
MOre thought to follow.
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.*
When you've waited for so long for your loved one to come home, after he had been captivated in a war zone, you should be more patient. Not Brighton though. I don't know, to me, he should be the one who apologized to Ash, not the other way around.
Ash is easy, or maybe too desperate to have Brighton back, so whatever Raymond told him, he did it.
Thing with the terrorist? Solved easily. Yeah.
MOre thought to follow.
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.*
September 12, 2017
Loved
My heart just broke for Ash after all he had been through took a lot out of him and staying away for a year trying to come to terms about how life may go. Not having Ash in Brighton life just tugged at my heart I left so bad for him thinking one and finding out that was true to GPO through what he went through hurt but to have Ash back in his life is a blessing and they found there happy ending
My heart just broke for Ash after all he had been through took a lot out of him and staying away for a year trying to come to terms about how life may go. Not having Ash in Brighton life just tugged at my heart I left so bad for him thinking one and finding out that was true to GPO through what he went through hurt but to have Ash back in his life is a blessing and they found there happy ending
October 24, 2017
Love kids
I always enjoy love stories that have children as a central focus. This story was such a great depiction of a soldier dealing with PTSD and how that affects the entire family unit. The addition of how they dealt with romance, while raising an inquisitive child was handled excellently. The inclusion of George and Justin from the first book in the series was great.
I always enjoy love stories that have children as a central focus. This story was such a great depiction of a soldier dealing with PTSD and how that affects the entire family unit. The addition of how they dealt with romance, while raising an inquisitive child was handled excellently. The inclusion of George and Justin from the first book in the series was great.
May 6, 2018
No big bad
I was prepared for the appearance of an obvious “big bad” in this book; and while it would have made for an exciting adventure, the twist (or maybe lack of a twist) is the unexpected thing about this story. Sometimes the darkness within us is what must be overcome to have our deserved ending. And this story teaches us that very effectively.
I was prepared for the appearance of an obvious “big bad” in this book; and while it would have made for an exciting adventure, the twist (or maybe lack of a twist) is the unexpected thing about this story. Sometimes the darkness within us is what must be overcome to have our deserved ending. And this story teaches us that very effectively.
October 14, 2020
Another home run
A soldier home from being a POW and jumps the gun on his former love. It’s his memories that kept him going while being captive. But once things get figured out, it’s all back to how it should be. Or is it??? Will love win or will the flashbacks break it all apart? A moving, heart pounding, emotional, loving story!!!
A soldier home from being a POW and jumps the gun on his former love. It’s his memories that kept him going while being captive. But once things get figured out, it’s all back to how it should be. Or is it??? Will love win or will the flashbacks break it all apart? A moving, heart pounding, emotional, loving story!!!
September 22, 2017
Never let you go
Ash and Brighten have known each other since they were kids. Love that's meant to be always comes back together. Book 2 in Andrews new is just as good as the first.
Ash and Brighten have known each other since they were kids. Love that's meant to be always comes back together. Book 2 in Andrews new is just as good as the first.
September 11, 2017
Turning life around
This story is romantic, a bit tense, totally a page turner that I recommend to anyone who loves a good second chance romance.
This story is romantic, a bit tense, totally a page turner that I recommend to anyone who loves a good second chance romance.
August 12, 2018
Good story
Long, yet good story. Lots of ups and downs, deep character detail. Really good real life story of struggles and love
Long, yet good story. Lots of ups and downs, deep character detail. Really good real life story of struggles and love
December 4, 2017
Sequel to Can’t Live Without You
Forever Yours: Book Two
Friends since they met in school, Ashton and Brighton soon become much more. Ash and his aunt are Brighton’s haven away from his mess of a family, and when Ash enlists in the Army, Brighton learns to endure his long absences and eagerly awaits his return from missions.
Until one day Ash doesn’t come back, and Brighton thinks his greatest fear has come true.
Months pass and Brighton grieves for Ash, not knowing that a terrible misunderstanding sent Ash running, unable to cope when he thought Brighton had betrayed him. Even after an emotional reunion, their relationship isn’t the same—Brighton is now responsible for his young niece, and he’s having a hard time rediscovering the trust he once had in Ash. Ash must still tend to his mental health, but before he can, he’ll have to deal with a past secret that puts all their lives at risk. With so many forces determined to tear them apart, can Brighton and Ash hold on to each other and never let go?
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