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A Ten Rigs Texas Tale #1
For the Love of Scott
After a bomb takes his leg and the life of his beloved military working dog, Scott Hudson returns home to Ten Rigs, Texas, and once again finds sanctuary in the local animal shelter. Between recovery, physical therapy, and getting the kennel into shape, Scott's out of the life loop and the love game.
For six months Ben Thompson has watched Scott work wonders with the kennel and the dogs, admiring his focus and dedication. A pickup basketball game leads to a confession and a change in the nature of their relationship.
When Scott's dog, Sylvester, gets injured, Scott goes into a tail spin and blames his feelings for Ben for Sylvester’s accident. Will powerful emotions derail Scott and Ben's budding romance?
For six months Ben Thompson has watched Scott work wonders with the kennel and the dogs, admiring his focus and dedication. A pickup basketball game leads to a confession and a change in the nature of their relationship.
When Scott's dog, Sylvester, gets injured, Scott goes into a tail spin and blames his feelings for Ben for Sylvester’s accident. Will powerful emotions derail Scott and Ben's budding romance?
115 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
About the author
Jen FitzGerald
21 books24 followersJen FitzGerald has loved romance since her Winnie the Pooh days. Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh have always been platonic soul mates. As a teen, Jen cut her romance teeth on Silhouette’s teen romance line and Danielle Steele books concurrently. She’s still an avid reader, but these days, Jen has added writing romances of her own to her list of fun things to do.
Jen lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband and dog. Their three children are now adults and out terrorizing the world at large instead of them. When not working her day job, Jen spends a lot of time reading, writing, watching hockey, and perusing her social media platforms of preference. She also enjoys music, cross stitching, and chatting online with writer friends.
Jen lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband and dog. Their three children are now adults and out terrorizing the world at large instead of them. When not working her day job, Jen spends a lot of time reading, writing, watching hockey, and perusing her social media platforms of preference. She also enjoys music, cross stitching, and chatting online with writer friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 5, 2022
TW//
That was really disappointing if I'm being honest. I'm glad that it was short so that I didn't have to suffer through it for very long.
My major issue with this book was the writing style. It just didn't work for me. The writing style made the pacing really slow and it made me feel really detatched from the characters. There were also phrases that were meant to be quirky that just made me cringe. For example, a grown man said "holy hot fudge, sundae, Batman" and another grown man called his lover "boo" several times in the middle of his lover literally having a mental breakdown.
The characters all lacked depth. Ben and Scott had a little bit of personality, but not enough to show any real chemistry between them. Since the characters' personalities were all so shallow, I didn't care about any of the characters and I couldn't get myself invested in the story.
The romantic scenes were all a mess, too. The first kiss is described using a word that most people consider offensive. It would've been so easy to just say "nose kiss" or "rubbing noses" instead of saying the offensive word... and the spicy scene was so awkward. Now granted, I'm asexual, so all spicy scenes are slightly awkward to me, but this one was particularly bad. The wording, the descripion of the position, and the dialogue that was occuring in the moment made it seem unrealistic and cringeworthy.
The only thing I appreciated about this book was how the book dealt with Scott's amputated limb, but not even that could fix my lack of enjoyment for this book. I can see why some people would like this book, but this one unfortunately wasn't my cup of tea.
That was really disappointing if I'm being honest. I'm glad that it was short so that I didn't have to suffer through it for very long.
My major issue with this book was the writing style. It just didn't work for me. The writing style made the pacing really slow and it made me feel really detatched from the characters. There were also phrases that were meant to be quirky that just made me cringe. For example, a grown man said "holy hot fudge, sundae, Batman" and another grown man called his lover "boo" several times in the middle of his lover literally having a mental breakdown.
The characters all lacked depth. Ben and Scott had a little bit of personality, but not enough to show any real chemistry between them. Since the characters' personalities were all so shallow, I didn't care about any of the characters and I couldn't get myself invested in the story.
The romantic scenes were all a mess, too. The first kiss is described using a word that most people consider offensive. It would've been so easy to just say "nose kiss" or "rubbing noses" instead of saying the offensive word... and the spicy scene was so awkward. Now granted, I'm asexual, so all spicy scenes are slightly awkward to me, but this one was particularly bad. The wording, the descripion of the position, and the dialogue that was occuring in the moment made it seem unrealistic and cringeworthy.
The only thing I appreciated about this book was how the book dealt with Scott's amputated limb, but not even that could fix my lack of enjoyment for this book. I can see why some people would like this book, but this one unfortunately wasn't my cup of tea.
February 23, 2018
This is TOO easy!! I love the low angst stories, but this one... it has nothing at all!
They are so cute together though
They are so cute together though
February 8, 2019
I felt like this was more of an abridged version of a full story; there were just many things missing. When the story starts, Scott already has Sylvester, which means he's already lost the previous dog. We find out about what happened but not until way later. There's barely any background info on Scott, so talk about his family is at a super bare minimum. And what exactly happened to Ben's twin sister? And why, at 31, is Ben still living at home? He's an accountant, so he can afford his own place. If he can't handle a child (his niece) on his own, then why does he have her? And where is the niece's father? Scott and Ben meet because Ben was hired to the books for Scott's kennel, but I didn't know that until near the end of the book. Too many bits and pieces. The entire story is told in present tense (annoying), the MCs are stiff, and there's no sex until the epilogue. And why are they still friends with that horrible bigot, Dooley?
September 14, 2019
I liked the idea of this and I wanted the two guys to get their HEA but while sometimes I can slip into first person easily this time it was a struggle the whole way through. I might not have finished but I wanted to see how ended up together. There was a lot missing that you pick up hints for, why the sister died, where the father of her daughter is, more background about Scott. So it didn't really work for me.
January 15, 2018
Sweet. Lots of potential for a full length novel.
February 20, 2018
DNF at 80%
Just no. I couldn't keep reading this book.
Just no. I couldn't keep reading this book.
September 9, 2019
Not bad
Novella about Scott, who lost his leg in the Army when a bomb went off, and Ben, an accountant who does the books for the kennel Scott runs.
Considering the two main characters—Scott, thirty-one, and Ben, thirty-three years old, I found their dialogue and personalities in general to be somewhat immature. Why did Ben live at home with his parents when he had a full-time job? There was one point when they were acting quiet as to not wake them up. Yikes!
All in all it was a sweet story that just needed fine-tuning. Maybe a couple of beta-readers to give their opinions would have helped.
Novella about Scott, who lost his leg in the Army when a bomb went off, and Ben, an accountant who does the books for the kennel Scott runs.
Considering the two main characters—Scott, thirty-one, and Ben, thirty-three years old, I found their dialogue and personalities in general to be somewhat immature. Why did Ben live at home with his parents when he had a full-time job? There was one point when they were acting quiet as to not wake them up. Yikes!
All in all it was a sweet story that just needed fine-tuning. Maybe a couple of beta-readers to give their opinions would have helped.
March 25, 2019
Great Love Story
Scott comes home after losing part of his leg and his dog partner while in tour. He has taken over the dog shelter he worked at in high school. Ben is his accountant and his friend. Between their friend's and Ben's family they try to bring them together.
Scott comes home after losing part of his leg and his dog partner while in tour. He has taken over the dog shelter he worked at in high school. Ben is his accountant and his friend. Between their friend's and Ben's family they try to bring them together.
June 16, 2021
Really enjoyed this!
Exactly what I was looking for - a great story, awesome main characters, and a really excellent supporting cast! Lovely story, not too angsty or deep, and the perfect length!
Already purchased the next in the series
😎😎😎
Exactly what I was looking for - a great story, awesome main characters, and a really excellent supporting cast! Lovely story, not too angsty or deep, and the perfect length!
Already purchased the next in the series
😎😎😎
September 22, 2021
It was alright. I was a bit surprised at them saying they would take it slow and equating that to being boyfriends right away rather than casually dating, it would have been nice with some more buildup to the relationship. They apparently knew each other from before, but it was only in the final chapter that we got to know how (and what Ben did for a living). I wish we'd gotten that info earlier to understand their relationship better.
There were some cute relationship moments and I liked seeing Ben be there for Scott, but the conflict at the veterinary clinic felt a bit overdramatic on Ben's part. Scott was obviously going through something stressful and traumatic, to the point of nearly having had a panic attack. At this point they had only been seeing each other for a few weeks at most and agreed to take it slow, so I don't get how Scott saying in a moment of stress that he couldn't do it was "unforgivable". Cut the guy some slack and talk it out when his dog isn't dying! And Ben's response of "Tell me why I shouldn't throw that [drink] in your face" when Scott came over to apologize later kind of soured me on Ben. I was already a bit hesitant after seeing him not throw out Dooley in the basketball scene (I don't get why Scott would want to date someone who is friends with that kind of person), but after that he had seemed like a pretty compassionate character, so I was disappointed to see this kind of conflict at the end.
There were some cute relationship moments and I liked seeing Ben be there for Scott, but the conflict at the veterinary clinic felt a bit overdramatic on Ben's part. Scott was obviously going through something stressful and traumatic, to the point of nearly having had a panic attack. At this point they had only been seeing each other for a few weeks at most and agreed to take it slow, so I don't get how Scott saying in a moment of stress that he couldn't do it was "unforgivable". Cut the guy some slack and talk it out when his dog isn't dying! And Ben's response of "Tell me why I shouldn't throw that [drink] in your face" when Scott came over to apologize later kind of soured me on Ben. I was already a bit hesitant after seeing him not throw out Dooley in the basketball scene (I don't get why Scott would want to date someone who is friends with that kind of person), but after that he had seemed like a pretty compassionate character, so I was disappointed to see this kind of conflict at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2019
Overall, I really enjoyed this short story. Everyone should have a Ben in their lives. What a sweetheart. Scott was a sweetie-pie too but was clearly dealing with some PTSD issues from his time in service and his accident. I think the author made a very basic attempt at addressing the issue which is why a story like this needs to be novella length or longer. You simply cannot develop a character such as Scott in such a short story.
It would have been nice to better understand Ben’s history as well. We meet his wonderful family but we’re also told he is raising his niece, Misty, because the girl’s mother, Ben’s twin sister Gillian, has died. When? How? And even Scott’s background is mostly avoided. His mother abandoned them. How old was he when that happened. His father was distant and resentful. Was the man still around somewhere in Ten Rigs? We told he inherited the kennel. From whom? How is he earning a living from it?
The writing style, done in third person present tense, is a bit distracting to me. This is not a play where we are watching things happen. This is a story, and for me, past tense seems more natural. There were a few issues such as incorrect word choices (e.g., one is generally eminently grateful, not imminently grateful) but for the most part this was well edited.
It would have been nice to better understand Ben’s history as well. We meet his wonderful family but we’re also told he is raising his niece, Misty, because the girl’s mother, Ben’s twin sister Gillian, has died. When? How? And even Scott’s background is mostly avoided. His mother abandoned them. How old was he when that happened. His father was distant and resentful. Was the man still around somewhere in Ten Rigs? We told he inherited the kennel. From whom? How is he earning a living from it?
The writing style, done in third person present tense, is a bit distracting to me. This is not a play where we are watching things happen. This is a story, and for me, past tense seems more natural. There were a few issues such as incorrect word choices (e.g., one is generally eminently grateful, not imminently grateful) but for the most part this was well edited.
October 31, 2020
M+M Novella
Set in West Texas, not the most gay friendly spot to be out of the closet. Small town atmosphere. The Sheriff, the school principal and a few friends gather in the school gym for pick-up basketball. Scott gets to meet the family and they hit it off.
Scott has had a bad family experience and returned a veteran with a prosthetic leg. He has trust issues and they get in the way of his relationship. His partner Ben is surrogate father to his dead twin sister’s daughter, Misty.
The story ends with the pair consummating the relationship. Despite cautions in the opening pages I’ve encountered more graphic descriptions.
Set in West Texas, not the most gay friendly spot to be out of the closet. Small town atmosphere. The Sheriff, the school principal and a few friends gather in the school gym for pick-up basketball. Scott gets to meet the family and they hit it off.
Scott has had a bad family experience and returned a veteran with a prosthetic leg. He has trust issues and they get in the way of his relationship. His partner Ben is surrogate father to his dead twin sister’s daughter, Misty.
The story ends with the pair consummating the relationship. Despite cautions in the opening pages I’ve encountered more graphic descriptions.
January 7, 2019
After being hurt in military and losing his military working dog Scott returns home to run his family Dog Kennel and does not have a love live and really do not want to go out. A guy named Ben starts to try to get him to have a life outside of the dog kennel
This is a M/M story and this one was a really great read and not one that has been changed to fit and left some of the words that will tell you that is was for a M/F
This is a M/M story and this one was a really great read and not one that has been changed to fit and left some of the words that will tell you that is was for a M/F
December 27, 2017
Sweet
A sweet journey of acceptance both of himself and of others. Ms. FitzGerald pens a beautiful loving picture of a scarred military man discovering that a prosthetic doesn't define the man. A true "love story" with great characters and supporting characters that make you smile and grin and wish they were your family!
A sweet journey of acceptance both of himself and of others. Ms. FitzGerald pens a beautiful loving picture of a scarred military man discovering that a prosthetic doesn't define the man. A true "love story" with great characters and supporting characters that make you smile and grin and wish they were your family!
October 29, 2019
Scott and Ben
Scott was injured while serving overseas losing not only his dog but his leg as well. Scott has a lot of issues to deal with and hasn't been in a relationship for awhile. Ben becomes Scott's accountant and wants to become more. Watch how Ben brings Scott out of his shell and gets him to open up to him.
Scott was injured while serving overseas losing not only his dog but his leg as well. Scott has a lot of issues to deal with and hasn't been in a relationship for awhile. Ben becomes Scott's accountant and wants to become more. Watch how Ben brings Scott out of his shell and gets him to open up to him.
November 20, 2019
Huh....so so...
Its not that I have to have lots of hot sex in every book. There is a ton of literary porn available. This book bored me. I started and stopped before I got to the end.
It didnt feel like a masculine read. Honestly, it would have made more sense and I would have liked it better if one of the characters was trans.
Its not that I have to have lots of hot sex in every book. There is a ton of literary porn available. This book bored me. I started and stopped before I got to the end.
It didnt feel like a masculine read. Honestly, it would have made more sense and I would have liked it better if one of the characters was trans.
January 6, 2020
Definitely on the romantic side of things, with only one steamy scene in the epilogue. The writing in this was a little hard to get through sometimes but got better as the story continued. Scott and Ben were very sweet but because this book was SO short, there really weren't any stakes to make the conflict anything more than a passing thing.
May 4, 2021
I really liked this story. I just wanted a bit more of Ben and Scott together. I loved how gentle and caring Ben is toward Scott and his anxiety issues from his service and injury. Settling down, a proposal, raising Misty, more with Sylvester. This ending was ok....I was craving the whole HEA for them.
January 22, 2022
Scott returns from the military minus one leg and his military trained dog, both lost due to a bomb. Scott is struggling to return to normal life and surrounds himself with dogs at the shelter. And then there's Ben. This is a sweet novella, reading of Scott's hesitation at everything is painful, more so when it ends up hurting Ben.
April 14, 2018
This was cute, and had good character/relationship development in spite of its brevity - but I can't imagine paying for something this short, so it's fairly unlikely that I'll read another. The present tense didn't work for me.
March 8, 2020
Short story well worth the read
Loved this story. Starts off sweet and ends hot with Scott and Ben. The characters were believable including the secondary ones. I will definitely read more by this author!
Loved this story. Starts off sweet and ends hot with Scott and Ben. The characters were believable including the secondary ones. I will definitely read more by this author!
November 24, 2020
Family
This is a delightful short story. Good characters, main and supporting. The family scenes had me chuckling and smiling. The crisis and it's resolution fit into the plot well, and a HEA/HFN feels good. (It's a short story, so who knows?)
This is a delightful short story. Good characters, main and supporting. The family scenes had me chuckling and smiling. The crisis and it's resolution fit into the plot well, and a HEA/HFN feels good. (It's a short story, so who knows?)
November 13, 2017
3.5 stars
November 21, 2017
A nice small town romance. This book gave me a very warm feeling. There will be some angst, but on the whole it's more of a comfort read, with lots of domesticity and fluff.
January 22, 2018
Simple and sweet
Scott struggles with loss and Ben has wanted him forever and will be whatever Scott needs. Ben's family is so warm and loving which is exactly what Scott needs
Scott struggles with loss and Ben has wanted him forever and will be whatever Scott needs. Ben's family is so warm and loving which is exactly what Scott needs
February 20, 2018
3 stars
March 19, 2018
This sweet.
April 21, 2018
60 page story. Quick read. Story line was good well written. Characters are good, Enjoyable. Currently free on Amazon.
February 25, 2019
Tender love story
Simple and sweet with a couple of emotional moments that add excitement to the story. Worth the read and easy to follow
Simple and sweet with a couple of emotional moments that add excitement to the story. Worth the read and easy to follow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews