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Gypsy's Rogue
Growing up with a strictly religious father in a house with little joy, or love, left Grady Stoltz eager to get out. At the first opportunity that presented itself, they left home with a young man who swept them off their feet, used their preferred pronouns, and accepted that they were gender fluid and wished to shed the name Grady and all of the constraints of their former life. Dubbed Gypsy, they never expected to return to that farm or the rural community they’d been raised in, but life took some unexpected turns, and they found themselves returning four years later. A little older, a little wiser, and the new owner of a house full of memories and regrets.
Cleaning the place up is only the first step towards deciding if they wish to sell it, or if they wish to stay and try and make a life for themselves in a place they’ve never felt as if they belonged. Haunted by the memories of the father who could never accept them, the mother they lost at a young age, and their own shortcomings and failures, they are in a very dark place when Rogue arrives.
Charismatic when performing in front of an audience, yet shy and vulnerable when faced with the prospect of being alone in a crowd, Rogue seeks shelter with Gypsy on their middle of nowhere farm, hoping for a new beginning and a chance to see if the tiny spark that had flared between them once before, can be kindled into a roaring flame.
Two battered souls, one tattered farmhouse, an old dog, a cranky chicken, several misspoken words, and one crazed ex-husband combine in an explosive combination of truth, lust, dreams, and vengeance. Will the force of it tear Gypsy and Rogue apart, or will it leave them closer than they ever dared to hope?
Cleaning the place up is only the first step towards deciding if they wish to sell it, or if they wish to stay and try and make a life for themselves in a place they’ve never felt as if they belonged. Haunted by the memories of the father who could never accept them, the mother they lost at a young age, and their own shortcomings and failures, they are in a very dark place when Rogue arrives.
Charismatic when performing in front of an audience, yet shy and vulnerable when faced with the prospect of being alone in a crowd, Rogue seeks shelter with Gypsy on their middle of nowhere farm, hoping for a new beginning and a chance to see if the tiny spark that had flared between them once before, can be kindled into a roaring flame.
Two battered souls, one tattered farmhouse, an old dog, a cranky chicken, several misspoken words, and one crazed ex-husband combine in an explosive combination of truth, lust, dreams, and vengeance. Will the force of it tear Gypsy and Rogue apart, or will it leave them closer than they ever dared to hope?
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2019
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Layla Dorine
110 books211 followersLAYLA DORINE lives among the sprawling prairies of Midwestern America, in a house with more cats than people. She loves hiking, fishing, swimming, martial arts, camping out, photography, cooking, and dabbling with several artistic mediums. In addition, she loves to travel and visit museums, historic, and haunted places.
Layla got hooked on writing as a child, starting with poetry and then branching out, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times, troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers, truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a kitty on her lap.
Layla got hooked on writing as a child, starting with poetry and then branching out, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times, troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers, truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a kitty on her lap.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 26, 2019
Wonderful story between non-binary Gypsy and their ex brother in law Rogue.
Both are looking for love, acceptance, family and find it with each other and a few good friends.
My only criticism is the constant use of italics for Gypsy’s pronouns. It was unnecessary and distracting.
Both are looking for love, acceptance, family and find it with each other and a few good friends.
My only criticism is the constant use of italics for Gypsy’s pronouns. It was unnecessary and distracting.
April 26, 2019
I was immediately drawn into the story of Gypsy. I was intrigued by their history and although I found the pronouns a little confusing at times, I think that is because I'm not used to reading a story that uses they/them. Once I had it clear in my head, the story flowed better for me.
Gypsy's life has been tough and a little sad but they are also resilient and a little hopeful.
I liked Rogue, the brother of Gypsy's crappy ex husband. He's in need a TLC as much a Gypsy is.
"every time we've ever touched, drunk, high, sober or whatever, there's been a spark, like a lightning bolt and you feel it too. I know you do. No promises, no regrets, no bullshit, let's just see what happens, ok? Maybe we'll break each other a little more than we already are, or maybe we put each other back together again."
I was fully immersed in their story. Wanting and willing them to get the HEA that both of these characters deserved. It's an uplifting journey of the relationship between Gypsy and Rogue as they grow and thrive together. I liked watching them learn new things about themselves and each other.
A sweet, romantic story about love, acceptance, hope and friendship.
4.5 Stars
Gypsy's life has been tough and a little sad but they are also resilient and a little hopeful.
I liked Rogue, the brother of Gypsy's crappy ex husband. He's in need a TLC as much a Gypsy is.
"every time we've ever touched, drunk, high, sober or whatever, there's been a spark, like a lightning bolt and you feel it too. I know you do. No promises, no regrets, no bullshit, let's just see what happens, ok? Maybe we'll break each other a little more than we already are, or maybe we put each other back together again."
I was fully immersed in their story. Wanting and willing them to get the HEA that both of these characters deserved. It's an uplifting journey of the relationship between Gypsy and Rogue as they grow and thrive together. I liked watching them learn new things about themselves and each other.
A sweet, romantic story about love, acceptance, hope and friendship.
4.5 Stars
April 24, 2019
Love yourself regardless
I loved this story. At the start I found it hard to follow he pronouns but that was just me not used to reading them rather than he/she.
This story is about love and acceptance and meeting someone who loves you for you.
Someone from Gypsy’s past shows up unexpectedly and from there the story really begins.
Gypsy not only learns to forget the past but to embrace the future. Love ones self and then someone will love you for you.
There is hurt and heartache but also love an acceptance. Beautiful story was a pleasure to read.
I loved this story. At the start I found it hard to follow he pronouns but that was just me not used to reading them rather than he/she.
This story is about love and acceptance and meeting someone who loves you for you.
Someone from Gypsy’s past shows up unexpectedly and from there the story really begins.
Gypsy not only learns to forget the past but to embrace the future. Love ones self and then someone will love you for you.
There is hurt and heartache but also love an acceptance. Beautiful story was a pleasure to read.
April 24, 2019
Somewhere to belong
Like every book I've read from this author Gypsy's Rogue was driven by amazing, complex characters. I loved Gypsy but it was Rogue that really touched me, I so want to gush about this book but I don't want to spoil it for anyone else. So I'll just say that these characters and their story had me reading well into the wee hours because I couldn't put it down and like any good book, I can't wait to read it again.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Like every book I've read from this author Gypsy's Rogue was driven by amazing, complex characters. I loved Gypsy but it was Rogue that really touched me, I so want to gush about this book but I don't want to spoil it for anyone else. So I'll just say that these characters and their story had me reading well into the wee hours because I couldn't put it down and like any good book, I can't wait to read it again.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
April 24, 2019
Gender fluid Gypsy ' s life hasn't been an easy one. Being accepted for who they really are came at the cost of many suffering and tears.
The book is the heart breaking story of Gypsy and Rogue's battle with hateful family, depression and prejudice. Both are beautiful characters and I rooted for their happy ending.
Get ready,because Gypsy's Rogue will put you through an emotional wringer, but it's a story that you really need to read .
I loved it
The book is the heart breaking story of Gypsy and Rogue's battle with hateful family, depression and prejudice. Both are beautiful characters and I rooted for their happy ending.
Get ready,because Gypsy's Rogue will put you through an emotional wringer, but it's a story that you really need to read .
I loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
Gypsy’s Rogue was a really great story with a gender-fluid main character, the second one I have come across (that I remember) and while it once again took me a minute to get used to they/them being used in place of he/him, I enjoyed it because it was different than other books.
Gypsy being so free with their pronouns and who they are is inspiring and how I wish everyone who felt different could live so freely. Gypsy’s return to their childhood home and confronting their past was so hard for them but I think it made them stronger in the end.
Rogue was a bit of a messy mystery for me. So back and forth on some things but not always reciprocating on others. But I really liked him despite all that. His family on the other hand? I wanna string them up right alongside Gypsy’s father and smack them like a piñata!
Layla Dorine is a new-to-me author that I have seen mentioned over several author pages on Facebook and Gypsy intrigued me so much I know I needed to read it!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Gypsy being so free with their pronouns and who they are is inspiring and how I wish everyone who felt different could live so freely. Gypsy’s return to their childhood home and confronting their past was so hard for them but I think it made them stronger in the end.
Rogue was a bit of a messy mystery for me. So back and forth on some things but not always reciprocating on others. But I really liked him despite all that. His family on the other hand? I wanna string them up right alongside Gypsy’s father and smack them like a piñata!
Layla Dorine is a new-to-me author that I have seen mentioned over several author pages on Facebook and Gypsy intrigued me so much I know I needed to read it!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 26, 2019
Gypsy and Rogue are two of my favorite fictional characters. They have each been through so much in their lives, and each needs something to hold onto, someone who will be there without judgement or rejection. I love that in this book, the genderfluid character is emotionally the stronger of the two. They are the one person Rogue feels that he might be able to depend on. I love that they both thrive as their bond grows stronger.
I feel so much love for Gypsy, but Rogue is the character who makes me cry. There are so many moments in this book when I just want to wrap him up and take away his pain. Fortunately, he has left his unloving family behind and come to stay with Gypsy, who is determined that Rogue will feel cared about and necessary. They are there to show Rogue that life can be wonderful and fun. If the two can deal with the threat of Randy, Rogue's brother and Gypsy's ex-husband, they might just have a chance.
I absolutely love Rogue and Gypsy and the friends who wholeheartedly support them both. This story brings out all the emotions in a reader, from rage, to amusement, to adoration. This is a sometimes difficult story, but the relationship between Gypsy and Rogue is pretty easy - as long as Gypsy can control their mouth and not say something to upset the very sensitive Rogue. I enjoy how Gypsy teaches Rogue how to raise farm animals: and Rogue is the first knife-throwing artist main character I've ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can handle the domestic violence triggers. There is a wonderful love story here.
I feel so much love for Gypsy, but Rogue is the character who makes me cry. There are so many moments in this book when I just want to wrap him up and take away his pain. Fortunately, he has left his unloving family behind and come to stay with Gypsy, who is determined that Rogue will feel cared about and necessary. They are there to show Rogue that life can be wonderful and fun. If the two can deal with the threat of Randy, Rogue's brother and Gypsy's ex-husband, they might just have a chance.
I absolutely love Rogue and Gypsy and the friends who wholeheartedly support them both. This story brings out all the emotions in a reader, from rage, to amusement, to adoration. This is a sometimes difficult story, but the relationship between Gypsy and Rogue is pretty easy - as long as Gypsy can control their mouth and not say something to upset the very sensitive Rogue. I enjoy how Gypsy teaches Rogue how to raise farm animals: and Rogue is the first knife-throwing artist main character I've ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can handle the domestic violence triggers. There is a wonderful love story here.
May 10, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Gypsy’s Rogue is a second chance trope that pairs two wounded people looking for a fresh start and a place to call home. When Gypsy, born Grady, runs away to be with the man they met at the traveling circus, little did they ever think they would one day return home to a place that they had grown to hate. After their mother died, there was little love left, mainly due to their father being so incredibly condemning on the basis of his almighty religious fervor. When Gypsy met Randy, they were swept up in a romance that seemed ideal until they discovered he was a cheat and liar. Having returned home after leaving him and learning they had inherited the farm, Gypsy was unsure as to whether they should sell the place, but Rogue, Randy’s brother, suddenly showing up and asking to stay changed everything. Misunderstandings from the past were finally brought to light and slowly Rogue and Gypsy began to trust each other. As they did, their attraction blossomed. However, the past was not done with these two and secrets that Rogue had feared would drive Gypsy away came to light and nearly destroyed the tenuous life they were beginning to build together.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Gypsy’s Rogue is a second chance trope that pairs two wounded people looking for a fresh start and a place to call home. When Gypsy, born Grady, runs away to be with the man they met at the traveling circus, little did they ever think they would one day return home to a place that they had grown to hate. After their mother died, there was little love left, mainly due to their father being so incredibly condemning on the basis of his almighty religious fervor. When Gypsy met Randy, they were swept up in a romance that seemed ideal until they discovered he was a cheat and liar. Having returned home after leaving him and learning they had inherited the farm, Gypsy was unsure as to whether they should sell the place, but Rogue, Randy’s brother, suddenly showing up and asking to stay changed everything. Misunderstandings from the past were finally brought to light and slowly Rogue and Gypsy began to trust each other. As they did, their attraction blossomed. However, the past was not done with these two and secrets that Rogue had feared would drive Gypsy away came to light and nearly destroyed the tenuous life they were beginning to build together.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
May 12, 2019
3.5 stars
This book was a little bit of a unique roller coaster ride! The premise of the story was interesting and I wanted to see how things would play out. We get to see Gypsy and really get to know them throughout the story. I appreciated all of the detail when it came to seeing how they grew up and how they were the person that they are in the book. We got to learn more about Rogue growing up and his home life towards the middle to end of the story and I think that was an important part of the storyline with how things turned out. I liked knowing more about Rogue.
We only get Gypsy’s POV in the book which was fine for me but sometimes they made me crazy. I wanted to connect to them but I felt more connected to Rogue. I do wish we’d gotten a little more epilogue because it tied things up nicely at the end of everything that had happened.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This book was a little bit of a unique roller coaster ride! The premise of the story was interesting and I wanted to see how things would play out. We get to see Gypsy and really get to know them throughout the story. I appreciated all of the detail when it came to seeing how they grew up and how they were the person that they are in the book. We got to learn more about Rogue growing up and his home life towards the middle to end of the story and I think that was an important part of the storyline with how things turned out. I liked knowing more about Rogue.
We only get Gypsy’s POV in the book which was fine for me but sometimes they made me crazy. I wanted to connect to them but I felt more connected to Rogue. I do wish we’d gotten a little more epilogue because it tied things up nicely at the end of everything that had happened.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 28, 2019
It Gave Me a Headache!
From the book blurb, I knew pronouns were important! But, the narrator's (Grady's) use of the plural pronouns when referring to himself made me crazy, especially because the writing is very slow tempo. This author is in love with what she perceives as a positive trait of her writing, and uses italic every time there's is a pronounce reference to Grady. I tried, but I can't force mystery to read beyond the second chapter. Stupidly, I bought this book because I made the mistake of judging it by its cover, only to discover that the cover is a lie. No one in the book resembles the yummy hunk on the cover. What a waste of time
From the book blurb, I knew pronouns were important! But, the narrator's (Grady's) use of the plural pronouns when referring to himself made me crazy, especially because the writing is very slow tempo. This author is in love with what she perceives as a positive trait of her writing, and uses italic every time there's is a pronounce reference to Grady. I tried, but I can't force mystery to read beyond the second chapter. Stupidly, I bought this book because I made the mistake of judging it by its cover, only to discover that the cover is a lie. No one in the book resembles the yummy hunk on the cover. What a waste of time
August 8, 2022
Intéressante histoire, bien quelque peu brouillonne dans la narration et l'utilisation intense du pronom gender fluid. Cela a fini par être lassant au point de perdre parfois le fil.
Une fois ces points dépassés, plus facile de se concentrer sur l'évolution de ses deux écorchés vifs et de leur histoire d'amour naissante.
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Interesting story, although somewhat muddled in the narration and the intense use of the gender fluid pronoun.
It ended up being boring to the point of sometimes losing the thread.
Once these points have been overcome, it's easier to concentrate on the evolution of his two tortured souls and their budding love story.
Une fois ces points dépassés, plus facile de se concentrer sur l'évolution de ses deux écorchés vifs et de leur histoire d'amour naissante.
--------
Interesting story, although somewhat muddled in the narration and the intense use of the gender fluid pronoun.
It ended up being boring to the point of sometimes losing the thread.
Once these points have been overcome, it's easier to concentrate on the evolution of his two tortured souls and their budding love story.
April 26, 2019
Sigh....
I really liked this book. It was a long satisfying read about two flawed characters who found thier way together! I hope there is more because it ended without much detail. I was intrigued with the characters. I grew up in the country and I had so much nostalgia from this book. Love it!
I really liked this book. It was a long satisfying read about two flawed characters who found thier way together! I hope there is more because it ended without much detail. I was intrigued with the characters. I grew up in the country and I had so much nostalgia from this book. Love it!
April 26, 2019
i will admit in the beginning i found this hard to follow.. i had to readjust to the pronouns but once i did it wasn't a bad story. i enjoyed the characters and their issues.. i enjoyed the love and acceptance but also the angst and hurt. it was all around a good story. i enjoyed it
May 3, 2019
Awesome
I loved this book. The characters were well written and I felt their story was one that I hadn't read before. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I loved this book. The characters were well written and I felt their story was one that I hadn't read before. I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 16, 2020
Great read, recommend
I loved this book, the story grabbed you and didn’t let go. I did however find the highlighted they/theirs a little distracting and over used. I understand and applaud the use but felt it was used too much. A friend read the story and they agree
I loved this book, the story grabbed you and didn’t let go. I did however find the highlighted they/theirs a little distracting and over used. I understand and applaud the use but felt it was used too much. A friend read the story and they agree
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews