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Lone Star
Part of Men Under the Mistletoe Anthology from Carina Press; but also available separately. (26,000 words)
Growing up in rural Texas, Mitchell Evans' ambition to be a dancer made him a target. Though he found success in New York City, Mitch is at a crossroads, and heads home for the first time in twelve years to figure things out. When what appears to be a reindeer jumps out in front of his car, he drives off the road and into the path of the one man he hoped to avoid.
The last person Texas Ranger Web Eisley expects to see four days before Christmas is his first love. He hasn't seen Mitch since they quarreled over coming out to their friends and family years ago. Though he's not in the closet now, Web has worked hard for the respect of his fellow officers, but he still regrets the loss of Mitch in his life. And his bed.
The attraction between them is as strong as ever, and it doesn't take long for the men to pick up where they left off. But is love enough to keep Mitch in town in the New Year?
Growing up in rural Texas, Mitchell Evans' ambition to be a dancer made him a target. Though he found success in New York City, Mitch is at a crossroads, and heads home for the first time in twelve years to figure things out. When what appears to be a reindeer jumps out in front of his car, he drives off the road and into the path of the one man he hoped to avoid.
The last person Texas Ranger Web Eisley expects to see four days before Christmas is his first love. He hasn't seen Mitch since they quarreled over coming out to their friends and family years ago. Though he's not in the closet now, Web has worked hard for the respect of his fellow officers, but he still regrets the loss of Mitch in his life. And his bed.
The attraction between them is as strong as ever, and it doesn't take long for the men to pick up where they left off. But is love enough to keep Mitch in town in the New Year?
Nook
First published December 5, 2011
48 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
231 books5,421 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
September 12, 2016
3 stars.
It's been a while and I don't remember any details, so I'm just going to post a rating and will say it was a nice read.
Pre-reading Lone Star:
Still catching up on my GR Reading Challenge 2016...
It's been a while and I don't remember any details, so I'm just going to post a rating and will say it was a nice read.
Pre-reading Lone Star:
Still catching up on my GR Reading Challenge 2016...
November 19, 2025
I really like the plot; it was exactly what I wanted to read.
But something is missing, and I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe there wasn't enough emotion, but that could just be me. Or maybe there was a little too much plot and conflict for such a short story; perhaps the drama surrounding the ex-boyfriend could have been left out.
Anyway, as I said, I was looking for a very specific Christmas story without knowing exactly what, and this one fit perfectly.
“I knew you all your life. From the time you were a little boy, you never cried. Not about anythin’. Not when you drove a nail through your foot, not when your daddy whipped you and not when those the little shits used to ride you for takin’ sissy dance lessons. But that night in the park, after we argued and I told you no, you turned away from me and you leaned against that big old pecan tree and you cried. You cried like it was tearing you apart, like your heart was breakin’, like everything you’d ever known and wanted was lost.” Web’s voice shook. “And then you wiped your eyes and you went home.” 🎄🫠🥺🫠🎄
But something is missing, and I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe there wasn't enough emotion, but that could just be me. Or maybe there was a little too much plot and conflict for such a short story; perhaps the drama surrounding the ex-boyfriend could have been left out.
Anyway, as I said, I was looking for a very specific Christmas story without knowing exactly what, and this one fit perfectly.
“I knew you all your life. From the time you were a little boy, you never cried. Not about anythin’. Not when you drove a nail through your foot, not when your daddy whipped you and not when those the little shits used to ride you for takin’ sissy dance lessons. But that night in the park, after we argued and I told you no, you turned away from me and you leaned against that big old pecan tree and you cried. You cried like it was tearing you apart, like your heart was breakin’, like everything you’d ever known and wanted was lost.” Web’s voice shook. “And then you wiped your eyes and you went home.” 🎄🫠🥺🫠🎄
June 10, 2023
2.5. Wish I could love this more but the characters weren’t too likable and what bothered me the most was how everyone was telling Mitch that his dad loved him in his own way when all through his childhood his dad whipped him trying to “make him a man”, and when he found out he was gay he punched him and kicked him out never to see him again. Even Web (the other MC) chided him for not coming back for his father’s funeral even though he was always the one to console Mitch after another of his father’s whippings. No wonder this author thought Jake from Adrien English series was the perfect prince charming slash romantic hero- she does tend to show a lot of leniency towards homophobic characters.
July 11, 2022
I enjoyed this story back in 2016, and I've owned the audio version for years. What a great opportunity to revist Josh Lanyon's Lone Star, Christmas in July (2022 style, that is).
It's a sweet story and I enjoy the picture Lanyon paints of this small Texas town. It's such a great ending with a nice compromise, and it's not the ending I was expecting (which is always good).
The audio version of Lone Star is nicely performed by Max Tatch.
It's a sweet story and I enjoy the picture Lanyon paints of this small Texas town. It's such a great ending with a nice compromise, and it's not the ending I was expecting (which is always good).
The audio version of Lone Star is nicely performed by Max Tatch.
December 14, 2011
I really wanted to love this, but I just couldn't.
My Rant:
♦ The odd use of "y'all" as a singular pronoun kept pulling me out of the story. Each time I read it I was looking for a 3rd person in the scene. I'm sure there are people out there that use it that way but I've never in my life heard it, and I live in the South. I hear and use "y'all" every single day and it is always plural! Always!!
♦ It took me 4 days to finish reading it.
♦ After 12 years of not seeing or speaking to each other, the MCs are back in love with each other and planning a future together after 2 days!
♦ The ending was too predictable and unrealistic.
♦ It is forgettable.
♦ What happened to the reindeer??! The MC kept "seeing" a reindeer but that whole plot line was just dropped! It seemed pretty important to me since it almost killed him.
My Praise:
♦ Umm...it was a somewhat enjoyable read and there was a hot scene.
So basically, this did not feel at all like a "Josh" story to me and unfortunately I feel disappointed.
My Rant:
♦ The odd use of "y'all" as a singular pronoun kept pulling me out of the story. Each time I read it I was looking for a 3rd person in the scene. I'm sure there are people out there that use it that way but I've never in my life heard it, and I live in the South. I hear and use "y'all" every single day and it is always plural! Always!!
♦ It took me 4 days to finish reading it.
♦ After 12 years of not seeing or speaking to each other, the MCs are back in love with each other and planning a future together after 2 days!
♦ The ending was too predictable and unrealistic.
♦ It is forgettable.
♦ What happened to the reindeer??! The MC kept "seeing" a reindeer but that whole plot line was just dropped! It seemed pretty important to me since it almost killed him.
My Praise:
♦ Umm...it was a somewhat enjoyable read and there was a hot scene.
So basically, this did not feel at all like a "Josh" story to me and unfortunately I feel disappointed.
January 10, 2014
There are times in our lives when we miss a beat, or we fall.
And then there are times we fall from a swift kick in the ass.
Mitch Evans just got his ass kicked.
Frantic and desperate he runs. The only place he knows to go is the last place he wants to be.
Just when he believes things couldn't get any worse, he hallucinates and flips his car. Low and behold his angel appears in perfectly cut jeans and cowboy boots. As luck would have it this particular Texas Ranger held his heart many moons ago, and if he's honest with himself, he still does.
But he can't stay here...they can't be together. Too much time has passed, too much pain has yet to heal, and his hard earned dream-come-true is thousands of miles away.
How will he chose between his dancing career and first and only true love...
or does he have too?
Romantic and sweet, and just what I was looking for.
*4 tumbling-twirling-tender stars*
And then there are times we fall from a swift kick in the ass.
Mitch Evans just got his ass kicked.
Frantic and desperate he runs. The only place he knows to go is the last place he wants to be.
Just when he believes things couldn't get any worse, he hallucinates and flips his car. Low and behold his angel appears in perfectly cut jeans and cowboy boots. As luck would have it this particular Texas Ranger held his heart many moons ago, and if he's honest with himself, he still does.
But he can't stay here...they can't be together. Too much time has passed, too much pain has yet to heal, and his hard earned dream-come-true is thousands of miles away.
How will he chose between his dancing career and first and only true love...
or does he have too?
Romantic and sweet, and just what I was looking for.
*4 tumbling-twirling-tender stars*
December 21, 2012
I enjoyed this, but the ending could have been a little more rushed. *sarcasm*
December 5, 2011
Early reviews on this particular story from the whole anthology hadn't been really good, as I kept seeing 2-3 stars. So I was a bit weary. Then I read it myself ... and well, I stand on my opinion that Josh Lanyon is still one of my favorite authors.
There are some things that make the story works for me personally. One, it's the whole "the one who got away/reunion" theme. I'm such a sucker for that, and Josh has written a good one in this. Two, the delicious chemistry between Mitch and Web, after 12 years being apart, is still instant and burning. The tension is so palpable. I love the tidbit information given about the men's past (including the part where Web secretly came to see Mitch's dance, as cliché as it was). Three, the supporting characters, in form of Web's family, are also wonderful to be around with. Finally, the lovely and OMG the beautiful ending (Web and his surprise for Mitch, sigh ...). This is just a Christmas story with all the right element.
The only thing missing is the explanation about the reindeer, darn it! I want it explained, Josh!!
There are some things that make the story works for me personally. One, it's the whole "the one who got away/reunion" theme. I'm such a sucker for that, and Josh has written a good one in this. Two, the delicious chemistry between Mitch and Web, after 12 years being apart, is still instant and burning. The tension is so palpable. I love the tidbit information given about the men's past (including the part where Web secretly came to see Mitch's dance, as cliché as it was). Three, the supporting characters, in form of Web's family, are also wonderful to be around with. Finally, the lovely and OMG the beautiful ending (Web and his surprise for Mitch, sigh ...). This is just a Christmas story with all the right element.
The only thing missing is the explanation about the reindeer, darn it! I want it explained, Josh!!
July 5, 2017
I know, I know...it’s NOT Christmas! But what the hell? I do as I please and this pleases me.
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: Max Tatch - 4
Book Cover: 3
Okay so I laughed at the reindeer thing. Really? It was funny.
Of course I loved Mr Texas Ranger. Web has a calmness about him I really enjoyed. It balanced out the “high-strung” ballet dancer, Mitchell Evans, very well.
I found it sad that Mitch spend so much time chasing after a part of himself, but never being complete. Sad that his relationship with his father hurt them both because of stubborn pride. Sad that Mitch ran without touching base with Web one more time.
But I do understand the whys and the hows.
This was bitter sweet I suppose. But I am happy that they both found what they were looking for in the end.
Really enjoyed Max Tatch on the audio.
(I did the Anthology audio for "Men under the Mistletoe" on this one)
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: Max Tatch - 4
Book Cover: 3
Okay so I laughed at the reindeer thing. Really? It was funny.
Of course I loved Mr Texas Ranger. Web has a calmness about him I really enjoyed. It balanced out the “high-strung” ballet dancer, Mitchell Evans, very well.
I found it sad that Mitch spend so much time chasing after a part of himself, but never being complete. Sad that his relationship with his father hurt them both because of stubborn pride. Sad that Mitch ran without touching base with Web one more time.
But I do understand the whys and the hows.
This was bitter sweet I suppose. But I am happy that they both found what they were looking for in the end.
Really enjoyed Max Tatch on the audio.
(I did the Anthology audio for "Men under the Mistletoe" on this one)
August 26, 2018
Oh, oh, oh…Josh Lanyon with no mystery : a short “kind of” Christmas second-chance romance.
I enjoyed this quick read about Mitch, a professional dancer going back to his home-town and, of course, his first encounter is his crush when a teen, the laid-back and now Texas Ranger Web. A reunion that will make Mitch reassess his life.
It’s short, so there are a few points not enough developed, it’s low on steam, but brings a nice HEA.
I enjoyed this quick read about Mitch, a professional dancer going back to his home-town and, of course, his first encounter is his crush when a teen, the laid-back and now Texas Ranger Web. A reunion that will make Mitch reassess his life.
It’s short, so there are a few points not enough developed, it’s low on steam, but brings a nice HEA.
November 28, 2014
What a great, enchanting story for the holiday season. Absloutly loved it.
And as always Lanyon's way of writing is pretty remarkable...
And as always Lanyon's way of writing is pretty remarkable...
December 25, 2013
*cries*
WHY? Why did this have to be a short story?
MCs Mitch and Web were perfectly paired in this sweet holiday tale.
Oh *so* sweet.
Mitch has come home to Texas--after leaving both his family and his first love under terrible circumstances 12 years earlier. Though he became the successful dancer he set out to be, something's missing. Enter our dreamy hero Web, now a Texas Ranger (A Texas Ranger! You'd have to be a Texan to understand, y'all, but, GAH.)
Can these two reconcile with each other and with their past? You'll have to read to the story to see how it all plays out, but really: 4.5 stars for the perfection, okay?
This was my first Josh Lanyon; it won't be my last.
WHY? Why did this have to be a short story?
MCs Mitch and Web were perfectly paired in this sweet holiday tale.
Oh *so* sweet.
Mitch has come home to Texas--after leaving both his family and his first love under terrible circumstances 12 years earlier. Though he became the successful dancer he set out to be, something's missing. Enter our dreamy hero Web, now a Texas Ranger (A Texas Ranger! You'd have to be a Texan to understand, y'all, but, GAH.)
Can these two reconcile with each other and with their past? You'll have to read to the story to see how it all plays out, but really: 4.5 stars for the perfection, okay?
This was my first Josh Lanyon; it won't be my last.
December 31, 2014
Mitchell Evans, today a famous ballet dancer, used to be an awkward boy living with his disappointed, non-accepting and occasionally abusive father.
His coming home for Christmas makes him remember all the ugliness of his childhood. But he remembers something good too: Web Eisley.
His coming home for Christmas makes him remember all the ugliness of his childhood. But he remembers something good too: Web Eisley.
August 5, 2014
Lanyon in all the perfection that Lanyon is.
Long-lost lovers is my favorite trope. Fay-vor-it.
Perfect length, wonderful characters. Warmed my icy little heart.
Long-lost lovers is my favorite trope. Fay-vor-it.
Perfect length, wonderful characters. Warmed my icy little heart.
May 19, 2014
Damn Josh Lanyon and those "famous" abrupt endings! I want more!
September 4, 2023
Second chance romance. Ballet dancer and Texas Ranger. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 18, 2014
My experiences so far with Josh Lanyon's short stories and novellas have been pretty hit or miss (mostly miss), but I absolutely ADORED this one!
The story had a rich setting (I could hear/see/feel Texas in every scene), strong, complex characters, amazing chemistry, and the perfect amount of angst. I thought the big conflict/misunderstanding between Web and Mitch near the end was a tad weak, but their history together and the echoes of those issues and hurts into the present was enough to draw me me and capture my interest.
Ultimately, I thought that this was a really well-done Christmas short about two sexy, determined men getting their second chance at love.
The story had a rich setting (I could hear/see/feel Texas in every scene), strong, complex characters, amazing chemistry, and the perfect amount of angst. I thought the big conflict/misunderstanding between Web and Mitch near the end was a tad weak, but their history together and the echoes of those issues and hurts into the present was enough to draw me me and capture my interest.
Ultimately, I thought that this was a really well-done Christmas short about two sexy, determined men getting their second chance at love.
January 28, 2014
3, 5 stars
Josh Lanyon is always a guarantee for a good book.
A warmhearted story about coming home, sweet and tender.
A nice holiday reading.
Josh Lanyon is always a guarantee for a good book.
A warmhearted story about coming home, sweet and tender.
A nice holiday reading.
November 26, 2020
4.5 stars.
Josh Lanyon’s ‘Lone Star’ is a delightful holiday read.
From the very beginning it’s clear that reindeer will play an important ‘supporting role’ in this novella. In fact, at one point Lanyon includes this exchange between the MCs:
“What the hell is with you and reindeer?” Web asked.
“I don’t know.” Mitch was still chuckling, keeping his eyes closed, still hoping he could fall asleep because he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this warm and relaxed.
‘Lone Star’ is set in Llano, Texas, a small Texas hill country gem known for its town square, stunning rock formations, unique shops, and historic sites.
Llano, the deer hunting capital of TX, is well know to tourists for the large number of decorated deer statues scattered around town. It’s been written that the highlight of the deer collection, standing outside the Llano Red Top Jail, is a tattooed deer wearing prison stripes and a ball and chain.
I’m always intrigued with the question of how an author chooses a particular setting for a novel. In this case, Lanyon’s choice was spot on.
The main characters are wonderful. Web Eisley is a Texas Ranger 12 years older than Mitchell Evans, his neighbor and best friend through high school. As the story opens Mitch, now a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet has fled Manhattan - for reasons you’ll have to discover by reading this story yourself - and, with no where else to go, returns to Llano to sell the home in which he and his father had lived a troubled existence. His father had died six months earlier and Mitch had not come home for the funeral.
Lanyon’s supporting characters are just as appealing as Mitch and Web. To say anything more would require a serious spoiler alert, so I’ll refrain from doing that here.
Treat yourself to a real holiday gem and experience the joy of reading ‘Lone Star’.
Josh Lanyon’s ‘Lone Star’ is a delightful holiday read.
From the very beginning it’s clear that reindeer will play an important ‘supporting role’ in this novella. In fact, at one point Lanyon includes this exchange between the MCs:
“What the hell is with you and reindeer?” Web asked.
“I don’t know.” Mitch was still chuckling, keeping his eyes closed, still hoping he could fall asleep because he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this warm and relaxed.
‘Lone Star’ is set in Llano, Texas, a small Texas hill country gem known for its town square, stunning rock formations, unique shops, and historic sites.
Llano, the deer hunting capital of TX, is well know to tourists for the large number of decorated deer statues scattered around town. It’s been written that the highlight of the deer collection, standing outside the Llano Red Top Jail, is a tattooed deer wearing prison stripes and a ball and chain.
I’m always intrigued with the question of how an author chooses a particular setting for a novel. In this case, Lanyon’s choice was spot on.
The main characters are wonderful. Web Eisley is a Texas Ranger 12 years older than Mitchell Evans, his neighbor and best friend through high school. As the story opens Mitch, now a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet has fled Manhattan - for reasons you’ll have to discover by reading this story yourself - and, with no where else to go, returns to Llano to sell the home in which he and his father had lived a troubled existence. His father had died six months earlier and Mitch had not come home for the funeral.
Lanyon’s supporting characters are just as appealing as Mitch and Web. To say anything more would require a serious spoiler alert, so I’ll refrain from doing that here.
Treat yourself to a real holiday gem and experience the joy of reading ‘Lone Star’.
September 3, 2016
This is a lovely holiday novella from Lanyon. The story focuses on professional ballet dancer Mitch, who returns to his Texas hometown under the guise of taking care of his deceased father’s affairs, but is really running from the realization that his lover of several years was cheating on him. But once he’s back, he faces more realizations, including a town that hadn’t forgotten about him, and a first love that wasn’t as over as he thought it was.
I’m a big fan of Lanyon’s works, including his Christmas stories. (Beside Lone Star, the others are Icecapade and The Dickens With Love.) I like how Lanyon mixes his straight-forward, non-fluffy style with the warm themes often found in a holiday romance. (Love, redemption, forgiveness, home, family, and new beginnings.)
Lanyon’s storytelling usually mixes mystery with romance, so Lone Star really stands out for being a “straight-up” romance story (no crime to solve this time!) that follows two men reconnecting after years of separation. A lot of poignancy is added as Mitch comes to terms with his father’s death (and his father’s bitter feelings towards Mitch coming out and wanting to be a dancer), and also his struggles to understand his reignited feelings for Web (and the fears tied with it.)
At 26,000 words, it is a pretty fast read, but a very nice and warm one. (I may have been watching too much Longmire, but I kept picturing Web as a younger version of Robert Taylor, which was pretty yummy actually.) I really liked Web, and I liked how his easy-going nature seemed to balance and temper Mitch’s more high-strung and worried personality. It was easy to see that they had years of experience with each other, even with the twelve year gap between meetings.
For fans of Lanyon’s work, or for fans of contemporary m/m romance in general, this story may very easily warm up your holiday spirit.
And for those who have already read it, there is a nice Christmas Coda with Mitch and Web over at Lanyon’s blog.
I’m a big fan of Lanyon’s works, including his Christmas stories. (Beside Lone Star, the others are Icecapade and The Dickens With Love.) I like how Lanyon mixes his straight-forward, non-fluffy style with the warm themes often found in a holiday romance. (Love, redemption, forgiveness, home, family, and new beginnings.)
Lanyon’s storytelling usually mixes mystery with romance, so Lone Star really stands out for being a “straight-up” romance story (no crime to solve this time!) that follows two men reconnecting after years of separation. A lot of poignancy is added as Mitch comes to terms with his father’s death (and his father’s bitter feelings towards Mitch coming out and wanting to be a dancer), and also his struggles to understand his reignited feelings for Web (and the fears tied with it.)
At 26,000 words, it is a pretty fast read, but a very nice and warm one. (I may have been watching too much Longmire, but I kept picturing Web as a younger version of Robert Taylor, which was pretty yummy actually.) I really liked Web, and I liked how his easy-going nature seemed to balance and temper Mitch’s more high-strung and worried personality. It was easy to see that they had years of experience with each other, even with the twelve year gap between meetings.
For fans of Lanyon’s work, or for fans of contemporary m/m romance in general, this story may very easily warm up your holiday spirit.
And for those who have already read it, there is a nice Christmas Coda with Mitch and Web over at Lanyon’s blog.
September 12, 2013
This was an enjoyable, short, Christmas m/m read about the love between two men that was torn apart twelve years ago because of misunderstandings. So many years were wasted but neither of them ever stopped having feelings for each other.
I only have two complaints: I don't understand what was with the reindeer hallucinations, and I wish there would have been an epilogue. This ended too abruptly and I would have loved to have to see where they ended up months or years from when this ended.
This would have made for an awesome full length novel.
I only have two complaints: I don't understand what was with the reindeer hallucinations, and I wish there would have been an epilogue. This ended too abruptly and I would have loved to have to see where they ended up months or years from when this ended.
This would have made for an awesome full length novel.
November 27, 2017
Sweet second-chance romance.
To clear his head after a bad day full of disappointments, professional ballet dancer Mitchell Evans heads from New York City back home to Texas for the first time in twelve years. When he has an accident close to his destination, of all people Texas Ranger Web Eisley, his first love, comes to his rescue.
And the chemistry between them is still there......
I enjoyed reading this heartwarming story of their reunion, only the ending was kind of abrupt.
3,5 stars
To clear his head after a bad day full of disappointments, professional ballet dancer Mitchell Evans heads from New York City back home to Texas for the first time in twelve years. When he has an accident close to his destination, of all people Texas Ranger Web Eisley, his first love, comes to his rescue.
And the chemistry between them is still there......
I enjoyed reading this heartwarming story of their reunion, only the ending was kind of abrupt.
3,5 stars
December 10, 2011
4.5 stars.
Stories about ex-lovers are my favorites.
After dramatically breaking up with his partner, Mitch flies to Texas to take care of his father's farm. His father died 6 months before and Mitch didn't even go to his funeral, after running away from his home to pursue his dream of becoming a ballet dancer. On his way to the farm, he has a weird car accident and is helped out of the wreck by Web, his first love.
Mitch is a hotheaded man with a penchant for dramatic exits. He is not very likable at the beginning, because he is bitter, high strung, emotionally detached on the outside, he seems almost numb. As the story goes on, we begin to see the the little cracks and insecurities in his personality. Even if Web seems to want to keep his distance, there are small signs of warmth toward Mitch and Web's proximity seems to melt Mitch and give him a new focus.
I really appreciated the small age difference between Mitch and Web, because it doesn't amount to much in the present, but four years could be significant when you are 18/22. I liked it because when Mitch and Web's separation happens, they're both very young, and inexperienced of the world, and uncompromising like people are when they are young, but Web is a bit older and already pursuing a career where being gay could be a problem, so I could really understand the reasons why he said no to Mitch back then. I could also understand Mitch's desperation (as in loosing all hope, like Harper Fox explains in her story in the same anthology), that makes him bolt and flee without looking back.
There are all these little moments and details that make the story so precious - Mitch's father's box, townspeople knowing you because you are the child or grandchild of someone and not for what you've achieved in your life, holding on to one's hopes and dreams like both Web and Mitch did.
There is a little something that sounded too dramatic in my opinion , because I think maybe with a longer story it could have had a better effect, and little things that were like loose threads . Yes, my little frustration lies in not having a longer story, complete with the guys' background, because I found myself perversely interested in Mitch and Web's relationship when they were younger, I read waiting for the little glimpses on their past.
A very sweet story about second chances.
Stories about ex-lovers are my favorites.
After dramatically breaking up with his partner, Mitch flies to Texas to take care of his father's farm. His father died 6 months before and Mitch didn't even go to his funeral, after running away from his home to pursue his dream of becoming a ballet dancer. On his way to the farm, he has a weird car accident and is helped out of the wreck by Web, his first love.
Mitch is a hotheaded man with a penchant for dramatic exits. He is not very likable at the beginning, because he is bitter, high strung, emotionally detached on the outside, he seems almost numb. As the story goes on, we begin to see the the little cracks and insecurities in his personality. Even if Web seems to want to keep his distance, there are small signs of warmth toward Mitch and Web's proximity seems to melt Mitch and give him a new focus.
I really appreciated the small age difference between Mitch and Web, because it doesn't amount to much in the present, but four years could be significant when you are 18/22. I liked it because when Mitch and Web's separation happens, they're both very young, and inexperienced of the world, and uncompromising like people are when they are young, but Web is a bit older and already pursuing a career where being gay could be a problem, so I could really understand the reasons why he said no to Mitch back then. I could also understand Mitch's desperation (as in loosing all hope, like Harper Fox explains in her story in the same anthology), that makes him bolt and flee without looking back.
There are all these little moments and details that make the story so precious - Mitch's father's box, townspeople knowing you because you are the child or grandchild of someone and not for what you've achieved in your life, holding on to one's hopes and dreams like both Web and Mitch did.
There is a little something that sounded too dramatic in my opinion , because I think maybe with a longer story it could have had a better effect, and little things that were like loose threads . Yes, my little frustration lies in not having a longer story, complete with the guys' background, because I found myself perversely interested in Mitch and Web's relationship when they were younger, I read waiting for the little glimpses on their past.
A very sweet story about second chances.
January 3, 2018
4.5 stars
Synopsis: Mitch returns home to Texas after finding his lover with another person. His father died, and Mitch hasn't been back since he left when he was 17. He's become a big deal in the dancing world in New York. On the way to his father's place, Mitch has an accident, and the vehicle that has been following behind him pulls over to help. He turns out to be with the sheriff's department. He also turns out to be Web, the guy that Mitch loved and who broke his heart before he left. As Mitch settles his father's affairs, he and Web have more dealings with each other. Mitch doesn't know what he is going to do, because he doesn't have much life left as a dancer, since he is getting to be too old. He also still has feelings for Web, and Web seems to reciprocate.
What I liked: Mitch. He worked through his issues with his father and his memories of the town. He also worked through what he and Web went through. I liked that Web knew what he wanted and went for it. I also liked that Web wasn't ashamed of who he was, and that people knew about him. I liked that after the big fight that Web and Mitch had when they were younger, Web was going to agree with Mitch, that he lived his life without regrets.
What I didn't like: not much. But am I completely crazy? Was the reindeer issue ever resolved? Because that just seemed like something that came out of thin air and then never went anywhere.
Synopsis: Mitch returns home to Texas after finding his lover with another person. His father died, and Mitch hasn't been back since he left when he was 17. He's become a big deal in the dancing world in New York. On the way to his father's place, Mitch has an accident, and the vehicle that has been following behind him pulls over to help. He turns out to be with the sheriff's department. He also turns out to be Web, the guy that Mitch loved and who broke his heart before he left. As Mitch settles his father's affairs, he and Web have more dealings with each other. Mitch doesn't know what he is going to do, because he doesn't have much life left as a dancer, since he is getting to be too old. He also still has feelings for Web, and Web seems to reciprocate.
What I liked: Mitch. He worked through his issues with his father and his memories of the town. He also worked through what he and Web went through. I liked that Web knew what he wanted and went for it. I also liked that Web wasn't ashamed of who he was, and that people knew about him. I liked that after the big fight that Web and Mitch had when they were younger, Web was going to agree with Mitch, that he lived his life without regrets.
What I didn't like: not much. But am I completely crazy? Was the reindeer issue ever resolved? Because that just seemed like something that came out of thin air and then never went anywhere.
May 18, 2014
This made me smile the entire time I was reading it. One reason, Mr. Lanyon has gotten Texas/Texans right. I am so grateful for that!. Secondly, it's one of my favorite themes, friends/lovers parting ways at a young age and finding each other years later.
That is what has happened to Web Eisley and Mitchell Evans, childhood friends, that became lovers in their teens. Mitch wanted to be a dancer, but his father was admittedly opposed. Mitch paid for his own dance lessons, earning the ire of his father and admiration of Web. When Web and Mitch argue about coming out, Mitch outs himself to his father. The result is Mitch being kicked out of his home. He leaves Texas for ballet in New York, leaving Web behind without a word of goodbye. Ten years later, Mitch is back home, tending to the aftermath of his father's death.
This is a short, too bad, but as good as it gets. I loved it. Rack up another one for Mr. Lanyon, he's batting 500 in my book. I give it a flat Texasscape full of stars.
That is what has happened to Web Eisley and Mitchell Evans, childhood friends, that became lovers in their teens. Mitch wanted to be a dancer, but his father was admittedly opposed. Mitch paid for his own dance lessons, earning the ire of his father and admiration of Web. When Web and Mitch argue about coming out, Mitch outs himself to his father. The result is Mitch being kicked out of his home. He leaves Texas for ballet in New York, leaving Web behind without a word of goodbye. Ten years later, Mitch is back home, tending to the aftermath of his father's death.
This is a short, too bad, but as good as it gets. I loved it. Rack up another one for Mr. Lanyon, he's batting 500 in my book. I give it a flat Texasscape full of stars.
May 26, 2016
Bueno, tengo que decir que me ha gustado, he leido varios fics con el mismo tema, digamos que en el fandom les llamamos adaptaciones de películas: éste vendría a ser un remake de Sweet home Alabama (por cierto hay un fic bastante más bueno versionando esa historia), pelicula ñoña que adoro. Me ha gustado bastante cómo escribe el autor así que creo que buscaré más acerca de su obra, aunque debo admitir que no conseguí empatizar con ninguno de los dos protagonistas, al bailarín le hubiese dado un par de leches en toda la jeta, la verdad. Dos y media tirando a tres.
December 30, 2014
Awwww that was sweet..
June 5, 2015
I loved this short Christmas story - even if I did read it in July...
December 23, 2017
I always say I'm not really into second-chance romances and Josh's stories are always an exception.
December 23, 2022
This book deserves to be appreciated a whole lot more!
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