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Sutcliffe Cove
Seeking first-time riding lessons in the rolling hills of Connecticut, Gerald Saunders is pleased to discover Sutcliffe Cove. The current proprietor, Brett Sutcliffe, welcomes the beginner, and Gerald quickly finds a home away from home at the farm as he spends more and more time volunteering there. Over the course of a few months, Gerald and Brett build a strong friendship, but it's not until Gerald is off on vacation that the two men realize their friendship could be so much more... sexually satisfying, emotionally intimate, or even warmly loving. But Gerald is so laid back, Brett just isn't sure what to do next. Move forward and deepen their relationship? Or back off and just be friends with benefits?
228 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
About the author
Ariel Tachna
159 books409 followersAriel Tachna lives outside of Houston with her husband, her daughter and son, and their cat. Before moving there, she traveled all over the world, having fallen in love with both France, where she found her husband, and India, where she dreams of retiring some day. She’s bilingual with snippets of four other languages to her credit, and is as in love with languages as she is with writing.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 6, 2009
Brett has a farm in Connecticut that offers horse riding lessons and accountant Gerald wants to learn to ride horses. Hero meet Hero.
Now how to review this book? On the one hand, it is a very sweet story about two men that meet, become friends and then fall in love. On the other hand, it is a very nondescript story about two men that meet, become friends and then fall in love.
This book is difficult to review because I really did enjoy it, but I have no idea why. There really was no tension, no angst and no alternate emotions except love in all its forms. From beginning love to long time lovers (secondary characters) this is an easy, non threatening look at the steps of a relationship. Except for Brett being frustrated with Gerald's non-communicative style of "going along" there are no other difficulties encountered by the pair. All those forms of love are so well written that as the reader I really did feel them and you knew it was the real thing for them. However, every time I turned a page, I waited for some type of disaster to strike...and it never does. I am not used to that in a novel of this type.
The writing was great, I expected no less from both authors and that is probably the only reason this book was so good based on the slow and potentially boring plot. The sex was very hot and quite graphic, but it was not the focus of the relationship and does not occur until later in the book. But once it does....the pages burn up.
Now how to review this book? On the one hand, it is a very sweet story about two men that meet, become friends and then fall in love. On the other hand, it is a very nondescript story about two men that meet, become friends and then fall in love.
This book is difficult to review because I really did enjoy it, but I have no idea why. There really was no tension, no angst and no alternate emotions except love in all its forms. From beginning love to long time lovers (secondary characters) this is an easy, non threatening look at the steps of a relationship. Except for Brett being frustrated with Gerald's non-communicative style of "going along" there are no other difficulties encountered by the pair. All those forms of love are so well written that as the reader I really did feel them and you knew it was the real thing for them. However, every time I turned a page, I waited for some type of disaster to strike...and it never does. I am not used to that in a novel of this type.
The writing was great, I expected no less from both authors and that is probably the only reason this book was so good based on the slow and potentially boring plot. The sex was very hot and quite graphic, but it was not the focus of the relationship and does not occur until later in the book. But once it does....the pages burn up.
January 5, 2013
What a bland book. The main point of conflict was that Gerald is too agreeable. Other than saying ok to whatever Brett wants, Gerald is perfect. The whole time I was reading, I kept expecting something horrible to happen, just to interject a little drama. Maybe a horse throwing one of the main characters and causing him to be hospitalized. Cliche in a book like this, I know, so that's why I was expecting it. Or maybe Brett's former boyfriend Robbie popping back up to stir the pot. But no, he was conveniently and quickly dispatched with a job promotion in another city. They started going over the financials for the farm so I'm thinking, ok, here we go. The place is bleeding money and Brett might lose it unless there's an immediate source of cash. Nope. Everything was fine. So after a dinner with Gerald's (of course) 100% supportive family, the book ends, leaving me asking...what was the point? It was pleasant enough but not really interesting. I'm writing all of this at 1:49am because I know that tomorrow I'll have forgotten most of it. I didn't dislike it, so not a one-star rating, but I didn't really like it all that much either. Two-stars it is....
March 31, 2009
I was really enjoying this book. Nice build up to the relationship, hot sex when we got there, interesting minor characters and families I wanted to know more about. THEN it ENDED, just like that, no warning, I was terribly disappointed, there was a LOT more story to be told - so I have only given it 3 stars, It would have been a 5 if they had kept going.
This was unusual for Madeleine Urban whom I feel usually has story craft well under control and writes good stories with a plot, a beginning, a middle and an end. I feel the end of this one is still out there somewhere.
This was unusual for Madeleine Urban whom I feel usually has story craft well under control and writes good stories with a plot, a beginning, a middle and an end. I feel the end of this one is still out there somewhere.
July 18, 2019
I wish there were a bit more ooomph to the story/plot...
A sweet story, but like watering out a fine wine. The right components were there, but not in the quite right concentration.
A sweet story, but like watering out a fine wine. The right components were there, but not in the quite right concentration.
August 15, 2009
This is the first book I’ve read by this duo so I’m not familiar enough with their work, but their combined voice did resonate with a lovely seamless blending throughout this particular story. Considering this is the first time these particular authors have worked together, the result is especially impressive. Their solid writing style combines an easy, fluid pace with imminently relatable characters giving an almost every day feel to their romance. Due to the lack of inherent or created drama, these men had a very honest, common man feel that lent itself to the rather simple, yet lovely, romance.
Gerald and Brett are both easy going and well-adjusted gay men, maintaining good relationships with their families and friends. Neither has extensive baggage from past relationships or emotional trauma, no hidden secrets or drama just waiting to unfold and ruin a happy new relationship. These men are common, every day men who work hard at their jobs and are very happy with quiet nights at home, maybe an occasional night out. These are not emotional or physical hermits; on the contrary these are normal men - the rare commodity in romance novels. While I don’t mean to harp upon this fact, this refreshing take allows quietly interesting characters to take center stage over more dynamic and flawed personalities mired in drama.
The book’s premise is centered completely on Gerald and Brett as they meet and become close friends before anything sexual happens between them. While there is mild tension between the men, it’s low-key and involves no dramatic disclosures or painful longing. The men simply admire each other until circumstances happen to collide and the men are able to act on their growing desires. At this point, Gerald and Brett don’t question their good fortune; instead simply bask in their combined happiness and ever growing closeness. The easy transition from friends to lovers is as seamless as lovers to permanent partners. The only slight hitch is Gerald’s overly affable personality leaves Brett questioning his true desires. However, even that small worry is easily worked out between two men clearly well suited for each other and comfortable together.
For all the lack of drama and tear-wrenching angst, the gradual increase of attraction and passion is never boring. The pace never drags as the story progresses from friends to lovers, even as it takes a considerable amount of time (for erotic romance standards). I appreciated the lovely pace as suiting the characters and their lifestyle. The passion between the men is never in doubt as their sex scenes once together, are emotion filled and steamy, exploring a healthy sex life they will no doubt enjoy. From start to finish, this was an utterly refreshing and charming look at an everyday couple as they meet, fall in love and make a life long commitment to each at their own pace and in their own way.
Slight problems did occur, which keep this from being a fabulous story unfortunately. The authors do a wonderful job in blending writing styles so it’s near impossible to differentiate, however, the repeated changing POVs created definite problems. The frequent changes occurred so rapidly that the intended point of view is often confused with the other characters’ thoughts. This recurring head hopping lent a sometimes clumsy and awkward feel to the writing, which was unfortunate when taken with the strength of the description and characterization. Additionally, while the pace and telling didn’t drag for me, the story could have easily been shortened to its benefit. Numerous sex scenes towards the end added nothing to the story or connection between the men other than to show the very relatable relationship they created. To this end, the actual ending felt abrupt as the scene itself was similar to many prior and gave no indication of an actual ending scene.
Overall, this was a lovely and charming tale about two sexy cowboys, well one cowboy and one in training cowboy. Their relationship will resonate easily with romance lovers and even the lack of angst and drama shouldn’t bother readers as the personalities and circumstances involved create little to no conflict, affording in this case a simple and classic romance. I easily recommend this story and eagerly await new offerings from this duo of authors.
Gerald and Brett are both easy going and well-adjusted gay men, maintaining good relationships with their families and friends. Neither has extensive baggage from past relationships or emotional trauma, no hidden secrets or drama just waiting to unfold and ruin a happy new relationship. These men are common, every day men who work hard at their jobs and are very happy with quiet nights at home, maybe an occasional night out. These are not emotional or physical hermits; on the contrary these are normal men - the rare commodity in romance novels. While I don’t mean to harp upon this fact, this refreshing take allows quietly interesting characters to take center stage over more dynamic and flawed personalities mired in drama.
The book’s premise is centered completely on Gerald and Brett as they meet and become close friends before anything sexual happens between them. While there is mild tension between the men, it’s low-key and involves no dramatic disclosures or painful longing. The men simply admire each other until circumstances happen to collide and the men are able to act on their growing desires. At this point, Gerald and Brett don’t question their good fortune; instead simply bask in their combined happiness and ever growing closeness. The easy transition from friends to lovers is as seamless as lovers to permanent partners. The only slight hitch is Gerald’s overly affable personality leaves Brett questioning his true desires. However, even that small worry is easily worked out between two men clearly well suited for each other and comfortable together.
For all the lack of drama and tear-wrenching angst, the gradual increase of attraction and passion is never boring. The pace never drags as the story progresses from friends to lovers, even as it takes a considerable amount of time (for erotic romance standards). I appreciated the lovely pace as suiting the characters and their lifestyle. The passion between the men is never in doubt as their sex scenes once together, are emotion filled and steamy, exploring a healthy sex life they will no doubt enjoy. From start to finish, this was an utterly refreshing and charming look at an everyday couple as they meet, fall in love and make a life long commitment to each at their own pace and in their own way.
Slight problems did occur, which keep this from being a fabulous story unfortunately. The authors do a wonderful job in blending writing styles so it’s near impossible to differentiate, however, the repeated changing POVs created definite problems. The frequent changes occurred so rapidly that the intended point of view is often confused with the other characters’ thoughts. This recurring head hopping lent a sometimes clumsy and awkward feel to the writing, which was unfortunate when taken with the strength of the description and characterization. Additionally, while the pace and telling didn’t drag for me, the story could have easily been shortened to its benefit. Numerous sex scenes towards the end added nothing to the story or connection between the men other than to show the very relatable relationship they created. To this end, the actual ending felt abrupt as the scene itself was similar to many prior and gave no indication of an actual ending scene.
Overall, this was a lovely and charming tale about two sexy cowboys, well one cowboy and one in training cowboy. Their relationship will resonate easily with romance lovers and even the lack of angst and drama shouldn’t bother readers as the personalities and circumstances involved create little to no conflict, affording in this case a simple and classic romance. I easily recommend this story and eagerly await new offerings from this duo of authors.
August 12, 2009
The Tasting:
Why I bought it:
Madeleine Urban = auto buy for me.
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ Some readers may get pissed off with Gerald because he is absolutely clueless. Doesn’t pick up on cues, goes with the flow, etc, etc. Stick with it because this forms an important part of the story and in particular the relationship between Gerald and Brett. Plus I actually thought it was more cute than annoying. :)
Like~ It might be bloody minded of me, but I LOVED the fact that Gerald and Brett didn’t get together straight away. They admitted an attraction (in their own minds at least ;) ) very early on and then became friends; neither knowing that the other was gay. Some of you may be thinking “what about gaydar?” Remember the Gerald being clueless thing. Yep. Any more doubts?? Trust me. It’s convincing.
Dislike~ While Gerald was away on vacation, Brett just happens to break up with the boy toy, thus making himself available for smexing on G’s return... hmm, a little convenient.
Like~ I must say I found it absofrigginlutely refreshing to read a contemporary with a focus on the romance itself and without any complications like angsty family/s, stalkers, etc. It made a great change and added to my enjoyment of the story.
So, what I think:
A must for fans of these authors and a very good contemporary romance. Terrific stuff all round.
======================================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
Why I bought it:
Madeleine Urban = auto buy for me.
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ Some readers may get pissed off with Gerald because he is absolutely clueless. Doesn’t pick up on cues, goes with the flow, etc, etc. Stick with it because this forms an important part of the story and in particular the relationship between Gerald and Brett. Plus I actually thought it was more cute than annoying. :)
Like~ It might be bloody minded of me, but I LOVED the fact that Gerald and Brett didn’t get together straight away. They admitted an attraction (in their own minds at least ;) ) very early on and then became friends; neither knowing that the other was gay. Some of you may be thinking “what about gaydar?” Remember the Gerald being clueless thing. Yep. Any more doubts?? Trust me. It’s convincing.
Dislike~ While Gerald was away on vacation, Brett just happens to break up with the boy toy, thus making himself available for smexing on G’s return... hmm, a little convenient.
Like~ I must say I found it absofrigginlutely refreshing to read a contemporary with a focus on the romance itself and without any complications like angsty family/s, stalkers, etc. It made a great change and added to my enjoyment of the story.
So, what I think:
A must for fans of these authors and a very good contemporary romance. Terrific stuff all round.
======================================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
August 28, 2013
Me resultó un libro bastante aburrido. Para empezar no hay trama, es una historia del día a día de una pareja. Se conocen, se hacen amigos... No es que no me gusten este tipo de libros sin argumento, he leído algunos bastante buenos, pero este no llega a nada.
La primera parte del libro es una descripción continúa y, en mi opinión excesivamente detallada de como cuidar caballos, limpiarlos, alimentarlos, ponerles la silla de montar, como montar, como desmontar, como mantenerse recto, como dirigir al caballo... Había momentos en que realmente parecía que estabas leyendo un libro de aprendizaje y no una historia.
La segunda parte del libro, cuando los personajes "se descubren", es una escena tras otra de sexo. Lo único que meten de historia son las frases suficientes para separar una escena de sexo de la siguiente (no más de dos líneas entre escena y escena). Me gustan las escenas de sexo como al que más, pero llega un momento en que resulta aburrido, muy aburrido.
La última parte, ya muy corta, no está mal, aunque tampoco está bien y no redime para nada el aburrimiento que es el resto del libro. La única "tensión" que meten, ya al final, son las dudas que le entran a Brett de si Gerald siente o no lo mismo que él ya nunca dice nada por sí mismo ni hace nada por sí mismo y únicamente se deja llevar por Brett y acepta todo lo que este dice con un simple "Ok"... Gran problema! Aun no sé ni como logran superarlo O_o
La primera parte del libro es una descripción continúa y, en mi opinión excesivamente detallada de como cuidar caballos, limpiarlos, alimentarlos, ponerles la silla de montar, como montar, como desmontar, como mantenerse recto, como dirigir al caballo... Había momentos en que realmente parecía que estabas leyendo un libro de aprendizaje y no una historia.
La segunda parte del libro, cuando los personajes "se descubren", es una escena tras otra de sexo. Lo único que meten de historia son las frases suficientes para separar una escena de sexo de la siguiente (no más de dos líneas entre escena y escena). Me gustan las escenas de sexo como al que más, pero llega un momento en que resulta aburrido, muy aburrido.
La última parte, ya muy corta, no está mal, aunque tampoco está bien y no redime para nada el aburrimiento que es el resto del libro. La única "tensión" que meten, ya al final, son las dudas que le entran a Brett de si Gerald siente o no lo mismo que él ya nunca dice nada por sí mismo ni hace nada por sí mismo y únicamente se deja llevar por Brett y acepta todo lo que este dice con un simple "Ok"... Gran problema! Aun no sé ni como logran superarlo O_o
April 22, 2009
The book was a real joy for me to read. It is light fare with no intense drama or grand obstacles-except for their trouble communicating. This story just filled me with warmth-how these two men, with their different backgrounds and lifestyles came together.
I found it exceptional that the relationship between the characters developed slowly, from simple camaraderie and instant rapport, to a deep friendship laced with an intense attraction that both men try to ignore, since one of them is involved with someone else (totally unsuitable for him, I might add) and said man thinks the other is straight-therefore not available, but when these two come together it's beautiful...and explosive, these two writers blew me away (like always) with the hot sex scenes. The intimate moments between this two hot men were scorching and tender at times. Most definitely a book I'll be rereading time and time again-my only complaint is that it was TOO SHORT, but the story more than makes up for it.
Synopsis:
Gerard, an accountant, is interested in horse riding lessons and so finds himself at Sutcliffe Cove where he meets Brett, the current proprietor. Although strongly attracted from the beginning, some obstacles get in their way; Brett thinks Gerard is straight and Gerard finding out Brett is gay, doesn't do anything about it because Brett is currently involved with someone else.
I found it exceptional that the relationship between the characters developed slowly, from simple camaraderie and instant rapport, to a deep friendship laced with an intense attraction that both men try to ignore, since one of them is involved with someone else (totally unsuitable for him, I might add) and said man thinks the other is straight-therefore not available, but when these two come together it's beautiful...and explosive, these two writers blew me away (like always) with the hot sex scenes. The intimate moments between this two hot men were scorching and tender at times. Most definitely a book I'll be rereading time and time again-my only complaint is that it was TOO SHORT, but the story more than makes up for it.
Synopsis:
Gerard, an accountant, is interested in horse riding lessons and so finds himself at Sutcliffe Cove where he meets Brett, the current proprietor. Although strongly attracted from the beginning, some obstacles get in their way; Brett thinks Gerard is straight and Gerard finding out Brett is gay, doesn't do anything about it because Brett is currently involved with someone else.
February 11, 2017
Ariel Tachna always writes good novels and great love stories.
August 13, 2009
I love Madeleine Urban’s book and this is no exception. The descriptions of horseback riding (lessons) are amazing thanks to Ariel Tachna and the story is just nice and makes you feel good. There is no big crisis, no stalker, no big misunderstanding that splits them up. They have some communication issues to work through and it takes them 5 months to get together and they become best friends first which I think is really realistic as the one guy was with someone else. You just feel good after you read it. Very likable characters.
November 24, 2011
I must be tainted because i knew this was an angst free book but still kept waiting for something horrible to happen. It never did and i enjoyed my fluffy, vanilla read...just what I needed after some other not so sweet books.
Brett is a sexy cowboy and Gerry is a sweet but not a weak accountant who ends up taking riding lessons on Bretts fatm. They become friends forever before they finally act on their mutual attraction. This is a slow burn love story but once they start the sex is non stop.
If your in the mood for a safe and sweet read then try Sutcliffe Cove.
Brett is a sexy cowboy and Gerry is a sweet but not a weak accountant who ends up taking riding lessons on Bretts fatm. They become friends forever before they finally act on their mutual attraction. This is a slow burn love story but once they start the sex is non stop.
If your in the mood for a safe and sweet read then try Sutcliffe Cove.
June 18, 2013
Full developed story about a cowboy and an accountant. The plot is interesting but really focused on romance. There are some initial problems between them but it went mostly without a hitch. They seemed very good together from the start and it was interesting seeing them so in love. Don't count on many surprises or exciting obstacles on the plot. They seemed like two halves of a whole and there's not much they won't do for the other so it was a calm relationship only getting less calm with sex and boy did they had sex...anywhere and often. Very hot.
November 3, 2009
This book starter well. It was interesting to read the characters thoughts about each other and how they found each other. But the second half of the books was basically just sex scene after another. It got boring quite quickly. Also this book finished suddenly. It seemed like at least one chapter had gone missing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2010
Ignore the cover, as there are no mustaches or cowboy hats in this enjoyable m/m romance about a guy who owns a stable and riding school and becomes friends with an accountant who starts taking lessons at the school. If you’re looking for an angst break, this might be it for you. (Is it just me, or does that face look photoshopped in?!)
October 5, 2012
Really good book. I was surprised I liked it because most of the dialog was internal and not between the two main characters. It's a very sweet courtin' book. It did drone on a bit about stuff about horses and riding, like it was an instruction manual, but I guess that's because the one character was giving riding lessons.
May 24, 2011
The only reason this is not a 5-star read is that there were times when I wanted to skootch the boys along a little - I wanted the book to trot or canter along instead of moving at a meandering walk.
Other than that - a lovely "aw shucks" romance.
Other than that - a lovely "aw shucks" romance.
November 10, 2011
2.5 stars. I didn't hate this, but I was just so bored through most of it. The authors devote a lot of space to horse stuff and the minutiae of everyday life. I liked the characters, and there were some decently hot sex scenes, but I never really connected with this story.
May 15, 2009
I enjoyed this book. I liked that the main characters were friends before they became lovers but the ending was abrupt.
July 27, 2012
This was a nice easy read. No angst just a couple of nice guys becoming friends and falling in love.
May 3, 2011
This book was OK, easy reading and enjoyable, but it is a step back if you compare it with "Cut & Run" series.
July 19, 2011
I liked these guys, but the story was too slow or too long. I had to put it down and pick it back up several times.
February 12, 2012
Wow that was a long book for so little action, that was OK though, what annoyed me was the lack of breaks, they were in bed, next line they're out riding and so on, confusing as hell
May 1, 2012
This was really closer to 2 stars for me only because this type storyline just isn't my favorite. Like a bit more angst.
March 13, 2013
3.5 stars
March 2, 2014
It's a nice book. No angst or complications at all. Lots of sex but I would have preferred more story. It ended kind of abruptly.
February 8, 2015
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. As other reviewers noted, very little happens. Still, there was a real charm between the M.C's
January 3, 2017
cute in general. but in the end i think stuff started to happen very quickly in my opinion... i will save the mental image of brett in his horse for all eternity though.
March 22, 2011
I loved this book!
September 8, 2011
Well-written story about the building-up of a relationship. Horses included.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews