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Farm #1
Love Means... No Shame
Geoff is in the city, living the gay life to the hilt, when his father's death convinces him to return to the family farm. Discovering a young Amish man asleep in his barn, Geoff learns that Eli is spending a year away from the community before accepting baptism into the church. Despite their mutual attraction, Geoff is determined not to become involved with him, but Eli has discovered that Geoff shares his feelings and begins to court him, neatly capturing first Geoff's attention and then his heart.
Their budding relationship is threatened by closed-minded, gossipy relatives and the society at large, a whole new world to Eli, and he must decide whether to return to the community, his family, and the world and future he knows or to stay with Geoff and have faith in the power of love.
Their budding relationship is threatened by closed-minded, gossipy relatives and the society at large, a whole new world to Eli, and he must decide whether to return to the community, his family, and the world and future he knows or to stay with Geoff and have faith in the power of love.
234 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
September 24, 2019
As a guy who grew up in rural Michigan but lived in Manhattan for 20 some years, this book had a special resonance for me. The protagonist returns from a big city to his rural roots and finds love in an unexpected way.
The characters are well drawn and easy to care about, especially the characters of Eli and Geoff. The prose is well crafted and the story pulls you in. This is an engaging story that quickly pulls you in and before you know it you're reading about characters that you truly care about. I've definately found an author I'm going to read more of. And best of all, there are three more books in this series!
I highly recommend it to all who might enjoy a simple straight-forward romance between two men who live a quiet rural Michigan life. The writer is a good storyteller and while not in the same class as Walt Whitman or F.Scot Fitzgerald, his prose is good enough to tell the story and to stay out of the way of the main intent.
The characters are well drawn and easy to care about, especially the characters of Eli and Geoff. The prose is well crafted and the story pulls you in. This is an engaging story that quickly pulls you in and before you know it you're reading about characters that you truly care about. I've definately found an author I'm going to read more of. And best of all, there are three more books in this series!
I highly recommend it to all who might enjoy a simple straight-forward romance between two men who live a quiet rural Michigan life. The writer is a good storyteller and while not in the same class as Walt Whitman or F.Scot Fitzgerald, his prose is good enough to tell the story and to stay out of the way of the main intent.
October 9, 2011
This book started out bad. The MC (I already forgot his name) is an Uber Slut (I think that means like extremely promiscuous, whorey, tramp, skank, no standards his man-hole is so loose it’s like throwing a hotdog down a hallway) and to top that off he is an Uber Drunk Driving Slut or UDDS for short (please note MC will now be called UDDS from now on in this review). It starts off with UDDS waking up with a stranger after drinking too much and driving to stranger’s house where he had sex, probably protected but who knows with UDSS.
All of chapter one is like that just UDSS remembering random hook-ups and stuff and he makes a big deal out of the fact that he went to bed on a Sunday night for the first time in months without going out trolling and getting drunk. Yeah that’s all the development we have for UDSS. Then this is a spoiler but all happens in chapter one and two so not big spoilers.
All of chapter one is like that just UDSS remembering random hook-ups and stuff and he makes a big deal out of the fact that he went to bed on a Sunday night for the first time in months without going out trolling and getting drunk. Yeah that’s all the development we have for UDSS. Then this is a spoiler but all happens in chapter one and two so not big spoilers.
October 20, 2009
4.75 Stars
Geoff is living the life of a young man with few responsibility and full of hormones - and with all the tail he can get in the city, he’s living the life of riley.
The bubble burst on Geoff life of burning the candle at both ends when his dad dies. Coming home to the ranch is alot of things now for Geoff – but most importantly it’s the fact that his dad is no longer there – that is, one of his dad’s. He has two and with a few carefully placed words and some home truth he soon agrees to stay and take control of the ranch.
It’s hard work but Geoff is strong and his heart is in it – so it becomes a labour of love to work the farm with his dad and the men who works for them. When all seem to be going well except for minor family incident – Eli, a young Amish boy turns up in the barn. On closer inspection Geoff realises this is not a boy but a young man and quickly also learn that he is on a year out from home – what could Geoff do but offer him a job of course.
Thus begins a point in both their life's where something magical happened to them and they are lapping it up and enjoying it as much as they can. Things are not as wonderful however no matter how much they would like to think so, because family and community intolerance and ultimately that inner voice of responsibility call to them both to do the right.
Despite the decision that they have to make it is a bitter pill to swallow – but it is one they have to live with as more than just Geoff and Eli will be affect by the word of the few.
This is my first book by Andrew Grey and it is not going to be my last. I was attracted to the book by the cover – there is a wholesomeness about the cover that is such a difference from the usual crop of overdone sex up men that immediately I wanted to find out if this transferred to the pages between this book.
YES – it did, everything about LOVE MEANS… NO SHAME is geared at the heartstring and in such a way that I felt like I could reach out and touch these characters.
Geoff is the main protag, as the whole book is centred around him. He has been blessed to have grown up in an environment that allowed him to grow up into the man that he wanted to be, he loved, he laugh and he was happy on his terms. The one thing that Geoff has never had to deal with is a death in his immediate family and with his dad’s death it brought alot of home truth home to him - it was time to be a man.
Manning up comes for Geoff in different forms, it starts off with tackling the family bitches, then it was dealing with the farm and his dad. All of this he takes in his stride but the biggie comes in the shape of Eli, the scared Amish young man that he finds in his barn.
His sense of responsibility kicks in and as much as he tries to deny what he was feeling, Eli is like the little train that could and before long he was everywhere and everything to Geoff. At this point I fell in love with these two, Grey gave them life and wrapped them in so much layer of wanting and needing each other but also gave them solidity to have their feet firmly planted in reality so they knew right from the start that honesty is the best policy and also when to “fish or cut bait”.
Highlights
This is one of those books that once you click the last page – you think WOW – yup, that the feeling I had.
The main protags were dynamic in their personality – no two could have been more different and yet so alike in how they were brought up and their whole approach to tackling life's challenges and ultimately the responsibility that they must take on.
The support cast had their own little ball a rolling – and I admit, I was hard press to keep up with the love life of Geoff and Eli because the side stories were angsty, topical and down right nasty in some scenes.
There was a simplicity to this book that made it a good read for me – it had none of the over the top lifestyle or personality. These characters were real, they got, up , worked, came home and went to bed – got up the next day and did it all again. When the chance to grab a little happiness came their way - I was most definitely on the sideline waving my pom pom’s for Geoff and Eli.
I like the fact that Grey – wrapped the mystery of the angst and nastiness of the book nicely into the plot and I has another “DAMN” moment when all was reveal – that was a real surprise.
Lowlights
Very little to be honest…
There were scenes that I probably would have liked Grey to expand on, but that is just me not wanting to let the characters go.
The mystery was so well time and well played that when the DAMN moment was reveal – I was let down that I was not going to know more about this big mystery – but I soon realise that another book LOVE MEANS… COURAGE was out and I am on my way off to get…
Bottom line
Every now and then you read an authors work that leaves you thinking that you should have known about the author months ago or even years ago – but for me I read this book at the right time as I have a decent amount of back history to get through with this author.
LOVE MEANS… NO SHAME is a keeper and for more than just the cover. Each character in this book made a name for themselves, each scene was written with attention to detail and to get me involved in the life of the ranch and the people on the ranch.
I have read Amish books before and even met a few – and I thought that aspect of the book was done with such class and style and this more than anything else added that touch of realism to the book.
Mr Grey is an author that has pushed his way onto my auto buy list and it was a pleasure to have read LOVE MEANS… NO SHAME
Geoff is living the life of a young man with few responsibility and full of hormones - and with all the tail he can get in the city, he’s living the life of riley.
The bubble burst on Geoff life of burning the candle at both ends when his dad dies. Coming home to the ranch is alot of things now for Geoff – but most importantly it’s the fact that his dad is no longer there – that is, one of his dad’s. He has two and with a few carefully placed words and some home truth he soon agrees to stay and take control of the ranch.
It’s hard work but Geoff is strong and his heart is in it – so it becomes a labour of love to work the farm with his dad and the men who works for them. When all seem to be going well except for minor family incident – Eli, a young Amish boy turns up in the barn. On closer inspection Geoff realises this is not a boy but a young man and quickly also learn that he is on a year out from home – what could Geoff do but offer him a job of course.
Thus begins a point in both their life's where something magical happened to them and they are lapping it up and enjoying it as much as they can. Things are not as wonderful however no matter how much they would like to think so, because family and community intolerance and ultimately that inner voice of responsibility call to them both to do the right.
Despite the decision that they have to make it is a bitter pill to swallow – but it is one they have to live with as more than just Geoff and Eli will be affect by the word of the few.
This is my first book by Andrew Grey and it is not going to be my last. I was attracted to the book by the cover – there is a wholesomeness about the cover that is such a difference from the usual crop of overdone sex up men that immediately I wanted to find out if this transferred to the pages between this book.
YES – it did, everything about LOVE MEANS… NO SHAME is geared at the heartstring and in such a way that I felt like I could reach out and touch these characters.
Geoff is the main protag, as the whole book is centred around him. He has been blessed to have grown up in an environment that allowed him to grow up into the man that he wanted to be, he loved, he laugh and he was happy on his terms. The one thing that Geoff has never had to deal with is a death in his immediate family and with his dad’s death it brought alot of home truth home to him - it was time to be a man.
Manning up comes for Geoff in different forms, it starts off with tackling the family bitches, then it was dealing with the farm and his dad. All of this he takes in his stride but the biggie comes in the shape of Eli, the scared Amish young man that he finds in his barn.
His sense of responsibility kicks in and as much as he tries to deny what he was feeling, Eli is like the little train that could and before long he was everywhere and everything to Geoff. At this point I fell in love with these two, Grey gave them life and wrapped them in so much layer of wanting and needing each other but also gave them solidity to have their feet firmly planted in reality so they knew right from the start that honesty is the best policy and also when to “fish or cut bait”.
Highlights
This is one of those books that once you click the last page – you think WOW – yup, that the feeling I had.
The main protags were dynamic in their personality – no two could have been more different and yet so alike in how they were brought up and their whole approach to tackling life's challenges and ultimately the responsibility that they must take on.
The support cast had their own little ball a rolling – and I admit, I was hard press to keep up with the love life of Geoff and Eli because the side stories were angsty, topical and down right nasty in some scenes.
There was a simplicity to this book that made it a good read for me – it had none of the over the top lifestyle or personality. These characters were real, they got, up , worked, came home and went to bed – got up the next day and did it all again. When the chance to grab a little happiness came their way - I was most definitely on the sideline waving my pom pom’s for Geoff and Eli.
I like the fact that Grey – wrapped the mystery of the angst and nastiness of the book nicely into the plot and I has another “DAMN” moment when all was reveal – that was a real surprise.
Lowlights
Very little to be honest…
There were scenes that I probably would have liked Grey to expand on, but that is just me not wanting to let the characters go.
The mystery was so well time and well played that when the DAMN moment was reveal – I was let down that I was not going to know more about this big mystery – but I soon realise that another book LOVE MEANS… COURAGE was out and I am on my way off to get…
Bottom line
Every now and then you read an authors work that leaves you thinking that you should have known about the author months ago or even years ago – but for me I read this book at the right time as I have a decent amount of back history to get through with this author.
LOVE MEANS… NO SHAME is a keeper and for more than just the cover. Each character in this book made a name for themselves, each scene was written with attention to detail and to get me involved in the life of the ranch and the people on the ranch.
I have read Amish books before and even met a few – and I thought that aspect of the book was done with such class and style and this more than anything else added that touch of realism to the book.
Mr Grey is an author that has pushed his way onto my auto buy list and it was a pleasure to have read LOVE MEANS… NO SHAME
October 22, 2011
I think this is a wonderful book. I love the message. I love the characters. And I love Andrew's style of writing. I read it a few years ago and since then several more times. I own it in paperback. I think Eli's character is my favorite. I loved his tenderness.
I think everyone who deals with predudice and fear should read this book. I think Andrew spells out LOVE in a poignant way. It was a book that meant a lot to me the first time I read it. The theme of "no shame" stupid out in a personal way. I am truely grateful for Mr. Grey's thoughts on coming out. And following your heart. Eli and Geoff are one of my favorite couples.
I think everyone who deals with predudice and fear should read this book. I think Andrew spells out LOVE in a poignant way. It was a book that meant a lot to me the first time I read it. The theme of "no shame" stupid out in a personal way. I am truely grateful for Mr. Grey's thoughts on coming out. And following your heart. Eli and Geoff are one of my favorite couples.
September 20, 2016
This was a sweet but also very sad read!
I read this after Love Means... Courage (the story of Geoff's dads Cliff and Len), that's why the death of Cliff at the beginning of this book had me especially sad.
So, here we got the story of Geoff and Eli. Geoff, who came back from Chicago (where he had worked as an accountant during the day, while he had spent his nights with meaningless one night stands) to take over the farm when his father died and Eli, a sweet, young and innocent Amish man. Two very different men, who had found the love of their lives in each other.
I really enjoyed reading this book, even though I think I cried during the half of it.
3,5 stars
I read this after Love Means... Courage (the story of Geoff's dads Cliff and Len), that's why the death of Cliff at the beginning of this book had me especially sad.
So, here we got the story of Geoff and Eli. Geoff, who came back from Chicago (where he had worked as an accountant during the day, while he had spent his nights with meaningless one night stands) to take over the farm when his father died and Eli, a sweet, young and innocent Amish man. Two very different men, who had found the love of their lives in each other.
I really enjoyed reading this book, even though I think I cried during the half of it.
3,5 stars
June 26, 2016
2 stars, at best.
Story and its message are nice/OK --> Love conquers it all! plus Noone needs to feel ashamed about loving and caring for another human being.
That is, of course, very true and one can just hope, that all these ignorant and intolerant people out there will figure this out rather sooner than later.
But all in all: Nothing new here, the book and the story were just OK, but what bothered me (besides from this story not being very original, new and inventive) was that the writing style often seemed, well, quite simple. Sometimes it feels like reading an (school-)essay written by a teenager.
Furthermore, the characters are two-dimensional, if not even one-dimensional. The "great problem/twist" at the end which was supposed to be soo tragic and hurtful didn't convince me at all.
And I actually laughed about the "resolution". Very convenient and easy.
At some point, I didn't even care anymore if the characters would end up together and live happily ever after or if they would die a miserable death... [I know, I'm a bit harsh today ;)]
In my opinion, Andrew Grey is not the most talented author there is.
But maybe, that's just me...hm.
Story and its message are nice/OK --> Love conquers it all! plus Noone needs to feel ashamed about loving and caring for another human being.
That is, of course, very true and one can just hope, that all these ignorant and intolerant people out there will figure this out rather sooner than later.
But all in all: Nothing new here, the book and the story were just OK, but what bothered me (besides from this story not being very original, new and inventive) was that the writing style often seemed, well, quite simple. Sometimes it feels like reading an (school-)essay written by a teenager.
Furthermore, the characters are two-dimensional, if not even one-dimensional. The "great problem/twist" at the end which was supposed to be soo tragic and hurtful didn't convince me at all.
And I actually laughed about the "resolution". Very convenient and easy.
At some point, I didn't even care anymore if the characters would end up together and live happily ever after or if they would die a miserable death... [I know, I'm a bit harsh today ;)]
In my opinion, Andrew Grey is not the most talented author there is.
But maybe, that's just me...hm.
October 1, 2009
I loved this book and the whole time I was reading it, I was patting myself on the back for buying 3 others of his at the same time. Really good book, y'all. Really.
October 19, 2009
Parts of this book are interesting with a deep emotional connection but unfortunately the very uneven pacing drags the action and length of the book out. Also most of the conflict is resolved and told off page so the reader is unable to experience some of the problems and emotions as the characters do. Mostly this is a sweet, easy romance that throws a little texture in by way of bigoted attitudes but really those attitudes impact very little in the main relationship. The writing is average with some painful editing mistakes and awkward prose choices, but the strong relationship may draw some readers in enough to ignore those problems.
Geoff returns to his family home after his father dies from cancer. Geoff must now run the farm and in doing so, he discovers a local Amish man sleeping in the barn. The young man, Eli, is on a year away from his community and accepts Geoff’s offer to work and live at the farm. Eli and Geoff have a strong attraction that neither fights too hard but soon Eli realizes his actions may have deep ramifications on his Amish family.
The story is decent enough but there is very little actual action. Geoff returns to the farm and he and Eli date rather quickly. They’re together for a short time before Eli realizes that his Amish family may be affected by his actions and chooses to return to the community. Once there, though, Eli is unhappy and does return to Geoff. Unfortunately the story is told in third person POV from Geoff’s perspective which greatly limits the potential of the book. What motivates Eli, how he deals with the new culture, community, his sexuality, and the problems inherent against his upbringing is never brought into the story at all. Instead Eli is very easy going, loving, and accepting of everything. His reasons for returning to Geoff and how he can reconcile the potential problems to his family – the very reason he left in the first place – is never resolved. Instead there is a vague statement that Eli will deal with that if it happens. Considering the concerns were enough to leave the love of his life, Geoff, this weak rationalization felt ineffectual and unsatisfying.
Furthermore, the emotional and intense scenes seemed to be brushed over quickly while day to day activities are drawn out almost to the point of boring. The prose is made up of short, quick sentences lacking description but stating action. Such as “Geoff walked to the door. He looked outside.” This is punctuated with often awkward prose and dialogue which contradicts with word choices.
There are also several conflicts brought up that aren’t resolved such as the aunt’s damaging gossip. This is mentioned several times and even alluded to the reason that Geoff, Raine, and Eli are attacked in town yet other than Geoff’s decision to cut the aunt out of his life, no action is taken or mentioned. Clearly if this gossip is enough to provoke violence and potentially affect Geoff’s farm, then something else must be done. However, nothing is mentioned and if action occurs it is off page. Other examples such as this create the feel of unimportant details added in for texture and mild conflict. The relationship between Eli and Geoff is mostly conflict free and easy as they slowly and gradually explore the physical side of their relationship while going about their lives. There is the small problem of Eli leaving, which while an emotional scene, is muted by the lack of intensity and the easy, off page resolution.
Overall I was mostly bored reading this story and felt the writing didn’t help much unfortunately. The pacing is inconsistent with extended scenes of mundane detail and often barely skimming by any emotional tension. The ending, while sweet, is completely unsatisfying with an off page resolution and no additional insight into the characters choices and thoughts. The majority of any action is told rather than shown and thus the reader is presented with a story that holds no connection and no energy. As a sweet, bland romance, perhaps this will appeal to some fans but the lack of tight writing and interesting dialogue is enough to recommend better choices.
Geoff returns to his family home after his father dies from cancer. Geoff must now run the farm and in doing so, he discovers a local Amish man sleeping in the barn. The young man, Eli, is on a year away from his community and accepts Geoff’s offer to work and live at the farm. Eli and Geoff have a strong attraction that neither fights too hard but soon Eli realizes his actions may have deep ramifications on his Amish family.
The story is decent enough but there is very little actual action. Geoff returns to the farm and he and Eli date rather quickly. They’re together for a short time before Eli realizes that his Amish family may be affected by his actions and chooses to return to the community. Once there, though, Eli is unhappy and does return to Geoff. Unfortunately the story is told in third person POV from Geoff’s perspective which greatly limits the potential of the book. What motivates Eli, how he deals with the new culture, community, his sexuality, and the problems inherent against his upbringing is never brought into the story at all. Instead Eli is very easy going, loving, and accepting of everything. His reasons for returning to Geoff and how he can reconcile the potential problems to his family – the very reason he left in the first place – is never resolved. Instead there is a vague statement that Eli will deal with that if it happens. Considering the concerns were enough to leave the love of his life, Geoff, this weak rationalization felt ineffectual and unsatisfying.
Furthermore, the emotional and intense scenes seemed to be brushed over quickly while day to day activities are drawn out almost to the point of boring. The prose is made up of short, quick sentences lacking description but stating action. Such as “Geoff walked to the door. He looked outside.” This is punctuated with often awkward prose and dialogue which contradicts with word choices.
There are also several conflicts brought up that aren’t resolved such as the aunt’s damaging gossip. This is mentioned several times and even alluded to the reason that Geoff, Raine, and Eli are attacked in town yet other than Geoff’s decision to cut the aunt out of his life, no action is taken or mentioned. Clearly if this gossip is enough to provoke violence and potentially affect Geoff’s farm, then something else must be done. However, nothing is mentioned and if action occurs it is off page. Other examples such as this create the feel of unimportant details added in for texture and mild conflict. The relationship between Eli and Geoff is mostly conflict free and easy as they slowly and gradually explore the physical side of their relationship while going about their lives. There is the small problem of Eli leaving, which while an emotional scene, is muted by the lack of intensity and the easy, off page resolution.
Overall I was mostly bored reading this story and felt the writing didn’t help much unfortunately. The pacing is inconsistent with extended scenes of mundane detail and often barely skimming by any emotional tension. The ending, while sweet, is completely unsatisfying with an off page resolution and no additional insight into the characters choices and thoughts. The majority of any action is told rather than shown and thus the reader is presented with a story that holds no connection and no energy. As a sweet, bland romance, perhaps this will appeal to some fans but the lack of tight writing and interesting dialogue is enough to recommend better choices.
April 9, 2017
After his father passes away Geoff goes back to take over the running of the family farm.
One morning he finds a toung Amsih man sleeping in the barn, Eli. Eli is on his rumspringa and Geoff offers him a job and a home. Over time the two fall in love.
I liked seeing Eli leaarning about the English and trying new things.
Geoff and Eli were good together and apart from some angst towards the end it was a good story.
One morning he finds a toung Amsih man sleeping in the barn, Eli. Eli is on his rumspringa and Geoff offers him a job and a home. Over time the two fall in love.
I liked seeing Eli leaarning about the English and trying new things.
Geoff and Eli were good together and apart from some angst towards the end it was a good story.
June 4, 2016
For all those who've not seen Weird Al's 'Amish Paradise' - enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOfZL...
3.5 stars here. A somewhat bland but likeable m/m romance. Geoff leaves Chicago to return to the family farm upon the death of his (gay) father. He falls for Elijah, a 20 year old Amish boy who is spending a year away from his community.
'If he were honest with himself, he really did like Eli... a lot. The way he looked in the saddle, the way he smiled, the way those eyes danced when he was happy. "Fuck, I've got it bad. Now if I just knew how he felt." Geoff had always had good gaydar, but where Eli was concerned, he didn't have a clue.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOfZL...
3.5 stars here. A somewhat bland but likeable m/m romance. Geoff leaves Chicago to return to the family farm upon the death of his (gay) father. He falls for Elijah, a 20 year old Amish boy who is spending a year away from his community.
'If he were honest with himself, he really did like Eli... a lot. The way he looked in the saddle, the way he smiled, the way those eyes danced when he was happy. "Fuck, I've got it bad. Now if I just knew how he felt." Geoff had always had good gaydar, but where Eli was concerned, he didn't have a clue.'
June 16, 2016
Overall book rating: 4 sweet stars
Audio book: Narrator- R. Kirstein 4stars
Book cover: 3.5 Stars
This book is about little Geoff all grown up. This book started out sad but it just shows you to waist no time and to love to the fullest every minute of every day.
Little Geoff finds the love of his life. I truly loved this story.
Audio book: Narrator- R. Kirstein 4stars
Book cover: 3.5 Stars
This book is about little Geoff all grown up. This book started out sad but it just shows you to waist no time and to love to the fullest every minute of every day.
Little Geoff finds the love of his life. I truly loved this story.
August 3, 2010
"Hmm... I'm sick of sleeping around and that guy looks cute, so I think I'll just check and see if he's gay, and then we'll live happily ever after."
Too simple, too easy. Boring.
Too simple, too easy. Boring.
December 3, 2010
Love Means ... No Shame by Andrew Grey is a touching story of loss and love, family and belonging. It is very well written with strong characters and fluid narration that pulls the reader completely in from the start.
The central focus of the story is the relationship between Geoff and Eli who come from two very different worlds and cultures. Grey takes his time in growing their relationship by exploring many of their differences in a thoughtful and respectful manner. As Geoff gets to know Eli he realizes that many of the everyday things he takes for granted, such as orange juice and riding in a car are completely foreign to Eli. Eli is spending a year away from his community because he is questioning many aspects of his upbringing and as the story unfolds he accepts that he is gay. If this were known in Eli’s community he would be shamed and banished, as would his family. While Geoff doesn't understand or agree with these beliefs and practices he is very respectful of Eli as Eli struggles to come to terms with his true self versus his upbringing and religion.
Geoff and Eli slowly get to know one another, first as friends and then through courtship with a slow build-up to the sexual aspect of their relationship. Grey writes Geoff and Eli’s relationship with sweetness and romanticism but also with a sense of realism. Their relationship is not without difficulties. Both Geoff and Eli must deal with mean-spirited members of Geoff’s family and homophobia with some serious implications. Also, as Eli’s year away from home nears its end, he is torn and must make a life-altering decision as to whether he will stay with Geoff, the man he loves, or return to his family and community to lead a life that although is familiar and expected, would ultimately be a lie.
A cast of well-rounded and interesting secondary characters support the main story and characters. There’s Len, the life partner of Geoff’s biological father who he considers his other father, Geoff’s loving aunt Mari, Joey the boy that Geoff takes on as a part-time ranch hand and discretely looks after, and Geoff’s best friend Raine. Grey inter-weaves primary and secondary characters, their feelings and relationships adding a richness and depth to the overall story, but also creating a sense of family among the characters. Although Geoff has lost both his biological parents he’s not alone. He is blessed with a loving and supportive chosen family to which Eli has also become a member.
This story is written with heart. It is both bittersweet and uplifting, and reminds us that love can be generous and selfless and that a true family and sense of belonging don’t necessarily require blood ties.
If you are looking to sink into a well written, poignant, sweet and romantic reading escape then I highly recommend Love Means ... No Shame by Andrew Grey.
NOTE: This review was originally published online by Rainbow Reviews on September 27, 2009.
March 12, 2010
This is a well written story that is populated with characters you can't help but fall in love with and just like in real life with a couple you'd be thankful not to know. It's an emotional story that grabbed my attention right away and kept me interested all the way to the end. The main protagonists at first appear to be an unlikely match but as the story progresses the development of their relationship shows that indeed they are well suited to each other.
At the start of the book Geoff is happy with his life in the big city but moves back to the family farm when his Dad dies. One day he finds a young Amish man named Eli in his barn and ends up offering him a job and a place to stay. Eli is inexperienced with life outside of his community having had little contact with the English, or non-Amish, people. He's doing his Rumspringa, his year away from the community, before he becomes a full fledged adult dedicated to their community and way of life.
As time goes by Geoff and Eli form a friendship that gradually turns to love. The men are happy until someone, bitter and unhappy with their own life, stirs up trouble for them. Eli then makes a difficult decision that brings much heartache to himself and Geoff. Fortunately he is given some wonderful advice from someone close to him and at the end, after many tears have been shed, Geoff and Eli find true happiness.
As with the other books I've read by Andrew Grey there is a lot of emotion in this really sweet love story. There are also some hot sex scenes as well but they don't overshadow the sweetness. I found the protagonists well developed and interesting and the secondary characters were, for the most part, good additions to the story. The story could have used more careful editing and at times the pacing felt a bit off but overall I really liked this story and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
At the start of the book Geoff is happy with his life in the big city but moves back to the family farm when his Dad dies. One day he finds a young Amish man named Eli in his barn and ends up offering him a job and a place to stay. Eli is inexperienced with life outside of his community having had little contact with the English, or non-Amish, people. He's doing his Rumspringa, his year away from the community, before he becomes a full fledged adult dedicated to their community and way of life.
As time goes by Geoff and Eli form a friendship that gradually turns to love. The men are happy until someone, bitter and unhappy with their own life, stirs up trouble for them. Eli then makes a difficult decision that brings much heartache to himself and Geoff. Fortunately he is given some wonderful advice from someone close to him and at the end, after many tears have been shed, Geoff and Eli find true happiness.
As with the other books I've read by Andrew Grey there is a lot of emotion in this really sweet love story. There are also some hot sex scenes as well but they don't overshadow the sweetness. I found the protagonists well developed and interesting and the secondary characters were, for the most part, good additions to the story. The story could have used more careful editing and at times the pacing felt a bit off but overall I really liked this story and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
March 24, 2011
This story was cute and sweet and touching. Geoff and Eli couldn't be more different at the beginning of the story, because Geoff comes back from Chicago to the farm he inherited from his father. In Chicago he was cruising bars for sex and working as an accountant. Eli is Amish and he is spending the traditional time away from his community to see the world of the English.
What they have in common is their caring attitude. Geoff is much more experienced, but Eli's enthusiasm makes up for his lack of experience. He's such a wonderful young man, he's open to what life has to show him, for Geoff's love and it seems he was just waiting to find the right someone to open his heart to.
The storyline is simple and it shows people who support Geoff and people who spread awful rumours about him, because they don't accept his sexuality. There's a little bit of drama, but not too much, the right amount to make us root for the main couple and to move us to tears.
I think the story lacks some characters' insight. It is told in Geoff's point of view and we see how things affect Eli only as a reflection, so maybe that's why I loved him so much even if I didn't know exactly what was going on in his mind. Geoff seemed a bit more shallow, or maybe I could not shrug off his initial behavior. I also think the transition from one scene and the next wasn't always so smooth, sometimes situations ot thoughts seemed rushed or cut off.
I think this book is Romance - yep, with a capital R - so I'd recommended it to the very romantic souls who love sweet, cute and happy stories.
What they have in common is their caring attitude. Geoff is much more experienced, but Eli's enthusiasm makes up for his lack of experience. He's such a wonderful young man, he's open to what life has to show him, for Geoff's love and it seems he was just waiting to find the right someone to open his heart to.
The storyline is simple and it shows people who support Geoff and people who spread awful rumours about him, because they don't accept his sexuality. There's a little bit of drama, but not too much, the right amount to make us root for the main couple and to move us to tears.
I think the story lacks some characters' insight. It is told in Geoff's point of view and we see how things affect Eli only as a reflection, so maybe that's why I loved him so much even if I didn't know exactly what was going on in his mind. Geoff seemed a bit more shallow, or maybe I could not shrug off his initial behavior. I also think the transition from one scene and the next wasn't always so smooth, sometimes situations ot thoughts seemed rushed or cut off.
I think this book is Romance - yep, with a capital R - so I'd recommended it to the very romantic souls who love sweet, cute and happy stories.
August 5, 2012
Not really my type of story. The story was very simple and predictable. It had a very unfinished and immature feel - as if the main characters were teenagers.The characters remained shallow and cliched: "the most beautiful", "the most caring", "the kindest", "the sweetest" - you get the idea.
In my opinion it is good writing when the author can make you see that this character is sweet through narration, dialogue and action, and not shout it in your face explicitly. Also it was insta love (big no no for me) and to top it off the underlying theme was, that you only have one true soul mate and that's not a philosophy I find agreeable especially coupled with the fact that they only know each other for two months.
If you find the plot with a religious/cultural gap (here Amish and English) interesting, I'd recommend James Buchanan's "Hard Fall" (involving a mormon police officer and a ex con as MCs).
In my opinion it is good writing when the author can make you see that this character is sweet through narration, dialogue and action, and not shout it in your face explicitly. Also it was insta love (big no no for me) and to top it off the underlying theme was, that you only have one true soul mate and that's not a philosophy I find agreeable especially coupled with the fact that they only know each other for two months.
If you find the plot with a religious/cultural gap (here Amish and English) interesting, I'd recommend James Buchanan's "Hard Fall" (involving a mormon police officer and a ex con as MCs).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2016
I got the "Love means..." books as a bundle and got a little confused reading it, until I found out (thanks to Sarah) that one part was missing.
After reading this one I finally know what happened, although I found it a little strange that in the bundle suddenly there was a gap of several years...
Actually the story how Geoff and Eli found each other was probably the best in the series so far, for me!
Geoff is coming home to the farm after his father died and has to decide whether he wants to stay and run the farm or return to his old life in Chicago.
During his stay he meets Eli, a young Amish man who left his family for a year of "Rumspringa" and offers him a job.
However soon he realizes that his feelings for Eli go deeper than just friendship.
How those two get together and fall in love is a very sweet, romantic and sometimes sad story. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend it!
4 stars!
After reading this one I finally know what happened, although I found it a little strange that in the bundle suddenly there was a gap of several years...
Actually the story how Geoff and Eli found each other was probably the best in the series so far, for me!
Geoff is coming home to the farm after his father died and has to decide whether he wants to stay and run the farm or return to his old life in Chicago.
During his stay he meets Eli, a young Amish man who left his family for a year of "Rumspringa" and offers him a job.
However soon he realizes that his feelings for Eli go deeper than just friendship.
How those two get together and fall in love is a very sweet, romantic and sometimes sad story. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend it!
4 stars!
October 25, 2016
Estoy pasando por una etapa en donde se me metió en la cabeza que quiero leer novelas de temática lgbt!! La verdad que me estoy sorprendiendo muy gratamente!! Los libros que leí últimamente son sencillos, cortos (prácticamente los leo en una sentada) y tan adictivos que no puedo soltarlos!! Obviamente no son GRANDES HISTORIAS, con enseñanzas trascendentales, pero son bonitas y me hacen pasar un muy buen rato!! Andrew Grey hizo que me enamorara profundamente de Elijha y le voy a agradecer siempre el haber creado un personaje tan tierno y bueno al cual quería apapachar cada vez que aparecía!!
January 22, 2013
I have enjoyed some of Andrew Grey's other books (The Good Fight was very interesting in view of it's subject matter), but I'm afraid that this book was just a step too far. The previous story in the series (Love means...Courage) was a decent read, but this book, well let's just say that I feel calling your loved one 'Stallion' and 'Tiger' is a little bit far-fetched, and put me off reading any further - I returned the book I'm afraid.
November 20, 2011
A lovely sweet love story with some very well written emotional parts. Tissues were certainly needed at times lol.
I'm looking forward to re reading the next book and seeing Geoff as a little boy again lol.
My one niggle was Frank and the way he believed the lies without hesitation but then back tracked imediately. That scene just never flowed as smoothly as the rest.
I'm looking forward to re reading the next book and seeing Geoff as a little boy again lol.
My one niggle was Frank and the way he believed the lies without hesitation but then back tracked imediately. That scene just never flowed as smoothly as the rest.
February 8, 2011
wow, I'm must be in the minority because I had to dnf this book, which I rarely do. The writing was so stilted and boring I just couldn't get into it. Interesting premise but I guess this author's writing style just doesn't do it for me.
January 17, 2011
I thought this book was rather boring and the character pretty flat. I just read the book a couple of days ago and I can't remember the name of the main character.
November 9, 2019
Muy bonito y emotivo el relato de la relacion entre Geoff y Eli, Geof vive en la ciudad trabajando como contador cuando su padre fallece y queda a cargo de la granja, junto con su otro "padre" Len, comienza a llevar la carga completa y detallada de todo lo que dejo su padre y todo lo que implica mantenerlo.
Eli, un joven Amish que ha decidido dejar su comunidad para conocer el mundo exterior, ya que no se siente comodo, se encuentra durmiendo en los establos de Geoff, quien le ofrece trabajo a cambio de casa, comida y ropa, ademas del conocimiento del mundo fuera de su comunidad.
Eli aprende que ser "gay" no es malo en el mundo exterior, pero tampoco es lo mas comun, al enamorarse de Geoff. Ambos tienen asuntos que resolver antes de decidir quedarse que juntos estan mejor y felices.
Una historia rosa, romantica y dulce donde los problemas son mas por causa de la indecision que por entes externos. Facil de leer, con algunas escenas eroticas pero no tan explicitas como he leido antes, pero llenas de mucho amor y pasion.
Divertido para pasar el rato, facilmente olvidable despues.
Eli, un joven Amish que ha decidido dejar su comunidad para conocer el mundo exterior, ya que no se siente comodo, se encuentra durmiendo en los establos de Geoff, quien le ofrece trabajo a cambio de casa, comida y ropa, ademas del conocimiento del mundo fuera de su comunidad.
Eli aprende que ser "gay" no es malo en el mundo exterior, pero tampoco es lo mas comun, al enamorarse de Geoff. Ambos tienen asuntos que resolver antes de decidir quedarse que juntos estan mejor y felices.
Una historia rosa, romantica y dulce donde los problemas son mas por causa de la indecision que por entes externos. Facil de leer, con algunas escenas eroticas pero no tan explicitas como he leido antes, pero llenas de mucho amor y pasion.
Divertido para pasar el rato, facilmente olvidable despues.
July 24, 2018
No me gustó.
Había empezado bien y tenía elementos piolas a desarrollar como que uno de los protas era Amish. Pero en algun punto del libro la historia se torno aburrida, cursi al extremo, predecible hasta el cansancio y con mas relleno que Naruto. La relación no me gustó y como individuos dejaron mucho que desear (con lo despreocupado y ligero que fue Geoff antes de conocer a Eli no me copó que siempre tuvieran sexo sin protección y nunca aclaran si se hizo los estudios pertinentes, mas cuando cuenta que a veces se levantaba en casa de extraños) por otro lado Eli es el que mas me decepcionó, me hubiera gustado mas desarrollo de personaje y que fuera mas creible (pasa de escandalizarse por los homosexuales a ser un pro en la cama, en tres capítulos)
En fin, me entretuvo y le doy dos estrellas bc me sacó del pozo depresivo en el que estaba despues de leer Rock de Anyta Sunday
Había empezado bien y tenía elementos piolas a desarrollar como que uno de los protas era Amish. Pero en algun punto del libro la historia se torno aburrida, cursi al extremo, predecible hasta el cansancio y con mas relleno que Naruto. La relación no me gustó y como individuos dejaron mucho que desear (con lo despreocupado y ligero que fue Geoff antes de conocer a Eli no me copó que siempre tuvieran sexo sin protección y nunca aclaran si se hizo los estudios pertinentes, mas cuando cuenta que a veces se levantaba en casa de extraños) por otro lado Eli es el que mas me decepcionó, me hubiera gustado mas desarrollo de personaje y que fuera mas creible (pasa de escandalizarse por los homosexuales a ser un pro en la cama, en tres capítulos)
En fin, me entretuvo y le doy dos estrellas bc me sacó del pozo depresivo en el que estaba despues de leer Rock de Anyta Sunday
July 28, 2021
Sweet, cute... nice. As in, most people were the definition of nice and were nice to each other and nice things were happening. Generally, I am fairly content with it, it was pretty relaxing to just watch the happiness spread and as long as you're in the mood for this type of thing, you should like it.
May 5, 2019
The second book in the series starts with a tragic start. The story was good with very little angst. If I continue with the series I’ll pass on the audio.
October 23, 2022
3.25 stars
December 31, 2018
*Kurzmeinung*
Ich hab mit der Reihe ja etwas durcheinander angefangen, aber da mir Band 3 so gut gefallen hat, wollte ich nun unbedingt auch Band 1 lesen. So kannte ich Geoff und Eli schon, was der Geschichte aber keinen Abbruch getan hat.
Geoff zieht nach dem Tod seines Vaters aufs Land und übernimmt die Farm. Ich fand es richtig toll, dass auch hier wieder dieses Landleben Gefühl so schön raus kam. So reiten die beiden oft aus und der Alltag auf so einer großen Farm kommt auch beim Leser an. Eli stammt aus einer Amish Gemeinde und hat sein Jahr in der Außenwelt. Das Leben der Amish und wie es Eli beeinflusst, kommt für mich genau im richtigen Maße vor, es nimmt nicht überhand, wird nicht zu sehr bewertet, aber trotzdem glaubwürdig eingebracht.
Eli und Geoff sind ein sehr süßes Paar, allgemein sind die Bücher sehr romantisch und süß, wobei es auch nicht an Drama fehlt. Und es gibt auch die eine oder andere erotische Szene, diese werden schön gefühlvoll beschrieben aber nicht zu ausladend. Schön fand ich auch, dass Eli nicht völlig naiv dargestellt wurde, sondern auch aktiv wurde und sich behauptet hat.
Fazit:
Eine süße Liebesgeschichte über Eli der aus einer Amish-Gemeinschaft stammt und Geoff der versucht die Farm seines Vaters zu führen. Die Geschichte hat zwar nicht nur schön Wetter Szenen, aber trotzdem ist es ein Buch, welches man getrohst zu Hand nehmen kann, wenn man eine schön romantische Geschichte will.
Ich hab mit der Reihe ja etwas durcheinander angefangen, aber da mir Band 3 so gut gefallen hat, wollte ich nun unbedingt auch Band 1 lesen. So kannte ich Geoff und Eli schon, was der Geschichte aber keinen Abbruch getan hat.
Geoff zieht nach dem Tod seines Vaters aufs Land und übernimmt die Farm. Ich fand es richtig toll, dass auch hier wieder dieses Landleben Gefühl so schön raus kam. So reiten die beiden oft aus und der Alltag auf so einer großen Farm kommt auch beim Leser an. Eli stammt aus einer Amish Gemeinde und hat sein Jahr in der Außenwelt. Das Leben der Amish und wie es Eli beeinflusst, kommt für mich genau im richtigen Maße vor, es nimmt nicht überhand, wird nicht zu sehr bewertet, aber trotzdem glaubwürdig eingebracht.
Eli und Geoff sind ein sehr süßes Paar, allgemein sind die Bücher sehr romantisch und süß, wobei es auch nicht an Drama fehlt. Und es gibt auch die eine oder andere erotische Szene, diese werden schön gefühlvoll beschrieben aber nicht zu ausladend. Schön fand ich auch, dass Eli nicht völlig naiv dargestellt wurde, sondern auch aktiv wurde und sich behauptet hat.
Fazit:
Eine süße Liebesgeschichte über Eli der aus einer Amish-Gemeinschaft stammt und Geoff der versucht die Farm seines Vaters zu führen. Die Geschichte hat zwar nicht nur schön Wetter Szenen, aber trotzdem ist es ein Buch, welches man getrohst zu Hand nehmen kann, wenn man eine schön romantische Geschichte will.
December 20, 2010
Overall
I think this is my favorite of the series, and conveniently the first (although I read it second). Order isn't vital to the stories, unless you want to be surprised by happy endings. So Geoff comes home after the death of his father and decides to stay and take over the family farm. Shortly after his arrival, Eli appears, 100% Amish and straight from the community. He's taking a year break to "diminish his rebel spirit."
Geoff and Eli have a very nice dynamic and are both sweet as sugar. They struggle, they talk, they deal, they love. I think my favorite thing about this story is that it's not fed on misunderstandings but on obligations. Eli and Geoff do what's right, even when it breaks their hearts.
Strengths
Is what it is. This novel tells you what it is and delivers. No secrets, no sudden twists, just a basic love story on a farm. It does it well. The pacing fits well with the story and the environment; it keeps moving but doesn't seem rushed (keeps a "country" pace, so to speak).
Ending. I think the rising action/climax/falling action were all well handled. I connected to the characters and their suffering, as well as their triumph. Everything felt pretty well handled, and for never appearing on screen, I loved Eli's mother.
Weaknesses
Mellow. Not really a weakness, but if you're looking for an extremely emotional story, or action packed, this isn't it. The plot is basic and straight forward with more loving than angst.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
I think this is my favorite of the series, and conveniently the first (although I read it second). Order isn't vital to the stories, unless you want to be surprised by happy endings. So Geoff comes home after the death of his father and decides to stay and take over the family farm. Shortly after his arrival, Eli appears, 100% Amish and straight from the community. He's taking a year break to "diminish his rebel spirit."
Geoff and Eli have a very nice dynamic and are both sweet as sugar. They struggle, they talk, they deal, they love. I think my favorite thing about this story is that it's not fed on misunderstandings but on obligations. Eli and Geoff do what's right, even when it breaks their hearts.
Strengths
Is what it is. This novel tells you what it is and delivers. No secrets, no sudden twists, just a basic love story on a farm. It does it well. The pacing fits well with the story and the environment; it keeps moving but doesn't seem rushed (keeps a "country" pace, so to speak).
Ending. I think the rising action/climax/falling action were all well handled. I connected to the characters and their suffering, as well as their triumph. Everything felt pretty well handled, and for never appearing on screen, I loved Eli's mother.
Weaknesses
Mellow. Not really a weakness, but if you're looking for an extremely emotional story, or action packed, this isn't it. The plot is basic and straight forward with more loving than angst.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
February 27, 2011
I was conflicted on how to review this one. In general, I found many passages where not much happened, horses were ridden out and ridden back, meals were made, eaten and cleared, etc. I also thought a lot of smiling went on--though there was certainly some large conflicts, much of the day-to-day of the novel went on a bit too smoothly for me. The big exception was Aunt Janelle, the "primo bitch," whom I also wanted to see some more depth from. Finally, the major life changes for Geoff and Eli (from two extremes to meet in the middle) occurred a bit too suddenly and easily for me. These were major life changes for both of them and they seem to slide into them as easily as they slid into each other.
The redeeming quality for me was the connection between the love of Geoff's two dads for each other to the love Geoff and Eli shared, particularly in the advice from Geoff's friend Raine, to live one day at a time--not to fear a love that may not last. And this ultimately made the ending unsatisfactory for me, we should not always expect happy endings, but live as if each day with the one we love is a gift and more than we deserve. The rest, as they say, is gravy.
The redeeming quality for me was the connection between the love of Geoff's two dads for each other to the love Geoff and Eli shared, particularly in the advice from Geoff's friend Raine, to live one day at a time--not to fear a love that may not last. And this ultimately made the ending unsatisfactory for me, we should not always expect happy endings, but live as if each day with the one we love is a gift and more than we deserve. The rest, as they say, is gravy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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