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Farm #4
Love Means... No Fear
Raine Baumer is living the party life in Chicago, indulging in short relationships with little emotional commitment. But after he's severely injured in a gay bashing, close friend Geoff arrives to take him to the country to recuperate. There Geoff and his partner Eli treat him like part of the family, and Raine meets Jonah, Eli's brother, who is exploring life in the world outside his Amish community. Jonah and Raine's mutual attraction draws them together, but they may not have a chance to explore it. Jonah's father is making ultimatums, and the police believe that the attack on Raine may not have been as random as it initially appeared. Raine and Jonah will have to face what they fear most in order to have any chance at a life together.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2010
9 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 27, 2019
Absolutely wonderful. Another beautiful story in a captivating series. Andrew adds another set of characters to a family we already love. As always, he creates a story you can't put down; then you are sad it has ended.
November 9, 2011
WHat I like is the juxtaposition of "fear" in the story. Raine is the city guy. (normally I would think "tough" or "seasoned".) But after being attacked, fear plays a part in your life you least expect and he has to deal with that. Jonah, who is Amish, (and in exploring the world outside, I would think it would be intimidating and scary.) is unsure of what he is feeling, yet bold at the same time. He is not afraid (not that much) of taking what he wants. He even gets angry at Raine for trying to baby him. He is tough in his innocence and youth. I like that! To me, it seemed that Raine was the fearful one and Jonah was the bold one. Although they BOTH had fear to deal with in this story.
I think it is a good tale! Sweet, hot, and simple enough to read and re read over again. Thumbs up! I recommend to all those who enjoy a lovely romance!
I think it is a good tale! Sweet, hot, and simple enough to read and re read over again. Thumbs up! I recommend to all those who enjoy a lovely romance!
January 24, 2012
After suffering from a frightening gay bashing, Raine, Geoff's close friend from the city, moves to the farm to recuperate. While there, Raine meets Jonah, Eli's brother who is out of the Amish community on a sort of modified Rumspringa. I say modified since it's not the full year of a typical Rumspringa.
I liked Raine and Jonah - they were both sweet characters. I think I didn't love this story as much as some of the others because the series is getting a little formulaic for me. In fact, this was a little too close to Geoff and Eli's story. Promiscuous worldly gay city man meets sweet, innocent Amish man and corrupts the hell outta him. Haha, okay, not really, but you get the gist. I also didn't love the way the whole gay bashing mystery concluded. It was just a bit random leaving me with a feeling of okay, huh - that's weird.
Overall, this is a pretty enjoyable read and I always love to learn more about Geoff and Robbie and Joey and Len - my favorite farm characters.
I liked Raine and Jonah - they were both sweet characters. I think I didn't love this story as much as some of the others because the series is getting a little formulaic for me. In fact, this was a little too close to Geoff and Eli's story. Promiscuous worldly gay city man meets sweet, innocent Amish man and corrupts the hell outta him. Haha, okay, not really, but you get the gist. I also didn't love the way the whole gay bashing mystery concluded. It was just a bit random leaving me with a feeling of okay, huh - that's weird.
Overall, this is a pretty enjoyable read and I always love to learn more about Geoff and Robbie and Joey and Len - my favorite farm characters.
October 2, 2016
The story of Raine, coming from Chicago where he was beaten and injured at a gay pride parade and Jonah, the little brother of Eli who just takes his time away from his Amish family is once again a very nice and interesting read.
Although it sometimes reminded me of Eli and Geoff's story, it was still a great read.
The story did not offer a lot of surprises, it was more or less clear what would happen, I would not say it was boring but still it was maybe a little too obvious.
One thing I really did not like, is that the bundle of Love is... I purchased is completely out of order. I thought reading through it would be ok, just to find out that it did not make any sense because I missed actions that would only be revealed in following books (and some important ones were not included at all).
So if you get the bundle like I did make sure you read them in the right order to avoid confusion!
3.5 stars from me for a sweet and romantic story.
Although it sometimes reminded me of Eli and Geoff's story, it was still a great read.
The story did not offer a lot of surprises, it was more or less clear what would happen, I would not say it was boring but still it was maybe a little too obvious.
One thing I really did not like, is that the bundle of Love is... I purchased is completely out of order. I thought reading through it would be ok, just to find out that it did not make any sense because I missed actions that would only be revealed in following books (and some important ones were not included at all).
So if you get the bundle like I did make sure you read them in the right order to avoid confusion!
3.5 stars from me for a sweet and romantic story.
December 27, 2010
Trying to find the right words to say how much I loved this story and the whole series on a whole is not easy. The love you start to have for every character is an awesome feeling. Raine and Jonah are too cute for words but what I loved the most about this story was the strength that Jonah found he had in himself and the fact the Raine realized that he can be loved and can love. I love stories like this and with the end I'm hoping and praying this is so not the last time we will hear from the Love Means series.
December 31, 2010
Very good! Can't wait till next and final one in this series. {sighs only one left}
I hope we see more of the surprise (at the end of this book) in the next book.
I would have loved to have read about Jonah first trip to the big city.. That would have been really good.
I loved the trip to the movie theater!! I love when characters find, what we think of every day things new and exciting, especially when it's written as well as Andrew's does it.
I hope we see more of the surprise (at the end of this book) in the next book.
I would have loved to have read about Jonah first trip to the big city.. That would have been really good.
I loved the trip to the movie theater!! I love when characters find, what we think of every day things new and exciting, especially when it's written as well as Andrew's does it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2011
Another nice read in the Love Means..... series. Eli's brother Jonah and Geoff's friend Raine get together and learn what it means to fall in love.
My only niggle with this book was the Gay bashing mystery. It just seemed a little too convaluted for me. But apart from that it was another sweet love story.
My only niggle with this book was the Gay bashing mystery. It just seemed a little too convaluted for me. But apart from that it was another sweet love story.
February 26, 2011
Andrew Grey has done it again, delivering another heart-rending, tender gay romance amidst the backdrop of an atypical, rural setting. The fifth in his “Farm” series, No Fear is the story of Raine and Jonah, a seemingly mismatched couple who are brought together accidentally when they meet at Geoff and Eli’s Michigan farm. Eli is the older brother of Jonah, and the siblings spring from a traditional Amish background. Jonah, like his older brother, leaves his community for a year in the “English” world, mainly to spread his wings and experience the outside world. This is a common practice of the Amish and a traditional rite of passage. After spending a year away from home, Amish youth then are faced with a decision as to how they will live their lives, either returning and embracing the lifestyle of their upbringing or abandoning it for a worldly existence.
When Jonah is released into the “world”, he has no idea where to go, so he seeks his older brother. He knows that Eli chose to leave the Amish community several years prior, but he is unsure why his older brother made this drastic decision. When Jonah finds Eli, he is shocked to see him being affectionate with Geoff, his life partner. Jonah reacts with an emotional outburst, pointing at the couple and calling them “Sodomites!”
Raine is a friend of Geoff and Eli, and he is at the farm for an undetermined time period. He’s been the victim of a hate crime, and as a result he has an injured arm and is recovering from surgery. He goes to the farm to recuperate both physically and emotionally. Raine has lived a very typical urban gay lifestyle, coming from Chicago. He’s had many lovers over the years, but has yet to meet “the one”. He’s not even sure there is such a thing, although his heart is warmed by the affectionate, long term relationship of Geoff and Eli. He doesn’t think such happiness and stability will ever be in his future, though. Not only is he not “the type”, but in truth he feels he is unworthy of that sort of contentment.
Almost instantly Raine is drawn to the innocent Amish kid. Jonah is utterly unpretentious and endearingly naïve. The boy’s trusting nature and complete honesty are refreshing to Raine, not to mention the fact that the kid is cute as hell. When Raine awakens one afternoon from a nightmare and Jonah rushes into his room to offer him comfort, Raine sees another side of the young man. He is compassionate—a healer.
As feelings begin to emerge within Jonah, he starts to question his own sexual orientation. He starts to realize that an intense attraction has awakened within him, particularly toward Raine. Even though he knows about his brother Eli, he is frightened of what this means. Mentally connecting the dots, he concludes that there must be something about that farm that turns men into homosexuals, and he quickly flees.
Eli tracks down Jonah and convinces him to return to the farm and to simply relax. Eli explains that sexual orientation is naturally occurring, and that even if Jonah does have some same-sex attractions it is not necessarily an indication that he is gay. Only Jonah can make that determination for himself, and it has nothing to do with the farm. Jonah agrees to stay, but he’s very skeptical, and he makes every attempt to guard himself from Raine. Eventually, though, he does some serious soul-searching and starts to realize that his attractions are growing, and he allows himself to follow his heart.
The romance is a beautiful depiction of love conquering fear, and the story is aptly titled. Both of the central characters are bedeviled with crippling fears. Raine fears trusting anyone because he’s been hurt so many times before. He fears loneliness, and of course he’s haunted by the violence of his recent past. Jonah fears his own feelings. He fears rejection and failure, and he is terrified of losing his family.
Jonah also has an irrational fear of water, and has always been afraid to go swimming. This becomes a metaphor of the larger issues he faces in his life, and it seems quite appropriate that his fear of water is ultimately overcome by a lover named “Raine”.
As always with this author, the writing it superb. The entire series has a wholesome feel to it. The story is a must-read for those who’ve experienced the first four books of this series, yet it also would be fine as a stand-alone read. For so long, gay fiction has typically depicted the gay “lifestyle” as urban, and the majority of books which came out of previous decades have presented gay characters who may have had rural roots but who ultimately migrated to cities like New York or Los Angeles. It is refreshing to find a story which embraces a mainstream, rural lifestyle and that does so in such a natural manner.
As Jonah grapples with his religious beliefs, the story tackles an often contentious topic. It is not easy to portray this type of angst within a fictional story. Many readers find it leaves a bad taste in their mouths, and if they have any sort of aversion to religiosity, they tend to outright reject books with this sort of theme. I personally feel that such a dismissal would be a shame in this case, though. The author does not dive into the dogma and doctrine of the Amish religion, but instead he presents a snapshot of the lifestyle. It is quite enlightening, and it seems to be very well researched and fairly presented.
In all I found the book to be a very touching story with a beautiful and hopeful ending. It is an easy read, but I’d recommend you have a box of tissues nearby, as it conclude with a very emotional climax. Love Means No Fear is a book I highly recommend, without hesitation… or fear.
When Jonah is released into the “world”, he has no idea where to go, so he seeks his older brother. He knows that Eli chose to leave the Amish community several years prior, but he is unsure why his older brother made this drastic decision. When Jonah finds Eli, he is shocked to see him being affectionate with Geoff, his life partner. Jonah reacts with an emotional outburst, pointing at the couple and calling them “Sodomites!”
Raine is a friend of Geoff and Eli, and he is at the farm for an undetermined time period. He’s been the victim of a hate crime, and as a result he has an injured arm and is recovering from surgery. He goes to the farm to recuperate both physically and emotionally. Raine has lived a very typical urban gay lifestyle, coming from Chicago. He’s had many lovers over the years, but has yet to meet “the one”. He’s not even sure there is such a thing, although his heart is warmed by the affectionate, long term relationship of Geoff and Eli. He doesn’t think such happiness and stability will ever be in his future, though. Not only is he not “the type”, but in truth he feels he is unworthy of that sort of contentment.
Almost instantly Raine is drawn to the innocent Amish kid. Jonah is utterly unpretentious and endearingly naïve. The boy’s trusting nature and complete honesty are refreshing to Raine, not to mention the fact that the kid is cute as hell. When Raine awakens one afternoon from a nightmare and Jonah rushes into his room to offer him comfort, Raine sees another side of the young man. He is compassionate—a healer.
As feelings begin to emerge within Jonah, he starts to question his own sexual orientation. He starts to realize that an intense attraction has awakened within him, particularly toward Raine. Even though he knows about his brother Eli, he is frightened of what this means. Mentally connecting the dots, he concludes that there must be something about that farm that turns men into homosexuals, and he quickly flees.
Eli tracks down Jonah and convinces him to return to the farm and to simply relax. Eli explains that sexual orientation is naturally occurring, and that even if Jonah does have some same-sex attractions it is not necessarily an indication that he is gay. Only Jonah can make that determination for himself, and it has nothing to do with the farm. Jonah agrees to stay, but he’s very skeptical, and he makes every attempt to guard himself from Raine. Eventually, though, he does some serious soul-searching and starts to realize that his attractions are growing, and he allows himself to follow his heart.
The romance is a beautiful depiction of love conquering fear, and the story is aptly titled. Both of the central characters are bedeviled with crippling fears. Raine fears trusting anyone because he’s been hurt so many times before. He fears loneliness, and of course he’s haunted by the violence of his recent past. Jonah fears his own feelings. He fears rejection and failure, and he is terrified of losing his family.
Jonah also has an irrational fear of water, and has always been afraid to go swimming. This becomes a metaphor of the larger issues he faces in his life, and it seems quite appropriate that his fear of water is ultimately overcome by a lover named “Raine”.
As always with this author, the writing it superb. The entire series has a wholesome feel to it. The story is a must-read for those who’ve experienced the first four books of this series, yet it also would be fine as a stand-alone read. For so long, gay fiction has typically depicted the gay “lifestyle” as urban, and the majority of books which came out of previous decades have presented gay characters who may have had rural roots but who ultimately migrated to cities like New York or Los Angeles. It is refreshing to find a story which embraces a mainstream, rural lifestyle and that does so in such a natural manner.
As Jonah grapples with his religious beliefs, the story tackles an often contentious topic. It is not easy to portray this type of angst within a fictional story. Many readers find it leaves a bad taste in their mouths, and if they have any sort of aversion to religiosity, they tend to outright reject books with this sort of theme. I personally feel that such a dismissal would be a shame in this case, though. The author does not dive into the dogma and doctrine of the Amish religion, but instead he presents a snapshot of the lifestyle. It is quite enlightening, and it seems to be very well researched and fairly presented.
In all I found the book to be a very touching story with a beautiful and hopeful ending. It is an easy read, but I’d recommend you have a box of tissues nearby, as it conclude with a very emotional climax. Love Means No Fear is a book I highly recommend, without hesitation… or fear.
January 2, 2011
I loved this book as much as the previous volumes in this series. Raine and Jonah both have to face their fears. Even though they're very different people with backgrounds that would make you think they'll never fit, when they're together they're much stronger than when they're apart.
Raine is a great character. Even though he isn't sure that he's good enough for Jonah, things change for him as the story progresses. The bashing he's been through has already made him think, spending time at Geoff and Eli's farm gives him a glimpse into a different kind of life, and meeting Jonah makes him realize he may have missed something. It still takes him way too long to come around, as far as I'm concerned. I was ready to kick him awake when he left again.
Jonah is an amazing young man. Struggling with his identity, sexual orientation and purpose in life, in some ways you'd think his life would be easier when he finds out what happened to his elder brother, Eli. The point is, that even though he theoretically has Eli's 'example' to follow, that doesn't make his own decisions any easier. I think he mastered the situation brilliantly.
I definitely breathed a vast sigh of relief at the end! This was another highly emotional journey that I enjoyed a lot.
Raine is a great character. Even though he isn't sure that he's good enough for Jonah, things change for him as the story progresses. The bashing he's been through has already made him think, spending time at Geoff and Eli's farm gives him a glimpse into a different kind of life, and meeting Jonah makes him realize he may have missed something. It still takes him way too long to come around, as far as I'm concerned. I was ready to kick him awake when he left again.
Jonah is an amazing young man. Struggling with his identity, sexual orientation and purpose in life, in some ways you'd think his life would be easier when he finds out what happened to his elder brother, Eli. The point is, that even though he theoretically has Eli's 'example' to follow, that doesn't make his own decisions any easier. I think he mastered the situation brilliantly.
I definitely breathed a vast sigh of relief at the end! This was another highly emotional journey that I enjoyed a lot.
January 14, 2014
3.5 Stars!
I have been looking forward to Raine's story since we met him in book one. There was just something about him that had me thinking..'I NEED to know more about that guy'. I found myself a bit disappointed in how his story went, in my mind he needed a whole lot more. Jonah was adorable and I loved watching him learn about 'English' things. The movie scene...very sweet & romantic. I'm used to the quick love in this series but something just seemed off for these guys. I really hope that they get some page time in other books in the series so I can see how they are doing and that will help put my mind at ease. All I want is for them to be hea!!
Oh and we get to see Geoff & Eli...no surprise really. I love these guys the most. :)
I've dubbed Andrew Grey my as 'My Crack Author' in the MM Romance Group!!
I have 4 or 5 series by him started that I'm trying to work my way thru but I think that this is my favorite series of them all. Moving on to the next book!!
I have been looking forward to Raine's story since we met him in book one. There was just something about him that had me thinking..'I NEED to know more about that guy'. I found myself a bit disappointed in how his story went, in my mind he needed a whole lot more. Jonah was adorable and I loved watching him learn about 'English' things. The movie scene...very sweet & romantic. I'm used to the quick love in this series but something just seemed off for these guys. I really hope that they get some page time in other books in the series so I can see how they are doing and that will help put my mind at ease. All I want is for them to be hea!!
Oh and we get to see Geoff & Eli...no surprise really. I love these guys the most. :)
I've dubbed Andrew Grey my as 'My Crack Author' in the MM Romance Group!!
I have 4 or 5 series by him started that I'm trying to work my way thru but I think that this is my favorite series of them all. Moving on to the next book!!
February 27, 2013
Meh...5 books from this series read in 4 days & I'm starting to get a bit fatigued with the formula... innocent, younger man falls for older, more experienced, slightly slutty man; they fall in love; one of them leaves because of work/family/fear/habit... realises he can't live without (insert name here); moves back...HEA on the farm. Nothing about the characters or set-up in this book set it apart from the others...no WOW factor.
Andrew Grey's books are still better than a lot of dross out there but I'm starting to want something more from this series. I'll keep reading because I can't remember the books & I hate reading a new book from a series when I can't remember the preceding ones (yes...I know...I have a touch of OCD!). 5 down...4 to go...
Andrew Grey's books are still better than a lot of dross out there but I'm starting to want something more from this series. I'll keep reading because I can't remember the books & I hate reading a new book from a series when I can't remember the preceding ones (yes...I know...I have a touch of OCD!). 5 down...4 to go...
March 17, 2013
Things I liked about this story:
Raine finally settles down and finds love
The 2 of them didn't end up at the ranch, but in a long distance relationship (nice twist)
Robby has the chance to help someone else out, instead of everyone helping him
The relationship between Raine and Jonah is soooo romantic
There was outdoor intimacy - bonus
Things I didn't like about this story:
Eli's brother? Really? Ok... mostly believable
One of the main characters leaves (again) only to come to his senses and return (again)
Why was that guy stalking Raine?! IMO, the reasoning was pretty unbelievable
So... my pro's outweigh my con's. Am I still going to keep reading this series - well, YEAH! I'm a sucker the romance, and the happily ever after. :0)
Raine finally settles down and finds love
The 2 of them didn't end up at the ranch, but in a long distance relationship (nice twist)
Robby has the chance to help someone else out, instead of everyone helping him
The relationship between Raine and Jonah is soooo romantic
There was outdoor intimacy - bonus
Things I didn't like about this story:
Eli's brother? Really? Ok... mostly believable
One of the main characters leaves (again) only to come to his senses and return (again)
Why was that guy stalking Raine?! IMO, the reasoning was pretty unbelievable
So... my pro's outweigh my con's. Am I still going to keep reading this series - well, YEAH! I'm a sucker the romance, and the happily ever after. :0)
January 19, 2019
auch dieses Mal wieder mal eine tolle Geschichte, hat mir sehr gut gefallen
January 11, 2019
This addition had a little more menacing suspense mixed in that the previous ones. It highlighted though, just how extreme some will go to exercise their hatred. The MCs have an interesting road and some serious healing is needed as well. I liked how the ending wasn't some perfect fix, but rather a realistic compromise. I'm not marking that as a spoiler bc you can take what that means in a thousand different directions.
****TRIGGER - gay-bashing****
****TRIGGER - gay-bashing****
February 17, 2011
Another great story in the Love Means... series! I loved Jonah and Raine, they were so sweet and vulnerable.
While Jonah likes his life in the Amish community, he can't help yearning to explore the English world. His uncle agrees to persuade Jonah's father to let him do so and takes Jonah out to nowhere and leaves him. With a little help from his uncle, Jonah is able to find where Eli lives and a place to stay and learns that his brother isn't who he thought he was. Geoff brings Raine home after he's injured from a gay bashing to heal someplace where it's safe. Jonah and Raine become closer because of Jonah's instinctive need to take care of someone when they're ill. Between Jonah's father and Raine's attacker following him, their new found love becomes even more complicated then just Jonah's acceptance of being gay and Raine's eventual leaving.
I liked Jonah. His innocence and ignorance on what the real world is like was really cute. It made me smile at times when someone would say something and Jonah had no idea what it meant. I really liked Raine, too. For someone who hated commitments, he sure became possessive of Jonah quickly especially when Officer Duane flirted with Jonah (who had no idea Duane was flirting. He just thought Duane was asking him out because he wanted another friend).
While I really liked the story, I felt the conflict with the attacker was a little forced and anticlimactic. I just think with all the suspense leading up to Raine's attacker following him, the resolution to that conflict felt a little flat. I also felt Jonah's reaction to being gay and accepting it was pretty mellow. I mean, for someone who grew up Amish, it didn't take him long to start kissing Raine. I just felt it didn't fit with the Jonah introduced in the beginning of the story, the one that yelled, "Sodomites! You're sodomites!" at his brother, Eli, when Geoff was kissing him. It just didn't seem to fit with my impression of him. I also didn't really like the ending and how Raine and Jonah agree to live. I was hoping for something a little more settled (in relation to how they live now and how often they see each other) so it felt slightly unfinished to me.
I will say I'm really excited for the next book because of the little bomb Geoff and Eli dropped at the end. At least I'm hoping it'll be elaborated more in the next Love Means... book. I'm also hoping one day Officer Duane will get his own book and maybe Micah, Jonah and Eli's younger brother, too, because I think that'd be completely awesome if Micah had a HEA.
Overall, though, this was another great book. Definitely recommended.
While Jonah likes his life in the Amish community, he can't help yearning to explore the English world. His uncle agrees to persuade Jonah's father to let him do so and takes Jonah out to nowhere and leaves him. With a little help from his uncle, Jonah is able to find where Eli lives and a place to stay and learns that his brother isn't who he thought he was. Geoff brings Raine home after he's injured from a gay bashing to heal someplace where it's safe. Jonah and Raine become closer because of Jonah's instinctive need to take care of someone when they're ill. Between Jonah's father and Raine's attacker following him, their new found love becomes even more complicated then just Jonah's acceptance of being gay and Raine's eventual leaving.
I liked Jonah. His innocence and ignorance on what the real world is like was really cute. It made me smile at times when someone would say something and Jonah had no idea what it meant. I really liked Raine, too. For someone who hated commitments, he sure became possessive of Jonah quickly especially when Officer Duane flirted with Jonah (who had no idea Duane was flirting. He just thought Duane was asking him out because he wanted another friend).
While I really liked the story, I felt the conflict with the attacker was a little forced and anticlimactic. I just think with all the suspense leading up to Raine's attacker following him, the resolution to that conflict felt a little flat. I also felt Jonah's reaction to being gay and accepting it was pretty mellow. I mean, for someone who grew up Amish, it didn't take him long to start kissing Raine. I just felt it didn't fit with the Jonah introduced in the beginning of the story, the one that yelled, "Sodomites! You're sodomites!" at his brother, Eli, when Geoff was kissing him. It just didn't seem to fit with my impression of him. I also didn't really like the ending and how Raine and Jonah agree to live. I was hoping for something a little more settled (in relation to how they live now and how often they see each other) so it felt slightly unfinished to me.
I will say I'm really excited for the next book because of the little bomb Geoff and Eli dropped at the end. At least I'm hoping it'll be elaborated more in the next Love Means... book. I'm also hoping one day Officer Duane will get his own book and maybe Micah, Jonah and Eli's younger brother, too, because I think that'd be completely awesome if Micah had a HEA.
Overall, though, this was another great book. Definitely recommended.
September 16, 2013
Raine, a friend of Geoff and Eli from the previous story, is single but loves his job at his predominately-gay office. He is happy with his life. That is, until the night of the Gay Pride parade, when he is attacked and beaten on his way home by a group of strangers just because he is gay. After waking up in the hospital and speaking to the police, Raine goes back to the farm with Geoff while he is healing, and police are searching for the men that beat him.
While recuperating on the farm, Eli's younger brother, Jonah, shows up from the Amish community for his one-year exploration outside of their community. Jonah is aware Eli has left the Amish community, but does not know Eli is gay. The community would shun the entire family if they knew, so he has not told anyone, but when Jonah shows up to stay, he finds out Eli and Geoff are a couple. He is not completely understanding at first, but Eli explains himself to his younger brother. Jonah can see the love that they share.
Investigating the attack on Raine leads the police officer to a whole other situation. It appears there has been some embezzling going on, and it takes some time to catch the suspect and figure out if the two are connected or not. Meanwhile, the police feel Raine needs continued protection, so he remains at the farm and gets more than the protection he needs. He falls in love with Jonah. Raine and Jonah have some decisions to make when it comes time for the two to get back to their own lives.
Andrew Grey shows us yet again how love can be enough if you just put your fears aside. He is a master at showing the true strength of his characters and makes you want to believe that real people can have that same strength. His stories are very easy to believe and they flow nicely through the characters’ lives.
Book 5 in the Love Means series is another story not to miss. Andrew Grey makes it very easy to relate to his characters and their fears. He truly shows the normal, everyday fears that everyone has in life and in relationships and how they can be overcome. It is inspirational and motivational every time you read his works.
I am so thrilled to be reading this series and would recommend it to any fan of romance. Although, the books could be read as stand-alone books, it is also fun to return to some of my favorite characters from the series and Grey does a great job of bringing them forward and showing how they are still part of the story.
While recuperating on the farm, Eli's younger brother, Jonah, shows up from the Amish community for his one-year exploration outside of their community. Jonah is aware Eli has left the Amish community, but does not know Eli is gay. The community would shun the entire family if they knew, so he has not told anyone, but when Jonah shows up to stay, he finds out Eli and Geoff are a couple. He is not completely understanding at first, but Eli explains himself to his younger brother. Jonah can see the love that they share.
Investigating the attack on Raine leads the police officer to a whole other situation. It appears there has been some embezzling going on, and it takes some time to catch the suspect and figure out if the two are connected or not. Meanwhile, the police feel Raine needs continued protection, so he remains at the farm and gets more than the protection he needs. He falls in love with Jonah. Raine and Jonah have some decisions to make when it comes time for the two to get back to their own lives.
Andrew Grey shows us yet again how love can be enough if you just put your fears aside. He is a master at showing the true strength of his characters and makes you want to believe that real people can have that same strength. His stories are very easy to believe and they flow nicely through the characters’ lives.
Book 5 in the Love Means series is another story not to miss. Andrew Grey makes it very easy to relate to his characters and their fears. He truly shows the normal, everyday fears that everyone has in life and in relationships and how they can be overcome. It is inspirational and motivational every time you read his works.
I am so thrilled to be reading this series and would recommend it to any fan of romance. Although, the books could be read as stand-alone books, it is also fun to return to some of my favorite characters from the series and Grey does a great job of bringing them forward and showing how they are still part of the story.
August 15, 2015
Der junge Amish Jonah fühlte eine Unruhe in sich. Er ist neugierig auf das Leben ausserhalb der Gemeinschaft, hat aber Angst und großen Respekt vor seinem Vater, der sein Leben vollständig kontrolliert. Jonah vermisst auch seinen älteren Bruder Eli, der die Gemeinschaft der Amish verlassen und sich für ein Leben bei den ‘Englischen’ entschieden hat. Jonahs Onkel ermöglicht ihm den üblichen Ausflug in die Welt der Englischen und stellt auch sicher, dass Jonah seinen älteren Bruder Eli findet.
Doch das Wiedersehen ist für Jonah ein Schock. Sein Bruder ist ein Sodomit und lebt mit einem Mann zusammen! Für den völlig unbedarften Jonah gerät seine bisherige Welt völlig ins Wanken und er lernt auf der Farm von Eli und Geoff Raine kennen. Raine ist das Opfer eines Überfalls, der wohl aufgrund seiner sexuellen Neigungen erfolgt ist. Raine ist smart, sieht gut aus und ist durch den Überfall traumatisiert. Und Raine löst in Jonah unwillkommene und sehr verwirrende Gefühle aus.
Raine ist tatsächlich traumatisiert und bedürftig. Sein Angreifer läuft noch frei herum, das Motiv scheint nicht ganz klar und Raine leidet unter Ängsten und Albträumen. Ausgerechnet der naive und zurückhaltende Jonah schleicht sich in sein Herz und Raine spürt, dass da mehr sein könnte. Doch ihre Leben sind zu unterschiedlich und Jonah stammt doch aus einer völlig anderen Welt. Eine Welt, die ihn wieder haben möchte. Und auch Raine wird irgendwann die Farm wieder verlassen.
Ich glaube, dieser Teil wird mein Lieblingsteil werden. Jonah ist ein entzückender Charakter, der im Laufe der Geschichte deutlich an Profil gewinnt. Erst ist er scheu, entsetzt und unsicher. Doch trotz seiner Jugend ist er ein Kerl und durch Gedankenanstöße seines Bruders, aber auch anderer Menschen auf der Farm, hinterfragt und analysiert er sein Leben ziemlich geradlinig. Und Jonah erkennt mit der Zeit, dass er sich seinen Ängsten stellen muss um zu einer Entscheidung zu kommen.
Auch Raine muss sich seinen Ängsten stellen. Und dazu gehört auch den Gefühlen in Bezug Jonah nachzugeben. Oder sie zumindest zuzulassen und sich eine echte Romanze zu erlauben. Denn bis dato waren seine Beziehungen kurz und die Affären oberflächlich. Doch mit Jonah könnte plötzlich alles anders werden. Doch Ängste müssen überwunden werden um wirklich glücklich zu werden. Ein ganz, ganz toller Teil bei dem Andrew Grey wieder meisterhaft schreibt, ohne die Geschichte zu verkitschen oder die Protagonisten zu verniedlichen!
Doch das Wiedersehen ist für Jonah ein Schock. Sein Bruder ist ein Sodomit und lebt mit einem Mann zusammen! Für den völlig unbedarften Jonah gerät seine bisherige Welt völlig ins Wanken und er lernt auf der Farm von Eli und Geoff Raine kennen. Raine ist das Opfer eines Überfalls, der wohl aufgrund seiner sexuellen Neigungen erfolgt ist. Raine ist smart, sieht gut aus und ist durch den Überfall traumatisiert. Und Raine löst in Jonah unwillkommene und sehr verwirrende Gefühle aus.
Raine ist tatsächlich traumatisiert und bedürftig. Sein Angreifer läuft noch frei herum, das Motiv scheint nicht ganz klar und Raine leidet unter Ängsten und Albträumen. Ausgerechnet der naive und zurückhaltende Jonah schleicht sich in sein Herz und Raine spürt, dass da mehr sein könnte. Doch ihre Leben sind zu unterschiedlich und Jonah stammt doch aus einer völlig anderen Welt. Eine Welt, die ihn wieder haben möchte. Und auch Raine wird irgendwann die Farm wieder verlassen.
Ich glaube, dieser Teil wird mein Lieblingsteil werden. Jonah ist ein entzückender Charakter, der im Laufe der Geschichte deutlich an Profil gewinnt. Erst ist er scheu, entsetzt und unsicher. Doch trotz seiner Jugend ist er ein Kerl und durch Gedankenanstöße seines Bruders, aber auch anderer Menschen auf der Farm, hinterfragt und analysiert er sein Leben ziemlich geradlinig. Und Jonah erkennt mit der Zeit, dass er sich seinen Ängsten stellen muss um zu einer Entscheidung zu kommen.
Auch Raine muss sich seinen Ängsten stellen. Und dazu gehört auch den Gefühlen in Bezug Jonah nachzugeben. Oder sie zumindest zuzulassen und sich eine echte Romanze zu erlauben. Denn bis dato waren seine Beziehungen kurz und die Affären oberflächlich. Doch mit Jonah könnte plötzlich alles anders werden. Doch Ängste müssen überwunden werden um wirklich glücklich zu werden. Ein ganz, ganz toller Teil bei dem Andrew Grey wieder meisterhaft schreibt, ohne die Geschichte zu verkitschen oder die Protagonisten zu verniedlichen!
March 2, 2011
Overall
Fans of Grey's work will find another story that fits the bill of the Farm series. While the characters aren't as memorable as Geoff and Eli, Raine and Jonah have a sweet, if not somewhat predictable, romance. You may know the ending, but fans will still enjoy the journey there.
Strengths
Although I don't think this is his best writing, Grey is consistent in his ability to guide a reader through the story with ease.
Different happy ending. While we expect a happy ending with Grey's stories, I think he gave the reader a slightly different happy ending than we are used to, and it was a nice change of pace from the cliche.
Overall an enjoyable story. Should not be the first read in the series though.
Weaknesses
The final resolution of Raine's attacker and all the facts related to it were unsatisfactory to me. While I could appreciate the tension the situation brought for the characters, in the end it didn't feel like it furthered the characters at all. Neither Jonah nor Raine grew as a result of the event, and while I can understand the initial event haunting Raine, I think the continuation didn't need to happen, or could have happened in other ways. I suppose Grey needed for Raine to remain on the farm longer in order for his relationship with Jonah to evolve, but it felt very strawman to me.
Speed. Raine and Jonah's relationship moved too quickly for both characters. Raine promises himself that he's going to go nice and slow with Jonah, and while Jonah is all for going to bed, the resistance Raine put up wasn't very strong (though I suppose who would resist when a cute guy is all over them?). Which brings me to Jonah, who goes from shouting "You're sodomites!" to bed with Raine in a couple weeks. I'm pretty sure they progressed faster than Geoff and Eli, and Eli was more comfortable with the general idea and more aware of his feelings previously. Not that different people can't react differently...I just didn't buy it.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Fans of Grey's work will find another story that fits the bill of the Farm series. While the characters aren't as memorable as Geoff and Eli, Raine and Jonah have a sweet, if not somewhat predictable, romance. You may know the ending, but fans will still enjoy the journey there.
Strengths
Although I don't think this is his best writing, Grey is consistent in his ability to guide a reader through the story with ease.
Different happy ending. While we expect a happy ending with Grey's stories, I think he gave the reader a slightly different happy ending than we are used to, and it was a nice change of pace from the cliche.
Overall an enjoyable story. Should not be the first read in the series though.
Weaknesses
The final resolution of Raine's attacker and all the facts related to it were unsatisfactory to me. While I could appreciate the tension the situation brought for the characters, in the end it didn't feel like it furthered the characters at all. Neither Jonah nor Raine grew as a result of the event, and while I can understand the initial event haunting Raine, I think the continuation didn't need to happen, or could have happened in other ways. I suppose Grey needed for Raine to remain on the farm longer in order for his relationship with Jonah to evolve, but it felt very strawman to me.
Speed. Raine and Jonah's relationship moved too quickly for both characters. Raine promises himself that he's going to go nice and slow with Jonah, and while Jonah is all for going to bed, the resistance Raine put up wasn't very strong (though I suppose who would resist when a cute guy is all over them?). Which brings me to Jonah, who goes from shouting "You're sodomites!" to bed with Raine in a couple weeks. I'm pretty sure they progressed faster than Geoff and Eli, and Eli was more comfortable with the general idea and more aware of his feelings previously. Not that different people can't react differently...I just didn't buy it.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
February 2, 2015
THis is the 4th ( though to me the 5th) in The Love Means series.In this book, Raine ( who is Geoff's best friend) gets his story. Raine is an accountant working at an all gay firm, he lives in Chicago and enjoying his life there. On the start of Gay Pride weekend Raine attends with the festivities with his friends. While leaving to go home late at night, Raine is brutally attacked by 3 men and almost killed (he is saved when the cowards hear someone coming).Raine and the police think it's a gay bashing since Raine remembers the men saying homophobic slurs.Geoff who was Raine's last call on his cell phone is called by the police (all Raine's identity is stolen) stays with his friend, and it is decided that Raine will return to the farm to recuperate. AT the same time Eli's younger brother, Jonah, gets permission from their father to go on Rumspringa (Jonah is entering his 19th summer) and to stay one year among the English.Jonah is taken part of the way by his stern father, (his uncle who insisted his father allow this has hidden a piece of paper with the two main streets Eli lives on as a clue) and Jonah gets more help from a woman whose door he knocks on.Walking for miles, almost run down by skateboarders, Jonah enters a bar and almost loses hope, until he meets Joey and Robbie who offer him a meal and a ride to the farm. Eli gets a happy surprise to see his younger brother, and starts to tell him about Geoff and his life on the farm.Geoff arrives home with Raine, and rushes to show how he has missed his beloved Eli...Jonah doesn't take this well and yells SODOMITES.Let's just say that little drama-queen moment doesn't go well for Miss Jonah.Jonah learns slowly but surely, to get rid of his prejudices and fear of what is different. Jonah begins to become a friend to Raine. The older man still has the scars and fear from the bashing, and he keeps having nightmares of his attack.Raine is also afraid to admit his growing attraction to Jonah.I won't say more, other than it's wrapped up beautifully and is indeed a good read!
November 23, 2013
J'ai adoré ce livre ! il est presque meilleur que le premier tome.
Au début, j'ai pensé que ce serait la meme histoire qu'avec Eli ( d'ailleurs c'est étonnant d'avoir 2 freres gay amish Very Happy). mais Jonah est beaucoup plus naif, curieux, que son frere. il a toujours grandit en suivant les pas de son pere et le monde extérieur lui fait peur en même temps que ca l'attire. Grace à lui j'ai eu plein de moments droles. Par exemple lorsque raine luit dit " n'aie pas peur, je ne vais pas sauter sur toi" lors d'une promenade en caleche. Et Jonah lui demande " pourquoi tu sauterais sur moi ?" (il avait pas comprit l'expression ^^)
Au contraire de Geoff, Raine n'accepte pas de prime abord son attirance. Il ne veut pas s'attacher à quiconque. Mais Jonah, qui veut explorer cette attirance, le poussera dans ses retranchements. En plus il y a l'agression dont il a été victime, qui revient le hanter chaque nuit et aussi dans le monde reel, car son agresseur se dirige vers le ranch.
je trouve qu'ils forment un beau couple, inattendu . Jonah a su s'en tirer à merveille, entre son père qui accepte finalement de le laisser partir pour son année hors de la famille, la découverte brutale de l'homosexualité de son frère ( il est resté bouche ouverte avant de hurler " DES SODOMITES ! " Very Happy), en plus apprendre qu'il est entouré de 3 couples gays, qu'il est attiré par Raine, qu'il doit être gay lui aussi, pour finir la menace de son père de le dénoncer à l'eglisse. J'ai aimé les scènes de baisers "french kiss" , plus que les moments où ils passent à l'acte. Andrew grey a fait du bon travail.
Ce qui m'a moins plu, il s'agit de cette histoire autour d'agresseur ancien militaire qui a pété les plombs. Il manquait de l'action, de l"interaction entre raine et lui. J'aurai aimé qu'il kidnappe jonah ou encore qu'ils les prenne en otage. et j'aurai aussi aimé que Raine souffre un peu plus, qu'il se rende compte de sa chance, en voyant Jonah sortir avec l'adjoint du sherrif par exemple.
Au début, j'ai pensé que ce serait la meme histoire qu'avec Eli ( d'ailleurs c'est étonnant d'avoir 2 freres gay amish Very Happy). mais Jonah est beaucoup plus naif, curieux, que son frere. il a toujours grandit en suivant les pas de son pere et le monde extérieur lui fait peur en même temps que ca l'attire. Grace à lui j'ai eu plein de moments droles. Par exemple lorsque raine luit dit " n'aie pas peur, je ne vais pas sauter sur toi" lors d'une promenade en caleche. Et Jonah lui demande " pourquoi tu sauterais sur moi ?" (il avait pas comprit l'expression ^^)
Au contraire de Geoff, Raine n'accepte pas de prime abord son attirance. Il ne veut pas s'attacher à quiconque. Mais Jonah, qui veut explorer cette attirance, le poussera dans ses retranchements. En plus il y a l'agression dont il a été victime, qui revient le hanter chaque nuit et aussi dans le monde reel, car son agresseur se dirige vers le ranch.
je trouve qu'ils forment un beau couple, inattendu . Jonah a su s'en tirer à merveille, entre son père qui accepte finalement de le laisser partir pour son année hors de la famille, la découverte brutale de l'homosexualité de son frère ( il est resté bouche ouverte avant de hurler " DES SODOMITES ! " Very Happy), en plus apprendre qu'il est entouré de 3 couples gays, qu'il est attiré par Raine, qu'il doit être gay lui aussi, pour finir la menace de son père de le dénoncer à l'eglisse. J'ai aimé les scènes de baisers "french kiss" , plus que les moments où ils passent à l'acte. Andrew grey a fait du bon travail.
Ce qui m'a moins plu, il s'agit de cette histoire autour d'agresseur ancien militaire qui a pété les plombs. Il manquait de l'action, de l"interaction entre raine et lui. J'aurai aimé qu'il kidnappe jonah ou encore qu'ils les prenne en otage. et j'aurai aussi aimé que Raine souffre un peu plus, qu'il se rende compte de sa chance, en voyant Jonah sortir avec l'adjoint du sherrif par exemple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 24, 2023This is another nice story about men trying to sort their lives out, determining what they really want and making decisions about their future.
This time the story is about Raine (Geoff's friend who works in finance and lives in the city) and Jonah (Eli's brother, who arrives straight from the Amish community).
The formula is the same as the other books. The men both have issues to sort out, they are very different to each other and in Raine's case, Eli is very different to the types of men he has dated in the past. They feel immediate attraction which turns to love, they have big decisions to make, they separate, they come back together and live happily ever after.
The other guys on the farm make appearances, being supportive and offering advice and words of wisdom.
Although not overly original in plot, this is a series of books which is good to read when you are looking for a story where people have problems that are sorted out with the help of good friends and true love wins in the end.
The main issue I had with this book was how Jonah was portrayed. He is meant to be innocent and not used to the world outside the Amish community but at times he appeared too childlike. For example, some situations where he 'giggled' just seemed too childish. This was a concern I also had with how Eli was originally portrayed.
There is also a story line of . This had the potential to have some drama and excitement but seemed to fizzle out.
One final recommendation...don't read this series of books back-to-back. Best to take a little break between each installment so that they seem fresher.
3.5 stars
This time the story is about Raine (Geoff's friend who works in finance and lives in the city) and Jonah (Eli's brother, who arrives straight from the Amish community).
The formula is the same as the other books. The men both have issues to sort out, they are very different to each other and in Raine's case, Eli is very different to the types of men he has dated in the past. They feel immediate attraction which turns to love, they have big decisions to make, they separate, they come back together and live happily ever after.
The other guys on the farm make appearances, being supportive and offering advice and words of wisdom.
Although not overly original in plot, this is a series of books which is good to read when you are looking for a story where people have problems that are sorted out with the help of good friends and true love wins in the end.
The main issue I had with this book was how Jonah was portrayed. He is meant to be innocent and not used to the world outside the Amish community but at times he appeared too childlike. For example, some situations where he 'giggled' just seemed too childish. This was a concern I also had with how Eli was originally portrayed.
There is also a story line of . This had the potential to have some drama and excitement but seemed to fizzle out.
One final recommendation...don't read this series of books back-to-back. Best to take a little break between each installment so that they seem fresher.
3.5 stars
September 3, 2015
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Eccoci giunti ad un nuovo, emozionante, capitolo della serie “Amore significa...” che, in puro stile Andrew Grey, sa prendere e lasciare incollati fino all’ultima pagina. Incontriamo sempre Eli e Geoff che ci fanno nuovamente compagnia insieme a Robbie e Joey e qualche comparsata di Stone e Preston e l’immancabile Len con Chris. Una brigata di vecchi che fa da sfondo a questa nuova, tenera storia.
Jonah, come suo fratello, è un innocente Amish che non sa nulla del mondo degli “inglesi” e, dopo un iniziale shock dovuto allo scoprire l’omosessualità di Eli, fa abbastanza in fretta ad adattarsi alla nuova realtà e a mettersi al fianco di Raine.
L’amico di città di Geoff dal canto suo, dopo un pestaggio dovuto al suo orientamento sessuale, si sente solo e invidia il rapporto d’amore che lega così tante persone alla fattoria, vorrebbe anche lui qualcuno con cui dividere la vita invece che avventure casuali. Gli universi dei due, così diversi, collidono nel momento in cui si incontrano e, nonostante innumerevoli ostacoli, Andre Grey non ci delude con un happy end da cariare i denti.
Chi ha amato i libri precedenti della serie non potrà che apprezzare anche questo nuovo capitolo che scorre fluido fino al felice epilogo, emozionando e coinvolgendo come Grey è sempre bravo a fare.
Eccoci giunti ad un nuovo, emozionante, capitolo della serie “Amore significa...” che, in puro stile Andrew Grey, sa prendere e lasciare incollati fino all’ultima pagina. Incontriamo sempre Eli e Geoff che ci fanno nuovamente compagnia insieme a Robbie e Joey e qualche comparsata di Stone e Preston e l’immancabile Len con Chris. Una brigata di vecchi che fa da sfondo a questa nuova, tenera storia.
Jonah, come suo fratello, è un innocente Amish che non sa nulla del mondo degli “inglesi” e, dopo un iniziale shock dovuto allo scoprire l’omosessualità di Eli, fa abbastanza in fretta ad adattarsi alla nuova realtà e a mettersi al fianco di Raine.
L’amico di città di Geoff dal canto suo, dopo un pestaggio dovuto al suo orientamento sessuale, si sente solo e invidia il rapporto d’amore che lega così tante persone alla fattoria, vorrebbe anche lui qualcuno con cui dividere la vita invece che avventure casuali. Gli universi dei due, così diversi, collidono nel momento in cui si incontrano e, nonostante innumerevoli ostacoli, Andre Grey non ci delude con un happy end da cariare i denti.
Chi ha amato i libri precedenti della serie non potrà che apprezzare anche questo nuovo capitolo che scorre fluido fino al felice epilogo, emozionando e coinvolgendo come Grey è sempre bravo a fare.
May 13, 2013
This book evoked multiple feelings from me. Some at the same damn time! LOL
I loved seeing Raine do away with his 'live for today' attitude and focus on the needs and desires of Jonah. Jonah, is by far one of my absolute FAVORITE Andrew Grey characters. (Have I mentioned how fabulous Andrew Grey's books are? Well, they are.) Jonah has this quiet, observant intelligence and the unspoken strength that you can't help but feel drawn to. Seriously, I wanted him for myself :P
His 'awakening' was so beautiful. Imagine not realizing how wonderful and vibrant the lover can make you feel? Imagine being led on a path of self-awareness, and exploration and feeling completely satisfied with that one person. Imagine having to forgo ALL that you've been raised to believe in order to embrace a life that you didn't think could be your own.
I can't say enough about being true to yourself, and everytime I read an Andrew Grey novel from the 'farm', I can't help but feel a sense of sadness that I never had such a large, happy and accepting family as they have. I believe that we all 'make' our own family, and when you're lucky enough to have people around you who not only encourage you to be you and enjoy your life and all that it has to offer you, you hold on and never let go.
I enjoyed embarking on this exploration with Jonah and think others will enjoy it as well.
Happy reading!
I loved seeing Raine do away with his 'live for today' attitude and focus on the needs and desires of Jonah. Jonah, is by far one of my absolute FAVORITE Andrew Grey characters. (Have I mentioned how fabulous Andrew Grey's books are? Well, they are.) Jonah has this quiet, observant intelligence and the unspoken strength that you can't help but feel drawn to. Seriously, I wanted him for myself :P
His 'awakening' was so beautiful. Imagine not realizing how wonderful and vibrant the lover can make you feel? Imagine being led on a path of self-awareness, and exploration and feeling completely satisfied with that one person. Imagine having to forgo ALL that you've been raised to believe in order to embrace a life that you didn't think could be your own.
I can't say enough about being true to yourself, and everytime I read an Andrew Grey novel from the 'farm', I can't help but feel a sense of sadness that I never had such a large, happy and accepting family as they have. I believe that we all 'make' our own family, and when you're lucky enough to have people around you who not only encourage you to be you and enjoy your life and all that it has to offer you, you hold on and never let go.
I enjoyed embarking on this exploration with Jonah and think others will enjoy it as well.
Happy reading!
February 20, 2014
This is my new favorite series from Andrew Grey's collection of books.
Raine is an accountant that is living the party life in Chicago, going from one bed to another , his only constant in life , his best friend Geoff. Raine is f goes to the farm with Geoff after being attack one night in a gay bashing.
Jonah is Elijah's brother and he is scared but after his uncle convinces his dad , he leaves the Amish and He is to be outside of the community for year or what they call Rumshpringa ...
Elijah and Geoff received him at home, but when he starts spending time together with Raine, naturally Jonah has many questions and doubts about his feelings and being accepted. Elijah is always sincere with him and honest and tries to encourage him to follow his true self.
Raine is afraid after being contacted by Chicago police that is possible his attacker has followed him. Entered Duane , from the sheriff's office.
When Duane invites Jonah , Raine feelings start to come out.
That starts a relationship development between him and Jonah.
Raine and Jonah are pressured to make decisions. Not both of them handle it the same way.
The truth is Raine needed to understand things before changing for the best. The story turns into a beautiful truth and words and compromise....
The story , indeed , has it twist and all in due time is answered.
The message of this is that ... Correctly .. Love means ... No Fear.
Looking forward to more ...
Raine is an accountant that is living the party life in Chicago, going from one bed to another , his only constant in life , his best friend Geoff. Raine is f goes to the farm with Geoff after being attack one night in a gay bashing.
Jonah is Elijah's brother and he is scared but after his uncle convinces his dad , he leaves the Amish and He is to be outside of the community for year or what they call Rumshpringa ...
Elijah and Geoff received him at home, but when he starts spending time together with Raine, naturally Jonah has many questions and doubts about his feelings and being accepted. Elijah is always sincere with him and honest and tries to encourage him to follow his true self.
Raine is afraid after being contacted by Chicago police that is possible his attacker has followed him. Entered Duane , from the sheriff's office.
When Duane invites Jonah , Raine feelings start to come out.
That starts a relationship development between him and Jonah.
Raine and Jonah are pressured to make decisions. Not both of them handle it the same way.
The truth is Raine needed to understand things before changing for the best. The story turns into a beautiful truth and words and compromise....
The story , indeed , has it twist and all in due time is answered.
The message of this is that ... Correctly .. Love means ... No Fear.
Looking forward to more ...
September 26, 2015
http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/2...
Andrew Grey è una garanzia: i suoi romanzi sono sempre interessanti, ben scritti e perfettamente bilanciati tra dolcezza e dramma.
Jonah è riuscito, con molta difficoltà e con l'aiuto prezioso dello zio, a convincere il padre a lasciarlo vivere nel "mondo degli inglesi" per un anno; arriva alla fattoria in cui abitano il fratello Eli e il suo compagno, ma qui lo aspettano numerose sorprese. Non è facile per un ragazzo Amish accettare che esistano realtà e possibilità diverse rispetto a quelle che gli hanno mostrato e insegnato per tutta la vita ma Jonah si dimostra da subito un ragazzo in gamba: nonostante una prima reazione negativa dettata dallo shock, decide non solo di sospendere momentaneamente il suo giudizio, ma anche di lasciarsi trasportare dai sentimenti inattesi nei confronti di Raine. Raine è ferito e traumatizzato ma troverà una famiglia pronta ad accoglierlo e a difenderlo.
Un romanzo che consiglio anche a chi non ha letto tutta la serie fin'ora: certo i personaggi sarebbero più comprensibili e si capirebbero meglio alcune dinamiche ma, e qui sta ancora una volta la bravura dello scrittore, la storia è comprensibile, esaustiva ed emozionanate anche presa come romanzo a sè stante.
Andrew Grey è una garanzia: i suoi romanzi sono sempre interessanti, ben scritti e perfettamente bilanciati tra dolcezza e dramma.
Jonah è riuscito, con molta difficoltà e con l'aiuto prezioso dello zio, a convincere il padre a lasciarlo vivere nel "mondo degli inglesi" per un anno; arriva alla fattoria in cui abitano il fratello Eli e il suo compagno, ma qui lo aspettano numerose sorprese. Non è facile per un ragazzo Amish accettare che esistano realtà e possibilità diverse rispetto a quelle che gli hanno mostrato e insegnato per tutta la vita ma Jonah si dimostra da subito un ragazzo in gamba: nonostante una prima reazione negativa dettata dallo shock, decide non solo di sospendere momentaneamente il suo giudizio, ma anche di lasciarsi trasportare dai sentimenti inattesi nei confronti di Raine. Raine è ferito e traumatizzato ma troverà una famiglia pronta ad accoglierlo e a difenderlo.
Un romanzo che consiglio anche a chi non ha letto tutta la serie fin'ora: certo i personaggi sarebbero più comprensibili e si capirebbero meglio alcune dinamiche ma, e qui sta ancora una volta la bravura dello scrittore, la storia è comprensibile, esaustiva ed emozionanate anche presa come romanzo a sè stante.
January 23, 2012
It was great to meet up with Raine again, although he should have known that Chicago party boys who go to Geoff's family farm WILL meet winsome Amish lads who will take them out with Powerful Virginal Lust rays. The Force is strong with Jonah, and his Crouching Tiger Innocence and Hidden Dragon Manliness (and the fact that Raine is recovering from a vicious bashing attack and can't run very fast) give him a significant advantage in saving Raine from his shallow, sex-and-booze filled ways. It's like that crane stance attack in the Karate Kid - "if do right, no can defense"...and I seriously "no can defense" from enjoying this story as much as the others.
Andrew Grey keeps this series going by making each story more of a spin-off than a sequel, so you can read them out of order, or miss one, and not feel totally lost. Jonah and Raine have similar issues but a different dynamic compared to Geoff and Eli, and the other characters fill in seamlessly as part of the team at the ranch. If you've read their respective stories, you have a bit more background on a given couple, but it doesn't detract from the flow of the story.
Geoff and Eli are going to need an architect and a construction worker to fall in love - the ranch house is going to need an addition soon!
Andrew Grey keeps this series going by making each story more of a spin-off than a sequel, so you can read them out of order, or miss one, and not feel totally lost. Jonah and Raine have similar issues but a different dynamic compared to Geoff and Eli, and the other characters fill in seamlessly as part of the team at the ranch. If you've read their respective stories, you have a bit more background on a given couple, but it doesn't detract from the flow of the story.
Geoff and Eli are going to need an architect and a construction worker to fall in love - the ranch house is going to need an addition soon!
November 19, 2012
Hmm, I usually enjoy Andrew Grey's writing, but I found this one to be more average than normal.
Raine, a friend of Geoff, who lives and works in Chicago, is assaulted on his way home from a Gay Pride march. His wallet is stolen so without a source for his identity, Geoff is called as he was the last number on Raine' s phone. Geoff then brings Raine back to the farm. Meanwhile, Jonah, Eli's younger brother, arrives at the farm, looking for Eli as he leaves the Amish community for his Rumpspringa year. Needless to say, Jonah is rather shocked by the goings on at the farm (sodomites!) so his attraction to Raine disturbs him greatly.
The rest of the novel deals with Raine's insecurities arising from his assault and whether he is worthy of Jonah, while Jonah struggles with what being gay means in terms of his family and the Amish community. The plot, for the most part, was pretty predictable, at least to me, and I had issues with the "insta-love" aspect of Jonah and Raine's relationship, not to mention Jonah's willingness to explore a sexual relationship mere days after being shocked to his core by Eli's relationship with Geoff. While I enjoyed catching up with Eli, Geoff, Robbie, and Joey, etc, this story was merely an average addition to the series.
Raine, a friend of Geoff, who lives and works in Chicago, is assaulted on his way home from a Gay Pride march. His wallet is stolen so without a source for his identity, Geoff is called as he was the last number on Raine' s phone. Geoff then brings Raine back to the farm. Meanwhile, Jonah, Eli's younger brother, arrives at the farm, looking for Eli as he leaves the Amish community for his Rumpspringa year. Needless to say, Jonah is rather shocked by the goings on at the farm (sodomites!) so his attraction to Raine disturbs him greatly.
The rest of the novel deals with Raine's insecurities arising from his assault and whether he is worthy of Jonah, while Jonah struggles with what being gay means in terms of his family and the Amish community. The plot, for the most part, was pretty predictable, at least to me, and I had issues with the "insta-love" aspect of Jonah and Raine's relationship, not to mention Jonah's willingness to explore a sexual relationship mere days after being shocked to his core by Eli's relationship with Geoff. While I enjoyed catching up with Eli, Geoff, Robbie, and Joey, etc, this story was merely an average addition to the series.
September 7, 2014
3.5 stars
I think the best thing about Andrew Grey's stories are how romantic and heartfelt they are. The first time I read one I kept thinking, "Is this really written by a guy? It's so mushy." He writes some of the best romantic loves scenes in m/m books. I would call them sex scenes but they are really usually lovemaking.
I didn't like: The relationship between Raine and Jonah felt a little forced and happened super quick. Unlike Eli, Jonah never even considered being gay prior to meeting Raine. One minute he is so unsure and innocecent of everything in the real world, and the next he is gay and in love and ready to leave the Community. Not really very realistic but certainly it was romantic - I guess. Also, there was a large part of the plot devoted to Raine getting beaten up and then his company being investigated for fraud, and none of that really fit into the rest of the story except to provide some drama and a reason for him to be at the farm to meet Raine - it just felt a little forced to me.
I did enjoy it, and I would keep reading this series when I am in the mood for something mushy and loving.
I think the best thing about Andrew Grey's stories are how romantic and heartfelt they are. The first time I read one I kept thinking, "Is this really written by a guy? It's so mushy." He writes some of the best romantic loves scenes in m/m books. I would call them sex scenes but they are really usually lovemaking.
I didn't like: The relationship between Raine and Jonah felt a little forced and happened super quick. Unlike Eli, Jonah never even considered being gay prior to meeting Raine. One minute he is so unsure and innocecent of everything in the real world, and the next he is gay and in love and ready to leave the Community. Not really very realistic but certainly it was romantic - I guess. Also, there was a large part of the plot devoted to Raine getting beaten up and then his company being investigated for fraud, and none of that really fit into the rest of the story except to provide some drama and a reason for him to be at the farm to meet Raine - it just felt a little forced to me.
I did enjoy it, and I would keep reading this series when I am in the mood for something mushy and loving.
January 9, 2011
Another good addition to the Love Means... series with my fave boys Eli and Geoff along for the ride - okay, Eli is hands-down my fave. I enjoyed meeting his little brother, though, so naive and innocent but able to open his mind to the new situation he was put into pretty quickly, and Raine is always a nice added touch to a story so seeing the two of them together was really sweet.
I really like how Andrew always incorporates a wonderful theme into his books, too, this time being the "no fear" part which included both Johan and Raine facing their fears. And of course I always appreciate how he brings past characters back into the new stories, show they're still part of the main framework of each other's lives. I didn't attach myself to Jonah and Raine as well as some of the other characters but maybe Eli just distracted me.
I'm wondering who's next to step into the spotlight and I'm completely dying to know about the expansion of Eli and Geoff's family, "Dad, you're gonna be a grandpa." :D
I really like how Andrew always incorporates a wonderful theme into his books, too, this time being the "no fear" part which included both Johan and Raine facing their fears. And of course I always appreciate how he brings past characters back into the new stories, show they're still part of the main framework of each other's lives. I didn't attach myself to Jonah and Raine as well as some of the other characters but maybe Eli just distracted me.
I'm wondering who's next to step into the spotlight and I'm completely dying to know about the expansion of Eli and Geoff's family, "Dad, you're gonna be a grandpa." :D
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