Never a Hero (Tucker Springs, #5) in Riptide Publishing

Feb 08, 2013 Shirley Frances rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm-series, mm-read, read-2-review, 2013, glbt, contemporary, reviewed

Owen has become a recluse due to his stutter and his congenitally amputated arm. He keeps to himself because he doesn't want to deal with the pitying looks, the awkward comments and people's impatience when his stutter makes an appearance. Although attracted to men, he has convinced himself that if he could just fall in love with a woman and have a 'traditional' relationship he would be considered 'normal' by others. However, as soon as his new neighbor knocks at his door he realizes that his at Owen has become a recluse due to his stutter and his congenitally amputated arm. He keeps to himself because he doesn't want to deal with the pitying looks, the awkward comments and people's impatience when his stutter makes an appearance. Although attracted to men, he has convinced himself that if he could just fall in love with a woman and have a 'traditional' relationship he would be considered 'normal' by others. However, as soon as his new neighbor knocks at his door he realizes that his attraction to men is something he can't put aside. Drawn to Nick's laid-back and easy manner in regards to his arm, Owen decides to step out of his self-imposed cage.

Nick is a veterinarian. He moves next to Owen and pursues a friendship with the adorable recluse. Although attracted to Owen, he keeps his attraction at bay for he believes that nothing can come of it, so he focuses on engaging Owen and helping him step out into the world. Their friendship rapidly develops until they find themselves facing their attraction head on. However, Nick has not been totally honest with Owen and his secret can make or break their friendship. Or he believes.

Never a Hero is a sweet, romantic story that made me sigh and left me wanting more of the sweetness. Marie Sexton returns to the series by bringing to the page a heart-felt story of new found love, acceptance and second chances in life. Both Nick and Owen were adorable characters to get to know. My only protest would be that I didn't get to experience Nick's thoughts and emotions first-hand. However, this did not lessen my enjoyment of Nick and Owen's journey to love.

I loved how Owen opened up to other possibilities after he met Nick and how in the end he was strong enough to stand up for himself against the one person who always belittled him. I appreciated the fact that his development took place throughout the story and did not happen immediately. This gave credence to the realness of his growth, thus making me believe that his change was genuine. On the other hand, although Nick went through some difficult times in the story I enjoyed how he overcame them and stood by Owen even at times when it cost him emotionally. I believe that it was through his connection to Owen that he finally started to accept himself without guilt.

Marie Sexton did a wonderful job of telling Nick's story in a way that was both realistic and entertaining. Her facts were accurate and Nick's actions regarding his situation went a long way into endearing him to me because they went along with what I could perceive of his personality and how I think real people in the same situation would feel. Owen's situation was also treated in a way that made me understand where he was coming from in the beginning. I loved seeing how both Nick and Owen related to each other and based their relationship on friendship and honesty before moving on to the romance.

Never a Hero is the fifth book in the Tucker Springs series but it can be read as a stand alone too. I enjoyed seeing the other couples that have been introduced in previous books, but I especially enjoyed seeing another side of Nathan. He was always a fun character when he appeared in other books, but in this title he showed a sensitive, more caring side.

I received this title from Riptide Publishing though NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion. ...more

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May 08, 2013 Pat rated it really liked it

The Tucker Springs, Colorado, novels are unique in that they feature a variety of authors who provide engaging stories, all of which highlight how opposites attract. For example, in Second Hand, a Hispanic pawn shop owner and a jilted straight guy, who’s getting rid of his fiancée’s things, mesh. In Dirty Laundry, a nerd entomology grad student hooks up with a gay bar bouncer. So it’s no surprise that in this engrossing novel a hermit with a congenitally amputated arm and a debilitating stutter ...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Leanne rated it liked it

Shelves: hurt-comfort, contemp-romance, autobuy-author

I loved the first half...Owen, the shy, stammering virgin being gently wooed by the charming Nick. I think this could have been a wonderful little story right there. But suddenly, huge bombshells are dropped, a mother of Cruella de Vil proportions enters the scene, a (view spoiler) father wrings his hands in the wings and I'm not sure I like how the MCs dealt with much of the melodrama.

I know, I've read and totally fallen in love with stories with far more outrageou ...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Anne Barwell rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebook, m-m

I loved this story, and couldn't put it down. The characters felt real, and their reactions realistic. Must hunt up more of this series, and hope to see more of these guys. Loved June. ...more

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