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

Jan 31, 2013 Susan Laine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: queer-town-abbey-reviews

Heroes are everywhere, big and small. Those average joes who take a risk and change their lives earn my respect. Be forewarned though: This story is a tear-jerker.

Told in first person from Owen’s point of view, we learn that he lost his hand while still in his mother’s womb. Owen is reclusive because of the disability and his nervous stuttering, both brought on by his mother’s continual humiliation and degradation at being a freak (her words). But then Nick moves in next door, and he shows Owen Heroes are everywhere, big and small. Those average joes who take a risk and change their lives earn my respect. Be forewarned though: This story is a tear-jerker.

Told in first person from Owen’s point of view, we learn that he lost his hand while still in his mother’s womb. Owen is reclusive because of the disability and his nervous stuttering, both brought on by his mother’s continual humiliation and degradation at being a freak (her words). But then Nick moves in next door, and he shows Owen how worthwhile he truly is. But… Nick has his own disability, only this one doesn’t show on the surface. However, it’s this secret, not Owen’s hand, that prevents them from becoming more than friends. Even if Owen is already is very much in love with Nick.

Without giving too much away, I will say only that Nick’s situation is one most people think no longer matters much, but unfortunately it does. I felt for his plight—even when I wanted to strangle him for giving up on a chance for love and happiness.

So, the story juxtaposes two handicaps, one visible, the other not. Also the characters of the men are contrasted, inside and out. When Nick is jovial and charming, Owen is shy and timid. When Owen becomes stronger and braver, Nick starts to hide away and becomes fearful. Of the side characters two shine: June, Nick’s bright and cheerful sister who also has a missing hand, just like Owen; and Valerie, Owen’s monster of a mother, a perpetually unhappy person who spreads misery around wherever she goes. All in all, the characterization is done with subtle, realistic strokes of great dialogue and small, intimate gestures.

The pace is swift enough to keep any reader interested, and as usual with Ms. Sexton the writing is professional, realistic and functional. The erotic scenes could set both the bedroom and one’s heart on fire. Overall, I recommend this novella to everyone who loves realistic contemporary romances with plenty of heat, bittersweet emotional scenes that send your heart soaring and plummeting, both at once sometimes, and their heroes flawed but loving and gentle.

Note: This novella is a standalone in the Tucker Springs universe, so it is not required to other books in the multi-authored series. ...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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Apr 26, 2014 BookLover62 rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebooks, read-in-2014

Another winner in the Tucker Springs series. Love this town nestled in the mountains of Colorado.

Little disappointed that there weren't more "teaching points" about sero-discordant couples. But then again, that's my hand-up after volunteering and working in the HIV/AIDS field since 1999. ...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Page Crusherz rated it it was amazing

AMAZING. I love this series. It deals with some pretty sensitive stuff, but it was so human and humane and it did not prevent me from really connecting to both of these guys.

Loved it.

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