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Tucker Springs #5
Never a Hero
Owen Meade is in need of a hero. Sheltered, ashamed, and ridiculed by his own mother for his sexuality, his stutter, and his congenital arm amputation, Owen lives like a hermit, rarely leaving his apartment. He hardly dares to hope for more… until veterinarian Nick Reynolds moves in downstairs.
Charming, handsome Nick steals past Owen’s defenses and makes him feel almost normal. Meeting his fiery, determined little sister, June, who was born with a similar amputation, helps too. June always seems to get her way—she even convinces Owen to sign up for piano lessons with her. Suddenly the only thing standing between Owen and his perfect life is Nick. No matter how much he flirts, how attracted to Owen he seems to be, or how much time they spend together, Nick always pulls away.
Caught between his mother’s contempt and Nick’s stubbornness, Owen makes a decision. It’s time to be the hero of his own story, and that means going after what he wants: not just Nick, but the full life he deserves.
Charming, handsome Nick steals past Owen’s defenses and makes him feel almost normal. Meeting his fiery, determined little sister, June, who was born with a similar amputation, helps too. June always seems to get her way—she even convinces Owen to sign up for piano lessons with her. Suddenly the only thing standing between Owen and his perfect life is Nick. No matter how much he flirts, how attracted to Owen he seems to be, or how much time they spend together, Nick always pulls away.
Caught between his mother’s contempt and Nick’s stubbornness, Owen makes a decision. It’s time to be the hero of his own story, and that means going after what he wants: not just Nick, but the full life he deserves.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2013
53 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
About the author
Marie Sexton
60 books2,221 followersMarie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
May 14, 2013
2.5 stars
Apparently, when I posted my status around 24% and said how much I loved the story, I spoke too soon *sigh*. I am going to swim against the current here and say, "No, I DON'T like it". I am struggling to think if I can say that the story is okay enough for me to give it my so-so 3-stars...
Sadly, the feelings I had after finishing this were frustration and discontent. I even slept on it, thinking that maybe I overreacted and my feelings would change. But it didn't. When I woke up, I still felt very much annoyed with the story.
So, with heavy heart I must say that this is my least favorite from Ms. Sexton (even against the controversial Saviours of Oestend)
Here are the reasons. Most of them will be spoilery and well, I am going to RANT about it. The rant will be long. You have been warned!
1) Nick's secret
2) Owen's mother
Sure, let's bring the bitchy/harpy mother to add my irritation, shall we?? Because OF COURSE the bitchy mother is the root of all evil, the source of every single miserable things that Owen experiences in life.
I know that there are bad mothers in this world. It's going to be unrealistic for me to think that authors should only write supportive mom. I get that. But here's the thing... I just finished a Merlin/Arthur fanfic prior to reading this. A fanfic where Hunith (Merlin's mom) is just the best mother ever -- and it makes me feel happy and I want to hug my own Mom (because my Mom is amazing). Getting this on my fiction after that happy feeling? Bitter disappointment. Period.
3) The Epilogue
So here is how the story ends ... . I don't know if it's meant to be funny or witty, but I fail to see the humor.
... Having said all that, at least Marie Sexton is writing about someone with physical disability. That, I can give my thumbs up for... And there are dogs.
Apparently, when I posted my status around 24% and said how much I loved the story, I spoke too soon *sigh*. I am going to swim against the current here and say, "No, I DON'T like it". I am struggling to think if I can say that the story is okay enough for me to give it my so-so 3-stars...
Sadly, the feelings I had after finishing this were frustration and discontent. I even slept on it, thinking that maybe I overreacted and my feelings would change. But it didn't. When I woke up, I still felt very much annoyed with the story.
So, with heavy heart I must say that this is my least favorite from Ms. Sexton (even against the controversial Saviours of Oestend)
Here are the reasons. Most of them will be spoilery and well, I am going to RANT about it. The rant will be long. You have been warned!
1) Nick's secret
2) Owen's mother
Sure, let's bring the bitchy/harpy mother to add my irritation, shall we?? Because OF COURSE the bitchy mother is the root of all evil, the source of every single miserable things that Owen experiences in life.
I know that there are bad mothers in this world. It's going to be unrealistic for me to think that authors should only write supportive mom. I get that. But here's the thing... I just finished a Merlin/Arthur fanfic prior to reading this. A fanfic where Hunith (Merlin's mom) is just the best mother ever -- and it makes me feel happy and I want to hug my own Mom (because my Mom is amazing). Getting this on my fiction after that happy feeling? Bitter disappointment. Period.
3) The Epilogue
So here is how the story ends ... . I don't know if it's meant to be funny or witty, but I fail to see the humor.
... Having said all that, at least Marie Sexton is writing about someone with physical disability. That, I can give my thumbs up for... And there are dogs.
May 11, 2013
And...there you have it: my favorite Marie Sexton book to date!
I loved this. It was so perfectly crafted, paced, and executed. One of those books you're just happy to have read.
2 absolutely delightful MC's in Owen and Nick.
Each with their own demons, both physical and emotional.
Each needing a hero.
Each being a hero.
Some smexy.
Some I-want-to-hurt-somebody-I'm-so-angry angst.
A healthy does of reality...both sad and hopeful.
Though book 5 in the series, it works as a standalone. In fact, it's my first read from Tucker Springs and I never felt lost or confused.
Quick, entertaining read. Definitely recommended.
Thanks to Riptide for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 1, 2016
I went back and forth on how to rate this book for some time, really putting it off for awhile and letting it marinate in my head. Some books, after reading them, tend to stick with me in a positive way, and I'll think about the characters and romance for weeks. Some books, like this one, stick with me for the wrong reasons.
*WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!!*
I find it impossible to talk about this book without going into some major spoilers. I'll start with the stuff that I liked, which is spoiler-free, but most of the parts that I didn't enjoy have to do with one MAJOR spoiler.
To start, I liked the narration by Iggy Toma, who always does a good job with his audiobooks. He was a very easy listen, with good differentiation between voices and a lot of emotion there. Though some of his voices aren't my favorite, tone-wise, he still always pleases me with his narrating skills.
I'm always looking for romances with a hero/heroine with a disability. Interestingly enough, though I have a neighbor with an amniotic band constriction resulting in the loss of her arm, I had no idea it was as common as I was led to believe in the story. Actually, after doing some research with my best friend, who is a midwife, amniotic band constrictions are fairly common, but most are very minor and don't result in the loss of a limb or finger.
I really appreciated the fact that Marie Sexton included a character with such a obvious physical disability, and, as some of you may know, love a character with a stutter. Combine that with the fact that Owen was a VIRGIN... whew, you would think that Marie Sexton had this in the bag... right???
Eh....
I really hate when characters flip flop between hot and cold and don't properly communicate. It really irks me, just as it irks me in real life when people behave like that. I didn't love Nick's attitude, and I didn't get a good vibe from their relationship. I felt like Nick was taking advantage of Owen at times, and I didn't enjoy that.
I also REALLY hate the typical cruel mother, who was over-the-top here, and the melodrama with the mother/father dynamics. It felt too contrived to me. It wasn't my biggest complaint about the story, but I wasn't too pleased with it either.
My breaking point had to do with Nick's secret. Though this book was written a few years ago, it was NOT written in 1988. Simple thing that all M/M authors should know, and all of their CHARACTERS who are affected with this condition should know: HIV does NOT = AIDS. It just doesn't. AIDS hysteria and the lack of common sense awareness about HIV simply does not make sense with any gay characters after 2010. Sure, characters could be freaked out by HIV, but I would think they would know basic facts, like you are extremely, EXTREMELY unlikely to get HIV from a blow job from someone with HIV. And to have a character who is HIV+ refer to himself as having AIDS... just makes no sense. As someone with a relative who is HIV+ and who has lost another relative from AIDS, this is a subject close to my heart. I knew from a very, very young age that you can't get HIV from kissing.
This book just triggered me quite a bit, and the more I thought about the book, the more upset I got. I'd say, listen with caution.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 12, 2013
If two things are more or less guaranteed to pull a 5* review out me, then theyre likely to be anything from Marie Sexton and more or less any book from the series Tucker Springs. One a favourite author and the other a series that Ive followed and enjoyed from book one. I was so hoping that I wouldn't be disappointed because the subject matters could be made to feel very somber, sad or gloomy if not handled well. But I had faith and that faith was rewarded with a poignant romance that I really loved. I read it in one sitting and when I'd finished as well as feeling very touched It also left me feeling very contented and satisfied with the final outcome. A really sweet, tender love story.
Owens disability and Nicks 'secret' were handled sensitively and thoughtfully and gave the story just the right amount of angst and drama, without being too over the top. Some stories can overdo the conflict surrounding this type of story-line but personally I thought Marie pitched it perfectly! The supporting characters whether you love them ( Nicks sister June ) or hate them (Owens appalling mum , the mother from hell ) are all well rounded and actually add substance to the story, they're not just cardboard cut outs. Familiar characters pop in from the other books and its nice to see them again if you've been following the series but I don't feel that you need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this endearing story.
I really fell for both Owen and Nick - they had great chemistry, just the right amount of sexual tension and even though they were both stubborn at times I never felt the need to roll my eyes or get overly exasperated. I just found myself rooting for both of them to realise how good they would be for each other if they could just get past each of their ( totally understandable ) uncertainties that were keeping them from giving in to the love growing between them.
Another great addition to Tucker Springs and its growing family. Lovely! Thanks Marie.
Owens disability and Nicks 'secret' were handled sensitively and thoughtfully and gave the story just the right amount of angst and drama, without being too over the top. Some stories can overdo the conflict surrounding this type of story-line but personally I thought Marie pitched it perfectly! The supporting characters whether you love them ( Nicks sister June ) or hate them (Owens appalling mum , the mother from hell ) are all well rounded and actually add substance to the story, they're not just cardboard cut outs. Familiar characters pop in from the other books and its nice to see them again if you've been following the series but I don't feel that you need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this endearing story.
I really fell for both Owen and Nick - they had great chemistry, just the right amount of sexual tension and even though they were both stubborn at times I never felt the need to roll my eyes or get overly exasperated. I just found myself rooting for both of them to realise how good they would be for each other if they could just get past each of their ( totally understandable ) uncertainties that were keeping them from giving in to the love growing between them.
Another great addition to Tucker Springs and its growing family. Lovely! Thanks Marie.
July 1, 2013
Again, Marie Sexton reduces me to an emotional wreck by wrenching my heart out and then sending it soaring with joy at the end.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for the stories about the socially inept cases finding their dream, but the insight and empathy that Marie Sexton brings to her writing is second to none.
Owen is a recluse, socially awkward, has an amputated arm from an amniotic band at birth and stutters. I mean, what more could go wrong with the poor guy? oh yes, a mother from hell and the stuff nightmares are made of! He has problems coping with people's reactions to his arm which makes him feel uncomfortable in company, not knowing how to deal with it. Has never come to terms with his disability.
"And that’s what it was—a stump. Some people preferred the term “residual limb,” but to me, that didn’t do it justice. It was like changing the diagnosis of “shell shock” to “post-traumatic stress disorder.” As if adding more syllables to it could alter the truth of the situation. As if having a longer phrase could make my arm longer too."
Living alone in his flat his new neighbour moves in after the previous moved out leaving the piano behind. Owen used to lay in his flat listening to the music the old neighbour would play. It used to comfort him in a way. In the first chapter we already get a feeling for Owen. Lost and unloved, but a gentle soul with a heart, I just wanted to cuddle him immediately. We get a hint that his mother is a part of his problem, how big a part we learn later.
After about three weeks Owen gets a new neighbour. Nick is about as opposite as you can get to Owen. Confident, charasmatic, sexy, natural, basically everything that Owen is not. Nick treats him and his disability as if it weren't there to begin with, but Owen soons learn that Nick has a sister with the same syndrome, but the other arm. This makes Owen feel immediately a little more at ease. Owen meets Nick's sister June and also finds out that although she has the same disability she again is the total opposite to him.
"It was unnerving how much my life seemed to mirror June’s, and yet in every case, I had the dark, scary, nightmare version."
Then June has the idea to have piano lessons with Owen. Together they could play duets and make music. Nick starts to try and take Owen out and feels very comfortable with him, although in public Owen is still awkward. Everything now seems to be moving ahead for Owen, new friends, gaining more confidence everyday, he falls for Nick big style. Well, who couldn't. Nick made all of Owen's insecurities go away.
"Standing there in his arms, I felt good. I relaxed against him, and he continued to hold me. He ran his hands up and down my back. He rocked me a little, almost as if we were dancing. I felt at peace. I felt whole and healthy and right."
However, Nick is not all that he seems and first appears to be. Hiding something and playing emotional tug-o-war with Owen. He keeps pulling back from him. After a wonderful Halloween night they go back to Owen's place and Nick drops his bomb shell of a revelation on Owen. At this point I lost the plot! My red wine and chocolate consumption shot through the roof. Sat on the sofa up to my neck in used tissues. I was a wreck. Drained!
Just when you think that Owen has a future someone he can depend on and love, the world is shattered once again. However, due to June, Nick's family and a good friend Nathan, Owen gets his head straight and fights for Nick. Nick has got as big a problem as Owen and he is not going to let this get between what they had felt for each other. There is fault on both sides, but this time the tables turn and it's Owen showing Nick the way!
"You’ve wallowed in the guilt long enough. Yes, you made a mistake. But that doesn’t mean you have to punish yourself for the rest of your life. You deserve to be loved. And to be happy.” I kissed his forehead. “We both do"
Nicks parents are everything that Owen's aren't as well. Again we see how much family can really effect their children and their confidence in later life. Nick's parents come to visit for Thanksgiving and I could feel the warmth and love these guys had for their children. It was pure and unconditional. Owen felt this too and revelled in it. When Owen's parents came we get a completely different picture. His mother; domineering, overbearing, always complaining and worst of all blaming Owen for everything. Yes, I felt aggressive, protective and wanted to smack the woman for Owen.
Owen realises that if he is ever to be happy he first has to stand up to his mother. That he does and sends her packing.
"Not anymore. It was over. Never again would I question myself because of her. I was free."
Then it's time to really get things sorted with Nick. With his new found confidence he wins Nick back for good.
"I’m glad I’m here too. You’re beautiful. Let’s both stop being so lonely."
And that for me was what this book was really about. Not being lonely.
WOW - to be honest I can't really put into words how this story got to me. Marie Sexton's writing for me is so full of feeling and empathy for her characters that you connect with their desperate situations immediatley. Feeling their hopelessness, sense of insecurity, thier fears and angst, but also thier joys and triumphs. Marie has the most incredible insight into social situations, behaviour and interaction, I keep asking myself whether she has ever experienced anything like this personally. To be able to write about these things with such a depth of perception and intuition bringing these feelings into words is a truly incredible thing. The plot in this story I found to be so well balanced, going from constant highs and lows, but not just an erratic roller-coaster of emotion. She takes you on a journey of Owen and Nick becoming constantly stronger, dealing with their problems and realisng that together, they are strong and everything will be just fine.
"A warmth that filled me from the inside out. It was believing I was normal, and knowing I was desired. It was the newfound hope that my life really could be more. But more than anything, it was about trusting him. About feeling safe and cherished and utterly at peace with the man who had so readily become my hero"
The very first book that I ever read in the m/m genre was a book by Marie Sexton. Until this point I had really turned my nose up and had been very sceptical about such books, until one day I thought let's give it a go. I read Between Sinners and Saints and was blown away. That was it! Converted. Hooked and have never looked back. I have now read a lot and often think if I had maybe read something else the effect wouldn't have been quite the same. I'm so grateful that by pure chance I managed to pick a book by one of most talented writers of this genre. There are still a lot more books from Marie that I wish to read, but I'll get there eventually.
As for this book, all I can personally say is "read it and weep" but take heart for a great end that will send your heart soaring.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for the stories about the socially inept cases finding their dream, but the insight and empathy that Marie Sexton brings to her writing is second to none.
Owen is a recluse, socially awkward, has an amputated arm from an amniotic band at birth and stutters. I mean, what more could go wrong with the poor guy? oh yes, a mother from hell and the stuff nightmares are made of! He has problems coping with people's reactions to his arm which makes him feel uncomfortable in company, not knowing how to deal with it. Has never come to terms with his disability.
"And that’s what it was—a stump. Some people preferred the term “residual limb,” but to me, that didn’t do it justice. It was like changing the diagnosis of “shell shock” to “post-traumatic stress disorder.” As if adding more syllables to it could alter the truth of the situation. As if having a longer phrase could make my arm longer too."
Living alone in his flat his new neighbour moves in after the previous moved out leaving the piano behind. Owen used to lay in his flat listening to the music the old neighbour would play. It used to comfort him in a way. In the first chapter we already get a feeling for Owen. Lost and unloved, but a gentle soul with a heart, I just wanted to cuddle him immediately. We get a hint that his mother is a part of his problem, how big a part we learn later.
After about three weeks Owen gets a new neighbour. Nick is about as opposite as you can get to Owen. Confident, charasmatic, sexy, natural, basically everything that Owen is not. Nick treats him and his disability as if it weren't there to begin with, but Owen soons learn that Nick has a sister with the same syndrome, but the other arm. This makes Owen feel immediately a little more at ease. Owen meets Nick's sister June and also finds out that although she has the same disability she again is the total opposite to him.
"It was unnerving how much my life seemed to mirror June’s, and yet in every case, I had the dark, scary, nightmare version."
Then June has the idea to have piano lessons with Owen. Together they could play duets and make music. Nick starts to try and take Owen out and feels very comfortable with him, although in public Owen is still awkward. Everything now seems to be moving ahead for Owen, new friends, gaining more confidence everyday, he falls for Nick big style. Well, who couldn't. Nick made all of Owen's insecurities go away.
"Standing there in his arms, I felt good. I relaxed against him, and he continued to hold me. He ran his hands up and down my back. He rocked me a little, almost as if we were dancing. I felt at peace. I felt whole and healthy and right."
However, Nick is not all that he seems and first appears to be. Hiding something and playing emotional tug-o-war with Owen. He keeps pulling back from him. After a wonderful Halloween night they go back to Owen's place and Nick drops his bomb shell of a revelation on Owen. At this point I lost the plot! My red wine and chocolate consumption shot through the roof. Sat on the sofa up to my neck in used tissues. I was a wreck. Drained!
Just when you think that Owen has a future someone he can depend on and love, the world is shattered once again. However, due to June, Nick's family and a good friend Nathan, Owen gets his head straight and fights for Nick. Nick has got as big a problem as Owen and he is not going to let this get between what they had felt for each other. There is fault on both sides, but this time the tables turn and it's Owen showing Nick the way!
"You’ve wallowed in the guilt long enough. Yes, you made a mistake. But that doesn’t mean you have to punish yourself for the rest of your life. You deserve to be loved. And to be happy.” I kissed his forehead. “We both do"
Nicks parents are everything that Owen's aren't as well. Again we see how much family can really effect their children and their confidence in later life. Nick's parents come to visit for Thanksgiving and I could feel the warmth and love these guys had for their children. It was pure and unconditional. Owen felt this too and revelled in it. When Owen's parents came we get a completely different picture. His mother; domineering, overbearing, always complaining and worst of all blaming Owen for everything. Yes, I felt aggressive, protective and wanted to smack the woman for Owen.
Owen realises that if he is ever to be happy he first has to stand up to his mother. That he does and sends her packing.
"Not anymore. It was over. Never again would I question myself because of her. I was free."
Then it's time to really get things sorted with Nick. With his new found confidence he wins Nick back for good.
"I’m glad I’m here too. You’re beautiful. Let’s both stop being so lonely."
And that for me was what this book was really about. Not being lonely.
WOW - to be honest I can't really put into words how this story got to me. Marie Sexton's writing for me is so full of feeling and empathy for her characters that you connect with their desperate situations immediatley. Feeling their hopelessness, sense of insecurity, thier fears and angst, but also thier joys and triumphs. Marie has the most incredible insight into social situations, behaviour and interaction, I keep asking myself whether she has ever experienced anything like this personally. To be able to write about these things with such a depth of perception and intuition bringing these feelings into words is a truly incredible thing. The plot in this story I found to be so well balanced, going from constant highs and lows, but not just an erratic roller-coaster of emotion. She takes you on a journey of Owen and Nick becoming constantly stronger, dealing with their problems and realisng that together, they are strong and everything will be just fine.
"A warmth that filled me from the inside out. It was believing I was normal, and knowing I was desired. It was the newfound hope that my life really could be more. But more than anything, it was about trusting him. About feeling safe and cherished and utterly at peace with the man who had so readily become my hero"
The very first book that I ever read in the m/m genre was a book by Marie Sexton. Until this point I had really turned my nose up and had been very sceptical about such books, until one day I thought let's give it a go. I read Between Sinners and Saints and was blown away. That was it! Converted. Hooked and have never looked back. I have now read a lot and often think if I had maybe read something else the effect wouldn't have been quite the same. I'm so grateful that by pure chance I managed to pick a book by one of most talented writers of this genre. There are still a lot more books from Marie that I wish to read, but I'll get there eventually.
As for this book, all I can personally say is "read it and weep" but take heart for a great end that will send your heart soaring.
July 10, 2021
PLEASE NOTE: This is the first Tucker Springs series book I've read, and it works very well as a stand-alone, although characters from other books make brief cameos.
Owen has burrowed himself into a life revolving around his duplex apartment - he works from home, has his groceries delivered, and has no close personal relationships. He listens to his downstairs neighbor play the piano at night and wishes he could marry her. Not because he's attracted to her, but it would make his mother happy and he wouldn't be so lonely.
Owens' mother is a stone-cold b@tch, easily edging out Joan Crawford for The Worse Mother EVER. Owen's left lower arm is missing due to an congenital amputation / amniotic band restriction before birth and all his life, Owen's mother has belittled, demeaned and bullied him, resulting in his childhood stutter and low self-esteem. Owen thinks of himself as "a one-armed shut-in with borderline social anxiety." You basically want to shelter Owen and protect him from the world, while gently nudging him out of the nest and into a nice relationship.
Friendly, charming and smokin' hot Nick moves into the lower duplex apartment with his "girls" - his three dogs - and it soon becomes apparent Nick is that nice guy that Owen deserves. Nick's sister had an amniotic band restriction as well (her right arm rather than Owen's left) and Nick truly understands. And Owen likes Nick for so many reasons: "Because he was patient. Because he was direct yet not insensitive. Because he never laughed at me, and he made me feel safe." But ... Nick has a secret ...... and I should have trusted in Marie Sexton because she resolves the secret and its impact on Nick's life quite perfectly as Owen confronts him:
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Owen has burrowed himself into a life revolving around his duplex apartment - he works from home, has his groceries delivered, and has no close personal relationships. He listens to his downstairs neighbor play the piano at night and wishes he could marry her. Not because he's attracted to her, but it would make his mother happy and he wouldn't be so lonely.
Owens' mother is a stone-cold b@tch, easily edging out Joan Crawford for The Worse Mother EVER. Owen's left lower arm is missing due to an congenital amputation / amniotic band restriction before birth and all his life, Owen's mother has belittled, demeaned and bullied him, resulting in his childhood stutter and low self-esteem. Owen thinks of himself as "a one-armed shut-in with borderline social anxiety." You basically want to shelter Owen and protect him from the world, while gently nudging him out of the nest and into a nice relationship.
Friendly, charming and smokin' hot Nick moves into the lower duplex apartment with his "girls" - his three dogs - and it soon becomes apparent Nick is that nice guy that Owen deserves. Nick's sister had an amniotic band restriction as well (her right arm rather than Owen's left) and Nick truly understands. And Owen likes Nick for so many reasons: "Because he was patient. Because he was direct yet not insensitive. Because he never laughed at me, and he made me feel safe." But ... Nick has a secret ...... and I should have trusted in Marie Sexton because she resolves the secret and its impact on Nick's life quite perfectly as Owen confronts him:
[...] I'm tired of watching you act like some kind of martyr. This is about you. [...] You choose to let it define you. [...] It's about your issues ... your determination to let it dictate how you spend the rest of your life.And Sexton uses this moment to illustrate how Owen used to do the same thing with his life, letting his missing arm define his life. This ties the whole love story together with a big red HEA ribbon. Well done! 4 strong stars for "Never a Hero."
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
May 10, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
4.5 stars
To be honest, I was a bit daunted when I started thinking of writing this review. Not because of the book itself, but because I read this book about two months ago and then didn't write the review promptly (not a surprise, honestly!). But, in a twist I didn't expect, but should have, I find that this book comes back to me in detail that books I read two months previously usually never do. And that just shows how much of this book stuck with me. I remember thinking about it for a couple of weeks afterward, and when I consider that I usually hold books that stay with me for a few days in high esteem, then this was a really special read for me. And without doubt, the best book in the Tucker Springs series by far. Admittedly, my feelings about the books in this series so far have been so so; while I liked them all, none of them really stuck with me (a statement I've made in past reviews of those books). Enter Never a Hero to make me eat my words…
We first meet Owen sequestered in his dark apartment, the main floor of a split level home in Tucker Springs. He rarely leaves, working at home on his computer and getting his groceries delivered. His life is a pretty depressing one. Raised to be ashamed of his missing arm, the result of a congenital amputation (that's where the blood supply to a limb is cut off by the amniotic cord in the womb and the fetus is born without a limb or with a partial limb), Owen was further humiliated by his mother's negativity and verbal abuse as a child to the point where he has extreme social anxiety that goes even beyond his embarrassment over his missing arm and his stutter. Even worse, his mother's campaign of abuse frequently centered on his obvious homosexuality and her relative displeasure at such a prospect of a gay son. Naturally, as an adult Owen's life is rather tormented and lonely, and even though his courage stretched far enough to move away from her influence, his mother's work was done. Owen takes hardly any pleasures in life, and the one he cherishes is soon to end. Owen has fallen in love with his downstair neighbor's daily piano playing and by proxy, Owen fancies himself in love with the woman himself.
Even worse than the prospect of the absence of his unrequited hetero love, Owen's new neighbor is a beautiful gay man. Owen could easily resent Nick's presence -- he's confident, sexy and doesn't deal with the same sort of social anxieties as Owen (proved by the loads of gay male friends who come to help him move in) -- but Nick's charm and easy going nature seem to deflate Owen's bubble of derision and longing. As the two get to know each other, Owen starts to find it difficult to pretend that he still wants his old neighbor, the woman, especially when Nick cooks for him (nasty healthy food) and little by little starts to draw Owen out of his shell and out of his apartment. But the best thing about Nick is his reaction to Owen's missing arm. He doesn't stare, but he doesn't ignore it either. He's comfortable talking about it.
Of course, Nick isn't perfect. As his self-confidence grows with Nick's patient encouragement, Owen finds that as much as he needs a hero (and found one), Nick needs one too. He's full of secrets that he's extremely persistent to keep and each subsequent intimate step forward in their relationship leads to Nick taking two steps away.
Take one look at the tags for this book, even without knowing what the book is about or having read the blurb, and you'll be able to tell that the characters in this story deal with a shitload of adversity. It's enough to pound on the angst button and send me clamoring for the hills! But, once again, Marie Sexton won me over by the charm of her writing. Some writers just have a way of connecting to the reader through their words. Sometimes I like to think of it as if I'm reading the book out loud. Would it sound and feel like I'm telling a story? It doesn't necessarily require a strong or unique character voice, but the narration immediately takes a spark in you and you're hooked. I shouldn't have been surprised… Marie's words have done this to me before in other books of hers. Nevertheless, I felt as if the charm and honesty in the writing cut through whatever natural angst exists from dealing with characters who have such enormous difficulties.
While the growing relationship between Owen and Nick is central to the story, the real star of the story is Owen and the ongoing catalyst to keep the story moving is really Owen's personal growth. Like the blurb says, Owen soon realizes that instead of waiting for a hero, it’s time to be one—for himself…. It is important that Owen take the steps to take control of his life himself. I think it's also important that Owen has a goal other than his own self-worth. I think that having both characters dealing with really heavy issues isn't only to show that the two much rely on one another in any kind of relationship, but it's important to motivate Owen, to show that he can help not only himself but Nick as well.
There's something I found unique to this book in the series that I was really happy to see. You can see in the book that Marie made a decision to incorporate all of the past characters from the books into the story, and not just the ones that are affiliated with her books. I really appreciated this, because the opposite has been true for some of the other books and showing the other characters really helped build a feeling of community in the story. It refreshed all of the connections between the men in a way that wasn't as apparent before. When I first heard that there was going to be a multi-author series based on interconnected stories set in the same town, I think I got a (perhaps) misconstrued notion of a series that was going to be much more interconnected that it has been thus far, which has been somewhat disappointing to me. This book went quite a way appease that disappointment and I hope that in the future the characters from other books start to pop up here and there, or even better that characters would have a more important part to play in books that aren't their own. Maybe authors have an unspoken rule not to fuck up other authors pet characters ;) Maybe not. Maybe this isn't even in the cards for this series, but I would love to see these authors having a more hands on approach to the other authors' characters, perhaps even working together to plan character trajectories over each other's books so that the stories are more integrated. Just my own wish :)
The fact that the stories are by and large separate means that though this is a series, you can feel free to enter at any stage and read whichever books take your particular fancy. If that's the case with you and you haven't read any of the Tucker Springs books, or even if you've read the others, this remains my favorite and as good of a place as any to start reading. You can always go back and read the others if you find yourself interested in the secondary characters in Never a Hero. Definitely Recommended!
4.5 stars
To be honest, I was a bit daunted when I started thinking of writing this review. Not because of the book itself, but because I read this book about two months ago and then didn't write the review promptly (not a surprise, honestly!). But, in a twist I didn't expect, but should have, I find that this book comes back to me in detail that books I read two months previously usually never do. And that just shows how much of this book stuck with me. I remember thinking about it for a couple of weeks afterward, and when I consider that I usually hold books that stay with me for a few days in high esteem, then this was a really special read for me. And without doubt, the best book in the Tucker Springs series by far. Admittedly, my feelings about the books in this series so far have been so so; while I liked them all, none of them really stuck with me (a statement I've made in past reviews of those books). Enter Never a Hero to make me eat my words…
We first meet Owen sequestered in his dark apartment, the main floor of a split level home in Tucker Springs. He rarely leaves, working at home on his computer and getting his groceries delivered. His life is a pretty depressing one. Raised to be ashamed of his missing arm, the result of a congenital amputation (that's where the blood supply to a limb is cut off by the amniotic cord in the womb and the fetus is born without a limb or with a partial limb), Owen was further humiliated by his mother's negativity and verbal abuse as a child to the point where he has extreme social anxiety that goes even beyond his embarrassment over his missing arm and his stutter. Even worse, his mother's campaign of abuse frequently centered on his obvious homosexuality and her relative displeasure at such a prospect of a gay son. Naturally, as an adult Owen's life is rather tormented and lonely, and even though his courage stretched far enough to move away from her influence, his mother's work was done. Owen takes hardly any pleasures in life, and the one he cherishes is soon to end. Owen has fallen in love with his downstair neighbor's daily piano playing and by proxy, Owen fancies himself in love with the woman himself.
Even worse than the prospect of the absence of his unrequited hetero love, Owen's new neighbor is a beautiful gay man. Owen could easily resent Nick's presence -- he's confident, sexy and doesn't deal with the same sort of social anxieties as Owen (proved by the loads of gay male friends who come to help him move in) -- but Nick's charm and easy going nature seem to deflate Owen's bubble of derision and longing. As the two get to know each other, Owen starts to find it difficult to pretend that he still wants his old neighbor, the woman, especially when Nick cooks for him (nasty healthy food) and little by little starts to draw Owen out of his shell and out of his apartment. But the best thing about Nick is his reaction to Owen's missing arm. He doesn't stare, but he doesn't ignore it either. He's comfortable talking about it.
Of course, Nick isn't perfect. As his self-confidence grows with Nick's patient encouragement, Owen finds that as much as he needs a hero (and found one), Nick needs one too. He's full of secrets that he's extremely persistent to keep and each subsequent intimate step forward in their relationship leads to Nick taking two steps away.
Take one look at the tags for this book, even without knowing what the book is about or having read the blurb, and you'll be able to tell that the characters in this story deal with a shitload of adversity. It's enough to pound on the angst button and send me clamoring for the hills! But, once again, Marie Sexton won me over by the charm of her writing. Some writers just have a way of connecting to the reader through their words. Sometimes I like to think of it as if I'm reading the book out loud. Would it sound and feel like I'm telling a story? It doesn't necessarily require a strong or unique character voice, but the narration immediately takes a spark in you and you're hooked. I shouldn't have been surprised… Marie's words have done this to me before in other books of hers. Nevertheless, I felt as if the charm and honesty in the writing cut through whatever natural angst exists from dealing with characters who have such enormous difficulties.
While the growing relationship between Owen and Nick is central to the story, the real star of the story is Owen and the ongoing catalyst to keep the story moving is really Owen's personal growth. Like the blurb says, Owen soon realizes that instead of waiting for a hero, it’s time to be one—for himself…. It is important that Owen take the steps to take control of his life himself. I think it's also important that Owen has a goal other than his own self-worth. I think that having both characters dealing with really heavy issues isn't only to show that the two much rely on one another in any kind of relationship, but it's important to motivate Owen, to show that he can help not only himself but Nick as well.
There's something I found unique to this book in the series that I was really happy to see. You can see in the book that Marie made a decision to incorporate all of the past characters from the books into the story, and not just the ones that are affiliated with her books. I really appreciated this, because the opposite has been true for some of the other books and showing the other characters really helped build a feeling of community in the story. It refreshed all of the connections between the men in a way that wasn't as apparent before. When I first heard that there was going to be a multi-author series based on interconnected stories set in the same town, I think I got a (perhaps) misconstrued notion of a series that was going to be much more interconnected that it has been thus far, which has been somewhat disappointing to me. This book went quite a way appease that disappointment and I hope that in the future the characters from other books start to pop up here and there, or even better that characters would have a more important part to play in books that aren't their own. Maybe authors have an unspoken rule not to fuck up other authors pet characters ;) Maybe not. Maybe this isn't even in the cards for this series, but I would love to see these authors having a more hands on approach to the other authors' characters, perhaps even working together to plan character trajectories over each other's books so that the stories are more integrated. Just my own wish :)
The fact that the stories are by and large separate means that though this is a series, you can feel free to enter at any stage and read whichever books take your particular fancy. If that's the case with you and you haven't read any of the Tucker Springs books, or even if you've read the others, this remains my favorite and as good of a place as any to start reading. You can always go back and read the others if you find yourself interested in the secondary characters in Never a Hero. Definitely Recommended!
January 30, 2016
3,5 Stars - moving and beautiful about two partially damaged men, playing piano, ask for what you want, to love yourself and a lost hand
Some novels are great, loud with divine, superhuman, unforgettable characters - this is not such a novel. This is instead a slightly more serious, subtle and rather short book about two in mind and body wounded men who need to get on in life and who don't dare to believe in a real change.
As a new neighbor moves into Owen's house the piano will once more be played. A lost hand doesn't matter. Everything is suddenly possible. The new neighbor Nick also generates a lot of (new) emotions, thoughtfulness, a real close friend, encouragement and attraction and it all allows a new life, so much warmer and better, for these lovely men.
Owen has long lived in a small, self-contained and so heartbreakingly lonely world. Nobody sees him, and no one says what he needs to hear: "You are good enough, you're beautiful, you can, you are worthy of love and a missing hand means nothing to me."
So is there suddenly a cheerful, talkative neighbor; the veterinarian Nick. There is also Nick's three dogs, his funny and so brave (on hand) sister, some friends, acquaintances and family. But best of all; this man who wants to create a change for Owen. Oh god, I love people like Nick, who sees others and knocking on those who really need a push in the back.
This is a nice, quite simple but so memorable story. Why does minor defects, flaws, shortcomings really influence you life? With affection, love and the ability to see others can so much be so much better.
Finally: I have up to now read 4 of of Ms. Sexton's M/M stories and each time I smile just as happy to have a book that provides reading joy. This novel is perhaps not her best, but as always, give this author me a subtle, slowly developed romantic story about brittle, loving and so genuine credible people. There are parts in this story where I think it burst and fading sometimes and got a little to much of fishing after cruel injustice, viciousness, strange parents etc, but I can overlook and ignore that and rounds up to a 4 star novel anyway.
Well worth reading - characters that grow and tender romance always gives a good meeting for me. A beautiful short novel (150 pages) - a heart-warmer.
I LIKE - beautiful about hope and new opportunities
Some novels are great, loud with divine, superhuman, unforgettable characters - this is not such a novel. This is instead a slightly more serious, subtle and rather short book about two in mind and body wounded men who need to get on in life and who don't dare to believe in a real change.
As a new neighbor moves into Owen's house the piano will once more be played. A lost hand doesn't matter. Everything is suddenly possible. The new neighbor Nick also generates a lot of (new) emotions, thoughtfulness, a real close friend, encouragement and attraction and it all allows a new life, so much warmer and better, for these lovely men.
‘It's meant to be played. It won't break.’
Owen has long lived in a small, self-contained and so heartbreakingly lonely world. Nobody sees him, and no one says what he needs to hear: "You are good enough, you're beautiful, you can, you are worthy of love and a missing hand means nothing to me."
So is there suddenly a cheerful, talkative neighbor; the veterinarian Nick. There is also Nick's three dogs, his funny and so brave (on hand) sister, some friends, acquaintances and family. But best of all; this man who wants to create a change for Owen. Oh god, I love people like Nick, who sees others and knocking on those who really need a push in the back.
This is a nice, quite simple but so memorable story. Why does minor defects, flaws, shortcomings really influence you life? With affection, love and the ability to see others can so much be so much better.
‘He smiled at me, and I began to blush for no good reason whatsoever. To my suprise, ha began to blush too. “I'm talking really fast, aren't I?”
I laughed, feeling relieved it wasn't just me. “You really are.”
Finally: I have up to now read 4 of of Ms. Sexton's M/M stories and each time I smile just as happy to have a book that provides reading joy. This novel is perhaps not her best, but as always, give this author me a subtle, slowly developed romantic story about brittle, loving and so genuine credible people. There are parts in this story where I think it burst and fading sometimes and got a little to much of fishing after cruel injustice, viciousness, strange parents etc, but I can overlook and ignore that and rounds up to a 4 star novel anyway.
Well worth reading - characters that grow and tender romance always gives a good meeting for me. A beautiful short novel (150 pages) - a heart-warmer.
I LIKE - beautiful about hope and new opportunities
September 23, 2013
This was short and cute. I liked Owen and the way he grew as a person after he met Nick, the handsome veterinarian who moves in next door.
Owen is missing his left hand due to a birth defect; he also stutters when he's nervous. As a result, he's become a bit of a recluse. He suspects he likes men, but he's done one too many things to displease his mother, and he just doesn't dare to be gay too.
It turns out Nick's sister, June, has the same birth defect (her right hand is missing), but she's not ashamed of her difference the way Owen is of his. When Owen shows an interest in playing the piano left behind in Nick's apartment, June decides they can play together (each contributing a hand) and signs them up for piano lessons. Of course, Owen is interested in Nick, and Nick seems very interested in him. But Nick blows hot and cold, which confuses the hell out of Owen.
Don't worry. The two get their HEA, even if the ending felt a bit abrupt. (Although there was an epilogue, and, damn it, I'm a sucker for epilogues!)
I think I've decided that I'm just not a huge fan of the Tucker Springs series, finding it a bit simplistic, perhaps not angsty enough. It was fun to see Seth in this book (although there was no mention of Darren - hmmmm...). We also see the entire cast of books 1-3 again, which was cheesy in a feel-good kind of way. Even before confirming, I just KNEW book 6 would be about Nathan, who befriends Owen in this book. I liked Nathan, so I may read book 6 after all.
OK, so now my soapbox of gripes, all in a spoiler tag:
Owen is missing his left hand due to a birth defect; he also stutters when he's nervous. As a result, he's become a bit of a recluse. He suspects he likes men, but he's done one too many things to displease his mother, and he just doesn't dare to be gay too.
It turns out Nick's sister, June, has the same birth defect (her right hand is missing), but she's not ashamed of her difference the way Owen is of his. When Owen shows an interest in playing the piano left behind in Nick's apartment, June decides they can play together (each contributing a hand) and signs them up for piano lessons. Of course, Owen is interested in Nick, and Nick seems very interested in him. But Nick blows hot and cold, which confuses the hell out of Owen.
Don't worry. The two get their HEA, even if the ending felt a bit abrupt. (Although there was an epilogue, and, damn it, I'm a sucker for epilogues!)
I think I've decided that I'm just not a huge fan of the Tucker Springs series, finding it a bit simplistic, perhaps not angsty enough. It was fun to see Seth in this book (although there was no mention of Darren - hmmmm...). We also see the entire cast of books 1-3 again, which was cheesy in a feel-good kind of way. Even before confirming, I just KNEW book 6 would be about Nathan, who befriends Owen in this book. I liked Nathan, so I may read book 6 after all.
OK, so now my soapbox of gripes, all in a spoiler tag:
August 13, 2013
The last book in the Tucker Springs series (well at least at the moment) and it’s about the quiet veterinarian I knew nothing about, Nick. He ends up moving to the downstairs apt next to Owen. Owen left arm is partially missing from a birth defect called Amniotic Band, and the poor guy stutters as well. And because of both these issues Owen pretty much stays in the house and has no friends. OMG my heart broke in two for this guy.
So Owens new downstairs neighbor immediately starts up a friendship with him. Owen finds himself quite smitten with his new neighbor. Fairly quickly you learn Nick’s sister June who has the same arm defect as Owen only it’s her right arm. I like June a lot, OMG what a fire cracker this young lady is, full of life and spunk and character, I absolutely adored her (Tina you were so right).
As Owen is drawn closer and closer to Nick, Nick is equally drawn to Owen. But fairly quickly Nick puts the brakes on everything. Owen doesn’t know why?
I flew through this book, i just had to reach the end. I had to know what the hell was going to happen between these two.
Oh and can i say I hated Owen’s mother, what a damn B this woman was!!
This book is about self-acceptance, overcoming disabilities, love and friendship. Thanks to the author for an outstanding read!!!
August 14, 2013
Finally!!! Finally I could read Nick's story, Nick the sexy veterinarian and boss of Paul, one of our MCs of the second book.
Never a Hero is the 5th book in the Tucker Springs series and I enjoyed seeing the other couples we got to know in the previous books. I loved seeing funny Nathan again. In Never a Hero he shows a sensitive, caring side.
Owen has a congenitally amputated arm and stutters. Raised by a mother who always has been ashamed of him his self-confidence is non-existent (what a vile woman who doesn't care at all for Owen. I was so glad when her son and husband finally stood up to her). He lives like a hermit. When his neighbor downstairs moves out, Nick moves in. Owen is surprised by how comfortable Nick is with him. It turns out that Nick's sister June was born with the same genetic defect. Together June and Nick help Owen come out of his shell. Drawn to Nick's laid-back and easy manner in regards to his arm, Owen decides to step out of his solitary life. Along the way Owen and Nick start to fall for each other.
Nobody ever touched my left arm. Not casually, at any rate... in twenty-eight years, I couldn’t recall anybody touching me there the way Nick was touching me now. I felt the need to hold perfectly still, lest he realize he was touching my ruined arm and pull away. His fingers moved again, a tickle on my flesh, a spark of energy that raced up my arm, over my shoulder, and raised goose bumps on the back of my neck... In my whole life, no person had ever touched me like that, as if unaware that my left arm wasn’t normal. Until Nick...
Nick is drawn to Owen and definitely wants him, but something is holding him back. He has his secrets and is ashamed of his past. He doesn't think he deserves happiness or to be loved. Nick broke my heart in a few places but he also made me angry at his stubborn refusal to be happy. But luckely Owen doesn't let him get away with that. :)
”This is a choice, Nick. It’s a chance at happiness. A chance at joy. And I won’t let it slip by. I won’t go back to my cage. Not ever. I’d rather risk everything than live like that again.”
He put his head on my chest, and I felt a shudder run through him. When he spoke, his voice was barely more than a whisper. “I’m tired of the cage, too.”
I loved June, Nick's sister. She's like a breath of fresh air. Her ease and acceptance of her disability help Owen finding his own acceptance.
“You doing anything for Halloween?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Want to come to a party with me? We can tape our stumps together and tell everyone we’re conjoined twins, attached at the forearm.”
Marie Sexton returns to the series with a heart-felt story of new found love, acceptance and second chances in life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the difficult issues it dealt with. I hope to see glimpses of Nick and Owen in future installments of Tucker Springs.
For me the best book of the series so far. :)
August 19, 2016
I agree with Ami's review on this one.
The idea behind the story was decent but the execution was poor. In fact, it barely scratched the surface.
The outrageous detail that's largely responsible for my rating was the Even though it was in a dialogue part, even though it could be the character being overdramatic, I still can't believe the author let it slide.
I won't comment on the disability parts, or the unloving mother trope, or the piano parts or that ending. They were one step up from being totally ridiculous.
The idea behind the story was decent but the execution was poor. In fact, it barely scratched the surface.
The outrageous detail that's largely responsible for my rating was the Even though it was in a dialogue part, even though it could be the character being overdramatic, I still can't believe the author let it slide.
I won't comment on the disability parts, or the unloving mother trope, or the piano parts or that ending. They were one step up from being totally ridiculous.
May 11, 2013
I admit it: I laughed when Owen confronted his mother. Not because it was satisfying, but because it was ridiculous. Of course she ruined his life! She appeared to be a frontrunner in the Worst Person in the World competition; what else could she possibly do? Really, though, that entire plot line was so absurd I had to work hard to keep from just skimming through all of it.
The sex was hot, especially the first scene they were together. Owen was overall a pretty sympathetic character, and I thought the author did a good job portraying his anxieties and discomfort... right up until the end, when . I have no idea what the hell that was even about, considering , but it was nasty. It seriously soured things for me in the eleventh hour.
Nick's hot and cold act was pretty irritating, especially since Nick ended coming off as something of a wallower, which didn't appeal.
Also, a little thing, but Owen's comment about shell shock vs. PTSD was so incredibly dumb it nearly set me completely against him from the start. I'm not interested in characters who are that thick-headed, sorry.
The sex was hot, especially the first scene they were together. Owen was overall a pretty sympathetic character, and I thought the author did a good job portraying his anxieties and discomfort... right up until the end, when . I have no idea what the hell that was even about, considering , but it was nasty. It seriously soured things for me in the eleventh hour.
Nick's hot and cold act was pretty irritating, especially since Nick ended coming off as something of a wallower, which didn't appeal.
Also, a little thing, but Owen's comment about shell shock vs. PTSD was so incredibly dumb it nearly set me completely against him from the start. I'm not interested in characters who are that thick-headed, sorry.
May 13, 2013
4.5 stars rounded down.
I liked this book and it had some really good points to it. For fan's of the series it is a must. I just didn't love this book. There were a few things that annoyed me and it stopped me from giving it five stars. But that doesn't mean everyone will dislike the book, it just means that, for me, it was not the greatest book ever.
Owen and Nick started out well and you could easily tell they wanted each other. Owen, a virgin was very shy. He hated his stutter and his missing arm. Nick had no issues with that because of his sister, who also was missing an arm. I loved the way they started and it warmed my heart to see Owen finally realise his bitch of a mother was not right about him.
It all went downhill for me after their first encounter. The term he used to describe how he ended up that way annoys me 70% of the time. Unless in a joking manner I hate that phrase. Added to that Owen being a virgin and that bombshell, it annoyed me and I don't really know why.
The way Owen's father dealt with his mother was good and the revelation made me laugh, I will admit that. Although, I would have liked a bigger ending for Owen's mother. She was a right bitch and I wanted to see her embarrassed and for Owen and his dad to get their own back.
Overall I can say I liked the book. I just wish it hadn't gotten to me with some of the plot holes. I did enjoy it, but the theme for me was not fitting to the characters.
A must read for fans of the series.
I liked this book and it had some really good points to it. For fan's of the series it is a must. I just didn't love this book. There were a few things that annoyed me and it stopped me from giving it five stars. But that doesn't mean everyone will dislike the book, it just means that, for me, it was not the greatest book ever.
Owen and Nick started out well and you could easily tell they wanted each other. Owen, a virgin was very shy. He hated his stutter and his missing arm. Nick had no issues with that because of his sister, who also was missing an arm. I loved the way they started and it warmed my heart to see Owen finally realise his bitch of a mother was not right about him.
It all went downhill for me after their first encounter. The term he used to describe how he ended up that way annoys me 70% of the time. Unless in a joking manner I hate that phrase. Added to that Owen being a virgin and that bombshell, it annoyed me and I don't really know why.
The way Owen's father dealt with his mother was good and the revelation made me laugh, I will admit that. Although, I would have liked a bigger ending for Owen's mother. She was a right bitch and I wanted to see her embarrassed and for Owen and his dad to get their own back.
Overall I can say I liked the book. I just wish it hadn't gotten to me with some of the plot holes. I did enjoy it, but the theme for me was not fitting to the characters.
A must read for fans of the series.
June 29, 2013
I enjoyed reading about Owen and Nick, and I loved the slow build of the relationship.
There were a few funny moments and a few more heart breaking ones.
June was a delight, especially the way she treated her missing limb. Some of her snappy answers to the looks and questions were part of the high lights of this story.
On a down side I thought Owens dad’s explanation was a bit overkill. Although I was glad we got a little insight into why his dad never stood up to the old harpy he married.
Also the epilogue with Regina? Why?
Overall a nice read, but nothing to really make it stand out. A little more than a 3 but not quite a 3.5.
There were a few funny moments and a few more heart breaking ones.
June was a delight, especially the way she treated her missing limb. Some of her snappy answers to the looks and questions were part of the high lights of this story.
On a down side I thought Owens dad’s explanation was a bit overkill. Although I was glad we got a little insight into why his dad never stood up to the old harpy he married.
Also the epilogue with Regina? Why?
Overall a nice read, but nothing to really make it stand out. A little more than a 3 but not quite a 3.5.
May 12, 2013
Beautiful!!!
My favorite Tucker Springs story so far!!
Both of the characters were so beautiful and I teared up more than once. I think Marie handle the heavy topics very well here.
Plus, I love how she incorporated all the previous couples into the story at some point.
My favorite Tucker Springs story so far!!
Both of the characters were so beautiful and I teared up more than once. I think Marie handle the heavy topics very well here.
Plus, I love how she incorporated all the previous couples into the story at some point.
December 10, 2023
This couple had a lot to deal with. A lot. Disability. HIV. And on top of that we have Owen's evil bitch mum...I felt it went a bit OTT. Excellent narrating though by Iggy Toma. Rating it 3 ⭐⭐⭐
March 1, 2013
4.5 stars
For this review and more Live Read and Breathe
Live Read and Breathe Giveaway
My Review...
I thought this book was a profoundly beautiful story. Right from the start you feel the emotions and insecurities from Owen. It guts me when you see the result of appalling parenting. Poor Owen was born with a disability but with a bitch of a mother it was became so much worse that he eventually became a recluse. Well until he meets his new neighbor Nick.
Nick right away sees Owen for Owen and looks beyond his disability.
The comfort and ease comes right away for him which made me route for them together right away but let me tell you I knew Nick had a secret but I definitely did not see that one coming. His story is also heart breaking. The super sad part is that he was so busy trying to help Owen break free that he did not realize that he too needed to break out of his cage as well.
Thank goodness they were both stubborn enough to keep pushing each others limits until they broke free of their restraints and finally so the beauty of happiness.
For this review and more Live Read and Breathe
Live Read and Breathe Giveaway
My Review...
I thought this book was a profoundly beautiful story. Right from the start you feel the emotions and insecurities from Owen. It guts me when you see the result of appalling parenting. Poor Owen was born with a disability but with a bitch of a mother it was became so much worse that he eventually became a recluse. Well until he meets his new neighbor Nick.
Nick right away sees Owen for Owen and looks beyond his disability.
"Our skin is our
largest sensory organ. Humans don't just want to be touched. We need
it. Babies who aren't touched enough don't thrive. And neither do
adults. Wanting to be touched isn't stupid. It's normal."
The comfort and ease comes right away for him which made me route for them together right away but let me tell you I knew Nick had a secret but I definitely did not see that one coming. His story is also heart breaking. The super sad part is that he was so busy trying to help Owen break free that he did not realize that he too needed to break out of his cage as well.
Thank goodness they were both stubborn enough to keep pushing each others limits until they broke free of their restraints and finally so the beauty of happiness.
"...You can spend a lifetime being miserable, and all you'll have later is regrets. But happiness? I don't think you'll ever regret that. "
May 29, 2013
A raw, raunchy, believable (up to a point) story of very likable people ruined by so many lectures and a subplot/side character thingy that was both unnecessary and over the top.
I'm giving this 3.5 stars, so ruined might be too strong a term. Let's just say that the constant soapbox-ing got to the point where I stopped agreeing with everything the characters were saying and started wondering whether the author should have written an editorial piece to itemize all her stands in several important social topics instead. I mean, there's expressing a character's point of view and there's radio talk show commentator. I don't want the latter in my m/m romance. (I've to say, though, that I was all standing ovation when one of the MCs made that little speech about most people trying to treat you the way they think you want to be treated.)
Also, the thing with the mom being a Disney villain caricature and the dad's belated backbone-growing felt like something that should either be in a different book or a pitch for a daytime drama subplot. It didn't jive with how the two MCs and their friends were portrayed, which was flawed but real.
Aside from these two gripes, though, I enjoyed the story. If it had just focused on the issues of and the romance between the two MCs, and the sermons had been dialed down, this would have easily been a 4.5 star read.
I'm giving this 3.5 stars, so ruined might be too strong a term. Let's just say that the constant soapbox-ing got to the point where I stopped agreeing with everything the characters were saying and started wondering whether the author should have written an editorial piece to itemize all her stands in several important social topics instead. I mean, there's expressing a character's point of view and there's radio talk show commentator. I don't want the latter in my m/m romance. (I've to say, though, that I was all standing ovation when one of the MCs made that little speech about most people trying to treat you the way they think you want to be treated.)
Also, the thing with the mom being a Disney villain caricature and the dad's belated backbone-growing felt like something that should either be in a different book or a pitch for a daytime drama subplot. It didn't jive with how the two MCs and their friends were portrayed, which was flawed but real.
Aside from these two gripes, though, I enjoyed the story. If it had just focused on the issues of and the romance between the two MCs, and the sermons had been dialed down, this would have easily been a 4.5 star read.
May 14, 2013
It was nice to revisit Tucker Springs and disappear into the lives of Owen and Nick.
This is the story of Owen, a young man who is hugely self-conscious of his physical disability and has hidden himself away from the world. He has felt like a disappointment his whole life and being gay is only another reason to disappoint his mother. So he is not going to be gay! That's working pretty well until Nick moves in downstairs.
The plot is slightly predictable - I was able to determine the reason for Nick's reluctance to start a relationship long before he announced it - but it was still an enjoyable albeit frustrating journey.
It was great to see Owen's character develop through the book, from a stuttering man who did not want to leave his home, to a man confident enough to fight for what he wanted. He was able to acknowledge that his missing arm did not define him and that his own fear and actions were resulting in his life not moving forward. He could see through Nick's stubbornness and finally understand the reasons for his behaviour. Owen developed the strength to make his own decisions and take control of his life.
I perhaps didn't enjoy this book as much as books 3 & 4 in the series but it was still a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. 3.5 stars.
This is the story of Owen, a young man who is hugely self-conscious of his physical disability and has hidden himself away from the world. He has felt like a disappointment his whole life and being gay is only another reason to disappoint his mother. So he is not going to be gay! That's working pretty well until Nick moves in downstairs.
The plot is slightly predictable - I was able to determine the reason for Nick's reluctance to start a relationship long before he announced it - but it was still an enjoyable albeit frustrating journey.
It was great to see Owen's character develop through the book, from a stuttering man who did not want to leave his home, to a man confident enough to fight for what he wanted. He was able to acknowledge that his missing arm did not define him and that his own fear and actions were resulting in his life not moving forward. He could see through Nick's stubbornness and finally understand the reasons for his behaviour. Owen developed the strength to make his own decisions and take control of his life.
I perhaps didn't enjoy this book as much as books 3 & 4 in the series but it was still a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. 3.5 stars.
January 20, 2022
Ive been in such a book rut!! Sigh. Ill start a book then get side tracked bc of work. I've gotta get to my timeline to see how all my goodread friends are doing❤❤❤
This book was okk... It could have been better but the way Owen overreacted to Nick's secret bothered me ALOT!!! Which almost made me want to stop listening to the book. But i did complete it... Iggy Toma narrated it so of course i finished it.. But begrudgingly....
As a person that works in the healthcare field that "secret" and the way it was handled by Owen honestly made me throw my phone at the fukin wall..
This book was okk... It could have been better but the way Owen overreacted to Nick's secret bothered me ALOT!!! Which almost made me want to stop listening to the book. But i did complete it... Iggy Toma narrated it so of course i finished it.. But begrudgingly....
As a person that works in the healthcare field that "secret" and the way it was handled by Owen honestly made me throw my phone at the fukin wall..
June 24, 2013
I may have to give up on this series. This is the third one I've read and they are quite lackluster. This one had some good parts. I liked Owen and Nate. I think they were just boring to me. The story had its ups and downs. But it was basically boring just as the other ones I have read. I did love June, she was the best part of the book. I just want these to be better than they are. I give it a 2.5 but I can't round up because it was closer to OK than good.
February 14, 2019
I've enjoyed every one of these Tucker Springs stories. They've all been unique and beautifully written :).
I did the audiobook edition for Never a Hero. The whole series is narrated by Iggy Toma. He does a wonderful job with these two, esp with the extra issues covered in this one.
I did the audiobook edition for Never a Hero. The whole series is narrated by Iggy Toma. He does a wonderful job with these two, esp with the extra issues covered in this one.
May 15, 2013
Cool story. One of the best in the series.
I'd read it all over again just for the last 3 words in the epilogue. F*cking priceless! : )
I'd read it all over again just for the last 3 words in the epilogue. F*cking priceless! : )
May 18, 2013
This kind of story? I could have liked it a lot more. The premise is one I am fond of, at least half of it. In the execution, though, this book lost me. Not entirely, but I still think it’s a waste.
First. What happened to Nick? Granted, he wasn’t a huge character in book two, but he was nothing like this chatty, blushing, rude guy here. Perhaps more importantly, he had three large dogs, so how’s one a cocker spaniel now?
Okay, clearly this needs to be approached as a book without any connection to other books. Fresh story, go.
Even so, the relationship at first feels awfully uneven to me. Owen clearly is starved for touch and any kind of companionship; until much later I don’t think he wants Nick specifically as much as just anyone. And Nick takes advantage of that, for his own reasons. Truth is, with Owen as desperate as he is at that point, he wouldn’t even necessarily have to be gay to go along with Nick, which illustrates perhaps more keenly why this left a bad taste with me.
Owen’s character as such strikes me as a little inconsistent. (Now, this may be due to the first person narrative; it’s not the easiest way to write consistent protagonists.) Within the shortest time he goes from extremely antisocial to flirtatious banter. I get that time does pass between these states and he’s tipsy to boot but it’s still somewhat jarring. I also understand that some of this is meant to be character development.
It’s entirely possible that I’m at fault here, for expecting him to be a certain way based on the beginning, so it threw me when he turned out almost entirely different and I failed to get a handle on him again until the end. Then again, I don’t think I went into this with that many preconceived notions about him, so should I really blame myself for (maybe?) misinterpreting the actual text like that?
Nick might be a victim of the viewpoint as well. It’s not uncommon for a second-hand love interest to remain somewhat distant to the reader. And in his case it certainly could be worse. But then I think of books that pulled non-POV protagonists off brilliantly and I wonder just how much making allowances is justified.
Anyway, that’s not a huge issue, just detracts overall from my enjoyment.
What actually utterly frustrated me is something else: the way they treat .
I just don’t get this. Clearly I must again have misinterpreted the characters.
Speaking of which, Owen’s father mystified me as soon as he appeared via the phone. I think I resented him more than her for this.
The villainess of the piece, Owen’s mother, is desperately one-dimensional. She’s all that is evil and unjust and terrible wrapped up in a package that makes no sense to me. I really don’t care normally if a villain’s lacking depth, but she’s just so over the top vicious with no hint of a redeeming quality whatsoever, that it boggles my mind why her husband, for example, has stayed with her all these years, letting her trample all over him. The explanation we do get is a little weak, but more than anything else, it does not explain why he stayed with her the last ten years.
Meh, this has turned out rantier than I expected. It’s just such a waste of potential and that saddens me.
Going by other people’s reviews I’m clearly in the minority here. I have to wonder if this is in any way influenced by the fact that this is my first book written (solely) by this author. I realize she has intense fans based on other works, and when I love some of an author’s work I tend to be more lenient towards the rest as well.
Or is this really just me and my easily dissatisfied mood? I’d go for that explanation but I’ve stumbled on a surprising number of five star reads recently, so that reasoning seems unlikely.
I suppose in the end it does not matter; it’s just my opinion anyway.
This book? It was all right, but it did not blow me away. Not even a little bit.
Lemme link to Ami's two-star review for several more things I wholeheartedly agree with. It’s much better than mine, that’s for sure.
First. What happened to Nick? Granted, he wasn’t a huge character in book two, but he was nothing like this chatty, blushing, rude guy here. Perhaps more importantly, he had three large dogs, so how’s one a cocker spaniel now?
Okay, clearly this needs to be approached as a book without any connection to other books. Fresh story, go.
Even so, the relationship at first feels awfully uneven to me. Owen clearly is starved for touch and any kind of companionship; until much later I don’t think he wants Nick specifically as much as just anyone. And Nick takes advantage of that, for his own reasons. Truth is, with Owen as desperate as he is at that point, he wouldn’t even necessarily have to be gay to go along with Nick, which illustrates perhaps more keenly why this left a bad taste with me.
Owen’s character as such strikes me as a little inconsistent. (Now, this may be due to the first person narrative; it’s not the easiest way to write consistent protagonists.) Within the shortest time he goes from extremely antisocial to flirtatious banter. I get that time does pass between these states and he’s tipsy to boot but it’s still somewhat jarring. I also understand that some of this is meant to be character development.
It’s entirely possible that I’m at fault here, for expecting him to be a certain way based on the beginning, so it threw me when he turned out almost entirely different and I failed to get a handle on him again until the end. Then again, I don’t think I went into this with that many preconceived notions about him, so should I really blame myself for (maybe?) misinterpreting the actual text like that?
Nick might be a victim of the viewpoint as well. It’s not uncommon for a second-hand love interest to remain somewhat distant to the reader. And in his case it certainly could be worse. But then I think of books that pulled non-POV protagonists off brilliantly and I wonder just how much making allowances is justified.
Anyway, that’s not a huge issue, just detracts overall from my enjoyment.
What actually utterly frustrated me is something else: the way they treat .
I just don’t get this. Clearly I must again have misinterpreted the characters.
Speaking of which, Owen’s father mystified me as soon as he appeared via the phone. I think I resented him more than her for this.
The villainess of the piece, Owen’s mother, is desperately one-dimensional. She’s all that is evil and unjust and terrible wrapped up in a package that makes no sense to me. I really don’t care normally if a villain’s lacking depth, but she’s just so over the top vicious with no hint of a redeeming quality whatsoever, that it boggles my mind why her husband, for example, has stayed with her all these years, letting her trample all over him. The explanation we do get is a little weak, but more than anything else, it does not explain why he stayed with her the last ten years.
Meh, this has turned out rantier than I expected. It’s just such a waste of potential and that saddens me.
Going by other people’s reviews I’m clearly in the minority here. I have to wonder if this is in any way influenced by the fact that this is my first book written (solely) by this author. I realize she has intense fans based on other works, and when I love some of an author’s work I tend to be more lenient towards the rest as well.
Or is this really just me and my easily dissatisfied mood? I’d go for that explanation but I’ve stumbled on a surprising number of five star reads recently, so that reasoning seems unlikely.
I suppose in the end it does not matter; it’s just my opinion anyway.
This book? It was all right, but it did not blow me away. Not even a little bit.
Lemme link to Ami's two-star review for several more things I wholeheartedly agree with. It’s much better than mine, that’s for sure.
May 22, 2013
Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner
Source: A review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Never a Hero is the fifth book in the Tucker Spring series, which is the M/M Romance version of a small-town Contemporary. I have only read one of the previous books in the series (coincidentally co-written by Sexton); an experience that wasn’t entirely successful. And much like that one other book, this one ended up being a bit of a mixed bag.
The main character is Owen, a reclusive, insecure man who has serious mommy issues. He is deeply self-conscious about his congenitally amputated arm, his stutter and his sexuality. But when charming, outgoing Nick moves downstairs, Owen’s life radically changes, not only because of the instant attraction that flares between them, but because Nick helps him become more comfortable in his own skin. The rest is way too spoilery to tell. But there is a painful secret and lots of issues. Lots!
It’s undeniable that Ms. Sexton knows how to write great characters and stories full of heart. Both Owen and Nick are endearing, sympathetic protagonists in a story that was perhaps too short to actually explore the issues that presented.
Owen’s issues with his disability and social anxiety were handled well. Nick’s sister has a similar amputation, and she becomes a positive presence in his life. His anxiety is deeply linked to his disability, so once he gets comfortable with the latter, the anxiety lessens.
Nick’s issues, on the other hand, were mostly a convenient excuse to create tension and conflict. I can’t go into detail, because what he’s dealing with is one of the big revelations, but it was hard for me to believe that someone as happy, mature and with such a strong support system, would take so many years to come to terms with it, just to magically get over it thanks to the healing powers of love. The subject matter is serious, and as much as I’m happy to see an M/M book tackling it, it’s was glossed over due to length constriction and everything else that was going on in the book.
And then we have the evil mom. This character was so over the top and cartoonish, that I was expecting her to kill someone with a poisoned apple. Such a character is nothing but lazy writing, and there’s no excuse for it. The father, on the other hand, was equally neglectful in his inability to put a stop to his wife’s behavior, but he’s painted as another victim and Owen easily forgives him. This, my friends, is how you thoroughly ruin a book that up until that point was flawed, but enjoyable, and turn it into a joke. And we wonder why M/M Romance gets criticized for its negative portrayal of women.
Source: A review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Never a Hero is the fifth book in the Tucker Spring series, which is the M/M Romance version of a small-town Contemporary. I have only read one of the previous books in the series (coincidentally co-written by Sexton); an experience that wasn’t entirely successful. And much like that one other book, this one ended up being a bit of a mixed bag.
The main character is Owen, a reclusive, insecure man who has serious mommy issues. He is deeply self-conscious about his congenitally amputated arm, his stutter and his sexuality. But when charming, outgoing Nick moves downstairs, Owen’s life radically changes, not only because of the instant attraction that flares between them, but because Nick helps him become more comfortable in his own skin. The rest is way too spoilery to tell. But there is a painful secret and lots of issues. Lots!
It’s undeniable that Ms. Sexton knows how to write great characters and stories full of heart. Both Owen and Nick are endearing, sympathetic protagonists in a story that was perhaps too short to actually explore the issues that presented.
Owen’s issues with his disability and social anxiety were handled well. Nick’s sister has a similar amputation, and she becomes a positive presence in his life. His anxiety is deeply linked to his disability, so once he gets comfortable with the latter, the anxiety lessens.
Nick’s issues, on the other hand, were mostly a convenient excuse to create tension and conflict. I can’t go into detail, because what he’s dealing with is one of the big revelations, but it was hard for me to believe that someone as happy, mature and with such a strong support system, would take so many years to come to terms with it, just to magically get over it thanks to the healing powers of love. The subject matter is serious, and as much as I’m happy to see an M/M book tackling it, it’s was glossed over due to length constriction and everything else that was going on in the book.
And then we have the evil mom. This character was so over the top and cartoonish, that I was expecting her to kill someone with a poisoned apple. Such a character is nothing but lazy writing, and there’s no excuse for it. The father, on the other hand, was equally neglectful in his inability to put a stop to his wife’s behavior, but he’s painted as another victim and Owen easily forgives him. This, my friends, is how you thoroughly ruin a book that up until that point was flawed, but enjoyable, and turn it into a joke. And we wonder why M/M Romance gets criticized for its negative portrayal of women.
November 19, 2014
My first Marie Sexton read! Definitely the first of many. This book totally captured my heart. I *love* reading about people overcoming their issues or disabilities and finding true love. Owen lives like a hermit in his apartment, thanks to his horrible mother who has made him feel self conscious and ashamed of his stutter and his partially amputated arm. He works from home, has his groceries delivered, and rarely ventures into the outside world.
Nick moves in to the apartment downstairs. He’s strong and sexy and confident. Everything that Owen is not. Nick’s sister June (loved her character!) has the same birth defect as Owen so he’s familiar with it and treats Owen just like anybody else.
Owen falls hard for Nick, but every time he gets close, Nick pulls away. I have to say I was completely shocked by Nick’s secret. I was not expecting that at all. My heart broke for the two of them and how lonely they both were. Owen quickly became my hero, forcing Nick to look past his issues and see the wonderful life right in front of him. Definitely one of my favorite M/M reads this year!!
Nick moves in to the apartment downstairs. He’s strong and sexy and confident. Everything that Owen is not. Nick’s sister June (loved her character!) has the same birth defect as Owen so he’s familiar with it and treats Owen just like anybody else.
Owen falls hard for Nick, but every time he gets close, Nick pulls away. I have to say I was completely shocked by Nick’s secret. I was not expecting that at all. My heart broke for the two of them and how lonely they both were. Owen quickly became my hero, forcing Nick to look past his issues and see the wonderful life right in front of him. Definitely one of my favorite M/M reads this year!!
March 29, 2016
Another great male/male romance from Ms. Sexton! Owen and Nick are both damaged, but decent guys who really need someone to love. I loved their interactions and how they just seemed to get each other from the first time they meant. Nick's sister was a great parallel for Owen and a really entertaining side character. Speaking of side characters, I hated Owen's mother with a passion. You don't see too many villains in male/male contemporaries, but this woman was a piece of work. I continue to love the Tucker Springs setting and enjoyed seeing all the past couples like El/Paul and Denver/Adam pop in and out. Looking forward to more from this great series!
February 10, 2013
Another in the Tucker Springs tales, this one takes two broken men and brings them together in the sweetest of ways.
This book isn't very angst heavy (not to say there isn't any), but it does give you a character to loathe: The Mother. She's awful. Hateful. Horrid. I wanted to smack her for the way she treated her son.
This book isn't very angst heavy (not to say there isn't any), but it does give you a character to loathe: The Mother. She's awful. Hateful. Horrid. I wanted to smack her for the way she treated her son.
September 26, 2014
There just are no words I can say to give this justice. I haven't met a book by Marie Sexton I didn't like, but holy hell this might surpass them all.
I was supposed to read a happy go lucky book after the last emotional wringer I just read. I thought this was going to be my amazing HEA with little drama. Boy was I ever wrong.
Oh Owen. When I first met you I was aching for you. You had your groceries delivered to you, for christ sake. It was hard to watch. It was hard reading your inner thoughts, because of how sad they were. Here you are with this amputated arm due to ABS, when you get nervous you stutter, and then it all goes downhill from there. To make matters worse, your mother is a complete and total bitch!
HOW in the world does a mother become so hateful to their own child? I just don't get it. How? It makes no sense.
Okay enough about Owen for now. Nick moved in downstairs and he's HOT! He's amazing and Owen thinks he has no chance to be with him. Because he's not a hero. He's not some beautiful muscle man that can lift boxes or have people judge him at every turn. Until Nick starts flirting with him. They form a friendship and Nick acts like Owen's arm is no big deal. Because to him it isn't. His sister had ABS as well and her amputated arm is her right. June was GREAT!!!!! I loved her.
What Owen comes to realize is that Nick draws him about of his hermit stage, by just being Nick. Owen is comfortable around him and he wants more than friendship. But, every time things look like that might head that way, Nick pulls back.
Then he drops a bomb. Then I went through a box and a half of tissues.
Owen kind of really upset me though after the bomb was dropped. Now, I can't say how I would react, but it just seemed extreme. It made me want to throttle Owen for being a jackass. However, I was REALLY forkin' pissed at Nick.
I am not sure when exactly Owen decided he was worth it, but the way he did was incredible. I just cried happy tears.
WARNING:
Do NOT read in public if you are a crier!
I was supposed to read a happy go lucky book after the last emotional wringer I just read. I thought this was going to be my amazing HEA with little drama. Boy was I ever wrong.
Oh Owen. When I first met you I was aching for you. You had your groceries delivered to you, for christ sake. It was hard to watch. It was hard reading your inner thoughts, because of how sad they were. Here you are with this amputated arm due to ABS, when you get nervous you stutter, and then it all goes downhill from there. To make matters worse, your mother is a complete and total bitch!
HOW in the world does a mother become so hateful to their own child? I just don't get it. How? It makes no sense.
Okay enough about Owen for now. Nick moved in downstairs and he's HOT! He's amazing and Owen thinks he has no chance to be with him. Because he's not a hero. He's not some beautiful muscle man that can lift boxes or have people judge him at every turn. Until Nick starts flirting with him. They form a friendship and Nick acts like Owen's arm is no big deal. Because to him it isn't. His sister had ABS as well and her amputated arm is her right. June was GREAT!!!!! I loved her.
What Owen comes to realize is that Nick draws him about of his hermit stage, by just being Nick. Owen is comfortable around him and he wants more than friendship. But, every time things look like that might head that way, Nick pulls back.
Then he drops a bomb. Then I went through a box and a half of tissues.
Owen kind of really upset me though after the bomb was dropped. Now, I can't say how I would react, but it just seemed extreme. It made me want to throttle Owen for being a jackass. However, I was REALLY forkin' pissed at Nick.
I am not sure when exactly Owen decided he was worth it, but the way he did was incredible. I just cried happy tears.
WARNING:
Do NOT read in public if you are a crier!
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