Reviewed by Vicki

TITLE: Eastern Cowboy

AUTHOR: Andrew Grey

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 200 pages

BLURB:

Brighton McKenzie inherited one of the last pieces of farmland in suburban Baltimore. It has been in his family since Maryland was a colony, though it has lain fallow for years. Selling it for development would be easy, but Brighton wants to honor his grandfather’s wishes and work it again. Unfortunately, an accident left him relying on a cane, so he’ll need help. Tanner Houghton used to work on a ranch in Montana until a vengeful ex got him fired because of his sexuality. He comes to Maryland at the invitation of his cousin and is thrilled to have a chance to get back to the kind of work he loves.

Brighton is instantly drawn to the intensely handsome and huge Tanner—he’s everything Brighton likes in a man, though he holds back because Tanner is an employee, and because he can’t understand why a man as virile as Tanner would be interested in him. But that isn’t the worst of their problems. They have to face the machinations of Brighton’s aunt, Tanner’s ex suddenly wanting him back, and the need to find a way to make the farm financially viable before they lose Brighton’s family legacy.

REVIEW:

I really liked this book! Andrew Grey is one of my favorite authors, a comfort read for me, I would say. I know what to expect from one of his books, and he gave me everything I wanted in this book. A damaged character (two actually), an easy story, some sweet sex, and a happy ending. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make me happy. A big bold complex plot is fine, but I don’t always want that. Sometimes I just want to fall in to a story and enjoy it without working so hard.

Brighton and his sister Brianne lost their parents and were partially raised by their aunt and uncle, with the help of their grandfather. Grandpa owned a farm, and the two spend time caring for the animals and loving the land, which has been in family hands for many generations. Unfortunately it’s now in the middle of a commercial area, not the open land it used to be. Brighton and Brianne move on, grow up, and Brianne goes to school. Brighton is in an accident that leaves some lasting damage to his leg. He becomes very reclusive, working from home, not dating, not going out, just surviving. One day he gets a call from his nasty aunt Vera, telling him that his grandfather has died.

The family gathers to hear the reading of grandpa’s will, and all are surprised to hear Brighton will inherit the land. Poor aunt Vera is quite distressed, as she planned on using the money from the sale of the property to retire. Brighton is a bit confused since he’s so injured, he can’t really care for the remaining animals or care for the land. Their attorney, Arthur, mentions he has a cousin who has recently moved to the area, and is looking for work. He was a ranch hand so he might be able to help Brighton with the farm. Brighton agrees to meet him.

This brings together Brighton and Tanner…. and starts a very gentle romance. I loved the two of them as individuals and eventually as a couple. Both have issues, Brighton with his leg and general weakness of body, Tanner has a stutter and has been told he’s stupid his entire life. Something also happened to cause Tanner to run from his last job, causing some emotional issues. So both have problems, but they can come together over this little piece of land. Tanner is big and gentle, wanting to help Brighton, Brighton is stubborn and doesn’t want the help, even though he needs it. They come a little closer and almost kiss…. but not quite, the time isn’t ready. Then it is and they are together. I loved the tentativeness of their developing love, and the trust they both have to build in the other. Stories are shared, drama happens, and they fall in loooove….

So I have to admit that although I love Andrew Grey’s books I got a little tired of them. I know, I’m sorry! But it’s true. They became a little flat for me. But this one is not at all! I’m not even sure why this one was different for me, it’s not an overly busy plot, but it was a good plot. Maybe it reminds me of some of his older books, the first farm books, or range books. Just an easy story with great characters. Brighton and Tanner have a goal, save grandpa’s property. They also save each other while they are doing it. I liked that. I also like “damaged” characters, and they both are in their own way. The other characters are good too,, Brianne in particular, but also Arthur and his family, and even nasty aunt Vera has her place as the drama queen of the story. There could have been a bit more spark between Tanner and Brighton, maybe just a little more passion, but that lack didn’t ruin the story for me. It was just a nice, sweet, gentle story.

I have to say I was quite amused by the name Brighton… my dog is named Brighton!

I read this book over the weekend while I had a cold, it was just what I needed to make me feel better.

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

ARe