Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: One Trick Pony
SERIES: Clyde’s Corner
AUTHOR: Eli Easton
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 258 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2021
BLURB:
Forgiving yourself is the first step toward finding true love.
Henry Atkins is determined to turn around his no-good, sorry life and prove to the residents of Clyde’s Corner that he’s not the town bad boy anymore. If going to church every Sunday with the Ladies Society is what it takes to polish his reputation, he’s all in. But when every secret fantasy in his head walks into the stables at Muddy River Ranch, the straight and narrow path he’s on takes a wild detour. It never felt so good to be so bad.
Micah has been one of the biggest porn stars in the world for five years, but he’s burned out. His body won’t cooperate to film even one more scene. A month’s vacation with his old friend Ben in Montana is just what his jaded heart needs. He wants rest, fresh air, and to not be recognized by a living soul. He sure as hell isn’t looking for a fling, and he wants nothing to do with Henry, the fanboy who works at Ben’s ranch.
The two men are both seeking a fresh start, an escape from the demons of their past. Fly fishing lessons on the river uncover the surprising number of things they have in common and forms a heartfelt bond that might save their weary souls. Only Micah’s past isn’t through with him yet.
REVIEW:
Note: Technically this is book 3 in this series and as such contains major spoilers for the first two books. I can be read as a standalone, but to fully enjoy (and because the other books are so fun too), reading them in order provide the backstory and context for the other characters here.
Henry Atkins has reformed his ways. He’s got a job, stopped getting drunk and causing trouble and spends his morning fly-fishing on the Missouri. He’s content with his life, but not so much that he won’t take help when offered. He’s been trying to make amends to the people he hurt in his bad old days – not always having that help received without skepticism. But when his old teacher vows to take him under the wing of the Ladies Society and launch at #ReformHenry campaign, well he figures he’ll take the help. Now if only they didn’t want to pair him off with some suitable young lady 😉
Micah Bartholomew is tired. He’s burned out. The gay porn star business is not all glamour. It’s hard work and he’s just had it. Unable to perform, he knows he needs a break. So he heads to Montana to stay with Ben, a former B2B model who returned home to Clyde’s Corner to live with his boyfriend on a ranch. Yeah things weren’t all rosy when he was outed as a gay porn model, but Ben and Joshua, his guy have made a nice life for themselves. When Micah goes to stay with them, he meets Henry, who works hard for them.
Henry recognizes him as Devon, the porn star, and kind of makes a fool of himself because of the shock. But as the two get to know each other, they share their innermost thoughts and fears. Their pre-dawn fly-fishing lessons give them the chance to really get to know each other without any pressure. And Micah hasn’t felt true desire in a long time – but now he feels it for Henry. But Henry isn’t out 🙁 And Micah’s only in Clyde’s Corner for a month. So maybe this will be a fling? They enjoy what they are doing, but neither one thinks it can last – even though they want it to. And when Micah’s past sneaks in, then maybe forever won’t be for either of them 🙁
Well this book was a total joy to read. I really liked the previous two books that took place in this setting and this one was another winner. Henry’s self-improvement plan and the Ladies Society’s “hashtag reform Henry” project are the vehicle whereby Henry rehabilitates both his reputation and his life. His move up from no good “Akins” troublemaker to out gay man upstanding citizen town hero take a lot of doing. And not everyone is so wiling to give him the benefit of the doubt (I’m talking about you Sheriff Preston), but in the end, nobody can deny that the drunk and disorderly Henry Atkins is gone for good. Micah’s realization that he CAN have more and that he can leave his porn star career behind sooner than he thought he could is of course accelerated by the events of the story. But it’s clear that his porn star days are coming to an end. He’s not happy doing the work any more and he is making steps to have a business after his B2B work is over. The fact that Ben and Joshua (our MCs from the first book in the series, A Prairie Dog’s Love Song) are willing to help him and of course he’s got Henry and they’ve had some long talks about what they want to do with the rest of their lives, help him decide once and for all to make the transition. Even the Ladies Society is on board! The dialogue and little details about the land, the ranch, even rodeoing adding an authentic feel to the story. I also adored the cameo appearances from the last book – especially watching Mabe Stubben in action. LOL! Seeing Chris and Trix and Eric and Jeremy again, happy in their respective lives made for some sweet “awwww” moments. I loved this second chances, reformed bad boy with a heart of gold and a guy who finds just what he needs in a little corner in Montana finding their HEA. Highly recommended!
RATING: 
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