No Going Home

Randy begins to realize that he is truly strong enough to admit his true self—to himself and to the rest of the world. But in the arms of a broken man, can he find acceptance…and love?
Six years ago, Les Hardin was injured in a jumping competition that left him in a coma. When he came back to the world he had to learn to walk, talk, and even eat, again. He had lost the only life he ever knew; that of a show jumper. His partner had left him, and a year later his father died. In spite of all this he fought his way back and learned to stand on his own two feet.

Randy Hersch has spent his entire life "in the closet". He works as a professional bronc rider and sees that that is not a "gay friendly" profession most of the time...but the show more same thing could be said for his home life. After a riding accident put him in the hospital for two weeks, Randy decided to go home in spite of not knowing how welcome he would be. He got about what he had expected, a warm welcome home greeting from his sister, and usual hateful reaction from his bigoted father...what he didn’t expect was to meet Les Hardin...the man whose heart must have been made of gold; the man who would soon turn Randy’s life upside down, while offering him a world he had never dared seek.

The attraction is immediate, but Randy isn't sure what he should do about it...if anything. The violent encounter that he was expecting, soon happens with his father and Randy, on his way out of town, stops to say goodbye to Les. Randy is not nearly enough healed to go back to rodeo jumping, and that worries Les, so he offers Randy a place to stay until he's better. Of course, the offer soon turns into more of an offer to start a relationship. Randy has never known, or had, such open acceptance from people as what he received on Les’s ranch. Randy now has a taste of what it would be like to live on the other side of that closet. When Randy is finally healed enough to return to the "world of rodeo", he now wants to find a way to balance his relationship with Les with that of his career as a rodeo cowboy. Does he hide back in that dark closet or stay out...and how ever will that work?

This is the first book in T.A. Chase's "Home" series. I read the "piolet" edition of this book, and found that not much has been changed, it's been "cleaned" up a bit, but the story is still as sweet as ever. It’s a "coming out" story that plainly says that sometimes the family we are born into and the family that we choose, is not always the same thing...nor does anyone have to settle for anything other than what they choose. In short, acceptance, growth, and love are what the story is about.

The two main characters are sweet and wonderful even if they are a little damaged. Randy struggles with what it means for him to be a gay man while continuing a career in a largely bigoted occupation. Les struggles with learning to trust and love again after once being hurt...but both characters support each other and that allows them to make their own choices rather they agree or not. Overall, it's believable and entertaining, plus we learn a little about the world of rodeo and show cowboys. show less

If you enjoyed "The Tin Star" by J.L. Langley, then you will definitely enjoy this. The story is about a rodeo rider, Randy, taken in after an injury by his neighbor Les. Randy's father will have nothing to do with him because he's gay. Of course, Les and Randy begin to have feelings for one another. But, can Les overcome a tragedy in his past that is keeping him from opening his heart to Randy?

The story isn't that orginal, but it is well written, and the author makes a reader care for the characters. Plus, the background story on Les makes him interesting and very three-dimensional. Randy's sister adds a good bit of humor to the tale as well. If you love cowboy romances, don't pass this up!

My first book that I've read by T A Chase - I enjoyed the story. Nothing over the top or unrealistic. Unfortunately some grammar errors pulled me out of the story... I had to reconstruct some sentences in my head and the author occasionally used 'than', rather than 'then'. But I'll certainly read another of the author's works.

Six years ago, a hoof to the head ended Leslie Hardin’s showjumping career and his relationship with the man he loved. Broken, hurt and rejected, Les has focused his energies on rebuilding his life.

Les’ accident has shown him that the most valuable treasures are usually found under an imperfect surface, and his reputation for taking in strays starts to grow. But it’s one of these strays in particular, injured rodeo cowboy Randy Hersch, who captures more than just his compassion.

Between his disapproving father and his chosen career path, Randy has always felt the need to deny his passion. When Les takes him under his wing, Randy begins to realise that he is truly strong enough to admit his true self—to himself and to the rest of show more the world. But in the arms of a broken man, can he find acceptance...and love?
This is Book one in the upcoming "Home Series."
This was a very sweet story, filled with angst and heartbrake, but just as uplifting.
I am looking forward to the next book. show less

Another novel, set in the world of the cowboy, about homosexual love... at this point I’m wondering if all the cowboys are gay (Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx, Bareback by Chris Owen, The Tin Star by J.L. Langley... the examples are increasing). By the way I have read of a new reality in which a girl has to live with a bunch of beautiful cowboys, gay and not, and her goal is not to fall in love with the wrong cowboy!

But this romance, like the others I have mentioned, is a tender and enthralling novel: Les and Randy are characters that’s hard to classify. According to the common standards Les would be the alpha male and Randy the beta, but has their story develops and Randy grows more self-aware and confident in his strength, show more parts seem to exchange.

Les comes from a wealthy and happy family of the East. Before the accident he was a good looking and well mannered guy, with a tall and slim figure; and even now that he carries the scars from the terrible accident that ended his career, his carriage and manners still distinguish him amid a crowd. But his handsome former partner has abandoned him telling him that he was 'useless', and that’s why Les developed a sense of inadequacy.

Randy instead is the typical cowboy, quick and muscular (he rides bronco horses), with his swarthy sunburnt face, he is not attractive in a standard way. Also he is as screwy as an abused thoroughbred, and he has to learn to trust once again, or even better to start trusting somebody.

At first Randy is the one, rejected by his family and society, looking for shelter in Les arms. But Les protective and reassuring attitude, hides a past of pain and rejection. Randy is an outcast because of his homosexuality, Les, since he has being physically injured. Two lost souls who meet and share their loneliness.

Les’ healing is almost completed , his bruised soul is recovering and he is ready to love again; Randy still aches for his father’s rejection and he is indifferent to everything. Because his father didn’t accept him, he his sure that no one else will, so he guard himself by being in the closet. But when he meets Les, he slowly understands that life can be something more than clandestine meetings, and little by little he leaves the shades. But his way will be long and difficult, but Les is waiting for him and supporting him. Les doesn’t push him, he doesn’t force him “to come out”; he understands that as his wounded horses need time to heal physically and trust men again, Randy needs time to experience love, again.

And when finally Randy starts coming out from his shell, he understands that Les also has an extreme need of love, and he is ready to satisfy such it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1595783938/?tag=elimyrevandra-20 show less

The first couple of chapters were tough going, T.A. Chase's sentences and dialog were short, rough and not descriptive enough for me. However, after chapter four the book began to flow more evenly and in the end, I enjoyed this book about two broken cowboys falling in love.

The main drawback that I found slightly unrealistic - even for a romance novel - was how quickly Les and Randy got together. They have one meeting and on the second Randy moves in with Les. I found that highly unlikely and threw me out of my enjoyment of the story for awhile. But the storyline for this genre was well-written and the character development was better than other books I've read in the m/m arena.

One of my favorite characters was Tony, Randy's bull show more riding friend. I hope T.A. Chase gives him his own novel. This secondary character was a delight!

All in all, I'd give this book 3.5 stars out of 5. show less

I really enjoyed this book. A damaged (both physically and emotionally) guy is a great hero. It was well written.