Title: Pickup Men by L.C. Chase
Pickup Men Series Book One
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, M/M, Romance
Length: 166 pages/Word Count: 44,700
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
It takes a pissed-off Brahma bull named Shockwave to show rodeo pickup man Marty Fairgrave the cold hard truth about champion bull rider Tripp Colby: Tripp will never leave the safety of his closet or acknowledge Marty in public. Sometimes loving someone just isn’t enough, and after a year of hiding what they are, Marty finally sees the light—and it’s no longer shining on Tripp.
Tripp Colby would do anything for Marty. Well . . . almost. He’s never loved anyone before, and isn’t quite sure how to handle it now. But he knows Marty is his everything, and in order to win him back, Tripp will have to overcome his darkest fears and step into the light.
But no matter Tripp’s intentions, the cost might be too high and the effort too late for these two cowboys to ride off into the sunset.
This title is #1 of the Pickup Men series.
The Review:
Pickup Men by L.C. Chase is a heartwarming romance and a moving story of self-acceptance. The characters are charming and beautifully developed. The plot is fast paced and refreshingly unique.
When openly gay pickup man Marty Fairgrave realizes Tripp Colby will never publicly acknowledge their relationship, he ends their yearlong romance. While Marty understands why Tripp is so reluctant to step out of the closet, he has no desire to step into it with him. Tripp is paralyzed by his fear of what coming out will to do his lucrative bull riding career. There is no middle ground for these two men, and if he is going to have a future with Marty, Tripp is going to have to make peace with his past.
Marty is comfortable in his skin and he has never had to hide his sexuality. Between his family and friends, he has a strong support system and they are very protective of him. No matter how strong his feelings for Tripp or how much he wants Tripp in his life, Marty knows he deserves more from Tripp, and I admire him for standing by his decision to end their relationship.
In sharp contrast, Tripp’s friendships are superficial and designed to promote his straight image. Tripp is closed off and he reveals little about himself to anyone, including Marty. He is clearly in pain and wants to give Marty what he needs. It takes most of the novel to learn the truth about Tripp’s past, but it is well worth the wait.
Pickup Men is not a typical romance novel. The story opens with Marty breaking up with Tripp and they spend a lot of the novel apart. Their love for one another continually draws them together, but Marty’s refusal to settle for being on the outside of Tripp’s life always comes between them. They indulge in some steamy lovemaking, but Marty’s hopes for their future are continually dashed by Tripp’s inability to admit his love.
Pickup Men is an emotionally satisfying read that fans of cowboy romances are sure to enjoy. L.C. Chase’s tantalizing glimpses of an unexpected attraction will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Pickup Men series.
I’m so glad you liked this book. I read the blurb and was undecided about buying it since I’ve never read anything from this author.
You are missing out on a fabulous author, Yolanda! Her writing is outstanding 🙂
I like the sound of this…thanks for the review Kathy!