I really feel bad giving it 2 stars. BUT:

- I could not connect with the MCs. The narrations was dry, the interaction between the MCs was too easy: A student with a hero worship a soldier with a PTSD in need of love and care = Uber Quick Instalove
I am not usually the one to condemn love at first sight, but this one wasn't convincing even to me.
- Angie was annoying as hell; she set my teeth on edge every. single. time.
- The evil stepfather was extremely sketchy (literally)
- ...And so was the local playboy - Trevor? Terry?
- Ryan... plenty of him in the past, but he was brushed off many a time at the time of the narrative. Why was he even there? Nothing but a prop, like most (all) of the secondary characters here. I hoped and waited for him to show up in book two, but - nothing.
- Rainbow flags were everywhere (in 'spirit' at least). Everyone was sooooo tolerant and accepting and not in the least surprised about everybody else being gay. Except for the evil stepfather, of course, he was one ugly bastard with a foul mouth.

So, a number of things didn't work for me here. Once again - book's too short? I don't know :( I suspect it might be me, since everybody else loves it. ( )

This truly was a heartwarming book. It could have turned cliche very quickly; the soldier returning from battle, struggling with PTSD and guilt and the other MC his saviour.

But instead we have a beautiful story about a broken man trying to find his way back into "normality". Added to all this is the realisation that he is indeed gay. His PTSD is handled with delicate care and great gentleness.

The relationship that builds between the two MC's is also lovely to read. There are no instantaneous solutions to the issues that arise, no sweeping under the carpet of problems, yet these things are also not made the total focus of the story.

I've loved reading this and am looking forward to reading the sequel. ( )

Another wonderful book by Eden Winters! While some parts of the book seemed 'unpolished' there is no doubt that this author is a master storyteller. I was caught up in the lives of Michael and Jay immediately, worried along with the rest of the family about Michael's ability to assimilate into civilian life.

One of the best parts of this story, for me, was the interaction between Raff and Michael in Michael's therapy sessions. So well done! It had me thinking of all the young men, in all of history's wars, who carried the burden of guilt just for surviving. Near to broke my heart.

And for a sequel?...I think Ryan is just the person to tame the predatory Terry! Just sayin'! ( )

3.5

This was my first introduction to Eden Winters, and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed her writing. The Telling is about a soldier that returns home suffering from PSTD and guilt, and he finds solace in another man. I thought the characters seemed really natural, and it was easy to just escape for awhile with the scenery and people. The pace was a bit slow, but overall I really enjoyed how natural everything felt and read. Looking forward to more from this author. ( )

I read this one for the Bingo challenge.

3,5 to 4 stars.

Michael, the protagonist, comes back home after 4 yours of military service, suffering from PTSD, after a tragic event. He is a great character, vulnerable without being weak, and his return to a "normal" life is very well told.

His love interest in this story is Jay, a student and roomie of Michael's sister. I didn't dig Jay so much, I don't know exactly why, but to me he remained quite shallow, a little too good to be true and not all that interesting.

Michael has to cope with his sexual orientation, his coming out and his PTSD on top. What I liked very much: that he sought help, was attending counselling sessions and worked on his issues. Also great: the secondary cast. Michael's family was really cool, his kick-ass sister, his understanding Mom and even his Grandparents were portraied very well without taking up too much space in the story.

What I didn't like so much: It was insta-love. In case of Jay even love before first sight: he fell in love with a photo of Michael years before they even met - kind of stalker-ish strange imho, might be romantic to others.

But all in all the story was well told and a good read. ( )