Alright, moments ago I posted a review of the first book in this series, Mapping the Forest. Brandon had compiled the two books into one bundle, and so here’s book number two…which I liked EVEN MORE than the first.
Title: Braving the Rapids
Series: Rocky Mountain Boys #2
Author: Brandon Witt
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: Ocotber 2020
Heat Level: 4/5 – steamy!
Pairing: M/M
Length: 316 pages
Genre: Romance, Men over 40
Summary:
Estes Park native Todd Fleece works hard to honor his obligations to family and the businesses he inherited, but only his friends and the horses at his ranch brighten Todd’s life. In fighting his attraction to his best friend’s ex-boyfriend, Todd has focused solely on his work, leaving little room in his life for finding love.
Matt Abel’s reckless youth put him on a path to a self-destructive life—his most painful failure was being a horrible father. He excels at extreme sports and living on the edge. Now back in Estes Park and teaching white-water rafting, Matt tries to reconnect with his mother and his grown daughter. When he runs into his ex’s friend Todd, Matt longs for more than a fling.
But achieving happiness isn’t simple, not with Todd’s family conflicts and Matt struggling not to slide back into alcoholism. With hurdles threatening to drive them apart, Todd and Matt try to find the courage to brave the rapids and face a future together.
My Review:
As much as I enjoyed Mapping the Forest, I LOVED Braving the Rapids. The writing was tighter, the plot more substantial and the twists and turns in the story were magnificent.
Same group of friends within the Colorado Rocky Mountain town of Estes Park, this time featuring Todd and Matt. Todd is part of that group of guys, and Matt has some interesting ties. I won’t spill the beans, I want you to read it, but Matt was really set up in Mapping the Forest as a real piece of work. He was the character you wanted to hate. And in this tale, we get to see the story from his perspective. It’s a clever turn about on Witt’s part, and he executed it masterfully.
Todd has always had a crush on Matt. Matt has always noticed, but considering his history, and how he’s viewed by Todd’s friends, he knows he won’t be well received. And so, despite his attraction to Todd, he ignores it, knowing it won’t end well.
I really don’t want to spoil the plot for anyone, because it’s really well done. Witt has marvelously created a deeply emotional character in Matt, who is struggling to be a better version of themselves. He stumbles, he fails, but in the end comes out as a strong, handsome, responsible and caring lover, and more.
Todd on the other hand is mired in his own difficulties centered around family. Struggles that are far too real. Homophobia from family, navigating through stained relationships because of it, but still hanging on to family ties because, well, you’re family…and then having to care for aging parents. It’s a tough road. And one most of us will at one point or another have to travel.
One of the things I enjoy most about Witt’s romances is the vulnerability of his main characters. You feel their pain, and jump the life hurdles with them – the challenges faced are the beasts we all have to conquer. Those battles leave scars. They form us into unique individuals. Witt has an undeniable ability to bring this home. I love getting lost in his worlds, because I know that at the end of the novel, things will have worked themselves out.
And in today’s world, a little bit of hope, and feel good romance is an escape we all need.
On top of that, Witt has also created a lovely romance novel for those of us over the age of forty. Love really does happen at all points in our lives, and it’s wonderful to be able to read about it.
So, once again, a big “Thank you!” to Mr. Witt for transporting us away from the world’s problems, and giving us a little bit of hope and happiness.
My Rating:
Purchase Links:
Meet the Author:
Brandon Witt’s outlook on life is greatly impacted by his first eighteen years of growing up gay in a small town in the Ozarks, as well as fifteen years as a counselor and special education teacher for students with severe emotional disabilities. Add to that his obsession with corgis and mermaids, then factor in an unhealthy love affair with cheeseburgers, and you realize that with all those issues, he’s got plenty to write about….
J.P. Jackson 