Meredith Shayne

This was really, really good. Cutting Out was quite a sober, and at times, sad tale and we first meet Shane and Lachlan at a sheep shearing contest. Each notices the other and before anything further can be done about it, tragedy strikes the younger Lachlan and they don't reconnect until a year later.

This was a slow burn. A smoldering slow burn mind you, but still a snail's pace at the romantic progression. So if you don't like that kind of build up, then this story isn't for you. It also had a lot of angst as you can imagine - and I typically like this kind where there was so much longing. Longing to be loved and to love. Longing to want more but afraid to push too hard. Longing for a past that will never be again. There was also fear of further loss, insecurity, and the misinterpretations from not communicating.

So yes, the angst was palpable. Not only was it between these two men but also about Lachlan's own unfortunate situation. He definitely carries the burden of taking care of his family and there was a lot of guilt, personal grief and resignation concerning the weight of his responsibilities.

Overall the chemistry between Lachlan and Shane was seriously high. It starts off with UST that was off the charts. Then the sweet, frantic coming together was oh so lovely, and your heart continually gets twisted watching the push/pull of them handling or not handling each other and their feelings. Despite the oft painful journey, their love story was beautiful and I whole heartedly believe so very worth it.… (mehr)

4 stars

Michael moves to a small town in NSW to get away from his life and to get away from easy access to things that will derail his career. He plans to just keep his head down and let the country life settle him while he works as a vet for the local office. In the course of doing his job, he meets a local, Ryan, who makes it clear, eventually, that he is interested. Michael feels as though his previous lifestyle isn’t far enough behind him to be making big life decisions, but Ryan is so understanding that Michael might end up taking a chance that will give him much happiness.
I enjoyed this. There weren’t any huge moments or big, dramatic events, just what normally happens in a relationship while people are getting to know one another when they have baggage. I felt that the farming and animal aspects of the story were spot on. I cringed at the description of Michael preg checking the cows, because it’s as horrid as it sounds if it’s done manually, and a lot of vets still do it that way, since other methods can often be faulty. I liked Michael’s sister and kids, and how she supported his decision without knowing his whole story.… (mehr)