Stuck in Oz

Jeremy has so much fear and baggage. But Nate has his own long held fears. But they seem to be there to help the other get past their fears. I also love the care and loving acceptance of Jeremy's Uncle.

Title: Stuck in Oz
Author: Andrew Grey
Series: Tales from Kansas, Book 2
Narrator: Rusty Topsfield
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: Dreamspinner Press LLC
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Listening Length: 4 hours and 7 minutes
Page Count: 137 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:


Tales from Kansas


When Jeremy and Petey’s mother died, their house was taken to pay the debts she left behind, leaving them homeless. Afraid Petey will be put in foster care, they have no one to turn to but their Uncle Milt, so they pack up Jeremy’s beat-up car and leave San Diego for Wamego, Kansas.


They arrive in the middle of a snowstorm and stop at the local diner to contact their uncle, where they meet Nate. Nate and his aunt help them contact Uncle Milt, and he agrees to help.


Jeremy and Nate hit it off quickly, but Jeremy runs when he’s made to believe their new home isn’t permanent. Nate goes after him, finds him, and convinces him that he’s wanted. However, just as Jeremy and Nate begin to trust each other, Petey’s estranged father appears and threatens to tear Jeremy’s new life and fledgling family apart.





Review:
This review is based on the Audiobook version of the second book in the Tales from Kansas series. This book like the first book in the series was narrated by Rusty Topsfield. Like the first book, this story is about a person that finds himself in a small town in Kansas that has a connection to the Wizard of Oz. Although there are no munchkins or witches in these stories, the town is a magical place where happiness and love can be found. The plot of this story is about Jeremy. Jeremy is desperate to make a new home for his little brother after the death of his mother. Out of money and fearful that child services will take his brother away, Jeremy packs up what little possessions they have in his old car to make the trip to the home of their Uncle Milt hoping that his mother’s brother will help until he can make a home for his baby brother. Jeremy never expects to find love and acceptance in the small town, but not only does he find a home with his uncle, but he finds love with a local boy, Nate, who needs rescuing just as much and Jeremy does. The chemistry between Jeremy and Nate starts off slowly as the two young men begin to build a friendship. Nate was very attracted to Jeremy from the moment that they met but he doesn’t want to frighten off Jeremy who seems to want to bolt. Nate has his own problems with the town bully, but timid Jeremy is not afraid to stand up for Nate. The pacing is pretty fast. This is a shorter story that moves along quickly. There is a happy ever after ending where Jeremy finds love, courage, and wisdom in his new home in Kansas. There is good character development in this story. Not only do we learn about Jeremy and Nate, but the other characters in this story have strong development throughout the story. The narration of this story was better than the first book. I really enjoyed how Rusty Topsfield captured the characters even the voice of the small child.
PLOT: 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
NARRATION: 5 Stars



Review Copy of Stuck in Oz provided by the Dreamspinner Press LLC I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

Jeremy and Petey’s mother died,so they pack up Jeremy’s beat-up car and leave San Diego for Wamego, Kansas.
There is when He meets Nate , at his aunt's bar and grill. Also Uncle Milt.
Jeremy and Nate hit it off quickly. Jeremy is afraid and runs. Nate goes after him and convinces him that he’s wanted.
Jeremy and Nate need to trust each other and Jeremy also needs to believe his uncle wants him and Petey.
I like the fact that the characters have their own demons to conquer but they help each other and conquer their fears.
I will like for Uncle Milt to have his own story of happiness.

First of all let me say it was weird reading about Jeremy, that’s my son’s name..LOL
This story is another example of role reversals that Andrew Grey has been doing very well.
Jeremy Radcliffe finds himself alone and homeless with his little brother Petey after their mother died and the house was taken away to pay his mother’s debts. Afraid social services would take Petey, and with nowhere else to go, Jeremy fled with his brother to Kansas. There, he’s hoping his Uncle Milt can help. He doesn’t know his uncle all that well because of bad blood between his mother and uncle. With a mother who hardly paid attention to him and his own father leaving when he was young, Jeremy never felt loved and wanted. He never felt like he belonged. So when Uncle Milt welcomes them into his house, Jeremy assumes he’s just welcoming Petey. So he does the stupid thing of leaving, well trying to leave. It’s hard to leave with snow all around you in a car that’s seen better days.
Nate seems to have it all together. He is not afraid to go after what he wants and what he wants his Jeremy. He’s sweet and understanding but he has fears of his own that sometimes doesn’t show on the outside. He’s busy running from someone from his past. Until Jeremy teaches him to stand up for himself. Even then everything isn’t always what it seems.
Uncle Milt doesn’t talk much so it’s hard to decipher what he feels, which feeds more to Jeremy’s insecurities. He learns to not keep important things inside after Jeremy misunderstands just who Milt wants in his home. Petey? Well, Petey is just adorable! Can’t help but to love Petey.
I’ve enjoyed the Oz books. I enjoyed the cameo appearance of Roger and Lyle from the first book, Dumped in Oz.
I give this book 5 blue roses

Let me begin by saying how much I liked book one, Dumped in Oz. However, as much as I liked it, Stuck in Oz was even better in many ways. I loved little Petey and OMG, Uncle Milt was wonderful (I really hope we get a story with Milt as the MC – hint hint Andrew!). When Jeremy flees So Cal with his baby brother after his mothers death, he’s not certain of anything except he needs to keep Petey safe. Once in Oz, Jeremy meets Nate and while they hit it off quickly, Jeremy’s fears, insecurities, and his mothers past sets many things in their way.
I absolutely loved watching Milt, Nate, and Jeremy all grow and mature in various ways. Milt becomes so much to Jeremy and Petey: father, uncle, friend. Nate teaches Jeremy more than he even realizes, and together they become so much more than any one could be on their own.
Stuck in Oz is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone (not that you would want to miss Dumped, lol). This is a wonder coming of age romance and is already on my reread list! Andrew Grey writes books that are powerful, sweet, and needed to be shared and this one is no different.
With all the new books release every week, I can honestly say this is a must read. It’s not all angsty, but it’s not all sweetness either. Stuck in Oz has a wonderful balance and leaves you hopeful and in love. Thank you Mr. Grey for another great read!