Burned & Bound

Burned and Bound By A. Winchester This book must’ve been a work of true love for A. It is not a simple book, nor is it an easy read. It deals with the difficulties of CA and SA and the repercussions of what happens to the man afterwards. It’s a painful look at what it does to a soul, a heart, the mind. West McNamara and Jackson Myles grew up as next door neighbors and best friends. On the last day of school, they kiss in their special place, a field untouched by anything else on their commingled ranches. The next day, West is gone. Jackson grows up bitter at being left with no information whatsoever by his first love. Seventeen years later (yes, 17!) West resurfaces because his abusive father Harrison has died and he inherits his half of the ranch. West of course doesn’t want it, left with only horrific nightmares of his past. But there’s a catch. He can’t just sell it to Jackson, he’s got to work it a year or else forfeit any monies for it. When Jackson and West see each other again, it’s pure loathing. West must work the ranch. Jackson knows nothing of the abuse, nor what has happened in the last seventeen years of West’s life. And West is an abrasive, ornery, alcoholic. But that’s only what’s on the surface. And it isn’t until Jackson’s mother finally breaks down and tells him that he understands West’s need for that armor. West never had a chance to tap into all the potential he could be since during the most important years of his life he suffered at cruel hands and…

Gods, I don't know where to start with Burned & Bound. It was deeply emotional. So touching. So... everything. Words cannot encompass this gem of a book. Trying to condense my chaotic thoughts into a coherent review is an impossible task. West was such a good character. He was so strong and so brave. And he tried *so so* hard. His courage and his inner strength moved me to tears. It was hard—and at the same time exhilarating—to read about his struggles. About his efforts. His pain was my pain. His wins were my wins. He kept falling, but he always *always* got back up. Every page, every chapter was impactful. And Jackson. An immovable grumpy rock. He made me so mad. And then so warm. He was there through everything. He did his best even when it wasn't enough. Their romance was a low hum in the background. Always there, steady and comforting. Love was a moving force for both characters, but not the focus of the story. It didn't magically cure or erase the pain. The story was about trauma and healing from it. About moving forward. It was about surviving and, gods, was West a survivor. His recovery was not linear. There was bad and good. Backs and forths. But, at the same time, the book *was* about loving fiercely and wholeheartedly. And these two were... everything for each other. This was not only a book for West. Jackson also had his own journey ahead of him. It was beautiful to read—a difficult journey full of bumps for both characters. It was sad and heartwarming.…