Love Means... Patience (10) (Love Means... Series) Paperback – May 23, 2014

There are a number of "Home" series out there focusing on gay couples and communities that develop around the original protagonists, and for the most part they are all excellent, heart warming and very sexy. Among the best is Andrew Grey's "Love Means..." (Farm) series, which follows the exploits of residents and visitors in a farming community in Grey's native Michigan where love is found and tested every step of the way. Central to these characters are Geoff and Eli, whose journey has continued to the point where they are probably one of the most powerful farm owners in the community and region, but who also provide the moral compass for the journeys in every one of the subsequent books.As a result, "Love Means... Patience" is perhaps the ultimate in bringing this crowd together for an extremely noble purpose--to help two war-affected Marines from different Iraq wars to cope with their PTSD factors and the cruel fates they suffered having been kicked out of the service before DADT was repealed. Cody and Brick are forced to come together by the intervention of Eli, Geoff, the town deputy, Duane, and that wonderful, slightly madcap, character Adell.It is the latter--chief cook and bottle washer in the household--who starts things off with a seriously hilarious "bang"--a cast-iron pan shot which knocks the increasingly frazzled Cody out cold when she mistakes him for a robber in her kitchen. After that the whole plot, love story and extraordinarily touching denouement come together in a book which simply makes you want to be proud of our service people, as well as to want to strangle those whose policies have ruined so many of their lives.However, you will not get mad at the end--you will see how we all can get even. Get this one and you'll roll right through it with a smile, a tear and a warm heart.

I greatly enjoyed this latest "Love Means..." story from Andrew Grey. There were two very interesting and intense characters in a unique situation. Cody is a PTSD-suffering ex-marine who has been in a delusional state for the past couple years after being dishonorably discharged from the Marines because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. When he tries to steal some food from Geoff and Eli's farm, he's injured, arrested, and brought to a hospital. It's then that Eli convinces their neighbor, Brick, to have a talk to Cody and try to bring him back to reality. You see, Brick was also previously discharged under DADT, and still fights PTSD. He doesn't believe for a second that he can help Cody, but agrees because he respects and admires Eli so much. It's then that the two men realize that they're the best medicine for each other.Brick is a tough, seasoned ex-Marine. He's supposed to still suffer from PTSD, and my only complaint would be that it isn't as apparent as it could be in this novel. But that's a minor quibbling as Cody suffers enough for the two of them. At a loud noise, he's prone to drop to the ground warning those around him to take shelter because they're under fire. If too many people are around, he's prone to flash back to being in a Baghdad market. Basically, he's a mess. It's from his desire to help Cody that Brick manages to not only open his heart to the feelings Cody generates in him, but find the patience to deal with the issues the man he is coming to love suffers from.It's an interesting story with well-written characters. The pacing is good, and the plot speeds along to a satisfying conclusion. I find it one of my more favorite Love Means... tales.

This is a fantastic book! And no, I'm not surprised. Andrew Grey writes consistently good books. But I really love this series, and this is a great addition.So I have a Marine in my family, and I have had issues with the accuracy of stories that feature a Marine in them in the past. I am happy to say I had no issues with this story! My annoying little pet peeves were not there at all! Thank you Andrew!I loved Brick and Cody, they are a fantastic match for one another. Eli and Geoff knew what they were doing when they convinced Brick to take on Cody. Brick was a lonely man that needed someone to care for, and he got that with Cody. And Prince! Cody was just damaged enough to make him an interesting character, but not so damaged to feel broken to the point of no redemption. He goes through a nice transition, as does Brick. And they both need each other so badly.This book has a great plot, great characters, a nice peek at the farm and it's residence, and a great ending. A bit more sex would have been nice, what there was, was very sweet, but I like a little more nookie in my books! A minor issue though... I loved the book!

This tale of love in its many forms takes us on an unexpected journey. A former United States Marine, discharged unfairly under the DADT period, even though he gave the corps everything, is living in a PTSD induced life. For two years, Cody has managed to barely survive. His psychoses have brought him to the brink. Lucky for him, he finds Brick, although it takes an encounter with a frying pan to his head to help start things along.In Brick, Cody finds a kindred spirit, suffering from his own demons of alcoholism, PTSD, and a lonely existence on his remote farm. Luckily for him, he has a support group of similarly damaged compatriots to help.But there is something else in Cody's past that threatens to keep him from recovery.Andrew Grey's enormous output has not diminished his quality of storytelling. His characters always make connections with the hearts of his readers. That is truly a magnificent feat. His books are consistent in holding the reader's attention, moving the story swiftly to an always acceptable conclusion.

Once again Andrew Grey delivered. Andrew clearly did his homework on this, PTSD & DADT. This book was a work of fiction but as a reader, it felt real. there are people out there who have experienced similar to what this book is about, I'm sure. PTSD & DADT are very real unfortunately, but I think Andrew wrote about the consequences of both, very well.I didn't think I could love Eli any more than I did, but he is a wonderful character, not everyone is as forgiving as him. And Brick & Cody are 2 more characters that have been introduced in this brilliant series, their story is very believable.5 stars are well deserved for this book, I'd highly recommend reading it.

Andrew Grey never disappoints me, I love all his books and own everyone last one of them. A definate most for Andrews fans and serious collectors. Great story. Can not wait for the next release, so please Andrew keep writing and I will keep reading.

great story

I bought the whole series "Love means..... " for my Kindle and I was captivated with it.Andrew's writing style is amazing, I could really see the characters through my inner eye. The stories are very thoughtful and conclusive. One story leads into the other and at the end you get a wonderful series. Thank you Andrew for another wonderful, lovely series.

What a rollercoaster for Cody and Brick both working hard to overcome their PTSD, fall in love, and Cody survive an attack on his life. So glad he was eventually given an honourable discharge from the Marine Corps.