The Gallows Tree

This story was definitely different than the other books I have purchased by RJ Scott. This was the first of her stories I have read that had a supernatural element to it. The usual hallmarks of Scott's style are here though such as strong characterization.The main character Cody is psychologically and emotionally broken due to being the victim of domestic abuse and stalking by his ex-boyfriend and while he may come off as weak, it really gives sort of a glimpse into the psyche of someone who has had their complete identity ripped from them through physical and emotional abuse to the point they have no sense of self and makes him very sympathetic; Especially when Sebastian comes along.The overall pacing is good with one exception I note later in this review involving the climax. Nothing really seemed to drag on or come out of nowhere and leave you scratching your head.I did have a few problems with this one though. I would have liked to see more interaction with the ghosts. It seems like they were just disembodied voices and the occasional apparition. Even the climax when the problem with the ex-boyfriend is resolved was a little out of left field. I actually had to re-read it in order to make sure I did not miss anything. I wish there had been something more to it.My second issue echoes a comment by another reviewer that the relationship was a little "instant" in this one. In most instances in Scott's work, I noticed each character has a set of things that keep them from having a relationship together and only after these have been dealt with effectively does love blossom. In the case of "The Gallows Tree" essentially once Cody opens the door, which he does pretty easily, only the ex-boyfriend issue keeps it from really happening. It would have been nice to see Sebastian take some time and through patience, understanding, kindness and love reverse the process that Cody's ex-boyfriend put him through.In the end though, in spite of those two problems, I enjoy this story and have even re-read it entirely a few times already and will definitely read it again.And as usual, I will add my standing "complaint" with Scott's work - it always ends too soon for me and I am left wanting more time and time again. But of course that is the mark of something good and I look forward to reading more of Scott's work. I am definitely in favor of sequels.

Cody has run all the way to London just to get away from am ex he has been running from for years. He's going be over seeing the restoration of family place there. He meets three brothers. The first is Sebastian (Seb) which I loved their first meeting plowed down by over eager doggie. They are our first main couple and they are wonderful together. Seb is helping Cody as he continues to heal and dealing with thinking he's going have to always run from the ex. The romance is sweet and loved how he took his time with Cody.Then there is the ghost story which has a ghost from each of their families. Stephen and Katherine who loved one another and were so young. They wanted to make it but of course its a ghost story so they didn't meeting a tragic end instead. I was happy how it ended with them getting their peace.The one thing loved most is what Stephen did to help near the end with Cody's abusive ex who shows up. The sex was spot on as always. I would only have added a little more ghost element to it but the ending was perfect.Read for Summerween.

Cody Garrett is a man on the run. After almost being killed by Vince, the man he thought he could trust to guide him and love him as a newly out gay man, he is again stalked and threatened by him.After months and years of dodging, moving and running around the country only to be found time and time again, he decides to visit his family's home in England and look into remodeling the Mill cottage. The work will allow him to fight the panic attacks that grip him, and give him space to heal his bruised soul.What he didn't count on is meeting the Toulson-Brown brothers. One a cleric. One the man he chooses to remodel the cottage And then there's Sebastian.As he begins to feel emotions and stirrings he thought buried, he also finds himself experiencing visions. Hearing voices. And discovering that he may hold the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding two long dead lovers who died tragically.Will Cody allow Seb into his life and heart? Will he be able to lay the spirits of the lovers to rest? And will be survive it when Vince re-enters his life?This book is fantastic. Flat out great. RJ Scott has interwoven the story of an abused guy looking for peace in his soul with the mystery surrounding two young people tragically separated in the past who are looking for that same peace. And it works so well.Cody is wonderful - broken, scared off his ass, but so much stronger than he thinks. And Seb - bubbly, caring, sexy and just what Cody needs. When the two are together, there is a sweetness and a heat that is fun and exciting.Ms. Scott was very crafty here. She introduced the ghost story but allowed the more powerful story of Cody and his healing to guide and dominate the canvas. We never lose sight of the really important issues at hand - love, healing, peace.Even the background characters echo that theme. The ghostly lovers get their resolution, as does Vince.Just so nicely, nicely done.Tom

I am a huge fan of RJ Scott, after getting an Ipad with the kindle app i started readign a range of books and this is my 4th book by this auther and is really good, they really draw you into the book there is romance etc but nothing too smutty; it clearly about the story and not 'other stuff'Cody Garret is from the USA and is out of an abusive relationship with his ehis ex ending up in prison, he goes to a small villiage in England to restore a Mill Cottage that has been in his family generations while also helping him to get away for a bit. His goal is simple--hire a company to help make the mill cottage saleable then go back to the USA. While there he meets Sebastian, the brother of his contractor and the man who may be able to show him he can stop running and feel secure.However first they need to deal with the ghosts of family, lost lovers with family history and village ties being woven into the story of the mill and the sycamore trees that stand on its land, one of which might be the 'gallows tree'.

If your looking for a quick.easy read this would be ok. There isn't any depth to it and there's a bit of trouble for the characters but basically it's easy and predictable.

You've got to get this book you will not want to put it down, from cover to cover you will be thinking will they want they? The famly tree is good to, the detail come across true it's that good. Being set in England works to only one thing the writer gets wrong we don't call lifts elevators we call the lifts, in England. But still get the story it's worth it. It's a book I'm going back to again later, so will you. And not forgetting there is a ghost story to.

Though this was a short story it was definitely a good one which me turning pages. Definitely well worth a read

Enjoyed it