Blurb: Meet Ethan…he’s a self-proclaimed slut hitchhiking across country from New York on his way to San Francisco. He stops in a small town in New Mexico and gets a job at a tavern called Honky Tonk without really wanting it. The owner of the tavern is a hulking man named Hunter Westmore and Ethan does everything he can to get the man’s attention and once he does his dirtiest dreams come true.
Hunter is a cowboy and owns a ranch as well as the tavern. When he meets the city kid who came into the tavern he didn’t know what hit him. He’d never felt the way Ethan made him feel and he tried to ignore the younger man but no one could ignore Ethan. Once he finally gives in they start a discovery of what makes them both tick, and what they both love is when Hunter takes a strong hand to Ethan and gives him his collar. Can their darkly seductive love last or will their kinks tear them apart?
Review: Oh boy, was this ever good! I love a good cowboy story and this was awesome!
Ethan is hitchhiking to California when he stops at a little town in New Mexico. He decides to rest a day or so and goes into a small bar called Honky Tonk to get some food and hopefully a lay. Instead, he ends up with a job, a room at the bartender’s house and a crush on his boss.
I don’t know who I loved the most Ethan or Hunter. Though Ethan is young, he seems to be very wise and know what he wants. I love his confidence. Hunter is just pure perfection. A cowboy, a businessman, smart and a Dom. What else could you want?
This story is full of surprises. It is hot and sexy and yet sensual and sweet at the same time. There is plenty of conflict and interesting characters to blend with the sex making it a story you won’t want to put down. As a matter-of-fact get ready to shop again, because there is a book two already out!
If you love cowboys, bartenders, short order cooks, ranchers, and BDSM this is definately for you. Did I mention cowboys and hot man-sex?
Blurb: Drake throws HC for a loop, but he’s going to teach the aggravating man he is everything HC needs…
HC Wagner has clashed with Drake—the foreman for MGR Ranch— right from their very first meeting. HC enjoys flirting with—and teasing—the stuffy cowboy. It’s just too bad Drake is so damn sexy…and straight. But when Drake becomes exceptionally friendly and rather openly inviting, HC is scared as to what this might mean, sending him on a trail of discovery to find out exactly who the real Drake Finley is.
Meanwhile Drake is fascinated by the conundrum that is HC Wagner—the smart mouthed, tattooed, Harley-riding chef. He enjoys surprising the man who seems so set on aggravating him. One kiss to shut HC up starts the beginnings of one roller coaster ride he never thought he would find himself on. After Drake has a taste of the stubborn chef, he finds himself with an unquenchable desire to teach him that not only do opposites attract, they can thrive…as long as they work on it together.
Review: I have laughed with many different types of books, but this one made me laugh throughout the whole book.
What, with HC and his antics and Drake trying his best to egg him on. This book is number 3 ofa series and you should read it in order so that you would get to know and love the characters as much as I do. They are both so alpha type males with strong personalities that makes you want to strangle them and love them at the same time. HC is a bit insecure about where he stands sometimes, but he still goes for what he wants and that is Drake. He always thought Drake was straight, but he still goes after him. Drake wants him back.
There is so much love throughout this book but they hide it with the arguing and theatrics that makes it so much fun to read. The sex between them is so damn hot that you can feel the heat from it. This story is one of the best I have read, and when it comes to Talia Carmichael that is saying a lot. I have always loved her stories and this tops right up with the others.
I love to sit on the couch, with the fire roaring and a soda on the stand beside me and read her books. I am very glad to have this book in my library.
Blurb:Salt Johnson has had his heart broken, or at least his ego dented, but he’s about to meet a man who wipes away every bad memory Salt ever had.
Saul ‘Salt’ Johnson had a crush on the wrong man. No surprise. He doesn’t have much experience when it comes to relationships despite his age. Being a cowboy in Montana means keeping in the closet, which has left Salt with a long line of one-night stands. Getting hired on at the Mossy Glenn changes all of that, and he’s beginning to see that maybe he can have more than he’s been settling for.
He just doesn’t expect to find it with another one-night stand.
Andy Calder spent years taking care of his brother Destry and helping to raise his nephew, Ty. Now both are gone—Destry passed away and Ty being raised by Andy’s spiteful younger brother. Andy hasn’t forgiven himself for being manipulated after Destry’s death. He just hopes Ty is happy. Andy’s working hard to build up the company he’d started with Destry, wanting to leave Ty a legacy he could build on. Things just aren’t going as planned, and when he decides to blow off some steam with a sexy, rough cowboy, they end up connecting in a way neither of them ever expected.
It’s definitely not a one-night stand kind of thing
Review: This is book three in this series I do recommend you read the first two to get the full idea of who these men are.
Salt is one of the ranch hands at Mossy G. He had a crush on Drake but Drake found love in Ian. Drake has had to stay in the closet for so long it’s hard to get use to not having to hide who he is at work. He is getting older and part of him wants more than a one-night stand when he meets Andy at the feed store.
Andy is selling organic feed and travels a lot. His life has been up in the air for the last few years and especially since his brother died and his other brother took Ty his nephew to raise. He sees Salt in the feed store and is very turned on so he propositions Salt. Could this be more than just another one-night stand?
I thought this book was pretty good also. Salt is hot and Andy is sexy. The thing I really liked is this wasn’t one of those love at first sight stories. This relationship builds slower than the others had. It develops more naturally. The hot sex before they ever really get to know each other makes sense being it’s clear these guys are thinking it’s just a hook-up or one night thing. I also liked that a couple other characters were brought up in this story and it their stories sound like they could be fun. I’m looking forward to them.
I recommend this if you like one-night stands, friends to lovers, sexy salesmen and hot cowboys. Oh, and lots of hot mansex.
Blurb:Ian McCain’s always been one cold, hard man, but a sexy little cook is about to melt his heart.
Drake loves his job as a cook at the Mossy Glenn Ranch. He just wishes he wasn’t scared out of his mind. His ex has him convinced he’s never going to be loved again, so he vows to remain alone.
Officer Ian McCain doesn’t play well with others—unless he’s got a whip or paddle in his hand and a sub at his feet. Control is all he’s had for years now, and he doesn’t think he’s capable of having a relationship.
Then he pulls up at the Mossy Glenn and sees a sexy man with a cute puppy on a leash. From that moment on, Drake might as well have Ian on a leash too, or at least his heart. Ian breaks down Drake’s walls almost as fast as Drake destroys his.
But their chance for a happy life together is something they’re both going to have to fight for as Drake faces his fears and Ian faces losing everything.
Review: This is book two in a series I do recommend you read the first one plus at least book 9 in the love in Xxchange series also to get the full idea of who these men are.
Drake is the cook at Mossy Glenn Ranch. His employers are in a Ménage. The ranch hires mostly Gay or gay friendly people. Ian is a young cop and a Dom. He comes to the Mossy G to talk to Troy about a fight in town (stuff from the last book) and the moment he sees Drake he wants him, though another Cowboy at the ranch seems to want to lay claim also.
I liked this one much better than the first one. There is still a lot of sex but it doesn’t quite overshadow the story so much. The storyline here between Ian and Drake is very hot and sexy. My only real issue with this book is they see each other than the first day they meet for dinner they are talking about Ian’s dominance and sex life and Drake confides he may have HIV yet Ian drops and gives him a blowjob(he does use a condom). Other than the moving so fast, the story was pretty good. The sex is hot, Ian and Drakes story merge with the actual Mossy Glenn Ranch story well and it moves pretty smooth albeit fast. The BDSM was hot but with Drakes insecurity issues he accepted it and dropped into it pretty fast for a stranger. I loved the twists and the banter between Will and Drake is so funny and makes the story fun.
I recommend this if you like ménage, BDSM, sweet love at first sight romance, hot sex, dogs and of course Cowboys. Oh yeah sexy men (a Dom at that) in uniforms also!
Blurb:Tanner Wallis is nearly at the end of his rope the night Mason Seidel finds him lying next to the mangled body of a cow on the back pastures of the Seidel family’s Wyoming ranch. Recently out of the hospital after he and his boyfriend were brutally beaten, Tanner is jobless, homeless, and almost penniless. His desperate hope is that Mason will believe he’s innocent of the senseless crime and give him a place to heal, both physically and emotionally, until he can get on his feet again.
But Mason already has enough on his plate. He’s only been back on the ranch a few months. Ten years after his father kicked him out for being gay, and only because his sister begged him to come help after the man’s disabling stroke. With all his responsibilities—running the struggling ranch and keeping his sister and father off his back—Mason can’t really afford the distraction Tanner represents. But he can’t just abandon the attractive young man either. There’s trouble in spades on the ranch, but if they face it together, Mason and Tanner might find a future with a little sunshine.
Review: Tanner is twenty-two and the last few weeks have really worn him down. His luck is abysmal. One thing after another going wrong, until he is walking on what he thinks is a dusty road. Jobless, homeless, penniless, and still injured, with no hope in sight. Stumbling across the senseless attack on a cow might be his only glimpse of hope. If he can convince Mason, he is innocent, and to give him a chance to get back on his feet. Mason is thirty-one and has only been back on the ranch for a few months. Dealing with his father’s disapproval and his sister’s nagging has him making up an excuse to get away for a night of peace and quiet. But, he is interrupted when one of the cows is slaughtered. Mason can’t help but help Tanner. But, he has enough on his plate and his attraction to Tanner helps to ease some of the tension. There is more trouble heading their way and they can only hope that together they can weather what is to come.
This is a well-written story that touches on anxiety, homophobia, and a father’s disapproval. Tanner is a young man who is really struggling to keep putting one foot in front of the other. When he meets Mason, he begins to hope that things will get better. and indeed it does as they first become friends and then lovers with a burgeoning hope for the future. It isn’t easy for Tanner though, as he struggles with his anxiety and doubts as he fits into ranch life and becomes accustom to being Mason’s lover. Mason is struggling with his life as well, but for different reasons. His father seems to hate him and nothing he does seems to please his sister. The pressure of keeping the ranch going and looking after his father is getting to him and Tanner is his only source of solace.
Tanner and Mason are great characters, who seamlessly fall into a relationship that must remain hidden. but, is in no way detrimental to either of them. You fully understand why it must be kept a secret. Although, you do wish that others could be different in their attitudes. Both Mason and Tanner have their own hard stories, and both of them pull at your emotions. Tanner’s because he has had really awful time of it. and Mason because of the way his family treat him. Their relationship is sweet, comforting, hot, and easy. There’s no real angst between them, other than what Tanner makes up in his mind. and they are a great comfort to each other when needed.
The secondary characters in this story are well written and are very varied. We have Diana, Mason’s sister, who comes across as overwrought, high-strung, and blind to her father’s nastiness. And then we have Robert, Mason’s father, who after a stroke is mean and nasty. There’s also Lucy and Ed, who are like a second set of parents to Mason and are a wonderful couple. There are other characters, but none that really impact the story as much as the previously mentioned characters.
I recommend this to those who love a struggling rancher’s life, fraught emotions, a slow developing relationship, sweet loving and sweaty sex, a great storyline with its surprising twists and a sweet happy ending.
Heat Level: Mild but Intense!
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: Sequel to Outlast the Night Lang Downs: Book Four
Thorne Lachlan knows a thing or two about getting himself safely out of a blaze. For years, he fought in the world’s hot spots, a Commando with the Australian Army. Now, retired, he fights flames for the Royal Fire Service. When a grassfire brings him to Lang Downs, the next sheep station in danger, Thorne meets Ian Duncan and sparks fly that neither man can put out. But both men have ghosts from the past that stand in the way of moving beyond mutual attraction.
While Thorne longs for the home he could share with Ian at Lang Downs, he fears his own instability might make him a danger to others. And Ian’s always believed that the foster care nightmare he escaped before coming to Lang Downs would make any relationship impossible. Trust doesn’t come easily to Thorne or Ian until the fire’s aftermath forces them to see past the scars keeping them both from healing.
Review: I read a lot of hot and steamy, explicit books, and sometimes I wonder if I’m becoming desensitized. It’s nice to be reminded that intense passion and intimacy does not have to include that level of sexual exposure. This book was very refreshing and reawakened my sensitivity to more subtle images. Two very damaged men, an ex-commando and an isolated victim of childhood sexual abuse and rape, both suffering from PTSD, find their way to each other. This book explores different meanings of family, the ones we’re born with, the ones that grow on us and the ones we choose. Also definitions of home come up, from a childhood home, home on a frontline in war zones and fire zones, to finding a new home and not just in buildings but in men’s hearts.
Thorne and Ian both experience risk and rescue, protecting people and places important to them, but they are also held back by trying to protect each other from themselves.
The slow intimate explorations from a chaste kiss, to the touch of fingers along sensitive spots like inner wrist, nape and ear, all that slow buildup is so moving! I was spellbound! The description of Thorne’s beard against Ian’s cheek, simple pleasures were so well written and placed. Sometimes, okay a lot of times, we skip past the details that make experiences truly unforgettable in life. Foreplay can be whole play if you take the time to enjoy each sensation. This part of the story was wonderfully written. Kudos to Ariel for her achievement in that.
The fact the both partners realized they needed to get help to get better and heal, not just for each other but also for themselves was a great moral in this story. So many people don’t seek help, too proud or too scared, and it is the downfall of their relationships and often their lives.
A great book, one of the best in this series. This story is part of Lang Downs for sure, but there is no need to read in order, it could easily stand-alone. I do, however, recommend reading the back list if you haven’t already!
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23rd September 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: After an affair with a married DA led to scandal and disbarment, Cooper Nelson left his legal career in shambles, and found solace working as a hand at the Blue River Ranch. Eight years later, during a rare visit into town, Cooper bumps into Kelly Freed, a man he left behind fifteen years earlier when he started out as an attorney. Unfortunately, Kelly is running for sheriff and his wife is terminally ill, so Kelly can’t even consider rekindling their relationship. Cooper knows from sad experience that hiding the truth leads to lives being ruined, so for his part, he refuses to be anybody’s dirty secret.
In the meantime, circumstances at neighboring Blackwater Ranch have taken a desperate turn. Gable’s friend Calley has breast cancer, and when Gable and Flynn take in Calley’s kids, they need help from their friends. Cooper and Kelly’s combined talents are put to work to ensure Gable can make a bid to become the legal father of his children, and that Calley’s affairs are in order if worse comes to worst. For Cooper, staying away from Kelly was never easy, and now with a common cause, Cooper finds he can’t stop himself from seeking the man out.
Review: After a scandal ruins his career Cooper found solace at the Blue River Ranch as a ranch hand, preferring to keep to himself with very few close friends. When he bumps into Kelly for the first time in fifteen years, his attraction to the younger man flares to life and he finds it very hard to keep his emotions on track. Kelly came to Fremont County for two reasons; for the opportunity to become sheriff and because his ex-lover lives there, but things are far from easy as Kelly’s wife is terminally ill and Cooper refuses to be a dirty secret again. Cooper finds it difficult to resist the attraction between the two of them as they are thrown together in a bid to aid Gable.
You know this is one of those series that really pulls you in all directions, some characters I love, and some I despise and this time the main characters were in the middle of the spectrum with a fine balancing act. Cooper lost everything when he and his closeted married lover were outed, his lover killed himself and Cooper was disbarred and disgraced, now eight years later he keeps his head down and keeps to himself but with the appearance of his college lover his foundations are rocked. Kelly has had a lifelong dream of becoming sheriff and the goal is now within his grasp, but after bumping into Cooper, he finds it hard to wait to see if he can rekindle the love they once shared. Kelly’s wife, Nina, encourages Kelly and Cooper to reunite and become lovers, but Kelly has much to lose if he is found out and Cooper can’t face being a dirty secret.
This story is really well written, with characters who juggle their lives and loves with difficulty. While Cooper is a great character, who once had his life ripped apart, Kelly is a character who confused me with his actions. Kelly had a yearlong relationship with Cooper but when Cooper left, he married their mutual friend Nina, now he says one of the reasons they moved to Fremont County was because of Cooper but never tried to speak to him until Cooper bumped into him after he had lived there for nearly a year. Their relationship is far from easy as Cooper tries his best to resist Kelly because the man is married, but his love for Kelly never really died. Kelly wants to stay in the closet keeping everything about Cooper hidden but circumstance force him to take a stand.
While Cooper’s and Kelly’s relationship is playing out we see previous characters trying to make plans for the future when Calley falls ill, Gable and Flynn ask both Cooper and Kelly for help as they try to secure the future for Gable’s children. This part of the storyline was blown out of proportion with Bill (Calley’s ex-husband) being thrown into the role of the baddie for no reason, Calley should have just asked instead of making a big deal out of it. I have noticed that throughout this series that Calley has been treated like the victim with all the gay men rallying round the poor helpless female when in actual fact she has only ever reaped what she sowed, poor Bill is still treated like the bad guy.
I recommend this to those who love cowboys and deputies getting it on, difficult decisions, rekindling love, hot sex, an interesting storyline, and a very happy conclusion for two hot men.
Publisher: Total-E-Bound (October 4th, 2013) Available as a Buy Now, Read Now
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: An ex-con finds a new life and love in a place called Hope.
This time Royce and Parker are worried that their friend Brett Taylor has made a big, big mistake in hiring a new man to help run Hope Ranch. Joel Harper, the local sheriff, is especially concerned as he’s been notified by the authorities that the man has only recently been released from Wyoming State Penitentiary.
Josh Kenyon has spent eight years behind bars for a crime he says he didn’t commit, and that he was framed for. Brett believes him, and when the feelings they have for one another become much more than mere attraction, he is determined to find someone who can prove Josh’s innocence.
But his good intentions cause unforeseen chaos when a man from Josh’s past arrives with only one thing in mind—silencing Josh forever.
Reader Advisory: This story contains some of the characters from the Ride ‘em Cowboy books, however it stands alone.
Review: This book lives up to its expectations as a short sexy snack. It has some predictability in that whole sexy ranch hand becomes hot lover theme, but has a fun twist the whole whodunit and how did they get away with it murder plot. I like how many of J.P. Bowie’s other characters from the Ride Em Cowboy series appear in this book to regroup as friends and a dream team of individuals that come to help Josh and do a little detective work for Brett. Of course Brett and Josh eventually have an unbelievable amount of hot sex, but that’s part and parcel to this type of book, so if that’s what you’re in the mood for, then by all means have some fun reading this hot little cowboy lust story.
Blurb:Cal Hoke, an onsite pretty boy veterinarian at Riding Ranch in Stockton County, Oklahoma, has a secret he will never share with his ranch hand coworkers: he happens to be in love with the ranch owner, Pax Raulton.
Straight and sexy Pax is a chiseled, handsome, aggressive businessman at Riding Ranch. For years, he has raised and sold thoroughbred Palominos. Pax is a private man who minds his own business on the ranch. When he suffers a head injury caused by one of his prized horses, he spends days in recovery due to amnesia. Pax cannot remember a single detail from his past.
Under Cal’s personal care and tender touch, Pax is provided with the help he needs to overcome his amnesia. As this healing process takes place, Cal learns Pax has a secret of his own, a secret that will change the two men forever.
But something lurks in Pax’s history that he has forgotten, a dangerous and charmless someone with the potential to shred Pax’s world with ease. Is the bond between Pax and Cal strong enough to keep them together when the dark secret is exposed? Or will the two cowboys force to end their romantic ride together?
Review: This is book two in Stockton Cowboy series but Stands alone as it’s not related to any of the characters or anything from the first book, the only common link is the county.
Cal is a veterinarian on the Riding Ranch and has been in love with the owner Pax practically since they met. He has kept his secret since Pax, the other hands are straight, and he is afraid of repercussions. One day Pax is kicked in the head by one of the horses and gets amnesia. He remembers nothing at all about his past and starts coming on to Cal. Cal doesn’t want to give in since he is afraid Pax will remember he is straight and dating a mysterious Tracy and fire him. Does Pax regain his memory? What happens if he does? You will have to read the book and see.
Ok. This story started out a bit slow and was very repetitive for a while. It felt like some of the same lines were repeated over and over about how Cal was in love with Pax, but Pax is straight and seeing Tracy once a month for a long weekend. Then after the accident, Cal kept repeating stuff to Pax. Basically, the same as above every time Pax hit on him. Then all of a sudden, the story picks up, moves on, and gets interesting.
Having said this I really liked both Pax and Cal. I felt sorry for Cal especially when Pax lost his memory. I could feel his frustration and mixed emotions. I also love the way this author uses crude terms for sex and sex organs and actually pulls it off. I find it quite cute and funny and very befitting to the characters.
If you like, a cute romance, hiding in the closet, hot and spicy sex, horses, vets, and of course, cowboys this is for you!
Blurb: When Madison “Matty” Ward finds himself out of work and without a place to live, his cousin comes through with a job on the Gates cattle ranch. Despite not knowing anything about herding cattle or taking care of horses, Matty does his best to impress the older hunky foreman, Baxter Hollingsworth. Baxter is drawn to the new young hand, but he’s deeply closeted, and after an openly gay veterinarian shows he’s interested in Matty, Baxter’s repressed feelings lead to an explosive encounter. Baxter then withdraws—leaving Matty feeling angry and used—until an accident forces him to confront his fears.
Review: I start reading this story and the first impressions are quite good. As I progress further into the plot, those impressions keep getting better. The characters described here are not only charming and appealing, but they have a raw feeling, a certain depth that real people do. Yes, that is what I kept thinking while reading this story.
Matt and Baxter were very realistically portrayed. The closeted cowboy, his reactions, how he would go after Matt when he’s had a drink or two and his inhibitions were lax, and how he would shut down when he was sober, how he would ignore and avoid the young man when in public. All that had a very real and everyday taste that made me love the first three quarters of this book. The chase and pull between them, the hungry need displayed from Baxter, and the fear that need caused, it was all pretty well written.
But then the book took a U-turn and went from realism to surreal in the blink of an eye. All the hesitation and resistance the characters pulled during the entire read changed at the end as if by magic. One accidental even that had Matt nearly seriously injured made Baxter change from a behavior nurtured his entire life and come out, claim Matt publically. I suppose the book would have to end like that, but I can’t stomach the “I love you’s” that spilt like lighting and the entire sappy emotions that followed when the two men didn’t even have the opportunity to know each other, let alone develop such intense feelings for each other.
In addition to those unreal declarations, there were other feelings and emotions “told”, that were not showed in the plot. I missed that connection with Matt’s bosses. How it happened it was lost in translation. The fact that Matt suffers a violation, aka rape, and the offhand way he deals with it, and the transition from detached to friends with the rest of the farm hands. It was weird seeing the leaps that happened and literally affected the read, all the while missing that effect on you. The only palpable feelings I got from this read was the lust and need the pair of men had for each other during the first half of the book.
Bottom end, I was seriously put off from the way the end occurred. While I loved most of the writing and the best part of this read, the last quarter of it simply knocked that all down. However, I’m known to be picky. Some other person might say the end was pretty romantic and “awww” inspiring. Could be, and while it was not the case for me, you might feel differently about it. Because while this was not a great read, it was definitely not a bad one either. Do give it a shot if that little last tidbit doesn’t bother you.
Blurb:Virgil is in trouble when he flees to the badlands of New Mexico, and he’s pretty sure the desert is going to kill him before the posse does. He’s running from his past, from a forbidden love. What he finds is half Native-American blacksmith Asa, who happens to be the stuff of dreams. Asa isn’t about to let the skinny man he finds in the desert die. And when Virgil recovers, Asa thinks maybe he’s found a soul mate, just like his friends Tak and Loko have found in each other. Through everyday life and a series of erotic lessons, Asa thinks he can teach Virgil that love shouldn’t have boundaries. Can Virgil accept the plans that Asa, with the help of his friends, have for his future?
Review: This is some of the hottest BDSM I’ve read in a while! A fun combination of the old west, cowboys and Native Americans just adds to the character of the book. Every scene is hot, but the scenes involving Tak and Loko just drive me loco! When Virgil gives his body to Asa, hard work, and sex magic medicine ensue. Just the image of a sweaty blacksmith, with muscles, and control get my heart pumping. There are brief confrontations with the white men from town, and the book ends with the distinct feeling that this isn’t the end of the story and that Asa will go to no ends to protect his boy from them. This book is very steamy, and combines sensual and edgy BDSM with ménage scenes. Did I mention I also love the secondary characters of Tak and Loco?! I highly recommend this read for fans of BDSM.
Blurb: Aging bull rider Cody Grainger needs bullfighter Johnny Arrow for more than just protection in the ring. Their bond of trust goes beyond the professional and into love, but while their relationship holds up to the need for discretion imposed by their sport and repeatedly having to watch each other put themselves in the way of dangerous animals, other barriers still tear them apart.
For one thing, Cody is ten years older than Johnny. But instead of contemplating retirement, he focuses on winning the championship, desperate to stay on top. Johnny is only beginning to find the professional recognition he craves. When frustration leads Johnny to walk away, Cody’s season slumps. While they’re apart, they both slowly realize they are meant to be together. But machismo abounds in the sport of bull riding, and their pride might be an obstacle too big for love to overcome.
Review: What a wholesome book. I totally loved it and when the story didn’t go the “predicable” way, instead of putting me down, I loved it even more. For me this novel had it all. Everything you look for in a book was there; realistic characters that you fell in love with, with their flaws and insecurities and big egos; a plot that was amazing from start to finish, hooking and griping and interesting beyond words; and an incredible writing skill that left no room for losing concentration or feeling detached to the story. I think I’m going to be a great fan of this author, because she really made me live this story. feel every emotion she so generously shared and read a book that seemed as if she picked it up right from the arena of bull riding.
The characters Cody and Johnny were amazing. They have an age gap of ten years and as so they are in different stages of life. They are also completely different men.
Cody is a man whose life has been kind. He is a bull rider and his personality suits his profession. He’s strong-headed and persistent. He never gives up and has a thing of always getting what he wants. Even his family is perfect, with a loving father and mother who never batted an eye at his sexuality. He might not be out in the bull fighting world, but when he’s home he is truly free. Cody is a winner!
Johnny is Native American, and his life is the opposite of Cody. He has a mother that doesn’t want to hear about his sexuality, and a family he has to support economically due to poverty. He was never a good bull rider, but he is great at bull fighting. His ability to “read” the animals is astonishing and that’s what’s making him visible in the NBR world. His career is just starting.
This book explores these characters greatly. I get to see a man’s personality from all points of view; when they’re in love, when they are blind, when they are at their best and their worst. I loved the fact that the pair starts together and then splits up. I loved it that life and their wants came in their way the way life really does, full force. I loved it that they had to work it out and it didn’t happen from one day to the other. These characters learned and grew up in the story and that’s what made them appeal more to me.
But, I loved even more the fact that in addition to great characters there was a great, great plot as well that complemented them. The world of NBR was astonishing. I have read other books referring to bull riding, but the difference here was that this book literally took me there. Made me feel as if I was in that arena and behind the stage and in these people’s lives. I got to learn so much and in the end I became a fan as well, going online and Googling and watching on You-Tube and feeling as if I took more from this read than just a love story. It is amazing that this book also made me cry there at the end with Cody’s last performance. It was unexpected for me to feel it so much and therefore more cherished.
So, of course I recommend this book to anyone. It’s absolutely brilliant and intense and realistic. It provides enjoyment in all forms and it would be a shame to miss it.
Blurb: Since mustering out of the Marines, Gordon Fisher has been off the grid and out of money, so when a group of ecoterrorists promises him big bucks to set some mistreated animals free, Gordon agrees. Unfortunately, the animals are Wally Schumacher’s large cats, and one of them decides to take a chunk out of Gordon.
Still hurting from a breakup, Mario Laria finds Gordon and escorts him back to Dakota’s ranch at gunpoint, only to have his heartstrings tugged on when he discovers Gordon is living out of his truck.
With Dakota doctoring, Wally wanting Gordon gone for good, and Mario falling in love, Gordon hangs on for the ride. But what looms on his horizon threatens to tear apart what little hope he’s found. No one knows Gordon’s past keeps him up at night, and the military wants answers he just can’t give.
A Volatile Range is book 6 in the Stories from the Range series by Andrew Grey, yet it stands very well alone. You can get into the concept and follow it without the need to read the previous books. It follows the foreman of the Range, Mario and a new character, Gordon, with the plot being somehow full. What do I mean?
Gordon Fisher is an ex-Marine. He is a veteran of both Iraqi and Afghanistan war. The proud Marine he once were no longer exist as an ambush that took down his patrol and killed his two best friends has left him with serious post-traumatic stress. Not only has the loss of his best friends has him mourning, but there is tremendous guilt caused by the fact that he has no memory of the incident and which makes him think and believe that he must have done something wrong. Driven by his ugly feelings and shame, Gordon runs away from everything and everybody becoming vulnerable to the hands of fanatics. Some very passionate ecoterrorists approach him and convince him to infiltrate a range where the owners supposedly abuse their animals. Money being scarce, he decides to take that job and tries to get them animals free. Little did he know of the change his life would take from that one mistake.
Mario Laria is in limbo. After his lover and the man he thought would spend his life with abandons him, Mario keep wallowing in the lost relationship, keeping his hopes up that David will see how they belong together and will in the end come back to him. Day in, day out he mechanically lives and works waiting. What comes though in the middle of the night is not his ex-lover, but an ex-Marine who tries and fails freeing the wild cats from their cages. The handsome man is found wounded from one of their tigers and although they have every right in them to charge him for trespassing the man’s puppy eyes tug in Mario’s soul. Not understanding precisely why Mario offers Gordon a place to work and sleep.
Now Gordon has to face with the addition guilt of nearly putting lives and animals in danger too. He owns up to what he did and vows to himself to make it right. In between facing his past’s demons and his present’s mistake Gordon has a new challenge too, love for the wonderful foreman. And Mario, while trying to move on from his pinning over what’s lost has to stand by Gordon’s side and help him through his demons while making him see that feelings are not a bad thing once you own up to them. But, things change on all sides when David, the ex-lover, shows up, the eco-terrorists keep infiltrating more and more and Gordon’s past finally comes rushing from the hidden chambers of his memory.
This story has many fronts to deal with. You get your perfect cowboy character, nice, charming and strong, with deep feelings and a manly attitude. And, you get the Marine character, silently strong, faithful and ready to jump through heaven and hell for what’s his. Always adorable and incredibly sexy, both Mario and Gordon are two characters that will charm you and make you love them. Each one’s stories are enticing and blend with the one they try to create for them both. However, I did find this quite a short book for so many stories. The rush of information, the quick pace they took to happen and the even faster pace it took to overcome some incidents was a bit too much and it didn’t help creating a bond between characters and reader.
Another fact that somehow displeased me was that every single soul in the Range was gay. Instantly it lost the realistic illusion for me and became a mere fantasy. As much fun as it was seeing all those pairs around and interacting with each other, it was way off reality and so the story lost that edge and became more of a tale.
Bottom end though I liked the story, it was fun and enticing. The pair’s lovemaking was sexy and the heat went up a lot when Gordon took over. Caveman, as Marion called him often, indeed. And as a treat for me was one of the last scenes where there was shooting and wounding and blood and bullets involved. That was the highlight of the story action-wise for me, with Gordon’s jealousy display coming right after.
So if love western stories, Cowboys and Marines, wild cats and noble causes you will love this book. Recommended.
Blurb: At an early age, Jess Jenkins learned to take care of his family and friends and put their needs before his own. He dreamed of finding the same simple happiness his parents had and followed their example. Then Lorcan James broke his heart and an automobile accident broke his independent spirit. Now that’s all Jess is: a broken shadow of the man he used to be, still confined to a wheelchair after six months.
Jess is finally forced to put himself first and accept the help he needs on his journey toward recovery. Though pain, frustration, and depression leave him bitter and eager to push people away, his friends refuse to allow him to wallow in self-pity. Jack has only glimpsed the man beneath Jess’s angry shell, but he takes it upon himself to prove Jess isn’t broken. And Collin is determined to bring back the sweet man he once knew. The simple, happy life Jess has always wanted is there for the taking—all he has to do is open his eyes and see it.
Review: This story is part of a series and best read in order. Jess is recovering from crashing his truck six months earlier; he is still in a wheelchair and just being released from the rehab clinic. If he wants to walk again, he has a long painful time ahead of him. Luckily, he has the support of two men Jack, his physical therapist and Collin, his childhood best friend’s younger brother. Jack has caught glimpses of the sweet big-hearted man Jess was before his accident and he wants to know him better. It isn’t long before he wants Jess all to himself, but Collin has a huge crush on Jess and Jess finally begins to see a future for himself, if he can just let go of the pain and anger.
Well, S.J.D. has given us a story that is tinged with pain and anger, hope and happiness, doubts and despair along with forgiveness and love. Jess is still facing an incredible amount of pain in his rehabilitation and he has bouts of anger and frustration which can be directed at the people closest to him. it’s not what he wants to do but sometimes it just all gets too much to bear. Jack is a man who has slowly fallen in love with one of his patients, and as he gets closer to Jess he is made to wonder if his actions are the best thing for Jess. Jess also knows that he has to talk to Collin, because although he loves the man like a little brother, he will never love him like Collin wants.
This is a wonderfully written story that takes us alongside Jess on his journey of not only love, but of finding a new path to forge as he realizes his new life. S.J.D. drags us into Jess’s life with her hands around our throats; forcing us to see and feel Jess’s frustration and anger, his hopelessness at times as he looks at the obstacles he faces just to walk again, the unimaginable pain he endures on a daily basis and finally to the hope and love he has when he begins to see Jack as more than just a friend. She makes us see Jack’s dilemma and the choices he has to make and then finally she gives us Collin’s devastation as he realizes he will never have Jess’s heart the way he wants.
This story is not for those who want an easy read or huge conflicts being brought to bear, this story is about a man struggling with the painful changes in his life, of lingering guilt, of self-doubts and of finding love when he never thought he would. It’s about letting go of the past and looking to the future and of course it’s about the hot sexy men 😉 dealing with what life has thrown them and finding love and happiness. Jess and Jack are two men that you want to have their perfect happy ever after, they are wonderful together and when they make love, you know it is truly making love.
I must admit to loving this book, but I was slightly disappointed when Jess was made to face that he wasn’t the only one who has ever been injured. I felt that Jess should have erupted a little bit more before he broke down, raged a bit more at fate because in situations when you are made to confront the truth you are not quite rational. Other than that S.J.D. has given us yet another emotional draining story that leaves you wanting more… maybe Collin or Jack’s friend, Troy?
So I have to recommend this to those who love damaged cowboys finding their way back to living ranch life, physical therapists finding love with their cowboy patients, hot sex and a very happy ending.
Blurb: When a rodeo clown, a small town veterinarian and his assistant form a complicated trio, they find it’s their choices that determine who finds love.
When rodeo clown Brandt Collins is forced into retirement by an injury in the arena, he heads to long-time friend Kaden Slater’s hometown to settle down. As far as he’s concerned if that old flame ignites into a wildfire, then all the better.
Kaden is glad to see Brandt, but a little complication in the form of Kaden’s new assistant, Mike, throws a wrench in all their plans. Sexy, smart and young, Mike wants Kaden more than he wants his next breath.
Soon, misunderstandings and the past conspire to tear the trio apart before they’ve even begun. And now it’s their choices that will determine who finds love – and who doesn’t.
Review: Brandt comes back to town hoping Kaden and he can reignite an old flame, one they let go out, with each choosing to follow their career. Now Brandt has retired from the rodeo and back in town to claim the love he left behind. Kaden is a veteran and his new young assistant, Mike is a very good friend. He has always been there for Kaden. Even when Kaden was pining all these years over Brandt. Mike is devastated when Brandt shows up. He really thought perhaps Kaden would finally let him in his heart and bed. Can Kaden choose between Brandt, the love he always wanted or Mike, the best friend and man he has lusted for? What happens in spring, when the rodeo is back? What will Brandt choose a threesome or the road? Choices! Choices!
This story was a very fun fast short read. But it seemed I’d read this before. Not that it mattered; I liked the story of Brandt, Kaden and Mike a lot. The sex is hot and the characters are all three swoon-worthy. I just needed more of it. The story of the hater attacking them was good, also. The only problem that kept me from loving this was it seemed disjointed and the stories seemed rushed. I would love more. More of Kaden and Brandt’s relationship, then more of Mike and Brandt’s relationship, and finally, more of the threesome. It really never unfolded, just was there suddenly.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves threesomes, cowboys, vets, hot loving sex, and very a poignant love-story.
Could you love someone enough to accept they love someone else and become a threesome? What would your choice be? Choices, choices!
Blurb: Tim Conroy knows all about patience. He’s waited three years for Rory McCown to get out of jail after doing time for stealing horses from the Blue River Ranch. Now that Rory is eligible for parole, Tim makes it his goal to persuade his boss, Hunter Krause, to give Rory a second chance.
He almost regrets it when Hunter agrees. Rory is a morose loner one moment, then arrogant and overconfident the next. The attraction between them is still there, but as soon as they start to get close, an old enemy throws a wrench in the works… and their fledgling relationship may not be strong enough to weather the coming storm.
Review: Tim has been keeping tabs on Rory while he has been in prison. When he is eligible for parole, Tim gets Rory a job on the ranch. The same ranch where Rory got into trouble in the first place. Tim takes on the responsibility of Rory and has to fight hard to prove that Rory deserves a fresh start with a clean slate. Rory doesn’t know why Tim has gone to so much trouble, but is thankful. Rory has some secrets that he keeps hidden, but as he gets closer to Tim he decides it is time for him to get clean.
This was very well-written and I did like the dynamics between Tim and Rory and the progression of their story. Rory has had a crap hand dealt him and there are vague references to things that have happened to him in the past. When Rory and Tim meet up again, the sparks are still between them, but Rory has a lot he needs to work through before he is truly comfortable. And Tim has a hard time trying to get people to accept Rory, especially his brother.
There is conflict where there needn’t have been any, if certain people had kept their noses out. As Tim and Rory had enough to deal with and because of one person’s interfering Rory nearly loses everything. Even with Tim standing by his side it is still a near run thing. Tim is a lovely character and he is far from as gullible or naïve as some people think him to. He is strong-willed when he believes in something and he believes in Rory 100%. Rory really isn’t sure about Tim at first and it takes him a while to realize that Tim is serious about him and won’t let him down.
Tim and Rory are really hot together and are well suited. They complement each other and each has something within themselves that the other needs. We also briefly catch up with Gable and Flynn, Hunter and Grant (grrr) and some of the other characters from both Clouds and Rain and Earth and Sky and for me some of them are still not likeable.
So ,with this one I am going to recommend it to those who love troubled men, hot cowboys, hot sex, a bit of danger, a bit of angst, a strong-willed young man and a happy ever after.
Blurb: Two years after riding off into the sunset with ranch owner Rand Holloway, Stefan Joss has made a tentative peace with his new life, teaching at a community college. But the course of true love never does run smooth. Rand wants him home on the ranch; Stef wants an exit strategy in case Rand ever decides to throw him out. Finally, after recognizing how unfair he’s being, Stef makes a commitment, and Rand is over the moon.
When Stef gets the chance to prove his devotion, he doesn’t hesitate—despite the risk to his health—and Rand takes the opportunity to show everyone that sometimes life’s best surprises come after the sunset.
Review: Well it’s two years later and Stef hasn’t run for the hill’s yet! We visit with the boy’s as secret’s come out and hopes are realized. Stefan still thinks that Rand will kick him out when he’s bored with him and still doesn’t realize that Rand thinks he hung the moon, the stars, the… heck Rand thinks Stef created the universe, and he loves him that much.
Stef and Rand are just as we remember them from the last book, well Rand’s happier now so not as grouchy. Don’t worry if you missed the first book as Ms Calmes does cover what happened when these two hot men got together (it’s short but concise) and it doesn’t affect this story. This time around we meet the Holloway side of the family who are not quite as friendly as May’s (Rand’s mom) side of the family, so there are arguments, fights and secrets and Stefan seems to fall right in the middle of them all.
Mary Calmes has created yet another feel good story and it hits the spot, so make a cup of tea, turn your phone off and curl up with this book and enjoy.
Blurb: Fourth generation rancher, Ray Ford has lived a lie for nearly forty years. Having seen what can happen to an openly gay cowboy in small town America, and not willing to risk Ford Creek’s legendary reputation, he keeps that part of himself tightly locked down. Everything changes one Sunday morning when Ray, out of character, picks up a handsome hitchhiker looking for work. Hiring the enigmatic cowboy stretches the bounds of Ray’s control and forces him to question just how much he’s willing to risk for that one true love.
Travis Morgan learned a hard lesson early in his life – love was conditional. Even though he’s a world-class horse trainer in high-demand, he lives the life of a drifter, moving from ranch to ranch like the wind. He’ll play when the opportunity arises, but he won’t invest himself emotionally. But when he takes on the job training horses at Ford Creek Ranch, the stoic rancher with the sexy five o’clock shadow just might change all that – if Travis can take the risk and stick around long enough to find out.
Review: The title grabbed my attention, the blurb sealed the deal… cowboys. Yup, there’s always room in my reading lineup for cowboys. Yet all too often I’m disappointed and end up with an “Awe shucks, giddy up partner” story – but not today. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the brainless, boinking good time had in those stories, but there’s something to be said about a story about grownups for grownups.
L.C. Chase has crafted a tale you can sink your teeth into. The characters are not flat and one dimensional but well rounded and you’re given a decent understanding to what motivates their actions and responses.
Ray is deeply in the closet and trapped there by the fear of what will happen if found out. This fear is reinforced by having witnessed the atrocious acts of hate that befell a gay couple once discovered years ago and the knowledge that his late father was an eager participant with many others in town. So Ray has found a way to balance the demands of his life on the ranch and his needs as a gay man – but never the twain shall meet.
Trevor Morgan has a deeply painful past having been betrayed by his family once his father discovered him kissing a boy at 15, leaving him beaten and homeless. He’s managed to overcome these obstacles and garner the reputation as a renowned horse trainer and is elusive as the wind. Trevor never sets down roots and has learned to keep moving since rumors of his sexual preference continue to arise and taint his working relationships.
Can’t you just feel the angst? Two sexy alpha males fighting to stay in the closet, but the attraction is just too delicious to resist the pull. The author did a wonderful job of letting the tension build to a crescendo and didn’t rush to the cowboy lovin’. And while you’re rooting for them to get it together and make it work – you’re worried right along with the characters about what will happen when/if it all comes out. That’s just good writing.
Title: Honky Tonk
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