Starting a new Kelly Fox book is always an adventure, especially when it's a "standalone" unrelated to other series. Mostly unrelated, that is, since Starting a new Kelly Fox book is always an adventure, especially when it's a "standalone" unrelated to other series. Mostly unrelated, that is, since there's always a chance of at least a cameo or two from another book/series.
Rough Country is a bit different from her other work in that it's not centered around an ensemble cast, and it's fairly low key in the angst department. It's emotional, of course, but not gut-wrenching, and it is probably about as purely romance as anything she's written since Sanctuary, her first MM title.
As always, it's steamy, but to my mind, the steam is in a good ratio to the romance and plot. Emery is a single dad, after all, so he and Woody can't just do whatever they want whenever they want, though they do get a fair amount of assistance from Em's mother, who is a lovely character.
As a native Texan who grew up visiting relatives in the Texas Hill Country, Rough Country feels like home to me. Like I could easily drive from Aunt Pearl's old place to Woody or Emery's and have a nice visit.
For once, I can actually say that you do not have to have read any other Kelly Fox book to enjoy this one, though I am betting that cousin Rowdy will get his own book.
I thought Marrying Mr. Majestic was peak Lucy Lennox. And it is. But in my opinion, Inheriting Miss Fortune is even better. Heat, humor, and plenty ofI thought Marrying Mr. Majestic was peak Lucy Lennox. And it is. But in my opinion, Inheriting Miss Fortune is even better. Heat, humor, and plenty of heart, with two swoony MCs and an adorable little girl, all of whom stole my heart.
Dev caught my interest in the previous installment, and I'm happy to say that his story is everything I could have wanted and more. Tully is a great match for him, and they have sizzling chemistry.
I love the town of Majestic and the ensemble cast of found family which is just quirky enough to be fun but not over-the-top. Lellie is featured just enough to show how lovable she is, but not so much that she takes over the story despite being the eponymous Miss Fortune.
I'm a fan of Lane Hayes. She writes intimate stories in a number of settings, and I've read most of them. But Elmwood is special. The setting, the chaI'm a fan of Lane Hayes. She writes intimate stories in a number of settings, and I've read most of them. But Elmwood is special. The setting, the characters...I just want to go visit.
Hotshot is one of my favorites in the series. The young hockey phenom hometown hero agrees to help the outsider, who happens to be said player's fantasy guy, win friends and influence people in the Four Forest region. I love seeing that outsider put down roots before he realized what had happened, and the hockey player falls for him, lost before he realized it.
While you can read this as a standalone, you'll see the characters from the other books, so if you're a sticker for order, you'll want to start at the beginning. Otherwise, dive in and enjoy, then go back to the beginning!...more
I devoured this book in one evening, staying up later than I'd planned to finish it. The "woke up married in Vegas" trope is not necessarily one I seeI devoured this book in one evening, staying up later than I'd planned to finish it. The "woke up married in Vegas" trope is not necessarily one I seek out, but Lucy Lennox tells the tale to perfection. I fell head-over-heels for Waylon and Silas, who we met in Prince of Lies.
More than that, though, I fell for the entire town of Majestic, Wyoming. I've been to that part of the country, so I could easily visualize the setting, and the townspeople are charming and funny without being over-the-top. Not that there's anything wrong with OTT, mind you, I do enjoy visits to Licking Thicket, but I appreciated the more subtle humor and characters in this book which kept the fake relationship from feeling cliched.
When I finished, it was with a big swoony sigh because I loved it so much. I'd love more books in this setting. Lots more! ...more
Wild at Heart features cowboys in a feuding families second-chance romance set on a ranch in Colorado. While there are some tumultuous emotions betweeWild at Heart features cowboys in a feuding families second-chance romance set on a ranch in Colorado. While there are some tumultuous emotions between the main characters because of a family feud, the story is fairly low angst with a satisfying happy ending, and plenty of steam.
Woven into the romance is a subplot that involves a ranch hand who has a drinking problem and his 10-year-old daughter, who works the horses alongside the men. I'm sure it's a me thing, but I was at least as interested, if not more, in her story as I was the cowboys reconnecting and the drama that went along with the feuding families.
I'm a long-time fan of Aimee Nicole Walker, reaching back to her Curl Up and Dye series and beyond. I loved the first two books in this series and wasI'm a long-time fan of Aimee Nicole Walker, reaching back to her Curl Up and Dye series and beyond. I loved the first two books in this series and was eager for Cash's story, which is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance.
The mystery-suspense subplot in Saints Like Him is part of an arc from the first two books, so you probably should read them in order. There are things that happen in this book that will spoil the suspense from the first two. They're excellent reads and I highly recommend them.
In Saints Like Him, the two MCs started out as a hookup 12 years prior to the beginning of this book and they stayed friends. Each had caught feelings for the other, but neither said anything for fear of losing the friendship. When FBI agent Nick hits a bump in his career, he heads to Cash's ranch. I won't completely rehash the blurb here, but I'll say it doesn't take long for the two to fully connect and much of the romance storyline is their exploration of what that means for them as a couple. Those readers who don't like angst in the relationship will appreciate that there's little of it here, or at least I didn't think there was.
What tension there is in the story mainly comes from outside, the cult-like group that plagued the previous books. For me, the reason I didn't give five stars, the two storylines didn't overlap enough throughout the book to give it a cohesive feel. It's still a thoroughly enjoyable book, though, don't get me wrong. The writing is excellent, there's plenty of steam, and I love the two main characters as well as the rest of the supporting cast, but when the story was focused on the lovely romance between Cash and Nick, or the antics of the rest of the cast, I didn't feel the tension of that outside threat. I almost felt like I was reading two books at the same time. I enjoyed them both, but I would have liked a bit more crossover between the two stories.
There is quite a bit of foreshadowing about the next book in the series, but that doesn't take away from this book, which ends in a HEA for this couple and a HFN with no cliffhanger for the rest of the crew who have not yet been paired up.
I received an advance copy from the author, and he described How to Say I Do as rom-com-ish, emphasis on the "ish." While Another gem from Tal Bauer!
I received an advance copy from the author, and he described How to Say I Do as rom-com-ish, emphasis on the "ish." While there are a few rom-com-like moments in the book, it's really just a pure contemporary romance with opposites-attract MCs, a sort-of fake marriage and a bi awakening. As usual, Tal's words paint pictures of the scenes so that I was transported to Belize, Manhattan, and Real County, Texas (that's pronounced Ray-al, y'all, like the names Ray and Al stuck together) and Wyatt's ranch/vineyard.
For me, it dragged a bit after Wyatt and Noël got to Belize and started getting to know each other, when Tal's descriptions veer into the Michener-esque. That section could have used a bit of pruning, in my opinion, but that's just me.
From about 40% on, though, it just soars, filled with emotion and action and one of the most heart-felt, touching scenes I've read from any author. I'm purposefully being vague - you'll have to read it for yourself, but you'll know the one I mean when you get through it.
Overall, it's an excellent read, immersive, romantic, steamy, emotional, and fun. If you've read some of Tal's other books, or read about them, "fun" is probably not the first word you'd think of in relation to one of his stories, or maybe even the second or third word, but it fits perfectly here.
Side note - for the full experience, if you're not a member, you should really join Tal's Facebook reader group, Tal Bauer: Classified. You'll be glad you did. ...more
Aimee Nicole Walker switched from the Deep South to Colorado for Guys Like Him, from podcasts to equine rescue and I am SO here for it. There's a bit Aimee Nicole Walker switched from the Deep South to Colorado for Guys Like Him, from podcasts to equine rescue and I am SO here for it. There's a bit of intrigue involved, but that's not the main focus of the book. It sets up the story and is a thread throughout, but the romance between Kieran and Finley takes center stage.
I adored this story and characters, so I'm eager to read more from this world. Then again, I love everything to do with cowboys and ranches, and I've been a fan of Aimee's since the Curl Up and Dye series, so it's no surprise I loved it. ...more
I'm so sad this series is over, but the good news is another spinoff is on the way.
As I read Warwick, I cussed her, middle-named her, swooned over theI'm so sad this series is over, but the good news is another spinoff is on the way.
As I read Warwick, I cussed her, middle-named her, swooned over the sweetness that is Joaquin, Colt, and Warwick finding their way to each other, and cheered over their ultimate HEA. You could read this book as a standalone, but it would lose a great deal of its impact, because the supporting cast enriches this story and gives it depth that comes with feeling like you're visiting friends.
I'm glad that at least three more of that cast are getting their own stories. This book is high-heat, sprinkled liberally with laughter and tears. Highly recommend....more
I devoured this book today, setting aside everything but laundry to get lost in the world Parker St. John has created. Michael and SO WORTH THE WAIT!
I devoured this book today, setting aside everything but laundry to get lost in the world Parker St. John has created. Michael and West won my heart and I am so happy for them.
You don't have to have read the first three books to enjoy this one, but you'll be cheating yourself if you don't. They're just as immersive and emotional as this one, and the events of the third book sets up part of the premise of this one. They're described well enough not to make you feel lost, I don't think, but I highly recommend reading them in order.
I'm gonna have a hangover, and I'm not mad about it at all! ...more
I was fortunate to get an advance copy of As the Tallgrass Grows, and I loved it as much or more than its predecessors. The book is connected to the WI was fortunate to get an advance copy of As the Tallgrass Grows, and I loved it as much or more than its predecessors. The book is connected to the Wild Ones duet and to Burning Season, set in 1972, but can be read first if you're impatient. I won't say a standalone because I'd wager almost everyone who reads this book will go back and read the others. Rachel Ember is one of the bright stars to come out of 2021 in the MM genre, and the more I read of her work, the more I love it. This book made me feel like I was in California, and has an engaging cast of characters who make me want to know all the things about their lives. It's sexy and fun, but also poignant with no cheating and an HEA, as well as just the right amount of heat. Read them all!...more
This series speaks to my heart, and this book loudest of all. Having been through the death of a spouse myself, and having attempted to navigate relatThis series speaks to my heart, and this book loudest of all. Having been through the death of a spouse myself, and having attempted to navigate relationships afterwards, I feel for Wyatt as he fights his attraction to Desi, his wife's younger brother. Kelly Fox writes grief so well, I feel every bit of every one in the family's pain as if Renee were one of my own family.
Then again, I feel like this cast of characters is family anyway, along with the Guardians, some of whom make cameo appearances in Navarro. This "forbidden" age-gap romance isn't all tears, though. As usual, there's plenty of laughter and snark, and the sex is off-the-charts hot. At this point, I feel like I've run out of superlatives for this author's work, but the thing that impresses me the most is her conversational style and relatable characters that makes me feel at home, as if I could head over to the Texas Hill Country and run into someone from Rebel Sky Ranch in Dripping Springs or surrounding towns.
I cried, I laughed, I swooned.. Although you can read Navarro as a standalone, I highly recommend starting at the VERY beginning with the Wrecked series, or even Scout and the Lavender Girl if you read FF. Or with the Wrecked: Guardians series, because they're awesome. At the very least, start with Goodnight, the first in this series, because they're all SUCH good books, you'll be glad you did. ...more
I've been a fan of Parker St John since her first Cabrini Law book. I adore the first two books in the Down Home series. Just love them. Down and Out I've been a fan of Parker St John since her first Cabrini Law book. I adore the first two books in the Down Home series. Just love them. Down and Out is right there with them.
It's almost insulting to try to reduce this gorgeous book to the tropes of second-chance, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, hurt-comfort, slow-burn gay-for-you (demi?) cowboys. This love story is simple, but told beautifully, and I'm going to just sit and savor it for a while.
I didn't ugly-cry like I did with Down and Dirty, but it's plenty emotional, and I think Parker does justice to the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). My heart hurt for Tucker and for Traveler.
It's not necessary to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but you should read them, because they're so good you need to have them in your life. ...more
I devoured it. From the time I got it the advance copy in email to the time I read the last paragraph, IIf I could give this book ten stars, I would.
I devoured it. From the time I got it the advance copy in email to the time I read the last paragraph, I got little else done. I've been waiting for the second installment in this series and Parker St John certainly did not disappoint. Down and Dirty instantly transported me into the world of ranching and rodeo, and I loved visiting the Big Sky Country of Montana, which was so vividly described I felt like I was there.
These two men are hard-headed and rough around the edges, just the way I like them. They're also big-hearted men who feel deeply and love intensely. Tragedy drove them apart, and near tragedy brought them back together in this second-chance romance that had me bawling like a lost calf by the end of the book, leaving me with a huge hangover.
A word of caution - it is third person, single POV until the epilogue. However, if you let that keep you from reading what's easily one of the best books I've read this year, then I feel sorry for you.
This journey travels through with grief, resentment, blistering-hot sex, laughter, and deep, fulfilling love. I'm getting all teary-eyed just writing about it!
You don't have to have read Down Low to read Down and Dirty, but do yourself a favor and read it. Before, after, doesn't matter, just read it, too. As much as I love the author's Cabrini Law series, I am looking forward to more from this world SOON. ...more
When McCall was mentioned in Goodnight, I knew that his and Sparrow's story would be enemies-to-lovers, even if the animosity was just on Sparrow's siWhen McCall was mentioned in Goodnight, I knew that his and Sparrow's story would be enemies-to-lovers, even if the animosity was just on Sparrow's side, and that's exactly what happened. But just about everything else that happened in the book surprised me in the best of ways.
This book is in first person, dual POV, with a HEA and no cheating. It's also HOT af and had me laughing out loud in some places and my eyes leaking in others.
Of course it's Kelly Fox, so I knew it was going to be intelligent, well-written, sexy-hot, and laugh-out-loud funny, with wonderful, realistic characters. However, I expected McCall, whose first name is Luke, to be harder, rougher around the edges. He's a rodeo man, a bronc rider, after all, but he's genuinely sweet, kind and gentle...and rope kink is part of who he is, not just part of what he does.
I didn't expect him to be a survivor of domestic abuse, and for that abuse to be an integral part of the story. Kelly handles the topic with the same grace and finesse that she's employed with other sensitive topics, though, so for every heavy scene in the book, there's lightness and humor to balance it.
There is one scene with a confrontation that involves minimal contact, but it's over quickly and satisfyingly. Even though it's the kind of scene I have experienced myself, I did not find it triggering because of the way it was written. It's also pivotal to the storyline.
Sparrow, the eponymous ranch foreman had harder edges than I expected, but that's okay, because it made him even more interesting than I anticipated he would be. Rope kink is a way of life for him, too, as is caring for the animals and people he cares about.
You could read this book as a standalone, because there's enough exposition, but at least read Goodnight first. I do always recommend starting with Scout and the Lavender Girl, a FF romance that introduces many of the characters of Fox-world, or with Sanctuary, the first of the Wrecked series, but at this point, I'm just saying jump in wherever and then go back to the beginning.
I fell in love with all the new characters who were introduced, and had fun with visits from favorite characters from previous series. I can't wait to see what happens next!...more
I've been a fan of Kelly Fox since the first page of Sanctuary in the Wrecked series. I've since read every release, plus the MF The Wimberley ChronicI've been a fan of Kelly Fox since the first page of Sanctuary in the Wrecked series. I've since read every release, plus the MF The Wimberley Chronicles and the FF Scout and the Lavender Girl, so when I tell you that Goodnight is the most romantic book she's written yet, believe it.
Set in my favorite place on earth, the Texas Hill Country, Goodnight is one of the best books I've read all year. Cowboy Trip made me swoon repeatedly. He and Samuel, who we met near the end of Full ContactFull Contact (Wrecked: Guardians Book 2), fit together beautifully.
Trip's bi awakening comes organically, beautifully, and oh-so-sensually. Sam the rest-stop rent boy turned cam boi, finds his home with the steady, dependable, big-hearted Trip (in romance jargon, he's a cinnamon roll - a Buc-ee's cinnamon roll, because they're huge, and covered with fluffy cream cheese frosting.)
The romance develops at just the right pace - not so slowly that I wanted to slap them both, but not so quickly as to stretch credibility since, until Sam, Trip doesn't realize he's demisexual. There's only a smidgen of suspense and intrigue involving Sam's family, but it never overshadows the love story. I shed a few tears at the beginning (and still get a bit choked up thinking about the prologue) but Kelly's trademark humor provides more than one hearty laugh.
We also get to meet the staff at Rebel Sky Ranch, who quickly feel like family. And though this picks up at the end of Deep Impact, which I highly recommend along with the rest of her books, it's not necessary to have read any of Kelly's previous work to enjoy this sweet romance.
I can't wait for the next book in this series! ...more
One thing I really appreciate about Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga is that they aren't afraid to write mature characters who've had diffRounded up from 3.5
One thing I really appreciate about Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga is that they aren't afraid to write mature characters who've had differences and who work through them. In Keeping Promises, the two MCs are divorced with children, but end up working on their marriage and learning to communicate. It's a sweet, second-chance romance with fairly low angst.
We've met characters like these before in this pair's books. The banty-rooster bull rider Texan, the non-Texan, non-cowboy who got tired of taking a back seat to that harsh mistress, rodeo. The precocious children.
I enjoyed the side characters, who kept the story from being all about the children and the food. I'd have liked to explore more of West and Trey's feelings instead of knowing what everyone ate at every meal, but it's still an entertaining read. ...more
I read this book in August 2021 and for some reason missed reviewing it. I've read every book in the series since then, and I'm so in love with these I read this book in August 2021 and for some reason missed reviewing it. I've read every book in the series since then, and I'm so in love with these characters and the way Rachel Ember writes. This was her debut novel, but I wouldn't have know it from reading it. She creates compelling characters and settings that are as much a part of the story as any of the people.
The Long Winter features brother's best friend, forced proximity, and opposites attract with a happy for now ending, continued in the next book Signs of Spring, which is equally good.
I've got The Long Winter and the others on my binge-reread list, because I want to experience it all again from the beginning! ...more
The Cowboy and the Dom was my intro to Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga and I enjoyed them thoroughly so I was eager to read Breaking the Rules. It did not dThe Cowboy and the Dom was my intro to Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga and I enjoyed them thoroughly so I was eager to read Breaking the Rules. It did not disappoint. These characters touched me deeply: Troy, the low-key 45-year-old submissive who's starved for love and Saul, the 25-year-old Dom who falls for him.
Troy melted my heart and I just wanted to scoop him up and take care of him and love on him. Fortunately, Saul does just that, and in all the right ways. The book is their journey and it's a lovely, erotic one. Instant attraction leads to a slow burn romance and while there's a happy ending, there's the hint of another book to come.
My favorite thing about Jodi and BA's power exchange couples is that they know they aren't perfect, they know they're going to make mistakes and are honest about it. Even though there's BDSM involved, they're more about the loving exchange of power between the characters and I drink that up thirstily.
Nicky James is known as the queen of angst but she's also proved to be quite skilled at delivering beautifully written stories with plenty of emotion Nicky James is known as the queen of angst but she's also proved to be quite skilled at delivering beautifully written stories with plenty of emotion sans the heart-rending, gut-wrenching factor.
Confused Hearts features MCs who aren't Instagram-pretty, but who find each other irresistible. Knox, whom we met in Clashing Hearts, finds Lucky attractive, which sends him into a panic because he's straight, right? Only not. Lucky proves to be perfect for the skittish lumberjack-looking otter, and while their path does have a few bumps in it, overall it's sweet and heartwarming. ...more