3.5 stars. Enjoyable easy to read insta love romance. Great cast of characters in this low angst fluffy read.

So steamy

This is a wonderful angsty slow burn romance with a criminal mystery element alongside for the perfect balance. I enjoyed every moment of this book which had me hooked from the very first page.

I really wanted to give Kieran a big squishy hug. He’s never had anyone in his corner to fight for him and only knows the feelings of being constantly let down, especially after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit. His primary goal is to find out who’s responsible for his incarceration, but then along comes Finley. Finley is the equine specialist at Redemption Ranch and has had his heart broken too many times and decides to have no more broken bad boys in his life, but along comes Kieran.

There’s instant chemistry between them but they take their time learning about each other, listening to each other and slowly breaking down barriers before any steamy intimate times happen. It’s doesn’t come easily but they both do the hard work to get their well deserved HEA.

There’s closure for Kieran’s false incarceration, plenty of animals for these two wonderful characters to use their magic on and a great cast of side characters to keep things interesting - especially loved Finley’s mum. We also get a quiet peek towards the end about which characters will be starring in the next 2 books.

Rating : 3.5 stars

There are no trigger warnings listed but please be aware that physical/emotional abuse is depicted, as is homophobia borne by religious doctrine.

There is quite a lot going on with this story and it’s sub plots. From the main story of Armando, a closeted widower whose recently deceased wife encouraged the yearly gay cruises he takes, to Lyndon and his violent stalker ex who won’t take no for an answer. There is also the issue of Armando and his gay son Michael coming out to a deeply religious family. Whilst all these different threads, with their various side characters came together, I felt that there was a lack of depth to each which did distract me somewhat as it felt rushed in places - especially the ending.

This is a low heat,fade to black, angsty read that filled in a couple of hours.

I really enjoy the story telling ability of this author and once again I was fully engaged and connected to these wonderful characters from the very start.

Jude is pretty cynical, finds it very difficult to trust and likes to keep everything in his life simple. As his background is slowly revealed it becomes very easy to understand why he is like he is. Blake on the other hand is full of sunshine which perfectly balances Jude’s outlook on life, family and the limitations on his number of friends.

Circumstances bring these really likeable characters into each other’s orbit and slowly but surely Blake becomes someone Jude can trust. The chemistry between them is sparking from the very first meeting but Blake takes it slowly and when they do get steamy the heat certainly rises. With a couple of plot twists - one I had an inkling of but the other blew my mind - to navigate, Jude and Blair do the work to get a well deserved and hard earned HEA.

There’s plenty of sarcasm, banter, humour and steam in this beautiful romance that gave me lots of feels, was fun to read and left me with a huge smile on my face at the end. With a great cast of main and secondary characters, on point pacing and an engaging complex storyline I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

3.5 stars. Quick easy read with plenty to make me laugh.