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Prentiss #1
Ralston's Way
When the computer guru meets the rancher who likes things his way, who will have their way?
Blayne Dalton knows from their first introduction he will need all his calm reasonable skills to deal with Morgan Ralston. The rancher is aggravating and determined to avoid him. The calm he is known for goes out of the window. He can’t decide if he’d rather deck him or kiss him senseless. How do you rope a cowboy? You teach him that not everything has to be his way.
Morgan Ralston likes things his way. On his ranch, he is the one who makes the decisions. Well at least he is supposed to be. When his brother decides to hire a new office manager and cook he knows it will lead to nothing but disruptions. What he gets is not what he expected. The man who becomes his office manager is not a problem to the ranch. The trouble is of a more personal nature—to his libido. Avoiding him doesn’t work. It’s time to approach this as he does everything else. After all when it comes down to it…there isn’t any other way but Ralston’s Way.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.
Blayne Dalton knows from their first introduction he will need all his calm reasonable skills to deal with Morgan Ralston. The rancher is aggravating and determined to avoid him. The calm he is known for goes out of the window. He can’t decide if he’d rather deck him or kiss him senseless. How do you rope a cowboy? You teach him that not everything has to be his way.
Morgan Ralston likes things his way. On his ranch, he is the one who makes the decisions. Well at least he is supposed to be. When his brother decides to hire a new office manager and cook he knows it will lead to nothing but disruptions. What he gets is not what he expected. The man who becomes his office manager is not a problem to the ranch. The trouble is of a more personal nature—to his libido. Avoiding him doesn’t work. It’s time to approach this as he does everything else. After all when it comes down to it…there isn’t any other way but Ralston’s Way.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.
80 pages, ebook
First published August 22, 2011
6 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Talia Carmichael
60 books192 followersTalia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 11, 2012
3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read, with some cute and funny moments in it and all of the characters are interesting and it is fun getting to know them all and I can see how it is setting up for more in this series, however, something was missing. I liked Morgan and Blayne, I just didn't feel their connection with each other and the story seemed to jump too much, without a smooth flow to it. With that said, it was still an enjoyable read and I will read the next in the series to see where this leads.
This was an enjoyable read, with some cute and funny moments in it and all of the characters are interesting and it is fun getting to know them all and I can see how it is setting up for more in this series, however, something was missing. I liked Morgan and Blayne, I just didn't feel their connection with each other and the story seemed to jump too much, without a smooth flow to it. With that said, it was still an enjoyable read and I will read the next in the series to see where this leads.
August 8, 2012
Cute and funny story. I liked it a lot.
July 17, 2013
Not for me. Too many characters, not enough heart.
Read
April 10, 2020DNF on third page.
Annoyed I paid for this but it serves me right, I should have read a sample first because I’ve never read anything from this author before. The writing style was very clunky and I struggled to focus. I skipped ahead a bit but it still was throwing me off so I gave up.
Annoyed I paid for this but it serves me right, I should have read a sample first because I’ve never read anything from this author before. The writing style was very clunky and I struggled to focus. I skipped ahead a bit but it still was throwing me off so I gave up.
August 23, 2019
MM Romance 2019 Annual Re-Read Challenge
So glad to revisit this story. The contemporary western was fun and the characters vivid and likeable.
So glad to revisit this story. The contemporary western was fun and the characters vivid and likeable.
April 7, 2020
What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? Sparks fly, of course. That's certainly the case for Morgan Ralston and Blayne Dalton in Talia Carmichael's new book 'Ralston's Way.' In reality, no force is completely irresistible and no object is completely immovable, so something or someone has got to give. These two lock horns from the start not because they are different, but because they're too much alike. Until they learn to compromise and work together, chaos reigns on the Ralston Ranch.
Morgan and Blayne, along with all of the secondary characters in the story, are interesting and well-developed and the descriptions of the scenery are beautiful; but at times, the rapid fire introductions and plethora of details are a little overwhelming. Unfortunately, having to include a lot of information in a relatively short time span is daunting, but it's a necessary evil, particularly in a new series.
Morgan Ralston is the strong and silent type. He uses his silence to control those around him; his silence gives him an automatic advantage because it keeps others wondering what he's thinking. Even though Morgan is set in his ways and hates change, when he sees how changing something will benefit him, he jumps in with both feet. This includes personal relationships as well. As Blayne quickly sees, when he decides to let you in, you're in all the way. He's territorial and Neanderthal-like but at times, Morgan can also be romantic, attentive, and even gentle. When he decides he wants Blayne, it brings out his softer side and he sets out to woo and win his heart.
Considering Blayne Dalton's perfect hair and tailor-made suit, Morgan describes him as a prima donna, but as he gets to know Blayne better, he realizes that there's a lot more to Blayne than just a pretty face. Blayne is beautiful, but he's got the brains to match. He's resourceful and inventive and, if necessary, he is willing and able to do whatever needs to be done. Blayne is strong-minded as well. He has a temper and is not just going to give in and let Morgan have his way, at least not all of the time. Blayne wants to be with Morgan, but on his own terms.
I liked 'Ralston's Way' and think the series has great promise. I'm looking forward to the next installment which I expect to enjoy as much as I did this one. If you appreciate a western-style love story including old-fashioned courting, hot, passionate men, lots of sexual tension, angst, and most importantly, a happy ending, then this one may be for you.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Morgan and Blayne, along with all of the secondary characters in the story, are interesting and well-developed and the descriptions of the scenery are beautiful; but at times, the rapid fire introductions and plethora of details are a little overwhelming. Unfortunately, having to include a lot of information in a relatively short time span is daunting, but it's a necessary evil, particularly in a new series.
Morgan Ralston is the strong and silent type. He uses his silence to control those around him; his silence gives him an automatic advantage because it keeps others wondering what he's thinking. Even though Morgan is set in his ways and hates change, when he sees how changing something will benefit him, he jumps in with both feet. This includes personal relationships as well. As Blayne quickly sees, when he decides to let you in, you're in all the way. He's territorial and Neanderthal-like but at times, Morgan can also be romantic, attentive, and even gentle. When he decides he wants Blayne, it brings out his softer side and he sets out to woo and win his heart.
Considering Blayne Dalton's perfect hair and tailor-made suit, Morgan describes him as a prima donna, but as he gets to know Blayne better, he realizes that there's a lot more to Blayne than just a pretty face. Blayne is beautiful, but he's got the brains to match. He's resourceful and inventive and, if necessary, he is willing and able to do whatever needs to be done. Blayne is strong-minded as well. He has a temper and is not just going to give in and let Morgan have his way, at least not all of the time. Blayne wants to be with Morgan, but on his own terms.
I liked 'Ralston's Way' and think the series has great promise. I'm looking forward to the next installment which I expect to enjoy as much as I did this one. If you appreciate a western-style love story including old-fashioned courting, hot, passionate men, lots of sexual tension, angst, and most importantly, a happy ending, then this one may be for you.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 1, 2017
Not a first for me but a little better than the last M/M I've read. Not much of a story line but ok none the less. I will read the rest of the series.
September 14, 2011
A fun and entertaining read that's a good beginning to this new series. All of the characters are interesting and I don't mean just Blayne and Morgan. There's Morgan's brother Gibson and the men who arrive at the ranch with Blayne, who have the nice out-of-left-field twist of them all being related to him...his Dad and two brothers. Man, I didn't see that one coming. All these guys interact like you'd think...like family...and they annoy, irritate, prod and love each other. I really enjoyed seeing the brothers together and then there's Dad, our sexy horse breeder. I can't wait to see what happens with these guys in future releases.
Morgan is strong-willed and used to getting his way. Blayne is smart, sexy and has a temper. When these two get together the spark's fly, inside the bedroom and out.And the spark's fly...lots. Their relationship is fun and I appreciated that the author allowed Morgan to be himself, down to the southern courting of his man. It was another nice twist.
I'm happy to say that all the plot threads come together into a cohesive whole. Watch for the next release, Long Hard Ride in the future.
Morgan is strong-willed and used to getting his way. Blayne is smart, sexy and has a temper. When these two get together the spark's fly, inside the bedroom and out.And the spark's fly...lots. Their relationship is fun and I appreciated that the author allowed Morgan to be himself, down to the southern courting of his man. It was another nice twist.
I'm happy to say that all the plot threads come together into a cohesive whole. Watch for the next release, Long Hard Ride in the future.
September 9, 2012
Two men ,two stubborn personalities so when they come together something was bound to explode,,,,,Morgan owns a ranch and his brother decides its time to go with the times and hires a office manager ,in comes Blayne in a suit and tie just enough to ruffle the very tightly bound up feathers of one ornery Morgan
I really enjoyed this little visit to a cowboy ranch loaded with great characters whose rich quirky one liners keep you smiling throughout. A great way to spend a nice relaxing Arvo.after I read this little gem I felt like I had wandered around the peaceful surrounds of a ranch,the slow easy love story that prevails is truly a fix for anyone who loves the idea of love being worth it's weight in gold,,,,,do yourself a fav our and reads this little series ,one can't lose when love finds a way
Smooth enveloping reads that will wrap its way around your heart and leave you looking for your own cowboy
I really enjoyed this little visit to a cowboy ranch loaded with great characters whose rich quirky one liners keep you smiling throughout. A great way to spend a nice relaxing Arvo.after I read this little gem I felt like I had wandered around the peaceful surrounds of a ranch,the slow easy love story that prevails is truly a fix for anyone who loves the idea of love being worth it's weight in gold,,,,,do yourself a fav our and reads this little series ,one can't lose when love finds a way
Smooth enveloping reads that will wrap its way around your heart and leave you looking for your own cowboy
November 27, 2011
4.5 Stars
This story is super cute and just what I was in the mood for. The entire cast of characters are both different and funny. I loved the two main characters because they were so different from each other.
This is one of the more romantic m/m stories that I have read in AGES. There is real love and an evolving relationship. I was really impressed with the story, I like how there was no HUGE angst. There was a tinsy bit at end but nothing major.
HC - this might be a cowboy book that you would like.
This story is super cute and just what I was in the mood for. The entire cast of characters are both different and funny. I loved the two main characters because they were so different from each other.
This is one of the more romantic m/m stories that I have read in AGES. There is real love and an evolving relationship. I was really impressed with the story, I like how there was no HUGE angst. There was a tinsy bit at end but nothing major.
HC - this might be a cowboy book that you would like.
August 18, 2014
3.35 stars. I won't round up because the rest of the series is better.
This is well written; though I'm not partial to skipping weeks at a time it does lend credence to a real life attraction without the increasingly common "hello, let's fuck"-"Okay then" style that is often demonstrated. It's all nice easy romance, pretty much conflict free, though how comes they consider Gibson as family yet have never met Morgan? Also never explain quite why they consider him family - did they share a room? What happened to make them so close? But all nice enough.
This is well written; though I'm not partial to skipping weeks at a time it does lend credence to a real life attraction without the increasingly common "hello, let's fuck"-"Okay then" style that is often demonstrated. It's all nice easy romance, pretty much conflict free, though how comes they consider Gibson as family yet have never met Morgan? Also never explain quite why they consider him family - did they share a room? What happened to make them so close? But all nice enough.
November 26, 2012
As much as I enjoyed this book it was strangely written. Quite a few times I felt like I was being thrown around the okit a bit. This writing style does not continue in her other books so that's a plus.
other than the writing style the love between Blayne and Morgan went from non existent to going strong practically overnight. I would have appreciated a little more angst and build up but they book is still a good read by a great author
other than the writing style the love between Blayne and Morgan went from non existent to going strong practically overnight. I would have appreciated a little more angst and build up but they book is still a good read by a great author
August 22, 2011
Enjoyed this. Morgan was funny and engaging... a good-hearted man, strong inside and out and does not let the world determine his worth... and once his heart and mind are made up, he goes for who he loves and what he wants, exhibiting gruff thoughtfulness and great sense of humor along the way. He definitely sold me to the "Ralston's Way".
August 25, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this story. Of course it was enjoyable but somehow I couldn't connect with all those characters. Even between main two characters, Morgan and Blayne, all emotions are missing. Everything was like a manual, stage set, characters set, but the plot and how it was written, there was something missing.
September 1, 2011
This was a nice no-angst story. My only real problem with it was the first sex scene, which was really rough with no lube. It just made me go 'ow' at everything instead of being as hot as it was intended to be. Though I have this thing for possessive "in the right way" guys, so I still liked it. There was quite a bit of set-up for future books in the series, also.
August 13, 2013
3.5. While I liked the story and the characters, it was a choppy read.
Follows boy meets boy, has fantastic sex, then boys live HEA.
Morgan is gruff, my way or the highway. While, Blayne is fun and techo savvy. They counter each other great.
I have to say I liked the whole Catus name calling. :p but, I'm still perplexed about the braid.
Follows boy meets boy, has fantastic sex, then boys live HEA.
Morgan is gruff, my way or the highway. While, Blayne is fun and techo savvy. They counter each other great.
I have to say I liked the whole Catus name calling. :p but, I'm still perplexed about the braid.
July 26, 2012
Looking forward to more of this series... I wonder who will be pairing up... hmmm... Ralston's Way gives a good start and introduction to not only its MC's but also quite a few supporting characters i am really hoping get their own stories.
September 1, 2011
Book was to short for my taste and plot could been more complex but even so I really enjoy first book. Lot of interesting guys are put into the story. Will be funny to see how Talia will work next couples.
May 5, 2012
Really liked this book. Sweet and comforting to read, with likable, fun, three dimensional characters, quite looking forward to the next book in the series. I've enjoyed all the books I've read by Ms Carmichael so far.
March 11, 2013
Looking forward to more stories in the series!
August 23, 2011
3.5*** Beautiful, funny and very creative MM cowboy romance. Can't wait to read the sequels!!
November 28, 2011
2.5 stars
December 7, 2011
loved it can't wait for the next installment
January 19, 2012
Had some issues, but the story was too sweet and cute not to like!
February 13, 2012
Just nothing there. I felt like I was reading the summary of a book.
June 2, 2012
Too short, but cute!
Want to read
April 29, 2017$4.43 on Nook
September 20, 2012
4.5...twas a good read.
January 6, 2013
2.5 stars. Could have been a fantastic story but the plot needed to be much more fleshed out, as did the characters. Like it is, it's pretty forgettable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews