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Redemption Ridge #1

Guys Like Him

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Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, it’s an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.

Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximity’s flame, testing Finley’s resistance in new ways.

Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?

Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2023

812 people are currently reading
2241 people want to read

About the author

Aimee Nicole Walker

72 books2,015 followers
I'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."

I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.

I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~.
3,596 reviews1,141 followers
June 17, 2024
Every couple years I give this author another try, and every single time I have the same reaction: MEH.

The writing is clunky, with odd metaphors and similes. There are far too many internal monologues that interrupt the flow of the story.

The MCs are weirdly juvenile. The story is bogged down by constant horniness, aching dicks, and masturbation scenes. The relationship is all lust and missed moments.

The plot is mildly interesting but just this side of nonsensical. Why the hell was Cash working with the FBI?

Finally, and I'm going to preach about this until the end of time: the gross and casual sexual harassment of men is treated like comic relief.

In this book, it's Finley's mom who's the culprit. She's constantly on her son to get laid and pushes lube on him so he can spank his monkey. That's fucking nasty, y'all, come on.

Let's flip the scenerio, and it's a father doing this to his daughter, taking a blatant interest in her sex life, telling her she needs to masturbate for sexual health, and so on.

Still funny?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

These authors need to be called out because this is creepy, disgusting behavior and shouldn't be normalized.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,006 reviews442 followers
May 8, 2023
AIMEE DELIVERS A GORGEOUS SLOW BURN SMOKING HOT SERIES OPENER

This is a fabulous opener to Aimee’s new series and I loved everything about it.

It’s a departure from her usual hyper-focused romantic suspense sub-genre, although there is still a bit of a mystery/criminal investigation aspect to this narrative too which works beautifully alongside the romance.

Kieran’s been let down his whole life, by his parents, the foster system and the justice system, so when he’s released from prison after a 20 month sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s got a plan – find out who’s behind the car thefts that got him locked up.

What he doesn’t expect to find at Redemption Ranch is Finley Ashe, the horse trainer with a magic touch who just can’t resist broken boys with sad eyes and Kieran might just be the saddest of the lot.

This is an angsty read in so much as Kieran’s got a lot of built up distrust to overcome, as well as his driving need to find out why his boyfriend set him up to take the fall for car theft and he’s got a feeling he’ll find answers at the Ranch, which is owned by a former convict called Cash Sweeney.

No spoilers here, so you’ll have to pick up this excellent book to find out just what is going on but the relationship between Kieran and Finley doesn’t disappoint at all.

In fact, it’s a beautiful slow burn exploration of how taking the time to be there with an open ear and no judgement is one of the kindest and most effective things anyone can do for someone who’s hurting.

I can’t put my finger on exactly what made this book so special for me, it just was. I read it all in one go, the pacing is excellent and the story switches between earnest scenes involving Kieran’s work with the horses and funny moments with Fin’s mother, sister and the rest of the hands at the ranch.

It’s a gentle sort of a relationship too, as Fin makes no secret of his attraction for Kieran but also puts no pressure on him to do anything about it. Leaving Kieran in charge works well, it lets him feel like he has some control over his life.

Of course, there are complications, again no spoilers here, but I very much liked the twisty turns Aimee takes before we find out just what was going on with the carjacking.

With potential pairings not shovelled in with a trowel but quietly introduced at the very end of the book, this is a series that leaves you wanting to come back for more.
Profile Image for Drusilla.
1,078 reviews434 followers
June 27, 2025
This book was an impulse buy because it was free. And I was pleasantly surprised. It starts off quite slowly and I was a tiny bit bored. Not really, but just a tiny bit. But then the plot picked up speed and became more interesting.
Overall, perhaps not an outstanding book, but still a good read. Definitely delicious, intense sex scenes, not too much of them, but the attraction is really palpable. A little insta, if you don't like that, then this might seem too unrealistic, especially given the background of the two main characters. I thought it was fitting.
As it is the first book in a series, there are also some minor characters who later get their own books. I always find this tricky, but here they are well integrated without pushing themselves too much into the spotlight. And the epilogue gives a very interesting glimpse of the next book.
Otherwise, however, the story is quite superficial and doesn't go into much depth. Both main characters are hurt, and Kieran in particular has a tragic past, but it doesn't really touch you to read about it. So don't expect too much. It's more of a light read for in between.
In line with this, it is also quite cheesy in parts.
But what was quite nice, although a little underdeveloped, was that the animals were lovely supporting characters...

It had horrified him to wake up in a pool of his own jizz in the middle of the night. He’d rolled onto his stomach at some point and humped the mattress while dreaming of going balls deep inside Finley’s sweet ass. Kieran couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a wet dream. Even worse, the realization had only made him hornier when he should’ve been humiliated by the loss of control. 😳

“Remember those times you asked if I was sore?”
Hell yes, he recalled the hitch in Finley’s step and the soft grunts that escaped now and then. Kieran opened his mouth to speak, but no words tumbled forth, so he nodded.
“I wore my ass out thinking about you, coming so hard I nearly blacked out.”
😳

“You make me want to believe that faith, hope, and joy really exist and that they’re not just pretty words embroidered on bathroom towels. You make me want to believe the universe not only has room for someone like me but wants me too.” As Kieran spoke, the knot in his chest loosened in places his humor hadn’t reached. “You make me want to believe that anything is possible, and it’s the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received.” 🫠
Profile Image for Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish).
928 reviews184 followers
November 2, 2023
Feel good romance that doesn’t fully live up to its potential.

As the series' name might hint, it’s about redemption. Kieran has been in jail for almost 2 years for a car theft he didn’t commit. He’s hired by Cash, the owner of Redemption Ridge, a ranch where they rehabilitate horses and dogs, and who was impressed by Kieran’s way with animals. Kieran is on a mission: he suspects Cash is somehow involved with the car thefts Kieran was arrested for, and he’s out to prove it. As Vanna pointed out in her review, it has some elements of The Count of Monte Cristo.

On Redemption Ridge, he meets Finley, who’s working with rescue horses.

They're immediately so attracted to each other that they walk around with boners for around 60% of the book, because ofc 🙄they’re both not keen on giving in and rather jerk of multiple times every day.

Annnnnnnywayyyyy…

The book could have done with a bit more editing. There were several occasions where the names got mixed up, like here:
“Kieran set his fork down and gave Kieran his full attention.“

And what’s the deal with Finley’s howling coyote? I don’t get it…
“Finley tried to summon the discipline he’d found the past few months, but it eluded him. All he heard and felt was the howling coyote.“

The plot and the romance were pretty predictable, but I liked the characters, even the side characters who won’t be having a big romance in one of the following books (Finley’s mom is so cool!), so I think I’ll continue reading this series whenever I feel the need to read something easy and fun.
244 reviews6 followers
Read
June 11, 2023
Dnf at 40%. This was boring.
Profile Image for yaishin.
904 reviews118 followers
July 1, 2023
this book is why I don't read hurt-comfort anymore.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,790 reviews137 followers
April 16, 2024
Kieran Sullivan is being released after 20 months in prison. For a crime he didn’t commit. Cash, an ex-con himself who runs Redemption Ranch where he tries to give back, picks him up. Kieran worked with Cash’s dog rescue and training program in prison, and he has a way with animals, so Cash offered him a place at the ranch.

Kieran meets Finley Ashe at the ranch and learns that he’ll be working with him in the equestrian program. Kieran hasn’t been around horses before, so he has a lot to learn. He also cannot believe how gorgeous Finley is and finds that it’s difficult to ignore the gorgeous guy. Finely has had a breakup with a man who then joined a religious homophobic cult, so Finley hasn't wanted to get involved again with anyone...but he has a "thing" for bad boys... he’s a MAGNET for them. Kieran is a gorgeous bad boy if ever he saw one...but it seems the guy has a lot going on below the surface.

He absolutely refuses to discuss anything about his past. It takes a while, but Kieran finally lets Finley in...and the walls come tumbling down. Turns out that he was set up to take the rap for a stolen car racket by a guy he thought loved him, but it turns out that there is MUCH more going on with the perpetrator than meets the eye. This sting operation results in more damage than good.

I have liked almost everything that Aimee Nicole Walker has written and was happy to see this new series. I’m hoping this is a "stage setter" for a visit to a larger world with the guys of Redemption Ranch. Being the first book in the series. there was a lot of character introduction going on that slowed the story down a bit. The twist was good although it was a very long wait to get any information.

I liked Finley and his family right away. His mother is so funny. I hope we get to see more of her and Finley’s sister in future stories. Cash, Reuben, Ivan and the rest of the ranch crew proved to be an interesting bunch, and of course "Mama Kitty" and her little ones. Obviously, there are lots of opportunity for more stories with them all. Lance West as a great narrator with an easy to listen to voice. Hope to hear more from him also.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,864 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2023
Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit makes Kieran vindictive. After twenty months behind bars he’s free and has one goal, find the one who did the crime.

He has it all planned out, and well structured, at the Redemption Ridge ranch he can work on making his plans come true, while doing this he has to work with the horses.

Finley is the horse whisperer in this story, he has a soft spot for scarred souls and sad eyes. Kieran is exactly that. He has to work with Finley.
Kieran isn’t interested in making friends, so he’ll behave at his worst to keep Finley at a distance.

All who work at Redemption Ridge are ex-cons, Finley is not one of them, he’s the man with a kind heart, and they protect him.

A friendship is blooming, there’s attraction and Finley is open about it, he left the dating scene six months ago, but Kieran is way too attractive to ignore him.
The circumstances are complicated just as Kieran’s life was and is.

I don’t want to spoil the course, but believe me when I say it’s wonderfully layered and well thought out! All fabulously developed!

An excellently written slow burn, while Finley has the title horse whisperer Kieran was too.
The author created a beautiful picture, with depth, supportive characters, with the best main characters. It was an amazing story I enjoyed hugely. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
Profile Image for raccoon reader.
1,812 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2024
2.5 stars

A slow burn (compared to what I normally read) of two guys slowly trusting one another. There is a bit of a mystery. MC1 believes he can uncover the head of a criminal organization that sent him to jail unjustly. He's survived nearly two years in prison and goes to work on a ranch. He has a ridiculous amount of Dr. Doolittle sway over animals.

The mystery is second hand to the slow unfurling of Kieran's trust in Finley. It was sweet and the audio was well done. I loved how enthusiastic, goofy, and romcom ridic Finley could be. And I never turn down a good broody quiet romantic lead. Buuut...something was missing for me. I can't put my finger on it exactly...
Profile Image for Marthea.
1,014 reviews16 followers
June 6, 2023
2+
Wiem, że to znana autorka książek MM, ale dla mnie nowa, skoro nic wcześniej jej nie czytałam. Skusiłam się, bo wiecie - wątek ex więźnia w połączeniu z rancho - no po prostu nie mogłam się oprzeć 🤷‍♀️

Nooooo... ale czterech liter nie urywa 😜
To slow-burn, a ja je uwielbiam i generalnie w większości tylko takie książki czytam. Ale tutaj raczej przechylał się w stronę nudy po prostu 😕 To pierwszy tom większej serii, zatem było sporo przedstawień - zarówno bohaterów następnych zapewne tomów, jak i okoliczności, które pewnie potem będą grały główną rolę, jak choćby sekta w miasteczku. I to byłoby jeszcze okej, bo to zabieg stosowany przy większości serii. Ale na pewno byłoby dużo lepiej, gdyby nasi główni bohaterowie, zanim w końcu po raz pierwszy uprawiają seks (a to było po 60% książki? może nawet 2/3?), robili coś więcej niż tylko: myśleli o seksie, chodzili prawie non stop ze wzwodem, obczajali tyłek tego drugiego, upajali się jego zapachem, wyobrażali sobie na wszelkie sposoby podczas całkiem licznych masturbacji, co by zrobili temu drugiemu itd. Po 24 gdz. od poznania, powietrze między nimi wręcz wrzało...
I oczywiście przesadzam, bo jednak inne rzeczy się wydarzały w międzyczasie, ale było tego na tyle dużo, że ogólne wrażenie zostaje właśnie takie i tak przede wszystkim zapamiętam tę książkę (jeżeli w ogóle będę ją pamiętać 😜). A to jest nudne, nic nie poradzę 🤷‍♀️

Potem zrobiło się trochę lepiej, stąd takie 2+ w zaokrągleniu w górę, no ale generalnie rozczarowanie...
Profile Image for Chiara D'Agosto.
Author 12 books88 followers
March 4, 2024
DNF about 30%

God I'm so bored. I was intrigued by the cover, but the content is absolutely flat.

Formulaic romance where you have a guy fresh out of jail for a crime he did not commit (ofc), a rancher with plush lips and a nice arse, a little found family, a lot of backstory for both MCs, not well developed ofc. They see each other once (LITERALLY) and they go back to puberty straight on. They cannot stop talking or thinking about fucking. They work together a few moments and they are enamoured with each other. The dialogue is so cringy and sappy and god it was bad. The editing is awful and I lost count of all the times the two MCs' names are swapped in the wrong place, and THE BLOODY HEAD-HOPPING. EWWW.

I literally have no will whatsoever to continue this. Prize for most boring book of the year until now. I mean we are only in March but it's going to be hard to top this one...

Keep clear GR friends 😂
Profile Image for Alexis.
841 reviews23 followers
May 5, 2023
This book was a 3.5 rounded down. Kieran Sullivan is recently released from jail and has one mission: find out how he was framed and get revenge. What he doesn't expect is to meet sunshine and broken boy magnet Finley. Finley is a supervisor for the horses at Redemption Ridge where Kieran is getting his second chance. Kieran's ulterior motives for being at the ranch are quickly forgotten about once he accepts the temptation that is Finley.

I think Kieran and Finley worked well together, Kieran was used to being let down and didn't trust anyone and Finley was the first person to give him hope and believe in him. Despite this, I felt like we didn't get to know Finley enough. We know he has a history of liking the bad boys and wanting to fix those who are a little bit "broken". We also know his last ex ended up leaving him and joining a cult that has slowly become a large nuisance in the town. The cult was something that was brought up a lot but not really given any more information on. I felt like it wasn't necessary to the book at all.

There were points where I felt like the book dragged a bit, some of the inner monologuing was sooo long where I found myself sort of skimming and skipping paragraphs. Once Kieran and Finley got together it was a lot better and I wished they could have had more moments together. The build up and portions of time when they weren't speaking felt longer than the time they actually had being together which isn't my cup of tea for a romance novel. The mystery aspect of this book was intriguing enough and I definitely found myself reading on because I wanted to know what the twist was going to be.

And oof did this book have some good lines:

"What we shared obliterated anything I'd ever experienced with anyone else, and that's the part I need you to believe."


Finley sighed and shook his head. "You can't give me that kind of power."
Kieran trailed a finger across his jawline over his lips. "That's exactly what I'm going to do. You make me want to believe, and someday I will."


"You make me want to believe that anything is possible, and it's the most wonderful gift I've ever received."



*I received an arc and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Crisana.
1,022 reviews46 followers
August 3, 2023
I was sure it was going to be a 4* but in the end I felt there was a lack of depth that stopped me connecting with the characters more. Starting the 2nd book now, let's see how that one goes.
Profile Image for S a n d r a.
1,343 reviews193 followers
May 11, 2023
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

3.5⭐

I had a bit of an issue at the beginning, but I'm sure it was a "me" thing more than anything, I just had a hard time getting into the story because I struggled with waiting to read but at the same time feeling apathetic.

Then I got into the story and thing went very smoothly.

This was my first time reading the author, but some of her books star my tbr lol It was a nice introduction to her style and I liked it quite a bit. My only complain, though, would be that sometimes her paragraphs are too long long for my taste. They mix internal monologue with dialogue and it feels a bit slow at times.

I liked the story. Kieran (love that name) gets out of jail after two years and seeks revenge against those that put him there. That takes him to the ranch where he meets Finley.

Finley is a living guy, the kind everyone easily loves and he was such a charmer. But he also has a thing for the bad boy and broken type, and that made his heart hurt more than he deserves.

They try to resist, Finley because he can't bear his heart getting broken again; Kieran because he has an agenda of his own and getting attached didn't enter the plan.

I loved the flirting. They are so sweet together and the tension builds nicely until they can resist no more. I liked their chemistry but even though some of the steamy scenes where nice enough, I felt like there was something missing there.

Of course, I can't finish this review without talking about the animals. They are so important for the story and such a heartwarming factor. The supporting characters too, they have so much potential and I hope to see them all getting their happily ever after!!
Profile Image for Beth.
369 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2023
I had enjoyed the Zero Hour series from Walker, so I thought I'd try this series...and I doubt I'll be continuing after this first book.

Pros: Third person POV, which is increasingly a rarity in MM romance, and some hot sex scenes. The 2 MCs were sweet, and I enjoyed the parts about horse training (although based on what I know from a friend who rehabs mustangs, I'm not sure it's super accurate).

Cons: One of my pet peeves is family members that are overly invested in the MC's sex lives, and this started at 5% into the book. I almost DNF'd but decided to give it another chance. The MCs ARE sweet but otherwise didn't feel distinct - we get both of their POVs but other than different backstories they read as practically the same character on the page. Apparently Kieran is some animal whisperer and is better with horses than Finley, who has been around them his whole life? Kieran has been in prison for 2 years but really the only effect this has had on him is that he's uncontrollably horny? Too many details on things unimportant to the plot, and not enough on the things that would make me care about these two dudes. The writing just felt lazy in so many ways.

I ended up finishing the book because I wanted to find out about the "mystery" and who had set up Kieran...that was somewhat satisfying. The end is clearly setting up for the next book in the series, which had initially been the one to spark my interest. That interest has waned.
Profile Image for DeniReadsMostlyMM.
395 reviews45 followers
May 6, 2023
***ARC Review***

This is my honest review for the ARC I received.

This story sucked me in right away. There’s a mystery that needs to be solved. There’s relatable and heartwarming characters. There’s forced proximity. There’s a beautiful Colorado landscape.

Kieran is out for revenge. (There are a few The Count of Monte Cristo references in this book). He’s just served 20 months for a crime he didn’t commit. Finley is on a relationship hiatus. He’s been burned by bad and/or broken boys one too many times and no longer trusts his judgment.

The pair meet at Redemption Ridge, a ranch that rehabilitates horses and dogs. Finley is the equine supervisor at the ranch. He is extremely good with horses. Kieran has been hired there after doing work with the Arrowhead Correctional Center K9 program, which features Cash, the ranch owner’s, dogs. Kieran is a natural with animals as well. Cash starts him working with Finley and the horses.

Despite their prior baggage, both MCs have an immediate attraction to one another. They try to resist it but feel pulled to one another. The pair bond (Finley manages to get Kieran to open up) and their emotional connection eventually gives way to a physical relationship. This book is a delicious slow burn that crackles with chemistry and innuendo. The steamy moments between the duo don’t occur until the 64% mark, but by then the physical component is just icing on the cake to their overall connection.

While Finley and Kieran have explosive chemistry, it’s their vulnerability that makes them really stand out. Kieran has built a wall to protect himself from all of the people who have abandoned him or let him down. Finley wears his heart on his sleeve. Both men undergo an emotional journey in this novel. I really liked how they were able to talk to and lean on one another. These MCs tug on your heartstrings.

There’s a wonderful nod to found family in this book. The men at the ranch are great side characters. I’m excited to see what transpires in Ivan’s book (up next in the series) and Cash’s book after that. Finley’s mom Hope provides comedic relief in the story. His sister Harry is a spitfire. Walker provides strong character bonds, emotional acuity, engaging dialogue, and great pacing in this book. It was a wonderful start to a series and I’ll definitely come back for more.
Profile Image for BeckieLouLou.
669 reviews19 followers
November 8, 2025
4.25 stars. Audiobook. Nicely done mild drama, low angst broken boy story. I adore how one MC knows he’s a broken-boy magnet and keeps trying to talk himself out of getting to know the new guy. He feels
Himself getting drawn in by the sad eyes and has to give himself a pep talk, super cute. This author does a great job of making the characters so likable and relatable, you find yourself routing for everyone. Easy read, well written.

Ranch, wrongfully accused, jail time, m/m, HEA.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
590 reviews
May 15, 2023
Okay for one this cover is absolutely what convinced me to read this book because it’s gorgeous. But it was also a beautiful story and a solid 4/4.5 stars for me!
Profile Image for Booker.
377 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2023
Aimee Nicole Walker is always a solid read for me. This is an MM romance with a bit of a mystery. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,248 reviews23 followers
May 9, 2023
Where do I find myself a Kieran of my own to lick? He's sexy, sweet and extremely sympathetic, I liked him from the start, he's shown as having had few chances in life, and as coming up through the school of hard knocks. The attraction to Finley, and what a sweetie he is, is immediate, but both are wary of the other; Kieran because he doesn't feel worthy, and Finley, just keeps getting his heart broken, time and time again.

Often romance books can feel like they go from 0-60 in a blind second , but I could really feel the progression of an actual relationship here, rather than just the sex ( which was awesome when it eventually happened), and it had me invested in the characters from the beginning. I liked the whole slow burn the guys had going on, it fitted in within the context of the story perfectly.

It was a little slow in parts, too much introspection from both guys, for my taste. However, I did enjoy it and the edge of intrigue involved, ( absolutely no spoilers), will definitely read the next one. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for The Secret Librarian.
707 reviews105 followers
June 27, 2023
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person

Guys Like Him was a slow burn romance with revenge / redemption themes and a lot of delicious tension!

Kieran’s backstory certainly had my curiosity peaked, and I liked how his past was revealed bit by bit. He was pretty grumpy and standoffish at first, which was understandable considering what he’d been through. He and Finley had great chemistry from the start, I loved the tension between them and how it built for a while before they just couldn’t resist each other anymore.

It was so sweet to see them flirting and getting to know each other, and I loved the lighter, humorous moments that were there as well. There were a lot of animals in the story, and the way both Kieran and Finley were with the horses, along with the way they connected with them was lovely to read.

Kieran and Finley’s story was easy to get intrigued by and I really like the setting and premise of this series. I’m definitely curious to see what Aimee Nicole Walker will come up with next!
Profile Image for Beth.
2,917 reviews27 followers
July 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this first book in a new series

Aimee Nicole Walker has a wonderful way of writing characters that immediately grab your heart and constructing wonderful worlds to put them in.

I was intrigued by this book from the start with the whole secret vengeance plan. I fell for the characters as we saw Kieran start to believe something good could happen for him and as we saw Finley help him believe he could be more.

I really liked the pace of the story arc and the build to the crisis moment. I read the book in one day as I didn’t want to put it down (except of course adulting tends to get in the way so I couldn’t just read straight through like I wanted to!)

The epilogue gives us a segue to the next book and I am looking forward to that and to book three. Looks like another winning series from Walker.
Profile Image for Jerri.
723 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2023
I really liked this one. There was quite a bit going on, just enough intrigue to make it interesting without triggering any anxiety. Kieran has an edge to him that makes him a bad boy at first glance, maybe even at the second. But he has a side to him he never let even himself see. He doesn’t believe it could grow and heal him from the inside. He;s broken,, but not helpless.
Finley is, well, unique. His skill with horses is obvious. HIs skill at reading people and guessing how to ease them is just as good as it is with them.
The story is well fleshed out, with characters that are complete individuals. Even the animals have their personalities.
I’m so very looking forward to the rest of the series!
Profile Image for SJ.
2,020 reviews33 followers
May 6, 2023
Kind of a disappointing read as it is just okay and I thought it would have depth and super steam.
The writing is serviceable, but there is no sizzle. The story is dragging and is boring and there are too many scenes and plot points that are not romance and involve other people. When the two MCs finally got together at 66% I was not feeling any passion or deep lust. It was written on the page but did not convey through the scene. The MCs don’t get their bubble of being alone and they are prepared emotionally to be apart as one MC is only on scene for revenge and the other has sworn off falling for sad puppies. This is a meh read. Not sure if I’ll be finishing it.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,590 reviews18 followers
May 15, 2023
What a remarkable story, everything about this story is fabulous.
Written beautifully with wonderful characters I couldn't stop reading.
Finley and Kieran have a past that they have to navigate, it's not easy but with trust and tolerance slowly they go forward.

The mystery is excellent making me think throughout the story.

Slow burn, immediate attraction, sexual teasing and finding the absolute best of each other.
The way they opened up to each other was beautiful, they took slow steps plus communication worked.

The side characters are perfect!
Second chances for animals and humans alone.
I can't praise this book enough.
Breathtaking!

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1,536 reviews46 followers
May 3, 2023
Awe… What a fantastic start to a new series. I loved Kieren right away and my heart went out to him, I loved Finley too, he’s a doll. I was hooked from the first page, so good! The book was heartbreaking, witty,sweet, steamy and swoony. I’m so looking forward to next book in the series!!
912 reviews21 followers
May 6, 2023
Really Good!

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! I was pulled in right from the start to Kieran and Finley's story. The writing was great. I loved the way we were slowly  introduced to everyone and how the tentative relationship between Kieran and Finley grew over time. Kieran had some major trust issues just having gotten out of prison, and Finley did as well after a series of bad relationships. They danced cautiously around each other, but the UST was off the charts! The build up to their first times together was great and their first real kiss was fantastic! I also really enjoyed the backdrop of the ranch, all the animals they cared for, and the big cast of found family. It had a really organic feel to it and makes me very eager to read book 2! The mystery subplot fell a little flat for me, but it was needed to set the stage fir Kieran being at the ranch. Overall a very enjoyable read, well written with lots of very swoony and touching moments, and left me ready for more!
1,253 reviews47 followers
February 15, 2025
story of Kieran and Finley

This is a co-workers to friends to more romance, featuring Kieran Sullivan and Finley Ashe, and is a book one in the Redemption Ridge series.

Kieran is released from prison after serving two years for a crime he didn’t commit. He has one thing in mind, revenge, that is until he meets Finley - the horse expert at Redemption Ridge.

This was a low angst, slow burn story with two characters that were all kinds of cute with their flirting. The mystery was interesting, I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to play out.

The epilogue did a great job of hooking me onto book two. Now I need to know what happens.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Slow burn
Low angst
Coworkers to friends
Horse specialist X Ex con
Insta-attraction
S*x toys
Lots of flirting
Bit of a mystery
Bit of spice
Found family
HEA
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