What do you think?
Rate this book
After Oscar #4
ISO: In Search Of
How in the world does a grumpy rancher end up falling for a rich dilettante?
Richard Dunning has it all: private school education, an exquisite designer wardrobe, a last name that ensures he’s invited to all the best parties, and a skincare regimen that’s to die for.
The only thing he doesn’t have is… well, a job. Or a home. Or money in the bank. Not since his dad cut him off.
So when his best frenemy approaches him with a bet—spend a month working as a cowhand on some godforsaken Wyoming ranch in exchange for his dream job—he’s a little too proud and a lot too desperate to say no.
But from the moment Richard and his rhinestone cowboy hat show up at the Silver Fork Ranch, nothing is as expected.
Not the beautiful vistas, not the terrifying horses, not the friendly people, not the epic quantities of cow manure, and definitely not Boone Hammond, the rugged rancher whose eyes are a little too intense, whose expectations are a little too high, and whose kisses are… a lot too tempting.
But when his month on the ranch comes to a close, Richard must choose: return to the safe, luxurious life he thought he wanted… or risk everything for the love he’s been IN SEARCH OF all along.
Richard Dunning has it all: private school education, an exquisite designer wardrobe, a last name that ensures he’s invited to all the best parties, and a skincare regimen that’s to die for.
The only thing he doesn’t have is… well, a job. Or a home. Or money in the bank. Not since his dad cut him off.
So when his best frenemy approaches him with a bet—spend a month working as a cowhand on some godforsaken Wyoming ranch in exchange for his dream job—he’s a little too proud and a lot too desperate to say no.
But from the moment Richard and his rhinestone cowboy hat show up at the Silver Fork Ranch, nothing is as expected.
Not the beautiful vistas, not the terrifying horses, not the friendly people, not the epic quantities of cow manure, and definitely not Boone Hammond, the rugged rancher whose eyes are a little too intense, whose expectations are a little too high, and whose kisses are… a lot too tempting.
But when his month on the ranch comes to a close, Richard must choose: return to the safe, luxurious life he thought he wanted… or risk everything for the love he’s been IN SEARCH OF all along.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
307 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
95 books4,441 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 9, 2025
ISO: In Search Of, is book four in the After Oscar series by Lucy Lennox and Molly Maddox. This book can be read as a stand alone. It’s the first book in this series that I’ve read. It’s the cover and the cowboy romance theme that caught my attention. I do love my cowboys! I also want to add that the theme, “After Oscar” is really unique.
Boone Hammond is forty one years old and is the sole owner of a huge cattle ranch, Silver Fork Ranch near the tiny town of Silverhollow, Wyoming. Owning the ranch is his dream and it’s a prosperous business. But Boone keeps losing his cowhands to his neighboring rancher who has it out for him. So he’s burning the candle at both ends, trying to keep up with everything. He desperately needs more help. So when his ex boyfriend who is also his best friend, Oscar, suggests someone he is trying to teach a lesson to, Boone can’t say no.
Richard Dunning is twenty nine years old. His family is wealthy and his father is controlling, wanting Richard to work for his company. But Richard feels as though no matter what he does, it’s never good enough, and he doesn’t like the job, at all! So he quits and his father cuts him off. Now he is broke, homeless and has no job prospects. When his ex’s friend, Oscar, bets him he can’t spend one month on a working ranch, he can’t say no because he’s tired of couch surfing. So he packs up his rhinestones and designer duds, and heads for Wyoming!
The surprise is that the beauty of Wyoming astounds Richard. And he works hard to prove himself. He also has a bit of a crush on his boss, Boone. Boone is equally taken with Richard. But he’s his employee and is also leaving in a month if he even makes it that long. So he is hands off. Or at least that’s what he tells himself.
Both of these men have issues that have driven them. The difference is that Boone always knew what he wanted in life. Richard is still trying to figure it out. But Boone sees the heart of Richard that no one else seems to have taken the time to see.
This was a sweet, sexy, humorous romance. I did love these two together. The reason for the four star rating is just that I didn’t feel their connection the way I hoped to. I guess you could say I didn’t swoon. But I still really enjoyed reading this. As I said above, I adore cowboys and Boone is a good one.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Boone Hammond is forty one years old and is the sole owner of a huge cattle ranch, Silver Fork Ranch near the tiny town of Silverhollow, Wyoming. Owning the ranch is his dream and it’s a prosperous business. But Boone keeps losing his cowhands to his neighboring rancher who has it out for him. So he’s burning the candle at both ends, trying to keep up with everything. He desperately needs more help. So when his ex boyfriend who is also his best friend, Oscar, suggests someone he is trying to teach a lesson to, Boone can’t say no.
Richard Dunning is twenty nine years old. His family is wealthy and his father is controlling, wanting Richard to work for his company. But Richard feels as though no matter what he does, it’s never good enough, and he doesn’t like the job, at all! So he quits and his father cuts him off. Now he is broke, homeless and has no job prospects. When his ex’s friend, Oscar, bets him he can’t spend one month on a working ranch, he can’t say no because he’s tired of couch surfing. So he packs up his rhinestones and designer duds, and heads for Wyoming!
The surprise is that the beauty of Wyoming astounds Richard. And he works hard to prove himself. He also has a bit of a crush on his boss, Boone. Boone is equally taken with Richard. But he’s his employee and is also leaving in a month if he even makes it that long. So he is hands off. Or at least that’s what he tells himself.
Both of these men have issues that have driven them. The difference is that Boone always knew what he wanted in life. Richard is still trying to figure it out. But Boone sees the heart of Richard that no one else seems to have taken the time to see.
This was a sweet, sexy, humorous romance. I did love these two together. The reason for the four star rating is just that I didn’t feel their connection the way I hoped to. I guess you could say I didn’t swoon. But I still really enjoyed reading this. As I said above, I adore cowboys and Boone is a good one.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 5, 2023
~4.25~
It's been over three years since the last After Oscar book, so I don't remember how Richard was portrayed as a secondary character, but I can't imagine it was in a positive light.
Richard is flirtatious, flighty, and charming. He doesn't stick with anything (or anyone) for long. After the (in)famous Oscar goads Richard into spending a month toiling as a ranch hand, Richard is determined to prove that he can work hard, although mucking horse shit for hours is not exactly glamorous.
But Richard doesn't want to let Boone, the handsome ranch owner, down.
Boone is all business, but he has a huge heart and treats his ranch hands like family. Boone is smart, solid, and sexy - basically, a walking cowboy wet dream.
Initially, Boone is hard on (and hard FOR, but that's another story) Richard and points out every small misstep.
Once he gives Richard a chance, Boone sees how much Richard tries, how he cares for the horses and never complains; he sees the vulnerability and longing for approval. He sees ... Richard, not the projection but the real man.
I enjoyed everything about this story:
ranch setting;
dynamic secondary characters (all the ranch hands were a hoot - I'd love a spinoff series about these cowboys!);
opposites attract;
slow burn (but not too slow);
horses with personalities;
one very smart dog (Birdie knew what was up all along);
some angst but no melodrama;
hot, HOT lovin' under the wide Wyoming sky; and
a HEA that sparkles like diamonds.
One small complain: The whole thing with the lawsuit against Boone was resolved far too easily. I expected more ... suspense? excitement? Dunno, but I'm questioning whether this particular plotline was even necessary.
That's not a big deal though. I still wholeheartedly recommend this book!
It's been over three years since the last After Oscar book, so I don't remember how Richard was portrayed as a secondary character, but I can't imagine it was in a positive light.
Richard is flirtatious, flighty, and charming. He doesn't stick with anything (or anyone) for long. After the (in)famous Oscar goads Richard into spending a month toiling as a ranch hand, Richard is determined to prove that he can work hard, although mucking horse shit for hours is not exactly glamorous.
But Richard doesn't want to let Boone, the handsome ranch owner, down.
Boone is all business, but he has a huge heart and treats his ranch hands like family. Boone is smart, solid, and sexy - basically, a walking cowboy wet dream.
Initially, Boone is hard on (and hard FOR, but that's another story) Richard and points out every small misstep.
Once he gives Richard a chance, Boone sees how much Richard tries, how he cares for the horses and never complains; he sees the vulnerability and longing for approval. He sees ... Richard, not the projection but the real man.
I enjoyed everything about this story:
ranch setting;
dynamic secondary characters (all the ranch hands were a hoot - I'd love a spinoff series about these cowboys!);
opposites attract;
slow burn (but not too slow);
horses with personalities;
one very smart dog (Birdie knew what was up all along);
some angst but no melodrama;
hot, HOT lovin' under the wide Wyoming sky; and
a HEA that sparkles like diamonds.
One small complain: The whole thing with the lawsuit against Boone was resolved far too easily. I expected more ... suspense? excitement? Dunno, but I'm questioning whether this particular plotline was even necessary.
That's not a big deal though. I still wholeheartedly recommend this book!
December 3, 2023
Who would have thought it would be Richard’s story that stole the show?
I’ll admit: I didn’t particularly care for Richard in book 1 and book 3. He seemed to be flighty, even though it did seem there’s a good guy beneath all the bluster.
I can happily say that not only did he redeem himself in this book, he totally made me fall in love with him. Yes, it’s that Lucy Lennox brand of sometimes OTT silliness in some situations (I mean - a shiny, spoiled and sparkly city socialite working as a FARM HAND? Mucking out stables? Some scenes just write themselves…). And there IS that insta thingy again, even though it’s relatively slow paced when compared to the other books (it takes 2 weeks for Boone aka the broody cowboy to give in to the temptation that is Richard).
Thankfully, the third act drama is short and not based on miscommunication, so I’ll rate it with 4.5 stars rounded up.
Looking first to finally reading about Oscar next, whenever the book comes out 🥰
I’ll admit: I didn’t particularly care for Richard in book 1 and book 3. He seemed to be flighty, even though it did seem there’s a good guy beneath all the bluster.
I can happily say that not only did he redeem himself in this book, he totally made me fall in love with him. Yes, it’s that Lucy Lennox brand of sometimes OTT silliness in some situations (I mean - a shiny, spoiled and sparkly city socialite working as a FARM HAND? Mucking out stables? Some scenes just write themselves…). And there IS that insta thingy again, even though it’s relatively slow paced when compared to the other books (it takes 2 weeks for Boone aka the broody cowboy to give in to the temptation that is Richard).
Thankfully, the third act drama is short and not based on miscommunication, so I’ll rate it with 4.5 stars rounded up.
Looking first to finally reading about Oscar next, whenever the book comes out 🥰
October 28, 2023
I was skeptical picking this book up. Mostly because I haven't been a fan of Richard earlier in the series and because I wasn't really a fan of the previous two books. But I loved this. Easily the best one in the entire series.
November 23, 2023
Cute ranch romance from this duo
This was a fun book, it was inevitable that Oscar's matchmaking would once again result in a perfect pair finding their happy ending.
We last saw Richard breaking James' heart in book three (James himself first appearing in book one!) but I didn't remember Boone from any previous stories.
He's apparently another Oscar ex, but in this case, they go way back, to their Texas childhood and them being high school sweethearts until their paths diverged a few years after escaping their small town lives.
I loved Boone, he's the guy you want by your side, supportive and offering up no-nonsense advice and a solid platform to lean on.
Richard, obviously, also has way more depth to him too and we also get to see him stretch his wings and find a purpose.
This is both an instant attraction and a slow burn, because it takes a while for them to act on it, which works beautifully for the storytelling.
When they give in though, it's a delicious blend of needy Richard and commanding Boone teasing things out until they explode in a mess of emotions and steamy outdoor sex.
I loved the rest of the guys on the ranch too, although the secondary plot felt a bit like it was just there for something else to be happening. It wrapped up a bit smoothly and without any real recourse for the trouble caused.
Overall though, this was a good addition and leaves just Oscar himself in the final book of the series!
This was a fun book, it was inevitable that Oscar's matchmaking would once again result in a perfect pair finding their happy ending.
We last saw Richard breaking James' heart in book three (James himself first appearing in book one!) but I didn't remember Boone from any previous stories.
He's apparently another Oscar ex, but in this case, they go way back, to their Texas childhood and them being high school sweethearts until their paths diverged a few years after escaping their small town lives.
I loved Boone, he's the guy you want by your side, supportive and offering up no-nonsense advice and a solid platform to lean on.
Richard, obviously, also has way more depth to him too and we also get to see him stretch his wings and find a purpose.
This is both an instant attraction and a slow burn, because it takes a while for them to act on it, which works beautifully for the storytelling.
When they give in though, it's a delicious blend of needy Richard and commanding Boone teasing things out until they explode in a mess of emotions and steamy outdoor sex.
I loved the rest of the guys on the ranch too, although the secondary plot felt a bit like it was just there for something else to be happening. It wrapped up a bit smoothly and without any real recourse for the trouble caused.
Overall though, this was a good addition and leaves just Oscar himself in the final book of the series!
February 6, 2024
The third act be bugging me,
It's just not hitting the same, it's so typical
Mc doesn't always communicate I hated that,
I hate that Richard just leave without telling Boone, he could've communicate with him first,
And also the reveal of Boone being rich did nothing to the story I liked it more when the mcs struggle together and the problems they were facing felt more real now they're both rich it's like Richard isn't giving up something to live with Boone.
It's just not hitting the same, it's so typical
Mc doesn't always communicate I hated that,
I hate that Richard just leave without telling Boone, he could've communicate with him first,
And also the reveal of Boone being rich did nothing to the story I liked it more when the mcs struggle together and the problems they were facing felt more real now they're both rich it's like Richard isn't giving up something to live with Boone.
November 5, 2023
For as much as Richard hates country music, I could not stop hearing Rhinestone Cowboy play in my head every time he did anything remotely ranch related 😂
Really enjoyed this one! I didn't particularly like Richard much in the previous book, but in his own story I absolutely loved him, and Boone just fit him so well.
This book did actually make me dislike James though because I found him really condescending and belittling towards Richard.
Also Oscar really irritated me but I've never liked his character so I'm a little apprehensive that his story is the final book in this series. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as this one.
Really enjoyed this one! I didn't particularly like Richard much in the previous book, but in his own story I absolutely loved him, and Boone just fit him so well.
This book did actually make me dislike James though because I found him really condescending and belittling towards Richard.
Also Oscar really irritated me but I've never liked his character so I'm a little apprehensive that his story is the final book in this series. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as this one.
November 10, 2023
4.5 ! ALMOST PERFECT!
━━━━
Boone IS perfect, I will not let anyone change my mind. He wanted to comfort Rich from the start. He’s a little bit jealous, possessive, in-charge but soft and tender at the same time,uses the “baby” endearment at the perfect moments when it’s to comfort Rich. I love him 🥰🥰🥰
I LOVED that while there was an instant attraction they did not give in to it too early in the story, I loved that they did not get with others to try to get over their attraction to each other. I LOVED that Boone couldn’t keep to himself and publicly showed affection To Rich after they got together, NOT hiding their togetherness, it was so refreshing to read them not hiding their relationship even if they hadn’t defined it each other, they were still together. LOVED the gentle intimacy when Boone got visited by the Sheriff and he came to terms with wanting that FOREVER. 🥰🥰🥰
Now, I’m ALWAYS asking for more. And this time it’s no different, is it really too much to ask for authors to give me a sex scene AFTER the love declarations? These two were on fire and obsessed with each other, combustible the second they gave into their attraction, you can’t tell me a scene after they were able to define their relationship and love for each other wouldn’t have been even hotter and more tender. 😭😭😭😭 I am SO TIRED of jumping straight to an epilogue after the “ILYs” are finally shared, it takes a good chunk of enjoyment out of the story for me. 🥲
But the epilogue was nice, I liked who did the proposal even tho I was totally expecting it to be the other person. BUT AGAIN, why not give me an explosive scene after the proposal where they’ve turned into fiancés 🥲
If I had gotten to spend some time with them after they became official I would’ve given this a perfect score cos it’s been the best I’ve read since I’ve returned from my hiatus and has got me wanting to read more but because of my personal dislikes for this type of ending I reduced my score a tiny bit.
━━━━
No others/ no cheating
HEA / Epilogue couple months out
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. Just because it aligns or doesn’t align with my tastes does not mean it’ll be the same for you. Try it yourself ! ❀
━━━━
Boone IS perfect, I will not let anyone change my mind. He wanted to comfort Rich from the start. He’s a little bit jealous, possessive, in-charge but soft and tender at the same time,uses the “baby” endearment at the perfect moments when it’s to comfort Rich. I love him 🥰🥰🥰
I LOVED that while there was an instant attraction they did not give in to it too early in the story, I loved that they did not get with others to try to get over their attraction to each other. I LOVED that Boone couldn’t keep to himself and publicly showed affection To Rich after they got together, NOT hiding their togetherness, it was so refreshing to read them not hiding their relationship even if they hadn’t defined it each other, they were still together. LOVED the gentle intimacy when Boone got visited by the Sheriff and he came to terms with wanting that FOREVER. 🥰🥰🥰
Now, I’m ALWAYS asking for more. And this time it’s no different, is it really too much to ask for authors to give me a sex scene AFTER the love declarations? These two were on fire and obsessed with each other, combustible the second they gave into their attraction, you can’t tell me a scene after they were able to define their relationship and love for each other wouldn’t have been even hotter and more tender. 😭😭😭😭 I am SO TIRED of jumping straight to an epilogue after the “ILYs” are finally shared, it takes a good chunk of enjoyment out of the story for me. 🥲
But the epilogue was nice, I liked who did the proposal even tho I was totally expecting it to be the other person. BUT AGAIN, why not give me an explosive scene after the proposal where they’ve turned into fiancés 🥲
If I had gotten to spend some time with them after they became official I would’ve given this a perfect score cos it’s been the best I’ve read since I’ve returned from my hiatus and has got me wanting to read more but because of my personal dislikes for this type of ending I reduced my score a tiny bit.
━━━━
No others/ no cheating
HEA / Epilogue couple months out
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. Just because it aligns or doesn’t align with my tastes does not mean it’ll be the same for you. Try it yourself ! ❀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
3.9 - 4⭐
I'm rounding it up because I liked the main characters, the setting and I'm hoping we're getting a spin off with the Silver Fork Ranch guys, but again - the tropes are repetitive, the stories all have the same formula and everything is again based on insta-love even though this love story demands something deeper.
It's a sweet, light read though and I liked it. This book is the most memorable so far, at least for me.
🟡 A ranch in Wyoming
🟢 Rich rancher/a spoiler heir of a billionaire
🔵 Both gay
🟣 Age gap - 12 years 29/41
🟡 A bit of miscommunication, break up, quick get together
🌶️ Good smut but not that much of it, half off-page; oral, penetrative; t/b
The setting was one of my favorites - a cowboy ranch in the rural USA, this time Wyoming
where Boone, another one of Oscar's exes lives and works on a huge ranch, a self-made tough, wonderful guy who's getting Richard, the spoiled James' ex, working for him for a month, because Richard's been momentarily cut off from his daddy's money and he's trying to prove to Oscar and everyone else that he can be mature and work hard.
I didn't necessarily like Richard in previous books, but I did like him in this one. He's a bit flamboyant and very outgoing, but has substance and I really liked how he immersed himself into the ranch life with all the other guys.
No angst, no awkwardness, he just found his home and purpose.
This was definitely my Richard.
Boone's character was fantastic, I loved Boone. A steady, strong rancher with a lot of love and comfort to give to Richard, who's never had anyone in his corner, so this emotional reassurance that Boone was providing for Richard is what made me really like both together, their relationship is one of the best in this series.
"I didn’t want to date, but I did want to settle down with someone. I wanted a husband to come home to after a long day out on the ranch. I wanted a man cuddled up warm in my bed. I wanted kids I could teach to ride and love the outdoors. But I was also a realist. I was pushing middle age, and available men with similar goals were thin on the ground in rural Wyoming."
It was a bit disappointing to see that the authors were going for that quick love yet again, although this time we got a month of the main characters spending time together in general, so there was at least that; they've hooked up just a few times but it was more believable, actually the most believable so far in the series.
"“Let me care for you, dammit,” he said under his breath. I was so fucking gone for him. That one muttered command might as well have been an expression of love as far as my stupid heart was concerned."
The thing that didn't work for me was the abrupt ending to that sweet relationship that was about to develop between Boone and Richard.
Richard had a lower self esteem and suddenly decided he didn't want to be in the way, that Boone didn't want him for the long haul anyway, so when he had to make a trip back to New York, he left without saying goodbye. He didn't even say why he was leaving. So a bit of that miscommunication thrown in there just because.
The other thing was again that quick resolve of them getting back together, professing their undying love and getting engaged. The same thing all of the couples in this series went through and exactly how all of their their stories ended.
I think this book had more potential. Boone and Richard needed more time together on-page - as did every other couple in this series, but especially Boone and Richard. We get 300 pages of a very good story but the main couple gets the spotlight just a few times and this has been ongoing since the first installment. The authors are using the same formula for every book. The couples are well put together and I absolutely like this series but there are just a few things thrown in there that take the stories down a notch.
As far as this book goes I really hope the authors will make a spin off. I'm not ready to leave Silver Fork Ranch just yet.
I already know from reviews that Oscar's story, the one everyone reading this series has been anticipating, is not good, so I'm not sure when I'll read it.
I'm rounding it up because I liked the main characters, the setting and I'm hoping we're getting a spin off with the Silver Fork Ranch guys, but again - the tropes are repetitive, the stories all have the same formula and everything is again based on insta-love even though this love story demands something deeper.
It's a sweet, light read though and I liked it. This book is the most memorable so far, at least for me.
🟡 A ranch in Wyoming
🟢 Rich rancher/a spoiler heir of a billionaire
🔵 Both gay
🟣 Age gap - 12 years 29/41
🟡 A bit of miscommunication, break up, quick get together
🌶️ Good smut but not that much of it, half off-page; oral, penetrative; t/b
The setting was one of my favorites - a cowboy ranch in the rural USA, this time Wyoming
where Boone, another one of Oscar's exes lives and works on a huge ranch, a self-made tough, wonderful guy who's getting Richard, the spoiled James' ex, working for him for a month, because Richard's been momentarily cut off from his daddy's money and he's trying to prove to Oscar and everyone else that he can be mature and work hard.
I didn't necessarily like Richard in previous books, but I did like him in this one. He's a bit flamboyant and very outgoing, but has substance and I really liked how he immersed himself into the ranch life with all the other guys.
No angst, no awkwardness, he just found his home and purpose.
This was definitely my Richard.
Boone's character was fantastic, I loved Boone. A steady, strong rancher with a lot of love and comfort to give to Richard, who's never had anyone in his corner, so this emotional reassurance that Boone was providing for Richard is what made me really like both together, their relationship is one of the best in this series.
"I didn’t want to date, but I did want to settle down with someone. I wanted a husband to come home to after a long day out on the ranch. I wanted a man cuddled up warm in my bed. I wanted kids I could teach to ride and love the outdoors. But I was also a realist. I was pushing middle age, and available men with similar goals were thin on the ground in rural Wyoming."
It was a bit disappointing to see that the authors were going for that quick love yet again, although this time we got a month of the main characters spending time together in general, so there was at least that; they've hooked up just a few times but it was more believable, actually the most believable so far in the series.
"“Let me care for you, dammit,” he said under his breath. I was so fucking gone for him. That one muttered command might as well have been an expression of love as far as my stupid heart was concerned."
The thing that didn't work for me was the abrupt ending to that sweet relationship that was about to develop between Boone and Richard.
Richard had a lower self esteem and suddenly decided he didn't want to be in the way, that Boone didn't want him for the long haul anyway, so when he had to make a trip back to New York, he left without saying goodbye. He didn't even say why he was leaving. So a bit of that miscommunication thrown in there just because.
The other thing was again that quick resolve of them getting back together, professing their undying love and getting engaged. The same thing all of the couples in this series went through and exactly how all of their their stories ended.
I think this book had more potential. Boone and Richard needed more time together on-page - as did every other couple in this series, but especially Boone and Richard. We get 300 pages of a very good story but the main couple gets the spotlight just a few times and this has been ongoing since the first installment. The authors are using the same formula for every book. The couples are well put together and I absolutely like this series but there are just a few things thrown in there that take the stories down a notch.
As far as this book goes I really hope the authors will make a spin off. I'm not ready to leave Silver Fork Ranch just yet.
I already know from reviews that Oscar's story, the one everyone reading this series has been anticipating, is not good, so I'm not sure when I'll read it.
October 11, 2024
Not my fave in the series but cheers because we need more men who do embroidery!
October 24, 2023
I have to say, this is one of the best M/M romances I've read this year.
Me and the After Oscar series go way back. IRL, the first book in the series, was one of the first M/M books I've read years ago. I didn't even do the whole book review thing back then. So it was a no-brainer to pick this one up.
ISO is the fourth book in a series, which means the fourth of Oscar's exes gets his happy ending.
This time, the story is about Boone and Richard. It's an unlikely pair if you've seen one.
Boone owns a ranch in Wyoming, and Richard is a New York socialite. The former is hard around the edges and works hard physical labour to keep his cattle farm running. The other is a spoiled brat who doesn't really know what to do with his life.
Oscar, the mysterious billionaire, who seems to make a habit of making his exes' happy ever afters happen, wants to teach a lesson to Richard while also helping out his ex and friend, Boone who's in desperate need of helping hands on his ranch. And that's how Richard lands at the Silver Fork Ranch to prove he can make it for a month working tiring physical labour. To Boone's utter disbelief.
In the beginning, I thought I'm not gonna like Richard. He acts immaturely and seems not to understand what real work is. But honestly, I've grown to love him pretty quickly. The book manages to perfectly capture what familial and societal expectations do to someone if he hears them enough. Richard turned out to be a kind-hearted, insecure man buzzing with energy and the need for approval.
Boone is a much more mature character, but he, too, has his insecurities. Mainly, he doesn't believe anyone would choose the rugged ranch life over the sparkle of the big city. He's the epitome of a cowboy, and his care for his cattle and his employees show how good a man he is.
The story mostly focuses on Richard's blooming on the ranch. He works hard and learns quickly to help out in calving season while also working through his insecurities with the help of the caring bunch of cowboys, especially Boone. I loved to see him grow into his confidence, and my heart broke whenever someone tried to drag him back to his old ways.
His and Boone's relationship is sizzling hot, but it's also full of care and encouragement and balance. Even though it starts out on a rough patch, they quickly become close.
There were a million lovely and funny moments in the book. Richard's antics, his dazzling personality, the meddling and caring ranch employees, Boone's utter alck of self-control when it comes to Richard.
The strong bonds between the people and the empowering moments just make this an absolutely entertaining read.
Although I loved how Oscar is the link between the books, in this one, I found him judgemental and even a bit cruel. And okay, he got his reasons, I think he was a bit too harsh. I hope it has everything to do with the lead up to his story, though. I can't wait!
Overall, I loved this book a whole lot. Enjoyed every minute of it. I can't wait for the final book in the series. We finally get Oscar's story!
Me and the After Oscar series go way back. IRL, the first book in the series, was one of the first M/M books I've read years ago. I didn't even do the whole book review thing back then. So it was a no-brainer to pick this one up.
ISO is the fourth book in a series, which means the fourth of Oscar's exes gets his happy ending.
This time, the story is about Boone and Richard. It's an unlikely pair if you've seen one.
Boone owns a ranch in Wyoming, and Richard is a New York socialite. The former is hard around the edges and works hard physical labour to keep his cattle farm running. The other is a spoiled brat who doesn't really know what to do with his life.
Oscar, the mysterious billionaire, who seems to make a habit of making his exes' happy ever afters happen, wants to teach a lesson to Richard while also helping out his ex and friend, Boone who's in desperate need of helping hands on his ranch. And that's how Richard lands at the Silver Fork Ranch to prove he can make it for a month working tiring physical labour. To Boone's utter disbelief.
In the beginning, I thought I'm not gonna like Richard. He acts immaturely and seems not to understand what real work is. But honestly, I've grown to love him pretty quickly. The book manages to perfectly capture what familial and societal expectations do to someone if he hears them enough. Richard turned out to be a kind-hearted, insecure man buzzing with energy and the need for approval.
Boone is a much more mature character, but he, too, has his insecurities. Mainly, he doesn't believe anyone would choose the rugged ranch life over the sparkle of the big city. He's the epitome of a cowboy, and his care for his cattle and his employees show how good a man he is.
The story mostly focuses on Richard's blooming on the ranch. He works hard and learns quickly to help out in calving season while also working through his insecurities with the help of the caring bunch of cowboys, especially Boone. I loved to see him grow into his confidence, and my heart broke whenever someone tried to drag him back to his old ways.
His and Boone's relationship is sizzling hot, but it's also full of care and encouragement and balance. Even though it starts out on a rough patch, they quickly become close.
There were a million lovely and funny moments in the book. Richard's antics, his dazzling personality, the meddling and caring ranch employees, Boone's utter alck of self-control when it comes to Richard.
The strong bonds between the people and the empowering moments just make this an absolutely entertaining read.
Although I loved how Oscar is the link between the books, in this one, I found him judgemental and even a bit cruel. And okay, he got his reasons, I think he was a bit too harsh. I hope it has everything to do with the lead up to his story, though. I can't wait!
Overall, I loved this book a whole lot. Enjoyed every minute of it. I can't wait for the final book in the series. We finally get Oscar's story!
September 19, 2024
So it was 3 years between the last book coming out and this one coming out. To say I barely remembered anything from the first three books would be generous. But I looked at my last three reviews and as well as the last three book blurbs to kind of catch myself up one what had happened previously.
I still didn't remember much, but I found out from my own reviews that apparently in the first book, James (MC from the last book) was with a "not so great boyfriend" i.e. Richard.
But this was his book, so however he might have acted previously, this was his time to shine...or to understand him better, anyway.
He's grown up very very well off thanks to his parents, and very spoiled because of it. Or, well...materially spoiled. Emotionally and all that, there's more to Richard than meets the eye. And his parents have never been very good parents to him.
And no matter what he does, he doesn't seem able to impress his father, when that's really all he wants. But he also can't take doing what he wants anymore either, and prior to the start of this he quit working for his father at his billion dollar company.
But that means his father cuts him off, and he's almost broke because of it, and he needs a job ASAP.
And Boone owns his own ranch, a very well run ranch at that, but a competing rancher keeps stealing his ranch hands from him, and he needs more help around the ranch than he's getting.
Oscar and Boone grew up together, dated in high school, and tried to make it work for awhile after, but it didn't work out but have always maintained a friendship throughout the years.
During a conversation in which Boone mentions needing a ranch hand, Oscar suggests Richard, who needs work and also needs to work a real job for once, to prove he can do physical labor and be responsible on top of that.
Queue Richard coming to Boone's ranch in Wyoming and them very quickly falling for each other.
Should I have been bothered by how quickly they fall or are in the process of falling? Maybe, but these two works to well together and the chemistry was so good that I found myself not caring. Richard is supposed to be there for one month only before going back to his rich lifestyle in NYC, but by the end of that month they're ready to commit to each other.
So, it's perhaps too fast, but it's so good and enjoyable and the chemistry is so good that it doesn't really matter.
The only thing I felt tempted to give stars off for was some last minute drama near the end that was cleared up real quick (Like why wouldn't Richard just tell Boone what was going on in his note? It made no sense), butttt I found myself forgiving it because it got resolved quickly, and there affirmation of their relationship was so sweet and well done that I found myself forgiving the kind of melodrama insertion at the end there. I would usually care a lot more, and I did while reading that part, but I got over it quickly, funnily enough. So I didn't feel like taking anything off for it.
Richard is so much more than people think he is or he has presented to the world for his whole life because of how his father treated him. He just needed someone to believe in him and be proud of him, to love him for who he is, now who they want him to be.
I loved the ending, it was so adorable and the solidification of their HEA was great, I loved it.
Definitely big thumbs up from me, and since I barely remember the first three in this series, idk if I can definitively say this is my favorite, but I think it is, overall. I loved every minute of it, and these two gave me all the feels.
I can't wait to dive into Oscar's story next. We've had all these "after Oscar" romances but it's time he got his own HEA and I can't wait to see him get it.
Onto the next!
My Ratings for the After Oscar Series:
🌕 IRL: In Real Life: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 LOL: Laugh Out Loud: 4.5 stars (my review)
🌕 BTW: By the Way: 4 stars (my review)
🌕 ISO: In Search Of: 5 stars
🌕 HEA: Happily Ever After: 4.5 stars (my review)
I still didn't remember much, but I found out from my own reviews that apparently in the first book, James (MC from the last book) was with a "not so great boyfriend" i.e. Richard.
But this was his book, so however he might have acted previously, this was his time to shine...or to understand him better, anyway.
He's grown up very very well off thanks to his parents, and very spoiled because of it. Or, well...materially spoiled. Emotionally and all that, there's more to Richard than meets the eye. And his parents have never been very good parents to him.
And no matter what he does, he doesn't seem able to impress his father, when that's really all he wants. But he also can't take doing what he wants anymore either, and prior to the start of this he quit working for his father at his billion dollar company.
But that means his father cuts him off, and he's almost broke because of it, and he needs a job ASAP.
And Boone owns his own ranch, a very well run ranch at that, but a competing rancher keeps stealing his ranch hands from him, and he needs more help around the ranch than he's getting.
Oscar and Boone grew up together, dated in high school, and tried to make it work for awhile after, but it didn't work out but have always maintained a friendship throughout the years.
During a conversation in which Boone mentions needing a ranch hand, Oscar suggests Richard, who needs work and also needs to work a real job for once, to prove he can do physical labor and be responsible on top of that.
Queue Richard coming to Boone's ranch in Wyoming and them very quickly falling for each other.
Should I have been bothered by how quickly they fall or are in the process of falling? Maybe, but these two works to well together and the chemistry was so good that I found myself not caring. Richard is supposed to be there for one month only before going back to his rich lifestyle in NYC, but by the end of that month they're ready to commit to each other.
So, it's perhaps too fast, but it's so good and enjoyable and the chemistry is so good that it doesn't really matter.
The only thing I felt tempted to give stars off for was some last minute drama near the end that was cleared up real quick (Like why wouldn't Richard just tell Boone what was going on in his note? It made no sense), butttt I found myself forgiving it because it got resolved quickly, and there affirmation of their relationship was so sweet and well done that I found myself forgiving the kind of melodrama insertion at the end there. I would usually care a lot more, and I did while reading that part, but I got over it quickly, funnily enough. So I didn't feel like taking anything off for it.
Richard is so much more than people think he is or he has presented to the world for his whole life because of how his father treated him. He just needed someone to believe in him and be proud of him, to love him for who he is, now who they want him to be.
I loved the ending, it was so adorable and the solidification of their HEA was great, I loved it.
Definitely big thumbs up from me, and since I barely remember the first three in this series, idk if I can definitively say this is my favorite, but I think it is, overall. I loved every minute of it, and these two gave me all the feels.
I can't wait to dive into Oscar's story next. We've had all these "after Oscar" romances but it's time he got his own HEA and I can't wait to see him get it.
Onto the next!
My Ratings for the After Oscar Series:
🌕 IRL: In Real Life: 5 stars (my review)
🌕 LOL: Laugh Out Loud: 4.5 stars (my review)
🌕 BTW: By the Way: 4 stars (my review)
🌕 ISO: In Search Of: 5 stars
🌕 HEA: Happily Ever After: 4.5 stars (my review)
December 12, 2023
Of course the flighty clothes-conscious citified cissy will fall for the rugged straight-talking narrow-lipped & hipped rancher. It's what the trope is all about. It helps though if the characterisation is consistent & convincing.
January 16, 2024
I became furious a grew times in this book -- never with Richard or Boone, but with the people around them: both their fathers, Walt fucking Hosser (of course!), even Oscar at least once. But McQueen and Boone? They were sweethearts. How soon is HEA coming out? I need that story like air to breathe.
October 30, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was just all around a good book. The characters were good, the plot was good, the pacing was good. It was just good!
I did feel bad for Richard a few times and you know, there is nothing wrong with not being able to do manual ranch labour. But it ended up all good (see what I did there) and the HEA was lovely.
This was probably the least OTT book I’ve ever read with Lucy Lennox’s name attached.
This was just all around a good book. The characters were good, the plot was good, the pacing was good. It was just good!
I did feel bad for Richard a few times and you know, there is nothing wrong with not being able to do manual ranch labour. But it ended up all good (see what I did there) and the HEA was lovely.
This was probably the least OTT book I’ve ever read with Lucy Lennox’s name attached.
August 11, 2024
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
I love a good city boy/country boy romance and this was GOOD. Boone<3333 my god. what a man! Simply put, I adored him. He was everything to me, truly. and Richard!!! I love interconnected standalone series because in book 3 we get a very specific view of Richard that doesn't entirely paint him as the best person but then we get his POV and its like oh!! this man is baby and deserves all the happiness and a strong hot cowboy to take care of him!! Richard is seen as this non-serious guy who moves from one interest to the next by those closest to him, including his father. Boone is the first one to acknowledge how hard Richard works and how brilliant he actually is (missed out on the some prime praise kink imo). I loved Boone and Richard's dynamic, and I loved how despite coming from different walks of life their feelings were enough to make them want to try anyway.
I love a good city boy/country boy romance and this was GOOD. Boone<3333 my god. what a man! Simply put, I adored him. He was everything to me, truly. and Richard!!! I love interconnected standalone series because in book 3 we get a very specific view of Richard that doesn't entirely paint him as the best person but then we get his POV and its like oh!! this man is baby and deserves all the happiness and a strong hot cowboy to take care of him!! Richard is seen as this non-serious guy who moves from one interest to the next by those closest to him, including his father. Boone is the first one to acknowledge how hard Richard works and how brilliant he actually is (missed out on the some prime praise kink imo). I loved Boone and Richard's dynamic, and I loved how despite coming from different walks of life their feelings were enough to make them want to try anyway.
February 16, 2022
When is this book being published ?😱
Read
May 28, 2024Not my thing. At all.
No rating
DNF
No rating
DNF
November 10, 2023
Been there done that, times 100.
May 13, 2024
Every bit as sweet as I was expecting! I don't recall many details from the earlier books, but they are only loosely related. But I knew I would enjoy this one - and I did.
I loved how both characters were true to themselves, even though it took Richard a while to figure himself out. I also loved how both made the effort to show their desire to have a relationship. It was in different ways but it was still nice to see. The ending was absolutely wonderful!
Well narrated by Michael Dean.
I loved how both characters were true to themselves, even though it took Richard a while to figure himself out. I also loved how both made the effort to show their desire to have a relationship. It was in different ways but it was still nice to see. The ending was absolutely wonderful!
Well narrated by Michael Dean.
March 8, 2024
This was a sweet opposites-attract, trope-y, rom-com-y à la Lucy Lennox read. I'm glad the series has continued after being on ice for a while and look forward to Oscar getting his well-deserved HEA after finding soulmates for his exes!
tags: out and gay camp MC, ranch, only one tent, daddy issues, secret billionaire, why would a city boy want to stay in the sticks?, doggo
NSFW infos:
- both MCs are out and gay
- bigger cowboy tops, smaller city boy bottoms
tags: out and gay camp MC, ranch, only one tent, daddy issues, secret billionaire, why would a city boy want to stay in the sticks?, doggo
NSFW infos:
- both MCs are out and gay
- bigger cowboy tops, smaller city boy bottoms
October 30, 2023
You leave my baby, Richard, alone, you hear me?
October 25, 2023
I thought I wasn't really into westerns, but since this is the second one I've loved recently, I think I have to rethink that! Or maybe it's just that Lucy and Molly are so amazing at writing that I fell in love with not only the characters, but the scenery too. I really did not think I'd like Richard, and honestly in the first couple chapters I felt there was a disconnect between the Richard POV chapters and how others perceived him. Eventually though, I thought it made sense and it was amazing to see the real Richard start to shine through. And Boone was strong and steady throughout which is a character type I love, and one Richard desperately needed. We also get quite a few glimpses into Oscar and who he is, which I adored and is the perfect set up for the final installment! A truly great opposites attract story.
November 17, 2023
4/possibly 4.25 stars. Unexpectedly chill for a Lucy Lennox joint and definitely the best in this series.
July 11, 2024
I read this out of order because I am an anarchist when it comes to romance series (whichever comes my way or sounds more appealing).
I actually DNF this book a few months ago at about 1/3 of the way, when Richard was acting like some kind of rich heiress campy character, no regrets. But then I finished and loved Marrying Mr. Majestic and wanted more and remembered this and went back but again my instincts were right, this is an odd book. It's really well written, really compelling voices, the dual PoV works for me, BUT the problem is Richard's character. It is like the author has to define Richard in lots of different ways for him to fit the plot and series, or for there to be conflict, and it does not feel like character growth but just all unlikely all round. Say that ending for love declaration, just send a message rather than a note, ffs, that conflict seemed artificial all round.
Still a lot to like here (how do I rate this? Rating is hard) but I just did not get the characters as real people.
I actually DNF this book a few months ago at about 1/3 of the way, when Richard was acting like some kind of rich heiress campy character, no regrets. But then I finished and loved Marrying Mr. Majestic and wanted more and remembered this and went back but again my instincts were right, this is an odd book. It's really well written, really compelling voices, the dual PoV works for me, BUT the problem is Richard's character. It is like the author has to define Richard in lots of different ways for him to fit the plot and series, or for there to be conflict, and it does not feel like character growth but just all unlikely all round. Say that ending for love declaration, just send a message rather than a note, ffs, that conflict seemed artificial all round.
Still a lot to like here (how do I rate this? Rating is hard) but I just did not get the characters as real people.
October 20, 2023
I love In Serch of… this is a grumpy/sunshine, age gap, forced proximity romance, Richard Dunning have all the privilege he wants but since his father cut him off he doesn’t have a job, a home or money. But when Oscar make a bet with him he can’t stop himself and accept, for one month he is going to be a cowhand in his best friend’s ranch in Wyoming, beside he is desperate to say no, even if he doesn’t know anything about it. He never is going to show weakness to anyone so he show up at the Silver Fork Ranch with his cowboy hat and boots! Lol I love Richard style!
Boone Hammond is the owner of the Silver Fork Ranch, he is Oscar childhood friend and an ex- boyfriend, they are good friends and stay in touch. Boone is in desperate need of work hands and he will accept the help form anyone so Oscar offers him to find someone to help him and maybe be teaching him a lesson, so a few days later he find himself with a cute guy in his doorstep.
Richard is desperate for approval and doesn’t want to give up, he will do everything they ask him to do and always with a smile on his face, I love that he is so adorable and unexpected, his bather with everyone is so fun and entertaining, Boone can’t help to feel attracted to him but he refused to fall for him a later loose him when the month is over, these two are in search of something that is in front of them, I love their journey together and I like that this was a low angst romance. Richard and Boone found in each other what they have been in search for. Next is Oscar’s time to finally have his HEA!! Can’t wait for it!!!
Boone Hammond is the owner of the Silver Fork Ranch, he is Oscar childhood friend and an ex- boyfriend, they are good friends and stay in touch. Boone is in desperate need of work hands and he will accept the help form anyone so Oscar offers him to find someone to help him and maybe be teaching him a lesson, so a few days later he find himself with a cute guy in his doorstep.
Richard is desperate for approval and doesn’t want to give up, he will do everything they ask him to do and always with a smile on his face, I love that he is so adorable and unexpected, his bather with everyone is so fun and entertaining, Boone can’t help to feel attracted to him but he refused to fall for him a later loose him when the month is over, these two are in search of something that is in front of them, I love their journey together and I like that this was a low angst romance. Richard and Boone found in each other what they have been in search for. Next is Oscar’s time to finally have his HEA!! Can’t wait for it!!!
October 28, 2023
4.5
I got through the narration, which isn't a favourite of mine, and thoroughly enjoyed this.
Richard and Boone were such an odd match but worked
I got through the narration, which isn't a favourite of mine, and thoroughly enjoyed this.
Richard and Boone were such an odd match but worked
November 11, 2023
This book was beautiful. I can´t wait for Oscars book!
June 6, 2025
So good!!!!
I have been enjoying this series and this has been my favorite so far although I have loved all of them!! This one had all the feels!!
I have been enjoying this series and this has been my favorite so far although I have loved all of them!! This one had all the feels!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews