What do you think?
Rate this book
Clean Slate Ranch #5
Hard Ride
Five Weddings and a Fake Boyfriend
City slicker Derrick Massey has always had a thing for cowboys. So a roll in the hay with Kendall “Slater” Stamos during a rustic weekend wedding is more than A-OK. But when Slater’s forced to hang up his saddle for the season, Derrick surprises even himself with his proposition: be my fake boyfriend and get my family off my back about finding a permanent partner.
Though unexpected, the arrangement is a win-win. Derrick gets a plus-one for a slew of summer weddings and Slater gets a place to stay while he recuperates…with lots of casual fun in between. Which is just how the sexy cowboy likes it: casual. Yet it’s obvious the chemistry between them is anything but.
With the countdown to their “breakup” on, the more time the two men spend together. And the more it becomes clear that what they have could be real, if only they let it be.
This book is approximately 83,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
City slicker Derrick Massey has always had a thing for cowboys. So a roll in the hay with Kendall “Slater” Stamos during a rustic weekend wedding is more than A-OK. But when Slater’s forced to hang up his saddle for the season, Derrick surprises even himself with his proposition: be my fake boyfriend and get my family off my back about finding a permanent partner.
Though unexpected, the arrangement is a win-win. Derrick gets a plus-one for a slew of summer weddings and Slater gets a place to stay while he recuperates…with lots of casual fun in between. Which is just how the sexy cowboy likes it: casual. Yet it’s obvious the chemistry between them is anything but.
With the countdown to their “breakup” on, the more time the two men spend together. And the more it becomes clear that what they have could be real, if only they let it be.
This book is approximately 83,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Audible Audio
First published February 17, 2020
65 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,235 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 21, 2020
Full review tomorrow when I'm at the laptop.
It would seem that the main hallmark of this series is the absolute lack of communication which drives the main plot point of preventing two people who quite clearly have big feelings for each other getting it together until almost the end.
And, like my ridiculously long sentence above, it can be a bit wearying.
However, with this book I actually liked both Slater and Derrick enough as individual characters that their repeated introspections about how the other person had to be the one to say something didn't annoy me as much as it might have done.
I love the setting, the found family and how they all have each others' backs and I love the messages of hope that the Clean Slate Ranch series gives for people who might have made mistakes in the past.
This one's medium steam but it works for the narrative as Slater's recovering from literally falling down a mountain for most of it and red hot sex would have utterly broken the realism!
I've always erred on the side of liking the books in this series more than disliking them and this one's even more towards the I really liked it end of the scale.
~ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
It would seem that the main hallmark of this series is the absolute lack of communication which drives the main plot point of preventing two people who quite clearly have big feelings for each other getting it together until almost the end.
And, like my ridiculously long sentence above, it can be a bit wearying.
However, with this book I actually liked both Slater and Derrick enough as individual characters that their repeated introspections about how the other person had to be the one to say something didn't annoy me as much as it might have done.
I love the setting, the found family and how they all have each others' backs and I love the messages of hope that the Clean Slate Ranch series gives for people who might have made mistakes in the past.
This one's medium steam but it works for the narrative as Slater's recovering from literally falling down a mountain for most of it and red hot sex would have utterly broken the realism!
I've always erred on the side of liking the books in this series more than disliking them and this one's even more towards the I really liked it end of the scale.
~ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 16, 2024
Derrick had a good life. A wonderful family and now a beautiful niece, however, he doesn’t trust easily. His past showed him that you can’t trust without having your heart broken. Slater works at the Clean Slate Ranch and has suffered a fall down a mountain side that resulted in a broken ankle and leg while saving a child's life. When released from the hospital Derrick makes a deal with Slater to do his recovery at his apartment if he will be his plus -one at 5 family weddings. In spite of them both knowing that it's just a "fake boyfriend" arrangement, Derrick sees that there is something different about Slater.
If you are only a casual romance reader of any genera...you know how 'fake anything", usually turns out. It may have supposed to have been a wedding hook-up, but neither can stop thinking about the other, the chemistry, or what could be if they dared to give it a chance. No matter what has happened in his past, or what he may wish the future to hold, Slater has some big decisions to make and isn’t sure where or what his life is even supposed to look like anymore. It takes his 18-year-old daughter and several new friends to make him see what he’s doing...what he’s giving up by walking away....and what could be. Both of these men know that there is something more there than casual...something no longer "fake" anything. That ship sailed a long time ago...but both men are stubborn, both want the other to make the decision, to ask, to voice their feelings first.
A. M. Arthur knows how to tell a story. She knows how to draw us in and give us a gritty yet heartfelt story. She lets us feel the pain, the happiness, the confusion and the love. She writes characters that you just can’t help but fall in love with, feel for and hope that they come through unscathed. When they do, she lets us feel the joy of knowing that they found their true love. I really hate to see this series end...but I do a lot of rereads and this series will be right at the top.
P.S. I loved Slater's new hobby.
If you are only a casual romance reader of any genera...you know how 'fake anything", usually turns out. It may have supposed to have been a wedding hook-up, but neither can stop thinking about the other, the chemistry, or what could be if they dared to give it a chance. No matter what has happened in his past, or what he may wish the future to hold, Slater has some big decisions to make and isn’t sure where or what his life is even supposed to look like anymore. It takes his 18-year-old daughter and several new friends to make him see what he’s doing...what he’s giving up by walking away....and what could be. Both of these men know that there is something more there than casual...something no longer "fake" anything. That ship sailed a long time ago...but both men are stubborn, both want the other to make the decision, to ask, to voice their feelings first.
A. M. Arthur knows how to tell a story. She knows how to draw us in and give us a gritty yet heartfelt story. She lets us feel the pain, the happiness, the confusion and the love. She writes characters that you just can’t help but fall in love with, feel for and hope that they come through unscathed. When they do, she lets us feel the joy of knowing that they found their true love. I really hate to see this series end...but I do a lot of rereads and this series will be right at the top.
P.S. I loved Slater's new hobby.
January 22, 2020
I've been a fan of the Clean Slate guys from the start. One of the things I've liked the best about this series is how A.M. Arthur has been able to make each one unique, whether it's their relationship dynamic or just a fun mystery, each book in this series is different from the rest.
Sadly, neither one of these characters really grabbed me, and I didn't really buy their romance. The opening scene is scorching hot, and they're terrific friends, but it doesn't work for me as a love story.
Slater's story is well done, and there's a wonderful cast of supporting characters. Hard Ride is still a good novel, for me it just isn't as good as the earlier ones in the series.
a copy of Hard Ride was provided to me by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
Sadly, neither one of these characters really grabbed me, and I didn't really buy their romance. The opening scene is scorching hot, and they're terrific friends, but it doesn't work for me as a love story.
Slater's story is well done, and there's a wonderful cast of supporting characters. Hard Ride is still a good novel, for me it just isn't as good as the earlier ones in the series.
a copy of Hard Ride was provided to me by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
February 18, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!
Yet another solid entry into the Clean Slate Ranch series, which if you hadn't noticed has become a guilty pleasure of mine. I love a sexy cowboy who also happens to dig other dudes! :)
I really liked that we got to see Derrick, who has been around since the first book, get some major screentime and a happy ending. I also really liked Slater, who was manly in all the right ways and not at all in the toxic masculinity kind of way. I liked their backstories, the angst that those caused, the way they cared for each other, and the way they fit right into each other's families. Sure, it wasn't entirely realistic, but do we read romance novels for 100% realism? No, we don't!
And I have to say, the book starts on a great note... hot late night home gym sexy times with a dominant muscly cowboy man. Yes, please.
Yet another solid entry into the Clean Slate Ranch series, which if you hadn't noticed has become a guilty pleasure of mine. I love a sexy cowboy who also happens to dig other dudes! :)
I really liked that we got to see Derrick, who has been around since the first book, get some major screentime and a happy ending. I also really liked Slater, who was manly in all the right ways and not at all in the toxic masculinity kind of way. I liked their backstories, the angst that those caused, the way they cared for each other, and the way they fit right into each other's families. Sure, it wasn't entirely realistic, but do we read romance novels for 100% realism? No, we don't!
And I have to say, the book starts on a great note... hot late night home gym sexy times with a dominant muscly cowboy man. Yes, please.
February 19, 2020
My heart breaks each and every time I read a Clean Slate Ranch book. But I know, in the end, it will be mended and I will be smiling. That is just one reason why I always look forward to the next book in the series. Each and every one of them have a story to tell, have a background that isn’t all hearts and roses but usually heartbreak and thorns. How they come through it all, change their lives and get through to the other side is heartwarming and gives us hope.
Derrick had a good life. A wonderful family and now a beautiful niece. But, he doesn’t trust easily. His past showed him that you can’t trust without having your heart broken. But, there is something different about Slater. It may have been a wedding hook-up but he can’t stop thinking about the chemistry, the man or what could be if given a chance.
Slater doesn’t deserve love, or so he thinks. When the unthinkable happens and he’s placed in a situation where he needs to depend on people, place his life and possible future in their hands, things change. He may have made an agreement with the one man who could change him and make him believe that things could be different. Derrick shows Slater that he can let people in, let them get to know him. He deserves love, his daughter and family no matter what happened in the past. Slater has decisions to make and isn’t sure where his life is supposed to be any more. It takes his 18 year old daughter to make him see what he’s doing, what he’s giving up by walking away and just what could be.
Both of these men know that there is something more there than casual. Too bad both men are stubborn, want the other to make the decision, to ask, to voice their feelings first.
A. M. Arthur knows how to tell a story. She knows how to draw us in and give us a gritty yet heartfelt story. She lets us feel the pain, the happiness, the confusion and the love. She writes characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, feel for and hope that they come through the other side unscathed. And, when they do, she lets us feel the elation of knowing that they found their true love.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Derrick had a good life. A wonderful family and now a beautiful niece. But, he doesn’t trust easily. His past showed him that you can’t trust without having your heart broken. But, there is something different about Slater. It may have been a wedding hook-up but he can’t stop thinking about the chemistry, the man or what could be if given a chance.
Slater doesn’t deserve love, or so he thinks. When the unthinkable happens and he’s placed in a situation where he needs to depend on people, place his life and possible future in their hands, things change. He may have made an agreement with the one man who could change him and make him believe that things could be different. Derrick shows Slater that he can let people in, let them get to know him. He deserves love, his daughter and family no matter what happened in the past. Slater has decisions to make and isn’t sure where his life is supposed to be any more. It takes his 18 year old daughter to make him see what he’s doing, what he’s giving up by walking away and just what could be.
Both of these men know that there is something more there than casual. Too bad both men are stubborn, want the other to make the decision, to ask, to voice their feelings first.
A. M. Arthur knows how to tell a story. She knows how to draw us in and give us a gritty yet heartfelt story. She lets us feel the pain, the happiness, the confusion and the love. She writes characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, feel for and hope that they come through the other side unscathed. And, when they do, she lets us feel the elation of knowing that they found their true love.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
December 26, 2019
After starting out with a titillating sex scene, the book devolves into an unending exhibition of boredom. The fake boyfriend scenario wasn't actually believable. And it seemed unnecessary tbh. I also didn't need the multiple perspectives. It's a fake boyfriend cowboy contemporary romance. This book takes itself way to seriously for me to.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2020
3.5 stars. This was my least favorite book in the series. I didn't feel the "romance" between the MC's. I liked them well enough but they didn't just jump out at me. It took me a while to finish the book & I almost didn't, but since I love this series I did. Also, the lack of communication was off the charts in this one & I couldn't even with these two. Even though I didn't care for this one, it will not stop me from continuing on with the story.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2020
I'll be honest, I struggled with this book. I'm between a 2 and 3 star rating, but since I love the series in general, enjoyed having past characters make appearances and liked the premise of second chances, I'll give it 3 stars.
Derrick is a character we met in previous books when he visited Clean Slate Ranch. He was portrayed as a playboy, but we quickly learn in this one that he was just looking for someone to love and return the same to him. He was certainly misunderstood. He's been cheated on often and it left him afraid to love. And then when he finds people to love, they don't love him back or have moved on with their true loves.
Derrick ends up hooking up with Slater at the beginning of the book (and it's hot). Slater works at Clean Slate Ranch and after a fall off the side of the mountain (literally), he finds himself needing some assistance in his recovery while his ankle heals after being broken. Having gone through ankle surgery last year, I know exactly how tough that is and could sympathize with Slater. Derrick proposes that Slater move in with him in exchange for Slater attending 5 family weddings with him to get his family off his back. So the whole 'fake boyfriend' plot is developed, cliche, yes.
I loved the first and last chapters. Everything in between just seemed blah. It was the same internal dialogue over and over again each chapter. 'I really like him and want him to like me, but am afraid to say something in fear of getting hurt.' Rinse and repeat. There are 5 weddings thrown in there and some blah sex, but it all seemed like filler. The part I liked most was Slater's reconnection with his daughter and making their relationship better. I also liked the supporting characters in the house and that they all got to know one another better and provided the support each other needed. But it got really tired of reading the same thing over and over. At least throw in some hot sex to keep things interested. But that was lacking as well and it was all summarized in a couple paragraphs and wasn't even that interesting.
Maybe it's just me. Even though past Clean Slate characters made appearances and Slater worked there for a chapter in this one, it felt disconnected from the series and I missed that dude ranch storyline.
I am interested in the next book that may come out of this one with George and Shawn's riding partner (I can't remember his name of right now, starts with an L). It seems like it would be closer to other books with the plot.
Derrick is a character we met in previous books when he visited Clean Slate Ranch. He was portrayed as a playboy, but we quickly learn in this one that he was just looking for someone to love and return the same to him. He was certainly misunderstood. He's been cheated on often and it left him afraid to love. And then when he finds people to love, they don't love him back or have moved on with their true loves.
Derrick ends up hooking up with Slater at the beginning of the book (and it's hot). Slater works at Clean Slate Ranch and after a fall off the side of the mountain (literally), he finds himself needing some assistance in his recovery while his ankle heals after being broken. Having gone through ankle surgery last year, I know exactly how tough that is and could sympathize with Slater. Derrick proposes that Slater move in with him in exchange for Slater attending 5 family weddings with him to get his family off his back. So the whole 'fake boyfriend' plot is developed, cliche, yes.
I loved the first and last chapters. Everything in between just seemed blah. It was the same internal dialogue over and over again each chapter. 'I really like him and want him to like me, but am afraid to say something in fear of getting hurt.' Rinse and repeat. There are 5 weddings thrown in there and some blah sex, but it all seemed like filler. The part I liked most was Slater's reconnection with his daughter and making their relationship better. I also liked the supporting characters in the house and that they all got to know one another better and provided the support each other needed. But it got really tired of reading the same thing over and over. At least throw in some hot sex to keep things interested. But that was lacking as well and it was all summarized in a couple paragraphs and wasn't even that interesting.
Maybe it's just me. Even though past Clean Slate characters made appearances and Slater worked there for a chapter in this one, it felt disconnected from the series and I missed that dude ranch storyline.
I am interested in the next book that may come out of this one with George and Shawn's riding partner (I can't remember his name of right now, starts with an L). It seems like it would be closer to other books with the plot.
February 17, 2020
I love the guys at the Clean Slate Ranch - this is such a great series, where the couples and characters have formed a real family together, and I love seeing all the guys find their HEAs.
This story starts out with quite a bang - Slater and Derrick have a crazy hot hook-up late one night, not really expecting anything more after that. But with an accident and Slater needing a place to stay and recover, and Derrick needing some dates for a summer-full of weddings, he comes up with a plan - the good, old fake boyfriend ruse!
So I have to admit, the first third to somewhere in the middle did drag a bit for me? I think it was how clinical they wanted to approach being boyfriends, but right away things were not so cut and dry. And then it was just frustrating since they wouldn't talk to each other, like not even a check in with how things were going, as the lines started the blur and it clearly wasn't just an agreement for dates anymore. But it didn't even seem necessary to have the whole fake boyfriend as an idea. I don't know, maybe I would have preferred not having that as the reason?
But the last 25% of the story got to me - I loved reading about Slater improving his relationships with his own family members, his desire to find something else other than the ranch in his life, and how he discovered something he loved doing. And a large part of that was thanks to Derrick being in his life.
I hope there will be more with this series (although I can't think of any characters jumping out for stories right now) because they truly are some great reading.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts out with quite a bang - Slater and Derrick have a crazy hot hook-up late one night, not really expecting anything more after that. But with an accident and Slater needing a place to stay and recover, and Derrick needing some dates for a summer-full of weddings, he comes up with a plan - the good, old fake boyfriend ruse!
So I have to admit, the first third to somewhere in the middle did drag a bit for me? I think it was how clinical they wanted to approach being boyfriends, but right away things were not so cut and dry. And then it was just frustrating since they wouldn't talk to each other, like not even a check in with how things were going, as the lines started the blur and it clearly wasn't just an agreement for dates anymore. But it didn't even seem necessary to have the whole fake boyfriend as an idea. I don't know, maybe I would have preferred not having that as the reason?
But the last 25% of the story got to me - I loved reading about Slater improving his relationships with his own family members, his desire to find something else other than the ranch in his life, and how he discovered something he loved doing. And a large part of that was thanks to Derrick being in his life.
I hope there will be more with this series (although I can't think of any characters jumping out for stories right now) because they truly are some great reading.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The best part about books in a series is that sense of returning to a familiar setting and a welcoming cast of characters. In this fifth installment of the Clean Slate Ranch series, we focus on Derek (Conrad's brother/ Sophie's brother-in-law) and Slater, a cowboy on the ranch that was introduced at the end of the previous story.
This story starts at the Ranch, but mostly takes place at Derek's apartment and we're able to meet a new cast of characters that reside there as well as extended Massey family as they navigate the wedding season. All of the previous characters we've met make an appearance on the Ranch, when they come to visit as Slater's recuperating, and when they visit the ghost town for the second annual Fourth of July festivities.
I really love the concept of this series with the cowboys working at the ranch getting a 'clean slate' and a chance to start over, and Slater doesn't share his past freely, but needed the new start as much as the rest. It was great to see the change in his character as he opened up more and accepted that he had family and support. And Derek's a sweetheart. It was good to see him finally settle down and find his person.
I'm not sure if the author is planning any more sequels in this series, but I wouldn't turn down more installments of these cowboys finding their HEAs.
The best part about books in a series is that sense of returning to a familiar setting and a welcoming cast of characters. In this fifth installment of the Clean Slate Ranch series, we focus on Derek (Conrad's brother/ Sophie's brother-in-law) and Slater, a cowboy on the ranch that was introduced at the end of the previous story.
This story starts at the Ranch, but mostly takes place at Derek's apartment and we're able to meet a new cast of characters that reside there as well as extended Massey family as they navigate the wedding season. All of the previous characters we've met make an appearance on the Ranch, when they come to visit as Slater's recuperating, and when they visit the ghost town for the second annual Fourth of July festivities.
I really love the concept of this series with the cowboys working at the ranch getting a 'clean slate' and a chance to start over, and Slater doesn't share his past freely, but needed the new start as much as the rest. It was great to see the change in his character as he opened up more and accepted that he had family and support. And Derek's a sweetheart. It was good to see him finally settle down and find his person.
I'm not sure if the author is planning any more sequels in this series, but I wouldn't turn down more installments of these cowboys finding their HEAs.
July 1, 2022
THIS is the one with the rude cross-stitching book -- which I ordered and love! I also love the neighbors in the house -- great people in this story!
August 18, 2024
5 stars for the narration; 3.5 stars for the story
Somehow, I missed this one out when I originally listened to the Clean Slate Ranch series and only recently realised!
This story features Derek Massey, whose brother is married to Wes' (Wild Trail) sister, and who has made a few cameo appearances in the other books, most recently as Robin's former FWB in Lucky Break). He and ranch-hand Slater have a hot and sweaty hook up in one of the barns one night; Derek wouldn't mind going there again but Slater seems to be a one-and-done type, so they part not expecting to see each other again. Then Slater has an accident and sustains a broken leg, a TBI and various other injuries when saving a kid from going over the edge of a cliff. Derek hears about it and even though he and Slater don't know each other well, wants to know how he's doing. As they talk, Derek realises they can help each other out. Slater isn't going to be able to stay in his cabin at the ranch while he recovers - he won't be able to manage on his own and will need to be able to get to hospital and PT appointments; Derek has five family weddings to attend over the next couple of months and is fed up with family members nagging him about settling down. He offers Slater a place to stay in exchange for his attending the weddings as his boyfriend.
Hard Ride is a nicely done fake relationship story, and the author does a good job of showing us Derek and Slater falling in love before our eyes (or ears, in this case!). They have great chemistry and I liked the strong friendship that develops first, and the trust they place in one another. Slater is keeping a couple of pretty big secrets that come out along the way - he's always kept himself to himself, mostly because he's learned that trusting people doesn't usually work out for him, and Derek is wary of relationships because he's been cheated on a few times in the past. The story is fairly low-conflict (all the books in this series are) but in this one, it's one of those you can see coming a mile off because Derek and Slater simply don't talk about what they want. Thankfully, it's not too drawn out and they do get their heads out of their respective arses eventually.
There's a strong secondary cast of familiar faces from the other books - the strong friendships and camaraderie of the Clean Slate gang is a highlight of the series - and the rest of the secondary cast is well-drawn.
The narration is excellent, of course. Greg Boudreaux is able to voice a large number of male characters and differentiate clearly between them, and Mac, Wes, Reyes, Robin and the other recurring characters are portrayed consistently so are easy to identify aurally. His female voices are convincing, the pacing is good, and, as always, he hits all the right emotional beats of the story. I've enjoyed all the books in the Clean Slate Ranch series in audio, and the same is true of this one. I'd recommend all of them to anyone on the look out for a low-angst series of contemporary romances featuring sexy cowboys - and you can never go wrong when Greg Boudreaux is in the narrator's chair.
Somehow, I missed this one out when I originally listened to the Clean Slate Ranch series and only recently realised!
This story features Derek Massey, whose brother is married to Wes' (Wild Trail) sister, and who has made a few cameo appearances in the other books, most recently as Robin's former FWB in Lucky Break). He and ranch-hand Slater have a hot and sweaty hook up in one of the barns one night; Derek wouldn't mind going there again but Slater seems to be a one-and-done type, so they part not expecting to see each other again. Then Slater has an accident and sustains a broken leg, a TBI and various other injuries when saving a kid from going over the edge of a cliff. Derek hears about it and even though he and Slater don't know each other well, wants to know how he's doing. As they talk, Derek realises they can help each other out. Slater isn't going to be able to stay in his cabin at the ranch while he recovers - he won't be able to manage on his own and will need to be able to get to hospital and PT appointments; Derek has five family weddings to attend over the next couple of months and is fed up with family members nagging him about settling down. He offers Slater a place to stay in exchange for his attending the weddings as his boyfriend.
Hard Ride is a nicely done fake relationship story, and the author does a good job of showing us Derek and Slater falling in love before our eyes (or ears, in this case!). They have great chemistry and I liked the strong friendship that develops first, and the trust they place in one another. Slater is keeping a couple of pretty big secrets that come out along the way - he's always kept himself to himself, mostly because he's learned that trusting people doesn't usually work out for him, and Derek is wary of relationships because he's been cheated on a few times in the past. The story is fairly low-conflict (all the books in this series are) but in this one, it's one of those you can see coming a mile off because Derek and Slater simply don't talk about what they want. Thankfully, it's not too drawn out and they do get their heads out of their respective arses eventually.
There's a strong secondary cast of familiar faces from the other books - the strong friendships and camaraderie of the Clean Slate gang is a highlight of the series - and the rest of the secondary cast is well-drawn.
The narration is excellent, of course. Greg Boudreaux is able to voice a large number of male characters and differentiate clearly between them, and Mac, Wes, Reyes, Robin and the other recurring characters are portrayed consistently so are easy to identify aurally. His female voices are convincing, the pacing is good, and, as always, he hits all the right emotional beats of the story. I've enjoyed all the books in the Clean Slate Ranch series in audio, and the same is true of this one. I'd recommend all of them to anyone on the look out for a low-angst series of contemporary romances featuring sexy cowboys - and you can never go wrong when Greg Boudreaux is in the narrator's chair.
February 16, 2020
Hard Ride: A Gay Cowboy Romance (Book 5 Clean Slate Ranch series) by A.M. Arthur had me up all night reading to see if our two main characters, Slate and Derrick could go from fake boyfriends to something real. I have enjoyed this whole series so far and this newest book was no exception.
This one takes us away from Clean Slate Ranch, though all the previous characters I've come to know and love, regularly make appearances. After Slate has an accident he makes a deal with Derrick, they will be fake boyfriends for the summer, so Derrick has a date for 5 family weddings he has to attend, and in return Slate can recuperate at his place in the city where he has access to medical facilities.
The fake boyfriend/girlfriend trope is not a new one, but I personally haven't read many of them, and I really enjoyed this one, watching them fall for each other, they already knew they had the chemistry, but watching that chemistry turn to something more was really enjoyable even if they were both too stubborn to say anything to each other. Cue best friends who can help out.
I loved the new cast of supporting characters who live in Derrick's house and who Slate also becomes good friends with. I especially liked Dez who's sweet, quirky and an individual and made Slate's time recovering more enjoyable and set him on a new and completely different path from his former interests.
Slate has kept a secret from everyone, a teenage daughter who he is desperate to form a proper relationship with. I liked the way this played out and I liked how open she was to Slate and Derrick's relationship and how that made her look at her dad in a new and better way.
A really enjoyable romance and I'll be cheering this couple on, as I have for all the couples so far. I hope there is another book in this series to look forward to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Carina Press for a digital copy in return for an honest review.
This one takes us away from Clean Slate Ranch, though all the previous characters I've come to know and love, regularly make appearances. After Slate has an accident he makes a deal with Derrick, they will be fake boyfriends for the summer, so Derrick has a date for 5 family weddings he has to attend, and in return Slate can recuperate at his place in the city where he has access to medical facilities.
The fake boyfriend/girlfriend trope is not a new one, but I personally haven't read many of them, and I really enjoyed this one, watching them fall for each other, they already knew they had the chemistry, but watching that chemistry turn to something more was really enjoyable even if they were both too stubborn to say anything to each other. Cue best friends who can help out.
I loved the new cast of supporting characters who live in Derrick's house and who Slate also becomes good friends with. I especially liked Dez who's sweet, quirky and an individual and made Slate's time recovering more enjoyable and set him on a new and completely different path from his former interests.
Slate has kept a secret from everyone, a teenage daughter who he is desperate to form a proper relationship with. I liked the way this played out and I liked how open she was to Slate and Derrick's relationship and how that made her look at her dad in a new and better way.
A really enjoyable romance and I'll be cheering this couple on, as I have for all the couples so far. I hope there is another book in this series to look forward to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Carina Press for a digital copy in return for an honest review.
October 30, 2023
I wasn't sure if I would love this book as much as the others. I was WRONG! From the minute go, I was head over heels for Derrick and Slater! These two men make my heart happy! I love seeing how the Clean Slate family keeps growing and evolving! I'm sad that I only have one book left to read in this series!
February 20, 2020
~ book provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion
When I wrote my review for the previous book of the series I promised myself I wouldn't request another one for review... I caved. As you can see by the title I absolute caved and hit request again. But hear me out, I had a reason. My reason being that this was A.M. Arthur's first (!) fake boyfriend book. I never realised that she never featured that trope in one of her other books. All other series by A.M. Arthur I love, this one though is a hit and miss series for me but I definitely liked Hard Ride more than the previous book in the series.
I struggled a bit with the beginning because they had sex right at the very start and I'm not really a fan of that. I like semi-slow-burners. Thankfully it turned more into friendship and than lovers after that.
I liked the story, characters and writing style but if you were hoping for an original fake boyfriend book, you won't find it here. Hard Ride hit every criteria for a fake boyfriend clichee story in its relationship development. At least in my book. Even the "conflict" at the end. But to be fair, you can only do so much with the trope before it turns completely unbelieveable.
I liked it and I had fun reading it but I will probably stay true to my promise now and won't request or read the next book in the series.
Rating: 3,5 stars
When I wrote my review for the previous book of the series I promised myself I wouldn't request another one for review... I caved. As you can see by the title I absolute caved and hit request again. But hear me out, I had a reason. My reason being that this was A.M. Arthur's first (!) fake boyfriend book. I never realised that she never featured that trope in one of her other books. All other series by A.M. Arthur I love, this one though is a hit and miss series for me but I definitely liked Hard Ride more than the previous book in the series.
I struggled a bit with the beginning because they had sex right at the very start and I'm not really a fan of that. I like semi-slow-burners. Thankfully it turned more into friendship and than lovers after that.
I liked the story, characters and writing style but if you were hoping for an original fake boyfriend book, you won't find it here. Hard Ride hit every criteria for a fake boyfriend clichee story in its relationship development. At least in my book. Even the "conflict" at the end. But to be fair, you can only do so much with the trope before it turns completely unbelieveable.
I liked it and I had fun reading it but I will probably stay true to my promise now and won't request or read the next book in the series.
Rating: 3,5 stars
February 18, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Hard Ride is the fifth book in A.M. Arthur’s Clean Slate Ranch series. Though we have met Derrick as a side character in previous books, this story itself stands alone just fine. But, as with all the books, the various characters appear across each other’s stories, so being familiar with the other books will enhance your reading here.
I like fake relationship stories and have been enjoying this series, so I was eager to pick this one up. Arthur does a nice job building the connection between the men, showing their progression from awkward strangers to men who clearly care about one another. Slater, in particular, has a nice journey here as he grows more comfortable opening himself up to other people and being a part of their found family. I enjoyed seeing him learn crafting and build a friendship with one of their neighbors. I also enjoyed the group interactions, both with the gang from the Clean Slate Ranch, as well as with Derrick’s neighbors and family. There is also a nice element here with Slater reconnecting with his daughter and his character has some great growth.
3.75 stars
Hard Ride is the fifth book in A.M. Arthur’s Clean Slate Ranch series. Though we have met Derrick as a side character in previous books, this story itself stands alone just fine. But, as with all the books, the various characters appear across each other’s stories, so being familiar with the other books will enhance your reading here.
I like fake relationship stories and have been enjoying this series, so I was eager to pick this one up. Arthur does a nice job building the connection between the men, showing their progression from awkward strangers to men who clearly care about one another. Slater, in particular, has a nice journey here as he grows more comfortable opening himself up to other people and being a part of their found family. I enjoyed seeing him learn crafting and build a friendship with one of their neighbors. I also enjoyed the group interactions, both with the gang from the Clean Slate Ranch, as well as with Derrick’s neighbors and family. There is also a nice element here with Slater reconnecting with his daughter and his character has some great growth.
February 17, 2020
I love the Clean State Ranch series, but I had trouble getting into Hard Ride. One of the reasons the series works so well is because of the close relationship between the guys who work at the ranch, and being in close proximity provides plenty of opportunity for banter. But Hard Ride takes place almost entirely away from the ranch, and while Arthur did a wonderful job of providing the two protagonists with new friends in the apartment complex, it just wasn’t the same.
The fake relationship trope was cute, although it did seem a little too implausible that neither of them would tell the other than he wanted to try a real relationship, and it’s always frustrating when a conflict could be avoided by a single conversation.
I enjoyed Hard Ride, but not as much as the other books in the series.
The fake relationship trope was cute, although it did seem a little too implausible that neither of them would tell the other than he wanted to try a real relationship, and it’s always frustrating when a conflict could be avoided by a single conversation.
I enjoyed Hard Ride, but not as much as the other books in the series.
February 7, 2020
Hard Ride is part of this Clean Slate Ranch series, which I've only read one other book, but I found that it reads just fine w/o knowing everything that had gone on previously. Of course, this seems to start up directly after what appears to be the previous book in the series. I never felt like I needed to really know all the various characters. They are each important to this story, but their back stories were not important to know for this one.
I liked this story well enough. I kind of have a soft spot for the fake boyfriend trope, and this nails that on the head. It was really light and happy for the most part. The slight bit of angst wasn't the kind that felt forced or pushy. It was just good and sweet and that was probably my favorite part of the book. I loved how good and sweet it is. I really liked that both characters communicated, for the most part, really well. I like that they each were open to new things, experiences, and journeys. It was sort of refreshing.
It's a nice book that made me feel good when I read it. When I was finished, that feeling stayed. It starts hot and heavy but mellows out to a very slow burn that ends up with that sweet ending. Friendships are made and cherished, prior to making life changing decisions. I appreciated that so much. So if you want something that makes your heart melt a little, and puts a smile on your face, this is one to try.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I liked this story well enough. I kind of have a soft spot for the fake boyfriend trope, and this nails that on the head. It was really light and happy for the most part. The slight bit of angst wasn't the kind that felt forced or pushy. It was just good and sweet and that was probably my favorite part of the book. I loved how good and sweet it is. I really liked that both characters communicated, for the most part, really well. I like that they each were open to new things, experiences, and journeys. It was sort of refreshing.
It's a nice book that made me feel good when I read it. When I was finished, that feeling stayed. It starts hot and heavy but mellows out to a very slow burn that ends up with that sweet ending. Friendships are made and cherished, prior to making life changing decisions. I appreciated that so much. So if you want something that makes your heart melt a little, and puts a smile on your face, this is one to try.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2020
I have not read other books in the "Clean Slate Ranch" series so I was at a disadvantage at times reading this book which references couples from past books, and I would have liked more character development for Derrick, but overall "Hard Ride" works as a stand-alone.
Derrick and Slate meet one hot summer night after a wedding at the Clean Slate Ranch and literally go to the mats in the ranch gym for steamy no-holds barred omigawd hot sex. When Slater falls off the side of a mountain to save a young rancher, Derrick offers him a place to recover near city medical facilities ... and act as his fake boyfriend in a series of family weddings over the summer.
I'm a fan of the "fake boyfriend / marriage of convenience" theme, but it's hard to get involved here with two men who bottle up just about everything and can't communicate their way out of a damp paper bag. As their relationship moves from convenience to real emotion, each man's unwillingness to speak honestly makes it difficult to ultimately care about them getting their HEA. 3 stars.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Derrick and Slate meet one hot summer night after a wedding at the Clean Slate Ranch and literally go to the mats in the ranch gym for steamy no-holds barred omigawd hot sex. When Slater falls off the side of a mountain to save a young rancher, Derrick offers him a place to recover near city medical facilities ... and act as his fake boyfriend in a series of family weddings over the summer.
I'm a fan of the "fake boyfriend / marriage of convenience" theme, but it's hard to get involved here with two men who bottle up just about everything and can't communicate their way out of a damp paper bag. As their relationship moves from convenience to real emotion, each man's unwillingness to speak honestly makes it difficult to ultimately care about them getting their HEA. 3 stars.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
February 6, 2020
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion
I can’t honestly give a review because I couldn’t finish the book. It wasn’t for me.
I can’t honestly give a review because I couldn’t finish the book. It wasn’t for me.
February 9, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fifth book in the series, and I would say that you would benefit from having read them in order, as you would understand better the dynamics between the men, but it is a good read that I think you could enjoy as a standalone too. To those of us who have read the earlier books we don't really have a great opinion of Derrick, in particular as he didn't react all that well to Robin moving on, but at the same time did feel quite sorry for him too.
Slater is very much the loner on the ranch, and although we get to know why quite early on, it is not common knowledge. He has for the most part found peace at the ranch and even his hook up with Derrick has not disturbed his equilibrium. Then an act of heroism where he decides that his life can end results instead in him needing to recuperate, and Derrick offers him a chance at something new for a while. As they play act at being boyfriends so Derrick gets a summer free of match-making by his family, and Slater gets somewhere more restful to get better.
I loved how we see into Derrick's life and meet his friends and family. Slater finds something he has missed out on, and realises what a gift he has been given by Derrick and those who accept him so easily. He also recognises that he is happy, really happy, and wishes that Derrick would ask him to stay for real. Of course Derrick is feeling pretty much the same way, but doesn't want to pressure Slater ... so we then have the fun of seeing how on earth the author will resolve the issue!
I loved Slater's rude cross stitch creations - such a fun way to pass the time as he gets better.
As well as enjoying these two men find themselves and each other, we also catch up with the other couples from Clean Slate ranch, and I am already looking forward to the next installment from this lovely series.
This is the fifth book in the series, and I would say that you would benefit from having read them in order, as you would understand better the dynamics between the men, but it is a good read that I think you could enjoy as a standalone too. To those of us who have read the earlier books we don't really have a great opinion of Derrick, in particular as he didn't react all that well to Robin moving on, but at the same time did feel quite sorry for him too.
Slater is very much the loner on the ranch, and although we get to know why quite early on, it is not common knowledge. He has for the most part found peace at the ranch and even his hook up with Derrick has not disturbed his equilibrium. Then an act of heroism where he decides that his life can end results instead in him needing to recuperate, and Derrick offers him a chance at something new for a while. As they play act at being boyfriends so Derrick gets a summer free of match-making by his family, and Slater gets somewhere more restful to get better.
I loved how we see into Derrick's life and meet his friends and family. Slater finds something he has missed out on, and realises what a gift he has been given by Derrick and those who accept him so easily. He also recognises that he is happy, really happy, and wishes that Derrick would ask him to stay for real. Of course Derrick is feeling pretty much the same way, but doesn't want to pressure Slater ... so we then have the fun of seeing how on earth the author will resolve the issue!
I loved Slater's rude cross stitch creations - such a fun way to pass the time as he gets better.
As well as enjoying these two men find themselves and each other, we also catch up with the other couples from Clean Slate ranch, and I am already looking forward to the next installment from this lovely series.
February 15, 2022
I received a complimentary advance copy of this title from the publisher. All comments and opinions are my own.
Once I received an advance copy of this title, I realized this was a series. At this point I decided to read the preceding books prior to this new release. Like the ever diligent little Girl Scout I used to be as a kid, it’s best to be prepared. 🤦🏼♀️
Well.
Maybe they’re better not read back to back? 😬 Each couple pops up in the following book but they could easily be read as stand alone novels. I will never be able to reclaim the hours I spent reading this small stack of books.
The books are very formulated. One character with a painful secret in their past, their new love sets them free through honesty and acceptance ... eventually. THEY DO NOT COMMUNICATE so at the end of the book this wealth of healing takes place...yeesh. It’s all just as contrived as it sounds. They almost read like a plot map where you simply swap out names with *a new big secret* and call it a new book. 😬😬😬
In this latest book in the series, I can say that Derrick is actually my favorite character and the one I was most looking forward too. UNFORTUNATELY, we learned absolutely nothing about Derrick other than he’s a relationship-phobe after previous cheating partners. That’s the summation of his character development. 😟 Why? He had so much potential. We instead spend the entirety of the book with two grown ass men who walk on eggshells around each other, eating take out, and frotting. No mouth kisses though. That’s too personal and it was cool in Pretty Woman so it’s cool here too. (snark) 😒
This entire series is very quick easy reading that attempts to bring about discussion of more serious topics. Unfortunately, the overall tone comes across as caricatures vs fully developed characters with interesting layers.
Not awful but certainly not good. 🤷🏼♀️
Once I received an advance copy of this title, I realized this was a series. At this point I decided to read the preceding books prior to this new release. Like the ever diligent little Girl Scout I used to be as a kid, it’s best to be prepared. 🤦🏼♀️
Well.
Maybe they’re better not read back to back? 😬 Each couple pops up in the following book but they could easily be read as stand alone novels. I will never be able to reclaim the hours I spent reading this small stack of books.
The books are very formulated. One character with a painful secret in their past, their new love sets them free through honesty and acceptance ... eventually. THEY DO NOT COMMUNICATE so at the end of the book this wealth of healing takes place...yeesh. It’s all just as contrived as it sounds. They almost read like a plot map where you simply swap out names with *a new big secret* and call it a new book. 😬😬😬
In this latest book in the series, I can say that Derrick is actually my favorite character and the one I was most looking forward too. UNFORTUNATELY, we learned absolutely nothing about Derrick other than he’s a relationship-phobe after previous cheating partners. That’s the summation of his character development. 😟 Why? He had so much potential. We instead spend the entirety of the book with two grown ass men who walk on eggshells around each other, eating take out, and frotting. No mouth kisses though. That’s too personal and it was cool in Pretty Woman so it’s cool here too. (snark) 😒
This entire series is very quick easy reading that attempts to bring about discussion of more serious topics. Unfortunately, the overall tone comes across as caricatures vs fully developed characters with interesting layers.
Not awful but certainly not good. 🤷🏼♀️
February 9, 2020
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet and sexy read that takes the series in a whole new direction. This story takes readers away from the ranch and the ghost town and into the city. The tropes are a little tired but both Derrick and Slater are immensely likeable and I love the characters that surround them.
The fake boyfriend thing has been done to death in contemporary romance but it works quite well here. It’s the secrets and feelings the men keep from each other that I didn’t enjoy. Derrick and Slater both present as full grown men - well into adulthood - who have very little emotional intelligence and very poor communication skills. There are several things which provide genuine barriers to a relationship between Derrick and Slater so I kinda hate that the author relies on miscommunication for conflict. The result is more unnecessary angst than I like and a book that happens mostly inside the two men’s heads. This is a slice of life romance without any of the action or excitement I’ve come to expect from the series.
Unlike previous books, this one takes place in the city and I really enjoyed the change of scenery and all the new characters. However, we still see lots of the guys from the ranch so there are possibly too many characters to keep track of in this book. This is a slow read and it feels a little bit like a series filler at times. I like Slater and Derrick but after some excitement and a very sexy scene at the start of the book, their story is a quiet, slow burn. Some readers will love this story, others will want a little bit more from a romance novel.
This is a sweet and sexy read that takes the series in a whole new direction. This story takes readers away from the ranch and the ghost town and into the city. The tropes are a little tired but both Derrick and Slater are immensely likeable and I love the characters that surround them.
The fake boyfriend thing has been done to death in contemporary romance but it works quite well here. It’s the secrets and feelings the men keep from each other that I didn’t enjoy. Derrick and Slater both present as full grown men - well into adulthood - who have very little emotional intelligence and very poor communication skills. There are several things which provide genuine barriers to a relationship between Derrick and Slater so I kinda hate that the author relies on miscommunication for conflict. The result is more unnecessary angst than I like and a book that happens mostly inside the two men’s heads. This is a slice of life romance without any of the action or excitement I’ve come to expect from the series.
Unlike previous books, this one takes place in the city and I really enjoyed the change of scenery and all the new characters. However, we still see lots of the guys from the ranch so there are possibly too many characters to keep track of in this book. This is a slow read and it feels a little bit like a series filler at times. I like Slater and Derrick but after some excitement and a very sexy scene at the start of the book, their story is a quiet, slow burn. Some readers will love this story, others will want a little bit more from a romance novel.
February 12, 2020
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Hard Ride is the fifth installment in the Clean Slate Ranch series. It can be read as a stand alone but it is better to read in order to completely understand the character interactions.
Derrick has mixed feelings going to Clean Slate Ranch for another wedding. He had a rough time when Robin moved on and found the love of his life. He hasn't been a favorite but somehow this interaction with Slater change my opinion of him. Derrick and Slater have a quick hit it and quit it in the ranch gym. Slater is a loner and isn't looking for a relationship so the one time hook ups work best for him. When he suffers an injury on the ranch something has him accepting the offer of a "fake" relationship wedding dates for a help healing.
I am a huge fan of Clean Slate Ranch. I love seeing past characters the interactions, seeing the growth of their relationships, etc. but it wasn't something you really got in this one. It takes place ninety percent off of the ranch even though some characters do make cameos, it just wasn't the same. That doesn't mean I didn't completely enjoy it but it wasn't one of my favorites.
Hard Ride is the fifth installment in the Clean Slate Ranch series. It can be read as a stand alone but it is better to read in order to completely understand the character interactions.
Derrick has mixed feelings going to Clean Slate Ranch for another wedding. He had a rough time when Robin moved on and found the love of his life. He hasn't been a favorite but somehow this interaction with Slater change my opinion of him. Derrick and Slater have a quick hit it and quit it in the ranch gym. Slater is a loner and isn't looking for a relationship so the one time hook ups work best for him. When he suffers an injury on the ranch something has him accepting the offer of a "fake" relationship wedding dates for a help healing.
I am a huge fan of Clean Slate Ranch. I love seeing past characters the interactions, seeing the growth of their relationships, etc. but it wasn't something you really got in this one. It takes place ninety percent off of the ranch even though some characters do make cameos, it just wasn't the same. That doesn't mean I didn't completely enjoy it but it wasn't one of my favorites.
February 10, 2020
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This series is a series that just makes me feel comfortable. It feels like home, we see new couples in every book but we also see established ones from previous books. I feel like I know these guys, they feel like family.
You could read this as a standalone but would get a better perspective if you read the previous books. This one starts out with a nice hot sex scene....my favorite! Derrick and Slater both want casual, no strings attached. We all know how that goes. Then throw in the fake boyfriend scenario and we all know what's gonna happen. I loved getting to know Slater and Derrick, I'll admit Slater was my favorite. Add in an injury, lots of weddings and family and you have a good addition to the series.
This series is a series that just makes me feel comfortable. It feels like home, we see new couples in every book but we also see established ones from previous books. I feel like I know these guys, they feel like family.
You could read this as a standalone but would get a better perspective if you read the previous books. This one starts out with a nice hot sex scene....my favorite! Derrick and Slater both want casual, no strings attached. We all know how that goes. Then throw in the fake boyfriend scenario and we all know what's gonna happen. I loved getting to know Slater and Derrick, I'll admit Slater was my favorite. Add in an injury, lots of weddings and family and you have a good addition to the series.
February 18, 2020
Number 5 in the Clean Slate series and boy did this book throw me for a loop!
We’ve met Derrick and Slater in other installments, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Kudos to this author for changing things up and showing cowboys in a different light..trading spurs for knitting needles is priceless!
Recommended
We’ve met Derrick and Slater in other installments, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Kudos to this author for changing things up and showing cowboys in a different light..trading spurs for knitting needles is priceless!
Recommended
December 11, 2020
Liked the storyline (fake relationships turned real are always fun). However, the writing reminds me of mediocre Intro to Creative Writing prose (not bad writing because it has been copy edited). (I know because I teach it.) The narrative is almost all telling, not showing. I got seriously tired of breezing over details that should have come alive.
January 10, 2020
The fake boyfriend premise is contrived and strange, but I guess that's to be expected. The characters weren't bad, but I didn't connect to them. Maybe it was just how they first meet and the short timeline of the romance, but it wasn't a big hit for me.
February 27, 2020
Loved it very much.
January 10, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
If you know me, then you probably know that I have a weird thing for gay cowboys. I have no desire to be on a ranch or a farm. I am not a fan of horses being close to me. They could clearly crush me if they decided to. Goats are about it for me with farms. I have been bullied by chickens. I’m not even a fan of butch men in real life, so gay cowboys really shouldn’t do it for me, but here we are any way.
The story itself is a very basic fake boyfriend to real boyfriend story. There is a HEA promised so there was no doubt the men would end up together. There really is no suspense in the novel at all, which makes for it to be a decent fluffy book. I enjoyed the fluff of it. I just prefer my cowboys with a bit more angst. I wanted more emotions to be broken and more trust to be tested.
Both of the men are bi. Great, I love seeing bi characters in books! Both characters only ever hook-up with people and won’t settle down, which is such a trope and I am so tired of bisexual characters being seen as sluts. So the bi representation is a hit and miss portion for me. The really cool parts were Slater coming out to his family. Those scenes were so incredible for me.
There is an non-binary neighbor who is more than a plot device. I love her. She is amazing. She helps Slater learn to be creative and she is that voice of reason. Plus she reminded me of a friend of mine and that just made everything better. Her relationship with her straight boyfriend is also pretty wonderful. I just adore the couple. The upstairs neighbors felt like they were just added on to the plot at times. It felt like the author was just trying to create room for a clear sequel between one of the brothers and a trick rider on the ranch.
I have a feeling that the author is not a stitcher. The way that embroidery and cross stitch are talked about tells me that. Slater stitches in the afternoons. Yet he finishes dozens of pieces despite just learning how to do it. I have been stitching for twenty years and even when I stitch the same time frame as Slater I would not be finishing as many pieces. So the complexity of the pieces were either over stated or Slater is clearly a stitching prodigy. This is really just nitpicking, but it did bring me out of the story. I loved that the cowboy was the one who was stitching. That he was doing something that is so often assumed to be a feminine pursuit, but without a single blow to his ego. There is even a scene where he corrects someone for saying stitching is feminine. Stitching is amazingly badass. The work that people have done is just breath taking at times. Slater did a clock piece and I just saw my first cross stitch clock the other day. They are gorgeous. I am impressed with his skill and dedication. I also may have a new kink, gay cowboys that cross stitch.
The condom usage was so bad. There were only ever condoms for anal sex, but never for oral. They engaged in oral sex seconds after meeting each other without a barrier and without any talk of STIs. Considering how often the book mentioned that Derrick was constantly at the club and hooking up, you would think that he would understand condom usage better. Slater not kissing someone unless he was dating them is something that I have only ever seen in the gay male hook-up world and I was excited by that small touch.
The story was a lot of tell and no show. It was constant flat out saying what I should have been able to see from the men. If I was told one more time that they wanted to kiss each other, but couldn’t I would have put the book down. Even gay cowboys could not save me. The book also relies a lot on previous books. If you have not read the first four books in the series then some of the characters will not stand out or make any sense. They are just side characters and don’t generally play a huge role in this book, so you can still enjoy the story, but you might not get everything.
Some of the aspects of the book fell short for me, but others were so incredibly perfect.
I got an ARC of this book.
If you know me, then you probably know that I have a weird thing for gay cowboys. I have no desire to be on a ranch or a farm. I am not a fan of horses being close to me. They could clearly crush me if they decided to. Goats are about it for me with farms. I have been bullied by chickens. I’m not even a fan of butch men in real life, so gay cowboys really shouldn’t do it for me, but here we are any way.
The story itself is a very basic fake boyfriend to real boyfriend story. There is a HEA promised so there was no doubt the men would end up together. There really is no suspense in the novel at all, which makes for it to be a decent fluffy book. I enjoyed the fluff of it. I just prefer my cowboys with a bit more angst. I wanted more emotions to be broken and more trust to be tested.
Both of the men are bi. Great, I love seeing bi characters in books! Both characters only ever hook-up with people and won’t settle down, which is such a trope and I am so tired of bisexual characters being seen as sluts. So the bi representation is a hit and miss portion for me. The really cool parts were Slater coming out to his family. Those scenes were so incredible for me.
There is an non-binary neighbor who is more than a plot device. I love her. She is amazing. She helps Slater learn to be creative and she is that voice of reason. Plus she reminded me of a friend of mine and that just made everything better. Her relationship with her straight boyfriend is also pretty wonderful. I just adore the couple. The upstairs neighbors felt like they were just added on to the plot at times. It felt like the author was just trying to create room for a clear sequel between one of the brothers and a trick rider on the ranch.
I have a feeling that the author is not a stitcher. The way that embroidery and cross stitch are talked about tells me that. Slater stitches in the afternoons. Yet he finishes dozens of pieces despite just learning how to do it. I have been stitching for twenty years and even when I stitch the same time frame as Slater I would not be finishing as many pieces. So the complexity of the pieces were either over stated or Slater is clearly a stitching prodigy. This is really just nitpicking, but it did bring me out of the story. I loved that the cowboy was the one who was stitching. That he was doing something that is so often assumed to be a feminine pursuit, but without a single blow to his ego. There is even a scene where he corrects someone for saying stitching is feminine. Stitching is amazingly badass. The work that people have done is just breath taking at times. Slater did a clock piece and I just saw my first cross stitch clock the other day. They are gorgeous. I am impressed with his skill and dedication. I also may have a new kink, gay cowboys that cross stitch.
The condom usage was so bad. There were only ever condoms for anal sex, but never for oral. They engaged in oral sex seconds after meeting each other without a barrier and without any talk of STIs. Considering how often the book mentioned that Derrick was constantly at the club and hooking up, you would think that he would understand condom usage better. Slater not kissing someone unless he was dating them is something that I have only ever seen in the gay male hook-up world and I was excited by that small touch.
The story was a lot of tell and no show. It was constant flat out saying what I should have been able to see from the men. If I was told one more time that they wanted to kiss each other, but couldn’t I would have put the book down. Even gay cowboys could not save me. The book also relies a lot on previous books. If you have not read the first four books in the series then some of the characters will not stand out or make any sense. They are just side characters and don’t generally play a huge role in this book, so you can still enjoy the story, but you might not get everything.
Some of the aspects of the book fell short for me, but others were so incredibly perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews