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The Griffith Brothers #2
Downpour
A paraplegic bull rider and his new home aide fall in love as they pick up the pieces of their lives in the second book in the popular Griffith Brothers series.
Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.
Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.
All it took was eight seconds for Ray Griffith to win the biggest competition of his life, and one second to lose everything except that championship buckle. He'd left his family’s cattle ranch at eighteen with no intention of ever coming back for good. Now he's back, learning to navigate life in a wheelchair with a beautiful disaster attempting to burn the house down.
Rule #1 of trying to not get fired: Don’t piss off the grumpy bull rider.
Rule #2 of trying to not get fired: When you do get fired, keep your chin up. The grumpy bull rider was hot.
It was just a little fire. Tiny, even. But that didn’t change the fact that Ray Griffith didn’t want her anywhere near him. But they reached an agreement: if she ignores him, he doesn't fire her. Easy, right? Turns out not so much if they can’t keep their hands off each other.
Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.
Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.
All it took was eight seconds for Ray Griffith to win the biggest competition of his life, and one second to lose everything except that championship buckle. He'd left his family’s cattle ranch at eighteen with no intention of ever coming back for good. Now he's back, learning to navigate life in a wheelchair with a beautiful disaster attempting to burn the house down.
Rule #1 of trying to not get fired: Don’t piss off the grumpy bull rider.
Rule #2 of trying to not get fired: When you do get fired, keep your chin up. The grumpy bull rider was hot.
It was just a little fire. Tiny, even. But that didn’t change the fact that Ray Griffith didn’t want her anywhere near him. But they reached an agreement: if she ignores him, he doesn't fire her. Easy, right? Turns out not so much if they can’t keep their hands off each other.
354 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2024
2188 people are currently reading
23777 people want to read
About the author
Maggie C. Gates
24 books2,185 followersMaggie Gates writes raw, relatable, romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her Kindle is always within reach due to a love of small town romances that borders on obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,096 reviews
May 22, 2024
i’m scared to write this review because i’m worried my words won’t accurately portray just how much i loved this book or how perfect it was so PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ICED COFFEE, READ THIS GD BOOK.
ray was a champion bull rider until an accident left him paralyzed. an experimental surgery gave him some mobility back but his life will never be the same and because of that, he’s shut his entire family out and isolated himself from the world. unfortunately for him, his family’s a lot more annoying than he is reserved so they keep meddling and trying to send him home aides that he fires repeatedly… until brooke, the clumsy, absent-minded hurricane who desperately needs the job.
GOD, everything about this book was amazing. brooke was such a funny, kind-hearted, and relatable character. the way she was a disaster in most areas of life despite having the best intentions made for a hilarious story and the way she got through to ray and had such a deep understanding of him was just so sweet.
AND MY POOR, GRUMPY RAY 😭 his journey of finding his self-worth after losing the life he once knew was just heartbreaking but his strength and love for brooke exactly as she was was truly everything!!!! AND HE WAS HOT AS FFFFFFF. he really said, i haven’t been with anybody in a long time… let me pull out some rope. OK PURRRRRRRRRR ROPE DADDY ILYSM.
what took this story over the edge for me was all of the familial relationships and how they had to heal after ray’s accident. he distanced himself from everybody and seeing them all care so much about him being okay and try to show support and love to someone who acted like he didn’t want it but really just didn’t feel like he deserved it made me so emotional the whole book.
i’m just obsessed with maggie gates and you all have to read this perfect book!!! 🥲
ray was a champion bull rider until an accident left him paralyzed. an experimental surgery gave him some mobility back but his life will never be the same and because of that, he’s shut his entire family out and isolated himself from the world. unfortunately for him, his family’s a lot more annoying than he is reserved so they keep meddling and trying to send him home aides that he fires repeatedly… until brooke, the clumsy, absent-minded hurricane who desperately needs the job.
GOD, everything about this book was amazing. brooke was such a funny, kind-hearted, and relatable character. the way she was a disaster in most areas of life despite having the best intentions made for a hilarious story and the way she got through to ray and had such a deep understanding of him was just so sweet.
AND MY POOR, GRUMPY RAY 😭 his journey of finding his self-worth after losing the life he once knew was just heartbreaking but his strength and love for brooke exactly as she was was truly everything!!!! AND HE WAS HOT AS FFFFFFF. he really said, i haven’t been with anybody in a long time… let me pull out some rope. OK PURRRRRRRRRR ROPE DADDY ILYSM.
what took this story over the edge for me was all of the familial relationships and how they had to heal after ray’s accident. he distanced himself from everybody and seeing them all care so much about him being okay and try to show support and love to someone who acted like he didn’t want it but really just didn’t feel like he deserved it made me so emotional the whole book.
i’m just obsessed with maggie gates and you all have to read this perfect book!!! 🥲
May 21, 2024
2⭐️
DNF @26%
I was so excited for this book. I’ve read Maggie Gates before and loved it. When I saw she was writing about a grumpy paraplegic cowboy who likes rope play, I couldn’t open my kindle fast enough.
But I just couldn’t get into this story. Brooke was a hot mess and not in a good way. I love a grumpy sunshine dynamic, but Brooke was too sunny. She crashed through like with all the grace of a rhino chasing a butterfly. I didn’t find her inability to navigate the world cute or charming. I found it infuriating.
I wish I had liked her even a little bit because I really wanted to read Ray’s healing journey but I had to tap out because of Brooke.
DNF @26%
I was so excited for this book. I’ve read Maggie Gates before and loved it. When I saw she was writing about a grumpy paraplegic cowboy who likes rope play, I couldn’t open my kindle fast enough.
But I just couldn’t get into this story. Brooke was a hot mess and not in a good way. I love a grumpy sunshine dynamic, but Brooke was too sunny. She crashed through like with all the grace of a rhino chasing a butterfly. I didn’t find her inability to navigate the world cute or charming. I found it infuriating.
I wish I had liked her even a little bit because I really wanted to read Ray’s healing journey but I had to tap out because of Brooke.
May 22, 2024
₊ ⊹”in every lifetime, you are the most brilliant thing in existence.”₊ ⊹
*:･ﾟmy thoughts┊ honestly? i’m not impressed with this one. i feel like i read a totally different book compared to all of the four and five star ratings lmao
for one, brooke has got to be the most annoying female lead i have ever read about. she was written to be so ditzy and oblivious and accident prone and showed no emotion besides utter happiness and the occasional tear. she came off as childlike to me, which made the relationship feel a little icky, ngl. she struggled with being on time and remembering the smallest things and somehow got herself into so much trouble at the beginning, but then that persona of hers almost drops like halfway. she gets that job at a ranch and suddenly she’s like a proper working woman? that was unbelievable lmao and you could chalk it up to character growth or something but nothing happened! this girl didn’t go through anything.
ray was…fine. his story was really touching with him recovering from an accident like that, but idk. i felt for him, but both of these characters felt very one dimensional and it killed the vibes for me. i thought i’d love the whole age gap/technical boss kinda relationship but it fell flat for me. it felt like ray was only pissy sometimes to accent how happy-go-lucky brooke was. like the author took the grumpyxsunshine trope a little too seriously, especially with how many times she highlights how “brooke is the sun and ray is the moon and she eclipsed his darkness and he’ll reflect her light back to her when she needs it” and yada yada yada.
also, the spice? i’m all for some more bdsm/kinky aspects, but at least have a conversation about consent beforehand, not during the sex. he literally blindfolds and ties her up the first time they get together. it all felt so forced, like it was mostly for shock value or for people on booktok to talk about how smutty this book is.
as for the plot… what plot? i felt like nothing happened in this book. the whole thing with brooke’s roommates was stupid too, definitely added just to spice up the non-existent plot.
idk lmao i’m rating it two stars because i did like seeing ray’s character growth and how he worked to fix the relationships within his family, and for how brooke never really viewed ray as less than normal even with his disability. there were some sweet moments, but overall this was kind of a pain to get through, which is sad. i do think i’ll still be picking up cj’s novel, because i’ve grown interested in his character and am intrigued to his “enemies to lovers” plot, i guess. we’ll see!
*:･ﾟmy thoughts┊ honestly? i’m not impressed with this one. i feel like i read a totally different book compared to all of the four and five star ratings lmao
for one, brooke has got to be the most annoying female lead i have ever read about. she was written to be so ditzy and oblivious and accident prone and showed no emotion besides utter happiness and the occasional tear. she came off as childlike to me, which made the relationship feel a little icky, ngl. she struggled with being on time and remembering the smallest things and somehow got herself into so much trouble at the beginning, but then that persona of hers almost drops like halfway. she gets that job at a ranch and suddenly she’s like a proper working woman? that was unbelievable lmao and you could chalk it up to character growth or something but nothing happened! this girl didn’t go through anything.
ray was…fine. his story was really touching with him recovering from an accident like that, but idk. i felt for him, but both of these characters felt very one dimensional and it killed the vibes for me. i thought i’d love the whole age gap/technical boss kinda relationship but it fell flat for me. it felt like ray was only pissy sometimes to accent how happy-go-lucky brooke was. like the author took the grumpyxsunshine trope a little too seriously, especially with how many times she highlights how “brooke is the sun and ray is the moon and she eclipsed his darkness and he’ll reflect her light back to her when she needs it” and yada yada yada.
also, the spice? i’m all for some more bdsm/kinky aspects, but at least have a conversation about consent beforehand, not during the sex. he literally blindfolds and ties her up the first time they get together. it all felt so forced, like it was mostly for shock value or for people on booktok to talk about how smutty this book is.
as for the plot… what plot? i felt like nothing happened in this book. the whole thing with brooke’s roommates was stupid too, definitely added just to spice up the non-existent plot.
idk lmao i’m rating it two stars because i did like seeing ray’s character growth and how he worked to fix the relationships within his family, and for how brooke never really viewed ray as less than normal even with his disability. there were some sweet moments, but overall this was kind of a pain to get through, which is sad. i do think i’ll still be picking up cj’s novel, because i’ve grown interested in his character and am intrigued to his “enemies to lovers” plot, i guess. we’ll see!
May 21, 2024
4.5 stars!!
i would literally read a grocery list if maggie gates wrote it and i would be ENTHRALLED. she has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors.
i loved this book. grumpy sunshine, mental health rep, paraplegic/disability rep, amazing ranch setting and family. so so good.
as someone who has been paralyzed before for an extended period of time due to chronic illness, i really appreciate the way this was approached!! i thought it was very well written and i loved that brookes love did not "fix" ray. he continually messed up, but also continually worked on himself and worked towards being a man who could deserve her. so so beautifully done.
i cant wait for the next one!!
i would literally read a grocery list if maggie gates wrote it and i would be ENTHRALLED. she has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors.
i loved this book. grumpy sunshine, mental health rep, paraplegic/disability rep, amazing ranch setting and family. so so good.
as someone who has been paralyzed before for an extended period of time due to chronic illness, i really appreciate the way this was approached!! i thought it was very well written and i loved that brookes love did not "fix" ray. he continually messed up, but also continually worked on himself and worked towards being a man who could deserve her. so so beautifully done.
i cant wait for the next one!!
May 31, 2024
DNF
Respectfully…..
I really tried to push through to finish this one, but the blatant lack of connection between the main characters, the obnoxious fmc who has all the traits of a CHILD (be so fr) and the writing just being so splotchy, I can’t. It felt rushed, forced and just not well put together.
She works at an agency that provides in home care to those who need it and we meet her by her boss telling her she is on the verge of being fired because shes late all the time and mixes up MEDS and meals! MEDS!!! Was this supposed to be quirky???
I’m sorry, I hate to be negative but I truly need to get my thoughts out.
Respectfully…..
I really tried to push through to finish this one, but the blatant lack of connection between the main characters, the obnoxious fmc who has all the traits of a CHILD (be so fr) and the writing just being so splotchy, I can’t. It felt rushed, forced and just not well put together.
She works at an agency that provides in home care to those who need it and we meet her by her boss telling her she is on the verge of being fired because shes late all the time and mixes up MEDS and meals! MEDS!!! Was this supposed to be quirky???
I’m sorry, I hate to be negative but I truly need to get my thoughts out.
May 21, 2024
i know books are subjective but anyone giving this 5 stars is simply wrong
May 30, 2024
4/5
Please, I cried. AGAIN.
Please, I cried. AGAIN.
May 21, 2024
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating:🌶🌶.5
HEA (Engaged w/ Baby OTW)
❗️Safety and Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Thoughts of Suicide (on-page) Injuries from Dealing w/ Dementia Patients (on-page) Traumatic Spinal Injury and Aftermath (on-page) Depression (on-page) Parental Loss (off-page)
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OWD: It's been a while since MMC has been with anyone
📌 No OMD: It's been a while since FMC has been with anyone
📌 No Third-act Breakup/ separation
Spice Rating:🌶🌶.5
HEA (Engaged w/ Baby OTW)
❗️Safety and Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Thoughts of Suicide (on-page) Injuries from Dealing w/ Dementia Patients (on-page) Traumatic Spinal Injury and Aftermath (on-page) Depression (on-page) Parental Loss (off-page)
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OWD: It's been a while since MMC has been with anyone
📌 No OMD: It's been a while since FMC has been with anyone
📌 No Third-act Breakup/ separation
September 27, 2025
2.5⭐️
slightly better than the first book, but the characters weren't all that likable for me.
slightly better than the first book, but the characters weren't all that likable for me.
May 24, 2024
i thought this was gonna be like a sweet book about a guy in a wheelchair and his assistant but then out of literally nowhere he tied ropes around her and nicknames like baby girl and daddy where thrown around💀and i knew i couldn’t take it seriously anymore even if i tried so yeah..book ruined but i was already halfway through and didn’t want to dnf so i basically skimmed the rest and yeah..the only word that comes to my mind when i think about this book is just yuck
June 23, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
«Життя - це бик. Іноді ти можеш триматися. Іноді воно скидає тебе з ніг. Іноді тебе повністю ламає. Треба встати, обтруситися і їхати далі.»
Мені ця частина сподобалась більше ніж перша. Це красива історія з болісними моментами. Історія Рея мені розбивала серце, але його шлях до зцілення та пошук нового життя після травми вартий аплодисментів. Брук сонячний промінчик, але вона також має свої страхи та невпевненість.
Їх взаємодія та динаміка мені сподобалась, вона була справжня з помилками, наївністю і іноді з агресією. Я в неї повірила.
А що вийшло з роботи Рея над дрібною моторикою з вузлами? Це була пожежа.
Мені подобається як пише авторка, буду чекати наступну історію з серії.
«Життя - це бик. Іноді ти можеш триматися. Іноді воно скидає тебе з ніг. Іноді тебе повністю ламає. Треба встати, обтруситися і їхати далі.»
Мені ця частина сподобалась більше ніж перша. Це красива історія з болісними моментами. Історія Рея мені розбивала серце, але його шлях до зцілення та пошук нового життя після травми вартий аплодисментів. Брук сонячний промінчик, але вона також має свої страхи та невпевненість.
Їх взаємодія та динаміка мені сподобалась, вона була справжня з помилками, наївністю і іноді з агресією. Я в неї повірила.
А що вийшло з роботи Рея над дрібною моторикою з вузлами? Це була пожежа.
Мені подобається як пише авторка, буду чекати наступну історію з серії.
November 26, 2025
"Downpours happen. You either drown in it or grow after it."
Mannnnnnn the prologue alone shattered me. Within a few pages, Maggie Gates pulls you straight into the kind of heartbreak that leaves a mark, the kind that makes you pause and think, what would I even do if that were me? Poor Ray. It’s impossible not to ache for him after everything he’s been through. 🥺🥺🥺 You understand immediately why he’s so angry at the world.
Ray Griffith might just be the grumpiest hero I’ve ever read. Not the “secretly soft but playfully gruff” kind of grumpy. No, this man is mean, sharp-edged, and absolutely done with everything. But under all that bitterness, there’s this quiet ache, and when that wall starts to crack, you feel it. You feel him trying to find his way back to himself.
Then comes Brooke. Chaotic, sweet, and a little bit of a walking disaster. (or A LOT 😭) At first, I wanted to shake her. She’s inconsistent, messy, and easily frazzled. But that’s the beauty of it… she’s real. Her flaws are right there, and somehow that’s exactly what Ray needs. The moment he starts noticing the little things, like saving all the pink and blue Sweet Tarts just because they’re her favorite (this part OMG AWWW 🥹), you realize how much he’s changing and how much she’s changing him.
The connection between them builds slowly, unevenly, and in the most authentic way. It’s not perfect; it’s human. Ray lashes out. Brooke forgives. They stumble, rebuild, and stumble again. And through all that imperfection, something incredibly beautiful takes shape. Their love story isn’t about fixing each other—it’s about learning that broken doesn’t mean unworthy of love.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from the spice in this book, but wow, it was both tender and unexpectedly intense. (rope play??? OKAYYYY ✋🏼🥵🥵🥵) It fit the story perfectly, carrying all the tension, emotion, and healing that these two needed.
What I loved most, though, was how real everything felt. Ray’s pain isn’t sugarcoated, and neither is his growth. Brooke doesn’t magically solve everything. She just shows up again and again until he starts to believe that maybe, just maybe, there’s still light left for him.
By the end, you’re not just rooting for their love, you’re rooting for them. For two people who’ve both lost so much, yet somehow manage to find home in the most unlikely place: each other.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”She mostly posted pictures of flowers and clouds with little captions about them being the prettiest she had ever seen. A few photos were of her. Those were the prettiest I had ever seen.”
⸻
“The ranch was a craving that just wouldn't go
away.
And so was he.”
⸻
“She was like the sun. I wanted to get close, even if it meant getting burned. I wanted to be consumed by her again and again.”
⸻
“l'd wait lifetimes for you, if only to find you once.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
☀️ age gap (12 years)
💙 grumpy x sunshine (EXTREME)
☀️ friends→lovers
💙 rope play 🔥
☀️ dual POV
💙 forced proximity
☀️ found family
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Maggie Gates for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
Mannnnnnn the prologue alone shattered me. Within a few pages, Maggie Gates pulls you straight into the kind of heartbreak that leaves a mark, the kind that makes you pause and think, what would I even do if that were me? Poor Ray. It’s impossible not to ache for him after everything he’s been through. 🥺🥺🥺 You understand immediately why he’s so angry at the world.
Ray Griffith might just be the grumpiest hero I’ve ever read. Not the “secretly soft but playfully gruff” kind of grumpy. No, this man is mean, sharp-edged, and absolutely done with everything. But under all that bitterness, there’s this quiet ache, and when that wall starts to crack, you feel it. You feel him trying to find his way back to himself.
Then comes Brooke. Chaotic, sweet, and a little bit of a walking disaster. (or A LOT 😭) At first, I wanted to shake her. She’s inconsistent, messy, and easily frazzled. But that’s the beauty of it… she’s real. Her flaws are right there, and somehow that’s exactly what Ray needs. The moment he starts noticing the little things, like saving all the pink and blue Sweet Tarts just because they’re her favorite (this part OMG AWWW 🥹), you realize how much he’s changing and how much she’s changing him.
The connection between them builds slowly, unevenly, and in the most authentic way. It’s not perfect; it’s human. Ray lashes out. Brooke forgives. They stumble, rebuild, and stumble again. And through all that imperfection, something incredibly beautiful takes shape. Their love story isn’t about fixing each other—it’s about learning that broken doesn’t mean unworthy of love.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from the spice in this book, but wow, it was both tender and unexpectedly intense. (rope play??? OKAYYYY ✋🏼🥵🥵🥵) It fit the story perfectly, carrying all the tension, emotion, and healing that these two needed.
What I loved most, though, was how real everything felt. Ray’s pain isn’t sugarcoated, and neither is his growth. Brooke doesn’t magically solve everything. She just shows up again and again until he starts to believe that maybe, just maybe, there’s still light left for him.
By the end, you’re not just rooting for their love, you’re rooting for them. For two people who’ve both lost so much, yet somehow manage to find home in the most unlikely place: each other.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”She mostly posted pictures of flowers and clouds with little captions about them being the prettiest she had ever seen. A few photos were of her. Those were the prettiest I had ever seen.”
⸻
“The ranch was a craving that just wouldn't go
away.
And so was he.”
⸻
“She was like the sun. I wanted to get close, even if it meant getting burned. I wanted to be consumed by her again and again.”
⸻
“l'd wait lifetimes for you, if only to find you once.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
☀️ age gap (12 years)
💙 grumpy x sunshine (EXTREME)
☀️ friends→lovers
💙 rope play 🔥
☀️ dual POV
💙 forced proximity
☀️ found family
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Maggie Gates for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
May 27, 2024
Spicy and hopeful
After debating overnight, I'm going to say the same thing I did for book one - I’m rounding up my rating, because I liked it, and I binged it, and I’m definitely coming back for more. It wasn’t a perfect ten for me (a few things were a little too convenient), but I absolutely enjoyed the reading experience. I find Gates’ writing style to be so easy to binge, and it really does give me Elsie Silver vibes, especially since the side characters have drawn me into the series so much. I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, small town setting, found family aspect, and the sexual tension. I also loved that the hero is a former bull rider whose life was changed by an accident that left him paralyzed. He uses a wheelchair throughout the story, and it was great to see that front and center. He’s this strong, tattooed, moody and broody bull rider who has been in a dark place since his accident, and the sunshine heroine is exactly what he needed to find himself again. It’s a lot spicier than I anticipated based on the situation, which I both loved to see and thought was slightly unrealistic (given some of the positions). But that was really the only roadblock to my enjoyment. I binged it in a single day and cannot wait for the next book in the series, so I can’t call it anything but a highly successful reading experience.
The story follows Ray (35), a man who hasn’t truly been living since an accident left him paralyzed 18 months ago. He’s gone through some dark times, and he just wants to be left to suffer alone - which is why he fires every nurse his family sends his way. Out of options, the agency sends over their worst employee, a 23-year-old hot mess of a woman. Brooke is a terrible employee, but she’s also the only person who makes Ray feel alive again. They couldn’t be more different, but spending time together makes Ray realize that maybe he does have a future ahead of him. But he’s not getting out of his wheelchair anytime soon - if ever - and he would never subject someone he loves to a life of caretaking.
After reading Dust Storm, I was excited to dig into Ray’s book. While Dust Storm is not required reading, you do get to see what he’s like before the accident and experience the immediate aftermath, which makes it a richer experience. I loved that there wasn’t some miracle cure - yes, Ray shows improvement and seems to be heading in a positive direction, but he’s still paraplegic and using a wheelchair. That doesn’t change how Brooke views him, and it was great to see Ray get some of his confidence and self-worth back. He’s a great guy underneath the grump, and this series has been so positive about therapy, which has been awesome to see. There were a couple of things I thought could’ve been done a little better (I saw one conflict a mile away), but my only gripe is with the spicy scenes. It’s actually pretty high heat, which I didn’t mind. But I do think a man in Ray’s situation wouldn’t have quite that much mobility; it was all too convenient. I’m no expert though, and I appreciated the effort to show some less conventional… techniques, shall we say. And the representation is solid in nearly every other way. All in all, I flew through this and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
After debating overnight, I'm going to say the same thing I did for book one - I’m rounding up my rating, because I liked it, and I binged it, and I’m definitely coming back for more. It wasn’t a perfect ten for me (a few things were a little too convenient), but I absolutely enjoyed the reading experience. I find Gates’ writing style to be so easy to binge, and it really does give me Elsie Silver vibes, especially since the side characters have drawn me into the series so much. I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, small town setting, found family aspect, and the sexual tension. I also loved that the hero is a former bull rider whose life was changed by an accident that left him paralyzed. He uses a wheelchair throughout the story, and it was great to see that front and center. He’s this strong, tattooed, moody and broody bull rider who has been in a dark place since his accident, and the sunshine heroine is exactly what he needed to find himself again. It’s a lot spicier than I anticipated based on the situation, which I both loved to see and thought was slightly unrealistic (given some of the positions). But that was really the only roadblock to my enjoyment. I binged it in a single day and cannot wait for the next book in the series, so I can’t call it anything but a highly successful reading experience.
The story follows Ray (35), a man who hasn’t truly been living since an accident left him paralyzed 18 months ago. He’s gone through some dark times, and he just wants to be left to suffer alone - which is why he fires every nurse his family sends his way. Out of options, the agency sends over their worst employee, a 23-year-old hot mess of a woman. Brooke is a terrible employee, but she’s also the only person who makes Ray feel alive again. They couldn’t be more different, but spending time together makes Ray realize that maybe he does have a future ahead of him. But he’s not getting out of his wheelchair anytime soon - if ever - and he would never subject someone he loves to a life of caretaking.
After reading Dust Storm, I was excited to dig into Ray’s book. While Dust Storm is not required reading, you do get to see what he’s like before the accident and experience the immediate aftermath, which makes it a richer experience. I loved that there wasn’t some miracle cure - yes, Ray shows improvement and seems to be heading in a positive direction, but he’s still paraplegic and using a wheelchair. That doesn’t change how Brooke views him, and it was great to see Ray get some of his confidence and self-worth back. He’s a great guy underneath the grump, and this series has been so positive about therapy, which has been awesome to see. There were a couple of things I thought could’ve been done a little better (I saw one conflict a mile away), but my only gripe is with the spicy scenes. It’s actually pretty high heat, which I didn’t mind. But I do think a man in Ray’s situation wouldn’t have quite that much mobility; it was all too convenient. I’m no expert though, and I appreciated the effort to show some less conventional… techniques, shall we say. And the representation is solid in nearly every other way. All in all, I flew through this and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
May 26, 2024
the fmc was so annoying i was jealous when the old man gave her a black eye bc i wished it was me
May 28, 2024
i feel like this author doesn’t know how to write likable female characters because why is this girl 22 years old, almost 2 hours late to her job every day, tripping and falling on her face every 5 seconds, and acting like a literal child???
like love the sunshine/grumpy trope but come on….
she also has a trust fund?? from who?? her roommates continuously call her the wrong name and steal from her
but here i am, committed to the series
like love the sunshine/grumpy trope but come on….
she also has a trust fund?? from who?? her roommates continuously call her the wrong name and steal from her
but here i am, committed to the series
October 21, 2024
This was so much better then the first one in this series. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting!! Great small town cowboy palate cleanser. 4.5⭐️
September 1, 2025
2,5 / 5
Po końcówce Dust Storm miałam inne wyobrażenie co do tego jak rozwinie się fabuła tego tomu. Przede wszystkim myślałam, że ze względu wypadek Rey'a i jego ograniczenia będzie tu olbrzymi slow burn i bardzo powolne budowanie delikatnej relacji i fizycznej bliskości, ale było wręcz przeciwnie. Poszło błyskawicznie.
Brooke miała być chyba uroczą ciamajdą, ale dla mnie ktoś, kto pracuje jako opiekun medyczny nie może być niekompetentny w swojej pracy. Rozumiem, że to zabieg, żeby podkreślić, że Rey mimo niepełnosprawności roztacza nad nią opiekę, ale autorka zrobiła z niej przez to głupiutka, naiwna dziewczynkę. Nie pomogła też lektorka audiobooka, która wybitnie działała mi na nerwy.
Już się nie będę się wyżywać nad niektórymi żenującymi tekstami podczas spiscy scen, ale tego o cieknącym wężu ogrodowym raczej nie zapomnę. Zastanawia mnie tylko jak koleś, który miał niedowład czterokończynowy w łóżku jest tak sprawny - good for him, może się nie znam.
Po końcówce Dust Storm miałam inne wyobrażenie co do tego jak rozwinie się fabuła tego tomu. Przede wszystkim myślałam, że ze względu wypadek Rey'a i jego ograniczenia będzie tu olbrzymi slow burn i bardzo powolne budowanie delikatnej relacji i fizycznej bliskości, ale było wręcz przeciwnie. Poszło błyskawicznie.
Brooke miała być chyba uroczą ciamajdą, ale dla mnie ktoś, kto pracuje jako opiekun medyczny nie może być niekompetentny w swojej pracy. Rozumiem, że to zabieg, żeby podkreślić, że Rey mimo niepełnosprawności roztacza nad nią opiekę, ale autorka zrobiła z niej przez to głupiutka, naiwna dziewczynkę. Nie pomogła też lektorka audiobooka, która wybitnie działała mi na nerwy.
Już się nie będę się wyżywać nad niektórymi żenującymi tekstami podczas spiscy scen, ale tego o cieknącym wężu ogrodowym raczej nie zapomnę. Zastanawia mnie tylko jak koleś, który miał niedowład czterokończynowy w łóżku jest tak sprawny - good for him, może się nie znam.
June 15, 2024
The rodeo was my first love, but she was my forever.
This book really gave me a migraine and almost put me in a reading slump. I was skeptical from the beginning, but more because of the disability topic – I just wasn't sure if I could handle a paraplegic MMC. However, that wasn't the problem in the end, but countless other things.
The story starts off very well. The prologue gives a quick overview of Ray's accident, his medical history, and his desperation level. Then Brooke stumbles into his life, literally, as his…idk… assistant, even though he doesn't need one. His family wants someone to keep him company, and she's the sunshine the grumpy ex-bull rider has to deal with. They gradually come to know and adjust to each other, and this part is also well done.
But then come love and, even worse, sex into play and killed the good vibe for me. Admittedly, I had no idea what to expect here, other reviewers praised the sex scenes as hot and sexy and something else (okay, that's true, just not in a positive way). It's a matter of taste, obviously – I just found it ridiculous and not very believable. Probably I'm naive and lack imagination, but I couldn't wrap my head around a paralyzed man who's into bondage and (soft) BDSM as dominant part. And it came out of nowhere. Of course, Brooke is all in for it. She's clearly a natural in many things.
I honestly tried to recover from the first sex scene, but the author didn't give me a chance. It went downhill. And fast. With more disturbing sex scenes (including daddy-baby girl talk) and other ludicrous stuff like topless bull riding in a bar and Brooke chasing burglars in the middle of the night. Also, the sex seems to have turned the main characters into idiots, because shortly after, they start talking nonsense and questioning their relationship. He thinks she's only with him for the money and that he doesn't deserve her anyway. She believes she's just an employee for him and that it's only temporary. In between, they exchange declarations of love. (And body fluids.)
His sexual preferences and brief brain lapses aside, Ray is a fascinating MMF. He suffered a spinal cord injury in a rodeo, was a quadriplegic at first (unable to move beyond his neck), and downgraded to a paraplegic later (unable to use his legs, but able to use his upper body and hands). His gross motor skills are much easier to regain than his fine motor skills, so he still needs physical therapy to use a phone or a pencil again. I have no experience with paraplegics, but his struggles, physical and mental, his frustrations with himself and others, seem to be well done. Little things give away the extent of his problems, like when he tries to get the elastic out of her hair and keeps failing, or when he eats a granola bar instead of cereal because he's physically exhausted and doesn’t think he can use a spoon properly, but doesn't want Brooke to see it.
Not that Brooke would mind. She's a sunshine through and through. Her calm and easy way with him, her respectful and unobtrusive support, her deep understanding of his needs and thoughts is amazing. Unfortunately, her sunny attitude and her sweetness are just too much for me. Everyone loves her because she's not only a super talent at devotion (in the sack), topless mechanical bull riding (after a quick intimate private lesson with Master Ray in a bar), horseback riding (needless to say, it goes hand in hand with riding cowboys). No, she's also a natural with all plants, all animals (even the most vicious), and all people (except grumpy misanthrope Cassandra). She's also a babbling TSTL character, and I hate those. She trips over every stone, every blade of grass, every step and her own feet, creates a mess in the kitchen with every single move she makes, is a terrible driver and an irresponsible car owner. She is always late, misplaces things, mixes up medications and meals, and gets lost from time to time when she leaves the house alone and has to be rescued.
You see, I’m just as ambivalent about Brooke as I am about the book as a whole. It has wonderful moments, really, but the annoyance prevails. I still want to read CJ’s book and hope for the best. (That also means: as few scenes with super woman Cassandra as possible – her next-level rudeness is unbearable.)
Overall rating: 2.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
eARC review - 5 million stars!
Maggie is a new author to me, and I’ll always be grateful to Sarah for insisting I read “Dust Storm”, the first book in this series. Ray’s story was highly anticipated after the end of Dust Storm, and it did not disappoint. It was impeccable, and no words can do this book justice. I left part of my soul with Ray and Brooke.
Ray is a former bull rider whose career is shattered when one ride goes wrong. He is left with a life changing injury and in turn has isolated himself and refusing all the help that had been forced upon him. Until her. Until Brooke. The beautiful, chaotic, walking disaster. She is the epitome of sunshine; he is the epitome of a grump. THIS is how a grumpy x sunshine romance should be written.
What to expect: small town, grumpy x sunshine, age gap (12 years), forced proximity, disability rep, found family
Brooke is my new favourite FMC. She waltzed into Ray’s life and forever changed him. She was his perfect match. The beauty to his beast. She saw Ray, and I absolutely loved how patient, kind and understanding she was with him. She gave him the autonomy he craved, and never once made him feel less. The chemistry was incredible between them right from the beginning and Ray definitely took me by surprise, as did Brooke with that slip of the “D” word 😏😏
I just loved everything about Brooke and Ray together; their banter, their chemistry, the sharing of their vulnerabilities, the way they worked through their anger and trauma together. They truly found their peace and calm within each other. This book made me so emotional, it was written in the most beautiful way and I left part of my soul with Ray and Brooke.
I loved the found family vibes, too. Brooke found her true home with the Griffith family and I loved seeing more of Christian, their girls and crazy, Cass. She was so great in this book, in only the way Cass can be. I am so ready and excited for CJ’s book!
⚠️ Please check your triggers before reading this book as it does deal with some sensitive topics, but in the most beautiful and respectful way.
Thank you Maggie and Greys Promo for the arc. It is always much appreciated! 🫶🏻
Maggie is a new author to me, and I’ll always be grateful to Sarah for insisting I read “Dust Storm”, the first book in this series. Ray’s story was highly anticipated after the end of Dust Storm, and it did not disappoint. It was impeccable, and no words can do this book justice. I left part of my soul with Ray and Brooke.
Ray is a former bull rider whose career is shattered when one ride goes wrong. He is left with a life changing injury and in turn has isolated himself and refusing all the help that had been forced upon him. Until her. Until Brooke. The beautiful, chaotic, walking disaster. She is the epitome of sunshine; he is the epitome of a grump. THIS is how a grumpy x sunshine romance should be written.
What to expect: small town, grumpy x sunshine, age gap (12 years), forced proximity, disability rep, found family
Brooke is my new favourite FMC. She waltzed into Ray’s life and forever changed him. She was his perfect match. The beauty to his beast. She saw Ray, and I absolutely loved how patient, kind and understanding she was with him. She gave him the autonomy he craved, and never once made him feel less. The chemistry was incredible between them right from the beginning and Ray definitely took me by surprise, as did Brooke with that slip of the “D” word 😏😏
I just loved everything about Brooke and Ray together; their banter, their chemistry, the sharing of their vulnerabilities, the way they worked through their anger and trauma together. They truly found their peace and calm within each other. This book made me so emotional, it was written in the most beautiful way and I left part of my soul with Ray and Brooke.
I loved the found family vibes, too. Brooke found her true home with the Griffith family and I loved seeing more of Christian, their girls and crazy, Cass. She was so great in this book, in only the way Cass can be. I am so ready and excited for CJ’s book!
⚠️ Please check your triggers before reading this book as it does deal with some sensitive topics, but in the most beautiful and respectful way.
Thank you Maggie and Greys Promo for the arc. It is always much appreciated! 🫶🏻
August 25, 2025
“Downpour”
[współpraca reklamowa @wydawnictwopapieroweserca]
“Ludzie szukający taniej sensacji widzą w tobie upadłą gwiazdę. Ja widzę całą galaktykę.”
Gdzieś na granicy nieba i piekła…
Gdy światło wkroczyło w ciemność.
Nie wiem, czy jakiekolwiek słowa wyrażą moją miłość do tej książki, ale spróbujmy, okej?
Tak, więc…
KOCHAM TĘ KSIĄŻKĘ.
Dziękuję za uwagę. Do następnego!
Okej, bądźmy poważni.
Nie spodziewałam się tej miłości, okej? Przyszła niespodziewanie i wywołała burzę, a moje oczy żyły własnym oszklonym życiem. I teraz będziesz good girl i dodasz sobie tę książkę na półeczkę, a ja powiem: I’m proud of you.
Księżniczka Disneya i Bestia z “Pięknej i Bestii” prezentują…
Na Raya czekałam od pierwszego tomu. Coś mi chodziło po głowie, że stanie się moim ulubionym bohaterem, ale nie spodziewałam się, że aż tak.
Pełen życia, beztroski, uwielbiany przez innych…
8 sekund, by zyskać zwycięstwo.
1 sekunda, by stracić wszystko.
Zdystansowany. Odizolowany. Pragnący samotności i świętego spokoju.
“Ranię ludzi.
Jestem problemem.
Jestem ciężarem.”
Ray… o pięknym sercu, ale niskim poczuciu wartości. Z poczuciem beznadziejności i nieprzydatności. Przekonany, że nie zasługuje na nic. Na nikogo. Na żadne dobro w swoim życiu.
Wkroczyła w jego życie… zupełnie niespodziewanie.
Z ostatnią deską ratunku.
Brooke - huragan. Słoneczny huragan trzymający sztamę z chodzącą katastrofą. Uwielbiam ją. Może ktoś powie, że była naiwna, beztroska, ale wiecie co? I don’t care, I love it. Była roztargniona, może niezdarna, i zapewne spaliłaby dom w kilka sekund, ale… kto z nas jest idealny? Nikt. Ona też nie. Była perfekcyjnie nieidealna i autentyczna. I za to ją pokochałam. Zabawna, serdeczna, sympatyczna. O dobrych intencjach. Potrafiła dostrzec potrzeby drugiej osoby i się do nich dostosować.
Mimo że sama była samotna, sprawiała, że inni czuli się mniej samotni.
Nieskazitelna z delikatnymi szramami na sercu.
To, co działo się między nimi było naturalne i piękne. Po prostu piękne.
“Gdy nie będziesz w stanie znaleźć swojego światła, ja będę przy tobie, żeby ci je oddać.”
Kocham autentyczność tej relacji. Wszystkie zmagania, frustracje i wyzwania… i choć bywały ciężkie i trudne do przejścia - miały w sobie coś cennego, bo pozwalały dostrzec w nich nadzieję.
Uczucia. Chemia między nimi. Autentycznie brak mi słów.
Ukazanie słabości, dzielenie się nimi, wspólne radzenie sobie z gniewem, przezwyciężanie traum i wzajemne zrozumienie. Relacja, której fundamentem były spokój, opanowanie i komunikacja. Niezliczone razy wzruszałam się, obserwując ich zmagania.
A to, co się działo między nimi? Dragonfly. DRAGONFLY. HOLY FUCKING SHIT. Idę czytać tę scenę. Jeszcze raz.
Najpiękniejsze w ich relacji było dostrzeganie siebie nawzajem. Ofiarowanie cierpliwości, życzliwości i zrozumienia. Ona dała mu przestrzeń, której naprawdę potrzebował.
Bardzo podobało mi się, jak autorka realistycznie przedstawiła Raya i jego powrót do samodzielności. Jego zmagania, małe i duże postępy, chwile słabości i bezsilności. Nie chcę wchodzić w szczegóły, żeby uniknąć spoilerów (zwłaszcza dla osób, które nie czytały pierwszego tomu), ale jestem po prostu zachwycona. Może i miło byłoby zobaczyć całą sesję z psychologiem, ale z drugiej strony same słowa, które podczas niej padły i zostały później “wypowiedziane”, były tak piękne i budujące, że to mi wystarczyło.
Współczucie, kibicowanie i poczucie dumy.
Relacje rodzinne? W tej części rodzina była jeszcze bardziej sympatyczna i ujmująca. Rodzina, która wspiera, kocha mimo wszystko i daje siłę. Mało tego… Ja, Ania, z pełną świadomością oddałam swoje serce Cass, mimo że w pierwszym tomie miałam ochotę obciąć jej włosy aż po skalp. Bardzo podobało mi się, jak autorka przedstawiła ich więzi i zjednoczenie. Nawet podczas zwykłej rodzinnej kolacji potrafiłam się wzruszyć… i to dwa razy!
Co do przebiegu akcji i “plot twistu” - przewidywalne. Ale czy coś się stało w związku z tym? Nie. Nie odebrało mi to przyjemności z czytania ani zakochania się w tej książce.
„Downpour” to historia o akceptacji siebie i życia takim, jakie jest tu i teraz. O nadziei, pokonywaniu przeciwności, wierze i miłości.
To opowieść, w której czasami trudno pogodzić się ze swoją najnowszą wersją… Ale bycie innym nie oznacza, że jesteś gorszy, niechciany czy niekochany. To historia o kochaniu każdego dnia - o nauce kochać z całego serca.
Delikatnie, ale nieubłaganie.
O zagubionych duszach, które odnalazły spokój i ukojenie, gdy wszystko inne wydaje się niepewne… gdy plany na przyszłość tracą sens, a marzenia stają się odległe.
Piękna, przesączona bólem podróż, wymagająca zrozumienia i pogodzenia się z tym, co wcześniej siało zniszczenie.
„Downpour” porusza do głębi. Uczy dostrzegać więcej, kochać siebie na nowo i dopuścić do siebie myśl, że jesteś wart miłości, że na nią zasługujesz. Że jesteś w stanie pokochać kogoś innego i być wystarczający. Bo miłość jest dla wszystkich - nie tylko dla tych pełnosprawnych.
Ku uzdrowieniu i odnalezieniu sensu w życiu.
Bo trudne sytuacje uczą cieszyć się ulotnymi chwilami, a człowiek czasami pragnie być przydatny.
Bo czasami nie trzeba mieć ze sobą wiele wspólnego, by być razem i kochać się nawzajem.
Bo czasami trzeba przytrzymać dane momenty, przepracować problemy i cieszyć się tym, co się ma. Tu i teraz.
Bo nawet po największej burzy można odnaleźć promień słońca.
Bo czasami życie zwala z nóg i łamie się całkowicie.
Ale wiesz co jest najlepsze?
Że możesz wstać i iść dalej. Przez życie, które nie jest idealne.
Każdy z nas potrzebuje odrobiny światła, by rozświetlić mrok.
I nawet jeśli życie nie jest idealne, warto iść dalej… bo w każdym dniu kryje się promień słońca.
[współpraca reklamowa @wydawnictwopapieroweserca]
“Ludzie szukający taniej sensacji widzą w tobie upadłą gwiazdę. Ja widzę całą galaktykę.”
Gdzieś na granicy nieba i piekła…
Gdy światło wkroczyło w ciemność.
Nie wiem, czy jakiekolwiek słowa wyrażą moją miłość do tej książki, ale spróbujmy, okej?
Tak, więc…
KOCHAM TĘ KSIĄŻKĘ.
Dziękuję za uwagę. Do następnego!
Okej, bądźmy poważni.
Nie spodziewałam się tej miłości, okej? Przyszła niespodziewanie i wywołała burzę, a moje oczy żyły własnym oszklonym życiem. I teraz będziesz good girl i dodasz sobie tę książkę na półeczkę, a ja powiem: I’m proud of you.
Księżniczka Disneya i Bestia z “Pięknej i Bestii” prezentują…
Na Raya czekałam od pierwszego tomu. Coś mi chodziło po głowie, że stanie się moim ulubionym bohaterem, ale nie spodziewałam się, że aż tak.
Pełen życia, beztroski, uwielbiany przez innych…
8 sekund, by zyskać zwycięstwo.
1 sekunda, by stracić wszystko.
Zdystansowany. Odizolowany. Pragnący samotności i świętego spokoju.
“Ranię ludzi.
Jestem problemem.
Jestem ciężarem.”
Ray… o pięknym sercu, ale niskim poczuciu wartości. Z poczuciem beznadziejności i nieprzydatności. Przekonany, że nie zasługuje na nic. Na nikogo. Na żadne dobro w swoim życiu.
Wkroczyła w jego życie… zupełnie niespodziewanie.
Z ostatnią deską ratunku.
Brooke - huragan. Słoneczny huragan trzymający sztamę z chodzącą katastrofą. Uwielbiam ją. Może ktoś powie, że była naiwna, beztroska, ale wiecie co? I don’t care, I love it. Była roztargniona, może niezdarna, i zapewne spaliłaby dom w kilka sekund, ale… kto z nas jest idealny? Nikt. Ona też nie. Była perfekcyjnie nieidealna i autentyczna. I za to ją pokochałam. Zabawna, serdeczna, sympatyczna. O dobrych intencjach. Potrafiła dostrzec potrzeby drugiej osoby i się do nich dostosować.
Mimo że sama była samotna, sprawiała, że inni czuli się mniej samotni.
Nieskazitelna z delikatnymi szramami na sercu.
To, co działo się między nimi było naturalne i piękne. Po prostu piękne.
“Gdy nie będziesz w stanie znaleźć swojego światła, ja będę przy tobie, żeby ci je oddać.”
Kocham autentyczność tej relacji. Wszystkie zmagania, frustracje i wyzwania… i choć bywały ciężkie i trudne do przejścia - miały w sobie coś cennego, bo pozwalały dostrzec w nich nadzieję.
Uczucia. Chemia między nimi. Autentycznie brak mi słów.
Ukazanie słabości, dzielenie się nimi, wspólne radzenie sobie z gniewem, przezwyciężanie traum i wzajemne zrozumienie. Relacja, której fundamentem były spokój, opanowanie i komunikacja. Niezliczone razy wzruszałam się, obserwując ich zmagania.
A to, co się działo między nimi? Dragonfly. DRAGONFLY. HOLY FUCKING SHIT. Idę czytać tę scenę. Jeszcze raz.
Najpiękniejsze w ich relacji było dostrzeganie siebie nawzajem. Ofiarowanie cierpliwości, życzliwości i zrozumienia. Ona dała mu przestrzeń, której naprawdę potrzebował.
Bardzo podobało mi się, jak autorka realistycznie przedstawiła Raya i jego powrót do samodzielności. Jego zmagania, małe i duże postępy, chwile słabości i bezsilności. Nie chcę wchodzić w szczegóły, żeby uniknąć spoilerów (zwłaszcza dla osób, które nie czytały pierwszego tomu), ale jestem po prostu zachwycona. Może i miło byłoby zobaczyć całą sesję z psychologiem, ale z drugiej strony same słowa, które podczas niej padły i zostały później “wypowiedziane”, były tak piękne i budujące, że to mi wystarczyło.
Współczucie, kibicowanie i poczucie dumy.
Relacje rodzinne? W tej części rodzina była jeszcze bardziej sympatyczna i ujmująca. Rodzina, która wspiera, kocha mimo wszystko i daje siłę. Mało tego… Ja, Ania, z pełną świadomością oddałam swoje serce Cass, mimo że w pierwszym tomie miałam ochotę obciąć jej włosy aż po skalp. Bardzo podobało mi się, jak autorka przedstawiła ich więzi i zjednoczenie. Nawet podczas zwykłej rodzinnej kolacji potrafiłam się wzruszyć… i to dwa razy!
Co do przebiegu akcji i “plot twistu” - przewidywalne. Ale czy coś się stało w związku z tym? Nie. Nie odebrało mi to przyjemności z czytania ani zakochania się w tej książce.
„Downpour” to historia o akceptacji siebie i życia takim, jakie jest tu i teraz. O nadziei, pokonywaniu przeciwności, wierze i miłości.
To opowieść, w której czasami trudno pogodzić się ze swoją najnowszą wersją… Ale bycie innym nie oznacza, że jesteś gorszy, niechciany czy niekochany. To historia o kochaniu każdego dnia - o nauce kochać z całego serca.
Delikatnie, ale nieubłaganie.
O zagubionych duszach, które odnalazły spokój i ukojenie, gdy wszystko inne wydaje się niepewne… gdy plany na przyszłość tracą sens, a marzenia stają się odległe.
Piękna, przesączona bólem podróż, wymagająca zrozumienia i pogodzenia się z tym, co wcześniej siało zniszczenie.
„Downpour” porusza do głębi. Uczy dostrzegać więcej, kochać siebie na nowo i dopuścić do siebie myśl, że jesteś wart miłości, że na nią zasługujesz. Że jesteś w stanie pokochać kogoś innego i być wystarczający. Bo miłość jest dla wszystkich - nie tylko dla tych pełnosprawnych.
Ku uzdrowieniu i odnalezieniu sensu w życiu.
Bo trudne sytuacje uczą cieszyć się ulotnymi chwilami, a człowiek czasami pragnie być przydatny.
Bo czasami nie trzeba mieć ze sobą wiele wspólnego, by być razem i kochać się nawzajem.
Bo czasami trzeba przytrzymać dane momenty, przepracować problemy i cieszyć się tym, co się ma. Tu i teraz.
Bo nawet po największej burzy można odnaleźć promień słońca.
Bo czasami życie zwala z nóg i łamie się całkowicie.
Ale wiesz co jest najlepsze?
Że możesz wstać i iść dalej. Przez życie, które nie jest idealne.
Każdy z nas potrzebuje odrobiny światła, by rozświetlić mrok.
I nawet jeśli życie nie jest idealne, warto iść dalej… bo w każdym dniu kryje się promień słońca.
May 20, 2024
I was so excited for this book but I had to DNF at 30% 🙁 I’m sorry but the fmc was beyond insufferable it ruined it for me
May 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
THE DEFINITION OF GRUMPY X SUNSHINE
Small town romance
Ex bull rider
Disability rep
Bondage
Age gap
Tattooed mmc
🌶️🌶️🌶️
THE DEFINITION OF GRUMPY X SUNSHINE
Small town romance
Ex bull rider
Disability rep
Bondage
Age gap
Tattooed mmc
May 24, 2024
This book actually had countless ingredients to be a gut-wrenching, yet emotional support blanket kind of book, but somehow it didn't hit the mark for me. But first things first!
Maggie C. Gates takes readers on a heartfelt journey of healing, love, and self-discovery against the charming backdrop of a ranch with a very nosy but loving family. The story revolves around Ray Griffith, a former bull-rider grappling with life-changing injuries, and Brooke, a young woman in dire need of a job.
Ray's character arc shines brightly in this book. Gates skillfully portrays his evolution from a troubled soul with plenty of emotional and physical scars to someone rediscovering trust and connection. Ray's journey feels genuine and captivating, drawing you into his world of ranch life, family, and personal struggles. His interactions, whether with the ranch, his loved ones, or Brooke herself, are imbued with emotional depth, inviting readers to empathize with his ups and downs. I wish the leitmotif of “not feeling man enough” would have been used in a more nuanced way throughout the book, but his introspection was still good enough to feel empathy for his struggles. The situation with his nieces could have been resolved better, but that's me nitpicking on a very high level here.
Where Ray's character shines, Brooke's portrayal falls short. Her constant tardiness, clumsiness, and apparent naivety at times felt overdone and lacked depth. It's challenging to fully connect with Brooke or understand her decisions when her motivations remain unclear. I can tolerate a Pollyanna-like character, but I need insight into the why. Explain why she is this way to help readers relate to her. Luckily, this got better at some point in the book, but her character was still all over the place. Her passivity and willingness to endure exploitation by her roommates really begged for deeper exploration. Ray overshadowed Brooke as a character, and her lack of character depth made it challenging to fully connect with her and understand her choices, ultimately detracting from the overall impact of the story.
Moreover, the romantic aspect between Ray and Brooke felt too abrupt. It seemed implausible that Ray, who typically keeps people at arm's length, would quickly develop strong feelings for Brooke. His sudden change of heart, especially considering his insecurities about his masculinity, felt rushed. A stronger push and pull could have worked wonders here. Additionally, certain aspects of Ray's behavior within their relationship were inconsistent. For instance, his possessiveness towards Brooke (he was jealous of his brother's attention toward Brooke, for crying out loud!) clashed with his seemingly nonchalant reaction to her provocative actions in public settings. Overall, the romantic dynamics between the characters lacked the gradual development and consistency needed to feel believable.
Finally, the suspense factor, which was added to the plot line, had a lot of potential but was not really thought through.
Despite these flaws, Downpour effectively captures the theme of seeking solace and new beginnings in unexpected places. The ranch serves as a sanctuary, offering both Ray and Brooke a chance for healing and renewal.
In conclusion, this is a touching tale that shines in portraying Ray's emotional journey. However, the underdeveloped character of Brooke leaves a noticeable gap in the story's depth. While the story offers a satisfying exploration of healing and personal growth, it could have delved deeper into Brooke's inner world. Nonetheless, for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives set in picturesque locales, Downpour remains a worthwhile read, flaws notwithstanding. 3.25 stars!
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
Maggie C. Gates takes readers on a heartfelt journey of healing, love, and self-discovery against the charming backdrop of a ranch with a very nosy but loving family. The story revolves around Ray Griffith, a former bull-rider grappling with life-changing injuries, and Brooke, a young woman in dire need of a job.
Ray's character arc shines brightly in this book. Gates skillfully portrays his evolution from a troubled soul with plenty of emotional and physical scars to someone rediscovering trust and connection. Ray's journey feels genuine and captivating, drawing you into his world of ranch life, family, and personal struggles. His interactions, whether with the ranch, his loved ones, or Brooke herself, are imbued with emotional depth, inviting readers to empathize with his ups and downs. I wish the leitmotif of “not feeling man enough” would have been used in a more nuanced way throughout the book, but his introspection was still good enough to feel empathy for his struggles. The situation with his nieces could have been resolved better, but that's me nitpicking on a very high level here.
Where Ray's character shines, Brooke's portrayal falls short. Her constant tardiness, clumsiness, and apparent naivety at times felt overdone and lacked depth. It's challenging to fully connect with Brooke or understand her decisions when her motivations remain unclear. I can tolerate a Pollyanna-like character, but I need insight into the why. Explain why she is this way to help readers relate to her. Luckily, this got better at some point in the book, but her character was still all over the place. Her passivity and willingness to endure exploitation by her roommates really begged for deeper exploration. Ray overshadowed Brooke as a character, and her lack of character depth made it challenging to fully connect with her and understand her choices, ultimately detracting from the overall impact of the story.
Moreover, the romantic aspect between Ray and Brooke felt too abrupt. It seemed implausible that Ray, who typically keeps people at arm's length, would quickly develop strong feelings for Brooke. His sudden change of heart, especially considering his insecurities about his masculinity, felt rushed. A stronger push and pull could have worked wonders here. Additionally, certain aspects of Ray's behavior within their relationship were inconsistent. For instance, his possessiveness towards Brooke (he was jealous of his brother's attention toward Brooke, for crying out loud!) clashed with his seemingly nonchalant reaction to her provocative actions in public settings. Overall, the romantic dynamics between the characters lacked the gradual development and consistency needed to feel believable.
Finally, the suspense factor, which was added to the plot line, had a lot of potential but was not really thought through.
Despite these flaws, Downpour effectively captures the theme of seeking solace and new beginnings in unexpected places. The ranch serves as a sanctuary, offering both Ray and Brooke a chance for healing and renewal.
In conclusion, this is a touching tale that shines in portraying Ray's emotional journey. However, the underdeveloped character of Brooke leaves a noticeable gap in the story's depth. While the story offers a satisfying exploration of healing and personal growth, it could have delved deeper into Brooke's inner world. Nonetheless, for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives set in picturesque locales, Downpour remains a worthwhile read, flaws notwithstanding. 3.25 stars!
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
May 21, 2024
„Do you think we’ll make it?”
The lines around his eyes relaxed, but deepened over his nose. „Why do you ask that?”
„We don’t have a lot in common. You’re a lot older than me. I fell for you the moment I saw you for the first time, and I never stopped to think. I have a bad habit of not thinking before I speak or act, and I just—”
Ray chuckled. „Look at Chris and Cass. Do you think they’re alike? Or Nate and Becks? She was a lot more like Cass when she first moved to the ranch. I know one thing for certain. I want this, so I’m gonna work for it.”
you see… 2.5 🌟
i always have one thing at the back of my head, when i try to gather my thoughts about a book and decide on if i liked it or if it held me hostage — do people make sense. in this one? i felt like not really.
the whole resentment and hating the whole world after such an accident and everything that ray had to go through was 1000% believable. i could totally understand him throwing a fit left and right, even though sometimes it was a little bit too much for a grown man, but listen… his whole life? in shambles. i truly don’t know what person i’d become if something like that happened to me.
talking about being grown. oh, boy. the heroine brooke. she just felt like a 22 year old mess causing chaos everywhere she went and it was just too much for me. the things she was saying in almost every scene and how she acted… i know this was supposed to be the grumpy and sunshine dynamic, but as i said when ray took it too far sometimes and he happened to be cruel, she was just… i’m speechless. i really did find her „sunshiness” irritating, even infuriating and extremely child-like at times… especially at the very beginning, i was really close to dnfing… towards the end i felt like it kind of disappeared, so she just started being tolerable, but then what does it say about this character when i feel like she didn’t really develop in her personality, she just stopped being the way she was almost overnight?
and, for example, i really liked the scene where brooke and ray where out in that pub and she kind of put another woman in her place and spoke her mind, when she was being flirty with ray (kind of? again), but now that i think about it, it felt SO out of character for her. make it make sense.
and when sometimes it is funny to joke with your friends about turning up music when you hear your car make strange sounds, her driving that car of hers around with it being fifteen thousand miles past due for an oil change. just walk girl. i’m begging you. or like basically setting your patient’s house on fire during (i don’t really remember) your first day?
it’s good that it all worked out for them in the end and i’m happy that they are happy and in love. but what are we doing.
May 20, 2024
Maggie Gates writes crack.
Every time I read one of her books there is always something new or refreshing about them.
The MMC, Ray, is a paraplegic/quadriplegic after a bull riding accident. A hot tattooed guy in a wheelchair.
Like I was saying, her books are one of a kinds.
Brooke, ok not gonna lie the first little bit I was unsure of her. She slowly did grow on me.
His nickname for her, I loved!
My only real down is that I feel like I didn’t get a true feel of her backstory.
Raw.
Realistic.
Ranch.
Found family.
Age gap
Grumpy/sunshine
Boss/employee
Forced proximity
Bondage
Topless bull riding
Every time I read one of her books there is always something new or refreshing about them.
The MMC, Ray, is a paraplegic/quadriplegic after a bull riding accident. A hot tattooed guy in a wheelchair.
Like I was saying, her books are one of a kinds.
Brooke, ok not gonna lie the first little bit I was unsure of her. She slowly did grow on me.
His nickname for her, I loved!
My only real down is that I feel like I didn’t get a true feel of her backstory.
Raw.
Realistic.
Ranch.
Found family.
Age gap
Grumpy/sunshine
Boss/employee
Forced proximity
Bondage
Topless bull riding
December 15, 2025
Thank you Berkley Romance for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Wow these two 😮💨
Brooke & Ray’s story was absolute perfection - I loved their dynamic, how they supported & got each other through their insecurities.
✦ tropes & stuff:
🐂 injured/retired tattooed bull rider
❤️🩹 caretaking + healing
🌦 grumpy/sunshine
🏠 roommates
💫 age gap (12 years)
🐎 ranch life
🫶🏼 found family
😱 romantic suspense elements
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: 4 |
Downpour is a beautiful story about two people who are a little lost (or maybe a lot), trying to figure out their next steps in life.
Brooke moves in with Ray to work as his caretaker, following his career-ending bull riding injury.
Brooke & Ray have both been through their fair share of traumas, & find solace and hope in each other 🥹
If that hasn’t convinced you yet, maybe these will… there’s
• hair cutting AND hair washing scenes (these get me EVERY TIME)
• creativity with ropes + a harness 🪢
• a saddle holder scene 😮💨
• the sweetest picnic + tire swing moment 🧺
I LOVED this series, and LOVED this book!
I absolutely ADORE this family, how they are with each other & everyone they bring in along the way 🥹
📖 Downpour by Maggie Gates
📚 book 2 • Griffith Brothers series
💜: contemporary romance (mf)/a bit of suspense
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
Wow these two 😮💨
Brooke & Ray’s story was absolute perfection - I loved their dynamic, how they supported & got each other through their insecurities.
✦ tropes & stuff:
🐂 injured/retired tattooed bull rider
❤️🩹 caretaking + healing
🌦 grumpy/sunshine
🏠 roommates
💫 age gap (12 years)
🐎 ranch life
🫶🏼 found family
😱 romantic suspense elements
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: 4 |
Downpour is a beautiful story about two people who are a little lost (or maybe a lot), trying to figure out their next steps in life.
Brooke moves in with Ray to work as his caretaker, following his career-ending bull riding injury.
Brooke & Ray have both been through their fair share of traumas, & find solace and hope in each other 🥹
If that hasn’t convinced you yet, maybe these will… there’s
• hair cutting AND hair washing scenes (these get me EVERY TIME)
• creativity with ropes + a harness 🪢
• a saddle holder scene 😮💨
• the sweetest picnic + tire swing moment 🧺
I LOVED this series, and LOVED this book!
I absolutely ADORE this family, how they are with each other & everyone they bring in along the way 🥹
📖 Downpour by Maggie Gates
📚 book 2 • Griffith Brothers series
💜: contemporary romance (mf)/a bit of suspense
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
May 22, 2024
this one just wasn’t for me. I really didn’t like Brooke as a character - she was too happy go lucky for me and was incredibly naive (the roommate stuff?? her showing up 2+ hours late for work on a regular basis?? The coffee aura thing?? Come on) and this paired with the age gap!? Felt like she had major growing up to do. We also know nothing about her other than her family died when she was younger and she gets a trust fund when she’s 25 if she’s able to hold a job for 2 years? (which seems like she still hasn’t been able to do by the end of the book??)
I also didn’t like the nurse/patient dynamic just a bit weird since it’s not like they are coworkers - she’s been assigned to help “care” for him (quotes bc he doesn’t actually need much care). There also wasn’t enough tension or chemistry between them for me to root for them. The love declaration was SO underwhelming I was genuinely confused on if I skipped a page/a whole chapter. At about 80% I was actively thinking when is this ending?? How is there still 20%?? Bummed bc I really liked the first of this series and was really excited for Ray but fingers crossed for CJ’s story🤞🏻🤞🏻
I also didn’t like the nurse/patient dynamic just a bit weird since it’s not like they are coworkers - she’s been assigned to help “care” for him (quotes bc he doesn’t actually need much care). There also wasn’t enough tension or chemistry between them for me to root for them. The love declaration was SO underwhelming I was genuinely confused on if I skipped a page/a whole chapter. At about 80% I was actively thinking when is this ending?? How is there still 20%?? Bummed bc I really liked the first of this series and was really excited for Ray but fingers crossed for CJ’s story🤞🏻🤞🏻
September 2, 2024
Spoilers ahead
When I think of grumpy/Sunshine THIS is what I mean!
H is a now ex bull rider after a fall that broke his spine and left him quadrapledric, with some experimental surgery and intense physical therapy he's in a wheelchair and has the use of his arms and could stand and shuffle a little but his life will never be the same. He's been rude, mean and a terror to the staff that his family keeps trying to hire for him.....until her.
Brooke has lost all the family members closest to her but she keeps soldering on, she's just trying to survive until her 25th birthday when she can collect her inheritance. Unfortunately she's on the verge of being fired, working for Ray is her only shot at keeping employment and a roof over her head. Though things are tough Brooke never loses her optimism. Working for Ray on the family farm feels like home but she knows her situation is temporary....or is it?
********
I really enjoyed this one, Brooke was a Disney princess who loved animals and old people and kids. She's clumsy perpetually late but utterly adorable. Most times with a h like this I get annoyed quickly with how everyone loves her 🙄 but Brooke really was just loveable and deserved alllll the good things. I did think she could've used a bit more sense in her dealings with her despicable roommates but it set a little action to the plot
Ray was mean and grumpy, he really struggled with the sudden changes in his life especially as it brought him back home. He hated being a burden to his family and just wanted to be left alone. Brooke really brought him back to life. He was an asshole to her at times and had cause for frequent apologies as he struggled with his feelings of inadequacy but when he messed up big he had to really take a chance on rebuilding his life and working on himself to be with her and earn forgiveness from his nieces. His situation was not easy at all, I liked him well enough
Again well written with excellent secondary characters who have their own stories, though I've yet to read them I didn't struggle in understanding the family dynamics. A little jerky on the transition to them being together but all in all another hit for me from this author
*ETA I would've liked some details on the inheritance 🤔
No cheating
H was in a wheelchair
h wasn't a virgin
GrumpyH/sunshine h
When I think of grumpy/Sunshine THIS is what I mean!
H is a now ex bull rider after a fall that broke his spine and left him quadrapledric, with some experimental surgery and intense physical therapy he's in a wheelchair and has the use of his arms and could stand and shuffle a little but his life will never be the same. He's been rude, mean and a terror to the staff that his family keeps trying to hire for him.....until her.
Brooke has lost all the family members closest to her but she keeps soldering on, she's just trying to survive until her 25th birthday when she can collect her inheritance. Unfortunately she's on the verge of being fired, working for Ray is her only shot at keeping employment and a roof over her head. Though things are tough Brooke never loses her optimism. Working for Ray on the family farm feels like home but she knows her situation is temporary....or is it?
********
I really enjoyed this one, Brooke was a Disney princess who loved animals and old people and kids. She's clumsy perpetually late but utterly adorable. Most times with a h like this I get annoyed quickly with how everyone loves her 🙄 but Brooke really was just loveable and deserved alllll the good things. I did think she could've used a bit more sense in her dealings with her despicable roommates but it set a little action to the plot
Ray was mean and grumpy, he really struggled with the sudden changes in his life especially as it brought him back home. He hated being a burden to his family and just wanted to be left alone. Brooke really brought him back to life. He was an asshole to her at times and had cause for frequent apologies as he struggled with his feelings of inadequacy but when he messed up big he had to really take a chance on rebuilding his life and working on himself to be with her and earn forgiveness from his nieces. His situation was not easy at all, I liked him well enough
Again well written with excellent secondary characters who have their own stories, though I've yet to read them I didn't struggle in understanding the family dynamics. A little jerky on the transition to them being together but all in all another hit for me from this author
*ETA I would've liked some details on the inheritance 🤔
No cheating
H was in a wheelchair
h wasn't a virgin
GrumpyH/sunshine h
January 4, 2026
Read this if you like:
•grumpy/sunshine
•disability rep
•cowboys 🤠
Another book that I binged in a matter of hours. I love a good grumpy cowboy. Ray became paraplegic after a bull riding accident and he’s extremely grumpy and keeps firing everyone that’s hired to help him until Brooke. Brooke is fun and a ray of sunshine and helps Ray slowly open up.
•grumpy/sunshine
•disability rep
•cowboys 🤠
Another book that I binged in a matter of hours. I love a good grumpy cowboy. Ray became paraplegic after a bull riding accident and he’s extremely grumpy and keeps firing everyone that’s hired to help him until Brooke. Brooke is fun and a ray of sunshine and helps Ray slowly open up.
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