Close Quarters

Isaiah Ranch #2

by Romeo Alexander

The only thing that frustrates me more than my life, is Elliot!
And the feeling is mutual.

Yes, yes, I know. I let my temper run away with me…again. That’s what got me locked up in the first place. I hit Riley, then Elliot and I got into a fight, and now I’m stuck with the idiot 24/7. What kind of hellish punishment is that?

I don’t think I hate him, and I’ll be the first to admit he’s kind of hot, but God, will he ever just shut up!

Forced together and told to work out whatever this thing is between us, it turns out Elliot may be the one person in the world capable of keeping my temper at bay. He…gets me. Maybe we could be good for each other. Maybe…more?

Turns out we are good together, very good! He brings out a softer side of me no one has seen before, including me. I can’t possibly be falling for him, can I?

But violence and death are just around the corner, and if I’d known what hell awaited us thanks to a missing flock of dumb sheep and a gang of drug runners, I might have walked away…but now, it’s too late.

Genres: M M Romance, Westerns, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2024

About the author

Romeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.

As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.

Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Ez Rah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Marthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 19-24.09.2025
W dalszym ciągu jestem zachwycona, w jaki sposób Romeo Alexander poprowadził historię, która dzieje się równolegle do tej, która była w 1 tomie 🤗 Nawet, jeżeli są jakieś wspólne wydarzenia dla obydwu historii, to są tylko albo wspominane, albo wiadomości o nich są UZUPEŁNIANE, a nie POWTARZANE.
Po prostu uwielbiam ten tom 😁

* * * * * * *

Absolutnie podręcznikowe, wzorcowe wręcz wykonanie historii, które w serii dzieją się w tym samym czasie 💙 Sporo autorek/autorów mogłoby się uczyć od Romeo Alexandra 😜 Powinien jakieś warsztaty prowadzić - nieustannie i nieskończenie, bo tych, którzy nie wiedzą, jak to robić, niezmiennie przybywa...

Elliot 💙 ADHD zdiagnozowane już po wyroku - on sam określa to jako "chochliki, które siedzą mu w głowie i nie mogą się uspokoić" (choć, szczerze mówiąc, w oryginale jest użyte słowo "gremlins" - którego sobie nie tłumaczyłam, bo pamiętając film, który w Polsce był tłumaczony Gremliny rozrabiają, widziałam oczami wyobraźni te stworki, które szaleją mu w mózgu i to był doskonały obraz 😁), przez większość określany jako "idiota", który wszystkich denerwuje - a on tak naprawdę to całkiem mądry facet, który ma po prostu problemy ze skupieniem się na jednej rzeczy, który przeskakuje z tematu na temat, który ma problem z filtrem między mózgiem a ustami, który potrafi skierować rozmowę na najbardziej nieprawdopodobne tematy, ale który też potrafi dochować tajemnicy, który absolutnie nie jest doceniany przez prawie wszystkich, który ma serducho wielkości USA, który jest wierny do bólu, uczuciowy do bólu i który sam z siebie i ze swoich pomyłek i wtop żartuje - bo wtedy tak nie boli, jak inni to robią już po nim.

Reno - facet, który ma problem z gniewem, który został tyle razy wystawiony do wiatru, że chyba liczb by brakło, którego rodzinę najlepiej zapomnieć (z dwoma wyjątkami - i wiadomość o jednym z nich wpędziła go w poważne, bardzo powaaaażne kłopoty), który non stop jest zrzędliwy, patrzy wilkiem na wszystkich, trzyma ludzi na dystans - bo wtedy nie mogą go skrzywdzić. I w programie dla więźniów, którzy zostali przejęci z więzień do odbycia swojej kary na Rancho Isaiah, zostaje sparowany - po złamaniu zasad rancha - z Elliotem, niemalże przyspawany do jego biodra. No jakże to mogło pójść 😂

Nawet wątek sensacyjny, który się pojawił pod koniec, zagrał mi świetnie.

Duet Elliot-Reno podbił moje serducho.
Romantyczność? Można zapomnieć 😂
Sentymentalność? 😂😂😂
Czułości w stylu idiota, dupek? Na porządku dziennym 😁
Są absolutnie rewelacyjni 😁

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written opposites attract story with strong characters in Elliot and Reno. The author does a terrific job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She pulled me in with all the emotions and fun banter and kept me turning the pages reading their stories. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[readingwithmiaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
3🌶️



This Was Okay Y’all, Nothing Life Altering And Special Bit It Was Fine. I Will Read The Other Two Books In This Series Tho Because I Am Interested In The Other Characters In This Series💕💕💕💕

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close Quarters is gritty, messy, rough and realistic romance which fits the MMCs (both are serving prison time) and the setting (the dry, Texas farm) and their personalities.

Reno has seen, and had to endure, some truly horrific things in his childhood and experienced horrific things which lead to his prison time. These all worked together to create a man that purposefully pushes people away in the most hurtful way possible so that he is not the one hurt in the end.

Elliot, sweet, mouthy, ADHD filled Elliot has also seen and experienced the worst in humanity but where Reno pushes people away Elliot seems to really enjoy the company of others and enjoy himself when he is with people. I really liked Elliot in Pushing Riley to the Max and really fell in love with him in this book.

Reno and Elliot are, like all Romeo Alexander's MMCs, characters that always enchant me (and often surprises themselves) with the complexity of their personalities, how hard they work towards being the people they know that they can be and how hard and true the love.

The story contains mystery as well (because I just KNOW that Mona has a backstory and something is going on at that ranch!) suspense when Reno and Elliot are forced to defend themselves which adds more complexity to this story.

It's another book from Romeo Alexander that I love

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book digressed from the feel of book one while building on the setting established there. There were good cameos of previous characters without interfering with establishing the main relationship in this book. There were more serious issues dealt with in this book, including sexual violence and some fairly frightening and traumatic action sequences that were described well, dancing between the two MCs PoVs. The main relationship progresses believably. Spicy with heart and great conversations too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bol.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tags: Heartwarming, great word building, page-turner, easy-to-read, witty, dynamic and compelling, romantic, contemporary, opposite attracts, HEA, no cliffhanger.
The book ventures away from the traditional, simple, go-happy romance into a more complex and not-so-shiny world of misfits at the edge of society who are given a second chance in life. However, the emotional and emphatic narrative turns the story from dark to a captivating, heartwarming, enjoyable reading experience.
Close Quarters is a tale about two complete opposites, Elliot and Reno, prisoners trying to rectify their past actions and earn a chance for a better future at a ranch-style reforming facility.
After a violent incident and as a form of punishment, they are assigned to share a room and spend time in 24/7 proximity, trying not to get at each other throats. While Elliot is a babbling ball of energy with a sunshine attitude, Reno is a grumpy recluse with aggressive and violent outbursts, hiding his hurt, trauma, and insecurities: "Elliot and I had as much chance of becoming good friends as we did of sprouting wings and learning to fly." It is a dynamic, emotional, and entertaining path for them, transitioning from hate to dismantling their protective walls to affection, acceptance, and love.
I admire how the author tackles the complex issues of violence, aggression, childhood trauma, ADHD, and self-consciousness with compelling sensitivity, empathy, and humor. It turns the overbearing and complex issues into uplifting and inspiring reads. The witty and casual banter and inner dialogs masterfully smooth the raw edges of trauma, hurt, misunderstandings, and stigma while preserving a profound and emotional narrative.
It was easy to slip into Eliots and Reno's worlds and emotions thanks to eloquent, vivid, and vibrant writing, giving multi-dimensional depth and life to both characters, Thus making them charming, relatable, and impossible not to love, despite their flaws and past mistakes. Typical for R. Alexander, eloquent word-building and witty, humorous, profound writing add value to this novel and captivate the reader's attention from the first to the last page.
I love the message that you cannot change your past but can prevent it from defining your future.
What to expect: eloquent writing, dynamic and compelling narrative, some suspense, heartwarming, not overbearing reading experience, witty banter, complex and challenging issues, no cliffhanger.
What not to expect: dark drama with lots of angst and suspense, mystery, graphic violence, and dark, complex characters.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.

[Precociousp · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Close Quarters," the second installment of the Isaiah Ranch series by Romeo Alexander, delves into themes of redemption, identity, and the lasting impact of past traumas. Through the journeys of protagonists Elliot and Reno, Alexander skillfully navigates these complex themes, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and resilience.

The novel's meticulous attention to character development is evident in Elliot and Reno's evolution throughout the story. From Elliot's struggles with his late ADHD diagnosis to Reno's grappling with family history, each character undergoes profound growth.

However, the flash-forward prologue leaves certain character arcs feeling unresolved. The absence of closure for Max's character from the first book and the lack of a deeper exploration of Elliot's post-Isaiah's Ranch journey leave some threads hanging. Nonetheless, this minor setback doesn't diminish the overall impact of the novel.

Alexander's evocative prose and immersive storytelling techniques further elevate the narrative, ensuring a captivating reading experience. His adept use of descriptive language and poignant storytelling methods draw readers into the world of Isaiah's Ranch, making it feel vivid and real. The novel's brisk pacing, punctuated by compelling plot twists, keeps readers eagerly turning pages, while its exploration of social issues adds layers of depth and relevance to the story.

In conclusion, "Close Quarters" solidifies Romeo Alexander's reputation as a masterful storyteller. With its rich character dynamics, thought-provoking themes, and gripping plot, the novel offers both fans of the series and newcomers a compelling reading experience. As the second installment in the Isaiah Ranch series, it sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated next chapter, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the continuation of Elliot and Reno's journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Reread as audiobook, excellent performance by a narrator who excels at these ranch types of books. I appreciated Elliot's often frustrating behaviour even more in audio form, and how Reno grew to cope was very interesting.
Original ebook review - a really good grumpy/sunshine combination with two gritty and realistic MCs. Elliot's neurodiversity was very well portrayed. Interesting plot that I liked better than the first book in this series. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the desert. Learning more about Mona was good.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reno and Elliott's story was really good read. These two are opposites but are just what the other needs. Reno and Elliot are forced to spend time together after they bump heads too many times but that is the push they need to realize they need and want each other. I really enjoyed this book and looking for to more soon!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Isaiah Ranch series, a ranch where convicts work toward rehabilitation while working out their sentences on a Texas ranch. We are revisiting many of the characters from book one, Pushing Riley to the Max, with Leon, Reed, Dom, Mona, Riley and Max, and a new focus on Elliot and Reno.

Elliot is ADHD, never stopping talking, conversations all over the place, always active and moving — in other words, very annoying. The one most annoyed by Elliot is grumpy, taciturn, angry-looking Reno, with no patience for Elliot and his “chipmunk brain”. After a confrontation between Reno and Riley in which Elliot inserts himself, Reno and Elliot are thrown together 24/7, joined at the hip, and they need to find a way to make it work or get kicked out of the program and back to prison. As they get to know each other, they find ways to tolerate, then move to like, and eventually more, looking out for and supporting each other. When a ranch task gets them into a dangerous situation, they only have each other to rely on if they are to survive.
Very likable, relatable, realistic characters that we gain more insight into the longer they are together, snippets of ranch life, trust building with each other, and learning more about what they are capable of when needed, along with some sexy times, made for an interesting story to add to this series.

There should be characters we have met so far that yield another book or two about the men serving time at Isaiah Ranch and the connections they form to help personally and in their rehabilitation and movement through the program. It’s a great concept that I hope is actually happening in places as an alternative to incarceration.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scott Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, excellent series. 'Close Quarters' was the first book I listened to from the 'Isaiah Ranch' series, and I enjoyed it enough that when I finished it, I immediately purchased the first book from the series and listened to it--and I just finished listening to the third book as well. Overall an excellent series that I think got even better with each book. Large parts of the first three books take place concurrently, so there are many parts that act as an interconnected story told from differing points-of-view across all three books, but there are also plots unique to each book as well. This second book in the series, 'Close Quarters' features Elliot and Reno (who were both introduced in the first book) who, following an altercation, are "sentenced" by their mentor Leon to spend almost all of their time together, including sharing a cabin. Shenanigans ensue. Michael Dean's narration was really good and really enjoyable. My only complaint about the story itself is that I wish it had been longer. After the traumatic events near the end of the book, we don't really find out how the characters dealt with these events--and honestly, these were more traumatic than the things that landed them in prison in the first place, so the fact that the aftermath of these event got no page time in this book or the next one was disappointing. Surprisingly, this was only my second Romeo Alexander book (and then my third and fourth followed right after) but I thought this series was great, I'm looking forward to listening to the last book in the series, and I'm definitely a new fan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a bit darker and grittier as it deals with prisoners who are given a chance at a different type of reforming by having them work and learn on a ranch.
Elliot has an outwardly sunshiny attitude, he is also quite hyper and tends to talk non-stop, which irritates many others. Even though he is a brighter, friendlier person, he has his demons and a temper when provoked.
Reno is a gruff, angry, closed off person, who rarely talks to anyone.
These two couldn't be more different. They are complex characters who each grew up in homes that were troubled - just to varying degrees.
A violent outburst becomes a pivotal turning point for both men as they are forced to stick to each other 24/7. This forced proximity leads to another outburst, which in turn leads to a rough, but passionate encounter. After a bit of a shocked pause, they slowly begin learning and understanding one another and eventually becoming friends.
There is a fair amount of volitile emotions from our MC's, which sometimes leads to some rough, passionate, sexy times. There is danger and violence from outside the ranch as well.
It was interesting to see the slow progression of their emotions, how they each learned and grew both individually and together, to form a strong bond that leads them to an unexpected love, and a sweet HEA.
I did find that some of this book dragged a bit, but overall, I enjoyed this book and found it engaging and at times heartwrenching.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesetiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Close Quarters is the second book in the Isaiah Ranch series and can easily be read as a standalone. Romeo Alexander's writing style is wonderful and I was able to immerse myself in the story of Elliot and Reno very quickly. Both of them are supposed to be serving prison sentences, but they have been given a chance to work the rest of their sentences at Isaiah Ranch as part of a program instead.
Eliott is adorable, but he has ADHD, his mind spins all day and he is very communicative, but also often gets himself into trouble.
Reno is a guy who is always angry and doesn't get on well with people. When he receives the news that his grandmother has died, the smallest thing is enough to get him into big trouble again. As punishment, he is forced to work with Elliot as well as share a cottage.
It's interesting to see the dynamic that develops between the two of them. And the more I learned about Reno's past, the better I understood him.
But just when you think that the path the two of them have chosen is a good one, unexpected dangers lurk elsewhere, which really provide thrills and suspense.
I'm already looking forward to the third volume of Isaiha Ranch.

Michael Dean did a fantastic job as always and brought the audiobook to life. I was able to distinguish the protagonists well. Michael read in an entertaining way and gave the protagonists, in my opinion, suitable voices. It was a pleasure to listen to him.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing that frustrates me more than my life, is Elliot! And the feeling is mutual.
Elliot and Reno are both supposed to be serving prison sentences, but they have been given a chance to work the rest of their sentences out at the Isaiah Ranch instead as part of a program designed for prisoners with good behavior.

Eliott is simply adorable...he has ADHD which causes his mind to "spin" for most all of the day. He is also very communicative and often gets himself in trouble.

Reno is a man that is always angry and doesn't get along well with people as a rule. When he received the news that his grandmother had died, it was just the thing to get him into trouble again. As punishment, he is forced to work with Elliot as well as share a cottage. Yeah...some punishment that will turn out to be:)

It was interesting to see the dynamic that develops between these two. The more we learn about Reno's past, the better we will understand him. Your feelings for him will morph into different degrees of emotions, the more you learn about this man.

Just when you think that the path the two of them have chosen is a good one for them to take, unexpected danger again raises its ugly head, again providing some unexpected thrills and more suspense. This is going to be another good series or perhaps a trilogy by one of my all-time favorite authors, and I am already looking forward to the third book in the Isaiah Ranch series.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reno and Elliot have their story ! Isaiah Ranch

Reno, 26, has thick red hair, a ginger, tall, lean but muscled, green eyes and always seems angry.
Elliot, 27, has light brown/blonde hair, tattoos and is very strong. He has ADHD, and takes meds for it.

We open with how they each feel when Reno punched Riley. It happened so fast, and in the last book , we saw it from Riley view. Now, we have Reno's story to examine and also Elliot's past to see how he became what he's like today.

These tales are deep and upsetting, but we see them making progress with their issues. On top of conversations and intense thoughts, we get interactions with everyone else.
Their first sex scene is an angry wrestling match that turns into sex. They are bruised and a bit bloody. This doesn't go unnoticed.

The ranch work is getting done and Reno and Elliot must work side by side to help each other cope and learn.
Later when our two guys must find some runaway sheep, the search on horseback turns into a surprise by criminals, including gangsters, murder, self defense, kidnapping and more death and survival. It was such a shocking turn of events, and we were left in wonder.

The epilogue follows and wraps up the loose ends.

I liked Elliot and Reno, because they learned, changed, even though they are still rough around the edges.
ENJOY !

=====

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense! Elliott and Reno are clients at the Isaiah Ranch. This means they are on basically an early release program from prison. Reno, has anger issues and can barely control his temper. He is dragging heavy baggage of unknown and unresolved issues. Elliott lives with ADHD which alters his decision making and impulse control processes. He struggles with his condition, but he bravely owns it. Through an infortunate incident Reno and Elliott are assigned to live, work, eat and play together almost as close as cojoined twins. This takes us down a fun path watching how these two men try to contol their impulses, get along and not get thrown out of the program. We learn their secrets, we learn their strengths, their weaknesses and their triggers. We have a little excitement that pushes them further along their paths and opens their eyes. Romeo, does an excellent job exploring the process of mentally and emotionally transitioning from jail to a halfway house like program. Great character definition, good supporting or peripheral characters. Great story, well done. Totally hot cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close Quarters is a standalone MM romance from the Isaiah Ranch series, by Romeo Alexander. This is somewhat gritty romance, which is fitting for the setting and the men involved. I think the rough around the edge feel to the story is a direct reflection on the main characters, Reno and Elliot.

Reno and Elliot are on Isaiah Ranch as part of a rehabilitation program after being in prison. Reno has a bit of a chip on his shoulders, he's also a bit mouthy and seems to irritate many of those around him. After another clash with some others on the ranch, in particular Elliot, Reno and Elliot are thrown together and forced to live with each other. The forced proximity forces Reno and Elliot to look deeper and get to know each other, which also leads to some real feelings.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotion. Reno and Elliot go through some individual introspection, as well as building a strong relationship. I absolutely adored the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Seriously impressed with this book it was such an unexpected read! Not a straightforward storyline and definitely doesn't follow the usual MO for characters and MM romance yet still manages to be a heart-warming, emotional, compelling and romantic opposite attracts story. I think this is helped immensely by the excellent word building and character development which makes it a true page turner. Elliot and Reno are complete opposites, both ex prisoners trying to right the wrongs of their pasts and thankfully are given a second chance when they stay at a "ranch" reform centre. They are forced to share a room as punishment after an incident and are initially "at each others throats"! I loved Elliot who is so happy and full of energy, whereas Reno is a grump that is prone to violent outbursts to hide all his past trauma, and insecurities. Such an emotional journey watching their dynamic change from hate to affection then love. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Electric they are just energy
Wowser this is my kind of read. I absolutely adore Elliot. He is just like he’s drinking Redbull 24 seven. He has got ADHD and takes medication for this but he’s just a beautiful He’s happy to help anyone but sometimes let his mouth run before his brain has taken note of what he’s saying.what I Absolutely adore is Elliott and Reno. You could feel the energy between them as soon as you started this book. I was excited reading this book. I like that Elliot doesn’t back down. I like that when he feels he’s on the right path he keeps going. But that first time where he wouldn’t let Reno get away with what he was saying the energy was sparking around them and when they felt that they’re arguing and brawling had excited them both and that first kiss was just everything. I’ve got to say there’s a lot to this book that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like most of the characters in this book , I’m just super excited for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars for these two

I loved Elliott in Pushing Riley To The Max, his endless stream of consciousness so endearing, and now his own story made me love him more. Reno didn't cover himself in glory in that first book, but here, we get to see him in all his glowering grumpiness. As Elliot was falling in love with him, so was I.
There's a lot of sadness and heartbreak in their histories, but with completely different personalities, outlooks, methods of coping, sheer volume of speech or lack of it, that these two couldn't be any more opposite. Making them spend every minute with each other as a punishment turns into anything but, as Elliot gradually breaks down Reno's walls and creeps into his heart.
The pacing of the story was excellent, slow to start with as they circled each other, heating up once they started heating each other up, and then ramping up the tension at the end. I was so impressed with the last chapters, and then the epilogue was everything I wanted for them.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I'd already met Reno and Elliot in book 1, and I was very much looking forward to their story. I listened to this title on audio, narrated by Michael Dean, and I loved the job he did on these books.

I was drawn back in to Isaiah Ranch immediately, and Elliot and Reno's relationship. It was great getting to know them better, and although I was slightly shocked by their first sexual encounter, especially in audio, it made sense for them. I connected to both of them really well, Elliot is an adorable chaos ball of sunshine, and Reno is a good guy who's been damaged by terrible things. I loved them both, and I loved seeing them fall in love with each other. It totally worked for me, and I got so nostalgic for book 1 I want to listen to that again too. I started listening to book 3 instead, and I might well relisten to all of them at some point. It's so nice to have them available.

[Theodore · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 13%

Some of the writing was contradictory or just straight up didn't make sense. Like when Dom grabbed and slammed Elliot from his back, the next sentence implied that Elliot hadn't gotten caught by Dom's grip but literally the previous sentence before mentioned him being grabbed by the wrist. Or Leon telling Reno his sister called and Reno said that was too vague, implying he had multiple sisters that could call, but when he picked up the phone he says that it was unsurprising that his youngest sister had called because she was the only one of his siblings to do so. Or why he kept swapping between calling Riley by his name and new guy (clearly Riley wasn't already new based on the last book + him knowing Riley so that didn't make sense). Or why Elliot also got in trouble when Reno was the one who punched Riley.

DNFing because in addition to the already expo dump-y writing, there were just so many weird inconsistencies and choices that I couldn't continue.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ready enjoyed Elliot and Reno’s story, I especially appreciated the time the author spends to really explore these two characters. There is also some really well done world building going on at the Isaiah Ranch, and their mission to rehabilitate convicts ensures there are lots of intriguing characters around. The ranch itself is also very interesting, there is a bit of mysterious vibe around the edges. When dealing with Mona especially, I loved the sense that there is a larger picture yet to be shared. I love seeing these two move from animosity to understanding, their forced proximity a really good way to make them get to know each other. This was a complicated character driven romance, and I especially liked that Elliot and Reno find some healing in each other and the ranch.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot had been in prison for playing a part of a robbery that involved hurting an old man. After turning in the others involved, his jail time was shorter and he went to the ranch to serve time there and learn a trade. Being ADHD as a kid was hard but as an adult he’d managed to adjust his responses when people lost interest in him. Watching Reno and aggravating him was his favorite pastime. Being thrown together all the time is challenging for both. Finding that they have things in common and feeling attraction is a plus!

I really enjoyed Close Quarters and Romeo Alexander’s writing. Their stories always are great! This one has a ton of heat, some life lessons, found friends and the cartel shows up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhiannon sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fabulous!

I loved this book, both main characters were compelling and the lovers to enemies/opposite attract storylines drew you in, you wanted to see how their romance would unfold. I especially loved Elliot and his depiction of ADHD, it really highlighted a lot of what it's like to live with and how other people perceive someone with the disorder (I have ADHD, and could really relate to a lot of Elliot's struggles and mind sets). It was really enjoyable to see how Reno learned and began to understand that there was more to Elliot than just being "annoying" and what he once hated he began to love and appreciate was a part of him. This book is a really enjoyable read, with a bit of everything from laughter, love, steamy sex scenes, challenging/sad content to a bit of action hero! Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Story to Read!! This story is about Elliot who works on Isaiah Ranch, instead of serving his time in prison. There are several inmates who chose to work on the ranch. Elliot was diagnosed with ADHD when he got to prison so he has to go to the clinic two times a day to take his medicine. Elliot's mind is always wondering and he tends to get himself into things that he shouldn't. Reno is always angry and easy to get into a fight. When Reno finds out his grandmother has died, he is upset and starts a fight with Elliot. As punishment for fighting they are stuck in a cabin with each other and have to work the jobs together. Can Elliot and Reno work together or will Reno be sent back to prison to finish his time behind bars????.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mir Jak · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...the gesture might have seemed tiny and insignificant. For me, though, it meant the whole world."

A very surprisingly enjoyable book. I'll start by saying I've not read the others in the series and didn't feel lost ......though there are slight spoilers....seems they do overlap, time-wise. Anyway, this book is really good - I loved how the MC's have their emotional fronts and walls, and really you'd expect that seeing as where they came from/how they grew up, which slowing chip away as these two total opposites are forced to share a cabin. This isn't an insta-love type of story - it does take time. The writing is heartfelt, especially with the insights, and moving. And the banter - I enjoyed that thoroughly..... certainly made me laugh. Overall, a very enjoyable book !!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good story in this series about men who are trying to get on a better path and time at the ranch gives them a chance to work on doing just that. Reno and Elliot are very different men but their attraction is real and the time spend in close proximity and being there for similar reasons helps them to get closer. A situation arises that tests and stretches them and helps them to understand that they can grow forward despite where they started out. I really liked the message of not being limited to what you were and being able to find something good as you work hard to be more than you have been that is a part of this story and series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LadyDjarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

It was going to be 5 stars until the end. It was a great book and I loved Elliot and Reno, but I felt like it could have done with another couple of chapters with the aftermath of what happened and how their fellow ranch mates reacted to the news and the struggles of how our MCs dealt with what happened internally. It was slightly mentioned in the epilogue, but it wasn't enough IMO.

It looks like the 3rd book is going to beat another MM author I read (K.C. Wells) with her 3rd instalment of her Salvation Ranch series, but she has gone quiet. She still has my favourite ranch character though (Butch, similar to Elliot), but I more broadly enjoy the characters from Isaiah Ranch.