I Touch Hoses

Bent Oak, Texas #3.5

by Bix Barrow

What happens when a smoking hot retired rock star finally decides to take a walk on the bi side?

I have no idea. I panicked and tanked our date before I could find out.

When I accidentally overheard Jake Lord, womanizing rock god with a d**k of legendary proportions, say he wanted to come out as bisexual, I never imagined I’d be the first man he’d ask to dinner. What could a famous musician want with me—a guy who’s so freaked by what happened on my last job that I’m working as a gardener to try to forget?

I should’ve turned him down immediately, but he was so adorable—all nervous and awkward—I couldn’t stop myself from accepting his invitation.

But after decades of the rock and roll life, Wesley doesn’t want to be “Jake Lord” anymore. He’s ready to be a dad, a homebody, a guy who rescues kittens. A man like that needs someone who’s got their s**t together. And that’s definitely not me.

So I bailed before I was in too deep.

Oops. Too late.


I Touch Hoses is part of the Bent Oak, Texas series but is written so it can be read as a standalone. In the series timeline, this story takes place between Head Over Feels and We Don’t Need Another Santa.

I Touch Hoses was formerly a bonus story offered to Bix Barrow newsletter subscribers. The story has not been changed.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2024

About the author

When Bix Barrow got an idea for her first book, it ended up turning into her second — and thus the first two stories in the Bent Oak, Texas series emerged. An aspiring author for most of her life, it took a foray into the MM romance genre to spark the steamy scenes and blazing banter Bix now weaves into her novels. Accompanying her on her writing exploits are her two dogs and multitude of cats (six at last count). An avid traveler, Bix has started to view her expeditions as interviews for her future home. Born and raised in Texas, she is eager to move somewhere with fewer politicians, hurricanes and flooding.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Touch Hoses is a stand alone novella by Bix Barrow. This is part of the Bent Oak, Texas series and does feature the three men from the first book, Holding On to a Hero but you’re not required to have read it to enjoy this.

Wesley, as known as Jake Lord, the famous rock star, is ready to retire and live his true life as a bi-sexual man. He’s known for his womanizing ways and he’s kept his truth a secret all his life. He’s in Texas to visit his friends and to live near his adult son. His first step is to spend a few days on the ranch with Will, Cole and Jason to get some advice about dating a man. Because that’s what Wesley wants, to date someone, to have a relationship. No hook ups. He’s fifty five years old and wants a forever love.

Keson is spending some time working on the ranch as their gardener because his former job has left him shaken and a little bit broken. He’s completely flattered when Wesley asks him out on a date but a little too late, Keson realizes that maybe he’s not ready yet. But Wesley knows what he wants and he’s not taking no for an answer.

This was a quick, sweet, sexy read. The ending was adorable. I enjoyed getting to spend time with the guys from book one too.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 simply adorable
Firstly, let me say I’ve got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is a quick read that I’ve got to be honest and say I absolutely adore this book.
Jake Lord is a retired famous rockstar and he decided to go and see a friend because he wanted help figuring out his feelings. You see he’s been hiding the fact that he is bisexual his whole career and now Jake, his real name is Wesley wants to find a man with a relationship in mind. But within seconds of coming through the ranch gates, Wesley sees a man of his dreams.
Keson has been working at the ranch since suffering an incident with his job. He thoroughly enjoys gardening and it shows throughout the ranch. When he sees a car coming in the gates, he sees Jake Lord in the passenger seat, and it is an instant attraction.
That’s all I’m going to give you, you really need to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Wesley and Keson. The attraction is instant and it is like they get an electric shock when they touch. I enjoyed the other little stories that went on within this book.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I love this series so much. This one is my favorite now. It may be on the shorter side but it’s got all the feels. Plus we see some familiar faces too. I just found out I didn’t read one of them. And off I go to do just that.

[Bol.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

asy to read and charming
Tags: Easy to read, entertaining, age gap, short story, contemporary, rock star, engaging, no cliffhanger.
“I Touch Hoses” is a simple, well-written, easy-to-read, and charming romance with no angst or complex issues. It is a perfect choice for reading while traveling, sunbathing on a beach, or in need of light and entertaining reading. While it will not break your heart or overwhelm your emotions, it will provide entertainment and even make you smile.
Wesley, a retired and famous rock star, is finally ready to get out of the closet at fifty-five. “Fifty-five years old, fifteen platinum and six multi-platinum albums, fourteen world tours, one child, ...”
While on a visit with friends, he meets a much younger Keson, and the attraction is instantaneous. After some amusing misunderstandings, they decide to give their relationship a chance.
The plot is straightforward, and the story is short, with no angst or tension. Regardless, this book is an engaging and pleasant read because of the skillful writing, charming characters, and witty dialogue.
What to expect? Simple, easy to read, entertaining, feel-good romance with charming characters, and HEA.
What not to expect? Profound and complex emotions, dark drama, angst or tension, controversial or difficult issues.
Disclaimer: I firmly believe that for every book written, there is a reader who will appreciate and enjoy it. This review reflects my personal and subjective opinion and should be read as such. I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews

Jake Lord, real name Wesley, is a fifty-five-year-old rock legend who is now retired and finally wants to embrace his bisexual side. He is legendary for his sexual prowess but he’s only been with women. He comes to the home of Cole, a famous actor who came out and has two male partners, thinking he could pick Cole’s brain on what he should do. “I came here for advice. Because you were in the public eye, and there was never any gossip about you sleeping with men.” The way he goes about it, however, is strictly foot in mouth and I found it funny.
What he finds at Cole’s Triple the Love Ranch is a gardener named Keson, who is exactly Wesley’s type. Wesley has been a wham bam thank you ma’am his whole life, but now he’s looking for a relationship. For his part, Keson has had a bad situation happen that he feels guilt about. Wesley’s assumption about Keson’s past work is, again, funny. How he even came to the conclusion he did I have no idea, but it was a laugh!
The story focuses on these two in their own little world at the ranch and how they are introducing each other to themselves. Wesley is so nervous and worried about messing things up that sometimes it’s a self-fulfilling prophesy. Keson has the same issue, turning their first date into a sort of traumatic experience. “Worst of all, Wesley could tell I wasn’t solely focused on him. His smiles became smaller and dimmer as the night went on.” Once the miscommunications are unraveled, things get better, and I like seeing these two together.
For the side characters, I liked Cole, Will and Jason and the support they have for each other and I absolutely adored Wesley’s son, Freddy, who has the best badass name!

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Touch Hoses is a standalone novella by Bix Barrow, set in the Bent Oak, Texas series. While it features characters from the first book, Holding on to a Hero, you don't need to have read it to enjoy this story. This was my first Bix Barrow read, and it was a delightful introduction.

Wesley, also known as Jake Lord, is a famous rock star ready to retire and embrace his true identity as a bisexual man. Known for his womanising ways, Wesley has kept his true self a secret all his life. He moves to Texas to be close to his friends and his adult son. His first step towards a new life is spending a few days on the ranch with Will, Cole, and Jason to seek advice about dating men. At fifty-five, Wesley is looking for a meaningful relationship, not just hookups; he wants a forever love.

Keson, working as a gardener on the ranch, is recovering from a traumatic experience that left him shaken and a bit broken. When Wesley asks him out, Keson is flattered but soon realises he might not be ready for a relationship. However, Wesley knows what he wants and isn't taking no for an answer.

This novella is a quick, sweet, and sexy read with an adorable ending. I Touch Hoses is a heartwarming addition to the Bent Oak, Texas series, perfect for fans and new readers alike.

[Dekaydreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot, cute, and fun, and it has Twinkies and kittens, to boot! That said, it just didn't quite carry me past three-star level. Perhaps because it's a short story and didn't have enough room to develop? Many authors rock a full length book, but simply can't spread their wings in a short story, and this is my first read from this author so I can't say.

Also, on the plus side: I applaud the author for actually depicting their Black protagonist on the cover. I've read several stories where the title is the name of the Black main character, but the person on the cover is not in the least recognizably Black. It jars, and feels cowardly. My own quirk - I'm a cover junkie, and I like my cover model, if there is one, to match at least one character.

I also find the word "cum" extremely offputting, to the point that an otherwise enjoyable story will lose points when I encounter it. Sadly, this tale made it right to the end, and then bam! sudden ick factor. Like enjoying a meal, then discovering something disgusting in the last bite. But that's my own personal weirdness. Some people prefer the three-letter version; I'm not one of them.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

#3.5 in series (Bent Oak, Texas), but can be read as a standalone. Novella. Age gap. Slow burn. Dual POV.

Retired rockstar Wesley wants to finally embrace his interest in men and hopes relocating to Texas to be close to his son will afford him some new opportunities. Keson is trying to recover from what he sees as a failure in his previous job, but when he overhears Wesley talking about experimenting with another man, Keson is ready and willing to volunteer.

Even though this is a quick story, Bix Barrow provides a good amount of background for both main characters, which really shows their motivations, hopes, and reasons for their hesitations. Both Keson and Wesley are likable and sweet, their attraction is instant, but really they both really want more than just a hookup. This was a fun and cute quick read, and an entertaining addition to the series. 4.5 rounded up

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but complete with double-sweet finish💕

Yes, I thought it was a solid, nice read and fit plenty in the short length. Things that I particularly liked:

Mature age protagonist (Wesley/Jake) ready to stand in his truth;
Mix-up about Keson's former career;
Kitten antics;
Mystery of Wesley's son's true full name; and
Surprise twist at the end.

I also liked the level of heat: not full on but hot enough.

You could tell that this fit somewhere in a series but it was fine read on its own.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the novella; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really liked the vibe of this book. It is sweet, funny at times but also well written. It's short but perfect if you only have an hour or two to read.

This is part of the Bent Oak, Texas series but can be read as a stand alone.

Wesley is an rock star who is retiring and is now ready to explore his bi-sexuality. He meets Keson, a much younger man at a ranch in Texas where he is staying with friends. It turns out both Keson and Wesley wants to explore together and perhaps even find a HEA together.

There is no angst in this book and I loved how well it was written and I didn't want to put it down, but just kept reading!

[Mvm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging novella in the Bent Oak, Texas series, focusing on the journey of Jake Lord, a renowned rock star known as a notorious womanizer, as he embraces his true identity as a bisexual man, and Keson, a gardener seeking solace on the ranch after a tumultuous past job. Despite its brevity, there is an instant connection between the two protagonists without feeling rushed. While character development may be limited due to the short length, the progression of their relationship was satisfying. The biggest disappointment was the length; I wanted more.

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Touch Hoses by Bix Barrow was a cute story about Keson, former bodyguard turned Gardner, and Wesley, retired rock star. I loved the idea, but it’s so difficult with a novella to build a believable relationship. Everything happened at the speed of light and I didn’t know why Wesley and Keson were into each other beyond looks. I gave not read any other books in this series, so it was hard to know who everyone was.

Love the epilogue though. That was very sweet.

I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Triple Bypass Ranch", Twinkie, Hungry Hungry Hippos, snack cake-style

98 Android Kindle app-pages long. It's a short and easy story that takes place in the "Bent Oak, TX" series. I'm surprised by the number of characters used for this book. They are all wonderful, but quirky, especially Cole Washburn from Book One, "Holding Out for a Hero".

It is about Wesley aka Jake Lord, retired rock star and Keson, a former private personal bodyguard. There are no angst, some steam, and a cute kitten. The ancillary characters actually drive this story which is great, but I wish it was longer.

[Malia Winger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bix Barrow's Bent Oak Tx stories! And I was curious about Wesley, the resident retired rockstar. Being filled in on his back story is like being let in on some town gossip. After retiring and deciding to come out Wesley turns to Cole Washburn to figure out how to navigate living his truth openly. While he was there he meets Keson, former body guard and temporary landscaper. The story has a bit of insta love, but with the novella format that is to be expected. But all of the humor and heart I have come to expect from this author was present.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Bix Barrow book and I really enjoyed it. Westley, a retired rock star is looking to finally come out of the closet and explore his bi side. Keson, is hiding out on the ranch where Wes is staying with PTSD. These are both great. guys and the miscommunication was hysterical. The plot was minimal, the characters fun, the chemistry steamy and the HEA all you could ask for. Best 2 hours I've spent in a while

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Wesley (AKA retired rock star Jake Lord) is visiting an acquaintance in Bent Oak, Tx. He is finally ready to explore his bi side. Poor Wesley, he already attracted to the gardener, Keason, but the confusion about who he wants to experiment with, and Keason's former profession leads the way to mass confusion. Light and fluffy, a perfect poolside read.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I Touch Hoses is a short, sweet, Age Gap story that gives us heat and a HEA after some serious hesitation... Bix Barrow is able to roll a angst, history that collides with reality and a chance for these two men to go from hook- up to more. It can easily be read standalone, but does include other Bent Oak characters.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet instalove story,Wesley and Keson were great together and there was a connection from their first meeting. I thought it was funny how Wesley had mistaken Keson’s previous job but so sweet that he still wanted to be together and support him even in a non physical relationship. Good short read.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice novella, sweet and funny romance with misunderstanding running through it. The part about the missing kitten seems familiar to me but not the rest of the story, I guess missing kittens are plenty. It was obvious this was part of a series, that I had not read, but it did not affect my enjoyment.

[Linda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute short story.
Wesley has retired from his life as a rock star and wants to explore his sexuality.
Keson is filling in time working as a gardener on the ranch.
When Wesley comes to stay at the ranch, the sparks fly pretty much immediately, but there is a slight hesitation on Keson's part.

I received this book from GRR
This is my honest review

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters, Wesley and Keson are well written and easy to see getting together. There is an age gap but it's not huge, there are misunderstandings but they also aren't huge. It's an easy fun read with a perfect HEA. The secondary characters are all super good and add really well to this couple's story. I really enjoyed it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story about Wesley and Keson. It was wonderful to get a rockstar romance with an older musician deciding to be himself. Keson's initial excitement and then the uncertainty that makes him try to back away was described so realistically. Thank goodness Wesley was an older character who knew what he wanted and had enough confidence for both of them initially.

[Courtney Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this short and sweet love story. A retired rockstar meets the man of his newly bisexual dreams. Keson is trying to get over a traumatic event from his last job. And when Jake Lord shows up and asks him out on a date he doesn’t know what to expect. I don’t think he ever expected a happy ending.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella that can easily be read without knowing the other books in the series. Due to the shortness of the book there is not a whole lot of character development going on but the relationship development never felt rushed. A short, sweet and steamy story.

[Jill Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book & it was a great first read from this author. It was quick, cute & had a great HEA! Only thing I would say is to read the first book from the series before hand because there were a couple parts I was lost—overall prefer!

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable! I loved this novella! It was romantic, witty, funny, and filled with wonderful characters. I loved Wesley and Keson's story! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is about to get a shock when a rock star comes to him to see what it is like to be with a man. He never expected this to happen and he may just go for it or will he? How will it all go? What is going to happen next? See how he gets on

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was cute. I enjoyed Keson and Wesley and seeing them at the start of their relationship, it was a short story so we didn’t get to see how they really navigated a new relationship but they were so perfect together for what we saw.

[Julie Bedwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything I needed at this exact moment. It's a fun, quick read. This story is Wesley and Keson's story. They are cute characters. There are appearances from characters in the first book of the series, but this can definitely be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. I haven't read the rest of the series yet, but my TBR list just got a little longer.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, short read - does what it says on the tin, really!