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Copper Lake #2
Dirt Road Secrets
I’m a country boy, born and raised. He’s new in town and all city.
Bronc riding has always been my main focus, the plan simple: Work hard, go pro, show the world what I was made of. It hasn’t been easy, but I did it through dedication and a whole lot of determination.
My dreams came true, my life more than fulfilled… Or so I thought.
I never knew how much I ached for more until I stopped to help a stranger on the side of a one lane road one chilly, fall afternoon.
He couldn’t be more different than me, with his messy curls and the chipped black polish.
But from the moment he fumbled over his words, flustered and tense, sitting in the driver’s seat of his broken down ride, I knew I wanted to know more. Know everything.
This all-consuming need to get to know him, to get close to him is new.
He’s only in town for a short while, Copper Lake merely a temporary stop.
Getting close to him is foolish… But there’s no way I can stop it. Not when he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
What happens when he goes back to the city and I’m left in the dust watching his tail lights disappear down the dirt road?
Bronc riding has always been my main focus, the plan simple: Work hard, go pro, show the world what I was made of. It hasn’t been easy, but I did it through dedication and a whole lot of determination.
My dreams came true, my life more than fulfilled… Or so I thought.
I never knew how much I ached for more until I stopped to help a stranger on the side of a one lane road one chilly, fall afternoon.
He couldn’t be more different than me, with his messy curls and the chipped black polish.
But from the moment he fumbled over his words, flustered and tense, sitting in the driver’s seat of his broken down ride, I knew I wanted to know more. Know everything.
This all-consuming need to get to know him, to get close to him is new.
He’s only in town for a short while, Copper Lake merely a temporary stop.
Getting close to him is foolish… But there’s no way I can stop it. Not when he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
What happens when he goes back to the city and I’m left in the dust watching his tail lights disappear down the dirt road?
349 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2024
241 people are currently reading
1919 people want to read
About the author
Ashley James
27 books1,394 followersAshley James is a romance author who enjoys writing (and reading) LGBTQIA+ books. She is from Washington State—and no, not Seattle—and currently resides in South Carolina with her two kids and hairless kitties, Goose, Maverick, and Houston. Ashley is introverted and slightly (okay, majorly) awkward. She refuses to make this section sound like a tacky dating app profile, so she won't be telling you how much she enjoys music, how she thoroughly enjoys dancing and singing in her kitchen, despite not being able to carry a tune, and she won't be telling you about her love of toxic and broken fictional men.
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September 2, 2025
THIS BOOK DESERVES TEN STARS!!!
Dirt Road Secrets is book two in the Copper Lake series by Ashley James. While I loved the first book, Eight Seconds to Ride, I am madly, obsessively in love with this one. The WHOLE book made my heart so happy and I am so in love with Cope and Xander. Mostly Cope, but I’m trying not to be mean! So keep reading and hopefully I’ll convince you to pick this book up. Can you read it as a stand alone? Definitely. The characters interact in each other’s books but you would still enjoy this without having read the previous. But you still should just so you don’t miss anything!
Copeland “Cope” Murphey is twenty five years old and is a professional saddle bronc rider in the rodeo circuit. He’s worked hard and is talented and successful. He’s lived in Copper Lake, Wyoming all his life, owns his own home and has a close knit group of friends. His life is busy and he has dated but never really committed to anyone. He just never really felt it. He’s only ever been with women and never thought of himself as anything but straight. Then came the day when he was on his way home and stopped to help someone broken down along the road. As soon as he looked down into that face, he knew that he needed to know him, needed to figure out why his pulse ticked up and his stomach got all tipsy turvy.
Xander is twenty eight years old and lives in Washington where he owns his own business. His aunt lives in Copper Lake and is having hip replacement surgery and needs someone to help her with her farm while she recuperates. Family is important to Xander and is glad to help his aunt. Xander has lived in the city all his life. He knows nothing about living on a farm. He also knows nothing about cars, which is why he’s stranded by the side of the road when the most beautiful man he’s ever seen stops to help him.
Xander’s confusion why a complete stranger would stop to help him was so cute. That would never happen where he lived but it’s the country way. Or rather, maybe it’s just Cope’s way. Cope is maybe the kindest man I’ve ever known, (read about) and I am madly in love with him. Some of the things Cope did in this book, for no other reason than that he is a good man, had me swooning right into a big puddle. The chemistry between these two poured off the pages. I felt their connection all the way to the tips of my toes. Ashley James wrote their story in such a way that she had my heart squeezing with love for these two.
“This kiss feels like no other kiss I’ve experienced before it. It feels like I’ve never truly been kissed before now. Like everything else was just practice but this...This is the real deal.”
It never bothered Cope that Xander was the only man he’s ever been attracted to. The only thing that bothered him is that he might be disappointing to him with his inexperience. It worried him that Xander was only here temporarily. That he would have to eventually return to Washington, to his life there. Because these feelings he was having were not temporary at all. And Xander was shocked at how quickly he adapted to country life. At how attached he became to the animals and how beautiful it was there. And at how much he looked forward to seeing Cope every day, to just being near him.
“How is it possible that somewhere you’ve never been before now can feel so strongly like home.”
I’ve rambled on enough. Just read this book. It’s sexy and so sweet and also funny. You will sigh, swoon, smile and your heart will grow ten sizes. Now I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out, Burning the Midnight Oil.
Dirt Road Secrets is book two in the Copper Lake series by Ashley James. While I loved the first book, Eight Seconds to Ride, I am madly, obsessively in love with this one. The WHOLE book made my heart so happy and I am so in love with Cope and Xander. Mostly Cope, but I’m trying not to be mean! So keep reading and hopefully I’ll convince you to pick this book up. Can you read it as a stand alone? Definitely. The characters interact in each other’s books but you would still enjoy this without having read the previous. But you still should just so you don’t miss anything!
Copeland “Cope” Murphey is twenty five years old and is a professional saddle bronc rider in the rodeo circuit. He’s worked hard and is talented and successful. He’s lived in Copper Lake, Wyoming all his life, owns his own home and has a close knit group of friends. His life is busy and he has dated but never really committed to anyone. He just never really felt it. He’s only ever been with women and never thought of himself as anything but straight. Then came the day when he was on his way home and stopped to help someone broken down along the road. As soon as he looked down into that face, he knew that he needed to know him, needed to figure out why his pulse ticked up and his stomach got all tipsy turvy.
Xander is twenty eight years old and lives in Washington where he owns his own business. His aunt lives in Copper Lake and is having hip replacement surgery and needs someone to help her with her farm while she recuperates. Family is important to Xander and is glad to help his aunt. Xander has lived in the city all his life. He knows nothing about living on a farm. He also knows nothing about cars, which is why he’s stranded by the side of the road when the most beautiful man he’s ever seen stops to help him.
Xander’s confusion why a complete stranger would stop to help him was so cute. That would never happen where he lived but it’s the country way. Or rather, maybe it’s just Cope’s way. Cope is maybe the kindest man I’ve ever known, (read about) and I am madly in love with him. Some of the things Cope did in this book, for no other reason than that he is a good man, had me swooning right into a big puddle. The chemistry between these two poured off the pages. I felt their connection all the way to the tips of my toes. Ashley James wrote their story in such a way that she had my heart squeezing with love for these two.
“This kiss feels like no other kiss I’ve experienced before it. It feels like I’ve never truly been kissed before now. Like everything else was just practice but this...This is the real deal.”
It never bothered Cope that Xander was the only man he’s ever been attracted to. The only thing that bothered him is that he might be disappointing to him with his inexperience. It worried him that Xander was only here temporarily. That he would have to eventually return to Washington, to his life there. Because these feelings he was having were not temporary at all. And Xander was shocked at how quickly he adapted to country life. At how attached he became to the animals and how beautiful it was there. And at how much he looked forward to seeing Cope every day, to just being near him.
“How is it possible that somewhere you’ve never been before now can feel so strongly like home.”
I’ve rambled on enough. Just read this book. It’s sexy and so sweet and also funny. You will sigh, swoon, smile and your heart will grow ten sizes. Now I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out, Burning the Midnight Oil.
May 12, 2024
One day Cope (25) stops to help Xander (29) when his car breaks down on the side of the road. Xander, being from a large city, is instantly suspicious why a stranger wants to help him.
Very sweet bi awakening between a cowboy and a city boy. There is also an adorable Scottish cow, a hairless cat named Larry, and a menagerie of other animals and friends.
Small town in Wyoming
Dual POV
Gay romance
Bi-awakening/demisexual
Cowboy/city boy
Super sweet
HEA
“You are the feeling that everyone has always talked about. The feeling everybody is always chasing.
I appreciated the slow burn, it felt a much healthier take on a budding romance. I liked their mature conversations, and how they communicated honestly about their feelings.
* In bronc competitions, cowboys use their spurs to rake up and down the shoulders and chest of the horse, they are graded on this style. Bronc spurs have longer shanks than regular riding spurs.
Very sweet bi awakening between a cowboy and a city boy. There is also an adorable Scottish cow, a hairless cat named Larry, and a menagerie of other animals and friends.
Small town in Wyoming
Dual POV
Gay romance
Bi-awakening/demisexual
Cowboy/city boy
Super sweet
HEA
“You are the feeling that everyone has always talked about. The feeling everybody is always chasing.
I appreciated the slow burn, it felt a much healthier take on a budding romance. I liked their mature conversations, and how they communicated honestly about their feelings.
* In bronc competitions, cowboys use their spurs to rake up and down the shoulders and chest of the horse, they are graded on this style. Bronc spurs have longer shanks than regular riding spurs.
March 22, 2024
"Life's too short to play it safe."
Xander Dawson is a city boy through and through.
But when his aunt needs help on the farm he finds himself in Copper Lake, Wyoming.
No experience in farming or taking care of animals.
But family is family.
Unfortunately on his way to his aunt, his car breaks down in the middle of the road.
But luckily for him one Cope Murphy just happens to be driving by.
And happens to be his new neighbor…
"Since when am I swoony at nice? I'm in trouble."
Cope Murphy is one of the best Bronco riders.
Nationally ranked and challenger for the world champion.
He loves the country life. It is his whole life.
But when Xander Dawson whirlwinds into his life.
He can't help but be utterly intrigued by this new figure in his life.
And he can't stop looking at him either…
"Xander doesn't look like a cowboy or a farmer, but I like that about him."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
💫 4.75 stars 💫
"Cope's just not at all who I would've expected, and I like that. I really like that."
Xander Dawson has no idea what he is doing on the country side of the world. But he has to help his family. Luckily for him the rugged and handsome neighbour wants to help. But is that all he wants?
"I need you to know that I plan to make you mine in due time, city boy."
Ashley James. I love you. I have no words for this entire series except for that.
This book was so good! I loved "Eight Seconds To Ride" and I missed this world so much!
Xander and Cope were the definition of meet cute and stay cute and ahhhhhhh giggles giggles giggles.
I cannot wait for the next one! This world is so addicting! YEEEHAWWWWW!!
"From the moment I met him, I was enthralled with him in a way I've never been before."
First, let's start with Cope. Going through this journey with him throughout this book was so mesmerizing to read. I loved it. The small town vibes of everybody knows everything about everyone but when something happens you can bet your ass they will be there to help is the definition of Cope and that is just so cute!! The way that he is with Xander even in the platonic sense was just so comforting to read. Because, moving onto Xander, omg another book character that I can identify with who woulda thunk? Xander is a people please (hello me) and he needed Cope in order to understand that you have to take care of yourself as well. Stand up for yourself. Fight for what you want! Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Anyway obsessed with these two thank you very much!
"I wanted him to kiss me. Wanted it like I've never wanted anything before. Having his eyes on me the way that they were was thrilling."
As always Ashley James makes the best aesthetic playlists but as always because I am me and this is me these are the songs that I added:
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3L9... )
🎶 "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" - Big & Rich
🎶 "MASON DIXON" - SHOWDOWN
🎶 "Work Song" - Hozier
🎶 "Fancy Like" - Walker Hayes
🎶 "Workin'" - SMO, Alexander King
🎶 "Make Me Want To" - Jimmie Allen
🎶 "I Want Crazy - Encore" - Hunter Hayes
🎶 "Cruise" - Florida Georgia Line
🎶 "How Country Feels" - Randy Houser
🎶 "Northern Attitude" - Noah Kahan, Hozier
🎶 "I Like It, I Love It" - Tim McGraw
🎶 "Country Boy Love" - Granger Smith, Early Dibbles Jr.
🎶 "Somewhere In A Small Town" - Conner Smith
🎶 "Boys Back Home" - Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Scott
🎶 "Say My Name" - Destiny's Child
🎶 "Flowers" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "What He Didn't Do" - Carly Pearce
🎶 "Narcissist" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "That Part" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "You Proof" - Morgan Allen
🎶 "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" - Beyonce
🎶 "Constellations - Piano Version" - Jade LeMac
🎶 "Love You a Little Bit - Acoustic" - Tanner Adell
🎶 "Any Man Of Mine" - Shania Twain
🎶 "Glad You Came" - The Wanted
🎶 "Cowboy Casanova" - Carrie Underwood
🎶 "Pour Some Sugar On Me" - Def Leppard
🎶 "Me On You" - Muscadine Bloodline
🎶 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎶 "goosebumps" - Travis Scott
🎶 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎶 "Wanted" - Hunter Hayes
🎶 "Collide" - Justine Skye, Tyga
🎶 "Drunk On You" - Luke Bryan
🎶 "I Wanna Ride I Wanna Ride (Sped Up); Vegas" - Hiko
🎶 "STAY" - True North, Loveless
🎶 "Kid In Loved" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "Vegas" - Doja Cat
🎶 "Cologne" - SM6
🎶 "Shivers" - Ed Sheeran
🎶 "Until I Found You" - Stephen Sanchez
🎶 "I Want It All" - Cameron Grey
🎶 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "I Think I'm In Love" - Kat Dahlia
🎶 "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" - Edison Lighthouse
🎶 "STUPID IN LOVE" - MAX, HUH YUNJIN
🎶 "I Only Date Cowboys" - Kylie Morgan
And I love dirty talk in small town romances there's just something that itches the right part of the brain you know what I mean?
"I'm gonna need you to drop to your knees, open that pretty little mouth, and show me that tongue."
"Take your clothes off and get on the bed."
"Look at us. Look at how perfectly you take me."
🤠 Tropes 🤠
🐄 Small Town Romance
🐄 Meet Cute
🐄 City Boy x Country Boy
🐄 Cowboy Romance
🐄 Opposites Attract
Book edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Sw9qArz...
Xander Dawson is a city boy through and through.
But when his aunt needs help on the farm he finds himself in Copper Lake, Wyoming.
No experience in farming or taking care of animals.
But family is family.
Unfortunately on his way to his aunt, his car breaks down in the middle of the road.
But luckily for him one Cope Murphy just happens to be driving by.
And happens to be his new neighbor…
"Since when am I swoony at nice? I'm in trouble."
Cope Murphy is one of the best Bronco riders.
Nationally ranked and challenger for the world champion.
He loves the country life. It is his whole life.
But when Xander Dawson whirlwinds into his life.
He can't help but be utterly intrigued by this new figure in his life.
And he can't stop looking at him either…
"Xander doesn't look like a cowboy or a farmer, but I like that about him."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
💫 4.75 stars 💫
"Cope's just not at all who I would've expected, and I like that. I really like that."
Xander Dawson has no idea what he is doing on the country side of the world. But he has to help his family. Luckily for him the rugged and handsome neighbour wants to help. But is that all he wants?
"I need you to know that I plan to make you mine in due time, city boy."
Ashley James. I love you. I have no words for this entire series except for that.
This book was so good! I loved "Eight Seconds To Ride" and I missed this world so much!
Xander and Cope were the definition of meet cute and stay cute and ahhhhhhh giggles giggles giggles.
I cannot wait for the next one! This world is so addicting! YEEEHAWWWWW!!
"From the moment I met him, I was enthralled with him in a way I've never been before."
First, let's start with Cope. Going through this journey with him throughout this book was so mesmerizing to read. I loved it. The small town vibes of everybody knows everything about everyone but when something happens you can bet your ass they will be there to help is the definition of Cope and that is just so cute!! The way that he is with Xander even in the platonic sense was just so comforting to read. Because, moving onto Xander, omg another book character that I can identify with who woulda thunk? Xander is a people please (hello me) and he needed Cope in order to understand that you have to take care of yourself as well. Stand up for yourself. Fight for what you want! Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Anyway obsessed with these two thank you very much!
"I wanted him to kiss me. Wanted it like I've never wanted anything before. Having his eyes on me the way that they were was thrilling."
As always Ashley James makes the best aesthetic playlists but as always because I am me and this is me these are the songs that I added:
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3L9... )
🎶 "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" - Big & Rich
🎶 "MASON DIXON" - SHOWDOWN
🎶 "Work Song" - Hozier
🎶 "Fancy Like" - Walker Hayes
🎶 "Workin'" - SMO, Alexander King
🎶 "Make Me Want To" - Jimmie Allen
🎶 "I Want Crazy - Encore" - Hunter Hayes
🎶 "Cruise" - Florida Georgia Line
🎶 "How Country Feels" - Randy Houser
🎶 "Northern Attitude" - Noah Kahan, Hozier
🎶 "I Like It, I Love It" - Tim McGraw
🎶 "Country Boy Love" - Granger Smith, Early Dibbles Jr.
🎶 "Somewhere In A Small Town" - Conner Smith
🎶 "Boys Back Home" - Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Scott
🎶 "Say My Name" - Destiny's Child
🎶 "Flowers" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "What He Didn't Do" - Carly Pearce
🎶 "Narcissist" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "That Part" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "You Proof" - Morgan Allen
🎶 "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" - Beyonce
🎶 "Constellations - Piano Version" - Jade LeMac
🎶 "Love You a Little Bit - Acoustic" - Tanner Adell
🎶 "Any Man Of Mine" - Shania Twain
🎶 "Glad You Came" - The Wanted
🎶 "Cowboy Casanova" - Carrie Underwood
🎶 "Pour Some Sugar On Me" - Def Leppard
🎶 "Me On You" - Muscadine Bloodline
🎶 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎶 "goosebumps" - Travis Scott
🎶 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎶 "Wanted" - Hunter Hayes
🎶 "Collide" - Justine Skye, Tyga
🎶 "Drunk On You" - Luke Bryan
🎶 "I Wanna Ride I Wanna Ride (Sped Up); Vegas" - Hiko
🎶 "STAY" - True North, Loveless
🎶 "Kid In Loved" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "Vegas" - Doja Cat
🎶 "Cologne" - SM6
🎶 "Shivers" - Ed Sheeran
🎶 "Until I Found You" - Stephen Sanchez
🎶 "I Want It All" - Cameron Grey
🎶 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "I Think I'm In Love" - Kat Dahlia
🎶 "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" - Edison Lighthouse
🎶 "STUPID IN LOVE" - MAX, HUH YUNJIN
🎶 "I Only Date Cowboys" - Kylie Morgan
And I love dirty talk in small town romances there's just something that itches the right part of the brain you know what I mean?
"I'm gonna need you to drop to your knees, open that pretty little mouth, and show me that tongue."
"Take your clothes off and get on the bed."
"Look at us. Look at how perfectly you take me."
🤠 Tropes 🤠
🐄 Small Town Romance
🐄 Meet Cute
🐄 City Boy x Country Boy
🐄 Cowboy Romance
🐄 Opposites Attract
Book edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Sw9qArz...
July 31, 2024
Ashley James! You did it again! Thank you! Aggie kinda stole the show with the chicken chasing ❤️ Loved Cope’s and Xander’s love story, it’s simple, romantic and adorable. Cope is one of my favorite characters from Ashley’s books, he’s just so precious and perfect for Xander, OMG finally Xander got his HEA and I couldn’t be happier. He deserves all the love!!
This has zero angst which is what I’m currently enjoying, my anxiety is loving light, fluffy romance and this gave me all the butterflies with lots of swooning.
Loving this series, I may have a small obsession with cowboys and farms and ranches and all cute animals, I cannot wait for the third book in the series
This has zero angst which is what I’m currently enjoying, my anxiety is loving light, fluffy romance and this gave me all the butterflies with lots of swooning.
Loving this series, I may have a small obsession with cowboys and farms and ranches and all cute animals, I cannot wait for the third book in the series
November 21, 2024
I wanted to DNF the story at about 30% in. It's too long, too drawn out and completely boring. 2 - 2.5⭐
Cope is fine, he's a good character and could've had a much better story - I somehow didn't quite see Xander in the picture here.
Maybe it was just the storytelling, because it dragged on and on and made their love story completely uninteresting. Skipping months and then another few months, then adding another few side characters, sex, the cow, sex, moving in - and the bronc riding was done with in about 2-3 pages.
I didn't like it, the book should've had about 220-240 pages tops. I was halfway in and kept thing what the hell is in the other 50% of the book.
🟢 Bronc riders/marijuana shop owner
🟣 Age gap 25/29
🟡 Gay/demisexual
🌶️ Quite a lot of smut described in numerous pages; scenes are very similar to the last book, nothing new or terribly exciting; both vers
Shooter as a side character in this series many times over saved the story.
Cope is his best friend and meets Xander, the city guy from Washington who's in Copper Lake to help his aunt after a surgery. Cope's getting his bi-awakening sort of (he's only been with women and doesn't care too much about dating or hooking up) and it wasn't done as well. It's constantly about how he doesn't understand it, he doesn't understand this or that, every few paragraphs is a feeling he gets and doesn't understand.
"The energy around us thrums with something I don’t understand,-"
"I. Don’t. Understand. It."
And then he just jumps the guy out of nowhere, knowing Xander had a boyfriend.
Kind of takes away the good guy thing he had going on, right?
Xander's character wasn't as fleshed out, I couldn't quite get him or like him, he seemed like not a good fit for Cope. I was more interested in Henry, his ex, than him.
A lot of things were a bit ridiculously told, like Cope getting his boots off when he went into the house
"I know he was also wearing a pair of boots, but he must’ve toed them off before coming inside… because he’s a fucking gentleman like that."
Now you're a gentleman for taking your shoes off when walking into someone's home? And here I thought it was just common decency. You never walk into a house with shoes on, it's not groundbreaking science. In Europe we use slippers. Maybe Wyoming doesn't have them.
"A true home- cooked dinner isn’t usually something I get unless I go to my folks’ house."
This was weird because Cope was cooking casseroles for Xander and his aunt and that's considered a home cooked meal, right, he cooks a lot - and then when Xander's aunt cooks lasagna, Cope says he eats home cooked food only at his parents' house - then what the hell is his cooking?
Also I have to mention this, I just have to - sometimes I get really amazed at how Americans look at uncut dicks in these books. So many weird descriptions for it, it's like a rare animal, rarely seen in the wild.
“And I’ve also never seen an uncut cock before. It’s cute, like a little hoodie.”
A guy saying that to someone he's about to hook up with, really? Wow. That's something that'll probably, most likely, come from a person (usually a woman) very unused to uncut dicks and in a condescending tone, like -- yeah fine, I guess I can take pity on you this one time. 😄
So no, the story is way too long and I was bored to death.
Cope is fine, he's a good character and could've had a much better story - I somehow didn't quite see Xander in the picture here.
Maybe it was just the storytelling, because it dragged on and on and made their love story completely uninteresting. Skipping months and then another few months, then adding another few side characters, sex, the cow, sex, moving in - and the bronc riding was done with in about 2-3 pages.
I didn't like it, the book should've had about 220-240 pages tops. I was halfway in and kept thing what the hell is in the other 50% of the book.
🟢 Bronc riders/marijuana shop owner
🟣 Age gap 25/29
🟡 Gay/demisexual
🌶️ Quite a lot of smut described in numerous pages; scenes are very similar to the last book, nothing new or terribly exciting; both vers
Shooter as a side character in this series many times over saved the story.
Cope is his best friend and meets Xander, the city guy from Washington who's in Copper Lake to help his aunt after a surgery. Cope's getting his bi-awakening sort of (he's only been with women and doesn't care too much about dating or hooking up) and it wasn't done as well. It's constantly about how he doesn't understand it, he doesn't understand this or that, every few paragraphs is a feeling he gets and doesn't understand.
"The energy around us thrums with something I don’t understand,-"
"I. Don’t. Understand. It."
And then he just jumps the guy out of nowhere, knowing Xander had a boyfriend.
Kind of takes away the good guy thing he had going on, right?
Xander's character wasn't as fleshed out, I couldn't quite get him or like him, he seemed like not a good fit for Cope. I was more interested in Henry, his ex, than him.
A lot of things were a bit ridiculously told, like Cope getting his boots off when he went into the house
"I know he was also wearing a pair of boots, but he must’ve toed them off before coming inside… because he’s a fucking gentleman like that."
Now you're a gentleman for taking your shoes off when walking into someone's home? And here I thought it was just common decency. You never walk into a house with shoes on, it's not groundbreaking science. In Europe we use slippers. Maybe Wyoming doesn't have them.
"A true home- cooked dinner isn’t usually something I get unless I go to my folks’ house."
This was weird because Cope was cooking casseroles for Xander and his aunt and that's considered a home cooked meal, right, he cooks a lot - and then when Xander's aunt cooks lasagna, Cope says he eats home cooked food only at his parents' house - then what the hell is his cooking?
Also I have to mention this, I just have to - sometimes I get really amazed at how Americans look at uncut dicks in these books. So many weird descriptions for it, it's like a rare animal, rarely seen in the wild.
“And I’ve also never seen an uncut cock before. It’s cute, like a little hoodie.”
A guy saying that to someone he's about to hook up with, really? Wow. That's something that'll probably, most likely, come from a person (usually a woman) very unused to uncut dicks and in a condescending tone, like -- yeah fine, I guess I can take pity on you this one time. 😄
So no, the story is way too long and I was bored to death.
Read
March 24, 2024DNF @ 27% - obsessed with Cope but I need more than that
August 13, 2024
This is a very very hard earned 3 stars for me. I loved the first half to death but the other half? Kinda… not. Still readable but I fell in love definitely more to the slowburn/build up between the mcs than the actual romance. Deleted the other books in this trilogy immediately.
March 20, 2025
Loved the magnetic chemistry between Cope and Xander and the farm life they were starting.
This did feel overly long though, and I wasn't keen on the time jumps or the fact that most of their getting to know each other outside of the bedroom is done off page.
I did like the Aston and Knox cameo though!
This did feel overly long though, and I wasn't keen on the time jumps or the fact that most of their getting to know each other outside of the bedroom is done off page.
I did like the Aston and Knox cameo though!
April 17, 2024
My heart is now a puddle of mush and I‘ll be basking in the soft and heart-warming vibes of this book for the rest of the day.
June 7, 2024
4.5 stars
I am so happy to say I really enjoyed this, especially after the first book being only so-so for me. This book flowed nicely and I really loved both Xander and Cope.
I’m not crazy about the cover with the man in it that showed up on my kindle. I don’t think he looks like either character. I prefer the cover with only the scenery.
I think I liked that this didn’t center on the rodeo. Xander’s aunts farm was so lovely, especially Aggie. Him bring out of his element and having Cope help him out let them get yo know each other before developing feelings.
The book got a bit sugary towards the end but it was still a really good read. I can’t wait to see if Whit and Conrad get back together!
I am so happy to say I really enjoyed this, especially after the first book being only so-so for me. This book flowed nicely and I really loved both Xander and Cope.
I’m not crazy about the cover with the man in it that showed up on my kindle. I don’t think he looks like either character. I prefer the cover with only the scenery.
I think I liked that this didn’t center on the rodeo. Xander’s aunts farm was so lovely, especially Aggie. Him bring out of his element and having Cope help him out let them get yo know each other before developing feelings.
The book got a bit sugary towards the end but it was still a really good read. I can’t wait to see if Whit and Conrad get back together!
June 25, 2024
3.5 rounded up (four stars to the first two thirds and three stars to the final third)
I loved the beginning the book started so good and I loved it. Somewhere around 75% the book felt done and I was confused how I still had two hours. The final 25% took me forever to read- it had just fizzled out by then and I was ready for it to be done. Still overall enjoyable.
I loved the beginning the book started so good and I loved it. Somewhere around 75% the book felt done and I was confused how I still had two hours. The final 25% took me forever to read- it had just fizzled out by then and I was ready for it to be done. Still overall enjoyable.
June 27, 2024
3.5 - Sweet, low-angst cowboy and city guy. This was a nice read at the time but fizzled towards the end and I finished a few days ago and now can’t remember anything 🤷🏻♀️
March 29, 2024
Tropes: cowboy, small town, opposites attract
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: little bit of exhibitionism
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: very slow burn
3.5 stars
Xander's 28, gay, from a bigger town, owns a legal pot business. Cope is 25, a professional bronc rider, thinks he's straight but about to go through a bi/pan awakening, he seems to be demisexual, sex has never been a big part of his life and he's never seen what the big deal is about it.
Xander comes to the small town Cope lives in because his aunt lives there and is about to get surgery and will need help around her home with her animals etc. Xander has a boyfriend he's been on and off with for 2 years. He meets Cope when his car breaks down coming into town. Cope is a friendly neighbor and helps him out and builds a friendship with him. It's a very slow burn where these two become friends and start to have romantic feelings for each other. And Xander ends his relationship at about 30% mark and takes some time on his own before starting anything with Cope (first kiss at 46% mark).
This is a decent story. The mmcs are nice people and form a nice relationship together that isn't just sex. They don't fall into things fast or without thinking. They don't rush stupidly. They take healthy approaches to their relationship. They have mature conversations. They feel a special connection between them. I found xander's love of the fluffy cows adorable, he was so excited and fond about them. It was nice seeing the very subtle appearances of past couples from other Ashley James books.
On the negatives side, Cope was a little too much of your stereotypical gentleman, neighborly, small town cowboy. He just came off a little like a 1980s Western romance lead. And it was a little too coincidental that Xander could move to the small town with so little consequence to his career, so operating his business is just from a distance. Pot wasn't legal in the small town, yet Xander is quite the pot enthusiast and it wasn't addressed at all that Xander will be using illegally in the small town and his secondhand smoke is a banned substance that if it got in Cope's system it could get him in trouble professionally.
Nice book though overall.
Some notable moments:
"“From the moment you came into my life, it’s like, deep down, I knew. Subconsciously, I knew. Things with you feel right. They feel sure, and they always have. I’m not saying I’m naïve to think that things with us will always be a walk in the park, but I believe that even during rough times, you’ll still feel right. You’ll feel like home.”"
I love how Xander loves the fluffy cows! "“Do we get to keep the calf?” I ask, practically bouncing on my heels. “Please! Can we keep the calf? Cope! Can you imagine—oh, my gosh! Please!”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: little bit of exhibitionism
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: very slow burn
3.5 stars
Xander's 28, gay, from a bigger town, owns a legal pot business. Cope is 25, a professional bronc rider, thinks he's straight but about to go through a bi/pan awakening, he seems to be demisexual, sex has never been a big part of his life and he's never seen what the big deal is about it.
Xander comes to the small town Cope lives in because his aunt lives there and is about to get surgery and will need help around her home with her animals etc. Xander has a boyfriend he's been on and off with for 2 years. He meets Cope when his car breaks down coming into town. Cope is a friendly neighbor and helps him out and builds a friendship with him. It's a very slow burn where these two become friends and start to have romantic feelings for each other. And Xander ends his relationship at about 30% mark and takes some time on his own before starting anything with Cope (first kiss at 46% mark).
This is a decent story. The mmcs are nice people and form a nice relationship together that isn't just sex. They don't fall into things fast or without thinking. They don't rush stupidly. They take healthy approaches to their relationship. They have mature conversations. They feel a special connection between them. I found xander's love of the fluffy cows adorable, he was so excited and fond about them. It was nice seeing the very subtle appearances of past couples from other Ashley James books.
On the negatives side, Cope was a little too much of your stereotypical gentleman, neighborly, small town cowboy. He just came off a little like a 1980s Western romance lead. And it was a little too coincidental that Xander could move to the small town with so little consequence to his career, so operating his business is just from a distance. Pot wasn't legal in the small town, yet Xander is quite the pot enthusiast and it wasn't addressed at all that Xander will be using illegally in the small town and his secondhand smoke is a banned substance that if it got in Cope's system it could get him in trouble professionally.
Nice book though overall.
Some notable moments:
"“From the moment you came into my life, it’s like, deep down, I knew. Subconsciously, I knew. Things with you feel right. They feel sure, and they always have. I’m not saying I’m naïve to think that things with us will always be a walk in the park, but I believe that even during rough times, you’ll still feel right. You’ll feel like home.”"
I love how Xander loves the fluffy cows! "“Do we get to keep the calf?” I ask, practically bouncing on my heels. “Please! Can we keep the calf? Cope! Can you imagine—oh, my gosh! Please!”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
sometimes I wish the authors don’t have the need to have the characters say “ I love you “ toward the end; it felt unnecessary to me😬
March 16, 2025
highland cows 🥹
April 24, 2024
Once you read Dirt Road Secrets by Ashley James, you will not be able to put it down. Seriously, Cope!! Who knew he would be one of my favorite hero's ever? I had no idea going into Dirt Road Secrets, that I would be so incredibly captivated with this novel! Wow!! It was so good!! You have to read this if you loved 8 Seconds to Ride.
Scooter and Sterling do make some appearances btw. Yay! I was so glad to see them again. Reading Shooter's character from another perspective was so funny.
Ashley James has a way of writing that makes you swoon! Cope is one of the swooniest, most adorable yet incredibly hottest characters! Cope touched my soul. I drowned in his POV and never wanted it to end.
Cope reminds me so much of myself it's hard for me not to absolutely adore him. He's so like me that I find him to be the perfect character. He's me if the world didn't turn me into the take no sh** bi*** I am today. If I grew up loved the way Cope did, I'm basically him.
He's so loving, so caring ,so real, so open, so best book boyfriend EVER, I wanted to shake Xander at times and scream "stop playing it safe!" lol
Xander is also so bada**. Wait till you hear what his job is. Talk about my dream boyfriend lol imagine having access to that 24/7?! Life goals my friend. Xander is amazing in his own right. So smart, caring and loving towards others as well.
I love Xander and Cope as people and the explosiveness they are when they're together.
This is a small town, MM, friends to lovers, opposites attract romance that will squeeze your heart the entire time. I definitely recommend it.
May 28, 2024
“I want to kiss you, but I won’t. Not yet.” I can’t deny the disappointment flushing through me at his words, but then he continues. “I’ll be respectful of your relationship ending for now, but I need you to know that I plan to make you mine in due time, city boy.”
This book was super sweet! Cope discovering he’s demisexual and the conversations around it was some of the best representation I’ve read in a book in a while. Bravo to Ashley James for that!
But Cope being so open and honest and the communication between Xander and Cope I loved. This helped me get out of my angst hole. Also shoutout to both them being VERSE! We love to see it I get so bored with strict roles in my books and in real life 😜
Also Cope calling Xanders uncut weenie a “little hoodie” absolutely SENT ME. The man was obsessed with Xanders foreskin 😂
Shoutout to Xander being a fellow stoner I see you King 👑
This book was super sweet! Cope discovering he’s demisexual and the conversations around it was some of the best representation I’ve read in a book in a while. Bravo to Ashley James for that!
But Cope being so open and honest and the communication between Xander and Cope I loved. This helped me get out of my angst hole. Also shoutout to both them being VERSE! We love to see it I get so bored with strict roles in my books and in real life 😜
Also Cope calling Xanders uncut weenie a “little hoodie” absolutely SENT ME. The man was obsessed with Xanders foreskin 😂
Shoutout to Xander being a fellow stoner I see you King 👑
February 2, 2025
1.5 stars
it dragged on for too long, both characters were boring the hell out of me, and worst of all, it was sickeningly cheesy and I physically cringed reading their I love yous at the end of the book
it dragged on for too long, both characters were boring the hell out of me, and worst of all, it was sickeningly cheesy and I physically cringed reading their I love yous at the end of the book
March 16, 2024
Fuck. Kiss Me. Please. Fucking. Kiss. Me.
What to expect:
❥ Dual POV ❥ MM Romance ❥ Small Town
❥ Bi-awakening / Demisexual Rep ❥ City Boy x Cowboy
❥ The Most Perfect Meet Cute ❥ Highland Cows ❥ HEA
This was an insanely sweet, hot and fun book to read, with a bit of slow burn in the best way. Xander shows up in Cope's life unexpectedly, when Xander comes to Copper Lake to help out his aunt while she's recovering from a hip surgery. Xander is from Washington, and his stay in Copper Lake is off to a really bad start with his car broken down and he has absolutely no idea how to help his aunt with her animals as he has no experience at all, but in sweeps Cope, who is having a hard time staying away from Xander. Cope is feeling things he's never felt before, and he's eager to discover where those feelings lead, but Xander is in a place where it's just not the right time.
“I need you to know that I plan to make you mine in due time, city boy.”
I would consider this to be part of an interconnected standalone series, where you meet characters from the previous book, like you also got to meet Cope in the first book. I didn't read the first book, but I don't feel like I was missing out hearing about Shooter and Sterling who are starring in the first book. Actually, it only made me want to read it because Shooter was a hilarious side character in this book. But enough about them.
This was actually my first romance read about a cowboy and rodeo, and I was unsure if I would like it or not, but I absolutely loved it. The information about the competitions during the book was just enough for me to feel like I actually understood what was going on. I loved the whole atmosphere of Copper Lake, the people in it and the animals. I kind of want a highland cow now. OH, and about that, I loved the bit of information about highland cows in the book.
Xander and Cope had the most amazing chemistry, and I really love a good demisexual rep in my MM books, and it was definitely here. The confusion and the conclusion, Cope went through all the things as he got to know Xander. Their chemistry wasn't all about their intimate connection, but also their friendship, which was the best part really. How they could be themselves around each other, and be silly and goofy. I had to laugh out loud a couple of times.
“And I've also never seen an uncut cock before. It's cute, like a little hoodie.”
But uhm, their intimate connection was pretty great too🔥🥵
“Take me to your bedroom, cowboy.”
So if you're looking for a good read with a lots of swooning, laughs and spice, then I recommend this book for you. It was a really great read, and I'm looking forward to the next one ♥.
I was so lucky to receive this ARC to review with my honest opinion.
Read the full review on my blog here.
April 29, 2024
3.4
Amo a cope, quiero un cope en mí vida.
La pareja fue súper cute, ambos súper maduros, ninguno sabía 100% lo que quería pero mientras se iban presentando las "dificultades" ellos les hacían frente(ya sea juntos o individualmente) y podían resolverlas sin mucho drama. Me ENCANTAA cuando las parejas tienen buena comunicación entre si y ellos obvio la tuvieron.
Ahora mí problema con este libro, la primera mitad me encantó, lo lento de su relación y lo maduros que fueron para manejar todo, el problema fue que no hubo problema, no hubo un gran conflicto ni nada más allá y eso me aburrió, si hubiesen sido menos páginas sería perfecto pero no fue así.
Realmente espero que el 3 tenga todos los problemas(bien hechos) que no tuvo este.
(Shooter me encanta como personaje secundario, como principal no tanto)
Amo a cope, quiero un cope en mí vida.
La pareja fue súper cute, ambos súper maduros, ninguno sabía 100% lo que quería pero mientras se iban presentando las "dificultades" ellos les hacían frente(ya sea juntos o individualmente) y podían resolverlas sin mucho drama. Me ENCANTAA cuando las parejas tienen buena comunicación entre si y ellos obvio la tuvieron.
Ahora mí problema con este libro, la primera mitad me encantó, lo lento de su relación y lo maduros que fueron para manejar todo, el problema fue que no hubo problema, no hubo un gran conflicto ni nada más allá y eso me aburrió, si hubiesen sido menos páginas sería perfecto pero no fue así.
Realmente espero que el 3 tenga todos los problemas(bien hechos) que no tuvo este.
(Shooter me encanta como personaje secundario, como principal no tanto)
March 16, 2024
4.5⭐️
Dirt Road Secrets by Ashley James is book 2 in the Copper Lake series.
It was the cutest and sweetest of all Ashley's books so far.
No trace of angst here and I didn't miss it at all, which is surprising since I run on angst most of the time.
Xander and Cope were two of the most likeable characters I've ever had the chance to read about and I became fond of them almost instantly. They were so smitten with each other. They had butterflies fluttering almost non-stop. Their relationship was so healthy and based on good communication. It was a slower burn that made a lot of sense for these two MCs and rewarded us with some excellent steamy scenes when we got there.
I liked that the story wasn't overly complicated and that the focus was on small-town life. It was a story about self-discovery and making the choices necessary for your own happiness, stepping off the beaten path and taking a chance.
I was really excited about the cameos of characters from Ashley's previous books. It's so much fun to know that all these characters I dearly love exist in the same universe.
I also enjoyed all the animals, especially Aggie. I never knew a highland cow could be so adorable.
Reading Xander and Cope was like coming home to a sense of well-being. They are the chicken noodle soup of MM romance. This book left me with a cozy feeling. Copper Lake is quickly becoming my favorite place. I can’t wait to go back there.
Dirt Road Secrets by Ashley James is book 2 in the Copper Lake series.
It was the cutest and sweetest of all Ashley's books so far.
No trace of angst here and I didn't miss it at all, which is surprising since I run on angst most of the time.
Xander and Cope were two of the most likeable characters I've ever had the chance to read about and I became fond of them almost instantly. They were so smitten with each other. They had butterflies fluttering almost non-stop. Their relationship was so healthy and based on good communication. It was a slower burn that made a lot of sense for these two MCs and rewarded us with some excellent steamy scenes when we got there.
I liked that the story wasn't overly complicated and that the focus was on small-town life. It was a story about self-discovery and making the choices necessary for your own happiness, stepping off the beaten path and taking a chance.
I was really excited about the cameos of characters from Ashley's previous books. It's so much fun to know that all these characters I dearly love exist in the same universe.
I also enjoyed all the animals, especially Aggie. I never knew a highland cow could be so adorable.
Reading Xander and Cope was like coming home to a sense of well-being. They are the chicken noodle soup of MM romance. This book left me with a cozy feeling. Copper Lake is quickly becoming my favorite place. I can’t wait to go back there.
May 29, 2024
This is a really sweet story about a cowboy, Copeland and a city boy, Xander falling in love, from author Ashley James. It's the second book in the Copper Lake series, and I liked this one much more than the first one, 8 Seconds to Ride.
This a relatively simple story with low angst and drama and minimal side character involvement. Cope and Xander were total couple goals! Starting with a notable meet cute, Dirt Road Secrets tells a relatively straightforward tale of Cope and Xander getting together. I would usually think a book like this would be too vanilla or beige for me, but it really worked, and I liked it!
Great Demi rep and finally a couple who are vers and flip f*ck! 🔥 Not enough of them in MM reads.
P.S. Aggie - best side character ever!
I will deffo read the next one.
This a relatively simple story with low angst and drama and minimal side character involvement. Cope and Xander were total couple goals! Starting with a notable meet cute, Dirt Road Secrets tells a relatively straightforward tale of Cope and Xander getting together. I would usually think a book like this would be too vanilla or beige for me, but it really worked, and I liked it!
Great Demi rep and finally a couple who are vers and flip f*ck! 🔥 Not enough of them in MM reads.
P.S. Aggie - best side character ever!
I will deffo read the next one.
May 19, 2025
I loved this so much, I’m truly in shock with how much I am loving this series. Cope and Xander were incredible together, friends to lovers and opposites attract get me every time. Throw in some highland cows, weed smoking and flip f*cking, and this is a recipe for perfection, in my humble opinion. Running to start the next book.
February 5, 2025
“I’m gonna need you to drop to your knees, open that pretty mouth, and show me that tongue.”
3.95⭐️
So almost a 4 star read and probably would have been if the format of the story towards the end was written differently. But firstly I think these two are adorable. It was a straight (no they are gay) fluffy “cowboy” romance. Plus there are highland cows so like bro who isn’t gonna have a good time with that. This is a drama free strangers to friends to lovers romance and it’s pretty straightforward. Nothing special it defiantly not bad at all, just a good no thoughts needed time. Anyways what irked me was the last couple of chapters were just months jumped and if that is how it was gonna work I feel like it should of just been one giant epilogue and had a different actual ending. It was just kinda annoying to me we kept skipping time over and over to get to the ending and it was just basically sex because the rest could have been done in a different way. Anyways that’s just my thoughts on that. Still would recommend.
3.95⭐️
So almost a 4 star read and probably would have been if the format of the story towards the end was written differently. But firstly I think these two are adorable. It was a straight (no they are gay) fluffy “cowboy” romance. Plus there are highland cows so like bro who isn’t gonna have a good time with that. This is a drama free strangers to friends to lovers romance and it’s pretty straightforward. Nothing special it defiantly not bad at all, just a good no thoughts needed time. Anyways what irked me was the last couple of chapters were just months jumped and if that is how it was gonna work I feel like it should of just been one giant epilogue and had a different actual ending. It was just kinda annoying to me we kept skipping time over and over to get to the ending and it was just basically sex because the rest could have been done in a different way. Anyways that’s just my thoughts on that. Still would recommend.
September 27, 2024
Cope and Xander's love story is so precious. Never have two opposites been so perfect for each other. ❤️
"You are the feeling that everyone has always talked about. The feeling everybody is always chasing. The one you see in the movies, in the great love stories. The feeling that I've never understood... until you."
Tropes:
Country boy/City boy
Sexual awakening/ Gay for you
Versatile roles
First times
Opposites attract
Strangers to friends to lovers
"You are the feeling that everyone has always talked about. The feeling everybody is always chasing. The one you see in the movies, in the great love stories. The feeling that I've never understood... until you."
Tropes:
Country boy/City boy
Sexual awakening/ Gay for you
Versatile roles
First times
Opposites attract
Strangers to friends to lovers
October 5, 2024
Idealnie się ta historia wstrzeliła u mnie w czas - była słodka, urocza, z dramą równą poziomowi zero. Co było zdecydowanie miodem na moje serducho, bo pogoda parszywa, w realu ręce mi opadają prawie na wszystko, a covid znowu mnie męczy - tym razem już ponad dwa tygodnie 🫤
Cope był kochany 💙
Cope był kochany 💙
March 20, 2024
Dirt Road Secrets was SO freaking sweet! I'm absolutely loving Ashley James in her cowboy era, and this book was right up my alley. Super low angst, friends to lovers, s3xual awakening, and lots of cowboy goodness, what more could you ask for? Highland cows?! IT HAS THOSE TOO!
When Xander heads to Copper Lake to help his aunt after hip surgery, he's absolutely not expecting to fall for the handsome cowboy next door. They meet when Cope stops to help him on the side of the road when his car breaks down, and then he spends all of his spare time helping Xander around the farm. They both question why they feel so much chemistry and want to spend so much time with each other when Xander has a boyfriend and Cope is straight (or so he assumes). There's just something special about their bond that is just MORE, but it takes them both time to realize it (and get past their own hang-ups).
Oh my goodness, I'm OBSESSED with Cope. He's just a big, sweet cinnamon roll, and I love that though he wonders about his attraction to Xander, he's really just elated that he's having such big feelings for another person. And oh gosh, he's SUCH book boyfriend material. Cope is literally always there for Xander, doing little AND big things for him. I love that Xander is getting the attention and love that he has always craved from such a perfect man. I also loved their dynamic in the bedroom. While things definitely get super spicy, they are also able to keep things light (never forget "the hoodie"), and I love that.
If there's one additional element that will get you to read this book - y'all, there is a quirky Highland cow in this book that is probably the most precious creature on earth. I went off and begged my husband to get me one as soon as I finished, it's that cute. I add extra stars for Highland cow rep, friends! In any case, read this book for both the swoony romance AND the cute cow, you will LOVE it.
When Xander heads to Copper Lake to help his aunt after hip surgery, he's absolutely not expecting to fall for the handsome cowboy next door. They meet when Cope stops to help him on the side of the road when his car breaks down, and then he spends all of his spare time helping Xander around the farm. They both question why they feel so much chemistry and want to spend so much time with each other when Xander has a boyfriend and Cope is straight (or so he assumes). There's just something special about their bond that is just MORE, but it takes them both time to realize it (and get past their own hang-ups).
Oh my goodness, I'm OBSESSED with Cope. He's just a big, sweet cinnamon roll, and I love that though he wonders about his attraction to Xander, he's really just elated that he's having such big feelings for another person. And oh gosh, he's SUCH book boyfriend material. Cope is literally always there for Xander, doing little AND big things for him. I love that Xander is getting the attention and love that he has always craved from such a perfect man. I also loved their dynamic in the bedroom. While things definitely get super spicy, they are also able to keep things light (never forget "the hoodie"), and I love that.
If there's one additional element that will get you to read this book - y'all, there is a quirky Highland cow in this book that is probably the most precious creature on earth. I went off and begged my husband to get me one as soon as I finished, it's that cute. I add extra stars for Highland cow rep, friends! In any case, read this book for both the swoony romance AND the cute cow, you will LOVE it.
May 31, 2024
So this is 100% an all vibe, no thought review - per my usual.
I started this book a month and a half ago and it was just too slow of a slow burn for me at the time and I set it aside. I don’t know if my mood zigged when the book zagged or what happened but when I picked it back up in anticipation for book 3 in the series, I suddenly fucking loved it and ate it up like candy. Once these guys finally hookup, this book is hot dirty cowboy gold.
I started this book a month and a half ago and it was just too slow of a slow burn for me at the time and I set it aside. I don’t know if my mood zigged when the book zagged or what happened but when I picked it back up in anticipation for book 3 in the series, I suddenly fucking loved it and ate it up like candy. Once these guys finally hookup, this book is hot dirty cowboy gold.
September 17, 2024
4⭐️
this was so wholesome and so sweet i loved it 🥰
this was so wholesome and so sweet i loved it 🥰
April 5, 2024
This is the second book of the Copper Lake series and can be read as a standalone.
Xander and Cope meet when Xander's car breaks down and Cope offers him a lift. Turns out they're going to be neighbors while Xander is in town helping his aunt out on her farm while she has surgery. Sparks fly quickly between these two...but Cope has never felt this way about a man before...👀
We've met Xander as a side character on both Kismet AND Say My Name, so I was beyond thrilled for this sweetheart to finally get his HEA!😍 He and Cope made the perfect match, and I loved how quickly Cope was all in with Xan, in spite of it being his first time experiencing attraction to another man. They were so adorable together!🥹 This one might have been a little TOO low angst for my preference, but I still enjoyed reading it!
If you're looking for a slower burn, slice-of-life ranch tale, this book is for you.🩷
Read if you like:
• Cowboy/City Boy
• Small Town
• Bi-Awakening
.
🐎DIRT ROAD SECRETS is available March 22!🐎
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*I received a free advanced copy of this book from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Xander and Cope meet when Xander's car breaks down and Cope offers him a lift. Turns out they're going to be neighbors while Xander is in town helping his aunt out on her farm while she has surgery. Sparks fly quickly between these two...but Cope has never felt this way about a man before...👀
We've met Xander as a side character on both Kismet AND Say My Name, so I was beyond thrilled for this sweetheart to finally get his HEA!😍 He and Cope made the perfect match, and I loved how quickly Cope was all in with Xan, in spite of it being his first time experiencing attraction to another man. They were so adorable together!🥹 This one might have been a little TOO low angst for my preference, but I still enjoyed reading it!
If you're looking for a slower burn, slice-of-life ranch tale, this book is for you.🩷
Read if you like:
• Cowboy/City Boy
• Small Town
• Bi-Awakening
.
🐎DIRT ROAD SECRETS is available March 22!🐎
.
.
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from The Author Agency and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
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