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Central Texas #2
Pure Country
I’d sooner cage a wild bird than try to pin that cowboy down. But God, I want to make him mine.
Our sizzling banter and filthy texts are the stuff of legends, but Rowdy is the king of one-night stands, and one night with him will never be enough.
I crave a future with him, which is exactly why I’ve kept him at arm’s length.
One drunken kiss, however, has me questioning everything I thought I knew about Rowdy Lockwood. Is he the lovable himbo everyone thinks he is, or is there more to him than meets the eye?
Whatever the truth is, I’ve decided that my sassy cowboy is a mystery worth solving.
Pure Country is an age gap, friends-to-lovers romance that features a secretive cowboy with a filthy imagination, a sweet city lawyer with a nose for deflection, and a pushy friend with a flare for the dramatic.
Our sizzling banter and filthy texts are the stuff of legends, but Rowdy is the king of one-night stands, and one night with him will never be enough.
I crave a future with him, which is exactly why I’ve kept him at arm’s length.
One drunken kiss, however, has me questioning everything I thought I knew about Rowdy Lockwood. Is he the lovable himbo everyone thinks he is, or is there more to him than meets the eye?
Whatever the truth is, I’ve decided that my sassy cowboy is a mystery worth solving.
Pure Country is an age gap, friends-to-lovers romance that features a secretive cowboy with a filthy imagination, a sweet city lawyer with a nose for deflection, and a pushy friend with a flare for the dramatic.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2024
224 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 26, 2025
Kelly Fox writes the best books. Rowdy and Kess are in love with each other and there's sweet sweet pining. This story is Kess trying to discover what kind of person Rowdy really is under all his protective sass, and Rowdy learning that Kess is someone he can trust with his heart. Add in that amazing relationship development, awesome characters, sweet moments, hot low key kinky intimacy, and social commentary. Perfection
April 24, 2025
Yep, this wasn't it. 3 - 3.5⭐
Based on Kass and Rowdy's interactions in the previous book I expected much, much more of that banter in this book, but that got quickly shut down.
The story became quite serious, again involving multiple side characters and kids that are 13 and discuss their sexuality plus the quick ending in the last chapters with an express epilogue.
I mean it's an average, easy, light story but definitely didn't live up to my expectations. But I do like all of these Texas ranches and I'm going to keep reading all the books that are interconnected.
🟢 Friends to lovers
🟣 Pining, secret crush
🔵 Gay/gay-demisexual
🟡 Size difference
🟢 Age gap 25/38
🟠 I don't like the cover (Rowdy is more of a Spanish type, but this guy's not hot, I'm sorry)
🌶️ Sex is descriptive, first times, rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b (excl.)
I really liked Kess. He was such an appealing, fantastic character that didn't really come out to shine in fullest. I think he should've gotten the daddy dynamic and he should've been more assertive than he was. He was almost too cheesy and nice, but I wanted that confident, strong lawyer to come through, not like Emery, but different.
Kess and Rowdy's story starts out promising enough, but I really, really missed that banter. Nowhere to be found.
Kess moves to the countryside and Rowdy doesn't think he'd be able to keep his crush at bay. They kiss, but Rowdy backs down and eventually Kess realises there's more to Rowdy than the public persona he puts on.
I think the previous dynamic fits them more. Yeah, Rowdy was full of shit, but it was at least interesting .
And when the author tried to incorporate Rowdy's sassiness back into the story, it felt weird, because at that point their dynamic was far from that.
Kess was just way too accommodating, just kept explaining and yapping positive words and to some extent it was great for Rowdy as an almost virgin and a demisexual, but somewhere in the middle he should've pulled the plug on that and give us more character.
This was a complete copypasta from the last installment
"I couldn’t scare him, though. If I told him how I really felt, there’d be a Rowdy-shaped hole in the wall."
"Also, I enjoyed the command in his voice. Had I ever been turned on by someone telling me what to do? One thing was for certain: My naughty dreams just got an upgrade."
I wanted their love story to feel more passionate and special, but it didn't. Dragged out, too cheesy at times and definitely not what could've been.
Just adding tons of sex doesn't make up for a half-assed story.
I did like Jaxon coming into this universe, I'm pretty sure we're going to get his book somewhere down the line and I'd really like to read Gage's story (Kess' blind date).
Based on Kass and Rowdy's interactions in the previous book I expected much, much more of that banter in this book, but that got quickly shut down.
The story became quite serious, again involving multiple side characters and kids that are 13 and discuss their sexuality plus the quick ending in the last chapters with an express epilogue.
I mean it's an average, easy, light story but definitely didn't live up to my expectations. But I do like all of these Texas ranches and I'm going to keep reading all the books that are interconnected.
🟢 Friends to lovers
🟣 Pining, secret crush
🔵 Gay/gay-demisexual
🟡 Size difference
🟢 Age gap 25/38
🟠 I don't like the cover (Rowdy is more of a Spanish type, but this guy's not hot, I'm sorry)
🌶️ Sex is descriptive, first times, rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b (excl.)
I really liked Kess. He was such an appealing, fantastic character that didn't really come out to shine in fullest. I think he should've gotten the daddy dynamic and he should've been more assertive than he was. He was almost too cheesy and nice, but I wanted that confident, strong lawyer to come through, not like Emery, but different.
Kess and Rowdy's story starts out promising enough, but I really, really missed that banter. Nowhere to be found.
Kess moves to the countryside and Rowdy doesn't think he'd be able to keep his crush at bay. They kiss, but Rowdy backs down and eventually Kess realises there's more to Rowdy than the public persona he puts on.
I think the previous dynamic fits them more. Yeah, Rowdy was full of shit, but it was at least interesting .
And when the author tried to incorporate Rowdy's sassiness back into the story, it felt weird, because at that point their dynamic was far from that.
Kess was just way too accommodating, just kept explaining and yapping positive words and to some extent it was great for Rowdy as an almost virgin and a demisexual, but somewhere in the middle he should've pulled the plug on that and give us more character.
This was a complete copypasta from the last installment
"I couldn’t scare him, though. If I told him how I really felt, there’d be a Rowdy-shaped hole in the wall."
"Also, I enjoyed the command in his voice. Had I ever been turned on by someone telling me what to do? One thing was for certain: My naughty dreams just got an upgrade."
I wanted their love story to feel more passionate and special, but it didn't. Dragged out, too cheesy at times and definitely not what could've been.
Just adding tons of sex doesn't make up for a half-assed story.
I did like Jaxon coming into this universe, I'm pretty sure we're going to get his book somewhere down the line and I'd really like to read Gage's story (Kess' blind date).
December 23, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, banter, friends to lovers
I loved the glimpses of Kess and Rowdy's connection and sparks in Rough Country, so I am thrilled that they got their own book!
I have to admit that I expected a pretty straightforward romance, but I guess I should have known better when it comes to Kelly Fox. There was so much more to Rowdy than I first thought, and I loved the emotional depth of the story. It hurt to see how he was hiding parts of himself and what he was doing from everyone, creating an image of himself instead of showing people the real Rowdy. It made sense though, considering his past, and it was great to see him slowly starting to let people in throughout the story.
Kess and Rowdy had so much chemistry and I loved how things slowly developed between them, Kess was very patient, and I loved how he took the time to get to know and read Rowdy. Rowdy needed the time to feel safe and Kess was great at reassuring him and taking care of him. Their banter and flirting were fantastic, and they had me both laughing and swooning!
Pure Country was a beautiful and emotional story, and Kess and Rowdy were so sweet together! Kelly Fox did a fantastic job of portraying Rowdy's character and his sexuality, and I loved seeing him come into his own while also finding his person. I honestly can't wait for more Central Texas stories, and I'm already super excited for the next pairing!
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, banter, friends to lovers
I loved the glimpses of Kess and Rowdy's connection and sparks in Rough Country, so I am thrilled that they got their own book!
I have to admit that I expected a pretty straightforward romance, but I guess I should have known better when it comes to Kelly Fox. There was so much more to Rowdy than I first thought, and I loved the emotional depth of the story. It hurt to see how he was hiding parts of himself and what he was doing from everyone, creating an image of himself instead of showing people the real Rowdy. It made sense though, considering his past, and it was great to see him slowly starting to let people in throughout the story.
Kess and Rowdy had so much chemistry and I loved how things slowly developed between them, Kess was very patient, and I loved how he took the time to get to know and read Rowdy. Rowdy needed the time to feel safe and Kess was great at reassuring him and taking care of him. Their banter and flirting were fantastic, and they had me both laughing and swooning!
Pure Country was a beautiful and emotional story, and Kess and Rowdy were so sweet together! Kelly Fox did a fantastic job of portraying Rowdy's character and his sexuality, and I loved seeing him come into his own while also finding his person. I honestly can't wait for more Central Texas stories, and I'm already super excited for the next pairing!
March 5, 2025
Might write a full review when I have time but I do have to say I had a hard time getting into this book. I did. Like the characters they had great chemistry but if I compare them to the first couple from volume one I didn’t hit the same..thus it had the same great amount of kink as the first one what I definitely appreciated.
December 14, 2024
✍︎ 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚃𝚘 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
✍︎ 𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝙱𝚘𝚢 𝚇 𝙲𝚘𝚠𝚋𝚘𝚢
✍︎ 𝚂𝚒𝚣𝚎 𝙳𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎
✍︎ 𝙳𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚡𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚙
✍︎ 𝙸𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚝𝚜 𝙸𝚗 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎
✍︎ 𝙵𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢
✍︎ 𝙽𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚜
✍︎ 𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙
✍︎ 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜
✍︎ 𝙿𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐
✎ This is the first book I’ve read from this author and let’s just say,I can’t wait for the next book in the series and the tidbits I got about the next couple already has me hyped up and intrigued.
✎ Rowdy is a soft,kind,sweet,selfless man with a good heart but he’s been lying to the people he love by creating a false image for himself,to protect himself from people finding out the real him because of his fear of rejection.
✎ Kess is an accomplished man who decided to move the country side,just like his bestfriend did,and that’s where he met the beautiful and hot cowboy he later on started having a flirty “friendship” with,but Kess will come to realize that he wanted more than just friendship.
✎ This book was so sweet and the relationship between the two characters was so beautiful.The way Kess made sure Rowdy felt safe and allowed him to lead when it came to s&x was such an amazing thing,he had patient and did not pressure him into anything and he kept on reassuring him anytime he saw a hint of doubt or insecurity from him.Both of them deserve to be happy and I’m so happy Rowdy finally got to be with someone who cherishes him and will go above and beyond for him.
✎ The way the author went about the Demi and Aro-ace rep was brilliant and she needs to be applauded for that.The education and talk about the the matter was handled sensitively and accurately.The side characters were phenomenal,the found family element was so sweet and the love story was beautiful.
ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜.♡
✍︎ 𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝙱𝚘𝚢 𝚇 𝙲𝚘𝚠𝚋𝚘𝚢
✍︎ 𝚂𝚒𝚣𝚎 𝙳𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎
✍︎ 𝙳𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚡𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚙
✍︎ 𝙸𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚝𝚜 𝙸𝚗 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎
✍︎ 𝙵𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢
✍︎ 𝙽𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚜
✍︎ 𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙
✍︎ 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜
✍︎ 𝙿𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐
✎ This is the first book I’ve read from this author and let’s just say,I can’t wait for the next book in the series and the tidbits I got about the next couple already has me hyped up and intrigued.
✎ Rowdy is a soft,kind,sweet,selfless man with a good heart but he’s been lying to the people he love by creating a false image for himself,to protect himself from people finding out the real him because of his fear of rejection.
✎ Kess is an accomplished man who decided to move the country side,just like his bestfriend did,and that’s where he met the beautiful and hot cowboy he later on started having a flirty “friendship” with,but Kess will come to realize that he wanted more than just friendship.
✎ This book was so sweet and the relationship between the two characters was so beautiful.The way Kess made sure Rowdy felt safe and allowed him to lead when it came to s&x was such an amazing thing,he had patient and did not pressure him into anything and he kept on reassuring him anytime he saw a hint of doubt or insecurity from him.Both of them deserve to be happy and I’m so happy Rowdy finally got to be with someone who cherishes him and will go above and beyond for him.
✎ The way the author went about the Demi and Aro-ace rep was brilliant and she needs to be applauded for that.The education and talk about the the matter was handled sensitively and accurately.The side characters were phenomenal,the found family element was so sweet and the love story was beautiful.
ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜.♡
December 2, 2024
kessler + rowdy
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Kelly Fox and The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for my honest review🫶🏼
2nd book in the Central Texas series | MM | small town | city lawyer x country cowboy | neighbors | age gap | size difference | opposites attract | demi rep | secrets | text exchanges | no 3rd act breakup | HEA
>>This was my first read by Kelly and it certainly won't be my last. She achieved perfection in the main characters separately, but together they were pure magic! Rowdy and Kessler couldn't be more different; Rowdy with his long hair, cowboy lifestyle, and secret that he masks behind flirty banter and Kessler the Scandanavian city lawyer god who's older and wants to find out Rowdy's secret. The development of Rowdy and Kessler's relationship was nothing short of swoon worthy sweetness with Kessler being an absolute SIMP for Rowdy. And Rowdy's involvement in the LGBTQIA+ youth group, especially his dynamic with Jaxon, were such a treat and I learned SO much. The demi sexual representation was cared for so well and you can tell Kelly took her time with this sensitive topic. I laughed, swooned, and adored their story and the top tier banter amongst the friend group. And despite not reading the first book in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and didn't feel like this ruined the story for Woody & Emery if you wanted to go back and read it. Excited to see what's next for Central Texas! Highly recommend adding this to your TBR!
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Kelly Fox and The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for my honest review🫶🏼
2nd book in the Central Texas series | MM | small town | city lawyer x country cowboy | neighbors | age gap | size difference | opposites attract | demi rep | secrets | text exchanges | no 3rd act breakup | HEA
>>This was my first read by Kelly and it certainly won't be my last. She achieved perfection in the main characters separately, but together they were pure magic! Rowdy and Kessler couldn't be more different; Rowdy with his long hair, cowboy lifestyle, and secret that he masks behind flirty banter and Kessler the Scandanavian city lawyer god who's older and wants to find out Rowdy's secret. The development of Rowdy and Kessler's relationship was nothing short of swoon worthy sweetness with Kessler being an absolute SIMP for Rowdy. And Rowdy's involvement in the LGBTQIA+ youth group, especially his dynamic with Jaxon, were such a treat and I learned SO much. The demi sexual representation was cared for so well and you can tell Kelly took her time with this sensitive topic. I laughed, swooned, and adored their story and the top tier banter amongst the friend group. And despite not reading the first book in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and didn't feel like this ruined the story for Woody & Emery if you wanted to go back and read it. Excited to see what's next for Central Texas! Highly recommend adding this to your TBR!
December 11, 2024
**Full ARC Review **
This book was good, and knew once I read the blurb this would be something I would like. With that being said when I first started reading I kept getting confused between the MCs. More so a me problem, not the book problem. Maybe? Idk. Once I got over confusing them I started enjoying the book a little bit more.
I really appreciated the demisexual representation in this book and it felt very refreshing to me. The banter/flirting was so good as well.
The only thing that's stopping this from being a 5 star read for me is I found myself bored...and putting the book down more often then actually reading it.
Tropes >>>>
🔥City boy x cowboy
🔥Size difference
🔥Age gap
🔥Secrets
This book was good, and knew once I read the blurb this would be something I would like. With that being said when I first started reading I kept getting confused between the MCs. More so a me problem, not the book problem. Maybe? Idk. Once I got over confusing them I started enjoying the book a little bit more.
I really appreciated the demisexual representation in this book and it felt very refreshing to me. The banter/flirting was so good as well.
The only thing that's stopping this from being a 5 star read for me is I found myself bored...and putting the book down more often then actually reading it.
Tropes >>>>
🔥City boy x cowboy
🔥Size difference
🔥Age gap
🔥Secrets
December 15, 2024
✨ Arc Review ✨
what to expect:
- mm romance
- small town
- friends to lovers
- age gap
- cowboy x city boy
- demi rep
- mutual pining
I am a big fan of Kelly’s work so no surprise I really enjoyed this. Rowdy and Kess were the sweetest MCs, I loved them so much. the evolution of their friendship to relationship was very well done. Kess was so understanding and caring of Rowdy and made him feel so loved. There is no way to describe this book other than just incredibly sweet.
what to expect:
- mm romance
- small town
- friends to lovers
- age gap
- cowboy x city boy
- demi rep
- mutual pining
I am a big fan of Kelly’s work so no surprise I really enjoyed this. Rowdy and Kess were the sweetest MCs, I loved them so much. the evolution of their friendship to relationship was very well done. Kess was so understanding and caring of Rowdy and made him feel so loved. There is no way to describe this book other than just incredibly sweet.
December 21, 2024
DNF ~ 50%
I was expecting. I had anticipated a hot, cute, friends-to-lovers cowboy romance based on the description, but the story took a turn into themes I wasn’t prepared for.
Specifically, it explores ace/demi-spectrum romance, which isn’t typically my reading preference, but mostly DNF because it includes a subplot involving adults hitting on a child ‘cause he is big for his age’ which felt uncomfortable and unexpected.
I was expecting. I had anticipated a hot, cute, friends-to-lovers cowboy romance based on the description, but the story took a turn into themes I wasn’t prepared for.
Specifically, it explores ace/demi-spectrum romance, which isn’t typically my reading preference, but mostly DNF because it includes a subplot involving adults hitting on a child ‘cause he is big for his age’ which felt uncomfortable and unexpected.
December 12, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I honestly can’t imagine rating this book anything less than 5⭐️ it was that good. And seriously Kelly Fox has never disappointed me with anything she writes.
I loved every bit of this. Rowdy and Kessler couldn’t be any more different than they were in this book. Their friendship started off with a playful flirty banter that went on for two years and in all those times they were both stupidly in love with each other 😹
This is an idiot to lovers romance because I just couldn’t stop laughing at the ridiculousness of the both of them and how oblivious they were to each other’s feelings. Like boys, please open your eyes and look.
My main love for this book comes from the Demi rep and how so very written it was and how very represented it was. I’ve read a few books lately where the Demi rep was so inaccurate and pissed me off but this was so well done I just kept smiling. As someone who is Demi it felt really nice to see a good representation about us.
Kessler was a sweetheart to Rowdy and I loved how he was so ready to woo Rowdy immediately he figured out some truths about Rowdy. Also loved how he was very eager to take things slow and only do what was comfortable with Rowdy. That is often hard to come by.
Overall this was a well written friends to lovers story and I loved every bit of it.🥰🥰 I am excited for Skylar and Kit’s story😁
I honestly can’t imagine rating this book anything less than 5⭐️ it was that good. And seriously Kelly Fox has never disappointed me with anything she writes.
I loved every bit of this. Rowdy and Kessler couldn’t be any more different than they were in this book. Their friendship started off with a playful flirty banter that went on for two years and in all those times they were both stupidly in love with each other 😹
This is an idiot to lovers romance because I just couldn’t stop laughing at the ridiculousness of the both of them and how oblivious they were to each other’s feelings. Like boys, please open your eyes and look.
My main love for this book comes from the Demi rep and how so very written it was and how very represented it was. I’ve read a few books lately where the Demi rep was so inaccurate and pissed me off but this was so well done I just kept smiling. As someone who is Demi it felt really nice to see a good representation about us.
Kessler was a sweetheart to Rowdy and I loved how he was so ready to woo Rowdy immediately he figured out some truths about Rowdy. Also loved how he was very eager to take things slow and only do what was comfortable with Rowdy. That is often hard to come by.
Overall this was a well written friends to lovers story and I loved every bit of it.🥰🥰 I am excited for Skylar and Kit’s story😁
January 20, 2025
A Wonderful M/M romance !
This wonderful story is about Kess, a lawyer and a cowboy, Rowdy.
For two years they have been attracted from afar, until “the kiss”!
We get to watch them tiptoe around and finally talk enough to figure out he real truth. Rowdy is not the slut he portrays, which makes everything change for Kess and Rowdy. Rowdy is a virgin, and Kess will woo him.
The friends are vivid, as well as helpful.
Rowdy works with disadvantaged teens, and Jaxon and his Mom need help quickly.
The writing is super descriptive and engaging. We truly care about all of the characters.
The explicit sex scenes are smokin’ hot !
The epilogue is marvelous !
ENJOY!
=====
This wonderful story is about Kess, a lawyer and a cowboy, Rowdy.
For two years they have been attracted from afar, until “the kiss”!
We get to watch them tiptoe around and finally talk enough to figure out he real truth. Rowdy is not the slut he portrays, which makes everything change for Kess and Rowdy. Rowdy is a virgin, and Kess will woo him.
The friends are vivid, as well as helpful.
Rowdy works with disadvantaged teens, and Jaxon and his Mom need help quickly.
The writing is super descriptive and engaging. We truly care about all of the characters.
The explicit sex scenes are smokin’ hot !
The epilogue is marvelous !
ENJOY!
=====
June 4, 2025
Rating: 3/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Rowdy and Kess
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Rowdy and Kess
August 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
January 7, 2025
Here’s my impression of Kess:
“I won’t make any more slut jokes. I’m going to woo him.” And then on the very next page: “We’re friends. FRIENDS I SAY. Just friends. Also I made you this strong headboard so you can have lots of wild sex. Because you’re a slut.”
Pure Country is the first book I’ve ever read by Kelly Fox and I really enjoyed it!
You probably know by now that I love a friends-to-lovers dual POV, so Kess and Rowdy’s easy friendship blossoming into a sweet relationship really scratched an itch for me. I really did enjoy almost everything about this book, however I did feel kind of like I’d missed out on the beginning of Kessler and Rowdy’s friendship because I haven’t read the first book.
The romance was sweet, steamy, and so goddamn caring that it had me weak at the knees. It had a soft D/s dynamic - emphasis on soft though - and the way Kessler cared for Rowdy and made him feel seen and heard both in the bedroom and out of it was lovely.
I loved Rowdy’s personal involvement in the LGBTQIA+ community and the youth group. And I was very impressed by the aro-ace and demi spectrum rep throughout the story. I loved the dynamic between Rowdy and Jaxon, however I felt very uncomfortable when one of the plot-devices was adults hitting on an underage kid just because looks older. Felt a bit yucky and didn’t fit with the story, to be quite honest.
Aside from that (and the super rushed ending) I really did enjoy the book and I’d gladly read more from Kelly Fox! I’ll be looking forward to Skylar’s book next!
“I won’t make any more slut jokes. I’m going to woo him.” And then on the very next page: “We’re friends. FRIENDS I SAY. Just friends. Also I made you this strong headboard so you can have lots of wild sex. Because you’re a slut.”
Pure Country is the first book I’ve ever read by Kelly Fox and I really enjoyed it!
You probably know by now that I love a friends-to-lovers dual POV, so Kess and Rowdy’s easy friendship blossoming into a sweet relationship really scratched an itch for me. I really did enjoy almost everything about this book, however I did feel kind of like I’d missed out on the beginning of Kessler and Rowdy’s friendship because I haven’t read the first book.
The romance was sweet, steamy, and so goddamn caring that it had me weak at the knees. It had a soft D/s dynamic - emphasis on soft though - and the way Kessler cared for Rowdy and made him feel seen and heard both in the bedroom and out of it was lovely.
I loved Rowdy’s personal involvement in the LGBTQIA+ community and the youth group. And I was very impressed by the aro-ace and demi spectrum rep throughout the story. I loved the dynamic between Rowdy and Jaxon, however I felt very uncomfortable when one of the plot-devices was adults hitting on an underage kid just because looks older. Felt a bit yucky and didn’t fit with the story, to be quite honest.
Aside from that (and the super rushed ending) I really did enjoy the book and I’d gladly read more from Kelly Fox! I’ll be looking forward to Skylar’s book next!
Read
December 14, 2024I can't really put my finger on just one thing without giving spoilers anyway, but this book gave me a case of the icks. I'm way more interested in reading Skyler's book than I was in reading this one. I didn't read whatever series Skyler originated in, but I just find him to be a more interesting character than either of the two main characters in this book.
It was really slow going in this book, and then the back end was just all kind of cringey sex. It wasn't really my thing. I don't know if it's going to sound misogynistic or not but the characters seemed kind of feminine in their feelings. I mean I know the author is a woman so I guess that makes sense, but if you're going to write men then... I don't know.
I know a lot of gay guys and they are just not that in touch with their feelings, nor do they have the kind of conversations portrayed in this book. Like I said, I've just got a case of the icks. Maybe I'm being over critical as a result.
It was really slow going in this book, and then the back end was just all kind of cringey sex. It wasn't really my thing. I don't know if it's going to sound misogynistic or not but the characters seemed kind of feminine in their feelings. I mean I know the author is a woman so I guess that makes sense, but if you're going to write men then... I don't know.
I know a lot of gay guys and they are just not that in touch with their feelings, nor do they have the kind of conversations portrayed in this book. Like I said, I've just got a case of the icks. Maybe I'm being over critical as a result.
December 10, 2024
Rating 3.75 stars ⭐️
Arc review for the Author Agency!
I received this book as an arc from the author agency but my review is 100% honest. When I first started this book, I initially was going to DNF it 2 chapters in because some of the language felt cringey and a little over the top! I decided to keep reading and I’m glad I did because it became a really sweet story of acceptance, belonging and love in the end!
Our main characters Rowdy and Kess are two people hopelessly in love with each other, but also hopelessly idiotic because they couldn’t see what was in front of their face! Rowdy pretending to be a lovable slut, when in all actuality he was anything but; and Kess pretending to be ok with hearing about his exploits the whole time he just wanted to be with him.
I think this book does an amazing job at showcasing different sexuality’s and orientations and how they as a community can come together and be the best versions of themselves with each other!!
While the language at times did get to be to much, I enjoyed this book and I loved how it ended and I would be interested to read the next book in this series!
Arc review for the Author Agency!
I received this book as an arc from the author agency but my review is 100% honest. When I first started this book, I initially was going to DNF it 2 chapters in because some of the language felt cringey and a little over the top! I decided to keep reading and I’m glad I did because it became a really sweet story of acceptance, belonging and love in the end!
Our main characters Rowdy and Kess are two people hopelessly in love with each other, but also hopelessly idiotic because they couldn’t see what was in front of their face! Rowdy pretending to be a lovable slut, when in all actuality he was anything but; and Kess pretending to be ok with hearing about his exploits the whole time he just wanted to be with him.
I think this book does an amazing job at showcasing different sexuality’s and orientations and how they as a community can come together and be the best versions of themselves with each other!!
While the language at times did get to be to much, I enjoyed this book and I loved how it ended and I would be interested to read the next book in this series!
December 3, 2024
Pure Country is a Central Texas MM romance. This age gap, friends to lovers story is about Rowdy and Kessler.
Rowdy is a twenty-five year old cowboy that lives in a small cabin on his cousin’s preserve. He also works on the preserve, taking care of the wildlife. Rowdy was still trying to figure himself out. He was secretive and most people didn’t know the real him.
Kessler is a thirty-eight year old city lawyer. His best friend gifted him a section of his property, and Kessler had a house built on it where he planned to live full time. It also happened to be across the way from Rowdy’s cabin.
For the last two years, Rowdy and Kessler have been friends that exchanged flirtatious banter, but it was all in fun and nothing came of it. When they do finally share a drunken kiss, things don’t end up going the way either of them thought. And although Kessler is left wondering if he truly knows Rowdy, I loved how he was determined to find out.
I enjoyed seeing Rowdy come into his own and that Kessler was so understanding and supportive. I especially loved their sweet and steamy moments together. Rowdy and Kessler might have been opposites, but they were perfect for each other.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Rowdy is a twenty-five year old cowboy that lives in a small cabin on his cousin’s preserve. He also works on the preserve, taking care of the wildlife. Rowdy was still trying to figure himself out. He was secretive and most people didn’t know the real him.
Kessler is a thirty-eight year old city lawyer. His best friend gifted him a section of his property, and Kessler had a house built on it where he planned to live full time. It also happened to be across the way from Rowdy’s cabin.
For the last two years, Rowdy and Kessler have been friends that exchanged flirtatious banter, but it was all in fun and nothing came of it. When they do finally share a drunken kiss, things don’t end up going the way either of them thought. And although Kessler is left wondering if he truly knows Rowdy, I loved how he was determined to find out.
I enjoyed seeing Rowdy come into his own and that Kessler was so understanding and supportive. I especially loved their sweet and steamy moments together. Rowdy and Kessler might have been opposites, but they were perfect for each other.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
December 19, 2024
Immediately no
Read
December 19, 2024Dnf 45%
December 9, 2024
4.25 stars
This book started off with a bang! A bang I wasn't sure was going to jive with my mood at the time. It was glamorous, older, millionaire, city boy lawyer moving to the country who's pining for his poor playboy friend. Both had been pining after each other for years. I was skeptical the first few chapters.
However! After that initial crazy house party, we get to know Rowdy a little bit more and my goodness the depth to this man! The lengths he's gone to in order to portray one thing while actually being another is astonishing (it all makes sense eventually). Kessler figures something is rotten in the state of Denmark and starts to peel back the layers to Rowdy and eventually figures out that he's very different from what he's come to know over the years. It only makes him want him more.
I appreciated the Demisexual rep for Rowdy and the journey that he takes with Kess. Kess is so patient and loving with him. The relationship kinda goes from 0 to 60 REAL FAST, but they've known each other for years, so it makes sense.
There is no third-act break up, but don't mistake that for meaning no drama. There's a whole heart-warming story revolving around Jaxon and Sadie that really was almost everything to me. While I loved Rowdy and Kessler, I found myself continuing to read to find out what is happening with them. And this book also sets up Kit and Skyler in the next book (which looks like it's gonna be a scorcher!).
This is the 2nd book in the Central Texas series and while it can be read as a standalone I'd suggest going back and reading Rough Country because Woody and Emery and Stevie (the real star of the show, folks) are in this book A LOT. I haven't read the first and had no problem keeping everything straight, but I feel like there's more background on Kessler and Rowdy that might've laid the foundation for me a bit better. I will be going back to read the first and I'm gonna mark my calendar for book 3 now since I've kinda fallen in love with everyone in this series.
Thank you, Kelly Fox, and The Author Agency for this ARC.
This book started off with a bang! A bang I wasn't sure was going to jive with my mood at the time. It was glamorous, older, millionaire, city boy lawyer moving to the country who's pining for his poor playboy friend. Both had been pining after each other for years. I was skeptical the first few chapters.
However! After that initial crazy house party, we get to know Rowdy a little bit more and my goodness the depth to this man! The lengths he's gone to in order to portray one thing while actually being another is astonishing (it all makes sense eventually). Kessler figures something is rotten in the state of Denmark and starts to peel back the layers to Rowdy and eventually figures out that he's very different from what he's come to know over the years. It only makes him want him more.
I appreciated the Demisexual rep for Rowdy and the journey that he takes with Kess. Kess is so patient and loving with him. The relationship kinda goes from 0 to 60 REAL FAST, but they've known each other for years, so it makes sense.
There is no third-act break up, but don't mistake that for meaning no drama. There's a whole heart-warming story revolving around Jaxon and Sadie that really was almost everything to me. While I loved Rowdy and Kessler, I found myself continuing to read to find out what is happening with them. And this book also sets up Kit and Skyler in the next book (which looks like it's gonna be a scorcher!).
This is the 2nd book in the Central Texas series and while it can be read as a standalone I'd suggest going back and reading Rough Country because Woody and Emery and Stevie (the real star of the show, folks) are in this book A LOT. I haven't read the first and had no problem keeping everything straight, but I feel like there's more background on Kessler and Rowdy that might've laid the foundation for me a bit better. I will be going back to read the first and I'm gonna mark my calendar for book 3 now since I've kinda fallen in love with everyone in this series.
Thank you, Kelly Fox, and The Author Agency for this ARC.
December 7, 2024
Kelly can do no wrong!
Yet another sweet read about the Texas Hill Country!
Rowdy has created this persona in order to protect himself and can’t seem to be able to let anyone in on the truth. There are two lives he leads and when they collide, he has to find a way to navigate the change. Having feelings for his friend, doesn’t make matters easier.
Kess has been attracted to Rowdy for a while but doesn’t just want a one night stand. He decides that if Rowdy wants just a hook up, he will do it, and then figure out how to make him fall in love with him in the process. Only when he suggests that, Rowdy rejects him.
This book was beautiful. I am a sucker for demi rep and find books with demi characters to be the most heartwarming. Kess was so good at wooing Rowdy, even before he knew the specifics. It was a beautiful friendship that blossomed into something more over time!
My favourite part of any Kelly book is the fact that Anders Fucking Bash is always either present somewhere or mentioned. If you don’t know who Anders Fucking Bash is, it’s time to rectify that!
Yet another sweet read about the Texas Hill Country!
Rowdy has created this persona in order to protect himself and can’t seem to be able to let anyone in on the truth. There are two lives he leads and when they collide, he has to find a way to navigate the change. Having feelings for his friend, doesn’t make matters easier.
Kess has been attracted to Rowdy for a while but doesn’t just want a one night stand. He decides that if Rowdy wants just a hook up, he will do it, and then figure out how to make him fall in love with him in the process. Only when he suggests that, Rowdy rejects him.
This book was beautiful. I am a sucker for demi rep and find books with demi characters to be the most heartwarming. Kess was so good at wooing Rowdy, even before he knew the specifics. It was a beautiful friendship that blossomed into something more over time!
My favourite part of any Kelly book is the fact that Anders Fucking Bash is always either present somewhere or mentioned. If you don’t know who Anders Fucking Bash is, it’s time to rectify that!
December 17, 2024
Aww adorable! Sweet, beautiful loving and surprising.
Two men from different paths but with family and friends in common find themselves to be next door neighbors and the best of friends.
This book should be read second to Pure Country.. trust me, you have to read Pure Country before this before there are so many plot lines, characters and history that you have to know before you read this book. I personally don't think it can be read as a standalone.
So Rowdy is this playboy 25 year old and cousin of Woddy from book 1.
Kess is 38 and ready to fully settle down and build roots in central Texas. He's been working his entire life and needs some country time, some rest, and maybe a chance to finally build the family he's always dreamed of.
Check out this read I love it! I love almost everything Kelly Fox writes!! I honestly only can't do more than 2 people in a relationship but if you can and love that trope, she's got you.
Tropes:
Neighbors to Lovers
Cowboy Romance
Interconnected Series
County Romance
Friends to Lovers
Age Gap
Demi Romance
August 10, 2025
I took a bit to get really into it. There was just so much miscommunication and Rowdy was so secretive. But after a while I really enjoyed this book.
I hated how they treated virginity tbh. There's nothing wrong with being a virgin, plus he clearly had sex, I wouldn't call him one. I also disliked the age gap (25&39?), I'm not a fan of age gap books sooo... I kinda tried to completely ignore it in this book.
What I absolutely loved was Jaxon & Sadie's story. It was so so sweet and made me so happy, when they got the help they both deserved.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I liked both characters and they are a cute couple!
Though, what is in the water in this Texas town? Why are they all so freaking horny?
I hated how they treated virginity tbh. There's nothing wrong with being a virgin, plus he clearly had sex, I wouldn't call him one. I also disliked the age gap (25&39?), I'm not a fan of age gap books sooo... I kinda tried to completely ignore it in this book.
What I absolutely loved was Jaxon & Sadie's story. It was so so sweet and made me so happy, when they got the help they both deserved.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I liked both characters and they are a cute couple!
Though, what is in the water in this Texas town? Why are they all so freaking horny?
December 8, 2024
Chapter 17. Before I say anything else at all about this book, Chapter 17. There's a reason why I love Kelly Fox books so much. We get absolute 🔥 love stories & a smokin hot shared universe... but Kelly Fox always writes from the heart, and Chapter 17. Well, it meant a lot to me. I felt seen in a very real way. Thank you for that.
But more about PURE COUNTRY with no spoilers.
Rowdy and Kess deliver. These two and this entire book were absolutely unexpected. I knew I'd have feelings - but Rowdy and his -------- & Kessler with his ----- ----. And the whole ---------- storyline. And the side characters! Skylar and Jaxon and Sadie AND KIT. Not to mention Woody and Emery & Stevie from book one.
Then there's the entire ------------ aspect. So much was because of his past, but the way it all played out was beautiful. His talk with Woody, after the _____ came out, while out with the horses, made me so emotional.
Honestly, PURE COUNTRY was a gift. Rowdy and Kess had a beautiful love story, and I was so happy to read it. And BTW, the spicy scenes slapped in this story. I was so here for it.
PURE COUNTRY comes out DECEMBER 11TH. You still have time to read book one, ROUGH COUNTRY. I highly recommend both!
But more about PURE COUNTRY with no spoilers.
Rowdy and Kess deliver. These two and this entire book were absolutely unexpected. I knew I'd have feelings - but Rowdy and his -------- & Kessler with his ----- ----. And the whole ---------- storyline. And the side characters! Skylar and Jaxon and Sadie AND KIT. Not to mention Woody and Emery & Stevie from book one.
Then there's the entire ------------ aspect. So much was because of his past, but the way it all played out was beautiful. His talk with Woody, after the _____ came out, while out with the horses, made me so emotional.
Honestly, PURE COUNTRY was a gift. Rowdy and Kess had a beautiful love story, and I was so happy to read it. And BTW, the spicy scenes slapped in this story. I was so here for it.
PURE COUNTRY comes out DECEMBER 11TH. You still have time to read book one, ROUGH COUNTRY. I highly recommend both!
December 13, 2024
Loved it! Kelly Fox can't write a bad book as far as I'm concerned. Kess and Rowdy were great together, especially once they both got their heads out of their asses. I'm still not sure why Rowdy felt like he had to lie about or keep the truth about the teen program to himself, but whatever. I'm hoping we see more of Jaxon, but I'm even more excited to see more of Kit and Sky!
December 28, 2024
Another great book from Kelly Fox! Rowdy is so precious and loved Kess and him together. So happy that Rowdy finally became comfortable in his own skin. He and Woodys heart to heart was so good. Really excited for Skylar’s book!
April 17, 2025
This is another good book in the series. Rowdy is such a sweetheart, and Kess is so in love with him. They start out as flirty friends, but it becomes a whole lot more. There were a couple of things that bugged me a little, but not enough for me to lower my rating.
Full review WITH SPOILERS can be found at -
Full review WITH SPOILERS can be found at -
December 2, 2024
At first glance, this book is a little misleading. Based on the first chapter or so, I really thought that this was going to be a filthy little story without a lot of substance, and I honestly wasn't sure if I was in the mood for that. I kept reading though and I am so very glad that I did, because this story definitely surprised me.
Kess is a sweet city lawyer who has moved to the country, right across the street from Rowdy, the wild cowboy that he's been crushing on. Kess would love to have a future with Rowdy, but Rowdy isn't really the relationship type. After one drunken kiss though, Kess starts to question if he truly knows Rowdy at all.
This is far more than just a MM romance. I felt like I learned so much about the LGBTQ+ community while reading this book. I often found myself pausing to look up certain terminology to make sure that I fully understood each of these characters, and even as a straight 50+ year old woman, there were aspects of this story that I could identify with on a personal level as well.
While I really liked Kess and Rowdy's characters, there were a couple of secondary couples that sometimes stole the show. This is the first book that I've read by this author, and while this book is a standalone novel, some of these characters were introduced in previous books (which I'd like to read at some point).
This book truly does have it all: flirty texts and banter (I love texts!), found family, plenty of steam, and some emotional moments too. I really enjoyed it.
Kess is a sweet city lawyer who has moved to the country, right across the street from Rowdy, the wild cowboy that he's been crushing on. Kess would love to have a future with Rowdy, but Rowdy isn't really the relationship type. After one drunken kiss though, Kess starts to question if he truly knows Rowdy at all.
This is far more than just a MM romance. I felt like I learned so much about the LGBTQ+ community while reading this book. I often found myself pausing to look up certain terminology to make sure that I fully understood each of these characters, and even as a straight 50+ year old woman, there were aspects of this story that I could identify with on a personal level as well.
While I really liked Kess and Rowdy's characters, there were a couple of secondary couples that sometimes stole the show. This is the first book that I've read by this author, and while this book is a standalone novel, some of these characters were introduced in previous books (which I'd like to read at some point).
This book truly does have it all: flirty texts and banter (I love texts!), found family, plenty of steam, and some emotional moments too. I really enjoyed it.
December 11, 2024
4,5 stars
Pure Country is part of the A Central Texas series by Kelly Fox. This is the story of Kess and Rowdy. I loved their story. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
Pure Country is part of the A Central Texas series by Kelly Fox. This is the story of Kess and Rowdy. I loved their story. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
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