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Central Texas #3
Gone Country
I kissed a man. While drunk on mezcal. This is fine.
You don’t hafta tell me how lucky I am—I’ve got a thriving dude ranch, a growing empire, and a son who keeps me grounded. Sure, my land manager and my ex-wife won’t stop nagging me about my busted knee, but I can handle a little pain.
What I can’t handle? This inconvenient attraction to my new friend. My new male friend.
Skylar—who, thankfully, left his sugar baby days behind—is launching a mobile orthopedic practice out here in the Texas Hill Country. I offered to help because I’m a good guy and a sharp businessman. Not because he’s gorgeous, funny, and the only person who can get me to admit my knee is an absolute disaster.
It gets a whole lot harder to lie to myself after I kiss him. Because that wasn't just the mezcal talkin'.
Now, I can’t stop thinking about him—or wishing we’d gone further—and my “straight” identity is looking more questionable by the second.
I can handle multiple businesses, interfering employees, and the occasional runaway giraffe. But falling for a man? That might just be the thing that cracks my once rigid exterior.
Gone Country is a friends-to-lovers, existential crisis romance featuring a stubborn cowboy with a failing grip on his “straight” identity, the flirty nurse practitioner he can’t stop thinking about, and a well-meaning friend who picks the worst possible moment to walk in.
You don’t hafta tell me how lucky I am—I’ve got a thriving dude ranch, a growing empire, and a son who keeps me grounded. Sure, my land manager and my ex-wife won’t stop nagging me about my busted knee, but I can handle a little pain.
What I can’t handle? This inconvenient attraction to my new friend. My new male friend.
Skylar—who, thankfully, left his sugar baby days behind—is launching a mobile orthopedic practice out here in the Texas Hill Country. I offered to help because I’m a good guy and a sharp businessman. Not because he’s gorgeous, funny, and the only person who can get me to admit my knee is an absolute disaster.
It gets a whole lot harder to lie to myself after I kiss him. Because that wasn't just the mezcal talkin'.
Now, I can’t stop thinking about him—or wishing we’d gone further—and my “straight” identity is looking more questionable by the second.
I can handle multiple businesses, interfering employees, and the occasional runaway giraffe. But falling for a man? That might just be the thing that cracks my once rigid exterior.
Gone Country is a friends-to-lovers, existential crisis romance featuring a stubborn cowboy with a failing grip on his “straight” identity, the flirty nurse practitioner he can’t stop thinking about, and a well-meaning friend who picks the worst possible moment to walk in.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2025
142 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 23, 2025
Though I wanted to smack our cowboy a couple of times, I guess he was justified in freaking out. Also Sky was amazing, understanding but not taking shit. The found family as always was amazing, as was the autistic rep. Great characters, beautiful realistic romance.
April 25, 2025
2.75 - 3⭐
My least liked installment in the series.
Not because of the main characters or their dynamic, no, they were pretty good, but the story that spans through 300 pages is just... blah.
It wasn't as interesting. I took it as a foundation of another series to come - which I'm sure will come. The couples here aren't as good as in Wild Heart or Rebel Sky ranch, not as memorable (except maybe the first book).
🟡 A wealthy rancher / ex sugar baby
🟢 A minor age gap / both in their 30's, the rancher almost 40
🟣 A smaller size difference, but both are leaner and wiry
🔵 Gay/GFY
🟢 An autistic son (quite a good side character, it would be interesting to get his own story, but right now he's straight)
🟠 Another cover I don't like
🌶️ Smut is descriptive, more in the second half, gets boring even though there's a red lipstick and lacy panties involved; oral, rimming, penetrative; t/b
Sky was a former sugar baby, himself from a wealthy family but thrown out of the house because of his sexuality; he's educated and flamboyant, loves his job and is best friends with Rowdy.
He meets Kit while visiting Rowdy in the previous installment and the masculine, held back, steady rancher makes an impression. Kit is a serial monogamist, he's divorced and a really good man, so he has a friendly kind of working relationship with Sky until he has his anxious bi-awakening and then slowly gets used to the idea of being with a man.
There's a lot of explaining, quite a lot of long and boring dialogues, there's talk of pronouns (only because the main character is femme), but most importantly there's a constant unnerving talk about injuries and getting medical help that just doesn't make sense to me. I couldn't fathom for the life of me how a wealthy rancher can walk around so long with a bad knee, going through so much pain, not wanting to get medical help, even saying it's expensive and then almost the whole story revolving about Kit's fucked up knee.
I'd get if he didn't have money he couldn't go, it's America, I get it, but a wealthy rancher? He was just getting on my nerves. Look, I can have all these properties around town but MRI is too expensive!
Their love story was lukewarm and didn't really pull me in.
The story has a few additional new side characters that I didn't really care about, only maybe Kit's son Reed who is hopefully getting his own book.
My least liked installment in the series.
Not because of the main characters or their dynamic, no, they were pretty good, but the story that spans through 300 pages is just... blah.
It wasn't as interesting. I took it as a foundation of another series to come - which I'm sure will come. The couples here aren't as good as in Wild Heart or Rebel Sky ranch, not as memorable (except maybe the first book).
🟡 A wealthy rancher / ex sugar baby
🟢 A minor age gap / both in their 30's, the rancher almost 40
🟣 A smaller size difference, but both are leaner and wiry
🔵 Gay/GFY
🟢 An autistic son (quite a good side character, it would be interesting to get his own story, but right now he's straight)
🟠 Another cover I don't like
🌶️ Smut is descriptive, more in the second half, gets boring even though there's a red lipstick and lacy panties involved; oral, rimming, penetrative; t/b
Sky was a former sugar baby, himself from a wealthy family but thrown out of the house because of his sexuality; he's educated and flamboyant, loves his job and is best friends with Rowdy.
He meets Kit while visiting Rowdy in the previous installment and the masculine, held back, steady rancher makes an impression. Kit is a serial monogamist, he's divorced and a really good man, so he has a friendly kind of working relationship with Sky until he has his anxious bi-awakening and then slowly gets used to the idea of being with a man.
There's a lot of explaining, quite a lot of long and boring dialogues, there's talk of pronouns (only because the main character is femme), but most importantly there's a constant unnerving talk about injuries and getting medical help that just doesn't make sense to me. I couldn't fathom for the life of me how a wealthy rancher can walk around so long with a bad knee, going through so much pain, not wanting to get medical help, even saying it's expensive and then almost the whole story revolving about Kit's fucked up knee.
I'd get if he didn't have money he couldn't go, it's America, I get it, but a wealthy rancher? He was just getting on my nerves. Look, I can have all these properties around town but MRI is too expensive!
Their love story was lukewarm and didn't really pull me in.
The story has a few additional new side characters that I didn't really care about, only maybe Kit's son Reed who is hopefully getting his own book.
April 19, 2025
DNF @ 68%
I'm just not feeling anything for either character and i usually love Kelly Fox.
I'm just not feeling anything for either character and i usually love Kelly Fox.
April 23, 2025
I held off on publishing my review because I kept hoping I'd remember something in the book that would maybe have me going back in and rating it higher. That didn't happen. Instead, I ended up knocking off a half star.
I tried so hard to like Kit, but he's simply not a likable guy, in my opinion. There's being grumpy, and then there's Kit. What really sealed it for me was something that happened in front of Skylar's boss. There was really no coming back from that.
As for Skylar, I adored him, and felt that he deserved better.
Full review WITH SPOILERS can be found at -
I tried so hard to like Kit, but he's simply not a likable guy, in my opinion. There's being grumpy, and then there's Kit. What really sealed it for me was something that happened in front of Skylar's boss. There was really no coming back from that.
As for Skylar, I adored him, and felt that he deserved better.
Full review WITH SPOILERS can be found at -
May 13, 2025
This was honestly not that bad. However I do still feel like I cannot in full confidence give it 3 stars which would normally be my benchmark rating for books that are enjoyable/easy to read but not anything unique or revolutionary.
I appreciate the autism representation here especially bc the character involved is on a different spectrum than the ones I see often represented. I also appreciate the author’s way of writing gay panic even if I did feel like at the end of the day it was the downfall of the story.
This was a short read but there wasn’t a balance between all the elements involved in the story. The pacing lacked. Too slow at some point (mostly shortly after the introduction) too fast other times (mostly towards the end) a lot of what we see on page is Kit’s gay panic which would have been just fine if we got a little more rich involvement of the MC’s relationship development too.
The overall conclusion to their love story left me feeling nothing. I was told they were in love but didn’t end up believing in anything long lasting for them as a couple.
I appreciate the autism representation here especially bc the character involved is on a different spectrum than the ones I see often represented. I also appreciate the author’s way of writing gay panic even if I did feel like at the end of the day it was the downfall of the story.
This was a short read but there wasn’t a balance between all the elements involved in the story. The pacing lacked. Too slow at some point (mostly shortly after the introduction) too fast other times (mostly towards the end) a lot of what we see on page is Kit’s gay panic which would have been just fine if we got a little more rich involvement of the MC’s relationship development too.
The overall conclusion to their love story left me feeling nothing. I was told they were in love but didn’t end up believing in anything long lasting for them as a couple.
August 16, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up
Well, this is a Kelly Fox book, so I pretty much knew I'd love it beforehand. I haven't really come across a book of hers that I haven't loved. Still, every book brings us something new and this one was no different.
I'm typically not a fan of awakening stories these days, but trust Kelly Fox to do it in a way that I didn't hate. It's not a smooth ride, it's a bit messy, like all things in life. The fact that she drew from her own experiences shone through and in the end what we got was a beautiful romance that is fairly low on spice but high on feels. Add to that amazing rep for a non-verbal autistic person - Kit's son - who is snarky and hilarious and completely awesome and you've got another great book added to Kelly Fox's repertoire.
Another wonderful low-angst romance set in the Texas Hill Country from one of my favorite authors. At this point I don't even really need to know what her next book will be about, I know I'll buy it and love it as much as all the others. Honestly, at this point I'd probably read her grocery list and love it. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this is a Kelly Fox book, so I pretty much knew I'd love it beforehand. I haven't really come across a book of hers that I haven't loved. Still, every book brings us something new and this one was no different.
I'm typically not a fan of awakening stories these days, but trust Kelly Fox to do it in a way that I didn't hate. It's not a smooth ride, it's a bit messy, like all things in life. The fact that she drew from her own experiences shone through and in the end what we got was a beautiful romance that is fairly low on spice but high on feels. Add to that amazing rep for a non-verbal autistic person - Kit's son - who is snarky and hilarious and completely awesome and you've got another great book added to Kelly Fox's repertoire.
Another wonderful low-angst romance set in the Texas Hill Country from one of my favorite authors. At this point I don't even really need to know what her next book will be about, I know I'll buy it and love it as much as all the others. Honestly, at this point I'd probably read her grocery list and love it. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2025
A
Another wonderful magical well rounded world building Kelly Fox style! I'm HUGE Kelly Fox fan. Her writing is so amazing, well written, raw and vulnerable while also being cute and funny!
My only complaint about this particular read is that I wanted Skylar and Kit to have more of a passionate love story about soul mates like Anders and Omar or literally any other character she's written however they kind of bored me with all of the misunderstandings without the passion of what makes a misunderstanding so fun to read.
Kelly doesn't owe me anything but another Justin and Charlie would be great.
She built up Kit & Skylar that reading her interpretation of how their relationship actually panned out was SUCH a huge letdown ir made me sad actually.
Also as the third book in this series i recommend reading all books i order in this series. Her other series dont need to be read prior to two books in this series that should be read before this book.
I loved parts with Reed and McKensie. I loved the autism rep in the main character's son. I just plain old felt sad about how uneventful and not exciting this book was. I felt the MC's deserved more.
Another wonderful magical well rounded world building Kelly Fox style! I'm HUGE Kelly Fox fan. Her writing is so amazing, well written, raw and vulnerable while also being cute and funny!
My only complaint about this particular read is that I wanted Skylar and Kit to have more of a passionate love story about soul mates like Anders and Omar or literally any other character she's written however they kind of bored me with all of the misunderstandings without the passion of what makes a misunderstanding so fun to read.
Kelly doesn't owe me anything but another Justin and Charlie would be great.
She built up Kit & Skylar that reading her interpretation of how their relationship actually panned out was SUCH a huge letdown ir made me sad actually.
Also as the third book in this series i recommend reading all books i order in this series. Her other series dont need to be read prior to two books in this series that should be read before this book.
I loved parts with Reed and McKensie. I loved the autism rep in the main character's son. I just plain old felt sad about how uneventful and not exciting this book was. I felt the MC's deserved more.
April 16, 2025
Yep. As a mom with kids who use alternate means of communication this book hit me hard in the feels! Our sweet Cowboy’s adult son with autism may just be a favorite side character ever! Reed was the perfect addition to this story.
Kit was such a caretaker and for him figuring out his attraction to men and this precious man he falls for just wants to be an equal…gosh their chemistry, love for eachother’s well being….all of it. I was here for it.
Kelly never lets us down and this book had the most perfect cameos and I was here for them!
Kit was such a caretaker and for him figuring out his attraction to men and this precious man he falls for just wants to be an equal…gosh their chemistry, love for eachother’s well being….all of it. I was here for it.
Kelly never lets us down and this book had the most perfect cameos and I was here for them!
Read
May 11, 2025I passed on this one, I liked the characters enough but their story just draggged on. The best story of this series was the first book which I loved. DNF
April 21, 2025
I had higher hopes for this book, not gonna lie. It just felt like they argued for 80% of the book and then when they finally got together it was rushed from there on.
April 15, 2025
Reading Gone Country felt like coming home. The Texas Hill Country is my favorite place on earth, and Kelly Fox populates it with such interesting characters and compelling stories that I always enjoy her books set there. Some of them just hit different from others. This is one of them.
While it's the third in the series, Kit and Skylar's story could easily be read as a standalone. I don't recommend it because the other books are good, and with cameos from the Rebel Sky Ranch and Lost Boys series, you'll probably end up going back in her catalog to catch up on who's who, but if you're just diving in, it's an excellent place to start.
Bi awakening is a popular trope, and I'm certainly a fan. In her "Before we begin" note, the author reveals just how much of her own experience she used in telling Kit's story. The result was a nuanced character whose actions and reactions felt authentic and relatable.
Also, I have a powerful weakness for Kit's brand of understated cowboy.
That's nothing against Skylar's fabulous self, though, because I would immediately befriend him. Cut from the same cloth as Sam and Desi (if you don't know them yet, after reading this book you'll want to read their respective stories), he's not flamboyant, he's simply true to himself, and I absolutely adored him.
The heat level - I don't know why I resist calling it spice; I'm just contrary, I guess - is lower than in other books in the series and most of Kelly's recent work, which I appreciated. Not because I'm opposed to a book heavy on steam, but because it suited the characters and allowed her storytelling skills to shine even more brightly. Gone Country is more about emotional intimacy than it is about physical intimacy, and I think all the stronger for it.
The ensemble cast plays a big role in the flow of the story. I loved getting to visit with old friends. They didn't overshadow the main characters, though, and I found myself drawn to Kit and Skylar more than any other couple since probably Hen and Sawyer in The Punk.
Bottom line, clear your day before you start trying to read Gone Country. I found myself majorly resentful of having to stop to do household tasks, and ended up blowing some off so I could finish.
While it's the third in the series, Kit and Skylar's story could easily be read as a standalone. I don't recommend it because the other books are good, and with cameos from the Rebel Sky Ranch and Lost Boys series, you'll probably end up going back in her catalog to catch up on who's who, but if you're just diving in, it's an excellent place to start.
Bi awakening is a popular trope, and I'm certainly a fan. In her "Before we begin" note, the author reveals just how much of her own experience she used in telling Kit's story. The result was a nuanced character whose actions and reactions felt authentic and relatable.
Also, I have a powerful weakness for Kit's brand of understated cowboy.
That's nothing against Skylar's fabulous self, though, because I would immediately befriend him. Cut from the same cloth as Sam and Desi (if you don't know them yet, after reading this book you'll want to read their respective stories), he's not flamboyant, he's simply true to himself, and I absolutely adored him.
The heat level - I don't know why I resist calling it spice; I'm just contrary, I guess - is lower than in other books in the series and most of Kelly's recent work, which I appreciated. Not because I'm opposed to a book heavy on steam, but because it suited the characters and allowed her storytelling skills to shine even more brightly. Gone Country is more about emotional intimacy than it is about physical intimacy, and I think all the stronger for it.
The ensemble cast plays a big role in the flow of the story. I loved getting to visit with old friends. They didn't overshadow the main characters, though, and I found myself drawn to Kit and Skylar more than any other couple since probably Hen and Sawyer in The Punk.
Bottom line, clear your day before you start trying to read Gone Country. I found myself majorly resentful of having to stop to do household tasks, and ended up blowing some off so I could finish.
April 20, 2025
Grumpy Cowboy Meets Sassy Ortho
This was a sweet bi awakening, a grumpy, in constant pain, cowboy and successful business man and a sassy pretty femme ortho and sugar baby, a life he fell into at eighteen after his wealthy religious parents threw him out of the house without a cent to his name.
When everyone conspires against Kit and his stubbornness and he agrees to let Sky assess his knee, he is overwhelmed with his feelings and attraction to Sky and kisses him! The author then takes us through Kit’s shock and denial and attraction to Sky. He has never been attracted to men before and has only just come to terms with the love of his life, his ex wife, leaving him after admitting she was attracted to other women. She still lives at the dude ranch with her wife and is Kit’s best friend and was influential in helping him make sense of his feelings.
I loved all the side characters and their relationships. There were some unusual pairings and Sam and Desi were perfect bff for Sky.
A part of the story I really loved was the relationship Kit had with his 21 year old autistic son Reed. Their conversations via Reed’s iPad App were funny and I liked the way the author didn’t shy away from Reed and his autistic girlfriend having a sex life, a very active one and something else Kit had to get his head around!
Once Kit got over his panic and accepted his sexuality he was all in with his love for Sky and their HEA was lovely.
This was a sweet bi awakening, a grumpy, in constant pain, cowboy and successful business man and a sassy pretty femme ortho and sugar baby, a life he fell into at eighteen after his wealthy religious parents threw him out of the house without a cent to his name.
When everyone conspires against Kit and his stubbornness and he agrees to let Sky assess his knee, he is overwhelmed with his feelings and attraction to Sky and kisses him! The author then takes us through Kit’s shock and denial and attraction to Sky. He has never been attracted to men before and has only just come to terms with the love of his life, his ex wife, leaving him after admitting she was attracted to other women. She still lives at the dude ranch with her wife and is Kit’s best friend and was influential in helping him make sense of his feelings.
I loved all the side characters and their relationships. There were some unusual pairings and Sam and Desi were perfect bff for Sky.
A part of the story I really loved was the relationship Kit had with his 21 year old autistic son Reed. Their conversations via Reed’s iPad App were funny and I liked the way the author didn’t shy away from Reed and his autistic girlfriend having a sex life, a very active one and something else Kit had to get his head around!
Once Kit got over his panic and accepted his sexuality he was all in with his love for Sky and their HEA was lovely.
April 12, 2025
Loved going back to Texas Hill Country & these quirky cowboys. Kit and Sky sure came from different backgrounds and places in their life journeys, but (eventually) they work their stuff out between them. Thankfully, they have a lot of help from family & friends, sometimes too much. I adore Reed, Stevie, Rowdy, Sam, & all the new & old favorite characters. Poor Kit doesn't know what to do with himself, who "himself" even is; his world's turned upside-down in a few ways, seemingly all at once, and he doesn't like it! But, first (maybe wrong) reactions aside, he reminds me of Wyatt Goodnight, in that he works through it in his own time/way, but once there, boy howdy, he's all in! The animals, younguns, exes & what-not involved in this story are hysterical, endearing, maddening, and all the good things authors want readers to feel about their babies. There's much snark, attitude, independence, love, support, and insecurity & past overcoming in this pair's journey to their HEA. Which is just as swoony as they are together. Excellent romance series about stubborn cowboys & the men who love them anyway
April 14, 2025
Third in series (Central Texas), best if read in order. Opposites attract. Friends to lovers. Found family. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Skylar moves away from the city and his former sugar baby lifestyle and with some help from Kit he decides to embark on a new business for himself while opening up the possibility of something more with Kit. So, busy and successful businessman and dude rancher Kit wants to easily understand being attracted to Skylar, but his identity has been wrapped up in being a father and ex-husband for his whole life.
This story is a sweet slide from friends with attraction to exploring something more, and Skylar is the epitome of patience and understanding as Kit experiences some personal hurdles along the way. There is something about finding a new path for yourself whether it be personal or professional that is inspiring and really that much better when supported by friends and family. I enjoyed all of Kit and Skylar’s interactions, and the cameos from this series and some of the author’s other books, and the ease in which love and family can be found for two generous men. 4.25
Skylar moves away from the city and his former sugar baby lifestyle and with some help from Kit he decides to embark on a new business for himself while opening up the possibility of something more with Kit. So, busy and successful businessman and dude rancher Kit wants to easily understand being attracted to Skylar, but his identity has been wrapped up in being a father and ex-husband for his whole life.
This story is a sweet slide from friends with attraction to exploring something more, and Skylar is the epitome of patience and understanding as Kit experiences some personal hurdles along the way. There is something about finding a new path for yourself whether it be personal or professional that is inspiring and really that much better when supported by friends and family. I enjoyed all of Kit and Skylar’s interactions, and the cameos from this series and some of the author’s other books, and the ease in which love and family can be found for two generous men. 4.25
May 12, 2025
The final installment of this trilogy that was supposed to be a stand-alone novel (haha) features a couple whose romantic possibility is teased in the previous book. Skylar and Kit aren't necessarily an opposites attract story, but they definitely don't seem like they would work well on paper. That is, until Skylar's personality and presence awaken something long dormant in Kit, shocking and intriguing him in equal measure. Amid both men's struggles to rewrite the habits of their past, the chemistry between them leads to an explosive first time (in more ways than one). Unfortunately, the road gets bumpier from there. Fox threads that fine line between introducing realistic conflict between Skylar and Kit and falling into the trap of characters whose lack of communication leads to reader frustrations. Luckily, since these men exist in Fox's sprawling shared world of books, we get plenty of familiar faces to help them on their path. And finally, Kit's son is there as a unique and fabulous character to show his dad exactly how to lean into the future he wants, leading to a truly lovely happily ever after for all involved.
November 15, 2025
What a sweet conclusion to the Central Texas series. Kit is a business and property owner in the Texas Hill Country, who meets Skylar, an orthopedic nurse practitioner. Skylar has spent most of his adult life being a sugar baby, but decides to give up on that lifestyle, and moves out to the country to start his own healthcare business.
Kit has spent his whole life thinking he was straight, so the things he feels for Skylar confuse him. It was obvious Kit was attracted to Skylar, but really didn’t know what to do about it. The tight knit queer community that these men have around them is so sweet, and supportive. Kit was able to talk over his feelings with a friend, which was great.
I thought the book was realistic about someone discovering a new side to their sexuality, as Kit went through stress and a bit of a freak out about it. Skylar was patient though, and I really appreciated that. I also loved that Skylar came around to recognizing his worth, and that he was deserving of love. As always Kelly writes great spicy scenes, and the book has so much heart.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/M
Bi-awakening
Contemporary Romance
Kit has spent his whole life thinking he was straight, so the things he feels for Skylar confuse him. It was obvious Kit was attracted to Skylar, but really didn’t know what to do about it. The tight knit queer community that these men have around them is so sweet, and supportive. Kit was able to talk over his feelings with a friend, which was great.
I thought the book was realistic about someone discovering a new side to their sexuality, as Kit went through stress and a bit of a freak out about it. Skylar was patient though, and I really appreciated that. I also loved that Skylar came around to recognizing his worth, and that he was deserving of love. As always Kelly writes great spicy scenes, and the book has so much heart.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/M
Bi-awakening
Contemporary Romance
April 16, 2025
I am obsessed with this book. It’s the perfect blend of emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and small-town charm—with just the right amount of chaos (yes, including a runaway giraffe). From the first mezcal-fueled kiss to the slow unraveling of a hardened cowboy’s carefully constructed identity, this story had me hooked.
The main character is rugged, stubborn, and impossible not to fall for—especially when he starts catching unexpected feelings for gorgeous, whip-smart Skylar. Their connection feels real and raw, with plenty of humor and steam along the way. And the way the author explores vulnerability, masculinity, and sexuality? Chef’s kiss.
Plus, as someone who lives for character cameos, I was thrilled to catch glimpses of my favorite familiar faces in Texas. It made the story feel even more rooted and alive, like the universe just keeps growing in the best way.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, healing, and love, set against a vivid backdrop of ranch life, meddling friends, and that irresistible slow-burn tension.
The main character is rugged, stubborn, and impossible not to fall for—especially when he starts catching unexpected feelings for gorgeous, whip-smart Skylar. Their connection feels real and raw, with plenty of humor and steam along the way. And the way the author explores vulnerability, masculinity, and sexuality? Chef’s kiss.
Plus, as someone who lives for character cameos, I was thrilled to catch glimpses of my favorite familiar faces in Texas. It made the story feel even more rooted and alive, like the universe just keeps growing in the best way.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, healing, and love, set against a vivid backdrop of ranch life, meddling friends, and that irresistible slow-burn tension.
May 11, 2025
A wonderful tale of discovery and love…
This story will grip you and hold your attention as you read the wonderful tale of discovery and love for two unlikely men. Skylar is sunshine and brave in his life as a nurse practitioner with osteopathy as his focus.
Kit is a successful businessman and rancher, with an autistic son and his ex wife in his life also, but he definitely needs his bad knee fixed.
With deep thoughts and conversation our men are interested in the each other, but these are first time feelings for Kit, who had never considered a man as someone he could be drawn to.
But, drawn he is, right down to the makeup, nail polish and lacy bits.
As Kit is letting Skylar work on his knee, Kit is sorting out his emotions.
We get to see the changes, the pasts told, the future plans, and friends who are nosey but well-meaning.
Their sexy times are super exciting and eye-opening.
I loved the characters from Kelly Fox and her beautiful, thoughtful writing.
The wrap up and ending….
ENJOY !
=====
This story will grip you and hold your attention as you read the wonderful tale of discovery and love for two unlikely men. Skylar is sunshine and brave in his life as a nurse practitioner with osteopathy as his focus.
Kit is a successful businessman and rancher, with an autistic son and his ex wife in his life also, but he definitely needs his bad knee fixed.
With deep thoughts and conversation our men are interested in the each other, but these are first time feelings for Kit, who had never considered a man as someone he could be drawn to.
But, drawn he is, right down to the makeup, nail polish and lacy bits.
As Kit is letting Skylar work on his knee, Kit is sorting out his emotions.
We get to see the changes, the pasts told, the future plans, and friends who are nosey but well-meaning.
Their sexy times are super exciting and eye-opening.
I loved the characters from Kelly Fox and her beautiful, thoughtful writing.
The wrap up and ending….
ENJOY !
=====
April 12, 2025
Loved it 🥰
Skylar and Kit are wonderful characters who snuck into my heart and will be there for a while. Skylar lives his life the way he is - out, proud, flirty and femme. Kit is a cowboy and is a very successful rancher with multiple businesses. He’s always identified as straight until Sky has him questioning himself. It’s not a smooth transition as he processes this revelation and it does cause some angst for himself and for Sky. Fortunately they weather the crisis and through patience, communication and understanding get their longed for HEA after a couple of hiccups along the way.
I found this to be a very engaging and enjoyable reading experience. There’s a bit of spice, plenty of feels, and wonderful characters. I adored Kit’s son Reed whose autism is written in such a beautiful and sensitive manner. His witty repartee had me in fits of giggles! There’s also some cameos from familiar faces to add into the mix.
Skylar and Kit are wonderful characters who snuck into my heart and will be there for a while. Skylar lives his life the way he is - out, proud, flirty and femme. Kit is a cowboy and is a very successful rancher with multiple businesses. He’s always identified as straight until Sky has him questioning himself. It’s not a smooth transition as he processes this revelation and it does cause some angst for himself and for Sky. Fortunately they weather the crisis and through patience, communication and understanding get their longed for HEA after a couple of hiccups along the way.
I found this to be a very engaging and enjoyable reading experience. There’s a bit of spice, plenty of feels, and wonderful characters. I adored Kit’s son Reed whose autism is written in such a beautiful and sensitive manner. His witty repartee had me in fits of giggles! There’s also some cameos from familiar faces to add into the mix.
April 16, 2025
🎶 Here you come again, looking better than a body has a right to, and shaking me up so that all I really know is here you come again, and here I go 🎶
Oh lordy, did I love GONE COUNTRY. I knew I would. But Kelly still finds little ways to surprise me. And I can't get Dolly Parton out of my head, which... I'm not mad about it. But the scene with that song WAS SO DAMN ROMANTIC.
Kit, the rancher businessman, divorcee, and coparent with a knee problem. Skylar, the pretty ex-sugar baby, orthopedic nurse, with a pension for lingerie. Literally... do I need to say more? PERFECT GIVE ME 1500 OF THEM.
But we get Kit and Sky figuring it out. We get their love story. We also get CAMEOS from some of Kelly's other books. And I was 100% here for it. The scream I scrumpt was real.
The dynamics at the Baker Dude Ranch were cool, too. The coparenting aspect. REED was an absolute delight. I loved seeing Rowdy and Stevie, too.
But really, the folks who stole the show were Kit and Skylar. Kit's goodness kept drawing me in. What a sweetheart. And Skylar, the patient king, holding out for his HEA. I'm so glad he got it.
GONE COUNTRY is out 04/16. I adored this romantic story so so much, and I'm sad this little series is over.
Oh lordy, did I love GONE COUNTRY. I knew I would. But Kelly still finds little ways to surprise me. And I can't get Dolly Parton out of my head, which... I'm not mad about it. But the scene with that song WAS SO DAMN ROMANTIC.
Kit, the rancher businessman, divorcee, and coparent with a knee problem. Skylar, the pretty ex-sugar baby, orthopedic nurse, with a pension for lingerie. Literally... do I need to say more? PERFECT GIVE ME 1500 OF THEM.
But we get Kit and Sky figuring it out. We get their love story. We also get CAMEOS from some of Kelly's other books. And I was 100% here for it. The scream I scrumpt was real.
The dynamics at the Baker Dude Ranch were cool, too. The coparenting aspect. REED was an absolute delight. I loved seeing Rowdy and Stevie, too.
But really, the folks who stole the show were Kit and Skylar. Kit's goodness kept drawing me in. What a sweetheart. And Skylar, the patient king, holding out for his HEA. I'm so glad he got it.
GONE COUNTRY is out 04/16. I adored this romantic story so so much, and I'm sad this little series is over.
April 19, 2025
Kit, a retired cowboy turned dude ranch and rental property owner meets Skylar, an ortho NP, and doesn't know what the hell is going on inside him. His ex-wife lives with her now wife within spitting distance on the same property because they're best friends AND they want to keep things as constant as possible for their adult nonverbal autistic son. Instant attraction between the Kit & Skylar, with Skylar helping Kit out with his bum knee, leading to kissing to intimacy to gay panic for Kit. Skylar throws Kit's steady and constant life into a whirlwind, which surprises everyone who knows Kit. The secondary characters being sounding boards and confidantes for these two while they worked out their issues was really nice to see. Lots of Easter eggs from other series by Fox -- so if you've read them, you'll appreciate their appearances!
Tropes: friends to lovers, biawakening, opposites attract, single dad
Tropes: friends to lovers, biawakening, opposites attract, single dad
April 27, 2025
Loved this!
Gone Country is a sweet, sexy, realistically awkward romance with some amazing characters and brilliant chronic pain and autistic rep.
I just ADORED Skylar. Kit I wanted to give a kick up the jacksie a couple of times, but talk about a cowboy/rancher with a heart of gold.
The chronic pain rep was so good, especially his realisation of how much it affected him when it was better.
And the autistic rep in Kit's son was so nice to see. It's rare to get autistic rep with a non-verbal character with regular support needs that also acknowledges their humanity and autonomy as an adult.
In this, you'll find:
🔹️MM Contemporary Romance with a HEA
🔹️Single dad rancher businessman
🔹️Femme gay sugar baby orthopedic nurse
🔹️Age gap
🔹️City/country
🔹️Bi-awakening
🔹️Friendly with the ex
🔹️Ex wife now with a woman
🔹️Chronic pain & orthopedic injuries
🔹️Some homophobia
🔹️Sugar baby being passed on to someone else
🔹️Secret relationship for a time
Gone Country is a sweet, sexy, realistically awkward romance with some amazing characters and brilliant chronic pain and autistic rep.
I just ADORED Skylar. Kit I wanted to give a kick up the jacksie a couple of times, but talk about a cowboy/rancher with a heart of gold.
The chronic pain rep was so good, especially his realisation of how much it affected him when it was better.
And the autistic rep in Kit's son was so nice to see. It's rare to get autistic rep with a non-verbal character with regular support needs that also acknowledges their humanity and autonomy as an adult.
In this, you'll find:
🔹️MM Contemporary Romance with a HEA
🔹️Single dad rancher businessman
🔹️Femme gay sugar baby orthopedic nurse
🔹️Age gap
🔹️City/country
🔹️Bi-awakening
🔹️Friendly with the ex
🔹️Ex wife now with a woman
🔹️Chronic pain & orthopedic injuries
🔹️Some homophobia
🔹️Sugar baby being passed on to someone else
🔹️Secret relationship for a time
April 16, 2025
Kit and Skyler broke me into a thousand pieces and knit me back together again. Their complicated, drawn-out courtship had me feel all the feelings. Fox took my heart, stretched it thin, twisted it around and stuffed it back in my chest. And I’m thanking her for it. These two souls are so beautiful together but it was a hard fought battle to get there.
Skyler’s past broke my heart while Kit charmed on one hand (the way he interacts with Reed) and frustrated on the other hand.
With appearances by guys (& Stevie) from earlier in the series as well as from Wild Heart ranch and the Lost Boys, this book is a mother lode of special moments for long time readers.
Skyler’s friendship with Sam and Desi is fantastic and adds brevity. Kit’s relationship with his ex-wife Cynthia is a soothing balm. 5 stars.
Skyler’s past broke my heart while Kit charmed on one hand (the way he interacts with Reed) and frustrated on the other hand.
With appearances by guys (& Stevie) from earlier in the series as well as from Wild Heart ranch and the Lost Boys, this book is a mother lode of special moments for long time readers.
Skyler’s friendship with Sam and Desi is fantastic and adds brevity. Kit’s relationship with his ex-wife Cynthia is a soothing balm. 5 stars.
April 16, 2025
Fans of Kelly Fox have been given glimpses of Kit and Sky in previous books, so I was over-the-top excited about reading their story. As much as I loved Kit, with his brand of love, and Sky, with his strength and delicacy, I also love so very much the extended cast. Every Fox book has more than one love story and this one is no exception. This one has an added edge of unusual love stories, or maybe not unusual as so much as rarely told: a man’s love for his ex-wife, a glimpse inside love on the spectrum, and highly unlikely friendship pairings. It is so romantic, it breaks
my heart and puts it back together. I will say that there is none of the dark themes and my heart did not get ripped out for this book like they have for others and that’s okay—life imitating art and art imitating life and all that. It was still lovely to justify and preserve Kelly Fox’s one click status.
my heart and puts it back together. I will say that there is none of the dark themes and my heart did not get ripped out for this book like they have for others and that’s okay—life imitating art and art imitating life and all that. It was still lovely to justify and preserve Kelly Fox’s one click status.
April 18, 2025
I love Kelly Fox’s books and especially all of the Texas cowboy books/series that are connected. You can definitely read “Gone County” without reading all of the others but really don’t miss them. See all the other characters from the other books always reminds me how much I loved each book. Kit and Skylar are just perfect together. Along with all the side characters especially Kit’s son Reed. Kit is your Grumpy Cowboy and Skylar brings sunshine to everyone. Kit’s back story and relationship history is unique and the author wrote it with such love and compassion that you end up in love with his Ex-wife as well. Skylar has had some trauma in his life but works hard to move forward and become the man he wants to be. The passion between Kit and Skylar is just off the charts. Loved this book. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!!
May 11, 2025
I went in craving “I’m definitely straight” cowboy falls for flirty twink energy and baby, this delivered. Slow-talking, emotionally constipated ranch owner meets soft, sassy, ex-sugar-baby nurse practitioner and catches a whole bisexual awakening to the face. Giddyup.
The sexual tension? Glorious. But the emotional intimacy? Fuck me UP. They talk. They listen. They actually grow together. Between the mezcal kiss, the sneaky little glances, and the actual honest conversations about identity, pain, desire, and parenthood? I melted. Like butter on hot cornbread.
Also shoutout to: the respectful, warm ex-wife, disability rep with the son (so well handled), and the sexy panties moments
It’s tender. It’s horny. It’s got just enough yeehaw to keep your boots on and just enough softness to make me happy.
The sexual tension? Glorious. But the emotional intimacy? Fuck me UP. They talk. They listen. They actually grow together. Between the mezcal kiss, the sneaky little glances, and the actual honest conversations about identity, pain, desire, and parenthood? I melted. Like butter on hot cornbread.
Also shoutout to: the respectful, warm ex-wife, disability rep with the son (so well handled), and the sexy panties moments
It’s tender. It’s horny. It’s got just enough yeehaw to keep your boots on and just enough softness to make me happy.
April 14, 2025
I have a happy tear in my eye upon finishing this. Watching this gruff, stubborn cowboy deal with his life turning upside down was so fun and sweet, even if I did want to smack him once or twice. I loved all the side characters and the cameos from Kelly's other series--honestly the cameos are always so much fun to find in every book, and usually they make me want to go reread!!
My one and only complaint about this one is that it felt short. Not rushed, necessarily, but I could have used a couple more chapters towards the end when they finally get their acts together. But also I just devour everything Kelly writes and would be happy if all her books were 2x as long so maybe it's just that 🤣
My one and only complaint about this one is that it felt short. Not rushed, necessarily, but I could have used a couple more chapters towards the end when they finally get their acts together. But also I just devour everything Kelly writes and would be happy if all her books were 2x as long so maybe it's just that 🤣
April 19, 2025
Finally Skylar gets his HEA and with Kit, the cowboy of his dreams. However, it was not all smooth sailing for these two. Kit is a divorced rancher, co-parenting his adult autistic son with his ex and her wife, who up until recently only saw himself as “straight.” He has had an eye on Skylar though, and begrudgingly allows him to tend to his bad knee while striking up a friendship with the pretty NP. For his part, Sky has had a crush on Kit for awhile, but is just getting back on his feet after a breakup and lifestyle change. Their chemistry is off the charts though, despite some hiccups in the beginning. I really enjoyed getting to revisit with the other side characters we’ve come to know and love, all the while meeting new characters like Reed (Kit’s son) with his posh iPad modulated British voice. It takes a hot minute, but once Kit’s all in they finally get their second chance at happiness and it’s everything they both deserve.
June 8, 2025
I've read so many of the author's books from this Rebel Sky world and I enjoy each one as much as the next. In this book, we see Kit again, still dealing with an injured knee for which he refuses to get medical care. Skylar is an ortho who has helped Kit a few times to get some temporary relief. Now, Skylar has moved to the area and it is awakening all kinds of feelings in Kit that he never realized before - namely a huge attraction to a man.
This book has informed, good representation of autism, as reflected in the character of Kit's adult son. I appreciate all of the love, support, and acceptance in this large area friends' group. The passion and love between the MCs is so gratifying. I hope for more from this world in the future.
This book has informed, good representation of autism, as reflected in the character of Kit's adult son. I appreciate all of the love, support, and acceptance in this large area friends' group. The passion and love between the MCs is so gratifying. I hope for more from this world in the future.
July 12, 2025
perfect ending
This book was the perfect ending to this series… And I cannot say enough what a great series it was… I have loved Kelly Fox’s books for as long as I can remember and every time something new comes out she continues to blow me away
Gone Country features, Skyler rowdy’s best friend and kit the grumpy dude ranch owner we met in Pure County.
I do think this series has done an excellent job of depicting characters who face pretty significant personal and mental challenges… And while kit goes through his own version of “gay panic “ it was written with such a grace and beauty that as someone who has never known about it before came away with a brand new appreciation.
Definitely a slower burn than I have come to expect but worth it in the end.
This book was the perfect ending to this series… And I cannot say enough what a great series it was… I have loved Kelly Fox’s books for as long as I can remember and every time something new comes out she continues to blow me away
Gone Country features, Skyler rowdy’s best friend and kit the grumpy dude ranch owner we met in Pure County.
I do think this series has done an excellent job of depicting characters who face pretty significant personal and mental challenges… And while kit goes through his own version of “gay panic “ it was written with such a grace and beauty that as someone who has never known about it before came away with a brand new appreciation.
Definitely a slower burn than I have come to expect but worth it in the end.
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