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Down Home #5
Throw Down
Briar Phillips is no stranger to bad boys, but Derek Owens is a whole new breed of danger. He’s a grumpy loner with a dark past…
and
he’s still in the closet.
The hulking cowboy storms into Briar’s veterinary clinic after hours, refusing to take no for an answer. He needs Briar’s help and he needs it now. But with a body built for dominance and demons in his gaze, he’s a temptation—and a threat to Briar’s peaceful way of life.
Once a flamboyant city kid, Briar has sworn off hard men like Derek. The emotionally unavailable kind with troubled pasts and rough hands. But as they grow closer, it’s tempting to forget all that… and surrender to Derek’s arms and his demanding gaze. Giving love to a man who thinks he doesn’t deserve any at all.
But Derek’s past won’t stay there, and soon it threatens to haunt them both. Giving in to the cowboy might lead to more than just heartbreak for Briar--it might be downright dangerous.
The hulking cowboy storms into Briar’s veterinary clinic after hours, refusing to take no for an answer. He needs Briar’s help and he needs it now. But with a body built for dominance and demons in his gaze, he’s a temptation—and a threat to Briar’s peaceful way of life.
Once a flamboyant city kid, Briar has sworn off hard men like Derek. The emotionally unavailable kind with troubled pasts and rough hands. But as they grow closer, it’s tempting to forget all that… and surrender to Derek’s arms and his demanding gaze. Giving love to a man who thinks he doesn’t deserve any at all.
But Derek’s past won’t stay there, and soon it threatens to haunt them both. Giving in to the cowboy might lead to more than just heartbreak for Briar--it might be downright dangerous.
260 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2024
132 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Parker St. John
19 books508 followersGay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest who adores strong alpha men, rugged cowboys, blue collar smokeshows, mortal enemies and childhood friends who will make you SWOON when they fall in love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
May 23, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
You know it’s a special one when it’s a buddy read with my twinnie Ivana. ILY cuore mio. 👯♀️💖
▸▸Tall, dark and broody Derek only has time for his family. Meeting feisty city boy Briar might make him want something just for himself, just this once.◂◂
Throw Down was a very sweet, medium-angst read, with some small town vibes and peaceful sceneries.
I love big, rough grumpy-pants that melt for their special person, so I knew I was gonna fall for these two right from the start.
Derek was short-tempered, scary looking, but actually super sweet and caring and protective. Briar on the other hand was just postive energy, despite his past, and always searching for the best in people, and fierce, loyal. I really loved how the author portrayed these two, and how they just fit so perfectly together.
I only read the first of this series, so I did feel a bit lost at times with all the characters and names and appearances, but not too overwhelmed to not enjoy it anyways.
The romance was super loving and tender, and I loved how gentle and caring Derek was with Briar, how they loved each other for who they are. The moments we got of them enjoying each other were so precious — stargazing, fishing, cooking together, dancing.
The spice was hot and sexy, so much so that I really wanted more of them.
The closeted trope for *reasons* was a bit annoying towards the end, but other than that I still very much enjoyed this lovely story.
Not perfect, not yet. But very close indeed.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Small town
- Size difference
- First times
- Closeted MC
- Caretaker MC
- Mentions of foster care
- Mentions of abusive relationship (off page)
- Strict top/bottom
- Frotting
You know it’s a special one when it’s a buddy read with my twinnie Ivana. ILY cuore mio. 👯♀️💖
“You’re the first man to kiss me like that,” Briar whispered, lashes fluttering open. “Like it matters.”
“You’re the first man I’ve ever wanted to kiss,” Derek admitted.
▸▸Tall, dark and broody Derek only has time for his family. Meeting feisty city boy Briar might make him want something just for himself, just this once.◂◂
Throw Down was a very sweet, medium-angst read, with some small town vibes and peaceful sceneries.
I love big, rough grumpy-pants that melt for their special person, so I knew I was gonna fall for these two right from the start.
Derek was short-tempered, scary looking, but actually super sweet and caring and protective. Briar on the other hand was just postive energy, despite his past, and always searching for the best in people, and fierce, loyal. I really loved how the author portrayed these two, and how they just fit so perfectly together.
I only read the first of this series, so I did feel a bit lost at times with all the characters and names and appearances, but not too overwhelmed to not enjoy it anyways.
“What am I?” he asked miserably. “Everything.”
The romance was super loving and tender, and I loved how gentle and caring Derek was with Briar, how they loved each other for who they are. The moments we got of them enjoying each other were so precious — stargazing, fishing, cooking together, dancing.
The spice was hot and sexy, so much so that I really wanted more of them.
The closeted trope for *reasons* was a bit annoying towards the end, but other than that I still very much enjoyed this lovely story.
«Maybe it wasn’t perfect, not yet, but Briar thought it was the closest he’d ever get this side of heaven.»
Not perfect, not yet. But very close indeed.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Small town
- Size difference
- First times
- Closeted MC
- Caretaker MC
- Mentions of foster care
- Mentions of abusive relationship (off page)
- Strict top/bottom
- Frotting
May 8, 2024
I feel like this is exactly the type of book you expect from KU when you read a KU romance lol
Small town, Cowboy-esque, low angst romance between a vet assistant and rough and stoic scrap yard worker.
I initially found the beauty and the beast dynamic to be a bit of fun but it got a bit repetitive. Like we get it, Derek’s super big and kind of off looking in an unconventionally handsome way and Briar is super fashionable, small, city boy out of place and useless at doing work with tools. I just would have enjoyed the stereotypes to be a bit subverted but instead they just felt a bit ham fisted.
I actually thought that the chemistry in their relationship was cute enough but the actual journey of their relationship was kind of strangely paced? Probably not assisted by the dreaded time skips. When the first L-bomb was dropped I was actually kind of surprised cause it felt a bit like it came out of nowhere.
Also, another interesting pacing thing, the big dramatic climax happened at like 94%? And was kind of out of the blue and just kind of felt shoe horned in for convenience of the story narrative. Like the author was like “I need this conversation to occur so what random set of circumstances can be set up to facilitate this happening”.
I feel like this is perfectly fine but missed that ✨special something✨to really engage me and keep me hooked, but definitely an easy enough read
Small town, Cowboy-esque, low angst romance between a vet assistant and rough and stoic scrap yard worker.
I initially found the beauty and the beast dynamic to be a bit of fun but it got a bit repetitive. Like we get it, Derek’s super big and kind of off looking in an unconventionally handsome way and Briar is super fashionable, small, city boy out of place and useless at doing work with tools. I just would have enjoyed the stereotypes to be a bit subverted but instead they just felt a bit ham fisted.
I actually thought that the chemistry in their relationship was cute enough but the actual journey of their relationship was kind of strangely paced? Probably not assisted by the dreaded time skips. When the first L-bomb was dropped I was actually kind of surprised cause it felt a bit like it came out of nowhere.
Also, another interesting pacing thing, the big dramatic climax happened at like 94%? And was kind of out of the blue and just kind of felt shoe horned in for convenience of the story narrative. Like the author was like “I need this conversation to occur so what random set of circumstances can be set up to facilitate this happening”.
I feel like this is perfectly fine but missed that ✨special something✨to really engage me and keep me hooked, but definitely an easy enough read
May 14, 2024
⭐︎
3.75 stars rounded up!
⭐︎
While not the best I've read by this author, it was still enjoyable overall.
I really liked Briar and Derek together. Their chemistry was good, and they kept me engaged in their relationship throughout this. I loved the extreme height difference - a whole foot between them and the whole grumpy/sunshine aspect as well.
There isn't a ton of plot in this, to be honest, aside from their relationship. They are the big reason I'm giving this book this high of a rating. If they hadn't been so entertaining, I probably would have given this lower.
Because nothing really...happens outside of their relationship. Which again, I didn't mind too much because the relationship was done so well overall. But aside from when they first meet when Derek's dog is sick in the beginning, a bar fight that they don't even fully participate in but kind of start (but if Derek hadn't been his hero complex self, they wouldn't have been a part of at all), and these guys that kind of want to pull Derek into illegal shit he did as a kid to keep food on the table for their family, but Derek is so big and intimidating that he doesn't get pushed around into anything, so that goes absolutely nowhere, because the guys are afraid of Derek, not the other way around, there isn't any plot aside from their relationship.
Then there's the climax where that happens past 90% so it doesn't go on for long, and it all turns out okay. It was basically used as a device to push Derek over the final hump he needed to be able to comfortably come out and be with Briar out in public and it showed.
Derek's reasoning behind not wanting to come out was also fairly flimsy. I didn't completely hate it, as it made some sense. But mostly when Derek was younger and really in the role of "parent" for every one of his siblings, and what his mother said to him would have been fresh for a long time.
Now, as he's an adult, and all the rest of his siblings are adults who can take care of themselves...it doesn't make all that much sense. But also, I can kinda get Derek having gotten into a comfortable routine for so many years, staying in the closet to not cause waves in the family where there's already so many waves.
But Derek is so stubborn and set in his ways that he doesn't really listen to reason. It gets a bit frustrating, but also it's kind of the only source of "drama" between these two. Without it, there's really nothing to cause tension between them.
Which, I guess, is the real problem with it. While it's slightly understandable for Derek's character, it just doesn't quite land as a legitimate reason for drama between Briar and Derek.
My main reason for my 1.25 star off is this barely there reason for drama, not much of a plot otherwise, and the very quick climax that's used as a plot device in a pretty obvious way.
I think there could have been better plot throughout this, and either different drama than Derek's refusal to come out for a long time or a better reasoning for him not coming out, and then this would have been much better overall.
Again, I still enjoyed it because of the relationship between Derek and Briar. I liked their chemistry. The sex we got was very steamy and passionate and I loved it (although I wouldn't have minded more...we only got one penetrative sex scene *humph*). And even though the climax was done too fast and too flimsily done, I did love getting to see , so those are all pluses.
But there is no denying this could have been stronger. Still, I do recommend this if you've been keeping up with this series. Getting to see a different side to Derek, as well as getting to see him be happy, was wonderful to see. Also, Briar was very sweet and adorable and I loved his character.
I can't believe this series is coming to an end soon, with the next book in this series being its last 😭 I don't want it to end! But...I also can't wait to see what new stuff this author will have in store for us.
I'm excited for Aiden to get his HEA. The guy who claims to be "straight" not being so straight is always so fun. Also can't wait to see who his LI will be. Who will be the man to tame the life of the party? I'm excited to see!
Onto the next! 😍
I received a copy of this this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
My Ratings for the Down Home Series:
🔆 Down Low: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Down and Dirty: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Down and Out: 4.25 stars (my review)
🔆 Down in Flames: 4.25 stars (my review)
🔆 Throw Down: 3.75 stars
While not the best I've read by this author, it was still enjoyable overall.
I really liked Briar and Derek together. Their chemistry was good, and they kept me engaged in their relationship throughout this. I loved the extreme height difference - a whole foot between them and the whole grumpy/sunshine aspect as well.
There isn't a ton of plot in this, to be honest, aside from their relationship. They are the big reason I'm giving this book this high of a rating. If they hadn't been so entertaining, I probably would have given this lower.
Because nothing really...happens outside of their relationship. Which again, I didn't mind too much because the relationship was done so well overall. But aside from when they first meet when Derek's dog is sick in the beginning, a bar fight that they don't even fully participate in but kind of start (but if Derek hadn't been his hero complex self, they wouldn't have been a part of at all), and these guys that kind of want to pull Derek into illegal shit he did as a kid to keep food on the table for their family, but Derek is so big and intimidating that he doesn't get pushed around into anything, so that goes absolutely nowhere, because the guys are afraid of Derek, not the other way around, there isn't any plot aside from their relationship.
Then there's the climax where that happens past 90% so it doesn't go on for long, and it all turns out okay. It was basically used as a device to push Derek over the final hump he needed to be able to comfortably come out and be with Briar out in public and it showed.
Derek's reasoning behind not wanting to come out was also fairly flimsy. I didn't completely hate it, as it made some sense. But mostly when Derek was younger and really in the role of "parent" for every one of his siblings, and what his mother said to him would have been fresh for a long time.
Now, as he's an adult, and all the rest of his siblings are adults who can take care of themselves...it doesn't make all that much sense. But also, I can kinda get Derek having gotten into a comfortable routine for so many years, staying in the closet to not cause waves in the family where there's already so many waves.
But Derek is so stubborn and set in his ways that he doesn't really listen to reason. It gets a bit frustrating, but also it's kind of the only source of "drama" between these two. Without it, there's really nothing to cause tension between them.
Which, I guess, is the real problem with it. While it's slightly understandable for Derek's character, it just doesn't quite land as a legitimate reason for drama between Briar and Derek.
My main reason for my 1.25 star off is this barely there reason for drama, not much of a plot otherwise, and the very quick climax that's used as a plot device in a pretty obvious way.
I think there could have been better plot throughout this, and either different drama than Derek's refusal to come out for a long time or a better reasoning for him not coming out, and then this would have been much better overall.
Again, I still enjoyed it because of the relationship between Derek and Briar. I liked their chemistry. The sex we got was very steamy and passionate and I loved it (although I wouldn't have minded more...we only got one penetrative sex scene *humph*). And even though the climax was done too fast and too flimsily done, I did love getting to see , so those are all pluses.
But there is no denying this could have been stronger. Still, I do recommend this if you've been keeping up with this series. Getting to see a different side to Derek, as well as getting to see him be happy, was wonderful to see. Also, Briar was very sweet and adorable and I loved his character.
I can't believe this series is coming to an end soon, with the next book in this series being its last 😭 I don't want it to end! But...I also can't wait to see what new stuff this author will have in store for us.
I'm excited for Aiden to get his HEA. The guy who claims to be "straight" not being so straight is always so fun. Also can't wait to see who his LI will be. Who will be the man to tame the life of the party? I'm excited to see!
Onto the next! 😍
I received a copy of this this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
My Ratings for the Down Home Series:
🔆 Down Low: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Down and Dirty: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Down and Out: 4.25 stars (my review)
🔆 Down in Flames: 4.25 stars (my review)
🔆 Throw Down: 3.75 stars
June 17, 2024
2.5⭐
My most anticipated book, because Derek is my top guy in this series, but damn, this book did him dirty.
It felt like the author was trying to come up with a plot, trying to give the always brooding and tormented Derek the love of his life after a lifetime of being closeted and having the weight of the world on his shoulders, but no, nothing went right.
The story was grasping for straws all the time.
🔵 Finally that double POV - I appreciate it!
🟡 Gay/closeted
🟢 Size difference
🔵 I don't know how old they both are, I expected a bigger age gap considering the story, I still have no idea how old Derek is
🟣 No chemistry
🟠 Hiding a relationship, coming out
🟢 Poverty, family, caretaker
🟡 A twink that that grated on my nerves
🌶️ Very little smut, one penetrative scene; t/b
Derek was a fantastic character. He's West's oldest brother who's been the family's provider since he was a teenager, so he's a hardened soul who's had a tough life and is still rough around the edges. He's hardworking and loyal, a big oaf who's muscled and strong and - closeted his whole life. For a while there I absolutely hated his wretched family he's so loyal to and I was hoping having a boyfriend will change that for him, but sadly not.
Derek
I loved Derek in West's book and I love him still, but he definitely didn't get the story worthy of his heart.
His love interest was Briar, the vet tech twink, which would've been fine for me if Briar's character were a bit more fleshed out, but as it was, I honestly thought Briar was too plain and not a good fit for Derek.
Briar seemed like a guy who's just too prickly and awkward, trying to be funny and flamboyant but failing at it, he couldn't find friends for a whole year of being in Sweetwater and even the gay couples didn't let him in. Everywhere he turned - he was out of place and that hadn't changed until the very end.
Briar couldn't adapt just a little bit and kept prancing around in his leather pants in a small town that stank of horse shit everywhere you turned, so he just didn't put the effort in and I overall disliked his character.
"Briar wasn’t sure if the last splash in his bottle of Valentino cologne would combat the scent of animals and antiseptic that clung to him after a long day, but it would have to suffice. He didn't have time for a shower."
You're honestly trying to tell me that a guy who can't let go of his clubbing outfits and goes working on a ranch wearing them, comes home and stinks of animals, finally goes on a date with a guy in another town 3 hours away and doesn't shower??
Yeah, not happening.
Briar and Derek didn't get each other, let's start there. They don't get each other. They aren't a good fit. No chemistry or connection detected. Zero, zip, nada.
Their love story was completely underwhelming. It absolutely didn't have the depth it demanded considering Derek's complex character and history.
Briar should've been a fling, a step up to finding a forever partner, not the forever partner.
Their dialogues were bland. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't feel what they were obviously feeling in the story. How could these two even get so close? Based on what?? There was no magic and no love was developing - there was hardly any lust developing either. A few times fooling around and even that was awkward, one time having sex and immediately after that Briar loved Derek, over and out. Desperate much?
Not to mention the ridiculous porn dialogue. Yeah, that one took the cake. That one will stay with me for a few day for sure. 😆
"Whenever I dared to search for porn on our old dial- up, the actors didn’t exactly focus on romance.”
“Yeah, but that was a long time ago,” Briar protested. “Porn’s evolved.”
“I haven’t looked at that stuff in a long time,” Derek said wryly.
“What?” Briar couldn’t keep the shock off his face. “But… why? You’re a grown man. You’ve got direct access to it in your pocket all the time.”
"Derek seemed to have gone out of his way to choose a restrictive, joyless life for no obvious reason."
Actors never focus on romance in porn.
And Derek knows that.
How do I know?
Because Derek is a man in his prime who's definitely 100% watching porn and going out of town to hook up.
You can't tell me otherwise.
I'm not buying it.
A tall, muscled guy with a strong libido, a physical worker who lives alone and he's been what, just stroking his dick for the past 20 years watching bears from his cabin?
Sure. 🙄
What happened here?, is what I want to know. It looks like the author didn't really have an inspiration for this story. They tried and put something together, but it's not really up there with the rest of the books in this series.
I didn't like it. And that's saying a lot because as I've said, Derek is my top guy.
My most anticipated book, because Derek is my top guy in this series, but damn, this book did him dirty.
It felt like the author was trying to come up with a plot, trying to give the always brooding and tormented Derek the love of his life after a lifetime of being closeted and having the weight of the world on his shoulders, but no, nothing went right.
The story was grasping for straws all the time.
🔵 Finally that double POV - I appreciate it!
🟡 Gay/closeted
🟢 Size difference
🔵 I don't know how old they both are, I expected a bigger age gap considering the story, I still have no idea how old Derek is
🟣 No chemistry
🟠 Hiding a relationship, coming out
🟢 Poverty, family, caretaker
🟡 A twink that that grated on my nerves
🌶️ Very little smut, one penetrative scene; t/b
Derek was a fantastic character. He's West's oldest brother who's been the family's provider since he was a teenager, so he's a hardened soul who's had a tough life and is still rough around the edges. He's hardworking and loyal, a big oaf who's muscled and strong and - closeted his whole life. For a while there I absolutely hated his wretched family he's so loyal to and I was hoping having a boyfriend will change that for him, but sadly not.
Derek
I loved Derek in West's book and I love him still, but he definitely didn't get the story worthy of his heart.
His love interest was Briar, the vet tech twink, which would've been fine for me if Briar's character were a bit more fleshed out, but as it was, I honestly thought Briar was too plain and not a good fit for Derek.
Briar seemed like a guy who's just too prickly and awkward, trying to be funny and flamboyant but failing at it, he couldn't find friends for a whole year of being in Sweetwater and even the gay couples didn't let him in. Everywhere he turned - he was out of place and that hadn't changed until the very end.
Briar couldn't adapt just a little bit and kept prancing around in his leather pants in a small town that stank of horse shit everywhere you turned, so he just didn't put the effort in and I overall disliked his character.
"Briar wasn’t sure if the last splash in his bottle of Valentino cologne would combat the scent of animals and antiseptic that clung to him after a long day, but it would have to suffice. He didn't have time for a shower."
You're honestly trying to tell me that a guy who can't let go of his clubbing outfits and goes working on a ranch wearing them, comes home and stinks of animals, finally goes on a date with a guy in another town 3 hours away and doesn't shower??
Yeah, not happening.
Briar and Derek didn't get each other, let's start there. They don't get each other. They aren't a good fit. No chemistry or connection detected. Zero, zip, nada.
Their love story was completely underwhelming. It absolutely didn't have the depth it demanded considering Derek's complex character and history.
Briar should've been a fling, a step up to finding a forever partner, not the forever partner.
Their dialogues were bland. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't feel what they were obviously feeling in the story. How could these two even get so close? Based on what?? There was no magic and no love was developing - there was hardly any lust developing either. A few times fooling around and even that was awkward, one time having sex and immediately after that Briar loved Derek, over and out. Desperate much?
Not to mention the ridiculous porn dialogue. Yeah, that one took the cake. That one will stay with me for a few day for sure. 😆
"Whenever I dared to search for porn on our old dial- up, the actors didn’t exactly focus on romance.”
“Yeah, but that was a long time ago,” Briar protested. “Porn’s evolved.”
“I haven’t looked at that stuff in a long time,” Derek said wryly.
“What?” Briar couldn’t keep the shock off his face. “But… why? You’re a grown man. You’ve got direct access to it in your pocket all the time.”
"Derek seemed to have gone out of his way to choose a restrictive, joyless life for no obvious reason."
Actors never focus on romance in porn.
And Derek knows that.
How do I know?
Because Derek is a man in his prime who's definitely 100% watching porn and going out of town to hook up.
You can't tell me otherwise.
I'm not buying it.
A tall, muscled guy with a strong libido, a physical worker who lives alone and he's been what, just stroking his dick for the past 20 years watching bears from his cabin?
Sure. 🙄
What happened here?, is what I want to know. It looks like the author didn't really have an inspiration for this story. They tried and put something together, but it's not really up there with the rest of the books in this series.
I didn't like it. And that's saying a lot because as I've said, Derek is my top guy.
September 12, 2024
Back to small-town life and secrets
After being a bit disappointed by book four in the series, this felt like a return to the top quality of the rest of the entries so far.
Even book four isn't bad, it just felt a little bit rushed and lacking in steam compared to the others.
Here the pacing is definitely improved, although it's still a bold move to leave a 'tension moment" right into the final few chapters.
It worked well enough for me though and, even though I'd have loved a bit more steam in this one, it wasn't lacking at all in the intimacy I adore in an MM romance.
Derek was soft with Briar, in a way he wouldn't let himself be with anyone else and it was beautiful to see.
Overall, this is probably the least angsty in the whole Down Home series but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
I loved how Briar found his home fitting into Derek's rough and ready life.
After being a bit disappointed by book four in the series, this felt like a return to the top quality of the rest of the entries so far.
Even book four isn't bad, it just felt a little bit rushed and lacking in steam compared to the others.
Here the pacing is definitely improved, although it's still a bold move to leave a 'tension moment" right into the final few chapters.
It worked well enough for me though and, even though I'd have loved a bit more steam in this one, it wasn't lacking at all in the intimacy I adore in an MM romance.
Derek was soft with Briar, in a way he wouldn't let himself be with anyone else and it was beautiful to see.
Overall, this is probably the least angsty in the whole Down Home series but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
I loved how Briar found his home fitting into Derek's rough and ready life.
May 9, 2024
My least favourite in this series. Rating it 2 ⭐⭐ and looking forward to Aiden's book instead
June 9, 2024
3.5 - I loved the first 3 books of this series and gave them 5 stars. The last 2 haven’t quite hit the spot for me although this is may just be personal preference for the character types and dynamics.
I think this would be best read soon after book 4 to make the most of knowing Derek’s history and family situation, and also because Briar featured quite a bit there. We also see some scenes that felt important between Derek and West but I’d lost the momentum in the storyline between them as it has been a little while. I enjoyed the country town setting and Briar was sweet but I never really vibed with Derek or their relationship.
Things I wasn’t a fan of were the time skips, how the ILY’s felt like they came out of nowhere and all the action being in the last 10%. I also felt like there were a few cringey moments and I HATE second hand embarrassment so these scenes were uncomfortable for me whereas other readers would probably find them funny.
It makes me sad to give this a 3 and it was not bad, but compared to my love of the earlier books I was disappointed.
I think this would be best read soon after book 4 to make the most of knowing Derek’s history and family situation, and also because Briar featured quite a bit there. We also see some scenes that felt important between Derek and West but I’d lost the momentum in the storyline between them as it has been a little while. I enjoyed the country town setting and Briar was sweet but I never really vibed with Derek or their relationship.
Things I wasn’t a fan of were the time skips, how the ILY’s felt like they came out of nowhere and all the action being in the last 10%. I also felt like there were a few cringey moments and I HATE second hand embarrassment so these scenes were uncomfortable for me whereas other readers would probably find them funny.
It makes me sad to give this a 3 and it was not bad, but compared to my love of the earlier books I was disappointed.
May 9, 2024
- opposites attract
- size difference
- small town
I’m honestly on the fence. I absolutely loved Briar’s personality and willingness to always see the good in everyone, but I wasn’t a fan of Derek’s constant hot and cold routine (and eventual 180*) or his wanting to keep Briar a secret (or the fact that Briar was willing to accept that when Derek really had no real reasons to stay closeted lol).
- size difference
- small town
I’m honestly on the fence. I absolutely loved Briar’s personality and willingness to always see the good in everyone, but I wasn’t a fan of Derek’s constant hot and cold routine (and eventual 180*) or his wanting to keep Briar a secret (or the fact that Briar was willing to accept that when Derek really had no real reasons to stay closeted lol).
May 30, 2024
As readers we all know that feeling of excitement when a new book is released (specially when you hadn't realized yet!) and it's part of a series you loved, one of your favorite series even. And because of that, we usually have high expectations. Whether they are valid or not, that's not the question. I'm sure it happens to all of us. Those high expectations are exactly why we sometimes experience utter disappointment.
And that's exactly what happened to me while reading this book.
I was completely taken by surprise when I saw this was released, and I was overjoyed when my request for an arc was approved. (And mind you, I hardly request arc’s these days)
After reading, I can only honestly admit that I'm quite disappointed that the book did not live up to my mile high expectations. It just never reached the quality of the first 2 or 3 books that I loved so much, specially book 1 and 2, they are my absolute favorites! So, is it that the book is an all right written, enjoyable romance, or is it that my expectations are way too high based on the earlier books in this series and is it not fair to rate it with just 3 stars?
To me those 3 stars feel like an accurate rating, based on my enjoyment of the book. Or maybe lack of.
It wasn't the writing, I suppose. Because Parker St. John knows how to write. I guess it's the story itself. It couldn't hold my attention, and I had a hard time connecting to either Derek or Briar. It felt like they were way too different in order to fall for one another. And of course I realize opposites attract is a trope, but part of the reason I wasn't sold on it was because Derek seemed to be a different person for the second half of the book. For most of the first part he was this unhappy, grumpy person, who even couldn't admit to enjoy having a stray dog around. And the way Briar acted around Derek didn't feel genuine to me either. The development of their attraction just didn't feel organic or natural to me. The L word came at a moment where I couldn't even believe they could be friends, let alone LOVE each other. I mean, a couple of rounds of good sex, where you might discover you are compatible, just can’t be confused with love, with wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone.
I can't exactly pinpoint why and where it went wrong, there's plenty of other readers who loved the way they were with each other, but I just could never really warm up to them or their relationship. So that might be on me, and that might have a lot to do with my high expectations, but the intensity of Cal and Eli, or Lane and Denver was only present in the first 2 books, (and a little bit still between Tucker and Nate from the 3rd book) and I guess that's what I loved most of their second chance romance. So is it that this isn't second chance romance? Is that just the kind of trope Parker St. John writes best?
Anyway, yes, I am disappointed. So maybe even my 3 star rating seems generous after all I pointed out, but 2 stars seems very undeserved, specially since the writing is okay and since the author deserves some credit.
But no, I guess I won't be reading the last book that's going to come after this one. I have peace with the fact that this series isn't my favorite series anymore, but I still cherish the first 2 books and they will certainly be keepers on my All Time Favorite Shelf.
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased opinion.
And that's exactly what happened to me while reading this book.
I was completely taken by surprise when I saw this was released, and I was overjoyed when my request for an arc was approved. (And mind you, I hardly request arc’s these days)
After reading, I can only honestly admit that I'm quite disappointed that the book did not live up to my mile high expectations. It just never reached the quality of the first 2 or 3 books that I loved so much, specially book 1 and 2, they are my absolute favorites! So, is it that the book is an all right written, enjoyable romance, or is it that my expectations are way too high based on the earlier books in this series and is it not fair to rate it with just 3 stars?
To me those 3 stars feel like an accurate rating, based on my enjoyment of the book. Or maybe lack of.
It wasn't the writing, I suppose. Because Parker St. John knows how to write. I guess it's the story itself. It couldn't hold my attention, and I had a hard time connecting to either Derek or Briar. It felt like they were way too different in order to fall for one another. And of course I realize opposites attract is a trope, but part of the reason I wasn't sold on it was because Derek seemed to be a different person for the second half of the book. For most of the first part he was this unhappy, grumpy person, who even couldn't admit to enjoy having a stray dog around. And the way Briar acted around Derek didn't feel genuine to me either. The development of their attraction just didn't feel organic or natural to me. The L word came at a moment where I couldn't even believe they could be friends, let alone LOVE each other. I mean, a couple of rounds of good sex, where you might discover you are compatible, just can’t be confused with love, with wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone.
I can't exactly pinpoint why and where it went wrong, there's plenty of other readers who loved the way they were with each other, but I just could never really warm up to them or their relationship. So that might be on me, and that might have a lot to do with my high expectations, but the intensity of Cal and Eli, or Lane and Denver was only present in the first 2 books, (and a little bit still between Tucker and Nate from the 3rd book) and I guess that's what I loved most of their second chance romance. So is it that this isn't second chance romance? Is that just the kind of trope Parker St. John writes best?
Anyway, yes, I am disappointed. So maybe even my 3 star rating seems generous after all I pointed out, but 2 stars seems very undeserved, specially since the writing is okay and since the author deserves some credit.
But no, I guess I won't be reading the last book that's going to come after this one. I have peace with the fact that this series isn't my favorite series anymore, but I still cherish the first 2 books and they will certainly be keepers on my All Time Favorite Shelf.
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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August 5, 2024DNF @ 23%. The idea of being a primary caretaker for your younger siblings for years, and then getting into a romantic relationship with someone where the dynamic is you take care of cute fragile lil them…. gives me hives. Like, 🤢. This is definitely better than the last one (a low bar) but the entire concept makes me physically ill so… it’s a no for me.
June 14, 2024
While I did really like the relationship that gradually developed between Derek and Briar, it was frustrating that his family had put all of these expectations and demands on him and he was forced to basically live his life for other people and not himself. How did none of them notice the pressure he was being put under? And why could none of these grown adults sort out their own issues for once? I swear I'd block my sister's if they phoned me for help with every single little thing in life and I wouldn't even feel bad about it 😂😂😂
Briar was an absolute angel, immediately protective and making sure that Derek got what he needed and knew that he was loved. Sabbath was adorable too!
I hated the blind date guy, I have no idea how Briar stuck it out for as long as he did.
What I did really dislike though was the assumptions that Derek made about West, and the fact that they were never addressed. He kept saying West was entitled and never helped out or pulled his weight, when West was wearing himself down by doing everything for everyone, plus competing in rodeos, working full time and helping on the farms - both his parent's and Michaels. What more did he want the man to do, especially when he knew he had heart problems? It didn't make much sense, and I don't believe Derek would be unaware of how much West was doing, because it has been emphasised since book one that this is a tiny town where everyone knows each other and what colour underwear they've got on for the day seemingly! It just felt like a loose end that didn't make sense to begin with.
Briar was an absolute angel, immediately protective and making sure that Derek got what he needed and knew that he was loved. Sabbath was adorable too!
I hated the blind date guy, I have no idea how Briar stuck it out for as long as he did.
What I did really dislike though was the assumptions that Derek made about West, and the fact that they were never addressed. He kept saying West was entitled and never helped out or pulled his weight, when West was wearing himself down by doing everything for everyone, plus competing in rodeos, working full time and helping on the farms - both his parent's and Michaels. What more did he want the man to do, especially when he knew he had heart problems? It didn't make much sense, and I don't believe Derek would be unaware of how much West was doing, because it has been emphasised since book one that this is a tiny town where everyone knows each other and what colour underwear they've got on for the day seemingly! It just felt like a loose end that didn't make sense to begin with.
May 18, 2024
Really enjoyed this one. Derek and Briar are complete opposites, and just fit together so perfectly. I love the grumpy/sunshine trope and Derek was the ultimate grump, while Briar was pure sunshine. This book quickly became my favorite of the series, but I’m so looking forward to the next one!
May 12, 2024
I just loved this so much! When I read the previous book in this series where we meet Derek I did not like him. I love redemption stories though and Derek deserved a happily ever after. Brier was a breath of fresh air and he was exactly what Derek needed.
This book was different than the other books since it wasn’t set on a farm and neither character is a cowboy. I liked that change and we still saw the previous couples.
This book was very touching and for as hard and cold as Derek seemed he was so romantic and caring. I loved his siblings and how supportive they were. I really adored Sabbath, the little dog who first brings Brier and Derek together.
Brier never felt like he belonged anywhere. Moving to Sweetwater is supposed to be temporary and he knows he doesn’t fit in. It takes him a bit to figure out some things about Derek and I loved that he never truly pushed him. He encouraged him and made sure he knew he was there for him. He deserved his found family and these two made a perfect pair.
I do have to say that this cover does not fit this book. I am guessing that’s Derek and that is ok but the guy riding a horse doesn’t fit Brier at all! Just don’t get confused because Brier is not a cowboy!
I received an ARC for my honest opinion
All thoughts and opinions are my own
This book was different than the other books since it wasn’t set on a farm and neither character is a cowboy. I liked that change and we still saw the previous couples.
This book was very touching and for as hard and cold as Derek seemed he was so romantic and caring. I loved his siblings and how supportive they were. I really adored Sabbath, the little dog who first brings Brier and Derek together.
Brier never felt like he belonged anywhere. Moving to Sweetwater is supposed to be temporary and he knows he doesn’t fit in. It takes him a bit to figure out some things about Derek and I loved that he never truly pushed him. He encouraged him and made sure he knew he was there for him. He deserved his found family and these two made a perfect pair.
I do have to say that this cover does not fit this book. I am guessing that’s Derek and that is ok but the guy riding a horse doesn’t fit Brier at all! Just don’t get confused because Brier is not a cowboy!
I received an ARC for my honest opinion
All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 27, 2024
I dropped everything I could to read this as soon as possible, and I am so happy that I did. Parker St. John has become an insta-buy author for me, and I haven't been proven wrong yet. The entire Down Home series is a favorite of mine, and Throw Down is no exception. Ever since Briar was introduced a book or two ago, I was hoping that he would be part of another story. I was a little shocked to see that he was paired up with Derek. Like with plenty of other books in this series, I went in being unsure about one of the characters involved and ended up absolutely loving them.
This is going to give you the best reading experience if you've already read books in the series, as there are appearances from Cal and Eli and the others. I would say you can also read it as a standalone, but you should be prepared to not know who a lot of people are and not quite follow the story as well.
I enjoyed the way that the relationship between Briar and Derek developed, especially since it felt different from other couples in the series. There are plenty of heartbreaking moments, but they're evened out by the sweet ones.
perfect for you if: you love cowboy romances, you've read other books in the Down Home series, you love hurt/comfort books, you love hurt characters working together to find love, you love the grumpy/sunshine or country boy/city boy dynamic, you don't mind the third act drama happening very close to the end
warnings (not comprehensive):
This is going to give you the best reading experience if you've already read books in the series, as there are appearances from Cal and Eli and the others. I would say you can also read it as a standalone, but you should be prepared to not know who a lot of people are and not quite follow the story as well.
I enjoyed the way that the relationship between Briar and Derek developed, especially since it felt different from other couples in the series. There are plenty of heartbreaking moments, but they're evened out by the sweet ones.
perfect for you if: you love cowboy romances, you've read other books in the Down Home series, you love hurt/comfort books, you love hurt characters working together to find love, you love the grumpy/sunshine or country boy/city boy dynamic, you don't mind the third act drama happening very close to the end
warnings (not comprehensive):
May 8, 2024
I've enjoyed most books in the Down Home series but this one left a lot to be desired. The tone was slightly different from the previous books and the embellishments towards creating angst were ineffective. The context to Derek's grumpy (and stale) persona seemed quite exaggerated. The angst peppered in places felt forced, the pacing didn't hit the mark either.
The leads hadn't met each other until the first chapter despite living in this "no-good, middle-of-nowhere small town". There was immense potential to build upon their contrasting personalities through prior run-ins or any unexpected brief encounters. Instead, we just get told that they're opposites over and over again as if that's reason enough for them to click. They meet once and that meeting is supposedly enough to have figured each other out. There is a whisper of a push-and-pull and then all of a sudden they're falling into a relationship routine and trusting each other, beyond barriers.
Derek is closeted but really has no concrete reason to be. His attraction to Briar wasn't substantiated well and his actions were inconsistent with his words and mindset pretty much until the end of the book. I'm usually okay with the lack of a plot but the character/relationship development didn't materialize organically at all, in the case of this book.
This book didn't necessarily need to be written. Hope the next one is better.
The leads hadn't met each other until the first chapter despite living in this "no-good, middle-of-nowhere small town". There was immense potential to build upon their contrasting personalities through prior run-ins or any unexpected brief encounters. Instead, we just get told that they're opposites over and over again as if that's reason enough for them to click. They meet once and that meeting is supposedly enough to have figured each other out. There is a whisper of a push-and-pull and then all of a sudden they're falling into a relationship routine and trusting each other, beyond barriers.
Derek is closeted but really has no concrete reason to be. His attraction to Briar wasn't substantiated well and his actions were inconsistent with his words and mindset pretty much until the end of the book. I'm usually okay with the lack of a plot but the character/relationship development didn't materialize organically at all, in the case of this book.
This book didn't necessarily need to be written. Hope the next one is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
This one was okay. I would have expected a bit more tension and drama, considering Derek's dark personality, but it was still good. This series definitely gives me the cowboy romance fix I need 🙈
ᴅᴏᴡɴ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ:
1.) Down Low | 4.5 stars
2.) Down and Dirty | 4.0 stars
3.) Down and Out | 3.0 stars
4.) Down in Flames | 4.0 stars
5.) Throw Down | 3.0 stars
6.) Downfall | 4.5 stars
ᴅᴏᴡɴ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ:
1.) Down Low | 4.5 stars
2.) Down and Dirty | 4.0 stars
3.) Down and Out | 3.0 stars
4.) Down in Flames | 4.0 stars
5.) Throw Down | 3.0 stars
6.) Downfall | 4.5 stars
July 13, 2024
3.5 stars.
I like the contradiction between the main characters, Briar is super flamboyant and Derek is a very stoic guy who won't allow himself to be with someone because he feels responsible for his family members. There is another motive, but you have to read the book.
The story could have been better, but I still liked it. Cal and Eli are wonderful characters, even if they are secondary.
The poor little dog from owner to owner. 😭
The next one is the last in the series, which will have Aiden as the main character.
I like the contradiction between the main characters, Briar is super flamboyant and Derek is a very stoic guy who won't allow himself to be with someone because he feels responsible for his family members. There is another motive, but you have to read the book.
The story could have been better, but I still liked it. Cal and Eli are wonderful characters, even if they are secondary.
The poor little dog from owner to owner. 😭
The next one is the last in the series, which will have Aiden as the main character.
January 9, 2025
(2.5/5) Boring is perhaps not the right way to describe what I think of this book. But I can't seem to find the right words.
Everything about this book was just so-so. There was nothing I particularly liked about it, nothing really captivated me and everything about this story was just alright. Perhaps even a little lacklustre.
I finished the book quite quickly though. That usually means it can't have been really bad. And it wasn't, I don't think, because I think Briar and Derek were still quite cute together. So this is not a bad story by any means. But it wasn't anything special either.
Everything about this book was just so-so. There was nothing I particularly liked about it, nothing really captivated me and everything about this story was just alright. Perhaps even a little lacklustre.
I finished the book quite quickly though. That usually means it can't have been really bad. And it wasn't, I don't think, because I think Briar and Derek were still quite cute together. So this is not a bad story by any means. But it wasn't anything special either.
January 1, 2025
2.5
I knew I wasn’t going to like this one too much. The MCs didn’t quite fit and the storyline was barely explored.
I knew I wasn’t going to like this one too much. The MCs didn’t quite fit and the storyline was barely explored.
May 29, 2024
~3.5~
- City / country (Brian is a city boy, through and through, while Derek is Sweetwater born and bred)
- Opposites attract (Brian is chatty and flamboyant; Derek is gruff and grumpy)
- Gay virgin
- Cute dog named Sabbath
- Family drama (Derek's family, minus West, was the worst, a bunch of users the lot of them; his mom was abusive as fuck, but everyone just made excuses for her)
- HFN (rushed ending, no epilogue)
- Low to mid-angst, mid-steam (which was just right imo)
- Strong writing as is the norm for Parker St. John; I would have rounded up if it weren't for the unsatisfying ending.
- City / country (Brian is a city boy, through and through, while Derek is Sweetwater born and bred)
- Opposites attract (Brian is chatty and flamboyant; Derek is gruff and grumpy)
- Gay virgin
- Cute dog named Sabbath
- Family drama (Derek's family, minus West, was the worst, a bunch of users the lot of them; his mom was abusive as fuck, but everyone just made excuses for her)
- HFN (rushed ending, no epilogue)
- Low to mid-angst, mid-steam (which was just right imo)
- Strong writing as is the norm for Parker St. John; I would have rounded up if it weren't for the unsatisfying ending.
May 9, 2024
I. LOVE. THIS. SERIES.
I am SOOOO glad Parker dropped another installment in this series. I fell in love with gay cowboys through Parker St John’s vision and I feel so incredibly lucky that it happened that way. If you love gay cowboys, incredibly romantic moments, and stories that you’ll never forget, definitely check out THROW DOWN and the rest of the amazing Down Home series.
Derek and Briar!!!! OMGGGGGG. I really had no idea what to expect when starting THROW DOWN because I was too excited about the surprise drop. I absolutely loved their dynamic. Briar is larger than life and expresses it and Derek is his silent protector. God. Derek is EVERYTHING. I cannot even believe how romantic he is. Building a car… dancing with Briar under the stars… taught him to cook. UGH. YES. And Briar coming into his own? It was a privilege to experience that!
I know it’s shady but I lowkey feel like this is what Riley Hart thought On The Mountain would be lollllll. But seriously. I loved revisiting Sweetwater and getting to hear from everyone again. And to get more of the Owens family dynamics. It was so frustrating but ended up being so so rewarding.
I tend to let endings color my true opinions of book because I love when things are wrapped up so nice and neat. But THROW DOWN did feel a little different than the rest of the series. I wasn’t a big fan of the pacing I think. It genuinely felt too short to be 100% satisfying. I also feel like we had to get through so much for Derek and Briar to be stable that I was left wanting to see how things turned out after all the drama. I really did enjoy the ending though.
And I am BEYOND excited for Aiden’s book even though it’ll be the final installment.
I am SOOOO glad Parker dropped another installment in this series. I fell in love with gay cowboys through Parker St John’s vision and I feel so incredibly lucky that it happened that way. If you love gay cowboys, incredibly romantic moments, and stories that you’ll never forget, definitely check out THROW DOWN and the rest of the amazing Down Home series.
Derek and Briar!!!! OMGGGGGG. I really had no idea what to expect when starting THROW DOWN because I was too excited about the surprise drop. I absolutely loved their dynamic. Briar is larger than life and expresses it and Derek is his silent protector. God. Derek is EVERYTHING. I cannot even believe how romantic he is. Building a car… dancing with Briar under the stars… taught him to cook. UGH. YES. And Briar coming into his own? It was a privilege to experience that!
I know it’s shady but I lowkey feel like this is what Riley Hart thought On The Mountain would be lollllll. But seriously. I loved revisiting Sweetwater and getting to hear from everyone again. And to get more of the Owens family dynamics. It was so frustrating but ended up being so so rewarding.
I tend to let endings color my true opinions of book because I love when things are wrapped up so nice and neat. But THROW DOWN did feel a little different than the rest of the series. I wasn’t a big fan of the pacing I think. It genuinely felt too short to be 100% satisfying. I also feel like we had to get through so much for Derek and Briar to be stable that I was left wanting to see how things turned out after all the drama. I really did enjoy the ending though.
And I am BEYOND excited for Aiden’s book even though it’ll be the final installment.
May 14, 2024
oh. my. god.
i’ve been waiting for this book for ages, and it did not disappoint. is it the best romance novel i’ve ever read? not by a long shot. but i still loved it. the characters were just perfect, i loved the relationship dynamic so much, and it had the perfect amount of heart and emotions that i love in romance novels.
derek owens. my god. where can i get me a man like him? he’s so enticingly broody, standoffish, and stoic in the best way possible. he cares so deeply for those he loves, to the point that he sacrifices his own happiness to give them what they need, and it’s so heartwarming to see the way his shell slowly breaks for briar and the way he develops feelings despite his best wishes. derek has absolutely been through hell, and he deserves happiness more than almost any character i have read about. it’s so beautiful to see him finally get that with briar and to accept that he deserves that.
and briar, omg. he’s such a ray of sunshine, despite the awful past that he has had as well. i wish we had gotten more of his backstory, but i also like the way that our limited knowledge of that time in his life just enforces that it doesn’t define him, just like he doesn’t let his past define his outlook on life. his outlook on life is so refreshing and endearing, and the way he loves with his whole heart, despite his past, is so admirable. i love that briar doesn’t let sweetwater change his style or personality, and i love that he finally feels like he belongs in the town by the end. it’s so beautiful to see him find the family and home that he’s always deserved but never had.
i definitely cried my eyes out when derek was searching for briar and realizing how little he cared about what everyone thought of his relationship with another man when he realized that man might be truly gone. i completely understand derek’s reservations because of his family’s expectations, but it was so beautiful to see him finally realize he deserved love like this, that briar deserved to be loved openly in public, and that all that mattered was their relationship. their reunion and the support of his siblings was positively heartwarming. i loved it so much.
my only complaint is that this book should be like twice as long. i want to see briar and derek going on more dates and spending more time together in the beginning of their relationship (even though we got a surprising amount of dates compared to other romance books i have read recently), i want to see the way their relationship progresses once they become open about it and are official, and i want more spicy scenes. the ones we got were so good but we deserved mooooore.
i can’t believe the next book in this series will be the last, but i’m so excited for it. i love seeing the cameos from other characters in the series in this book, and i hope they all come back for the final novel. this is such a beautiful series and cast of characters and i love seeing them all so happy together.
i’ve been waiting for this book for ages, and it did not disappoint. is it the best romance novel i’ve ever read? not by a long shot. but i still loved it. the characters were just perfect, i loved the relationship dynamic so much, and it had the perfect amount of heart and emotions that i love in romance novels.
derek owens. my god. where can i get me a man like him? he’s so enticingly broody, standoffish, and stoic in the best way possible. he cares so deeply for those he loves, to the point that he sacrifices his own happiness to give them what they need, and it’s so heartwarming to see the way his shell slowly breaks for briar and the way he develops feelings despite his best wishes. derek has absolutely been through hell, and he deserves happiness more than almost any character i have read about. it’s so beautiful to see him finally get that with briar and to accept that he deserves that.
and briar, omg. he’s such a ray of sunshine, despite the awful past that he has had as well. i wish we had gotten more of his backstory, but i also like the way that our limited knowledge of that time in his life just enforces that it doesn’t define him, just like he doesn’t let his past define his outlook on life. his outlook on life is so refreshing and endearing, and the way he loves with his whole heart, despite his past, is so admirable. i love that briar doesn’t let sweetwater change his style or personality, and i love that he finally feels like he belongs in the town by the end. it’s so beautiful to see him find the family and home that he’s always deserved but never had.
i definitely cried my eyes out when derek was searching for briar and realizing how little he cared about what everyone thought of his relationship with another man when he realized that man might be truly gone. i completely understand derek’s reservations because of his family’s expectations, but it was so beautiful to see him finally realize he deserved love like this, that briar deserved to be loved openly in public, and that all that mattered was their relationship. their reunion and the support of his siblings was positively heartwarming. i loved it so much.
my only complaint is that this book should be like twice as long. i want to see briar and derek going on more dates and spending more time together in the beginning of their relationship (even though we got a surprising amount of dates compared to other romance books i have read recently), i want to see the way their relationship progresses once they become open about it and are official, and i want more spicy scenes. the ones we got were so good but we deserved mooooore.
i can’t believe the next book in this series will be the last, but i’m so excited for it. i love seeing the cameos from other characters in the series in this book, and i hope they all come back for the final novel. this is such a beautiful series and cast of characters and i love seeing them all so happy together.
May 16, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. Found family, coming out, grumpy/sunshine tropes were in this one. Both MCs had such a strong connection and reading them together was electrifying. Their chemistry was off the charts hot. I knew there was more to Derek from the previous book, but I never imagined how deep his character would run. There were so many layers, but at the core Derek was the kindest man. I liked him so much. Briar was like a breath of fresh air and exactly what Derek needed: someone to cherish, love and care for just for himself. Briar was such a sweetheart and so patient with Derek.
After I finished this book, all felt was utter and pure joy for both Derek and Briar. This was such a feel good book that I am still floating a day later. Parker St. John never disappoints. This story had a little bit of angst that made me tear up, but also a lot of quiet moments that made me sigh with happiness. I just loved the characters and the small sleepy town of Sweetwater.
After I finished this book, all felt was utter and pure joy for both Derek and Briar. This was such a feel good book that I am still floating a day later. Parker St. John never disappoints. This story had a little bit of angst that made me tear up, but also a lot of quiet moments that made me sigh with happiness. I just loved the characters and the small sleepy town of Sweetwater.
May 28, 2025
My only complaint is the fact that Derek wanted to keep Briar a secret from his family. Other than that, I liked everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. I was worried because there were mixed reviews but personally, I enjoyed the pace of the story and I loved the two characters separately and together. Together I felt they were amazing together and I like how the ending came together. I would have liked a little more of them together happy but I still enjoyed it. I thought Derek was great, he wasn't as scary as the previous books made him seem. I loved how soft he was for Briar.
A great read, I enjoyed it a lot and I would recommend giving it a chance.
A great read, I enjoyed it a lot and I would recommend giving it a chance.
June 12, 2024
This author usually manages to write deep emotional stories and i found this a tad mediocre compared to her previous books.
The story wasn't left to breathe outside of the romance, i think conversation between Derek and his family would have benefited a lot towards a satisfying conclusion. This way it felt like it was wrapped up too quickly, important conversations were held in the background and only mentioned on page afterwards and some characters were too easily forgiven.
The story wasn't left to breathe outside of the romance, i think conversation between Derek and his family would have benefited a lot towards a satisfying conclusion. This way it felt like it was wrapped up too quickly, important conversations were held in the background and only mentioned on page afterwards and some characters were too easily forgiven.
September 4, 2024
This was an intensely heart aching read. Derek (West’s oldest brother) has had to hide the fact that he’s gay to protect his mother and Briar is a very openly gay man that’s very secure in his identity. I loved that Briar respected Derek’s need to stay in the closet and the emphasis he places on not outing Derek but it didn’t make it any less heartbreaking to see Derek hide who he is and only be able be himself with Briar in private.
Derek is such a provider for his family. Dropping out of school and working all these jobs to take care do his talents and siblings and STILL as an adult being responsible for fixing everything his family needs him to. And Briar is so perfect for him because he doesn’t *need* Derek. He just wants him as he is with no requirements on what he needs to do for Briar. Briar just needs him to show up and love him in whatever way he can. And obviously Derek does come out (cause his siblings totally knew the whole time and were like just tell us you idiot we don’t care).
But I loved that Briar is *kindly* honest with Derek’s mother about how she was wrong to ask Derek to hide who he is and how she made him a provider instead of a son. Call em out!!! I really felt for Derek and Briar but they had one of the (shockingly) sweetest stories in the series!
Derek is such a provider for his family. Dropping out of school and working all these jobs to take care do his talents and siblings and STILL as an adult being responsible for fixing everything his family needs him to. And Briar is so perfect for him because he doesn’t *need* Derek. He just wants him as he is with no requirements on what he needs to do for Briar. Briar just needs him to show up and love him in whatever way he can. And obviously Derek does come out (cause his siblings totally knew the whole time and were like just tell us you idiot we don’t care).
But I loved that Briar is *kindly* honest with Derek’s mother about how she was wrong to ask Derek to hide who he is and how she made him a provider instead of a son. Call em out!!! I really felt for Derek and Briar but they had one of the (shockingly) sweetest stories in the series!
May 16, 2024
another fantastic Down Home romance
**4.5**
I love the strong opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort feels that stay with you the whole way through this book.
Briar feels very out of place in Sweetwater whilst the small town is all that Derek has known, along with always looking out for his family, never himself. That's how he's found himself alone, pretty angry at the world and determined to keep Briar away, no matter how much he wants attractive young man who makes him wish things were different for the first time. Briar isn't one to back down, though, and whilst it's not a fun rom com, there's a strong sense of the lightness Briar brings to Derek's life.
Fans of the series will have met Derek during West's book, Derek's younger brother, and he wasn't painted in the best light but here we realise the pressure and reliance that's been piled on his shoulders since he was a boy, needed to look after his family and it's a responsibility he carries to this day, even with them all grown. Briar gives him the space to take something for himself and it's both sweet and hot, the man that is revealed beneath that dour mask.
A highly recommended small town romance, full of nosy townsfolk, an adorable puppy called Sabbath and two men hurt by their lasts and in need of someone to love them exactly as they are.
**4.5**
I love the strong opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort feels that stay with you the whole way through this book.
Briar feels very out of place in Sweetwater whilst the small town is all that Derek has known, along with always looking out for his family, never himself. That's how he's found himself alone, pretty angry at the world and determined to keep Briar away, no matter how much he wants attractive young man who makes him wish things were different for the first time. Briar isn't one to back down, though, and whilst it's not a fun rom com, there's a strong sense of the lightness Briar brings to Derek's life.
Fans of the series will have met Derek during West's book, Derek's younger brother, and he wasn't painted in the best light but here we realise the pressure and reliance that's been piled on his shoulders since he was a boy, needed to look after his family and it's a responsibility he carries to this day, even with them all grown. Briar gives him the space to take something for himself and it's both sweet and hot, the man that is revealed beneath that dour mask.
A highly recommended small town romance, full of nosy townsfolk, an adorable puppy called Sabbath and two men hurt by their lasts and in need of someone to love them exactly as they are.
September 16, 2024
4.25⭐️
Steam: 🔥/3
I’ve been looking forward to this story and I genuinely loved it so much. Derek has always been such an interesting character and I loved seeing this new side of him. He is a gentle, kind, soft and caring man who just wants to love and be loved. And briar was the perfect match for him. Flamboyant, charismatic, optimistic, yet sad and a little lonely, Briar has gone through a lot of in his life, just like Derek. All he wants is to fit in and to feel like he belongs. It made me so happy to see him find his place at Derek’s side.
I was obsessed with this book. I ate it up, especially the first 60%! I loved seeing the tension and the build up between super grumpy and closed off Derek and super energetic and eye-catching Briar. I liked that despite how differnet these two men seem on the outside, they are so similar where it really counts. Their love story was pure and beautiful and I loved seeing them both get their happy ending.
My one complaint is that their relationship felt rushed. Like it really jumped from “he gives me butterflies” to “I LOVE HIM” in a few chapters, or at least it felt like that. I know briar has big feelings but yeah I wish it just felt less rushed.
Anyways I love series, I love these cowboys and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Steam: 🔥/3
I’ve been looking forward to this story and I genuinely loved it so much. Derek has always been such an interesting character and I loved seeing this new side of him. He is a gentle, kind, soft and caring man who just wants to love and be loved. And briar was the perfect match for him. Flamboyant, charismatic, optimistic, yet sad and a little lonely, Briar has gone through a lot of in his life, just like Derek. All he wants is to fit in and to feel like he belongs. It made me so happy to see him find his place at Derek’s side.
I was obsessed with this book. I ate it up, especially the first 60%! I loved seeing the tension and the build up between super grumpy and closed off Derek and super energetic and eye-catching Briar. I liked that despite how differnet these two men seem on the outside, they are so similar where it really counts. Their love story was pure and beautiful and I loved seeing them both get their happy ending.
My one complaint is that their relationship felt rushed. Like it really jumped from “he gives me butterflies” to “I LOVE HIM” in a few chapters, or at least it felt like that. I know briar has big feelings but yeah I wish it just felt less rushed.
Anyways I love series, I love these cowboys and I can’t wait to read the next book!
May 23, 2024
I wanted to enjoy this more than I did but it was just ok for me.
I like Derek and Briar together and I loved Briar but Derek really got on my nerves for a good portion of the book. He was so stubborn and stuck in his ways and his reasonings made very little sense. I understand being in the closet but his why, made no sense to me and the push and pull and secrecy was unnecessary.
The plot lacked greatly and the 3rd act climax was soooooo late in the book that it felt rushed to be resolved and felt like it was placed to be that last push for Derek but I just felt it threw the book off having it happen so close to the ending.
Their relationship had absolutely no growth, how did they go from being in a super small town where everyone knows everyone but have never actually met, to meeting up three times to oh my god i love and am willing to change everything about myself 🙄🥴 it just doesn't make sense
I like Derek and Briar together and I loved Briar but Derek really got on my nerves for a good portion of the book. He was so stubborn and stuck in his ways and his reasonings made very little sense. I understand being in the closet but his why, made no sense to me and the push and pull and secrecy was unnecessary.
The plot lacked greatly and the 3rd act climax was soooooo late in the book that it felt rushed to be resolved and felt like it was placed to be that last push for Derek but I just felt it threw the book off having it happen so close to the ending.
Their relationship had absolutely no growth, how did they go from being in a super small town where everyone knows everyone but have never actually met, to meeting up three times to oh my god i love and am willing to change everything about myself 🙄🥴 it just doesn't make sense
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