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Dead Heat Ranch #0.5
Boots Optional
Dead Heat Ranch Novella, #0.5
Note: This novella was previously published in the Some Like It Hot Anthology. Although the story has not changed, this version contains a short bonus scene.
New York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards is heating things up with Boots Optional, a sexy new ménage novella which is the first book in a hot new series called Dead Heat Ranch.
Grace Lambert is familiar with hard work, long days, and handsome cowboys. She’s been working for her family’s dude ranch since she was old enough to ride a horse and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. What she is afraid of is the heat that’s been generating between her and not one, but two sexy cowboys who’ve set their sights on her. And each other.
Grant Kingsley and Lane Miller have both had their eyes on Gracie for years, but the feisty cowgirl has managed to keep them at bay. As far as they are concerned, cowboys don’t give up, and neither of them is ready to give up just yet. Not on her and not on the heat that transpires between the two of them.
Find out what happens when the sultry Texas nights get as hot as the fierce Texas days.
Erotic Romance
Mature Audiences
*contains m/f/m, m/f and m/m interactions.
Note: This novella was previously published in the Some Like It Hot Anthology. Although the story has not changed, this version contains a short bonus scene.
New York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards is heating things up with Boots Optional, a sexy new ménage novella which is the first book in a hot new series called Dead Heat Ranch.
Grace Lambert is familiar with hard work, long days, and handsome cowboys. She’s been working for her family’s dude ranch since she was old enough to ride a horse and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. What she is afraid of is the heat that’s been generating between her and not one, but two sexy cowboys who’ve set their sights on her. And each other.
Grant Kingsley and Lane Miller have both had their eyes on Gracie for years, but the feisty cowgirl has managed to keep them at bay. As far as they are concerned, cowboys don’t give up, and neither of them is ready to give up just yet. Not on her and not on the heat that transpires between the two of them.
Find out what happens when the sultry Texas nights get as hot as the fierce Texas days.
Erotic Romance
Mature Audiences
*contains m/f/m, m/f and m/m interactions.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
96 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Edwards
128 books6,068 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards spends her days stringing words together to make complete sentences. Sometimes not. Her best friend is coffee, and she has a love/hate relationship with sarcasm. She’s been accused of having a filthy imagination, which she admits is true.
Nicole lives in the suburbs of Austin, Texas. She proudly claims one husband, three grown children, and two bosses (better known as the dogs). When she isn’t writing, watching football or hockey, or keeping her bosses happy, you can probably find her with a book in hand.
Nicole lives in the suburbs of Austin, Texas. She proudly claims one husband, three grown children, and two bosses (better known as the dogs). When she isn’t writing, watching football or hockey, or keeping her bosses happy, you can probably find her with a book in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
September 21, 2016
Well this sure was a hot little read. This a mmf, and not just any kind of mmf. No we've got cowboys...two of them !!!
So far I liked all three characters, even Gracie. However.....since this was only the intro for the next book, which is a full novell about these three, I reserve the right to change my mind ;)
I don't read a lot of mmf/mfm, because I always want the girl to just go away...lol.
I did love "Travis" though, so I figured I would give this one a try too. We'll just have to see if I will still like them all in the next book. I just hope that the heroine isn't gonna annoy me.
I do know that nobody writes a sexscene like Nicole Edwards......I think I might be pregnant ;)
4 Stars for this one and jumping right into the next book.
I loved "Travis" and I don't know if these three will be able to top that book
August 12, 2016
Short but well written MMF menage romance novella. The H's were likeable but the h...she was hard to like....she rejected the guys so many times for so long and for no real reason that I could see - it was a wonder that the HEA happened at all!
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
February 9, 2015
Great beginning to what I'm sure will be another great series by Nicole Edwards. The chemistry between Lane, Grant and Gracie is HOT. I can't wait for the next book!
June 22, 2015
Loved this one! Two sexy Cowboys! Whew! There was smoke coming out of my kindle. I will defiantly be continuing on with this series.
July 28, 2016
All I gotta say was that this book was pretty damned hot. And it is only the prequel to the main story of Grace, Grant and Lane. I can't wait to read THAT book if this was as steamy as it was.
July 27, 2014
BOOTS OPTIONAL is a novella that introduces us to the characters and setting of the Dead Heat Ranch, owned and operated by the Lambert family. The plot is simple in keeping with the classical novella format and Nicole Edwards doesn't disappoint. The characters are deeply drawn and we get to see everything that goes on inside their heads as they work through their desires for each other and how to approach them. It’s clear that like in real-life, Grant and Lane struggle to find ways to be accepted and to accept themselves. Grace has to figure out where she falls in their complicated relationship.
The erotic scenes are top notch; just enough description to titillate, but not so much as to turn a reader off the story. Erotic romance is still new in the mainstream of romantic fiction even though it’s existed for many years on the fringe. However, there are many readers who find it hard to read, especially when it contains m/m scenes. Nicole Edwards treats this type of relationship well, giving it the emotion and respect it deserves.
I really enjoyed reading BOOTS OPTIONAL. Its short format makes it an easy afternoon read for most so you can take it to the beach with you. No one will wonder why you are blushing red when you are out in the hot sun. It’s a great read that will leave you wanting more.
The erotic scenes are top notch; just enough description to titillate, but not so much as to turn a reader off the story. Erotic romance is still new in the mainstream of romantic fiction even though it’s existed for many years on the fringe. However, there are many readers who find it hard to read, especially when it contains m/m scenes. Nicole Edwards treats this type of relationship well, giving it the emotion and respect it deserves.
I really enjoyed reading BOOTS OPTIONAL. Its short format makes it an easy afternoon read for most so you can take it to the beach with you. No one will wonder why you are blushing red when you are out in the hot sun. It’s a great read that will leave you wanting more.
July 26, 2014
Short, sweet and very very sexy. Great set up for what is to come in the Dead Heat Ranch series.
August 19, 2015
This is actually the start of the story Betting on Grace and I have no idea why it is a different Book. But seen as the first quarter of the next book it was great
May 18, 2019
3.8 Stars
I know this is supposed to be the prequel to the first installment, but it felt a bit underdeveloped. All the characters felt really 2-dimensional and incomplete. I'm assuming more characterization and personality will be detailed in the fuller story?
I know this is supposed to be the prequel to the first installment, but it felt a bit underdeveloped. All the characters felt really 2-dimensional and incomplete. I'm assuming more characterization and personality will be detailed in the fuller story?
February 26, 2018
i loved this book.
July 24, 2014
I need a Grant and Lane sandwich, NOW, oh and a pair of cowgirl boots...PRONTO
I’ll start off by saying, I’ve never liked cowboy stories, BUT Grace, Grant and Lane have wrangled me like a wild horse and tied me up, leaving me wanting More, More, MORE!!!! I do believe I just got turned into a true Cowboy lover forever for sure!!!!
Grace lives on Dead Heat Ranch and is one of 5 sisters of the ranch owner. She’s beautiful, smart, funny and she’s a Cowgirl (you know they are all sexy). I love her attitude, spunk and her FIRE. Let’s not forget her foul mouth, love that too! That girl takes no crap from anyone, especially these boys. She is my kinda gal for sure. She has no interest in these boys…. Or does she?
“ Not interested in what your sellin cowboy”
Grant Kingsley….Oh Hot sexy Grant. Can you give me a shopping list like that? I will SURELY deliver it to you. He’s been on the ranch since he was 19 years old and has changed in so many ways. Grant loves the females, but he’s also got an attraction to males….ONE in particular, Lane……
Lane Miller is the best Wrangler on the ranch. He is funny and totally NOT afraid to say whats on his mind OR what he wants for that matter. He is funny, sexy and he has wanted Grant for a LONG Time.
“Such dirty words for such a pretty girl. “Lane whispered, his voice dangerously close to seductive”
They want each other AND they want Gracie, is this a Problem or is it the perfect concoction?? I will go with the perfect Grace, Grant and Lane Smore’s Sandwich. YUM!!! They are determined to have it all, all three of them together and boy does when it happens…. Douse me with water because it was HAWWWWWTTT. Like I need a pair of cowgirl boots, NOW!!!!
“Sorry. You can leave ‘em on if you want. Boots are Optional”
I love the banter that goes on between the three of them and Grace with her sisters. This book is SMOOOOKIN hot. I can’t wait for Betting On Grace. It’s not coming out soon enough because I need to know more about these three and at the very end, Nicole Edwards sets you up for alittle of Mercy and Cody!!
Mercy is Grace’s sister and I have a feeling that story is going to be interesting and i hope we get it!! A little snippit from Mercy and Cody, that makes you KNOW their story will be just as hot … “ Yep, She was pretty damned sure that she’d found something she never, not in her wildest dreams, expected to find on this ranch….Her Kryptonite”
I Seriously FLOVE Nicole Edwards work!! Bring me more baby!!!
I’ll start off by saying, I’ve never liked cowboy stories, BUT Grace, Grant and Lane have wrangled me like a wild horse and tied me up, leaving me wanting More, More, MORE!!!! I do believe I just got turned into a true Cowboy lover forever for sure!!!!
Grace lives on Dead Heat Ranch and is one of 5 sisters of the ranch owner. She’s beautiful, smart, funny and she’s a Cowgirl (you know they are all sexy). I love her attitude, spunk and her FIRE. Let’s not forget her foul mouth, love that too! That girl takes no crap from anyone, especially these boys. She is my kinda gal for sure. She has no interest in these boys…. Or does she?
“ Not interested in what your sellin cowboy”
Grant Kingsley….Oh Hot sexy Grant. Can you give me a shopping list like that? I will SURELY deliver it to you. He’s been on the ranch since he was 19 years old and has changed in so many ways. Grant loves the females, but he’s also got an attraction to males….ONE in particular, Lane……
Lane Miller is the best Wrangler on the ranch. He is funny and totally NOT afraid to say whats on his mind OR what he wants for that matter. He is funny, sexy and he has wanted Grant for a LONG Time.
“Such dirty words for such a pretty girl. “Lane whispered, his voice dangerously close to seductive”
They want each other AND they want Gracie, is this a Problem or is it the perfect concoction?? I will go with the perfect Grace, Grant and Lane Smore’s Sandwich. YUM!!! They are determined to have it all, all three of them together and boy does when it happens…. Douse me with water because it was HAWWWWWTTT. Like I need a pair of cowgirl boots, NOW!!!!
“Sorry. You can leave ‘em on if you want. Boots are Optional”
I love the banter that goes on between the three of them and Grace with her sisters. This book is SMOOOOKIN hot. I can’t wait for Betting On Grace. It’s not coming out soon enough because I need to know more about these three and at the very end, Nicole Edwards sets you up for alittle of Mercy and Cody!!
Mercy is Grace’s sister and I have a feeling that story is going to be interesting and i hope we get it!! A little snippit from Mercy and Cody, that makes you KNOW their story will be just as hot … “ Yep, She was pretty damned sure that she’d found something she never, not in her wildest dreams, expected to find on this ranch….Her Kryptonite”
I Seriously FLOVE Nicole Edwards work!! Bring me more baby!!!
September 6, 2016
Ever since Zane, my first Nicole Edwards book, she has become one of my most consistent and reliable authors. I know what to expect from her: charismatic characters, dramatic storylines and some NSFW hot love scenes. It doesn’t matter if it’s a full length novel or a short novella, she still manages to deliver to my expectations.
With Boots Optional, a prequel (for lack of a better term) for her Dead Heat Ranch series, she produces a great opening performance for the main show. She was able to introduce the main players for the series’s first book, Betting on Grace, along with an overview of the other characters for which I assume will eventually get their own story within the series. Even though it is a novella, you don’t feel short changed. You get a complete story that laid the foundation for the future. There was a little bit of everything: introductions to Grant, Lane, Grace and her sisters, tension/drama and steamy sex.
The best thing about novellas is it gives you an opportunity to preview a new author or to get a sneak peak at a new series. Or if you have an hour or so to kill, a novella is just the thing to help pass the time. Boots Optional (the title makes sense when you read the book) enabled me to do the last two. I pretty much know what I’m getting with Edwards, so it was just a matter of whether this was a series I’d want to get into. You can’t go wrong with some sexy hot cowboys and cowgirls getting together. Right?
With Boots Optional, a prequel (for lack of a better term) for her Dead Heat Ranch series, she produces a great opening performance for the main show. She was able to introduce the main players for the series’s first book, Betting on Grace, along with an overview of the other characters for which I assume will eventually get their own story within the series. Even though it is a novella, you don’t feel short changed. You get a complete story that laid the foundation for the future. There was a little bit of everything: introductions to Grant, Lane, Grace and her sisters, tension/drama and steamy sex.
The best thing about novellas is it gives you an opportunity to preview a new author or to get a sneak peak at a new series. Or if you have an hour or so to kill, a novella is just the thing to help pass the time. Boots Optional (the title makes sense when you read the book) enabled me to do the last two. I pretty much know what I’m getting with Edwards, so it was just a matter of whether this was a series I’d want to get into. You can’t go wrong with some sexy hot cowboys and cowgirls getting together. Right?
July 18, 2014
Addict. I. Am. Such. An. Addict.
I seriously canNOT get enough of Nicole Edwards' work! There is not a paragraph in all of her books that I don't absolutely love.
All of her characters, in every single series, have come to life in her work, and it's just amazing to read her stuff!
I've read the Club Destiny series and the Alluring Indulgence series. Now I'm starting the Dead Heat Ranch series with this amazingly sexual Boots Optional novella!
ZOMG!! I won an autographed copy of this book during an event and I recieved it just yesterday! Took me all of a few hours to read and those few hours were seriously epic!
I'm not a fan of novella, if you'd read any other of my reviews, you might know that. But what I loved most about this is that Nicole Edwards just got right into the down and dirty in this book! Didn't take a moment to even get to know these characters!
It threw me off guard at first, but I totally got with the program immediately and couldn't put this down!
Grant, Lane, and Grace are going to be amazing to read more about! I seriously cannot wait!!
March 22, 2015
This is the Nicole Edwards I know and love!!! Great prequel to this series...love the chemistry between Gracie, Lane and Grant. After Entrusted, I almost through my kindle out the front door. Sam, Logan and Elijah's relationship got me so mad because it was all about Sam and her selfishness. In this scenario, it's different and necessary and perfect because Gracie, Lane and Grant's relationship is of the same nature as Travis, Gage and Kylie's and Luke, Cole and Sierra's......
I can't wait for the first in the series, Betting On Grace, which we'll get the full length novel of these three!!! I'm sure it'll be sexy, steamy, warm-hearted and full of family....if these cowboys are anything like those Walker boys...well, damn, aren't we lucky!
I can't wait for the first in the series, Betting On Grace, which we'll get the full length novel of these three!!! I'm sure it'll be sexy, steamy, warm-hearted and full of family....if these cowboys are anything like those Walker boys...well, damn, aren't we lucky!
July 28, 2014
Grant, Lane and Gracie- Dead Heat Ranch's hottest threesome. Like any Nicole Edwards book, expect hot sex, lots of it, and points of view from each character. One thing I have always enjoyed about reading Nicole's work is that you get to know everyone and what they are feeling and thinking- you are never left wondering that by only getting the point of view of one character.
Gracie Lambert plays hard to get, acts like Grant is a thorn in her side, gives him all the Southern girl sassy mouth she can muster (which he gives right back) and it makes for a very entertaining read. This novella definitely sets the stage for what is to come with Betting on Grace- the full length continuation of this story. This definitely leaves you wanting more. No one writes M/M/F like Nicole! ~Kellie
Gracie Lambert plays hard to get, acts like Grant is a thorn in her side, gives him all the Southern girl sassy mouth she can muster (which he gives right back) and it makes for a very entertaining read. This novella definitely sets the stage for what is to come with Betting on Grace- the full length continuation of this story. This definitely leaves you wanting more. No one writes M/M/F like Nicole! ~Kellie
June 24, 2015
This is the introduction book to the new Dead Heat Ranch series. Grace Lambert grew up on the family ranch, which is now a working dude ranch, along with her four sisters. Her dad has always let the ranch hands know that his daughters are off limits!! Grant Kingsley has wanted Grace for a long time. Lane Miller has also wanted Grace - but he wants Grant as well. Both guys have been pursuing Grace and she's fended them off .... but then she sees them together and whew! is that hot!!! The guys decide to work together to get Grace. This is a short, hawt and sexy read and I'm looking forward to reading more about these wonderful characters.
May 6, 2018
I can already tell from this little sneak peak that this series is going to be good. Not because of anything that happened to the main three featured in this novella, but because of Grace's sisters. I am so looking forward to seeing what sort of mischief those girls are going to get up to.
As far as this goes, which is a prologue to the relationship between Grace, Grant, and Laine, this was a pretty hot start. I will be reading this to see how they navigate their unconventional relationship, especially since Grace's father has repeatedly made it clear that his daughters are off limits.
As far as this goes, which is a prologue to the relationship between Grace, Grant, and Laine, this was a pretty hot start. I will be reading this to see how they navigate their unconventional relationship, especially since Grace's father has repeatedly made it clear that his daughters are off limits.
February 20, 2016
I'm not gonna be shy here. I love a good ménage! But a ménage by Nicole Edwards is on a whole other level! This steamy, sexy, white hot novella introduces us to Gracie, Lane and Grant and I for one can't wait to dive into Betting on Grace! Because this is one polyamorous relationship that I won't miss!
August 2, 2014
Love me some menage! ;)
In true Nicole Edwards tradition - this is a great read full of wonderful characters and a stunning cowboy setting.
This menage is very similar to another she has written - but there are enough differences to enjoy it as a new story.
It's a great introduction to a new series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
In true Nicole Edwards tradition - this is a great read full of wonderful characters and a stunning cowboy setting.
This menage is very similar to another she has written - but there are enough differences to enjoy it as a new story.
It's a great introduction to a new series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
August 5, 2014
HOTTTTTTTT
HOTTTTTTTT
She did it again. What a steamy little story this one was. I can't wait to jump into the next book and here more about this trio. 2 hot cowboys and a cowgirl. What more could you want?
HOTTTTTTTT
She did it again. What a steamy little story this one was. I can't wait to jump into the next book and here more about this trio. 2 hot cowboys and a cowgirl. What more could you want?
August 10, 2014
This was an excellent introduction to the new Dead Heat Ranch series by Nicole Edwards.
This is an Edwards book so you can expect the heat to be turned up to full blast!
All I have to say is Gracie is one lucky woman, surrounded by all that cowboy deliciousness!
This is an Edwards book so you can expect the heat to be turned up to full blast!
All I have to say is Gracie is one lucky woman, surrounded by all that cowboy deliciousness!
September 21, 2016
I'm a Nicole Edwards fan, so please don't ask why I am just reading this book now, as I have no idea what I was thinking.
Although by waiting, I do gey to carry on with the next book
Short, hot and sexy 5★read.
Although by waiting, I do gey to carry on with the next book
Short, hot and sexy 5★read.
August 8, 2016
just loved it. it was a short short story, but it caught my attention immediatly.
Gracie, Grant and Lane are truly lovable.
Gracie, Grant and Lane are truly lovable.
December 14, 2016
HOT AND HEAVY!!! Mmmm.... Lane, Grant and Grace MMF both men are bisexual and Grace is soul focus for both men even though she's been evading them till the one night!!!
October 26, 2022
Awesome Read!!!
I absolutely enjoyed reading Boots Optional(Dead Heat Ranch)!!! All about Grace Lambert who is twenty-eight years old working on the family dude ranch & Grant Kingsley who is thirty-two years old, the Ranch Forman as well as being bi and Lane Miller head Wrangler on the dude ranch who is thirty-eight years old as well as bi. Both men have a serious crush on Grace and each other for over two years! Read about Grace, Grant & Lane and see if they can make a relationship work!!! This is a page turner from start to finish! Their is tons of emotions running throughout including a few toe curling incidents. The author has done a great job introducing you to the family and the key players on the dude ranch!!! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!! Definite Read!!!
I absolutely enjoyed reading Boots Optional(Dead Heat Ranch)!!! All about Grace Lambert who is twenty-eight years old working on the family dude ranch & Grant Kingsley who is thirty-two years old, the Ranch Forman as well as being bi and Lane Miller head Wrangler on the dude ranch who is thirty-eight years old as well as bi. Both men have a serious crush on Grace and each other for over two years! Read about Grace, Grant & Lane and see if they can make a relationship work!!! This is a page turner from start to finish! Their is tons of emotions running throughout including a few toe curling incidents. The author has done a great job introducing you to the family and the key players on the dude ranch!!! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!! Definite Read!!!
December 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 3.5 stars
This is a spicy one!
I needed a last-minute, quick read to fulfill a reading challenge prompt. This was available on Libby and just 3 hours of listening so I gave it a go.
I don't read a lot of MM romance, let alone spicy MM/MMF, so this was outside my norm. The menage scene was hot and the overall feel of the novella seemed to be a great introduction to these characters and the series.
I listened to the audio and to be quite honest, I wasn't a big fan of the narration. Maybe I just do better reading spice, rather than hearing it, because several times I was either rolling my eyes or chuckling to myself from the delivery and accents of the narrators.
I haven't yet decided if I will pick up the next book but I am super curious how this threesome will work. But if I do, I think I will be reading instead of listening.
This is a spicy one!
I needed a last-minute, quick read to fulfill a reading challenge prompt. This was available on Libby and just 3 hours of listening so I gave it a go.
I don't read a lot of MM romance, let alone spicy MM/MMF, so this was outside my norm. The menage scene was hot and the overall feel of the novella seemed to be a great introduction to these characters and the series.
I listened to the audio and to be quite honest, I wasn't a big fan of the narration. Maybe I just do better reading spice, rather than hearing it, because several times I was either rolling my eyes or chuckling to myself from the delivery and accents of the narrators.
I haven't yet decided if I will pick up the next book but I am super curious how this threesome will work. But if I do, I think I will be reading instead of listening.
October 5, 2020
In two minds on how to review this.
Intro into the main characters - Grant/Lane/Gracie (Grace). For me, it started a little confusing due to the names, mainly Lane. Took a little getting used to.
A love triangle with hurdles between all three main characters, which have some complications but nothing that could not be solved. With a little banter between them, matters changed quite drastically, for the good.
As per usual, no spoiling. Foundation to Dead Heat Ranch has been set. Short read but worth reading. Best to read in order though.
Intro into the main characters - Grant/Lane/Gracie (Grace). For me, it started a little confusing due to the names, mainly Lane. Took a little getting used to.
A love triangle with hurdles between all three main characters, which have some complications but nothing that could not be solved. With a little banter between them, matters changed quite drastically, for the good.
As per usual, no spoiling. Foundation to Dead Heat Ranch has been set. Short read but worth reading. Best to read in order though.
September 22, 2019
I love this series.
Nicole Edwards has once again done it. This book is amazing and the story will grab you and not let you go. Once you start this one you will need to read the others in this series.
The characters are amazing and you will feel as though you are part of the family, and you will want to be part of the family.
This book needs to be read. Add to your TBR list now. You will not be sorry.
Nicole Edwards has once again done it. This book is amazing and the story will grab you and not let you go. Once you start this one you will need to read the others in this series.
The characters are amazing and you will feel as though you are part of the family, and you will want to be part of the family.
This book needs to be read. Add to your TBR list now. You will not be sorry.
December 9, 2017
I received Boots Optional as a free paperback gift from the author during a giveaway. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. This novella was a quick read, but readers got a chance to sympathize with the characters as we watch the story unfold. Steamy, sexy, and emotional-- another great offering by Nichole Edwards.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews