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Isaiah Ranch #4
The Outlaw and the Heir
I killed the men who butchered my parents and dodged the hangman’s noose—now I’m an outlaw bound by honor, drawn to the one man who wants nothing to do with me.
After years of drifting and hiding my secrets, I sense a chance of redemption at Isaiah Ranch. I’ve known family and honor—can I find it again here?
Ambrose Isaiah, the youngest heir of a powerful ranching dynasty, sees me as a threat—a killer with no place among his kin. He’s right, but that doesn’t stop the spark between us.
I didn’t come here to stay. I didn’t come here to fall in love. I’m everything Ambrose should despise. But away from prying eyes, with only the wilderness as witness, we cross a line neither of us can take back.
Our secret heats up fast—but so does the danger. A violent gang is closing in with the ranch in their sights. When betrayal hits close to home, we have to fight… even if it means losing everything.
The land, the truth…and each other.
After years of drifting and hiding my secrets, I sense a chance of redemption at Isaiah Ranch. I’ve known family and honor—can I find it again here?
Ambrose Isaiah, the youngest heir of a powerful ranching dynasty, sees me as a threat—a killer with no place among his kin. He’s right, but that doesn’t stop the spark between us.
I didn’t come here to stay. I didn’t come here to fall in love. I’m everything Ambrose should despise. But away from prying eyes, with only the wilderness as witness, we cross a line neither of us can take back.
Our secret heats up fast—but so does the danger. A violent gang is closing in with the ranch in their sights. When betrayal hits close to home, we have to fight… even if it means losing everything.
The land, the truth…and each other.
- GenresM M RomanceHistorical
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2025
96 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Romeo Alexander
93 books625 followersRomeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 10, 2025
4+
Choćby całe GR wystawiło temu autorowi oceny na 1-2 gwiazdki (co oczywiście tylko jest teorią, nie praktyką 😜), ja i tak nie zmienię zdania na jego temat - wgrywa mi naprawdę bardzo, bardzo, baaaaardzo dobrze 😁
To czwarta część serii, choć tak naprawdę mogłaby być pierwszą, bo dzieje się ok. 1860 r.
Najgorsze chyba jest w niej to, że po jej przeczytaniu, nabrałam ochoty na przypomnienie sobie wcześniejszych części 👀
I, szczerze mówiąc, raczej sobie tego nie odmówię 😂
P.S. Muszę tym razem pochwalić okładkę, bo wg mnie niemalże idealnie odzwierciedla Samuela - niemalże, bo brakuje mi takiego lekkiego uśmieszku - no, ale nie można mieć wszystkiego 😉
Choćby całe GR wystawiło temu autorowi oceny na 1-2 gwiazdki (co oczywiście tylko jest teorią, nie praktyką 😜), ja i tak nie zmienię zdania na jego temat - wgrywa mi naprawdę bardzo, bardzo, baaaaardzo dobrze 😁
To czwarta część serii, choć tak naprawdę mogłaby być pierwszą, bo dzieje się ok. 1860 r.
Najgorsze chyba jest w niej to, że po jej przeczytaniu, nabrałam ochoty na przypomnienie sobie wcześniejszych części 👀
I, szczerze mówiąc, raczej sobie tego nie odmówię 😂
P.S. Muszę tym razem pochwalić okładkę, bo wg mnie niemalże idealnie odzwierciedla Samuela - niemalże, bo brakuje mi takiego lekkiego uśmieszku - no, ale nie można mieć wszystkiego 😉
November 6, 2025
4.something haha maybe even closer to 3 ish stars but I couldn’t really decide which is unfortunately typical for me. And idk why I felt like this deserved generosity but I’m comfortable rounding up for what I got out of the reading experience :’)
May 29, 2025
Reread as audiobook. I love this narrator for other ranch based stories, and he was just as good as ever.
Story - 4.25 stars. An excellent origin story, starting the Isaiah Ranch tradition of helping criminals in the 1800s. Giving the women Elizabeth and Hipolita so much say at a time when they couldn't have any in public was a real highlight. I figured out the plot twist early on, but that didn't detract from the plot. Ambrose and Samuel eventually made a great team, and their constant bickering remained enjoyable.
Story - 4.25 stars. An excellent origin story, starting the Isaiah Ranch tradition of helping criminals in the 1800s. Giving the women Elizabeth and Hipolita so much say at a time when they couldn't have any in public was a real highlight. I figured out the plot twist early on, but that didn't detract from the plot. Ambrose and Samuel eventually made a great team, and their constant bickering remained enjoyable.
August 5, 2025
Loved how the author was able to show us that Samuel was observant and clever without just resorting to telling us he was. His dialogue was very well written and characterized him amazingly. Similarly great for Ambrose and his silent suffocation under his dad's authority.
I liked how steamy Ambrose and Samuel's forst sex scene was, though I wasn't a super big fan of how the two seemed to take the small development in their relationship and ran with it, dumping both of their traumas to each other (particularly Samuel telling Ambrose about him killing his parents' killers, even though he later tells Elizabeththat he wasn't shy about that). It felt like they had just started to earn each other's trust but definitely not at the level of expressing their vulnerabilities to each other quite yet. But I did really enjoy their romance and how you could see the gradual change they went through as they spent time together. Ambrose becoming less angry and more affable while Samuel became less guarded as he began to feel safe and secure. I especially loved the conversation they had where Samuel was honest enough to plainly admit that his feelings for Ambrose were getting closer and closer to love each day. So romantic and sweet!
I did not like how the story seemed to paint Ambrose's dad as this stoic yet all knowing figure who could do no wrong when all I could see his broody silence doing was being cowardly whenever he chose to not intervene between Ambrose and his brother's arguments. The fact that even until the end he was still pulling the man of few words shtick with barely an acknowledgement of the mistakes he made that led to was super annoying.
The other side characters were all fine. I liked how Elizabeth was given agency and how she was rrady to take charge. The other convicts that Samuel came on were funny and distinct and I wish we got to see more of them (maybe they have their own book? I'll need to see).
I will say that Elias appearance felt a bit like it came out of nowhere? It makes sense considering how clearly wasn't able to pull all of it off on his own, but I feel like there could've been a bit more foreshadowing rather than having him materialize out of thin air.
Also, I take issue with the book's blurb. Mentioning the betrayal in the summary was a bit of a spoiler imo considering it wasn't immediately obvious that it was happening (at least to me)
The epilogue was sweet but though I can see that being a nice little easter egg for people who did enjoy them.
TL;DR: Great romance, great character progression, great pacing. Love wasn't instant and actually satisfying, though I did feel like Ambrose and Samuel began to trust each other just a tad too quickly and the dad was super annoying, but I'm still reading this a 4.5 rounded up!
I liked how steamy Ambrose and Samuel's forst sex scene was, though I wasn't a super big fan of how the two seemed to take the small development in their relationship and ran with it, dumping both of their traumas to each other (particularly Samuel telling Ambrose about him killing his parents' killers, even though he later tells Elizabeththat he wasn't shy about that). It felt like they had just started to earn each other's trust but definitely not at the level of expressing their vulnerabilities to each other quite yet. But I did really enjoy their romance and how you could see the gradual change they went through as they spent time together. Ambrose becoming less angry and more affable while Samuel became less guarded as he began to feel safe and secure. I especially loved the conversation they had where Samuel was honest enough to plainly admit that his feelings for Ambrose were getting closer and closer to love each day. So romantic and sweet!
I did not like how the story seemed to paint Ambrose's dad as this stoic yet all knowing figure who could do no wrong when all I could see his broody silence doing was being cowardly whenever he chose to not intervene between Ambrose and his brother's arguments. The fact that even until the end he was still pulling the man of few words shtick with barely an acknowledgement of the mistakes he made that led to was super annoying.
The other side characters were all fine. I liked how Elizabeth was given agency and how she was rrady to take charge. The other convicts that Samuel came on were funny and distinct and I wish we got to see more of them (maybe they have their own book? I'll need to see).
I will say that Elias appearance felt a bit like it came out of nowhere? It makes sense considering how clearly wasn't able to pull all of it off on his own, but I feel like there could've been a bit more foreshadowing rather than having him materialize out of thin air.
Also, I take issue with the book's blurb. Mentioning the betrayal in the summary was a bit of a spoiler imo considering it wasn't immediately obvious that it was happening (at least to me)
The epilogue was sweet but though I can see that being a nice little easter egg for people who did enjoy them.
TL;DR: Great romance, great character progression, great pacing. Love wasn't instant and actually satisfying, though I did feel like Ambrose and Samuel began to trust each other just a tad too quickly and the dad was super annoying, but I'm still reading this a 4.5 rounded up!
May 6, 2025
Well, well, well! When I started this book, it was not at all what I was expecting. I actually started out not really liking this book partially because I was confused as to why none of the characters matched and why the ranch was setup the same way as in the first previous three books. I still loved the relationship that brewed between Samuel and Ambrose, but the story just felt slow at the beginning. However, it sure didn’t stay that way! I knew that there was going to be drama with the “outlaws” coming back, but I was ready for the second attack or for the second attack to be so involved. However, I did see the thing with Jospeh being involved coming! I’m so glad that Joseph got what was coming to him and the way that Ambrose had started to handle him before! I love the conversation between Ambrose and his father after the fight at the house also. While it wasn’t the speech that Ambrose had wanted or expected, it definitely showed the faith and support that his father had for Ambrose. Lastly, that epilogue was everything and is ultimately what changed my feelings toward this book! I finally understood how everyone was connected and the way that the four books came together! And it is so fitting that it would be Samuel to tell the story of him and Ambrose and to leave the letter hoping that someone would come across it! And for Riley to be the one to read it was just perfect because he came to the ranch not as a convict, but as someone who was in support of what the ranch was doing! And I love that the series ends with the same characters that it started with to bring the series full circle and that we get just another slight glance into Riley’s relationship with Max!!
In addition, in Romeo’s Facebook group, he asks if this book would work as a prologue and while I think that is definitely a possibility, I think that it would take away from the epilogue of this book and that not something I would want to be taken out of this book! However someone had suggested a family tree and I think that would be very helpful! In addition, I think a prologue to an extent would be helpful to but I wouldn’t want it to give away the Riley connection at the end of the book, so I don’t know how that would work, but I think some kind of clue that this story is set way before the other ones would have been helpful to me!
Overall, I ended up enjoying this book way more than I originally expected and think that this book was the perfect ending to this series! With that being said, I think it’s time I take a bigger break from Romeo’s books for a while and come back to these at a later date!
In addition, in Romeo’s Facebook group, he asks if this book would work as a prologue and while I think that is definitely a possibility, I think that it would take away from the epilogue of this book and that not something I would want to be taken out of this book! However someone had suggested a family tree and I think that would be very helpful! In addition, I think a prologue to an extent would be helpful to but I wouldn’t want it to give away the Riley connection at the end of the book, so I don’t know how that would work, but I think some kind of clue that this story is set way before the other ones would have been helpful to me!
Overall, I ended up enjoying this book way more than I originally expected and think that this book was the perfect ending to this series! With that being said, I think it’s time I take a bigger break from Romeo’s books for a while and come back to these at a later date!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
Ambrose and Samuel . . .
This series is awesome, but this particular story makes it even better by taking a step back to give us more of the background of the Isaiah Ranch and its enlightened goal of helping to rehabilitate criminals in the 1800s. The idea of rehabilitating felons through trusting them with honest work on the ranch, earning pride and responsibility and giving them a “second chance”, can be life-changing. It offers those with no hope a fresh opportunity to change and grow through hard work into productive citizens with hope for a future. And it lets them develop trust that can change attitudes as they work together to support and truly become a part of a new family that cares.
Ambrose Isaiah is the shy and quiet man in charge of running the family-owned ranch. Samuel is a felon who is being given the opportunity this time to change his past ways and make a difference. He had sought revenge for his parents death and killed those responsible because one of the people who killed his family was a brother to the sheriff and the sheriff refused to perform his lawful duty against his own family member. Justice was required but the man who wore the badge was not honorable, so Samuel did what he felt was right. Ambrose isn’t sure about Samuel at first. Their personalities are very different. And yet Ambrose can’t stop thinking about him. And when they start to see damage to the ranch, they are correct in worrying about the intentions of a gang which is moving into the area and has their sights set on the ranch. Will Samuel team up with Ambrose to protect his new home and “family”? Will the spark of attraction they already feel be strengthened as they fight together for what they believe in?
This series is awesome, but this particular story makes it even better by taking a step back to give us more of the background of the Isaiah Ranch and its enlightened goal of helping to rehabilitate criminals in the 1800s. The idea of rehabilitating felons through trusting them with honest work on the ranch, earning pride and responsibility and giving them a “second chance”, can be life-changing. It offers those with no hope a fresh opportunity to change and grow through hard work into productive citizens with hope for a future. And it lets them develop trust that can change attitudes as they work together to support and truly become a part of a new family that cares.
Ambrose Isaiah is the shy and quiet man in charge of running the family-owned ranch. Samuel is a felon who is being given the opportunity this time to change his past ways and make a difference. He had sought revenge for his parents death and killed those responsible because one of the people who killed his family was a brother to the sheriff and the sheriff refused to perform his lawful duty against his own family member. Justice was required but the man who wore the badge was not honorable, so Samuel did what he felt was right. Ambrose isn’t sure about Samuel at first. Their personalities are very different. And yet Ambrose can’t stop thinking about him. And when they start to see damage to the ranch, they are correct in worrying about the intentions of a gang which is moving into the area and has their sights set on the ranch. Will Samuel team up with Ambrose to protect his new home and “family”? Will the spark of attraction they already feel be strengthened as they fight together for what they believe in?
April 24, 2025
Where it all started! The Isaiah Ranch series is a winner
Michigan author Romeo Alexander has demonstrated that not only does he have a talent for writing romance but also the gift for exploring opposites in people’s lives and stations in life and how exploration of apparent disparities can actually be a source for bonding. Though somewhat shy he is a humanitarian who sees the world in which we live as a community bonded in a natural approach to our feelings and ourselves and our interaction with others. His bisexual nature allows him to create well rounded characters – most all of his novels are M/M romances but they are much more than the usual erotica we encounter in film, television, and social media.
Romeo’s forte is defining characters who are fully visual and credible, and born of a spectrum of types that make his stories unusually unique. He distills the plot well, in the words of Smauel - ‘I killed the men who butchered my parents and dodged the hangman’s noose—now I’m an outlaw bound by honor, drawn to the one man who wants nothing to do with me. After years of drifting and hiding my secrets, I sense a chance of redemption at Isaiah Ranch. I’ve known family and honor—can I find it again here? Ambrose Isaiah, the youngest heir of a powerful ranching dynasty, sees me as a threat—a killer with no place among his kin. He’s right, but that doesn’t stop the spark between us. I didn’t come here to stay. I didn’t come here to fall in love. I’m everything Ambrose should despise. But away from prying eyes, with only the wilderness as witness, we cross a line neither of us can take back. Our secret heats up fast—but so does the danger. A violent gang is closing in with the ranch in their sights. When betrayal hits close to home, we have to fight… even if it means losing everything. The land, the truth…and each other.’
The range of themes in Romeo’s impressively large output of novels always encourages his readership to plead for the next volume. This is a wholly enjoyable and very well-conceived and written story with a significant sociological theme worthy of everyone’s attention!
Michigan author Romeo Alexander has demonstrated that not only does he have a talent for writing romance but also the gift for exploring opposites in people’s lives and stations in life and how exploration of apparent disparities can actually be a source for bonding. Though somewhat shy he is a humanitarian who sees the world in which we live as a community bonded in a natural approach to our feelings and ourselves and our interaction with others. His bisexual nature allows him to create well rounded characters – most all of his novels are M/M romances but they are much more than the usual erotica we encounter in film, television, and social media.
Romeo’s forte is defining characters who are fully visual and credible, and born of a spectrum of types that make his stories unusually unique. He distills the plot well, in the words of Smauel - ‘I killed the men who butchered my parents and dodged the hangman’s noose—now I’m an outlaw bound by honor, drawn to the one man who wants nothing to do with me. After years of drifting and hiding my secrets, I sense a chance of redemption at Isaiah Ranch. I’ve known family and honor—can I find it again here? Ambrose Isaiah, the youngest heir of a powerful ranching dynasty, sees me as a threat—a killer with no place among his kin. He’s right, but that doesn’t stop the spark between us. I didn’t come here to stay. I didn’t come here to fall in love. I’m everything Ambrose should despise. But away from prying eyes, with only the wilderness as witness, we cross a line neither of us can take back. Our secret heats up fast—but so does the danger. A violent gang is closing in with the ranch in their sights. When betrayal hits close to home, we have to fight… even if it means losing everything. The land, the truth…and each other.’
The range of themes in Romeo’s impressively large output of novels always encourages his readership to plead for the next volume. This is a wholly enjoyable and very well-conceived and written story with a significant sociological theme worthy of everyone’s attention!
April 21, 2025
The Outlaw and the Heir is a love story set in the latter part of the 1800’s and finishing in the early 1900’s. It concerns three outlaws being taken into custody on a ranch in the west of the USA where they have to work off their sentence. It also concerns the Isaiah family and their struggle to make a go of it in the desert and make a go of it they have done and continued to do. The love story encompasses Samuel and Ambrose and the lifestyle. It is also a story of survival in an almost lawless world where men in charge count and everyone else not so much.
Samuel is one of the outlaws who when he was a sixteen year old took the law into his own hands. He also runs off at the mouth which both drives Ambrose mad and intrigues him. This leads to a life on the wrong side of the law. Ambrose on the other hand is a law abiding rancher’s son with problems of his own, the main one being an older brother who hates him for something he was innocent of.
As a read the book walks a tightrope between excitement on one side and utter dismay at the verbosity of it all. I was not surprised when the main characters got to eat their food cold because there are never ending long internal monologues and equally long conversations going on. I’ll admit I took to skimming the latter half of the book just so I didn’t give up. It was worth sticking with it as the characters are a delight and the gruff humanity of it all just wonderful. The getting together of the two guys is quite special as well.
Give it a read and skip ahead as needed. Backtracking is fine if you miss something.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Samuel is one of the outlaws who when he was a sixteen year old took the law into his own hands. He also runs off at the mouth which both drives Ambrose mad and intrigues him. This leads to a life on the wrong side of the law. Ambrose on the other hand is a law abiding rancher’s son with problems of his own, the main one being an older brother who hates him for something he was innocent of.
As a read the book walks a tightrope between excitement on one side and utter dismay at the verbosity of it all. I was not surprised when the main characters got to eat their food cold because there are never ending long internal monologues and equally long conversations going on. I’ll admit I took to skimming the latter half of the book just so I didn’t give up. It was worth sticking with it as the characters are a delight and the gruff humanity of it all just wonderful. The getting together of the two guys is quite special as well.
Give it a read and skip ahead as needed. Backtracking is fine if you miss something.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2025
Ambrose Isaiah is the youngest of three kids that lives on the Ranch. Ambrose lives in a cabin instead of the big house. Ambrose is in charge of the ranch hands and making sure everything gets done. James and his son Ambrose went into the Town of Rapture to find some help for the Ranch. The Sheriff brought out three prisoner's and handed them over to them. Ambrose would be responsible for the three and if they were good they could earn their freedom. Samuel was one of the three to be taken to the Isaiah Ranch to work off his time. Samuel was good with his hand, he also watched everything around him. Samuel made suggestions on where he thought people would work best and Ambrose made the changes. Elizabeth wanted more freedom to move around and Ambrose assigned Samuel as her personnel bodyguard. On one of the trips off the Ranch Ambrose and Samuel came upon some tracks and Ambrose when to talk with his father when they got back. The Le Garou gang was back and they needed to take steps to protect themselves and the Town. The next outing was taken by Elizabeth and Samuel and on the way back to the ranch they were attacked and Samuel was shot. During Samuels recovery Ambrose and Samuel spend a lot of time together and grow closer. Ambrose wakes up one night to the smell of smoke and runs out to see what is going on. The Le Garou gang has set fire to the Ranch and has taken hostages in the main house. Will Ambrose save the Ranch and his family??? Will Samuel earn his freedom ???.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2025
Love a romance about a cowboy and a bad boy
It has taken me awhile to gather my thoughts on this one. I loved the writing especially when there was action and/or bickering. I am in no way a cowboy or have ever been to a ranch however I thought the narrators really brought the homestead to life and I could vividly see the settings.
I will say, I wasn't a fan of the first chapter or the epilogue. It felt like there was too much description and telling to set the scene at the beginning and I didn't really get the need for the epilogue as it felt like a cameo and quick 'they lived happily ever after' but to each their own.
The main thing for me are the characters. I love a 2 POV romance and I loved how secondary characters (go Elizabeth go) were given their own heart and were brought to life. I will say that some things were not given in much detail and almost glossed over however for a Gay Cowboy Romance I can see why these weren't delved into more.
Overall I would recommend this on for the action and the romance all encompassed on a family ranch where we aren't quite sure what will happen (well I guessed but anywho).
4* from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has taken me awhile to gather my thoughts on this one. I loved the writing especially when there was action and/or bickering. I am in no way a cowboy or have ever been to a ranch however I thought the narrators really brought the homestead to life and I could vividly see the settings.
I will say, I wasn't a fan of the first chapter or the epilogue. It felt like there was too much description and telling to set the scene at the beginning and I didn't really get the need for the epilogue as it felt like a cameo and quick 'they lived happily ever after' but to each their own.
The main thing for me are the characters. I love a 2 POV romance and I loved how secondary characters (go Elizabeth go) were given their own heart and were brought to life. I will say that some things were not given in much detail and almost glossed over however for a Gay Cowboy Romance I can see why these weren't delved into more.
Overall I would recommend this on for the action and the romance all encompassed on a family ranch where we aren't quite sure what will happen (well I guessed but anywho).
4* from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2025
This book takes you along on a beautifully developing relationship, that doesn't feel trope laden or inevitable.
These characters aren't instantly likeable, Ambrose is a little bit pious, Samuel a little too glib .. and that makes the gradual development in character and their relationship feel so much more genuine and deserved.
We see Ambrose become open to other perspectives, challenging his assumptions and learning to be more kind to himself and the world . We see Samuel lower his defences, less protective of himself and to use his empathy for compassion and care. This relationship *truly* develops over time and in spite of themselves.
The setting is so well done too, bleak and hopeful. The lawless west on the cusp of change, hard lives and kindness within. The few female characters are strong, characterful and distinct with meaningful roles and the whole world feels believable and solid.
This is a story that truly hooked me in and kept me engrossed, the tale outside of the romance was strong and exciting, not just a blurry background for love.
A well written, engaging story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These characters aren't instantly likeable, Ambrose is a little bit pious, Samuel a little too glib .. and that makes the gradual development in character and their relationship feel so much more genuine and deserved.
We see Ambrose become open to other perspectives, challenging his assumptions and learning to be more kind to himself and the world . We see Samuel lower his defences, less protective of himself and to use his empathy for compassion and care. This relationship *truly* develops over time and in spite of themselves.
The setting is so well done too, bleak and hopeful. The lawless west on the cusp of change, hard lives and kindness within. The few female characters are strong, characterful and distinct with meaningful roles and the whole world feels believable and solid.
This is a story that truly hooked me in and kept me engrossed, the tale outside of the romance was strong and exciting, not just a blurry background for love.
A well written, engaging story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2025
Interestingly, this book is a throwback to the beginning of Isaiah Ranch's taking in criminals and trying to give them a second chance. Obviously, the Outlaw and the Heir title tells us where the story starts and falling in love is the point, right? This is a romance novel.
Like the other books in this series, it is one grumpy man and one light-hearted man finding that opposites attract. It is finding that an annoying person can also be the love of your life.
This story takes place in the wild west of the 1800's, so killing is part of survival and although the government wants to bring law into the land, it hasn't quite hit West Texas desert yet.
It's a great story of the West and of a time when gay and female leaders are not truly accepted. The 6 was a surprise because all of a sudden, you found out you were reading a diary and Riley from the other books is the reader. it was jarring and diminished the book to a 4.8, not a 5 star. If there had been something at the start to tie it all together, it would have worked a bit better.
Romeo Alexander is still one of my favorite male writers of this genre.
Like the other books in this series, it is one grumpy man and one light-hearted man finding that opposites attract. It is finding that an annoying person can also be the love of your life.
This story takes place in the wild west of the 1800's, so killing is part of survival and although the government wants to bring law into the land, it hasn't quite hit West Texas desert yet.
It's a great story of the West and of a time when gay and female leaders are not truly accepted. The 6 was a surprise because all of a sudden, you found out you were reading a diary and Riley from the other books is the reader. it was jarring and diminished the book to a 4.8, not a 5 star. If there had been something at the start to tie it all together, it would have worked a bit better.
Romeo Alexander is still one of my favorite male writers of this genre.
April 23, 2025
A slow burn
Firstly, let me say I am a huge fan of Romeo Alexander but for me this book was a bit slow and very long I’ve got to say i really enjoyed the story when it really got started for me about half way through the book.
I really took well to Ambrose. I didn’t like the way the family treated him and I understand his will to live as a ranch hand away from the big house. I just wished his dad and brother were a bit nicer. Ambrose sorts out the ranch and when three criminals are given to the ranch to work their time it is quick that we realise there is some tension between Ambrose and Samuel. I really like Samuel. I like the banter and the fact that he didn’t back down. I’m glad these two worked as a team when the ranch was in trouble. The attraction between them is hot and fierce. I really enjoyed how they grew together.. a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Firstly, let me say I am a huge fan of Romeo Alexander but for me this book was a bit slow and very long I’ve got to say i really enjoyed the story when it really got started for me about half way through the book.
I really took well to Ambrose. I didn’t like the way the family treated him and I understand his will to live as a ranch hand away from the big house. I just wished his dad and brother were a bit nicer. Ambrose sorts out the ranch and when three criminals are given to the ranch to work their time it is quick that we realise there is some tension between Ambrose and Samuel. I really like Samuel. I like the banter and the fact that he didn’t back down. I’m glad these two worked as a team when the ranch was in trouble. The attraction between them is hot and fierce. I really enjoyed how they grew together.. a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
1800 Wild West MM
It took me a good while to get invested in this story. Judging from the cover I thought it would be more modern, but turns out it is set in 1850’s. There was a lot of internal meanderings in each POV’s chapter. It certainly was Wild West and fairly lawless and a bit of bible thumping thrown into the mixture. Still, Ambrose son of the Ranch owner, and Samuel, a criminal who was sentenced to serve his time working on the ranch by the local law enforcement representatives in the town of Rapture. Ambrose had responsibly of making sure Samuel and his two cohorts in crime didn’t escape. True to the responsibility thrust upon him, he made sure that Samuel remained beside him, despite the turmoil and betrayal that happened in their decades together. I’m so glad I was able to stay with the story right to the epilogue.
It was a nice change from MM romance in the 21st century.
It took me a good while to get invested in this story. Judging from the cover I thought it would be more modern, but turns out it is set in 1850’s. There was a lot of internal meanderings in each POV’s chapter. It certainly was Wild West and fairly lawless and a bit of bible thumping thrown into the mixture. Still, Ambrose son of the Ranch owner, and Samuel, a criminal who was sentenced to serve his time working on the ranch by the local law enforcement representatives in the town of Rapture. Ambrose had responsibly of making sure Samuel and his two cohorts in crime didn’t escape. True to the responsibility thrust upon him, he made sure that Samuel remained beside him, despite the turmoil and betrayal that happened in their decades together. I’m so glad I was able to stay with the story right to the epilogue.
It was a nice change from MM romance in the 21st century.
September 23, 2025
With every page turned I found more excitement and surprises. This is a well woven story about criminals who come to work the farm and are redeemed in the late 1800s.
Ambrose is heir to the farm, and Samuel and two others are given a chance to work instead of lingering in a hopeless jail.
It's weaved well with long talks, deep thought-filled past descriptions, plus their event filled days. The characters are defined and we know there is more to learn. Ambrose is in charge of the new helpers and treats them better and better as they prove themselves. Things start to change and new surprises are around every corner.
Samuel and Ambrose begin to have secret sexual encounters. These will grow with the story and their time frame.
From bandits, family arguments, to dangers, and the attack, the sneak y gang and fire, culminate in a finally.
I liked these rough hewn men, the hard work for everyone, and the new discoveries.
The epilogue is amazing and more.
ENJOY !
=======
Ambrose is heir to the farm, and Samuel and two others are given a chance to work instead of lingering in a hopeless jail.
It's weaved well with long talks, deep thought-filled past descriptions, plus their event filled days. The characters are defined and we know there is more to learn. Ambrose is in charge of the new helpers and treats them better and better as they prove themselves. Things start to change and new surprises are around every corner.
Samuel and Ambrose begin to have secret sexual encounters. These will grow with the story and their time frame.
From bandits, family arguments, to dangers, and the attack, the sneak y gang and fire, culminate in a finally.
I liked these rough hewn men, the hard work for everyone, and the new discoveries.
The epilogue is amazing and more.
ENJOY !
=======
April 21, 2025
This was such a powerful story about finding your way with someone that you are not sure you even want to know. Ambrose, the ranch heir who is keeping the family ranch going, is wary of Samuel, the outlaw who is working on the land in hopes of finding a place to land. They are very different men, one quiet, one brash but it is those differences that allow them to team up to face the challenges that come for the ranch. There are bad people who are planning to be a problem but with Samuel in their corner Ambrose is able to face and deal with them. They are very much attracted to one another and the steamy times are well written. But so is the historical setting and this book is so engaging because of a good mix of these elements.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2025
This is the origin story for the Isaiah Ranch series, it is interesting, and a nice addition to the series. Although it would have been nice to know the year it took place at the start of the book. There are many strong characters, some intense moments, danger and violence, a twist that will surprise some, steamy sexy times, a deep love, and a satisfying HEA.
Ambrose and Samuel are both intriguing characters who evolve throughout the story. I enjoyed seeing the progression of their relationship and the way they worked together when unexpected events took place.
The only downside for me was that it was a bit too long, there were too many rambling thoughts and some that were repeated too often.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable story and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ambrose and Samuel are both intriguing characters who evolve throughout the story. I enjoyed seeing the progression of their relationship and the way they worked together when unexpected events took place.
The only downside for me was that it was a bit too long, there were too many rambling thoughts and some that were repeated too often.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable story and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2025
The book I didn't know I wanted
I was so happy to see that there was another Isaiah Ranch book and when I realised it was the origin story? Well, wild horses wouldn't have been able to drag me away.
Ambrose and Samuel were complete opposites and perfect for each other. Their romance is set against the backdrop of the ranch, with a lot of introspection and a bit of drama. It is a slow book but that suited the characters, the setting and the mid-nineteenth century time period and I was completely engrossed.
There were some great supporting characters, and Ambrose's sister, Elizabeth, was a real highlight. I was also fascinated by the two men that came to the ranch with Samuel and I would love to know their story.
I loved the epilogue, a glimpse into the future of Ambrose and Samuel and their happily ever after that made me happy.
I was so happy to see that there was another Isaiah Ranch book and when I realised it was the origin story? Well, wild horses wouldn't have been able to drag me away.
Ambrose and Samuel were complete opposites and perfect for each other. Their romance is set against the backdrop of the ranch, with a lot of introspection and a bit of drama. It is a slow book but that suited the characters, the setting and the mid-nineteenth century time period and I was completely engrossed.
There were some great supporting characters, and Ambrose's sister, Elizabeth, was a real highlight. I was also fascinated by the two men that came to the ranch with Samuel and I would love to know their story.
I loved the epilogue, a glimpse into the future of Ambrose and Samuel and their happily ever after that made me happy.
April 16, 2025
Turd in the sun, Le Garou, lit lamp in the window, butter or lard, amorous congress, explosion, mules, electricity
If this is the last book in the series, what a powerful and great ending! *sigh* *SIGH!* It's long, but I can't see anything that is extraneous or needs to be edited out. Every single word is necessary or needed for this perfectly and masterfully written story. The imagery and scenery are magnificently and vividly displayed. The visuals jump out of the book. The storyline of this book reminds me of Book 1, Riley's and Max's story. Samuel is Riley and Ambrose is Max. This book has a twist at the ending, while Book 1 does not. I won't rehash the story as it may color your experience and opinion. It's immensely enjoyable and satisfying. I rabidly recommend it!
If this is the last book in the series, what a powerful and great ending! *sigh* *SIGH!* It's long, but I can't see anything that is extraneous or needs to be edited out. Every single word is necessary or needed for this perfectly and masterfully written story. The imagery and scenery are magnificently and vividly displayed. The visuals jump out of the book. The storyline of this book reminds me of Book 1, Riley's and Max's story. Samuel is Riley and Ambrose is Max. This book has a twist at the ending, while Book 1 does not. I won't rehash the story as it may color your experience and opinion. It's immensely enjoyable and satisfying. I rabidly recommend it!
April 19, 2025
Ambrose runs the ranch owned by his family. Shy, introverted, just wants to run the ranch smoothly. Samuel is our outlaw. The town they're in gives criminals a chance to work their term off before it's decided when to hang them. Ambrose has many qualms about Samuel, he's loud, talkative, a criminal but he can't seem to get him off his mind. As they're working the ranch they find tracks & damage not necessarily done by animals. A gang has come to town & with Samuel's help Ambrose & family work it out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. HEA, Low angst, Well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
4.5⭐️I really loved this! I don’t read many historical romances but this was quite well done, the setting vivid and felt true to the period. Grumpy Sunshine is an absolute favorite and this one was fun. Ambrose and Samuel are so very different but I enjoyed the spark and friction in their dynamic, they are fun together. It was also cool to see the ranch in this early incarnation and get a peek at the ancestors of the modern ranch inhabitants. It was a bit wistful, as I often find periods romance, as due to the time period, Ambrose and Samuel will have to hide what they mean to each. What a beautiful epilogue, no spoilers, but what a perfectly poignant way to close Ambrose and Samuel’s story.
4.5⭐️I really loved this! I don’t read many historical romances but this was quite well done, the setting vivid and felt true to the period. Grumpy Sunshine is an absolute favorite and this one was fun. Ambrose and Samuel are so very different but I enjoyed the spark and friction in their dynamic, they are fun together. It was also cool to see the ranch in this early incarnation and get a peek at the ancestors of the modern ranch inhabitants. It was a bit wistful, as I often find periods romance, as due to the time period, Ambrose and Samuel will have to hide what they mean to each. What a beautiful epilogue, no spoilers, but what a perfectly poignant way to close Ambrose and Samuel’s story.
April 22, 2025
Nail biter! Ambrose and Samuel, are two men who have struggled their lives to be seen. They are men who are always on the outside alone looking in. Ambrose was born while his Mom died in childbirth. He carried that burden and received the looks and attitude from the men of his family. Samuel, has an equally tragic history that lands him on the wrong side of the law. He comes to work for Ambrose's family and through hard work and common ground, they build a friendship. Excellent story of the content of one's character, loyalty, murder, secrets, stubbornnes, perseverance and finding one's truth. Great story, well done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2025
Ambrose helps do the day to day running of the ranch but his brother Joseph did the books. Ambrose and his father went to the jail for labor workers and took the three to help work on the ranch, but he wasn’t too sure about Samuel working out. He heard Samuel’s story and they started talking about things. They were tracking wolves but Ambrose saw footprints with those tracks and knew the gang they had trouble with years ago was back. Went to tell his father it was too late then the person helping the gang was the one I thought it was and the gang got taken down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
If you've read the first three Isaiah Ranch books and are went to know about how it all began this is the book! Set in the 1800s, it's the story of Samuel and Ambrose, these two couldn't be more different. Hard working Ambrose Isaiah is the son of the ranch owner. When he and his father need help, they turn to an unexpected place, three outlaws from the local prison.
I loved, loved, loved discovering the origins of the Ranch. The action had me hooked, and that epilogue! Holy cow! Have those tissues ready, because it’s going to hit you.
In my opinion this books can be a prequel.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
I loved, loved, loved discovering the origins of the Ranch. The action had me hooked, and that epilogue! Holy cow! Have those tissues ready, because it’s going to hit you.
In my opinion this books can be a prequel.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
May 31, 2025
Beautiful
This is an audiobook review.
Ambrose and Samuel had mutual animosity between them in the beginning.
They were like oil and water, neither one truly trusting the other.
Eventually, as they work alongside each other, they find common ground in their love for the ranch.
They share laughter and they have some amazing chemistry.
They do find themselves in some danger as they experience a threat to the ranch but thankfully they're able to resolve it.
The epiloge was absolutely beautiful.
Michael Dean did an amazing job narrating and bringing these characters to life.
This is an audiobook review.
Ambrose and Samuel had mutual animosity between them in the beginning.
They were like oil and water, neither one truly trusting the other.
Eventually, as they work alongside each other, they find common ground in their love for the ranch.
They share laughter and they have some amazing chemistry.
They do find themselves in some danger as they experience a threat to the ranch but thankfully they're able to resolve it.
The epiloge was absolutely beautiful.
Michael Dean did an amazing job narrating and bringing these characters to life.
April 23, 2025
Wow. I had trouble getting into the book. I struggled the first 15%. A lot of family talk and kids - I am not so fond of. But then, when Ambrose and Samuel got in the picture together, the ride begun. And what a ride. This is a new to me author, and I am flashed. I haven't read the other books in this series, so you can read it as standalone, however I am going to buy and read the other books, since I loved this one so much. He created deep characters, with deep emotions. The banter was fun, the heat spicy, and overall the story was stunning.
June 7, 2025
"Love is living, happiness is living...
...and peace is cobbled together from all the good things in your life in a warm circle around you. So find that love, that happiness, and make your peace."
These are the beautiful words that Romeo Alexander has given us in this wonderful saga of "The Outlaw" Samuel and "The Heir" Ambrose and their meeting at Isaiah Ranch. A place I hope we return to. Fulll of wonderfully written characters who gradually come to realize who they are and embrace what they need and want. Great storytelling.
...and peace is cobbled together from all the good things in your life in a warm circle around you. So find that love, that happiness, and make your peace."
These are the beautiful words that Romeo Alexander has given us in this wonderful saga of "The Outlaw" Samuel and "The Heir" Ambrose and their meeting at Isaiah Ranch. A place I hope we return to. Fulll of wonderfully written characters who gradually come to realize who they are and embrace what they need and want. Great storytelling.
April 18, 2025
This is part of the Isaiah Ranch series and this takes us back to the origins of the series back in the 1800s and what a great read it is, the author does well with the time period and keeping things as accurate as possible it is well written and Samuel and Ambrose are interesting characters that become more likeable as the story progresses but overall we get a real good story with a twist at the end.
April 19, 2025
I really enjoy historical romances, and this one took me way back in time to the 1800's. I have read the series so this was definitely a smooth read for me, but you could read it for the setting and romance between Ambrose and Samuel alone. The need for them to keep their relationship secret really added to the passionate nature of their intimate times together. And we get a lot of those, so I was a happy reader!
April 21, 2025
4.25 stars. An excellent origin story, starting the Isaiah Ranch tradition of helping criminals in the 1800s. Giving the women Elizabeth and Hipolita so much say at a time when they couldn't have any in public was a real highlight. I figured out the plot twist early on, but that didn't detract from the plot. Ambrose and Samuel eventually made a great team, and their constant bickering remained enjoyable.
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