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Sagebrush Cowboys #5

Dust and Desire

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He came for the quiet. He stayed for the trouble.

Dustin I came to Sagebrush to bury my past. A messy divorce. A lifetime in the closet. A corporate life that suffocated me. I wanted silence. I wanted to fade into the background. Then Alex crashed into my world. He’s younger, reckless, and wears his cowboy hat like a crown. He calls me "city boy" with a wink that sets my blood on fire. Then I caught him skinny-dipping in the creek and couldn't look away. Now I'm not just hiding anymore. I'm hunting. And he's the only thing I want to catch.

Alex I don’t do "forever." I do "for tonight." I drift from ranch to ranch, keeping my heart locked up and my boots moving. But Sagebrush is different. Dustin is different. He’s older, steady, and dangerously quiet. He looks at me with a hunger that shakes me to my core. I should run. That’s what I do. But for the first time in my life, I’m wondering what it would feel like to stay. Even if it breaks us both.

Welcome to Sagebrush, Texas. Where the days are slow, the water is cool, and the age gap is just a number.

Dust and Desire 🤠 Mature Exec x Wild Cowboy 🔥 Age Gap Romance 🤫 Skinny-dipping & Sneaking Around ❤️ Drifter vs. Settler 🌈 Late-in-Life Coming Out

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2025

51 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Atreus Rosewood

19 books50 followers
Atreus Rosewood is a gay romance author living in Michigan with his two boyfriends, two cats, a spoiled dog, and all the beaches he could ask for. He writes constantly to the detriment of all else and that's just the way he likes it. If you happen to find him wandering a beach and mumbling to himself, iced coffee is how you’ll lure him back to civilization.

Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:

--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance

--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance

--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy

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5 stars
105 (55%)
4 stars
59 (31%)
3 stars
21 (11%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,248 reviews271 followers
October 25, 2025
Alex and Dustin…

Alex was a new hire at the ranch, and Dustin was the loner who showed up with money to invest, and had been living on his section of land for awhile.
We know all of the folks from previous stories and we see how the pairings are working out.
Alex is drawn to Dustin, but Dustin has an ex-wife and hasn’t had any gay experience yet. He’s super nervous about it, but Alex is the perfect fit for him.
We have Dustin’s ex who visits, and then a secret from Alex’s past is a nasty guy.

Our couple was doing so well and we hope the past doesn’t ruin the present.
Their sexy times are exciting and wild, and we are glad for every step of this tale.
ENJOY !

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Profile Image for Axalia.
1,187 reviews116 followers
September 2, 2025
Dustin et Alex avec un Culomètre à 🍑🍆

S'il y avait bien un mec dont je voulais avoir l'histoire, c'est bien Dustin, l'avocat timide qui se cache au fin fond de Sagebrush et ça n'a pas manqué, je me suis régalée !!!

Depuis son divorce et l'acceptation de son homosexualité, Dustin vit discrètement à Sagebrush, sur une parcelle reculée des Baker. Même s'il est entouré de 8 hommes gays, il n'est pas encore à l'aise pour vivre sa nouvelle vie ouvertement. Quand Alex arrive au ranch, l'alchimie est immédiate, mais il faudra du temps au jeune homme pour percer la carapace de Dustin !

Chaque tome me donne une petite joie dans ma journée, comme à chaque fois, j'aime retrouver la plume de l'auteur et vivre les histoires des cowboys de l'Armoise. Le grand air, des hommes à cheval torses nus et des romances de petites villes, il y a tout pour me ravir !

Dustin est le personnage le plus adorable de toute la saga, sa timidité et sa réserve donne envie de lui trouver un homme capable qui lui fera du bien. Et, Alex est l'homme PAR-FAIT : gentil, sexy, avenant, il fera tout pour être dans la vie de Dustin, même s'il va devoir ramer !

L'auteur nous saupoudre tout cela d'un ex-toxique qui va venir mettre le bazar dans l'histoire, pour ne pas nous laisser sans une dose de suspense, on kiff ! On ne s'attend pas à une romance hyper original, mais les bases sont là et je me suis éclatée à découvrir ce 5ᵉ tome !

Bref, maintenant que Dustin est maqué, il me faut l'histoire du chérif (mais ça ne sera pas pour le prochain, un nouveau venu va avoir son tome avant) !
Profile Image for Kurohagi.
88 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2025
I loved this book, rediscovering the atmosphere of Sagebrush: the Texan heat, the smell of leather, the hooves of horses. If you like cowboys, this series is a must-read.
I had been waiting for Dustin's story ever since he appeared in Wild and Whiskey, the second volume of the Sagebrush series. I loved this character who, after years of resisting, lying to himself, trying to be someone else... He dared to put an end to the lies and leave a fake life behind to discover the raw and honest life of cowboys. He is shy, withdrawn, and doesn't really feel like he belongs.
Alex is very different from Dustin, who is outgoing and perfectly at ease with everyone. And he is exactly what Dustin needed. They each have a past they must face in order to move forward. This story is very much about trust, the ability to trust others and know how to be vulnerable, but also to trust oneself.
I love how the author describes the characters' feelings. You feel the emotions strongly. And the landscapes are dreamy!
I recommend it for lovers of romance and cowboys.

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J'ai adoré ce livre, retrouver l'ambiance de Sagebrush : la chaleur texane, l'odeur du cuir, les sabots des chevaux. Si on aime les cow-boys cette série est à lire absolument.
J'attendais l'histoire de Dustin, depuis qu'il ait apparu dans Wild and Whiskey le deuxième volume de la série Sagebrush. J'ai adoré ce personnage qui après des années à résister, à se mentir, à tenter d'être quelqu'un d'autre... Il a osé mettre fin au mensonge et quitter une vie factice pour découvrir la vie brute et honnête des cow-boys. Il est timide, renfermé et ne se sentant pas vraiment à sa place.
Alex est très différent de Dustin, extraverti, parfaitement à l'aise avec tout le monde. Et il est exactement celui qu'il fallait à Dustin. Ils ont chacun un passé auxquels ils doivent faire face pour avancer. Dans cette histoire, il est beaucoup question de confiance, de la capacité à faire confiance à l'autre et savoir se montrer vulnérable mais également à se faire confiance.
J'aime comme l'auteur décrit les sentiments des personnages. On ressent les émotions avec force. Et les paysages font rêver !
Je recommande pour les amoureux de romances et de cow boys.
601 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
Dustin and Alex are fully developed characters that I really liked and there are also many great secondary characters that add depth to the story.
Dustin may have saved the ranch, but now it's time for someone to save him from his self imposed isolation and the lonliness he struggles with.
Alex shows himself as a carefree guy when really he has spent years running from a crazy ex. He settles in well at the ranch and gets along with everyone. But with Dustin he feels an intense, instant attraction - and the feeling is most definitely mutual.
I found the connection building between them to be sweet, emotional, and romantic, a feeling that could be felt throughout the book. Something about them and their interactions felt like they are meant to be, making their connection feel genuine despite everything developing quickly.
Alex chose - more than once - to keep something important about his past a secret from Dustin, even though there is evidence that that past has once again caught up with him.
Alex's lack of communication frustrated me, even if I understood his reasons. Thankfully, Dustin understood Alex and his reasons even more, and this lead to a deepening of their love.
Overall, I found this book has two solidly connected and genuinely in love MC's. There are moments that are sweet and tender or spicy and a bit kinky, many great friends, some conflict, and a HEA that will leave you happy.

115 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2025
In the fifth installment of the Sagebrush Cowboys series, titled "Dust and Desire," readers are introduced to a romantic journey that is both heartfelt and unexpected. This novel focuses on Dustin, a once-married New Yorker, who has always kept his emotions at bay. His life takes an intriguing turn with the arrival of Alex, a character who disrupts Dustin's solitary existence.

Dustin's character embodies the struggle of someone who is just beginning to explore his true desires. Throughout the story, we see the conflict within him as he grapples with feelings he has never dared to explore before. His shyness and uncertainty make him one of the most relatable characters in this chapter of the Sagebrush Cowboys saga. Readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates his complex emotions.

On the other hand, Alex is everything Dustin has secretly wished for. His straightforwardness and boldness present both an allure and a challenge for Dustin, who isn't sure how to respond. As their relationship develops, readers will enjoy the witty cowboy banter and humor that the Sagebrush series is known for. However, the stakes are raised when Alex's past threatens to overshadow their budding romance, adding an element of suspense to the narrative.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,030 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2025
Dust and Desire is book five in the Sagebrush Cowboys series. Dustin, the "savior of the Baker Ranch", was introduced a bit back, and I'm happy he gets his own story. It's a hurt/ comfort tale with age difference and a not so vanilla interest in the bedroom. Nice sizzle there.
Dustin is about a day away from becoming a hermit. Alex comes to Sagebrush with a heavy bag of troubles. The ranchers and townspeople are very encouraging and pull him into their found family dynamic. And I've gotta say that Dolly is an absolute pistol!
A fun, quick read with a high angst factor and a really hot kink. The worldbuilding is terrific, my kindle melting in the well described Texas heat. The ending is absolutely feel good. And left me with an "ahhhh"
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author, and this is my review.
Profile Image for Cara.
594 reviews25 followers
August 22, 2025
4.5 stars
Dust and Desire is the fifth book in the Sagebrush Cowboys series.

Finally, it's Dustin's turn, the man who saved the ranch but lives secluded in a small cabin on the edge of the property. The boys drag him along to do everything, from going to dinner at the main house to a night out on the town.

A new worker arrives at the ranch, Alex, who immediately notices Dustin, but Dustin is reluctant to make any advances.

I liked it, especially the development of Dustin's character, who starts out as a hermit and ends up living his life to the fullest.

There is a sixth book, because at the end the arrival of a new worker is announced.
I am delighted with these guys.

arc-provided-4
Profile Image for Laina Rae.
202 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2025
I was so excited for Dustin’s turn to find love.

Why I gave this a lower rating than the others is because there was just wayyyy too much insecurity/reassurance. I felt like things were repeated. I get Dustin having a hard time but I just felt like they were kinda saying the same things over and over just in different ways.

Other than that I did enjoy this book. I know this is a MM series but I hope Dolly eventually gets someone. She’s so sweet and always setting people up. She deserves her happy ending too. Even if it’s a little mention of her finding someone. I neeeeeeed it lol I mean we got the mention of Caroline and her man. Now it’s Dolly’s turn.
Profile Image for la review bleu.
210 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2025
I was waiting for Dustin's story since he came into the picture. I liked that older man every time he was mentioned. And oh, I love this book so much. I loved to see how Dusting got more, and more comfortable in his skin, till he let himself fall in love, and get loved. He wasn't as vanilla was I thought! That was nice. And Alex? I loved Alex as well. He and his past made a great plot! Big love for Dolly at this point! I swear, you don't want to miss out on Dolly!!! Nice character development, good amount of spice, all the feelings, a shy older man meets a younger horny one.
23 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
Ugh. This series has gone down hill! If you are expecting more info on Dustin, forget it. There are like 2 sentences on his history. He meets Alex...a slut. Alex lies like crazy, mostly about his past. You learn more about Alex than Dustin. Alex even discusses partner swaps with the slut Cody before their first date and this is love? This one really ruins the series. Author still needs to work on spelling and grammar.
Profile Image for Simera.
1,795 reviews7 followers
September 10, 2025
Dustin is trying to find himself. After getting a divorce and coming out he invests in the Baker Ranch. However, he is more a hermit than dealing with his feelings and guilt over his past.
Alex is a younger cowboy, on the run from an ex and hasn't really found a place to settle.
Dustin and Alex are sweet together, both giving what the other needs. When Alex's ex shows up things get a little crazy since Alex keeps it a secret.
126 reviews
September 8, 2025
Dustin and Alex!🫠

My favorite of all the Sagebrush Cowboys! Dustin finally has his hea with Alex, a new ranch hand!

Dustin's story was well worth the wait, with all the friends from the other books, and Alex, who is running from something, which we learn, but it's not what you think!

This was so good, so sweet, so hot!🔥🔥❤️‍🔥
6 reviews
January 5, 2026
#5 and they keep getting better. There are no spoilers in this review. This is series to read in order. There is a lot of tension in this book. And it is handled masterfully. The use of some of the characters from the previous novels adds a lot to the plot. Definitely read the Bonus Scene in Patreon.
Profile Image for Dave.
637 reviews8 followers
January 16, 2026
What a nice book, Atreus. Dustin has moved from New York to Sagebrush, TX, after breaking up with his girlfriend Ali, and there he meets Alex, a kind of jack-of-all-trades cowboy. It takes a while to heat up, but it does. There's an interval toward the end when Alex feels trapped by an old boyfriend, but boyfriend gets arrested for a number of things, and happily ever after is hinted at.
Profile Image for lori forsyth.
816 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2025
Awesome book & series

This was a fantastic series from the first book!!!! The characters are spot on and you'll feel like you are right there beside them in the thick of things!!!! You'll fall in love with the cowboy all
Thank you - Lori
Profile Image for Holden Gentry.
10 reviews
January 12, 2026
OH MY GOD.
This has to be my favorite book in the series so far! I was hooked from the start and didn’t want to put it down. Alex and Dustin’s story is chefs kiss! Overall this one is spicier than the others in this series, and I was here for it!
1,624 reviews11 followers
October 20, 2025
The subtitle of "A sweet and spicy gay cowboy romance" is about right. There is drama as the climax of the story nears the final resolution, but sweet and spicy is what it is.
14 reviews
November 14, 2025
Schön zu sehen, daß der zurückgezogene, schüchterne Dustin endlich sein Happy End bekommt.
Zwischen dem unsicheren Dustin und dem charmanten Alex gibt es sofort eine gegenseitige Verbindung aus körperlicher und emotionaler Anziehung. Dustin traut sich endlich aus seiner Komfortzone heraus und sie stellen schnell fest, daß es nicht nur um körperliches Begehren geht, sondern der Anfang von etwas Echtem sein könnte. Bis Alex von seinen Dämonen eingeholt wird.
Die Geschichte ist gut zu lesen, der Text flüssig geschrieben und sehr bildhaft. Ich kam leicht in die Geschichte rein und fand die Charaktere gut durchdacht. Auch die Nebencharaktere sind ein Gewinn für das Buch, sie füllen sozusagen die „Lücken“ der Geschichte und machen sie erst vollständig. Außerdem hat es Spaß gemacht, die Leute aus den vorangegangenen Büchern wiederzutreffen und zu sehen, daß sie eine eingeschworene Gemeinschaft sind.
Ich hätte mir noch gewünscht, etwas mehr über Dustin's Hintergrund und auch über seine gegenwärtigen beruflichen Ziele zu erfahren.
Einen Stern musste ich abziehen. Ich fand die Geschichte zwar schlüssig, allerdings nur bis kurz vor dem Ende. Da hatte ich das Gefühl, daß es hier nur um eine schnelle Auflösung ohne Finesse geht. Ansonsten gab es einige Fehler, eine Szene, die anatomisch nicht möglich war:) und die falsche Zeitschiene gegen Ende. Stört leider immer den Lesefluß.
Trotzdem eine schöne Ergänzung der Serie und ich freue mich auf das nächste Buch.
92 reviews
September 14, 2025
Iba tan bien en el tema de la traducción (algún error esporádico, nada grave) y justo en el final empiezan a tratar en femenino al protagonista. Ojalá las IAs evolucionen de una vez y en vez de tantas fotos y videos falsos aprendan a traducir como dios manda. Ahí va -1 estrella.
La otra se pierde por la extraña obsesión que tienen en la saga de hacer a todos versátiles. Es que no falla. Mismo patrón en cada uno de los 5 libros. Aunque sea por variar, estaría bien que en un libro no lo fueran.
Así que se queda en 3 estrellas esta nueva entrega de los vaqueros pastelosos (así los renombro por la falta de drama que presenta esta saga).
121 reviews
October 1, 2025
Fan Kindle

Me encantó este cuarto libro de la serie los personajes son increíbles muy intensos además pero muy sexys también ambos tienen que luchar contra su pasado para poder entregarse el amor y finalmente ser felices lo recomiendo 💯
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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