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Poplar Ridge Ranch #2
Stormborn
One cowboy in a desperate search for a home. Another in desperate need of healing…
Kaien Preston has traveled thousands of miles searching for a ranch where he will be left in peace. He’s still scarred by the last place he worked, where he was violently attacked by another ranch hand simply because he was gay. He never stays long in one place, and now his journey takes him to Poplar Ridge, a ranch rumored to be a haven for those who are different. He is immediately drawn to the ranch foreman, a grizzled, stoic cowboy named Taylor McLean. Things are not easy. Taylor is a man haunted by his past, and Kaien is unwilling to trust again, no matter how much he might be attracted to the cowboy. Yet, as the first tentative steps of trust lead to something more, Kaien is faced with a choice. Risk everything at a chance for love, or set out on the road again in his search for a place to belong.
For years now, Taylor has been vital to the smooth operation of the ranch and good friends with the owners, Nathan and Malcolm. But he’s bleeding from old wounds that haven’t healed; loss and betrayals in his past. When a broken soul named Kaien arrives looking for work, Taylor finds himself drawn to the quiet strength within the smaller man, whose gentle nature calls to him. He knows Kaien deserves someone better, but as hard as he fights his attraction, he can’t escape it. They share so much, including a love of animals, but earning Kaien’s trust is difficult, especially when Taylor isn’t certain he’s worthy of it. But time may be running out for them both. A cattle drive into the mountains sets in motion a disaster that will either bind them together…or leave everything they shared in pieces.
Kaien Preston has traveled thousands of miles searching for a ranch where he will be left in peace. He’s still scarred by the last place he worked, where he was violently attacked by another ranch hand simply because he was gay. He never stays long in one place, and now his journey takes him to Poplar Ridge, a ranch rumored to be a haven for those who are different. He is immediately drawn to the ranch foreman, a grizzled, stoic cowboy named Taylor McLean. Things are not easy. Taylor is a man haunted by his past, and Kaien is unwilling to trust again, no matter how much he might be attracted to the cowboy. Yet, as the first tentative steps of trust lead to something more, Kaien is faced with a choice. Risk everything at a chance for love, or set out on the road again in his search for a place to belong.
For years now, Taylor has been vital to the smooth operation of the ranch and good friends with the owners, Nathan and Malcolm. But he’s bleeding from old wounds that haven’t healed; loss and betrayals in his past. When a broken soul named Kaien arrives looking for work, Taylor finds himself drawn to the quiet strength within the smaller man, whose gentle nature calls to him. He knows Kaien deserves someone better, but as hard as he fights his attraction, he can’t escape it. They share so much, including a love of animals, but earning Kaien’s trust is difficult, especially when Taylor isn’t certain he’s worthy of it. But time may be running out for them both. A cattle drive into the mountains sets in motion a disaster that will either bind them together…or leave everything they shared in pieces.
- GenresLGBTContemporary
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
10 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Owens
31 books613 followersAlso known as J.C. McGuire.
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 20, 2021
Poplar Ridge Ranch, Alberta, Canada
On Nathan and Mal's ranch, things have changed. They now mentor teens and adopted Davin.
Skilled ranch hand, Kaien, 26, has too dirty blonde hair,
blue eyes and visible scars, is downtrodden and resting in the ranch driveway, is weary in his body, beaten, hurting, yet hopeful that this place will be what he wished for.
After his tour by foreman Taylor, he said yes. He'd seen enough to convince him he's heard correctly. This place could be his peace, safety, and opportunity.
Time passes and his wounds are healing, his heart is finding solace as he works daily. His hard earned skills were welcome.
He is drawn to older Taylor, 40ish, black hair
laced with silver, tall and muscled, who has his own past torment.
Deep bonds are made, and Kaien can't believe how lucky he has gotten.
Later, a tragedy rocks the ranch, and we see the struggles of each man.
This is a beautifully written tale, gripping, hope-filled, with caring and love, as we see scenes that warm our hearts, and souls that are melded.
I loved it !
A simple story of deep love, healing, some sexy time, and a marvelous epilogue. Tissues needed.
ENJOY !
=======
On Nathan and Mal's ranch, things have changed. They now mentor teens and adopted Davin.
Skilled ranch hand, Kaien, 26, has too dirty blonde hair,
blue eyes and visible scars, is downtrodden and resting in the ranch driveway, is weary in his body, beaten, hurting, yet hopeful that this place will be what he wished for.
After his tour by foreman Taylor, he said yes. He'd seen enough to convince him he's heard correctly. This place could be his peace, safety, and opportunity.
Time passes and his wounds are healing, his heart is finding solace as he works daily. His hard earned skills were welcome.
He is drawn to older Taylor, 40ish, black hair
laced with silver, tall and muscled, who has his own past torment.
Deep bonds are made, and Kaien can't believe how lucky he has gotten.
Later, a tragedy rocks the ranch, and we see the struggles of each man.
This is a beautifully written tale, gripping, hope-filled, with caring and love, as we see scenes that warm our hearts, and souls that are melded.
I loved it !
A simple story of deep love, healing, some sexy time, and a marvelous epilogue. Tissues needed.
ENJOY !
=======
March 21, 2021
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
March 22, 2021
⭐️4.5⭐️
May 2, 2021
Heartfelt.
This is going to sound crazy, but after I read this book the first time, I went right back and read it again. This story was well thought out, and loved how everyone on the ranch became a family. The description of the land made me want to visit and I don’t like a lot of snow at all! I wish everyone could find love like these men shared and of course this book will be in my permanent library. This is a story that you will find hard to put down.
This is going to sound crazy, but after I read this book the first time, I went right back and read it again. This story was well thought out, and loved how everyone on the ranch became a family. The description of the land made me want to visit and I don’t like a lot of snow at all! I wish everyone could find love like these men shared and of course this book will be in my permanent library. This is a story that you will find hard to put down.
February 21, 2021
Rating: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this sequel to ‘Away in the Manger’. I loved both of the MCs and loved that Kaien stepped up in the end to support Taylor. I also loved the dynamic of the ranch and the people that work there and hope we get more set in this world in the future.
I really enjoyed this sequel to ‘Away in the Manger’. I loved both of the MCs and loved that Kaien stepped up in the end to support Taylor. I also loved the dynamic of the ranch and the people that work there and hope we get more set in this world in the future.
April 2, 2021
Loved this one ❤️
This is a great hurt comfort love story that continues on the ranch that was introduced in the previous book in this series. I really hope there are more coming in this series because they are so good.
This is a great hurt comfort love story that continues on the ranch that was introduced in the previous book in this series. I really hope there are more coming in this series because they are so good.
May 12, 2022
Brilliant writing, painful story, great characters and I loved it.
March 12, 2023
What’s better than horses and men!? Kaien and Taylor are perfect for each other. This ranch is perfect, I’m hoping there will be more…
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews