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The Ranch #1
Unbound
In einer Welt der Fantasie fanden sie etwas Echtes.
RICARD
Ich bin an Pflicht gebunden, an Tradition, an die Last tausendjähriger königlicher Verpflichtungen. Mein Bruder mag eines Tages die Krone tragen, aber ich bin derjenige, der die Würde unserer Familie bewahrt, wenn seine Skandale alles bedrohen. Eine Woche – das war alles, was ich wollte. Eine Woche in einem exklusiven Resort, wo niemanden interessiert, dass ich Großherzog Ricard de Moncloud bin. Wo ich einfach nur ein Mann mit Verlangen wie jeder andere sein kann. Ich hatte nie vor, jemanden wie Theo zu treffen, dessen Augen durch den Titel hindurch den Mann darunter sehen. Der mich alles hinterfragen lässt, was ich als unveränderbar akzeptiert habe. Der mich dazu bringt, alles riskieren zu wollen.
THEO
Ich bin an Notwendigkeit gebunden, an Liebe, an die Arztrechnungen, die sich stapeln, während mein Bruder darum kämpft, sich von einer traumatischen Hirnverletzung zu erholen. Der Job auf der Ranch schien einfach Wohlhabenden Kunden »Gesellschaft« leisten, genug Geld verdienen, um Casey die Pflege zu ermöglichen, die er verdient, und dann gehen. Nicht anhänglich werden. Nicht emotional werden. Nicht verlieben. Aber ich brach jede Regel bei meinem ersten Kunden, einem europäischen Prinzen mit traurigen Augen und sanften Händen, der mich ansieht, als wäre ich etwas Kostbares. Ich hatte nie vorgehabt, jemanden zu finden, der mich fühlen lässt, als würde ich etwas bedeuten. Der mich fragen lässt, ob es einen Platz für mich gibt in seiner Welt aus Schlössern und Kronjuwelen. Der mich mehr wollen lässt, als ich verdiene.
Unbound, von Argentina Ryder, ist der erste Band der Ranch-Serie, in der die Regeln der Lust sorgfältig eingehalten werden – bis sie herrlich gebrochen werden.
RICARD
Ich bin an Pflicht gebunden, an Tradition, an die Last tausendjähriger königlicher Verpflichtungen. Mein Bruder mag eines Tages die Krone tragen, aber ich bin derjenige, der die Würde unserer Familie bewahrt, wenn seine Skandale alles bedrohen. Eine Woche – das war alles, was ich wollte. Eine Woche in einem exklusiven Resort, wo niemanden interessiert, dass ich Großherzog Ricard de Moncloud bin. Wo ich einfach nur ein Mann mit Verlangen wie jeder andere sein kann. Ich hatte nie vor, jemanden wie Theo zu treffen, dessen Augen durch den Titel hindurch den Mann darunter sehen. Der mich alles hinterfragen lässt, was ich als unveränderbar akzeptiert habe. Der mich dazu bringt, alles riskieren zu wollen.
THEO
Ich bin an Notwendigkeit gebunden, an Liebe, an die Arztrechnungen, die sich stapeln, während mein Bruder darum kämpft, sich von einer traumatischen Hirnverletzung zu erholen. Der Job auf der Ranch schien einfach Wohlhabenden Kunden »Gesellschaft« leisten, genug Geld verdienen, um Casey die Pflege zu ermöglichen, die er verdient, und dann gehen. Nicht anhänglich werden. Nicht emotional werden. Nicht verlieben. Aber ich brach jede Regel bei meinem ersten Kunden, einem europäischen Prinzen mit traurigen Augen und sanften Händen, der mich ansieht, als wäre ich etwas Kostbares. Ich hatte nie vorgehabt, jemanden zu finden, der mich fühlen lässt, als würde ich etwas bedeuten. Der mich fragen lässt, ob es einen Platz für mich gibt in seiner Welt aus Schlössern und Kronjuwelen. Der mich mehr wollen lässt, als ich verdiene.
Unbound, von Argentina Ryder, ist der erste Band der Ranch-Serie, in der die Regeln der Lust sorgfältig eingehalten werden – bis sie herrlich gebrochen werden.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 13, 2025
Ricard et Theo avec un Culomètre à 🍑🍆
J'étais persuadé que ça allait être une daube et je me suis retrouvée devant une histoire bien construite, intéressante avec des protagonistes complexes, mais que demander de plus ?!!
Pour payer les frais médicaux de son frère ainé, Théo décide de prendre un emploi bien rémunéré au Ranch, un écrin secret pour des hommes riches, qui aiment les hommes et qui payent pour en profiter. Dès son premier client, il va faire la rencontre du Grand-Duc Ricard de Moncloud, un homme qui croule sous le poids des responsabilités, bien qu’il soit au deuxième rang dans l'ordre de succession à la couronne de son pays. Sauf que dans cette oasis de luxure, ce n'est qu'illusion.
Escorting de luxe, royauté et relation interdite avec une légère touche de BDSM, voilà ce que vous allez retrouver dans ce roman, un moment parfait pour juste savourer une romance sans attente, mais grandement satisfaisante.
J'ai trouvé le concept pas mal, bien qu'il ne soit pas original, avec Théo qui entre dans un monde qu'il ne connait pas, forcé par des futures dettes qu'il va devoir s'acquérir pour s'occuper de son frère qu'il lui a tout donné et avec Ricard, un Duc qui doit cacher son homosexualité au nom de la couronne tout en s'occupant des frasques de son frère ainé, le Prince héritier, qu'il lui s'en fiche de donner une mauvaise image en trompant sa femme sous le nez de paparazzis. Il a juste besoin d'une pause, d'un moment hors du temps où il peut délaisser son rôle dans la monarchie pour s'adonner aux plaisirs de la chair, même si celui-ci est tarifé.
On peut dire que c'est un vrai coup de foudre entre les deux hommes, qui savent que ça ne peut pas aller plus loin qu'un moment caché, mais qui vont quand même s'ouvrir leur cœur et tomber amoureux. Tous les codes de la romance interdite sont là et sont bien utilisés, on est avec eux pour les bons et les mauvais moments, on stresse avec eux, on s'énerve avec eux et au final, on veut juste les voir heureux. Et, franchement, quand une histoire arrive à me donner des émotions comme ça, sans que je m'y attende, je ne suis que joie.
Bref, ça ne sera pas la romance de l'année pour certains mais j'ai été agréablement surprise pour ce titre et je serais au rendez-vous pour les prochaines traductions de cette autrice !!
J'étais persuadé que ça allait être une daube et je me suis retrouvée devant une histoire bien construite, intéressante avec des protagonistes complexes, mais que demander de plus ?!!
Pour payer les frais médicaux de son frère ainé, Théo décide de prendre un emploi bien rémunéré au Ranch, un écrin secret pour des hommes riches, qui aiment les hommes et qui payent pour en profiter. Dès son premier client, il va faire la rencontre du Grand-Duc Ricard de Moncloud, un homme qui croule sous le poids des responsabilités, bien qu’il soit au deuxième rang dans l'ordre de succession à la couronne de son pays. Sauf que dans cette oasis de luxure, ce n'est qu'illusion.
Escorting de luxe, royauté et relation interdite avec une légère touche de BDSM, voilà ce que vous allez retrouver dans ce roman, un moment parfait pour juste savourer une romance sans attente, mais grandement satisfaisante.
J'ai trouvé le concept pas mal, bien qu'il ne soit pas original, avec Théo qui entre dans un monde qu'il ne connait pas, forcé par des futures dettes qu'il va devoir s'acquérir pour s'occuper de son frère qu'il lui a tout donné et avec Ricard, un Duc qui doit cacher son homosexualité au nom de la couronne tout en s'occupant des frasques de son frère ainé, le Prince héritier, qu'il lui s'en fiche de donner une mauvaise image en trompant sa femme sous le nez de paparazzis. Il a juste besoin d'une pause, d'un moment hors du temps où il peut délaisser son rôle dans la monarchie pour s'adonner aux plaisirs de la chair, même si celui-ci est tarifé.
On peut dire que c'est un vrai coup de foudre entre les deux hommes, qui savent que ça ne peut pas aller plus loin qu'un moment caché, mais qui vont quand même s'ouvrir leur cœur et tomber amoureux. Tous les codes de la romance interdite sont là et sont bien utilisés, on est avec eux pour les bons et les mauvais moments, on stresse avec eux, on s'énerve avec eux et au final, on veut juste les voir heureux. Et, franchement, quand une histoire arrive à me donner des émotions comme ça, sans que je m'y attende, je ne suis que joie.
Bref, ça ne sera pas la romance de l'année pour certains mais j'ai été agréablement surprise pour ce titre et je serais au rendez-vous pour les prochaines traductions de cette autrice !!
June 6, 2025
Theo is a young man who has a brother who had a terrible accident, leading to a traumatic brain injury. Desperate for money to get Chris into a better care facility, he takes a job as a companion at Dove Canyon Ranch, a gay sex resort. He's not a prostitute, more available to the guests. He thinks he can do this for a few months, then get Chris the care he needs.
He then meets Ricard, a European prince, a second son, whose older brother is a womanising heir to his father's throne. Ricard has been a man devoted to duty and the crown all his life, but Theo helps him realise there is more to life than that.
They have a connection, but both think it's just for the few weeks Ricard is at the resort. There are all kinds of protocols and checks in place to be sure companions and guests don't get too involved with each other. Needless to say, Ricard and Theo break quite a few, including spending a delightful afternoon together that has nothing to do with sex.
It's not all smooth on the road to their ending - it's a romance, so I don't need to give details to what that ending is. But even the conflicts feel natural, and arise out of the characters and their lives.
There are some wonderful secondary characters and I'm already wondering who'll get stories in the future. I'd love to know much more about Victor, one of the owners of Dove Canyon, personally.
There is some sexual activity with others in this book, both for Theo and Ricard, for Theo it is part of his job, and for Ricard it is before he meets Theo. Both scenes work well in the book.
He then meets Ricard, a European prince, a second son, whose older brother is a womanising heir to his father's throne. Ricard has been a man devoted to duty and the crown all his life, but Theo helps him realise there is more to life than that.
They have a connection, but both think it's just for the few weeks Ricard is at the resort. There are all kinds of protocols and checks in place to be sure companions and guests don't get too involved with each other. Needless to say, Ricard and Theo break quite a few, including spending a delightful afternoon together that has nothing to do with sex.
It's not all smooth on the road to their ending - it's a romance, so I don't need to give details to what that ending is. But even the conflicts feel natural, and arise out of the characters and their lives.
There are some wonderful secondary characters and I'm already wondering who'll get stories in the future. I'd love to know much more about Victor, one of the owners of Dove Canyon, personally.
There is some sexual activity with others in this book, both for Theo and Ricard, for Theo it is part of his job, and for Ricard it is before he meets Theo. Both scenes work well in the book.
June 23, 2025
Far more charming than I expected
For all it's set in an exclusive resort for wealthy men who want the freedom to be themselves, with no prying eyes and out of the limelight, and engage in consensual sex with the companions emplotyed there, this was actually a very sweet book with lovely characters.
Theo and Ricard's instant connection was obvious, even if their first assignation didn't quite go as planned, but while Theo is struggling to pay for his brother's care after an accident, Ricard lives thousands of miles away with all the obligations royalty brings. Despite their different circumstances, their attraction is undeniable and grows into a real love very quickly. Ricard finds in Theo someone who sees him as a person, real and fallible, and who isn't afraid to speak his mind. Every interaction between them felt weighted and true.
The resort setting was gorgeous. I could feel the heat as I read, see the bright light reflecting off the pool, enjoy the beautiful plants lining the paths. I could picture it all.
I loved Theo's relationship with his older brother, Casey, who brought him up after their father died. Theo was now the caretaker and the love between them shone from the pages.
I also loved Kaiden and Carter, Theo's roommates. They took him under their wing and became such good friends in a very short time. I assume they're going to get their own books and I can't wait.
I'd also be very pleased if Vincent, co-founder and chief executive of The Ranch, got his own HEA too.
For all it's set in an exclusive resort for wealthy men who want the freedom to be themselves, with no prying eyes and out of the limelight, and engage in consensual sex with the companions emplotyed there, this was actually a very sweet book with lovely characters.
Theo and Ricard's instant connection was obvious, even if their first assignation didn't quite go as planned, but while Theo is struggling to pay for his brother's care after an accident, Ricard lives thousands of miles away with all the obligations royalty brings. Despite their different circumstances, their attraction is undeniable and grows into a real love very quickly. Ricard finds in Theo someone who sees him as a person, real and fallible, and who isn't afraid to speak his mind. Every interaction between them felt weighted and true.
The resort setting was gorgeous. I could feel the heat as I read, see the bright light reflecting off the pool, enjoy the beautiful plants lining the paths. I could picture it all.
I loved Theo's relationship with his older brother, Casey, who brought him up after their father died. Theo was now the caretaker and the love between them shone from the pages.
I also loved Kaiden and Carter, Theo's roommates. They took him under their wing and became such good friends in a very short time. I assume they're going to get their own books and I can't wait.
I'd also be very pleased if Vincent, co-founder and chief executive of The Ranch, got his own HEA too.
November 6, 2025
Theo would do anything for Casey his older brother, so if it meant spending a few months at the Ranch, an exclusive sex resort for the rich and famous, a place where the guests can relax and be themselves, Theo would do it for his brother .
Ricard,2nd in the line to the throne, is fed up with having to hide that he is gay, whilst his brother and heir to the throne, flaunts his womanising ways. Needing a break a week at the Ranch is just what he needed.
From the moment Ricard lays eyes on Theo, there was instant attraction and what started out as a job for Theo soon became more when feelings surfaced. Rules are in place to protect quests and companions but the closer Theo and Ricard get, the rules get blurred. Things get messy when Ricard has to return to royal life and I liked how all the time Theo was working he got support from his 2 roommates, giving him a found family that he did not have before working there and who were there when he needed them.
The ending however left me with so many questions which I would have loved to be answered so more a HFN than a HEA
Ricard,2nd in the line to the throne, is fed up with having to hide that he is gay, whilst his brother and heir to the throne, flaunts his womanising ways. Needing a break a week at the Ranch is just what he needed.
From the moment Ricard lays eyes on Theo, there was instant attraction and what started out as a job for Theo soon became more when feelings surfaced. Rules are in place to protect quests and companions but the closer Theo and Ricard get, the rules get blurred. Things get messy when Ricard has to return to royal life and I liked how all the time Theo was working he got support from his 2 roommates, giving him a found family that he did not have before working there and who were there when he needed them.
The ending however left me with so many questions which I would have loved to be answered so more a HFN than a HEA
June 8, 2025
Desperate events take desperate measures. After Theo’s brother is injured and needs long term care, he needs money to get him the treatment he needs. Being a companion for a few weeks at The Ranch will fill his bank account to get his brother the help he needs. At the Ranch, he’ll be a companion to wealthy men who desire all kinds of things. Meeting his first client makes Theo anxious but the end is worth it. But never did he feel a connection like he does to Ricard Crestien, Duke d’Moncloud, Grand Duke and Prince of Avaline!
Two men who find a connection from the beginning. Sweet yet incredibly hot. I can’t wait to read about what else is going to happen at the Ranch! So many characters were introduced and became special!
Enjoy!
Two men who find a connection from the beginning. Sweet yet incredibly hot. I can’t wait to read about what else is going to happen at the Ranch! So many characters were introduced and became special!
Enjoy!
June 20, 2025
Theo’s older brother Casey was severely injured in a skiing accident. Casey is now in a care home going through rehabilitation. The insurance is near the end of coverage and he needs more intensive care. Theo takes a job at a companion resort in Texas to earn money for Casey’s care. At the Ranch he encounters Ricard a Grand Duke from a small European country who is trying to escape the drama his older brother is causing. Their connection is instant but they are both cautious of the other. This is a storyline full of everything you want in a love story, with a happy ending.
May 20, 2026
What stood out to me most was how real the emotional conflict felt between Ricard and Theo both of them carrying heavy responsibilities, yet still finding themselves pulled toward something they can’t easily justify or walk away from. The contrast between duty and desire is handled in a way that feels grounded rather than exaggerated.
I also liked how the story slowly breaks down their defenses. It’s not rushed, and the connection between them develops in a way that feels believable and emotionally layered.
Overall, it left me thinking about how much of life is shaped by obligation and how rare it is to find someone who makes you question all of it in the best way.
I also liked how the story slowly breaks down their defenses. It’s not rushed, and the connection between them develops in a way that feels believable and emotionally layered.
Overall, it left me thinking about how much of life is shaped by obligation and how rare it is to find someone who makes you question all of it in the best way.
June 12, 2025
While there were no real surprises in the plot of this story, the setting was more unusual. Theo's relationship with his brother, who was trying to recover from a traumatic brain injury, was particularly touching. The Ranch was amazingly employee friendly, and I'm looking forward to more books taking place there.
June 7, 2025
Dieses Buch war einfach schön zu Lesen.
Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Teile der Serie.
Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Teile der Serie.
November 30, 2025
Good but Not my kind of ending….
A bit spoilery in this review.
.
.
.
The ending was fairly abrupt.. I kept looking at the page count and thinking there isn’t enough time to wrap this up in a satisfactory way.
Then the epilogue doesn’t even feature them? Noo. I took a star off my rating for that but also, I won’t continue with the series due to the whole “leave them hanging” situation at the end.
Did Remy abdicate? Did Ricard end up being King? Did his parents accept Theo (and his brother Casey?)?? Were they accepted by his countrymen? *what happened?*
So much was made about Ricard having to stay in the closet and now he’s refusing to do so but we get none of the resolution to much if the story threads and too many unanswered questions.
A bit spoilery in this review.
.
.
.
The ending was fairly abrupt.. I kept looking at the page count and thinking there isn’t enough time to wrap this up in a satisfactory way.
Then the epilogue doesn’t even feature them? Noo. I took a star off my rating for that but also, I won’t continue with the series due to the whole “leave them hanging” situation at the end.
Did Remy abdicate? Did Ricard end up being King? Did his parents accept Theo (and his brother Casey?)?? Were they accepted by his countrymen? *what happened?*
So much was made about Ricard having to stay in the closet and now he’s refusing to do so but we get none of the resolution to much if the story threads and too many unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews